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Gary Driscoll might not be a household name. But the drummer’s rock résumé is brimming with them. Namely, Ronnie James Dio, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, and Ritchie Blackmore, all of whom played a role in a rock career that should have been much bigger.

Driscoll entered the rock scene as the drummer for the blues-rock outfit Ronnie Dio & the Prophets in the mid-1960s. By 1967, Dio and several members had formed The Electric Elves, which became The Elves in 1969 and finally just Elf in 1972. With Elf, Driscoll and Dio caught the attention of two Deep Purple veterans: bassist Roger Glover and drummer Ian Paice.

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Glover and Paice saw Elf audition for Columbia in 1972. Impressed, they produced Elf’s self-titled debut, while Glover went on to produce the band’s next two albums. The relationship also helped Elf land opening slots on Deep Purple tours, and they later toured as Deep Purple’s support act. At the time, Elf was a bluesy, boogie-driven hard rock outfit with R&B influences. The music was not yet associated with the heavy metal sound Dio is known for.

In 1975, Blackmore recruited Dio, Driscoll, bassist Craig Gruber, and keyboardist Micky Lee Soule from Elf to form Rainbow. Gruber later recalled Dio telling the band, “Don’t say anything, and at the end of the tour, Elf is no more, and we’re forming a band with Ritchie Blackmore. I’m like, ‘Holy s—, dude.’ That was actually the beginning of Rainbow.”

Driscoll played drums on Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, released in 1975 alongside Blackmore and Dio. Driscoll’s R&B-rooted approach can be heard throughout songs including “Man on the Silver Mountain,” “Catch the Rainbow,” and “Sixteenth Century Greensleeves.” As a drummer who would establish a tight rhythmic bounce for the guitar and bass to breathe, he helped lay the foundation of Rainbow’s early sound.

“Three of us—myself, Mickey Lee Soule, the keyboard player, and especially Gary Driscoll, the drummer—had been together for years,” Dio said in an interview with Sounds. “We knew each other so well that we dearly wanted to rise with Ritchie together. We fought the odds, and we thought, ‘Yeah, we’re all going to do it.’”

Despite playing on Rainbow’s debut, Driscoll didn’t remain with the band for long. Blackmore replaced him and the other Elf musicians before Rainbow’s first tour. In a later interview, Blackmore explained the dismissal, saying it was just a tempo thing.

“He had a tendency to lose the tempo, then catch up,” Blackmore explained to Louder. “We’d start playing, and I’d watch him and his headphones would slowly slide off and he’d slowly lose the tempo. … But he was such a nice guy.”

Twelve years after Rainbow’s debut, however, Driscoll was dead.

On June 8, 1987, Driscoll, just 41, was murdered in Ithaca, New York. He was found in the basement of his friend’s home, severely beaten and stabbed, with two gunshot wounds to the head. Police arrested a man named John Shillingford, and a witness testified that she saw him with a gun. Still, he was ultimately acquitted at trial after his defense challenged key evidence.

According to Grunge, another man was considered a suspect but fled the country before he could be charged, leaving Driscoll’s murder, to this day, unsolved and his killer a free man.

Dio, Blackmore, and Glover went on to become major figures in rock, while Driscoll’s career never reached the same heights. Yet his fingerprints remain on some important early-’70s records, from Elf’s Deep Purple-produced albums to Rainbow’s debut. Now, nearly four decades after his death, he’s remembered for how much history those records packed.

Related: 1976 Signature Song, Famous for Its Cowbell, Launched a Cult Rock Band Into the Big Time

Did you know Californians have a loophole for Mexican vacations?

They can buy a Cross Border Xpress (CBX) pass to access Tijuana International Airport, which backs right up to the notorious “wall,” meaning you never actually have to step foot in the city itself—all while scoring cheaper domestic fares to vacation hotspots like Los Cabos, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta.

But here’s the kicker: once you factor in parking, the CBX pass itself and the risk of receiving a citation if you leave your car on the street too long, travelers may question if this loophole is really worth it.

Photo: Sam Sears

San Diego, a city that doesn’t even offer a nonstop flight to Cancun anymore, is making it easier to reach at least one Mexican hideaway largely overshadowed by Cabo as the mainstay of Baja getaways.

Related: This Popular Beach Destination Is Running Out Of Water 

Alaska Airlines will soon launch twice-weekly seasonal service to little-known Loreto, Mexico (LTO) from San Diego International Airport (SAN) beginning Dec. 19, 2026, and concluding April 28, 2027, with a flight time of roughly one hour.

This new route marks Alaska’s 50th nonstop destination from SAN and makes San Diego just the fourth U.S. airport with nonstop service to Loreto.

Don’t expect many flashy resorts and celebrities slapping their name on storefront facades (ahem, Sammy Hagar).

Loreto is where Mexicans go to vacation, but you’ll also find a hefty dose of friendly expats enjoying “real Mexico” in this designated Pueblo Mágico, home to pristine beaches and an array of festivities, including the lively Festival Gastronómico de Verano Bahía de Loreto—considered one of Baja California Sur’s most important culinary events.

Photo: Sam Sears

Loreto is so gorgeous and pristine, Sports Illustrated chose it as a major backdrop for its 2026 Swimsuit Issue, photographing famous faces including Olivia Dunne and Bethenny Frankel against its dramatic scenery and courtyard-clad boutique stays, such as Hotel 1697.

Related: Iconic U.S. Island Ranked Among the Best in the World Is Having a Major Moment This Summer

And if you need proof Loreto isn’t interested in becoming the next Cabo, look to the port: Mexican authorities have shut the door on cruise ships. The federal government confirmed Loreto’s port does not permit international cruise arrivals, with cruise companies and shipping agents already notified that requests to dock there have been denied from 2026 through 2030.

Boat tours are a different question entirely. One visit to Isla Coronado may have you hooked quicker than the fresh ceviche you’ll be scarfing down at dinner, one of Loreto’s culinary claims to fame.

By 1973, Dobie Gray had already spent nearly a decade chasing another hit when the right song finally arrived.

“Drift Away,” written by Mentor Williams, gave Gray the biggest pop success of his career and one of the decade’s most enduring sing-alongs. Its warm blend of rock, soul, and gospel climbed into the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, while its celebration of music itself eventually attracted interpreters including Rod Stewart.

Gray’s career had begun years earlier.

The Texas-born singer scored his first major hit with “The ‘In’ Crowd” in 1965, but maintaining that momentum proved difficult. He continued recording and performing, eventually spending time as the lead singer of the band Pollution before returning to solo work.

“Drift Away” offered a fresh start.

Mentor Williams, the brother of songwriter Paul Williams, wrote the song, and musician John Henry Kurtz recorded an earlier version in 1972.

“I think one of the hardest things for me to learn about songwriting was to really expose my feelings and weaknesses and to write personal, emotional things,” Williams said in a 1988 interview. “As soon as I started doing that, I realized other people were relating to my songs. You can study how to write and spend a lot of time writing, but without this emotional content in a song, it’s just not there. ‘Drift Away’ was a big breakthrough for me. It was a song where it suddenly was okay for me to write about being hurt and let people know that I had been hurt and I wasn’t afraid to expose my feelings.”

Gray cut his rendition in Nashville with producer Mentor Williams, surrounding his expressive vocal with an easygoing arrangement built around acoustic guitar.

“We just had a feeling about it as we were coming out of the studio,” Gray told Classic Bands. “First of all, we thought it was gonna be a hit song, and then we hoped it would be a classic.”

It didn’t take long for them to be proven right. The record connected almost immediately.

Released in 1973, “Drift Away” reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained on the chart for months. It became Gray’s first Top 10 single since “The ‘In’ Crowd” and ultimately the song most closely associated with his career.

Its lyrics gave the record an unusually universal appeal.

Rather than centering on romance or heartbreak, “Drift Away” finds relief in hearing a favorite song. Its famous chorus asks rock ‘n’ roll to carry the narrator away, turning the track into a tribute to the comfort and escape that music can provide.

Other artists soon embraced it.

Rod Stewart recorded “Drift Away” during the 1970s, bringing his unmistakably raspy vocal to Williams’ composition. Over the years, the song was also interpreted by performers including Roy Orbison, Michael Bolton and The Rolling Stones, whose version remained unreleased for decades.

Gray himself eventually returned to “Drift Away” in spectacular fashion. In 2003, he joined Uncle Kracker for a new version that became another major hit, reaching the Top 10 on the Hot 100 and spending a then-record 28 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart.

Fifty-three years after Gray’s recording became a hit, the song’s central idea hasn’t lost its force. “Drift Away” is ultimately about what a great record can do when everything else feels overwhelming, a sentiment that remains every bit as powerful today.

Related: 1971 Rock Song by Genesis, Lasting Over 10 Minutes, Is Still a Powerful Hit 55 Years Later

Prime Video’s Sterling Point may take place during the summer, but its sweater game is on point. That’s probably because nothing says Muskoka cottage life like layers to prepare for cool mornings that lead into delightfully warm afternoons followed by crisp evenings. I don’t know about you, but as the fall season inches closer, I’m all about looking for transitional pieces. The kind that I can throw over my shoulders in early September for “just-in-case” warmth that will segue perfectly into early October sweater weather.

And, yes, I am drawing inspiration from Sterling Point’s stellar relaxed style to assemble my own wardrobe. To do this, I actually revisited one of my favorite mall stores that somehow fell off of my radar until recently. You know it, you love it—it’s Express.

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Express

This Boat Neck Roll Hem Oversized Sweater is deliciously soft and comes in four different colorways: Burgundy, Gray, Medium Brown and Navy Blue. Personally, I love the burgundy’s autumn energy. True to the product name, the fit is definitely oversized but in a cartoonish way. More in the “Wow, this is cozy and I want to live in it” kind of way.

At regular price, the sweater retails for $68, but Express currently has a great sale going on so that it’s marked down to $47.60. I’m pretty particular about sweaters in terms of their weight, feel and overall structure—this feels comparable to some of my more expensive Jenni Kayne pieces. Needless to say, I’m impressed.

Related: A 1981 Bar Jukebox Favorite Is Immortalized on a $5 Five Below T-Shirt

What’s really nice about this sweater is that it isn’t something you can only wear with a pair of jeans. It works just as well with a cute mini skirt or even a silky midi skirt, making it a true dress it up or down situation.

Something I think is super important to point out about any garment is that this sweater is meant to be hand washed only, so you’ll want to avoid throwing it in the machine and definitely don’t put it in the dryer. Instead, lay it flat. You always want to avoid hanging a wet sweater because the weight of the water can stretch out the shoulders and distort the shape.

Now go forth and get ready for fall.

Related: Costco Is Selling a Chic Pair of Clarks Boots That Are Pure Comfortcore

When One Day at a Time premiered on CBS in December 1975, television was beginning to reflect the social changes happening in American homes. The sitcom centered on Ann Romano, a divorced mother raising two teenage daughters, played by Mackenzie Phillips and Valerie Bertinelli. The setup was significant at the time, as television shows began to reflect a redefined nuclear family. Mackenzie Phillips and Valerie Bertinelli just reunited for a two-part episode of Bertinelli’s Getting Naked podcast and fans are treating it like a family reunion.

My oldest friend. My honorary sister. The most requested guest in Getting Naked history. 🤍 Mac is FINALLY here! And after all these years, let’s just say… we had a lot of catching up to do. ✨ Part 1 is OUT NOW on Valerie’s Place! 🎙️ #GettingNakedPodcast #MackenziePhillips #PodcastOutNow #NewEpisode #PodcastInterview

Bertinelli calls Phillips her “oldest friend and honorary sister” on social media while sharing that Mackenzie Phillips is the podcast’s most requested guest of all time. Fans asked, and Valerie Bertinelli delivered in an episode that goes all the way from the then-15-year-old actress’ chance meeting in a CBS elevator to one of the darkest periods in Phillips’ adult life.

The conversation spans five decades and reflects the actresses’ deep sisterhood that has endured from childhood to adulthood, and the highs and lows in between.

For fans of One Day at a Time, this is more than a TV sister reunion. It’s a reunion of two actresses who feel like family to viewers who have grown up right along with Mackenzie Phillips and Valerie Bertinelli. This reunion is personal.

“My older sister and I used to sneak and watch…One Day at a Time…she passed away 9 years ago from cancer…but you brought her to life with this memory,” shared one emotional fan.

Another added, “My childhood.”

“’Im watching this today 💞this week My mom passed five years ago 💔 and it’s been a hard week but seeing you two together and talking about your history brings back so many memories of when I watched one day at a time with my mom 1975 she had two daughters and she was separated and getting a divorce from my dad. I love that show so much and I’ve been following you both since then,” shared one more.

Related: Kenny Chesney’s Latest Hit Was Inspired by Heartbreak and an Iconic ‘Ted Lasso’ Episode

#onedayatatime #valeriebertinelli #70s #GenX #FYP

Like many TV comedies of the 1970s, One Day at a Time premiered at a time when television was beginning to reflect the social changes happening in American homes. Created by Whitney Blake and Allan Manings and produced by TV legend Norman Lear, One Day at a Time portrayed the ever-changing American family, one in which a single mom raising her two teenage daughters in Indianapolis leaned on her chosen family of colleagues and friends to create a community.

That community extended to viewers of all ages watching from home.

Ann Romano’s family, from her bickering but loving daughters to her nosy building superintendent, “Schneider,” reflected the family viewers had at home. One Day at a Time showed what life really looked like for many Americans and the issues they faced every day.

One Day at a Time may have been a comedy, but it tackled themes and social issues that weren’t always talked about on sitcoms of the time. The show’s episodes explored themes including teenage sexuality, pregnancy, runaway children, family conflict and the changing role of women, all with a light touch and a loving, if unique, family dynamic.

Part of the show’s authenticity came from the deep bond between Mackenzie Phillips and Valerie Bertinelli, two television sisters who became each other’s family and, in turn, helped an entire generation see their own experiences reflected on the small screen.

And now that Valerie Bertinelli and Mackenzie Phillips have reunited for an epic two-episode podcast spanning five decades, fans are calling for a One Day at a Time reboot starring Julie and Barbara as grown women.

We’d watch. You?

Related: ’80s DJ Richard Blade Names This 1984 Frankie Goes to Hollywood Hit the Best Bassline of the Decade

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Faye Dunaway just made a very rare appearance on the red carpet.

The legendary actress, 85, who has scored everything from an Oscar to an Emmy, is known for films including Bonnie and Clyde, The Thomas Crown Affair, The Arrangement, and Mommie Dearest. But in recent years, the icon has flown under the radar, avoiding the spotlight to live a quieter life. But in a rare appearance during the 83rd Venice International Film Festival at Sala Grande this weekend in Venice, Italy, Dunaway went full glam to attend a screening of Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger. With flowing blonde hair and a chic black gown, Dunaway made it clear she’s back and better than ever. That’s a real treat for movie fans, seeing as her appearance on the red carpet back in May was her first in almost two years!

Dave Benett / Getty Images

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Back in 2017, Dunaway reunited with her Bonnie & Clyde co-star, Warren Beatty, to announce the Best Picture winner at the Academy Awards. Unfortunately, she read the winner wrong and announced La-La Land as the winner of the coveted trophy, instead of the real winner of the award, Moonlight. The moment went viral, naturally.

In a later appearance on TODAY, Dunaway spoke about the embarrassing incident, calling it “a moment I still haven’t recovered from.”

Back in January, Deadline announced that Dunaway was heading back to work. The legendary star is set to join Nicola Peltz Beckham, Jack Huston, Betty Gabriel, and Mira Sorvino for Prima, the directorial debut of The Morelli Brothers.

According to the synopsis, the indie film follows Margo, played by Peltz Beckham, a dedicated prima ballerina raised by her disciplinarian and “guardian of the art” grandmother, played by Dunaway, who begins to unravel when the head of her ballet company marries a contemporary choreographer, disrupting the company’s tradition and igniting a quiet, atmospheric power struggle that threatens the very future of the institution.

Related: 1974 Hit, With Jack Nicholson, Ranked ‘Greatest American Movie Screenplay’ of All Time

The Rolling Stones’ 1968 classic “Sympathy for the Devil” has been ranked among the list of “Classic Rock Songs With the Greatest Opening Lines,” placing the famous track among songs by some of rock music’s most important artists.

The ranking proves the song’s unforgettable opening, which immediately introduces Mick Jagger as the Devil speaking directly to the listener. The song begins with the line, “Please allow me to introduce myself,” followed by the description of the character as a “man of wealth and taste.”

Released in 1968 as the opening track of Beggars Banquet, “Sympathy for the Devil” became one of the most recognizable songs in The Rolling Stones’ catalog. Its opening sets up the dark story that follows, as Jagger’s character takes the listener through major events and tragedies in human history.

Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Collider placed the song at No. 8 on its list, which also includes classic rock acts such as The Beatles, Queen and David Bowie. It noted that great opening lines can set the mood for an entire song and can remain part of popular culture for decades.

What makes the opening of “Sympathy for the Devil” stand out is the way it introduces the song’s central character without delay.

Jagger sings from the Devil’s point of view, presenting him as a polished and confident figure. Instead of beginning with a traditional rock introduction, the song starts almost like a personal meeting. The Devil introduces himself and then begins telling his story.

The lyrics move through events connected to religion and world history, including the death of Jesus Christ, the Hundred Years’ War, the Russian Revolution and World War II. The song also refers to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy.

The Kennedy reference changed while the song was being recorded. The original lyric referred to who shot Kennedy, but after Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated in June 1968, the wording was changed to refer to both Kennedy assassinations.

That change added an even stronger connection between the song and the troubled period in which it was created.

The song’s history also reaches beyond rock music. Per uDiscover Music, its inspiration can be traced to Mikhail Bulgakov’s novel The Master and Margarita, a work that explores good and evil against the background of the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin.

The novel had only recently appeared in English translation when it reached Jagger through Marianne Faithfull. Jagger later said he was reading poetry and philosophy while developing the song. He also cited the influence of French poet Charles Baudelaire.

The song was originally called “The Devil Is My Name” and had earlier been known as “Fallen Angels.” Although credited to the Jagger-Richards songwriting partnership, the song was largely composed by Jagger.

“Sympathy for the Devil” did not begin with the powerful samba-driven sound that fans know today.

Jagger originally developed it as an acoustic folk song. When The Rolling Stones began working on the recording at Olympic Sound Studios in London in June 1968, the band tried several different musical approaches.

The band went through many takes before finding the groove that would define the final version. Keith Richards suggested changing the tempo and adding percussion, helping transform the song from a folk-style piece into a samba-influenced rock performance, according to American Songwriter.

Charlie Watts also recalled trying different ways to play the song before settling into a jazz-Latin feel.

The recording sessions were also filmed by French New Wave director Jean-Luc Godard. His cameras captured the band as the song changed during the studio sessions, giving audiences a rare look at how the track developed.

The final recording included a strong rhythm section, percussion and piano from Nicky Hopkins. Ghanaian percussionist Rocky Dzidzornu added congas and cowbell, while Richards played bass and electric guitar.

The famous “woo-woo” backing vocals also came about during the recording process. The sound was suggested after producer Jimmy Miller and Anita Pallenberg noticed how a repeated vocal idea worked during a take.

Against that background, “Sympathy for the Devil” became closely linked with the darker image surrounding the group.

But the song’s meaning was not simply about celebrating evil. Keith Richards later described it as a song about confronting evil rather than ignoring it. Jagger also described the work as being concerned with the darker side of humanity.

More than five decades after its release, the song continues to stand as one of The Rolling Stones’ signature recordings.

Related: 1983 Power Ballad, Recorded in New York Studio, Is Still a Major Hit 43 Years Later

According to birth-date numerology and astrology, people with the most chill, low-maintenance personalities are those born on the 3rd, 6th, 11th, and 25th of any month.

These individuals are ruled by planetary energies that make drama, high expectations, and unnecessary complications feel completely icky to them. While some need constant reassurance, elaborate plans, or a certain kind of treatment to feel okay, these laid-back characters know how to keep cool, calm, and collected, finding ease and flow through life’s ups and downs.

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Check your birth date. Disregard birth months.

Governed by expansive, optimistic Jupiter, those born on the 3rd bring a naturally easygoing energy to whatever they do. Plans falling through? No problem. Miscommunication? Nothing a little laughter can’t fix. Delays don’t ruin their day; they’ll just find the fun in whatever other opportunity arises instead.

This birth date doesn’t sweat the small stuff, and honestly, most of life’s trials and tribulations feel minor to them. Their relaxed outlook makes them the friend everyone wants around when things go sideways, because they’re the last person who’ll make it a bigger deal than it needs to be.

READ: 4 Birth Dates With the Most Humble Hearts

Venus, the planet of love, rules this birth date. This magnetic soul is gifted with a natural aura of harmony that keeps others at ease in their presence. Often, their relationships come easily. They’d rather skip the exhausting discord and find a compromise to restore peace.

This peacekeeper isn’t interested in scorekeeping, guilt trips, or subtle tests of loyalty. If you’re kind to them, they’ll care for you tenfold in return. Simple as that. Their low-maintenance nature stems from genuinely not needing much beyond warmth and honesty to feel secure. Romanticizing the small stuff helps them find the magic in the mundane.

RELATE?: Know a September Virgo? These 5 Qualities Tend to Set Them Apart

Ruled by the sensitive Moon and carrying the highly spiritual essence of intuitive Master Number 11, this birth date moves through life with an emotional ease most people spend years trying to find. Those born on the 11th don’t need grand gestures or constant validation. The simplest way to make them feel loved is to show up consistently, calm and even-keeled, without any theatrics. A quiet night in or a casual hangout satisfies them just as much as anything more elaborate would.

The planet Neptune’s dreamy, go-with-the-flow influence makes this birth date almost impossible to stress out. People born on the 25th are comfortable existing in ambiguity, unbothered by loose plans or last-minute changes that would spiral someone else into anxiety. Their calm isn’t detachment.

Rather, they have a deep trust that what is meant for them can’t miss them. Faith, surrender, or going with the flow just feels more natural to them than grasping at things beyond their control. This dreamer believes that things tend to work out, so there’s rarely a reason to make anything harder than it needs to be. If you’re in their circle, they don’t need much. Often, they’ll sit with you in silence and feel connected just by knowing you’re there, making time for them.

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Get ready, pumpkin fans! The countdown to sweater weather and cinnamon everything is nearly over. Fall’s favorite fruit is about to take over porches, tables, and Instagram feeds everywhere, and Amazon has just the decor set to kick off the festivities in style. The WDS Wondrous 7-Piece Checkered Pumpkin Decor Set is not only on sale, but it is also giving off some serious designer vibes. 

Available in three chic color combinations, this set is your secret weapon for an instantly elevated autumn aesthetic. And at just $33, the set breaks down to less than $5 per pumpkin. That’s a fraction of the price you’ll pay for designer versions, which can run you as much as $100 for a single decorative pumpkin.

Courtesy of Amazon

These aren’t your average pumpkins. Each set features a playful mix of checkered, glittered diamond, and striped designs in a cozy vintage palette of either brown, black, or gold. The antique-finish gold stems add just the right amount of rustic glam. And the mixed sizes (ranging from a statement-making 5.5 inches tall down to adorable 3-inch minis) let you play stylist as you arrange them on a mantel, centerpiece, or shelf. 

Reviewers are already swooning over the resemblance to high-end decor, with several mentioning the uncanny similarity to iconic designer pumpkins.

“Beautiful decorative pumpkins,” one shopper said. “These look even better in person. The quality is great, the design is very stylish, and they add such a nice touch to my home decor. I used them on shelves and tables, and they fit perfectly with modern and seasonal styling.”

Crafted from high-density resin, these pumpkins are built to last through many autumns. The finish is smooth and fade-resistant, with gold glitter that stays put instead of dusting your table. They are durable enough to withstand curious little hands, rambunctious pets, and the test of time. This makes them perfect for anyone who loves to decorate and redecorate as the season unfolds.

Versatility is another win here. These pumpkins set the scene for a Thanksgiving feast, add a little sparkle to your Halloween party, and make your morning coffee feel a bit more festive. Mix them with rustic candles, stack them on a tiered tray, or cluster them on your front entry table for a warm fall welcome. They even make a thoughtful hostess or housewarming gift for fellow autumn lovers.

• Lillusory 2-Piece Button Neck Lounge Set, $24 (was $50) at Amazon
• Olixis Accent Chair, $85 (was $130) at Amazon
• Plhxfr Floral Area Rug, $66 (was $79) at Amazon

Related: Dolly Parton’s Leakproof Insulated Mug Pays Tribute to a Music Icon While Keeping Coffee Piping Hot

At just $33, this 7-piece pumpkin decor set is one of those rare finds that combines trend, quality, and value. Now is the perfect moment to treat your space and yourself to a dose of retro charm and designer-inspired flair. 

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Few performances in movie history have hit as hard, or as tragically, as Heath Ledger‘s turn as the Joker in The Dark Knight.

Released in 2008, the film was Christopher Nolan‘s follow-up to Batman Begins, bringing back Christian Bale as Batman while introducing Ledger as one of the character’s most iconic villains, opposite Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Michael Caine, and Gary Oldman. The film leaned into a darker, more grounded tone than previous Batman movies, following Bruce Wayne, Lieutenant Jim Gordon, and district attorney Harvey Dent as they try to take down organized crime in Gotham, only to be pulled into a personal war with a chaos-driven Joker.

To prepare for the role, Ledger reportedly isolated himself in a hotel room for about six weeks, keeping a journal filled with reference images, unsettling clown photography, and notes on the character’s twisted philosophy. He drew inspiration from sources as varied as A Clockwork Orange and the anarchic energy of punk rock, determined to create a version of the Joker that felt genuinely dangerous rather than campy.

Ledger died in January 2008, months before the film’s release, after an accidental overdose involving prescription medications. The role instantly took on new weight, and once audiences saw the finished performance, that weight was matched by genuine acclaim. Ledger’s Joker became a critical sensation, praised for its unpredictability and commitment, and he swept nearly every major awards show that season for Best Supporting Actor, including the Golden Globes, the BAFTAs, and finally the Academy Awards, making him only the second actor in Oscar history to win posthumously.

The film itself became a genuine phenomenon, both critically and commercially, grossing over $1 billion worldwide and helping prove that superhero movies could be treated as serious, awards-worthy filmmaking. It currently sits among the highest-rated films on IMDb’s Top 250 list, regularly landing in the top five, ahead of countless decades-older classics.

Three years after Hawaii native Iam Tongi won Season 22 of American Idol, the singer is a married man. Days after turning 22, the first Pacific Islander to win the ABC talent show wed his longtime girlfriend, Leah Solis, on Friday, September 4.

Tongi was 18 when he auditioned for American Idol, just months after losing his dad, Rodney, to kidney failure. Tongi went viral with his tear-jerking rendition of James Blunt‘s “Monsters,” about a son reflecting on his father’s life and impact. Just after winning the show in May 2023, he quickly earned his first Billboard No. 1 with an equally heartstring-tugging tune, “I’ll Be Seeing You.”

Often cited for his soothing vocal tones, Tongi travels the world performing and has become a treasured part of the Disney family. In 2025, his new version of “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride,” for the Lilo & Stitch soundtrack, went viral, and he has collaborated numerous times with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson on music connected to Disney’s 2026 live-action version of Moana.

In December, Tongi revealed via social media that he’d proposed to his girlfriend of two years. The couple exchanged vows at an outdoor ceremony held in Hawaii, per photos and videos shared by friends and family, including his mom, Lillie.

Footage in one video shared by a wedding attendee showed the couple—with Tongi wearing his signature flip-flops and a tupenu, a traditional skirt-like garment worn by Tongan men—standing hand-in-hand as they listened to an off-camera speaker talk about their relationship.

The speaker said that “Leah first caught Iam’s eye on a morning ride to seminary,” an educational program for teens in the Mormon church, and noted that their friendship eventually “grew into something deeper” and that Leah became “a constant source of strength in Iam’s life.” When the speaker introduced him as the “youngest son of Lily and Rodney Tongi,” the singer got visibly choked up.

The couple’s wedding reception was held under an expansive white tent, complete with traditional Tongan dance performances by the bride and groom’s friends and family, and the couple dancing to the Nat King Cole classic “When I Fall in Love.”

On the morning after the Tongis’ wedding, Maui Divers Jewelry shared a close-up look at their custom, gold-and-diamond wedding bands and all the special design touches they feature.

The company and Polynesian cultural artist Sam Mangakahia worked closely with the couple to come up with intricate design elements inspired by Leah’s Mayan culture and Tongi’s Tongan heritage.

A blog post about the rings explained, “For Leah, the Maya temple motif symbolized a connection to a higher power—echoing the role of temples in Mayan culture as sacred spaces linking people to the heavens, the earth, and their ancestors. The upward steps serve as a reminder to keep growing and to stay connected to something greater.”

“For Iam, the Tokelau Feletoa—a traditional Tongan kupesi pattern from Feletoa in Vavaʻu—represented chiefly status and courage,” the post continued. “This design, depicting the cross-section of a tuna, is a powerful reminder to lead with bravery while honoring one’s heritage.”

When Genesis entered the studio to make Nursery Cryme in 1971, the band was still searching for the sound, and lineup, that would carry it through one of progressive rock’s most celebrated runs.

“The Musical Box” became an early answer. Stretching beyond 10 minutes, the ambitious opening track moved from delicate passages to explosive guitar-driven sections while giving Peter Gabriel an increasingly dramatic story to inhabit. It never needed to become a conventional single to emerge as one of the defining songs of Genesis’ early years.

The track also arrived at an important turning point for the band.

Nursery Cryme was the first Genesis album to feature guitarist Steve Hackett and drummer Phil Collins, joining Gabriel, keyboardist Tony Banks and bassist/guitarist Mike Rutherford. That five-man lineup would remain together through 1974’s The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway and become synonymous with Genesis’ classic progressive-rock period.

“This was the first year I was doing professional gigs,” Hackett reflected in an interview with Louder. “I got a Hiwatt stack, a Les Paul and the 12-string. It was guitar heaven for me. I probably talk about it in more glowing terms than the others, for whom it was just another year in the life of Genesis. For me, this was day one.”

Parts of “The Musical Box” actually predated Hackett and Collins.

The song developed from an earlier composition called “F Sharp,” created when guitarist Anthony Phillips was still in the group. Genesis continued reshaping the material after Phillips’ departure, eventually building it into the elaborate piece heard on Nursery Cryme.

“When I joined the band, the song ‘The Musical Box’ was already written,” Hackett said in a 2012 interview. “They were performing it live. They said to me, ‘As soon as you join the band, we’ll share all of the writing.’ So, I came up with guitar parts on top of what they had written.”

The story was every bit as unusual as its structure.

“One of the influences on Nursery Cryme was the dark childhood of The Turn of The Screw,” Gabriel told Mojo in 2010. “Also Great Expectations. These are very English and evocative. One of the reasons, I think, that films and programs about school are of interest to people is because that is when so much of your interface with the world gets formed.”

The album’s accompanying tale describes a young girl named Cynthia who kills a boy named Henry by striking off his head with a croquet mallet. Later, she opens Henry’s musical box, unleashing his spirit. Henry rapidly ages into an old man consumed by desire before his former nurse destroys the musical box and him along with it.

Gabriel made the bizarre story even more memorable onstage.

During performances, he eventually donned an old-man mask for the song’s climactic section, transforming Henry’s accelerated aging into a piece of visual theater. Such performances helped establish the elaborate costumes and characters that became hallmarks of Gabriel-era Genesis concerts.

Musically, “The Musical Box” offered plenty of drama on its own. Quiet 12-string guitar passages gradually give way to increasingly forceful playing, culminating in Hackett’s guitar, Banks’ keyboards and Gabriel’s feverish vocal finale.

Fifty-five years after Nursery Cryme, “The Musical Box” remains a powerful snapshot of Genesis discovering just how far it could push a rock song. At more than 10 minutes long, it gave the band room to combine storytelling, theatricality, and intricate musicianship into a sound that was unmistakably its own.

Related: 1960 Pop Song, Recorded in a Small California Town, Made 15-Year-Old Singer a Major Star

David Bowie’s “Golden Years” remains one of his most recognizable songs 51 years after it was released, and its story has an unusual connection to Elvis Presley. 

The song, released by RCA Records on Nov. 21, 1975, was reportedly written with Presley in mind. The King of Rock and Roll never recorded it, and Bowie eventually kept the song for himself.

“Golden Years” became a major hit for Bowie. It reached No. 8 on the U.K. Singles Chart and No. 10 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. It also reached No. 6 in the Netherlands and No. 9 in Ireland. The song later became a regular part of Bowie’s catalog and appeared on several greatest-hits and compilation albums.

Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

The story behind the song has remained interesting because Bowie deeply admired Presley. Both singers were signed to RCA Records when “Golden Years” was being developed, creating a possible path for the two stars to work together.

According to David Buckley’s biography Strange Fascination: David Bowie, the Definitive Story, Presley had heard some of Bowie’s demos. Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, believed Bowie could write songs for Presley. The two artists’ offices were in contact, but the proposed collaboration never happened.

Bowie recalled the missed opportunity.

“Apparently, Elvis heard the demos because we were both on RCA, and Colonel Tom thought I should write some Elvis songs,” Bowie said, per American Songwriter. “There was talk between our offices that I should be introduced to Elvis and maybe start working with him in a production-writer capacity. But it never came to pass. I would have loved working with him. God, I would have adored it.”

Bowie wrote “Golden Years” in 1975, before recording sessions for his tenth studio album, Station to Station. The song was the first track completed for the album after recording began at Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles in September 1975.

The story of whether the song was actually presented to Presley is not completely settled. Bowie’s biographers said it was supposedly written for Presley, who turned it down. Bowie himself remembered that the two sides had been in contact.

Bowie also remembered receiving a short note from Presley.

“He did send me a note once,” Bowie said. “[That said], ‘All the best, and have a great tour.’ I still have that one.”

Bowie kept the note for the rest of his life.

However, music writer Chris O’Leary stated that “Golden Years” was never actually presented to Presley because negotiations with Colonel Tom Parker stalled, Collider reported.

There are also other claims about who inspired the song. Bowie’s first wife, Angie Bowie, said David wrote it for her. Bowie’s girlfriend at the time, Ava Cherry, also believed she was the inspiration.

Despite the different stories surrounding its origin, the Elvis connection is easy to hear in Bowie’s performance. The song begins with a low, smooth vocal style that recalls Presley’s approach. Bowie used that influence while giving the track his own funk-driven sound.

“Golden Years” was recorded quickly. Producer Harry Maslin said that the track was “cut and finished very fast” and that the team knew it was right within 10 days.

The recording featured Bowie on lead and backing vocals, handclaps, melodica and Moog synthesizer. Carlos Alomar and Earl Slick played guitar, George Murray played bass, Dennis Davis played drums, and Warren Peace contributed percussion and backing vocals. Bowie and Maslin produced the track.

The song was released as the lead single from Station to Station while the album was still being completed. Its success helped continue the momentum of “Fame,” Bowie’s 1975 collaboration with John Lennon that had reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

“Golden Years” also survived far beyond its original release. Bowie performed it on several later tours, including the 1983 Serious Moonlight tour, the 1990 Sound+Vision tour and the 2000 Mini tour. It was included on numerous compilation albums and later appeared in films and soundtracks.

More than five decades after its release, “Golden Years” remains an important part of David Bowie’s musical legacy.

Related: 1980 Hit by Willie Nelson, Written in 10 Minutes, Became One of the ‘Best Country Songs’ of All Time

Fall is officially creeping in, and there’s no better time to cozy up and rewatch a comfort movie. One to add to your watch list ahead of its upcoming second installment is Practical Magic, the witchy 1998 cult classic hit starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman.

Directed by Griffin Dunne, the fantasy romance movie follows the Owens sisters, two witches trying to overcome a supernatural centuries-old family curse after one sister drugs and kills the other’s abusive ex-boyfriend.

Practical Magic is based on the 1995 novel of the same name, written by Alice Hoffman. Despite being a success in the eyes of dedicated fans, critics have long been skeptical of the movie. In fact, it only scored 30% on Rotten Tomatoes‘ Tomatometer, while the audience gave it a score of 73% on the Popcornmeter.

“Unfortunately, this is The Witches of Eastwick with its humor and sizzle removed,” wrote Radio Times‘ Jo Berry.

Orlando Sentinel critic Jay Boyar said, “Practical Magic, in other words, is anything but magical. The only spell it casts will put you right to sleep.”

Movie B–ches reviewer Andrew Galdi acknowledged the movie’s flaws, but noted the playfulness of the ’90s classic, writing, “Sure there are plot holes, but it’s so fun that they don’t matter.”

Despite the less-than-favorable reviews from critics, the film has earned cult classic status, with Practical Magic 2 set to release later this month — 28 years after the original. Bullock and Kidman are reprising their roles as Sally and Gillian Owens, respectively.

Ahead of the much-anticipated sequel, anyone with an active HBO Max subscription can stream Practical Magic for free without paying for any additional add-ons.

You can also rent or buy Practical Magic through Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, and YouTube.

Practical Magic 2 will be released in theaters in the United States on Sept. 10, 2026.

Related: 2008 Bryan Cranston Drama, With 96% Rotten Tomatoes Score, Voted Best TV Show of Last 25 Years

So many critically acclaimed films came out of the 1990s (and I’m not saying this because I’m a Millennial), with several releases praised for their directing, stellar casting, and poignant storylines. Unforgiven, starring Morgan Freeman, Clint Eastwood, and Gene Hackman, is one of those movies that has remained… unforgotten.

The Western hit was ranked among the best movies of all time by Rotten Tomatoes and holds a 96% Tomatometer rating with 107 reviews. Additionally, its Popcornmeter rating sits at 93% with over 100,000 ratings.

As for the storyline, “When prostitute Delilah Fitzgerald (Anna Thomson) is disfigured by a pair of cowboys in Big Whiskey, Wyoming, her fellow brothel workers post a reward for their murder, much to the displeasure of sheriff Little Bill Daggett (Hackman), who doesn’t allow vigilantism in his town. Two groups of gunfighters, one led by aging former bandit William Munny (Eastwood), the other by the florid English Bob (Richard Harris), come to collect the reward, clashing with each other and the sheriff,” according to its official synopsis.

The movie became a critical and commercial success, earning four Academy Awards, including the coveted Best Picture, in 1993.

Eastwood, who doubles as the director and a star actor in the film, opened up in 2014 about his “fascination” with the theme. “I’ve always been fascinated with the stealing of innocence. It’s the most heinous crime, and certainly a capital crime if there ever was one. I think anything to do with crimes against children is something that’s very strong in my mind,” he told BBC. “I am interested in the results of violence, and the effects of it on the perpetrator as well as the victim.”

Meanwhile, Freeman spoke highly of working with Hackman on the movie, calling him “one of the masters” of his craft. “He’s so believable,” the 89-year-old said during a podcast appearance on the Rich Eisen Show. He continued to recall, “We had a scene in Unforgiven where he had me tied to the bars in the jail and he was beating me and questioning me, and he came up in one scene and whispered in my ear, ‘I’m going to ask you some questions… And if your answers don’t match up, I’m going to hurt you.'”

“I believed him,” the Hollywood legend admitted of Hackman’s acting.

Freeman was born on June 1, 1937, in Memphis, Tenn., cementing himself as an iconic voice and mainstay in films since his first movie role back in the 1970s. Freeman has since starred in over 100 movies, with some of the most iconic being Lean on Me (1989), Shawshank Redemption (1994), Glory (1989), Million Dollar Baby (2004), Street Smart (1987), to name just a few.

Next, 1985 Fusion Song, With Rarely-Seen Music Legend Who Left the Spotlight, Is Still an Instantly Recognizable Hit 41 Years Later

When you think about getting your bedroom ready for a good night’s sleep, your mind tends to go straight to the pretty stuff: fluffy duvets, impossibly soft sheets, decorative pillows and maybe a candle or two to make the whole room feel extra inviting. And sure, all of that matters. But sometimes, getting truly comfortable has less to do with how your bed looks and more to do with how well it supports your body. Because there’s nothing quite like waking up after eight hours of sleep only to feel like you’ve been hit by a truck.

You know the drill—a stiff back, cranky hips or a mysterious ache in your knee can turn getting out of bed into an Olympic event. If you’re a side sleeper, a little extra support between your knees can help you settle into a more comfortable position instead of spending the night constantly shifting around. Is a knee pillow the cutest thing you’ll ever buy for your bedroom? Probably not. But if it helps you wake up feeling refreshed rather than creaky, I’d say it deserves a spot on the bed. And Aldi may have just the solution.

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Aldi

Aldi’s Welby Knee Pillow has a very specifically designed contoured shape that’s meant to fit comfortably between your legs while you sleep, giving your knees and legs a little extra support instead of letting them rest directly against each other. That can be especially appealing for side sleepers, who appreciate having something that helps keep their legs comfortably positioned throughout the night (I’m one such side sleeper).

Related: Target Is Selling a Charming 1,399-Piece Lego Set Dedicated to This Classic Disney Character

The shape also makes it more than a one-trick sleep accessory: it can be used in different positions when you’re relaxing or looking for a little added support elsewhere. Try placing it under your knees while lying on your back for a little extra lower-back support, or use it between your knees while curled up on the couch.

In other words, it may not be the bedding accessory you buy because it looks adorable on your bed, but it could be one of those surprisingly useful additions that makes settling in at night—and getting up in the morning—a little more comfortable.

Related: Aldi’s $20 Washable Runner Rug Is Botanical Beauty at Its Finest

Even though the song debuted over four decades ago, ZZ Top‘s 1983 hit, “Sharp Dressed Man,” off the band’s eighth album, Eliminator, is still getting acclaim.

In April 2026, Ultimate Classic Rock included “Sharp Dressed Man” on a list of the “Top Rock Songs of All Time,” placing the track at the 50th spot. According to the publication, some of the other greatest rock songs ever released include “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana,  Black Sabbath‘s “Paranoid,” and “Back in Black” by AC/DC.

In a May 2026 interview with The Song TV, Billy Gibbons shared what inspired “Sharp Dressed Man,” which he co-wrote with his bandmates, Dusty Hill, who died in 2021 at the age of 72, and Frank Beard, who died in August 2026 when he was 77. According to Gibbons, he was watching a movie at a crowded theater. Due to the packed audience, Gibbons couldn’t leave his seat while “the credits were rolling.” He said that while he watched the credits, he noticed that there was a character called “Sharp-Eyed Man.”

Gibbons said that he later went to the recording studio, where he mentioned the “Sharp-Eyed Man.” Gibbons said his bandmates told him that the character was likely called “Sharp Dressed Man,” inspiring the track’s title.

While speaking to The Song TV, Gibbons also noted that the music video for “Sharp Dressed Man” was a part of a trilogy directed by Tim Newman, which also included the music videos for “Gimme All Your Lovin'” and “Legs.” According to Gibbons, Newman approached the band, as he enjoyed their music. He was also interested in Gibbons’ iconic red Ford coupe, which was later featured in all three music videos.

“‘Sharp Dressed Man’ followed what started with ‘Gimme All Your Lovin’,’ which was exactly, ‘We have no script. We like the little red car, we like the music, and it’s always surrounded by these girls. So, we got a thing going on,'” said Gibbons, now 76.

Jennifer Aniston is a giant on the big screen. After becoming a household name as Rachel Green on Friends, she went on to become a major movie star, starring in hits like Bruce Almighty, Marley & Me, The Break-Up, and We’re the Millers as fan favorites. But there’s another Aniston movie that continues to run under the radar–a film that is not only one of the actress’ best-reviewed films, but it’s one of Rotten Tomatoes’ 300 Best Movies of All Time.

That film is The Iron Giant. A heartwarming animated sci-fi adventure directed by Brad Bird, it explores friendship, tolerance, and choice against the backdrop of Cold War paranoia in 1957. When 9-year-old Hogarth Hughes (Eli Marienthal) finds a 50-foot metal killing machine, he rescues the mysterious giant from being electrocuted by power lines, which kicks off an unlikely friendship that then drives the story.

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Aniston voices Annie Hughes, Hogarth’s hardworking single mother, bringing warmth, realism, and humor to a character who has to balance raising her son with the increasingly bizarre circumstances unfolding around him. Aniston described Annie as more than a typical 1950s mother, saying, “She’s very strong, like a mother tiger protecting her son, Hogarth. She’s funny and really spunky, in that great kind of Laura Petrie way.”

Opposite her, Grammy-winning musician Harry Connick Jr. plays Dean McCoppin, a beatnik artist who runs a scrapyard and becomes an ally to Hogarth as he tries to keep the giant hidden. Connick’s renowned jazz-inflected, New Orleans drawl gives the eccentric character a laid-back, unmistakable personality.

Released nationwide on Aug. 6, 1999, The Iron Giant was a major box office disappointment. Despite receiving rave reviews from critics, the film grossed only $31.3 million worldwide against a reported $50 million budget. Over time, however, the film found a much larger audience through home video and television, gradually developing the devoted following it has today.

“There’s also a tremendous heart to the story,” Aniston said, adding that she was “really happy to have been involved in the film.”

Today, The Iron Giant is regarded as one of the finest animated tales of its era. But it’s earned an even broader distinction. Rotten Tomatoes ranks it No. 228 on its 300 Best Movies of All Time list, alongside such masterpieces as Dog Day Afternoon, Unforgiven, and Catch Me If You Can. The film also continues to appear on various best-of lists celebrating great cinema, science fiction, and films of its decade.

It’s a giant afterlife for a film with a giant heart.

Related: 1979 Movie, Starring Robert Redford, Launched a Music Legend’s Acting Career—and Gave Him His Fifth No. 1

Patty Smyth was already a recognizable voice in rock when Scandal broke up in 1984. Three years later, she returned with Never Enough, the album that launched the next chapter of her career.

Released in 1987 on Columbia Records, Never Enough marked Smyth’s first outing as a solo artist. Alongside the title track, the record included covers of songs by Tom Waits and the British rock band Magnum, giving her room to build an identity apart from the group that first made her famous.

But that wasn’t the original plan. Smyth has said she initially recorded the songs expecting them to become one more Scandal album. Instead, Columbia decided to release the record under her name.

“Never Enough was supposed to be my last Scandal record and then they decided to put that out as a solo record, which was upsetting to me,” she told Classic Bands. Smyth said the decision wasn’t what she wanted at the time, explaining that she actually preferred working as part of a group.

“They always figure you’re an ego maniac and just want it to be your name,” she added. “But I like having a band.”

But by then, Scandal was already on shaky ground. The band had risen to fame in the early 1980s with Smyth as its lead singer, scoring hits such as “Goodbye to You” and “The Warrior.” Tensions within the group eventually led to its breakup. 

Smyth specifically pointed to her strained relationship with guitarist Zach Smith. “No, it didn’t go on without me,” she explained when asked whether Scandal continued without her. “Zach Smith and I just didn’t get along. We just never did. We were like oil and water and eventually the band just pulled apart.”

The departure of her drummer, who went on to play with Billy Idol, was another blow for Smyth. In the end, the frontwoman no longer wanted to be caught up in the band’s internal turmoil. “I was just like, F*** it! I don’t want to deal with this guy anymore,’” she recalled. “I just want to have fun.”

Scandal officially broke up in 1984, leaving Smyth to pursue what became the next phase of her career.

When Never Enough arrived in 1987, it gave Smyth her first album released under her own name. The LP peaked at No. 66 on the Billboard 200 and produced three singles. The title track reached No. 61 on the Billboard Hot 100 and performed even better on rock radio, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.

The album also included “Downtown Train,” Smyth’s take on the Waits song, as well as “Isn’t It Enough.” For an artist who had just come out of one of the most recognizable bands of the early ’80s, Never Enough offered Smyth a way to establish an identity beyond Scandal.

Related: 1981 Rock Album, Featuring ‘Edge of Seventeen,’ Became a No. 1 Hit 45 Years Ago Today

Auditions are like job interviews: you go in hoping to impress them with your skills and talent, yet knowing there can still be rejection. Even when you’re sitting in a waiting room full of future Oscar winners.

In an exclusive with People, Kenneth Branagh recently shared one of Hollywood’s most extraordinary what-if stories: at just 21 years old, he found himself in a hotel corridor waiting to audition for David Lynch‘s 1984 sci-fi epic Dune, seated alongside Gary Oldman, Daniel Day-Lewis, Colin Firth, and Tim Roth. A “murderer’s row of talent”, as his new co-star Ryan Reynolds put it, none of whom would get the part.

“Swear to God, I’m not making this up,” Branagh told Reynolds while promoting their new Apple TV+ action-comedy Mayday. “We’re all waiting to go in and see David Lynch, to see if we might play the part that Kyle MacLachlan played so brilliantly.”

MacLachlan ultimately landed the role of Paul Atreides, launching a long-running collaboration with Lynch that would also include Blue Velvet and Twin Peaks. Lynch’s Dune was not the box-office success the studio hoped for, but MacLachlan went on to become one of the most recognizable actors of his generation.

But Branagh’s memory of the audition itself is less about the rejection and more about the man who delivered it. Lynch, he recalled, was extraordinarily generous with his time – even with a roomful of unknowns, he had no obligation to impress.

“He gave you time. He spoke to you,” Branagh said warmly. “You could tell this guy’s going to make a wonderful, wonderful film. It was the most gracious encounter with a master director for a nobody whom he didn’t need.”

Branagh delivered the punchline with characteristic wit, nodding to what became of his fellow auditioners –  a combined haul of four Academy Awards among them. “I don’t know what they did in the end. It’s a tough game. Maybe they got gigs here and there (*sic), I don’t know, but they didn’t get that one.”

Lynch, who passed away in January 2025 at the age of 78, clearly left a lasting impression, even on the ones he turned away.

Mayday is streaming now on Apple TV+.