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NCIScelebrated its 500th episode tonight with a shocking episode that saw the death of a beloved character. Director Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll) gave his life for the agency he has dedicated his life to in order to save it.

“This 500th episode could have been a whole series of flashbacks, a look back, and maybe a couple of surprise characters or whatever. But nobody expected this to be to be what it ultimately became,” Carroll tells Parade in an exclusive interview.

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Carroll says he couldn’t have been more surprised when he was approached last November and told his time as Vance was coming to an end, but in the end, he admits he came to appreciate it.

“I wasn't in on it,” he explains. “I didn't come to the table and say, ‘Guys, I'm done playing this character. It's not fun for me anymore. Write me out of the show. I was as surprised as anybody, but the only thing that surprised me more than being told the storyline was how quickly I was able to come to terms with it and how quickly I was able to say as a creative, ‘It's actually a great story.’"

That said, Carroll will still be a part of the NCIS family. One of the perks of his years on the show was being given the opportunity to direct episodes, so he will continue to do that. In fact, just a month after Vance’s on-screen demise, Carroll was back on the set in the director’s chair.

“I love directing,” he says. “I tell people, I got the opportunity to learn a second language, the language of directing by having been on this show for so long that now I’ve got close to 30 episodes of this show under my belt as a director.”

During his chat with Parade, Carroll went into more detail about how he found out about Vance’s demise, what he sees happening next for NCIS, his dream job, and more.

Related: Will NCIS Be Shut Down? How to Watch the 500th Episode

[Showrunner] Steven D. Binder had to talk to you about this ahead of time. When he approached you, what did he say?
It wasn't like before the season started that I got a phone call saying, "Hey, this is something that we're thinking about." I think somewhere during this current season and the 500th episode looming, the powers that be -- the network, the studio, the executives -- everybody said, "OK, 500th episode, we’ve got to do something. We can't just do another show where we do a lot of clips and flashbacks, and a look back on the 500 episodes. How do we do something that makes a compelling episode, something that our diehard fans haven't seen before, instead of just taking them down memory lane for an hour?  What can we do to make a huge splash for this 500th episode?"

So, about somewhere in early November, Steve pulled me aside on the set and said, "Hey, we've come up with an idea for the 500, you got a minute?" I'm like, "Yeah, sure. Tell me all about it.”

So, he proceeds to tell me that the storyline is that NCIS is in danger of collapse and that the agency as we know it is teetering on the brink of disaster and there's this nefarious character working behind the scenes to undermine and sabotage the agency, and the one person who finds out and is able to save the agency is Director Vance. And in the process of saving the agency, he loses his life. It's a terrific story. Do you want to hear more about the plot?

I'm thinking, "Wait go back to the part again about him saving the agency and losing his life," and as he's telling me about this plot, I remember sitting there thinking, "I feel like I'm having an out-of-body experience right now," as he's telling me this, because what I'm realizing as we're talking is that after almost two decades -- 18 seasons for me -- is that this character is finally full circle. This character now has a beginning, a middle and an end.

You're still part of the family, right? You will still be directing episodes?
I'm like a visiting relative. I'm not there every night for dinner, but the big meals, the big holidays, I'll be there.

How do you think this will shake up the show? Leon Vance took over when Jenny Shephard (Lauren Holly) was killed and he’s been the longest-running director. He brought stability.
We will find out very quickly. I think it's going to shake things up quite a bit. The first thing that the executive producers said to me is, "We don't want to replace this character with another director. We don't think this character is replaceable. We don't want to replace you.”

Even some of the real NCIS agents and some of the former NCIS directors that I've met over the years who come to visit our show, they all say the same thing. They’re like, “You're the longest tenured director in history, either real or make-believe.” Most NCIS directors maybe last three or four years. No one spanned almost two decades, so the one thing that I took as a real badge of honor is that as Steve was telling me the plot, he was saying this is not an attempt to replace this character, because the character is irreplaceable. So, there may not be anybody in that chair, or even if there is, they won't have the same impact.

A lot of things have happened over these last 18 years. This character that Don Bellisario created was never intended to be a major component to the cast. He was supposed to be this leadership figure who comes in every once in a while and has to lay down the law or make a decision.

As Steve Binder said to me so eloquently, it's because of who you are as an actor and what you brought to this character that we didn't kill this character off 10 years ago, because the thought of this as a storyline has been around for a very long time, but we couldn't find the time to do it. Now, we're 23 seasons in, and it's like, who knows how many seasons we're going to have left? If we're going to do something like this, if we don't do it now, it'll never get done.

I don't know what's going to happen, how NCIS as a series will actually come to an end. Something tells me it won't be satisfying. It's kind of like how Seinfeld came to an end and everybody was, "What was that? That's the payoff we got for being on this journey so long.”  I hope that's not the case with our show, but at least with the character of Director Vance,  there was a payoff. There was a very final sense of finality with this character.

So, as a creator and as an actor, I love the storyline. The first thing Steve said to me is, “I'm writing the episode and this episode is going to be a tribute and a love letter to your character.” I feel like that's what we did.

Related: NCIS Shocker: Showrunner Steven D. Binder on McGee’s Secret Son! (Exclusive)

One of the intriguing things about this episode was the angel who comes to help Vance make his transition into the light is actually Adam Campbell, who has previously played a young Ducky and does so again.
He was the Grim Reaper. One of my favorite memories of doing this episode was that it was the first time that we found a way for young Ducky, who was basically a memory character in Gibbs' past, to somehow be in the same space with Vance because all of the episodes that Adam Campbell has done in the past have always been flashbacks for Gibbs' life before he and Vance even knew each other, so for them to come up with the idea that young Ducky and Vance would meet in the afterlife made so much sense.

This character wasn't just created for this episode. Young Ducky existed, so our fans knew who he was. I think if David McCallum were still with us, that reveal would have been David McCallum, but I thought what a brilliant way to not only pay tribute to the legacy of my character but to pay tribute to the legacy of Ducky to have the Angel of Death be the young Ducky.

We also got to see the scene with Gibbs up in the treehouse that established the whole story with the promise he made years ago to that young boy.
I think there are a lot of things the fans are going to love. We could have taken an easy route and done an hour of flashbacks, very touching moments, and maybe a surprise visit. "Hey, is that Michael Weatherly?" I think what we did was a very bold move. It’s going to be a storyline and there's going to be a real plot twist, something that's going to affect the future of this show and in what way we don't really know. We're talking rolling the dice here.

Do you know what you’re going to do next?
My dream job would be to be the next Anthony Bourdain and travel around the world and eat and drink and get paid to do it. Director Vance goes to the Caribbean and becomes the next Anthony Bourdain. That's the real goal. But I have no fears or worries as far as acting because it's all I've ever done.

Did you take anything from your dressing room as a keepsake?
No, because I felt like that would feel too final for me.  Of course, my wardrobe. Nobody else fits any of it. They said you can take whatever you want from the wardrobe. I said, “I’m going to leave it in the closet just in case I have to come back as a spirit or in a flashback." My feeling was it wasn't a final goodbye. It was goodbye for now, and a month later, I was back in the director's chair.

Do you have a favorite memory?
Wow, there are so many of them. As an actor, I think where I really felt that I was a part of this NCIS family was the first time that Mark Harmon, Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly pranked me. My character used to have a toothpick in his mouth. And there was a very serious scene, where I was supposed to be reading them the riot act and they all secretly had toothpicks in their mouths. When I turned to face them, they were all with their backs to the camera, but I could see their faces, and they all had these toothpicks in their mouth just to see if they could get me to the break on camera. That was when I knew that I was a part of this ensemble. That was their "Welcome to our club."

NCIS airs Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. Streams next day on Paramount+.

Next, Is Your Favorite Show Coming Back or Canceled? See Our Fall TV 2026–2027 Guide

Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradisealum Jen Saviano is having another baby.

Us Weekly reported that Saviano, who was a contestant in Bachelor Season 20, revealed she and her husband, Landon Reed Ricker, will soon be parents to two children in a March 12 Instagram upload. The post featured a video of Saviano, Ricker, and their son, Wilder Reed, 3, posing with sonogram photos on a beach.

"answered prayers," read the caption of the post.

Several fans flocked to the post's comments section to congratulate Saviano and her husband.

"congrats! I was waiting for this, you have seemed different and I was like she’s going through the first trimester and I’ve kept you in my prayers. So happy !!! Big brother wilder woo!" wrote a commenter.

"Omg so happy for you!!!! Ik social media is so warped but you strike me as so calm, nurturing and a great mom! Congratulations! Been following you since bachelor days btw!!" added another.

"Awww congrats!! Y’all are the sweetest fam!!" shared a third person.

"So incredibly happy for you!!!!" commented a fan.

"Ahhhhh, I am sooooo happy for you guys!" chimed in a social media user.

Jen Saviano Shared Information About Her Pregnancy on Social Media

Saviano shared some information about her pregnancy in a March 19 Instagram upload. The post featured a brief video of Saviano standing in a backyard while wearing a black bodysuit and a beige duster sweater. She finished off her look with tennis shoes and dainty jewelry.

In the caption, she revealed she was 23 weeks pregnant when she uploaded the post. In addition, she shared that she was craving "sweets, candy, pastriess & ice cold/bubbly drinks" and had food aversions to "onion and most meats." She also let fans know that her husband and son "can now feel him/her" kicking.

Saviano finished her caption by asking her followers if they believed she was having a "boy or girl?"

There's a fragrance stereotype that's been around forever: older women wear too much perfume. Whether it's true or not, the story is you can smell them coming from three rooms away, usually wearing something heavy and powdery that was trendy in 1987. But here's the truth fragrance experts want you to know: the problem usually isn't the amount of perfume—it's the scent itself and applying it in ways that amplify rather than soften.

Your nose changes as you age. What smelled perfect at 30 might smell completely different—or barely register—by 50. This leads many women to spray on more and more of their signature scent from years ago instead of modernizing their fragrance wardrobe with lighter, more contemporary notes and learning application techniques that create subtle sillage instead of an overpowering cloud.

A sophisticated scent after 50 (or at any age) comes from layering complementary products and choosing concentrations strategically. We talked to a fragrance expert about how to smell expensive and intentional rather than like you bathed in perfume. Here's what actually works.

Related: 7 Best Hair Perfumes To Try, According to a Fragrance Expert

Is It a Common Mistake for Women Over 50 To Use Too Much Perfume?

Savannah Britt, founder of The Fragrance Affair, reframes the entire question. "Sometimes, women may be spraying too much of the wrong scent," she explains. "I think it's important to keep a few perfumes in rotation."

The problem is outdated fragrance profiles. Rather than heavy powdery or floral notes that were trendy decades ago, Britt recommends notes that feel fresh and contemporary. Think bergamot, pink pepper, fig, tea notes, coconut, vanilla and marshmallow. These tend to wear lighter and more modern than the heavy florals that dominated perfume counters in the '80s and '90s.

Related: These 7 Perfumes Actually Last All Day Long, Fragrance Expert Reveals

The #1 Trick for Making Perfume Smell Subtle Instead of Overpowering When You're Over 50

Here's where most people get it wrong: they spray perfume and expect it to do all the work. Britt has a smarter approach: "Rather than just depending on your perfume to do the heavy lifting, I always recommend pairing your fragrance with other products with similar scent notes. This includes your body wash, lotion, body oil, dusting powder and body mist," she explains.

Layering creates a more subtle, built-in scent that radiates from your skin rather than sitting on top of it in a concentrated cloud. When your body wash, lotion and perfume all share similar notes, you can use less of the actual perfume because the foundation is already there. The result smells expensive and intentional rather than like you doused yourself in fragrance.

Related: 7 Best Luxury Perfume Dupes at Zara, According to a Fragrance Expert

Getty

Other Tips for Subtle Fragrance

Not all perfumes are created equal in terms of strength. "The stronger the type of perfume you use, then the less you need," Britt notes. "For instance, if you're using an extrait de parfum then you can apply less, because it's sure to have lasting power."

The distinction among formulas is key—if you're used to spraying eau de toilette liberally and then switch to an extrait de parfum (which has much higher fragrance concentration), you need to dramatically reduce how much you apply. What worked for the lighter formula will be overwhelming with the concentrated version.

The hierarchy from lightest to strongest: eau fraiche, eau de cologne, eau de toilette, eau de parfum, extrait de parfum. Adjust your application accordingly.

Related: 7 Best Fine’ry Luxury Perfume Dupes at Target, According to a Fragrance Expert

How Do You Know if You've Applied Too Much Fragrance?

Here's the frustrating reality: your nose adjusts to your own scent within minutes, so you genuinely can't tell if you're wearing too much. You might think you barely smell like anything while everyone around you is choking on your cloud of fragrance.

Britt's solution is simple. "It's always good to ask a friend for a second opinion on your scent if you fear you might've applied too much fragrance," she advises. Get feedback from someone who'll be honest with you rather than polite.

Related: This One Surprising Secret Helps You ‘Smell Good All the Time’

What Should You Do if You Think You've Applied Too Much Fragrance?

If you've overdone it, don't panic. "If you feel like you've applied too much fragrance, rub a generous amount of unscented lotion, baby oil or even olive oil over the scented area. Let it sit for a minute and then wipe it away with a paper towel," Britt recommends.

The oil helps break down and dilute the fragrance without completely removing it. You'll reduce the intensity without having to shower and start over. Keep unscented lotion in your bag for emergency adjustments throughout the day.

Up Next:

Related: 7 Best Luxury Perfume Dupes From Bath & Body Works, According to a Fragrance Expert

Source:

• Savannah Britt, founder of The Fragrance Affair

You’ll never guess who’s in first place on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Fan Vote Leaderboard.

You might expect tried and true rockers like Phil Collins, INXS, Billy Idol, the Black Crowes, Oasis or Iron Maiden to own the top spot of the fan vote, since their catalogs align closely with what’s thought of as traditional rock ‘n’ roll.

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However, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame opened its criteria for nominees several years ago to pop, hip-hop and R&B acts that might not exactly be classified as rock ‘n’ roll but have still had substantial and influential careers.

With that in mind, perhaps it’s not surprising to see ‘80s boy band New Edition in first place among the acts nominated for induction into the Rock Hall this year.

As of March 24, New Edition has more than 757,000 votes and is nearly 100,000 votes ahead of second-place Phil Collins, who has more than 670,000 votes. (We’ve rounded the number up or down to the nearest 1,000). They’re followed by Pink with 611,000, Luther Vandross with 544,000, INXS with 471,000, Sade with 464,000 and Billy Idol rounding out the top seven with 442,000.

The rest of the list includes Wu-Tang Clan (438,000), Shakira (415,000), Mariah Carey(383,000), Lauren Hill (353,000), Iron Maiden (298,000) and Melissa Etheridge (285,000).

Scrapping the bottom rungs are two bands widely associated with rock ‘n’ roll -- the Black Crowes (206,000) and Oasis (201,000), followed by Joy Division + New Order (174,000) and Jeff Buckley (131,000).

Voting started in late February and runs through April 3. In early voting, Collins -- who is already in the Rock Hall as a member of Genesis -- was in the lead, but shortly after he was overtaken by New Edition after some campaigning on social media for the group that features Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill, Ralph Tresvant and the members of Bell Biv DeVoe.

We spotted a Feb. 25 post in the New Edition 4 Lyfe! Facebook group urging fans to vote. “You can vote once a day for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees until April 3rd, 2026. Also you can vote with multiple email addresses. The fellas only have 21,510 votes so far. There are over 300,000 fans in this group. Step it up y'all. We need those votes!!!!”

Even if New Edition wins the fan vote, it doesn’t guarantee they’ll be inducted into the Rock Hall. The acts coming in the top five of the fan vote account for a single “fans’ ballot,” which is counted along with the more than 1,000 ballots from artists, historians and industry professionals. That explains why Phish topped last year’s list and Billy Idol came in third but were not inducted into the Rock Hall.

Yet, there is some hope for New Edition, the odds are in their favor. About 64% of artists who won the fan vote were inducted into the Rock Hall that same year, and approximately 90% eventually made in following years.

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

Nothing says spring refresh like a new dining table. It is an affordable way to do something new for your home, and with one piece, you can immediately upgrade your kitchen or dining room. If you're looking for a piece that brings both style and warmth to your home, check out the Beautiful by Drew Round Dining Table with Fluted Base.

This beautiful table, designed by Drew Barrymore, is currently on sale at Walmart for just $198, down 33% from its original $296 price tag.

Beautiful by Drew Round Dining Table with Fluted Base, From $198 (was $296) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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This charming table has quickly become a favorite among shoppers, thanks in part to its elegant fluted pedestal base and classic round shape. The fluted detailing adds a touch of sophistication, while the pedestal design offers ample legroom, making every seat at the table feel extra special.

At 42 inches in diameter, this table is perfectly sized for small gatherings, cozy weeknight dinners, or sunny spring brunches. It comfortably seats four, making it an ideal fit for apartments, breakfast nooks, or anyone who loves an intimate dining setting. Whether you're hosting friends for Easter or just enjoying coffee and pastries on a lazy Sunday, this table sets the scene beautifully.

Related: Walmart’s 'Spacious' 6-Drawer Fluted Dresser Adds a 'Very Luxurious Look' for Only $171

Available in two versatile finishes — warm honey and rich black — you can choose the look that best matches your spring décor. The black is currently on sale and offers a bold, modern statement, while the warm honey finish brings a golden, sunlit glow to your space. Both finishes are crafted from sturdy solid wood, ensuring your table is as durable as it is beautiful.

Assembly is a breeze, and shoppers love how this table instantly elevates the look of their dining area. With a 4.7-star rating, it's clear that Drew Barrymore's round dining table is a winner for both style and practicality.

"This is a great dining table with so much character," one shopper said. "I love the black finish because it gives it a modern feel. The fluted pattern gives it texture and makes it extra unique."

If you're looking for a fresh focal point for your home this spring, don't miss out on this stunning table while it's on sale. Pair it with other pieces from the Beautiful collection for a cohesive, designer-inspired space that's ready for family meals, spring celebrations, and everything in between.

Shop More Deals

• Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 5 x 7 Arches Outdoor Rug, $87 at Walmart
• Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Braided Jute Indoor Mat, $32 at Walmart
• Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 7-Inch Charcoal Handled Ceramic Planter, $15 at Walmart

Let your dining room bloom this season with a $198 Drew Barrymore dining table that truly stands out. At 33% off, you can upgrade your space with a price that's as lovely as the piece itself.

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.

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

It feels really good to update your space. We're talking about giving your home the ultimate refresh, starting with new kitchen appliances, gorgeous bedding, and additional backyard table space that will actually accommodate your guests. Now, renovations can rack up quite a bill, which is why we're always on the hunt for the best sales at Macy's, Wayfair, Walmart, and more that can make you and your space happy. 

The latest on our shopping radar at Macy's is the Kathryn Botanical 8-Piece Comforter Set, which is 60% off right now. The special limited-time deal has brought the price down from $100 to just $40. This Macy's exclusive set is available in twin, full, queen, or king sizes — all priced at only $40. The set includes one comforter, two shams, one bed skirt, one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. Note that the twin set only includes one sham and one pillowcase, making it a six-piece set. 

Kathryn Botanical 8-Piece Comforter Sets, $40 (was $100) at Macy's

Courtesy of Macy's

Shop at Macy's

The "fantastic" comforter has a "lightweight" 100% polyester shell and fill, so it's machine-washable, according to the care instruction label. Shoppers said it's "easy to wash" and the fabric is shrink-, fade-, and wrinkle-resistant. The botanical pattern features a muted green with flowers and leaves, and there's even a reversible side with a white geometric pattern on a green background. Shoppers said the "beautiful" design is "perfect for spring and summer." 

Customers particularly love that the "pretty" comforter is "super soft," "smooth to the touch," and "airy," so you won't get overheated during the warmer season. Another reviewer wrote that the "comforter set looks just as pictured and has a calm, cohesive design that works well in a bedroom without feeling busy or overwhelming." 

Related: Macy's 'Fluffy' $32 Comforter Offers Just the Right 'Lightweight Warmth' for Spring

This garden-inspired design can instantly upgrade your space. Some customers even said they purchased a second set to place in a spare bedroom. One shopper said that the set is "durable," so it should last you a long time. You can also put it away in the winter and just bring it out for a floral boost during the spring season.

Shop More Deals

• Hudson Geometric 8-Piece Comforter Set, $40 (was $100) at Macy's
• Aiden Striped 8-Piece Comforter Set, $40 (was $100) at Macy's
• Vcny Scallop Microfiber 3-Piece Quilt Set, $44 (was $130) at Macy's

Getting cozy and bringing elegance into your home doesn't have to break the bank. Add this gorgeous 8-piece comforter set to your bedroom while it's just $40 at Macy's!

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.

As soon as we found out that certain characters from Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon would be in Outlander Season 8, there were book storylines that we needed to see. While Captain Charles Cunningham’s storyline has changed slightly — although not enough to cause too many issues — his mother Elspeth’s story has largely remained the same.

This is a great thing, as Elspeth Cunningham has some of the best scenes throughout Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone. After bringing us the moment Claire realized that there was something more to Elspeth’s heart and mind as they tended to Amy’s body after the gastly bear attack, the stills from Outlander Season 8 Episode 4 hint that there’s another major and hilarious moment that will happen.

Elspeth Cunningham Needs Claire’s Help in ‘Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone’

In the novels, while Jamie is away, Elspeth Cunningham comes to Claire in need of help. She’s injured herself falling over. The good news is that it’s just a dislocated shoulder, and the even better news is that while Elspeth didn’t hold Claire in the highest regards at first, she does know that Claire is a skilled healer and trusts her.

As Claire helps Elspeth with her injury, the two enjoy another heart-to-heart. This time it’s because Elspeth is able to relax a little and even let out a few curse words, much to Claire and Fanny’s delight.

In a way, this whole scene helps us actually warm up to Elspeth despite the abrupt start when she slaps Mandy. We get to see that Elspeth just needs to find people who she can let her guard down, and it’s clear that she’s had a long and difficult life. No, it’s not an excuse, but it is a reason, especially for that time period.

‘Outlander’ Season 8 Promises To Bring That Scene To Life

There is one still from Outlander Season 8 Episode 4 in particular that makes it clear this scene is coming. We can see Claire treating Elspeth’s injured shoulder, and there is a lot of hope that the writing will capture the humor that the novels had. All it takes is using Claire and Elspeth’s dialogue directly.

There are lines such as, “And your little dog too,” and "I think that would be classed as a skill, rather than a virtue... Though a valuable one, I daresay,” that made the majority of readers chuckle upon first reading, and they’re sure to have viewers chuckling as long as they’re included. Outlander Season 8 has done a good job of developing many of the Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone arcs so far, so there’s hope for this one.

Peyton Manning, one of the NFL’s most celebrated quarterbacks, turned 50 on Tuesday. 

Fans, fellow athletes and media outlets celebrated the milestone, reflecting on the remarkable career of the man nicknamed “The Sheriff.” Manning’s journey from a college star to a two-time Super Bowl champion and five-time NFL MVP has left an indelible mark on football history.

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Manning grew up in a football family. He is the son of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning, the older brother of Eli Manning and uncle to Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning. 

Peyton Manning looks on during warmups before the game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Texas Longhorns.

Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images

Manning’s college career at the University of Tennessee (1994–1997) set the stage for his NFL dominance. He graduated cum laude with a degree in speech communications, having led the Volunteers to the 1997 SEC title and earned consensus All-American honors. 

Selected first overall by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1998 NFL Draft, Manning immediately transformed the team, starting all 16 games as a rookie and setting records for completions, attempts, yards and touchdowns.

During his 18-year NFL career, Manning played 266 games, throwing for 71,940 passing yards and 539 touchdowns. He won five NFL MVP awards (2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2013), the most in league history, and became the first quarterback to win 200 games as a starter while defeating all 32 NFL teams. His tenure included 14 Pro Bowl selections and seven first-team All-Pro honors.

With the Colts, Manning won Super Bowl XLI in 2007, earning the game’s MVP. After a neck surgery sidelined him for all of 2011, he joined the Denver Broncos in 2012, leading them to four straight AFC West titles and a Super Bowl 50 victory in his final game, closing his career on a high note.

Even after retirement in 2016, Manning has remained a dominant figure in sports and entertainment. He co-founded Omaha Productions in 2020 and produces shows such as ManningCast, Quarterback, and Starting 5. He continues his work alongside brother Eli on ESPN’s alternate Monday Night Football broadcast.

Peyton also announced a new live event, Night of Champions, set for April 22, 2026, in Denver’s Paramount Theatre. The reunion will feature members of the Super Bowl 50 Broncos team, including Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware and Emmanuel Sanders, sharing stories from their historic 2015 season. 

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Beyond media, Manning has invested in sports, including a minority ownership stake in Denver’s new NWSL women’s soccer team, which debuts in 2026. He remains active in commercials, philanthropic ventures, and mentoring future football stars, including his son Marshall and nephew Arch Manning.

Brother Eli Manning shared a heartfelt social media post with throwback photos and videos, joking, “Knowing Peyton will be blowing out 50 candles today really takes my breath away. Happy birthday big bro!”

Knowing Peyton will be blowing out 50 candles today really takes my breath away. Happy birthday big bro! pic.twitter.com/jhRpgv1eyz

— Eli Manning (@EliManning) March 24, 2026

Peyton’s 50th birthday underscores a career of achievement, from his unmatched on-field records to his continued influence in media and the sports business. As he enters this new decade, Manning remains a model of athletic excellence, business acumen and family devotion.

Related: Peyton Manning's Net Worth in 2026 and How Much He Made as a Star Quarterback

The "We listen, and we don't judge" TikTok trend is usually reserved for mildly embarrassing confessions and cringe-worthy admissions between friends. Gypsy-Rose Blanchard took it in a very different direction.

In a video posted on Saturday, March 21, Blanchard, 34, appeared alongside influencer Natalie Reynolds to participate in the viral format. Rather than easing into it, she went straight to the most controversial part of her past. "We listen and we don't judge: I went to prison for eight and a half years because I…" she said, pausing before making a choking sound and finishing with, "…my own mom." Reynolds appeared to react with visible shock as Blanchard responded, "Hey, we listen and we don't judge."

@nataliireynoldss

this didn’t end well… #fyp #nataliereynolds #gypsyrose #gypsyroseblanchard

♬ original sound - Natalie Reynolds

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It didn’t take long for reactions to flood the comments section.

"There's absolutely nothing funny in this, this is actually so freaking wrong," one person wrote. "Lack of remorse here is wild," another said. "So, this is a confession right??" chimed in a third. Others didn't mince words either — "This is disturbing," someone wrote, while another pointed out the “whole video is concerning.”

Reynolds brought her own baggage to the video. She opened with a reference to her widely criticized 2024 livestream in which she offered a woman $20 to jump into Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas. After the woman entered the water, she said she couldn’t swim, and Reynolds walked away. The incident drew backlash and was later followed by a temporary TikTok ban, though the platform never confirmed the reason. That history only added fuel, with one commenter writing simply, "judging BOTH actually."

🚨𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: A streamer, identified as Natalie Reynolds, reportedly dared a homeless woman, who was unable to swim, to jump into a lake.

The woman, in a state of distress, was heard calling for help as Reynolds fled the scene.

A firetruck was seen heading towards the… pic.twitter.com/oS2QQbhMxw

— Right Angle News Network (@Rightanglenews) May 30, 2024

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For those in the dark, Blanchard spent over eight years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in the 2015 killing of her mother, Clauddine "Dee Dee" Blanchard. She conspired with her then-boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, who carried out the stabbing. The case became one of the most well-known examples of Munchausen syndrome by proxy — Dee Dee had fabricated and exaggerated Gypsy's medical conditions for years, subjecting her to unnecessary treatments, a wheelchair, and a feeding tube. The case later inspired the HBO documentary Mommy Dead and Dearest and the Hulu series The Act, starring Joey King.

Gypsy was released from prison in December 2023 and has since been rebuilding her life. She welcomed daughter Aurora with boyfriend Ken Urker in December 2024 and completed her parole in June 2025. Her memoir, My Time to Stand, was released in December 2024.

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She's spoken about her remorse before. "Nobody will ever hear me say I'm glad she's dead or I'm proud of what I did," she told People. "I regret it every single day.”

Related: Read Next

Zendaya’s new film, The Drama, hasn’t even hit theaters yet, and it’s already mixed up in a ton of drama. 

Last month, A24 released the trailer for its latest rule-breaking film, and from Zendaya’s Emma wielding a knife to Robert Pattinson’s Charlie donning a tux covered in blood, there’s a lot going on. 

At one point in the official teaser, the couple are sharing with friends the worst thing they’ve ever done, and Emma’s deep dark secret confession is apparently the worst of the bunch and the crux of a plot twist that has early viewers, namely parents, slamming the film.

WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD 

We should first tell you, the film comes from the twisted mind of Kristoffer Borgli, the Norwegian film director and screenwriter who gave us the blackest of black comediesSick of Myself in 2022. He’s provocative to say the least. So, it’s no wonder his latest project is already drawing the ire of several early viewers. 

Touted as a romantic comedy, albeit a dark one, The Drama uses the following synopsis: “A happily engaged couple get put to the test when an unexpected revelation sends their wedding week off the rails.” That “unexpected revelation” is the fact that Emma once planned a high school shooting but chickened out before going through with it. 

Early Reactions to The Drama

According to World of Reel, the first reactions to the film are mixed, with some hailing the film as a triumph and others offering more muttered distaste.

TMZ, however, has spoken with one person in particular with whom the film’s big reveal is not sitting well at all.

Tom Mauser, whose son Daniel Mauser, was murdered in the 1999Columbine tragedy, told the outlet that he’s disgusted with the film and “floored” that a school shooting would be a suitable topic for a romantic comedy.  

“Mauser feels the subject in a rom-com starring a beloved actress like Zendaya ‘humanizes’ shooters -- and ‘normalizes’ the shootings,” TMZ reported. “To be clear ... Mauser doesn't think anyone who has ever considered violence, but not gone through with it, should be condemned -- on the contrary, he's encouraging anyone who has had these ideations to go talk it out with a therapist. However, Mauser doesn't want it to be used for entertainment.”

The Drama hits theaters April 3.

Related: Amanda Bynes Shocks With Glam Comeback Look

Beloved television personality and culinary icon Mary Berry is celebrating a birthday milestone.

Berry turned 91 on Tuesday, another celebratory event in the midst of a career that has spanned more than six decades and made her one of the most recognizable faces in British cooking. Known for her calm authority, classic recipes and signature warmth, she has inspired generations of home bakers around the world.

She first began her career in food writing and magazine editing before becoming a bestselling cookbook author, publishing more than 70 books over the years. Her recipes, focused on approachable, reliable results, quickly earned her a loyal following. Last year, to celebrate her 90th birthday, Berry releasedMary 90: My Very Best Recipes, which almost instantly became a Sunday Times bestseller.

Berry was a fixture of the BBC daytime programing scene, appearing on the series Afternoon Plus throughout the 1970s. She appeared on a number of other magazine-style programs over the years, but Berry's global fame reached new heights as a judge on The Great British Bake Off, where her sharp eye, gentle critiques and encouraging demeanor made her a fan favorite. Alongside fellow judges and hosts, she helped turn the show into a worldwide phenomenon and redefine what a cooking competition could be.

Beyond television, Berry has remained a trusted authority in the kitchen, known for her expertise in baking and traditional British dishes. Her influence has extended across generations, with both seasoned cooks and beginners turning to her for guidance.

Over the years, she has received numerous honors for her contributions to the culinary world, including being appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her services to cooking, writing and broadcasting.

In a 2025 interview, Berry reflected on turning 90 and her plans for the years ahead. "I've still got lots of ideas. And the great thing is, I've still got a great team who work alongside me," she said. "I just want to keep doing what I love."

As Mary Berry turns 91, her legacy as a chef, teacher and television icon continues to endure, proof that her timeless approach to food and her genuine connection with audiences have never gone out of style.

Related: Iconic '70s Rocker, With Classic No. 1 Hit Song, Turns 80

Coffee trends come and go, but every so often, a technique comes along (usually via social media) that completely changes how you think about your daily cup. We’ve seen every iteration of coffee here at Parade and written about each and every one, naturally (Einspanners, salted coffee and even coffee jelly, to name a few). But there’s one trend making the rounds that has completely taken us aback. 

Recently, we’ve been seeing a Vietnamese drink called "egg coffee" circulating online, with videos showing thick, creamy foam floating over dark coffee. The concept sounded highly unusual. An egg *in* your coffee instead of alongside it?! But like most social media trends, we couldn’t help but look into it, and we’re glad we did.  

To learn more beyond our IG feed, we spoke with James Beard award-winning cookbook author Andrea Nguyen, who writes the Substack "Pass the Fish Sauce." Nguyen has spent years studying and cooking Vietnamese food, and her recipe for egg coffee offers a practical way for home cooks to recreate the drink.

Related: The Korean Way To Make Iced Coffee Taste 10x Better

What Is the History of Vietnamese Egg Coffee?

Vietnamese egg coffee, known as cà phê trứng, traces back to Hanoi in 1946 and is widely credited to Nguyen Van Giang. At the time, Vietnam was experiencing a milk shortage during the First Indochina War, which made it difficult for cafés.

While working as a bartender at the Metropole Hotel in Hanoi, Giang experimented with an unlikely substitute: egg yolks whisked with sugar and sweetened condensed milk ("Viet people have always been creative," Nguyen says). The result was a thick, velvety foam that balanced beautifully with Vietnam’s bold, dark coffee. The drink quickly gained a following, and Giang eventually opened his own shop, Café Giang, where the specialty became famous.

Courtesy Jessica Wrubel

"Cà phê, whether black or iced, with or without condensed milk, was a very casual sidewalk experience," Nguyen tells Parade. Today, Giang's café is still open, with his son continuing to serve the iconic drink to customers.

Even though egg coffee has a rich history, coffee culture within Vietnam has changed dramatically in recent years. Nguyen says egg coffee is often associated with younger café culture.

"Egg coffee...[was] a drink that has remained regional for years but now...it’s a hip and trendy thing that’s enjoyed by young people in cool, oftentimes moody coffee shops," she says, mentioning "new wave" coffee shops where people want to try out a fun drink. "[Egg] coffees have a wider audience. Social media and tourism help too!"

Related: I Tried 30 Kinds of K-Cups and the Winner Completely Surprised Me

How Is Vietnamese Egg Coffee Served?

"Egg coffee is a pleasantly warmish drink," Nguyen tells Parade. "It’s not scalding hot."

She says that old school egg coffee shops may even do things like warm the coffee cup in a shallow bowl filled with hot water to maintain the drink's temperature. Nguyen's method is simpler. "I reheat the coffee in the microwave oven," she says. "I’m practical."

And while egg coffee is usually served warm, Nguyen recently noticed that some cafés are experimenting with new variations.

"I’ve never had it iced, but you could try," she says. "I just saw on a Hanoi menu that cà phê trứng is offered hot or iced, but I’ve not had it myself; I don’t know of anyone who has...the hot/warm version is what most people know of."

Ingredients Needed for Vietnamese Egg Coffee

Courtesy Jessica Wrubel

Although egg coffee looks elaborate, the ingredients are fairly simple. Coffee, an egg and some sweetened condensed milk. That's it! However, the type of coffee you choose matters. A tip from Nguyen?

"No wimpy light-roast coffee," she says. "The coffee needs to be inky and intense to stand up to the sweet richness of the egg mixture. Brew a dark or medium-dark roast. In the U.S., many Viet people favor Cafe Du Monde from New Orleans for its deep bitterness, which goes well with sweetened condensed milk."

How To Make Vietnamese Egg Coffee

While the full recipe can be found on Nguyen's Substack, the process couldn't be easier.

Courtesy Jessica Wrubel

Start out with approximately 1/2 cup of dark coffee. Whip your egg yolk and sweetened condensed milk together until light and airy. This will take about two minutes. Reheat your coffee if necessary, then spoon or pour the egg mixture over your hot coffee.

Courtesy Jessica Wrubel

Related: Here’s Exactly What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Coffee Every Day

Vietnamese Egg Coffee: My Honest Thoughts

Before trying egg coffee for the first time, I'll admit that I was pretty skeptical. A raw egg yolk in coffee?? But I haven't shied away from egg whites in cocktails or a nice, garlicky aioli, so how much different could this be?

I expected the flavor in my mug to lean strongly toward eggs, but that isn’t what happened at all. The whipped egg yolk and condensed milk transform into something surprisingly light and beautiful, almost like a delicate mousse floating on top of the coffee before slowly melting into it. And as for any "eggy" flavor? Negligable.

Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel

Because the black coffee is strong and slightly bitter, it balances the sweetness of the foam nicely. This is a layered coffee drink, so each sip combines that sweet, airy foam with the darker coffee beneath it. I'm not sure it'll replace my morning latte, but I sure can see the appeal and make the case for whipping this one up to impress dinner guests.

Related: The Canadian Way To Make Coffee 10x Better

3 Final Tips & Tricks1. Brew the traditional way

Nguyen suggests a specific brewing method if you want to go the traditional route. "If you want the full-on experience, make the coffee with a Vietnamese phin-style filter," she says. "It takes time though, so plan ahead!"

2. Whip it good

"Use a hand mixer or a stick blender with the whisk attachment!" she says. "You’ll get lots of air into the egg and condensed milk mixture so it’s extra luscious tasting."

3. Timing matters

According to Nguyen, one of the most important steps in making egg coffee at home is preparing your coffee ahead of time. Preparing the coffee in advance ensures that once the egg mixture is whipped, the drink can be assembled quickly while everything is still warm.

Up Next:

Related: The Clever Coffee Hack Brain Experts Swear By for Better Focus and Energy

Source:

• Andrea Nguyen, James Beard award-winning cookbook author who writes the Substack "Pass the Fish Sauce."

This year is shaping up to be an extremely busy one for the Doobie Brothers.

After spending the summer touring with Santana, the chart-topping band will be kicking off a new U.S. leg of their Walk This Road tour this fall. Kicking off on Sept. 26 in Ohio, the dates are in support of the Doobie Brothers' 2025 album, Walk This Road, and are tied to the forthcoming 50th-anniversary reissue of Takin' It to the Streets, the band's first album with singer Michael McDonald.

"We’re heading back out on the road!" the Doobie Brothers declared in an Instagram post announcing the fall concerts.

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"Our North American Walk This Road Tour dates are now live, and we’re looking forward to playing for you all," the caption continued. "Sign up at the link in bio to get early access! Pre-sale runs from Wednesday, March 25 at 10am local time through Thursday, March 26 at 10pm local time. General on sale starts Friday, March 27 at 10am local time."

Fans in the comments were definitely excited to hear the news.

"See you in Chattanooga!! Can’t wait!" wrote one fan, with a second adding, "Come out to California would love to see you guys!"

Michael McDonald says he missed being a part of the Doobie Brothers

In a 2025 interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, McDonald reflected on reuniting with the Doobie Brothers for Walk This Road, his first "proper" studio album with the band since 1980.

"I always missed being a Doobie Brother in all the years [I was gone]," he said. "I was fortunate as a solo artist to have some songs get on the radio and be able to tour with my own band for many years. We played all over the world. It's not that I didn't enjoy every minute of that and playing with those guys. Because I was lucky to have some wonderful musicians in my solo band. But it's not that I didn't miss being a Doobie Brother, because I always did."

As for his future with the band, McDonald seemed enthusiastic.

"I knew it would be hard for me to resist whatever was next," the iconic musician said. "They're even talking about tour dates in 2026 and my only question with that is, Will I still be alive? You know, I hope so. Because for us, what they pay us to do is get on the bus and sleep on a bus, bounce down the road and eat it the terrible breakfast at the Hampton Inn, you know. But what we do on stage, we would do for free, you know? And that's what we live for out here, and that's why we live this lifestyle, is to get that hour and a half on stage with an audience that at this point in our career, some of those people have been coming to see us for 50 years, and there's nothing better than that."

"Every time we play these songs that we would have been sick of 30 years ago, at least, when we're up there in front of the audience in that moment, with that audience on that night [and] in that moment, it's almost like the first time we ever did the song. It never gets old, so we're grateful for that," McDonald added.

It never gets old for the fans, either.

Related: 1979 No. 1 Classic Called a 'Piece of Crap' Became Band's Biggest Hit

Goodreads loves to make our lives easier when it comes to finding the books everyone will be talking about. The “Most Anticipated” lists are developed based on those most users are putting in their “Want to Read” pile, and April 2026 is no exception.

There is a total of 100 books on the list, and there is one that stands out as a must-read, sitting at No. 1 on the list. Love Overboardis the latest novel from Kandi Steiner, an Amazon Bestselling author and BookTok powerhouse.

Perfect for ‘Below Deck’ Fans

Love Overboard is described as something that’s perfect for Below Deck fans, and that is something quickly confirmed by reading through the reviews. There’s even a reality TV element to the story, which is sure to bring up reminders of Ben Elton fans for those who read his epic comedy series of books.

This is romance and not comedy, though, following the plot of two exes who find out that they’re working on the same yacht for a whole season. It’s not clear just how well these two exes can still get along, but it doesn’t sound like their breakup was all that amicable.

With every interaction filmed for a television show, the two need to learn how to keep their distance. Otherwise, they could end up being the talk of the town — or the world! It’s sure to get you in the mood for summer, and that’s possibly another reason why it’s at the top of the list for so many readers.

Something for Those Who Love ‘Messy and Chaotic’

Others make it clear that this is a book for those who enjoy a “messy and chaotic” narrative. After all, it’s for the Below Deck and reality TV fans! Based on the reviews, there are hookups, but there is a trigger warning for those who don’t like cheating being used as a plot point.

All that being said, there is a more unique element to the story than most romances. Each chapter starts with an interview, which is likely set for the television cameras that are following everyone around. 

Love Overboard by Kandi Steiner will be released on April 21, 2026. Also, don’t forget to keep your May reading list open for another highly anticipated romance. We’re going to be spoiled this year!

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When clutter starts piling up around your home, the right table can make all the difference. Whether you need something beside your bed, next to the couch, in an entryway, or tucked into a reading nook, a compact side table with built-in storage can help keep things tidy and within easy reach. Right now, Walmart has a fantastic storage solution for any small space in your home that could use extra organization. The best part? It's under $30.

The Cerbior Round Side Table is now on sale for just $27, discounted from its usual $38 price during Walmart's spring sale. Equal parts practical and stylish, this table features a sleek Scandinavian-style design with a spacious storage basket underneath. The best deal is on the gray and pink versions, but for just a few dollars more, you can also snag it in white for $30 or black for $31.

Cerbior Round Side Table, From $27 (was $38) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

This round end table combines a sturdy metal frame with a removable tray top and a durable twill fabric basket on the bottom. It's a clean, modern design that works in many different settings, from living rooms to bedrooms, and even in bathrooms or entryways. It measures just under 30 inches tall and has a 17.7-inch diameter, perfect for organizing small spaces without taking up much floor area. 

Packed with convenient features, the tabletop has a raised lip around the edge to prevent items from sliding off. It's lightweight and easy to move when needed, and it also collapses down flat for easy storage when not in use. 

Assembly is straightforward and shouldn't take much time at all. "It took 5 minutes to assemble, and it looks adorable," one shopper raved.

Related: Walmart’s 'Beautiful' $180 Tall Rattan Storage Cabinet 'Fits Perfectly' in Small Spaces

Reviewers said this side table works well in all sorts of spaces — between two chairs on a covered patio, in a reading corner to store books, and as toy storage in the living room. One said it's a "great bedside table" for their mom in assisted living to use because "things don't slide off" thanks to the lip around the top edge. 

Another shopper said this table is a "convenient" way to store medical supplies like a blood pressure monitor or sleep apnea machine bedside, thanks to the "great storage on the bottom."

Shop More Deals

• Krpimt Wood Round Side Table, $36 (was $56) at Walmart
• Edx 3-Tier End Table, $23 (was $30) at Walmart
• Zexvida Vintage-Style Small Round Side Table, $29 (was $36) at Walmart

At just $27, the Cerbior Round Side Table is a fantastic way to add storage and style to small spaces for less. Walmart flash deals usually don't last long, so hurry and add one to your cart while you still can!

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.

Probably just about every songwriter out there has dreamed of penning a hit song in mere minutes, but that kind of musical magic doesn't come along very often. And even when it does, there might be other challenges to face.

That's what John Phillips of the Mamas & The Papas discovered when he wrote the group's first and only #1 hit, the 1966 classic "Monday, Monday."

It was 1965 and the Mamas & The Papas were recording their debut album, If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears, with producer Lou Adler at Western Studios in Hollywood, per American Songwriter. John was being pressured by Adler and the other members of the band to write something with the same level of commercial appeal as "California Dreamin'" (released as a single earlier that year). As a result, he reportedly came up with "Monday, Monday" In just about 20 minutes.

In her autobiography California Dreamin’: The True Story of the Mamas and the Papas, John's ex-wife and bandmate Michelle Phillips opened up about how "Monday, Monday" came to be.

"John came out of [our friend’s] bathroom with his guitar strapped on as usual. ‘I wanna write a song that has absolute international appeal.’ Well, good luck, good luck to you, we said. ‘A theme that has something in it that everyone can relate to.’” Then, he sang one line for the group: Monday, Monday, can’t trust that day," she wrote.

Alas, the rest of the band didn't think the song had hit potential (or any potential). According to Michelle, she and Cass Elliot were the first ones to tell John they thought "Monday, Monday" was "so pretentious" and "just about the worst song we've ever heard."

Related: Music Icon's Death 51 Years Ago Created the Biggest Misconception in Rock & Roll History

Adler convinced the group the song was worth recording, though Denny Doherty later recalled being relieved when they were done with the tune.

“I liked the opening background vocals, the ‘bah-da-da-da-da-dum,’” he told Matthew Greenwald, author of Go Where You Wanna Go: The Oral History of The Mamas & The Papas. “I thought that was cool. But nobody likes Monday, so I thought it was just a song about the working man. Nothing about it stood out to me. It was a dumb f—kin’ song about a day of the week. By the time the rehearsals were over for the vocals, I thought, ‘Thank god that’s over!’” 

Of course, as it turned out, thousands of listeners disagreed with (most of) the Mamas & The Papas. "Monday, Monday" sold 160,000 copies on the first day of its release and shot to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 — the only time the group ever went to the very top of the charts.

Related: 1975 Hit Was Written in Five Minutes and Shot Up the Charts Decades Later

Despite being released nearly 50 years ago, David Bowie's 1977 song, "Heroes," is still quite beloved. Within recent years, the song has appeared in popular movies and television shows like ThePerks of Being a Wallflowerand Stranger Things. In addition, in February 2026, Billboard proclaimed "Heroes" as the best "rock love song" of all time.

Collider reported that the song, off of Bowie's album of the same name, was based off a love affair. In a 1977 interview at the Hotel de L’Europe, Bowie said while he was working on the record in Berlin, he would see "a boy and a girl" meeting "under the [Berlin] wall, under the guard, under the gun on a park bench" around "1 o'clock" each day.

"They would meet there. And eat their sandwiches and kiss and cuddle. They were carrying on some kind of affair and this went on through the whole recording, every day. And it struck me as ironic that of all the hundreds of places they could have met in West Berlin, they met under the Wall," said Bowie in the interview.

Bowie said that he believed the couple "felt a little guilty about their affair."

"I guess that they gave their affair credibility by regarding it as an act of heroism and so the songs sort of evolved out of that," said the late singer, who died in 2016 at the age of 69.

According to DavidBowie.com, Bowie eventually shared that the song was actually about the album's co-producer Tony Visconti's extramarital affair.

“I always said it was a couple of lovers by the Wall that prompted the idea for 'Heroes.' Actually, it was Tony Visconti and his girlfriend. Tony was married at the time, so I couldn’t talk about it," said Bowie in a 2003 interview, per DavidBowie.com. "But I can now say that the lovers were Tony and a German girl that he’d met while we were in Berlin. I think possibly his marriage was in the last few months. And it was very touching because I could see that Tony was very much in love with this girl, and it was that relationship which sort of motivated the song.”

The world of sci-fi is vast, with opportunities endless. Project Hail Mary has proven that, and now that you’ve seen it in theaters, you’ll need to read the book by Andy Weir. To be honest, it’s one of the books that you should read before seeing it in the theaters, but for some, it’s too late!

Now that you’ve watched the movie, it’s time to delve into the world of science fiction. Whether it’s fantasy sci-fi or regular sci-fi, there is a universe to explore. Don’t know where to start? Here are five books that I highly recommend.

‘The Expanse’ by James A. Corey

You’ve likely heard of the TV series, and maybe you even watched it without realizing that it’s based on an epic book series. Now is the time to dive into that epic series. James A. Corey is actually the joint penname of Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck, and both are extensively involved in each of the novels, with nine main books and 10 short stories and novellas.

The entire Expanse universe is just as the title suggests. This is a world where people on Earth, Mars, and what is known as The Belt try to coincide. Of course, some think they’re better than others, with Belters considered the bottom of the barrel, and Mars and Earth wonder why Belters want to fight back.

‘One Way’ by S.J. Mordan

If you love human-alien relationships, then you’ll want to turn your attention to One Way by S.J. Mordan. The novel follows Frank Kittridge, who is sentenced to life in prison for murder. The victim? His son’s drug dealer, and he’s not exactly sorry for his actions.

Luck seems to be on his side when he’s offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He can join a crew that is building a new station on Mars, and once he’s done that, he will be able to return to Earth a free man. Look, if something seems too good to be true, then it probably is. This novel brings a mixture of sci-fi storytelling with a murder mystery, hooking you from the start.

‘Red Rising’ by Pierce Brown

For those who love the element of being on another planet and trying to survive, Red Rising by Pierce Brown is another excellent option. This has a whole universe explained, similar to The Expanse, where the societies have already been set up and lived by. However, things have to change, and that’s where we find our hero, Darrow, who is a Martian miner looking to take down the people known as the Golds.

Also like The Expanse, there are multiple books in the story — although, not as many! There are currently six books, and a seventh is currently being written. While there were talks of a TV series at one point, those talks have ended, but we’re looking forward to something more to come soon.

‘The Seveneves’ by Neal Stephenson

Instead of being trapped on Mars or lightyears away from Earth, what about a story where humanity itself is put in peril? Neal Stephenson does just that with The Seveneves when the moon explodes. Suddenly everyone has to figure out how to survive, considering just how much the moon affects on Earth.

Stephenson isn’t afraid to delve into the real science within the story. It allows us to be completely absorbed into the storytelling, and actually feel like the workaround is possible. You won’t be able to put it down once you start reading.

‘The Olympus Project’ by Zoë Routh

In a world where climate change has rendered most of the world desolate and uninhabitable, humanity looks to be on the verge of extinction. With no crops and rising seas, is there a way to survive? That’s the question The Olympus Project by Zoë Routh asks, and the title of the novel is the title of the project within it.

The Olympus Project brings up the plan to colonise the moon. Three of the best are put to the task, but the weight of the project leads to them fighting. We get a look at what can really happen in dire situations. While Project Hail Mary sees everyone trying to work together, The Olympus Project bodes the question of whether that can really happen. What is human nature really like?

Amanda Bynes is feeling herself!

The former Nickelodeon queen is taking to TikTok to not only share her weight loss journey on Ozempic, but also to serve us some killer glam looks.

@amanda.bynes1986

♬ original sound - amanda bynes

In her latest post, the She’s the Man actress drops a video that links together two images -- one of Bynes looking into the camera with her head tilted slightly down and to the right, and the other of the former actress winking and making a kissy face.

Dressed in a short-sleeve collared white Chanel top with black buttons, she has her bright-blonde hair pulled back into a messy top knot. 

Her makeup is lighter than usual, with bronzed contour creating a healthy glow. Her brows are still thick and dark, but her face tattoo is noticeably faded. In 2022, the star began the process of having her inked heart removed. She’s been sharing updates on social media.

Over the video, “I wanna be your girlfriend” original audio plays, with the Polariod-style post including the phrase, "Wardrobe Test."

How Fans Are Reacting

Fans who have stuck by the What a Girl Wants star before, during, and after her conservatorship, which was terminated in March 2022, have taken notice the 39-year-old's behavior and cheered her on from afar. And now, they are absolutely loving the new look. 

“Oh my goodness Amanda is coming back she is starting to look like her old self again,” one commented. 

“YOU LOOKS SO GOOD 🥺😁,” another said.

“Girl this is TEA,” another wrote.

“Hope you feel as good as you look queen 🫶🏻,” another encouraged.

Related: Amanda Bynes Stuns With New Look on L.A. Outing With Boyfriend

Miley Cyrus revealed a shocking secret from her early days on Disney Channel.

The actress and singer started her career as a child actress on Disney's Hannah Montana when she was just 13 years old. For four seasons, Cyrus played Miley Stewart, a teenager who lives a double life as a normal girl and a pop star at night. The series, which aired from 2006 to 2011, became the network's most popular TV show. Hannah Montana also starred Cyrus' real-life father, Billy Ray Cyrus, Emily Osment, Jason Earles, Mitchel Musso and Moisés Arias.

To celebrate the show's premiere 20 years ago, Disney+ aired the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special on Tuesday, which included an interview with Cyrus with podcast host Alex Cooper, as well as a musical performance, never-before-seen footage, and appearances from her mother Tish, Selena Gomez and Chappell Roan. In the interview segment, the 33-year-old singer talked about how she got the role of Miley Stewart, her favorite moments behind-the-scenes and even discussed some of her early relationships.

Shanica Knowles, Anna Perez de Tagle-Kline, Miley Cyrus, Cody Linley, Jason Earles and Moisés Arias at the World Premiere for Disney+'s "Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special" on March 23, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images

During her interview with Cooper, Cyrus revealed that she had a huge crush and used to date another fellow Disney star — Dylan Sprouse — during her Hannah Montana days.

"Dylan Sprouse was my boyfriend. I think he was the cutest," she admitted. "Maybe there was a rumor, but it's true, confirmed."

Around the same time Hannah Montana was airing on Disney Channel, Dylan Sprouse and his twin brother Cole were starring in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, where Dylan played Zack Martin from 2005 to 2008. The twins then reprised their roles in the spinoff show, The Suite Life on Deck, from 2008 to 2011.

Actor Dylan Sprouse, actress Miley Cyrus and actor Cole Sprouse arrive to the 2007 Power of Youth Benefiting St. Jude and Presented by Tiger Electronics at the Globe Theater in Universal City, California on October 6, 2007.

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The Sprouse twins started their acting careers in 1993, sharing the role of Patrick Kelly in Grace Under Fire for five years. The two received their big breaks on Disney's The Suite Life franchise throughout the 2000s and 2010s. After The Suite Life on Deck ended in 2011, the twins went to New York University, where Dylan graduated with a degree in Video Game Design. Though he started his career as an actor, Dylan Sprouse has always had a love for video games, and connects it a lot to his work. In an interview he did with the NYU Local back in October 2012, he was looking to pivot his career into the video gaming industry.

But after graduating from NYU, it seemed like Sprouse returned to acting, appearing in various films such as Dismissed, Banana Split, Daddy, After We Collided, The Curse of Turandot, My Fake Boyfriend, Aftermath, Under Fire and more, since 2017. In 2018, he also opened All-Wise Meadery in Williamsburg and started dating model Barbara Palvin. The two got married in July 2023.

Dylan Sprouse arriving at Fila show during the Milan Fashion Week - Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026/2027 on March 01, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

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Dylan Sprouse is one of the many men that Cyrus dated throughout her career. The "Flowers" singer has been romantically linked with many actors, including her marriage to Liam Hemsworth that ended in 2020, and relationships with Nick Jonas, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Cody Simpson and Stella Maxwell. Cyrus is currently with Maxx Morandom, the drummer for the band Liily, and the two got engaged in late 2025.

The Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special and all four seasons of Hannah Montana can be streamed on Disney+.

Related: Miley Cyrus Shares Hannah Montana Archives Ahead of 20th Anniversary