In Us Weekly’s exclusive sneak peek of the Tuesday, February 25, episode of the Lifetime reality series, Dr. Pepper Schwartz, Pastor Cal Roberson and Dr. Pia Goff meet up with the couples one final time to see if they want to stay married or get divorced.
While they weren’t surprised to hear David, 36, and Michelle’s wishes to go their separate ways after eight weeks of marriage, the experts may not have been prepared for the groom’s final words.
“I feel like you’re making a case for why it’s OK for you to have had an affair on Michelle,” Dr. Pia shares in the preview. “Your apology doesn’t feel genuine. It doesn’t sound genuine because it’s couched in ‘But did you do this? But did you do that?’ You’re now saying to Pastor Cal, ‘If you don’t know something, then it’s your partner’s responsibility to help you figure that out?’ At what point do you take responsibility for your own actions as an adult?”
Although the experts initially matched up David and Michelle, 38, viewers watched a cheating scandal unfold when the groom chose to pursue a relationship with his costar Madison, who was initially set up with Allen.
Although David said he was never intimate with Madison, 29, the experts previously questioned why he sent a text message to her saying he “wanted to eat her up.” (In a previous episode, he claimed that he was just shooting his shot and was a man with “needs” that weren’t being met.)
“I’m not condoning it,” David says. “I f—ed up. I’m already admitting that.”
Lifetime/Kinetic Content
But after Dr. Pia begins questioning the truth about his statement, David doubles down.
“I don’t care what other people believe or don’t believe,” he continues explaining to the clinical psychotherapist. “I’m not condoning it. At this point, I’m literally checked out.”
Viewers, however, will be clocked in to the unexpected scandal that has rocked season 18.
Sterling K. Brown and James MarsdenDisney/Ser Baffo
Before Hulu’s Paradise returns for a second season, it is expected to answer some — but not all — of the burning questions in the upcoming finale.
During an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, stars Julianne Nicholson and Sarah Shahi weighed in on how the show wraps up its first season as viewers wait to find out who killed James Marsden‘s character Cal.
“Let’s just say many of the itches are scratched by the end of episode 8,” Nicholson, 53, teased about the season finale on March 4, “But it definitely dangles.”
Shahii, 45, meanwhile, joked that fans should expect to “get new rashes,” adding, “I couldn’t resist. It was a good analogy.”
Hulu’s political thriller Paradise, which premiered in January, has taken the internet by storm as viewers theorize each week about the various plot twists. Creator Dan Fogelman‘s new show initially appeared to be set in a serene and wealthy community forced to face the realities of a shocking murder. In typical Fogelman fashion, however, there was a twist at the end of the premiere, when Paradisewas revealed to be an underground bunker housing the world’s most prominent individuals after an apocalyptic event destroyed the rest of humanity.
“The biggest lengths [we had to go through to keep the twist secret] are happening now when we’re actually talking to people about it,” Nicholson told Us about how they have managed to keep the true Paradise story a surprise. “When we were on set, everybody knows what’s up, so we don’t have to be that secretive.”
She continued: “But now the trick is how do you grab people’s attention and assure them that this is something different without giving away any of the details? But we’re very excited for people to get on the ride with us.”
While one of the larger reveals was that there were survivors on the outside, the bigger mystery is who was responsible for killing Marsden’s character minutes into the premiere.
“Whenever the scripts would come out, they weren’t secretive. I’ve been on projects in which they would not release the script until you were ready to shoot those pages,” Shahi told Us. “But then this one, they were not selfish with their scripts. The minute one was ready to come out, they would send it over to us.”
Shahi recalled being caught off guard when reading the script for the season 1 finale, adding, “I don’t think anyone saw this coming. I am still surprised. I’m still surprised and I know what happened.”
As for Nicholson, she wanted to know the killer’s identity as soon as possible. “I’m always happy for me — the actor — to have as much information as the character does because it is just nicer to not have to fake it sometimes,” she noted. “We knew fairly soon after filming.”
Nicholson praised Marsden, 51, for finding a way to make the audience care about his deceased character, saying, “Your heart breaks for him being this figurehead of a president who was never able to live up to his father’s definition of who he thought he could be. That just goes to show how great James is in terms of balancing all of those things at once. That you feel that way for him.”
New episodes of Paradise are released on Hulu every Tuesday.
With spring (and therefore summer . . . just our logic?) right around the corner, we’ll likely be spending our weekends hosting friends, neighbors and family. Something about the warming weather encourages Usto host and socialize much more than we are right now — which is minimal, if we’re being honest with ourselves. If you’ve been antisocial too lately, don’t worry. Everyone hunkers down during the winter!
But spring starts in just over three weeks, so your social dry spell will likely come to an end. Hooray! Whether you’re hosting people for the evening or the weekend (or the week, in your in-laws’ case), it’s important to have the bathroom situation figured out. And no, we’re not talking about Poo Pourri, but that doesn’t hurt, either.
A major part of your guests’ experience happens when they use your bathroom, whether to wash their hands or shower and “throw in the towel” for the evening. To create a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere, cozy towels are an absolute must. But we know . . . good-quality towels can be oddly pricey. Upon searching for a new set, we found this budget-friendly crowd-favorite set on Amazon with over 47,500 five-star reviews. It’s 53% off right now!
These Turkish towels are made of 100% cotton with a medium GSM of 600, making them the perfect weight, absorbency and thickness. Designed with long fibers, these towels are quick-drying and plush, too! Each set includes two bath towels, two hand towels and two washcloths, all of which have a spa-like style and a dreamy soft texture. Your guests will feel like they’re on vacation — and you will too!
Shoppers with sensitive skin know how difficult it is to find towels — and products in general — that get it. These towels are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certified, meaning they’re tested for over 1,000 harmful substances and are deemed safe for all skin types, including baby skin! You don’t have to opt for a colorless variety, either.
There are 20 different color options to choose from, ranging from neutral classics like white and gray to fun pops of purple, yellow and red. The dark gray is in our cart! And while we plan to snag an entire set, you could also grab individual set pieces if needed.
“I got these, the color is gorgeous, the texture feels super luxurious for the price point (and I’ve purchased some EXPENSIVE towels in the past),” one reviewer writes. “I love these towels so much that I’m honestly considering getting rid of what we have now and replacing them all with these.”
Others agree, calling them “super soft”, “hotel-quality” and “absolutely great”. Grab this already affordable find for a steal right now!
Get the American Soft Linen Luxury 6-Piece Towel Set for $31 (originally $66) on Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, February 25, 2025, but are subject to change.
Not what you’re looking for? Shop other bath towels on Amazon and don’t forget to check out Amazon’s Daily Deals here!
If you’re not on the two-piece outfit trend yet, let this be your sign. We love lounging around the house in a cozy two-piece set, but don’t underestimate them . . . two-piece sets can be chic going-out outfits, whether you’re “going out” to the grocery store or a dinner with the girls.
Sets can also be ultra-flattering, especially if you opt for lengthening styles, creamy neutral tones and ribbed materials. We rounded up some of our favorite comfy outfit sets that are guaranteed to make you look and feel your best — all on Amazon. They don’t break the bank, either. Our top picks start at just $15!
So if you’re ready to elevate your spring style, read on! These sets are as classy and flattering as they are comfy, so don’t be surprised if it’s compliment central.
1. Our absolute favorite: A mock-neck tank top paired with wide-leg cropped pants makes this sophisticated outfit a must-have. You’ll look like a yacht wife — just $35!
2. Pretty pretty princess: How elegant is this chic knit set? Pleated detailing gives the pants an elevated flair, especially when worn with chunky white sneakers — just $44!
3. Three inches taller: Ribbed material is the secret to looking a few inches taller . . . at least. This trendy set is soft, comfy and perfect for all-year wear — just $38!
4. Lantern sleeves: Get ready to feel like your most confident self. This showstopping outfit has a mock-neck sweater with lantern sleeves, wide-leg pants and a tie waist — was $52, now $20!
5. Sporty chic: We’re all about Pilates mom outfits. This tank top and pants set is medium-thick, perfect for colder weather — or too much air conditioning — just $20!
6. Everyday outfit: Look no further for the perfect errand-running outfit. When paired with a shoulder bag, sunnies and sneakers, you’ll give celebrity vibes — just $50!
7. Detail person: Contrasting hems make this cozy knit set one of a kind. You can’t lose with any of the five color options — just $15!
8. Striped up: A striped top makes this set dynamic, hiding any midsection insecurities along the way. Wear it with sandals for the ultimate vacation outfit — just $20!
10. Somewhere in Europe: Knit cotton material, cap sleeves, cuffed ankles and a classic chest pocket are a few things we love. You’ll look like you’re from the coast of Italy — just $48!
11. Off the shoulder: Just like skinny jeans, off-the-shoulder tops are back in style! This ribbed outfit shows off your collarbone while lengthening your torso — just $24!
12. New release: This shorts and tee duo was just released and it’s already number one. A polyester, rayon and spandex blend keeps it lightweight — just $15!
13. Coffee run: It’s not required to have a steamy to-go beverage in hand, but a coffee and shoulder bag look definitely doesn’t hurt — was $47, now $42!
14. Millionaire material: Just picture this button-front knit sweater set with strappy sandals and jewelry. So chic! This outfit should be much more expensive than it is — just $25!
15. Waffle knit: Trust Us, this outfit is a winner. A slouchy, relaxed-fitting v-neck tee paired with lightweight shorts is the key to an effortlessly put-together look — was $30, now $27!
16. On a boat: Everything about this striped two-piece lounge outfit screams nautical East Coast. This outfit even has pockets — just $30!
Savannah Guthrie, Dylan Dreyer, and Lester Holt.Getty Images (3)
Lester Holt is feeling the love from his NBC family after announcing his exit from NBC Nightly News.
Several Today hosts took to social media to honor the former Weekend Today coanchor after news of his Nightly News departure broke on Monday, February 24. “Congrats to @lesterholtnbc on an amazing decade and the new chapter about to unfold!” Savannah Guthrie captioned an Instagram pic of the two working together on past presidential election coverage. “I’m grateful for getting to share so many historic moments right by your side – always, always the class act .”
In addition to working together on Today and covering political events for NBC over the years, Guthrie, 53, has filled in for Holt on Nightly News a handful of times. She even interviewed Holt on Today when he was named as Brian Williams’ Nightly News successor in June 2015.
Dylan Dreyer also reminisced on her time working with Holt in an Instagram tribute of her own. “You’d think the most nerve-wracking day of my career was my first day on air at Weekend Today. But @lesterholtnbc made me feel so comfortable from day 1,” she captioned photos of the pair on Monday.
She continued: “It has been a true honor to work and grow [alongside] him from then, to hurricane coverage, to @nbcnightlynews, to fun experiments on @nightlykids A true professional, an incredible interviewer and anchor, a friend. Congratulations on this next phase of your inspirational career Lester!!”
Dreyer, 43, joined the Today crew as the weather anchor of Weekend Today in 2012. She worked with Holt on the series until he exited Weekend Today in 2015. Dreyer has also appeared with Holt on Nightly News and its children-focused spinoff, Nightly News: Kids Edition.
Savannah Guthrie and Lester Holt.Joe Scarnici/NBC/Courtesy: Everett Collection
Holt announced he would be stepping down as the anchor of Nightly News after a decade in the role in a memo to staff members on Monday. “A smile comes to my face when I think that with Nightly News, and Dateline, I have now anchored two of the most successful and iconic television news programs in broadcast history,” his message read, per NBC News. “As a 20-year-old radio reporter on the police beat chasing breaking news around San Francisco, I could never have imagined my career path would unfold in the way it has. What an amazing ride.”
In another memo shared by Variety, Holt clarified that he will continue his role as a Dateline anchor in a full-time capacity. (Holt has appeared on Dateline since 2011).
Guthrie and Dreyer weren’t the only Today personalities to congratulate Holt on his career move.
“Thank you @lesterholtnbc – everyone is better having worked alongside you, learned from you, and benefited from your support of an afternoon snack,” Weekend Today coanchor and NBC News correspondent Laura Jarrett wrote alongside an Instagram pic of herself and Holt sitting at the news desk. “Very grateful .”
Her fellow Weekend Today coanchor and NBC News correspondent Peter Alexander wrote that he “could not be more grateful” to Holt “for his mentorship and friendship over so many years” in his own Instagram post. “Lester, @nbcnews is better because of you,” he gushed.
Ruby Franke and Kevin FrankeCourtesy of moms_of_truth/Instagram
Former YouTube star Ruby Franke tried to remain in contact with husband Kevin Franke after she was arrested on child abuse charges, but he has since asked her to stop writing him from prison.
“The last letter that I received from her from prison was maybe in March or April of last year,” Kevin, 46, told People in an interview published Tuesday, February 25. “And then I requested the Department of Corrections to ask her to stop writing me.”
Kevin wouldn’t disclose what Ruby, 43, was trying to communicate to him, adding, “I didn’t want to hear anymore. I didn’t like what she was saying. I’m not going to share.”
“That’s between her and me. But it just didn’t feel right and it didn’t feel good,” he hinted. “And I’m very angry. I’m still very angry.”
Kevin FrankeDisney/Kai Pfaffenbach
Ruby and Kevin’s family achieved YouTube stardom in 2015 when they started their own channel documenting their adventures with their six children. Since then, only the eldest, Shari and Chad, have chosen to remain in the public eye after being the focus of daily vlogs that showcased Ruby’s days as a stay-at-home mom.
In 2023, Ruby and her friend Jodi Hildebrandt were arrested and charged with six counts of felony child abuse. The arrest came after Ruby’s youngest son, who was 12 years old at the time, escaped from Hildebrandt’s home and asked for help from a neighbor.
In response to Ruby’s legal issues, her three sisters released a statement, which read, “For the last three years, we have kept quiet on the subject of our sister Ruby Franke for the sake of her children. Behind the public scene, we have done everything we could to try and make sure the kids were safe.”
The statement continued: “Ruby was arrested which needed to happen. Jodi was arrested which needed to happen. The kids are now safe, which is the No. 1 priority.”
Ruby pleaded guilty to four counts of child abuse in December 2023 and admitted she tortured her children. As part of her plea deal, she agreed to serve a prison term and agreed that her sentences would run consecutively. She also agreed to testify against Hildebrandt, who pleaded guilty.
“I’m not ashamed to say that after being married over 20 years to that woman, I truly did and still do love her,” Kevin, who was separated from Ruby when the abuse took place, admitted to People on Tuesday. “But that doesn’t excuse what she did, and it doesn’t excuse how she hurt our children and how she hurt me.”
“There’s some bridges that you just can’t cross and then cross back. She burned the bridges, and so I’m moving on,” he added. “And I’m going to do what’s best for my children, for my family, and for myself, and that’s not going to include her.”
During her sentencing, Ruby issued an apology to her kids and Kevin, saying in a February 2024 court hearing, “You are the love of my life. The ending of our marriage is a tragedy.”
YouTube has banned Ruby and Hildebrandt and deleted the channels associated with their names. Kevin, meanwhile, is seeking custody of his children. His estranged wife is currently serving a 4 to 30 year sentence at the Utah State Correctional Facility in Salt Lake City. She won’t appear before the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole — which determines the exact length of her sentence — until December 2026.
To report child abuse, consult the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Child Welfare Information Gateway for state-specific reporting phone numbers.
Jenna Elfman‘s return to comedy on ABC’s Shifting Gears came with several highlights — including the opportunity to work with onscreen love interest Tim Allen.
“I love doing scenes with Tim. I got very excited and it took me a couple episodes to go, ‘OK, who are we in this? Who are you? How is he playing within this format? How is his timing?’ It takes a moment to see how we’re dancing together as partners,” Elfman, 53, exclusively told Us Weekly ahead of her debut on the Wednesday, February 26, episode of the hit sitcom.
Elfman specifically praised Allen’s ability to support her as his scene partner, adding, “He’s so confident as a comedic actor. He’s just confident and I’m confident and we don’t care if something [doesn’t land]. When you’ve been doing it long enough, you’re not paranoid about a joke not working and you don’t care. There’s no preciousness and there’s enough confidence to support the exploration of the scene of humor.”
“I really appreciate that, because you have two confident people playing and it feels really good. The other thing I really appreciate from Tim is he grants me total freedom to occupy the space with whatever I’m bringing,” she noted. “I don’t feel like he’s sitting there judging. I don’t feel like he’s sitting there evaluating my comedy or my ability to do a joke.”
Elfman continued: “I just feel like he has faith in my ability and everyone around him. I’m allowed to be myself in the space in front of him. That kind of trust when you’re doing comedy is really great.”
ABC/YouTube
During the next episode of Shifting Gears, Elfman is introduced as spirited choreographer Eve Drake, who owns a dance studio across from the classic car restoration shop run by Allen’s character, Matt. The synopsis teases how “the feud between Parker Customs and Premiere Dance Lab heats up when Matt confronts the owner over a picnic table placed in the shared alleyway.”
“You’re going to see more of the dynamic between Matt and Eve,” Elfman teased to Us about her recurring role. “Just more forthright communication, opinions and exchange. You get to see people being their full selves in each other’s face. It’s really fun.”
Elfman’s comedy skills aren’t a surprise for those of Us who tuned into her hit sitcom Dharma & Greg, which scored her a Golden Globe and three Emmy nominations. Shifting Gears offered Elfman the opportunity to return to the comedy space alongside showrunner Michelle Nader.
“I’ve worked with Tim before on a film so I know he’s lovely. He’s so good at what he does. It’s like you don’t even see it happening and then all of a sudden it’s just brilliant. But Michelle Nader and I had a phone conversation and she was walking me through what her plan is in terms of the sitcom and making it feel fresh, which is so hard,” she recalled. “We all love a good sitcom, but it has felt hard to do in terms of streaming and social media and the great sitcoms were before all of that.”
Courtesy of Jenna Elfman/Instagram
Elfman went on to explain that she immediately knew Shifting Gears was something special, adding, “I really love the format. So I’ve been interested in doing one but I didn’t feel hopeful that it could be done well or fresh or new. So Michelle — and the rest of the cast and crew — are just kicking ass. It’s so good. She just wanted to have a fresh take on what a strong woman looks like. Everything she said resonated with me. It felt like home for me.”
She continued: “I loved her take on how to approach the family at the center of the series and the generational divides culturally, politically and emotionally. It’s a sitcom but it’s grounded with talent, who knows how to act and who knows how to deliver comedy. At the same time, the writing really supports that as well. Everything felt right for me to come play and I’m so glad I did because I had a very good time. We just finished filming the final episode last night and it’s so good.”
Shifting Gears airs on ABC Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET before streaming the next day on Hulu.
The actor, 52, announced the heartbreaking news via Instagram on Tuesday, February 25, alongside a carousel of photos and videos of the late pooch.
“RIP Hobbs,” Johnson began. “I’ve been numb over this loss, but we’re so grateful for every ounce of pure love he gave our entire family and we’re so grateful he didn’t suffer long as he quietly and bravely left in the night.”
The former wrestler went on to explain why he chose the song “What’s Going on in Your World” by George Strait to soundtrack the post.
“Lately, there’s been a lot that’s too big to talk about. Lonesome, lonely, heard it’s all the same,” he wrote. “One of my favorite songs felt appropriate here, as I wonder what’s going on his new world, because I know what it’s like in mine. Not sure how spirits work but come back and visit every once in a while so we can get in trouble and laugh again. .”
Dwayne Johnson with Hobbs.Courtesy of Dwayne Johnson/Instagram
Hobbs was a well-known figure to Johnson’s fans, who tracked his whereabouts via the actor’s social media pages over the years. The Moana star adopted the French bulldog as a puppy in 2015 along with Brutus, another Frenchie pup. Shortly after taking them home, Johnson famously had to rescue Brutus from drowning after he fell in the pool. (Brutus died later that year after ingesting a toxic mushroom.)
“As producer of @hobbsandshaw, I thought it was the right thing to do to actually cast my French bulldog in our movie. Nepotism shmepotism ,” he joked via Instagram at the time. “Three years ago we brought puppy Hobbs and his baby brother, Brutus home to become our ohana. Sadly, we lost puppy Brutus a few months later. Broke our hearts, but this little beast Hobbs goes on to live his best life daily and I’m quite proud of his performance in our movie.”
He added, “Plus, he dropped a steaming 3 curler right in the middle of the set The biggest star the Fast & Furious franchise has ever seen and one bad ass sumbitch.”
Last year, Johnson brought Hobbs with him for his GQ cover story photo shoot, and the pooch appeared alongside him in some of the snaps.
Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi arrives at the World Premiere Of Netflix’s “The Electric State” at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on February 24, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.Steve Granitz/FilmMagic
“He’s not my boyfriend,” Brown is heard correcting the photographer in video footage shared via X by The Hollywood Reporter. In the vid, Brown is posing for solo photos on the red carpet and then gestures for Bongiovi to join her.
Monday’s outing comes 10 months after the couple wed in May 2024. For the red carpet occasion, Brown wore a metallic gown that boasted delicate embroidery and dramatic draping, which she accessorized with a short jacket in matching fabric, a gold beaded choker necklace and diamond drop earrings. The actress’ golden blond hair was swept into an updo, and she flaunted a shimmery silver shadow on her eyelids.
Last May, Bongiovi’s dad, rock star Jon Bon Jovi, confirmed that the young couple had tied the knot.
Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi attend the world premiere of Netflix’s “The Electric State” at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on February 24, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.Kevin Winter/Getty Images
“They’re great, they’re absolutely fantastic, it was a very small family wedding and the bride looked gorgeous and Jake is happy as can be,” he said on BBC’s The One Show.
Since getting married, Brown and Bongiovi have embraced a quiet life — opting to live on a farm in Georgia. Brown recently denied that she’s doing it for the “aesthetic.”
“I’m not doing it for the aesthetic,” Brown told Vanity Fair in an interview published on February 12. “I’m doing it because I love it.”
Brown explained in the interview that she does not buy into the “trad wife” concept, which rejects the idea of a modern feminist and glorifies an old-fashioned lifestyle with a “traditional” housewife.
“There are maybe some trad wives out there doing it because it seems wholesome, but it is not,” Brown said. “If you’re not picking up horse shit or washing a cow with your bare hands, then that life is not made for you. At all.”
The actress — who barely checks her phone and lets others handle her social media, but is in the loop about what content will be published — noted that she feels her happiest while on her farm.
“I don’t have many friends, because of who I am,” she said. “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.”
Peacock’s latest special about Matthew Perry explored how his time on Friends, his addiction struggles and more affected him ahead of his shocking death.
Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy, which started streaming on Tuesday, February 25, used footage from the actor’s past interviews and excerpts from his 2022 memoir “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing” to highlight the ups and downs leading to his death at age 54 in October 2023 from “acute effects of ketamine.”
Perry rose to stardom playing Chandler Bing on Friends from 1994 to 2004. The sitcom, which focused on a group of friends in their 30s as they navigated life in New York City, also skyrocketed Jennifer Aniston (Rachel Green), Courteney Cox (Monica Geller), Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe Buffay), Matt LeBlanc (Joey Tribbiani) and David Schwimmer (Ross Geller) to fame.
While filming Friends, Perry developed an addiction to Vicodin after a Jet Ski accident in 1997. That eventually led to alcohol abuse, which affected Perry’s performance on set and led to him being hospitalized with pancreatitis in 2000. Perry openly discussed going through detox in between seasons 6 and 7 of Friends and later making multiple attempts to get sober.
Perry entered recovery but ultimately died after officers responded to a call of someone in cardiac arrest at a Los Angeles home, where they found the actor unconscious in a hot tub. Two months after Perry’s death, the toxicology report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office listed drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine — which is used to treat addiction — as contributing factors.
The actor’s death was ruled an accident and an initial investigation closed in January 2024 but was subsequently reopened. Five people have since been federally charged in connection to Perry’s death. Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedyutilized past comments from Perry’sFriends costars to show the influence he had on those around him.
Keep scrolling for the biggest takeaways about Perry’s life — and death — in Peacock’s Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy:
His Challenging Childhood
Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images
Deborah Wilker, a journalist for The Hollywood Reporter, recalled portions of Perry’s memoir that discussed his mental health issues over the years.
“One of the most dramatic parts of the story is very early on he talks about being put on a plane by his mom when he was 5 years old. He couldn’t understand why there wasn’t anyone there with him,” she explained. “This is where a lot of this started — this feeling alone.”
“I was sent on a plane from Canada where I lived with my mom to Los Angeles where I would visit my dad,” he recalled in an audio retelling of his memoir. “I was what is called an ‘unaccompanied minor.’ For maybe a millisecond I thought it would be a fun adventure and then realized I was too young to be alone and this was all completely terrifying.”
Elsewhere in the doc, recordings of Perry’s voice detailed how he experimented with alcohol for the first time at age 16, saying, “I was with my best friends and they got some beers and I got a bottle of wine.”
He continued: “I drank the entire bottle and lay on the ground and looked at the skies and just felt better than I ever had in my entire life. I thought to myself, ‘This is probably what normal people feel like all the time.'”
‘Friends’ Costar Speaks Out About Their Time With Matthew Perry
NBC / Courtesy: Everett Collection
Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy repurposed past statements from Perry’s costar Hank Azaria and Friends creator Marta Kauffman. Morgan Fairchild, who played Perry’s onscreen mother on Friends, also participated in the special.
“Working with Matthew — and becoming his mother — was an interesting process,” she recalled. “Chandler wanting a normal mother and Nora never being able to execute being a normal mother because she is who she is. But she loves him.”
Fairchild was also asked about Perry’s addiction, to which she noted, “I tried to reach out a little bit to let him know I was there because I have had other people in my life who had trouble with alcohol and drugs. I told him I was there to talk if he needed to.”
The actress expressed pride in Perry’s influence. “I remember when Matthew first started to go public with some of his issues. I was terribly proud of him. It is hard especially in this town to admit you have any problem or there’s anything wrong,” Fairchild continued. “I thought it was very brave of him and I was very proud of him that he really wanted to help others who were struggling. He was trying to help people who were struggling even in the midst of his own pain.”
Fairchild concluded: “Matthew’s legacy is always going to be the relationship he and the cast represented to people all over the world. His legacy will be one of hope and joy and friendship and love.”
The Infamous ‘Friends’ Reunion
Warner Bros. / Courtesy: Everett Collection
Max hosted a Friends reunion in 2021 where Perry opened up about being really hard on himself while filming Chandler’s scenes.
“I felt like I was gonna die if they didn’t laugh. It’s not healthy for sure, but I would sometimes say a line and they wouldn’t laugh, and I would sweat and go into convulsions,” he said in footage featured in Peacock’s doc. “If I didn’t get the laugh I was supposed to get, I would freak out. I felt like that every single night.”
At the time, viewers expressed concern about Perry’s slurred speech in the special. He clarified in a 2022 interview with Diane Sawyer where he explained how “emergency dental surgery” made his “mouth feel like fire” and resulted in his difficulty speaking while filming the special.
Kauffman, for her part, recalled her own worries about Perry’s sobriety journey after his death.
“I was concerned about him, knowing that he’d been through everything he’d been through,” she told Today in November 2023 about filming the special. “And every time he had surgery, they’re giving him opioids for pain and the cycle starts over again.”
Peacock’s special utilized an interview Perry’s costar Jennifer Aniston did with Sawyer when they were still filming the OG Friends series. “We didn’t know [about his addiction],” she recalled. “We weren’t equipped to deal with it. No one has ever dealt with that.”
“You can track the trajectory for my addiction if you gauge my weight from season to season,” audio of Perry reading his audiobook stated in the doc. “When I’m carrying weight, it’s alcohol. When I’m skinny, it’s pills. When I have a goatee, it’s a lot of pills.”
Perry’s tell-all with Sawyer was resurfaced as well, in which he shared, “Your disease is just outside doing one-arm push-ups just waiting for you. Waiting for you to be alone. Because alone, you lose to the disease. And I now finally feel OK and feel like I’ve finally got some strength.”
He continued: “I’ve developed some safety nets around this. For some reason, it’s obviously because I was on Friends, more people will listen to me. So I’ve got to take advantage of that, I’ve got to help as many people as I can.”
“I have lived half my life in one form or another of treatment center or sober living house,” he read. “Which is fine when you are 24 years old, less fine when you are 42 years old. Now I was 49 and still struggling to get this monkey off my back.”
Perry remained hopeful about his future.
“I hadn’t been there for anyone for so long, my addiction being my best friend and my evil friend and my punisher and my lover, all in one. My big terrible thing,” he continued in his memoir at the time. “I sensed an awakening. That I was here for more than this big terrible thing. That I could help people, love them because of how far down the scale I had gone. I had a story to tell that could really help others. And helping others has become the answer for me.”
The Investigation Into Ketamine Following Matthew Perry’s Death
Peacock
Five people have since been federally charged for Perry’s death. Perry’s assistant Kenneth Iwamasa pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death, and Perry’s acquaintance Erik Fleming pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine and distribution of ketamine resulting in death.
Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Jasveen Sangha a.k.a the “Ketamine Queen” pleaded not guilty to charges including conspiracy to distribute ketamine and distribution of ketamine.
“Ketamine was a very popular street drug in the 1980s. There is a synthetic form of it now,” Perry wrote in his memoir about originally being introduced to the drug. “Has my name written all over it — they might as well have called it ‘Matty.’”
Perry referred to ketamine as a “giant exhale,” explaining that he felt like he was “hit with a happy shovel” and would “disassociate” while receiving treatment.
Days after Perry’s death, the Matthew Perry Foundation was launched to help those struggling with addiction. Perry’s loved ones — including stepfather Keith Morrison — have attempted to raise more awareness about the disease in his name.
“As other people have told me hundreds of times, it doesn’t go away. It’s with you every day. It’s with you all the time, and there’s some new aspect of it that assaults your brain,” he told Hoda Kotb on the “Making Space” podcast in March 2024. “It’s not easy, especially for his mom.”
Morrison was asked if he was surprised by the loss, adding, “It was the news you never want to get, but you think someday you might. Yes and no, I guess is the answer to that.”
According to Morrison, Perry seemed to be “beating” his substance abuse struggles at the time of his death. “But you never beat it, and he knew that, too,” Morrison added.
Peacock’s doc also included Perry’s former Friends love interest Courteney Cox discussing how she still feels him with her.
“I’m so thankful I got to work so closely with him for so many years. He visits me a lot, if we believe in that,” she told CBS Sunday Morning in May 2023. “You know, I talk to my mom, my dad, Matthew — I feel like there are a lotta people that, I think, guide us. I do sense Matthew’s around for sure.”
Kylie Jenner is paying tribute to her late hairstylist and friend Jesus Guerrero.
The Kardashians star, 27, will pay for Guerrero’s funeral expenses, according to a Monday, February 24, report from People. “As upset as she feels, she knows it’s so much worse for his family,” a source told the outlet. “She doesn’t want them to stress about money. She’s taking care of expenses, including those associated with his funeral.”
“Kylie is completely heartbroken,” an insider told Us Weekly of Jenner’s reaction to Jesus’ passing. “Jesus was her No. 1 hairstylist, and they were best friends.”
Jesus’ family announced his death on Saturday, February 22, when his sister Gris Guerrero set up a GoFundMe page following his passing.
“My name is Gris, Jesus’s younger sister,” Gris wrote in the description. “It is with a heavy heart that we let the world know that Jesus Guerrero has gone to heaven. He is a son, a brother, an uncle, an artist, a friend, and so much more.”
Kylie Jenner, Jesus GuerreroCourtesy of Jesus Guerrero/Instagram
Gris went on to say that Jesus’ death came “suddenly and unexpectedly” and noted the family is working through the logistics of bringing him home to Houston, Texas, from Los Angeles. The page has raised $96,000 after setting a goal of $60,000.
Jesus, who was 34, worked as a hairstylist for Jenner as well as her sister Kim Kardashian and other celebrities including Jennifer Lopez and Katy Perry. A cause of death has not been revealed.
“Our glam fam means the world to us. We work together, vacation and celebrate our lives together!” Kardashian, 44, wrote via her Instagram Story on Monday in tribute to Jesus, sharing a photo of the hair pro alongside the Kardashian-Jenner family and other glam team members. “Our great respect for the art of hair and [makeup] has led us to meeting some of the kindest souls and make some of our bestest friends. So when one of our glam family members passes away all of our souls are crushed.”
Jesus GuerreroGabe Ginsberg/Getty Images for Morphe
The Skims cofounder continued, “My heart breaks for Kylie and everyone who loved Jesus the way we all did. I’m praying for his family, his loved ones and the whole beauty community who feels this deep loss of one of the most talented and kindest to ever do it!”
Khloé Kardashian later reposted her sister’s tribute to Jesus and added, “I couldn’t find the words this weekend, but this is exactly how we all feel. We become a family with our glam teams, and we share so much of our lives with them.”
Keith Urban and his guitar will be at the helm of a new music competition series called The Road.
CBS Mornings broke the news on Tuesday, February 25, revealing that the four-time Grammy winner will be the headlining artist for The Road, a new reality competition series from executive producers Blake Shelton, Taylor Sheridan, Lee Metzger and David Glasser.
The series, set to premiere on CBS in fall 2025, will follow Urban and Shelton as they search for the next big musician. At each new location, emerging artists will take the stage as Urban’s opening act at music venues across the United States, including locations in Texas, Oklahoma and Tennessee, to test their chops as touring musicians.
“I spent a lot of my underage life playing in some seedy pubs, sometimes just for the bartender. So I love the idea of throwing artists into a real-world environment to find out if they are artists,” Urban said in a statement about joining the program.
“Paying your dues sucks, but there are things in this business that can’t be taught, like how to put together a set list, whether to extend or cut a song during your performance or how to work the crowd,” he continued. “For me, touring has always been my first love. It’s where the rubber meets the road. But it’s the only road to take if you want to be a performer.”
Urban will perform songs from his latest album, High, including his current single “Straight Line.” Emerging musicians from each city will open for Urban and the audience will have the opportunity to influence which artists will move on to the next city on the tour.
The Road tour premieres on March 2 with a special performance at Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall in Fort Worth, Texas, and will end exactly one month later on Wednesday, April 2, at Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee.
Between then, the tour will make stops for special performances at The Factory in Deep Ellum in Dallas, Texas, on Wednesday, March 5, the Oklahoma Ranch in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on Sunday, March 9, Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa on Wednesday, March 12, Minglewood Hall in Memphis on Monday, March 24, and Marathon Music Works in Nashville on Friday, March 28. Tickets to every special performance will be free, but are only available on a first come, first serve basis.
CBS announced in November 2024 it had put a series order on The Road with both Shelton and Sheridan, known for creating shows like Yellowstone, attached as executive producers.
“I’m a big fan of Taylor’s incredible work, and I’m excited to team with him and my long-time collaborator, [executive producer Lee Metzger], on The Road,” Shelton, a former coach on The Voice, said in a press release at the time. “I know a thing or two about singing competitions and what it’s like to chase a music dream and live life on tour. I’m looking forward to discovering new talent and giving them this platform.”
Sheridan, for his part, said in a statement, “There is a revolution taking place in country music. Building a platform with Blake for the next leaders of that revolution is an incredibly exciting venture. No more shiny floors and studio audiences. This is where the rubber meets the road — literally. Get in the van, go to the next town and win the crowd. Do it enough, and you become the next leader. Simple as that.”
He couldn’t have gotten a tribal tattoo like every other guy? No, the most telling sign that Grant Ellis wouldn’t follow the usual trajectory as the Bachelor was the “lone wolf” inked on his forearm: “It symbolizes being alone,” he explained — and it’s about as far as you can get from a Neil Lane diamond. But somehow, in season 29, multiple love stories have unfolded for the 31-year-old basketball pro turned day trader. And on the eve of hometown dates, Us looks ahead to the blockbuster finale teased in the trailer, where it appears he is so torn between his last two contestants that he’s still unsure one hour before cameras roll on his final rose ceremony.
The sincere and sometimes silly Ellis, who first appeared on Jenn Tran’s season of The Bachelorette in summer 2024, faced the ultimate decision, which he describes to Us as not the hardest but “the most important” of his life. The dilemma: Go with what his head was telling him … or what his heart was feeling?
“When you intertwine logic and emotion, it’s really tough,” Ellis says. “I think you have to blend a little logic with a little emotion and ask, ‘What’s good for me?’ and ‘What feels right to me?’ Finding that middle ground is challenging, but it’s where you have to start.”
No matter where it ends, Ellis says the experience has been transformative. “Now I’m in a position where I don’t have to be lonely anymore,” he says. “I think that’s a love story in itself.” Here, in a telling discussion with Us, the Bachelor reflects on that emotional moment of truth, how he got there and what’s next.
John Chapple / JohnChapple.com / MEGA
Prior to this process, did you believe someone could be in love with more than one person at the same time?
I didn’t think it was possible, but it is. You probably should avoid it, though. [Laughs.]
You didn’t: You fell for multiple women.
Definitely. And at the end, making the decision that was best for me was something I really had to consider.
Obviously this is not normal, but it’s the show format. Did you worry about leading any of the women on while trying to find your match?
It’s very hard in this role when you develop feelings and then tell people how you feel. You’re honest and sincere, and you try not to hold back — because that’s the way you find your person — but it’s easy to be villainized because you don’t want to lead anybody on. A man dating multiple women is already at a disadvantage. You just have to be careful and see where the cards fall.
Speaking of careful, how did you approach saying the L-word — or not?
My plan was to go in and lead with my heart. I know I’m a pretty sound thinker and I use logic, but emotions are a different thing.
Was guilt a problem for you?
I don’t think I felt guilty in the sense of developing feelings. I felt guilty for letting somebody down. It’s not every day you fall for more than one person. But there’s
always gonna be a stronger feeling for [one of them].
Looking back to when you were growing up, what did your mom, Renee, teach you about love? She’s enough of a believer that she signed you up for The Bachelorette in the first place!
What I learned from her relationship [with my dad, Robert] was that love is a choice, but you have to know when enough is enough. Love has to be reciprocated.
It’s been inspiring to see the way you’ve mended your relationship with your father, who struggled with substance abuse and addiction and was absent from your life for a long time.
When you’re a kid, you think your parents could do no wrong. But then you grow up and you start to realize they’re human, they make mistakes, they need to learn and grow. I’m proud of my dad and where he’s at. Throughout the course of the season, you see my relationship with my father come into play. [At the very end], he comes back and gives me some really solid advice — that’s something I’ve been looking for my whole life, and it’s something that helped me get over the edge to make my decision He’s able to come back in my life and help me when I need it the most.
Sounds like The Bachelor boosted your mental health in some ways. You’ve been candid about your loneliness and finding solace in basketball — “just me and the net.” Is that feeling gone for good?
Yeah, being on the show really helped me talk about things that plagued me in the past. As the season progresses, you see how this show was like a big therapy session for me. Aside from me going on there trying to find love, it helped me understand my feelings and my trauma and really open up.
What was your biggest fear going in?
Being in a situation where I didn’t make the right decision or my judgment wasn’t what I thought it was. That’s scary. But I stuck to my guns, stuck to myself, and I think everything played out well.
In general, what do you think the qualities are that make a good Bachelor?
Patience and understanding. You have to have a level head because certain things will happen throughout the journey that you can’t predict and that you have no say over. You have to be able to sit back and figure out the best move to make at that moment□.□
Grant Ellis.John Chapple / JohnChapple.com / MEGA
What are your non-negotiables in a spouse?
No. 1 is just somebody who’s not too self-absorbed. I want somebody who cares for people and who has a good heart. And I feel like that makes a really good partner because when I come home from work, I’m gonna cook for you and I’m gonna do certain things, but I also want you to think about me, too. The relationship has to be a balance of both.
No shade, but were you worried about trying to find someone in the Bachelor world who wasn’t going to be a little self-absorbed?
Honestly, I wasn’t. I think that I’m a pretty good judge of character. And as long as we have a foundation, we could always learn and grow together.
Fans have also seen you sing, rap and play piano on the series. Is showing that side of you a way to express your vulnerability — and are you surprised at the criticism that’s been hurled at you?
Creativity helps get rid of stress and depression. But it is vulnerable. I didn’t expect the backlash I was gonna receive. I’m not trying to be a musician. I just like to have fun.
In this franchise, we often see Bachelors and Bachelorettes get overwhelmed, and some even threaten to walk away. Was there ever part of you that wanted to quit?
I didn’t have a moment like that. I know that’s not the most exciting thing, but I knew the situation I was in and I wasn’t gonna back out. I wanted to see it through. I had strong connections and great women — I really didn’t have any doubt.
The Bachelorette has been put on a “pause” of sorts and won’t be airing this summer. What was your reaction to that?
It’s disheartening, but if it’s happening, there’s a reason for it. And I’m sure that whoever’s making these decisions definitely has a greater good in mind.
Who from your season would make a good Bachelorette down the line?
All the women in this season were amazing. Alexe, Chloie, Bailey, Alicia —they were all wonderful. They all had outgoing personalities.
Chloie got some love on social media for being gone too soon.
Chloie got a lot of love and I think it’s really important to show that diversity. Chloie was somebody who had one of the best personalities and had the best outlook on life that I had seen in a while.
Bachelor in Paradise will be back. Will you be watching and can we ask you to play cupid and put together any potential couples from Jenn’s season and your season?
I’m going to watch and I’m going to have some popcorn and, maybe, a nice margarita. I think that Alexe and Hakeem have the same personality. I don’t know what attraction level they have to each other, but I think personality wise, they’re similar. I also think Alicia and Spencer would be good.
For you, hometown dates are next, on March 3. If you had to give a percentage, how certain were you going in that you had found your wife?
I, honestly, was 100 percent sure because that’s what I came there for. I knew I was going to make things work.
That’s confident, Grant.
I’m a pretty confident guy.
Did you have an objective when meeting these families?
It’s really important when you’re married or with somebody to get along with their family — to fit in and to be a unit. That was the goal: seeing the dynamic. □
Any concerns at this stage? Protective fathers can be intimidating!
I wouldn’t say I was intimidated, but I wanted everything to go so well. I was worried the family wouldn’t like me or there would be a situation where things were awkward. All the families were great. I bonded with some more than others, but I had fun all around.
Disney/Matt Sayles
Let’s talk about your connections with your final four. Tell me about Zoe.
Her boldness was something that was interesting. She really was there to put herself out there and I saw that. Then getting to know her story, I could really relate to her.
What stood out about Juliana?
From night one, we really connected over our love of playing the piano. We always had that physical chemistry, and then we started to really develop an emotional connection. Every relationship was different, but that was a relationship that really developed over time.
Disney/Matt Sayles
She didn’t get a one-on-one date until the week before hometowns. How did you make other moments count?
Group dates are always difficult. It’s really awkward. It’s not every day [in real life that] you’re going on a group date. But you make eye contact, check in and make sure you let the person know that you gave them reassurance that you’re thinking about them — and hopefully your words don’t get misinterpreted.
Tell me about Dina.
Dina was really independent and really strong. It was a newfound relationship for me and I was really intrigued by that dynamic because I had never had that before. It opened my perspective a lot. Our relationship really progressed over time. She was really type A and very organized, but she also had a deeper side to her. Time really was the overall factor in that relationship.
Disney/Matt Sayles
Litia rounds out the group.
We connected emotionally and were attracted to each other. Going into hometowns, I was just trying to see what the dynamic would be like with the family.
Litia is Mormon and you are Christian, were there any concerns about your different religions?
I wouldn’t consider myself a super religious person, but I do have faith. [Litia being Mormon] didn’t make a difference as long as the root was there. When things get tough, you have to rely on that belief because life throws curveballs at you.
Disney/Matt Sayles
Jumping ahead to the finale: The trailer shows you undecided in the Dominican Republic as you tell your father you basically have 60 minutes left on the clock.
It definitely wasn’t one hour. There were external factors that played into me being hesitant. You don’t wanna hurt people. You have a lot of weight in terms of being a lead of a different ethnic group. There’s a different level of pressure that comes with being a man of color in this role — and a different expectation. It leads to some added thinking that deserves a little extra time. There were some things that really weighed and were hard for me. But ultimately, you go with what makes you happy and you go with what you feel is gonna be the best decision for your future.
You mention the pressure that affected you as a Black Bachelor. Matt James was the first, in 2021, and now you’re the second. What does that distinction mean to you?
To me, being the second Black Bachelor means giving a voice to people that might not typically watch this franchise. They might see me and resonate with the way I speak or some little things that I say. Sometimes in culture, it’s not looked at as cool to be really smart. I want people to see that and be like, “OK, you could be a Black man and you can take your education seriously.” I just want to be a role model.
What excites me is people seeing my story — my life struggle, everything I’ve been through that led me to be the man that I am. I lived in Newark, N.J., which is a really tough neighborhood. I think that with the right discipline, the right family, you could grow up and be somebody who’s articulate, educated, and you could really make strides.
With so much riding on the outcome, were you worried in the moment about second-guessing yourself?
Getting there is one thing. Making the decision and saying it is another thing. And having to live with the consequences of hurting somebody — I’ve been through it, and I know what it feels like — is a third. But I never doubted myself. I knew the connections that I had. [Those] external factors really caused me to sit and think because America’s watching. It’s not just me making a decision in my bedroom by myself.
What about the time since that very last rose ceremony. Have you done any second-guessing since then?
I don’t live with regret. I’m very happy, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. If I could rewind time, I would make the same decision.
What does your future hold? Would you like to start a family?
I want two kids, preferably a boy and a girl. But if I have two girls or two boys, it doesn’t matter.
Would you consider leaving Houston?
If things play out the way they should, I’ll do whatever is gonna make us happy, whether that’s me moving or us traveling or us getting another piece of property. I’m willing to go that distance.
“I got an email from Jane Fonda one day that said, ‘Hi, Chelsea, It’s Jane. I was wondering if you could come over to my house for dinner. I’d like to talk to you about a couple of things,’” Handler, 50, recalled in her new memoir,I’ll Have What She’s Having, released on Tuesday, February 25.
Handler noted that the message sounded “ominous,” explaining that she had been friends with Fonda, 87, for “at least 10 years” and it “seemed like sort of a terse email to get from her.” Handler replied and agreed to meet with Fonda that night at her home — opting not to drink so she could “be fully alert for my defense.”
“Jane’s demeanor seemed a bit cold, and I was anxious to find out exactly what I had done,” Handler wrote, noting that Fonda asked her if she knew why she had been invited over for dinner. Fonda said, “You may have noticed I was a little icy toward you when I saw you at Shonda Rhimes’s fundraiser for Congressman John Lewis.”
Handler explained that she had attended the event three months before and had noticed Fonda being “icy” toward her, but she hadn’t “obsessed over it.”
“‘You behaved badly at my party. From the moment you came in, you had a black cloud hanging over you and you insulted people and it brought the whole party down. I don’t know what drugs you were on, but a few people told me you were horrible to them,” Handler wrote of Fonda, who inquired why the comedian had attended the party if she were in “that kind of mood.”
For Handler, Fonda calling her out on her “badly behaved self was as serious as it gets.” She added, “This was definitely not the woman I had dreamed of becoming.”
Handler called the moment “embarrassing, painful, and definitely cringeworthy,” but said she “didn’t let any of those things diminish the fact that Jane had taken the time out of her life to be honest with me.”
“I needed someone to do that with me, and even in that moment of shame I knew she would never have to speak to me about my behavior again because that’s what that kind of honesty deserves: action,” Handler wrote, adding that she had recently begun therapy.
The moment led Handler to reflect on what she’s “trying to put out into this world,” which she noted was “definitely not what I was doing at Kane’s party.”
“The truth of the matter was: Who knows what drugs I was on? It could have been anything,” Handler said, noting that her “behavior on drugs” depends on her “state of mind.”
Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association
Struck with Fonda’s “brutal honesty,” Handler acknowledged the news was “hard to hear” and shared with the 9 to 5 star that she had been in therapy for two months to deal with her “deep anger.”
“‘Good,’ she told me. ‘Go find out what your problem is, because your gifts are plentiful, and sometimes people with the most gifts have the easiest time throwing them in the trash. Don’t be a product of your environment, Chelsea. Make your environment be a product of you,’” Handler recalled, noting that this moment was “the definition of sisterhood.”
Since that night, Handler has seen Fonda “many times,” including at a climate change event that the activist was hosting. In an email exchange after the event, Fonda shared that it “meant a lot” to her that Handler followed through.
“It was my first attempt to prove to her that I would only be on my best behavior from here on out. And I kept trying to prove it to her,” Handler wrote, noting that she showed up when Fonda had hip surgery, has since done fundraisers with her and had the actress on her podcast. “I redeemed myself with Jane and there was such value in that — in proving to someone that you are indeed the person they thought you could be.”
Ahead of the memoir’s release, Handler exclusively talked to Us Weekly about becoming the best version of herself that she could be.
“You want to get rid of the bad behavior that’s hurtful to others or hurtful to yourself, and also adopt this new version of you,” she shared in an Us cover story earlier this month. “I don’t want to lose all the edge I was naturally born with — that’s who I am — so it’s a bit of Whack-a-Mole. You’re like, OK, I’m auditioning different versions of myself, seeing which ones make the most sense for this improved version of me.”
Colin Jost is willing to dumpster-dive in the name of love!
The Pop Culture Jeopardy! host, 42, revealed on a recent episode of the Amazon Prime Video game show that he once looked through a dozen New York City dumpsters after his wife, Scarlett Johansson, feared she’d lost her engagement ring.
“My wife actually lost her engagement ring,” he recalled, per E! News, noting that Johansson, 40, thought she “accidentally threw it in the trash.”
The Saturday Night Live star continued, “I looked through 12 dumpsters of trash.”
Alas, Jost didn’t find any treasure in the trash, but he did get a surprise when he got home to the Black Widow actress.
“I went back to the house and she said, ‘Oops! It was in my pocket,'” he said, joking: “It was a great day for me.”
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Jost and Johansson married in October 2020 and share a son, Cosmo, 3. (Johansson is also the mom of daughter Rose, 10, whom she shares with ex-husband Romain Dauriac.)
Jost recently admitted that his wife was “genuinely so shocked” by a risqué joke about her shared by Jost and Saturday Night Live costar Michael Che during their annual “joke swap” in December 2024.
“Costco has removed the roast beef sandwich from its menu,” Jost read out a joke written for him by Che. “I’ve been eating roast beef every night since my wife had the kid.”
Johansson, who was backstage, was shown on camera and appeared to be both horrified and shocked when she heard the punchline.
“I was, obviously, surprised by everything, but they gave her a heads-up,” Jost said during a January 20 appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. “They were like, ‘Hey, would you be OK if Michael made a little, like, kind of vagina joke at some point?’”
Colin Jost and Michael Che during Weekend Update.Will Heath/NBC
Johansson was “open to it,” according to her husband. However, the joke was far from what either of them expected.
“I didn’t know where it was going and then the graphic came up for Arby’s,” Jost recalled. “Scarlett is backstage, like, ‘Oh, my God, that’s what it is?’”
Last year, Jost made rare comments about being a stepfather to Johansson’s daughter, Rose.
“I think part of the reason I fell in love with her is she’s a great mom,” Jost told The New York Times in a July 2024 interview. “I’ve known Rose, my stepdaughter, since she was 2. It’s weird. You get to actually preview someone as a mom.”
Rachel Maddow is coming out in support of her fellow MSNBC star Joy Reid.
Maddow, 51, addressed the cancellation of Reid’s show, The ReidOut, which aired its final episode on Monday, February 24, during her show, The Rachel Maddow Show, later Monday evening.
MSNBC confirmed Monday that Reid, 56, would exit the network imminently after reports emerged over the weekend that the news network was canceling her political commentary show after five years.
“Joy Reid’s show, The ReidOut, ended tonight. And Joy is not taking a different job in the network. She is leaving the network altogether and that is very, very, very hard to take,” Maddow said during her show Monday, per Variety.
“I am 51 years old. I have been gainfully employed since I was 12. I have had so many different types of jobs you wouldn’t believe me if I told you. But in all the jobs that I have had, in all of the years I have been alive, there is no colleague for whom I’ve had more affection and more respect than Joy Reid,” Maddow continued.
The political commentator continued, “I love everything about her. I’ve learned so much from her. I have so much more to learn from her. I do not want to lose her as a colleague here at MSNBC, and personally, I think it is a bad mistake to let her walk out the door.”
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Maddow also called out further changes to MSNBC’s lineup, which include weekend anchor Katie Phang losing her time slot. She said it was “indefensible” that the network’s “two non-white hosts in primetime are losing their shows.”
MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler confirmed Reid’s departure in an internal memo obtained by the Associated Press on Monday. “Joy Reid is leaving the network and we thank her for her countless contributions over the years,” Kutler wrote, reported the outlet.
In a Bluesky post on Monday, Reid thanked fans for their support amid weekend reports about the show’s cancellation. “I just want to say thank you to everyone who has reached out with kindness and encouragement, both personally and in these social media streets. So very proud of The Reidout team, who are truly family, and all of our supporters & friends. See you tomorrow night at 7, one more time,” she wrote.
Speaking during a livestream on the “Win With Black Women” YouTube channel on Sunday, February 23, an emotional Reid said, “My show had value.”
Reid was unapologetic about commentating on difficult subjects. “My show had value,” she said, per the AP. “Whether it was the Black Lives Matter issues … [or] talking about Gaza and the fact that we as the American people have … a right to object to little babies being bombed … I am not sorry that I stood up for those things.”
X, 4, attended the White House for a press conference with his father, Elon Musk, 53, who is the head of President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, on February 11. The visit came as a surprise to Grimes — real name Claire Elise Boucher — who discovered her son’s high-profile appearance via social media.
“He should not be in public like this. I did not see this, thank (you) for alerting me. But I’m glad he was polite. Sigh,” Grimes, 36, shared via X at the time in response to a user who noted how “polite” her son was during the press conference.
Speaking to Time in an interview published on Monday, February 24, Grimes elaborated further, explaining, “It was like, ‘Grimes slams,’ ‘Grimes speaks out.’ It’s like, OK, it was a reply.”
“But I would really like people to stop posting images of my kid everywhere. I think fame is something you should consent to. Obviously, things will just be what they are. But I would really, really appreciate that. I can only ask, so I’m just asking,” she continued.
Grimes and Musk, who split in 2022, share three children: X, Exa Dark Sideræl, 3, and Techno Mechanicus, 2.
The singer previously objected to her ex taking X to a New Year’s Eve party at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, per The Cut. “I have made it clear I do not approve of that in every conceivable way I know how,” she wrote in January. “I am desperate to solve it. It is a personal tragedy to me. But currently I don’t know how to do that.”
Grimes recently raised concerns when she publicly asked Musk to respond concerning a “medical crisis” involving one of their three children.
“I am sorry to do this publicly but it is no longer acceptable to ignore this situation,” Grimes wrote via X on Thursday, February 20, per Page Six. “This requires immediate attention. If you don’t want to talk to me can you please designate or hire someone who can do that we can move forward on solving this. This is urgent, Elon.”
Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Millie Bobby Brown and husband Jake Bongiovi brought a dose of old-school glamour to the premiere of The Electric State in Los Angeles.
The couple hit the black carpet on Monday, February 24, posing for photos outside The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood. Brown, 21, looked regal in a metallic gown that boasted delicate embroidery and dramatic draping, which she accessorized with a short jacket in matching fabric, a gold beaded choker necklace and diamond drop earrings. The actress’ golden blond hair was swept into an updo, and she flaunted a shimmery silver shadow on her eyelids.
Brown stars alongside Chris Pratt and Stanley Tucci in Netflix’s The Electric State, a sci-fi film set to premiere March 14.
Her dashing date, 22-year-old Bongiovi, sported a black-and-white tuxedo and a floppy hairstyle reminiscent of Leonardo DiCaprio’s Titanic ‘do at Monday’s premiere.
The Stranger Things star and Bongiovi — a model, actor and son of musician Jon Bon Jovi — tied the knot in May 2024 after two years of dating and are now living on a farm in Georgia, a low-key lifestyle that she finds fulfilling.
“I’m not doing it for the aesthetic,” Brown told Vanity Fair in an interview published earlier this month. “I’m doing it because I love it.”
She said that she feels her happiest on the farm, regularly going off the grid by unplugging her phone and letting others handle her social media. And while she enjoys the rustic life, she does not subscribe to the “trad wife” trend.
“There are maybe some trad wives out there doing it because it seems wholesome, but it is not,” Brown said. “If you’re not picking up horse s— or washing a cow with your bare hands, then that life is not made for you. At all.”
Bongiovi is also enjoying a slower pace away from the spotlight.
“We were pretty united going into it,” Brown said of her man. “We talked about our political views, what kind of family we want to build, the kind of home we want to live in, the kind of relationship we’re looking for, the kind of careers we want. It’s such an important decision, and we wanted to make sure we were making the right one. I knew I was. It always felt right with him.”
Brown previously opened up about how she and Bongiovi first met, revealing that they first connected on Instagram, instantly hitting it off from their initial conversation.
“I was curious about him and wanted to learn more,” she told The Sunday Times in August 2023. “From our very first chat, I knew he was going to play a significant role in my life. After we met, it was clear we never wanted to be apart.”
Patrick and Brittany, both 29, attended the Texas Tech vs. University of Houston game in Lubbock, Texas, on Monday, February 24. Patrick, who previously played football for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, was caught on the Jumbotron sporting a huge grin, shorter hair and red-and-black merch from his alma mater. (Brittany wore the team’s colors too.)
It was the latest loss for a team near and dear to Patrick’s heart, but this time he wasn’t a participating athlete. Earlier this month, the star quarterback and his Kansas City Chiefs lost their Super Bowl battle to the Philadelphia Eagles 40-22. Patrick bid farewell to his iconic mohawk hairstyle and debuted a shorter cut several days after the defeat.
Not surprisingly, Patrick’s new look, first seen at a family event, sparked lots of conversation online.
“Mahomes finally got rid of the mohawk and that could only mean one thing!” one fan wrote via X on February 17. “MVP and SBMVP season loading…redemption season.”
Patrick previously signaled that a hair change was in the works. While appearing in Netflix’s 2023 docuseries Quarterback, he admitted that he was considering changing up his signature curls.
“Hair’s gone next year. Going with different hair next year,” he told his trainer, Bobby Stroupe. “I can’t have two kids and a Mohawk. ‘Cause I gotta be a dad at some point. … Imagine being 40 years old with this haircut.”
In January, Patrick and Brittany welcomed their third child, daughter Golden Raye. The NFL power couple, who tied the knot in March 2022, are already parents of daughter Sterling and son Bronze, who arrived in February 2021 and November 2022, respectively.
Patrick is focused on family amid the offseason. On Saturday, February 23, he and his wife hosted a celebratory Bluey-themed gathering in honor of Sterling turning 4 years old.
“I think people don’t even realize how much she does,” Patrick said of Brittany during a May 2024 appearance on the “Impaulsive” podcast. “I mean, taking care of the day-to-day stuff and make it where I can focus on football and focus on my craft and everything like that. [She’s] a Hall of Fame mom and a Hall of Fame wife, [which] makes it a lot easier.”
He continued, “I mean, when you get to come home and your best friend’s there and you can just hang out, it makes you want to be there all the time and she pushes me to be great and she’s done a lot of great things herself.”
The couple hit the black carpet on Monday, February 24, posing for pics outside The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood. Both wore spring-like ensembles. Pratt, 45, sported a dusty lavender suit and white dress shoes, while Schwarzenegger, 35, looked chic in a strapless black top and black pants with white floral embroidery. She accessorized with white heels and minimal jewelry.
Pratt stars alongside Millie Bobby Brown and Stanley Tucci in Netflix’s The Electric State, a sci-fi film set to premiere March 14.
The event marked Pratt and Schwarzenegger’s first major outing since the birth of their son, Ford, in November 2024. The pair, who tied the knot in June 2019 after one year of dating, also share daughters Lyla, 4, and Eloise, 2. (Pratt is also the father of son Jack, 12, whom he shares with first wife Anna Faris. He and Faris, 48, were married from 2009 to 2018.)
“I love the idea of having a lot of kids around and a big family,” Katherine, the daughter of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, told Us Weekly in 2022. “Whatever God has in his plan for us is what we’ll do.”
The self-help author added at the time that she often turns to Shriver, 69, for parenting advice.
“I feel really lucky to be able to have obviously an amazing role model in my mom, and just being able to see how she balances it all,” she gushed. “Just learning from her, being able to bounce things off of her and, at the end of the day, just knowing that family time is the most important time.”
Both Schwarzenegger and Pratt routinely sing each other’s praises via social media.
“I simply can’t imagine how lost I’d be without you,” Pratt wrote of his wife in 2021. “You’re beautiful, tough as nails, reasonable, deeply thoughtful, extraordinarily smart, you’re a complete boss, eternally driven and you communicate like no other.”
He thanked her “for being so instrumental in my growth over the past few years. We fit so perfectly into each other’s lives that our Union is a daily reminder that God is looking out for us. Navigating the odd circumstances of our world is a task I cannot handle alone. And I’m so grateful I don’t have to.”
As for Schwarzenegger, she paid tribute to her Marvel star husband on his 43rd birthday, writing via Instagram: “I feel like the luckiest in the world to live life with you. You’re the most loving father, the most supportive partner and you have the biggest heart and we are so blessed to feel and witness your love. Happy happy handsome.”
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Hobbs,” Johnson began. “I’ve been numb over this loss, but we’re so grateful for every ounce of pure love he gave our entire family and we’re so grateful he didn’t suffer long as he quietly and bravely left in the night.”
,” he joked via Instagram at the time. “Three years ago we brought puppy Hobbs and his baby brother, Brutus home to become our ohana. Sadly, we lost puppy Brutus a few months later. Broke our hearts, but this little beast Hobbs goes on to live his best life daily and I’m quite proud of his performance in our movie.”
right in the middle of the set 
The biggest star the Fast & Furious franchise has ever seen and one bad ass sumbitch.”
