Parade

Your daily destination for celebrity news, videos, entertainment, food, recipes, health tips, fitness, and games from America's most popular magazine.

URL: https://parade.com

Updated: 59 min 17 sec ago

1973 Rock Classic, Written in 15 Minutes, Became a Timeless Party Anthem

Mon, 05/25/2026 - 9:01am

More than 50 years after its release, “Shambala” by Three Dog Night remains one of the most recognizable singalong rock hits of the 1970s.

The upbeat track, released in 1973, became a major chart success and helped cement the band’s place in classic rock history. But behind the hit is an unusual story involving a mystical word, two competing versions and a songwriter who said the entire song came together in just 15 minutes.

Songwriter Daniel Moore said he wrote “Shambala” in the fall of 1972 after hearing the word from his brother during a phone call. According to Song Facts, Moore’s brother had received a letter discussing past lives that ended with the phrase: “Let your light shine in the halls of Shambala.”

Three Dog Night captured performing on stage.

Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Moore later researched the term and discovered links to Tibetan Buddhism and spiritual writings. The word “Shambala,” also spelled Shambhala or Shamballa, refers to a mythical kingdom believed by some to exist beyond the Himalayas. Moore said the sound of the word immediately inspired him.

“I wrote the words and melody, a cappella, driving on the Ventura Freeway in about 10 minutes,” Moore told Songfacts. “I got home, picked up my Martin guitar and had the music finished in 5 minutes; a pretty good 15 minutes.”

The song would soon become one of the defining hits of Three Dog Night, the Los Angeles rock group known for turning outside songwriters’ material into mainstream hits during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Before “Shambala,” Three Dog Night had already built a strong reputation with hits including “Joy to the World,” “Mama Told Me (Not to Come),” and “One.”

The group, founded in Los Angeles in 1967 by singers Danny Hutton, Cory Wells and Chuck Negron, became known for its powerful harmonies and ability to bring fresh energy to songs written by others.

Publisher Lindy Blaskey introduced “Shambala” to the band and producer Richie Podolor. Moore recalled that the reaction was immediate.

“He called me and was very excited because he had gotten such a positive reaction from Three Dog Night and their producer Richie Podler,” Moore said. “Anyway, they cut it, it was their single and it was a hit. Bless all of their hearts.”

The band recorded the track in late 1972. Released in 1973, “Shambala” climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and also reached No. 1 on the Cash Box chart. The song stayed on the Billboard Top 40 through much of the summer and later appeared on the album Cyan.

Music critics also praised the record’s gospel-style energy. AllMusic later described it as “one of the group’s finest later period records.”

The lyrics painted a hopeful picture of kindness, joy and freedom from worry. Phrases like “in the halls of Shambala” and “on the road to Shambala” became memorable hooks that helped the song stand out on radio playlists.

Part of the song’s history involves another artist who released his own version almost at the same time.

Texas singer-songwriter B. W. Stevenson recorded “Shambala” shortly after Three Dog Night finished their version. Stevenson’s recording reached stores first and sold about 125,000 copies before Three Dog Night’s single arrived.

Moore explained how the overlap happened.

“A couple of months after Three Dog Night recorded ‘Shambala’, the same publisher that showed it to Three Dog showed it to BW’s producer,” Moore said, per Far Out Magazine. “Three had not released their single yet, so this producer, David Kershenbaum, decided to record it and release it before Three Dog.”

Even though Stevenson released his version first, the bigger promotional push behind Three Dog Night helped their recording dominate radio. Moore said the band’s version eventually sold 1.25 million copies.

Stevenson’s recording still found success, especially in South Africa, where it charted higher than Three Dog Night’s version. His country-rock style also gave the song a different sound compared to the gospel-influenced rock arrangement made famous by Three Dog Night.

The rivalry unexpectedly led to another hit. After Stevenson narrowly lost the chart battle, Moore shared an unfinished song called “My Maria” with him. Stevenson completed the track, and it later became a Top 10 hit in the United States.

Today, “Shambala” continues to appear on classic rock playlists, compilation albums, and oldies radio stations. Its catchy chorus and uplifting mood have helped the song stay popular across generations.

For Three Dog Night, the track remains one of the biggest examples of the group’s talent for transforming outside material into lasting radio favorites. For Moore, it remains the song that turned a strange word discovered during a phone call into one of the best-known party anthems of the 1970s.

Nicolas Cage's Net Worth in 2026 and Through the Years

Mon, 05/25/2026 - 9:00am

Nicolas Cageis a national treasure who likes spending his net worth on strange treasures of his own.

The Longlegs star, famous for his dedication to the craft, has seen incredible highs and lows in terms of his wealth through the years, as well as in his career as a whole. Find out how Cage became famous, how much he earned at his peak and how much he's banking now.

Related: Nicolas Cage Is Unrecognizable After Jaw-Dropping Transformation

How did Nicolas Cage become famous? Nicolas Cage

ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images

Don't let the last name fool you: Nicolas Cage is an original nepo baby! Or rather, a nepo nephew—his uncle is The Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola, and he counts Rocky star Talia Shire as his aunt.

Born Nicolas Kim Coppola, Cage attended Beverly Hills High School and UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. His first acting role was in a TV pilot called The Best of Times, which didn't get picked up, then as one of Judge Reinhold's unnamed fast food co-workers in Fast Times at Ridgemont High in 1982. A year later, he starred in the cult classic Valley Girl and has worked consistently ever since.

Nicolas Cage and Deborah Foreman in "Valley Girl"

MGM

His biggest breakout was alongside none other than Cher in 1986's Moonstruck, which earned him his first Golden Globe nomination.

Cher and Nicolas Cage in "Moonstruck"

MGM

Cage's success continued throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, and he even won an Oscar in 1995 for Leaving Las Vegas.

Nicolas Cage in "Leaving Las Vegas"

MGM

He faced a brief downturn in the 2010s when financial problems drove him to do video-on-demand movies, but enjoyed quite the career renaissance in the late 2010s and early 2020s thanks to his star turns in Mandy and Pig.

Today, Cage is a beloved figure, especially on the internet, where almost everything he's ever done on film rightfully becomes a meme.

What is Nicolas Cage's net worth in 2026?

Nicolas Cage's net worth in 2026 is estimated at $40 million. While that's obviously a ton of money, it's pennies compared to his past wealth.

Cage's finances have fluctuated dramatically through the years, as he was at one point worth $150 million. In April 2023, Cage opened up about being $6.3 million in debt to the IRS.

"I was over-invested in real estate...The real estate market crashed, and I couldn't get out in time," Cage said on 60 Minutes. "I paid them all back, but it was about $6 million. I never filed for bankruptcy."

While it would be easy to dismiss some of Cage's financial issues as merely poor spending habits, conflating that with the housing crash wouldn't be incorrect, either—at one point, he owned 15 different properties, including a private island in the Bahamas and two different European castles. He also was caring for his ailing mother, telling GQ that her care cost him upwards of $20,000 every month.

Of course, he also owned a ton of weird artifacts, including a rare two-headed snake and a fleet of 50 cars, so his spending was at least somewhat a factor in his financial foibles.

In any case, Cage explained to The New York Times in 2019 about how his financial struggles in the mid-2000s and early 2010s influenced his career decisions. "I can't go into specifics or percentages or ratios, but yeah, money is a factor. I'm going to be completely direct about that. There's no reason not to be," he said. "There are times when it's more of a factor than not. I still have to feel that, whether or not the movie around me entirely works, I'll be able to deliver something and be fun to watch."

How much does Nicolas Cage get paid per movie?

At one point, Cage commanded as much as $20 million per movie. Following Cage's career renaissance, he commands about $4 million upfront per movie, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Sources told the outlet that Cage is willing to take a pay cut if he really loves the project and the budget doesn't permit a big payday.

How much did Nicolas Cage make for Pig?

Cage reportedly made around $1 million or less for the 2021 indie Pig, which had a budget of just $3 million. It was the beginning of Cage's comeback; it was incredibly well received by critics and helped the Oscar winner command higher salaries moving forward.

How much did Nicolas Cage pay for a dinosaur skull?

Cage famously outbid Leonardo DiCapriofor a dinosaur skull at an auction in 2007, paying $276,000 for the artifact. However, it turned out that the skull was actually stolen, and Cage was forced to return it to the Mongolian government. To be clear, Cage didn't break the law here, as his rep said he had a certificate of authenticity for the piece from the auction house, and he had no clue it was stolen until the U.S. Department of Homeland Security notified him that it may have been obtained illegally by the auctioneers.

“It was the skull I bought at an auction, and I bought it legally,” Cage told GQ. “Here’s the MacGuffin: When the Mongolian government said they needed it back, I gave it to them, but I never got my money back. So, somebody at the auction house should be in jail.”

How much did Nicolas Cage get paid for Willy's Wonderland? Nicolas Cage in "Willy's Wonderland"

Screen Media

Cage's salary for his dialogue-free performance in Willy's Wonderland isn't publicly known. What is known is that he was integral to getting the film off the ground. Willy's Wonderland creator G.O. Parsons tweeted in March 2022, "I’ve mentioned many times that Willy’s Wonderland would not have been made without Nic’s incredible stewardship (pre-financing/pre-anything—I was just doing my own plays). He (and his team) fought for me and the project. They helped my dream come true. I could never repay them."

I’ve mentioned many times that Willy’s Wonderland would not have been made without Nic’s incredible stewardship (pre-financing/pre-anything — I was just doing my own plays). He (and his team) fought for me and the project. They helped my dream come true. I could never repay them. https://t.co/3x3ZbcaWEW

— G.O. Parsons (@GOParsons) March 22, 2022 How much did Nicolas Cage make for Ghost Rider? Nicolas Cage as Johnny Blaze in "Ghost Rider"

Sony Pictures

In 2007, Cage played Johnny Blaze in Marvel's Ghost Rider (pre-MCU canon, natch). According to IndieWire, he received anywhere between $12 million and $20 million upfront, plus back-end box office bonuses, for the first movie. The film had an overall budget of $110 million and grossed $228.7 million worldwide.

Nicolas Cage as Johnny Blaze in "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance"

Sony Pictures

The sequel, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, had about half the budget of the first film and grossed $132.5 million globally.

How much did Nicolas Cage pay for the LaLaurie Mansion?

One of Cage's many real-estate purchases was the LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans, infamously known among paranormal aficionados as one of the most allegedly haunted houses in the United States. Cage reportedly bought the property in 2007 for $3.4 million before losing it to foreclosure in late 2009.

“You know, other people have beachfront property; I have ghost front property—that's what I always say. I have not experienced anything, but I like a bit of mystery, and the house has such a mystery to it. Some of the stories about it are pretty horrific," Cage told the New York Daily News. He added that he was such a fan of Disney's Haunted Mansion ride as a kid that it inspired him to buy his own real-life (supposedly) haunted mansion.

How much did Nicolas Cage make for Face/Off?

Cage's Face/Off salary isn't publicly known. Some outlets have reported it to be in the $6 million range, but none of those claims have been substantiated anywhere credible. That said, the 1997 film made $245.6 million globally on an $80 million budget, so the $6 million figure may not be far off in terms of his total pay at that time.

How much did Nicolas Cage get paid for Massive Talent? Nicolas Cage and Pedro Pascal in "The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent"

Lionsgate

Cage was reportedly paid $7 million to play a fictionalized version of himself in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent alongside internet zaddy and fellow sentient memePedro Pascal.

How much did Nicolas Cage get paid for Longlegs? Nicolas Cage in "Longlegs"

Neon

While Cage's salary for starring as a deranged serial killer in 2024's Longlegs has not been publicly revealed, he does have a producer credit on the horror flick. Longlegs had a reported budget of less than $10 million and grossed a stellar $127.9 million at the box office, so Cage likely earned a pretty penny from the movie if he had a stake in its profits.

1970s Emmy-Winning Classic TV Star, Once America’s Sweetheart, Turns 79

Mon, 05/25/2026 - 8:54am

Karen Valentine is celebrating her final year as a septuagenarian. The beloved classic TV actress turned 79 years old on May 25.

Valentine is best known for her role as bright-eyed Walt Whitman High School student teacher, Alice Johnson, on the classic TV series Room 222. She starred in 113 episodes of the ABC comedy-drama from 1969 to 1974, alongside co-stars Lloyd Haynes, Michael Constantine, Denise Nicholas, and became a '70s TV darling.

Valentine won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her Room 222 role in 1970. She was also nominated in the category the following year. Valentine was downright giddy when she accepted her Emmy in 1970.

"I have two people that I would like to thank, and the first one is [show creator] Jim Brooks, the creator of Room 222, for creating a crazy, fumbling, nutty Alice Johnson,” the actress laughed. “And I'd like to thank [executive producer] Gene Reynolds for taking a chance on a fumbling, nutty Karen Valentine. Thank you very much!”

In the 1970s, Valentine was so popular that she went on to star in a self-titled 1973 TV special and her own series, Karen, in 1975. The young actress later appeared in multiple made-for-TV movies in the 1970s and ‘80s and continued to act sporadically in the '90s and early 2000s. Valentine’s last credited acting role was in the 2004 TV movie Wedding Daze, per IMDb.

Speaking with Woman’s World, Valentine recalled her time on Room 222 and the fame it brought to her. “Room 222 just started so many things for me,” she said in an interview. “It was the most amazing way to enter the business. Top-notch all the way, and an amazing combination of people. It was a show where the stars just aligned.”

While she seemingly retired from acting more than 20 years ago, Valentine still does fan appearances. In 2024, Remind magazine reported that she was a guest at the Chiller Theatre fanfest in Parsippany, New Jersey.

18 Years After Her 'EastEnders' Debut, This Tragic Heroine Just Made A Surprise Return

Mon, 05/25/2026 - 8:37am

After two years away from the soap opera, EastEnders icon Shona McGarty has made a surprising and unexpected return to the BBC series, reprising her role as Whitney Dean.

The May 25, 2026, episode of the soap opera shocked viewers as Zack Hudson (James Farrar) received a mysterious phone call. He later meets Whitney at the Knights' fusion restaurant.

Zack attempts to convince Whitney to return to Walford so they can try again, but she reveals it is too late and that she is seeing someone else.

The actress has always left the door open for a return. Speaking to The Sun, she shared, "I would absolutely go back to EastEnders – it's 16 years of creating a family; I grew up on that show." She continued, "I've got a really good relationship with EastEnders; the doors open."

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

Since her arrival on the soap back in 2008, Whitney has been at the center of some of EastEnders' most tragic storylines. This began with her hard-hitting sexual abuse storyline by her pseudo-stepfather, Tony King (Chris Coghill), which led her on a path of sexual exploitation and bad impulsive decisions.

Her exit storyline kicked off with a one-night stand with Zack, which resulted in a pregnancy. The storyline took a tragic turn when their daughter was diagnosed with Edwards syndrome, a genetic disorder in which they were told their child would not survive after birth. Thus, the decision was made to terminate the pregnancy.

Throughout the storyline, Zack and Whitney become a legitimate couple and eventually have another child together, Dolly.

However, all is not set up for happily ever after, as during the couple's wedding, it is revealed that Zack cheated on Whitney and had a one-night stand with her best friend, Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa).

Deciding it was time to start fresh, Whitney packed her things and left Walford to live with her half-brother, Ryan Malloy (Neil McDermott).

It is currently unknown whether Whitney's return was a one-off appearance or the start of a future storyline. Fans will have to stay tuned to see how the story develops.

EastEnders streams Monday through Thursday on BritBox in the USA.

Target’s 'Sturdy' $80 Trellis Planter Box Turns Any Patio Into a Blooming Oasis

Mon, 05/25/2026 - 8:30am

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

With spring in full bloom, it may feel natural to give your backyard a makeover. Every patio, balcony, and porch begs for a little greenery, whether it’s climbing vines, fresh herbs, or colorful flowers. But sometimes, the challenge isn’t what to plant — it’s where to plant it all so your space feels polished instead of overgrown. A stylish, space-saving solution can make all the difference.

If you’re ready to give your greenery a glow-up, the Costway Solid Wood Planter Box With Trellis is just $80, down 43% from its original $140 price tag. Designed to support climbing plants while adding style, it’s an easy way to elevate your garden without digging too deep into your wallet.

Costway Solid Wood Planter Box with Trellis, $80 (was $140) at Target

Courtesy of Target

Shop at Target

Made from solid fir wood, this gardening solution offers a durable, weather-resistant build that can stand up to sun, wind, and everyday outdoor conditions season after season. The spacious planter box provides plenty of room for flowers, herbs, or even small crops, while a built-in drainage hole helps prevent overwatering and keeps roots healthy. Measuring 25 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 48 inches tall, it’s compact enough to fit on most balconies yet substantial enough to make an impact on a larger deck or in a generous yard.

The built-in trellis is where this piece really shines, offering strong vertical support for climbing plants like ivy, roses, or tomatoes. Its grid-style design encourages upward growth, helping you maximize space while creating a lush, layered look that feels straight out of a home design magazine. Balancing practicality with style, the planter offers a classic, versatile look that complements outdoor spaces from rustic to countryside cottage. Whether placed on a patio, balcony, or tucked into a backyard corner, it brings charm and makes it easy to build a plant-filled space.

Certified green thumbs and aspiring horticulturists alike enjoyed the “beautiful” look and “sturdy,” “solid” construction of this planter. “The planter boxes are huge! Big enough to plant anything,” one shopper remarked.

Others highlighted that the piece is “easy to put together," with another reviewer noting, “One person can assemble these in less than an hour."

Shop More Deals

Ready to watch your garden grow? Snag the Costway Solid Wood Planter Box With Trellis for $80 while it’s still 43% off at Target and plant the seeds for your best spring setup yet.

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

’70s Rock Legend, With Iconic Guitar Solo, Announces Major Update on 2026 Tour

Mon, 05/25/2026 - 8:30am

Ted Nugent, an iconic figure in music history, delivered delightful news to his fans amid his ongoing tour.

The 1970s rock legend is making headlines after adding more dates to his Stranglehold 50th Anniversary Tour.

In celebration of his 50 years in the music industry, the award-winning artist expanded the tour schedule, revealing 10 new dates and creating a full-blown summer tour.

Through his post on social media, Nugent is set for a one-night performance in Texas on May 29, followed by a series of additional shows in July, particularly in Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and five more concerts in September, which will include cities in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and more.

Ted Nugent performs at DTE Energy Music Theater on August 31, 2019 in Clarkston, Michigan.

Scott Legato/Getty Images

The 2026 tour kicked off in Missouri on last May 22 and will conclude on Sept. 20 in West Virginia after a 23-date run.

Celebrate America's 250th with the ultimate American Ted Nugent American soundtrack! 🇺🇸 Meet & Hang with Ted!!

See Ted Nugent live!!
Limited concert schedule
Limited VIP spots
Get your tickets now!
👉 https://t.co/d51ui3CntL pic.twitter.com/89TWXqOS28

— Ted Nugent (@TedNugent) May 21, 2026

Prior to this, Nugent shared how extremely happy he is for 2026 and declared that this will be his “best year” but “worst” for his enemies.

“I am having the time of my life,” the singer-songwriter told The Adam Carolla Show. “Not only is 2026 gonna be the best year in my life, but it’s gonna be the worst for my enemies. And I’m not gonna put any energy into pissing off my enemies just by having a good life. It drives them batty. What a dream.”

On the other hand, here is the complete schedule of the hard rock guitarist’s Stranglehold 50th Anniversary Tour.

May 22: Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Black River Coliseum

May 29: San Angelo, TX - Blackbuck Amphitheater

May 30: Saint Jo, TX - Red River Station

June 12: Grand Junction, CO - Mesa County Fairgrounds

July 7: Lexington, MI - Lexington Village Theatre

July 8: Lexington, MI - Lexington Village Theatre

July 10: Sterling Heights, MI - Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre

July 11: Paw Paw, MI - Warner Vineyards

July 12: Huber Heights, OH - Rose Music Center

July 14: Des Plaines, IL - The Des Plaines Theatre

July 15: St. Charles, IL - The Arcada Theatre

July 16: Marion, IL - Marion Cultural and Civic Center

July 17: Effingham, IL - Effingham Performance Center

July 18: Lampe, MO - Black Oak Amphitheater

July 21: St. Louis, MO - Whitetail Properties

July 23: Nashville, IN - Brown County Music Center

July 24: Northfield, OH - Northfield Park Racino

July 25: Farewell, MI - Liberty Mountain

Sept. 10: Jim Thorpe, PA - Penn's Peak

Sept. 11: Farmington, PA - Timber Rock Amphitheatre

Sept. 12: Jackson, MI - John Bailey Private Event

Sept. 19: Lawrenceburg, IN - Hollywood Casino

Sept. 20: Charles Town, WV - Hollywood Casino

Why Toronto Is the Absolute Best Summer Escape for World Cup 2026—And Beyond

Mon, 05/25/2026 - 8:10am

There's an undeniable, electric energy pulsing through Toronto right now. Long celebrated as one of the most multicultural hubs on the planet, Canada's largest metropolis is hitting a spectacular peak as it prepares to welcome global sports fans. With the city officially serving as a host destination for the monumental FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament, the local atmosphere is gearing up to be completely unmatched. When you pair that high-octane soccer enthusiasm with the city’s legendary summer patio culture, sweeping waterfront views and neighborhood street festivals, Toronto stands out as the definitive place to be for a seasonal getaway.

"Toronto becomes a hot spot because it attracts tourists who are looking for everything in one spot, and that's my favorite thing about it," says Lori Harito, former lifestyle journalist and founder of Boulevard of Dreams PR. "The neighbourhoods each have their own personality, their own vibe, their own thing... It's not in-your-face cool, it's subtle-cool."

Travel writer Solmaz Khosrowshahian, creator of the prominent travel site The Curious Creature, echoes that sentiment, noting how beautifully the city transitions during the sunny months. "Toronto truly comes alive in the summer with a wide range of outdoor festivals, a vibrant patio culture and beautiful green spaces," Khosrowshahian shares. "We only get a few months of balmy weather here so we embrace every minute of it! It's a great time to visit if you want to feel the pulse of the city. Here you'll meet locals from a vast range of countries, including some from the most remote parts of the globe. It's a true cultural mosaic where you can often feel like you've travelled the world within the day."

Whether you're booking a trip specifically for the match schedules or looking to tap into a world-class arts scene, four prominent boots-on-the-ground locals share their verbatim roadmap to navigating Toronto like a true insider.

Where to Stay: Luxe Icons and Trendy Neighborhood Hotspots TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA - 2025/10/26: Skyscrapers in the downtown district, including one with the NOBU logo, a luxury restaurant brand. (Photo by Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket via Getty Images) GAIA

Roberto Machado Noa / Contributor

The city’s hospitality architecture is undergoing a rapid evolution, highlighted by the recent swanky debut of Nobu Hotel Toronto downtown and the highly anticipated autumn arrival of Le Méridien Toronto Pinnacle Hotel on the waterfront. Style enthusiasts are keeping a close eye on the upcoming AC Hotel by Marriott on Queen East, which features striking interior design by the world-renowned team at Yabu Pushelberg.

For travelers looking to settle into an established urban sanctuary, the options span from polished luxury to creative neighborhood landmarks. "My favourite hotel, without a doubt, is The BISHA Hotel, a gem in the city and Canada's first Luxury Collection hotel," Harito shares. "Sitting right in the heart of the city and the theatre district, it's artistic, boutique and the rooms are massive. While you're there, you have to go to dinner at Akira Back for the most delicious sushi and best vibes." Harito also points friends toward The Hazelton Hotel in Yorkville—a five-star favorite frequently referenced by Drake—and the Park Hyatt Toronto, specifically to see "the most iconic staircase in the city" and to grab a drink at the legendary Writers Room rooftop bar for views are "genuinely the best and most iconic."

Afrim Pristine, the renowned artisanal owner of Toronto’s Cheese Boutique, agrees that the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto is an absolute classic for high-end hospitality. "Perfectly situated in Yorkville, for people and celebrity watching, it's probably the best hotel in the city for that," Pristine notes. "They also boast two Daniel Boulud restaurants in the hotel. Its five-star and then some." If you want a more neighborhood-centric, high-energy environment, Pristine and Khosrowshahian both point travelers toward the west end.

"The Drake Hotel is always a great vibe on Queen Street West," Pristine says. "They have so many different offerings for guests, a great bar, great sushi bar and located by some of the best shopping in the city." Fashion designer Hilary MacMillan, owner of Hilary MacMillan Studio, notes that your choice of lodging completely dictates your experience. "The Broadview Hotel is very east-end Toronto, you can get easy access to downtown or escape to the beaches, and it feels rooted in the neighborhood plus it has a great rooftop," MacMillan says. "Ace Hotel Toronto has more of that creative energy. Fashion, music, art, design—it feels like a hub for people who want to tap into that side of Toronto."

Where to Eat and Drink: Moody Lounges, Opulent Steakhouses, and Casual Comforts

Steven_Kriemadis via Getty

Toronto’s dining landscape is exceptionally diverse, offering everything from Michelin-recognized tasting rooms to secret subterranean lounges. For an elegant night out with friends, the city's moodier, design-forward aesthetics are a massive draw. "Maxime's is small, intimate and absolutely worth it," Harito shares. "The open kitchen is pure theatre: fun to watch in the background. The ambience leans moody velvets and an amazing DJ set giving off Miami-meets-Toronto energy. Pro-tip: get the Martini flight, there's a pistachio martini on there that is the best choice you'll make all night." Harito also highly highlights Martine's Wine Bar in Little Italy for a classic Soho vibe, and Suite 115, a creative cocktail lounge where, "if you play your cards right, you might just unlock their secret menu. The most recent one that was offered to me was a deconstructed matcha latte in cocktail form."

If you're looking to splurge on an indulgent dinner, the city's newly expanded financial and entertainment district spots are delivering major flavor. "Sammarco, for a real opulent and elegant dinner, this is the hottest spot in Toronto," Pristine notes. "Italian-inspired steakhouse where you can really go all out and splurge. Run by Rob Rossi, one of the better chefs in the city." Pristine also guides lunch crowds toward The Frederick for a diverse menu and top-quality ingredients under celebrity chef Cory Vitiello, and Paris Texas on King Street for an energetic, country-inspired patio scene. For travelers wanting a seamless blend of global influences, Khosrowshahian points straight to Chotto Matte near Union Station for incredible Nikkei cuisine. "Peruvian meets Japanese, and the result is some of the most delicious sushi in the city," she shares. "Order everything." For unforgettable comfort food, she also recommends PAI Northern Thai Kitchen, SugarKane and the legendary Maha's Egyptian Brunch.

To balance out the rich dinners, the city's fresh, design-forward dining concepts offer great quick bites. "Mandy's has the best salads and massive portions that come in the most aesthetic bowls," Harito notes. "Nothing beats it, and you'll love its maximalist interior design that is consistent throughout all the restaurants."

For a neighborhood hidden gem, MacMillan points toward local favorites like Lake Inez, Grey Gardens, Chantecler andMhel, while keeping a close eye on upcoming seasonal openings like Shore and Shay.

Can't-Miss Cafes, Shops and Stops Kensington Market, Toronto, Kanada

Sarah Kastner / STOCK4B via Getty

The morning coffee culture in Toronto is incredibly competitive, with neighborhood spots leaning into beautiful, cozy interiors. For an impeccable pastry run, Harito guides travelers toward French Made for the fluffiest croissants in town, or Almond Butterfly on Harbord for a dedicated gluten-free cupcake selection. "Rooster Coffee has an amazing oat latte with honey, and the interiors make you feel like you're in a cottage kitchen," Harito notes. For some of the most creative vegan desserts and unbeatable custom cakes, both Harito and MacMillan give a massive shout-out to Bunner's in Kensington Market.

To experience a neighborhood cafe with deep local roots, Pristine recommends checking out his own freshly curated spot. "CB Bottega—this is actually my business but we are so proud of it right now," Pristine shares. "Our baked goods are all made fresh in house, our coffee is top notch and we have a covered patio with TVs for our guests."

When it comes to browsing, the shopping grid stretches from ultra-luxury to retro treasures. "I like the Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood if I'm on the hunt for designer labels," Khosrowshahian says. "For locally-owned boutiques, I head to Queen West and the Ossington strip. Some of my favourite shops include: The Citizen Room, I Miss You Vintage, Kops Records, Kotn and Uncle Studios." To unearth a few nostalgic snacks and clothing pieces, Pristine guides visitors to Lucky Bodega on Ossington. "They have awesome retro candies, chocolates, vintage clothing and more," he notes.

Activities and Nightlife: Film Festivals, Live Music and Stadium Energy Canoes float in Lake Ontario Rogers Centre play and condominium towers are in background.

Lisa Stokes via Getty

Toronto’s summer entertainment calendar is completely stacked, transitioning seamlessly from major professional sports games to world-class arts programming. For sports fans, checking out a Toronto Blue Jays baseball game at the newly renovated Rogers Centre is an essential downtown tradition. The city is also rallying behind its brand-new professional women's basketball team. "Our new WNBA team Toronto Tempo are playing great and its a great vibe in the stadium right now," Pristine shares. MacMillan notes that supporting the city's expanding women's sports market, including the rising energy around the Northern Super League, feels like being part of a truly historic moment for Canadian sports.

As the sun sets, the city's live music heritage takes center stage, ranging from intimate jazz joints to massive outdoor waterfront arenas. "Smalltalk jazzbar on the bustling Ossington strip is awesome," Pristine says. "Its a French themed jazzbar offering amazing martinis, great shareable food plates and a cool and fresh nightlife vibe." Harito recommends finding a cozy velvet booth at Jean Darling for a sultry live piano set that easily evolves into a full dance party, while MacMillan points music fans toward legacy rooms like The Cameron House, The Rex or The Danforth Music Hall.

Ultimately, if there is one blockbuster event that completely transforms the entire fabric of the city, it is the historic Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) rolling out every September. "TIFF is my favourite festival on the planet—the entire city comes alive with red carpets and special events at every corner, unique activations and extended last call," Khosrowshahian raves. Harito notes that the festival is a massive economic and creative cultural moment that puts Toronto on the world stage. "There's a buzz in the air that you know something important is happening," Harito adds. "Many of the winners of the TIFF People's Choice Award have gone on to win Best Picture at the Oscars, proving that what screens here matters. This year, the buzz is that there's a major anticipated title that's shaping up to be a serious TIFF contender, which means big stars will be here. But what makes TIFF special isn't just the screenings. It's the after parties, the unexpected run-ins, and the movie lovers!" For alternative summer festival energy, residents line up for the massive VELD Music Festival, Pride Toronto and the iconic Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Caribana)—celebrated as North America's largest Caribbean carnival.

Outdoors: Hidden Ravines, Island Ferries and Skyline Views Philosophers Walk at University of Toronto - scenic footpath at Campus St. George - Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Getty

To truly experience the dual nature of Toronto, you have to step away from the concrete and explore the massive network of green spaces and waterways that weave right through the metropolitan center. For a quiet, academic reprieve right in the heart of the city, Harito recommends slipping onto a tucked-away path. "My favorite walk in the city for a little reprieve is the scenic path called Philosophers Walk," she shares. "The entrance is beside the Royal Ontario Museum and behind the Royal Conservatory of Music." Pristine points families toward High Park for a classic picnic near their on-site zoo, while noting that Trinity Bellwoods Park is the ultimate afternoon spot "where all the cool kids hang out" to relax under the trees with friends.

To capture the absolute best views of the iconic city skyline, escaping to the water is essential. "Don't leave the city without visiting our beautiful islands," Khosrowshahian urges. "Take a ferry or private taxi to the Toronto Islands and experience an entirely different side of Toronto. You can bike (the quadricycles are iconic), SUP, explore the islands by foot, grab a bite at a patio/cafe (Runaway Cafe is my favourite), go for a swim at the beach and enjoy a spectacular view of the Toronto skyline." MacMillan also highly recommends taking a long stroll along the boardwalk at The Beaches (Woodbine Beach) or navigating the historic urban trails winding through the Evergreen Brick Works ravine system, which beautifully masks the fact that you are sitting inside a thriving global capital.

1979 Peak Yacht Rock Song is a Musical Daydream, but Hid a Darker Undertone

Mon, 05/25/2026 - 8:09am

In 1979, the Little River Band released a song that would go on to be known as the peak Yacht Rock tune, but hid a darker undertone.

"Cool Change" is a definitive Yacht Rock song. Its mellow, breezy tones sound like a musical daydream, but behind its effortless sound lies conflict.

According to Songfacts, "Cool Change" was written by Little River Band lead singer Glenn Shorrock during a time when tensions between band members had reached an all-time high. Shorrock told the outlet that he and guitarist Graeham Goble were like "chalk and cheese." He later said the song was a "cry for help."

In a press release shared by PR Newswire, Shorrock and Derek Pellici gave conflicting reports about the song. The interview was for the band's Greatest Hits and Masterpieces compilation LPs.

Parade Daily🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

Shorrock said, "I had always been the lead singer of a rock 'n' roll band ever since I started. I just felt it was time for a cool change. That's the song I wrote, and it says something about me."

He continued, "Most of my songs say something about me. I wanted to say something else about me without compromising myself with a band anymore. It was getting to the stage where I had to fight to get 'Cool Change' on an album."

Pellicci differed in his recollection of the song. "We were really bogged down trying to get the right feel for the band track. We even tried it as a reggae song, which was Glenn's usual suggestion at this point in the proceedings."

"When Glenn disappeared somewhere, David Briggs, Peter Jones, bassist Mike Clarke, engineer Ern Rose, and myself locked into the arrangement that became the keeper," Pellicci concluded.

The Music Swap Substack said the song is a definitive yacht rock anthem because it is "so smooth. So much passion. Such tight harmonies. Such an intense saxophone solo. So much nautical imagery. Sit back, crank up the volume, and imagine you are out on the sea alone, staring at the full moon like a lover."

"Cool Change" peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard charts in 1979.

MORE: 1978 Nostalgic Yacht Rock Classic Written in 30 Minutes That John Lennon Couldn’t Stop Listening To

From a Metalhead to a Baby Girl, Get to Know Nicolas Cage's Children

Mon, 05/25/2026 - 8:00am

Nicolas Cageloves his children even more than the internet loves Nicolas Cage memes—and fatherhood has directly impacted his career moves.

Commenting on playing a fictionalized version of himself in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, Cage told People, "First and foremost, there's no version of Nick Cage in reality that doesn't want to spend time with his children. There's no version of Nick Cage that didn't put family first over career. I turned down Lord of the Rings and I turned down [The] Matrix because I didn't want to go to New Zealand for three years or Australia for three years because I needed to be home with my son Weston, that's a fact."

Get to know Nicolas Cage's kids.

Related: Nicolas Cage’s Spider-Noir Premieres May 27 With Dual-Format Viewing

Does Nicolas Cage have kids? Nicolas Cage and sons Weston Cage (left) and Kal-El Cage pose with Snoopy at Knott's Berry Farm in September 2015.

Jerod Harris/Getty Images

He sure does! Nicolas Cage is the proud dad of three children.

How many kids does Nicolas Cage have?

Nicolas Cage has three children: Weston, Kal-El and August Francesca.

Who are the mothers of Nicolas Cage's children?

Cage has three children by three different women. The mothers of his kids are:

Christina Felton

Cage had his first child, Weston Cage Coppola, with his girlfriend at the time, Christina Felton.

Alice Kim

Cage, who has been married five times, met his third wife, Alice Kim, at a sushi restaurant in Los Angeles where she was working as a waitress. They tied the knot on July 30, 2004, when he was 40 and she was 20, and welcomed son Kal-El in 2005. The couple separated in January 2016 after 12 years of marriage.

Riko Shibata

Nicolas Cage has been married to Riko Shibatasince February 2021. They welcomed their daughter, August Francesca Coppola Cage, in September 2022.

Who are Nicolas Cage's kids?

The Moonstruck actor's brood includes:

Weston Cage Coppola

Nicolas Cage's eldest son is Weston Cage Coppola, born Dec. 26, 1990, to the actor and then-girlfriend Christina Felton. Weston dabbled in acting, appearing alongside his famous father in Lord of the War in 2005 and several other projects since.

"I think that [becoming an actor] was definitely encouraged, but everyone predicted that I would become an actor just because I spent the majority of my childhood getting together with friends and creating stories and having it videotaped," Weston previously told The Hollywood Reporter. He added that he tries not to let his father's fame color his career, even if others get "ferocious" and assume his success is because of his nepo baby status.

"I mean, there were times I would communicate with people and realize that they had completely made their own definition about me for themselves, without even getting to know me," he lamented.

Weston is primarily known as a musician, serving as the frontman of metal bands Eyes of Noctum and Arsh Anubis.

Nicolas is particularly proud of his oldest son's artistry, gushing to People in 2015, "He can do things I dream about doing…compose music, sing, act, sculpt and cook and now he is a loving father. To see my son with my grandson is as close to a sense of blissful completion I ever had."

Weston has been married three times: First to singer and songwriter Nikki Williams (who wrote Demi Lovato's hit "Heart Attack") in 2011, then to Danielle Cage in 2013. Weston and Danielle welcomed two sons, Lucian and Sorin, before splitting in 2016. He marriedHila Cage Coppola in 2018. Weston and Hila welcomed twin daughters in 2020 and divorced in July 2024. Weston married his current wife, Jenifer Alexa Canter, in 2025.

In July 2024, Weston was arrested on a felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon. He turned himself in on a warrant related to an alleged altercation with his mother, Fulton, according to People.

"During the incident, [Weston] punched two victims multiple times, causing injury. LAPD responded, and after meeting with all parties, a police report was completed," law enforcement told People.

Weston was released on a $150,000 bond the morning of his arrest, according to police records obtained by People. Fulton told the outlet that, at the time of the incident, she had been trying to assist Weston while he experienced a "mental-health breakdown."

Fulton later said in a statement that Weston was in a state of "manic rage" and that she "was brutally assaulted and sustained serious injuries." She added that responding police officers refused her request to detain Weston for a mental health evaluation.

Nearly a year after the incident, Fulton sued Cage and Weston, claiming that Cage ignored Weston's mental health concerns and enabled Weston's alleged behavior ahead of the incident, according to court documents obtained by People. Fulton claimed that the altercation with her son left her with a concussion, multiple contusions, a disfiguring eye injury, dental trauma and PTSD.

The claims against Cage were later dismissed from Fulton's lawsuit, according to court documents obtained by People in March 2025. Fulton maintained her claims against Weston.

In April 2025, Weston was sentenced to a two-year mental health diversion program for two felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon with force: possible great bodily harm, according to court records obtained by People.

Kal-El Coppola

Nicolas Cage's second child is son Kal-El Coppola, named after Superman's Kryptonian name. Cage shares Kal-El, born Oct. 3, 2005, with his third wife, Alice Kim. In 2018, Kal-El made his acting debut voicing a young Bruce Wayne/Batman in the animated series Teen Titans GO! To the Movies.

August Francesca Coppola Cage

Nicolas Cage and wife Riko Shibata welcomed daughter August Francesca Coppola Cage on Sept. 7, 2022. He said in an April 2022 interview he was looking forward to being a dad again, explaining, "My boys are all grown up, and I miss going to the toy store. I miss singing lullabies and rocking in the rocking chair. I'm looking forward to getting back to that."

The Pig star also revealed on The Kelly Clarkson Show that he was excited about his first baby girl.

"It's gonna be the biggest adventure of my life," he said. "So, here we go!"

When speaking to People about his daughter's first birthday in September 2023, Cage said the baby was "going to wear a Supergirl cape" for the celebration.

Does Nicolas Cage have a daughter?

Nicolas Cage is a girl dad! He shares one daughter, August Francesca Coppola Cage, with wife Riko Shibata. He previously revealed on The Kelly Clarkson Show that her name was originally going to be Lennon August, but it looks like the cute couple changed their minds!

Does Nick Cage have a family?

Nicolas Cage has a family! He comes from the Coppola clan, which includes iconic directors Francis Ford Coppolaand Sofia Coppola, as well as actors and musicians Jason Schwartzman and Robert Schwartzman. He has two sons and a daughter and is currently married to Riko Shibata.

How old is Nicolas Cage's youngest son?

Nicolas Cage's youngest son, Kal-El, is 20 years old. He will turn 21 in October 2026.

Is Nicolas Cage a grandfather?

Yes! Nicolas Cage has four grandchildren through his eldest son, Weston Cage Coppola, who has two sons and two daughters.

Who are Nicolas Cage's grandchildren?

Nicolas Cage has four grandchildren: two grandsons and two granddaughters.

Lucian Augustus Coppola Cage

Weston made Nick a grandfather in 2014 when he and now-ex-wife Danielle Cage welcomed their son Lucian on July 1, 2014.

Sorin Reid Coppola Cage

Weston and Danielle had their second child together on Jan. 1, 2016, just months before they split later in 2016.

Venice Zohar Cage Coppola

Weston's third wife and now ex, Hila Cage Coppola, is the mother of his twin daughters, Venice and Cyress. They were born April 8, 2020. Weston and Hila eventually split and finalized their divorce in July 2024.

Cyress Cage Coppola

Six-year-old Cyress is a twin sister to Venice. Cyress and Venice are Weston Cage Coppola's two daughters he shares with ex-wife Hila. They arrived April 8, 2020.

How To Transition to Gray Hair Without the Awkward ‘Skunk Stripe’ Phase, According to Celebrity Hairstylists

Mon, 05/25/2026 - 7:55am

Going gray is one of those decisions that sounds liberating right up until you're standing in front of the mirror staring at a two-inch line of white roots against dark brown ends, wondering what you've gotten yourself into.

The so-called "skunk stripe" is real, and it's a reason so many women who want to embrace their natural gray end up panicking and booking a color appointment. The grow-out phase has a reputation for being so visually jarring that it convinces people to abandon the whole project before it has a chance to look good. But fret not, there’s hope!

Here's what most people don't know going in: the awkward phase isn't inevitable. It's the result of stopping color cold turkey without any kind of transition strategy—which is the approach most women take because nobody tells them there's another way.

The contrast between heavily pigmented ends and white or salt-and-pepper roots looks harsh because the gap between the two is stark and sudden. Close that gap with the right techniques and the grow-out stops looking like a mistake and starts looking like a choice. A good one, actually!

The gray hair movement has been building momentum for years, and with it has come a genuine evolution in how colorists approach the transition. Where the old advice was essentially "just wait it out," today's stylists have a full toolkit of blending techniques—color melting, root smudging, strategic highlights and lowlights, toning glosses—specifically designed to make every stage of the grow-out look polished rather than abandoned. The difference between a graceful gray transition and an awkward one is almost entirely about having a plan.

To build that plan, we talked to three celebrity hairstylists—Chaz Dean, founder of WEN; Nick Stenson, founder of Nick Stenson Beauty and stylist to Lady Gaga, Vanessa Hudgens and more; and Chris Weber, Creative Director at Philocaly Hair and the stylist behind Rachel Zoe's most talked-about looks—about how to make the transition without losing your mind in the process.

How Do You Transition to Gray Hair Without a Harsh Grow-Out Line?

The goal isn't to hide the grow-out—it's to make the line between your natural gray and existing color soft enough that it reads as dimension rather than neglected roots.

Where you start depends on what you're working with. Dean is straightforward about it: if your roots are coming in white against a deep brunette base, lighten the existing color before the grow-out begins. "Consider having your salon color be lighter and softer so there's not such a harsh line of demarcation," he explains. Salt-and-pepper gray gives you more flexibility—the contrast isn't as extreme, so a slightly deeper formula can still work.

From there, Stenson's go-to is color melting: working with two to three shades in the same tonal family, applied in a gradient with feathered, smudged transition points. "Think of it as painting wet-on-wet so everything melts together naturally," he says.

Weber rounds it out with highlights and lowlights used in tandem—brightness from the highlights, depth from the lowlights, and together they mimic the way natural gray actually grows in.

How Do You Grow Out Gray Hair Gracefully Without Constant Dyeing?

Getty

"Graceful" doesn't have to mean expensive or high-maintenance—it just requires staying strategic between appointments. Stenson recommends hair concealers as a low-commitment tool for blending gray with existing color between salon visits.

"Small touch-ups like these can make the grow-out process feel more effortless and natural," he says, without the commitment of constant dyeing.

Weber's perspective is longer-term. In the early stages of the transition, appointments every six to twelve weeks help soften the grow-out line as it develops. But once the transition is established, things get easier.

"Most clients can eventually get away with color appointments only once or twice a year," Weber says—which is the whole point of committing to the process in the first place.

That said, both Weber and Dean are all about regular trims throughout. Dean recommends cutting a healthy amount every six to eight weeks, which removes colored ends faster and makes the grow-out feel more manageable. Weber adds that a shorter cut, even something as dramatic as a bob, can make the transition happen faster if you're willing to lose some length.

What Hair Color Techniques Help Blend Gray Roots Naturally?

Getty

Highlights and lowlights used together is the consistent recommendation—the lightness closes the gap with white roots while the depth keeps the result from looking flat. Stenson builds on this with color melting, ensuring there's never a hard line anywhere in the hair.

"The key is feathering and smudging the transition points, often using a root smudge or gloss to create a soft, diffused shift from root to mid-length to ends," he explains.

Dean calls the overall category "gray-blending"—a translucent color formulation that softens the line of demarcation without creating a new, equally harsh one.

Weber recommends balayage as an option at certain stages but with a caveat: it tends to run warm, which can work against the cool tones of natural gray. For clients aiming for a cooler, softer blend, highlights are usually the better call. Regular toning appointments keep everything fresh in between.

At home, every expert points to purple shampoo as non-negotiable. Gray hair is naturally porous and picks up brassiness quickly—a good purple or blue-toned formula used consistently keeps the tone cooler and more polished between salon visits.

How Long Does It Take to Fully Transition to Gray Hair?

The honest answer is anywhere from six months to two years—and the range is wide because the variables are not minor. Hair length is the biggest factor: longer hair means more colored ends to grow out, which means more time. The amount of permanent color built up over years also matters, as does how frequently you're willing to come in for blending appointments.

Stenson points out that the timeline also depends on how much existing color is in the hair. "If you have longer hair or years of permanent color built up, the process can take more time," he says.

Weber notes that more frequent appointments every six to eight weeks can accelerate the transition, while spacing appointments further apart creates a slower, more gradual result—which can actually be the better choice for people who want to ease into the change rather than commit to a dramatic shift all at once.

The fastest path, per Dean: commit to regular trims. We know, it can be a pain, but removing colored ends consistently is the most direct way to speed up the process (without any additional chemical services!).

What Are the Most Common Mistakes When Going Gray?

Stopping color cold turkey, without any transition plan, is the mistake all three experts flag first. It creates exactly the harsh line that makes the grow-out feel impossible—and gives you no runway to adjust gradually.

Dean gets specific about why the contrast is so damaging: white roots against deep brunette ends will always look like an overdue touch-up rather than a choice. His fix starts before the grow-out even begins. "Lift up that old base salon color so it has a lighter appearance," he advises, closing the contrast gap from the start.

Stenson says you need to update your hair care routine for gray hair's specific needs. "Gray hair often has a different texture and can become drier, coarser or more prone to dullness and yellowing," he tells Parade—which means moisturizing shampoos, conditioning masks and toning products go from nice-to-have to super essential.

And Weber is very clear that you probably shouldn't try to do this without a professional. "Gray transitions are very customized and require the right balance of colour, toning and hair health management to avoid harsh bands or unnecessary damage," he says. Over-processed, damaged hair mid-transition is a harder problem to fix than a slow, guided grow-out ever would have been.

What Should You Do Instead for a Softer Gray Hair Transition?

The unanimous answer: blend, and don't stop. Find one stylist you trust, stick with them throughout the process and treat every stage of the grow-out as something that should look polished rather than a problem to endure.

"Techniques like highlights, lowlights, glosses or soft root smudging can help blur the line of demarcation and make the transition feel much more intentional and flattering," says Stenson.

Between appointments, temporary root touch-up products and concealers close the gap without committing to a full color service. Weber's longer-term advice is to stay with one stylist who can build a customized plan across the entire transition rather than treating each appointment as a standalone fix.

"Once you reach your final result," he says, "most clients never look back."

Up Next:

Sources:

Chaz Dean, founder of WEN and celebrity hairstylist and colorist
Nick Stenson, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Nick Stenson Beauty
Chris Weber, celebrity hairstylist and Creative Director, Philocaly Hair

Nicolas Cage Reveals the Two Characters He'd Most Like to Revisit (Exclusive)

Mon, 05/25/2026 - 7:48am

Nicolas Cage has played vampires, convicts, treasure hunters and some of cinema’s most unforgettable eccentrics, but his latest role may be one of his most unusual collisions yet. In Spider-Noir, Cage transforms the fan-favorite character he first voiced in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse into a live-action, hard-boiled detective inspired by classic black-and-white film noir.

The actor spoke with Parade about channeling Humphrey Bogart, blending old Hollywood with superhero storytelling, reflecting on milestone anniversaries for The Rock and The Wicker Man, and why The Family Man continues to resonate with audiences years later. Spider-Noir, which can be viewed in color or black and white, debuts domestically on MGM+ on May 25 before premiering globally on Prime Video on May 27.

🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news& celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

What was your reaction when you were first approached about bringing Spider-Noir into live action after voicing the character in Into the Spider-Verse?
Well, I thought it was both exciting and daunting. It was an opportunity to bring a style of film performance to many people through the cathode ray, if you will, and collide two different things. Collide film noir, film performance with Spider-Man, and all that was generated with the '60s up to now, with the web slinging and the acrobatics, and put those two unlikely forces together to me was something super unique and potentially compelling.

The noir aesthetic is such a huge part of the show, obviously. Did stepping onto those sets and into that world immediately help you find the character?
Very much so. And to wear those clothes and to be in a '30s set stylized with the lighting, it just helped me believe that I could be in one of those old movies. And I did design my performance specifically to fit in the black and white format. I wanted to transport you to another time and another style of film performance.

It's pretty cool to have the color version and the black and white version. I've watched both, and it's amazing how you see the same thing, but it has a very different feel to it.
Yeah. I agree with you. And as I said, I did design my performance to fit in black and white more than anything else, but it was important to me that we also have a color option because I know there are many teenagers out there who have no experience with black and white, and I wanted them to maybe get their feet wet. They could watch the color and enjoy that, and then take a look and skip over and check it out in black and white, which might compel them to check out the wealth of great American cinema from the '30s and '40s and be excited about that and learn about classic film.

You've played so many unforgettable characters over the years. What was it about Spider-Noir that felt creatively exciting to you at this stage of your career?
It was most exciting because it was a chance to do something super different than anything I'd done before. To take a noir style of film performance, be it Bogart, Cagney, Edgar G. Robinson, or even Peter Laurie and try to inform that style with a very, very famous superhero character in the form of Spider-Man. I thought this was a collision of sorts. I'm always looking for that which is enigmatic. We used to call it the egg and the crutch. Two things that don't go together and you just smash them together and it creates this spark. And that's what I wanted to do with this. So this was an opportunity to do something new with performance.

What do you think you personally bring to the role that makes Spider-Noir such a natural fit for you?
I think what I was primarily interested in was the style of acting and that's what I brought. I brought the culmination of what I thought those noir film stars were doing. For me, a flavor, a hint, a taste, a kiss of that, and collided it with a very famous superhero, which is the Spider-Man character, and the acrobatics and the swinging around and the webbing and all that. If I would say, "What did I contribute to this?" it would be that I was contributing that flavor and that style through great viewing and reviewing old movies to hopefully bring you into this universe. This fantasy universe that there could be a Bogart, if you will, style of Spider-Man.

It was a flavor that I wanted to embody. It's still 100% me, but it's like I often say when Amy Winehouse did "Back in Black", she was channeling those old jazz crooners. I wanted to channel those old actors from those black and white movies from the 30s and 40s. And so Bogart, that flavor. But I also threw in some Bugs Bunny. There's some like Looney Tunes going on every now and then, not too much, but enough to make you go, "Where are we?" I want to see AI do that. It's like, let's bring these two, all these elements together. That's only a human invention.

Ben Reilly/Spiderman (Nicolas Cage) in SPIDER-NOIR Photo: Aaron Epstein/Prime

Aaron Epstein/Prime

This year marks the 30th anniversary of The Rock. When you think about making the movie, what's the first memory that comes to mind?
That I was working with Sean (Connery). I mean, I grew up watching his movies. My dad, [for] my first movie, I think, he took me to the drive-in movie theater to see Dr. No. I'm not sure it was age-appropriate, but it was fun. And I saw that and Planet of the Apes in a drive-in movie theater. And there I was working with Sean Connery, who I admired. And I did develop a good friendship with him, and we stayed in touch over the years, and I would visit him in the Bahamas. He was very avuncular. I have very good memories of him being like an uncle to me in a really great way, and he was helpful. He was kind.

It's also the 20th anniversary of The Wicker Man, which has really developed a cult following. What's your relationship with that movie now, looking back on it?
I think the movie is electromagnetic. I think it communicated on some level. I don't know if it was necessarily a good level, but I do think that it sparked a lot of interest. I did have a way of playing that role that perhaps the comedy of it would have made more sense. But Avi Lerner was producing, he wouldn't let me do it, which is that I wanted to be burned in the bear suit with the bear suit on. They made me get out of it.

I also wanted to play it with a ridiculous handlebar mustache, and they wouldn't let me do that. But I think those two elements would have added to the horror and also to the absurdity that all these absurd comedic things were happening, intentionally, I might add, like the Leelee Sobieski stuff and all that, but that people would have thought it was more intentional than unintentional if they would have let me get burned in the bear suit. I think it would have come more into focus if that had happened.

Have you kept any memorable props or wardrobe pieces from your films that fans might be surprised you still have?
No. I literally am like a lizard that sheds its skin. When I'm done with a character, I dump that stuff so fast. I get the libretto out of my head. I gave my snakeskin jacket to Laura Dern from Wild at Heart. I don't have the hand from Moonstruck. I don't have anything. I just want to move on.

Is there a role from your past that you still think about and wonder if you'd like to revisit that character someday?
The two that come to mind simply because I would like to know and they're alive, many of the characters that I think were my best characters are deceased, but I think the Cameron Poe [from Con Air] character. An older Cameron Poe, I'd like to know what his life is like now, what's going on with him. I also like this character. I like Ben Riley. We got where I needed to go ultimately in terms of the fantasy in my head and what I saw when I viewed all eight episodes, but I think there's more room to develop this character and put him in other circumstances. Those two come to mind.

I have to ask you about my favorite movie of yours, The Family Man. It has become one of those movies that people revisit every holiday season. Why do you think that story resonates with audiences so strongly?
Because we all can get lost in the hors d'oeuvres of life, and I'm guilty of that. But what really matters is your family and the love that you feel with your children or your wife, and the movie talks about that, and that it's a nice message, and it has a lot of heart. And I think it's the kind of thing that, specifically around holidays, any holiday, that people realize, "Hey, it's not so bad. I don't need that. I have this, and this is even better than that, and I'm blessed." I think that's the communication with The Family Man.

The Family Man asks a fascinating question about the road not taken in life. Did making that movie change the way you think about success or happiness at all?
Without going into too much personal detail, it made me think about what might have happened had that not happened with that girl. Would I have been happier? What if she hadn't done that? What would that have looked like? But then I wouldn't have had this. But it does make you reflect. I think one of the charms of that movie specifically is it makes the audience reflect on their own lives and the different roads and changes they've been through or been on.

You mentioned how earlier, when your dad took you to go see Dr. No, you were seeing Sean Connery on the big screen. Then you get an opportunity to work with him. But now you're one of those guys. You're one of those guys who, when younger actors see you, and they get to work with you, they're like, "Holy cow, I'm on a TV show with Nic Cage." What is it like to have that reversal where these younger actors look up to you?
Well, see, I'm a little bit different than maybe even Sean because I welcome, not that he didn't welcome working with me, he enjoyed working with me, but I am interested in their opinions to the point where I feel like I'm the student and I'm going to learn something. So anytime I'm working with a group from another generation, a younger generation, whether it's the director or the other actors, I'm hoping that they're going to reinvent me or help me reinvent myself.

That they're going to give me something in that relationship and that exchange, as colleagues, they're going to give me some fuel to keep going and find new ways of expression. So I'm the student. That's how I view myself. I'm never the maestro. I'm the student. But Sean, I would call him Maestro when we would go walking, "Hey, Maestro, good morning, Maestro. How are you? " He liked that, but I will always be the student, no matter how old I get.

'RHOBH's Brandi Glanville Claims She’s Battling 'Sexually Transmitted Ringworm' in New Health Scare

Mon, 05/25/2026 - 7:32am

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum Brandi Glanville recently revealed she's dealing with another health crisis—this time it's at the hands of a "sexually transmitted ringworm."

Glanville opened up on her Brandi Glanville Unfiltered podcast, sharing that she believed she had a sexually transmitted fungal infection in her throat. The infection, a contagious form of ringworm linked to the fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII), can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity.

"I was dating, I was seeing someone in that industry," Glanville said, sharing that a friend told her about what a sexually transmitted ringworm was when she got tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia. "He would only, you know, my face. He would because he didn't want to get me pregnant. He didn't know that ship had sailed."

She said, "I knew nothing about it... Apparently, you can see them when it's on the outside of your skin, but they can burrow in like if it's in your throat, they can burrow deep into your ears and all that."

Lisa Ann, a former adult film actress and Glanville’s guest, noted that STIs are “very common” in the adult film industry. "So it's one of these things that most people don't know what to look for," she shared. "And we had to train our makeup artists that when a new member of talent would show up, they would have to get naked in a window where there's good light and they would inspect their body to see if they see any patches because it's incredibly contagious."

This new revelation comes on the heels of Glanville's three-year medical mystery involving a facial parasite. After countless tests and speculation about what was causing her ongoing issue, Glanville eventually learned only months ago that a bug bite hadn't caused it, but instead her breast implants had ruptured.

"The woman [who] did the sonogram was like, 'Brandi, you need to get those out yesterday,'" she told InTouch in Feb. "She's like, 'You have a slow leak in your left [implant] and your right [implant] is completely ruptured, and it's in all of your lymph nodes under both arms." Shocked, Glanville said a mammogram showed that her 20-year-old implants were intact, but the sonogram revealed the leak.

Glanville underwent emergency surgery to have her implants removed and has no plans to replace them. I was like, 'Nope!'... I'm like, I don't want silicone in my body at all," she said.

Lead Singer of ’70s Rock Band, Once Banned From Disneyland, Turns 70

Mon, 05/25/2026 - 7:30am

Neil Donell, the frontman behind the legendary rock group Chicago, marks a major personal milestone as he turns 70.

Born on May 23, 1956, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, his early career revolved around music, from joining rock bands in high school to starting his professional career as a singer.

For three decades, he was known in Canada as "the man of a thousand voices” and was the go-to person for commercial jingles, television themes and voice-overs.

As the music icon celebrates his 70th birthday, here’s a look back at the career-defining moments he experienced, including the infamous incident that led to his band being barred from one of America’s most famous theme parks.

Donell had been covering songs by Chicago with his high school rock band before having a full-circle moment years later when he received a call in 2017 to perform with them.

At the time, the band members listened to his demo CDs on their tour bus in Ontario and were blown away by his striking vocal prowess.

Neil Donell and Robert Lamm of the classic rock band Chicago perform onstage at The Forum on June 09, 2022 in Inglewood, California.

Scott Dudelson/Getty Images

After officially joining the band in 2018 as Chicago’s lead singer, replacing Jeff Coffey following his departure, he not only became the first-ever Canadian member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-inducted group but also brought a powerful and distinctive vocal style that helped carry on Chicago’s signature sound for a new era.

However, he admitted that he had to deal with major adjustments, particularly with the band's demanding number of shows per year.

"That’s a bit of an adjustment, mostly with the travel,” he told 519 Magazine. “ A lot of the time, you have a pretty lengthy tour bus ride after the show and you might not get into the hotel before 8:00 in the morning, but playing this iconic catalog of songs is a thrill every night. The band still sells out, it’s a lot of fun. I guess you could say the fun quotient in my life has skyrocketed.”

Amid the changes, Donell’s arrival further solidified Chicago’s place in music history despite the band already being famous.

From receiving the prestigious Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020 to reaching another Billboard milestone after being named the highest-charting American band in the Top 125 Artists of All Time ranking.

However, despite the fame and success of the group, Chicago experienced a major setback long before Donell’s arrival.

Did You Know? Chicago Was Banned from Disneyland

In 1969, Chicago, then known as the Chicago Transit Authority, was booked to perform at Disneyland.

However, their signature loud horn-driven rock sound reportedly clashed with the park’s family-friendly atmosphere, causing park officials to cut their set short and temporarily ban them from the theme park.

8 Carry-On Items That Make Economy Feel Like Premium Class

Mon, 05/25/2026 - 7:10am

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Flying economy doesn’t have to feel uncomfortable or chaotic. Sometimes, the right carry-on essentials can completely change the experience, making long flights feel far more relaxing, organized and even a little luxurious without the premium-class price tag. From cozy travel comforts to smart gadgets and elevated little upgrades, these are the carry-on items that can make any airplane seat feel much more comfortable.

As someone who covers shopping and travel for outlets like Coveteur, Martha Stewart Weddings and Harper’s Bazaar, I’ve tested countless travel items over the years and discovered plenty of clever hacks that can make any seat feel more comfortable and elevated. These carry-on essentials are practical, comfortable and surprisingly effective at making economy flights feel far more enjoyable from takeoff to landing.

Clemm Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Amazon.com

These headphones are an affordable and comfortable travel essential that can make economy flights feel far more peaceful. The noise-cancelling technology helps totally drown out airplane sounds and general cabin noise so you can actually relax, watch movies or sleep more comfortably during long flights. They’re lightweight enough for all-day wear and the long battery life makes them especially convenient for travel days and long-haul trips.

Get it on Amazon

Pacifica Underarm Deodorant Wipes

PacificaBeauty.com

These deodorant wipes are one of those underrated travel essentials that help you feel instantly refreshed after a long flight, sweaty travel day or airport sprint. Made with coconut milk and essential oils, they help remove odor and freshen up when a shower isn’t an option—all while leaving behind a light, clean scent that won’t overpower everything else you’re wearing.

Get it on PacificaBeauty.comSURI Electric Toothbrush

Amazon.com

A compact electric toothbrush is one of those travel essentials that feels far more elevated than relying on disposable toothbrushes during a trip. It helps keep your oral hygiene routine feeling clean and consistent on long flights, overnight layovers or busy travel days when you still want to feel refreshed and put together. The slim design is easy to pack, the battery lasts for weeks and the UV travel case makes it especially convenient for traveling.

Get it on Amazon

Cayla Gray Slumber the Bedtime Perfume

CaylaGray.com

A calming bedtime perfume is one of those little luxuries that can make economy travel feel far more relaxing and elevated. With soft notes of lavender, chamomile and vanilla it helps create a cozy atmosphere for overnight flights or winding down once you arrive at your hotel. Just be mindful of your neighbors—a little spritz goes a long way.

Get it on CaylaGray.comAWAKE Caffeinated Chocolate Bites

Amazon.com

Bringing your own treats while traveling always makes economy feel a little more elevated and these chocolate bites have an extra kick thanks to the added caffeine. They’re great for long travel days when you want something sweet and effective for staying awake without constantly relying on hot airplane coffee.

Get it on Amazon

Marie Oliver Rhea French Terry Pants

MarieOliver.com

A comfortable yet chic pair of pants can make a huge difference during travel days and instantly elevate the overall experience when you feel good in what you’re wearing. These French terry pants are incredibly soft, flattering and easy to move around in while still looking put together enough for the airport, long flights or grabbing dinner once you land. The deep pockets are also especially convenient for keeping travel essentials close by.

Get it on MarieOliver.comCalpak Insulated Lunch Bag

Calpaktravel.com

One of the best travel hacks for making any airplane seat feel a little more first class is packing your own favorite meal and snacks ahead of time instead of relying entirely on airplane food. This insulated lunch bag keeps everything fresh and organized throughout long flights, layovers and airport days while giving you easy access to all of your favorite treats and comfort foods.

Get it on CalpakTravel.com

MiiKARE Airplane Phone Holder Mount

Amazon

This phone holder is one of those simple travel essentials that can make any airplane seat feel far more premium. It lets you watch all of your pre-downloaded movies and TV shows completely hands-free which is especially helpful since many planes either don’t have monitors anymore or limit you to the same in-flight entertainment options. It also helps keep your phone at eye level so you can relax more comfortably during long flights.

Get it on AmazonBedsure Travel Blanket Set

Amazon

If a scarf or thin airplane blanket just isn’t warm enough, this cozy travel blanket makes a huge difference on long flights. It’s soft, warm and comforting without feeling bulky and easily zips into its compact carrying case when you’re not using it. A good travel blanket instantly makes economy seats feel more comfortable and relaxing, especially on overnight or extra cold flights.

Get it on Amazon

Crumbl Just Changed the Cookie That 'Started It All'

Mon, 05/25/2026 - 7:08am

Crumbl's Chocolate Chip Cookie may look and taste a little different from how you remember it, and that's because it is different from the original it launched nine years ago.

Ahead of the long Memorial Day Weekend, the cult-favorite bakery chain revealed it's launching a "new and improved" version of the classic treat, fittingly dubbed the Better Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie.

According to a statement shared in an email with Parade, the revised recipe has been in the works for some time as part of its "brand-wide commitment to perfecting the craft."

Crumbl Launches a "New and Improved" Chocolate Chip Cookie

Crumbl said its new recipe was meticulously developed by Crumbl’s founders and culinary team to "set a new gold standard" for what a spokesperson called the cookie that "started it all."

An official description suggests the new Chocolate Chip Cookie features a classic warm brown sugar cookie that's loaded with a "dual-chocolate blend" of milk chocolate chips and rich semi-sweet chocolate chunks. Crumbl says the updates deliver "deep, rich chocolate flavor and an edge-to-edge chocolate experience in every single bite," going on to joke that it's "Timeless. Iconic. Always available."

While the brand didn't go into detail about the changes when comparing its original Milk Chocolate Chip Cookie to the new one, it appears that Crumbl is doubling down on chocolate inclusions and updating the recipe to include semi-sweet chocolate chunks alongside the milk chocolate chips, hopefully making it even more melty and chocolatey.

That's not all Crumbl has in store for fans as we inch closer to the official summer kickoff. Beyond the updated recipe, the brand is also evolving its menu model to give fans more variety and "more reasons to come back every week."

The Chain Is Also Reworking Its Menu—Completely

According to the announcement, Crumbl will move away from its current model—which features about five weekly rotating options and six always-available flavors—beginning today and customers will notice that its menu now offers four seasonal cookies alongside six weekly-rotating flavors and a weekly-rotating set of Thins.

Summer Classics – The season's most iconic cookies, available every day all summer long, including the new Chocolate Chip Cookie, S'mores Cookie, Pink Sugar Cookie, and Brownie Batter Cookie.
Cookie Thins, Now Every Day – Crumbl's best-selling thin cookies are now available all week long, rotating weekly so there's always something new to try. Crispy, caramelized edges. A chewy center. Perfectly paired in a set of two.

Crumbl said its new Better Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie and revised menu options will be available at all of its stores starting Monday, May 25 (prices may vary).

Next: Cold Stone Creamery Just Debuted the ‘Ultimate’ Oreo and Reese’s Collab

Jaclyn Smith, 80, Says the Real Fountain of Youth Isn’t Found in a Bottle

Mon, 05/25/2026 - 7:06am

Age is definitely just a number for Charlie's Angels legend Jaclyn Smith. The 80-year-old actress recently shared her secret to ageless beauty, saying true beauty comes from the inside out.

"Clean living, being loved," she told Fox News about her healthy glow. "I have the best family in the whole wide world to grow up with. Great husband, two beautiful children, three granddaughters. So, it doesn't get better than that. It's all about love, all about family with me.” Smith has been married to surgeon Brad Allen for 29 years. She shares her two children, Gaston and Spencer Margaret, with her third ex-husband, cinematographer Anthony B. Richmond.

View this post on Instagram

Smith shared her definition of clean living with Fox News in 2022. I don’t drink. I’ve never touched a drug. I exercise daily," she said. "I’m married to a heart surgeon who preaches the importance of eating your fruits and vegetables. I enjoy my green drinks. What we put on our bodies shows up on our faces."

She also revealed that keeping her mind active and engaged is another pathway to vibrancy. I’ve never gone through a midlife crisis because I’ve always kept busy working and I’ve always been challenged… It’s rewarding to stay in the game," she explained. "I’m also not obsessed with aging. I think that ages you. I also live a full life with my two children. Each of them has a daughter and my life revolves around them. They take me back to a place of such magic and innocence. I think all of those things have kept me young."

Smith also focuses on eating plenty of fruits and vegetables — including green drinks packed with veggies — but doesn’t believe in depriving herself. She shared that she still enjoys foods like burgers, pizza, cheese, and gummy bears, stressing that moderation is the key to both happiness and healthy living. She's also kind to her body, and being overly strict can backfire and even affect your mood, while balance is ultimately more rewarding.

This Vastly Underrated Retirement Move Is Ironically the Easiest One to Accomplish

Mon, 05/25/2026 - 7:06am

Last week I looked at my husband's 401(k) statement, and I felt a twinge of stress. Despite being more than two decades away from tapping into the fund, the idea of planning for retirement always makes me feel a little anxious. That's because there is so much to consider when you start saving, including tax liabilities, investment plans, and even what your specific goals are in retirement.

And while I picture spending my golden years sipping a frozen drink with an umbrella, reading books next to the water, I don't exactly know how to get there. Fortunately, one financial guru just shared his secret for retirement planning, and he says that the most important decision to make is actually the easiest to accomplish.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

A Wealth Management CEO Says This is the Most Important Task in Retirement Planning

Scott Ford spoke with MarketWatch recently, sharing what he considered the most impactful retirement decisionsa person could make. And while he shared that having the ability to make choices was almost more important than the choices you make, he said there was one step that was of the utmost importance when planning for your retirement.

According to him, it's deciding to start planning in the first place. Now, that may sound like a simple answer to some, but it actually highlights the growing trend of people becoming so overwhelmed by the number of choices are decisions they need to make, that they opt to do nothing instead.

You Can Start Your Retirement Savings Journey at Any Time

It may be a best practice to start saving for your retirement as soon as you join the workforce, but Ford acknowledges that not everyone can do that. Instead, he says anytime is the right time to stash some money away.

“Start where you are," he told the publication during a Q&A session. "Save a little [or] save a lot. If your employer offers a 401(k) match, make sure you save enough to get that."

Some of his other tips include:

Increasing your savings in your 401(k) or IRA when you're able
Investing in tax-advantaged accounts a little at a time until you can max out
Take advantage of compounding interest

“The earlier you start thinking and planning for the kind of income you’ll want and need in retirement, healthcare needs, taxes, and lifestyle choices, the more control you give yourself later," he continued, adding that success in retirement is less about perfection and more about staying engaged in the process.

Ford Warns Many Americans Make the Same Retirement Mistake

When it comes to the thing that Ford thinks trips people up the most, it actually has to do with a surprisingly common issue: Underestimating your life span. "People can be retired for anywhere from 20 to 40 years," he says. "That gap between expectation and reality is where people tend to get stressed out later."

That speaks to a growing trend of people who are afraid they will outlive their retirement savings, forcing them to either move in with a family member as they get older or even return to the workforce in order to make ends meet. Of course, the earlier you start following Ford's advice, the higher the chance that you'll be in a better financial situation if and when that time comes.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

Celebrating National Wine Day? Try This Under $20 Bottle That Will Transport You to Portugal

Mon, 05/25/2026 - 7:05am

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

If you didn't already know, May 25 is National Wine Day in the U.S. Don't feel bad, it snuck up on me, too, especially since in 2026 it falls on Memorial Day. Still, I never like to miss an opportunity to celebrate the almighty grape, so I'm multitasking this year. And I think I've stumbled upon the perfect crisp white wine that pairs beautifully with everything I'm throwing on the grill for the unofficial start to summer.

I'm talking something that complements grilled chicken—especially anything with lemon, herbs or garlic involved. It also works well with shrimp skewers, cedar plank salmon, grilled veggie kabobs or even a juicy turkey burger. So what is this delicious elixir? Well, for starters, it comes from Portugal's Douro wine region.

😋😋SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter🍳🍔

Quinta Nova

The 2022 Pomares Branco is one of those wines you take one sip of and immediately want to tell everyone at the table about. It's a Portuguese white blend made with Viosinho, Gouveio and Rabigato grapes. You get these fresh notes of white peach, crisp apple and soft white florals right away, but what really makes it special is that little extra richness on the finish from being aged sur lie in stainless steel for four months.

What Is Sur Lie, Anyway?

Sur lie is basically a fancy wine term for letting the wine hang out a little longer with leftover yeast particles after fermentation. That might sound weird, but it's actually a good thing. Doing this gives the wine a smoother, slightly richer feel instead of tasting super sharp or thin. So even though the Pomares Branco is fresh and crisp, the sur lie aging helps make it feel a little softer and more rounded when you drink it.

So it's bright and refreshing without feeling too sharp or overly citrusy. It has this smooth, polished vibe that makes it feel way more expensive than its $19 price tag, and who doesn't love that? This is the kind of bottle that disappears fast at a backyard dinner party because everyone keeps going back for "just one more glass."

If you don't see it at your favorite wine shop, you can find a bottle of the Quinta Nova Pomares Branco at WineonSale.com for $18.95, and it ships within one to two business days.

1988 Rock Classic, Once a Favorite of Princess Diana’s, Is Suddenly Charting Again 38 Years Later

Mon, 05/25/2026 - 7:03am

With the recent theatrical release ofMichael, the King of Pop has been climbing the charts once more. Over the last few weeks, several ofMichael Jackson's song have creeped back onto the famed Billboard charts, including "Beat It," "Billie Jean," and "Human Nature."

On May 23, another one of the music legend's hits re-entered the chart: "Dirty Diana." Landing in the No. 44 spot in the Billboard Hot 100, it's certainly not the first time that the 1987 hit has enjoyed commercial success.

Just a few months after its release, "Dirty Diana" reached the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, making Jackson the first artist in history to score five consecutive No. 1 singles from a single album — 1987's Bad. In 1989, the music video, one of the singer's most visually striking videos, won the award for the "Number One Video in the World" at the 2nd World Music Awards.

"Dirty Diana" is a risqué track that was often speculated to be written about Princess Diana, but those rumors were debunked by producer Quincy Jones, who confirmed that the track was a fictional tale about a group of women pursuing a rock star. However, the song was one of the Princess of Wales' favorites.

In a 1997 interview with Barbara Walters, Jackson spoke about meeting the royals and his performance in front of Diana and her then-husband, King Charles III, during the Bad Tour at London's Wembley Stadium.

"I took [‘Dirty Diana’] out of the show in honor of Her Royal Highness,” he said. Diana had asked the hitmaker if he would be playing the song during his set, but he had removed it from the lineup. Diana encouraged the song to be added back in.

"[She said] ‘No! I want you to do it. Do it. Do the song.’" Jackson explained.

'I Know Five Is a Lot': All About Nicolas Cage's Latest Wife, Riko Shibata

Mon, 05/25/2026 - 7:00am

Nicolas Cage has had one of the longest, weirdest careers in Hollywood—he’s won an Oscarand been in a movie called Drive Angry—but his personal life is also the stuff of legend.

He’s been married five times over the years, most recently to his current wife, Riko Shibata, and shares three children with three different women. (That’s to say nothing of his purchasing habits, which include a 9-foot-tall pyramid-shaped tomb for his future use, located in New Orleans’ famous St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.)

“I think there has to be some unusualness to be able to be in a relationship with me,” Cage told The New York Times Magazine in 2019. “I feel things very deeply. I have had melancholia my whole life. I am sensitive to my environment. I have to be in order to do what I do. And I can’t just go to a pharmacy and say, ‘Hey, let me have some Prozac.’ I can’t do it, because that would put my instrument at risk. If I can’t inform the dialogue with genuine emotional content, I will be a phony on camera, and I don’t want to be that.”

Well, the last thing you could ever call Cage is “phony”—and his zeal for jumping into relationships proves that. As we wait to see him play the lead role of Spider-Man Noir in the upcoming MGM+ and Amazon showSpider-Noir, let's untangle the web of his complete history of wives and relationships.

Related: Nicolas Cage to Return For Highly Anticipated Sequel 21 Years After Original Movie

Who is Nicolas Cage's current wife?

Nicolas Cage has been married to Riko Shibata since February 2021. One thing that attracted the Oscar-winning actor to his current spouse? Her love of exotic animals.

"I asked her, 'Do you have any pets?' And she said, 'Yes, I have flying squirrels.' She had two sugar gliders…I thought, 'That's it. This could work out,'" Cage told ET.

How old is Nicolas Cage's wife, Riko Shibata?

Riko Shibata's birthday is Jan. 10, 1995, making her 31 years old. Cage was born on Jan. 7, 1964, making him almost exactly 31 years older.

What does Riko Shibata do for a living?

It's unclear what Riko Shibata does for a living, but some sources identify the Kyoto, Japan, native as an actress and entrepreneur.

How did Riko Shibata and Nicolas Cage meet?

The couple met through mutual friends while Cage was in Japan filming his 2021 movie Prisoners of the Ghostland, in which she is credited for playing a "mannequin woman."

When did Nicolas Cage get engaged to Riko Shibata?

The couple got engaged shortly after they met.

“We were really happy together and we were really excited to spend that time together, so I finally just said, 'Look, I wanna marry you,' and we got engaged on FaceTime,” Cage recalled on his brother Marc Coppola’s radio show in August 2020. Cage later joked that he knows he has a reputation for serial marriage, but he believes Shibata is truly The One.

“I’m really happily married,” he told the Los Angeles Times in 2022. “I know five [wives] is a lot, but I think I got it right this time.”

When did Nicolas Cage and Riko Shibata get married?

Nicolas Cage and Riko Shibata got married on Feb. 16, 2021, in what his rep described as a “very small and intimate” ceremony held at Wynn Las Vegas, a luxury resort.

Does Nicolas Cage have kids with Riko Shibata?

Yes, the couple has one daughter, August Francesca. She was born on Sept. 7, 2022.

How many times has Nicolas Cage been married?

Nicolas Cage has been married five times. He married fellow actor Patricia Arquette in April 1995, but they separated less than one year later (and didn’t officially divorce until 2001). Cage then moved on with Lisa Marie Presley, whom he wed on Aug. 10, 2002. They split after 107 days of marriage and finalized their divorce on May 24, 2004.

Cage married his third wife, Alice Kim, on July 30, 2004. They separated in January 2016 and finalized their divorce later that year. Cage tied the knot with Erika Koike in Las Vegas in March 2019 but filed for an annulment four days later; they were divorced in June 2019. Cage is still married to his fifth wife, Riko Shibata, whom he wed on Feb. 16, 2021.

Who are Nicolas Cage's wives?Patricia Arquette Nicolas Cage and Patricia Arquette

Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Nicolas Cage tied the knot with Patricia Arquette in April 1995 after meeting her in the 1980s at the famous Los Angeles restaurant Canter’s Deli. Cage and fellow actor Crispin Glover both proposed marriage to her, but she demurred, telling Cage she would only marry him if he could find a list of seemingly unattainable objects: a signature from J.D. Salinger, a Bob’s Big Boy statue, and more.

“One by one, they started coming to me,” Arquette recalled during a 2018 interview on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.

Arquette eventually agreed to marry him, but news reports indicated that they separated only nine months later. She later claimed that wasn’t exactly true, telling The Telegraph in 2015: “There were times when we weren’t living together because we were fighting, but it wasn’t as reported and I didn’t feel that I needed to explain that. There were times when my mom was dying [from breast cancer in 1997] and I was living with her, taking care of her. There were times when he was away working on a movie. It was our thing. I still don’t feel like I owe it to anyone.”

The couple ultimately finalized their divorce in 2001.

Lisa Marie Presley Lisa Marie Presley and Nicolas Cage

Photo by L. Busacca/WireImage

Cage met Lisa Marie Presley—the only child of Elvis Presley—at a party in 2000 while he was still married to Arquette.

“She comes from an artistic family, I come from an artistic family,” Cage told Barbara Walters in 2003, explaining what drew him to Lisa Marie. “She was born with the pressure of an extremely famous name from day one, I was a young actor in Hollywood with the last name Coppola, trying to make it with those pressures.”

The couple walked down the aisle in Hawaii on Aug. 10, 2002, but they filed for divorce just 107 days later and finalized their split on May 24, 2004.

After Lisa Marie’s death in January 2023 at age 54, Cage said it was “devastating” to hear of her passing.

“Lisa had the greatest laugh of anyone I ever met,” he told The Hollywood Reporter at the time. “She lit up every room, and I am heartbroken.”

Alice Kim

Cage met Alice Kim at a sushi restaurant in Los Angeles, where she was working as a waitress. They tied the knot on July 30, 2004, when he was 40 and she was 20. After welcoming son Kal-El in 2005, the couple separated in January 2016 after 12 years of marriage, finalizing their divorce later that year.

Despite their 20-year age difference, Cage later said he was surprised by their breakup.

“It was a shocker for me—I definitely didn't see it coming,” he told The Guardian in 2018. “She was quite young when I married her, and I don't really have any ill will towards what happened. That's all I'll say.”

Erika Koike

Cage was first linked to makeup artist Erika Koike in 2018. They got hitched in Las Vegas in March 2019, but Cage filed for an annulment just four days later, claiming that he was so drunk that he “lacked understanding of his actions” when they married. Their divorce was granted in June 2019.

Why did Nicolas Cage and Patricia Arquette get divorced?

Arquette has hinted that her and Cage’s ages contributed to the demise of their romance. She was 19 when they met and 27 when they married. Cage was 31 at the time of their wedding but had been famous for more than a decade.

“It was just too fast and too much for me at that time,” Arquette said on WWHL in 2018, explaining why she didn’t marry Cage when he first began pursuing her.

In 2002, Arquette told Paper that it’s “always hard” to decide to get divorced.

“We’ve both moved on with our lives, and I think it’s important to honor the people we’re with now, and concentrate on the future,” she added.

Why did Nicolas Cage and Lisa Marie Presley get divorced?

In 2003, Cage hinted that the same thing that drew him to Lisa Marie is what led to their split.

“There was a logic to it, there was a sense to it. But oftentimes when you have two people who are very strong in their own personalities and rather intense…you can have a hard time meshing,” he told Barbara Walters in 2003. “We got into this unfortunate pattern of breaking up, getting back together again, breaking up, getting back together again.”

Does Nicolas Cage have kids?

Nicolas Cage shares three children with three different women. He became a father in 1990 when he and then-girlfriend Christina Fulton welcomed son Weston. Cage and his third wife, Alice Kim, had a son, Kal-El (named after Superman’s birth moniker), in 2005. In 2022, Cage’s fifth wife, Riko Shibata, gave birth to their daughter, August Francesca.

Cage is also a grandfather thanks to Weston, who has four children.

Who are Nicolas Cage’s famous girlfriends through the years?Brooke Shields Brooke Shields and Nicolas Cage at the "Moonstruck" premiere in 1987

Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Cage very briefly datedBrooke Shields in the late 1980s. Neither of them has publicly commented on their rumored relationship, but they attended the premiere of his movie Moonstruck together in 1987.

Christina Fulton

Cage began dating Christina Fulton in 1988. The couple welcomed son Weston in 1990 and split up shortly thereafter. Fulton later claimed that she largely brought up Weston by herself.

"For 18 years, I raised Weston so Nicolas could go be Nicolas Cage, and go be a superstar, and he did," she told CNN in 2011. "So I raised this boy, 24-7 we were glued to the hip."

A lawyer for Cage, meanwhile, told the network that Fulton’s comments were “absurd.”

In February 2025, Fulton sued Weston and Cage over an alleged scuffle she had with Weston, which she claims left her with a concussion, multiple contusions, a disfiguring eye injury, dental trauma and PTSD.

According to People, Fulton said that she was "brutally assaulted" while trying to assist Weston as he experienced a "mental-health breakdown." She also claimed that Cage ignored Weston's mental health concerns and enabled Weston's alleged behavior ahead of the incident. Cage was later dismissed from the lawsuit, but Fulton maintained her claims against her son.

In April 2025, Weston was sentenced to a two-year mental health diversion program for two felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon with force: possible great bodily harm, for the assault against Fulton.

Kristen Zang

Cage started dating actress Kristen Zang in 1992 while she was still a teenager. He popped the question when she was 19, but the couple split after two years together and never made it down the aisle.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Cage and actress Sarah Jessica Parker were rumored to be dating around the time of their 1992 romantic comedy film Honeymoon in Vegas. In a July 2025 episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Parker finally confirmed the decades-old rumor.

"Did you date Nic Cage?" Cohen asked Parker, who answered, "Um, yes, I did. Yes, I did." Cohen then reacted by saying, "Oh wow. Oh, we got some talking to do."

Following Parker's confession, Cage revealed to E! News how the Sex and the City star ghosted him before their split.

"I cared about Sarah, but I don't think I passed the Mom test," Cage told the outlet in a statement. "I recall sitting down with her and her mother for dinner at the Russian Tea Room, and I don't know if it was my blue Vanson Leather motorcycle jacket (which I still have) or my sinusitis, but I didn't hear from her again."

Parker went on to marry fellow actor Matthew Broderick in 1997. They share three children together.

Parade

1973 Rock Classic, Written in 15 Minutes, Became a Timeless Party Anthem

Nicolas Cage's Net Worth in 2026 and Through the Years

1970s Emmy-Winning Classic TV Star, Once America’s Sweetheart, Turns 79

18 Years After Her 'EastEnders' Debut, This Tragic Heroine Just Made A Surprise Return

Target’s 'Sturdy' $80 Trellis Planter Box Turns Any Patio Into a Blooming Oasis

’70s Rock Legend, With Iconic Guitar Solo, Announces Major Update on 2026 Tour

Why Toronto Is the Absolute Best Summer Escape for World Cup 2026—And Beyond

1979 Peak Yacht Rock Song is a Musical Daydream, but Hid a Darker Undertone

From a Metalhead to a Baby Girl, Get to Know Nicolas Cage's Children

How To Transition to Gray Hair Without the Awkward ‘Skunk Stripe’ Phase, According to Celebrity Hairstylists

Nicolas Cage Reveals the Two Characters He'd Most Like to Revisit (Exclusive)

'RHOBH's Brandi Glanville Claims She’s Battling 'Sexually Transmitted Ringworm' in New Health Scare

Lead Singer of ’70s Rock Band, Once Banned From Disneyland, Turns 70

8 Carry-On Items That Make Economy Feel Like Premium Class

Crumbl Just Changed the Cookie That 'Started It All'

Jaclyn Smith, 80, Says the Real Fountain of Youth Isn’t Found in a Bottle

This Vastly Underrated Retirement Move Is Ironically the Easiest One to Accomplish

Celebrating National Wine Day? Try This Under $20 Bottle That Will Transport You to Portugal

1988 Rock Classic, Once a Favorite of Princess Diana’s, Is Suddenly Charting Again 38 Years Later

'I Know Five Is a Lot': All About Nicolas Cage's Latest Wife, Riko Shibata

Pages

How to Access E-Edition Current Print Subscribers

Sullivan Independent News

Site Links