Joe Jonas opened up about diving back into the dating scene after he and ex-wife Sophie Turnersettled their divorce.
“I was seeing somebody at the time, and I was kind of having this idea of dating again. It was really scary and intimidating,” Jonas, 35, said during a Wednesday, May 22, TalkShopLive stream, while discussing writing his new song “Only Love” from his latest solo record, Music for People Who Believe in Love.
He added, “Love takes different shapes and forms, and I was rediscovering what that was.”
According to Jonas, the person he was dating — whom he has not publicly identified — tried to soothe his concerns.
“I was like, ‘Well, when you put it that way,’ [and] so, we wrote a song about it,” the singer added. “Like, it was not a big deal, but it was a big deal to me, and a big deal to them, too. But it’s OK to take a leap of faith and just try again and put yourself out there.”
Jonas was married to Game of Thrones alum Turner, 29, from 2019 to 2023. They finalized their divorce one year later in September 2024, ultimately agreeing to split custody of daughters Willa, 4, and Delphine, 2, after a messy legal battle about primary residencies. (The kids have dual citizenship in the United States and Turner’s native England.)
Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Vanity Fair)
“After a productive and successful mediation, we have agreed that the children will spend time equally in loving homes in both the U.S. and the U.K.,” the now-exes told Us Weekly in a joint statement at the time. “We look forward to being great coparents.”
While Jonas has since remained quiet about the divorce and custody battle, Turner called the situation “incredibly sad” in a Harper’s Bazaar cover story published in late 2024.
“We had a beautiful relationship, and it was hard,” she recalled. “I’m so happy to be back. It felt as if my life was on pause until I returned to England. I just never really feel like myself when I’m not in London, with my friends and family. I was away for so long — six years — and it was when my friends were getting engaged, and when I got pregnant. I went for dinner with someone the other day, and she said, ‘I never got to touch your belly.’ We didn’t have those key experiences with each other.”
Turner had lived with Jonas in the U.S. states of California and Florida, respectively, during their marriage. She returned to her native England upon their separation.
Griffin Matthews delivered a scene-stealing performance as Teddy Lockwood in You‘s final season — but his inspiration for the fan-favorite character came from an unexpected place.
“The first thing that I did when I got the job is I made a Pinterest board and it was all ASAP Rocky. I saw ASAP Rocky in a Gucci ad and I was like, ‘Here is what’s so interesting, this guy is Harlem on the top and Gucci on the bottom,'” Matthews, 42, recalled during an exclusive interview with Us Weekly. “I loved that image of this Black man in New York City who is part of this billionaire, white and half British family.”
Matthews was intrigued by the way Teddy offered “a different version of reality,” noting, “I wanted to try to play him not as a good guy. I talked so much with the showrunners about how I didn’t want Teddy to just be a good guy. I wanted him to be authentic and I wanted the audience to not know if he was a good guy.”
You, which originally debuted on Lifetime in 2018, introduced Penn Badgley as a serial killer whose obsession for a girl grew to terrifying heights. Based on books by Caroline Kepnes, the series found larger success after it moved to Netflix for its sophomore season. Since then, each season introduced a new love interest for Joe — and new characters — that didn’t always survive.
“I knew the show and I didn’t know if I was going to live or die when I signed on. I had no idea from episode to episode. I just said to the showrunners, ‘Please just don’t kill me first please.’ But I wanted to create a world in which there was a question around Teddy that we didn’t know what his motives were and we didn’t know where he would land,” Matthews told Us. “Since we never knew from week to week who was going to live and who was going to die, you are doing your best work to try to create a world in which not only do you not know but the audience does not know. That’s the best part of shooting a show like this.”
Clifton Prescod/Netflix
Another great part of joining You? The fact that Matthews was already a big fan of the show before auditioning for the role of Joe’s (Badgley) snarky yet loyal brother-in-law.
“This is the first show I’ve ever done where I was a massive fan. I had seen every single episode of every single season before I auditioned and when I did my screen test with Charlotte [Ritchie], who played my sister. We were on a Zoom and I was so afraid of her,” the actor quipped. “Because of who she is on the show, I didn’t know if she was going to be cold to me. Of course, Charlotte ended up being so lovely and we chatted and had a great audition.”
Matthews admitted it was “so weird” to be on set after watching the show. “It was a very surreal experience to join,” he added. “It was maybe one of my greatest career accomplishments for sure.”
“I didn’t want to go in the cage because I knew that if I went in the cage I was not coming out. But there was a day that we went and shot the promo and we had to all get in the cage and it was fantastic. It is actually scary to go inside the cage,” Matthews revealed to Us. “The best way to — as an actor — to be scared is to actually be scared. When I shot the scene where Joe was trying to kill me, I was actually afraid I didn’t have to pretend like I was terrified. So getting into the cage and getting into a scuffle with Joe a.k.a Pen was thrilling. I want to do it again.”
Assiah Alcázar
Badgley’s performance as Joe might have been spooky, but Matthews couldn’t be more grateful for the bond he formed with his costar. “Turns out Penn is completely different. Funny enough, Penn is a dad [with wife Domino Kirke]. I’m a dad [with husband Matt Gould],” he explained. “So in our downtime, we spent a lot of time talking about our kids and showing pictures. I went to Penn’s house for lunch and met his kids and his family. Also Penn in between takes was meditating in his trailer. So I was like, ‘Who is this guy?'”
Matthews continued: “What is amazing about his performance is Penn is bringing a very particular humanity to Joe Goldberg. That is also why that character is so successful because Penn himself is focused on humanity. He was able to really bring Joe to life because he found a way to make us fall in love with Joe and hate Joe simultaneously. That is so hard as an actor but he never judged the character. He was always just trying to find the truth. It was exciting to watch on set — but even more exciting to see it on screen.”
While speaking to Us, it was clear that Matthews put just as much work into bringing Teddy to life.
“We had many, many calls with our showrunners. Charlotte and I spent a lot of time off screen together. The showrunners gave me a lot of freedom to make sure that Teddy felt authentic. I had the space to say, ‘I think in this particular scenario, a Black person in 2024 is going to say it like this,'” he recalled. “We had to tackle race and culture and privilege. I wanted people who looked like me to see the show and recognize themselves on screen. So I was so lucky that our showrunners were so open to conversations.”
Netflix
Matthews pointed to Teddy’s appearance as a good example, adding, “We did an entire conversation about hair. I spent more time in the hair chair than any of the women on our show: four hours. We were just going hours and hours a day trying to craft a look because Teddy starts with an afro and then as the season progresses, he finally makes it to the end. I wanted him to look the way that he would look in Harlem — but now he’s the CEO.”
There were also conversations about Teddy’s personal life.
“I’ve played many gay men on television and I’ve never had a Black boyfriend or husband. So when I found out that Teddy had a husband and a son, I said ‘It might be interesting if we cast another Black actor and maybe a Black child. Because it will say something about who Teddy is when he’s not inside of this particular world. It will tell the viewer that Teddy is completely outside of this culture, that he’s a fish out of water when he’s in that office,'” he explained. “I give the showrunners a lot of credit because they really heard some of the ideas that I had and implemented them in really, really special and beautiful ways.”
Today personality Sheinelle Jones and husband Uche Ojeh were married for 17 years before he died in May 2025 at the age of 45.
“With profound sadness, we share this morning that Uche Ojeh, the husband of our friend and Today cohost Sheinelle Jones, has passed away after a courageous battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma,” Savannah Guthriesaid on the May 23, 2025, broadcast. “There are no words for the pain we feel for Sheinelle and their three young children. Uche was an incredible person. We all loved him.”
She continued, “We want to take a moment to tell you more about the remarkable man who was Sheinelle’s perfect partner in life.”
Jones andOjeh’s romance began at Northwestern University when she gave him a campus tour. They started dating soon after, and were together for eight years before Ojeh proposed on campus.
September 2007
Jones andOjeh tied the knot in her hometown of Philadelphia.
August 2009
The couple became parents for the first time, welcoming son Kayin.
July 2012
Twins Clara and Uche completed the family three years later.
“They say it’s one of the best days of your life. It transcends running. And every time you feel like you can’t run anymore, there’s somebody cheering your name,” Jones recalled on Today. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If there’s anybody listening to me, and you’ve ever wanted to challenge yourself and step out of your comfort zone, do it.”
After she crossed the finish line in just over four hours, Jones celebrated with Ojeh and their kids.
“I had my kids’ initials on my arm, my husband’s initials, and it said ‘just do it,’” she added. “They are my reason why.”
One month earlier, Jones was equally proud of Ojeh for completing his first triathlon race.
“I think it’s so important to celebrate the wins of the people you love — this weekend it was all about ‘The Uche’s,’” she wrote via Instagram in October 2023. “My youngest son’s soccer team took first in their tournament … meanwhile, dad AKA big Uche — conquered a triathlon. It’s something he’s always wanted to do …. and he trained really hard for it. I’ve watched both of them — day in and day out … running and kicking balls all over the place. It all paid off. The rest of us in the house are super proud of them.”
February 2024
Jones teased her lifelong “crush” on Ojeh in a sweet birthday tribute.
“I’ve had a crush on you since I was 19 … and I still do. ,” she wrote via Instagram.
Jones revealed via Instagram that she planned to take a hiatus from Today amid a “family health matter.” She did not clarify further details.
“It’s not lost on me how lucky I am to have, not only the support of my Today Show family, but also to have all of you,” she wrote. “Your kindness means so much to me. I’ll see you soon.”
May 2025
After announcing Ojeh’s death, Jones’ Today colleagues offered their condolences.
“One thing he always talked about — he talked about those kids,” Craig Melvin recalled. “He loved those kids more than anything else in this world, and was just so proud. He was that dad that was on the sideline at every soccer game. He was at all the concerts, the recitals. He was that guy, and they had such a beautiful love story.”
Jones reposted the Today segment to her Instagram, writing, “Thank you for all of your love and support. .”
Brooks Nader and her three sisters have “never compared” themselves to the Kardashians, but they have worked together.
“We do love the Kardashians. I mean, we’re all sisters,” Brooks, 28, exclusively told Us Weekly at the Sports Illustrated Swim Launch Party on May 15, referring to her sisters Mary HollandNader, Grace Ann Nader and Sarah Jane Nader.
“We got the chance to actually meet and film with them and have a little crossover moment,” Brooks shared. She didn’t reveal if the crossover will feature Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian and Khloé Kardashian or a combination, but called the siblings “amazing and incredible people.”
While some fans have compared the two sister squads, Brooks told Us they are “so different” from one another.
Brooks Nader attends the launch of the 2025 Issue of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit at Hard Rock Hotel New York on May 15, 2025 in New York City.Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit
“We’re from Louisiana, we’re not from this world of Hollywood,” she explained, calling the Kardashians “the blueprint” and sisters “who did it right.”
The Sports Illustrated model added that the Kardashians are “all so kind” but reiterated that she and her sisters have their own story to tell.
“We grew up from very humble beginnings,” Brooks said. “We just had this dream; we all shared the same dream, and we moved to New York City and we’re just chasing that.”
Us exclusively revealed in April that Brooks was teaming up with her siblings to shoot a reality show for Hulu. “The sisters all just got a place together and the show is full steam ahead,” a source exclusively said at the time, noting, “The Nader sisters have a really unique dynamic that producers love.”
Kris Jenner, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner, and Kim Kardashian.Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Business of Fashion
All four of the Nader sisters are pursuing a career in modeling, but Mary Holland also works in finance. Brooks, for her part, began modeling for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit in 2019 after winning a Swim Search.
Brooks has continued to gain fame with every issue, and her 2023 cover shot her to superstardom. The following year, Brooks competed on season 33 of Dancing With the Stars.
Throughout her career rise, Brooks’ sisters have been by her side cheering her on and often join her on shoots. According to Brooks, all their shenanigans will be front and center when their show premieres.
“You can expect everything to be laid out there. There’s chaos, there’s drama, there’s boys, there’s girls, there’s everything you can imagine under the sun,” Brooks teased to Us earlier this month. “And just like, four girls from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, living in the big city in SoHo, all under the same roof — what can go wrong? There’s bound to be chaos.”
Love Thy Nader is coming to Hulu and Freeform this summer.
Memorial Day weekend is here, and theaters worldwide are being invaded by cute little aliens and a perpetually running Tom Cruise. The most exciting place to be, though, isn’t in an auditorium with a bunch of strangers but on your living room couch.
There’s one caveat — you have to have a Hulu subscription. Why? Well, the streamer has an impressive library of new and classic movies for you to enjoy. One of 2025’s best movies, Night Call, just debuted on Hulu. Chances are, you haven’t heard of it, but now that it’s on Hulu, you can decide for yourself.
There’s also a pair of 2011 movies — an unusual alien invasion thriller and a raunchy comedy — that are entertaining in their unique ways. With so many underrated movies on Hulu right now, the only problem you will encounter is deciding which one to watch first. (It’s Night Call, obviously.)
‘Night Call’ (2025)
Graduate student Mady (Jonathan Feltre) is a locksmith who reluctantly accepts Claire’s (Natacha Krief) desperate late-night request to unlock an empty apartment so she can grab a bag. He succeeds, but Claire’s bag is full of cash that belongs to Belgian mobster Yannick (Romain Duris), and Mady is caught red-handed in Yannick’s apartment.
With Claire long gone, Mady must find her and get the cash back before Yannick and his goons kill him. That’s easier said than done, as the city is on lockdown due to a massive Black Lives Matter protest, and one of Yannick’s henchmen, Theo (Jonas Bloquet), is involved with Claire and doesn’t want his boss to know he’s stolen from him.
Night Call was released in the United States in January 2025, and it quickly established itself as one of the best movies of the year. The movie is a terrific action-thriller with some elements of film noir and social drama added in as well. The BLM protests that rage through Belgium heighten the stakes for Mady, who is Black and cannot trust the police who patrol the streets.
He’s an action hero not unlike John Wick — he can’t rely on anyone but himself, but that might be just enough to get him through the worst night of his life.
Young London nurse Samantha (Jodie Whittaker) is having a bad night. At first, she’s mugged by a group of teenagers led by Moses (John Boyega). Then, a meteorite falls from the sky and nearly kills her in front of her apartment building, Wyndham Tower. The night’s about to get even worse for her and Moses, as that meteorite contains alien spores that turn into hungry monsters. Sam, Moses and the rest of the building’s residents must band together to kill the invading aliens and take back their block.
Attack the Block takes the “alien invasion” story and flips it by concentrating on one single location — Wyndham Tower. The council flat is populated by London’s working class, so the movie’s protagonists aren’t the usual heroes you see in a sci-fi story like this. The movie embraces its silliness — at one point, someone takes an alien out with a samurai sword — and it’s incredibly fun to watch. Boyega became a star due to this film, and he carries the film with his tossed-off charisma.
The awful educator at the center of Bad Teacher is Elizabeth Halsey (Cameron Diaz), who is very bad indeed. Lazy, self-absorbed and not at all concerned with her students’ well-being, she needs some money for breast implants so she can impress a rich substitute teacher, Scott (Justin Timberlake). She’ll do anything to get the cash — even help her students pass an important standardized test so she can collect the $5,700 bonus. But Elizabeth isn’t as shallow as she pretends to be, and she finds herself growing closer to her students — and gym teacher Russell (Jason Segel). Does this bad teacher secretly have a good heart?
Bad Teacher is frequently rude and crude, but it’s also funny and fast-paced when it needs to be. Samantha’s ultimate redemption arc isn’t that surprising, but Diaz always holds your interest with her cynical, mean-spirited heroine. The Office’s Phyllis Smith has some good scenes as Sam’s naive colleague, and Segel’s simple and sweet love interest will make you want to attend P.E.
High Potential is coming back — with more episodes — but what can fans expect from season 2 when it comes to plot twists, onscreen romance and more?
High Potential, which premiered in September 2024, follows a high-potential intellectual named Morgan (Kaitlin Olson) who teams up with the LAPD to help solve murders. She gets paired up with Karadec (Daniel Sunjata), who is initially skeptical about how Morgan can assist the Major Crimes unit but ultimately starts to rely on her.
The season 1 finale aired in February and confirmed that Morgan’s ex Roman was still alive after going missing for more than a decade. Morgan, however, was more focused on a new case where the suspect got away — and then he found a way to introduce himself to her without her knowledge.
“The No. 1 thing that we try to build in the writers room is a compelling case that will also be really wonderful to watch Morgan’s complicated brain take you through,” he explained at the time. “That then is complimented by these wonderful detectives that are surrounding her. We know the audience — and we as the writers — have a big appetite for that serialized mystery. But the challenge is you don’t want that serialized component to overtake these wonderful cases that the audience looks forward to every week.”
Harthan continued: “Finding that balance is tricky and that’s why you have a staff of people that come in and keep you honest. They tell me, ‘If we reveal that, then it really overtakes the next episode and upsets the balance.’ So it’s tricky and it is one of the harder parts of building each episode of the show.”
Despite the cliffhangers, High Potential has already been renewed for a second season. Keep scrolling for everything to know:
When Does the Show Return for Season 2?
Daniel Sunjata and Kaitlin Olson in ‘High Potential.’Disney/Mitch Hasseth
In January, High Potential was renewed for a second season, which will include 18 episodes. It is slated to premiere in the fall after season 1 brought in record-breaking numbers at ABC.
Who Is Coming Back?
ABC
In addition to Olson and Sunjata, Javicia Leslie, Deniz Akdeniz, Amirah J, Matthew Lamb and Judy Reyes are returning. High Potential has also featured Taran Killam, Garret Dillahunt and JD Pardo in recurring roles.
Will There Be More Episodes?
Disney/Mitch Hasseth
“I do listen to the fans, I read their responses because I want to know what people are loving. It does have an impact on what we talk about and what we focus on sometimes,” Harthan told Us in February about getting the chance to expand the story with more episodes in season 2. “I always count on the 13 [episode order]. I love that it’s not eight or 10 episodes on broadcast and that you get those extra few hours. I usually map out the 13, and if they call, then I have a contingency to expand it and do some standalone episodes.”
After Morgan’s ex was teased in the first season, the story will only expand from here.
“We’ve talked about it quite a bit like, ‘Wow, we have the time, and hopefully now the show is a success and we could go and get this actor or that actor.’ But the truth is, I haven’t had a deep conversation with Kaitlin about it — and she’ll have a strong opinion. She’s very active and involved with casting and has incredible instincts,” Harthan told Us. “So the short answer is no. We have some favorites and actors I really respect that would be great.”
Harthan is looking forward to bringing more characters into the fold in season 2, adding, “Just the casting opportunities — not just for guest star roles — but recurring roles. We’ve never met Morgan’s mother and father either. We haven’t met anybody. So Roman is a really important and amazing piece of casting. I fantasize about who it could be but I haven’t zeroed in on a person yet.”
According to Harthan, Olson has a hand in casting. “Kaitlin is a magnet for talent. There’s a lot of people that go, ‘Oh, I get to act alongside her? That looks like a really good time.’ And they are right, It is,” he continued. “She’s a blast. But I hope you’re right [that there is actor interest in guest-starring on High Potential]. I want to see that list of people that want to come and dance with us.”
Roman might not return right away though.
“I think frustration is a good thing with an audience. It is a healthy frustration — don’t give them too much of what they want too soon,” Harthan noted about the “deepening” mystery. “I’d be totally lying if I said I have all the answers to that mystery. The wonderful thing about welcoming other brains to the room is how we make sure we don’t fumble this ball and we tell this story in the most satisfying way imaginable. There’s some cool stuff coming though.”
Will Season 2 Explore Morgan and Karadec’s Romance?
ABC
One episode into High Potential, fans pointed out how Karadec and Morgan’s dynamic reminded them of other fictional couples on procedural shows who took years to get together.
“I will definitely say that I actually don’t have the actual ultimate answer to where they’re going to go. In terms of the will-they-won’t-they between Karadec and Morgan, that is up to our writers room,” Sunjata told Us in November 2024. “I think that they’re going to play the long game with that particular story line.”
Sunjata said he was not ruling out Karadec and Morgan remaining platonic — for now or even for good.
“Honestly if we ended up getting like five seasons, Karadec and Morgan could just stay really good friends with a mutual professional respect who deeply care for one another and maybe flirted with the idea of some kind of romantic interaction,” he noted. “But if that never happened, that would be a really cool way to take it also.”
Harthan, meanwhile, is more inclined to explore what viewers were reacting to.
“You never know. I don’t let my guard down about those things either. I don’t get overly confident until your audience dictates a lot of the things you do. What do they have a big appetite for?” Harthan shared with Us about his plans for the fan-favorite potential couple. “I might be infamous for slow-planning things, but I love a slow burn. Like, selfishly, I just love it.”
Harthan explained to Us that he wasn’t sure how Morgan and Karadec’s chemistry would be explored. “The biggest reason is because when you have chemistry like that — and two wonderful actors like that — I just feel like there’s so many different story paths,” he explained. “We can go down this early in the show. And what I love about them is this budding friendship that is starting to breed the kind of loyalty that then breeds the kind of unconditional friendship where people are willing to sacrifice just about anything to have each other’s backs. I love the charm of that.”
He added: “We’re going to write that for a while. Even if you at some point fall in love with somebody, maybe you also are more in love with the partnership and the friendship. And maybe you are scared enough of the risk of crossing certain lines. … There’s a lot of life in this show and I want to make sure we do it at a pace that doesn’t leave a good story on the table.”
The season 1 finale introduced David Giuntoli as a serial kidnapper who has potential — pun intended — to become the “serialized big bad” of season 2.
“We didn’t want [that story] to be so dark and so sadistic and brutal that it took you into a sort of a tone that felt like a departure from our show. That was a little bit of a fine line that we had to walk. Then if you’re going to have somebody go toe to toe with somebody like Morgan, they better be brilliant. They better be confident and they better be ready,” Harthan told Us. “She gets underestimated even by people that think they’re smarter than her and then look out. So we have to create a character that’s going to be fun to watch her play chess with.”
Harthan is hoping the shakeup will make the show not “feel predictable.”
“At her core, Morgan is such a good and empathetic human being. Then she sees somebody out there in the world who she knows is brilliant but is using that to do such harm, and that’s a terrifying thing,” he continued. “We just wanted to make sure it hit all those notes without it ever feeling like we were reaching into the darkest of serial killer stories. That’s not the show.”
Will Season 2 Do Anything Differently?
ABC
“I learned [in season 1] that I have this wonderful cast that you can write anything for. They really are,” Harthan shared with Us. “With that said, what is going to be quite different in season 2 is that we didn’t have our sea legs yet. We haven’t really scratched the surface of some of those other characters in the ensemble. We haven’t gone home with a lot of them. We haven’t dug into their backstories and how they got to where they are in life — like, all their trials, tribulations and relationships.”
At the time, Harthan teased how season 2 would offer “rich fertile ground” for the show to expand on.
“We’re excited about writing some of the other characters more. But I think the biggest thing I learned about how we build each of these episodes is why do we care? Why do you care about this particular case or how it’s resonating with not just Morgan but every character,” he told Us. “It is making sure that we don’t get lazy with those stories that we choose to tell each week. I try to look at each episode as its own little movie, and this year, we have the luxury of the lessons we learned — good and bad — and planning and plotting the season so that we don’t waste any one of these episodes. However many episodes we end up getting, we will just try to treat each of them as their own little movie.”
Today cohost Sheinelle Jones’ husband, Uche Ojeh, has died.
“With profound sadness, we share this morning that Uche Ojeh, the husband of our dear friend and Today cohost Sheinelle Jones has passed away after a courageous battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma,” Savannah Guthrieannounced on the show on Friday, May 23. “There are no words for the pain that we feel for Sheinelle and their three young children. Uche was an incredible person. We all loved him.” (The couple shared son Kayin, 15, and twins Clara and Uche, 12.)
Jones, 46, has not appeared on-air on the NBC morning show since December 2024. Fans initially assumed her absence was due to Jones taking time off during the traditional holiday period.
When her absence continued into the following month and viewers began to ask questions and speculate about her whereabouts, Jones took to social media to briefly address the situation.
“Hi everybody … I sincerely appreciate all of you who have reached out while I’ve been absent from the show,” she wrote via Instagram on January 15. “I want to share with you that I’m taking time to deal with a family health matter.”
Courtesy of Sheinelle Jones/Instagram
Although Jones has kept her family’s situation private, she wanted to thank viewers for their encouragement as she handles a situation away from cameras.
“It’s not lost on me how lucky I am to have not only the support of my Today show family, but to also have all of you,” she wrote. “Your kindness means so much to me. I’ll see you soon.”
As Jones’ absence stretched into months off air, Today’s meteorologist, Dylan Dreyer,shared an update on the news anchor.
“She’s doing all right,” Dreyer, 43, told E! News on May 3. “She’s hanging in there. We’re praying for her and her family. You know, she’s just going through a tough time with her family.”
Shienelle Jones.(Photo by Getty)
The same month, Dreyer told Entertainment Tonight that she was keeping in touch with Jones amid her absence.
“We’re all very, very close. We chat with her often. A week doesn’t go by where we’re not checking in, seeing how she’s doing,” Dreyer told the outlet. “We pray for her all the time. We can’t wait for her to come back. We’re just waiting for that day to come.”
Jones also has the support of her fellow Today colleagueCarson Daly, who was asked by Entertainment Tonight on May 1 when the journalist was expected to return to the show.
“I don’t know anything about when or timeline,” Daly, 51, told the outlet. “We talk about her probably every day and we’re wishing her well. She’s spending much needed time with her family. That’ll just take its course. There’s so much love going out to her.”
In addition to cohosting Today’s 3rd hour with Al Roker, Craig Melvin and Dreyer, Jones also serves as an executive producer of MSNBC’s Stories We Tell: The Fertility Secret.
“It has definitely been a whirlwind with everyone’s opinions on all the stuff that has happened,” Litia, 31, recently told Us Weekly during an exclusive interview. “I grew up watching reality TV. You just assume that everyone [on the show has] moved past it, but it is crazy how many emotions come up while you’re watching it [air]. Things are kind of reignited. [You’re thinking], ‘I didn’t know they said that, or I don’t know if I really like how that conversation went.’ You see everyone’s talking heads and you don’t know how much of it is editing and how much of it they really felt in the moment. Stuff got dug up and dredged up … that part was the most surprising.”
Earlier this year, Bachelor Nation watched Grant Ellis develop connections with both Litia and Juliana Pasquarosa during his weeks-long journey. During the March 24 finale, he broke things off with Litia — after allegedly assuring her the night before that they were going to get engaged — and proposed to Juliana, 29. Litia confronted Grant about seemingly leading her on during the live portion of the finale.
“I was very excited for it to be out there and for it to be over. I was obviously very nervous because it was live and I didn’t know how everyone was gonna respond to it,” Litia told Us. “I hadn’t seen our breakup yet, so I didn’t really know how that was gonna go. But I had closure the day that we broke up. Our conversation was 45 minutes long, and I said everything I needed to say on that day — and really everything I said was things that had happened throughout the course of the season.”
Litia explained that her comments to Grant during the live show were largely things she said during their breakup that didn’t make the cut.
“They can’t include a 45-minute conversation in a three-hour finale, so I just knew that I was gonna have to give everyone context for my reaction,” she said. “I’m not mad anymore. It’s disappointing and I desire accountability — I think that is all I really cared about. I wasn’t trying to hold anyone’s feet to the fire or anything. I was just like, ‘This is context for my reaction and every happiness to everybody else.'”
“That’s what I’m responsible for at the end of the day — saying my piece,” she continued. “So if it looks like I’m only focusing on myself, that’s correct, that’s the story that I’m responsible for telling.”
One of Litia’s comments that garnered a lot of attention was noting that Juliana should “have a lot of questions,” given the previous promises Grant had made to her. Juliana has since stated her feelings were hurt by how things went down.
Disney/Anne Marie Fox
“I don’t really have anything to say to Grant. I have said it several times, but to Juliana, I hope that she’s happy. I know there’s been some bumpiness between us, like, publicly, but I don’t have any hostility or anything for her,” Litia told Us. “I wish her happiness and I hope everything’s going well.” While Litia said she hasn’t spoken to them, she added, “If I were to see them, it would be very civil.”
Acknowledging that dating on TV is “so different” than dating in “real life,” Litia said that feelings and whether you “have chemistry” is real. She also noted that she will take lessons she learned from the show into the IRL dating scene.
“Pretty early on in the season, he said something to me that kind of threw me off a little bit. I addressed it and I think he handled it perfectly, but it was something that in past relationships, I would’ve been so petrified to bring up because it seems a little too deep. Like, ‘Well we’ve been together total for 20 minutes and you’re gonna call out a random comment that I said?'” she explained. “[But] you can do it in a respectful, nice way if something pops up — a red flag or just even, like, a yellow flag, it’s OK to address it and not waste your time.”
In addition to getting love from fans for holding Grant accountable, Litia’s openness about dating as biracial Mormon woman resonated with viewers.
“I think it makes me rare. It makes me unique,” Litia said with a smile. “It’s definitely isolating at times because I don’t know anyone that’s dealing with the exact same set of circumstances, but I think that feeling alone or feeling isolated — especially in dating — is not unique. … I think all women do that, [ask], ‘Is it because my hair’s too short? Is it because I gained 10 pounds? Is it because I have this job?’ We all kind of question ourselves and pick ourselves apart on behalf of the people that we’re dating when it’s so unnecessary.”
Litia said it’s “a test of knowing your value and knowing what you bring to the table” to come into to every new interaction or relationship [with the attitude of], ‘I know all the things that are positive that I bring, so I’m not gonna pick myself apart before the other person picks me apart.'”
When it comes to her religion, Litia said there are “so many” misconceptions about dating someone who is a Mormon.
Litia Garr.Disney/Anne Marie Fox
“One misconception was, ‘Litia wants to have kids because she’s been conditioned and she’s been this, this and this.’ I’m like, if I was subscribing to every stereotype that exists about my religion, I would’ve been married at 20, I’d have four kids. I never would’ve done so many other things,” she explained. “They just kind of assume that I’m not capable of critical thinking because I subscribe to organized religion and ’cause I’m a Christian and all of that.”
Other than opting for an outing for a soda instead of heading to a bar for a drink, Litia said “there are good guys and bad guys” within the Mormon dating scene just like there would be within any group of men.
“One thing that I really like about both [The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and Mormon Wives] is that it portrays every woman as a real person who’s dynamic and nuanced,” she said. “Everyone has layers. And like, yes, you may be a part of a certain religion, but you’re also a woman and you’re also a mom and a wife, or you’re single or everyone is going through these things that are actually shared experiences. We are more similar to everyone else than we are dissimilar.”
Litia noted that there is a lot of “speculation about specific choices people make in their sex lives” or how to handle other topics that aren’t “in line with our religion.”
“I can only speak for myself and my own experience, but church is for people who want peace,” she continued. “Religion is for people who are seeking a greater purpose and who want to feel connected to a community and who wanna feel supported. And that is especially for people that made mistakes or that made choices that they regretted, they absolutely need peace. It’s not for perfect people.”
Litia gives credit to Taylor Frankie Paul, specifically, for being a “great example” of that.
“She made choices that she didn’t like and has found a way to make the church or to make our religion something that enriches her life and that she knows that it’s for her — it’s for everyone who wants it,” Litia said. “And if you don’t want it — that’s the other thing too — we’re not pushing it on anyone. It is something that brings me peace. It’s something that brings me joy. That’s why it’s a part of my life.”
When it comes to reality TV, Litia hasn’t just interacted with the stars from her couch. She met Kendall Jenner (and Hailey Bieber) at Coachella — and they were all-in on The Bachelor.
“Kendall and Hailey both watched the season,” she said. “Kendall walked up to me and was so friendly and so kind. It was the most surreal thing just because they’re icons in fashion, obviously. But at that time there was a lot of discourse with Grant and Juliana, and I was like, ‘How do you guys deal with hate?’ Especially Hailey was going through all of that at that point. And so it was so interesting to talk to them about that.”
Jenner and Bieber’s pro advice? “They both said the same thing: ‘Don’t look at it. But obviously, like, we still see it, but don’t look at it,'” she said. “It’s good advice.”
Litia also takes style cues from Jenner and Bieber. She often posts about fashion and beauty on social media.
“I love chunky jewelry [and] funky, beaded things. I think that quiet luxury has been such a dominant movement in fashion lately. I am excited this summer to see something a little bit more funky,” Litia said. “I wanna get a little bit crazy … and be fun and funky and mix and match. I want it to be more exciting — patterns, prints and bright colors.”
She isn’t limiting herself to just style or reality TV, though.
“I met a creator recently that was like, ‘Oh, what kind of content do you make?’ And I was like, ‘I don’t know yet.’ I’m figuring it out,” she said. “Today, I made an outfit video. Tomorrow, I’m probably gonna talk about my feelings. I try to just post whatever I am feeling in the moment. I definitely am in my head a lot because of the show and, like, all the negative things that can come with it. But the content that I like and the creators that I follow and I enjoy following are people that are just posting whatever they’re thinking about.”
While details surrounding the split remain private, the first source said it was “a slow fizzle” and nothing dramatic happened. “They are still friends and support each other’s sobriety,” the source added.
“They are not spending as much time with each other. It’s minimal,” the source continued. “She’s focusing on herself. She is sober and doing really well.”
Back in June 2020, Us Weekly confirmed that Locklear and Heisser were engaged after a years-long on-again, off-again relationship.
Heather Locklear and Chris HeisserCourtesy of Heathe Locklear / Instagram
After briefly dating in high school during the ‘70s, the pair reunited in 2017 and rekindled their romance. The duo briefly split in 2019 before getting back together one year later.
“They each go out of their way to make the other feel special — she’ll cook for him, he’ll buy her flowers, etc,” a source told Us at the time of the engagement. “They are still planning on getting married and still want a small and intimate wedding but of course because of COVID, they’re taking things slow and trying to figure out details.”
Instead of planning a wedding, Locklear is now enjoying quality time with her gal pals and daughter Ava, 27, who she shares with ex Richie Sambora.
“Heather’s main focus is her sobriety, gardening, cooking, and spending quality time with her daughter Ava and her friends,” the source shared.
Heisser isn’t the only ex Locklear remains on good terms with.
After playing love interests on Melrose Place, Locklear and Jack Wagner began dating in 2007 before getting engaged in August 2011. Although they split three months later, Wagner told Us that the pair still remain cordial.
“Just [for] little things,” he shared in March. “Birthday things or stuff like that. We stay friendly.”
When asked about a possible reboot of the Fox drama, Wagner said he’d be open to it — with a few new faces.
“You have to bring on young, new actors,” he explained. “It can’t be all about us. I don’t know what the longevity or interest in that would be. It would be more about a few of us probably starting the storylines out, letting them take place and then branching off into who their children are now or where they are.”
Memorial Day sales are typically associated with patio furniture and used cars, but not this year. Amazon’s early Memorial Day deal section is packed with fashionista-friendly finds, from sunglasses and sandals to bags, swimsuits and tops — but nothing comes close to these dress deals.
Some of the most effortlessly slimming dresses are majorly marked down, hovering at prices we see only on Black Friday. So if you need a flattering outfit to carry you through barbecues, weddings, everyday errands and beyond, there’s no time like the present — or two minutes ago — to get your summer wardrobe in order.
These picks are selling out fast, so don’t let anything linger in your cart for too long. Happy shopping!
15 Early Memorial Day Slimming Dress Deals on Amazon
1. Our Favorite: A dreamy blue hue, dainty flowers, flutter sleeves and hidden pockets are just a few highlights of this everyday mini.
2. Crowd-Loved: Our readers (and over a thousand Amazon shoppers) are buying this tiered midi in droves . . . so are we.
3. Grand Entrance: Whether you have a beach wedding or want to steal the resort spotlight, this spaghetti-strap maxi has your name on it.
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5. Everything Dress: Office? Check. Baby shower? Check. Date night? Check. This stretchy knee-length dress is versatile enough to check every box and more!
After Dr. Heather Collins had a miscarriage on The Pitt, fans may be surprised at season 2’s potential plans — or lack thereof — for her motherhood journey.
During an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Tracy Ifeachorexplained her takeaway from Collins‘ story line in season 1, saying, “There’s going to be a lot of surprises [in season 2], I’ll just say that. But I try to look at it like she is a person who is a representative of women across the nation who are trying to conceive. Many — I would hope all — at some point will conceive and go on to have children. But some won’t.”
Ifeachor, 39, argued that it wasn’t about the destination but the journey for Collins.
“I feel like whether she does or she doesn’t [have a baby] in the future isn’t necessarily important. It’s that in the moment that we meet her, she’s gone through what so many have — one in four women have miscarriages,” she noted. “In this moment, what is important for me is that she will be someone that can help comfort, can help validate, can help strengthen, can help give hope and can help remove that stigma and that blame that a lot of women feel when they go through this tragic thing.”
Season 1 of The Pitt, which premiered in January, started a 15-hour shift in the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital with Collins’ secretly celebrating a pregnancy via IVF. Halfway through the day, however, Collins suffered a miscarriage and had to continue working as a senior resident despite the heartbreaking loss.
“The thing that’s the most important to me is that she will encourage people. Because I think I watched something like 300 hours of testimonials of women who’d had miscarriages and were trying and going down the IVF route [or] blastocyst and all these amazing journeys. Because any way you do it, it’s still a miracle,” Ifeachor explained. “It’s still a miracle and there’s so many women hoping for that. So I hope in this season it won’t be about whether she does or she doesn’t go on to [try IVF or have a baby] again. It’s that in this moment it hasn’t worked out. It’s not her fault.”
Max
The actress continued: “She feels all these emotions. Hopefully women across America and the world will be able to relate to her and can take some form of comfort in the fact that they’re not going through this alone. Even people who look like Collins — someone who has everything together and rising to the top of her profession and really accomplished. She’s a medical person who knows how to take care of her body but these things can still happen even to people like that. I hope that that strengthens them and encourages them. I just try to focus on what we’ve seen so far.”
While reflecting on the first season, Ifeachor broke down the information she was given about Collins and how it helped shape her performance.
“I was told she comes from finance and that after the [stock market], there was just a feeling that she needed a change. There was a mentor called Dr. Adamson who died of COVID. We touched on that briefly and she just decided to make that switch later on in life,” Ifeachor recalled. “For me, that really gave me a very black and white pursuit of excellence. Because in finance, there’s a number that you arrive at because 2 plus 2 is 4. There’s a pursuit of excellence that she has that I feel like hopefully we brought to Dr. Collins in both the writing and in the performance.”
Ifeachor also spent time building out Collins’ interest in becoming a mother, adding, “I really had to look at why people decide to have children. I am from a Nigerian background and it is just what you do. Where are your 10 kids? Everybody has at least four. My auntie has one and people would stop her on the street going, ‘Oh, what happened? How can we pray for you? Obviously there’s been some tragic mistake here.'”
She continued: “So when you look at that, a lot of people feel — and I share this thought and this wouldn’t be my reason — but there’s so much [going on] in the world, why not bring a little more good into it and leave something behind as well? So when you are constantly pouring out to other people and you’re literally saving lives every day you go to work, sometimes that doesn’t work out and sometimes it does.”
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The Pitt‘s structure of an hour representing an hour of a shift doesn’t always allow the audience to spend too much time in a character’s state of mind. But Ifeachor could see why Collins was at a place in her life where she wanted to expand her family no matter what.
“Sometimes you just want a little piece of yourself that is yours. You just want this person that’s yours that you take care of. When you feed into this person, they don’t just get well and walk out the door and you never really see them again,” she told Us. “You want that person to hold onto you. You want that little piece of yourself. I feel like for Collins, she definitely wanted that. She didn’t have that and she decided to take matters into her own hands and try to create a family and create this wonderful bundle of joy herself, which unfortunately didn’t work out.”
“I’m a big believer in a person just being a person and then letting the audience decide how they want to receive them. So oftentimes in my career, I don’t tend to typically play that kind of person. I want to play the content of that character. Then when that’s not talked about, we then are now able to invite an audience to ask questions,” she detailed. “Whereas if we are always hammering over people’s heads, it also doesn’t feel true to a lived experience that I’ve lived — but it then doesn’t give the audience an opportunity to ask. There’s a line in the show where Collins says, ‘The risks are not the same as they are for you.’ Originally that was written a little differently and my hat off to [creator] R. Scott Gemmill, he listened to what my thoughts were on the situation. It was a lovingly respectful conversation.”
She added: “I said, ‘I feel like, would it be this way? What are we really asking here? Is it that she’s a woman? Is it that she’s a Black woman? Is it about education levels? What is it?’ He was like, ‘Well, it’s all of those things.’ I said, ‘Great but if we reduce it down to one thing and label it and name it then we are not giving the audience the credit that we both know that they deserve and they need.’ It’s going to really enhance and lift the show, the character and the scene if we are not labeling the why. We are just leaving it open to other people to decide, ‘Well what does she mean?’ Then we invite conversation.”
Ifeachor’s commitment to enriching Collins’ story line has only made fans — and Us — more excited to see more of her in season 2. Despite Collins being a fan-favorite, no returns have been confirmed ahead of the second season.
“Listen, there is going to be an amazing cast in season 2 — just as there was in season 1. I’m just going to leave it there,” Ifeachor teased. “I’m not a [plot] ruiner. I’m not even going to tell you who is or is not going to come back. I’m just going to say I want you to watch season 2 and just enjoy it as much as you’ve watched season 1. Hopefully there’ll be seasons 3 and 4 and 7.
The Pitt has been renewed for season 2 and is currently streaming on HBO Max.
Justin and Hailey Bieber’s son, Jack Blues, is growing up before their very eyes.
“My sweet baby is 9 months old today,” Hailey, 28, wrote via Instagram on Thursday, May 22, sharing a new photo of her son.
In the black-and-white pic, baby Jack sat on the floor, playing with a black mesh bag while he sat opposite the camera with his face hidden from view. The infant wore a casual white T-shirt and a pair of gray sweatpants.
“Giving birth was the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” Hailey recalled to Vogue in a profile published earlier this week, noting she prepared by doing breathing exercises, acupuncture, yoga, pelvic-floor therapy and more. “I was on that s***. I was doing everything. I felt stronger physically than I ever had before.”
According to the outlet, Hailey was induced at 39 weeks when she started leaking amniotic fluid.
“That was not fun. They broke my water,” she told the magazine in a cover story. “I went into labor and I labored for a few hours. No epidural, nothing.”
Jack was born after 18 hours of labor, shortly before Hailey experienced a postpartum hemorrhage.
Courtesy of Hailey Rhode Bieber/Instagram
“[It] was a little bit scary,” she said. “I trust my doctor with my life. And so I had peace that I knew she would never let anything happen to me. But I was bleeding really badly, and people die, and the thought crosses your mind. You start to get a little freaked out.”
Once Hailey recovered from the procedure, she needed to adjust to her new normal as a parent.
“Being postpartum is the most sensitive time I’ve ever gone through in my life, and learning a new version of myself is very difficult,” she stated to Vogue. “And to be doing that all the while going on the internet every day and people being like, ‘They’re getting divorced and they’re this and they’re not happy’: It is such a mindf***. I cannot even begin to explain it. It’s a crazy life to live.”
Hailey and Justin, 31, have been married since 2018, recently sparking breakup speculation after fans thought they unfollowed each other on social media. Both Hailey and the “Peaches” singer have fervently clapped back and denied the accusations.
“I’ve learned so much from Justin, really,” she added to the outlet. “He’s been doing this literally since he was a child, and he has had to face the most scrutiny of any person that I know. He was like, ‘Baby, trust me, I’ve been here before many, many times. You’re not going to win. There is no winning.’”
In his own emailed conversation with Vogue, Justin called marrying Hailey “the smartest thing” he’s ever done.
“I’m walking in the days I always dreamed of,” Justin gushed.
Artificial intelligence is all around us, and movies about artificial intelligence have been around even longer than the technology itself — going back as far as the 1927 film Metropolis. But as AI evolves, our storytelling about it changes, too. While you’re pursuing HBO and Max this month, Watch With Us recommends checking out Companion, a hilarious horror comedy that invites us to see things from an AI’s point of view.
Companion is about Iris (SophieThatcher, Yellowjackets), a young woman who is besotted with her boyfriend Josh (Jack Quaid, The Boys) but a bit nervous about going on vacation with his friends. A few minutes into the movie, however, Iris learns that she is a companion robot from a company called Empathix, programmed to love Josh. When Josh sets Iris up to take the fall for a crime he forced her to commit, Iris seeks a way to gain control over her own programming. It’s a story about betrayal, love and control — wrapped in a bloody, robot-filled package.
Here’s why you should stream this smart, scary and thought-provoking movie.
It’s Scary, but Not Too Scary
A man kisses the neck of a woman in ‘Companion.’Warner Bros.
I’m not a horror movie person. I don’t seek out blood and gore, I hate jump scares and I still think about “The Tethered” from Jordan Peele’sUs and get chills at random moments. Psychological horror freaks me out too — I don’t usually want to think about the dark depths of the human soul. Life is scary enough!
But now and then, a horror movie —usually a horror comedy — breaks through and makes me think more about what the story means than how grossed out I am. Companion is one of those movies. Despite my trepidation, I was encouraged to watch it by a friend, and I’m so glad I did.
There’s violence and gore, but Iris is such a compelling protagonist that I found myself focusing on her journey toward self-actualization instead of the number of people she stabbed (there are a few).
The comedic performances in Companion also soften the more violent moments. Quaid is hilariously loathsome as Josh, a stereotypical “nice guy” who seethes with entitlement. Harvey Guillén (What We Do in the Shadows) and Lukas Gage (You, The White Lotus) are hilarious as another couple on the trip. (Their relationship dynamic is fascinating. I won’t spoil it by saying more.)
Overall, the storytelling in Companion is strong enough to overpower the scariness — and coming from this writer, that’s saying something.
The AI Metaphor Is Multi-Layered
Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid in ‘Companion.’Warner Bros. Pictures
Positioning Iris as the protagonist, and making her believe she’s human for the first few minutes, does something really interesting for the narrative — it frames her as the “real person” in the story and Josh as the malevolent force. Yes, Iris is a robot, but she’s also a woman, and the story serves as a metaphor for the way women are often diminished or even dehumanized in relationships.
Josh can control Iris’ level of intelligence via an app, modeling her to his exact preferences and specifications. Iris is so eager to please him that when she first learns the truth, she just wants to return to their happy relationship. “I can make you so, so happy,” she pleads.
Who among us hasn’t contorted themselves to try to be “perfect” for a significant other? Iris’ plight is eerily familiar to anyone who’s felt a partner pulling away and wondered if they could’ve been better. It’s a remarkably human sensation.
Iris also remembers having a perfect meet-cute with Josh, which is typically a hallmark of rom-coms like Notting Hill. This detail is a clever commentary on how pop culture romantic narratives shape many women’s identities and how easy it is to define oneself around a relationship.
Her status as a robot provides rich metaphorical territory when it comes to how abusive men seek to control and manipulate women — while still considering themselves the hero of the story.
You Won’t See the Twists Coming
Iris’ status as a companion is a surprise to her, but it’s inherent to the movie’s premise, so it’s not exactly a surprise to the viewer. But the story is full of unexpected turns, many of which genuinely shocked me.
As William, 42, and Kate, 43, left their joint appearance at the naming of the HMS Glasgow ship on Thursday, May 22, a waiting fan called the Princess of Wales “beautiful.” Once the individual got a glimpse of William, they added, “You too!”
William, meanwhile, jokingly downplayed the compliment.
“You don’t have to say that,” the Prince of Wales quipped in social media footage as the couple walked toward their waiting car.
William and Kate made a joint appearance at Thursday’s naming ceremony at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Scotstoun, Scotland. Kate also brought the nautical vibes with her outfit, looking pristine in a navy-and-white dress with a matching fascinator. William, for his part, opted for a classic suit.
The outing comes amid Kate’s sponsorship of the HMS Glasgow, for which she was appointed in June 2021. The boat is a state-of-the-art Type 26 anti-submarine frigate that can protect the U.K.’s nuclear deterrent and aircraft carriers. During their visit, William and Kate received a tour of the facilities and met with local employees.
Prince William and Kate Middleton attend the HMS Glasgow naming ceremony on Thursday, May 22.Andy Barr - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Kate has steadily been returning to official duties after navigating an undisclosed form of cancer in 2024.
“The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown,” she wrote in a September 2024 statement, revealing that she completed her chemotherapy treatment. “With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything. This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.”
Kate had battled cancer with her family, including William and their three children, by her side. During that time, she took a step back from her public duties. The duchess confirmed earlier this year that she was in remission.
“It is a relief to now be in remission, and I remain focused on recovery,” she wrote in an Instagram statement in January. “As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am, however, looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.”
Plenty of Hollywood lotharios keep on grabbing headlines well into old age but, at 88, Warren Beatty leads a quiet life largely out of the spotlight — and, considering how he started out, it’s nothing short of miraculous.
For decades, Beatty was the embodiment of Hollywood charisma — a leading man whose smoldering looks, sharp intellect, and knack for both acting and directing made him one of the most fascinating figures in the entertainment industry.
From his breakout role in Splendor in the Grass (1961) to the cultural shockwave of Bonnie and Clyde (1967) to the critically acclaimed hit Bugsy (1991) — the very set where he finally found enduring love with Annette Bening — he was never far from the camera, or the headlines, even famously dating Madonna while they worked on Dick Tracy (1990) together. And yet, he’s still mostly kept pretty quiet. In a rare interview in 2016, he even denied the insane rumor that he’d slept with 12,775 women, declaring it mathematically impossible. “If you stopped and thought about it, I’m now a married person of 24 years, and I believe in doing the right thing,” he told Vanity Fair. “And I’ve never been secretive that I had a rather religious youth, and that I didn’t begin this until late — you know, the age of 20. So I would have had to have been with something like three or four people a day, and nobody twice, ever!”
Beatty now lives a remarkably low-key life with Bening, who he married in 1992, consciously stepping out of the spotlight to focus on raising their family in as normal a fashion as they could, considering their huge fame. The success and accolades Beatty earned in the first half of his incredible career have meant that, in his older years, he’s been able to pick and choose projects when he’s in the mood.
“I was lucky,” he told the Los Angeles Times in 2016. “I didn’t have to make movie after movie after movie. I could take my time. I also had a life. I got caught up in the urgencies of life. “You might say that I luxuriated in that thing that fame affords, which is access.”
Beatty’s control over his multi-hyphenate movie career (actor, writer, director … ) has allowed him to vanish whenever he wants to — and return when he has something to say. Mostly, though, these days, Hollywood’s most elusive former bachelor is basically just that nice old guy down the street who loves reading, relaxing and spending time with his loved ones. He’s clean-living too. “If you see pictures of me smoking, I was acting,” he told Vanity Fair in 2016. “What I do like very much is the smell of cigar smoke.”
The occasional cigar aside, the truth is that even at the height of his fame, Beatty never seemed entirely comfortable with the trappings of celebrity life. While his romantic entanglements with the likes of Natalie Wood, Julie Christie, Diane Keaton, and, of course, Madonna were huge sources of gossip (and, certainly, a ton of fun!) those who knew him well still described him as reserved and deeply intellectual.
It could be that the high-profile relationship with Madonna — they dated for 15 months from 1989 — ultimately made the megastar realize he preferred to keep his private life, well, a little more private. After all, in the Queen of Pop’s 1991 pre-reality-TV documentary movie, Truth or Dare, Beatty famously said, “She doesn’t want to live off-camera, much less talk. There’s nothing to say off-camera. Why would you say something if it’s off-camera? What point is there existing?”
Warren Beatty and Madonna in 1990Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images
As it turned out, his next relationship, with Bening, was a keeper, and spelled a turning point in his public persona. As the story goes, the pair met for a business lunch — at the time, he was 53, and she was 32 — to discuss Bugsy and, afterwards, he called director Barry Levinson and said “I love her, and I’m going to marry her.” He told the New York Post in 2014, “It took about 10 minutes [to fall in love with her]. Maybe five. I was so elated to meet her, and yet at the same time, I began to mourn the passing of a way of life.”
Beatty and Bening’s first child, Stephen, was born in 1992, and they got married two months later before going on to have three more children: Ben, born in 1994, Isabel, born in 1997, and Ella, born in 2000. Since his rapid transformation from playboy to family man, he’s kept his personal life away from the public eye. “I have four children and any one of them is more interesting than any 12 movies I’ve done,” he told People in 2016. “I had my life before them and my life since them.”
Ultimately, it seems as if, after all those years of partying and making movies, Beatty realized that fatherhood and family life were what he really found rewarding — especially with someone as grounded as Bening. The acclaimed star’s own mother, Shirley Bening, said Beatty was attracted to her daughter “because she doesn’t behave like an actress, she’s still herself.”
Speaking to GQ in 2016, Beatty said he’s glad he took his time to settle down. “Had I gone ahead earlier and gone through 143 divorces, I would have felt very guilty,” he said. “I think I would have handled it badly, More importantly, it wouldn’t have been these kids or this wife … I’m so much more interested in my wife and kids than anything else.”
The same year, he also told People about how much fatherhood meant to him. “That’s the biggest thing that’s ever happened to me,” he said. “And their mother. That’s bigger than fame, and it came not a moment too soon.” When picking up the Kirk Douglas Award the same year, he elaborated further. “I became a devoted husband and father 25 years ago, and I have to say they have been the most enthralling years of my life, with our four fantastic kids,” he said. He added: “We have these four, what I like to call small eastern European countries that we negotiate with, and we send ambassadors, and we negotiate, and they’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me — they, and her.”
In recent years, the pair have become empty nesters — and, after so many years devoted to family, it was quite a shift. “I think we’re both still adjusting to the quiet at home,” Bening told AARP in 2019. Beatty even said it had reignited his Hollywood ambitions. “There’s something about the empty nest that makes you say, ‘Well, maybe I should go out and make a movie!’” he told People in 2018.
However, around the same time, he also likened making movies with, well, puking. “I have sometimes compared it to vomiting,” he said on The Graham Norton Show in 2017. “I don’t like to vomit and I rarely vomit, but something builds up, you think about it for a long time, you try to avoid it, but finally you think you will feel better if you go ahead and throw up.”
Warren Beatty and Joan Collins in 1959Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
When Bening appeared in Life Itself in 2018 alongside Olivia Wilde and Oscar Isaac, the couple stepped out for a rare red carpet appearance at the premiere, and Bening was happy to chat about their enduring marriage. “He’s 21 years older than I am and we’ve always been at different stages of life,” she told The London Times. “He’s got a lot of experience. But we’re very different in many ways. The crucial thing is that while we want many of the same things in life, we’ve thrived because we approach things very differently.”
Over the years, Bening has shared a few other tidbits about their marriage. On The Kelly Clarkson Show in 2022, she was asked how they celebrate Valentine’s Day. “It’s pretty no-pressure,” she said. “Valentine’s is pretty low-key. He will generally make me like a little Valentine with just a little red felt pen and make a little heart. He’s very economical in his message.” She added that one of the most successful movie stars of all time is, perhaps unsurprisingly, tough to pick gifts for. “There’s nothing to buy for him,” she said. “He’s one of those men, you cannot find anything … So, no, it’s usually something small; it’s a little note, it’s a flower.”
In 2024, Bening spoke on The Drew Barrymore Show about their deep connection. “I think marriage is like the greatest thing and greatest challenge to really make it all work and to stay together,” she said. “And that is the thing that I am so, so proud of with us.”
Although the couple still live in Los Angeles — Beatty himself designed their sprawling Mulholland Drive home — these days public appearances are rare. In fact, Beatty hasn’t been photographed in public since 2022, when he appeared at the TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood. The last movie he directed and starred in, Rules Don’t Apply, was released even longer ago, in 2016, and it attracted negative reviews and disappointing box office numbers. In fact, Beatty was even sued by his own producer for overspending on marketing.
Around this time, Beatty admitted to flirting with the idea of a career shift to politics, but in the end, he decided that making — and watching — movies about it was more appealing. “I’ve grown to think that to run for office is more like running for crucifixion,” he told People in 2016. “I will confess to having been flattered at being kicked around as a possibility, but I had seen so many close friends go through such agonies.” One such friend was John McCain — despite Beatty’s stance as a lifelong Democrat, he was close friends with the late Republican senator, and even a pallbearer at his funeral in 2018.
Beatty’s most memorable appearance in the past decade was, of course, at the 2017 Oscars, when he and his Bonnie and Clyde costar Faye Dunaway declared La La Land the winner of Best Picture when the award was supposed to go to Moonlight. It wasn’t Beatty’s fault — they were given the wrong envelope — but it’s fair to say that it probably confirmed everything he loathed about life in the spotlight. “I guess you could say it was chaos,” he said on The Graham Norton Show later that year.
More recently, in 2025, when Beatty and Bening’s youngest daughter, Ella, made her Broadway debut alongside Sarah Paulson in Appropriate, Beatty stayed home, with Bening representing the couple alone.
Despite the Hollywood legend’s low-key profile, Beatty has stayed engaged with the world in his ninth decade, reading voraciously and keeping up with the news. “He still reads the New York and Los Angeles Times and the Hollywood trade magazines,” a friend told Closer in 2025. “He’s an activist at heart so he still gets riled up about politics. He’s not the leading man anymore, but he has no regrets.”
Lily Collins, who worked with Beatty on Rules Don’t Apply, also spoke to Vanity Fair in 2016 about how the enigmatic icon stays relevant. “Warren is not his age,” she said. “He’s timeless, he’s fearless, he’s just . . . very singular. He stays up with the times because of his kids, or just because he loves what he does. There’s no one quite like him. Annette and Warren have created this amazing family who are, for all intents and purposes, ‘normal,’ and that’s a testament to how they both raised them.”
All things considered, it sounds like Beatty has lived a life of two wonderful halves: global fame and beautiful women early on, and devoted, low-key family life from his fifties onwards. And since making movies always felt like vomiting, in the end falling so instantly in love with Bening gave Beatty the great midlife transformation he didn’t know he needed.
Between all the serums, tinted moisturizers, primers and creams we’re told to incorporate in our skincare routine to achieve a glowing complexion, the cost really does add up. If you’ve ever wondered, ‘Why isn’t there one product that can help me achieve glass-like skin,’ you’re in luck.
The K Republiq Magic Balm Instant Glaze is a viral, five-in-one beauty product hailing from Australia, and it’s intended to replace your primer, foundation, highlighter, serum and light cream — yes, really.
The Magic Balm Instant Glaze a solid balm that’s slightly tinted and completely melts into skin to achieve a no-makeup, makeup look — no pilling or sticky residue involved. Packed with bakuchiol, which is known for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improving skin texture and tone, the balm locks moisture into the skin for a dewy and plump appearance. Additionally, it sloughs off dead skin cells, revealing brighter-looking skin. Is there anything this balm can’t do?
“Wow, just Wow!” a reviewer said. “The K Republiq Magic Balm Instant Glow is a total skin savior! I’m absolutely hooked on this incredible product that’s transformed my complexion in the most astonishing way. The magic Glow balm is like a ray of sunshine in a jar — it illuminates my skin from within, leaving a stunning, lit-from-within radiance that’s simply irresistible.”
“Wow my first time using this product,” another shared. “I’m 61, and I have countless skin treatments, lotions, and potions, but I have to say this one really works amazingly. So hydrated but no greasy feeling at all.”
“I have just used this product, but I can already see the result,” a final shopper wrote. “My skin has never felt hydrated and glowing.”
If you want to switch to lighter products just in time for summer, make sure your routine includes this magic balm while it’s still in stock. Your skin will thank you!
Shaquille O’Neal is explaining why he abruptly answered nature’s call on live TV last month.
The former basketball player went viral in April after he quietly got out of his seat and shuffled off the set of TNT’s Inside the NBA mid-broadcast to go to the bathroom, telling his surprised cohosts, “Go ahead, keep talking.” Shaq’s sudden exit prompted cohost Kenny Smith to joke, “That’s that olive oil you’ve been drinking.”
On Thursday, May 22, Shaq, 53, was quizzed about the viral moment during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, though he wasn’t initially forthcoming with all the details.
“I was drinking a lot of water that day,” the legendary center said at first. “I know I had the number-two run, but it was really a number one.”
Just moments later, Shaq admitted lying to host Jimmy Fallon.
“I just made a mistake. I lied to you on national TV,” Shaq confessed. “It wasn’t a number-one run, it was a number-two run. I had to go so bad!”
As for the olive oil? “I’m drinking olive oil because I want to be sexy,” Shaq explained. “That’s what it said on Instagram. [It] said if you drink olive oil for 14 days, it clears stuff out, gets you a flat stomach. So I was trying it.”
Shaq’s sudden bathroom break last month caused a stir among his cohosts in the studio. “He’s been drinking olive oil to clean his gut … he’s cleaning his gut all right,” Smith said with a laugh after Shaq’s exit.
Ernie Johnson Jr. wondered, “That was a first … that wasn’t something planned, was it?” He went on to joke, “I didn’t like his gait as he left, that was not a typical walk right there.”
“Please turn his mic off,” Smith added in jest.
The following night on Inside the NBA, Shaq’s cohosts had a surprise for him when the show went on the air: a portable toilet.
It’s not the first time Shaq has shocked — or dismayed — his cohosts. Back in January, the sports analyst showed off his bare feet to his costars, eliciting strong reactions.
“Look at those nails, man,” Johnson quipped, while Smith remarked, “Your feet look like a bald eagle’s feet.”
The state of Shaq’s feet threw Charles Barkley off so much that he struggled to transition into the next segment. “I need time to say something serious, but I can’t do it right now,” he said.
We’ve all been there: Working away at our desks while our palms and underarms perspire. Deodorant can only help so much, making breathable work attire that much more important in the summer. Luckily, Amazon has a hefty selection of lightweight, polished-looking dresses to keep you comfy while you type, present or chat by the water cooler.
These affordable dresses are perfect for corporate fashionistas who want to be cool and classy this summer — even if you’d much rather be chilling poolside. There are tons of dresses to choose from, including collared picks, bell-sleeve numbers and wrap options. Your bank account won’t break a sweat either. Our favorites are listed below, all under $35!
15 Office-Friendly Summer Dresses That Are All Under $35
1. Bestseller Alert: Lightweight and stretchy with a tie waist, this flattering short-sleeve dress changes everything we know about office core.
2. European Flair: Look like a Parisian CEO in this laid-back midi dress with front buttons, cap sleeves and a waist-enhancing bow tie.
3. Shift Dress: Ruffles, pockets, pleats, oh my! Billowy is an understatement with this dainty bell-sleeve dress.
4. Button Up, Buttercup: Casual Friday dress? Check! This knee-length wonder has rollable sleeves and is lined with pretty accent buttons for a utility-style twist.
5. Stretchy Chic: Simple in style, this fitted wrap dress hugs curves nicely thanks to its stretchy material and cinched waist design. Plus, it pairs beautifully with sandals, sneakers and flats alike.
6. Polka Dot Princess: Polka dots are optional, but not really! Embody the 1960s era with this classy yet playful sleeveless find.
7. Petal Sleeves: We can’t stop wearing this Charleston-inspired dress this spring and trust Us, it’s a compliment magnet!
8. Layering Staple: Wear this tank dress with a blazer, jewelry and leather tote to become the office envy — guaranteed. Pssst, the striped hem details make it pass for a designer pick!
9. Yachting on the Weekends: Skin-soft material, elegant stripes and a sleeveless cut are just a few highlights of this knit midi.
10. Effortlessly Chic: Give put-together vibes while wearing this knee-length floral dress. It has a timeless, luxury appeal due to the conservative neckline, floral print and A-line skirt.
11. Boho Aesthetic: This anything-but-basic button-front dress brings a touch of rustic charm, making it a perfect pick for boutique enthusiasts.
12. Over 8K Fans: Reviewers can’t get enough of this tummy-hiding pencil dress, especially since it has secret pockets.
13. Vacation Dress: Style this pleated chiffon dress with a belt and crossbody for post-work cocktails — or with sneakers, a sun hat and a backpack for a tour de France.
14. Super Sophisticated: Have you ever seen such a classic dress? This bell-sleeve mini has a contrasting skirt that adds a dynamic, designer-looking touch.
15. Must-Have Maxi: Look no further for a dreamy maxi dress that’s as flattering as it is trendy. This sleeveless number is designed with a collar, elastic waistband and flowy skirt.
This Memorial Day weekend, the place to be isn’t at the beach, a music concert or even the movie theater — it’s in your home watching HBO Max. The newly rebranded streamer has so many hit movies and shows, there’s really no need to step outside. (For health reasons, please do.)
The only problem is deciding what to watch. Some may opt for the Oscar-nominated drama The Brutalist, while others may prefer Christopher Nolan’s mind-pretzel of a movie, Inception.
Watch With Us prefers to highlight movies that are underrated and deserve some attention. This weekend’s lineup includes an unfairly maligned video game adaptation, a fascinating documentary behind one of the most successful shows of all time and a biopic that dramatizes the last days of a music mogul accused of murdering a woman.
‘Assassin’s Creed’ (2016)
Cal (Michael Fassbender) is about to be executed for murdering a pimp when he’s saved by a mysterious organization named Abstergo. They need him to retrieve an artifact known as the Apple of Eden, and the only way to do that is for him to enter a simulation called the Animus that allows him to relive his genetic memories in the distant past so he can find the artifact’s present whereabouts. But Abstergo’s intentions aren’t exactly pure, and Cal soon realizes his saviors only want to use him before disposing of him for good.
Assassin’s Creed is silly, confusing and too convoluted for its own good. It’s also immensely enjoyable if you like to watch classy actors such as Fassbender, Marion Cotillard and Jeremy Irons spout inane dialogue about secret organizations and shadowy conspiracies involving historical figures like Christopher Columbus. The plot is somehow both complex and nonexistent, but the action sequences are staged well, and Fassbender makes for a good, brainy action hero with a lethal middle finger.
Wait — they made a Game of Thronesmovie? Well, not exactly. Game of Thrones: The Last Watch is an in-depth documentary about the controversial last season of one of the best shows ever created. Why was it controversial? We won’t get into it here, but fans expected a satisfying conclusion to George R.R. Martin’s epic fantasy, and the showrunners delivered … something else.
The Last Watch, however, is immensely satisfying because it provides an all-too-rare peek behind the showbiz curtain. What’s it like to be one of the many extras in an elaborate battle scene? How do you provide costumes for hundreds of extras and keep track of who is wearing what? And what was the cast’s initial reaction when they read the final episode script? All these questions are answered throughout the documentary, which gives GoT fans the proper closure the series finale failed to provide.
Phil Spector was a legendary music producer who worked with famous musicians like The Beatles, The Ramones and Tina Turner, but he’s now remembered as a tabloid fixture who was tried and convicted for killing actress Lana Clarkson. The HBO movie, also called Phil Spector, focuses on the disgraced producer’s relationship with attorney Linda Kenney Baden (Helen Mirren), who defended him at his first murder trial.
Al Pacino plays Spector as a man delusional about his past actions and defiant about the accusations levied against him. Mirren’s attorney is sympathetic to her client but also realistic about the solid case the prosecution has put together. The movie freely dramatizes some of the facts related to the case, so Spector comes off as more sympathetic than he was in real life. But Phil Spector, which was written and directed by David Mamet, is a solid chamber piece featuring two of the best actors working today.
Miley Cyrus went to extreme lengths for her new musical film.
The “Easy Lover” singer, 32, revealed she was hospitalized with an unspecified leg infection around Thanksgiving last year after rolling around on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her latest opus, Something Beautiful. (Cyrus is set to drop her new album on May 30, followed by a musical movie featuring tracks from the record next month.)
During an appearance on the Thursday, May 22, episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live, Cyrus said she “caught something” while filming scenes set to the tune of “Walk of Fame,” one of the new album tracks.
“I filmed this video in October, and by November at Thanksgiving, I was put in the ICU for a moment — just for a moment,” Cyrus recalled. “My leg began to disintegrate around the kneecap area.”
Cyrus continued, “The doctor goes, ‘Do you have any idea why you would have such a brutal infection on your kneecap?’ And I just saw myself [rolling around on the Walk of Fame] and I had to tell him.”
“To have a surgeon look at you and say, ‘Yuck’ … Like, they open up cadavers, they see inside the gut of humans, and they’re looking at me telling me I’m disgusting,” Cyrus quipped.
Cyrus shared that she decided to shoot on the Walk of Fame in the middle of the night to avoid costly rental fees.
“With this movie, I had a big dream and a small budget. Well, I had a pretty good budget but I spent it all on my clothes,” the singer explained. “So then, when it came time to go to the Walk of Fame, they were like, ‘So what are you gonna do? Are you gonna rent this thing or what? ‘Cos that’s really out of your price range.’ I’m like, ‘No, we’ll just go in the middle of the night.’”
“I had a pretty traumatic experience on a show that I was doing with Lorne [Michaels] when I was doing my New Year’s show,” Cyrus said during a Wednesday, May 21, interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe. “I had a medical emergency. I had an ovarian cyst rupture.”
An ovarian cyst rupture is when a fluid-filled sac on or inside an ovary bursts open and causes severe pain and bleeding inside the pelvis, per the Mayo Clinic. At the time, Cyrus “didn’t know exactly what was going on,” so she proceeded with the show. Cyrus hosted alongside godmother Dolly Parton and performed duets with Parton, Sia and Paris Hilton.
“It was pretty traumatic because it was extremely excruciating and I did the show anyway,” Cyrus recalled. “But it was really, really hard on me.”
