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Disney child star Bobby Driscoll’s Hollywood story came to a tragic end with his untimely death.

Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on March 3, 1937, a young Driscoll was discovered by his barber at age 5 after his family relocated to California.

“My dad used to take me to a barber in Pasadena whose son was in the movies,” Driscoll recalled in a 1954 interview. “The barber liked me, so he spoke to his son and his son spoke to his agent and his agent spoke to a director who was arranging a tryout for a part with Margaret O’Brien in Lost Angel.”

After Driscoll landed the uncredited role in the 1943 film, he caught the attention of Walt Disney himself, becoming the first actor to sign a long-term contract with Walt Disney Studios when he was cast as Johnny in the 1946 live-action movie Song of the South. He went on to appear in subsequent Disney films So Dear to My Heart in 1949 and Treasure Island in 1950 before voicing the titular character in the 1953 Disney animated classic Peter Pan.

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Driscoll—who won a juvenile Oscar for his performance in the 1949 RKO film The Window—was released from his Disney contract in 1953, effectively ending his partnership with the studio. He continued to act until 1960, booking small television parts and starring in the 1958 movie The Party Crashers.

Amid his career decline, Driscoll developed an addiction to heroin and had multiple run-ins with police. He was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia in October 1959, though he was later acquitted of the charge. The following year, he was taken into custody for assault with a deadly weapon, but the felony assault charges against him were later dropped.

In 1961, Driscoll was arrested twice within a matter of weeks—first in April for suspicion of burglary of cash and checks from a veterinarian’s office (the charges were ultimately dismissed) and then in May for cashing a stolen check and driving under the influence of drugs. He pleaded guilty to both of those charges, receiving a sentence of six months of drug addiction treatment at the California Institute for Men in Chino.

“I’m not really sure why I started using narcotics,” he told a reporter at the time. “I was 17 when I first experimented with the stuff. In no time at all I was using whatever was available, mostly heroin, because I had the money to pay for it.”

After completing his addiction treatment, Driscoll reportedly remained in California until his probation ended in 1964, working as a carpenter and maintaining his sobriety. He subsequently moved to New York City, where he struggled to find acting gigs due to his past substance abuse. By late 1967, he was no longer in contact with his family and friends.

On March 30, 1968, two children discovered Driscoll’s body on a cot in an abandoned New York apartment building. He was 31. A medical examiner determined Driscoll’s cause of death to be atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of the arteries. His heart failure was caused by his previous drug use.

Since there was no identification found on Driscoll’s body and no one in the area recognized him either, he was considered a John Doe and buried in an unmarked grave in New York City. More than a year passed before Driscoll’s family learned his fate. His mother, Isabelle, later publicly shared the news of her son’s death in 1971 leading up to the theatrical return of Song of the South.

“In October 1969, Bobby’s father was dying,” she told a reporter at the time. “He asked to see Bobby. I called Disney Studios and asked if anyone there knew where my son was.”

When Disney tried to track down Driscoll, fingerprint records confirmed his death. Despite the heartbreaking outcome, Isabelle was grateful her son was not on drugs when he died.

“He told us that he would straighten himself out. And we know he kept his promise,” she said. “Police reports state that he was clean at the time of his death. There were no traces of heroin in his body. There were no puncture marks on his arms, and no paraphernalia was found in his apartment.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available 24 hours a day through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Hotline at 1-800-662-4357.

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Looking to bring spring vibes into your home to welcome the blossoming season? Adding some greenery to your space is a great way to brighten it up and make it feel lively. The first step is getting a planter so you can showcase your plants in all their glory. Our favorites are those that are just as adorable as they are functional, like this Tcwhniev Smiling Hanging Planter at Walmart. 

There’s no better time than right now to snag this hanging planter because it’s currently on sale for a limited time! Available in four designs, prices vary slightly depending on the style. Normally retailing for either $19 or $25, it’s now marked down between $13 and $15. Three of the styles feature one pot, while the $15 style includes two connected pots. 

Tcwhniev Smiling Hanging Planter, From $13 (was $19) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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It’s no surprise that many shoppers said that these planters put a smile on their faces every time they see it. Cheerful and adorable, each boasts a smiley face design plastered in the middle of the pot that’ll instantly perk up the vibes in your home. Depending on the style, the planter sits on either a wooden plank or a woven saucer chair. Multiple reviewers said that these are “the cutest” planters they’ve ever seen. 

“This is so unique and adorable,” one customer raved. “It's super cute and cheers me up every time I walk into the room.” Another shopper said that it “adds a bit of fun” to their garden. 

Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, these planters come equipped with a rope so you can hang it up anywhere. The rope is strung through multiple parts of the base to keep it even and steady. They’re great for small and large homes alike, as they don’t take up any floor or counter space. 

You can hang it up from your ceiling using a mounted or adhesive hook, or from any rod in your home using an S-shaped hook. If you want to place it outdoors, either suspend it from a hook on your overhang or awning, or dangle it from a shepherd’s hook if you want to display it in your garden.

Tcwhniev Smiling Hanging Planter, From $13 (was $19) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Made of synthetic resin, these planters are very durable. Synthetic resin can withstand harsh weather conditions like rain and intense sunlight. They prevent corrosion and moisture penetration. The bottom of the planters are fixed with a drainage hole, allowing water to flow through to prevent waterlogged soil. 

Related: Walmart's 'Super Bright' $29 Motion-Activated Solar Lights Set Is a 'Breeze to Install'

You can pot any small plant in these planters. Many customers mentioned that they keep string plants in the planters. The long flowing plants, like English ivies or strings of pearls, make the planters look like they have hair, bringing it to life. Other shoppers noted that they’ve planted succulents, cacti, and herbs in these planters. 

Shop More Deals 

• Outsunny 3-Piece Tall Planter Set, From $81 (was $100) at Walmart
• Xueyu 5-Pack of Self-Watering Planters, $14 (was $30) at Walmart
• Buymax Vintage-Inspired Ceramic Plant Pot, From $25 (was $40) at Walmart

Not only is the Tcwhniev Smiling Hanging Planter a practical way to show off your plants, but it’s also a great mood booster. Head to Walmart and snag it while it’s on sale for as low as $13! Be sure to hurry because it’ll only be available at this amazing price for a limited time! 

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Considering the fact that the Beatles are pretty much the most important and influential band in rock history, it's hard to imagine the group was ever eclipsed on the charts by any other act...but that's exactly what happened in 1967.

The Beatles were on a years-long winning streak at that point, with no signs of slowing down. Indeed, over the course of their career, they scored a total of 20 #1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100.

But when they released "Penny Lane"/"Strawberry Fields Forever" in 1967, their ascent to #1 in the U.K. was thwarted by another song that spent a whopping six weeks in the very top spot: Engelbert Humperdinck's "Release Me."

A remake of a country song, "Release Me" was the first major hit for Humperdinck (real name: Arnold George Dorsey).

In a 2017 interview with Billboard, Humperdinck reflected on the surprising feat he accomplished with "Release Me."

"They were such a monster group, I never thought I stood a chance against them," the singer admitted.

“'Penny Lane' would have been their 12th number one," he continued. "Before it was a hit, 'Release Me' spent three months sitting on the shelf. Then I appeared on a TV variety series, Sunday Night at the London Palladium. That exposure made 'Release Me' a massive hit. The very next day we had orders for 80,000. The most I sold in one day was 127,000. Fate gave me that TV show."

When asked whether he ever talked about "Release Me" blocking the Beatles from #1 with any of the band's members, Humperdinck praised Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr for taking his success in stride.

"When I met Paul and Ringo, they were too much the gentlemen to even bring it up," he recalled. (In another interview with Goldmine, Humperdinck quipped, "They weren't too upset. They had several number ones.")

"Release Me" was a big hit in the U.S., too, peaking at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

"It was unreal. After I made it in England, Gordon said we have to go to America. I appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show and the exposure was unbelievable," he said.

While "Strawberry Fields Forever" only peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, "Penny Lane" did go on to hit #1 in the U.S. nearly a month after its release on March 18, 1967, where it stayed for one week.

Related: Beloved '60s Rock Classic Is Suddenly Climbing the Charts 57 Years Later

Alice Cooper has some exciting news for fans.

The rock legend, born Vincent Damon Furnier, will be releasing a new memoir titled Devil On My Shoulder on Oct. 6 in the United States via Hachette Book Group and Oct. 8 in the United Kingdom through Ebury Spotlight. In addition, Furnier will be heading on a book tour around the UK, three days after it's published. There will be eight dates starting on Oct. 11 in Cardiff, then it will commence in Wolverhampton on Oct 20.

Devil On My Shoulder will delve into the contrast between Furnier's dramatic stage character and his sober and deeply religious identity. He will also reflect on moments that defined his 60-year career and his encounters with various icons such as John Lennon, Andy Warhol, Frank Sinatra and more.

"I’ve written this book to track Alice’s ‘evilution’, and how I’ve tamed him at last," the 78-year-old musician said in a press release earlier this month. "Just as he and I became almost fatally intertwined, the story of Alice Cooper after over thirty records and sixty-plus years has become a tangle of embellishments, elaborations and outright fabrications, and I think it’s time to sort reality from myth."

Alice Cooper performs onstage during the annual "Night of the Proms" event at Lanxess Arena on December 19, 2025 in Cologne, Germany.

Marc Pfitzenreuter/Getty Images

Considered the "Godfather of Shock Rock," Furnier's career took off in 1968 when he created the band Alice Cooper alongside Glen Buxton, Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway and Neal Smith. After releasing seven studio albums in a span of four years and achieving multiple hit singles, the Phoenix-based rock band disbanded, and Furnier changed his name to Alice Cooper, debuting his solo career with the concept album Welcome to My Nightmare in 1975.

Though the Alice Cooper band was a huge success, Furnier knew deep down that "it couldn't have lasted." In an interview with Rock Candy Mag last fall, he revealed that many of the members were going through many personal and health issues at the time.

"At the end of the Muscle Of Love album period, we were not on the same page lifestyle-wise. I don’t think anyone really understood where the group should be going," he revealed. "I think the way it has finally worked out is perfect. I never truly felt that the band divorced. Rather, we separated, and everyone went off down their own."

American singer Alice Cooper performing on stage at the Rainbow Theatre in London on November 7, 1971.

Michael Putland/Getty Images

Furnier has released 22 studio albums since going solo, with his most recent solo project being Road in 2023. But last summer, the surviving members of the Alice Cooper band reunited for the first time in 52 years and released their eighth album, The Revenge of Alice Cooper, which consists of 14 new tracks produced by Bob Ezrin. Despite it being decades since all the surviving band members sat down and recorded an album, they described the experience to Billboard as "riding a proverbial bike." Ezrin, who also produced their old hits like "School's Out" and "Billion Dollar Babies," also noted that "none of them changed much as a person."

"Obviously, everyone’s older and more mature and more settled, but when we all get together and I watch the interplay between them, it’s like they just walked out of high school and were hanging out in the local cafe," the producer explained. "They just revert to type. They revert to who they were as kids when they first got together… and make music together like they did 50-some years ago."

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Furnier is still very active in the music industry and is currently preparing for a major world tour that will take him around the United States this spring and through many music festivals in Europe during the summer. In addition, the "Poison" singer started a limited Las Vegas residency titled Welcome To Our Nightmare alongside magician Criss Angel, inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. The next shows will continue on April 2-4 and May 21-23. Plus, in August, his supergroup Hollywood Vampires, which consists of him, Johnny Depp and Joey Perry, will embark on a tour around the United Kingdom and Europe this August.

Fans can pre-order the memoir, as well as purchase tickets for one of the eight stops on his book tour in the United Kingdom on AXS. Devil On My Shoulder will be published and available to buy on Amazon on Oct. 6.

Related: '70s Rock Legend, 76, Releases Memoir of 50-Year Music Career

Related: Legendary '90s Rock Icon Tells All in Revealing New Memoir

The first ever lead of The Bachelorette, Trista Sutter, is sharing her thoughts on ABC canceling Taylor Frankie Paul's upcoming season.

Sutter told People that it's been "a whirlwind" watching the saga unfold. She says that she is "just trying to show people grace" in the wake of the recent controversy.

"Everyone goes through stuff, everyone makes mistakes. Yes, there's a child involved, and that's where my heart hurts the worst," she continued.

Sutter said of Paul, "I know there's a lot of growth that needs to happen. And she's got a lot of support, including from me."

Sutter, who is still married to Ryan Sutter who she met on the show, reflected on what the future of the franchise could look like following ABC pulling Paul's season shortly before it aired.

"Well, I mean, it's just shocking and sad," she says. "It's what brought me my family, or at least introduced me to Ryan, so we could create a family. So if it's all over it will make me sad."

She added that she is "hoping that that's not the case."

Prior to the season cancellation, Sutter was featured with Paul in a Before the Rose preview special with other former leads of The Bachelorette. She said that filming the special was a "really special day" and that she "loved that it aired, because we got to reminisce."

"Getting together with all of the girls, it just makes my heart happy," she continued. "So that was a huge high. And then, I think a few days later, everything came out [about Paul]. So it's been a whirlwind."

Paul's season of The Bachelorette was pulled by ABC just three days before it was set to air due to a video of her throwing a chair at her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, was released.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.

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Spring and summer evenings just hit different when there's a soft glow overhead and something sizzling on the grill. Backyard dinners stretch longer. Patio chats feel cozier. Even a regular Tuesday night can start to feel like a mini vacation. I, for one, cannot wait.

Costco just rolled out a setup that helps bring that dreamy atmosphere home. Shoppers are so excited about this two-pack of 10-foot black steel string light poles from Excello, designed to elevate your outdoor space.

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At first glance, the items in this video posted by @costconewdeals look sleek and minimal. Each pole stands 10 feet tall and comes in three sections, giving you flexibility during setup. The black powder-coated steel finish resists rust, corrosion and chipping, which means they're built to handle long summers and rainy seasons alike.

The set includes mounts for grass, wood decks and concrete surfaces, along with all the hardware you need. Deck mounts, yard mounts, self-tapping screws, U-brackets, a bubble level and even an installation rod come in the box. Two heavy-duty carabiners make attaching your string lights quick and secure.

It's worth noting that string lights are sold separately. These poles are the sturdy framework that lets your favorite lights shine.

Shoppers say the quality rivals far pricier setups. One commenter shared that their Costco string lights have lasted five years through all seasons and still work like new. Others mention that you can remove a pole section to adjust the height, which adds even more versatility depending on your patio layout.

At $79.99 for the two-pack, the value of this Costco find feels especially strong given the durable materials and thoughtful design.

Related: Costco Just Stocked a 'Beast' of a Cooler With an Innovative Feature Perfect for Car Camping

Perfect for Barbecue Nights and Cozy Patio Vibes

Imagine framing your patio seating area with glowing strands overhead. Picture a walkway lined with warm light for summer gatherings. Think backyard birthdays, late-night heart-to-hearts and spontaneous weeknight dinners under the stars.

These 10-foot poles provide ample clearance for hanging lights across larger outdoor areas. The clean black design blends easily with modern patios, garden spaces and classic deck setups.

Because they mount on multiple surface types, they work for renters with grassy yards and homeowners with concrete patios alike. The flexibility makes them especially appealing for anyone who wants a polished look without a complicated project.

One more thing to know: They're already sold out online, which says a lot about demand. For anyone dreaming of a magical backyard oasis this spring and summer, this Costco drop is essential.

Related: Aldi's 3-Tier Floral Serving Piece Is the Stuff of Your Whimsical Tea Party Dreams

While all eyes are on the upcoming debut of Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean just gave us a reason to start looking even further ahead. The cruise line officially revealed the fourth ship in its record-breaking Icon Class: Hero of the Seas. Set to arrive in Miami in August 2027, this ship is taking the most popular spots from its sister ships and making them even bigger.

“We can always use another Hero!” says cruise expert Stewart Chiron, also known as The Cruise Guy. “Hero of the Seas is a great name for the 4th Icon Class cruise ship, which will be based in Miami as Icon of the Seas moves to Galveston to make room.” According to Chiron, the sheer scale of the 2027 arrival is going to make it “almost impossible to experience everything in seven nights,” but as he puts it, “trying will be incredibly fun!”

Royal Caribbean’s leadership is also leaning into that "more is more" energy. “Icon Class truly set a new standard for family vacations, and Hero of the Seas takes that vision even further,” says Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean. “With more water, more thrills and more choices for all ages, we’re continuing to build on what our guests love about Royal Caribbean and delivering the experiences families are looking for when vacationing together.”

Related: Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas Will Have a Very Cool Surprise Onboard

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If you’re the type of traveler who counts amenities, the numbers on Hero are designed to drop jaws. It’s set to claim the title for the most pools at sea with nine distinct spots to soak, including the new Coconut Cove—an all-new pool steps away from the tropical Caribbean bar, The Lime and Coconut. With in-water loungers and poolside service for refreshing drinks, vacationers can kick back with views of the Central Park neighborhood’s lush greenery.

But the real adrenaline is happening at Category 6—already the largest waterpark at sea—which is being leveled up with two brand-new family raft slides. This includes the first-ever funnel raft slide at sea, alongside new, faster twists on the mat-racing Storm Chasers duo. As Chiron notes, with “more pools, longer water slides and more activities,” the ship is truly pushing the boundaries of what you can actually fit into a seven-night vacation.

For anyone who’s ever struggled to find a lounge chair in a "quiet" zone, the coolest update on Hero may be the expanded Hideaway. This adults-only neighborhood is being doubled in size to include two dedicated pools, an in-water DJ booth, and the largest swim-up bar at sea. It’s the perfect counterbalance to the “Ultimate Family Treehouse,” a new, multi-gen-friendly three-deck vertical suite that features a rooftop terrace, private whirlpool and a dedicated teen space.

The "wow" factors don't stop at the pool deck. Hero will feature 28 dining spots, including the new “Royal Railway—Hero Station,” which Chiron describes as an “immersive train experience,” and the jazz-filled Orleans Parish Supper Club.

Whether you’re signing the family up for hands-on cooking classes in the Surfside neighborhood or testing your nerves on the 154-foot-high Crown’s Edge skywalk, this ship is designed to be the definitive hero of your 2027 calendar. As Chiron notes, from the nine pools—the most at sea—to the amped-up thrills, this debut is the ultimate “level up” for family time.

Related: Royal Caribbean Unveils 2027 South Pacific Beach Club Features

Joni Mitchell received a huge honor this weekend when she was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Junos (hosted by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences). The milestone moment turned into a major win for audience members, too, when the 82-year-old Canadian native joined Sarah McLachlan and Allison Russell during their performance of her classic 1970 hit “Big Yellow Taxi.” 

Mitchell, who's only the third person to ever receive this particular award, accepted the trophy from Prime Minister Mark Carney before opening up in her speech about life after her 2015 brain aneurysm.

“I had an aneurysm, which changed my life — oddly, for the better,” she said, as Pitchfork reported. “I went into a coma, which helped me to quit smoking. And my house filled up with the most wonderful nurses. I was, on the road with men for years and years; now I live with a house full of women. So my life has changed for the better out of a catastrophe like a phoenix.”

Commenters on a YouTube clip of Mitchell singing with McLachlan and Russell couldn't help but get emotional.

"That was amazing and I am crying with joy," one person wrote, with a second adding, "Go Joni!!!!! For ever and ever!!!!!"

"Such beautiful voices. Love Joni!" declared someone else, as another called the performance "beautiful."

Joni Mitchell was inspired to write 'Big Yellow Taxi' on a trip to Hawaii

The environmental themes of "Big Yellow Taxi" are even more relevant and important than ever now, but the message was a bit ahead of its time, as Mitchell told the Los Angeles Times in 1996.

"I wrote 'Big Yellow Taxi' on my first trip to Hawaii," she said. "I took a taxi to the hotel and when I woke up the next morning, I threw back the curtains and saw these beautiful green mountains in the distance. Then, I looked down and there was a parking lot as far as the eye could see, and it broke my heart...this blight on paradise. That’s when I sat down and wrote the song."

"When it first came out, it was a regional hit in Hawaii because people there realized their paradise was being chewed up," Mitchell continued. "It took 20 years for that song to sink in to people most other places in the country. That is a powerful little song because there have been cases in a couple of cities of parking lots being torn up and turned into parks because of it."

Like the song says, you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone.

Related: 1968 Career-Defining Classic Album Released 58 Years Ago Today

Long before streaming dominated television, Paul Reiser helped define what a modern sitcom could look like.

As he turns 70, Reiser's career stands as a reflection of '90s television at its peak: smart, character-driven and grounded in everyday relationships. He rose to widespread fame as the co-creator and star of Mad About You, where he played Paul Buchman opposite Helen Hunt.

The series, which premiered in 1992, quickly became a fan favorite for its honest and often humorous portrayal of married life. Reiser's performance earned him two nominations at the Primetime Emmy Awards, highlighting his ability to blend comedic timing with relatable storytelling.

"Mad About You was born out of my stand-up, being a newlywed and trying to figure that out," Reiser told IndyWeek. A lot has changed in 25 years, but there's a certain relatability that's still there. The best compliment people would give me was, 'That sounded just like a fight I had at my house!'"

Before his television success, Reiser had already made a name for himself in film, appearing in movies like Aliens and Beverly Hills Cop, showcasing his versatility as both a comedic and dramatic performer.

In recent years, he has introduced himself to a new generation of viewers with roles in series like Stranger Things, proving his staying power in an ever-changing entertainment landscape. And, reminding audiences of his range.

"The actors that registered for me as a kid were the ones who could do it all – be funny, and be heartbreaking, and be scary," Reiser told The Independent. "Alan Arkin – nobody funnier, nobody more frightening… Peter Falk… Jack Lemmon… Tom Hanks. And I think Aliens opened the door for me to do that sort of thing, too. I don’t need to be funny all the time, you know?"

Across decades of work, Reiser has remained known for his sharp observational humor and understated style, qualities that helped make him one of the most recognizable and enduring stars of '90s television.

At 70, his legacy continues to resonate, reminding audiences of a time when sitcoms were built on authentic relationships and timeless humor.

Related: Beloved '70s Singer, With Classic No. 1 Hit Song, Turns 81

Crowdfunding efforts to aid James "Human Furnace" Bulloch, lead vocalist for 1990s metalcore group Ringworm, are looking up.

A GoFundMe page was launched on Saturday by former Ringworm guitarist Frank Novinec and Integrity vocalist Dwid Hellion on behalf of Bulloch after he underwent surgery for an urgent medical emergency. Due to the procedure, Bulloch will be unable to work. The fundraiser aims to provide financial security during his time off and cover his medical expenses.

On the GoFundMe page, Novinec explained the predicament:

"Recently, James had to undergo surgery, which has put his life and career on hold. As a result, he is unable to work at the tattoo shop for at least a month, and it will be several months before he can return to performing with his bands. This sudden change has created a lot of uncertainty and stress, both emotionally and financially. During this recovery period, the bills don’t stop coming. Medical expenses are adding up, and without his regular income from tattooing and performing, it’s tough to keep up with everyday living costs. We (Frank and Dwid) started this fundraiser to help ease that burden, so James can focus on healing without the added worry of how to pay for essentials."

In this photo illustration, the GoFundMe logo is seen displayed on a smartphone screen.

Illustration by Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

After only two days, Bulloch's page raised over 10,000 dollars, surpassing the initial goal. Novinec addressed the community, thanking the donors for their generosity.

"Amazing how the community came together like that and in less than two days we have met our goal to get James through his tough time. We cannot thank everyone enough . James has constantly said how much he appreciates and is blown away by the support from everyone. Thanks again, Florida Frank & Dwid Hellion."

As of March 30, Bulloch's GoFundMe has raised $10,055. The page remains active with a new goal of 15,000 dollars.

Related: ’80s Rocker’s Son Responds to Health Concerns After Cancellation of 50th Anniversary Shows

Nearly 13 years afterThe Office came to an end, Melora Hardinis sharing some more insight about playing her character, Jan Levinson.

Hardin appeared on the March 30 episode of Still Here Hollywood Podcast, hosted by Steve Kmetko, wherein she discussed filming The Office, which ran for nine seasons. During the interview, Kmetko referenced that Jan was Dunder Mifflin manager Michael Scott's (Steve Carell) on-again-off-again love interest.

"What kind of a kisser was Steve Carell?" asked Kmetko.

Hardin responded by laughing before saying, "Oh my god."

"I don't think I've been asked that question, like, since the very first season of The Office. That's hilarious. I don't remember. It was all fine. It was not a problem. It all worked well," said Hardin with another laugh.

Melora Hardin Complimented Steve Carell's Ability as a Scene Partner

In the Still Here Hollywood Podcast episode, Hardin noted that "most of [her] scenes were with Steve Carell" on The Office. She said that Carell was a great scene partner, as he was able to bounce off her performances.

"Steve was great at I would throw a ball straight one time, a curveball next time, and he would he would send it right back, and that's always fun," said the Million Little Pieces star on the podcast episode.

She then explained she and Carell "both have a lot of improv in [their] background."

"I just think if you are an actor who has improv and you work with other actors who've done a lot of improv, it really is fun," said Hardin while recording the podcast episode.

During the FAN EXPO San Francisco 2025, The Office star Rainn Wilson, who famously played assistant to the manager, Dwight Schrute, made similar comments about Carell's improvisational talents and "mad genius comedic ability." According to Wilson, Carell would be unphased no matter what he did during a scene.

“I would just, a lot of times, just all of a sudden take my shirt off or say something totally nonsensical. And he’d just be like, ‘Dwight, what are you doing? Put your shirt on. And you know, no one wants to talk to you about llamas right now. Will you shut up? We’ve got to focus on this.’ And it was a great comedy lesson,” said Wilson on the November 2025 panel.

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If you're someone who loves a little pop of color at home, your bed is basically a blank canvas waiting to have some fun. Bedding is one of the easiest ways to play with patterns and color schemes without committing to anything long-term. Want to go bold with florals one week and switch to something more minimal the next? Done. It's low-stakes design at its best—especially since you're already rotating it in and out on laundry day.

You can try out boho prints, stripes or layered textures and see what actually feels good in your space. And while those vibrant patterns definitely have their moment, there's something to be said for a soft, dreamy ombré. It still brings in color, but in a more subtle, calming way. It's the perfect balance of personality and peace, which is exactly the vibe you want when you sleep.

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FLÄDERBUSKE Duvet Cover and Pillowcases, $19.99–$34.99 at IKEA

IKEA

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The FLÄDERBUSKE Duvet Cover Set at IKEA is like looking up at the most beautiful gradient sky, except instead of looking up, it's cozily covering your bed. It's available in three sizes: twin ($19.99, with just one pillowcase), full/queen ($24.99, with two pillowcases), and king ($34.99, also with two pillowcases).

The duvet and pillowcases are made from the same material, which is a polyester/viscose blend. As IKEA itself points out, polyester is great for bedding because it doesn't shrink and dries quickly. Meanwhile, the viscose brings a subtle sheen and smoothness.

Related: This $9 Aldi Find Looks Like It's Straight Out of MacKenzie-Childs' Courtly Check Collection For Way Less

Since how a duvet stays put around the insert is so important, IKEA uses plastic press-stud closures at the bottom. The pillowcases just have simple envelope-style closures.

This particular duvet set is new to IKEA stores in the U.S., but early reviews from shoppers in other countries, where it has been sold for a while, are overwhelmingly positive.

"I am totally thrilled," says one satisfied customer. "Very pleasant on the skin. Makes you look forward to going to bed."

While you're at IKEA picking up your pretty new duvet set, check out some of its latest space-saving furniture finds as well. There's a compact but expandable desk and a BILLY bookshelf that has a really cool feature for when you need an extra workspace. But if you want to add a pop of color to a room that matches the above duvet cover, check out its cubed lilac storage piece.

Related: Costco's Farmhouse-Style Outdoor Kitchen Island Will Be the Epicenter of All Your Al Fresco Meals

Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie‘s mom, Nancy Guthrie, is still missing eight weeks after the abduction from her Tucson, Ariz., home—and a retired FBI agent just weighed in on how her interview and impending return to the NBC morning show could impact the investigation.

During the March 29 episode of Brian Entin Investigates, Brian Entin, NewsNation's senior national correspondent, spoke with retired FBI special agent Steve Moore.

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Recently, Savannah spoke with Hoda Kotb for the first interview since her mother went missing. The journalist also announced her Today return date. Entin asked Moore if this could be an "indication that the investigation is not progressing right now."

The ex-FBI agent acknowledged, "I mean, it could mean that," adding, "I'm not sure it is."

Moore explained, "From my time in the FBI, I just know cases like this were never put down. I mean, one of the hard things are, when you're an agent working on these things, is forcing yourself to go home and go to sleep. And you wake up in the middle of the night saying, 'What am I doing here? I better get back to work.' The agents tend not to let go of this, especially when they become close to the family. And they're frustrated by not being able to find it."

Related: Nancy Guthrie Update: Former Pima County Sheriff Claims Chris Nanos "Corrupted" Crime Scene

Additionally, Moore likened the "obsession" of agents in cases like Nancy's to Captain Ahab and the white whale in Moby Dick.

"I don't for one minute believe that even if they've reduced the number of agents assigned to the case, that they are expending any less efforts on it," he pointed out.

Moore continued, "Savannah realizes that she has to resume her normal life. And she just can't appear one day on the Today show and say, 'I'm back.' There has to be some closure—not closure, but some type of agreement on where she is. Still in a hard place, nothing's resolved, but I have to go on with life. And I think that was a way of saying, 'I'm going to resume my life one of these days soon, and you're part of that life. You deserve to know where I am,' to all of the people who follow her."

Entin also asked if Savannah's recent interview on Today about her mother could "persuade" someone to come forward with information and claim the $1 million reward.

"Yeah, I think there's a possibility," Moore replied. "Early on in the case, you say that's a low probability. At this point, you'd say any probability is worth doing."

Finally, Moore acknowledged that Savannah returning to Today could cause the kidnappers to "act out a little bit" if they're the type of person who thinks they're in control and doesn't like that Savannah is resuming her life.

"It's all going to depend on the unknown: what kind of person did this," he concluded.

Nancy was last seen at her Tucson home on the evening of Jan. 31. As of writing, no suspect has been named in her case.

Next: Nancy Guthrie Update: Ex-FBI Agents Speculate Whether Ransom Note to Savannah Was an Apology for Mom’s Death

A growing coalition of high-profile celebrities—including Madonna, Pedro Pascal, Mark Ruffalo, Keke Palmer, and more—is putting renewed pressure on U.S. immigration policy by backing an open letter to shut down a controversial ICE detention facility in Texas.

The letter—which is still live on Change.org—targets the Dilley Immigration Processing Center, a family detention site that has faced immense scrutiny over alleged conditions for the children and adults held there. Public figures, medical professionals, and advocates alike have signed the open letter calling for the facility's immediate closure and broader reforms to the detention of migrant families.

Related: 'Appalled and Sickened' Olivia Wilde Wears 'ICE OUT' Pin at Sundance as 'People Are Being Murdered'

The letter reads:

"No child should be locked in an immigration detention center ... Children held in immigration detention endure trauma, neglect, and conditions that violate basic standards of health, safety, dignity, and human rights.

The harms of detaining children are known and well-documented. Court filings of abuse against children have included refusals to provide clean water, rotten food contaminated with worms, dangerous medical neglect, sleep deprivation, denial of legal counsel, the separation of children from their families, and retaliation against families protesting the inhumane conditions.

Children belong in schools and on playgrounds, not in detention centers."

The renewed attention on Dilley reflects a broader push by activists and public figures to not only close individual facilities but to challenge the system of family detention altogether. The letter goes on to say that the closure of this particular facility would only be the first step. The signees "demand transparency, accountability, and systemic reforms" to prevent the aforementioned abuses from happening elsewhere, as well.

The Trump administration is estimated to have brought more than 2,300 children into custody during his first year alone. The majority of them are reportedly held at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center.

Stars like Madonna, Pedro Pascal, and Mark Ruffalo have spoken openly about immigration policies throughout the years. Madonna reminded fans on Facebook back in 2015 that "we are all immigrants" and "we all bleed the same color," asking them to "pray for peace."

Pascal has also spoken about being an immigrant himself.

"I want people to be safe and to be protected," he said at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025. "I want to live on the right side of history. I am an immigrant. My parents are refugees from Chile. We fled a dictatorship, and I was privileged enough to grow up in the United States after asylum in Denmark. If it weren't for that, I don’t know what would have happened to us. I stand by those protections always."

Meanwhile, Ruffalo—who has been particularly vocal and seen wearing an ICE Out pin at major media events—has argued that, when it comes to crime across the country, "it's not the immigrants; it's the billionaires."

Related: Celebrities Who Wore 'ICE Out' Pins at 2026 Grammy Awards

Other noteworthy names listed amongst the Change.org letter's signatures include Brandi Carlile, Kesha, Lance Bass, Ben Stiller, Abby Wambach, Eva Longoria, Gracie Abrams, and more.

The letter has gained traction quickly, fueled in part by viral social media advocacy and growing public concern over immigration enforcement practices. Organizers have paired the open letter with a public-facing petition, encouraging broader participation beyond celebrity signatories.

It's been over half a century since Deep Purple's 1972 hit "Smoke on the Water" gifted the world with one of the most iconic guitar riffs in rock history...but it's not too late to see the band play the tune live.

As announced in a new Instagram post, Deep Purple will be hitting the road with fellow beloved '70s rockers Kansas this year, kicking off a string of North American dates on Aug. 4 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The run will go on to include stops in cities including Detroit, Indianapolis and Calgary before wrapping up in Sparks, Nevada, on Sept. 12. A number of those shows will also include Jefferson Starship on the bill. 

Presale tickets will be available starting Tuesday, March 31, with the code DPBAND, while general sales open up on Friday morning at 10 a.m. local time.

View this post on Instagram Deep Purple has a new album in the works

More good news for Deep Purple fans:

As frontman Ian Gillan told Ultimate Classic Rock, Deep Purple is putting the finishing touches on a new album, due out in June.

"It's basically very optimistic," Gillan said. "Let's say there's a general theme. It's a fairly loose conceptual idea of the end of humanity, but not as grim as it sounds. In fact, it's very optimistic. It's about the metamorphosis of humanity into a metaphysical state, our next incarnation."

Bassist Roger Glover hinted at the forthcoming album during a 2025 pause in touring, explaining, "We've not been idle."

"We've been working on and there'll probably be an album [in 2026]," he said at the time. "This has been a welcome break, because we've been hard at it for several years. I think it was good to actually take a break. We did one concert in Brazil, a festival in June or something. And I think [there 's] three in Eastern Europe at the end of the year. But that's it for touring. So [2026]I will [also] be a touring year."

Turns out Glover was right about both the tour and the album.

Related: This 1974 Cult-Classic Ranked 'Saddest Rock Song Ever Written'

The Officestar Melora Hardin is opening up about playing Jan Levinson on the beloved NBCsitcom.

During an appearance on the March 30 episode of Still Here Hollywood Podcast w/ Steve Kmetko, Hardin discussed filming with her Office castmates throughout the show's nine-season run, which ended in 2013. She shared that she and her co-stars "got along great." The actress suggested, however, that she and her castmates had more of a professional relationship, rather than a friendship.

"I think that for me, you know, it's one of those things like in retrospect where you look back and, you know, I think that you don't become like best friends with everybody you're working with. You just don't. It's a job. Everyone thinks you do because you're, you know, playing that, but you don't," said the actress in the March 2026 interview.

She was quick to clarify, "that the working experience on that show was just really wonderful."

Melora Hardin Revealed Her Favorite Moment While Filming 'The Office'

During a March 2025 episode of the Lightweights podcast, Hardin revealed her favorite moment to film from The Office was Season 4, Episode 13 ("The Dinner Party"), which aired in 2008. As fans are aware, the episode focuses on Jan and her then-boyfriend, Michael Scott (Steve Carell), having a tense dinner party at their condo.

"I mean it was so fun because it was so awkward the whole thing," said the Monk actress.

Hardin also noted that the entire episode was filmed in "a tiny little condo" in The Valley during a summer heat wave. In addition, she shared that "the writer strike interrupted" the show, so they had to put the episode on pause.

"We had to stop and then come back. The whole thing was so perfectly off because that's what this episode was. It just all matched itself," explained Hardin during the March 2025 interview.

Little House on the Prairie aired its two-hour pilot movie on NBC on Saturday, March 30, 1974. And by the time the credits were rolling, America was hooked. 

Running for nine seasons and 204 episodes, the series was based on the book franchise by bestselling author Laura Ingalls Wilder and saw its star, Michael Landon, take on directing duties. 

View this post on Instagram

To kick things off, the crew decided to introduce the Ingalls family with a prime-time made-for-TV movie. Its narrative follows the Ingalls on a westward journey from their home in Big Woods, Wisconsin. They set down roots in Native American territory, where they stay for about a year, before they’re forced to pack up and leave again.

Promoted in the TV Guide with a full-page advertisement, the series was touted as “a big-hearted, big-sky series -- right out of the pages of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved Little House books!” And it lived up to that promise. Beyond sparking a love affair with the Ingalls crew, it stood out for fearlessly addressing real-life struggles -- without tipping into afterschool-special territory.

Landon starred as patriarch Charles Ingalls, with Karen Grassle playing the matriarch, Caroline. Melissa Gilbert, Melissa Sue Anderson, and Lindsay and Sidney Greenbush played the three Ingalls siblings: Laura, Mary, and Carrie, respectively.

The series debuted later that year on September 11 and ran until May 10, 1982. In a fun bit of Hollywood trivia, MGM — after acquiring the show from Paramount — found a hidden piece of the Yellow Brick Road from The Wizard of Oz (1939) during set renovations. Even better, Ray Bolger, the original Scarecrow, popped up in two episodes of Little House on the Prairie in the late ’70s.

Affection and love for the show hasn’t faded 52 years later, as Netflix is releasing an adaptation of the frontier drama this year on July 9, and it’s already been renewed for a second season. Led by Rebecca Sonnenshine, the series stars Alice Halsey as Laura, Luke Bracey as Charles, Skywalker Hughes as Mary, and Crosby Fitzgerald as Caroline, via Variety.

“I’m incredibly grateful to our wonderful cast and crew, who put their hearts and hard work into making our first season come alive,” Sonnenshine said. “We can’t wait to share this new adaptation of the ‘Little House’ books with the world, and we’re thrilled that Netflix is giving us the opportunity to continue the story.”

In 1991, Landon died of pancreatic cancer. At his funeral, People shared last year, Gilbert quoted a famous line from the two-part episode in the second season of the series, titled "Remember Me," which Landon wrote and directed, in her farewell to the actor: "Remember me with smiles and laughter for that is how I will remember you."

Related: 1977 Classic Was a No. 1 Hit 48 Years Ago Today

Have you ever been called “too sensitive” at any point in your life? It’s something that happens to a lot of us who wear our hearts on our sleeves, who seem to be impacted by anything and everything around us. And although it may seem like a negative label, it actually denotes the fact that you’re likely a highly perceptive person. 

“People who are highly perceptive are often mislabeled as being ‘too sensitive,’” Dr. Annie Hsueh, PhD—a clinical psychologist, a Certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist (EFCT) and the founder of Hope and Sage Psychological Services—confirms. 

Since highly perceptive and highly sensitive people are more prone to overstimulation, they are seen by others as being more easily overloaded. 

“For observers who don’t share this type of sensitivity, they may judge highly perceptive and highly sensitive people as being ‘too sensitive,’” Dr. Hsueh reiterates. 

Although this label often gets thrown around, she emphasizes that the traits of high sensitivity and high perceptiveness are not a flaw—it’s just that the majority of people do not have these traits. They may simply misinterpret high perceptiveness as a type of overreaction. 

“Another reason people may receive the ‘too sensitive’ label is that our society sometimes associates emotional expression or sensitivity as a weakness,” she points out.

There are many positives to being highly perceptive and sensitive, even if you’ve received that “delicate” or "dramatic" label. Read on to discover the seven signs you’re a highly perceptive person, along with the benefits that come with it.

Related: 9 Things High-Level Thinkers Notice That the Average Person Ignores, According to Psychologists

How Do You Know if You’re Highly Perceptive?

If you’re highly perceptive, according to Dr. Hsueh, you may find yourself observing other people’s behaviors or your interactions with others. 

“For example, you might notice if you are the only person in your friend group who notices certain little details about the group dynamics or the vibe of the restaurant you are hanging out at,” she shares. “Or perhaps at work you get feedback from colleagues about your ability to notice details.”

She adds that highly perceptive people often process positive emotions on a deep level. 

“They may notice feelings of awe in response to nature. They may feel deeply moved by art and beauty,” she notes.

Dr. Hsueh explains that Dr. Elaine Aron, a psychotherapist and researcher who has authored books about the highly sensitive person (HSP), uses an acronym called D.O.E.S. to describe the core personality traits of highly sensitive people.

She details that "D" is for Depth of Processing, "O" is for Overstimulation, "E" is for Emotional Reactivity ("E" is also for empathy) and "S" is for Sensing the Subtle. 

Related: 7 Habits of a ‘Deeply Feeling’ Child or Grandchild, According to Dr. Becky Kennedy

Benefits of Being Highly Sensitive

PeopleImages/Getty Images

As Dr. Hsueh says, highly sensitive people have many strengths. 

“People who are highly perceptive process information deeply and are good at noticing subtleties,” she explains. “Therefore, they are often emotionally intelligent. They are also often deep thinkers, empathetic, intuitive, insightful and conscientious.”

She says that the highly sensitive person can bring a unique perspective to group dynamics in terms of the professional world as well as in private life, like in relationships. 

“They may be able to offer insights into things that might not otherwise be available without their sensitivity,” she says. 

Related: The 4 Birth Months With Highly Sensitive Souls, According to Experts

7 Signs You're Highly Perceptive—Not 'Too Sensitive,' According to a Psychologist1. Needing time to adjust

Since you’re highly perceptive, details can easily bombard you in a new situation, which is why you likely need some time to adjust. Dr. Hsueh says that, for instance, going to a new restaurant can be a little overwhelming to a highly sensitive person due to all the new stimuli coming at them all at once. 

2. Feeling tired and burned out

Dr. Hsueh says that you may feel “tired and drained” after being in a place where there’s an abundance of stimuli. 

3. Noticing small details

As someone who’s highly perceptive, you probably notice a lot of things that others just don’t seem to, as Dr. Hsueh says. That’s why you are often marked with the “too sensitive” or "too much" label.

4. Labeled an ‘empath’

Another label that you may often receive? Being empathic. In general, Dr. Hsueh shares that highly perceptive people are “seen as more empathetic,” something that is definitely a positive.

5. Feeling news stories more heavily

Dr. Hsueh points out that when you consume media, such as news or movies, you may feel the weight of the emotions associated with the content more heavily. For example, highly sensitive people might have a harder time watching horror movies because the imagery and content are overly violent. 

Related: A Psychotherapist Is Begging People To Stop Making This Common Mistake on Social Media

6. Needing to recharge

All those details can be a lot to take in, so Dr. Hsueh shares that you may need to recharge sooner than most people after being out and about. 

7. Aware of external and internal environments

“Often, highly perceptive people are aware of both their internal, subjective experiences and their external environment,” Dr. Hsueh states. “Their intuition and insight often make them emotionally intelligent. This is in contrast to people who are emotionally reactive or volatile and lash out or get emotionally dysregulated due to unresolved triggers.”

She underscores that high perceptiveness is not a flaw. 

“People who are highly perceptive do not overreact by default,” she says. “They notice subtle cues others often miss. They are not reacting intensively without triggers.”

She goes on to say that being highly sensitive can be a superpower.

“Embrace and nurture your trait," she advises. "Spend time with people who understand and value you.”

Up Next:

Related: Psychologist Says People With High Levels of Self-Respect Never Share These 7 Personal Things

Source:

• Dr. Annie Hsueh, PhD, clinical psychologist, Certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist and founder of Hope and Sage Psychological Services.

Few artists have left as lasting a mark on rock music as Eric Clapton, who turned 81 on Monday.

Clapton first rose to prominence in the 1960s as a member of influential bands like The Yardbirds and Cream, quickly earning a reputation as one of the greatest guitarists of his generation. His blues-driven style and technical skill helped shape the sound of modern rock.

"At first I played exactly like Chuck Berry for six or seven months," Clapton told Rolling Stone in 1968. "Then I got into older bluesmen. [...] I just finally got completely overwhelmed in this brand new world. I studied it and listened to it and went right down in it and came back up in it. I was about 17 or 18. When I came back up in it, turned on to B. B. King and it’s been that way ever since. I still don't think there is a better blues guitarist in the world than B. B. King."

In the early 1970s, Clapton formed Derek and the Dominos, a short-lived but highly influential group. The band's 1970 album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, featured the iconic track "Layla," widely considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time. Though the group disbanded after just one album, its impact on Clapton's career, and rock history, has endured.

"'Layla' was like striking gold," Clapton told Esquire in 2014. "There's that thing about when you're looking in the water and the sand and suddenly you see the sparkle. It's never, for me anyway, 'Oh, people will like this.' It's, 'This is the mother lode here!'"

Clapton went on to achieve massive success as a solo artist, blending blues, rock and pop influences across decades of releases. One of his most defining moments came with "Tears in Heaven," which became a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Written in the wake of personal tragedy, the song resonated deeply with listeners and showcased a more vulnerable side of the artist.

Over the years, Clapton has earned numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame three times, a rare achievement that underscores his influence across different eras and collaborations.

Beyond his music, Clapton has remained a towering figure in guitar culture, often cited as one of the greatest players of all time.

As Eric Clapton turns 81, his legacy continues to span generations, from groundbreaking band work to deeply personal solo hits, proof of a career built on both innovation and emotion.

Related: 1975 Hit Ranked Among Best ‘Soft Rock Songs’ Became a Breakup Anthem

Growing up as an Italian-American in the heart of South Philadelphia, your understanding of Eggplant Parmesan was forged in the "red-sauce" restaurants of the neighborhood. In those kitchens, the dish arrived at the table less like a vegetable and more like a warrior in full armor. Each slice was heavily breaded and submerged in a tidal wave of marinara, all of it disappearing beneath a molten, impenetrable blanket of mozzarella. In the neighborhood eateries, that heavy, armored version was gospel; however, in my grandmother’s kitchen, such a dish was heresy.

She hailed from Sicily, a place where the eggplant is treated with near-religious reverence. To her, the vegetable required no embellishment, only a fundamental respect. She often told me that the secret to making eggplant parmigiana 10x better lies not in what one adds to the dish, but in what one has the courage to omit. In her kitchen, there was no dusting of flour, no sticky egg wash and absolutely no breadcrumbs to cloud the purity of the eggplant.

During my visits, I would watch my Nonna lower bare planks of eggplant into shimmering olive oil frying them "naked" until they collapsed into silky, caramelized ribbons, and they emerged from the pan bronzed and supple. If I hoped for the theatrical, elastic stretch of mozzarella when eating her eggplant parm, I was in the wrong house. Instead, she reached for a wedge of pecorino cheese, sharp and unapologetically salty, grating it fine between each layer so it seasoned the dish ever so brilliantly from within.

She assembled the eggplant with the quiet confidence of a hundred Sunday afternoons, each slice overlapping the next with deliberate care, topped with just a whisper of tomato sauce, a reminder that patience, not excess, is what makes a dish sing. Without the weight of crumbs or a shroud of mozzarella cheese, the tomato sauce tasted brighter and the basil more fragrant. What she created wasn’t a casserole; it was a lesson in Sicilian restraint, proof that sometimes the boldest move in the kitchen is subtraction.

Here's the Sicilian way to make this popular dish even better.

Related: The Classic Recipe That Has Us Rushing to the Store To Buy Eggplant

Theresa Greco

What Makes the Sicilian Version of Eggplant Parm 10x Better?

In the kitchens of South Philly, breading was king, but in Palermo, the goal wasn't to create a heavy crust; it was to transform the eggplant itself. The “naked fry” method, also used for the infamous zucchini nerano, is what sets this Eggplant Parm apart.

By dropping the sliced eggplant directly into hot olive oil without a coating of flour or breadcrumbs, you allow the vegetable to undergo a beautiful caramelization. Instead of a thick shell, you get a deep, smoky sweetness and a texture that is famously custard-like.

The Sicilian way allows the high heat of the oil to sear the outside of the eggplant quickly, creating a natural barrier that keeps the interior light and buttery. When you layer these "planks" with a simple, long-simmered tomato passata and a dusting of Pecorino, the result is structural and elegant. It’s a dish that celebrates the vegetable rather than burying it under a mountain of heavy breading and cheese.

Related: I Made My Own Ricotta Cheese and It’s a Total Game-Changer

Ingredients Needed To Make Sicilian Eggplant Parmesan

You can create this Sicilian masterpiece using just a few Italian pantry staples. To start, you will need one to two firm, medium to large eggplants, sliced and salted to draw out their moisture before they are fried until golden in olive oil.

The foundation of the dish is a clean, vibrant sauce made from high-quality tomatoes, ideally imported whole San Marzano or a smooth passata, simmered gently with slightly crushed garlic cloves, a generous swirl of olive oil and a few torn basil leaves.

For the assembly, freshly grated Pecorino Romano and additional sprigs of fragrant basil are needed to provide a sharp, savory contrast to the richness of the fried eggplant.

A final, careful drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil brings the layers together as they bake, allowing the flavors to meld into a dish that is deeply flavorful yet light.

Here's the full list of ingredients:

• 1-2 medium eggplants, sliced lengthwise
• Salt
• 2 cups olive oil for frying 
• 1 small (14 oz) can of San Marzano tomatoes 
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3-4 basil leaves, torn
• Salt, to taste
• 1/2 cup grated pecorino
• Additional basil leaves, for serving

Related: This One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Is the Pioneer Woman’s ‘Go-To Dish’ for Family Dinners

How To Make Sicilian Eggplant Parmesan like My Grandma

The process begins with a bit of patience and a lot of salt. To ensure the eggplant loses its bitterness and fries up silky rather than greasy, lay your slices in a colander and salt them generously. My Nonna would always weigh them down with a plate and a heavy can to press out the moisture, letting them steep for at least an hour.

Theresa Greco

While the eggplant brines, you can prepare a simple, vibrant tomato sauce. Combine your jarred or can tomatoes with garlic, fresh basil, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil, simmering for about 15 minutes until it reduces into a thick, fragrant sauce. Just remember to discard the garlic cloves before you start layering as they’ve already done their job.

Once the eggplant has finished steeping, pat the slices completely dry. The secret to a perfect "naked" fry is to shallow-fry them in olive oil over a lively flame until they are golden brown on both sides, then let them drain on paper towels to shed any excess oil.

Theresa Greco

To assemble, spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of your baking dish and begin the layering.

Theresa Greco

Here's what it looks like: a layer of eggplant, a smear of sauce, a generous dusting of pecorino cheese and hand-torn basil.

Theresa Greco

Repeat until you have three or four beautiful layers, finishing with a final splash of sauce and cheese.

Theresa Greco

Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until the top is lightly browned. The hardest part? Letting it rest for at least 15 minutes or even letting it come to room temperature to let those flavors truly lock together.

Related: The Simple Chef Trick That Will Make Your Pasta 10x Better

My Honest Thoughts

Theresa Greco

I’ll be the first to admit: I love the classic Italian-American Eggplant Parm. There is a time and a place for that heavy, melty comfort food with its pull of cheese and thick, fried crust. But the truth is, I don’t eat it often because it’s a lot to handle. For me it’s a "once-a-year" kind of meal that leaves you needing a nap immediately after the last bite.

My Nonna was definitely on to something with her Sicilian version. It is remarkably clean and fresh, allowing the eggplant itself to actually stand out. In the version found in most Philadelphia Italian establishments, it can be hard to tell what’s actually underneath all that breading, the heavy-handed spoons of sauce and the layers of cheese. In my grandma’s Sicilian way, there is no denying what you have. It’s lighter, it’s vibrant and it celebrates the harvest instead of hiding it. It’s a dish you can eat on a warm Tuesday night and feel energized, not weighed down.

Related: The Italian Way To Make Potato Salad 10x Better

What To Serve With Eggplant Parmesan

In Sicily, Eggplant Parmesan is rarely just a side dish. Instead, it is treated as a contorno (a substantial side) or, more often, a piatto unico ( a stand-alone meal).

Theresa Greco

If you want to go the traditional way, the best accompaniment is simply a nest of spaghetti. If you need a little more on the table, a crisp, bitter green salad, like arugula or radicchio with a sharp lemon vinaigrette, cuts through the richness of the eggplant perfectly. Every bite is simple, balanced and utterly satisfying; it is a true testament to Sicilian restraint and flavor.

Final Tip

The most important "Nonna rule" I can share is that while we often expect Italian food to be served piping hot and bubbling, this version is actually at its best at room temperature. In the heat of a Sicilian summer, a Nonna would prepare the parmigiana in the morning and let it rest on the counter for hours.

This gives the layers time to settle, the basil and pecorino a chance to meld, and the eggplant the space to soak up the tomato sauce like a sponge. It shouldn’t be a molten mess; it should be a stable, delicious, layered slice of history.

Up Next:

Related: I Tried Elizabeth Taylor’s Favorite Pasta—It’s Simple but Stunning