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Legendary Hollywood Actress Who Died Tragically Young Would Have Turned 100 Years Old Today
Few names from Hollywood are as recognizable and iconic as that of Marilyn Monroe. The original blonde bombshell was a staple actress of the 1950s and early 1960s, and was the top billed actress for more than a decade. Ranked number six by AFI as one of the "Legends from the Golden Age of Hollywood," Marilyn Monroe would have turned 100 years old on June 1st, 2026.
Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortenson in Los Angeles, California to Gladys Pearl Baker. Despite Gladys listing her husband Martin Edward Mortensen on Marilyn's birth certificate as her father, most historians agree this is unlikely as Gladys had separated from Mortensen before her pregnancy with Norma/Marilyn. Gladys placed Marilyn in foster care for most of her early childhood. Despite gaining some financial stability and even a home when Marilyn was around nine, Gladys fully succumbed to her paranoid schizophrenia and was committed to a state hospital. Marilyn subsequently became a ward of the state and bounced between families and orphanages until she was 16.
At 16 being faced with returning to an orphanage, Marilyn instead opted to marry her neighbor, James Dougherty, to avoid such a fate. Dougherty (who was five years her senior) was a Marine and often deployed. While living with his parents, Marilyn began modeling despite her husband's disapproval. It was at this point that she straightened her curly hair and dyed it bleach blonde. By 1946, she had appeared on over 33 magazine covers and had begun screen testing for film. She adopted the stage name "Marilyn Monroe" that same year and divorced Dougherty, ready for what was next.
Marilyn gained attention as an actress in 1950 in the The Asphalt Jungle, where she had a small part. That same year she negotiated a seven-year contract with Fox which helped lift her ability to secure roles as she continued to gain popularity with audiences. By 1952, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association was calling her the "best young box office personality" and her life and films were becoming a magnet for public interest.
In September 1954, Marilyn began filming the comedy film, The Seven Year Itch. Despite being filmed in Hollywood and not New York, the studio decided they wanted to generate publicity by pretending to film a scene of Marilyn standing over a subway grate on Lexington Avenue in New York City. They staged this for several hours and attracted over 2,000 onlookers. The "subway grate scene" became one of the most iconic and memorable of Marilyn's career, and it resulted in the film being one of the biggest commercial successes for a movie at the time.
While Marilyn was indisputably a talented performer, the public was deeply fascinated with her relationships and her personal life. In 1952 she began dating retired baseball star Joe DiMaggio, one of the most celebrated athletes of the time. The pair married in 1954, but DiMaggio was allegedly extremely controlling and abusive and they divorced after only nine months of marriage. In 1955, she started seeing playwright Arthur Miller, who she married the following year and converted to Judaism for, but the couple would divorce in 1961. Marilyn was also linked to Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, and John F. Kennedy.
Over the course of her life, Marilyn struggled with endometriosis, alcohol abuse, mental illness, and an addiction to barbiturates. On August 4th, 1962, some time between 8:30 and 10:30 PM, Marilyn Monroe overdosed on barbiturates. Her death was ruled a suicide by the LAPD.
Marilyn Monroe is arguably one of the most famous faces from Hollywood, and one of the most significant public figures of our time. The Smithsonian Institution named her as "100 Most Significant Americans of All Time" and both Varietyand VH1 have placed her in the top ten for rankings of the greatest popular culture icons of the 20th century. While she may not be around to celebrate 100 years of her legacy, it clearly will continue on for decades to come.
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Related: Fashion Icon Marilyn Monroe Refused To Wear This One Popular Clothing Item
NYT Connections Sports Edition Today: Hints and Answers for Monday, June 1, 2026
Today's NYT Connections Sports puzzle is easy if you're keeping up with your fitness. Get excited—there's another New York Times game to add to your daily routine! Those of us word game addicts who already play Wordle, Connections, Strands and the Mini Crossword now have Connections Sports Edition to add to the mix.
So, if you're looking for some hints and answers for today's Connections Sports Edition on Monday, June 1, 2026, you've come to the right place.
Connections Sports Edition is just like the regular Connections word puzzle, in that it's a game that resets at 12 a.m. EST each day and has 16 different words listed. It's up to you to figure out each group of four words that belong to a certain category, with four categories in total.
This new version is sports-specific, however, as a partnership between The New York Times and The Athletic.
As the NYT site instructs, for Connections Sports Edition, you "group sports terms that share a common thread."
Related: The 26 Funniest NYT Connections Game Memes You'll Appreciate if You Do This Daily Word Puzzle
Hints for Today's Connections Sports Edition Categories on June 1, 2026Here are some hints about the four categories to help you figure out the word groupings.
- Yellow: Play ball!
- Green: Work out.
- Blue: City of Brotherly Love.
- Purple: Think Arnold Schwarzenegger.
OK, time for a second hint…we'll give you the actual categories now. Spoilers below!
- Yellow: PARTS OF A BASEBALL ROSTER
- Green: GYM EQUIPMENT
- Blue: PHILADELPHIA PHILIES PLAYERS
- Purple: MUSCLE NICKNAMES, PLUS A LETTER
If you're looking for the answers, no worries—we've got them below. So, don't scroll any further if you don't want to see the solutions!
The answers to today's Connections Sports Edition #616 are coming up next.
Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day
- PARTS OF A BASEBALL ROSTER: BENCH, BULLPEN, LINEUP, ROTATION
- GYM EQUIPMENT: ELLIPTICAL, LEG PRESS, MEDICINE BALL, TREADMILL
- PHILADELPHIA PHILIES PLAYERS: MARSH, NOLA, TURNER, WHEELER
- MUSCLE NICKNAMES, PLUS A LETTER: FLAT, SPEC, SQUAD, WHAMMY
Don't worry if you didn't get them this time—we've all been there.
Amazon's Sturdy and Beautiful Bookcases Are Genius Storage Solutions for Small Spaces
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Living in a small living space comes with one universal struggle: Figuring out where to put all your stuff. That’s why a good bookcase can be such a game changer for extra storage. The functional piece of furniture can not only hold your books, as designed, but it can also help organize baskets, plants, decor, office supplies and everyday essentials.
Luckily, Amazon has plenty of versatile bookcases that make storing and displaying your stuff so much easier, especially when you are working with less square footage. Since bookcases stand vertically, that means you're using much less floor space than, say, a storage box or full cabinet. Ahead, shop Amazon’s best small bookcases that make small space living feel a little less chaotic.
Sweetcrispy Book Shelf, $39 (was $52) at Amazon Shop at AmazonIf you’re short on space but still need extra storage, this compact bookshelf is an easy addition to any room and a Parade reader favorite. The open shelving design makes it perfect for displaying books, adding storage baskets or even decorating with candles and plants. One reviewer wrote, “I love my new bookshelf! The height is great, it’s sturdy and it looks amazing. I put it together myself and it only took about 45 minutes.”
Furinno Pasir Book Shelf, From $30 (was $41) at Amazon Shop at AmazonThis budget-friendly pick proves you don’t have to spend a fortune to make your space feel organized, clean and styled. The minimalist and modern design on this $30 pick works well in bedrooms, living rooms or even small home offices. The shelves come in a handful of colors depending on your needs. At $30, it’s an affordable way to add extra storage to your home while not needing a ton of space.
Furologee 6-Tier Tall Bookshelf, $40 (was $56) at Amazon Shop at AmazonThis tall, 6-tier bookshelf was designed with small spaces in mind, as its narrow width maximizes vertical storage without taking up too much floor real estate. The six tiers offer plenty of room for books, framed photos and decorative accents, while the metal frame and rustic wood shelves give a very trendy modern industrial look. With over 1,000 positive reviews, this is definitely a pick worth adding to your cart.
Vasagle Barnet Collection Ladder Shelf, $49 at Amazon Shop at AmazonLadder shelves continue to be one of the smartest storage solutions for small spaces, and this option from Vasagle is both stylish and functional. The leaning ladder design creates an airy look while still offering multiple shelves for books and other decor. One reviewer said, “The bookcase showed up well-packaged and in good condition, much sturdier than I expected. Easy to put together and beautiful when complete.”
Shop More Deals- Furinno Luder Book Shelf, $28 (was $45) at Amazon
- Numenn 5-Tier Bookshelf, From $51 at Amazon
- Furinno Luder 5-Cube Bookshelf, From $38 at Amazon
Whether you’re working with a tiny apartment, a small bedroom or just an awkward empty corner of your living space, these Amazon bookcases prove smart storage solutions don’t have to empty your wallet.
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.
‘I Don't Use That Term’: This New ‘Love Island USA’ Islander Calls Out a Major Reality TV Cliché
A brand new season of Love Island USA is days away, and in the lead-up to the new season, the official social media accounts for the series have begun previewing the cast, including Melanie Moreno.
Moreno is a 24-year-old from Los Angeles, California; her ideal neon sign is “You’ll Have Fun.”
View this post on InstagramMoreno is a manager at a bikini store and says she’d “love to fall in love in the villa.” She compared her love life to a bikini from the damage bin.
She is a self-proclaimed Dominicana whose first language is Spanish. She explained that her mom is her best friend: “She's the reason I'm bubbling.”
Moreno wants to have a family. “I'm looking for an actual relationship. I find fun and commitment.”
She explained that she sees her friends as her sisters. “I don't use the term girl's girl. Any real woman who loves women never has to say I'm a girl's girl. It just shows on the way you behave and the way you show up for them.”
Moreno shared she loves to cook for her man and described herself as old-fashioned, but added that she was a Scorpio and “we’re a little freaky,” while adding that sex is Important to her and “it has to be good.”
View this post on InstagramFans quickly showed their support for Moreno in the comment section on Instagram. One user wrote, "I love that she isn’t a girls girl because any real woman that loves women doesn’t have to preach that she is a girls girl, and she reminds me of someone who isn’t afraid to step on toes. I love her energy, and so far she’s one of my top favorites this season."
A second user added, "I love that she clocked the “girls girl” thing because that’s what sabotaged half of last season."
With a third user sharing, "I like her! She seems genuine and down to earth! Hope the guys in the villa are good enough for her"
Love Island USA begins June 2, 2026, streaming exclusively on Peacock.
Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Monday, June 1, 2026
Today's NYT Strands puzzle might require some searching. Move over, Wordle, Connections, Connections Sports Edition, and Mini Crossword—there’s a new NYT word game in town! The New York Times' recent game, "Strands," is becoming increasingly popular as another daily activity fans can find on the NYT website and app.
With daily themes and "spangrams" to discover, this is the latest addictive game to cross off your to-do list before a new one pops up 24 hours later.
We'll cover exactly how to play Strands, hints for today's Spangram, and all of the answers for Strands #820 on Monday, June 1.
How to Play StrandsThe New York Times
According to the New York Times, here's exactly how to play Strands:
Find theme words to fill the board.
- Theme words stay highlighted in blue when found.
- Drag or tap letters to create words. If tapping, double-tap the last letter to submit.
- Theme words fill the board entirely. No theme words overlap.
Find the “spangram.”
- The spangram describes the puzzle's theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. It may be two words.
- The spangram highlights in yellow when found.
- An example spangram with corresponding theme words: PEAR, FRUIT, BANANA, APPLE, etc.
Need a hint?
- Find non-theme words to get hints.
- For every three non-theme words you find, you earn a hint.
- Hints show the letters of a theme word. If there is already an active hint on the board, a hint will show that word's letter order.
A hint for today's Strands game: Found in the wild.
What Are Today's NYT Strands Hints?Warning: Spoilers ahead!
In today's puzzle, there are seven theme words to find (including the spangram). Here are the first two letters for each word:
- CH
- RA
- BL
- CH
- MO
- NE
- FO (SPANGRAM)
Today's Spangram is mostly horizontal.
NYT Strands Spangram Answer for June 1Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Monday, June 1, 2026, isFORAGING.
What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Monday, June 1?- CHICORY
- RAMP
- BLACKBERRY
- CHESTNUT
- MOREL
- NETTLE
- SPANGRAM: FORAGING
Related: I Tried 10 Greek Yogurts From Aldi, and the Winner Won by a Landslide
NYT ‘Connections’ Hints, Clues and Answers Today, Monday, June 1, 2026
Get comfy, because solving today's NYT Connections puzzle is going to be a breeze. There's nothing quite as exhilarating as the feeling of completing the daily New York Times Wordle, Strands, Mini Crossword and Connections Sports Edition word games in one fell swoop. But sometimes that can be easier said than done. If you need help with today's Connections puzzle, keep reading.
Spoilers ahead! We've warned you. We mean it. Read no further until you really want some clues or you've completely given up and want the answers ASAP. Get ready for all of today's NYT 'Connections’ hints and answers for #1086 on Monday, June 1, 2026.
Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Monday, June 1, 2026 / New York TimesIf you've been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Monday's puzzle, you're not alone, and these hints should definitely help you out. Plus, I'll reveal the answers further down.
Related: The 26 Funniest NYT Connections Game Memes You'll Appreciate if You Do This Daily Word Puzzle
Hints About Today's NYT Connections Categories on Monday, June 1- A home is a collection of them.
- Drawing room artifacts.
- “I don't want realism. I want magic!”
- A symbol of completeness.
Related: 300 Trivia Questions and Answers to Jumpstart Your Fun Game Night
Ready for the answers? Scroll below this image (the image that represents your very appreciated patience!).
iStock
Today's Connections Game Answers for Monday, June 1:1. ROOM FEATURES: CEILING, DOOR, WALL, WINDOW
2. OLD-TIMEY LOUNGING ACCESSORIES: NEWSPAPER, PIPE, ROBE, SLIPPERS
3. SUBJECTS IN TENNESSEE WILLIAMS TITLES: CAT, MENAGERIE, STREETCAR, TATTOO
4. ____ RING: KEY, ONION, TREE, WEDDING
How'd you do?
Up Next:
- 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day
- Hints, Clues and Answers to the NYT's 'Mini Crossword' Puzzle
Did You Miss a Few Days? Let's Catch You Up With Recent Connections Answers
Today’s Wordle Hint, Answers for #1808 on Monday, June 1, 2026
Today's NYT Wordle answer might make you feel a bit hot under the collar. But the day just isn't complete until I've solved all of the free word games from the New York Times, including Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Strands, and Mini Crossword. And, of course, I can’t forget about Wordle, too! If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle #1808 ahead.
Let's start with a few hints.
There are two vowels in today's five-letter word.
What kind of letter does today's Wordle start with?Today's Wordle begins with a consonant.
Are there any double letters?There are double letters in today's Wordle.
Can you give another hint about today's Wordle?A hint for today's Wordle is: This one's got a little kick.
OK, that's it for hints—I don't want to totally give it away before revealing the answer!
Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours
We'll have the answer below this friendly reminder of how to play the game.
SPOILERS BELOW—do not scroll any further if you don't want the answer revealed.
The New York Times
Today's Wordle Answer for #1808 on Monday, June 1, 2026.Today's Wordle answer on Monday, June 1, 2026, is CHILI.
-If you missed it, catch up with the answer to yesterday’s Wordle.
One of Country Music's Most Awarded Vocalists Was Born 73 Years Ago Today
On June 1, 1953, Ronnie Dunn was born in Coleman, Texas. Best known as one half of Brooks & Dunn, Dunn became part of one of the most successful and influential duos in country music history alongside Kix Brooks.
Together, the pair helped define the sound of 1990s country with a mix of honky-tonk energy, arena-ready anthems and emotional ballads that still dominate playlists and country radio throwback hours today.
Before Brooks & Dunn exploded onto the scene, Dunn spent years working toward a music career, performing in clubs and writing songs while developing the powerful voice that would eventually become instantly recognizable to country fans.
Everything changed in 1990 when record executive Tim DuBois paired Dunn with Brooks, believing the two artists could complement each other musically.
The gamble paid off almost immediately.
In 1991, Brooks & Dunn released their debut single, "Brand New Man," and the song shot to No. 1 on the U.S. country charts. The success launched an era of dominance that would include massive hits like "Boot Scootin’ Boogie," "My Maria," "Neon Moon," "Believe" and "Only in America."
Over time, Brooks & Dunn became more than just hitmakers; they became one of the defining acts of modern country music.
The duo went on to win more Country Music Association Awards and Academy of Country Music Awards than any act in country music history, an achievement that cemented their legacy as one of the genre’s all-time great acts.
Even after briefly retiring as a duo in 2010, the pair’s popularity never really faded. Their music continued finding new audiences through streaming, country playlists and collaborations with younger stars inspired by their sound.
Brooks & Dunn is currently touring in 2026.
Related: The Heartbreaking Story Behind Hawkshaw Hawkins' Final No. 1 Song
Why Princess Diana Was 'So Scary' to Play for This Golden Globe Winner
A number of actors have portrayed the late Diana, Princess of Wales over the years, including Emma Corrin.
It's hard to believe more than five years have passed since the pivotal fourth season of The Crown dropped on Netflix, which shot the English performer, 30, to stardom and ultimately won them a Golden Globe Award.
In a new interview with Variety, Corrin reflected on their time tackling the streamer's hit series, which is now celebrating 10 years since its official premiere.
“I loved her. I loved playing her,” they told the magazine in an article published Sunday, May 31. “I don’t think roles like that come along often. I’ve had parts since that I’ve been so fond of, but there was something about that, and about her, that just — it felt different and it feels different.”
Corrin added that stepping into Princess Diana's shoes was "so scary" but also commented on the timing of season 4's release — November 2020 — which was right in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I was really protected by that,” they said. “I would have probably been on a circus of a press tour, when actually I was just in my living room on Zoom. Kind of tragic, kind of nice. It’s made me overwhelmed by press since then.”
And now, they're going from one Netflix project to the next. The streaming giant dropped a teaser for its Pride and Prejudice limited series earlier this year, which stars Corrin and their Crown co-star Olivia Colman, and is based on the popular Jane Austen novel.
As fans of the source material are aware, the story follows the turbulent relationship between Elizabeth Bennet (Corrin), the daughter of a humble country gentleman (Rufus Sewell), and Fitzwilliam Darcy (Jack Lowden), a rich aristocrat. The two must overcome the sins of pride and prejudice in order to fall in love and marry.
'80s Rock Band, Originally Battling Legal Dispute, Ranked Among Failed Supergroups
Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe, a progressive rock group also known as ABWH, has found itself on an unexpected list of “failed supergroups” despite its members having been part of the legendary rock band Yes.
Formed in the late 1980s, the four-piece group consisting of Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford, Rick Wakeman and Steve Howe once generated massive excitement among fans, especially after the former Yes members reunited as a new group.
"Brother of Mine," a track from their debut album, became their signature anthem, with the edited version peaking at No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and No. 63 on the UK Singles Chart.
Their first and only album, Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe, released in 1989, reached No. 30 on the Billboard 200 album chart.
Although the band achieved only limited commercial impact following its short-lived stint, ABWH was included on a list of forgotten supergroups.
In a ranking cited by BBC Music, the publication pointed out a common issue faced by some supergroups.
English progressive rock group, Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe, London, February 1989. Left to right: singer Jon Anderson, keyboard player Rick Wakeman, drummer Bill Bruford and guitarist Steve Howe.One reason is the “struggle to reach the same cultural resonance without the full chemistry of their original bands.”
"Some upsetting things happened in the way we made it," guitarist Steve Howe told Innerviews, "but I was really quite happy with the project. I remember thinking 'Wow, that’s pretty interesting.' Jon came to my house in London and said, 'Let’s do this. Let’s put this band together.' I gave him six songs on a cassette and he walked out the door. Those songs are basically what became the album. He added to those songs. So, I have a very soft spot for the album because some of the emotional pieces are fantastic. The songs do really mean a lot to me. They are quite exciting."
As for ABWH, the group remains respected among progressive rock fans but never became as influential as Yes.
Behind Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe’s Legal DisputeAlthough several factors may have prevented ABWH from becoming one of the premier supergroups of its era, the legal dispute surrounding the band’s use of the Yes name created a major challenge that limited the band’s momentum.
The conflict was between the quartet and the active members of Yes, particularly Chris Squire and Tony Kaye.
After leaving Yes, the members of ABWH promoted their concerts under the banner "An Evening of Yes Music Plus.”
However, the remaining members of Yes challenged the move, arguing that they held the legal trademark rights to the Yes name and that the advertising could cause confusion among fans.
As a result, and in an effort to avoid a complicated legal process, record label Arista Records urged the groups to unite for a major collaboration. The result was the Unionalbum and tour in the early 1990s, temporarily merging the eight members.
Related: '90s Supergroup Makes Exclusive Announcement on First Song in Eight Years
NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Today, Monday, June 1, 2026
You might find today's NYT Mini Crossword puzzle a little chaotic, but if you take a chill pill you'll get it in no time. And if you're anything like me, the day is not complete until I finish all of the free word games from the New York Times. 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 on for Today's Mini Crossword on Monday, June 1, 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!
Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Monday, June 1, 2026Here are additional clues for each of the words in today's Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Hints1 Across: When tripled, playful syllables sung after "Happy birthday to you!" — HINT: Starts with the letter "C"
4 Across: Burn on the grill —HINT: Starts with the letter "C"
5 Across: ___ City, nickname for Baltimore — HINT: Ends with the letter "M"
6 Across: Explosion's sound — HINT: Starts with the letter "B"
7 Across: Half of cuatro — HINT: Ends with the letter "S"
Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours
NYT Mini Down Hints1 Down: Utter pandemonium — HINT: Ends with the letter "S"
2 Down: Damage, as a reputation — HINT: Starts with the letter "H"
3 Down: Spot for a tattoo sleeve — HINT: Ends with the letter "M"
4 Down: Jimmy ___ (high-end footwear brand) — HINT: Ends with the letter "O"
5 Down: Ingredient in some relaxing gummies, for short — HINT: Starts with the letter "C"
Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Monday, June 1, 2026Don't go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today's Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Answers1 Across: When tripled, playful syllables sung after "Happy birthday to you!" — CHA
4 Across: Burn on the grill —CHAR
5 Across: ___ City, nickname for Baltimore — CHARM
6 Across: Explosion's sound — BOOM
7 Across: Half of cuatro — DOS
1 Down: Utter pandemonium — CHAOS
2 Down: Damage, as a reputation — HARM
3 Down: Spot for a tattoo sleeve — ARM
4 Down: Jimmy ___ (high-end footwear brand) — CHOO
5 Down: Ingredient in some relaxing gummies, for short — CBD
Related: 9 Dave's Hot Chicken Menu Items To Order—and 3 To Skip Entirely
Fans Are Begging 'Survivor' to Bring Back This Old Theme for One Specific Player
Survivor fans are all screaming for producers to bring back Blood Vs. Water, an old fan-favorite theme of the show, afterSurvivor 49 and 50 alum Rizo Velovic mentioned he wanted to give it a shot with his longtime girlfriendElizabeth "Liz" Doqaj.
Related: Jeff Probst Is ‘Embarrassed’ by This Outdated ‘Survivor’ Rule
The self-proclaimed "man, the myth, the legend, R-I-Z-G-O-D baby" took to Instagram to honor his partner and thank her for all of her support as he competed in the back-to-back seasons in 2025.
"Behind the RizGod is a very strong woman who goes by LizGod!" he shared beside a carousel of photos with his love. "The last 2 years has been a roller coaster, but the one person who has been apart of every step of the way is my amazing girlfriend Elizabeth! I wanted to take a moment to appreciate my woman, the myth, the legend!"
Velovic added that his Survivor "journey wouldn’t be fun without [her] by [his] side," and said that she's "so smart, witty, fierce and passionate," that he sometimes "wonders why [she wasn't] cast instead."
Related: Fans Still Can’t Get Over Parvati’s Double Idol Play on ‘Survivor’ 16 Years Later
"Thank you for being my world and mostly being a true ride or die," he added, concluding, "The world isn’t ready for RizGod and LizGod to take over Blood v Water 3!"
Fans and friends alike immediately latched onto the concept of bringing back the fan-favorite theme, which first appeared in September 2013 when five pairs of returning Survivor veterans and their loved ones competed on Season 27. Just one year later, they brought the concept back for Season 29. It's been more than a decade since then, and commenters loved the idea of bringing it back and casting Velovic and Doqaj.
"Blood vs water 3 is a NEED," said one commenter, while another agreed it would be "epic!" A third wrote, "I need to see the Godz kill it on Blood v Water like yesterday," while someone else commented, "YESS BLOOD V WATER YOU GUYS WOULD DO AWESOME!"
While longtime host Jeff Probst has already confirmed that season 51 will feature 21 brand-new castaways, he also promised it wouldn't be too long before viewers got another returning players season.
Related: ‘Survivor’ Finalist Sophi Balerdi Gets Real About Menstrual Cycles During the Show
"[They're] very fun to do — for us as well," he told Variety in May 2026. "And now we have enough players, we might be able to pull off something that includes returning players sooner than the period of time we had since the last one." He also said he wasn't opposed to bringing back themes.
"I don’t feel that we need to be locked into not doing a theme in the same way that I don’t think we have to do themes from now on," he said. "If, during casting, we discover a David vs. Goliath theme, it’s very likely we’ll do it... All things are on the table moving forward."
1983 Pop Hit, Executives Literally Bet Would Fail, Made Billboard History
Some songs instantly transport listeners back in time, and Taco's bizarre 1983 hit is one of them.
Long before it became an unlikely Top 10 jam, "Puttin' on the Ritz" had record label executives convinced it would flop. In fact, one executive reportedly bet $1,000 that the remake would be a failure.
"Several key executives of Polygram — which was Taco's record label — hated the song," Professor of Rock host Adam Reader explained. "John Bettencourt, who was the head of promotion at the label, was given the directive to release the song as a single, and he followed the directive."
According to Reader, however, Bettencourt bet $1,000 (the equivalent of $5,000 today) that the song "would be a complete bust."
Instead, however, the song climbed the charts and quietly helped make Billboard history for a music legend nearing 100 years old.
"Puttin' on the Ritz" — originally penned by Irving Berlin in 1927 — was picked up by Taco (real name: Taco Ockerse) and would go on to make Berlin the oldest living songwriter in Billboard history.
The song, off his album After Eight, topped the charts in Canada, Finland, New Zealand, Sweden, and the States.
So why was the video banned?
The accompanying music video was "meant as a tribute to early 20th century America," according to Professor of Rock.
"[The video] went over a cliff when they decided to create a music video of their dancers in blackface during a few scenes, particularly during the 'Super Duper' line," host Adam Reader explained. "This caused the video to be banned from several TV networks, and later on, it's not shown at all."
Reader added, "Consequently, an edited version was created, and dancers were replaced by a picture of Gary Cooper."
Popular Fruit Popsicles Recalled Over Potentially Life-Threatening Allergic Reactions
Several flavors of D’Dioses Fruit Pops have been recalled due to the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions.
Per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, De Dios’s Ice Pops II LLC announced a recall of the popular popsicle brand on Wednesday, May 27 as they “may contain undeclared milk, pecans, pistachios, yellow #5 and red #40."
According to the announcement, people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to these ingredients "run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products."
The recalled products were distributed to grocery stores in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut and cover 16 different flavors. These flavors are coco, fresa con leche, arroz con leche, mamey, guayaba, vainilla, rompope, nuez, pistachio, cookies and cream, pina colada, limon, grocella, mango, tamarindo, and nanche.
All popsicles made prior to April 27, 2026 are being recalled. Products made after that date have been manufactured under new safety procedures preventing allergen cross-contamination, which were initiated following an inspection by the FDA.
No allergic reactions or illnesses have been reported, but customers are still advised to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.
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‘Euphoria’ Star Sydney Sweeney Fires Back at Her Critics — Here's What She Had to Say
As Season 3 of Euphoria comes to a dramatic end,Sydney Sweeneyis seemingly clapping back at critics. The star, whose character Cassie had a risque OnlyFans storyline, recently made a statement separating fact from fiction and TV from reality.
While the show’s fans not-so-patiently waited for the season finale to air, Sweeney posted (on Instagram) a carousel of pics featuring some of Cassie’s best and even better moments, along with a few behind-the-scenes photos with the cast. But that’s not all. She also added the caption, “It’s called…acting,” countering criticism of her graphic scenes.
SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: Sydney Sweeney attends the 41st Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival at The Arlington Theatre on February 08, 2026 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)Fans, friends, and fellow actors flooded the post, praising the celeb for iconic moments through the third season. Co-star Maude Apatow (who plays Sweeney’s Euphoriasister Lexi Howard) added a simple heart, actress Sara Sampaio wrote, “Carrying the season,” and Page Kennedy added, “And you do that very well.”
Of course, no social media post is completely devoid of controversy. At least, when it comes to a major celeb like Sweeney. One commenter responded to Kennedy’s comment with, “I can’t tell if you're being sarcastic.” Kennedy replied, “Man I have watched every movie and show she’s done. She has RANGE!!!! I’ve watched her be a slut. A boxer, speak old English. She’s fantastic.”
The post that was meant to end the controversy seemed to have sparked even more, with another commenter writing, “Really isn’t good, Euphoria is just sex - she’s literally created her own lingerie brand.” Sweeney’s supporters came to her rescue — not that she needs it; the actress can clearly speak for herself. Comments poured in, with one fan writing, “Acted so good people are hating,” and another calling her “the best actor of the season.”
Sweeney’s social media followers aren't the only ones gushing about her acting chops. The actress’s beau, music executive Scooter Braun, publicly praised Sweeney while appearing on the “Second Thought with Suzy Weiss and The Free Press” podcast, saying, “I’ve met an extraordinary woman. Who’s kind and generous and smart and real and down to earth and one of the biggest surprises ever.”
Weiss goes on to ask about Euphoria, and no surprise here, Braun responds, “I’m biased, I like it. I think there’s been an incredible performance by a certain actress.”
‘Euphoria’ Ending Explained: Does Rue Die in the Season 3 Finale?
Warning: Major spoilers ahead for the Euphoria Season 3 finale.
Things were definitely looking rough for Rue going into the Euphoria Season 3 finale, prompting fans to fear the worst for Zendaya's character. But does Rue die in Episode 8?
On Sunday, May 31, the series finale of the popular HBO series aired, officially marking the end of an era. Let's take a look at her fate, as well as where everyone else ended up.
Many Signs Hinted That Rue Would Die in Euphoria Season 3At the end of Season 3, Episode 7, Faye (Chloe Cherry) screamed for Wayne (Toby Wallace) after she helped Rue open the safe, only to discover there was no money inside, just the IDs of the women at the Silver Slipper strip club. Wayne already told Faye that he wanted to kill Rue, so she seemed as good as toast at the moment—and then the episode ended on a cliffhanger.
Additionally, Maddy (Alexa Demie) unknowingly tipped off Alamo (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) to Rue working with the DEA to take him and Laurie (Martha Kelly) down. So if she survived Wayne, she would still have Alamo to answer to.
View this post on InstagramRelated: Euphoria Actress Officially Hard-Launches Her Boyfriend on Instagram
The show hinted at Rue's death in other ways, too. Like when she compared herself to Moses and the burning bush after lightning caught the Joshua tree on fire. She told Ali (Colman Domingo) about the seemingly divine moment during their "Last Supper"-esque pancake dinner. In response, Ali pointed out, "I figure it’s worth mentioning that Moses doesn’t make it to the Promised Land." Plus, the backstory on Ali revealed that he has a book where he writes the names of all the sponsees who have died. Would Rue's name be next?
Does Rue Die in the Euphoria Season 3 Finale?Somehow, Rue escaped Wayne's fit of rage, only to be literally lassoed down by a man on horseback and dragged on the ground for a significant distance. G. (Marshawn "Beast Mode" Lynch) saved Rue by shooting the cowboy and driving off with her.
When Rue finally made it back to Alamo, he rewarded her for a job well done by giving her some time off. The DEA bust was a bust, as Alamo and Bishop (Darrell Britt-Gibson) outsmarted everyone and hid the drugs in a different van. Meanwhile, Laurie offed herself when the DEA surrounded her place.
Rue went this WHOLE season being sober and Alamo just got her to relapse JUST LIKE THAT??? #Euphoria pic.twitter.com/k9gHMO3eES
— ໊ (@wandasattorney) June 1, 2026Back at Ali's place, Rue took the pills that Alamo gave her. She seemingly hallucinated Fezco (played by late Angus Cloud) escaping from prison and her speeding around to search for him. Rue then seemingly ended up back at her mother's place, where she emotionally reached for her—but in reality, she was gasping for air and taking her last breaths. Ali found her the next morning, dead on his couch. He then tested the pills, and they were positive for fentanyl. Ali added Rue's name to his book.
Ultimately, Ali avenged Rue by shooting Alamo at the strip club. (Thanks to Bishop emptying Alamo's gun of its bullets.) He then visited the Miller family, whom Rue met in Episode 1. After leading a prayer before eating a meal together, Ali saw Rue, who smiled at him, sitting in an empty chair at the end of the table.
Euphoria Seasons 1 to 3 are now streaming on HBO Max.
Next: Eric Dane’s Widow Rebecca Gayheart Spotted for First Time Since His Death
Hollywood Legend Makes Rare Appearance to Honor Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy was honored in a new Netflix special, The 51st AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Eddie Murphy, on May 31, and the event included a rare appearance by comedy legend Mel Brooks!
Related: How Comedy Helped Mel Brooks Heal Following the Death of His Beloved Wife
The 99-year-old Blazing Saddles writer and director named Murphy as one of the modern kings of comedy in a prerecorded message shown at the event, which was taped in April.
“Before you were born, even before I was born, the movies were born," said the Young Frankenstein creator in his heartfelt speech. "One of the great gifts they gave us, perhaps the greatest gift, was laughter. In its earliest days, there were kings of comedy: Chaplin, Keaton, Lloyd."
"Some have talents that burst beyond the screen and onto the stage," he continued. "They create characters that have us look inside ourselves. And there are some, very few, that did it all. But, tonight, beyond the echo of laughter, we honor a man full of greater surprises, and one who broke barriers to drive culture forward.”
The father of 10 joins the likes of many artistic geniuses who have won the award in the past, including Francis Ford Coppola,Julie Andrews, Nicole Kidman, Denzel Washington, and Brooks himself, who was honored in 2013. This is the first time the event has been available to stream on Netflix.
Murphy’s rise to fame began in the late 1970s as a teenage stand-up comedian, but his career exploded after he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in 1980 at just 19 years old. Murphy successfully transitioned from TV to film with blockbuster hits like 48 Hrs., Trading Places, and Beverly Hills Cop.
Related: Beloved ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood’ Actor and Musician Dead at 99
Over the decades, Murphy has built one of the most successful careers in entertainment history, starring in beloved films like Coming to America, The Nutty Professor, Dreamgirls, and the Shrek franchise, in which he voiced Donkey.
His many honors include a Golden Globe Award for Dreamgirls, Grammy and Emmy Awards, an Oscar nom, the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2023, and now the AFI Life Achievement Award.
You can watch The 51st AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Eddie Murphyhere.
James Van Der Beek's 1st Wife Remarries
Heather McComb, the first wife of late actor James Van Der Beek, married her longtime love, Scott Michael Campbell.
The actress, 49, shared a series of photos from her special day to social media on Sunday, May 31.
"Yesterday @scottmichaelcampbell and I under the covenant of God got officially married by my beautiful sister @essence_says [surrounded] by the people we love most in the world in our most favorite city Missoula, Montana," she captioned her photo dump. "Our hearts are full and humbled by all of the love that we were surrounded by. God is so good. Thank you to all of our family and friends who traveled from all over the country to be with us. Thank you Jesus the way maker miracle worker!"
View this post on InstagramThe Party of Five star was married to the Dawson's Creek alum from July 2003 until March 2010.
Following his death in February, following a battle with colorectal cancer, McComb shared a touching tribute.
"I am heartbroken over the loss of beloved James," she wrote. "I am especially heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly, his beautiful children and his amazing family, Jim, Jared, Juliana and all of his family and friends who I know he loved deeply. This picture is from my 21st birthday. Dawson's Creek hadn’t even aired yet. This is how I will always see James —innocent, kind and pure of heart."
She continued, "What a journey we shared over the years. I sit here in immense gratitude for the special connection, friendship and love that James and I shared that has endured through decades. I will treasure the last loving words we exchanged."
Is Taylor Swift in ‘Toy Story 5’? Why the Internet Is More Convinced Than Ever
Seven years after the most recent Toy Story movie, Toy Story 4, Disney and Pixar are ready to bring Woody and Buzz Lightyear back together again—but many fans are currently obsessing over one aspect of the movie in particular: Taylor Swift's rumored involvement.
Toy Story 5is just around the corner, with a release date of June 19. The trailer for Toy Story 5 reveals that the upcoming movie will center on a brand-new obstacle for the toys, this one touching upon the modern day, real life concerns around technology and screen time for kids.
Bonnie, who continues to be the owner of Andy's former toys (minus Woody and Bo Peep, who are currently off on their own) after Andy's departure for college in Toy Story 3, is going to receive a tablet named Lilypad. As is true for many kids today, this will seemingly mean Bonnie spending much less time with her toys and much more time looking at screens.
What the trailer doesn't include is a Taylor Swift song or any other Swift reference, but that hasn't stopped the rumor mill. In fact, the internet is currently full of videos, posts and speculation about what Swift's involvement could be, with most predicting she will have a new song played during the credits.
These theories began after a mysterious countdown reportedly briefly appeared on Swift's website, although it was apparently taken down very soon after it first appeared. That alone had the internet abuzz, but Swift has recently done a number of other things that have fans convinced she's involved in some way with Toy Story 5.
Among the other alleged clues are the fact that Swift appeared donning a striped blue and white dress and holding a yellow purse, matching the color palette of Toy Story, and the change to some cover images of her album 1989, including the cover image for 1989 (Taylor's Version) on Apple Music, which now show clouds rather than seagulls—another parallel to Toy Story imagery.
View this post on Instagram @jakedeyton1I love that she knows we’re as insane as she is #taylorswift #erastour #swiftie #swiftok #taylornation
♬ original sound - Jake Deyton @eurosweetheartTaylor Swift for Toy Story 5 ☁️ and 💚#taylorswifttaylorsversion #toystory #toystory5 #eastereggs #swiftie
♬ original sound - swiftiesweetheartLuckily, fans of Toy Story and/or Swift don't have much longer to wait, with just over two weeks until the brand-new installment in the decades-long Toy Story franchise hits theaters.
1976 Rock Classic, Lasting More Than 20 Minutes, Became a Breakthrough Power Anthem
In 1976, Rush took an enormous creative gamble by releasing a song that lasted more than 20 minutes. And, that gamble changed everything.
"2112," the sprawling title suite from the album 2112, became the breakthrough anthem that transformed Rush from a struggling hard rock band into one of the most influential groups in progressive rock history. At the time, the band's future was uncertain.
Following the commercial disappointment of their previous album, Caress of Steel, record executives pressured Rush to pursue a more radio-friendly direction. Instead, guitarist Alex Lifeson, bassist and vocalist Geddy Lee, and drummer and lyricist Neil Peart doubled down on their artistic instincts.
"It really was, either we go home, and I go work for my dad as a plumbing assistant, or we just say screw everybody, we're just going to make the record that we want to make, and if it fails, then at least it's our thing, we did it," Lifeson told Guitar World.
The result was "2112," a side-long suite, which Lifeson calls his "protest record," stretching more than 20 minutes that occupied the entire first side of the original vinyl album.
Set in a dystopian future, the song tells the story of an individual who discovers a guitar in a society controlled by authoritarian rulers known as the Priests of the Temples of Syrinx. The ambitious narrative drew inspiration from science fiction and philosophical themes while showcasing the band's growing musical sophistication.
Musically, "2112" blended heavy riffs, complex arrangements, extended instrumental passages and dramatic storytelling into something unlike virtually anything on mainstream rock radio. The suite's powerful opening guitar figure quickly became one of Rush's most recognizable musical moments.
"It begins with the Overture, which – despite being the first thing you hear – was the last piece to be written, much like with any classical overture," Lee told Music Radar. "We wanted to take the most important musical threads from each of the subsequent parts to create a 'new' piece of music that would represent the album as a whole. So that's where it all starts."
Although the song was far too long for conventional radio play, portions of it received significant airplay on album-oriented rock stations, helping the album gain momentum among dedicated rock fans.
The success of 2112 ultimately saved Rush's recording career and established the creative blueprint they would follow throughout much of the next decade. The album's popularity also paved the way for future classics such as "Tom Sawyer," "Limelight" and "The Spirit of Radio."
Over the years, "2112" has become one of the most celebrated long-form compositions in rock history and a touchstone for progressive rock fans around the world. Its influence can be heard across generations of musicians who embraced ambitious songwriting and concept-driven albums.
Nearly 50 years later, "2112" remains a remarkable achievement, a 20-minute power anthem that not only launched Rush to stardom but proved that artistic risk can sometimes become a band's greatest strength.
Related: 1970 Rock Classic, Originally Written for Rival Band, Was a No. 1 Hit 56 Years Ago Today