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Julia Stiles Remembers What It Was Like Working With Heath Ledger

Julia Stiles Remembers What It Was Like Working With Heath Ledger
Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger WireImage; FilmMagic

Julia Stiles is singing the praises of her 10 Things I Hate About You costar Heath Ledger years after his untimely death.

“He was amazing,” Stiles, 43, exclusively told E! News in an interview published on Tuesday, January 14. “He was such a bright light.”

While Stiles gushed that she and all of her costars had “such a good time and were close on that set” of the 1998 film, she recalled there being something different about Ledger’s interactions. “He just walked into the room and lit it up,” she said.

Stiles, who’s first-ever starring role was in the beloved romantic comedy, said Ledger “was very kind and generous to me.”

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“Which you know, when you’re an actress in your first leading role in a big studio movie, you need to feel comfortable with the other person,” Stiles said. “And he was very generous that way.”

Stiles and Ledger played high school love interests in the film, which also starred Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Cameron James), Gabrielle Union (Chastity), Allison Janney (Ms. Perky), David Krumholtz (Michael Eckman), Larisa Oleynik (Bianca Stratford), Andrew Keegan (Joey Donner) and Susan May Pratt (Mandella).

Julia Stiles Remembers What It Was Like Working With Heath Ledger 2
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Ledger died at age 28 in 2008 following an accidental drug overdose. The toxicology report released at the time showed that Ledger died from “acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam and doxylamine.”

While recalling filming with Ledger, Stiles said her character Kat Strafford’s paintball date with Heath’s Patrick Verona was “really, really fun.” Stiles also noted that the scene where Kat read her poem out loud in class elicited an emotional reaction.

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“The scene where I read the poem, I did not expect to start crying or tearing up or choking up, whatever,” Stiles recalled. “But it just happened because the movie was coming to an end, the production was coming to an end. And I think I was just so moved by the whole experience.”

In the years following the release of 10 Things I Hate About You, Stiles revealed to Us Weekly in 2019 that her memories from the movie are slipping away.

“I have so many great memories from that movie that are fading because it has been 20 years,” Stiles said. “But it was just such a special time where we were all so excited.”

She added, “It was my first big job and I really loved that part because I hadn’t seen the character of a teenage girl so feisty before and that just felt really refreshing and I was really, really happy to be a part of it.”

Why Brianna Chickenfry's 'SI Swimsuit' Cover Is a Middle Finger to Zach Bryan

Brianna Chickenfry Sports Illustrated Digital Cover
Brianna Chickenfry Sports Illustrated/Katherine Goguen

Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia turned up the heat on the digital cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit.

LaPaglia, 25, opened up about her breakup with Zach Bryan while stunning on the magazine’s cover, which launched on Wednesday, January 14. For her photo shoot, she rocked a number of sexy bikinis, beaded swimsuits, plunging one pieces and more.

Photographed by Katherine Goguen at The Austin Estate, LaPaglia first wore a black Christopher Esber design featuring a deep V-neck, a halter top and an open back. She wrapped her hands around her stomach and chest while posing for the camera in the sand. For glam, she donned mascara, manicured eyebrows and glossy lined lips. She crimped her honey blonde strands to fit the beachy aesthetic.

Next, she changed into a brown swimsuit that accented her bronzed skin. The beaded design, by Tropic of C. Top by Andres Otalora, hugged her curves as she wore a trial printed top underneath.

Brianna Chickenfry Made a Bet to Stay Single After Zach Bryan Split

LaPaglia also wore a silky gold design that exposed her bellybutton and sideboob, as well as a snakeskin SAME Los Angeles halter top and cheeky bottoms.

In the article, the “BFFs” podcast cohost got candid about Bryan, 28, revealing he told her in May 2024 that if she hosted Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s 60th anniversary celebration red carpet, it would come off as “trashy” and off-brand.

Now that she’s made her steamy debut on the magazine’s cover, LaPaglia quipped that her photoshoot “is just, on a petty level, my favorite f— you.” She quipped, “This is me, and I wanted to do this, and now I’m on the digital cover.”

Brianna Chickenfry Sports Illustrated Digital Cover
Brianna Chickenfry Sports Illustrated/Katherine Goguen

LaPaglia continued, “It’s a lot more than me looking quote-unquote hot in a swimsuit — it’s me reclaiming who I am as a woman, reclaiming my body and my decisions and my choices.” She added, “This cover is me being me again and taking control of my life. This is my body; my body isn’t that experience, and even though I’m not 100% in it right now, this is me. This doesn’t have anything to do with anybody else.”

The influencer, who split with Bryan in October 2024 after more than a year of dating, spilled that the singer was allegedly emotionally abusive and controlling while they dated. LaPaglia also claimed that Bryan offered her $12 million and an apartment in New York City if she stayed silent about what happened during their relationship. (He hasn’t publicly commented on the breakup since his initial statement. Us has reached out multiple times for comment.)

Brianna Chickenfry Made a Bet to Stay Single After Zach Bryan Split
Zach Bryan and Brianna LaPaglia attend the 66th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Refusing to take the money and opening up about her experience, LaPaglia became a spokesperson for women who went through similar situations.

Breaking Down Brianna Chickenfry's Shocking Accusations About Zach Bryan

“I think people do tend to forget I’m just 25,” LaPaglia said about the “overwhelming” response she received after opening up about her relationship.

“It’s really overwhelming to feel the pressure of being a role model on top of everything in my life being very public, because at the end of the day, I’m still just a girl trying to figure her life out.”

Kathy Bates Says Ryan Murphy Rejuvenated Her Career After 'Degrading' Pause

Kathy Bates Says Ryan Murphy Rejuvenated My Career with American Horror Story
Kathy Bates in ‘American Horror Story’ FX

Kathy Bates thought her career might be over before meeting Ryan Murphy.

During the Tuesday, January 14, episode of the “Dinner’s On Me” podcast, Bates, 76, said the executive producer “rejuvenated” her career after he cast her in his FX anthology series American Horror Story.

“Right before he gave me the opportunity to do the show, I had breast cancer and [my show] Harry’s Law had been cancelled rather unpleasantly,” Bates told host Jesse Tyler Ferguson. “When that summer happened, it was degrading.”

Bates recalled feeling “kind of humiliated” at the time, adding, “I felt like I had let my cast down and had never been through an experience like that. And then breast cancer, which does run in my family, so I wasn’t surprised.”

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The actress wasn’t sure whether she would book more roles before Murphy, 59, came along.

“But, it was more painful than I thought it was going to be,” she noted. “And I really felt like this is my career over.”

Kathy Bates Says Ryan Murphy Rejuvenated My Career with American Horror Story
Kathy Bates in ‘Matlock’ Sonja Flemming/CBS

Bates appeared on season 3 of American Horror Story as Delphine LaLaurie before returningfor three more installments of the anthology series. She last appeared in season 8 as Miriam Mead and she has since struck gold with CBS reboot of Matlock.

“I remember calling my agents and saying, ‘I think maybe I want to go into, if not retirement, semi-retirement. If I can’t afford to keep my house, I’ll sell it and maybe go to New York,’” Bates told People in October 2024 about hitting a lull. “Then this happened. I couldn’t believe it.”

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Despite fan concerns that Matlock would be her final project, Bates denied that she was done with acting.

“I think people got confused and thought I was going to retire,” she added at the time. “What I meant was, how can it get any better? I would love for this to keep going.”

Bates currently plays Madeline “Matty” Matlock on the hit CBS series, which premiered in September 2024 to critical acclaim. Despite sharing the same last name as the iconic Matlock from the ’80s, Matty was introduced as a former lawyer hoping to get hired at a prestigious law firm after falling on hard times.

'Matlock' Burning Questions Answered After Shocking Twist With Kathy Bates

It was later revealed, however, that it was all an act. Matty is actually the wealthy Madeline Kingston, who went undercover at the firm to track down who is responsible for her daughter’s death. The current suspects on Matty’s list include Olympia (Skye P. Marshall), Julian (Jason Ritter) and Senior (Beau Bridges) — all of whom could have had access to documents that would have taken opioids off the streets before her daughter died from an overdose.

“Certainly, I think that there’s a level of guilt, which is in the deep marrow of Matty. The fact that she feels tremendously guilty that she failed her child, and was unable to win the battle between the drugs and her child’s future, no matter what she did,” Bates told Entertainment Weekly after the premiere. “And also the level of, she’s been grieving for 10 years and I think she spent the last couple of years with her grandson Alfie cooking up this plan and using their wits. And I think all of that level of excitement and joy of working with him and finding that he was very passionate about bringing those people to justice that killed his mother.”

This At-Home Gel Nail Polish on Amazon Lasts Longer Than My Salon Manicure — It's Only $17

Months and months ago, I decided to stop getting my nails done. There were a few motives for my decision, one being the price and two being the nail damage. I also get impatient sitting for long periods of time, so that was likely part of it! Getting my nails done every three weeks was something I could justify until I realized that I could do a better job myself — with zero experience.

And no, I’m not a nail whiz or a shockingly artistic individual. (Actually, I probably fall on the opposite side of the spectrum!) But you don’t have to be gifted in art to get a long-lasting salon-quality manicure. I tried this Daisy DND Gel Polish Set on Amazon and haven’t looked back! My nails, pocketbook and busy schedule are much happier since I switched.

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This polish is made without formaldehyde, xylene, triphenyl phosphate and other harmful ingredients that are hard to pronounce as well as animal-derived ingredients, a major bonus for Us ingredient-conscious folks. You never know what you’re getting at the salon! Without all the chemicals, my nails are much stronger and healthier after removal, which only takes about 10 minutes.

The set comes with a matching gel polish and nail lacquer, both of which last much longer than regular polish; the gel polish (when applied correctly) doesn’t chip, has an ultra-glossy finish and shines from a mile away. Plus, the vibrant color lasts for up to three weeks! I constantly use my hands, so I get closer to two, but still . . . it’s much better than regular polish that chips the first day — or the first hour.

You need the DND Base Gel, Top Gel and an LED lamp to use this set, so be sure to have those before you start. Once you have the proper setup, your salon-grade manicures will cost pennies on the dollar! There are endless colors to choose from, but I love the DND collection for winter. You can also check out the Diva and DC collections for a twist!

And it’s not just me who loves this polish. Over 11,000 reviewers on Amazon give it five stars, calling it “perfect”, “bold” and “just like the salon”, one writing that it’s “worth every penny”. Salons use this brand, too, so it’s quite literally like the salon! Many reviewers buy multiple bottles of their favorites, but I’m in an experimental phase, trying as many different colors as I can. It makes sense why people are obsessed!

Get the DND Gel Pink Collection Polish Set for $17 on Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, January 15, 2024, but are subject to change.

Not what you’re looking for? Shop other nail polish on Amazon and don’t forget to shop Amazon’s Daily Deals here!

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YouTubers Myka and James Stauffer's Rehoming Controversy Explained

YouTubers Stauffer Family Controversy
Courtesy of Myka Stauffer/Instagram

Myka and James Stauffer made a name for their family on YouTube, but everything drastically changed after they rehomed their adopted son, Huxley.

The couple adopted Huxley from China in 2017 when he was 2 years old. Myka and James also share children Kova, Jaka, Radley and Onyx, who were not adopted. The entire Stauffer family was featured in videos shared via their YouTube channel, which documented their daily lives together.

Huxley was eventually diagnosed with autism after his adoption, and fans grew concerned when they noticed he was no longer appearing in new videos. In 2020, Myka and James made an emotional confession explaining that they rehomed Huxley because they struggled to provide him with the proper care.

While the Stauffers were adamant Huxley was in a better place with a new family, they faced backlash from fans following the incident. Myka and James subsequently deleted their YouTube channel.

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Despite their step away from the spotlight, the Stauffer scandal is taking center stage again thanks to the HBO docuseries An Update on Our Family, which explores Huxley’s rehoming and the family vlogging industry.

Keep scrolling to learn more about the Stauffer family’s controversy:

YouTubers Stauffer Family Controversy 3
Courtesy of Myka Stauffer/Instagram

What Tipped Off Fans About Huxley?

In April 2020, fans noticed in a video on James’ individual channel, Stauffer Garage, that Huxley’s car seat was missing from the backseat of his vehicle. When viewers inquired about Huxley’s whereabouts, the comments were allegedly deleted. Myka and James also changed the viewing settings for their videos with Huxley from public to private.

What Did the Stauffers Say About Reversing the Adoption?

In a May 2020 video, Myka and James revealed that Huxley had found a “new mommy” and a “forever home” that could better care for him.

“Once Huxley came home, there were a lot more special needs that we weren’t aware of and that we were not told. So over the past few years, Huxley has been in numerous therapies to try and help him with all of his needs. Over the last year has been the more intense therapy to try and help him as much as possible,” James said in the video. “For us, it’s been really hard hearing from the medical professionals. A lot of their feedback [has been] really upsetting for us, because it’s not what we ever wanted to hear. We never wanted to be in this position, and we’ve been trying to get his needs met and help him out as much as possible.”

Myka, for her part, shared that she and James loved Huxley and tried their “hardest” to be the best parents they could for him.

“Do I feel like a failure as a mom? Like, 500 percent,” she said. “So when I get insidious, hurtful comments, it just, like, really makes it hurt worse. It’s not about me at all, but … the last couple of months have been the hardest thing I could’ve ever imagined.”

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Courtesy of Myka Stauffer/Instagram

Were the Stauffers Investigated?

Us Weekly confirmed in June 2020 that law enforcement was looking into Huxley’s welfare after news broke that Myka and James placed him with another family. The authorities shared in a press release at the time that “all adoption cases are confidential,” so there are “legal requirements that must be adhered to,” including “home studies as well as background checks.”

One month later, the case against Myka and James was closed and charges were not filed. Authorities met with Huxley’s new adopted parents and found that the toddler seemed to be “very happy and well taken care of,” per a report obtained by Us at the time.

YouTubers Stauffer Family Controversy 4
Courtesy of Myka Stauffer/Instagram

What Are the Stauffers Doing Now?

After facing backlash from rehoming Huxley, the family deleted their YouTube channel. Myka has not been active on social media, but her last Instagram post featured an apology to the adoption community.

“We did not adopt a child to gain wealth. While we did receive a small portion of money from videos featuring Huxley and his journey, every penny and much more went back into his care,” she wrote in June 2020. “Secondly, we are not under any type of investigation. I’m hoping to share more from my side of the story soon. And lastly, I’m so sorry for letting you down.”

James, for his part, continues to run his Stauffer Garage page where he shares videos of his various automobile projects.

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