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Today — 23 February 2025Main stream

Alec and Hilaria Baldwin are getting their own reality TV series. Here's what to know about their 7 kids.

23 February 2025 at 02:45
Alec and Hilaria Baldwin and their seven children in a promotional photo for "The Baldwins."
Alec and Hilaria Baldwin and their seven children in a promotional photo for "The Baldwins."

Rou Shoots/TLC

  • Alec and Hilaria Baldwin have been married since 2012 and share seven kids.
  • The couple's eldest child was born in 2013, and their youngest was born in 2022.
  • The family of nine will star in the new TLC reality TV series "The Baldwins."

Alec and Hilaria Baldwin are pulling the curtain back on their bustling family life.

The "30 Rock" star, the yoga instructor, and their seven kids are taking the spotlight in the new TLC reality TV series "The Baldwins."

"We're inviting you into our home to experience the ups and downs, the good, the bad, the wild, and the crazy," Alec said in an Instagram video announcing the show in June.

The reality series promises to give an intimate look at the life of a couple who's been the subject of public interest and some controversies over the years.

The trailer for "The Baldwins" revealed that the show will address the difficulties of parenting in the aftermath of the 2021 accidental shooting that occurred on the set of Alec's movie "Rust," which killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The movie's armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, and Baldwin was acquitted of the same charge after pleading not guilty.

"Honestly, from the bottom of my soul, I don't know where I'd be if I didn't have you and these kids," Alec tells Hilaria at one point in the trailer.

Here's everything you need to know about the couple's kids before the series premiere of "The Baldwins."

Alec and Hilaria Baldwin's first child together, Carmen, was born on August 23, 2013

Alec and Hilaria met at a restaurant in New York City in 2011 and married in 2012. The following year, Hilaria gave birth to their first child together, Carmen Gabriela.

It wasn't the first child for Alec, who was previously married to the actor Kim Basinger. The pair share a daughter named Ireland Baldwin, who was born in 1995.

They welcomed four sons between 2015 and 2020: Rafael, Leonardo, Romeo, and Eduardo

The Baldwin family
Alec and Hilaria Baldwin with three of their kids in October 2018.

Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Hamptons International Film Festival

Alec and Hilaria's first son, Rafael Thomas, was born on June 17, 2015. Hilaria shared the news with fans on Instagram at the time.

"We are happy to announce the birth of Rafael Thomas Baldwin 💙," Hilaria captioned a photo of her holding hands with the baby.

Leonardo Ángel Charles followed on September 12, 2016.

"We are so pleased to introduce you to our new baby, Leonardo Ángel Charles Baldwin. It was such a special day bringing him into this world 💙," Hilaria shared on Instagram that year.

Hilaria gave birth to the couple's fourth child, Romeo Alejandro David, on May 17, 2018. The wellness enthusiast shared a photo of her and Alec with the newborn on Instagram, writing: "He's here! He's perfect! 8lbs 2oz 💛 #wegotthis2018."

Alec and Hilaria's fifth child, a son named Eduardo "Edu" Pao Lucas, was born on September 8, 2020. "We had a baby last night. He is perfect and we couldn't be happier 🌟," Hilaria wrote in part on Instagram.

Alec also shared the same photo of him and Hilaria with their newborn baby on his Instagram account. "I love you, @hilariabaldwin," he wrote in part. "My karma is your karma. Your karma is mine."

Their sixth child, daughter María Lucía, was born via a surrogate on February 25, 2021

Alec Baldwin, Hilaria Baldwin, and their kids attend as DreamWorks Animation presents The Boss Baby: Family Business World Premiere.
Alec Baldwin, Hilaria Baldwin, and six of their children at the premiere of "The Boss Baby: Family Business" in June 2021.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Universal Pictures

Alec and Hilaria welcomed María Lucía Victoria, nicknamed Marilu, several months after the birth of Edu.

A few days after her birth, Hilaria shared a photo of the newborn on Instagram with the caption: "We are so in love with our daughter, Lucia. Just like your brothers and sisters, you are a dream come true."

Hilaria, who previously opened up about miscarrying at four months pregnant in 2019, refers to Edu and Marilu as her "two rainbow babies."

"We are living each day, bonding, and grateful for all of the very special angels who helped bring Lucía into the world," Hilaria wrote in part in another Instagram post after Marilu's birth. "María Lucía Victoria and Eduardo Pau Lucas: our babies who bring light into our lives—almost like twins, we love you so much."

Their youngest child, daughter Ilaria, was born six months later

Alec and Hilaria Baldwin with their seven kids at the Hamptons International Film Festival in October 2023.
Alec and Hilaria Baldwin with their seven kids at the Hamptons International Film Festival in October 2023.

Sonia Moskowitz/Getty Images

Ilaria Catalina Irena was born on September 22, 2022.

Hilaria referred to the newborn as their "tiny dream come true," in an Instagram post.

"How grateful we feel to welcome our newest little daughter into this world," the couple told People magazine that year in a statement. "Just as magical and filled with love as every other little person we have been blessed with."

"The Baldwins" will feature all seven children and give a more personal look at Alec and Hilaria's parenting styles.

Alec said he and his wife decided to participate in a reality show "in place of doing a movie or a play."

"Now I think to myself, 'Am I going to be away from my kids five nights out of the week until 11 o'clock at night?'" Alec told People magazine earlier this month of the decision to star in a reality TV show with his clan. "For me, work-related things really aren't that critical anymore. I thought, 'I get to spend time with my family.'"

"The Baldwins" premieres on TLC on Sunday at 10 p.m. ET.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Before yesterdayMain stream

'Euphoria' season 3 finally started filming — here's everything we know so far

14 February 2025 at 14:54
Zendaya as Rue on the season two finale of "Euphoria."
Zendaya as Rue on the season two finale of "Euphoria."

Eddy Chen/HBO

  • HBO renewed Sam Levinson's "Euphoria" for a third season in February 2022.
  • The show is still eyeing a return in 2026 and began filming in February 2025.
  • Barbie Ferreira and Storm Reid will not reprise their roles as Kat and Gia, respectively.

HBO's popular drama series "Euphoria" will be back for another installment — but the characters will no longer be in high school.

The show, which is created, written, and directed by Sam Levinson, centers on a 17-year-old drug addict named Rue Bennett (played by two-time Emmy winner Zendaya).

In early February 2022, amid a bonkers and wildly memed second season, HBO announced that "Euphoria" was renewed for a third season.

Here's everything we know so far about season three. 

The season 3 cast will consist of core characters, with a few shake-ups

Zendaya as Rue on season two, episode six of "Euphoria."
Zendaya as Rue in season two, episode six of "Euphoria."

Eddy Chen/HBO

On February 14, 2025, HBO announced that Zendaya, Hunter Schafer (Jules Vaughn), Jacob Elordi (Nate Jacobs), Eric Dane (Cal Jacobs), Sydney Sweeney (Cassie Howard), Alexa Demie (Maddy Perez), and Maude Apatow (Lexi Howard) will reprise their roles.

Colman Domingo, who won an Emmy for his performance as Rue's NA sponsor Ali, will return as a guest star. Martha Kelly, who played a drug lord named Laurie, and Chloe Cherry, who appeared as Faye, have been upped to series regulars.

Season three will feature two new series regulars, played by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje and Toby Wallace, and a slew of guest stars: Rosalía, Marshawn Lynch, Kadeem Hardison, Darrell Britt-Gibson, Priscilla Delgado, James Landry Hébert, and Anna Van Patten.

The same day, Variety reported that Dominic Fike will reprise his role as Elliot. The musician joined the show during season two, with his character driving a wedge between Rue and Jules. He also enabled Rue's addictions.

HBO reps didn't immediately respond to a request for comment regarding Fike's reported involvement.

Sydney Sweeney as Cassie Howard on season two, episode three of "Euphoria."
Sydney Sweeney as Cassie Howard in season two, episode three of "Euphoria."

Eddy Chen/HBO

Don't expect to see everyone back, though.

Barbie Ferreira (Kat Hernandez) was the first to exit the show in August 2022, months after she reacted to rumors and reports of on-set tension with showrunner Sam Levinson during an interview with Business Insider.

"I've seen so many different things and a lot of it is untrue and some of it's kind of like mundane little things," she told BI in March 2022.

During an appearance on the podcast "Armchair Expert With Dax Shepard" in April, Ferreira said that her exit was a "mutual decision" because her character's arc ran its course.

Storm Reid, who starred as Rue's younger sister Gia, recently told TMZ that she wouldn't return due to scheduling conflicts. It's unclear if Nika King will reprise her role as Leslie, Rue and Gia's mom.

Eric Dane said that his character, Cal Jacobs, will get redemption 

Eric Dane as Cal Jacobs on season two, episode four of "Euphoria."
Eric Dane as Cal Jacobs on season two, episode four of "Euphoria."

HBO

In a 2022 interview with Variety, Dane said that Cal's story would continue in season three.

Cal was last seen getting arrested after his son Nate called the police on him. 

"There's gonna be redemption," Dane said. "I mean, that's the trajectory he's on. I can't imagine Cal's life from solitary confinement. It's tough to work Cal into the storyline when he's behind bars."

However, Dane's promise of redemption for his character should be taken with a grain of salt since his comments were made long before the plan for season three was solidified.

There will be a time jump, showing the characters out of high school

Jacob Elordi as Nate Jacobs on season two of "Euphoria."
Jacob Elordi as Nate Jacobs on season two of "Euphoria."

Eddy Chen/HBO

Heidi Bivens, a stylist and the costume designer for "Euphoria," spoke about her work on the series in an April 2023 interview with Vogue and said there was "talk of it being about five years in the future, and that they're not in high school anymore."

A time jump would also make sense considering that Zendaya, a producer on "Euphoria," previously told The Hollywood Reporter that she hoped the next season would show Rue's life beyond high school. Plus, most of the stars are in their 20s, unlike their teenage characters.  

"I want to see what Rue looks like in her sobriety journey, how chaotic that might look," Zendaya said. "But also with all the characters, in the sense where they're trying to figure out what to do with their lives when high school is over and what kind of people they want to be."

Elordi also expressed skepticism that season three would pick up exactly where fans last left the high school-aged characters. 

"I'm assuming that we'll have to go forward, otherwise it's going to seem like a weird bit," Elordi said during an appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" in January. 

"I'm going to have a bad back walking down the hallway, you know?" he joked. 

In March 2024, The Hollywood Reporter and Variety reported that season three would include a time jump. HBO and Max chairman and CEO Casey Bloys confirmed this during an interview with Variety in June. 

"One of the issues I think that Sam is thinking about is that he doesn't want to have it in high school anymore," Bloys said. "That's where it was set and what made sense then. So when you take it out of that, there's a lot of back and forth about where to set it and how far in the future to set it and all that stuff. But I think he's got a take that he's excited about, and he's busy writing."

Levinson previously said he envisioned season 3 as 'film noir,' but this could have changed

Zendaya as Rue Bennett on season two, episode one of "Euphoria."
Zendaya as Rue Bennett on season two, episode one of "Euphoria."

Eddy Chen/HBO

In Zendaya's Elle cover story in August 2023, Levinson said that season three will "explore what it means to be an individual with principles in a corrupt world."

It's important to note, however, that Levinson productions famously change direction on a dime, even during filming. In a press junket interview for season two, Elordi told Business Insider that the scripts for those episodes were "changing pretty regularly for the longest time." 

The direction for season three is still up in the air.

Variety reported in March 2024 that HBO wasn't pleased with Levinson's revised scripts that he submitted in late 2023 and early 2024. Those new scripts reportedly had Rue working as a private detective, an idea that HBO shut down.

Variety said that Zendaya pitched her character as a sober twentysomething surrogate mom. Insiders told Variety that her idea was also turned down because it didn't feel aligned with the show's tone. The publication added that even though Zendaya is an executive producer, "she doesn't have veto power over the scripts."

Per a report published by THR in July 2024, Zendaya was opposed to Levinson's private detective pitch. Sources told the publication that Zendaya and Levinson's once-close working relationship has become strained and tense amid the show's delays.

'Euphoria' won't return until 2026, and it'll probably be the final season 

Zendaya as Rue in a first-look image for season three of "Euphoria."
Zendaya as Rue in a first-look image for season three of "Euphoria."

HBO

The show's production was delayed by the 2023 Hollywood writers' and actors' strikes.

In a January 2024 interview with TheWrap, Bloys said that Levinson was "in the thick" of writing season three. 

Two months later, Deadline reported that season three was delayed again — this time due to Levinson's scripts not being completed. Deadline said that filming was supposed to start "within the next couple of months." With the indefinite delay, the stars were allowed to take on other jobs. 

In July, HBO confirmed that production on season three would begin in January 2025. 

During a 2025 slate preview event in November, Bloys said that season three will be comprised of eight episodes.

At a tech and media conference in December 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery global streaming chief JB Perrette said "Euphoria" was eyeing a 2026 return.

Filming for season three finally began in February 2025, and HBO shared a first-look image of Zendaya as Rue. Shortly after, Orsi told Deadline that nothing's confirmed yet regarding the show's future beyond season three, "but it's been discussed that this is the end."

"I think you will be very satisfied with this season, and how we bring each of the characters' whole narrative," Orsi said.

Read the original article on Business Insider

'Bridgerton' season 4: Everything we know so far, from the release date to its cast

14 February 2025 at 14:18
Yerin Ha and Luke Thompson photographed on the backlot of season four of "Bridgerton."
Yerin Ha and Luke Thompson photographed on the backlot of season four of "Bridgerton."

Gavin Bond/Netflix

  • Season four of "Bridgerton" is in the works, and will likely arrive in 2026.
  • The next season will focus on Benedict Bridgerton's love story with Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha). 
  • Returning cast members include Luke Newton, Nicola Coughlan Jonathan Bailey, and Simone Ashley.

"Bridgerton" fans have been patiently waiting, and Benedict Bridgerton's season is coming.

Season three of the Netflix series, centered on Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) and Penelope Featherington's (Nicola Coughlan) relationship, concluded with the release of part two in June.

In giving Polin a happy ending, "Bridgerton" also teased that Benedict (Luke Thompson), the second-eldest sibling, would get the main character treatment next season. His status as the lead has officially been confirmed, and new details about Benedict's season were just revealed at the "Bridgerton" virtual fan event called "Season of Love" on Friday.

Here's everything we know about season four of "Bridgerton" so far.

Benedict's love story will be the focus of season 4

Yerin Ha as Sophie Beckett and Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton in season four of "Bridgerton,"
Yerin Ha as Sophie Beckett and Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton in season four of "Bridgerton,"

Liam Daniel/Netflix

An official announcement about Benedict being the season four lead was made in July. In a video posted by Netflix, Thompson is handed a suit for the masquerade ball. But eagle-eyed fans weren't surprised, because this was all teased in the season three finale that aired in June.

As Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie) prepared to head off to Scotland with Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd), John Stirling (Victor Alli), and Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza) in the episode, she assured Benedict that she'd only be gone until next year.

"Do you think Mama would ever let me miss her Masquerade Ball?" she said.

Benedict, still not ready to settle down, replied: "I will be there, hiding out behind a mask, avoiding eligible ladies like the plague."

That not-so-subtle moment was a nod to Benedict's novel "An Offer From a Gentleman," which is part of Julia Quinn's "Bridgerton" book series.

In the third, "Cinderella"-inspired book, Benedict meets a woman named Sophie Beckett at a masquerade ball. Unbeknownst to him, Sophie is a servant to a rude stepmother named Araminta Gunningworth. By the end of the novel, they express their love for each other and get married.

Netflix's official logline for next season reads: "The fourth season of 'Bridgerton' turns its focus to bohemian second son Benedict (Luke Thompson). Despite his elder and younger brothers both being happily married, Benedict is loath to settle down — until he meets a captivating Lady in Silver at his mother's masquerade ball."

'Dune: Prophecy' actor Yerin Ha will play Sophie Baek, Benedict's love interest

Yerin Ha at the "Halo" premiere on March 23, 2022 in Los Angeles.
Yerin Ha joins the "Bridgerton" cast as Sophie Baek.

Andrew Toth/Getty Images for Paramount+

Ha was most recently seen on the Paramount+ TV series adaption of the "Halo" video game franchise and HBO's "Dune" spin-off series "Dune: Prophecy."

Netflix's editorial site Tudum reported that "Bridgerton" showrunner Jess Brownell changed Sophie Beckett's surname to a Korean name to fit Ha, a Korean actor from Australia.

"A name is the first bit of identity that you share with the world, and that's why changing a name can be so powerful," Ha told Tudum. "To make Sophie's name fit someone who looks like me is really empowering. All credit to Jess Brownell, our showrunner."

Sophie and Benedict are also confirmed to meet at a masquerade ball, just like in the book series.

Despite the character being based on Cinderella, Brownell assured fans that Sophie "is no damsel in distress."

"She is someone who has chess moves and is always thinking two, three steps ahead," Brownell said at the virtual fan event in January 2025. "So she's absolutely gonna throw Benedict for a loop."

'Harry Potter' actor Katie Leung is among the new cast members

Michelle Mao as Rosamund Li, Katie Leung as Lady Araminta Gao, and Isabella Wei as Posy Li in season four of "Bridgerton."
Michelle Mao as Rosamund Li, Katie Leung as Lady Araminta Gao, and Isabella Wei as Posy Li in season four of "Bridgerton."

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Katie Leung, who played Cho Chang in the "Harry Potter" film series, will portray Lady Araminta Gao.

Her character description reads: "Twice-married and twice-widowed, Araminta has two daughters debuting on the marriage mart this season and she's feeling the pressure to get at least one of her girls married off. Fabulous, discerning, and blunt, Araminta does not respond well when anything — or anyone — threatens her standing in society."

Michelle Mao will play Rosamund Li, Araminta's eldest daughter who's "beautiful, vain, and eager to please her mother." According to her official description, Rosamund will be vying for Benedict's heart when she hits the marriage mart.

Isabella Wei will play Posy Li, Araminta's youngest daughter who's described as kind and chatty.

Luke Newton and Nicola Coughlan are back as Colin and Penelope Bridgerton in season 4

colin and penelope in bridgerton season 3
Luke Newton and Nicola Coughlan on season three of "Bridgerton."

Liam Daniel/Netflix

At the "Season of Love" event in February, Brownell said that the new installment will show Colin as a "wife guy" and the couple raising their baby, whose name has yet to be revealed.

Brownell previously told TheWrap that she'd like the pair to continue on the show beyond season four because she thinks there are more stories to be told. Newton similarly told Teen Vogue that he's committed to staying on the show indefinitely.

Brownell elaborated on Polin's place in season four in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, saying that the couple will shift to being part of the larger ensemble.

"I do think that there is a bit more to tell story-wise with Whistledown," she said. "Whistledown has been the narrative glue of every season. Now that Penelope's out publicly as Whistledown, I want to see more of what that's like. So, we will continue with them next season for sure."

In addition to the confirmed returns of Coughlan and Newton, Julie Andrews will also be back as the voice of Lady Whistledown.

Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley will also appear as Anthony and Kate Bridgerton

Simone Ashley as Kate and Jonathan Bailey as Anthony on season three, episode seven of "Bridgerton."
Simone Ashley as Kate and Jonathan Bailey as Anthony on season three, episode seven of "Bridgerton."

Netflix

Kanthony fans have been wondering how long Kate (Simone Ashley) and Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) will stay on the show after leading season two.

Previous season leads have largely stepped away after their story arcs concluded, but Anthony and Kate are the new heads of the Bridgerton household, which means they have to stick around.

In season three, Anthony and Kate show up in four episodes, often disappearing on trips around the world. The show writers likely did this to explain the characters' disappearance so Ashley and Bailey could film other projects (Bailey, in particular, was pulling triple duty, also working on "Wicked" and "Fellow Travelers").

In season three, episode seven, Anthony and Kate leave for a trip to India so Kate can visit her home and give birth to their first child. Though this looks like a convenient way to write the couple off the show entirely, that's not the case.

Brownell told Entertainment Weekly in June that Anthony and Kate heading to India allows the two actors to work on other projects "while still leaving the door open for them to return when and if they're able."

"So the India send-off is a plot device in certain ways that allows us to leave the door open," she said.

And the "Bridgerton" virtual event in February officially confirmed that Bailey and Ashley are indeed returning, including both in the official cast list for season four of "Bridgerton."

Fans will see "more of their marital bliss and seeing their baby as well," Brownell said.

Season 4 will expand the storylines of other 'Bridgerton' characters

Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton, Florence Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton, Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton, and Will Tilston as Gregory Bridgerton on season three, episode four of "Bridgerton."
Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton, Florence Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton, Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton, and Will Tilston as Gregory Bridgerton on season three, episode four of "Bridgerton."

Liam Daniel/Netflix

At the virtual event, Brownell teased where fans will see the "Bridgerton" characters at the start of season four.

The showrunner alluded to Lady Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) continuing her flirtations with Lord Marcus Anderson (Daniel Francis) and moving beyond the giggling that defined their season three interactions.

Violet will also be busy trying to prepare her unmarried kids for the future. While Francesa got married last season, her siblings Eloise and Hyacinth (Florence Hunt) haven't reached that milestone yet.

"Violet is once again trying to put Eloise on the marriage mart and she's absolutely dreading it," Brownell said.

On the flip side, Hyacinth "is desperate to pre-debut early. And the two of them get paired together this season for comedic results."

Meanwhile, Gregory (Will Tilston), the youngest son, is "going to get sent off to Eton for a little while, but that gives him time to come back no longer a gangly teenager but a young man."

As for the rest of the Ton, Brownell said that fans will see more of Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel), who has a new dynamic with Penelope now that she knows who Lady Whistledown is. Additionally, season four will expand on Queen Charlotte and Lady Agatha Danbury's (Adjoa Andoh) relationship.

Lady Danbury, who often vacillates between meddling and advising other characters, will help Will (Martins Imhangbe) and Alice Mondrich (Emma Naomi) navigate a new challenge as they settle into being members of society.

This isn't the last we've seen of Cressida Cowper

Jessica Madsen as Cressida Cowper in season three, episode seven of "Bridgerton."
Jessica Madsen as Cressida Cowper in season three, episode seven of "Bridgerton."

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Season three of "Bridgerton" gives more insight into Cressida's (Jessica Madsen) difficult home life and the lengths she'll go to in order to get out of her situation.

During the season, she attempts to take credit for Lady Whistledown so she can receive the reward money and avoid marrying an older man, but the plan backfires. Then, when she learns that Penelope is Lady Whistledown, she attempts to blackmail her with the intention of using the money to escape town and avoid being sent off to live with her aunt in Wales.

But Cressida is outsmarted and is last seen being sent away in a carriage to live with her relative after tarnishing the Cowper family's reputation.

In separate June 2024 interviews with The Hollywood Reporter, Entertainment Weekly, and The Los Angeles Times, Brownell said that Cressida's story isn't over yet.

"It felt a little early in this season for her to get a happily ever after just because we've watched two seasons of her being a real bully to Penelope. She has a little bit more growth to do, but I do want to give her a happy ending eventually," she told EW.

"We want to see more from Jessica Madsen," Brownell told THR. "So we wanted to leave her story a little bit more open-ended so that we can craft an ending for her in future seasons."

Showrunner Jess Brownell said the season 4 theme is 'forbidden love'

Yerin Ha as Sophie Beckett in season four of "Bridgerton."
Yerin Ha as Sophie Beckett in season four of "Bridgerton."

Liam Daniel/Netflix

At the virtual event, Brownell said that every season follows a romantic trope, and season four is all about "forbidden love."

"That class clash gives us a very serious obstacle and the stakes could not be higher this year, so it's really a juicy one," she said.

"The theme of the season is really about true love being somewhere in between fantasy and reality," Brownell added.

The new season will delve into Benedict's status as a member of high society and Sophie's role as a maid. And after spending three seasons focusing on the happenings of the wealthy characters, season four will broaden the world to follow the working-class characters below them.

"Because you are now so familiar with the upstairs, I think viewers know just how difficult a pairing between a gentleman and a maid will be," Brownell said.

Ha said that Sophie's job as a maid at Penwood House, where she works for Lady Araminta, is high stakes.

"Living under that Penwood House is a mode of survival for her because if she doesn't, then she has nowhere else to go," Ha said. "I think it also highlights just how hard it was being a maid in that era. You mess up and your life can turn upside down in a second, and I think we're trying really hard to portray those dynamics."

Brownell said that the all-important masquerade ball where Benedict and Sophie meet will be "a very large chunk of the first episode." She also said that the aesthetic of the ball was inspired by William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and the vibe is "dark and mysterious and fairytale-like."

Aside from the masquerade ball, season four will pull additional elements from the book, like My Cottage — which is Benedict's countryside home — and a nearby lake that fans of the novel will be familiar with.

"I do think that this season is the most faithful to the book," Brownell said. "It really lends itself to adaptation plot-wise. It's very similar."

Still, some aspects were changed for the Netflix adaptation, like character motivations.

"Benedict is quite different from the book just in that Luke Thompson brings this wonderful sensitivity and self-awareness to the character," Brownell said. "So in Benedict's story of trying to woo Sophie, I think the character is a bit more delicate and thoughtful, perhaps, about the way he goes about it."

The 'Bridgerton' season 4 premiere probably won't be until 2026

Martins Imhangbe as Will Mondrich and Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton on season three, episode two of "Bridgerton."
Martins Imhangbe as Will Mondrich and Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton on season three, episode two of "Bridgerton."

Liam Daniel/Netflix

In June, Brownell told The Hollywood Reporter that fans will have to wait two years for the next season.

"We are working to try and put the seasons out more quickly, but they do take eight months to film and then they have to be edited, and then they have to be dubbed into every language," Brownell said. "And the writing takes a very long time as well, so we're kind of on a two-year pace, we're trying to speed up but somewhere in that range."

Production on season four began in September and Brownell told the Los Angeles Times and said that they chose to film during the fall partly for storytelling purposes but also out of practicality.

"It's still going to be just as lush and colorful, but just more in those warm fall colors instead of the pastels," she said. "There will still be some pastels, so it won't look like a totally different show."

Netflix confirmed that there will be eight episodes, just like the past installments. As of mid-February, they're still in production on season four. This means that the new season is likely to premiere at some point in 2026, but there's no confirmed release date yet.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Millie Bobby Brown says she doesn't have 'many friends' because she grew up as a child actor: 'I missed out on a few things'

14 February 2025 at 13:00
Millie Bobby Brown in February 2024.
Millie Bobby Brown is known for her role as Eleven in "Stranger Things."

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

  • Millie Bobby Brown said that being a child actor affected her social skills.
  • Brown became famous through "Stranger Things" and said she has few friends "because of who I am."
  • Because she didn't go to school like people her age, she said she lacks social skills.

Millie Bobby Brown was 11 years old when she first filmed her breakout role as Eleven on "Stranger Things." But stealing scenes on a smash-hit Netflix series as an adolescent has its downsides, some of which still affect the 20-year-old today.

"I don't have many friends, because of who I am," Brown told Vanity Fair in a cover story released on Wednesday. "I didn't go to school, so I don't have the best social skills when it comes to people my own age and friendships. I struggle with that quite a bit. I missed out on a few things. But I'm working through them."

"Stranger Things," which debuted in 2016 and will release its fifth and final season this year, has become one of Netflix's most popular shows of all time. Brown has previously spoken about the challenges of becoming famous in adolescence and being sexualized in the media, revealing that she started having severe panic attacks around age 15.

"I don't allow many people into my life, and when I do, I think it should be super moderated," she told Vanity Fair. "I started this really young, and I felt that the press specifically was very, very harsh on me. And so I just like to make sure that I'm advocating for myself."

millie bobby brown as eleven in stranger things, leaning forward while two men in suits hold onto her arms, pulling her back into a car
Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven in season four of "Stranger Things."

Netflix

Brown's Vanity Fair profile notes that instead of going to school like kids her age, Brown had private schooling on the show's set and passed the time between filming with her fellow cast mates. The coronavirus pandemic compounded her lack of social interactions outside the show.

Brown now lives on a farm with her husband, Jake Bongiovi, and calls it her happy place.

"My animals are loud, and it's messy and my dogs are crazy. And there is, you know, laughter and a lot of passion and excitement, and it is a very vibrant place," she said. "There is so much chaos, and that is where I thrive."

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Here's the cast of 'The White Lotus' season 3 and where you might recognize them from

14 February 2025 at 06:25
Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood on season three of "The White Lotus."
Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood in season three of "The White Lotus."

Fabio Lovino/HBO

  • Season three of HBO's "The White Lotus" premieres on Sunday night and features a new cast.
  • The new season includes stars like Patrick Schwarzenegger, Parker Posey, and Jason Isaacs.
  • Lalisa Manobal, a member of the K-pop group Blackpink, makes her acting debut on the show.

HBO's hit anthology series "The White Lotus" is back for season three with a fresh group of guests checking in.

The latest season of the show, which was created, written, and directed by Mike White, follows vacationers at the titular resort chain's Thailand location over the course of a week. With the exception of Natasha Rothwell reprising her season one role as Belinda, the rest of the core cast consists of actors who are new to the "White Lotus" world.

Ahead of the season three premiere on Sunday, here's a rundown of who's in the cast and what you might recognize them from.

Natasha Rothwell returns as spa manager Belinda Lindsey.
Natasha Rothwell as Belinda in season three of "The White Lotus."
Natasha Rothwell as Belinda in season three of "The White Lotus."

Fabio Lovino/HBO

In the first season, set in Hawaii, Belinda aspired to run her own wellness center someday. One of the rich White Lotus guests, Tanya McQuoid (Jennifer Coolidge), led Belinda to believe that she'd fund her dream. But Tanya ultimately backed out of the agreement. Tanya then died after falling overboard from a yacht in the season two finale of "The White Lotus."

Rothwell, who earned an Emmy nomination for her performance in season one, is known for playing Kelli Prenny in the show "Insecure," which was created by and starred Issa Rae. Rothwell also served as a supervising producer.

In recent years, Rothwell has appeared in movies like "Wonder Woman 1984," "Wonka," and "Sonic the Hedgehog." Her most recent show, "How to Die Alone," was canceled after season one but is being shopped around for another home.

"Mission: Impossible" star Michelle Monaghan portrays a vacationer named Jaclyn.
Michelle Monaghan as Jaclyn in season three of "The White Lotus."
Michelle Monaghan as Jaclyn in season three of "The White Lotus."

Fabio Lovino/HBO

Monaghan was first introduced as Julia Meade, a nurse and fiancé of Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt in the third "Mission: Impossible" movie. Although Julia and Ethan broke up sometime after getting married, Monaghan reprised her role in "Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol" and "Mission: Impossible — Fallout."

Monaghan starred in season one of HBO's "True Detective," the Hulu drama series "The Path," and the horror movie "MaXXXine." She's also appeared in romantic movies like "Made of Honor," "Playing It Cool," and "The Best of Me."

Leslie Bibb, who recently appeared in Clint Eastwood's film "Juror No. 2," plays Jaclyn's longtime friend Kate.
Leslie Bibb as Kate in season three of "The White Lotus."
Leslie Bibb as Kate in season three of "The White Lotus."

Fabio Lovino/HBO

Bibb has been acting professionally since the '90s.

She played a journalist named Christine Everhart in "Iron Man" and "Iron Man 2" and played a superhero in the 2021 Netflix series adaptation of the comic book series "Jupiter's Legacy."

Bibb also starred alongside Kristen Wiig and Ricky Martin in the Apple TV+ dramedy "Palm Royale."

In the legal drama "Juror No. 2," she played jury foreperson Denice Aldworth.

"The Gilded Age" star Carrie Coon plays Laurie, who's on a girls trip with Jaclyn and Kate.  
Carrie Coon as Laurie in season three of "The White Lotus."
Carrie Coon as Laurie in season three of "The White Lotus."

Fabio Lovino/HBO

Coon is a two-time Emmy nominee thanks to her roles on the FX anthology series "Fargo" and the HBO period drama "The Gilded Age." She also earned a Tony nomination for her performance in the Broadway revival of "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"

The actor also starred as Nora Durst in the TV series "The Leftovers" and was unrecognizable as Proxima Midnight, the adoptive daughter of the villain Thanos (Josh Brolin), in "Avengers: Infinity War."

Coon recently starred alongside fellow Marvel actor Elizabeth Olsen and "Poker Face" actor Natasha Lyonne in the family drama "His Three Daughters."

"Fallout" actor Walton Goggins portrays Rick, a rough-around-the-edges vacationer at the resort.
Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood on season three of "The White Lotus."
Walton Goggins in season three of "The White Lotus."

Fabio Lovino/HBO

Walton Goggins has built up a robust career as a character actor. He then landed a starring role on the FX drama series "The Shield," which ran for seven seasons between 2002 and 2008. That led to being part of another successful FX show, "Justified."

Goggins is also known for starring in the HBO shows "Vice Principals" and "The Righteous Gemstones" and for his appearances in two Quentin Tarantino films: "Django Unchained" and "The Hateful Eight."

He's also played bad guys in the "Maze Runner" franchise and "Ant-Man and the Wasp."

Goggins currently portrays a bounty hunter named the Ghoul in Prime Video's TV show "Fallout," based on a popular video game series of the same name. He earned an Emmy nomination for his performance and will reprise the role for season two.

"Sex Education" star Aimee Lou Wood plays the free-spirited Chelsea, Rick's much younger girlfriend.  
Aimee Lou Wood as Chelsea in season three of "The White Lotus."
Aimee Lou Wood as Chelsea in season three of "The White Lotus."

Fabio Lovino/HBO

Prior to her film and TV roles, Wood starred in theater productions.

The Netflix series "Sex Education," which ran for four seasons between 2019 and 2023, marked Wood's screen debut. She played a high school student named Aimee Gibbs.

Jason Isaacs, known for portraying Lucius Malfoy in the "Harry Potter" movies, stars as Timothy Ratliff, a businessman.
Jason Isaacs as Timothy Ratliff in season three of "The White Lotus."
Jason Isaacs as Timothy Ratliff in season three of "The White Lotus."

Fabio Lovino/HBO

Isaacs has more than 150 credits to his name, ranging from movie and TV roles to voice work for video games like "Baldur's Gate III" and "Marvel's Midnight Suns." He's also recognized for playing the villain of the 2000 movie "The Patriot."

In recent years, Isaacs guest starred in "Sex Education" and "The Great" and played Dr. Hunter Aloysius "Hap" Percy in the Netflix sci-fi series "The OA."

Parker Posey plays Timothy's wife, Victoria Ratliff.
Parker Posey as Victoria Ratliff in season three of "The White Lotus."
Parker Posey as Victoria Ratliff in season three of "The White Lotus."

Fabio Lovino/HBO

Posey rose to fame in the '90s through roles in independent films like "Dazed and Confused" and "Party Girl." She also portrayed Patricia Eden, a publisher and girlfriend to Tom Hanks' Joe Fox, in the classic rom-com "You've Got Mail."

Since then, Posey has portrayed a record label CEO in "Josie and the Pussycats" and has appeared in movies like "Scream 3," "Blade: Trinity," "Superman Returns," and "Beau Is Afraid."

She recently starred alongside "Gladiator II" actor and "White Lotus" season one alum Fred Hechinger in the 2024 movie "Thelma" and guest-starred on season one of Prime Video's "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" TV series.

"Gen V" star Patrick Schwarzenegger portrays the couple's eldest child Saxon Ratliff, who works for his dad's company.
Patrick Schwarzenegger as Saxon Ratliff in season three of "The White Lotus."
Patrick Schwarzenegger as Saxon Ratliff in season three of "The White Lotus."

Fabio Lovino/HBO

Schwarzenegger, the son of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, has gained more recognition as an actor in recent years through roles on the HBO miniseries "The Staircase" and the Prime Video show "Gen V," which is a college-set spin-off of the streamer's hit superhero satire series "The Boys." He also portrayed NFL star Tim Tebow in "American Sports Story."

After appearing in the "Cruel Intentions" TV show, Sarah Catherine Hook joined "The White Lotus" as Piper Ratliff, the middle child.
Sarah Catherine Hook as Piper Ratliff, Parker Posey as Victoria Ratliff, and Sam Nivola as Lochlan Ratliff in season three of "The White Lotus."
Sarah Catherine Hook as Piper Ratliff in season three of "The White Lotus."

Fabio Lovino/HBO

Piper is a college senior who's a religion studies major.

Hook recently starred as Caroline Merteuil in the "Cruel Intentions" show, which was released on Prime Video in November.

Prior to that, she had roles in "The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It," season three of "American Crime Story," and the Netflix supernatural series "First Kill."

Fresh off his role in the Netflix series "The Perfect Couple," Sam Nivola is playing Lochlan Ratliff in "The White Lotus."
Sam Nivola as Lochlan Ratliff in season three of "The White Lotus."
Sam Nivola as Lochlan Ratliff in season three of "The White Lotus."

Fabio Lovino/HBO

He's the youngest Ratliff child and a senior in high school.

Nivola, who's the son of actors Emily Mortimer and Alessandro Nivola, is a rising star with a few acting credits.

He previously starred in Noah Baumbach's 2022 film "White Noise" and portrayed Bradley Cooper's on-screen son Alexander in the biopic "Maestro," based on the life of famed composer Leonard Bernstein.

Most recently, Nivola played Will Winbury in the Netflix ensemble series "The Perfect Couple," which also starred Nicole Kidman and Liev Schreiber.

Thai actor Lek Patravadi stars as Sritala, one of the owners of The White Lotus in Thailand.
Lek Patravadi on season three of "The White Lotus."
Lek Patravadi as Sritala in season three of "The White Lotus."

Fabio Lovino/HBO

She developed the Thai resort's wellness program.

Patravadi is known for her contributions to theater, both as a playwright and a teacher of the arts at the Patravadi Theatre, which she founded.

She previously starred in the Thai drama series "In Family We Trust."

Blackpink's Lalisa Manobal makes her acting debut as Mook, a health mentor at the resort.
Lalisa Manobal as Mook in season three of "The White Lotus."
Lalisa Manobal as Mook in season three of "The White Lotus."

Fabio Lovino/HBO

"The White Lotus" marks Manobal's first acting role, but she's no newcomer to Hollywood.

Manobal is best known as a member of the K-pop group Blackpink, where she goes by the stage name Lisa. Her debut solo studio album, "Alter Ego," will be released on February 28.

Tayme Thapthimthong portrays Gaitok, a security guard at The White Lotus.
Tayme Thapthimthong as Gaitok in season three of "The White Lotus."
Tayme Thapthimthong as Gaitok in season three of "The White Lotus."

Fabio Lovino/HBO

Thapthimthong is a London-born actor of Thai descent.

Prior to acting, he had a background serving as an infantryman in the Royal Thai Army and in private security.

He landed his first acting role in the 2014 action movie "Skin Trade" and most recently appeared in an episode of the Netflix limited series "Thai Cave Rescue."

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'Captain America: Brave New World' includes a cameo from a beloved character — here's what happens

13 February 2025 at 15:49
Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America in "Captain America: Brave New World."
Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America in "Captain America: Brave New World."

Marvel Studios

  • "Captain America: Brave New World" includes a cameo from Sebastian Stan, who reprises his role as Bucky.
  • Bucky gives Sam Wilson a pep talk and assures him that he's worthy of being Captain America.
  • The scene also teases Stan's return as Bucky in "Thunderbolts*."

Warning: Major spoilers ahead for "Captain America: Brave New World."

"Captain America: Brave New World" is filled with heroic moments from Anthony Mackie's titular superhero, Harrison Ford transforming into the comic book character Red Hulk, and a surprise cameo from a fan-favorite Marvel character.

The fourth "Captain America" movie follows Mackie's Sam Wilson after he inherited Steve Rogers' (Chris Evans) shield and the title of Captain America in "Avengers: Endgame."

In Sam's first solo outing as Captain America, the everyman character struggles with the pressure and responsibility of saving the world despite not having superpowers or special abilities. But a visit from an old friend reassures him that he was chosen as Steve's successor for a reason.

Here's everything to know about the movie's standout cameo.

Sebastian Stan returns as Bucky Barnes to give Sam Wilson a much-needed pep talk

sam wilson bucky barnes falcon and the winter soldier
Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson and Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes in "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier."

Marvel Studios

Sebastian Stan was last seen as Bucky Barnes in the 2021 Disney+ miniseries "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," which costarred Mackie.

In "Brave New World," Sam successfully stops rogue US fighter pilots from attacking a Japanese fleet. But in the process, his sidekick Joaquin Torres/The Falcon (Danny Ramirez) gets injured mid-flight and crashes into the Indian Ocean. After being rescued, Joaquin is immediately taken to the ER.

Sam, feeling guilty for what happened, watches through a window as doctors attend to Joaquin's extreme injuries. Then, Bucky arrives in a suit and stands next to Sam.

"Hate to admit it, but I'm glad you're here," Sam says, as the two hug.

After Bucky tells Sam that Joaquin's accident isn't his fault, Sam replies, "It makes me think of Steve."

The two talk about how Steve successfully stopped two alien invasions, and Sam, by comparison, feels unqualified and unworthy of being Cap.

"What made me think I could follow that?" Sam says.

Sam adds that he should have taken the super-soldier serum like Steve and Bucky did because all of this is bigger than him and his human limitations.

"Steve made a mistake," Sam says.

"You're a human being," Bucky replies "You do your best. Steve gave them something to believe in. You give them something to aspire to."

To emphasize his point further, Bucky concludes, "He gave you that shield not because you're the strongest, but because you're you."

"Did your speechwriters help you with that?" Sam jokes.

Then, Bucky leaves for a political campaign obligation.

Once he exits, Ruth Bat-Seraph (Shira Haas), the security advisor to US President Thaddeus Ross (Ford), refers to Bucky as "future congressman James Buchanan Barnes."

Stan's cameo sets up his appearance in the next Marvel movie, 'Thunderbolts*'

Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes in "Thunderbolts*."
Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes in "Thunderbolts*."

Marvel Studios

Stan will return as Bucky in the film "Thunderbolts*," set for release in theaters on May 2.

Eagle-eyed fans already picked up on Bucky seemingly wearing a US Congress pin in the most recent trailer for "Thunderbolts.*" His cameo in "Brave New World" tees up this surprising pivot from an assassin to a congressman.

"Thunderbolts*" centers on Bucky and a group of misfit Marvel characters who team up to stop a mysterious new threat.

The ragtag team of unlikely world-savers consists of Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian (David Harbour), Ava Starr/Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), John Walker/US Agent (Wyatt Russell), and Antonia Dreykov/Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko). The movie also stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus as the enigmatic Valentina Allegra de Fontaine and MCU newcomer Lewis Pullman as Bob/Sentry.

"Captain America: Brave New World" is now playing in theaters.

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'Captain America: Brave New World' has 1 end-credits scene — here's what it means for future Marvel movies

13 February 2025 at 15:06
Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America in "Captain America: Brave New World."
Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America in "Captain America: Brave New World."

Marvel Studios

  • "Captain America: Brave New World" has one post-credits scene.
  • The scene features Sam Wilson/Captain America and Samuel Sterns/The Leader.
  • Their conversation alludes to the next big Avengers team-up.

Warning: Major spoilers ahead for "Captain America: Brave New World."

If you head to the theater to watch "Captain America: Brave New World" this weekend, you may want to stick around until the very end.

The fourth "Captain America" movie stars Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America after Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) passed the shield to him in "Avengers: Endgame."

Sam accepted the position and got a Cap suit of his own in the 2021 Disney+ miniseries "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier." But in "Brave New World," Sam is still grappling with his role as a hero without superpowers — while also ending up in the crosshairs of an international incident.

After all the credits roll, the movie concludes with a scene that teases action to come in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Sam Wilson pays the villain, Samuel Sterns, a visit at the Raft

Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America in "Captain America: Brave New World."
Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America in "Captain America: Brave New World."

Marvel Studios

In the MCU, the Raft is a maximum security prison where super-powered or enhanced individuals are incarcerated. Thaddeus Ross (then played by late actor William Hurt) previously locked up Sam and some of the Avengers at the Raft after the events of "Captain America: Civil War."

But by the end of "Brave New World," the tables are turned, and Ross (now played by Harrison Ford) is imprisoned inside the Raft after he transforms into Red Hulk and causes destruction in Washington, D.C.

Samuel Sterns/the Leader (Tim Blake Nelson), the antagonist who orchestrated a string of events to destroy Ross' legacy, is also sent to the Raft for his actions.

In the end-credits scene, Sam visits Sterns at the prison and tells the brainiac character that he's not in the mood for his jokes.

"You killed a lot of good men trying to get your revenge," Sam tells him. "Trust me, we don't share the same sense of humor."

Sterns, who can predict what will happen by calculating statistical odds, then shares a warning for the hero.

"We share the same world, don't we? This world you would die to save, it's coming," Sterns says. "I've seen it in the probabilities, seen it plain as day — all you heroes protecting this world. You think you're the only ones? You think this is the only world? We'll see what happens when you have to protect this place from the others."

The scene ends with text that reads: "Captain America will return."

The next Avengers team-up is coming

The Falcon/Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez) and Captain America/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in "Captain America: Brave New World."
The Falcon/Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez) and Captain America/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in "Captain America: Brave New World."

Marvel Studios

Near the end of "Brave New World," Sam tells Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez), his mentee and the new Falcon, that Ross was right about one thing: the world needs the Avengers. The end-credits scene reiterates this point without offering much else.

Plus, Sterns' tease about the next superhero team-up isn't brand-new information to fans.

Since "Endgame," the MCU has been expanding the storylines for the more recent additions to the Avengers lineup and introducing new characters to rebuild the team in the absence of people like Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Steve Rogers, and Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson).

It'll culminate in the next two "Avengers" movies, which are part of the MCU's Multiverse Saga: "Avengers: Doomsday," set for release on May 1, 2026, and "Avengers: Secret Wars," scheduled for May 7, 2027. Both will be codirected by sibling duo Joe and Anthony Russo, who directed the last two "Avengers" movies.

Details about the "Doomsday" plot are unknown, but the ensemble film will star Mackie, Downey Jr. as the villainous Doctor Doom, maybe (or maybe not) Benedict Cumberbatch as Stephen Strange/Doctor Strange, and the cast of the upcoming "Fantastic Four" reboot.

Evans will reportedly appear in "Doomsday," though he denied his involvement in a recent interview with Esquire.

"Captain America: Brave New World" is now playing in theaters.

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Millie Bobby Brown was reportedly paid $10 million for a Netflix movie. She says leaking salary contracts puts child stars in 'a dangerous situation.'

13 February 2025 at 12:26
Millie Bobby Brown in March 2024.
Millie Bobby Brown is known for playing Eleven in the Netflix series "Stranger Things."

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Netflix

  • Millie Bobby Brown criticized leaked salary contracts and said they put child actors at risk.
  • She told Vanity Fair that contracts she signed as a child "should have been protected."
  • Brown was reportedly paid $10 million for Netflix's 2022 film "Enola Holmes 2."

Millie Bobby Brown says she's learned from her experience as a child actor that salary contracts should be protected rather than leaked because they endanger young actors.

Brown, who rose to prominence playing Eleven on Netflix's wildly popular sci-fi series "Stranger Things," reacted to reports about her hefty paydays (including a reported $10 million deal to return for 2022's "Enola Holmes 2") in a new Vanity Fair cover story published on Wednesday.

The 20-year-old actor said that contracts she signed as a child "should have been protected so that they're not on the record," instead of being leaked.

"It just puts children in a really dangerous situation," she added.

Brown didn't elaborate on the specific dangers of contract leaks for child actors, but she told the publication, "I think everybody's a little bit too lax about the way that children are brought up in the industry."

Brown played Enola Holmes, the sleuthing younger sister of Henry Cavill's Sherlock Holmes, in the 2020 movie and its sequel and also served as a producer for both. But the young star was already Netflix's golden child long before that.

millie bobby brown as eleven in stranger things, yelling painfully with a collar around her neck
Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven in "Stranger Things" season four.

Ursula Coyote/Netflix

Brown was 11 years old when she first portrayed Eleven. In a cast comprised of veteran stars Winona Ryder and David Harbor and younger rising talents, Brown became the breakout of season one, which premiered in 2016.

By season three of "Stranger Things," the cast had landed significant salary bumps, with Brown reportedly earning at least $250,000 per episode, per Deadline. (Netflix declined to comment at the time.)

For the fifth and final season of "Stranger Things," coming this year, most cast members reportedly earned $6 to $9 million-plus. Brown, however, has a separate, lucrative deal in place that also includes her films for the streamer (like the "Enola Holmes" movies" and the upcoming "The Electric State"), according to Puck's Matthew Belloni.

Speaking to Vanity Fair, the actor credited Netflix and her parents for protecting her during her rise to fame.

"I grew up with a lot of eyes on my parents, but I feel that those were the people that protected me the most," she said, adding that her family taught her to "say no at a very young age" and advocate for herself.

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What we know about the 'Harry Potter' TV show, from rumored castings to its release date

13 February 2025 at 09:46
Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2."
Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2."

Warner Bros.

  • Warner Bros. Television is working on a scripted "Harry Potter" TV show for HBO. 
  • The series was announced at a Warner Bros. Discovery press event in Los Angeles in April 2023.
  • The show is eyeing a release in 2026 and will remain "faithful" to the book series.

A "Harry Potter" TV show is in the works.

At a press event in LA in April 2023, Warner Bros. Discovery first confirmed it's expanding the wizarding world with a coming TV series, originally planned for release on its streaming service, Max. But in June, Variety reported that the series would be branded as an HBO original instead.   

The untitled "Harry Potter" series will feature a fresh cast and introduce a new generation to the wizarding world franchise created by author J.K. Rowling

Here's everything we know so far about the show.

The series will be a 'faithful adaptation of the beloved original Harry Potter books'

harry potter and the order of the phoenix
Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson starred in the "Harry Potter" films.

Warner Bros.

"We are delighted to give audiences the opportunity to discover Hogwarts in a whole new way," said Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO of HBO & Max content in a press release shared with Business Insider. "Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon and it is clear there is such an enduring love and thirst for the Wizarding World." The series will "dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all of these years."

In the same release, Rowling said: "Max's commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me, and I'm looking forward to being part of this new adaptation which will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long-form television series."

Francesca Gardiner will be the showrunner and J.K. Rowling will serve as an executive producer 

jk rowling
JK Rowling in 2018.

Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

Gardiner's previous credits include "Succession," "His Dark Materials," and "Killing Eve."

Mark Mylod, most recently recognized for his work on "Succession," will direct multiple episodes of the show. 

The show's executive producers include Gardiner, Mylod, Rowling, Neil Blair, and Ruth Kenley-Letts. "Harry Potter" franchise producer David Heyman is also in talks to executive produce.

Users on X (formerly known as Twitter) took to the platform to criticize Max for its decision to involve Rowling, who has been accused of making transphobic comments, in the project. 

Max did not respond to a previous request for comment. 

John Lithgow is reportedly in talks to play Albus Dumbledore

John Lithgow on the red carpet at 2025 Sundance Film Festival
John Lithgow will reportedly play a major role in the "Harry Potter" series.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

On Wednesday, Deadline reported that John Lithgow was in final negotiations to star as the Hogwarts headmaster. The actor is known for roles in "Terms of Endearment," "The Old Man," "The Crown," and "Dexter." He most recently starred in the Oscars contender "Conclave."

HBO declined to comment, telling Deadline in a statement: "We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals."

Variety also previously reported that Paapa Essiedu was being considered for the role of Severus Snape, though no deal has been made yet.

The show is eyeing a release in 2026

Daniel Radcliffe as Harry in "Harry Potter in the Chamber of Secrets."
Daniel Radcliffe as Harry in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone."

Warner Bros.

Warner Bros.'s eight "Harry Potter" films comprise one of the studio's most successful franchises, grossing over $7 billion worldwide at the box office. The TV show, which is aiming to release in 2026, will stream on the service in the US and globally. 

In December, Warner Bros. Discovery announced that the show will start filming in Leavesden, where the previous "HP" movies were made, in the summer of 2025.

WB Discovery CEO David Zaslav shared details about the expected debut during an earnings call in February 2024, per The Hollywood Reporter. Zaslav said that he, Bloys, and WBD TV chief Channing Dungey met with Rowling and her team to discuss the show.

"Both sides are thrilled to be reigniting this franchise," Zaslav said. "Our conversations were great, and we couldn't be more excited about what's ahead. We can't wait to share a decade of new stories with fans around the world."

This story was originally published in April 2023 and has been updated to reflect recent developments. Kirsten Acuna contributed to a previous version of this article.

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'Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy' brings back Hugh Grant and Colin Firth — but there's a catch

13 February 2025 at 07:37
Renée Zellweger as Bridget Jones in "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy."
Renée Zellweger as Bridget Jones in "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy."

Jay Maidment/Universal Pictures

  • Renée Zellweger reprises her role as Bridget Jones in "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy."
  • Hugh Grant also returns as Daniel Cleaver after the character was revealed to be alive in the third film.
  • Colin Firth's Mark Darcy is killed off, but the actor still shows up in a few scenes.

Warning: Spoilers ahead for "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy."

Renée Zellweger is back as the titular heroine in "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" — this time as a widow juggling work, raising two kids, and dating.

"Mad About the Boy," the fourth and final movie in the rom-com franchise, centers on Bridget Jones as a single woman following the death of her husband, Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), four years earlier.

With the help of her friends, family, and ex-boyfriend Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), Bridget gets her groove back and works through the stages of grief.

Even though Firth's character is dead, the actor still makes a few appearances throughout the movie. Meanwhile, Grant seamlessly slips back into his womanizer character, who was revealed to be alive at the end of the third movie, "Bridget Jones's Baby."

Here's how "Mad About the Boy" incorporates Firth and Grant's characters.

Colin Firth reprises his role as Mark Darcy in the form of hallucinations

Colin Firth as Mark Darcy in "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy."
Colin Firth as Mark Darcy in "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy."

Peacock

The movie opens with the revelation that Mark was killed four years ago in a deadly explosion while on a humanitarian mission in Sudan. Since then, Bridget has primarily focused on raising the couple's two kids, 9-year-old Billy (Casper Knopf) and 4-year-old Mabel (Mila Jankovic).

Firth first appears as a hallucination when Bridget imagines Mark accompanying her to a small gathering in honor of his birthday. He also shows up when Bridget tucks her kids into bed.

Firth pops up one last time near the end of the movie when Billy performs during his school's Christmas concert. After finishing his performance, Billy earns applause and a standing ovation from the audience. While clapping, Bridget looks over and hallucinates Mark standing nearby and doing the same.

By the film's conclusion, Bridget and her kids have fully grieved Mark's death, and the heroine realizes they'll all be okay.

"Mad About the Boy" closes with a New Year's Eve party set one year later. In a tribute to Mark, Billy is seen wearing the same green turtleneck sweater with a reindeer on it that his dad wore in the first "Bridget Jones" movie.

Bridget Jones and Daniel Cleaver don't end up together. Instead, they maintain a close friendship.

Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver in "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy."
Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver in "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy."

Peacock

Bridget attended Daniel's funeral at the start of "Bridget Jones's Baby," after he was presumed dead following a plane crash. However, the film concluded with the revelation that Daniel was found alive and living with a remote tribe in the Australian outback one year after the crash.

Although the past "Bridget Jones" films showed Bridget in a love triangle with Mark and Daniel, the latest movie squashes any chance of romantic reconciliation between her and Daniel.

The pair are now friends. While Daniel is still up to his womanizing ways, he also steps in to babysit Bridget's kids when she needs help. Daniel also has a child, a 15-year-old son named Enzo, whom he's estranged from and hasn't seen since he was 2. Enzo also lives with his mom in Bologna, Italy.

Later in the movie when Daniel has a heart issue and ends up in the hospital, Bridget visits him. He tells her that his life flashed before his eyes and when he was asked to list a next of kin, the only person he could think of was Bridget.

Daniel then tells Bridget that seeing her with her kids made him contemplate what could have been if they ended up together. Bridget isn't interested in Daniel romantically anymore, but she tells him that this health scare could mark a fresh start for him.

At the end of the film, Daniel reconnects with Enzo and introduces him to Bridget at the New Year's Eve house party. Enzo is also seen flirting with a party guest, indicating that perhaps he's not too different from his dad.

"Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" is streaming on Peacock.

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THEN AND NOW: The cast of 'Bridget Jones's Diary,' 24 years later

13 February 2025 at 05:43
Renée Zellweger as Bridget Jones and Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver in "Bridget Jones's Diary."
Renée Zellweger as Bridget Jones and Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver in "Bridget Jones's Diary."

Universal Pictures

  • "Bridget Jones's Diary" was released in theaters in 2001.
  • The movie starred Renée Zellweger as a 30-something single woman navigating her love life.
  • Zellweger and Hugh Grant reprise their roles in "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy," streaming on Peacock.

Twenty-four years ago, Renée Zellweger brought the clumsy but charming protagonist from Helen Fielding's novel "Bridget Jones's Diary" to life on the big screen.

The 2001 film adaptation of "Bridget Jones's Diary" starred Zellweger as Bridget Jones, a single woman in her 30s living in London who's on a mission to get her life together — and find her perfect match.

The rom-com was a commercial success, earning $281 million at the global box office on a $25 million budget and leading to three sequels: "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason" (2004), "Bridget Jones's Baby" (2016), and, most recently, "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" (2025).

"Mad About the Boy," touted as the final chapter in the franchise, was released on Peacock on Thursday and features many returning cast members from the first movie.

Here's a look back at the cast of the original film and where they are now.

Renée Zellweger portrayed the film's protagonist, Bridget Jones.
Renée Zellweger as Bridget Jones in "Bridget Jones's Diary."
Renée Zellweger as Bridget Jones in "Bridget Jones's Diary."

Universal Pictures

At the start of the movie, Bridget makes a New Year's resolution to lose weight, stop drinking and smoking, and find a "sensible boyfriend."

Zellweger's performance as Bridget was praised by fans and critics, and she earned an Oscar nomination for best actress at the 2002 Academy Awards.

Zellweger is now a four-time Oscar nominee and two-time winner.
Renée Zellweger at the world premiere of "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" in January 2025.
Renée Zellweger at the world premiere of "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" in January.

Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP

Zellweger was already a recognized actor at the time of the first "Bridget Jones" movie, having starred in films like "Jerry Maguire."

After "Bridget Jones's Diary," she went on to earn an Oscar nomination for her performance as Roxie Hart in the film adaptation of the musical "Chicago."

Then, in 2004, Zellweger won her first Academy Award for her supporting role in the war drama "Cold Mountain." That same year, she also reprised her role as Bridget Jones for the sequel "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason."

After a string of poorly received films, Zellweger took a six-year acting hiatus from 2010 to 2016.

When costar Hugh Grant asked what prompted the break during a recent interview for British Vogue, Zellweger replied, "Because I needed to. I was sick of the sound of my own voice. When I was working, I was like, 'Oh, my gosh, listen to you. Are you sad again, Renée? Oh, is this your mad voice?' It was a regurgitation of the same emotional experiences."

Zellweger told Grant that she spent those years getting healthy and doing non-Hollywood things, like studying international law, building a house, and going on a cross-country road trip with her rescue dogs.

She returned to acting in 2016 with two films: the legal drama "The Whole Truth" with Keanu Reeves and "Bridget Jones's Baby," the third movie in the rom-com franchise.

A few years later, Zellweger won her second Oscar, for her portrayal of the legendary actor Judy Garland in the biopic "Judy."

Now, she's back as Bridget Jones in the fourth movie, "Mad About the Boy." The film follows the character as a mother of two and a widow since the death of her husband, Mark Darcy, four years earlier.

Colin Firth starred as Mark Darcy, a human rights lawyer and one of Bridget's love interests.
Colin Firth as Mark Darcy in "Bridget Jones's Diary."
Colin Firth as Mark Darcy in "Bridget Jones's Diary."

Universal Pictures

Bridget and Mark grew up together and reconnect at a holiday party years later. They're not attracted to each other, but as the movie progresses, they develop feelings for each other and go from enemies to lovers.

Firth is an Oscar winner and two-time Emmy nominee.
Colin Firth at a screening of "Lockerbie: A Search for Truth" in December 2024.
Colin Firth at a screening of "Lockerbie: A Search for Truth" in December.

Dave Benett/Getty Images for Sky UK

Firth reprised his role as Mark for "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason" and "Bridget Jones's Baby." In the latter movie, Bridget gave birth to their first child, a baby boy, and the couple finally got married.

His rom-com experience extends to the 2003 ensemble holiday movie "Love Actually" and two "Mamma Mia!" films released in 2008 and 2018.

The actor has also starred in action movies like the "Kingsman" franchise and family-friendly films like "Mary Poppins Returns."

A year after landing an Oscar nomination for his performance in "A Single Man," Firth won the Academy Award for best actor for his portrayal of King George VI in "The King's Speech."

More recently, Firth starred in the film "Empire of Light" and the miniseries "The Staircase" and "Lockerbie: A Search for Truth." He earned Emmy nominations for "The Staircase" and "Conspiracy."

Hugh Grant starred as Daniel Cleaver, a womanizer and Bridget's boss at a publishing company.
Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver in "Bridget Jones's Diary."
Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver in "Bridget Jones's Diary."

Universal Pictures

Daniel, the editor-in-chief at a publishing company, starts dating Bridget, a publicity assistant, early in the film. But the pair don't last long because Daniel is non-committal and cheats on Bridget.

The first "Bridget Jones" movie positions Mark and Daniel as Bridget's main love interests. She ultimately chooses Mark because he accepts her as she is.

Grant has strayed from his rom-com roots in recent years.
Hugh Grant at the world premiere of "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" in January 2025.
Hugh Grant at the world premiere of "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" in January.

Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP

In the '90s and early 2000s, Hugh Grant was widely recognized for starring in iconic rom-coms like "Four Weddings and a Funeral," "Notting Hill," "Love Actually," and the "Bridget Jones" movies.

But his recent filmography has been far more unpredictable.

Grant starred as a villain in the family-friendly movie "Paddington 2," had a cameo as Daniel Craig's on-screen partner in "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery," acted alongside Meryl Streep in the biopic "Florence Foster Jenkins," played another antagonist in "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves," and portrayed an Oompa Loompa in "Wonka."

He's also a two-time Emmy nominee for his performances in "A Very English Scandal" and "The Undoing." For his role as Mr. Reed in the 2024 horror movie "Heretic," Grant earned his seventh Golden Globe nomination.

Grant was absent from the third "Bridget Jones" movie and told Variety that he felt his character "didn't belong." However, he returned for "Mad About the Boy" after writing some scenes for Daniel that enhanced the story.

Jim Broadbent played Colin Jones, Bridget's dad.
Jim Broadbent as Colin Jones in "Bridget Jones's Diary."
Jim Broadbent as Colin Jones in "Bridget Jones's Diary."

Universal Pictures

Bridget's parents have been married for 35 years, but their relationship hits a rough patch in "Bridget Jones's Diary."

Broadbent's extensive credits include roles in "Game of Thrones," "Moulin Rouge!" and the "Harry Potter" and "Paddington" movies.
Jim Broadbent at the world premiere of "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" in January 2025.
Jim Broadbent at the world premiere of "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" in January.

Samir Hussein/WireImage

Broadbent was already an established actor when he first portrayed Bridget Jones's father. The same year that "Bridget Jones's Diary" was released, the actor starred in two major movies in his filmography: "Iris" and "Moulin Rouge!"

He landed an Oscar and a Golden Globe Award for his supporting role in "Iris" and a BAFTA Award for his performance as Harold Zidler in "Moulin Rouge!"

Broadbent played a professor in the 2005 film adaptation of "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," Dean Charlie Stanforth in "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," and Professor Horace Slughorn in the "Harry Potter" franchise.

Like Grant, Broadbent is in the "Paddington" movies. He plays Mr. Gruber, the owner of an antique shop and Paddington's best friend.

He also appeared in a couple of episodes of HBO's hit fantasy series "Game of Thrones" during season seven and played the Duke of Leicester in the Prime Video breakout series "My Lady Jane."

Gemma Jones starred as Pamela Jones, Bridget's mom.
Gemma Jones as Pamela Jones in "Bridget Jones's Diary."
Gemma Jones as Pamela Jones in "Bridget Jones's Diary."

Universal Pictures

Bored by her relationship with Mr. Jones, Pamela takes a job as the assistant to a man who has a cable show on a home shopping channel and has an affair with him. Mr. and Mrs. Jones later reconcile and renew their vows in the second film.

"Harry Potter" fans may recognize Jones for her role as Hogwarts matron Madam Poppy Pomfrey
Gemma Jones at the world premiere of "Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy" in January 2025.
Gemma Jones at the world premiere of "Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy" in January.

Samir Hussein/WireImage

Jones played Madam Pomfrey in three "Harry Potter" films. She also portrayed Elton John's grandmother, Ivy, in the 2019 biopic "Rocketman," which starred Taron Egerton as the musician.

In 2015, she won a BAFTA TV Award for her supporting role in the TV movie "Marvellous."

Shirley Henderson portrayed Jude, one of Bridget's closest friends.
Shirley Henderson as Jude in "Bridget Jones's Diary."
Shirley Henderson as Jude in "Bridget Jones's Diary."

Universal Pictures

Bridget's "urban family" consisted of three close friends, including Jude, who often gave practical advice.

Henderson has had roles in franchises like "Harry Potter" and "Star Wars."
Shirley Henderson at the world premiere of "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" in January 2025.
Shirley Henderson at the world premiere of "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" in January.

Millie Turner/Invision/AP

A year after the first "Bridget Jones" movie was released, Henderson portrayed Moaning Myrtle, the ghost of a former student who haunts Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, in the second "Harry Potter" film, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets." She reprised the role a few years later for "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire."

Henderson also voiced a droidsmith named Babu Frik in the 2019 movie "Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker" and is one of many actors who have guest-starred on the popular sci-fi series "Doctor Who." Additionally, she had a small role in Sofia Coppola's 2006 movie "Marie Antoinette."

Most recently, Henderson returned as Jude for "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy."

Sally Phillips starred as Sharon, aka "Shazza," another of Bridget's pals.
Sally Phillips as Shazza in "Bridget Jones's Diary."
Sally Phillips as Shazza in "Bridget Jones's Diary."

Universal Pictures

She's a journalist who likes to curse a lot.

Phillips returns as Shazza in "Mad About the Boy."
Sally Phillips in January 2025.
Sally Phillips in January.

Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images

Since the first "Bridget Jones" film, Phillips has appeared in various shows and films, most notably the HBO series "Veep" and the 2016 action film "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies."

The actor is also an executive producer at the UK production company Captain Dolly, which she cofounded in 2020.

In 2016, Phillips, who has a son named Olly with Down's syndrome and autism, made the documentary "A World Without Down's Syndrome?"

She returned for all the "Bridget Jones" sequels, including the latest one.

James Callis rounded out Bridget's friend group as Tom.
James Callis as Tom in "Bridget Jones's Diary."
James Callis as Tom in "Bridget Jones's Diary."

Universal Pictures

Tom was an '80s pop icon who retired after being a one-hit wonder. Although his music career is dead, he still gets recognized in public for the record that made him famous nine years prior.

Callis is known for his role as Dr. Gaius Baltar in the sci-fi series "Battlestar Galactica."
James Callis at the world premiere of "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" in January 2025.
James Callis at the world premiere of "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" in January.

Simon Ackerman/FilmMagic

He first portrayed the character in the 2003 miniseries "Battlestar Galactica" and reprised the role for the re-imagined "Battlestar Galactica" series and the TV movie "Battlestar Galactica: Razor."

Callis has guest-starred on shows like "Arrow," "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "Rick and Morty," and "Star Trek: Picard."

In recent years, he has provided voice work for the Netflix animated series "Castlevania" and its spin-off show "Castlevania: Nocturne." Callis also appeared on season four of the Apple TV+ thriller show "Slow Horses," which stars Gary Oldman.

He reprises his role as Tom in "Mad About the Boy."

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Who does Bridget Jones end up with in 'Mad About the Boy'? Here's everything to know about how the final movie in the franchise ends.

13 February 2025 at 02:03
Renée Zellweger as Bridget Jones and Leo Woodall as Roxster in "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy."
Renée Zellweger as Bridget Jones and Leo Woodall as Roxster in "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy."

Jay Maidment/Universal Pictures

  • "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" is the fourth and final movie in the rom-com franchise.
  • Renée Zellweger's titular character struggles with grief after the death of Mark Darcy (Colin Firth).
  • She ends up in a love triangle with a 29-year-old named Roxster and a teacher named Mr. Wallaker.

Warning: Spoilers for "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" ahead.

Bridget Jones's story has finally come to an end.

After 24 years, the fourth and final installment of the rom-com franchise, "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy," is here.

The movie, released on Peacock Thursday, centers on Renée Zellweger's titular protagonist as she navigates life as a widow and single mother of two kids, 9-year-old Billy (Casper Knopf) and 4-year-old Mabel (Mila Jankovic).

Touted as the popular franchise's last chapter, the movie follows Bridget finding happiness again four years after her husband, Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), was killed in an explosion on a humanitarian mission in Sudan.

In revamping her life, Bridget meets two new love interests: Roxster (Leo Woodall), a 29-year-old park ranger who's studying to be a biochemist, and Mr. Wallaker (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a pragmatic science teacher at the school that Bridget's kids attend. Plus, her former flame, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), returns as her platonic friend after he's confirmed to be alive at the end of the third film, "Bridget Jones's Baby."

Here's what to know about the movie's conclusion — and which character Bridget ends up with.

Bridget and Roxster break up due to their age difference

Renée Zellweger as Bridget Jones and Leo Woodall as Roxster in "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy."
Zellweger as Bridget Jones and Woodall as Roxster in "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy."

Jay Maidment/Universal Pictures

Bridget meets Roxster at a park when he rescues her and her kids from a tree they get stuck in.

While helping them down, he catches a glimpse of Bridget's Tinder profile on her phone, which her colleague Miranda (Sarah Solemani) set up for her, and decides to make his own profile so that he can find her. After matching on the app, they begin a flirtatious texting relationship and meet for a date.

Roxster assumes Bridget is about 35 and says her age doesn't bother him because he's attracted to older women, who he thinks are wiser, more mature, and more experienced.

At the end of their date, they hook up — but their dynamic is not a one-night stand. Instead, they date over the summer. Still, their relationship goes downhill when Roxster drunkenly tells her he wishes she had a time machine.

After letting it slip that he's bothered by their age difference, Roxster ghosts and ignores all of Bridget's texts. Sometime later, Roxster shows up unannounced at her workplace and explains that he panicked, got scared, and ran away because he thought he wanted to be with someone his own age.

However, after considering his hasty decision, Roxster says that he loves Bridget and is ready for everything that comes with it.

However, Bridget isn't interested in getting back together with Roxster and ends their relationship for good, telling him she wishes he had a time machine to catch up to her.

Bridget chooses to be with Mr. Wallaker, Billy's science teacher

Renée Zellweger as Bridget Jones and Chiwetel Ejiofor as Mr. Wallaker in "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy."
Zellweger as Bridget Jones and Chiwetel Ejiofor as Mr. Wallaker in "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy."

Jay Maidment/Universal Pictures

When Bridget and Mr. Wallaker first meet at school during morning dropoff one day, their contrasts are clear. Bridget is outspoken and uncoordinated, while Mr. Walker is a polished rule-follower.

Then, during a class field trip, Mr. Wallaker tells Bridget that he doesn't have kids and never had time to think about having a family as a teacher — but he's OK with that.

Shortly after that conversation, Billy tells Mr. Wallaker that he's struggling with Mark's death and is worried he may forget his dad. In response, Mr. Wallaker reassures Billy that Mark is everywhere and asks him to share his favorite memory of him.

At the school's Christmas concert, Billy delivers a heartfelt solo performance with Mr. Wallaker's help. Bridget, who has seen hallucinations of Mark since his death, sees another vision of her late husband clapping in the audience after Billy's performance.

After the show, Bridget tells Mr. Wallaker that she's touched by how he helped Billy with his grief and taught him to be happy despite Mark's absence. And for the first time in four years, Bridget realizes that she and her kids will be OK.

Bridget invites the teacher out to drinks, but he chickens out of going inside the bar. Bridget spots him through the window, though, and runs after him. He explains that he had something he wanted to tell her, but it wasn't the right setting. Then, he makes a bold proclamation.

Mr. Wallaker references Isaac Newton's third law of motion — for every action, there's an equal and opposite reaction — and says that Bridget is that opposite force to him. He says he's fallen in love with Bridget, and she kisses him. He then tells her that his first name is Scott, so she can quit referring to him as Mr. Wallaker.

In a scene set one year later, Bridget and Scott are happily together at a New Year's Eve party hosted at her home. At the end of the evening, they say "I love you" and kiss.

The movie concludes with a close-up of Bridget smiling while hugging him.

"Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" is streaming on Peacock.

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John Oliver crashes Jon Stewart's 'Daily Show' monologue to welcome America to its 'monarchy era'

11 February 2025 at 09:22
John Oliver and Jon Stewart during Stewart's monologue for "The Daily Show."
John Oliver crashed Jon Stewart's latest "Daily Show" monologue.

Comedy Central

  • John Oliver returned to "The Daily Show" to mock America's shift to its "monarchy era."
  • Oliver crashed the host Jon Stewart's monologue and said he was there to gloat.
  • Oliver told Stewart to embrace being a monarchy because "kings get shit done."

John Oliver surprised audiences by returning to "The Daily Show" on Monday to interrupt Jon Stewart's monologue and gloat about ushering America into a new era.

Stewart's monologue briefly addressed the Super Bowl but primarily focused on jokes about President Donald Trump's recent executive orders, like renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America, and his saying that America was at its greatest from 1870 to 1913.

"Well, it's been a good run, America," Stewart said about 16 minutes into the monologue. "It's looking like we're becoming less like the constitutional republic it's been for 250 years and more like the monarchy that we all fought to escape from."

Oliver then appeared onscreen as the audience burst into applause.

"The prodigal son appears to have returned," Oliver said.

Oliver was a senior correspondent on the show from 2006 to 2013. He then landed his own series, "Last Week Tonight With John Oliver," which airs on HBO.

When Stewart asked Oliver if he was here to offer his "wisdom and counsel," Oliver clarified: "Oh, no, no, Jon. I'm here to gloat."

"America had its little fun, didn't you?" he continued. "Experimenting with democracy. You fought so hard to get away from us, acting up, throwing all that tea into the harbor — you still owe us for that, by the way."

Oliver teased America for diverging from British rule and vowing to not be like Britain.

"We let you spend your wild teen years experimenting with your ridiculous ideas of checks and balances because deep down we knew that once you got that nonsense out of your system, you'd be back," Oliver said.

"Let me be the first to welcome America to its monarchy era," he added.

In response, Stewart said America was "having a bit of trouble with democratic governance," but not to the point of wanting to "go full empire."

"Don't fight being a monarchy, Jon. Embrace it!" Oliver said. "Kings get shit done."

Stewart retorted that Britain hadn't turned out much better than America.

"For a country that doesn't want to be an empire, you're doing a pretty fucking good impression of one right now," Oliver said, citing "invasions" and "economic exploitations."

"We really have become our father," Stewart conceded.

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7 details you might have missed in Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show

10 February 2025 at 10:39
Kendrick Lamar surrounded by dancers wearing red, white, and blue outfits during the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show.
Kendrick Lamar performing during the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show.

Matt Slocum/AP

  • Kendrick Lamar headlined the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday.
  • His performance included details you might have missed, like nods to his feud with Drake.
  • Lamar's varsity-style designer jacket also included a few references.

Fresh off his five Grammy wins a week ago, Kendrick Lamar completed another career milestone on Sunday: headlining the Super Bowl halftime show.

Lamar's performance at New Orleans' Caesars Superdome during the 2025 Super Bowl featured some of his most popular songs and surprise appearances from stars like Samuel L. Jackson and Serena Williams.

Aside from the overt references to American culture, Lamar included subtle details that alluded to his music and, of course, his beef with Drake.

Here are the biggest details you might have missed in Lamar's performance.

Lamar's viral bootcut jeans were designed by Celine.
Kendrick Lamar performing during the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show.
Lamar performing during the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show.

Kevin Mazur/Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation

Lamar's flared jeans were the breakout star of the halftime show, with fans praising the style and fit.

The rapper was styled by Taylor McNeill and Vogue reported that bootcut jeans are designed by the French luxury brand Celine.

His jacket, designed by Martine Rose, was emblazoned with the name Gloria as a nod to his most recent album.
Kendrick Lamar performing during the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show.
Lamar wore a varsity jacket for his Super Bowl performance.

Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

"Gloria" is the final track on Lamar's 2024 album "GNX." The song features SZA, Lamar's frequent collaborator, who joined him on stage at the halftime show to perform "Luther" and "All the Stars."

Lamar's varsity-style jacket had a bunch of other references, too.

The back of the jacket had a logo for pgLang, the communications company that he co-founded with record producer Dave Free, and the phrase "I Deserve It All" stitched below it, which is a nod to the "GNX" track "Man at the Garden."

Lamar's track "Peakaboo" was hand-stitched on the right sleeve and a "G.National" patch appeared on the left sleeve in reference to his album "GNX."

His lowercase "a" necklace was a standout accessory with two different interpretations from fans.
Kendrick Lamar performing during the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show.
Lamar wore a statement piece necklace at the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show.

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Many fans assumed it was a nod to his "a minor" lyric aimed at Drake in "Not Like Us." But others suggested that it could be symbolic of his company pgLang, which has been using a logo that features a lowercase letter a.

Lamar made a reference to Drake's legal battles while teasing "Not Like Us."
Kendrick Lamar performing during the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show.
Lamar performing during the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show.

Brynn Anderson/AP

Halfway through his performance, Lamar teased "Not Like Us" by telling backup dancers, "I wanna perform they favorite song, but you know they love to sue," while looking directly at the camera and putting one hand on his hip.

Then, a few notes of "Not Like Us" played before Lamar pivoted to "Luther" featuring SZA.

This comment was seemingly in reference to Lamar's ongoing beef with Drake and Drake's lawsuits filed in response.

In November, Drake's company, Frozen Moments, filed a pre-action petition against Spotify and Universal Music Group (UMG), the record company that owns Lamar's label Interscope and Drake's label Republic Records.

The petition accused the music streaming service and record company of inflating streams of "Not Like Us" through inorganic methods, like bots.

In another filing, Drake's team accused UMG of conspiring with iHeartRadio as part of a "pay-to-play" tactic to boost airplay for "Not Like Us."

A spokesperson for UMG denied the accusations in a statement to BI.

Drake also went on to file a defamation lawsuit against UMG in January, saying the record company "approved, published and launched a campaign to create a viral hit out of a rap track" that was "intended to convey the specific, unmistakable and false factual allegation that Drake is a criminal pedophile, and to suggest that the public should resort to vigilante justice in response." UMG said it is fighting the case.

Lamar omitted the scathing Drake-directed line "certified pedophile" from "Not Like Us."
Kendrick Lamar performing during the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show.
Lamar performing during the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show.

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

In "Not Like Us," Lamar raps, "Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophile." At the Super Bowl, Lamar recited the "Certified Lover Boy" lyric but stopped short of calling Drake a pedophile on national TV, omitting the word.

"Certified Lover Boy" is the title of Drake's 2021 album.

Although Kendrick didn't include the aforementioned lyrics in his performance, he took other opportunities to criticize Drake.

Serena Williams' surprise cameo during "Not Like Us" was interpreted as another jab at Drake.
Serena Williams performing at Kendrick Lamar's 2025 Super Bowl halftime show.
Serena Williams performing at Lamar's 2025 Super Bowl halftime show.

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation

One of the biggest surprises of the halftime show was tennis legend Serena Williams popping up and crip-walking during "Not Like Us."

Williams' choice of dance moves was significant. She was previously criticized for crip-walking in celebration of defeating Maria Sharapova and winning the gold medal at the London Olympics in 2012. At the time, Williams was accused of glorifying gang violence.

"Man I did not crip walk like that at Wimbledon," Williams said in a video posted on X following her appearance during the Super Bowl halftime show. "Oh, I would've been fined."

"It was all love," she added after laughing.

Williams showing up for "Not Like Us," the song in which she's name-dropped, seemed to be yet another dig at Drake.

Drake and Williams were linked between 2011 and 2015, though it was never confirmed that they ever had a romantic relationship. The rapper was sometimes photographed watching Williams' tennis matches, and was seen sitting front row at her Fashion Week show in 2015.

He also confirmed that his song "Too Good" was about Williams.

"When I make songs about women, I also make songs for them," he said. "So, I know what kind of song to make. If I'm gonna talk about them, I'll at least do them the justice of making them a song that they like. So, I know Serena very well, and I know that she'll hear it loud and clear, but she'll also not hate me for it because it's lighthearted."

In 2015, a source told People magazine that they were "just friends" and "never dated."

Williams married Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian in 2017 and the couple welcomed two daughters, Alexis Olympia and Adira River.

Drake dissed Ohanian in his track "Middle of the Ocean," calling the entrepreneur a "groupie." In response, Ohanian said on X (formerly known as Twitter) that becoming a husband and father made him "100x better as a man and a businessman."

"The reason I stay winning is because I'm relentless about being the absolute best at whatever I do — including being the best groupie for my wife & daughter," he wrote.

Lamar topped off his halftime show with an appearance from "Not Like Us" producer DJ Mustard.
DJ Mustard and Kendrick Lamar at the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show.
DJ Mustard and Lamar at the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show.

Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

DJ Mustard, who recently got a shout-out during Trevor Noah's opening monologue at the 2025 Grammys, joined Lamar onstage during "TV Off."

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The new 'Fantastic Four' finally has a trailer. Here's everything we know about the reboot.

4 February 2025 at 09:03
From left: "The Fantastic Four" stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.
From left: "The Fantastic Four" stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.

Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage; Scott Garfitt/Invision/AP; Vianney Le Caer/AP; Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

  • A reboot of "Fantastic Four" is in the works at Marvel Studios.
  • The film will star Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. 
  • "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," directed by Matt Shakman, will be released on July 25.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe's long-awaited reboot of "Fantastic Four" is on the horizon, and more details are coming into focus.

The latest iteration of "Fantastic Four," which is set for release this summer, has been in the works for years, going as far back as July 2019, when Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige first confirmed plans to reboot the franchise while onstage at San Diego Comic-Con.

Here's everything we know about "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," so far.

Matt Shakman will direct the film

Matt Shakman at the 2021 Emmys.
Matt Shakman will direct "The Fantastic Four."

Chris Pizzello/AP

"Spider-Man" director Jon Watts was initially attached to direct the movie, but he reportedly exited in 2022 because he needed a break after working on Tom Holland's three Spidey films back-to-back.

The movie will now be directed by Matt Shakman, who previously directed all nine episodes of Marvel's limited series "WandaVision."

Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach will star as the titular superheroes

Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps."
Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps."

Marvel Studios

Casting rumors ran rampant on the internet for years, with everyone from Adam Driver and Penn Badgley to Jodie Comer and Margot Robbie reportedly being considered for the main roles.

Marvel finally put the speculation to rest on Valentine's Day 2024, sharing the official casting and new, retro-inspired artwork depicting the actors as the Fantastic Four.

"Gladiator II" star Pedro Pascal will portray team leader Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, "Mission: Impossible" actor Vanessa Kirby will play Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, "Stranger Things" breakout Joseph Quinn will portray Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and "The Bear" star Ebon Moss-Bachrach will bring Ben Grimm/The Thing to the big screen.

'Ozark' star Julia Garner will portray the film's version of the Silver Surfer

Julia Garner at the 81st Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.
Julia Garner will play a key role in the movie.

Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Deadline, who was the first to report Garner's casting, said that the Emmy winner will play Shalla-Bal.

In the comics, Shalla-Bal is the love interest of Norrin Radd/Silver Surfer. In one run of the source material, Shalla-Bal becomes a Silver Surfer alongside Norrin after acquiring the Power Cosmic.

Garner has been tight-lipped about how she'll factor into the movie.

"I'm assuming that this Silver Surfer is gonna be really shiny like in the other previous ones and the comic books," she told Entertainment Weekly in January.

Additional cast members include Ralph Ineson as the villain Galactus and Natasha Lyonne in a mystery role

Galactus overlooking New York City in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps."
Galactus overlooking New York City in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps."

Marvel Studios

In May, The Hollywood Reporter said that Ineson was cast as the film's big bad, Galactus. In the comics, Galactus is a formidable character in the cosmos who consumes the life force of various planets.

The official plot synopsis for "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" suggests that the antagonist will be on a similar mission in the movie.

"Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner)," the description reads. "And if Galactus' plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren't bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal."

Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, Natasha Lyonne, and Sarah Niles were also cast in undisclosed roles.

'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' will be set in an alternate universe in the 1960s

Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps."
Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps."

Marvel Studios

Artwork and official posters for "The Fantastic Four" have alluded to the movie being set in the 1960s. During an appearance on the podcast "The Official Marvel Podcast" in June 2024, Feige confirmed that the film is a period piece and teased that it exists in a different version of New York City.

"There was a piece of art we released with Johnny Storm flying in the air making a 4 symbol and there was a cityscape in the corner of that image," Feige said. "There were a lot of smart people who noticed that that cityscape didn't look exactly like the New York that we know, or the New York that existed in the '60s in our world. Those are smart observations, I'll say."

Shakman teased that the movie will be different from past Marvel projects

Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps."
Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps."

Marvel Studios

"It's different in so many ways," Shakman told Collider in October.
I wish I could be specific. I wish I could say more. But we are doing things very differently from a story standpoint, from an approach to the filmmaking standpoint, that really fits the material."

"I think it's going to be unlike anything you've seen before, and certainly unlike anything at Marvel that you've seen before," he added.

In an interview with Inverse, the director echoed those sentiments and said that he took inspiration from the comics, rather than the previous "Fantastic Four" movies.

"I'm trying to figure out who these characters are to me and how to bring them to life in the best possible way, and that's really where I've started and how we've approached it," he said.

The Fantastic Four will return in the next 'Avengers' movies

Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps."
Moss-Bachrach, Pascal, Kirby, and Quinn in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps."

Marvel Studios

Little is known about Marvel's upcoming films, but "Avengers: Doomsday," starring Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, is set for release on May 1, 2026, and "Avengers: Secret Wars" is scheduled for May 7, 2027. Both movies will be codirected by sibling duo Joe and Anthony Russo.

In November, Feige said that characters from "The Fantastic Four" will "go right into the next 'Avengers' movies, so I'm very excited for the future of the Fantastic Four."

'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' releases in theaters on July 25

"The Fantastic Four: First Steps" will be released this summer as part of phase six of the MCU.

The first teaser trailer was released on Tuesday. It shows glimpses of the superhero family suited up, Galactus towering over New York City, Malkovich's mystery role, the comic-book character H.E.R.B.I.E. cooking with Ben in the Baxter Building, and Reed seemingly working on an equation for a multiverse bridge.

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Meet Zoe McGrady, the 'Bachelor' contestant whose competitive spirit is already stirring up drama

3 February 2025 at 18:46
"The Bachelor" season 29 contestant Zoe McGrady holding a T-shirt cannon during week one.
"The Bachelor" season 29 contestant Zoe McGrady during week one.

John Fleenor/Disney

  • Zoe McGrady is one of 25 contestants on season 29 of "The Bachelor," which stars Grant Ellis.
  • During week two, her competitive approach to dating frustrates the other women.
  • Zoe is a 27-year-old tech engineer and model based in New York.

"The Bachelor" season 29 contestant Zoe McGrady wants to win over Grant Ellis — and she'll do whatever it takes to spend time with him.

Zoe, 27, is one of 25 women participating in the latest season of the reality TV show. The competition intensifies during week two, when Zoe steals Grant away for a private chat during the first group date of the season, a slam dunk competition.

Zoe causes more drama later when she interrupts Grant's one-on-one conversations with contestants Juliana Pasquarosa and Alli Jo Hinkes so she can talk to him further.

"We have one shot at all of this," she tells the women. "We had one shot at basketball, we had one shot on our group date today. We have one shot at this whole experience, and I know personally I gave it my all today and I'm very happy that I got time with him. That's what you gotta do."

Here's everything to know about Zoe.

Zoe grew up in Virginia with her adoptive parents

"The Bachelor" season 29 contestant Zoe wears a purple dress in a headshot.
Zoe is a contestant on season 29 of "The Bachelor."

Matt Sayles/Disney

During an appearance on an episode of the podcast "Miss Represented," released in January 2024, Zoe, who's a mixed woman of color, said that she was adopted by two white people and grew up in a predominantly white town in the South.

She said that it was challenging growing up in Virginia as one of the few people of color who was also interested in STEM and felt like the "black sheep" of her hometown.

"I was definitely an outcast," Zoe said, adding that she was the first female wrestler to join her high school wrestling team.

Zoe said that she was interested in science and math from a young age, and even dressed up as Albert Einstein more than once for Halloween.

She went on to pursue a career in STEM after graduating from high school.

She's now a tech engineer and model based in New York

"The Bachelor" season 29 star Zoe McGrady receives a rose from star Grant Ellis during week one.
Zoe and Grant during week one of "The Bachelor" season 29.

John Fleenor/Disney

Zoe graduated from Duke University with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 2019 and has been working in fintech since then.

After getting hired as a project manager at the tech company Quantile, Zoe moved to New York, where she decided to become a model in addition to her day job. She signed with the modeling agency Wilhemina Models in 2023.

She's done modeling jobs in beauty, lifestyle, sports, and fitness, and has walked runways as part of New York Fashion Week.

Zoe is a two-time first runner-up in the Miss New York USA pageant

"The Bachelor" season 29 contestant Zoe McGrady meeting star Grant Ellis during week one.
Zoe during week one of "The Bachelor" season 29.

John Fleenor/Disney

In the podcast, Zoe said she never competed in a pageant prior to participating in Miss New York USA in 2022. She discovered the casting call for the pageant while scrolling on Instagram.

Zoe said she spent most of her life focused on sports and education and never thought she'd fit into the pageant world. However, she learned that she had a story to tell and felt she could use her platform to speak about things that were important to her.

In an Instagram post, Zoe said that she competed in the pageant so she can "share my story and advocate for other people with adverse childhood experiences," inspire women in male-dominated fields like wrestling and engineering, and make underrepresented people feel seen.

She was named the first runner-up of Miss New York USA in both 2022 and 2023 and returned to the pageant to compete a third time in 2024.

She's also a youth mentor and motivational speaker

"The Bachelor" season 29 contestant Zoe McGrady.
"The Bachelor" season 29 contestant Zoe.

ABC

Zoe often speaks in schools, telling kids about her passion for STEM, how her childhood and upbringing shaped her, and how she overcame adversity to succeed as a woman of color.

She also appears at conference panels and offers one-on-one mentorship on topics ranging from building confidence and resilience to managing mental health and healing from adverse childhood experiences.

New episodes of season 29 of "The Bachelor" premiere on Mondays.

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Here's every song that won record of the year at the Grammys

3 February 2025 at 08:46
Kendrick Lamar accepting the award for record of the year at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.
Kendrick Lamar accepting the award for record of the year at the 2025 Grammys.

Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty Images

  • Every year, the Grammys celebrate the music industry's top artists and tracks. 
  • Record of the year is one of the four biggest Grammy Awards.
  • Musicians like Adele, Whitney Houston, and most recently, Kendrick Lamar, have all won this award.

The Grammy Awards honor some of the best songs and music videos of the past year, chosen by members of the Recording Academy.

Among all the awards given out during the show, categories like record of the year, album of the year, and song of the year often generate buzz.

The difference between record of the year and song of the year is that the former refers to "the artist's performance as well as the overall contributions of the producer(s), recording engineer(s) and/or mixer(s) if other than the artist" and the latter "recognizes the songwriter(s)."

Keep reading this list to see every track that won the Grammy for record of the year.

1959: "Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volare)" — Domenico Modugno
domenico modungo 1958
Domenico Modugno in 1958.

AP

Domenico Modugno's popular track was the first winner of the Grammy for record of the year. 

1960: "Mack the Knife" — Bobby Darin
bobby darin in 1965
Bobby Darin was also presented with the lifetime achievement award at the Grammys.

AP

The song was also nominated for best male vocal performance.

1961: "The Theme from 'A Summer Place'" — Percy Faith and His Orchestra
percy faith 1961
Percy Faith was a composer, bandleader, and conductor.

AP

Faith won his first Grammy in 1961. "The Theme from 'A Summer Place'" also earned two nominations for best arrangement and best performance by an orchestra.

1962: "Moon River" — Henry Mancini
herny mancini grammys 1980
Henry Mancini won more than 15 Grammys.

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

At the fourth Grammys, Mancini won awards for record of the year, song of the year, and best arrangement with "Moon River." He won two additional awards for the "Breakfast at Tiffany's" soundtrack.

1963: "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" — Tony Bennett
Tony Bennett
Tony Bennett won more than 10 Grammys.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for NARAS

Tony Bennett won his first of many Grammys in 1963, beginning with the awards for record of the year and best male solo vocal performance for "I Left My Heart in San Francisco."

1964: "Days of Wine and Roses" — Henry Mancini
henry mancini
Henry Mancini also received a lifetime achievement award from the Grammys.

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Henry Mancini won three awards at the sixth Grammys for "Days of Wine and Roses": record of the year, song of the year, and best background arrangement (behind vocalist or instrumentalist).

1965: "The Girl From Ipanema" — Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto
astrud gilberto 1981
Astrud Gilberto won a Grammy in 1965.

AP

In addition to winning record of the year, the two artists also won album of the year and best instrumental jazz performance (small group or soloist with small group) for "Getz/Gilberto." 

1966: "A Taste of Honey" — Herb Alpert and The Tijuana Brass
herb alpert march 2006
Herb Alpert has won eight Grammys.

Stuart Ramson/AP

"A Taste of Honey" won three awards at the eighth Grammys: record of the year, best non-jazz instrumental performance, and best instrumental arrangement. 

1967: "Strangers in the Night" — Frank Sinatra
frank sinatra mia farrow 1965
Frank Sinatra has won nine Grammys.

AP

Sinatra won three awards that year: record of the year for "Strangers in the Night," album of the year for "A Man and His Music," and best male vocal performance for "Strangers in the Night."

1968: "Up, Up, and Away" — 5th Dimension
5th dimension may 1969
Marilyn McCoo, Florence LaRue, Billy Davis, Jr., LaMonte McLemore, and Ron Townson of 5th Dimension in May 1969.

PoPsie Randolph/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

"Up, Up, and Away" won four awards at the 10th Grammys: best performance by a vocal group, best contemporary single, best contemporary group performance (vocal or instrumental), and record of the year.  

1969: "Mrs. Robinson" — Simon and Garfunkel
simon and garfunkel july 2004
Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel have won several Grammys throughout their career.

Pier Paolo Cito/AP

The award-winning track is from the duo's 1968 album "The Graduate."

1970: "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)" — 5th Dimension
walt frazier fifth dimension november 1974
Walt Frazier with 5th Dimension in November 1974.

Marty Lederhandler/AP

In addition to winning record of the year, the song also won the Grammy for best contemporary vocal performance by a group.

1971: "Bridge Over Troubled Water" — Simon and Garfunkel
simon and garfunkel 1971 grammys
Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon holding five of the six Grammy Awards they received in March 1971.

AP

The duo, comprised of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, won record of the year and album of the year.

1972: "It's Too Late" — Carole King
carole king november 2019
Carole King is a four-time Grammy winner.

Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

King was a big winner at the 14th Grammys, snagging four total awards: record of the year, album of the year, song of the year, and best female pop vocal performance.  

1973: "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta Flack
roberta flack grammys 2010
Roberta Flack at the 2010 Grammys.

Mark J. Terrill/AP

The original track was actually written by Ewan MacColl and appeared on Flack's "First Take" album.

1974: "Killing Me Softly With His Song" — Roberta Flack
roberta flack grammys 1974
Roberta Flack with her Grammy award in March 1974.

Harold Filan/AP

At the 16th Grammys, Flack's "Killing Me Softly With His Song" won awards for record of the year and best female pop vocal performance.

1975: "I Honestly Love You" — Olivia Newton-John
olivia newton john performing 2005
Olivia Newton-John performing in 2005.

Scott Gries/Getty Images

At the 17th Grammys, Olivia Newton-John's "I Honestly Love You" received awards for record of the year and best female pop vocal performance. 

1976: "Love Will Keep Us Together" — Captain & Tennille
Captain Daryl Dragon and Toni Tennille
"Captain" Daryl Dragon and Toni Tennille.

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

"Love Will Keep Us Together" was released by American duo Captain & Tennille in 1975. The song won a Grammy for record of the year in 1976 and also received a nomination for best pop vocal performance by a duo, group, or chorus.

1977: "This Masquerade" — George Benson
george benson
George Benson performing at the Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Vocals Competition in California in 2015.

Rachel Murray/Getty Images

George Benson won his first Grammy awards in 1977 for record of the year, best pop instrumental performance, and best R&B instrumental performance. 

1978: "Hotel California" — Eagles
eagles band
The Eagles have six total Grammy awards.

Rick Diamond/Getty Images

In a book written by Marc Eliot, the band discussed the inspiration behind the Grammy award-winning track.

"The concept had to do with taking a look at all the band had gone through, personally and professionally, while it was still happening to them," Don Henley.

1979: "Just the Way You Are" — Billy Joel
billy joel madison square garden
Billy Joel performing at Madison Square Garden in May 2014.

Scott Roth/Invision/AP

"Just the Way You Are" earned Billy Joel two Grammys in 1979 — one for record of the year and one for song of the year. He has five Grammy wins, three Hall of Fame awards, and received the Grammy Legend award in 1991. 

1980: "What A Fool Believes" — The Doobie Brothers
the doobie brothers Tom Johnston Patrick Simmons John McFee
The group consists of Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, and John McFee.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

At the 22nd Grammys, The Doobie Brothers won awards for record of the year and best pop vocal performance by a duo, group, or chorus.

1981: "Sailing" — Christopher Cross
christopher cross
Christopher Cross at the Grammys in New York City in 1981.

AP Photo

In 1981, Christopher Cross received Grammy awards for record of the year, album of the year, song of the year, best new artist, and best arrangement accompanying vocalist(s).

Cross was also the first artist in Grammy history to win all four general categories on the same night.

1982: "Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim Carnes
kim carnes
Kim Carnes also won a Grammy in 1984 for best album of original score written for a motion picture or a television special for "Flashdance."

Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMHOF

Kim Carnes won a Grammy for record of the year in 1982 with her popular track "Bette Davis Eyes." In 1981, "Bette Davis Eyes " also peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

1983: "Rosanna"— Toto
toto grammys 1983
Toto released an album titled "40 Trips Around the Sun," consisting of their greatest hits.

AP

Toto's "Rosanna" won the Grammy for record of the year in 1983. The song also won Grammys for best instrumental arrangement accompanying vocals and best vocal arrangement for two or more voices. 

1984: "Beat It" — Michael Jackson
michael jackson quincy jones grammys 1984
Michael Jackson, seen in this photo with Quincy Jones, has more than 10 Grammy awards.

Doug Pizac/AP

At the 26th Grammys, Michael Jackson received awards for record of the year, album of the year, best male pop vocal performance, best male rock vocal performance, best male R&B vocal performance, and best rhythm and blues song.

1985: "What's Love Got to Do With It" — Tina Turner
tina turner
Tina Turner received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1986.

Sean Gallup/Getty Images

In 1985, Tina Turner received Grammy awards for record of the year, best female pop vocal performance, and best female rock vocal performance.

1986: "We Are the World" — USA For Africa (Various Artists)
we are the world michael jackson memorial service july 2009
"We Are the World" was performed at Michael Jackson's public memorial service in 2009.

Mario Anzuoni-Pool/Getty Images

"We Are the World" was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and produced by Quincy Jones. A new version of the song was also recorded in 2010 to benefit relief efforts following the earthquake in Haiti. 

1987: "Higher Love" — Steve Winwood
steve winwood 1994
Steve Winwood performing in 1984.

Pizzello/AP Photo

At the 29th Grammys, Steve Winwood's "Higher Love" received awards for record of the year and best male pop vocal performance.

1988: "Graceland" — Paul Simon
paul simon benefit concert lincoln center 2015
Paul Simon performing in New York City in 2015.

Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images

Paul Simon received his first Grammys in 1969. He also won the award for record of the year.

1989: "Don't Worry Be Happy" — Bobby McFerrin
bobby mcferrin lincoln center new york city 2015
The late Robin Williams appears in the music video for this song.

Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images

In 1989, Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry Be Happy" won Grammys for record of the year, song of the year, and best male pop vocal performance.

1990: "Wind Beneath My Wings" — Bette Midler
Bette Midler and Arif Mardin Grammys 1990
Bette Midler and Arif Mardin at the ceremony in 1990.

Wikimedia Commons

Bette Midler won her first Grammy in 1974 for best new artist. In 1990, "Wind Beneath My Wings won the award for record of the year and peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

1991: "Another Day in Paradise" — Phil Collins
phil collins performing florida 2016
Phil Collins has also received one Oscar and two Golden Globes.

Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images

Phil Collins received his first award at the 27th Grammys and has scored a total of eight awards over the years. 

1992: "Unforgettable" — Natalie Cole (With Nat "King" Cole)
Natalie Cole 34th Annual Grammy Awards(1991) on 2:25:92
Natalie Cole posing with her Grammy in 1992.

Gershoff/ MediaPunch/AP

In addition to winning record of the year, Natalie Cole won Grammys for album of the year and best traditional pop performance.

1993: "Tears in Heaven" — Eric Clapton
Erick Clapton 35th Annual Grammy Awards (1992) on 2:24:1993
Eric Clapton with his six Grammys at the ceremony in 1993.

Douglas C. Pizac/AP

At the 35th Grammys, Eric Clapton received awards for record of the year, album of the year, song of the year, best male pop vocal performance, best male rock vocal performance, and best rock song.

1994: "I Will Always Love You" — Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston won her first Grammy in 1986.

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" received two Grammys in 1994 — one for record of the year and another for best female pop vocal performance.

1995: "All I Wanna Do" — Sheryl Crow
sheryl crow
Sheryl Crow's debut solo album was released in 1993.

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

At the 37th Grammys, Sheryl Crow won her first awards for record of the year, best new artist, and best female pop vocal performance.

1996: "Kiss From a Rose" — Seal
seal grammys 1996
Seal at the 1996 Grammys.

Reed Saxon/AP

At the 38th Grammys, Seal scored awards for record of the year, song of the year, and best male pop vocal performance. "Kiss From A Rose" also peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1995.

1997: "Change the World" — Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton has been inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times.

Larry Busacca/Getty Images

Clapton added to his Grammy wins in 1997 when he received awards for record of the year, best male pop vocal performance, and best rock instrumental performance.

1998: "Sunny Came Home" — Shawn Colvin
shawn colvin grammys 1998
Shawn Colvin won her first Grammy in 1991.

Richard Drew/AP

In an interview with The Huffington Post, Colvin explained that the Grammy award-winning track was inspired by the cover art for her 1996 album, "A Few Small Repairs."

1999: "My Heart Will Go On" (Love Theme From "Titanic") — Céline Dion
celine dion grammys 1999
Céline Dion first won a Grammy in 1993 for best pop performance by a duo or group with vocal for her "Beauty and the Beast" duet with Peabo Bryson.

Reed Saxon/AP

Céline Dion's iconic track from "Titanic" earned her two Grammys in 1999 — one for record of the year and another for best female pop vocal performance.

2000: "Smooth" — Santana featuring Rob Thomas
rob thomas carlos santana clive davis grammys 2000
Rob Thomas, Carlos Santana, and Clive Davis at the 42nd Grammys.

Scott Gries/Getty

Rob Thomas cowrote "Smooth" after finishing a tour with Matchbox Twenty, and he initially wanted George Michael to sing it.

"Smooth" won awards for record of the year, best pop collaboration with vocals, and song of the year in 2000.

2001: "Beautiful Day" — U2
U2
U2 at the 2016 iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

U2 has accumulated more than 20 Grammys. In 2001, they won three Grammys for record of the year, song of the year, and best rock performance by a duo or group with vocal.

2002: "Walk On" — U2
U2 Halftime
U2 performing at the 2002 Super Bowl halftime show.

Al Bello/Getty Images

In addition to winning record of the year in 2002, they also won best pop performance by a duo or group with vocal, best rock performance by a duo or group with vocal, and best rock album.

2003: "Don't Know Why" — Norah Jones
norah jones grammys 2003
Norah Jones has won nine total Grammys.

Scott Gries/Getty Images

Norah Jones attended her first Grammy Awards show in 2003. That year, Jones won her first five Grammys for record of the year, best pop vocal album of the year, best female pop vocal performance, and album of the year.

2004: "Clocks" — Coldplay
Coldplay
Coldplay was formed in 1996 in England.

Getty Images for Anheuser-Busch

Coldplay won an award for record of the year at the 46th annual Grammys in February 2004.

2005: "Here We Go Again" — Ray Charles and Norah Jones
norah jones grammys 2005
Norah Jones accepting her award for best female pop vocal performance.

Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

After winning five Grammys in 2003, Norah Jones returned to the stage in 2005 to receive three more awards. She won awards for record of the year, best female pop vocal performance, and best pop collaboration with vocals.

2006: "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" — Green Day
green day grammys
Green Day members Mike Dirnt, Billie Joe Armstrong, and Tré Cool at the Grammys in 2006.

"Boulevard of Broken Dreams" is from Green Day's "American Idiot" album, which won the award for best rock album at the 47th Grammys.

2007: "Not Ready to Make Nice" — Dixie Chicks
The Dixie Chicks.
The Dixie Chicks have won the Grammy Award for Best Country Album four times: in 1999, 2000, 2003, and 2007.

Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

At the 49th Grammys, the Dixie Chicks won awards for record of the year, album of the year, bet country performance by a duo or group with vocal, and best country album.

2008: "Rehab" — Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse released her debut album in 2003.

Getty

"Rehab" is from Amy Winehouse's sophomore album, "Back to Black." In addition to record of the year, the track also won the award for song of the year.

2009: "Please Read the Letter" — Robert Plant and Alison Krauss
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss grammys 2009
The duo at the Grammys in 2009.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss were the recipients of a combined five awards at the 51st Grammys — record of the year, album of the year, best country collaboration with vocals, best pop collaboration with vocals, and best contemporary folk/Americana album.

2010: "Use Somebody" — Kings of Leon
kings of leon
Kings of Leon performing in 2017.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartMedia

"Use Somebody" won awards for record of the year and best rock performance by a duo or group with vocals at the 52nd Grammy Awards.

2011: "Need You Now" — Lady Antebellum
lady antebellum grammys 2011
The group consists of Hillary Scott, Dave Haywood, and Charles Kelley.

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

In addition to winning record of the year, Lady Antebellum also won Grammys for best country performance by a duo or group with vocals, best country album, song of the year, and best country song.

2012: "Rolling in the Deep" — Adele
Adele Grammys
Adele holding the six Grammy awards she received in the same year.

AP

"Rolling in the Deep" is one of the most-recognized songs from Adele's sophomore album, "21," and also won the award for song of the year at the 54th Grammy Awards.

2013: "Somebody That I Used to Know" — Gotye featuring Kimbra
Gotye Kimbra Grammys 2013
Gotye was born in Belgium and Kimbra was born in New Zealand.

AP

Gotye and Kimbra's "Somebody That I Used to Know" earned them Grammys for record of the year and best pop duo/group performance in 2013.

2014: "Get Lucky" — Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers
Pharrell hat Daft Punk Grammys bow down
Daft Punk consists of Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo.

Kevork Djansezian/Getty

Daft Punk received the award for record of the year in 2014. "Get Lucky" also peaked at  No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2013.

2015: "Stay With Me" (Darkchild Version) — Sam Smith
sam smith grammys 2015
In addition to multiple Grammy awards, Sam Smith has also won an Oscar and a Golden Globe.

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

"Stay With Me" is from Sam Smith's debut album, 'The Lonely Hour." At the 57th Grammys, Smith won awards for record of the year, song of the year, and best pop vocal album.

2016: "Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars
bruno mars mark ronson grammys 2016
Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars accepting the award for record of the year.

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

"Uptown Funk" was released as a single in November 2014, topped the music charts for weeks, and reached diamond status. The hit was also performed at the 2016 Super Bowl halftime show.

2017: "Hello" — Adele
adele 2016
Adele scored her first two Grammys in 2009.

Joern Pollex/Getty Images for September Managemen

"Hello" was the first track Adele released from her 2015 album, "25," and it smashed plenty of records. The music video also became one of the most-watched on YouTube, with over two billion views.

2018: "24K Magic" — Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars 60th Grammys
Bruno Mars holding his five Grammy awards.

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for NARAS

At the 60th Grammys, Mars received awards for record of the year, album of the year, song of the year, best R&B performance, and best R&B album.

2019: "This Is America" — Childish Gambino
childish gambino
Donald Glover's stage name is Childish Gambino.

John Salangsang/Invision/AP

At the 2019 Grammys, Childish Gambino's "This Is America" made history after winning song of the year and record of the year. The wins were also notable because they marked the first time a hip-hop song beat the competition in those major categories. 

2020: "Bad Guy" — Billie Eilish
billie eilish grammys january 2020
Billie Eilish with her five trophies at the 2020 Grammys.

Chris Pizzello/AP

Billie Eilish made history at the 2020 Grammys, becoming the second person ever to win awards in all four major categories during the same year.

Eilish won five of the six awards she was nominated for at the 62nd Grammys: best pop vocal album, best new artist, song of the year, album of the year, and record of the year. 

2021: "Everything I Wanted" — Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish posing with her two awards at the 2021 Grammys.
Eilish posing with her two awards at the 2021 Grammys.

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Eilish won the same award again in 2021, this time for the track "Everything I Wanted," which was cowritten by her and her brother Finneas O'Connell‎

That year Eilish also won the award for best song written for visual media for the track "No Time to Die," from the James Bond movie of the same name.

2022: "Leave the Door Open" — Silk Sonic
Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars of Silk Sonic accepting the award for record of the year at the 2022 Grammys.
Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars of Silk Sonic accepting the award for record of the year at the 2022 Grammys.

Rich Fury/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Silk Sonic, the musical duo comprised of Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars, were delighted to take home the award at the 2022 Grammys.

"Leave the Door Open" is from their 2021 studio album titled "An Evening With Silk Sonic."

2023: "About Damn Time" — Lizzo
Lizzo on stage at the 2023 Grammys with her award for record of the year.
Lizzo at the 65th Grammy Awards.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Lizzo was shocked and overjoyed to win the award for record of the year for her upbeat track "About Damn Time" at the 65th Grammys.

Lizzo dedicated her award to the late legendary musician Prince and said that after his death, she "decided to dedicate my life to making positive music."

2024: "Flowers" — Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus accepting the award for record of the year for "Flowers" at the 2024 Grammys.
Miley Cyrus accepting the award for record of the year for "Flowers" at the 2024 Grammys.

Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images

Cyrus' hit song "Flowers" from her album "Endless Summer Vacation" led her to win her first Grammys at the 2024 ceremony, for record of the year and best pop solo performance. 

"This award is amazing. But I really hope that it doesn't change anything because my life was beautiful yesterday. Not everyone in the world will get a Grammy, but everyone in this world is spectacular," she said while accepting the award for record of the year. "So please don't think that this is important, even though it's very important, right guys?"

2025: "Not Like Us" — Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar holding his five awards at the 2025 Grammys.
Kendrick Lamar holding his five awards at the 2025 Grammys.

CBS Photo Archive/CBS via Getty Images

Kendrick Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us," aimed at Drake (and named the fourth-best song of 2024 by BI), had a clean sweep at the 2025 Grammys.

In addition to winning record of the year, the track also won song of the year, best rap performance, best rap song, and best music video.

Read the original article on Business Insider

The 2025 Grammy winners: See the full list

2 February 2025 at 21:12
A composite image of 2025 Grammy nominees Sabrina Carpenter, Beyoncé, and Chappell Roan.
Sabrina Carpenter, Beyoncé, and Chappell Roan are among the 2025 Grammy nominees.

Taylor Hill/WireImage; Michael Buckner/Billboard via Getty Images; Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images

  • The 2025 Grammy Awards took place February 2 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
  • Kendrick Lamar, Sabrina Carpenter, and Beyoncé took home multiple awards.
  • Chappell Roan won the coveted award for best new artist.

Triumphant wins, heartfelt tributes, and bombastic performances filled the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles Sunday night for the 67th annual Grammy Awards.

Kendrick Lamar was one of the night's biggest winners, netting five Grammys including record of the year, best rap performance, and best music video for the Drake diss-track-turned-smash-hit "Not Like Us," while Beyoncé surprised even herself by taking home the award for best country album for "Cowboy Carter" and ended the night with her first-ever win for album of the year.

Keep reading to see who won in the major categories — the winners are listed in bold.

Songwriter of the year, non-classical
Raye in September 2024.
Raye in September.

Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

Jessi Alexander

Amy Allen

Edgar Barrera

Jessie Jo Dillon

Raye

Producer of the year, non-classical
Daniel Nigro in May 2024.
Daniel Nigro in May.

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images

Alissia

Dernst "D'Mile" Emile II

Ian Fitchuk

Mustard

Daniel Nigro

Best pop solo performance
Sabrina Carpenter in October 2024.
Sabrina Carpenter in October.

Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

"Bodyguard" — Beyoncé 

"Espresso" — Sabrina Carpenter

"Apple" — Charli XCX

"Birds of a Feather" — Billie Eilish

"Good Luck, Babe!" — Chappell Roan

Best pop duo/group performance
Ariana Grande in November 2024.
Ariana Grande in November.

Don Arnold/WireImage

"Us" — Gracie Abrams featuring Taylor Swift

"Levii's Jeans" — Beyoncé featuring Post Malone

"Guess" — Charli XCX featuring Billie Eilish

"The Boy Is Mine" — Ariana Grande, Brandy, and Monica

"Die With a Smile" — Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars

Best pop vocal album
Taylor Swift playing the piano during a performance on The Eras Tour.
Taylor Swift in July.

Andreas Rentz/TAS24

"Short n' Sweet" — Sabrina Carpenter

"Hit Me Hard and Soft" — Billie Eilish

"Eternal Sunshine" — Ariana Grande

"The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess" — Chappell Roan

"The Tortured Poets Department" — Taylor Swift

Best dance pop recording
Charli XCX at the 2024 Met Gala.
Charli XCX in May.

Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

"Make You Mine" — Madison Beer

"Von Dutch" — Charli XCX

"L'Amour de Ma Vie [Over Now Extended Edit]" — Billie Eilish

"Yes, And?" — Ariana Grande

"Got Me Started" — Troye Sivan

Best dance/electronic recording
Fred Again performs in August 2024.
Fred Again in August.

Simone Joyner/Getty Images

"She's Gone, Dance On" — Disclosure

"Loved" — Four Tet

"Leavemealone" — Fred Again and Baby Keem

"Neverender" — Justice and Tame Impala

"Witchy" — Kaytranada featuring Childish Gambino

Best dance/electronic album
Charli XCX in November 2024.
Charli XCX in November.

Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP

"Brat" — Charli XCX

"Three" — Four Tet

"Hyperdrama" — Justice

"Timeless" — Kaytranada

"Telos" — Zedd

Best rock performance
Tre Cool and Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day perform on stage in October 2024.
Tre Cool and Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day in October.

Rich Polk/Penske Media via Getty Images

"Now and Then" — The Beatles

"Beautiful People (Stay High)" — The Black Keys

"The American Dream Is Killing Me" — Green Day

"Gift Horse" — Idles

"Dark Matter" — Pearl Jam

"Broken Man" — St. Vincent

Best rock song
St. Vincent performing in October 2024.
St. Vincent performing in October 2024.

Europa Press News/Europa Press via Getty Images

"Beautiful People (Stay High)" — The Black Keys

"Broken Man" — St. Vincent

"Dark Matter" — Pearl Jam

"Dilemma" — Green Day

"Gift Horse" — Idles

Best rock album
Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam performing in November 2024.
Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam performing in November.

Dave Simpson/WireImage

"Happiness Bastards" — The Black Crowes

"Romance" — Fontaines D.C.

"Saviors" — Green Day

"TANGK" — Idles

"Dark Matter" — Pearl Jam

"Hackney Diamonds" — The Rolling Stones

"No Name" — Jack White

Best alternative music performance
Cage the Elephant performing in September 2024.
Cage the Elephant performing in September.

Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images

"Neon Pill" — Cage the Elephant

"Song of the Lake" — Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

"Starburster" — Fontaines D.C.

"Bye Bye" — Kim Gordon

"Flea" — St. Vincent

Best alternative music album
Clairo performing in October 2024.
Clairo performing in October.

Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

"Wild God" — Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

"Charm" — Clairo

"The Collective" — Kim Gordon

"What Now" — Brittany Howard

"All Born Screaming" — St. Vincent

Best melodic rap performance
Latto performing onstage in October 2024.
Latto performing in October.

Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images

"Kehlani" — Jordan Adetunji Featuring Kehlani

"Spaghettii" — Beyoncé featuring Linda Martell and Shaboozey

"We Still Don't Trust You" — Future and Metro Boomin featuring The Weeknd

"Big Mama" — Latto

"3" — Rapsody featuring Erykah Badu

Best rap performance
Eminem at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards.
Eminem at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards.

Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Images

"Enough (Miami)" — Cardi B

"When the Sun Shines Again" — Common and Pete Rock featuring Posdnuos

"Nissan Altima" — Doechii

"Houdini" — Eminem

"Like That" — Future and Metro Boomin featuring Kendrick Lamar

"Yeah Glo!" — GloRilla

"Not Like Us" — Kendrick Lamar

Best rap song
Kendrick Lamar performing onstage in June 2024.
Kendrick Lamar performing in June.

Timothy Norris/Getty Images for pgLang, Amazon Music, & Free Lunch

"Asteroids" — Rapsody featuring Hit-Boy

"Carnival" — ¥$ (Kanye West and Ty Dolla $Ign) featuring Rich The Kid and Playboi Carti

"Like That" — Future and Metro Boomin featuring Kendrick Lamar

"Not Like Us" — Kendrick Lamar

"Yeah Glo!" — GloRilla

Best rap album
Future and Metro Boomin performing onstage in August 2024.
Future and Metro Boomin performing in August.

Prince Williams/WireImage

"Might Delete Later" — J. Cole

"The Auditorium, Vol. 1" — Common and Pete Rock

"Alligator Bites Never Heal" — Doechii

"The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)" — Eminem

"We Don't Trust You" — Future and Metro Boomin

Best traditional R&B performance
Muni Long performing onstage in October 2024.
Muni Long performing in October.

Julia Beverly/Getty Images

"Wet" — Marsha Ambrosius

"Can I Have This Groove" — Kenyon Dixon

"No Lie" — Lalah Hathaway featuring Michael McDonald

"Make Me Forget" — Muni Long

"That's You" — Lucky Daye

Best R&B performance
SZA performing in June 2024.
SZA performing in June.

Samir Hussein/WireImage

"Guidance" — Jhené Aiko

"Residuals" — Chris Brown

"Here We Go (Uh Oh)" — Coco Jones

"Made For Me (Live on BET)" — Muni Long

"Saturn" — SZA

Best R&B song
Kehlani performing in November 2024.
Kehlani performing in November.

Dana Jacobs/Getty Images

"After Hours" — Kehlani

"Burning" — Tems

"Here We Go (Uh Oh)" — Coco Jones

"Ruined Me" — Muni Long

"Saturn" — SZA

Best R&B album
Usher performing in October 2024.
Usher performing in October.

Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Live Nation

"11:11 (Deluxe)" — Chris Brown

"Vantablack" — Lalah Hathaway

"Revenge "— Muni Long

"Algorithm" — Lucky Daye

"Coming Home" — Usher

Best progressive R&B album
Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge of NxWorries performing in July 2023.
Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge of NxWorries performing in July 2023.

Richard Bord/Getty Images

"So Glad to Know You "— Avery Sunshine (WINNER - tie)

"En Route" — Durand Bernarr

"Bando Stone & the New World" — Childish Gambino

"Crash" — Kehlani

"Why Lawd?" — NxWorries (Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge) (WINNER - tie)

Best alternative jazz album
André 3000 in October 2024.
André 3000 in October.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

"Night Reign" — Arooj Aftab

"New Blue Sun" — André 3000

"Code Derivation" — Robert Glasper

"Foreverland" — Keyon Harrold

"No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin" — Meshell Ndegeocello

Best country solo performance
Shaboozey performing in November 2024.
Shaboozey performing in November.

Scott Legato/Getty Images

"16 Carriages" — Beyoncé

"I Am Not OK" — Jelly Roll

"The Architect" — Kacey Musgraves

"A Bar Song (Tipsy)" — Shaboozey

"It Takes a Woman" — Chris Stapleton

Best country duo/group performance
Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay in September 2024.
Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay in September.

Terry Wyatt/Getty Images

"Cowboys Cry Too" — Kelsea Ballerini with Noah Kahan

"II Most Wanted" — Beyoncé featuring Miley Cyrus

"Break Mine" — Brothers Osborne

"Bigger Houses" — Dan + Shay

"I Had Some Help" — Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen

Best country song
Kacey Musgraves performing in October 2024.
Kacey Musgraves performing in October.

Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for ABA

"The Architect" — Kacey Musgraves

"A Bar Song (Tipsy)" — Shaboozey

"I Am Not Okay" — Jelly Roll

"I Had Some Help" — Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen

"Texas Hold 'Em" — Beyoncé

Best country album
Beyoncé at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards.
Beyoncé at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards.

Michael Buckner/Billboard via Getty Images

"Cowboy Carter" — Beyoncé

"F-1 Trillion" — Post Malone

"Deeper Well" — Kacey Musgraves

"Higher" — Chris Stapleton

"Whirlwind" — Lainey Wilson

Best Latin pop album
Kali Uchis performing in August 2024.
Kali Uchis performing in August.

Omar Vega/Getty Images

"Funk Generation" — Anitta

"El Viaje" — Luis Fonsi

"García" — Kany García

"Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran" — Shakira

"Orquídeas" — Kali Uchis

Best música urbana album
Bad Bunny performing in June 2024.
Bad Bunny performing in June.

Marc Piasecki/Getty Images for Vogue

"Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañan" — Bad Bunny

"Rayo" — J Balvin

"Ferxxocalipsis" — Feid

"Las Letras Ya No Importan" — Residente

"Att." — Young Miko

Best African music performance
Burna Boy in September 2024.
Burna Boy in September.

Joseph Okpako/Redferns

"Tomorrow" — Yemi Alade

"MMS" — Asake and Wizkid

"Sensational" — Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay

"Higher" — Burna Boy

"Love Me JeJe" — Tems

Best musical theater album
"Merrily We Roll Along" cast members Daniel Radcliffe, Lindsay Mendez, and Jonathan Groff inMay 2024.
"Merrily We Roll Along" cast members Daniel Radcliffe, Lindsay Mendez, and Jonathan Groff in May.

Bruce Glikas/Getty Images

"Hell's Kitchen"

"Merrily We Roll Along"

"The Notebook"

"The Outsiders"

"Suffs"

"The Wiz"

Best music video
Taylor Swift and Post Malone in the music video for "Fortnight."
Taylor Swift and Post Malone in the music video for "Fortnight."

Taylor Swift/YouTube

"Tailor Swif" — A$AP Rocky

"360" — Charli XCX

"Houdini" — Eminem

"Not Like Us" — Kendrick Lamar

"Fortnight" — Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone

Best score soundtrack for visual media (includes film and television)
Timothee Chalamet as paul atreides in dune, wearing fremen clothing and with a hose attached to his nose like a cannula. his hair is blowing in the wind as he stands in front of a mountain
Timothée Chalamet in "Dune: Part Two."

Warner Bros.

"American Fiction"

"Challengers"

"The Color Purple "

"Dune: Part Two"

"Shōgun"

Best song written for visual media
Olivia Rodrigo in October 2024.
Olivia Rodrigo in October.

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images

"Ain't No Love in Oklahoma" from "Twisters: The Album" — Luke Combs

"Better Place" from "Trolls Band Together" — NSYNC and Justin Timberlake

"Can't Catch Me Now" from "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes" — Olivia Rodrigo

"It Never Went Away" from "American Symphony" — Jon Batiste

"Love Will Survive" from "The Tattooist of Auschwitz" — Barbra Streisand

Best new artist
Sabrina Carpenter performing in October 2024.
Sabrina Carpenter performing in October 2024.

Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images

Benson Boone

Sabrina Carpenter

Doechii

Khruangbin

Raye

Chappell Roan

Shaboozey

Teddy Swims

Song of the year
Chappell Roan in November 2024.
Chappell Roan in November.

Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

"A Bar Song (Tipsy)" — Shaboozey

"Birds of a Feather" - Billie Eilish

"Die With a Smile" — Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars

"Fortnight" — Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone

"Good Luck, Babe!" — Chappell Roan

"Not Like Us" — Kendrick Lamar

"Please Please Please" — Sabrina Carpenter

"Texas Hold 'Em" — Beyoncé

Record of the year
Sabrina Carpenter at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards.
Sabrina Carpenter at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards.

Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

"Now and Then" — The Beatles

"Texas Hold 'Em" — Beyoncé

"Espresso" — Sabrina Carpenter

"360" — Charli XCX

"Birds of a Feather" — Billie Eilish

"Not Like Us" — Kendrick Lamar

"Good Luke, Babe!" — Chappell Roan

"Fortnight" — Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone

Album of the year
Beyoncé performing in October 2023.
Beyoncé performing in October 2023.

Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood

"New Blue Sun" — André 3000

"Cowboy Carter" — Beyoncé

"Short n' Sweet" — Sabrina Carpenter

"Brat" — Charli XCX

"Djesse Vol. 4" — Jacob Collier

"Hit Me Hard and Soft" — Billie Eilish

"Chappell Roan The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess" — Chappell Roan

"The Tortured Poets Department" — Taylor Swift

Read the original article on Business Insider

Josh Brolin says nepotism worked against him when he auditioned for 'The Goonies: 'I went back 6 times'

30 January 2025 at 14:46
Josh Brolin, left, as Brand in "The Goonies," and Brolin, right, in November 2024.
Josh Brolin, left, as Brand in "The Goonies," and Brolin, right, in November 2024.

Warner Bros.; Dominik Bindl/Getty Images

  • Josh Brolin spoke about auditioning for "The Goonies" on the podcast "Literally! With Rob Lowe."
  • Brolin, the son of actor James Brolin, said he auditioned multiple times to prove his talent.
  • "Instead of that kind of nepotistic thing, they looked at me and they were like, 'Oh yeah? So act,'" he said.

Josh Brolin says his famous lineage backfired and put him at a disadvantage when he auditioned for "The Goonies."

"'I think 'Goonies' was quite an accident," Brolin, the son of actor James Brolin and Jane Cameron Agee, said during an interview on the podcast "Literally! With Rob Lowe."

"I went in there, I'd been told, they pulled the Brolin thing, 'Are you Brolin's kid? You want to be an actor, huh?'" Brolin continued. "So instead of that kind of nepotistic thing, they looked at me and they were like, 'Oh yeah? So act.'"

Brolin made his film debut in the 1985 adventure movie directed by Richard Donner and executive produced by Steven Spielberg, who also wrote the story.

The movie centered on a group of misfits led by Sean Astin's Mikey Walsh. Brolin starred as his red bandana-wearing older brother, Brand Walsh.

josh brolin the goonies
Brolin in "The Goonies."

Warner Bros. Pictures

Brolin said that prior to auditioning for "The Goonies," his mom had kicked him out of their house, and he was staying on his dad's couch. Then 16, said he'd already missed a considerable amount of high school days and "really wanted to try something new."

"I said, maybe I should do this acting thing," Brolin recalled. "It's kinda what everybody resorts to when they don't know what to do. They either become a real estate agent or an actor. So I chose acting."

Brolin said that he went on 350 auditions, sometimes even four in one day. He vowed to prove himself to casting directors who may have speculated that he wanted to take advantage of his famous connection so he could easily land roles.

So he studied acting, read books, and "stayed in a bookstore 90% of the time." Then he met director Donner and Spielberg and it all clicked.

"I just looked right for the part," Brolin said. "You look at Sean Astin, you look at the type of movie it is, I looked like a bit of a bad boy, but sort of a jock, and I was in good shape, so they were like, 'That's the guy.'"

"I went back six times, just so they could make sure, and then I did it," he said.

Josh Brolin with host Jimmy Fallon on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" in August 2014.
Brolin paying homage to his "Goonies" role during an appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" in 2014.

Douglas Gorenstein/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images

Brolin went on to land notable roles in films like "No Country For Old Men," "True Grit," "Sicario," and the "Dune" franchise. He's also known for playing the villains Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Cable in "Deadpool 2."

Brolin reminisced about his breakout role during an interview with Howard Stern in November in support of his memoir, "From Under the Truck."

Brolin said that "The Goonies" was a lucky break, and he knows that perhaps being the son of James opened the door for his acting career. However, he believed that he was a good fit for the part of Brand.

"I was the right guy," Brolin said. "I look at that objectively now and I go, 'That's the perfect specimen for that role.'"

Read the original article on Business Insider

Macaulay Culkin and Brenda Song have kept their romance low-profile. Here's a complete timeline of their relationship.

29 January 2025 at 12:24
Macaulay Culkin and Brenda Song at his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony.
Macaulay Culkin and Brenda Song on December 1, 2023.

FREDERIC J. BROWN/Getty Images

  • Actors Macaulay Culkin and Brenda Song met on the set of the movie "Changeland," released in 2019.
  • They have two kids together, sons named Dakota and Carson.
  • The couple opened up about their relationship in a cover story for Cosmopolitan's Love Issue.

Macaulay Culkin and Brenda Song have been slowly sharing more insights into their romance.

The two stars, who have been romantically linked since 2017, are famously low-key about their relationship. However, the couple stepped out together — and debuted their two sons — when Culkin received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in December 2023. Most recently, the actors opened up about their relationship in a joint cover story for Cosmopolitan's Love Issue.

Here's a complete timeline of Culkin and Song's relationship.  

2014: Culkin and Song meet for the first time

Cosmo reported that the couple met at actor Seth Green's house after Green and Song's Fox sitcom "Dads" got canceled. The show was canceled after one season, and Culkin, who was staying with Green at the time, was trying to make jokes. Song said she "was not having it."

"She was thoroughly unimpressed by me is what I will say," Culkin said.

June 2017: Culkin and Song film the 2019 movie 'Changeland'

changeland macaulay culkin brenda song
Macaulay Culkin and Brenda Song in "Changeland."

Gravitas Ventures

The film was written and directed by Green, who also starred alongside the pair. They didn't start dating until sometime after filming wrapped.

Song and Culkin's relationship was a surprise to fans and to Green, who told Esquire in 2020, "I didn't see that one coming."

Years after they started dating, Culkin told Esquire that at the onset of the relationship, he was waiting for the other shoe to drop because it felt too good to be true.

"And it's always gonna drop," he said. "Something bad's gonna happen. Someone's gonna die!"

July 2017: The two stars are linked after being photographed in public together

macaulay culkin brenda song
Culkin, left, at New York Comic Con in October 2017, and Song, right, at a Knott's Scary Farm event in September 2017.

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Adult Swim; Barry King/Getty Images

Dating speculation began in the summer of 2017 when paparazzi snapped photos of them getting dinner at Craig's in Los Angeles

Us Weekly reported that on September 29, Culkin and Song went on a double date with Green and his wife, Clare Grant. The group reportedly spent time at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California.

Then in December 2017, they were seen in France with Paris Jackson, Culkin's goddaughter. 

Song says she, Culkin, and their 'Changeland' costars bonded over being child stars

brenda song suite life macaulay culkin home alone
Culkin and Song both started their acting careers at young ages.

20th Century Fox; Disney Channel

"Child actors, we don't even get to talk about it, you just look each other in the eye and you nod and we know," Song told Entertainment Tonight in April 2019 of working with Culkin, Green, and Breckin Meyer.

Culkin's acting career began as a child in the '80s. He rose to fame after starring as Kevin in "Home Alone," the hit family film that resulted in a sequel that he also starred in and a franchise led by other actors. 

Meanwhile, Song gained prominence thanks to roles in Disney Channel films and shows. She starred in three of the network's original movies: "Get a Clue," "Stuck in the Suburbs," and "Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior" in addition to landing a role on the sitcom "Phil of the Future."

Song is perhaps best recognized for playing the spoiled heiress London Tipton on the Disney Channel's "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody," which starred Dylan Sprouse, Cole Sprouse, and Ashley Tisdale

August 2018: Culkin says he's 'practicing' starting a family with Song

brenda song and macaulay culkin in september 2018
Song and Culkin attend in September 2018.

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Stand Up To Cancer

"This one's a good one, so I'm probably going to put some babies in her in a little bit," Culkin said in an interview on "The Joe Rogan Experience" in August 2018. 

"I mean, we've definitely been practicing," he said.

"I'm going to have some pretty babies. She's Asian, so I'm gonna have tiny little Asian babies. It's going to be adorable — a bunch of Sean Lennons running around the house, that's what I'm looking for," Culkin added, referring to the son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

Culkin also said they were planning on moving into a house together.

December 25, 2019: Culkin gets Song a cat named Santa Claws

Song posted photos of their cat on Instagram with the caption: "Introducing the newest member of our family... Santa Claws!!! #bestchristmaspresentever."

A post shared by Brenda Song (@brendasong)

As of April 2021, they have two other cats named Apples and Dude, a Shiba Inu named Panda, some fish, and a blue-headed pionus (a kind of parrot), per Esquire

August 26, 2020: Song shares a heartfelt post for Culkin's 40th birthday, calling him a 'magical being'

"Happy 40th birthday to this magical being," the "Social Network" star captioned a photo of the couple wearing matching flannel pajamas with their names written on the back.

"I could sit here and write endlessly about how wonderful, kind, loving, genuine, loyal, honest, brilliant and hilarious you are, and how grateful I am that I get to share and do this life thing with you. But firstly, that would take me an eternity and secondly, you won't even see this because you don't ever use instagram," she continued.

"My unicorn that I never thought could exist, I am luckiest person in the world because I am loved by you," Song concluded. 

A post shared by Brenda Song (@brendasong)

February 2020: Culkin speaks about his desire to be a parent in an Esquire cover story

brenda song macaulay culkin september 2018
Song and Culkin in September 2018.

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Stand Up To Cancer

"We practice a lot," he Esquire. "We're figuring it out, making the timing work. Because nothing turns you on more than when your lady comes into the room and says, 'Honey, I'm ovulating.'"

Elsewhere in the article, Song gushed about Culkin and said, "people don't realize how incredibly kind and loyal and sweet and smart he is."

"Truly what makes Mack so special is that he is so unapologetically Mack," she continued. "He knows who he is, and he's 100 percent okay with that. And that to me is an incredibly sexy quality. He's worked really hard to be the person he is."

Song also spoke about Culkin's hardships, saying, "he is the actor he is now because of all the things he had to go through."

At the time of the article's publication, the two stars had moved into their home together with their pets.

Esquire reported that the "Dollface" star also keeps a customized notebook near her bed, which she fills with Culkin's humorous one-liners. 

April 5, 2021: The couple welcome a son together named Dakota Song Culkin

macaulay culkin brenda song
Macaulay Culkin and Brenda Song in September 2018.

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Stand Up To Cancer

Culkin and Song shared the news with Esquire magazine that month with the statement: "We're overjoyed."

Baby Dakota was born at 1:10 p.m. in Los Angeles, weighing 6 pounds and 14 ounces, the publication reported. The couple's newborn was named after Culkin's sister, Dakota Culkin, who died in 2008 after being struck by a car in Los Angeles.

The news surprised fans, who either didn't know they were in a relationship or were unaware that they were expecting a child.

January 26, 2022: People and E! News report that Culkin and Song are engaged

People magazine reported the engagement first, followed by E! News. Both publications cited an anonymous source. 

The reports emerged the day after Song was photographed wearing a ring with a large gemstone on her left ring finger while in Beverly Hills.

January 2022: Song speaks about her and Culkin's 'hands-on' parenting approach in an interview with The Cut

"My boyfriend and I are very hands-on," she told The Cut. "We don't have a nanny, but my mom has been here with us since my son was born. He's 9 months old now. When I was working, my mom would bring him to set so I could breastfeed and see him during the day."

Song added: "I think when you and your partner have kids, especially the first few months, you don't have the patience to be polite with each other. Being communicative when you need help is so important. Instead of having set duties, we just feel each other out. I'll be putting my son down and my partner is like, 'Let me feed the animals and get dinner ready.'"

March 2023: The couple welcomes their second child, a baby boy named Carson Song Culkin

Multiple outlets including People reported that Culkin and Song quietly welcomed a second son in March 2023. Culkin's brother, Kieran, confirmed the news to Access Hollywood during an interview.

"I haven't met No. 2 yet, and they haven't met No. 2 yet either," Kieran said, referring to his wife and children. "We just haven't been able to figure that out." 

In an interview with Bustle published in January 2025, Song revealed that their second child is named Carson.

December 1, 2023: Culkin gets emotional while thanking Song for her support during his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony

Macaulay Culkin, Brenda Song, and their oldest son at the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 1, 2023.
Culkin, Song, and their oldest son at the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 1, 2023.

Variety/Getty Images

Culkin was surrounded by family and friends when he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 1, including Song, their two sons, Dakota and Carson; Quinn Culkin; Rory Culkin; Culkin's "Home Alone" costar Catherine O'Hara, Natasha Lyonne, Seth Green, and Paris Jackson. 

Culkin became a household name as a child for films like "Home Alone," "My Girl," and "Richie Rich." He's also starred in TV series like "American Horror Story: Double Feature" and "The Righteous Gemstones."

He praised Song in his acceptance speech, calling her the "best woman" he's ever known.

"I'd like to thank Brenda," Culkin said in a clip shared by Pop Crave. "You are absolutely everything. You're my champion. You're the only person happier for me today than I am. You're not only the best woman I've ever known, you're the best person I've ever known."

"You've given me all my purpose. You've given me a family, and after the birth of our two boys, you've become one of my three favorite people," he added. "You're somewhere in there. But I love you. I love you so much."

Macaulay Culkin and his youngest son at the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 1, 2023.
Culkin and his youngest son at the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 1, 2023.

Variety/Getty Images

Culkin concluded his speech by quoting his "Home Alone" character, Kevin McCallister.

"To wrap things up, in the spirit of the holiday season, I just want to say, Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals," he said. 

In an Instagram post shared after the event, Culkin said that his sons "can't stop playing" with his star.

"It was such a special day to spend with my friends and family," he wrote in his caption. 

Song also praised Culkin in her own Instagram post, writing: "So sooo proud of you @culkamania !! The most incredible day honoring the most incredible person. So well deserved and so long overdue. Thank you so much to everyone who came out to support and celebrate. My heart is so full."

March 27, 2024: Culkin calls Song the 'partner I could ever wish for'

For Song's 36th birthday, Culkin shared a candid photo of the actor on Instagram.

"Happy birthday to the best friend, mother, ally, colleague, lover, and partner I could ever wish for. You are my reason. I love you," he captioned the post.

January 7, 2025: Song says becoming a mother put her life into perspective and explains why she keeps her kids out of the spotlight

Macaulay Culkin and  Brenda Song at the world premiere of "The Last Showgirl" during the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2024.
Culkin and Song at the world premiere of "The Last Showgirl" during the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024.

Geoff Robins/AFP via Getty Images

In a cover story for Bustle, Song reminisced about her kids being present at Culkin's Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony.

"That was such a special moment. We couldn't have them miss that," Song said.

The actor added that their son Dakota was "scared of all the cameras," and didn't understand what was going on, which is why she and Culkin don't typically take their children to public events.

Song also said that after giving birth to two children, she questioned if she wanted to continue acting.

"I had two pregnancies in the same calendar year. It was a lot," she said. "Once I stepped into motherhood, it made me question a lot: my place in this industry, my place as a woman, ageism in this industry, society's pressures of what beauty is, what being young is. Things that I'd never questioned before. And also, my priority is my children, so I can't just uproot my life and go live in Bulgaria for nine months to shoot a movie. I was like, 'Does acting still fit in my life?'"

Song said that she ultimately realized that her acting career gives her purpose and is a significant part of her identity.

"Family life is the most important thing," she said, "but I've always said to be the best parent, the best partner, I have to be the best me. And a huge part of that is work. I have to be able to honor that."

January 27, 2025: Culkin and Song give an in-depth interview about their relationship in a joint cover story for Cosmo's Love Issue

Macaulay Culkin and Brenda Song at the Academy Museum Gala in October 2024.
Culkin and Song at the Academy Museum Gala in October 2024.

Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images

In their interview, the couple spoke about various aspects of their eight-year relationship, including the first time they met, Culkin's proposal with 21 individually wrapped garden gnomes, how their kids are similar to them, and why they haven't gotten married yet.

Song said that she and Culkin "talked about eloping," but decided against it because her mom wouldn't respond well to not being present for the milestone event.

They also commented on fans being surprised that the two former child actors are in a relationship.

"There was a point in time where I was like, 'I must be in a simulation! I have two children with Macaulay Culkin!'" Song said.

Elsewhere in the interview, the couple spoke about how they've championed each other and helped each other express their best sides.

Song said that as an Asian American actor in Hollywood, she's felt the pressure "to hustle my entire life," but Culkin, who's more relaxed, helps her "chill out." Meanwhile, Song is "encouraging" of him and helps to bring out his passion.

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