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Halle Berry is facing a difficult family chapter in the public eye. The Oscar winner is involved in an ongoing custody dispute with ex-husband Olivier Martinez, who has made allegations of abuse that Berry disputes.

As the case unfolds, it reminds that even one of Hollywood’s most accomplished stars has weathered deeply personal challenges.

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Long before Berry became the first Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress, she was a young aspiring actor in New York with dwindling savings and nowhere to turn. Her path to success even included a period of homelessness and a painful lesson in learning to stand on her own.

Halle Berry’s Mother Refused to Send Her Money

Berry moved to New York in her early 20s to pursue acting after working as a model. But her money soon ran out, and she struggled to make ends meet.

In a 2017 interview with People, Berry recalled calling her mother for financial help while living in a homeless shelter. Her mother refused to send money, telling her to figure things out herself.

“I called my mother, and I asked her to send me some money, and she said no,” Berry said.

She also said that the decision led to a year of estrangement because she was so hurt that her mother wouldn’t help.

With little money and few options, Berry had to find work. She worked as a waitress and later as a bartender while continuing to pursue her acting ambitions.

Looking back, however, Berry came to see her mother’s refusal differently.

“But again that was probably one of the best things she did for me,” she told People.

From a Homeless Shelter to Hollywood History

Berry’s early struggles didn’t stop her from pursuing acting. She kept auditioning and eventually landed roles, including a breakthrough performance in the 1991 film Jungle Fever.

Her career then grew through films such as Boomerang and Bulworth, but her defining milestone came in 2002. Berry won the Best Actress Oscar for Monster’s Ball, becoming the first Black woman to receive the award.

In her emotional acceptance speech, she acknowledged the moment’s significance for generations of Black women Hollywood had overlooked, with the achievement marking a remarkable distance from the young actor who once couldn’t afford a place to live.

The Lesson Berry Took From Her Hardest Years

Berry’s story is not simply one of fame following hardship. It also reminds that the path to success can involve painful decisions, uncertainty, and periods when the future is far from guaranteed.

Her mother’s refusal to help financially strained their relationship, but Berry later said the experience pushed her to find her own way forward.

As Berry navigates a difficult family dispute today, her earlier story offers a separate, well-documented chapter of her life, the years when she had little money, few guarantees, and a determination to keep pursuing the career she wanted.

Related: 2009 Indie-Rock Hit, Inspired by Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion, Turned a Movie Star Into a Rock Star

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Today’s NYT Mini Crossword covers everything from human anatomy to music genres, plus Barbie’s companion and a cook’s best friend.

Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can’t forget about the NYT’s The Mini Crossword, too!

Although the NYT is known for “The Crossword,” a larger puzzle for paid subscribers, The Mini has quite the fan following as well. This particular game resets at 10 p.m., unlike some of the others that start over at midnight.

So, if you’re working on today’s Mini Crossword on Sunday, October 25, and need some help (I’ve been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both “Across” and “Down” words, followed by “Across Answers” and “Down Answers,” so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!

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Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Sunday, October 25, 2026

Here are additional clues for each of the words in today’s Mini Crossword.

NYT Mini Across Hints

1 Across: Music genre for Joni Mitchell or Woody Guthrie — HINT: Ends with the letter “K”

5 Across: Flood embankment — HINT: Ends with the letter “E”

6 Across: “That is to say …” — HINT: Starts with the letter “I”

7 Across: Music genre with the same first and last letters as 1-Across — HINT: Ends with the letter “K”

8 Across: Hosp. areas that are usually on the ground floor — HINT: Starts with the letter “E”

Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours

NYT Mini Down Hints

1 Down: Strongest bone in the human body — HINT: Starts with the letter “F”

2 Down: Array in a culinary classroom — HINT: Ends with the letter “S”

3 Down: Plumbing problem — HINT: Starts with the letter “L”

4 Down: He’s a doll! — HINT: Starts with the letter “K”

5 Down: Magazine whose cover featured Elizabeth Taylor a record 14 times — HINT: Ends with the letter “E”

Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Sunday, October 25, 2026

Don’t go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today’s Mini Crossword.

NYT Mini Across Answers

1 Across: Music genre for Joni Mitchell or Woody Guthrie — FOLK

5 Across: Flood embankment — LEVEE

6 Across: “That is to say …” — IMEAN

7 Across: Music genre with the same first and last letters as 1-Across — FUNK

8 Across: Hosp. areas that are usually on the ground floor — ERS

NYT Mini Down Answers

1 Down: Strongest bone in the human body — FEMUR

2 Down: Array in a culinary classroom — OVENS

3 Down: Plumbing problem — LEAK

4 Down: He’s a doll! — KEN

5 Down: Magazine whose cover featured Elizabeth Taylor a record 14 times — LIFE

Related: NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Saturday, October 24, 2026

Michael Bloomberg‘s $155 million gift to a museum was inspired by his lifelong love of learning instilled by his parents. The billionaire businessman and former New York City mayor is funding a new public science space at Boston’s Museum of Science named for his late parents, William and Charlotte Bloomberg. As a boy growing up in nearby Medford, Massachusetts, Bloomberg visited the museum every Saturday. Now, decades later, he’s helping make those same kinds of discoveries possible for a new generation.

The New Science Space Honors Michael Bloomberg’s Late Parents

On October 10, the Museum of Science opened the William and Charlotte Bloomberg Public Science Common, with a celebration planned for October 28.

The new space is designed to “connect trusted scientific voices with local and global audiences.” It will host conversations with leading scientists and science communicators, as well as conferences and symposia.

“The Public Science Common captures the spirit of openness and dialogue that has always fueled progress – and it means a lot to have it named for the most important teachers my sister Marjorie and I had: our parents, William and Charlotte,” Bloomberg shared.

The new space features floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking the Charles River, with 270-degree views of the Boston skyline. Its technology will also allow the museum to share its programs with audiences well beyond the Boston area.

Michael Bloomberg Grew Up in a Middle-Class Family Outside Boston

The son of William Bloomberg, a bookkeeper, and Charlotte Bloomberg, an office manager, Michael Bloomberg was born in Boston on February 14, 1942, and grew up in Medford, Massachusetts. His childhood was shaped by hard work and learning, and he became an Eagle Scout at age 12.

Bloomberg attended Johns Hopkins University, where he studied electrical engineering and worked as a parking attendant to help pay for college. He later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.

How Michael Bloomberg Built His Billion-Dollar Fortune

After graduating from Harvard, Bloomberg joined Wall Street firm Salomon Brothers, where he rose through the ranks and eventually oversaw the company’s information systems.

In 1981, after Salomon Brothers was acquired and Bloomberg lost his job, he used his experience in finance and technology to start his own company. Initially called Innovative Market Systems, it developed computer terminals that gave financial professionals access to real-time market data and analytics.

That business became Bloomberg LP, a global financial information and media company. Its success made Bloomberg a billionaire and gave him the resources to pursue philanthropy on a massive scale.

His Parents Took Him to the Museum Every Saturday as a Boy

Growing up in Medford, Bloomberg regularly traveled to the Museum of Science on Saturday mornings, taking a trolley, subway and bus to get there. He has said those childhood visits sparked his lifelong love of learning and problem-solving, helping shape his interests in engineering, technology and discovery.

The new science space bears his parents’ names because William and Charlotte Bloomberg encouraged that curiosity in their children. Bloomberg has described his parents as the most important teachers he and his sister, Marjorie, ever had.

The gift is more than a donation to a museum. It connects the experiences that helped shape Bloomberg’s own life with his hope that other young people will discover the same excitement about learning.

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In December 2008, Tesla was running out of time.

The electric car startup had been founded five years earlier by engineers Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning, with Elon Musk joining as an early investor and chairman. By late 2008, Musk was leading the company, and the global economy was in freefall.

That summer, Tesla had been preparing to close a $100 million funding round when the economy crashed, pushing the company toward bankruptcy by the end of the year. Raising money was extremely difficult for an electric car startup, which was considered a quirky idea at the time, especially while giants like GM and Chrysler were heading into bankruptcy.

Tesla laid off 18% of its workforce. Musk later said he had put all of his own money into the company, didn’t own a house and had to borrow money from friends to pay his rent.

The rescue came at the last possible moment. A funding round closed at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve 2008, as investors were leaving town for the holidays. According to Musk, Tesla was three days from bankruptcy.

The company went public in June 2010, and the gamble paid off. Over the next decade, Tesla grew into the world’s most valuable automaker.

Thirteen years after that Christmas Eve rescue, Musk made one of the biggest charitable gifts in the country. Between Nov. 19 and 29, 2021, he donated 5,044,000 Tesla shares, then trading at more than $1,000 each, worth about $5.7 billion in total.

The gift made Musk the second-biggest charitable donor in the US that year, behind only Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates. Its recipient wasn’t named at first, but Bloomberg later reported that the shares went to Musk’s own charitable arm, the Musk Foundation, making it one of the largest foundations in the country. The foundation’s largest grant that period was $55 million to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.

Today, the company that nearly folded in 2008 keeps pushing boundaries. Last week, Tesla unveiled a new Roadster equipped with cold gas thrusters that can launch the car into the air for short bursts.

Chris O’Donnell is taking in the joy of family. The 9-1-1 Nashville star, 56, took to Instagram on Oct. 24 to give a special shoutout to his oldest son, Chip, in honor of his 26th birthday. In the post, the proud parent shared several photos of his lookalike child and a short but sweet caption that mentioned their love of playing golf together.

“26 years of dominating you on the golf course, happy birthday @chipodonnell love you guy!,” the caption read.

One of the photos O’Donnell included featured a young Chip all dressed up at an event with his dad and another showed the tot dressed up as a firefighter while going trick-or-treating for Halloween. Other photos appeared to be more recent, including one of the father and son smiling and posing in a vehicle.

Chip is just one of five children O’Donnell shares with his wife Caroline, whom he married in 1997. The couple also have two other sons, Charles, 23, and Finley, 20, and daughters Lily, 27, and Maeve, 18.

Last month, O’Donnell also posted about Lily’s birthday and shared an adorable photo of him posing with her as a baby. “Someone is 27 today! I couldn’t be more proud of you pumpkin, and I am now officially old!! Happy birthday Lily!!!!,” he wrote in the caption.

When O’Donnell isn’t busy enjoying special days with his brood, he’s focused on his thriving career. On Oct. 13, the talented star announced the launch of Lone Cypress Entertainment, his new production company. The company’s first project is the film Kilkenny, which stars P.J. Byrne and is directed by Jay Duplass.

In an official statament about the company, O’Donnell revealed that Lone Cypress is an engine for the company to “assemble great teams and share in our success” from digital series to TV and films. He also said the company will be able to “invest in ideas and help writers package their projects from the earliest stages, whether that’s a pitch, short story, article, book, or spec.”

In 1946, Earl Tupper introduced a line of plastic kitchen products featuring an unusual innovation: an airtight seal modeled after the lid of an ordinary paint can. The idea would eventually help make Tupperware one of the most recognizable names in American kitchens and turn its inventor into a multimillionaire.

Just 12 years later, Tupper sold his company to the Rexall Drug and Chemical Company for $16 million.

The journey began with plastic.

Tupper, who was born in New Hampshire in 1907, had worked for DuPont before striking out on his own, according to PBS’ American Experience. During the 1940s, he experimented with polyethylene, developing a way to turn the material into lightweight, durable household products that could be produced in an array of colors.

He introduced his Tupperware line in 1946.

But the containers weren’t the only innovation. Tupper also developed a lid that could create an airtight and watertight seal, taking inspiration from the way a paint can lid fits tightly onto a can, according to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

The containers had to be sealed in a particular way to remove excess air, producing the famous Tupperware “burp.”

There was just one problem: Consumers didn’t necessarily understand how to use them.

Although Tupperware was initially sold through department and hardware stores, the products proved difficult to explain while sitting on a shelf. Their eventual success would owe an enormous debt to a woman named Brownie Wise.

Wise had discovered that Tupperware was particularly well suited to home demonstrations. Customers could see how the containers worked, learn how to seal them properly and watch the products put through their paces.

Tupper and Wise eventually joined forces, and the Tupperware Home Party became the company’s defining sales strategy. Wise was named vice president of Tupperware Home Parties in 1951 and built a massive network of women who sold the products directly to consumers.

The parties turned plastic food containers into a cultural phenomenon.

Tupperware offered women an unusual opportunity to earn money through direct sales at a time when their professional options were often limited. Wise became a celebrity in her own right, even appearing on the cover of Businessweek in 1954.

Behind it all was Tupper’s deceptively simple product: colorful plastic containers with lids designed to keep air out and food fresh.

By 1958, however, Tupper and Wise’s partnership had fallen apart. Wise left the company, and Tupper was preparing to leave it himself. That July, Tupper sold the business to the Rexall Drug and Chemical Company for $16 million.

After the sale, Tupper largely left his famous kitchenware creation behind. He eventually moved to Costa Rica and continued inventing, although none of his later ideas achieved the success of Tupperware.

Tupper died in 1983 at age 76.

But the invention he introduced decades earlier endured. What began with polyethylene and a seal inspired by an everyday paint can became a staple of postwar American kitchens and a household name.

For Tupper, it also became a fortune: 12 years after introducing his plastic kitchenware, he walked away from the company with $16 million.

Related: In 1921, a Minneapolis Flour Company Invented ‘Betty Crocker’ to Answer Customers’ Letters; by 1945, Fortune Named Her America’s Second-Most Famous Woman After Eleanor Roosevelt

Whether you are looking for more space to house extended family members, a source of rental income or a little retreat away from your main house, there’s something that may be your perfect solution: an accessory dwelling unit.

There are so many reasons to build an ADU on your house’s property (or even convert an existing structure into one), and having one could even wind up saving or making you money in the long run.

And as of late, more and more families are considering ADUs, according to mortgage lending company loanDepot.

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To learn more, we spoke with home financing expert Romina Zamanpour, Director of Production Operations at loanDepot. Zamanpour knows a thing or two about home trends—in 2025, she was named company’s No. 1 Direct Loan Officer as well as the No. 2 Direct Loan Officer in the U.S.

And according to Zamanpour, there are a few things you should consider before building an ADU on your property. Keep reading for her tips and to learn more about ADUs.

Related: How Much Does It Cost to Build a Shipping Container Home in 2026?

More Families Are Building ADUs on Their Properties

Kevin Lewis / Getty Images

According to loanDepot research, more and more families are building accessory dwelling units on their properties.

An accessory dwelling unit, also known as an ADU, refers to a second, smaller housing unit structure on the same property as a main house, as explained by Building an ADU. Depending on what it’s used for, some people also call an ADU a guest house, cottage, granny flat, casita or laneway house.

Some people build an ADU from scratch, while others convert existing structures like freestanding garages or sheds into ADUs. You can even turn a basement or extra wing of your house into an ADU, while others use a shipping container house as an ADU.

Related: 5 Reasons Fall Could Be a Good Time to Sell Your House, According to a Real Estate Agent

Why More Families Are Building ADUs on Their Properties

“With housing costs rising and affordable homes in short supply, it is easy to understand why more families are turning to ADUs to help bridge the housing gap,” Zamanpour tells Parade.

An ADU allows extended family members to “live just a stone’s throw away while still preserving everyone’s privacy and independence,” she explains. “It can also give families the extra space they need without requiring anyone to relocate or purchase a larger home. Think of an ADU as a space that can change chapters along with your family, serving one purpose today and another several years from now.”

Related: Why More Retirees Are Buying Bigger Homes — And It’s Not Because They Want To

ADUs Are a Brilliant Solution for Multigenerational Families

Most prominently, ADUs can work really well for multigenerational families.

“They offer the best of both worlds: loved ones can stay close without everyone living under the same roof,” Zamanpour says. “An ADU can give you a built-in family support system, keeping loved ones close while giving each generation the privacy and independence they need.”

Many families use ADUs for aging parents.

“For aging parents, an ADU can be designed to support aging in place, giving them a comfortable home of their own with family just steps away,” explains Zamanpour. “That can provide peace of mind and may help families manage certain caregiving expenses.”

ADUs are also a great solution for adult children who can’t afford their own place yet.

“For adult children, an ADU can offer some much-needed independence while giving them time to strengthen their finances and save toward future goals, including buying a home,” Zamanpour says. “They may also be able to contribute to household expenses.”

Related: Designers Are Tired of Seeing White in Kids’ Bedrooms—They Say This Calming, Gender-Neutral Paint Color Is a Much Better Choice

ADUs Can Be More Than Just Small Homes for Family Members

Milky Way / Getty Images

“An ADU can be a bit like a Swiss Army knife for your property because it can serve many different purposes over time,” says Zamanpour. “The beauty of an ADU is that it does not have to do the same job forever. It can generate rental income today, become your personal retreat tomorrow, or give visiting family a place of their own down the road.”

An ADU can make a great rental property or guest house.

“You might use it as a rental property, creating additional income that can help offset the cost of building and maintaining the space,” Zamanpour suggests. “And when family or friends visit, an ADU can give them a comfortable place of their own while giving everyone a little breathing room.”

You can even use your ADU as an office or retreat.

ADUs don’t have to be homes—they can also be little getaways from the hustle and bustle of your main house.

“You could also turn it into a quiet, dedicated workspace away from the activity of the main house, a home gym or wellness room or even a cozy reading retreat where you can close the door and get lost in a good book,” says Zamanpour.

Related: This ‘Y2K Teen Bedroom’ Trend Is Everywhere—And It’s Pure Nostalgia

How Much Does It Cost to Build an ADU?

The price of building an ADU can vary greatly, depending on whether you’re converting an existing structure or building one from scratch, how big the structure will be, what materials you use and many other factors.

In general, SelfStorage.com reports that ADU construction typically amounts to between $150 and $300 per square foot.

More specifically, turning your garage into a small ADU could range from $80,000–$150,000, building an attached ADU might cost somewhere from $150,000-$300,000 and building a brand-new structure for an ADU could come to a total of $200,000–$400,000, according to SelfStorage.com.

That said, for many families, these costs can be lower than other housing options, and even be profitable investments in the long run. “An ADU can provide the space your family needs, potentially at a lower cost than purchasing another property,” says Zamanpour.

Plus, if you use your ADU as a rental home, you will eventually make rental income—and in the long run, you could add to your property’s value.

“Depending on your property and local market, there’s a good chance that an ADU will increase your home’s value and help you build additional equity over time,” says Zamanpour. “It can become part of how you build household wealth and create lasting value for the next generation.”

Related: 35 Things in Your House Right Now That Could Be Worth Money, According to Certified Appraisers

What to Know Before Building an ADU

Before you build an ADU, Zamanpour recommends thinking hard about how you want to use the space, both in the short term and the long term. Maybe it’s just going to be a home office for now, but in the future, you’ll want it to be a grandparent’s residence—so you should consider accessibility features that accommodate aging in place.

You should also consider finances from the beginning. “If you have built substantial equity in your home, you may be able to put it to work through a home equity loan or HELOC rather than leaning on higher-interest credit cards or personal loans,” she explains. When considering your financing options, she also advises speaking with a “trusted mortgage professional who can walk you through your options and help you understand the rates, costs and monthly payments associated with each.”

It’s also important to research logistics, such as local zoning and permitting requirements. “Those rules can shape what you are able to build and affect both your timeline and overall cost,” Zamanpour notes. “Even the best-laid construction plans can encounter surprises, so make sure you leave a cushion in your budget.”

Up Next:

Related: Are Home Warranties Worth It in 2026? What Homeowners Should Know Before Buying

Sources:

• Romina Zamanpour, Director of Production Operations at loanDepot.
• What is an ADU: Accessory Dwelling Units explained. Building an ADU.
• ADU Construction Cost Guide: 2026 Pricing & Budget Tips. SelfStorage.com.

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With the holiday season fast approaching, you might be looking for gifts for loved ones. If you happen to have a beauty lover in your life, you’re probably thinking about hitting up Sephora to find them something perfect. Shark Beauty just dropped a new skincare tool at the fan-favorite beauty retailer, and it might be just what they want under the tree.

Shark Beauty’s Shark Depuffi Instant Hot + Cold Contrast Therapy is a handheld skincare tool that visibly depuffs and and soothes your skin using hot and cold contrast therapy. The gua sha shape helps sculpt your body’s contours, including the under-eye area, cheekbones and jawline.

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Shark Beauty Shark Depuffi Instant Hot + Cold Contrast Therapy, $199 at Sephora

Sephora

Shop It!

It comes in two cute styles, including a bright color and a celestial skies design. Again, this would make a great gift for the beauty lover in your life. (It’s totally fine if that happens to be you.)

Related: Ulta Is Selling a Blurring Primer That’s a ‘Velvety Dream’ at Under $13

What the Reviews Say

Shoppers are super impressed with this sleek new skincare tool from Shark Beauty, giving it an average rating of 4.7 stars on Sephora.com, with 93 percent of reviewers saying they would recommend it to others.

“This depuffer has been a game changer for my skincare routine. This is compact so it is easy for me travel around with, I love the cool and red-light settings, and that I can control the temperature depending on how cold or hot I want it to feel. I usually use the cool setting in the morning when my face is the puffiest, leaving my face feeling tighter and refreshed. I use the infrared setting the evening when I want an extra glow and helps my skincare products absorb well into my skin. It also works great when my neck feels stiff and helps relieve tension. This product is absolutely worth the money.”

You can find this skincare device on Sephora.com or at select Sephora stores for $199.

Related: Tate McRae’s New Perfume at Ulta Is ‘the Perfect Mix of Musky, Floral and Vanilla’

J.C. Payne, a retired Texas brick mason, rolled a ball of plastic twine that stood 13.5 feet tall, according to Roadside America. From 1987 to 1991, he gathered all the twine he could from neighboring ranches and dairies.

Guinness World Records lists Payne, of Valley View, Texas, as the record holder for the largest ball of string, set in 1992. It measures 13 feet 2.5 inches across and 41 feet 6 inches around. It weighs about six tons, per 99% Invisible.

Two other towns have balls of their own. Darwin, Minnesota, has a sisal ball rolled by one man, Francis Johnson. Ripley’s tried to buy it first, but Darwin residents refused, Edward Meyer, then Ripley’s vice president of exhibits and archives, recalled. Cawker City, Kansas, has a ball of old-fashioned brown sisal twine, Roadside America said, and the town dismissed Payne’s as a “plastic string” ball.

Payne did not think much of Cawker City’s ball either, because a whole community built it. He considered that cheating, Edward Meyer, then Ripley’s vice president of exhibits and archives, recalled.

In 1993, Payne sold the ball to Ripley’s for a rumored $25,000, Roadside America reported. Ripley’s trucked it to its new museum in Branson, Missouri, that November, where it still sits today.

Payne gave a different figure in a 1997 interview with Farm Show. He said he sold the ball for $21,000.

Meanwhile, the museum had to be built around the ball, so getting it out would mean taking off the roof or blasting out a wall, 99% Invisible reported. “We’d have to take the roof off to get it out of here,” museum manager John Dixon told Roadside America. A placard calls it the “World’s Largest String Ball.”

Payne did not stop rolling after the sale. He started a ball of barbed wire, which reached 11 feet 6 inches across and weighed about 12 tons, Farm Show reported. He kept adding to it until he died in 2004, per Roadside America.

Payne was not the only person to build a roadside attraction in 1987. That year, Jim Reinders’ Carhenge went up in a Nebraska field as a circle of 39 cars.

If you’ve turned on a movie or binged a prestige TV show in the last 20 years, chances are high you’ve watched at least one Skarsgård.

From Swedish arthouse cinema to massive Hollywood franchises like Dune, IT, Succession and Vikings, the Skarsgård family has built one of the most successful acting dynasties in entertainment. Headed by legendary patriarch Stellan Skarsgård, this Swedish family counts eight children, multiple Golden Globe wins and a surprisingly supportive sibling dynamic despite working in the same cutthroat industry.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Skarsgård family tree, including who acts, who chose a completely different career path and how they all stay so close.

Related: Alexander Skarsgård Reveals What Is ‘Intimidating’ About New Role

Who is Stellan Skarsgård? Stellan Skarsgård at ‘Golden Eve: The Golden Globes Honor Helen Mirren & Sarah Jessica Parker’ on Jan. 6, 2026.

Photo by Christopher Polk on Getty Images

Before his kids started landing superhero blockbusters and HBO series, Stellan Skarsgård was already a household name in Sweden and a sought-after actor internationally. Born in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 1951, Stellan began his career as a teen star in Swedish television before making a major leap into American films.

Moviegoers know him best as Dr. Erik Selvig in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Bootstrap Bill Turner in Pirates of the Caribbean, Bill Anderson in Mamma Mia!, Baron Vladimir Harkonnen in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune series and Luthen Rael in Disney’s Andor. He also won a Golden Globe for his role in HBO’s critically acclaimed miniseries Chernobyl.

Despite his global fame, Stellan kept his family grounded in Stockholm, raising his children with an open-door policy that emphasized creativity and independent thinking over strict Hollywood rules.

Who are Stellan Skarsgård’s wives? Megan Everett-Skarsgård and Stellan Skarsgård attend the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 15, 2026.

Rodin Eckenroth/GA / Getty Images

Stellan has been married twice. He married his first wife, My Skarsgård, a physician, in 1975. The couple had six children together before divorcing in 2007 after 32 years of marriage.

In 2009, Stellan married producer and screenwriter Megan Everett. The couple resides primarily in Sweden and has two children together, bringing Stellan’s total count to eight kids.

Related: Stellan Skarsgård Sparks Debate With Controversial Take on Why He Avoids TV Roles

How many children does Stellan Skarsgård have?

Stellan has eight children across his two marriages. In order of age, they are:

• Alexander Skarsgård (born 1976)
• Gustaf Skarsgård (born 1980)
• Sam Skarsgård (born 1982)
• Bill Skarsgård (born 1990)
• Eija Skarsgård (born 1992)
• Valter Skarsgård (born 1995)
• Ossian Skarsgård (born 2009)
• Kolbjörn Skarsgård (born 2012)

Which Skarsgård siblings are actors?

Six of Stellan’s eight children have followed him into the family business.

Alexander Skarsgård poses at the ‘Pillion’ photocall on October 1, 2025, in Zurich, Switzerland.

Andreas Rentz/Getty Images for ZFF)

Alexander Skarsgård

The eldest of the Skarsgård kids, Alexander started acting as a child in Sweden before quitting at age 13 due to intense public attention. After serving in the Swedish Navy and attending college, he returned to acting and broke out globally as the brooding vampire Eric Northman on HBO’s True Blood.

Since then, Alexander has become an A-list leading man. He’s won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for playing Perry Wright in Big Little Lies, starred in The Northman, played tech mogul Lukas Matsson in Succession and appeared in Godzilla vs. Kong.

Gustaf Skarsgård arrives at the premiere of HBO’s ‘Westworld’ Season 2 in 2018.

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / Getty Images

Gustaf Skarsgård

The second-oldest brother, Gustaf, studied at the Stockholm Academy of Dramatic Arts and built a strong reputation on the Swedish stage and screen before expanding internationally.

Historical drama fans recognize Gustaf for his long-running role as the eccentric shipbuilder Floki on the History Channel’s Vikings. He also played Karl Strand in Season 2 of HBO’s Westworld and appeared as physicist Hans Bethe in Christopher Nolan’s Oscar-winning film Oppenheimer.

Bill Skarsgård attends the premiere of Focus Features’ “Nosferatu” on Dec. 12, 2024.

Andrew Toth/Getty Images

Bill Skarsgård

Bill has carved out a distinct niche as one of Hollywood’s go-to actors for unsettling and complex roles. He gained worldwide fame for playing Pennywise the Dancing Clown in the blockbuster film adaptations of Stephen King’s IT and IT Chapter Two.

Bill has built an impressive resume across genres, starring in Barbarian, John Wick: Chapter 4, the 2024 reboot of The Crow and Robert Eggers’ Gothic horror film Nosferatu.

Related: Bill Skarsgård’s Full-Body ‘Nosferatu’ Prosthetics Left Him Afraid He Might Die (Exclusive)

Valter Skarsgård attends the 2025 Guldbagge Awards on Jan. 13, 2025, in Stockholm, Sweden.

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Valter Skarsgård

The youngest son from Stellan’s first marriage, Valter is a well-established actor in Sweden. He’s starred in numerous Scandinavian films and television shows, including Lords of Chaos, Funhouse and the Swedish thriller series Beck.

Kolbjörn Skarsgård, Ossian Skarsgard, Megan Everett-Skarsgård and Stellan Skarsgård at the premiere of ‘Dune: Part 2’ in 2024

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Ossian and Kolbjörn Skarsgård

Stellan’s two youngest sons with Megan Everett are already following the family tradition. Ossian starred in the Swedish film Burn All My Letters alongside his older brother Bill, while Kolbjörn appeared in the Netflix crime series Clark as a young version of the title character, who was also played by older brother Bill.

Which Skarsgård children do not act? View this post on Instagram

Two of Stellan’s children chose paths outside the spotlight:

• Sam Skarsgård: Followed in his mother My’s footsteps to become a medical doctor, working in an intensive care unit in Stockholm. The family has joked in interviews that Sam is the only child who provides a genuinely essential service to society.
• Eija Skarsgård: The only daughter in the family, Eija worked as a professional model for several years, starting at age 14, before transitioning to a career as a nightclub manager, event organizer and casting director.

Are the Skarsgård siblings competitive with each other?

With four adult brothers working as internationally recognized actors, fans often wonder if sibling rivalry runs high at Skarsgård family dinners. According to the family, the opposite is true.

The siblings have noted in interviews that while there’s healthy ribbing among the brothers, their father set a standard early on that encouraged mutual support rather than competition. And because each brother gravitated toward distinct roles—from Alexander’s dramatic leading roles to Bill’s transformative genre work and Gustaf’s character studies—they rarely compete for the same parts.

“It’s inevitable that you compare yourself to your siblings,” Gustaf told Fox News in 2017. “But we take it kind of lightly. We can laugh about it. And we can jokingly check who’s the highest ranking on IMDB at the moment.”

“We are a very tight-knit family,” Bill explained to Café (in Swedish). “And it is largely thanks to Dad that we have a very strong family core.”

During major awards shows, family holidays or red carpet premieres in Stockholm and Los Angeles, the siblings are frequently spotted supporting one another’s projects, keeping Hollywood’s most talent-packed family remarkably grounded.

Related: Who Is Alexander Skarsgård Dating? All About His Actress-Director Girlfriend

This article was drafted with the assistance of AI and thoroughly reviewed, edited and fact-checked by Parade editors. See our complete AI Policy.

Gulliver’s Kingdom, a theme park based on Jonathan Swift’s novel, stood at the foot of Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture, according to The ParkDB and WebUrbanist. Its star attraction was a statue of Gulliver, 45 meters (about 148 feet) long, per Middle Edge.

The park opened in July 1997, near the end of Japan’s theme park boom. Developer Fuji Chuo Group spent more than $350 million on it, The ParkDB reported. The park’s main lender, Niigata Chuo Bank, carried more than $350 million in loans tied to the park, the site said.

The closest things to rides were a bobsled track and a luge course, WebUrbanist reported.

The park closed on Oct. 28, 2001, four years after it opened, per Middle Edge. The outlet cited a reputation hurt by the neighborhood, poor access without public transportation, and competition from nearby Fuji-Q Highland.

By then, the bank had collapsed. In 2002, the Kofu District Court handled the bank’s liquidation and the park’s auction, The Japan Times reported. The first two auctions drew no bidders. The minimum bid was 3.1 billion yen in the first round and 1.26 billion yen in the third.

Takagi Resort was the only bidder in the third auction. It paid 1.48 billion yen, The Japan Times said. That was about $12 million at the November 2002 exchange rate of 121.61 yen to the dollar, per the Federal Reserve.

The park’s structures were demolished in 2007, WebUrbanist said. Only exposed foundations remain.

Gulliver’s Kingdom was not the only theme park to go under within a few years. Freedomland U.S.A. cost $65 million to build in the Bronx in 1960, and it went bankrupt in 1964.

A church that began in the Philippines bought an entire Connecticut village in July 2017. Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) paid $1.85 million for the 62-acre village of Johnsonville in East Haddam, The Associated Press reported.

The village grew around the Neptune Mill, built in 1832 to make twine and yarn, according to Atlas Obscura. Emory Johnson built a homestead and then a second mill in 1846, and the surrounding town became known as Johnsonville.

In 1965, Raymond Schmitt bought the Neptune Mill and other buildings from the Johnson family, Atlas Obscura reported. He planned a tourist attraction. Schmitt, a millionaire in the aerospace business, added Victorian homes, a chapel, and a steamboat, and the village became a popular wedding site, Connecticut Public said.

Lightning burned down the Neptune Mill in 1972, per Atlas Obscura. In 1994, Schmitt shut the village after a zoning dispute with East Haddam officials. He died in 1998. “Johnsonville was his hobby,” East Haddam First Selectman Emmett Lyman told WTOP.

A hotel development company bought the property in 2001 and planned to reopen it as a residential community, Atlas Obscura reported. The plan fell through, and the village sat empty for about two decades after the 1994 closure. A $1.9 million auction bid in 2014 did not close, WTOP said.

The church said it plans to restore the chapel as a house of worship and keep four residential properties. It has also discussed opening a Johnsonville museum, The Associated Press reported. “We purchase a lot of abandoned worship buildings and restore them,” church official Joji Crisostomo told the news service.

Johnsonville is not the only small town to land new owners. In 2012, Buford, Wyoming, a town with one resident, sold for $900,000 to a Vietnamese coffee entrepreneur who renamed it PhinDeli Town Buford.

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Large properties create a different wireless security challenge than smaller homes. A sensor that communicates reliably across a typical house may struggle when you add detached spaces, multiple floors, thick walls or long distances between the main security hub and an exterior camera.

The question isn’t simply “What’s the best wireless security system?” It’s whether the system’s communication technology, equipment placement and range-extension options fit the property. Here’s what to know.

For homeowners with a large house or acreage, a professional assessment can help identify weak points before equipment is installed. ADT offers free quotes and inspections for homeowners considering a professionally designed system.

What wireless security system has the longest range?

There is no single wireless security system with a universal longest range because advertised distances vary by device, frequency, building materials and installation conditions. ADT, for example, lists a 300-foot-plus transmission range for some motion sensors and offers a dedicated range extender for larger homes.

Wireless range is therefore best evaluated device by device and property by property, rather than by one number.

Why Advertised Range Isn’t the Whole Story

Radio signals do not travel through every building the same way. Walls, floors, construction materials and the position of the security hub can change actual performance.

ADT notes this directly in its equipment specifications. Its current motion sensor lists a transmission range of 300 feet (92 meters) plus, followed by a qualification that the actual range varies according to environmental conditions and the installation.

That distinction becomes more important as the property gets larger.

Related: Best Home Security Systems for High-Value Homes and Collections

How does a wireless security system cover a large house?

A large-property system needs more than sensors with long advertised ranges. The security hub should be positioned to communicate effectively with the devices throughout the home, while a range extender can address areas where the direct connection is weaker.

ADT’s current Base uses 1.9 GHz DECT ULE to communicate with sensors. ADT describes the technology as providing long-range communication throughout the home, while its Alarm Range Extender is designed to extend communication between the base and sensors or detectors.

Where should the security hub go?

The hub should generally occupy a central, practical location rather than being tucked into an isolated corner of the property.

ADT’s current Base guidance recommends placing the base in a central location in the home, preferably on a flat surface such as a table or shelf, for optimal connectivity with ADT devices.

That becomes especially relevant in a sprawling floor plan. A centrally positioned base can reduce the distance to devices on opposite sides of the house.

Does a security system need a range extender for a large property?

A range extender can be useful when a property’s size or layout makes direct communication between the base and certain devices difficult. ADT specifically describes its Alarm Range Extender as an accessory for larger homes and says it extends the communication range between the base and sensors or detectors.

ADT’s vice president of product management, Jimmy Lin, describes the extender as being designed for homes with “multistory layouts and unique building materials,” noting that it strengthens the connection between the ADT+ Base and devices.

There is an important limitation for acreage homeowners, however: ADT’s current Alarm Range Extender is listed for indoor use only. It should therefore be treated as a way to strengthen coverage within the home’s structure, not as an outdoor wireless repeater for a detached barn or gate.

If you’re dealing with a large property and aren’t sure where the wireless coverage will hold, an ADT specialist can evaluate the layout and equipment requirements before installation.

What frequency does ADT use for wireless security sensors?

ADT’s current Base communicates with sensors using 1.9 GHz DECT ULE, while Wi-Fi handles the Base’s internet connection. The distinction is useful because the sensor-to-base connection is not simply the same Wi-Fi connection used by a phone or camera.

ADT says its ADT+ Security System uses long-range DECT/ULE technology at 1.9 GHz to help reduce interference and maintain reliable connections throughout the home.

Feature

Large-property consideration

Sensor-to-base communication

Dedicated wireless technology can reduce reliance on home Wi-Fi

Base placement

Central placement can improve device connectivity

Range extender

Useful for extending communication inside larger homes

Outdoor cameras

Need adequate Wi-Fi coverage and power at their installation location

Detached buildings

Require separate evaluation rather than assuming indoor range specifications apply

How far can ADT wireless sensors reach?

ADT’s published range depends on the particular device. Its current motion-sensor specifications list a 300-foot-plus transmission range, while the ADT Keychain Remote lists a 75-foot range from the ADT Base. These figures should not be treated as a universal range for every ADT device.

ADT also explicitly qualifies the motion sensor’s 300-foot-plus figure, stating that range varies based on environmental conditions and the installation.

That is why a 300-foot specification doesn’t automatically mean a sensor placed 300 feet from the house will communicate reliably.

How should you place security devices on acreage?

Outdoor coverage requires more planning than simply placing a sensor at the farthest point you want to monitor.

For cameras, the first question is usually whether the installation location has a sufficiently strong network connection. ADT’s current Blu Outdoor Camera requires a 2.4 or 5 GHz Wi-Fi network and internet connection, and its weather-resistant design is intended for outdoor use.

For a large property, evaluate each location separately:

• Main house: Position the security base centrally.
• Exterior walls: Check wireless connectivity before committing to camera placement.
• Detached structures: Do not assume the home’s sensor range automatically extends to another building.
• Large yards: Use outdoor cameras where Wi-Fi and power requirements can be reliably met.
• Long distances: Consider professional placement and system design rather than relying solely on advertised maximum ranges.

Related: 7 DIY Home Security Mistakes That Could Leave Your House Vulnerable

What should you look for in a wireless security system for a large property?

For a large home, range should be only one part of the evaluation. Look for equipment with documented communication specifications, a security hub designed to coordinate multiple devices and a practical way to strengthen coverage when the home’s layout creates weak spots.

ADT’s current system combines a Base using DECT ULE sensor communication with an Alarm Range Extender designed for larger homes. Its professional installation option also gives technicians the opportunity to evaluate device placement rather than leaving the homeowner to guess where equipment will communicate reliably.

The right system for acreage is therefore less about finding one impressive range number and more about designing coverage around the actual property.

Get a Free Quote for a Large-Property Security System

If your home has multiple floors, detached areas, unusual construction or a large amount of outdoor space, wireless security deserves a property-specific assessment. Published transmission ranges provide useful benchmarks, but actual performance depends on the equipment and installation environment.

Protect what you value most! Request a free ADT quote and inspection to discuss your property’s layout, sensor placement, cameras and available range-extension options with an ADT specialist.

Some or all of this content may have been generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, AI can occasionally produce incorrect information. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Freedomland U.S.A. opened on Father’s Day, June 19, 1960, in the Bronx, and singer Pat Boone and his family cut the ribbon, according to New York Almanack.

The park was the idea of Cornelius Vanderbilt Wood, known as C.V. Wood, who led the planning team for Disneyland in the mid-1950s, Atlas Obscura reported. Fans called Freedomland the ‘Disneyland of the East.’ It sat on 205 acres, but the attractions took up just 85 of them, New York Almanack said.

Building it cost $65 million, about $630 million today, according to The Bronx Times. About 1.5 million people visited in the first season, short of the 5 million the owners expected, Atlas Obscura said.

Debt from construction and an off-season closure from October to May kept the park in the red, Atlas Obscura reported. The outlet said competition from the 1964 World’s Fair in Queens was cited as the last straw.

Freedomland filed a petition under Chapter 11 on September 15, 1964, according to a federal court opinion. The company was adjudicated bankrupt on August 30, 1965, after its arrangement with creditors failed.

The land is now Co-op City, where more than 40,000 people live, per the Bronx Library Center. Author Michael Virgintino believes developers used the park to test whether the marshy ground could support apartments, Atlas Obscura said.

The same year Freedomland went under, Claude Bell’s 150-foot Cabazon dinosaur began rising to sell burgers.

With Halloween one week away, Heidi Klum is giving fans a close-up look at her 2026 costume—and it’s not exactly pretty.

In a Saturday, October 24 Instagram post, the supermodel shared an image of colorful prosthetic pieces arranged in a texture that looks like it could be meat or organs, particularly brain or intestines.

“What’s my costume?” the 53-year-old asked in the caption, adding, “One week to go….#HeidiHalloween.” She didn’t show her face or reveal how the pieces fit into the final look, leaving fans to study the strange close-up for clues.

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Several guessed she might be Monstro Elisasue, the grotesque creation from the 2024 horror film The Substance. Others suggested the Clickers from The Last of Us, the post-apocalyptic series known for its unsettling infected creatures.

Others theorized it could be something to do with the ocean.

“Sea urchins or sea cucumber or ursula from lil mermaid,” one commented.

“Coral reef. Inspired by St Barth’s,” another said.

“Idk but I’m gagging already,” a third replied.

Klum has been hinting at a bloody costume for weeks. In a September interview with Parade, she offered a hint. “I will give you one clue,” she teased. “It’s bloody.” She also said she enjoys transformations that make her nearly unrecognizable. “I loved when I made myself really old,” she said. “That’s a lot of fun.”

READ MORE: Heidi Klum, 52, Defies Aging in Tight Latex Dress At the 2026 Grammy Awards’ Red Carpet

Her annual Halloween bash, where the costume will make its full debut on October 31, has been a New York tradition since 2000, aside from a two-year pause during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s invitation-only, and costumes are required for entry. Past guests have seen Klum become everyone from Fiona in Shrek to Medusa, a giant worm, a peacock, and E.T.

Klum’s love of dressing up started long before the famous party. Growing up in Germany, she wore costumes for the February carnival season, when her mother made outfits for her. Halloween wasn’t widely celebrated there, which is partially the reason she goes all out for the holiday.

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I have a particular skincare drawer. You probably have one too. Mine holds a peptide serum I used twice, a snail mucin I bought because of a video, something involving mushrooms and at least three half-empty bottles of whatever was taking over my feed in a given month. Each one promised to change my skin. The drawer has cost me a lot of U.S. dollars (and some euros, too!) and has done approximately nada for my face. I’m guessing yours hasn’t been much better.

So when I got the chance to ask six dermatologists to name the single anti-aging ingredient they’d never give up, I expected a bunch of different answers, plenty of hedging and at least one “it depends,” which is what you usually get when you ask experts to pick a favorite. What I got instead was all of them landing on the exact same thing, and the reasons they gave were hard to argue with.

Below is why they keep choosing it, how to start using it if you haven’t, how to layer it with everything else in your routine and the specific products they actually recommend. Plus, two runner-up ingredients that you really shouldn’t skip.

Related: 11 Best Barrier Repair Creams To Calm Stressed-Out Skin, Tested by Dermatologists

The Anti-Aging Hero Ingredient Dermatologists Agree On: Retinoids

Six of our experts picked a retinoid outright. “Retinoid” is the skincare active category, while “retinol” is the over-the-counter form that your skin has to convert into its active state. Tretinoin is the prescription retinoic acid, already active, which makes it stronger and more predictable but also more irritating to the skin.

“My top single-ingredient anti-aging recommendation would be retinol,” says Dr. Dendy Engelman, a double board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at the Shafer Clinic in New York City. She explains that retinol increases cellular turnover and stimulates collagen production, so it works on fine lines, hyperpigmentation, texture and loss of elasticity all at once. Very few actives can do that.

Dr. Jenna Queller, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of DermWorks, makes the same pick for the same reason. Retinoids are one of the few topical ingredients she can point to for multiple aspects of skin aging rather than just wrinkles.

Several experts go further and name the prescription version specifically. Dr. Sejal Shah, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of SmarterSkin Dermatology, calls tretinoin the “gold standard” topical therapy for photoaging.

Dr. Whitney Tolpinrud, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director at Agency, describes how it works at the cellular level, explaining that tretinoin binds to nuclear receptors in skin cells, speeding up turnover and stimulating type I and III collagen production, which over time shows up as smoother texture, better firmness and fewer fine lines.

Dr. Marie Jhin, a board-certified dermatologist and chief medical officer at Musely, tells Parade that one prescription can replace several products. The same ingredient can address fine lines, discoloration, texture and breakouts.

And Dr. Kseniya Kobets, director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care, says that for existing sun damage, fine lines and uneven texture, she’d choose a retinoid, with tretinoin as what she calls the “OG,” though over-the-counter retinol or retinaldehyde can work and may be easier to live with.

Six experts, one ingredient. Not too shabby!

Related: The 15 Best Retinol Body Lotions, According to Celebrity Dermatologists

Why Retinol Outperforms Other Skincare Trends

It isn’t that retinoids are flashy—it’s that they’re tried-and-true.

“What separates retinol from the ever-evolving skincare trends is the depth of evidence supporting them,” Dr. Engelman tells Parade. Retinol has decades of clinical data behind it.

Dr. Tolpinrud adds that tretinoin is a regulated prescription medication studied in controlled trials for decades, with FDA approval for wrinkles and photoaging, a bar most cosmetic ingredients never have to clear. Where trending ingredients deliver surface hydration or antioxidant support, tretinoin works structurally.

Dr. Shah points out that retinoids aren’t right for everyone though, and newer ingredients can also be beneficial (more about that below).

Related: 11 Best Skin-Tightening Moisturizers, According to Celebrity Derms

How To Incorporate a Retinoid Into Your Daily Routine

Getty

Every expert said the same two things: apply at night and go slowly.

Start with two nights a week and build from there as your skin adapts, Dr. Engelman says. She’d much rather a patient use a retinoid comfortably three nights a week for years than every night for one week, wreck their barrier and quit forever.

Dr. Queller suggests picking two specific nights, like Monday and Thursday, and increasing from there. “You don’t get bonus points for irritating your face,” she says.

Shah’s basic evening lineup is cleanser, retinoid, moisturizer. For sensitive skin, moisturizer can go before, after or both.

On amount, Dr. Kobets and Dr. Jhin both say a pea-sized dose covers the whole face. Apply it to clean, dry skin. Dr. Tolpinrud goes further and suggests waiting roughly 20 to 30 minutes after cleansing so skin is fully dry, since damp skin increases penetration and irritation.

Then there’s the part nobody gets to skip: sunscreen every morning, because retinoids increase photosensitivity. Dr. Queller calls it non-negotiable, and Dr. Tolpinrud notes UV exposure also degrades the retinoid itself, so daily SPF protects your skin and your results.

According to Dr. Tolpinrud, texture and tone improvements usually show up around eight to 12 weeks with continued progress over several months, and benefits fade if you stop, which makes this a long-term habit rather than a course of treatment.

Related: 9 Drugstore Serums That Target Sagging Skin, According to Dermatologists

Potential Side Effects and How To Layer It Safely

Dryness, peeling, redness and stinging are the standard side effects, and they’re most likely when you move too fast.

“Those symptoms are not proof that the product is ‘working harder,'” Dr. Engelman says. Irritated skin is not the goal. Dr. Kobets is equally firm that more irritation doesn’t mean more collagen, and inflammation can actually worsen discoloration if you’re prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

If your skin turns pink, burns or suddenly stings when you apply products that never bothered you, Dr. Kobets says to pause the retinoid and other actives, moisturize gently and restart less often once things settle.

Related: Experiencing “Ozempic Face”? Dermatologists Say You Need These 3 Plumping Ingredients

5 Rules for Layering Retinoids With Other Actives

1. Use vitamin C in the morning, and a retinoid at night. Every expert who addressed it said this. Dr. Shah’s exact sequence is vitamin C, then moisturizer, then sunscreen in the morning, with retinol and moisturizer at night. Dr. Tolpinrud notes the split avoids compounding irritation while vitamin C adds daytime antioxidant support.
2. Don’t stack retinol on top of tretinoin. Retinol is a weaker precursor in the same pathway, Dr. Tolpinrud says, so combining them adds irritation without added benefit. Dr. Jhin agrees there’s no reason to use both.
3. Alternate acids rather than combining them. Glycolic, lactic and salicylic acid can live in the same routine as a retinoid, Dr. Shah says, just not on the same night until your tolerance is established. The same goes for benzoyl peroxide and physical scrubs.
4. Try the sandwich method if you’re sensitive. Moisturizer, retinoid, then more moisturizer. Dr. Engelman, Dr. Kobets and Dr. Tolpinrud all recommend it during the adjustment period.
5. Skip retinoids entirely during pregnancy or while trying to conceive, which both Dr. Kobets and Dr. Jhin flagged. Talk to your doctor if you’re breastfeeding or managing a skin condition.

Related: The 10 Best Makeup and Skincare Gifts for Women Over 50 From Our 49-Year-Old Beauty Editor

6 Dermatologist-Approved Product Recommendations

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• For non-prescription formulas, Dr. Engelman likes Medik8 Crystal Retinal ($56) specifically because it comes in progressive strengths, so you can start low and climb as your skin adjusts.
• She also recommends Dr. Diamond’s Metacine InstaFacial Emulsion ($350), which uses hydroxypinacolone retinoate, a next-generation retinoid that supports renewal without the purge period other formulas trigger.
• Dr. Shah likes Mother Science Retinol Synergist ($96), which combines encapsulated retinol with barrier-supporting lipids. A more affordable option is La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 ($44.99), which pairs pure retinol with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and glycerin for anyone who wants results without a complicated routine.
• Dr. Kobets adds Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream ($145) to the list. Her bottom line is that the best choice is whichever one you will use regularly.
• Dr. Queller’s pick is Face Reality’s Age-Adaptive Clearing Serum ($76), which she reaches for when a patient is fighting breakouts and visible aging at once.

Related: 12 Best Products for Age Spots, According to Celebrity Dermatologists

2 More Anti-Aging Ingredients To Incorporate Into Your Skincare Routine, Experts Say

While retinol had six dermatologists singing its praises, there are two other popular anti-aging products that experts want to call out.

1: Sunscreen

It’s essential to put on broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on the face and any exposed skin every morning, reapplied before additional sun exposure. Dr. Tolpinrud’s morning recommendation is Agency’s SilkScreen ($65), a tinted mineral SPF 50 with iron oxides for visible light protection, which standard UV-only formulas don’t address. (That matters for anyone dealing with melasma or pigmentation.)

2: Vitamin C

Dr. Kobets says if you can’t tolerate retinoids, or you’re focused on prevention and early fine lines, a well-formulated vitamin C serum alongside sunscreen is a strong option, especially if pigmentation is your main concern.

Up Next:

Related: The French Skincare Ritual That Can Boost Circulation and Lymphatic Drainage, According to a Dermatologist

Sources:

• Dr. Dendy Engelman, double board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, Shafer Clinic
• Dr. Jenna Queller, board-certified dermatologist and founder of DermWorks
• Dr. Sejal Shah, board-certified dermatologist and founder of SmarterSkin Dermatology
• Dr. Kseniya Kobets, director of cosmetic dermatology, Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care
• Dr. Whitney Tolpinrud, board-certified dermatologist and medical director at Agency
• Dr. Marie Jhin, board-certified dermatologist and chief medical officer at Musely

Carrie Ann Inaba is ready to move on. On Saturday, October 24, the longtime Dancing with the Stars judge posted a new statement, subtly addressing a tumultuous week that included DWTS pro Val Chmerkovskiy‘s one-week suspension for an online comment about the way Inaba critiqued his wife, fellow pro Jenna Johnson, on the show.

On Dedication Night, Chmerkovskiy didn’t get to perform with his celebrity partner, actress Jenna Dewan. But he called the tribute to her mom, which she performed with pro Alan Bersten, “perfection.” The night was full of emotional performances with no eliminations, and fans captured a touching video of Johnson and Inaba embracing after the show.

On October 24, Inaba posted multiple photos from Dedication Night, including one of the aforementioned hug, and wrote, “A special thanks to all of you for creating a night of poignant and emotional self expression, storytelling and artistry in motion. It was a night of much needed emotional catharsis, and a reminder of the complicated and resilient nature of the journey of being human.”

Inaba thanked guest judge and former DWTS pro Kym Johnson, writing, “you are always wonderful,” and concluded with, “Looking forward to Halloween night! 🎃 👻 #dwts35 🤍”

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Johnson quickly hopped into the comment section on Instagram with three emojis “💕✨👯‍♀️” and hundreds of fans liked it.

Fans flocked to the comment section, too, with most expressing relief for the reset, including one who wrote, “Feels like therapy night with friends,” and another who commented, “our vulnerability gave everyone permission to feel their own stuff.”

“There’s something brave about letting people see the messy middle of being human,” someone else noted.

Chmerkovskiy returns to the show on October 27 for Horror Movie Night, when two season 35 duos will be sent home. He and Dewan are preparing an Argentine Tango inspired by the movie 28 Days Later. Dancing with the Stars airs at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+.

If there’s one kitchen staple that can make even leftover spaghetti look a little more luxurious, it’s Caraway food storage. With sleek glass containers and chic, colorful accents, the brand has become a favorite for anyone who wants kitchen essentials to look as good as they function, and I love them for it. The only catch is the designer kitchenware can come with a designer-sized price tag.

That’s where Aldi comes in. The budget-friendly grocery chain is serving up its own take on stylish glass food storage with three new Crofton sets featuring different shapes, sizes and colorways. And if, like me, you believe matching food containers can make even a chaotic refrigerator feel like it has its life together, these finds are worth a closer look.

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Crofton Nested Glass Food Storage, $16.99 at Aldi

Aldi

First up is the Crofton Nested Glass Food Storage Set, which offers a practical way to keep leftovers, meal-prepped lunches and odds and ends organized without turning your cabinets into a container avalanche. The nested design is especially appealing because the pieces fit together for compact storage when they’re not holding last night’s dinner.

I also love that glass containers let me see what’s inside without playing the classic refrigerator guessing game. Is that tomato soup, leftover marinara or something I should have eaten three days ago? With glass, there’s no need to open every lid to investigate.

But Aldi isn’t stopping at just one version. It offers different sets, so shoppers can find a style that suits their kitchen and food storage needs. With different colorways, shapes and set configurations, you can pick a collection that feels more personalized than the usual pile of mismatched plastic tubs.

Coordinating lids are a small kitchen luxury, too. They won’t magically make meal prep happen or convince the family to put their leftovers away, but they can make the process feel a whole lot more organized.

Related: Target’s New 12-Piece Scalloped Stoneware Set Brings Elevated Classic Charm to the Table

Three Designer-Look Food Storage Styles, One Aldi Price Tag

All three sets are listed for $16.99 each with availability beginning Oct. 28.

• Crofton 2.4-quart rectangular/square set: A combination of rectangular and square storage options is great for anyone who likes to keep a little variety on hand.
• Crofton 5.8-quart rectangular set: The larger-capacity option could come in handy for storing bigger batches of food, family-size leftovers, or ingredients prepped ahead of a busy week.
• Crofton 2.4-quart rectangular set: If you prefer a more uniform shape, this version offers a rectangular configuration that can be useful for stacking and organizing food.

Of course, Aldi’s Crofton sets aren’t Caraway products, and a similar aesthetic doesn’t necessarily mean identical materials or features. But if you’re drawn to the polished look of designer kitchenware and would rather save your money for groceries (or that fancy olive oil you’ve been eyeing), these budget-friendly finds deserve a spot on your shopping list.

Related: Aldi’s $9 Holiday Sheet Sets Come in 7 Adorable Prints for the Coziest Christmas

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If your kitchen could use a little more personality, Dolly Parton has just the thing. The country music legend’s Mini Spatula and Rolling Pin Set from her popular home line is a fun, functional addition to any baker’s collection, and it’s currently just $13 at Amazon, down from $15. With its playful design and compact size, this two-piece set adds a touch of Dolly-inspired charm to everyday cooking and baking.

The mini spatula and rolling pin are practical enough for everyday use, but cute enough to make you smile every time you reach for them. Whether you’re a longtime Dolly fan or simply love a quirky kitchen find, this adorable set makes everyday cooking a little more entertaining. It’s also a fun way to add personality to your kitchen without spending a fortune on new accessories. 

Dolly Parton Mini Spatula and Rolling Pin Set, From $13 (was $15) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

The set includes a mini spatula and a coordinating rolling pin, both designed with Dolly’s signature country flair. The rolling pin has a light blue base and white handles, while the spatula features a blue mosaic flower detail on a white backdrop. Both pieces are also inscribed with Dolly’s iconic butterfly logo. Because both pieces are compact, they tuck easily into a drawer when you’re done baking.

Of course, the real appeal is how much charm these little tools bring to the kitchen. Dolly has built a career around her unmistakable style, larger-than-life personality, and ability to make people smile. This set carries that same playful spirit into an everyday activity. Even if you don’t spend every weekend whipping up elaborate desserts, this kitchen accessory makes you want to put on some music and try a new recipe.

It’s also a sweet gift idea for the Dolly Parton devotee in your life. At $13, the set is an affordable option for birthdays, housewarmings, holiday gift exchanges, or a small surprise for someone who loves cooking. Pair it with a cookie mix, a pretty apron or a favorite cookbook to create a thoughtful little baking bundle.

Related: Dolly Parton’s Pink Guitar-Shaped $9 Tea Infuser Brings Country Fun to Your Afternoon Pick-Me-Up

You’ll reach for the 9.5-inch mini spatula more often than you might expect. Use it to scrape the last bit of peanut butter from a jar, smooth frosting onto cupcakes, spread batter into a pan or scramble eggs for breakfast. Its silicone head resists heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and is safe for nonstick cookware, making it a handy helper for everything from weekday breakfasts to weekend baking projects.

The matching rolling pin is equally useful. At approximately 9.5 inches long, it’s designed for smaller jobs where a full-size rolling pin might feel cumbersome. Roll out cookie dough, shape pastry for mini tarts, or crush pretzels and other toppings for your favorite desserts. Its nonstick surface helps keep dough from sticking or tearing, making delicate baking projects easier.

Shop More Dolly Parton Deals

• Dolly Parton Holiday Toile Mug and Guitar Ornament, $22 (was $25) at Amazon
• Dolly Parton Iconic Rockstar PopSockets Adhesive PopGrip, $15 at Amazon
• Dolly Parton Decorative Magnetic Bag Chip Clips, $9 at Amazon

If you’ve been looking for an excuse to add some country fun to your kitchen, grab Dolly Parton’s rolling pin and spatula set while it’s still $13 at Amazon.

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With two Christmas movies featuring When Calls the Heart stars, Hearties are in for a real treat this weekend. We’ve already reported on Forgotten Holiday starring Daniel Lissing, now let’s take a look at What If Christmas starring Lori Loughlin.

Having made a cameo appearance in the season 13 finale of When Hope Calls, Loughlin solidified her return to Hallmark after reprising her role as Jennifer Shannon in the Garage Sale Mystery movie series earlier this year. Now, she returns with a new Christmas movie, What If Christmas and we have all the details! Read on for more about Loughlin’s new movie including a Parade exclusive sneak peek!

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What is What If Christmas about?

Erin (Loughlin) has always supported her heart surgeon husband, Adam’s (Cavanaugh) career by organizing the hospitals’ Christmas charity galas. However, when he moves to a new hospital, her help is no longer needed. Feeling lost and without a purpose back in New York City, her long-suppressed regrets over giving up her dream of pursuing fashion design start bubbling up. When Erin is given a peculiar heart-shaped Christmas ornament, she wakes up in an alternate reality where she’s a world-famous fashion designer. As she “meets” and attends Christmas events with alternate universe Adam, she realizes that while her fashion dreams came true, it’s lonely at the top. While working on a way to bring more charity and heart to her fashion empire, she learns that her dream life and love were always right in front of her – if only she finds the heart and courage to ask.

When does What If Christmas premiere?

What If Christmas premieres on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel and can be viewed the next day on Hallmark+.

Related: Great American Family Revealed Its 2026 Christmas Movie Lineup, and These Are the Films to Watch For

Who’s in the cast of What If Christmas? Lori Loughlin Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Gerry Kingsley

Hallmark Media

Lori Loughlin as Erin

Loughlin is best known to Hallmark viewers as Abigail Stanton on When Calls the Heart, a role she reprise in the Season 13 finale. She returns as Abigail in Season 14 for several episodes. She also returned as Jennifer Shannon in the Garage Sale Mystery series of movies recently in Garage Sale Mysteries: Murder Takes the Stage.

Related: Lori Loughlin Returns to Hallmark Movies After 7 Years—Watch an Exclusive Sneak Peek

Tom Cavanaugh Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Gerry Kingsley

Hallmark Media

Tom Cavanaugh as Adam

Cavanaugh is best known for his roles on Ed, Providence, and The Flash. For Hallmark viewers, he starred in the Darrow & Darrow series of films for Hallmark Mystery opposite Kimberly Williams-Paisley. His most recent credits include Mistletoe Murders, FBI, and You’re Killing Me.

Related: Lifetime Reveals Its 2026 Christmas Movie Lineup, Including Brandy’s Return—See the Full Schedule

How you can watch What If Christmas for free

If you have a library card, you can watch What If Christmas for free! Through the Hoopla website or app, you can unlock seven days of Hallmark+ for free! Hoopla is a free digital media service that partners with local libraries and lets you borrow audiobooks, eBooks, comics, movies, TV shows, and music. You can subscribe to Hallmark+, PBS, and other channels and watch some of your favorite shows and movies, including What If Christmas for free!

Does Parade have a sneak peek of What If Christmas?

Ho Ho Ho! Check out this Parade exclusive sneak peek from What If Christmas below:

PARADE Exclusive – What If Christmas – Sneak Peek (1:16) Check out images from What If Christmas

Take a look at some select images from What If Christmas in the gallery below.

Next, Hallmark Has 17 New Christmas Movies Coming in November 2026—Here’s the Full Schedule and Who’s Starring

What If ChristmasHallmark Media

Tom Cavanaugh, Lori Loughlin Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Gerry Kingsley

Hallmark Media

Tom Cavanaugh, Lori Loughlin Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Gerry Kingsley

Hallmark Media

Tom Cavanaugh Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Gerry Kingsley

Hallmark Media

Lyla Elliott, Lori Loughlin Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Gerry Kingsley

Hallmark Media

Lyla Elliott, Lori Loughlin Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Gerry Kingsley

Hallmark Media

Jonathan Whittaker Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Gerry Kingsley

Hallmark Media

Lori Loughlin Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Gerry Kingsley

Hallmark Media

Lyla Elliott Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Gerry Kingsley

Hallmark Media

Tom Cavanaugh Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Gerry Kingsley

Hallmark Media

Tom Cavanaugh Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Gerry Kingsley

Hallmark Media

Tom Cavanaugh, Lori Loughlin Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Gerry Kingsley

Hallmark Media

Lori Loughlin, Tom Cavanaugh Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Gerry Kingsley

Hallmark Media