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Royal author Hugo Vickers says Queen Elizabeth advised Prince Harry to pause before marrying Meghan Markle, feeling their romance was moving too quickly.

In his new book Queen Elizabeth II: A Personal History, Vickers claimed that the monarch believed Harry needed to take more time to get to know Meghan before marrying her. She suggested that moving more slowly would help ensure their relationship was built on a solid foundation.

The Daily Mail excerpted Vickers' book. The author met the queen dozens of times, offering a revealing look at her life, drawing on rare insider accounts and decades of personal observation.

"My new book is based on 60 years of observation and research, at first from afar (rather like a trainspotter or stamp collector) but gradually closer to the centre and more focused," Vickers explained.

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"I was lucky to have first met the queen in 1968, when she came to look at the King George VI Memorial Chapel in St George’s Chapel. When I think back to that day, she is fixed in my mind as a young mother of 42, with auburn hair and a blue coat, and her young son, Prince Edward, held by the hand," he recalled.

Therefore, Vickers claims this rapport aided him in forging a stronger relationship with the monarch. He claimed that when Harry and Meghan revealed their intention to wed, the queen suggested they wait.

RELATED: Prince Harry Learned Meghan Markle Was ‘Unwelcome’ at Balmoral After the Queen’s Passing, Claims Royal Author

"The queen herself suggested that Harry should wait a year. He did not take her advice. Instead, as we know, the wedding went ahead just over six months after the couple’s engagement," he penned.

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"It was said that the queen did not like the dress; too white and with ungainly shoulders," Vickers wrote. "Someone close to the monarch told me her attitude to the actual wedding was: ‘You get on with it. It’s nothing to do with me.’"

RELATED: Queen Elizabeth Reportedly Didn’t Hold Back Her Feelings About Prince Harry’s Royal Exit: Expert

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Four years after they wed and welcomed a son, Archie, the couple welcomed a little girl named Lilibet Diana. Elizabeth reportedly bristled at the fact that Harry and Meghan used her "intimate family nickname" to name their daughter.

Vickers wrote, "To use the intimate family nickname for the queen, used only by close members of the family, was insensitive to say the least. They brought their children along to visit the queen, who again considered it prudent to have a lady in waiting present."

The couple's official birth announcement read, "Lili is named after her great-grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen, whose family nickname is Lilibet. Her middle name, Diana, was chosen to honor her beloved late grandmother, The Princess of Wales."

Hugo Vickers new book Queen Elizabeth II: A Personal History hits bookstores on April 9, 2026.

MORE: Prince Harry Is Still Struggling to Escape the ‘Spare’ Title, Expert Claims

When a favorite Disneyland attraction suddenly goes dark mid-day, the usual suspects are mechanical failures or a stray sensor. But a surprising new data point reveals that the "ghosts in the machine" are often the guests themselves.

During a recent media briefing reported by Mickey Visit, Natalie Katzka, Director of Attractions Engineering Services at Disneyland, shared that in fiscal year 2025, "13% of ride shutdowns were caused by guest behavior," a notable jump from the historical average of 10%.

The issue isn’t just bad manners; it’s physics. Katzka noted that these incidents often involve "guests' loose articles, such as phones, mouse ears, water bottles, or backpacks, falling from a ride vehicle in motion." In the eyes of the engineering team, these are "unnecessary, preventable circumstances" that lead to multi-hour delays and frustrating evacuations.

To combat the trend, Disneyland has implemented two major rule changes this spring to "help guests help themselves."

Related: Disneyland Is Dropping Its Most Frustrating Rule—And Fans Are Calling It a Total Game-Changer

The Phone Ban on Runaway Railway

At Disneyland Park, the "no phones" policy on Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is now strictly enforced. While the ride appears gentle, its trackless technology is incredibly sensitive. A dropped phone on a flat floor can be run over by a following vehicle, causing serious damage to the sensitive underside of the cars. Now, "cast members won't start the ride if a guest has their phone in their lap or otherwise not stowed in a secure place."

Related: Disneyland Tokyo is Officially Building the Most Expensive Attraction in Disney History

The "Stanley Cup" Shelf at Incredicoaster

Over at Disney California Adventure, the surge in popularity of oversized, insulated water bottles—specifically heavy brands like Stanley—has created a new safety hazard on the Incredicoaster. At 55 mph and upside down, a 2-pound metal bottle becomes a dangerous projectile. Disney’s solution? Guests can "no longer ride Incredicoaster with loose water bottles," and a dedicated shelf has been installed at the loading station for riders to leave their drinkware behind before they launch.

By getting ahead of these common missteps, Disney hopes to increase "uptime" and ensure that a stray phone doesn't ruin the magic for hundreds of other guests in line.

Universal Orlando’s New 2026 Locker Rules

While Disneyland is testing new shelves and phone bans, Universal Epic Universe has taken guest behavior and safety to a high-tech extreme. As you plan your trip, keep in mind that "loose article" rules at Universal are far stricter than Disney's.

At Epic Universe, three major rides—Monsters Unchained, Hiccup's Wing Gliders and Stardust Racers—require all loose items to be placed in lockers before you board. But the flagship coaster, Stardust Racers, takes security to a new level. Much like VelociCoaster and The Incredible Hulk Coaster, you must pass through a metal detector pre-boarding. This means absolutely nothing in your pockets—not even your phone or keys.

The 2026 upgrade? Facial Recognition Lockers. At Epic Universe, you no longer need to carry a paper ticket or your phone to open your locker. The system scans your face to assign and open your unit, ensuring that "loose articles" (including your ticket) stay securely stowed while you're pulling high G-forces.

Related: Frozen Comes to Life at the New Disney Adventure World

In hindsight, there's really no wrong choice when it comes to ordering from Krispy Kreme's sprawling menu, whether you gravitate towards a classic Glazed Donut or an equally beloved Chocolate Covered Donut.

With its upcoming Spring Seasonal Collection, however, Krispy Kreme is giving customers a few more seconds pause when ordering from the iconic donut shop, as seen from the several new donut flavors recently arriving in stores.

According a new press release from the company, Krispy Kreme will soon begin offering four new donut flavors in stores across the country. Starting April 7, fans can specifically order any one of the following menu items:

• (New) Hershey's Double Chocolate Doughnut –an Original Glazed donut dipped in Hershey's milk chocolate icing and topped with chocolate flavored butter creme.
• (New) Strawberries and Kreme Doughnut – an unglazed donut with strawberry filling and fluffy Kreme filling, dipped in strawberry icing and topped with vanilla-flavored icing.
• (Returning) Banana Pudding Doughnut – an unglazed shell donut filled with banana pudding Kreme, dipped in vanilla flavored icing, and topped with crushed wafer cookies and butter creme flavored dollop.
• (Returning) Original Glazed® Blueberry Cake Doughnut – an Original Glazed cake doughnut with blueberry flavor and blueberry flavored bits.

If that weren't exciting enough, Krispy Kreme is also rolling out their new Cookie Blast Latte, which includes cookie dough-flavored syrup mixed with chocolate sauce, topped off with whipped cream and a dusting of cookie crumbles for the ultimate cookie lover's beverage. The new latte is available in hot, iced or frozen.

“We wanted this year’s Spring Seasonal Collection to feel like a fresh start – four vibrant flavors that bring a little seasonal joy to every box,” said Alison Holder, Krispy Kreme Chief Brand and Product Officer. “Spring goes by quickly, so now’s the time to try them all.”

As with past seasonal menus, the Spring Seasonal Collection will likely be available for a few months until the start of summer.

In a remarkable reminder that history often lies just beneath our feet, a routine construction project in northern England recently turned into an extraordinary archaeological moment. What began as standard excavation work quickly evolved into a discovery that offers a fascinating glimpse into Britain’s maritime and military past.

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Related: Construction Crew Accidentally Unearths a 500-Year-Old Medieval Castle While Excavating

The Discovery Beneath the Surface

The discovery took place in Kingston upon Hull, a historic port city known for its deep ties to trade and seafaring. Construction crews were working on a restoration project at Queen’s Gardens, an area that was once one of the largest docks in the United Kingdom, when they struck something unexpected buried beneath layers of soil.

At first, workers were unsure what they had uncovered. Due to its size and shape, some feared it might be an unexploded bomb. However, further inspection revealed the truth: a massive cast-iron cannon, nearly nine feet long and weighing over a ton.

A Cannon with a Story

Archaeologists later determined that the cannon likely dates back more than 300 years, placing it in the late 17th or early 18th century. This was a time when Britain’s naval power was expanding, and port cities like Hull were essential to both trade and national defense.

What makes the find particularly fascinating is its condition. Archaeologists observed that the cannon’s nozzle had been deliberately capped, suggesting it had been decommissioned. Rather than being discarded, it appears to have been repurposed, most likely as a mooring post used to secure ships at the dock.

Related: Archaeologists Uncover Ancient 'Most Mysterious' Cult's Sanctuary in Germany

A Rare and Valuable Find

Archaeologists involved in the excavation described the discovery as both surprising and significant. While Hull has yielded similar artifacts in the past, this marks only the third cannon uncovered in the area in the last few decades.

Beyond its physical presence, the cannon tells a broader story of the city's transformation. Hull has evolved from a bustling maritime hub into a modern urban center, and objects like this serve as tangible links between those eras.

The discovery also emphasizes the importance of archaeological oversight during construction. Without careful attention, artifacts like this could easily be damaged or lost. Instead, this cannon will now be studied further to determine its origins and historical significance. There is even a possibility it was manufactured locally, as Hull once had its own cannon makers.

History Beneath Our Feet

Discoveries like this capture the imagination because they remind us that history is not confined to museums or textbooks; it is embedded in the ground beneath us. Every excavation project has the potential to uncover stories hidden for centuries.

What started as an ordinary day on a construction site became an extraordinary encounter with the past. And as cities continue to grow and change, it raises an exciting question: what other pieces of history are still waiting to be found?

Susan Hayward marked her place in Hollywood history after starring in a string of notable TV shows and movies.

During the 1940s and the 1950s, she often played roles that were strong, emotional, and dramatically compelling like in Top Secret Affair, Garden of Evil and more. 

However, it was her character in I Want to Live! that secured her a career-defining milestone.

Sixty-eight years ago today, Hayward became an Oscar-winning actress after taking home a major award at the 31st Academy Awards.

On April 6, 1959, she received her first and only Best Actress award, making this a long-overdue recognition for her 20-year acting career.

Her perfect portrayal of Barbara Graham, a real-life habitual criminal who was executed in California's gas chamber in 1955, secured her win at the coveted ceremony.

As she hit the stage to deliver her acceptance speech, the newly minted Oscar winner couldn't help but feel emotional, expressing her deep gratitude for her family and the whole team, and especially producer Walter Wanger.

Susan Hayward poses with her Oscar after winning for "I Want to Live!" in Los Angeles, California.

Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

“Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen,” she said, as cited by the Oscars. “And thank you, ladies and gentlemen, of the Academy, for making me so very, very happy tonight. And my special thanks to Mr. Walter Wanger, who made this possible. I thank you.

At the time, she won against equally talented stars, including Deborah Kerr, who was nominated for Separate Tables, Shirley MacLaine in Some Came Running, Rosalind Russell in Auntie Mame, and Elizabeth Taylor for her role in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

It was also the only Oscar win for the movie after the 1958 noir film earned additional nods, including Robert Wise as Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography for Black-and-White, Best Film Editing, and Best Sound.

Before winning her first Best Actress recognition, Hayward had been nominated in the same category five times.

Her debut nomination came in 1947 for the movie Smash-Up: The Story of a Woman, followed by My Foolish Heart in 1949, With a Song in My Heart in 1952, and lastly a nomination for Best Actress in I'll Cry Tomorrow in 1955 before scoring her winning moment in 1958.

After spanning 35 years as an actress, Hayward stepped away from Hollywood and reportedly lived in Georgia with her husband, Floyd Eaton Chalkley.

At 55, she passed away in 1975 in her home in Beverly Hills, California. Her cause of death was linked to brain cancer that may have metastasized from a lung tumor.

Related: 45 Years Ago Today, Beloved '70s Icon Won His First Best Actor Award at the Oscars

Carb loaders were disappointed in 2025. Twice, King’s Hawaiian dropped its Ube Coconut Sweet Rolls online. Twice, the stock evaporated in under 120 seconds. If customers weren't clicking with the speed of a day-trader, they were left staring at a Sold Out screen and a whole lot of violet-hued FOMO on their FYP.

The sorrow ends now. King’s Hawaiian has listened to the fans, rolling out these viral purple rolls into grocery stores nationwide. 

Two Minutes of Absolute Mayhem

Last June, the brand launched a few batches of the ube rolls onto their site to see if anyone cared. They didn't just care; they went feral. The lavender rolls became a social media currency overnight, with people hunting for a taste of the island-inspired flavor that’s been a staple in Filipino bakeries for decades but remained elusive in the American bread aisle.

"We saw the incredible demand for our Ube Coconut Rolls in 2025 when we first unveiled them on our website and they sold out almost instantly," Raouf Moussa, CMO at King’s Hawaiian said in a statement. "In that moment, we knew we had something special and were determined to bring them to consumers as quickly as possible."

The speed of this rollout is a direct response to that rush to purpose. It took less than a year to scale a viral moment into a national grocery aisles.

What is Ube, and Why Are You Seeing It Everywhere?

For those unfamiliar with ube, it’s  a purple yam from the Philippines. It tastes like a combo of vanilla, pistachio, and coconut. It also happens to be a vivid jolt of violet.

King's Hawaiian Ube Coconut Rolls (Source: King's Hawaiian)

King's Hawaiian

The reason for the craze? They aren't dyed dinner rolls. King’s Hawaiian used real ube and coconut milk to get the earthy sweetness the root is known for. The goal was to get the same pillowy, cloud-like texture that Robert R. Taira created in Hilo, Hawaii, 75 years ago, just painted purple by nature.

Where to Score the Goods

The hunt moves from the keyboard to the deli section. The 12-count bags are hitting major retailers now. If you’re the type of person who needs a stockpile to survive the week, club stores are carrying 24-count twin packs.

"Our Ube Coconut Rolls strike the perfect balance of introducing something new while staying true to our roots," Moussa explains. "Inspired by the spirit of innovation that defined founder Robert R. Taira’s original bakery... this new flavor continues King’s Hawaiian’s tradition of baking beyond the expected."

Translation: They knew the standard rolls were great, but they also knew you wanted something that looked better on camera and tasted like a vacation.

Keep your eyes on the bakery racks. If history is any indicator, these things don't sit still for long. When a product sells out in two minutes online, the grocery store shelf-life is going to be measured in heartbeats, not days.

Monday, April 6 marked a significant move forward for the Guthrie family as Savannah Guthrie returned to Today for the first time in two months. Savannah had taken several weeks off from work following the apparent kidnapping of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing since Feb. 1.

Shortly after Today's early morning segment, retired FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer took to X with a blunt message for the individual seen at Nancy's front door the night she disappeared. The comments highlight both the resilience shown by Nancy's family and the ongoing focus on the unidentified figure captured on surveillance footage.

"Savannah returned with lots of yellow and lots of smiles," Coffindaffer wrote. "She hasn't missed a beat. It's good to see that while Porch Guy to her mother, he did not take her spirit."

"Porch Guy, you did not win," Coffindaffer added.

Authorities have been working through thousands of tips and leads over the past 10 weeks in hopes of finding Nancy—and the person or persons responsible for her disappearance. So far, there hasn't been any significant movement in the case, though Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos maintains that the case has not gone cold.

Investigators say that Nancy was taken from her home in the middle of the night, just hours after having dinner at her daughter Annie Guthrie's nearby home. Despite the family's endless pleas and high reward offer, information about what happened to Nancy is still sparse.

READ NEXT: Former FBI Agent Says There’s ‘No Way to Recover’ From Nancy Guthrie Case Errors

Blake Lively isn’t letting her recent courtroom drama with Justin Baldoni get in the way of her family’s holiday. The actress recently posted a sweet Easter pic to her Instagram Stories, adding a pretty straightforward statement, “Momming always continues on.”

The partial dismissal of the It Ends With Us actress’s sexual harassment lawsuit against co-star Baldoni recently made headlines, putting Lively in the spotlight yet again. While a judge tossed 10 of her 13 claims, he did allow the other three to proceed. And that means Lively and Baldoni are looking at a May trial to address the remaining claims. 

Following the dismissal, Lively issued a statement on her Instagram Stories, writing, “The last thing I wanted in my life was a lawsuit, but I brought this case because of the pervasive retaliation I faced, and continue to, for privately and professionally asking for a safe working environment for myself and others.” She went on to add, “the physical pain from digital violence is very real abuse. And it’s everywhere.” 

Baldoni filed a multi-million dollar countersuit against Lively, which was later dismissed. But the real-life courtroom drama hasn’t stopped the actress from enjoying time with her family. Over the holiday weekend, the Gossip Girl star posted a precious picture of a bunny-themed breakfast for her kids. The 38-year-old shares four children (James, Inez, Betty, and Olin) with husband actor Ryan Reynolds. Fans have to give the mom-of-four props for rabbit-shaped eggs. Whether she made the meal or not, this Easter feast is pretty genius.

Of course, Lively didn’t just show off the extraordinary eggs. The typed text over the photo, “Momming always continues on,” is the perfect sentiment on a special holiday. In light of her recent courtroom woes, Lively’s post proves that she won’t let the Baldoni drama (or the media circus surrounding it) get to her. And yeah, she’s just like the rest of us—doing what she has to do to ‘mom on.’ 

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It looks like Blake’s bunny breakfast is just part of her recent family fun. In late-March, Lively posted a cute carousel from a group trip, with the caption, “so grateful for the best week with my loved ones.” She continued, “Thank you @wrexham_afc and all the players and everyone who works at the stadium for the performance of a lifetime. The greatest 10,000 people to share an emotional roller coaster with is Wrexham.” 

Not only did Lively post photos of the football (soccer to those of you in the U.S.) games, but she also included a sweet snapshot of her hubby, Reyonolds, writing, “After 14.5 years together, I still take sneaky fan photos of him. I have such a crush.” Aww!

Despite NBCsitcomFriends being an ensemble cast, Lisa Kudrow, who played Phoebe Buffay, says there was no "vision" for her and “nobody cared about me," especially during the series' early days.

“There were certain parts of [my talent agency] that just referred to me as ‘the sixth Friend,'" she shared in an interview with The Independent. She added that “there was no vision for me, and no expectations about the kind of career I could have. There was just, like, ‘boy, is she lucky she got on that show’.” 

Phoebe was originally written as Monica Geller's (Courteney Cox) "ditzy" roommate before Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston) moved in. Kudrow recently said the notion of "everybody" calling Phoebe "ditzy" was off base. “At the time, it was like, 'She’s such a ditz. How is it that you only play ditzes?' And I thought, Is she a ditz? To me, she wasn’t,” Kudrow told Interview Magazine.

“In 1994, it was like, ‘I love her. She’s such a ditz.’ And it’s like, yeah, okay, that was what a ditz was to us. Someone who wasn’t toeing the line," she asserted.

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Kudrow continued, “At first, Phoebe was very, very far from me. It took a lot of work to justify the things she would say and do. Not in an irritating way—it was fun. Over the course of 10 years, a little bit of her came into me. I lightened up a little more and read some books on spirituality and things, just to try to understand her."

Throughout the series' run, Kudrow shaped and added depth to Phoebe, which ultimately helped her win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in 1998. She views Friends as a sort of launchpad for the myriad of other characters that she played after the series.

"Because I was on Friends, I got to create my own shows that didn't have to be as big as Friends, so I could do something like The Comeback or Web Therapy, and that was really fulfilling,” she told Today in 2024.

Stephen King's third published novel tops a Goodreads list of more than 2,000 horror titles, and the film it spawned remains one of cinema's most debated adaptations.

When Goodreads readers cast votes across a list of more than 2,000 horror novels, the title that landed at No. 1 was not a new release riding a wave of recent attention. It was a book published nearly 50 years ago: Stephen King's The Shining, which earned a score of more than 144,000 points from over 5,400 voters, Its nearest competition, ironically, came from the same twisted mind. In fact, six of the top ten are by King.

The Shining is King's third published novel and his first hardcover bestseller, a book whose success firmly established him as a preeminent author in the horror genre. The premise is immediately uncomfortable and claustrophobic. A struggling writer and recovering alcoholic named Jack Torrance takes a winter caretaking job at the remote Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies, bringing his wife Wendy and their young son Danny, whose psychic gifts (the 'shining' of the title), expose the hotel's accumulated evil. What follows is one of the most sustained portraits of a family disintegrating under pressure in American fiction, horror or otherwise. King drew on his own visit to the Stanley Hotel in 1974 and his personal struggle with alcoholism in shaping the novel.

The Goodreads list places The Shining ahead of the genre's most enduring titles. The runner-up is King's own It (1986), followed by his Salem's Lot at No. 3. Bram Stoker's Dracula holds the No. 4 spot, Pet Sematary is No. 5, and Miserylands at No. 6. William Peter Blatty's The Exorcist and Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House, two of the most influential horror novels of the 20th century, rank seventh and eighth respectively. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, published in 1818, holds the No. 10 position.

The novel's ranking on the list is also a measure of its cultural longevity. The 1980 film adaptation directed by Stanley Kubrick was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2018 as being culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant. The film, starring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall, grossed $47 million and has endured as one of the titles most consistently cited as among the scariest ever made.

Related: Stephen King Found a Dead Friend's Email — and Finally Finished Their Unfinished Story

King, however, has never warmed to it. He famously called it 'a maddening, perverse, and disappointing film,' likening it to 'a great big beautiful Cadillac with no motor inside.' His central objection has remained consistent for decades: King argued that Jack Torrance has no arc in Kubrick's version, saying Nicholson plays him as already unhinged from the first scene, while in the novel Jack is a man genuinely struggling with his sanity who finally loses it, making his fall a tragedy rather than an inevitability. King's dissatisfaction was so severe that in 1997 he wrote and produced his own TV miniseries adaptation as a corrective to Kubrick's version.

The enduring split between King's view of the film and nearly everyone else's is itself part of what has kept The Shining in conversation for nearly five decades. Readers who discover the novel after the movie often find a different story than they expected. It's one more focused on a father's love distorting into violence, and less on the hotel as a haunted-house set piece. That friction between the two versions has done little to diminish either. The Goodreads ranking suggests the novel, at least, has lost none of its power.

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If you have a cruise booked for 2026, there's a new line item you need to watch for: the fuel surcharge. While the major U.S. lines have held off on these fees for nearly 18 years, a "perfect storm" of rising oil prices and global conflict has industry experts—and maritime attorneys—warning that the tide may be turning.

As of early April 2026, the global energy market is in a state of high volatility. Since the Iran conflict began on February 28, oil prices have spiked more than 40%. Brent Crude is currently trading around $109 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) has surged above $112.

These numbers aren't just statistics; they are "trigger points" written into the fine print of almost every cruise contract. As Cruise Radio reports, most major lines reserve the right to add a daily surcharge if oil hits a certain threshold—and we are currently well above them.

The surcharge isn't a "what if" anymore; it’s already a reality for some. In March 2026, Resorts World Cruises (operating Star Cruises and Dream Cruises) notified passengers of new fees up to $25 per guest, per day. Closer to home, Margaritaville at Sea has been collecting a $15 per night fuel supplement on sailings aboard the Paradise since 2024.

Related: Princess Cruises Quietly Raises a Fee Affecting All Guests

View this post on Instagram The "Fine Print" Reality

While the "Big Three" (Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian) are currently holding the line, their contracts are heavily weighted in their favor. Maritime attorney Michael Winkleman told MarketWatch, "the cruise contract is a powerful document entirely in favor of the cruise lines." Here is the breakdown of what those contracts allow:

• Norwegian Cruise Line: Reserves the right to charge up to $10 per person, per day if WTI tops $65.
• Carnival Corporation: Can impose up to $9 per person, per day if oil crosses $70.
• MSC Cruises: Has a cap as high as $12 per day.

Crucially, these surcharges can be applied even after you have paid for your cruise in full. For a family of four on a week-long sailing, that could mean an unexpected $250 to $280 bill waiting for them at the end of the trip.

Whether or not you see a charge may come down to your chosen line's "hedging" strategy. Royal Caribbean is currently the best-protected, having "hedged" (pre-purchased at a fixed price) roughly 60% of its fuel needs for 2026. Norwegian is also partially protected at around 51%.

Carnival Corporation, however, remains the most exposed. As the only major line that does not hedge its fuel, Carnival recently reported absorbing over $500 million in adverse fuel costs for the year. While CEO Josh Weinstein says the company is currently using "efficiency measures" rather than surcharges to bridge the gap, the financial pressure is mounting.

To avoid potential $250+ fuel surcharges on 2026 cruises, experts recommend paying balances before deadlines, selecting lines with fuel hedging like Royal Caribbean, or booking exempt ships such as the Margaritaville at Sea Islander. While most cruise contracts allow retroactive fees, prepaying before the final deadline can often grandfather in the original price.

Related: A Major Airline Just Canceled Over 1,000 Flights Due to High Gas Prices—Here's What to Do If You Had a Ticket

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If you're craving a seasonal bedroom refresh but don't want to take on a major DIY project, it may be time to invest in some new bedding. As temperatures warm, trading your down comforters and flannel sheets for lighter, breezier layers can give your room a fresh, updated feel. Walmart's bestselling Moonlight 3-Piece Floral Quilt Set is a top-rated option that's perfect for spring, and it's now on sale for more than 30% off.  

Originally priced at $40, the gorgeous set is now on sale for just $24 in the king-sized version. It also comes in twin, queen, and California king sizes, and you can shop it in 16 color options ranging from bright pink and mustard yellow to classic black and navy. 

Moonlight 3-Piece Floral Quilt Set, $24 (was $40) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmar

Shop at Walmart

The set comes complete with a lightweight scalloped quilt and two matching pillow shams, providing a fully coordinated look that will elevate any bedroom. All three pieces are made of 100% double-brushed microfiber that's fade-resistant, wrinkle-resistant, and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for both pet owners and anyone with sensitive skin. 

The quilt and shams each feature a subtle floral pattern that's elegant and understated, making it easy to pair with farmhouse, boho, or minimalist decor. The ultrasonic embossed stitching ensures a smooth, long-lasting finish, while the scalloped edges create added visual interest. Shoppers call it "very pretty" and praise the "lightweight" and "comfortable" feel. 

With its versatile look, range of color options, and lightweight feel, this three-piece quilt set will make a gorgeous spring upgrade for any bedroom. Snag one while it's on sale for over 30% off at Walmart. 

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There are artists who make great music and there are the visionaries who create albums and art that transcend generations. David Bowie is the latter. Born David Robert Jones in South London in 1947, he went from a saxophone-playing teenager to a cultural phenomenon who forever changed the way we think about music, fashion and art. With his 1969 breakthrough "Space Oddity," he pushed boundaries and challenged societal norms. But his story didn't peak with his first hit—it was only his first reinvention of so many to come.

The legendary singer didn't just write hit songs—he created entire universes—including Ziggy Stardust and The Thin White Duke. He collaborated with fellow legends like Mick Jaggerand Queen, won multiple Grammys and starred in cult classic films like Labyrinth. And here's the thing: He never lost his cool. Decades into his career, Bowie was still a force—influencing careers from Madonna to Lady Gaga. "He still runs my universe," Gaga said on Chatty Men. "Like, every morning I wake up and I think, 'What would Bowie do?'"

On January 8, 2016—his 69th birthday—Bowie released his 26th and final studio album, Blackstar. Two days later, he passed away after a private, 18-month battle with liver cancer. What a testament to his legacy that he spent his last days creating one final gift for the world. Through it all, the "Heroes" singer never stopped innovating, experimenting and living life on his own terms. If that’s not the definition of a visionary, I don’t know what is—and that’s why David Bowie is today’s quote of the day.

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Quote of the Day by David Bowie How in love are David Bowie and Iman? They got married in 1992 and never left each other's side.

Photo by Ron Galella on Getty Images

"Tomorrow belongs to those who can hear it coming."

While his words may seem a bit cryptic at first glance, they perfectly describe the mindset of a true innovator. Life isn't just about reacting to what's happening right now; it's about staying curious and trusting your intuition. It’s a brilliant reminder to embrace the future rather than fear or get anxious about it—especially coming from an artist who spent his entire life living five steps ahead of the rest of the world.

Related: 1988 Hit Ranked Among ‘Greatest Power Ballads of All Time’ Revived This Rock Band’s Career

Deeper Meaning of David Bowie's Quote: Foresight

Because Bowie made reinvention look so effortless, people tend to overlook the incredible risks he took throughout his career. When he talks about hearing "tomorrow" coming, he’s not speaking as someone who got lucky or coasted along on trends. Instead, he’s reflecting as a man who repeatedly dismantled his own career—often at the peak of his success—just to chase a sound or a vision that no one else could perceive yet.

Always ahead of his time, David Bowie brings his Aladdin Sane persona to life on stage in 1973.

Photo by Sunset Boulevard on Getty Images

Take the summer of 1973. Bowie was riding a massive cultural wave, having just evolved his Ziggy Stardust persona into the darker, lightning-bolt-adorned Aladdin Sane. But just as the world had fully embraced this glam-rock alien, he shocked everyone—including his own backing band—by abruptly retiring the character live on stage that July.

It was a massive professional gamble, but Bowie knew the trend was peaking before anyone else did. He refused to be boxed into the past, killing off his most famous creation so he could freely pivot to the apocalyptic theatricality of Diamond Dogs and, soon after, the completely unexpected plastic soul sounds of Young Americans.

Related: 1977 Hit Ranked Among ‘Greatest Songs of All Time’ Became a Road Trip Anthem

While he always looked glamorous onstage, he overcame personal hardship as well. By the late '70s, Bowie was struggling with the dark side of fame and severe substance abuse in Los Angeles. He knew something had to change, so he relocated to Germany, got sober and teamed up with Brian Eno. The music industry thought he was committing career suicide by abandoning commercial pop for experimental, synthesizer-heavy tracks. Instead, his legendary "Berlin Trilogy" of albums laid the blueprint for the entire next decade of post-punk and electronic music. 

And he kept doing that until the very end. Even in his final days, facing a terminal illness, Bowie refused to look backward. He spent his remaining time recording Blackstar, a brilliant, boundary-pushing masterpiece that proved he was still lightyears ahead of his peers. Throughout his life and career, David Bowie never stopped challenging himself, never stopped creating and never stopped living for the future—and neither should we.

More Quotes From David Bowie

• "Aging is an extraordinary process whereby you become the person you always should have been."
• "I don't know where I'm going from here, but I promise it won't be boring."
• "If you feel safe in the area you're working in, you're not working in the right area. Always go a little further into the water than you feel you're capable of being in."
• "Once you lose that sense of wonder at being alive, you're pretty much on the way out."
• "I'm always amazed that people take what I say seriously. I don't even take what I am seriously."

Next, 1973 Hit Ranked Among ‘Greatest Songs of All Time’ Became a Timeless Anthem

To All the Boys I've Loved Before actress Lana Condor has just starred in a brand-new Prime Video movie, Pretty Lethal, which is very different tonally from the Netflix rom-com franchise.

The new movie, which sees Condor costarring alongside actresses Maddie Ziegler, Lydia Leonard, Avantika and others, centers on a group of ballerinas who find themselves in a dangerous, violent situation and must use their dance skills to try to survive.

Condor has a ballet background, she explained, although she ultimately put dancing on the back burner when she began pursuing acting.

"I grew up dancing, but I quit when I was 18, when I started acting," Condor said. "Then, Pretty Lethal came along, and it was like being able to merge two worlds."

About the role, Condor shared, "It was awesome. It was such a crazy movie to film, but it was so much fun, and I think people are liking it."

Condor spoke very highly of her Pretty Lethal castmates, saying, "My favorite sets, and my favorite people on set, are always if I get to work with a big group of girls. That's like my favorite thing ever, and the [Pretty Lethal] girls are just so amazing. They're all so talented; they're all just so unbelievably loving."

She continued, "I got to work with them during a really tough period of my life, and they really held me through so much. So, working with them was amazing, but then on a personal level—which, to me, is so much more important—on a personal level, they are just phenomenal, so it was great to be able to work with them."

This bond on set has led to hopes for a sequel, Condor shared.

"I hope that I get to do it again. Our dream is to get a sequel if it does well, so we'll see, because I would love to just be with them again," she said.

In addition to Pretty Lethal and her recent appearance on XO, Kitty Season 3, Condor has been working on a partnership with Thorne for the company's Women’s Health Campaign. This campaign introduces two new formulations, Perimenopause Complete and Women’s Libido Boost.

About the campaign, Condor said, "As soon as I got this opportunity, I was screaming, 'Libido for all.'"

Condor shared that she has been using Thorne products "for forever," and that both her mom and her husband, Anthony De La Torre, are fans of the brand.

"This actually is perfect timing for me because I'm going to be 29 this year," Condor said. "This is my first year where I'm like, 'Oh my God, yeah, time is happening,' and feeling so many changes in my body, so it was kind of perfect because I myself was looking for a supplement that I felt I could take that not only worked with your changing desire, which I think everyone—and I love talking about it—but I think for everyone, it changes as you get older."

Condor also explained that, in part, this ties into the "future planning" that she and her husband are currently working on.

"These days, I'm incredibly, incredibly focused on my health, and a lot of it also comes from, again, my husband; he's so health focused. But we're very much focused on our health right now because we would love to, in the future, have a family," she said.

A 1975 AM-radio favorite, 10cc’s hit fooled listeners with its anti-love lyrics, only to become one of the decade’s most unexpectedly romantic songs.

"I'm Not in Love" was written by 10cc's Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman. The tune was a hit that flipped the traditional love song on its head. It used unconventional lyrics to convey a surprisingly heartfelt message.

In 2018, Stewart told The Guardian that the song was about his wife, Gloria. A playful challenge from his spouse inspired him to write the song in mere days.

He said that his wife told him, “You don’t say ‘I love you’ much anymore.” I told her that, if I said it all the time, it would sound glib."

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Stewart added, "But I started wondering how I could say it without using those actual words. So “I’m not in love” became a rhetorical conversation with myself, and then a song." 

RELATED: 1975 Love Song No One Wanted to Release Became a No. 1 Hit for Frankie Valli

"I wrote the lyrics in a couple of days. The line 'I keep your picture up on the wall, it hides a nasty stain' was about the crack in my bedroom wall at my parents’ house in Manchester. I’d put a photograph of Gloria over it."

However, despite the band's reluctance to record the song, Stewart said he knew he had a hit. It wasn't his fellow musicians who realized it, but the people around them as they were recording "I'm Not in Love."

RELATED: 1972 Country Rock Gem Took 3 Years to Become an Unforgettable Hit

"We were about to scrap it and wipe the tape, but as I walked around the studio, I heard the secretary singing it and the window-cleaner whistling it. I knew we had a tune."

"I'm Not in Love" peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard charts in July 1975. The song remained on the charts for 11 weeks in total.

In 2025, the song celebrated its 50th anniversary. Arizona Central. Graham Gouldman told the outlet the band never thought the song would continue to be so beloved five decades after its initial release.

"We certainly wouldn't have said, 'This song is still gonna be played in 50 years.' I don't think any of us realized how commercial it was gonna be or even thought about it in those terms," Gouldman explained.

The song's most iconic moment was provided by a recording studio secretary. Gouldman revealed, "I think that was Lol [Creme]'s idea, to have a girl's voice saying, 'Be quiet. Big boys don't cry.' So that was great. Yes, people talk about that a lot."

Graham Gouldman, Eric Stewart, Kevin Godley, and Lol Creme also enjoyed other major chart successes with "The Things We Do For Love" and "Dreadlock Holiday." The band continues to tour. Dates are scheduled throughout 2026 featuring Gouldman, per their official website.

NEXT: 1977 Massive Yacht Rock Hit Just Missed the Top 10—But Became a Classic Anyway

Whether you’re a new parent looking forward to watching your dad or father-in-law bond with your little one or you’re a seasoned grandfather with a whole brood of grandkiddos you love to spend time with, there’s no denying that the connection between grandpa and grandchild is a unique and special one. Grandpas have the opportunity to pass on so much wisdom and serve as a steady shoulder for their grandchild to lean on, while grandchildren serve as a source of renewed joy and playfulness for dads who’ve moved onto this next level of caregiving. While every grandpa has his own unique strengths, there are some who bring some extraordinary skills to the table, based on their birth month.

FOLLOW UP:

4 Birth Months Who Are Especially Skilled as Grandfathers

Birth months are listed. Disregard your birth date.

January: The Wise, Future-Minded Grandpa

Grandfathers who celebrate their birthday during the first month of the year were born under either pragmatic, industrious Capricorn or future-minded, eccentric Aquarius. Both signs are ruled by Saturn, the planet of commitment and, yep, fatherhood, which makes these grandads naturals at serving as a steady, down-to-earth, and hardworking grandfather figure. They’ll excel at teaching their grandchildren history, encouraging them to think outside the box, and making memories centered on sharing family traditions as well as eye-opening learning experiences. Grandpas born in January may also be highly adept at imparting the importance of adhering to rules — as well as striking out against convention when appropriate. 

RELATE?: These 4 Birth Dates Naturally Manifest Love

June: The Communicative, Caregiving Grandpa

Grandpas born when the sun was moving through either buzzy, information-gathering Gemini or sentimental, kindhearted Cancer are typically big fans of lively conversation and tend to be wonderful hands-on caregivers for their grandkids. Lovers of music, art, travel, books, and socializing, you may lean on a June-born grandfather to take their grandchild to enriching classes at the local community center or to be the family member who’s always up for storytime. And when it comes time to hit the road — for either a weekend getaway or that first flight — a grandpa born in June, who might be born with a good deal of Mercury-ruled Gemini or intuitive, nurturing moon-ruled Cancer, will be an extraordinary help.

FUN!: Which Classic Rock Queen Matches You, Based on Your Birth Month

August: The Warm, Sunny Grandpa

Whether he was born when the sun was in dynamic, driven, optimistic Leo or industrious, intuitive Virgo, August-born grandfathers are dreamers and doers. They’re naturally charismatic and tend to be a family member who can offer solutions to any challenges that pop up along the way for parents. They’ll be eager to brighten their grandchild’s day by putting on a puppet show, taking copious selfie videos of their playtime together, or bringing them to a museum exhibit replete with interactive, educational, and entertaining experiences. As someone who is proactive and research-savvy, grandpas born in August make superior homework buddies for their grandchildren. They may also be highly adept at teaching grandkids how to feel empowered by cultivating healthy self-esteem (a Leo-led skill) and how to constantly strive to be even healthier mentally, physically, and emotionally (something Virgos excel at). 

NEXT: Your Lucky Angel Number, Based on Your Birth Date

November: The Adventurous, Jovial Grandpa

Whether they were born under fearless, powerful Scorpio or adventurous, wanderlust-fueled, fun-loving Sagittarius, November-borns are a force to be reckoned with. Influenced by the family-oriented water sign Scorpio, they have great reverence for former generations, family traditions, and elders, so expect them to pass this value onto their grandchildren. Emotionally astute, philosophical, and typically spiritually gifted, they offer grandkids a wonderfully wise shoulder to lean on. November-born grandfathers will also champion their grandchild’s wildest aspirations, encouraging them to learn, grow, and globetrot.

UP NEXT:

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When it comes to airport style, the goal is simple: pieces that feel comfortable, regulate temperature and can be layered or removed with ease. After testing a wide range of travel outfits, these are the items I consistently come back to. They’re breathable, easy to wear for long stretches of time and versatile enough to mix, match and rewear throughout your trip without overpacking.

As someone who has covered shopping and travel for outlets like Coveteur, Martha Stewart Weddings and Harper’s Bazaar, I’ve tested countless suitcases, organizers, beauty minis, accessories and a range of travel-friendly clothing designed to be comfortable, versatile and easy to layer.

Related:  I Test Travel Gear for a Living—Here’s The Carry-On Checklist I Use Before Every Trip

Z Supply Beachside Jumpsuit

An easy one-and-done piece that takes the guesswork out of getting dressed for a flight or for a travel day filled with activities. It’s lightweight and soft with a relaxed fit that won’t feel restrictive when you’re sitting for hours. It works just as well on its own in warmer climates or layered with a jacket, so you can go straight from the plane to wherever you’re headed without needing to change.

Buy it on Amazon.comJ. McLaughlin Frances Suede Jacket

A suede jacket is one of those pieces that instantly makes an outfit feel more considered. This one has just enough structure to pull everything together, but still feels easy to wear on a plane. It’s a great layer to have on hand when cabins get cold and transitions seamlessly once you land.

Buy it on JMcLaughlin.com

Related: 10 Carry-On Essentials I Trust for Every Trip and Here’s Why 

Splits59 Reggie Water Repellent Jacket

This is a very comfortable and lightweight jacket you can rely on when the weather is unpredictable. The water-repellent fabric makes it practical for travel days, but it still feels put together enough to wear beyond the airport. It folds easily into your bag and is the kind of layer you’ll reach for again and again—especially if you prefer to wear leggings and athleisure.

Buy it Splits59.com

Related:  7 Best Winter Travel Outfit Essentials for Women Over 50, According to Stylists

Gap Sweatpant Jeans

These are ideal for long flights when you want comfort but don’t want to feel too casual. They have the softness and ease of sweatpants with the appearance of denim, so you can sit comfortably for hours without the stiff denim feeling. A great option when you want something easy that still feels a bit more intentional.

Buy it on Gap.com

Related:  I Test Travel Gear for a Living—Here’s The Carry-On Checklist I Use Before Every Trip

J. McLaughlin Cashmere Scarf

A cashmere scarf is one of the most useful items to have in your carry-on. This one is not too thick, so it adds warmth without feeling bulky and can double as a light blanket when you need it. It’s an easy way to stay comfortable on colder flights and something you’ll use for multiple outfits.

Buy it on JMcLaughlin.comGap Cardigan Coat

A longer cardigan coat is one of the easiest layers to travel in. It’s soft and comfortable enough to wear on the plane, but still looks appropriate once you arrive. You can throw it over almost anything, and it adds just enough warmth without feeling heavy or restrictive.

Buy it on Gap.com

Related: I live Bicoastally—Here’s My No-Fail Airport Outfit as a Woman in My 30s

Cole Haan White Sneakers

A reliable pair of white sneakers is essential for travel. These are comfortable enough for walking through terminals and running between gates, but still work with everything in your suitcase. You won’t feel the need to pack multiple pairs, which makes them an easy choice.

Buy it on Amazon.comPolo Ralph Lauren Sweat Set

A matching set makes getting dressed for a flight feel simple and intentional. This one is soft, comfortable and easy to wear for long stretches of time, whether you’re sitting, sleeping or moving through the airport. It’s one of those outfits you can rely on when you want to feel comfortable but still pulled together.

Buy it on Macys.com

Related: A Minimalist Carry-On Packing List That Actually Works

On this day 53 years ago, the iconic, glamorous, and nearly X-rated Cabaret was tops at the box office. But something about dance legend Bob Fosse’s dazzling second feature has always felt … off. 

Set in 1931 Berlin against the rise of Nazism, the film stars Liza Minnelli as Sally Bowles, the magnetic Kit Kat Klub performer who drifts between lovers but lives for the spotlight. She’s carefree and captivating, and she’s always smiling. But it’s not because she’s happy. Rather, Sally’s smile is her defense — a way of convincing herself life is a cabaret and not a literal tragedy.

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Actress Liza Minnelli as the character Sally in the 1972 film adaptation of Cabaret.

Photo by Steven Paley on Getty Images

As noted in a video feature from Lost Hollywood Movies, the survival tactic is woven into every detail of her look. Her sharp black flapper bob inspired by Jazz Age silent film star Louise Brooks, paired with smeared mascara, thick red lipstick, and smudged green nails, isn’t just style — it’s storytelling. 

“The strange thing is, the film almost never gives Sally a break from performing,” Lost Hollywood Movies says. “Even in private scenes with Brian [Michael York], her voice rises and falls as if she was still onstage — cigarette flicking, eyes darting — as if she’s afraid that if she stops performing for even a second the emptiness inside will spill out.”

Each deliberate aesthetic choice signals instability and self-sabotage from our protagonist. With every failure, Sally adds more makeup, more performance, more chaos. But she’s not fixing what’s broken; she’s just “decorating the cracks.”  If she keeps things light, dazzling, and a little chaotic, she never has to sit with anything real.

Released on Feb. 13, 1972, Cabaret was both a critical and commercial smash hit, raking in more than $40 million on a $6 million budget. In 1973, the film swept up eight Academy Awards, including Best Director for Fosse and Actress for Minnelli.

Decades later, its glossy surface -- and the darkness just beneath it -- still hits just as hard and resonates, perhaps, now more than ever.

Cabaret is streaming on Hulu.

Related: Iconic ’80s Movie Song Was Rejected Before Becoming a Generation-Defining Anthem—Now It Turns 41

For many fans, Star Wars animation is where the galaxy far, far away takes its biggest creative swings. Across multiple series, the franchise has used animation to deepen beloved characters, introduce unlikely fan favorites, and explore corners of the universe the films simply don’t have time to visit. From the sweeping, character-driven storytelling of Star Wars: The Clone Wars to experimental entries like Star Wars: Visions, these shows have become essential viewing for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

That trend continues with Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord, an all-new animated series from Lucasfilm Animation premiering April 6, on Disney+. Set a year after the events of The Clone Wars, the series follows Maul as he plots to rebuild his criminal syndicate on a planet untouched by the Empire and crosses paths with a disillusioned young Jedi Padawan who may become the apprentice he needs.

Keep reading for the episode release schedule and everything else you need to know about Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord.

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When is the premiere date for Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord?

Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord launches Monday, April 6 with a two-episode premiere.

How many episodes of Star Wars: Maul will there be?

The first season consists of 10 episodes. Two episodes will premiere each week, with the final two airing on the well-known Star Wars holiday, "May the 4th."

Related: ‘Star Wars’ Rumors Resurface About a Much Darker Project

What day do new episodes of Star Wars: Maul come out?

New episodes of Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord release Mondays on Disney+. Here's the full season schedule:

Monday, April 6, 2026: Episode 1 and 2Monday, April 13, 2026: Episode 3 and 4Monday, April 20, 2026: Episode 5 and 6Monday, April 27, 2026: Episode 7 and 8Monday, May 4, 2026: Episode 9 and 10How to watch Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord

Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord is only available to stream on Disney+.

Related: Natalie Portman’s Padmé Cameo Was Reportedly Cut From ‘Star Wars’ Project

Is Dave Filoni involved in Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord?

Yes! Filoni, the president and chief creative officer of Lucasfilm and consideredGeorge Lucas' Padawan, created Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord.

Who is in the cast of Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord?

The voice cast includes:

Sam Witwer as MaulGideon Adlon as Devon IzaraWagner Moura as Brander LawsonRichard Ayoade as Two-BootsDennis Haysbert as Master Eeko-Dio-Daki

Witwer has plenty of experience with Maul, voicing the character in two other animated series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Rebels, as well as the film Solo: A Star Wars Story.

Is there a trailer for Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord?

Of course! You can check out the most recent trailer for Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord below.

Related: The Man Inside the 'Star Wars' Mandalorian Armor: 'I Died and Came Back to Life'

If you’ve ever watched a Pixar movie, chances are you’ve heard his voice—even if you didn’t realize it.

John Ratzenberger, often called Pixar’s "good luck charm," is celebrating his 79th birthday today. Born April 6, 1947, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Ratzenberger became a hidden constant across the studio’s most beloved films.

For years, Pixar even had an unofficial rule: every film had to include him. According to director Andrew Stanton, Ratzenberger’s appearances became a tradition—one fans now love spotting. From major characters to quick, blink-and-you-miss-it cameos, his voice has been woven into Pixar storytelling for decades.

Some of John Ratzenberger's Most Recognizable Pixar Roles

• Hamm in the Toy Story films
• P.T. Flea in A Bug's Life
• The Abominable Snowman in Monsters, Inc.
• The Moonfish in Finding Nemo
• The Underminer in The Incredibles
• Mack the truck in Cars
• Mustafa in Ratatouille
• John in WALL-E
• Tom in Up
• Fritz in Inside Out
• Juan Ortodoncia in Coco

Why You Don’t Hear Him as Much Anymore

In recent years, fans have noticed Ratzenberger hasn’t appeared as consistently in Pixar films. While there hasn’t been a formal, detailed explanation, the shift has been attributed to the studio wanting to take his cameos in a new direction.

His absence also roughly coincided with the departure of Pixar co-founder John Lasseter, a longtime collaborator and close friend. Though Ratzenberger’s legacy with Pixar remains firmly intact, the studio’s approach to his appearances appears to have evolved.

Of course, long before Pixar fans knew his voice, TV audiences knew his face. Ratzenberger became a household name as Cliff Clavin, the endlessly confident (and often hilariously wrong) mailman on Cheers.

He even brought that character into the Disney world, appearing as Cliff during a Disneyland anniversary special, a fun crossover moment for longtime fans.

RELATED: Beloved ‘Cheers’ Star and Sitcom Icon Turns 78