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Alysa Liu didn’t just win gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics—she also delivered one of the Games’ most heartwarming moments.

After final results were announced at Milano Ice Skating Arena on Thursday, Friday 19, confirming that Liu, 20, had secured gold and Japan’s Ami Nakai, 17, had taken bronze, the American skater immediately rushed across the ice to embrace her fellow competitor. And it wasn't just a hug—Liu squeezed Nakai so tight, lifting her off the ground at one point. 

For Liu, the moment was simple. She told PEOPLE she has competed against Nakai several times in the past and genuinely admires her. “She's just so cute,” Liu says. “She's so happy on the ice.” She added that she “could tell” Nakai loves to skate and was “really happy with her scores,” which made the celebration feel natural. “I was like, 'I gotta celebrate like she did,'” Liu explained.

@nbcsports

The sport is in great hands. 👏 #WinterOlympics

♬ original sound - NBC Sports

The spontaneous hug quickly went viral, with fans praising the wholesome show of sportsmanship.

“Alysa Liu setting the standard for sportsmanship and joy,” one TikTok user wrote.

Another shared, “Alysa has to be one of the most likable athletes I’ve ever watched.”

“This is what America is supposed to be about. Winning and embracing your opponent. Respect,” noted a third.

READ MORE: Olympic Figure Skater Alysa Liu Wasn’t Allowed to Keep Broken Gold Medal — Here’s Why

The hug capped off a whirlwind week for Liu. Just days earlier, she helped Team USA capture gold in the figure skating team event—a medal she famously damaged during her enthusiastic celebration. “I was just jumping up and down, as one does to celebrate, and it just dropped,” she said. “It just literally fell off of the ribbon. It got very scratched up…pretty dented.” Though she admitted, “I actually liked it when it was off the ribbon, but that’s not allowed,” Olympic officials required her to exchange it for a new one.

Her individual gold made history, too. “I literally can’t process this,” Liu said shortly after her victory on Thursday, becoming the first American woman to win Olympic singles gold since 2002. Reflecting on her performance, she shared, “The feelings I felt out there were calm, happy, and confident.”

A prodigy who won her first U.S. title at 13, Liu stunned fans by retiring after the 2022 Beijing Olympics to focus on life beyond skating. She enrolled at UCLA and stepped away from elite competition before returning in 2024—this time on her own terms. As she’s said to the outlet, “Taking breaks is okay,” adding, “Sometimes, taking a step back is what's needed to see the full picture.”

KATSEYE's Manon Bannerman announced on Friday that she will be temporarily stepping away from the girl group as she focuses "on her health and wellbeing."

The group posted a statement on Weverse and on their various social media platforms to share the news of Bannerman's hiatus, stating that scheduled performances and events will still occur in her absence.

"We fully support this decision. KATSEYE remains committed to showing up for one another and for the fans who mean everything to us. The group will continue scheduled activities during this time, and we look forward to being together again when the time is right."

https://t.co/EZefVJJ67m pic.twitter.com/tc4OfmXycE

— KATSEYE (@katseyeworld) February 20, 2026

Bannerman posted her own statement on Weverse through her personal account to reassure her fans that she was doing alright.

"Sometimes things unfold in ways we don't fully control, but I'm trusting the bigger picture," she wrote. "Thank you for standing by me. I love you endlessly and I can't wait to see you again."

Bannerman is one of six members who were selected by major global record labels HYBE and Geffen Records in 2023 to join KATSEYE during a year-long training program and reality series called The Debut: Dream Academy. During the series, 20 candidates from all over the world completed various "missions" which involved choreographed performances that tested their dancing, singing and stage presence skills. Fans and judges voted on the candidates to select the final six that would join the new girl group. In the end, the six that were chosen were Manon Bannerman, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Sophia Laforteza, Megan Skiendiel and Yoonchae Jeung.

Katseye at the 68th Grammy Awards held at the Crypto.com Arena.

Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

In 2024, the Netflix series Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE was released, which documented the entire Dream Academy experience from beginning to end in a documentary style. Following the formation of KATSEYE, the girl group quickly began to dominate the pop music scene all over the world — their single "Touch" (2024) went viral on social media platforms. In August of 2024, the group released their first EP SIS (Soft is Strong), which landed KATSEYE at the top of the Billboard Emerging Artists chart. Their 2025 single "Gnarly" would be the first track to secure them a spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

KATSEYE was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 2025, which ultimately went to Olivia Dean during the ceremony in February of 2026. Their song "Gabriela" (2025) was also nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.

Related: ‘Bridgerton’ Actress, 30, Starring in Film Adaptation of Best Selling Novel

The death of beloved actor Eric Dane has his friends rally around his two teenage daughters, Billie Beatrice Dane, 15, and Georgia Geraldine Dane, 13, with his wife, Rebecca Gayheart.

On Friday, friends of Dane’s launched a GoFundMe page to help Dane’s girls financially.

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Euphoria creator Sam Levinson and Ashley Levinson are among the nearly 1,000 people who have donated to the GoFundMe. The couple donated a staggering amount of $27,000, which made a nice dent in the $250,000 goal set.

Levinson and Dane became close while working on Euphoria. Dane told Variety last year that working with Levinson allowed him to be free as an artist.

“I just have so much trust in Sam Levinson that I don’t really need to know what’s happening. On the day, he can just tell me what to do and where to go, and I’m good with it,” Dane shared.

Following the news of Dane’s death, Levinson paid tribute to him. “I’m heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric. Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift. Eric’s family is in our prayers. May his memory be for a blessing,” Levinson shared in a statement to Variety.

Related: Eric Dane’s ‘Charmed’ Co-Star Alyssa Milano Pens Heartfelt Tribute to Beloved Actor

Now, Levinson and others are helping to ensure the belovedGrey’s Anatomy star’s family are taken care of after losing him to ALS.

“Following his diagnosis, Eric became a passionate spokesperson for the ALS community, using his voice and platform to advocate for fellow patients and to push for greater awareness. Even as his own health declined, he remained deeply committed to helping others facing the same devastating disease. As his illness progressed far more quickly than anyone could have imagined, Eric's friends have come together to create this GoFundMe to support his girls and their future needs,” read part of the message on the GoFundMe.

As of this writing, almost $150,000 of the $250,000 goal had been reached in less than one day since the GoFundMe was created.

Dane’s friends setting up the GoFundMe comes hot on the heels of James Van Der Beek’s friends setting up one following his death for his family. Van Der Beek’s GoFundMe saw large donations from Hollywood but also drew serious backlash as the amount raised reached over $2.7 million.

Next: Fan-Favorite Country Stars Announced as Performers for Benefit Concert

Self-checkout terminals can be a pretty polarizing topic for some people. 

While a lot of shoppers are all for it, praising the faster lines and added convenience, others prefer the traditional checkout experience and the assistance of a cashier, and worry that automation can sometimes create longer waits or technical hiccups.

The topic becomes even more polarizing as it relates to big box retailers like Costco, Walmart, Sam’s Club, and beyond. 

Taking to Reddit, one Costco shopper started a now-popular thread after sharing a photograph of the new self-checkout terminals at a store in Issaquah, Washington. 

“Nice. So, I don’t need to unload my stuff from my cart!” one user commented, referring to the addition of a scanner gun, to which another replied, “The future has arrived!” 

To the dismay of some Costco shoppers, their locations still don’t have the scanner guns, or they’ve been removed after a trial period gone wrong. 

Related: This Grocery Chain Just Knocked Publix Out of the No. 1 Spot as America’s Favorite

“Denver locations used to have scanner guns out for members, but now only a staff person can check you out at self-checkout. So it’s slower than ever. If they are moving to that they should make it express 10 or less items or get rid of it completely,” one person wrote. 

“My warehouse hasn't decided to keep the hand scanners at the self-checkout yet. Sometimes they are out in the open, and other times, I have to find the person working the self-checkout because they are the only ones with a scanner and have to pair it with the station manually,” a second person said of their store. 

With around 640 Costco warehouses across the U.S., Costco began rolling out new self-checkout terminals in the early 2020s as part of its efforts to streamline the shopping experience and reduce wait times for members.

On February 18, the United States reissued a travel advisory for people planning or wanting to visit the Ivory-Coast. According to the U.S. Department of State's official website, the African country is currently at a Level 2, which warns travelers to "exercise increased caution."

The risk indicators listed as the reason for the advisory include unrest, crime, health, terrorism, and piracy. This is not a new advisory, however, but an updated advisory, which stems back to 2024.

As part of its update, the U.S. Department of State clearly warns travelers hoping to enjoy a trip to the region. "Do not travel to the northern border region of Côte d’Ivoire for any reason," the advisory reads.

"The main terrorist threat to Côte d’Ivoire is from a group called Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). JNIM is linked to al-Qa’ida and mostly operates in the Sahel region, including Burkina Faso and Mali. In the past, JNIM has crossed the border from Burkina Faso to conduct attacks in northern Côte d’Ivoire. Attacks have occurred in the Savanes and Zanzan Districts, including Comoé National Park. These attacks have mainly targeted Ivoirian security forces, and sometimes civilians," it continues.

In addition to exercising caution when traveling to the Ivory Coast, the U.S. included a list of things to do before heading to the region. Some of these things include having an emergency plan to leave the country, telling a relative or close friend about travel plans, and not displaying "signs of wealth," such as wearing a pricey watch or expensive jewelry.

The Ivory-Coast has become an emerging travel destination in recent years. The country's historic town of Grand-Bassam is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Other attractions include the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro. Additionally, the country is also known for its beautiful beaches.

While actress Arielle Kebbel only appeared in a handful of Gilmore Girls episodes, her character made quite the impact on the show.

During a February 2026 interview withUs Weekly, alongside her I Can Only Imagine 2 and Gilmore Girls co-star, Milo Ventimiglia, Kebbel noted that she played Dean Forester's(Jared Padalecki) wife, Lindsay.

According to Kebbel, who began filming for the show during its third season, Gilmore Girls viewers weren't fond of her character when the show originally aired, presumably because Dean was Rory Gilmore's (Alexis Bledel) first boyfriend. Kebbel clarified that newer fans of the series, which originally ran from 2000 to 2007, view Lindsay in a kinder light.

"People hated me. It’s only recently that people have said, 'Justice for Lindsay,' and I’m like, 'Yes!'" said Kebbel during the Us Weekly interview.

Kebbel also said that a Gilmore Girls fan told her she hated her while she was "at a Coffee Bean."

Ventimiglia, who played Rory's complicated love interest Jess Mariano, shared he had a similar interaction with a Gilmore Girls enthusiast while "at an LA Fitness."

"The only time in my career I’ve ever had somebody walk up and say, 'Hey, are you that guy from Gilmore Girls?' And I’m like, 'Oh, yeah.' And she goes, 'Oh my god, I hate you,'" said Ventimiglia.

The This Is Us star clarified that he didn't mind the comment.

"And I’m like, 'Oh, thanks.' And then I walked away going, 'I did my job.' Because that’s Jess," said the actor during the Us Weekly interview.

Jared Padalecki Spoke About Dean's Decision to Cheat on Lindsay in a 2016 Interview

Dean and Lindsay's marriage ended after he had an affair with Rory during the show's 4th season.

In a 2016 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Padalecki, who appeared on the show's first five seasons, shared his thoughts about Dean being unfaithful in his marriage. He referenced that Dean still had feelings for Rory when he walked down the aisle.

“I knew that the entire marriage to Lindsay was a cry for help and not a union for a lifetime. He’s in love with somebody who he thinks he doesn’t deserve so he’s found somebody else and convinced himself he can be happy with that person," said Padalecki to the publication.

Padalecki reprised Dean for the 2016 Netflix revival, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, which consisted of four episodes.

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Some things never go out of style, like florals for spring. If you’re looking to brighten up your bedroom, consider picking up some new bedding. Right now, you can get this “pretty” pink comforter set for up to 63% off at Wayfair. Shoppers said it’s a “beautiful floral comforter with warmth, coziness, and feminine flair.”

The Laura Ashley Delphine Reversible Comforter Set is on sale in twin, twin XL, and king sizes. The biggest discount is on the twin XL set, which is being sold for only $81. The twin set is on sale for $84, and the king set is on sale for $115. The twin and twin XL sets include a comforter and standard sham, while the king-size set includes a comforter and two king shams. 

Laura Ashley Delphine Reversible Comforter Set, $81 (was $217) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

The twin XL comforter measures 88 inches long and 68 inches wide. Made from 100% cotton, it’s “soft” and breathable. It weighs 9 pounds and has 8 ounces of polyester fill, making it super “plush” and “comfortable,” according to shoppers. You get the feel of a weighted blanket with the fluffiness of a duvet cover. The sham measures 26 inches wide and 21 inches high, and features an 8-inch end cap closure. It’s machine washable too, so cleaning is easy. 

Related: Macy’s 'Beautiful' and 'Soft' $59 Ruched Comforter Set Is Perfect for a Spring Bedroom Upgrade

This pink-and-white comforter set is reversible, so you get two “dainty” designs. One side features flowers, and the other has stylish stripes. Shoppers compared the style to other expensive brands, but this is currently being sold for a fraction of the price. It’s perfect for spring, but suitable for year-round use. 

Many shoppers bought the set for their daughters' bedrooms or for their campus apartments. “The cutest comforter for a college dorm,” one shopper said. 

Shop More Deals 

• Laura Ashley Hailee Cozy Quilt Set, From $73 (was $184) at Wayfair
• Laura Ashley Belinda Comforter Reversible Set, From $81 (was $217) at Wayfair
• Laura Ashley Wisteria Pink Microfleece Comforter Set, From $118 (was $334) at Wayfair

A new season calls for fresh bedding. Snag the Laura Ashley Delphine Reversible Comforter Set for as low as $81 now at Wayfair. 

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.

Drea De Matteo skyrocketed to stardom as Adriana La Cerva on the groundbreaking HBO series The Sopranos, and she hasn't changed a bit since the show ended 19 years ago.

De Matteo, 54, played Adriana, the fiancée of Tony Soprano's nephew, Christopher Moltisanti, on the iconic series, which ran from 1999 to 2007 and earned endless acclaim for its depiction of a New Jersey mob boss, played by the legendary James Gandolfini, struggling with his mental health. With her sharp nails, impeccable makeup, and barrel curls, De Matteo looked every bit the part of the mafia girlfriend on the series. However, it was her wise attitude and knowledge about the organized crime world that made it clear she had staying power throughout most the show's run.

These days, one look at De Matteo makes it clear that she's barely changed a bit in the almost two decades since the show ended. In a new post on her Instagram page, the beauty showed off the same glam looks that made her famous back in the late '90s.

View this post on Instagram

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De Matteo Never Planned on Being a Career Actress

Earlier this month, De Matteo opened up in a new interview about how the acting life isn't really for her. Instead, it was really just a way to make a living. Her passion lies elsewhere, and she recently launched THE ULTRAFREE PODCAST.

"It never interested me," she told Fox News Digital. "After The Sopranos, I really had no interest in doing it anymore. I did it to pay bills when I needed to. I would take jobs when it was absolutely necessary. But to just continue being in that hamster wheel of Hollywood, I just didn't have an interest in it."

However, things went downhill when the pandemic hit, and her house went into foreclosure. That's when she decided to join OnlyFans to make ends meet.

"The breaking point was when I had to join OnlyFans to save my home," De Matteo continued. "We were in foreclosure over the mandates. Not even over the mandate. They [the California government], this whole thing that was set up, forbearances, 'Take a forbearance, take a longer forbearance, do this, do that. We got you covered. We're going to take care of everybody.' And then nobody was taken care of. And then letters were coming to the door."

Related: Michael Imperioli Says Many 'Sopranos' Characters Would’ve Been 'Trump Supporters'

While some Star Trek viewers have had negative responses to actor Karim Diané's Star Trek: Starfleet Academy character, Jay-Den Kraag, George Takeiis a fan.

In a February 19 Instagram video, Diané noted that Jay-Den, a Starfleet cadet, is the first openly gay Klingon in Star Trek history. He said that he has been met with both backlash and praise because of Jay-Den's sexuality.

"I knew that I was going to receive a lot of negative comments that were rooted in homophobia and racism and bigotry. But what ya'll have to understand, I have recieved ten times more messages from LGBTQ people around the world, telling me how much this character Jay-Den means to them. And that is all that matters to me," said Diané in the video.

Diané then shared that he ran into George, who played Hikaru Sulu in Star Trek: The OriginalSeries, which ran from 1966 to 1969, and his husband, Brad, at a Broadway show. Diané said that he introduced himself to George and Brad and shared information about his Star Trek: Starfleet Academy character. Diané said that after he exchanged contact information, he received an email from Brad. The 23-year-old let his fans know that he was given permission to share the message on social media.

In Brad's email, he said that George was pleased that Star Trek: Starfleet Academy had an openly gay Klingon character.

"For decades, he lived in quiet fear that being openly gay would mean the end of his acting career. It wasn't until 2005, at the age of 68, that he publicly embraced his truth. And with that his career took on a new life -- suddenly, he was cast in roles as 'Gay George Takei,'" read a portion of the email. "That's why seeing you step into a queer role -- especially in Star Trek, a franchise George holds so dear -- is so meaningful to us."

Brad also wrote that George had spoken to the creator of Star Trek, Gene Roddenberry, during the show's original run about showcasing LGBTQ+ couples. According to Brad, "Roddenberry feared that tackling same-sex love themes might result in outright cancellation," after the historic kiss between Captain James Kirk (William Shatner) and Nyota Uhura (Nichelle Nichols) during season 3 "led to blacklisting in several Southern states."

"How extraordinary that we have now arrived at this moment where characters like yours exist in Star Trek Starfleet Academy -- something George always hoped for," continued Brad in the email.

Baseball is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic figures.

Bill Mazeroski, the longtime Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman and National Baseball Hall of Famer, has died at 89. The Pirates confirmed the news the morning of Saturday, February 21 in a statement, writing on X, “It is with a heavy heart that we relay the news of the passing of legendary Pirates and National Baseball Hall of Famer, Bill Mazeroski.”

The organization added, “Maz was a 7-time All-Star who hit the greatest home run in baseball history. He was a beloved member of the Pirates family and he will be deeply missed.”

The MLB also shared a tribute to the late athlete, noting some of his most notable achievements on X. “On Oct. 13, 1960, Game 7 of the World Series, bottom of the 9th inning, Mazeroski smashed a walk-off home run to lead the Pirates to a 10-9 win over the Yankees for the championship,” they shared. They also added, “He hit .323 in 12 Postseason games and won 2 World Series rings with the Pirates. A statue depicting Mazeroski’s famous trip around the bases in 1960 stands outside PNC Park in Pittsburgh.”

We are saddened by the passing of Hall of Fame second baseman Bill Mazeroski, who hit one of the greatest home runs in baseball history.

On Oct. 13, 1960, Game 7 of the World Series, bottom of the 9th inning, Mazeroski smashed a walk-off home run to lead the Pirates to a 10-9… pic.twitter.com/HTeQtd1MF4

— MLB (@MLB) February 21, 2026

Mazeroski spent his entire 17-year Major League Baseball career with the Pirates after signing with the club at just 17 years old in 1954. He made his big-league debut midway through the 1956 season and quickly became a cornerstone of the franchise.

Beyond that legendary blast, Mazeroski built a decorated career. He earned multiple All-Star selections, won eight Gold Gloves, and collected two World Series titles with the Pirates. Known for his defensive brilliance at second base, he was widely referred to as one of the finest fielders of his era.

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In 2001, Mazeroski was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee. The Pirates retired his No. 9 jersey in 1987, and he was later honored as part of the team’s inaugural Hall of Fame class in 2022.

Mazeroski is survived by his sons, Darren and David, and four grandchildren. His wife of 64 years, Milene, died in May 2024. 

At this time, a cause of death has not been announced.

Hearties! March is just around the corner and that only means we're a few short weeks away from the premiere of the When Calls the Heart prequel series, Hope Valley: 1874! Fans are excited to see how Hope Valley (previously Coal Valley) came to be.

We got a first look at the show a couple of weeks ago and Parade is excited to bring you an exclusive look at the latest spot for the new series. Read on for more!

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What Is Hope Valley: 1874? Everything to Know About the When Calls the Heart Prequel

Hope Valley: 1874 follows Rebecca Clarke (Bethany Joy Lenz) and her daughter as they travel from her home city of Chicago to the Western Canadian frontier with her 11-year-old-daughter, Sarah (Mila Morgan). On their journey, Rebecca’s wagon breaks down and she has no choice but to accept help from local rancher and confirmed bachelor, Tom Moore (Benjamin Ayres).

Despite Rebecca’s best intentions to remain unattached, her daughter’s future and the people she meets during her stay—including the guarded Tom and tenacious pioneer woman Hattie Quinn (Jill Hennessy)—ultimately compel her to put down roots and make a fresh start.

Related: Angels Play Matchmaker in Hallmark’s Heartwarming Holiday Romance, A Christmas Angel Match Starring Benjamin Ayres and Meghan Ory

When Does Hope Valley: 1874 Premiere on Hallmark+? Full Release Schedule

Hope Valley: 1874 premieres on Saturday, Mar. 21, 2026 on Hallmark+, the network's streaming platform. New episodes will premiere on Thursdays beginning March 26, 2026.

Where to Watch Hope Valley: 1874: How to Stream the Prequel Series

Hope Valley: 1874 will stream exclusively on Hallmark+.

Related: Say 'Fromage!' Take a Look at Savoring Paris With Bethany Joy Lenz

Meet the Cast of Hope Valley: 1874, Including Bethany Joy Lenz and Benjamin Ayres

• Bethany Joy Lenz as Rebecca Clarke
• Benjamin Ayres as Tom Moore
• Jill Hennessy as Hattie Quinn
• Roan Curtis as Olivia Quinn
• Lachlan Quarmby as Constable Alexander Vaughn
• Chelsea Hobbs as Peggy McCabe
• Brad Abramenko as Nash McCabe
• Jedidiah Goodacre as Clayton Cooley
• Mila Morgan as Sarah Clarke

Related: Rosemary’s Silent Film Changes Hope Valley (Exclusive)

What Happens in the Hope Valley: 1874 Premiere? Episode 1 Details

In the series premiere of Hope Valley: 1874, Rebecca (Lenz) and her young daughter, Sarah (Morgan), travel west to start a new life. They meet rugged rancher, Tom (Ayres), and discover the boardinghouse Rebecca purchased is not as promised.

Watch the Hope Valley: 1874 TrailerExclusive: Parade Reveals a New First Look at Hope Valley: 1874

You hoped for it and we do! Check our this Parade exclusive first look image and promo ofHope Valley: 1874 below.

Hallmark Media

PARADE Exclusive - Hope Valley: 1874 - First Look Promo (0:30)

Related: A New 'When Calls the Heart' Spinoff is Coming — What to Know About 'Hope Valley: 1874' - Teaser Trailer and Premiere Date Announced!

Actor Tom Wellingstarred as Clark Kent, AKA Superman, throughout the 10-season run of the hit WB series, Smallville.

Welling spoke about his time on the show, which ended in 2011, during a February 2026 panel at the Vancouver FanExpo 2026, alongside his former Smallville castmates, Kristin Kreuk, Erica Durance, and James Marsters. Welling said he didn't socialize with his co-stars outside of the Smallville set because he wanted to go home after he finished up his scenes.

"I only saw everybody on set because I don't know about you guys at your jobs, but the last thing you really want to do, when you're not working is hang out with your co-workers," said Welling. "I would be done at like 6:00 in the morning on a Saturday and have be back at set Monday at 5:00 [am]. I would just go home and do nothing and hang out with my dogs. I didn't have any bandwidth for anything else."

Tom Welling Got Candid About Starring as Clark Kent in a 2025 Interview

Welling got candid about starring in Smallville during a July 2025 episode of his former castmate, Michael Rosenbaum's podcast, Inside of You. The Cheaper by the Dozen actor referenced that he and Rosenbaum, who played Lex Luthor, co-host a Smallville-themed podcast, TalkVille. Welling said he realized he now looks at the show with more fondness than he expected.

“What I found is I tend to remember more good things than bad things [from Smallville]. Whereas I think when I was going through it, I wasn’t very happy most of the time,” said Welling during the podcast episode.

He suggested the job was stressful because of the long work hours and the amount of responsibilities he had as the show's leading star.

"I had a responsibility to every single person there to be there and to do my stuff," said Welling in the podcast interview.

He also said he didn't have a sense of pride for being a Smallville star when the show was originally airing.

"I'm proud of it now where I don't think I was proud of it when we were doing it. And I'm not sure why because it's hard," said Welling to his former castmate.

He clarified that there were "good moments" during his time filming the superhero show.

On Sunday, Feb. 22, the search for Nancy Guthrie will enter its fourth week. As authorities work to comb through thousands of potential leads, there has yet to be a tip that has led to an arrest. At the time of this writing, no suspect or person(s) of interest has been identified and the public is just as baffled about what exactly happened to Nancy, 84, and why.

On Saturday, Feb. 21, TMZ posted an updated complete timeline based on what authorities believe to be true. Nancy left her home in the Catalina Foothills (north of Tucson, Arizona) at 5:32 p.m. local time, got in an Uber, and arrived at her daughter Annie Guthrie's home several minutes later. As far as the public is aware, this checks out; authorities verified this information fairly early on in the case and even spoke with the Uber driver, though the details were not made public.

What happens from that point forward has not been publicly verified, though it's unclear if authorities have been able to conclude that the next few hours played out as they suspect.

After dinner, Nancy's son-in-law Tommaso Cioni drove her back home. Authorities say that Nancy was in her driveway at 9:48 p.m. local time, as they verified that her garage door opened at that time. The garage door closed two minutes later. It's unknown if there is any video evidence of Nancy walking into her home.

Nancy's Google Nest doorbell was disconnected at 1:47 a.m. and her pacemaker disconnected at 2:28 a.m. While the reports indicate that Nancy's pacemaker disconnected from her phone at that time, it seems more likely that it disconnected from a data box inside her home. Earlier this month, Parade spoke with Dr. Srihari S. Naidu, who is triple board-certified in internal medicine, cardiology, and interventional cardiology, who confirmed that there's not an app that connects a pacemaker to a cell phone—at least not one that he's aware of.

The next day, Sunday, Feb. 1, Nancy was supposed to go to a friend's house to watch a church service via a livestream. When she didn't show up, someone presumably called to check in on her. When she couldn't be reached, that person called Annie, who went to her mom's house. At 12:03 p.m. a call to 911 came in.

Social media has been left baffled by the aforementioned timeline due to some inconsistencies from the Pima County Sheriff's Department. For example, during a press conference, Sheriff Chris Nanos said that law enforcement went to the scene on "Saturday night," which can be seen in the video below beginning at the 4:44 mark.

Shortly after, Nanos reads the timeline from a monitor in the room, and states the dates and times that are part of the department's official timeline, which has been released to the public.

However, on an evidence site set up by the Pima County Sheriff's Department, the "Missing Endangered Adult" report was filed by the department on January 31, 2026 — the day before Nancy went missing, which has caused more confusion.

"Oh my God. What on earth is going in here?! If he did misspeak, how did he confuse night & day as to when they first went to the house? He should at least know if they got there in the daytime or at night! I cannot imagine how the Guthrie family must feel. Praying for them," one person wrote on X in response to the above video.

"So, she’s been missing since Saturday????" someone else said.

According to Fox News Digital's Michael Ruiz, a sheriff's department spokesperson offered the following explanation for the January 31 date.

"That date is reference to the video date range in which we are requesting for the public to send us a video. It has nothing to do with the missing report timeline - it’s simply for evidence request purposes."

Regardless, the timeline questions are coming up around the same time that chatter about the case going cold. The Pima County Sheriff's Department maintains that they are still actively investigating and they are constantly going through all of the tips they've been receiving for weeks.

READ NEXT: Savannah Guthrie’s Mom: Sheriff Shares Major Update — But Questions Remain

As the daughter of Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli, Liza Minnelliwas surrounded by celebrities from the day she was born, but one of her most famous pals was the iconic Princess Diana.

Related: Liza Minnelli Details ‘Passionate’ 1970s Affair With Martin Scorsese in New Tell-All

"I met Princess Diana at movie premieres, fundraisers and the like, and we became friends," Minnelli recalls in an excerpt of her upcoming memoir shared by The Times on Feb. 21. "We’d catch up and meet for tea. Sometimes she’d come to my hotel and we’d have lunch... We talked girl talk, and could have spent weeks together."

Minnelli says she felt moved to "protect" the British royal, and they "fiercely guarded each other’s privacy," especially because of the constant public attention and private pressure King Charles III's first wife dealt with.

"She was a great lady, under siege from the moment she entered the royal family," Minnelli explains, saying that Diana often "spoke candidly" about her marriage and the pressure that came with it. "I told her about my own experiences. It was honest and real. We understood each other," she writes. "She was one in a million."

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The duo took an iconic photo together in 1991, and Minnelli shares what they were muttering to each other that caused Diana to giggle for the legendary picture.

Princess Diana and Liza Minnelli in 1991

Getty

"We had some great laughs at the party after the London premiere of my film Stepping Out in 1991," Minnelli shares. "Sitting at a table with two Cokes, we smiled for the cameras. When they turned away, Princess Diana whispered, 'It’s good to see you, feisty lady!' I laughed and said, 'Good to see you, too!' We had a long conversation that night."

Minnelli was devastated by Princess Diana's death on Aug. 31, 1997, but she was touched to learn the special way the royal had honored their friendship while she was alive.

Related: Liza Minnelli Claims Behind-the-Scenes Drama Soured Her Viral Oscars Moment With Lady Gaga

"After her separation from Prince Charles, she decorated her private quarters at Kensington Palace with memorabilia that meant something to her," writes Minnelli. "I later learnt that, among a handful of framed photographs on her living room mantelpiece, there was a picture of me."

Liza Minnelli’s book, Kids, Wait Till You Hear This! My Memoir as Told to Michael Feinstein is will be released on on March 10.

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True confession: I’ve never really been a big coffee person. I’m a tea girlie through and through, and I say that proudly. My day usually starts with some form of black tea (Earl Grey) or green tea (matcha or sencha), which carries me through the morning until lunchtime. After that, I pivot to herbal teas, with peppermint high in the rotation. It’s a brew that's somehow both cozy and refreshing.

Peppermint tea is especially popular in the colder months, when warm mugs are basically an accessory, but it also makes a refreshing warm-weather drink when it's steeped, chilled and served over ice. Because it's decaf, it's also a perfect tea for kids. My two little ones are big fans and enjoy a lightly steeped mint tea, heavy on the honey.

Some people, especially those who aren't as tea-obsessed as I am, assume that all mint teas are pretty much the same. But after years of sipping mug after mug of the comforting drink, I know that's not the case. I have some go-to brands at my house, but I wondered how they'd stack up to other options in a head-to-head taste test.

To find the best peppermint tea, I lined up a wide range of brands, from grocery store staples to specialty blends, and started brewing. I also reached out to a few tea experts to get the info, tips and tricks I needed to know as I sipped my way through the contenders.

This tasting really highlighted the fact that peppermint teas vary wildly in aroma, intensity, freshness and overall drinking experience. Some brews tasted vibrant and cooling, with that clean, menthol lift you want from peppermint. Others were flat, dusty or surprisingly muted. Read on to find out which peppermint teas are worth buying—and which ones should stay on the shelf.

Related: The Simple Way to Make the Best-Ever Iced Tea, According to a Tea Sommelier

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What Is Peppermint Tea?

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Before we jump into the tasting, let's back up for a moment and learn a little bit about what we're drinking. Peppermint tea is a naturally caffeine-free herbal infusion made by steeping dried peppermint leaves in hot water. Unlike black or green tea, it doesn’t come from the tea plant (Camellia Sinensis), which means it contains no caffeine.

As delicious, cozy and relaxing as mint tea is, since it isn't derived from a tea plant, it isn’t actually “tea” at all, which is something I learned from tea sommelier Jee Choe, founder of Oh, How Civilized.

"Because it’s an herbal infusion, with the flavor coming from the peppermint essential oils in peppermint leaves, and not a true tea, you can steep it longer without it getting bitter," she tells Parade. Although it won't get bitter, the longer you steep mint tea, the more intense the flavor becomes.

Spike Mendelsohn, celebrity chef, restaurateur and co-founder of Just Ice Tea, explains that peppermint itself is actually a hybrid plant. “Peppermint is a blend of water mint and spearmint,” he says, noting that it thrives in cooler growing conditions. Much of the peppermint used in the U.S. is grown in Oregon and Washington, where the leaves are typically harvested before flowering and air-dried at a low temperature to preserve flavor.

Related: I Swapped Coffee for Green Tea and The Results Have Been Life-Changing

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What To Look for When Shopping for Peppermint Tea

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

When shopping for peppermint tea, leaf quality matters more than you might think. Choe explains that “whole loose peppermint tea, where you can see large chunks of leaves, is going to be higher quality than tea bags, which often contain tiny bits and dust of the peppermint leaves.” Those larger pieces retain more essential oils, which result in a more aromatic, flavorful cup. She also notes that with loose-leaf tea, you’re more likely to get a cleaner, fresher-tasting infusion overall.

Tea bags are a convenient and accessible option, especially for everyday sipping, but if you’re looking for the most vibrant, full-bodied peppermint flavor, loose-leaf options tend to deliver a more pronounced, minty experience.

Related: The Best Way to Sweeten Iced Tea, According to Ina Garten

The Best Way to Brew Peppermint Tea

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

As with all teas, the temperature and timing make a big difference in your finished drink. Choe recommends brewing peppermint tea using water that's between 208–212°F. She typically steeps her mint tea for about five minutes, using a timer, but if you prefer a more intense mint flavor, you can let it sit for longer.

Mendelsohn recommends a similar brewing method, explaining that gentler heat helps preserve the herb’s natural brightness and aromatic qualities. While peppermint can handle high temperatures, using water that’s hot but not aggressively boiling allows the mint’s clean, cooling flavor to shine rather than taste flat or cooked.

Peppermint tea can be enjoyed hot, iced and or even cold-brewed. One of Choe's favorite ways to drink it is by steeping peppermint tea with a small amount of gunpowder green tea, which creates a crisp, invigorating mint-green blend. (As a fan of both mint and green tea, I'm definitely going to give that combo a try!)

Related: I Tried 17 Popular Dunkin’ Hot Drinks and Ranked Them Worst to Best

How I Tested These Peppermint Teas

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

I filled my electric kettle high and got the water boiling. While that was happening, I lined up my mugs. I brewed each tea according to the package directions, then sniffed and sipped each one while it was hot to get a good understanding of the flavor. I then chilled the teas to get a different perspective, took another taste and got ranking!

Related: We Asked 'The Water Sommelier' to Rank His Favorite Bottled Waters and His Answers Surprised Us

18 Popular Peppermint Teas, Ranked From Worst To Best

A quick shopping note on some of these teas: The prices and package sizes below are what I tested and what were seen in store. Availability and prices online might differ slightly.

18. Tazo Organic Refresh Mint Tea, $4.29 for 16 tea bags

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

This tea tastes familiar (hello, teenage years running to Starbucks!). The peppermint flavor is strong, but the added peppermint oil gives it a more commercial feel. It was enjoyable, but it was less nuanced than the rest of the lineup, which is how it ended up at the back of the pack.

Related: We Tried 10 Aldi Coffees and the Winner Tastes Way More Expensive Than It Is

17. Lidl Organic Peppermint Herbal Tea, $3.49 for 20 tea bags

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

I was excited to try this organic, affordable option. This tea has very subtle aromatics and makes a light-bodied brew. The peppermint flavor was present but muted. It's definitely drinkable, but it's not a cuppa that I look forward to sipping.

16. Benner Tea Co. Peppermint Herbal Tea, $3.29 for 20 tea bags

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

This Aldi brand tea was smooth and easy-drinking with a light peppermint flavor and pale color. The aromatics were minimal, so it didn't have much of a minty lift. It was pleasant enough, but it was a bit forgettable.

15. 365 Whole Foods Market Organic Peppermint Tea, $4.99 for 40 tea bags

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

The mint inside the bag is almost ground, and the brew is light in both color and flavor. It tastes clean and herbal but lacks punch. The finish is calm and refreshing. This option is best for those who want a very mild cup of tea. If you're looking for a budget buy, this might also be the one for you. Forty tea bags for $4 is a good deal, especially considering it's organic.

14. Trader Joe’s Organic Peppermint Herbal Tea, $3.99 for 20 tea bags

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

This tea is dependable and easy-drinking with a mild peppermint flavor, but it doesn’t offer much in the way of aromatics or depth. After tasting stronger options, it feels a bit flat. That said, it's still a fine budget-friendly choice and is good for keeping in the house for kids and folks who aren't as particular about tea as I am.

Related: 31 Things You Should Always Buy at Trader Joe’s (If You Can Find Them)

13. Super Herb Tea American Peppermint Tea, $15.00 for 36 tea bags

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

This is a very smooth, light peppermint tea that’s easy to sip throughout the day. The flavor is clean and bright without much intensity. It’s refreshing but understated. It makes a pleasant, very nice cup of tea. It is on the pricey side, though, and I'm not sure the quality matched the price tag.

12. The Republic of Tea Organic Mint Fields Tea, $13.75 for 36 tea bags

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

This tea includes a noticeable hint of lemon, which lightens both the color and flavor. The peppermint flavor is clean and fresh, but softer than most. A slightly sweet finish makes it feel bright and approachable. This is good for those who prefer a gentler mint tea. It's also another pricey option.

Related: We Asked a Floridian to Taste & Rank 11 Orange Juice Brands and the Winner Surprised Him

11. Celestial Seasonings Peppermint Herbal Tea, $4.99 for 20 tea bags

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

This iconic box with its wax-paper liner is packed with nostalgia. The flavor is classic and calming with medium peppermint strength. It leans more herbaceous than sweet. It's familiar, cozy and easy to drink. It's also very accessible and available at most major grocery stores.

Related: I Tried All 15 New Items from Starbucks’ 2026 Winter Menu and Have a Clear Favorite

10. Yogi Purely Peppermint Tea, $6.99 for 16 tea bags

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

The aroma of this tea is fairly subtle, but the flavor hits harder than expected. It delivers a bold, cooling peppermint finish that lingers. I found it almost medicinal tasting, which I didn't mind. It's clean and straightforward and prioritizes flavor over fragrance. It's a solid choice for folks who are looking for a punch of mint flavor.

9. Harney & Sons Organic Peppermint Tea, $9.00 for 20 tea bags

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

This tea landed squarely in the middle of the pack. The flavor is strong and pleasant, though slightly dusty compared to the higher-ranked options. The leaves aren’t fully ground, which helps maintain some depth. It's dependable, but wasn't a standout. Harney & Sons is one of my favorite tea brands (their Earl Grey is my go-to), but their peppermint tea fell a little flat for me.

8. Tea Forté Peppermint Verbena Tea, $18.00 (loose leaf)

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

This isn't a purely peppermint tea, but the subtle lavender and verbena notes pair beautifully with the mint. The cup feels balanced, lightly sweet and calming. The peppermint is present without overpowering the blend. This tea has an elegance to it, which would make it nice for serving at brunch or as an after-dinner drink.

7. Tea with Tae Peppermint Tea, $8.99 for 5 tea bags

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

This tea delivers a clean, straightforward peppermint flavor with whole mint leaves visible in the bags. It tastes very fresh and finishes with a satisfying cooling sensation. It's a strong and well-balanced option with deep flavor. Bonus: The packaging is super chic, which would make it a great gift for the tea lover in your life.

Related: The Viral McDonald’s Iced Tea Ordering Hack We Wish We’d Known About Sooner

6. Oliver Pluff & Co. Peppermint Tea, $14.00 for 20 tea bags

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

This tea feels serious and intentional from the moment you open the tin. The aroma fills the room, and the peppermint flavor is intense and gritty. There’s a slightly bitter finish that adds depth and the brewed tea is bold, confident and impressive. The packaging is beautiful, making this another good gifting option. I didn't rank it higher because it's on the expensive side and the flavor is so intense that I'm not sure this would an everyday brew for me.

5. Teapigs Peppermint Leaves Tea, $9.99 for 15 tea bags

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Deeply aromatic with large peppermint leaves, this brews a darker cup with bold mint flavor. The intensity is impressive without tipping into bitterness. It finishes long and cooling, making it especially memorable. The packaging is rustic and cute and the flavor is 10/10.

4. Steven SMITH Teamaker Peppermint Leaves Tea, $13.99 for 15 tea bags

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

One of my all-time favorite tea brands, Smith makes a beautiful peppermint tea. It's bold, vibrant and incredibly fresh. I even visited the Steven Smith Teamaker HQ in Portland, OR (highly recommend!), which deepened my appreciation for their sourcing and craft. The leaves are large, bright and aromatic and sourced from the Pacific Northwest. The cup of tea is clean, cooling and deeply refreshing.

Related: I Tried Every Flavor of Chobani Coffee Creamer To Find the Best One for Your Morning Brew

3. Rishi Tea & Botanicals Peppermint Tea, $36.00 (loose leaf)

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

The exceptional leaf quality shines through with herbaceous, focused peppermint flavor in this tea. Even with just one ingredient, the freshness and clarity are unmistakable. This cup of tea was clean, cooling and deeply satisfying from start to finish. It's not as accessible as the top two picks, but it's worth special ordering if you're a peppermint tea fan.

2. Bigelow Peppermint Herbal Tea, $3.49 for 20 tea bags

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Bigelow is classic peppermint tea in the most nostalgic sense. It’s bright, very peppermint-forward and somehow tastes like a candy cane even though the only ingredient is mint leaves. For me, this is a top tea forever and always, especially for the price point.

1. Traditional Medicinals Organic Peppermint Tea, $5.99 for 16 tea bags

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

This was the clear winner. The flavor is bright, grounding and strongly herbaceous with a soothing, clean finish. It balances intensity with calm better than any other tea in the lineup. It's reliable, comforting and the gold standard. Plus, it's a good value and very accessible. You can buy it at grocery stores and at big-box stores like Walmart and Target.

Up Next:

Related: How To Make Hot Chocolate 10x Better, According to a Cooking Show Champion

Sources:

• Jee Choe, founder of Oh, How Civilized.
• Spike Mendelsohn, celebrity chef, restaurateur and co-founder of Just Ice Tea.

Geri Jewell broke boundaries on The Facts of Life, and she's doing better than ever these days!

The actress and stand-up comedian, 69, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at eighteen months old. She later went on to become the first disabled actor to have a recurring role on a TV series with her role on The Facts of Life.

These days, Jewell is thriving. In a recent Facebook post, the actress, who also deals with hearing loss, smiled brightly as she reconnected with one of her high school teachers.

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Cousin Geri's Introduction on The Facts of Life

Jewell was first introduced on The Facts of Life in 1980 as ritzy New Yorker Blair Warner's cousin. Her character ended up being featured on 12 episodes of the popular series. Here's a look at Geri's introduction to the gang at the Eastland School:

In a 2015 interview with VICE, Jewell explained how she ended up on the series.

"I performed for the second annual Media Access Awards. Norman Lear and [The Facts of Life star] Charlotte Rae were in the audience that night. Norman came up to me afterwards and said, “You know you’re really funny, kid, but you’re way before your time.” And I said, “So wait a couple weeks,” Jewell recalled.

Life After The Facts of Life

After her run on the popular '80s series ended, Jewell continued her stand-up career. In 2002, she ran into NYPD Blue creator David Milch at a pharmacy while recovering from spinal cord surgery. Dressed in pajama bottoms and feeling lousy, Jewell was embarrassed to be seen in her state. However, Milch was a fan of her comedy work and he offered her a role on his upcoming HBO series, Deadwood. Jewell describes being offered the opportunity to star on the western as "amazing." Here's a look at Jewell discussing how the tremendous opportunity fell into her lap.

Jewell is also the author of a 2011 memoir, I’m Walking As Straight As I Can: Transcending Disability in Hollywood and Beyond.

Related: Fan-Favorite '80s Sitcom Star Reveals Mistake That Almost Ended Her Career in Resurfaced Interview

Pillsbury is giving fans a new version of its famous Funfetti cake mix.

The popular boxed baking mix typically features a yellow cake with rainbow "confetti" style sprinkles buried throughout (get why it's called Funfetti now?). But all of that is changing, as Pillsbury is releasing a new, even more colorful version of Funfetti.

Fresh from announcing its recent collaboration with candymaker Mars Inc., resulting in a limited-edition Snickers Cookie Dough, eagle-eyed shoppers have spotted another newcomer in the baking aisle: Funfetti Swirl Cake & Cupcake Mix.

Pillsbury Adds a Swirl of Color to Funfetti Boxed Cake Mix

According to an official description, the new Funfetti Swirl Cake Mix will turn dessert into "a masterpiece of colorful swirls and delicious flavor in every bite."

It appears to be very similar to the limited-edition Melted Snowman (blue and white) and Elf on the Shelf (red and white) Funfetti that was made available earlier this winter, but this new addition stands out as its most vibrant and colorful option yet.

Related:Pillsbury’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Pastry Is Perfect for Tea Time

Each box contains one pink pouch and one blue pouch, and together yield 24 perfectly swirled cupcakes (or a single 13" x 9" cake) with pops of pink, purple, and blue. All at-home bakers need to add a few eggs, vegetable oil, and water before swirling the batter and pouring it into a pan.

The company calls it "a delightful and creative way to elevate cakes and cupcakes while having fun doing it," and fans appear to wholeheartedly agree.

"Goodbye to the days of putting 2 cups of mix aside to dye and swirl," one celebrated on Facebook.

"WOW!" a second wrote on Instagram. "They are gone fancy!"

"That funfetti looks so good," another gushed.

So far, the new item has been spotted on shelves at select Target stores, but it doesn't appear to be exclusive to the retailer. Parade was able to unearth online listings for the product at several grocery store chains, including King Soopers which is part of the Kroger family, so we would presume it will be landing at the rest of the related stores as well (City Market, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Fry's, Harris Teeter, Mariano's, Pick'n Save, Ralph's, QFC, etc.).

Pillsbury's new Funfetti Pink & Blue Swirl Cake appears to be only in the early stages of release, as the company hasn't even officially announced its arrival. So if it's not available near you just yet, it doesn't mean that it won't be! We would expect the newcomer to be more widely available as we inch closer to the first day of Spring (March 20), making it a festive, fun option for upcoming Easter desserts (and way easier than trying to construct that 1970s Bunny Cake).

To find it at a store near you, try Pillsbury's online product finder (prices may vary).

Next: Peanuts-Themed Duncan Hines Baking Mixes Are Coming Soon—and They Sound So Good

The Blair Witch Project may have popularised a whole subgenre of movies through its found-footage aesthetic - there'd be no Cloverfield, Paranormal Activity, or Late Night with the Devil without it - but the stars and makers of this 1999 game-changer could never replicate the same success. Robert Eggers' The Witch, however, has proven to be a very different beast indeed.

Released theatrically 10 years ago after making waves at Sundance Film Festival, The Witch (subtitled A New-England Folktale) was one of the earliest jewels in A24's crown. Set during the 1630s, the story concerns a Puritan family who are stalked by an evil presence in the forest that hugs their farmland. For his feature-length debut, writer-director Eggers enlisted Ralph Ineson, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Kate Dickie to play the main characters of William, Thomasin, and Katherine.

The Witch earned its $4 million budget back tenfold at the box office, and to this day sits on an impressive 91% Rotten Tomatoes rating. For Eggers, Ineson, and Taylor-Joy, the acclaimed indie was a springboard to even greater professional heights.

Ralph Ineson, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Robert Eggers discuss "The Witch" at Apple Store Soho on February 16, 2016 in New York City (Mike Pont/WireImage).

Since wielding sorcery in the dark New England woods, filmmaker Eggers has cultivated a solid working relationship with actor Willem Dafoe in his subsequent projects: The Lighthouse, The Northman, Nosferatu, and the upcoming Werwulf, which is due out on Christmas Day. Their partnership on The Lighthouse legitimised Eggers as a master of his artform, to a certain extent, given the fact he'd never worked with a genuine A-lister before. Robert Pattinson's involvement only strengthened that notion, too, while Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Ethan Hawke, Nicholas Hoult, Bill Skarsgård, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson were all waiting in the wings to collaborate with Eggers across the next decade.

His non-negotiable attention to historical details, language, and constant period settings has allowed Eggers to stand out in an industry lacking auteurs. Only Guillermo del Toro can hold a handle to him in their unique corner of movie production.

Then there's the curious case of gravel-voiced Ineson, who'd been working regularly in the TV sector for two decades up until The Witch. The actor's most widely-seen parts occurred in Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's original The Office(as Chris Finch), and HBO's Game of Thrones(Iron Islands soldier Dagmer Cleftjaw), but from 2016 onwards, he's truly flourished. How about these for some eye-catching credits: the award-winning miniseries Chernobyl, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, The Green Knight, The Tragedy of Macbeth, The Creator, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and Frankenstein. Ineson is also something of a lucky mascot for Eggers, having appeared in all of the director's projects to date.

Finally, The Witch gave the world its first proper introduction to future megastar Taylor-Joy, who was still in her teens when it premiered. She would go on to get hired by M. Night Shyamalan (for Split and Glass), Edgar Wright (Last Night in Soho), David O. Russell (Amsterdam), Denis Villeneuve (Dune: Part Two and Part Three), Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders), Scott Frank (The Queen's Gambit), and George Miller (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga). For anybody that knows just how highly the latter's predecessor, Mad Max: Fury Road, is regarded, Taylor-Joy's casting as the titular heroine illustrates her standing as a performer.

Happy anniversary, The Witch!

"He was a diabolically handsome man who shared my love for film. I was a director’s daughter who respected Marty’s role and authority," writes Liza Minnelli about her 1970s affair with director Martin Scorsese in an excerpt from her upcoming memoir, shared by The Times on Feb. 21.

Related: Liza Minnelli Reflects on ‘One in a Million’ Friendship with Princess Diana

The pair began working together on New York, New York shortly after the success of Taxi Driver. Scorsese and Robert De Niro were reuniting for another film, and they had already pegged Judy Garland's daughter for the project. "They wanted me — only me — for the female lead," she remembers. "I could just see it all: a return to the Oscars. A gracious speech and a second award, a homecoming to the winner’s circle."

"Marty and I quickly got swept up in a passionate romance," she admitted, despite her being married to her second husband, Jack Haley Jr., at the time, and Scorsese being married to Julia Cameron. Minnelli joked that their "love affair had more layers than a lasagna," as they shared their Italian heritage, "volcanic tempers," and a passion for making movies.

Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, Liza Minnelli, and Al Pacino in 1981

Getty

"He was a diabolically handsome man who shared my love for film. I was a director’s daughter who respected Marty’s role and authority," she said of the reasons they were drawn to one another.

Minnelli says the two "couldn't get enough of each other" and it was "the worst kept secret on set." Drugs, which both have admitted to battling later in life, were the third party in their relationship. "On the set, in between takes and in the evening. We were constant companions and I was there beside him. Line by line. Nothing good could come of it," she writes.

Related: This Hollywood Legend Believes He’s ‘Less Funny’ After His 2022 Stroke

As their unexpected romance blossomed, the film struggled. They shot for two months longer than expected, blowing their $7 million budget by $5 million. The project's rough cut was more than four hours, which Minnelli described as "impossible to market," even though she was "over the moon" about her iconic final song, "New York, New York," from the musical.

"The movie did not live up to box-office expectations," she admits. "Thankfully Marty and Bobby went on to have amazing film careers. I did not."

Related: Jaclyn Smith Shows Off Sculpture Made By Late Friend Farrah Fawcett

"Once the fire was lit, it burnt us all," she said of her and Scorsese's romance. "[However,] I’m not here to judge or apologize, because it was deeply compelling at the time."

Liza Minnelli's book, Kids, Wait Till You Hear This! My Memoir as Told to Michael Feinstein is set to be released on on March 10.

51 years ago today, David Bowie made a move that few rock stars at the height of their fame would dare attempt.

On February 21, 1975, the  released “Young Americans,” a single that signaled a dramatic departure from the glittering glam persona that had defined his early ’70s success. The man who had soared into pop culture as Ziggy Stardust pivoted sharply into what he famously called “plastic soul,” embracing American R&B with a confidence that both surprised and divided fans.

The track—later featured on the Young Americans album released a month later in March 1975—wasn’t just an experiment. It was a reinvention. Bowie traveled to Philadelphia to record at Sigma Sound Studios, immersing himself in the rich textures of the city’s soul movement. Producer Tony Visconti, who had worked with Bowie since 1968, recalled the initial resistance they faced. “We were going to the birthplace of so many hits,” Visconti told The Post in March 2025. “But [Kenny] Gamble and [Leon] Huff, they didn’t want to work with us.” He added, “They actually said, ‘We don’t want no white boy stealing our music’ or something like that.”

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Undeterred, Bowie built his own soul-infused band, bringing in musicians like Andy Newmark, Willie Weeks, David Sanborn, and a rising Luther Vandross on backing vocals. And that reinvention also led to an unexpected chart milestone later that year.

During the Young Americans sessions in New York, John Lennon stopped by the studio—and what began as a loose jam session turned into something much bigger. Bowie and guitarist Carlos Alomar had been working on a groove when Lennon started improvising over it, playfully repeating a word that caught Bowie’s attention: “Fame.”

The song went on to become Bowie’s first No. 1 hit in the United States, topping the Billboard Hot 100, proving his reinvention paid off at the highest level.

Bowie died in 2016 at 69 from liver cancer.