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Dax Shepard says it was a 'blessing' he didn't try to find out how much his costars made before starring on 'Parenthood'

Dax Shepard.
Dax Shepard shared how being on "Parenthood" changed his views on pay.

JB Lacroix/Getty Images

  • Dax Shepard says he stopped trying to find out how much his costars made when he starred in "Parenthood."
  • That way, he could continue to enjoy going to work, Shepard said on his "Armchair Expert" podcast.
  • He said he was aware he was among the lowest-paid actors on the show.

Dax Shepard may be a popular podcaster now, but he said there was a time when he wasn't making much money as an actor.

During Monday's episode of his "Armchair Expert" podcast featuring his former "Parenthood" costar Lauren Graham, Shepard spoke about how being on the show changed the way he thought about pay transparency.

"Every job I had ever had in my life prior to 'Parenthood,' I made a point to find out what everyone was making," Shepard told Graham and his cohost, actor Monica Padman. "I'd always figure it out — either a conversation where I get it out of them or backchannel through an agent."

But when Shepard landed the role of Crosby Braverman in the NBC series, which ran for six seasons from 2010 to 2015, he decided to stop doing that. Because of that choice, Shepard said he was "so happy" working on the show.

"If I find out that Jabbar is making twice as much as me, how can I enjoy going to work?" he said, referring to Jabbar Trussell, his onscreen son played by actor Tyree Brown.

"That was the first time I ever broke that habit and boy, was that a blessing," he said.

Earlier in the podcast, Shepard said that he was among the lowest-paid of the show's actors.

Earlier comments about money

During a 2021 appearance on the "Tell Me With Ellen Pompeo" podcast, Shepard said that he was sometimes bothered by social media comments that he made less money than his wife, Kristen Bell.

"That shouldn't bother me at all," Shepard told host Ellen Pompeo. "I know how much I make. It's a lot."

"Yet, two days later, I'll be hearing that f— tweet in my head. 'Cause that person set out to emasculate me," he said.

The Wall Street Journal reported that in July 2024, Shepard signed an $80 million podcasting deal with Amazon's Wondery platform. As part of the deal, Wondery and Shepard's "Armchair Expert" team would develop and produce two new podcasts and one livestream a year.

In the past few years, a growing number of states, including New YorkCalifornia, and Nevada, have passed pay transparency measures that force companies to disclose compensation levels.

Some employers are hesitant to share salary information upfront since it gives them an advantage during pay negotiations with candidates, workplace expert and author Jenn Lim previously told Business Insider.

Not disclosing immediately gives the companies "more wiggle room on the back end," Lim said in 2022. "It's a negotiation point."

If companies are hoping to appeal to Gen Z job seekers, pay transparency is a must: A 2022 Indeed survey of 2,000 people aged 16 to 26 years found that 85% of respondents said that it's important or very important for a job listing to include salary information.

Representatives for Shepard and NBC did not immediately respond to requests for comment sent by BI outside regular hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick's Quotes About Each Other Through the Years

Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick’s dynamic has included both friendly banter and some not-so-serious shade.

Lively and Kendrick briefly met before they first starred in A Simple Favor together which premiered in 2018. It wasn’t until their interactions during the 2018 promo sparked rumors of a possible feud, raising some proverbial eyebrows. Neither Kendrick nor Lively have publicly addressed any of the speculation.

Six years after A Simple Favor premiered, the duo reunited for the sequel Another Simple Favor. Ahead of the movie’s release, a source exclusively told Us Weekly that there was – and is – no bad blood between Kendrick and Lively.

“There aren’t any issues between Blake and Anna right now,” the insider explained in February 2025, noting that both actresses “really love” the sequel and planned to “be doing press together.”

However, Kendrick raised eyebrows for a second time after she dodged questions about working with Lively again while the pair attended the SXSW premiere for the movie. Despite Kendrick’s behavior, director Paul Feig shut down online discourse that the women were not on good terms.

“I just reported on Blake being terrified to walk the carpet as Anna is pissed and never wants to work with her again,” a social media user claimed in March 2025, to which Feig replied, “Um … you’re wrong.”

Keep scrolling to see what Kendrick and Lively have said about each other over the years:

Jokey Shade

What Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick Have Said About Each Other Through the Years
Everett Collection

In a joint May 2018 interview with MTV, Kendrick poked fun at Lively, teasing she wasn’t as kind as she initially believed.

“I worked with her husband Ryan [Reynolds] several years ago, so I met Blake a few times through Ryan on that film,” Kendrick said. “And I thought she seemed nice. And little did I know!”

Alleged Social Media Block

During the pair’s joint interview with journalist Kjersti Flaa, Kendrick teased that she avoids Lively on social media

“There’s a couple of people that I’ve muted,” Kendrick quipped in the August 2018 clip before loudly whispering Lively’s name.

Being a Fan

Lively shared in an September 2018 interview with Entertainment Tonight that she was excited for the chance to work closely with Kendrick after admiring her for quite some time.

“I’ve been a fan of hers for a long time, so there’s immediate chemistry — she just didn’t know about it,” she reflected. “So it’s just been a real slow, burn until I finally convinced her to be in a movie with [me].”

Getting in the DMs

What Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick Have Said About Each Other Through the Years
Jeff Spicer/Getty Images

Kendrick joked that after working together she wanted to keep her and Lively’s fauxmance alive and well.

“You know what it is? Ryan’s an attractive, famous, successful man and you need to keep them on their toes. He’s got a great lady and I just need to let him know that Blake’s got options, you know what I’m saying!” she teased to ET. “I’ll just be sneaky. I’ll just slide into her DMs.”

1st Impressions

Lively revealed that she and Kendrick met when they were in their late teens and was “nervous” to get to know her.

“We met through friends, and it was right after the premiere of Rocket Science,” she recalled in a September 2018 Buzzfeed interview. “You were just so good and I was just like, ‘Oh you’re so funny and charming.’ I was like, ‘Wow, this girl’s really cool.”

Working Together

Kendrick shared to Buzzfeed in September 2018 that she and Lively had a “partner-in-crime vibe.”

“Sometimes you work with somebody, and they’re great — they’re really, genuinely great — and they just have a very different working style, let’s say,” she reflected. “You know, they’re the kind of person that you can’t come to them in between and be like, ‘Yo, let me tell you what just happened.’ So that was great.”

Joking About Feud

Lively confessed that she had a challenging day on set of A Simple Favor that ended with her coming in late.

“I’m still scarred by this … when I worked late the night before, and so they told me to come in an hour and a half later the next morning, but didn’t make you come in later,” she said to Buzzfeed in September 2018. “I came to set and I was in hair and makeup, and I was like, ‘Oh, so weird, is Anna — where is she?’ and they were like, ‘Oh, she’s been ready for an hour. We didn’t push her call.’”

Kendrick quipped “that was the day” she decided to “hate” Lively.

“It was so mortifying. You’re working in every scene in this movie, and I come in for a few weeks like, ‘Just wait for me for an hour and a half while I get my hair braided!’” she explained. “I literally wanted to die and I sucked so bad in that scene because I never recovered.”

SXSW Remarks

What Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick Have Said About Each Other Through the Years
Robby Klein/Getty Images for IMDb

During the March 2025 SXSW premiere for Another Simple Favor, Kendrick was asked about what it was like to work with Lively again. Kendrick quipped “oh you know” before running off to take selfies with fans.

Lively, for her part, was asked the same question about working with Kendrick and had a different response.

“Oh, it’s the best!” she gushed on the red carpet. “I’m so happy to be here.”

Later that evening, Kendrick chatted with Variety and was asked about her thoughts on Another Simple Favor being “impacted” by what’s “going on in the world,” a possible reference to Lively’s legal battle against her It Ends With Us costar and director Justin Baldoni. Kendrick played coy in her response.

“Why? What happened? I did ayahuasca and the last year of my life has been gone,” she deadpanned before hyping up Another Simple Favor. “But I hear the movie is amazing.”

© Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Blake Lively Carries a Martini to ‘Another Simple Favor’ Premiere

Blake Lively Carries Martini Purse for A Simple Favor Appearance 068
Andrew Rannells, Blake Lively, Michele Marrone, Paul Feig, Anna Kendrick, Henry Golding, Bashir Salahuddin, Elizabeth Perkins and Alex Newell from Another Simple Favor pose for a photocall on March 8, 2025. Robby Klein/Getty Images for IMDb

Blake Lively is here to remind Us that Another Simple Favor will have a twist — lots of twists.

When Lively, 37, walked the red carpet at the SXSW premiere in Austin on Friday, March 7, she looked every inch as glamorous as her on-screen character, Emily Nelson. In a pink latex Renée Massoomian look that went from demure to daring, the actress strategically peeled off the pink vinyl jacket to reveal a plunging minidress — a quick change that sent cameras flashing.

She made an even bigger, ahem, splash when Lively joined her fellow cast-mates in the highly anticipated sequel to the 2018 film A Simple Favor starring herself and Anna Kendrick while posing for a group shot during the photocall the next day — and just in time for cocktail hour.

Lively leaned into method dressing in a bejeweled tailored set that looked as if it could have easily been lifted from Emily’s closet: a Yara Shoemaker Fall 2023 Couture set featuring a peach coat and matching trousers dripping in crystals, pearls and paillettes. For a playful, meta twist, she carried a Judith Leiber martini-shaped bag ($5,795), a novelty accessory that was a clear nod to her gin-swilling PR director character’s go-to beverage.

Everything to Know About the Sequel to 'A Simple Favor'

In the original film, Emily serves up the secret to a “real martini”: a frozen glass, frozen gin, minimal vermouth and, most importantly, a lemon twist. “And don’t add f—cking ice. Ever,” she instructs mommy vlogger Stephanie Smothers (Kendrick) during a playdate with their two sons.

The clutch version of the movie’s iconic mixed drink was covered in crystals of all shapes and sizes, topped with a zesty yellow lemon slice, just the way Emily prefers her signature martini.

Does perfect, polished Emily really think that a perfect martini is just straight gin in a frozen glass with a spritz? Perhaps. Or maybe it’s just another way she’s playing at having taste. One thing is for certain: it’s the perfect icebreaker to exchange confessions with Stephanie.

Blake Lively Carries Martini Purse for A Simple Favor Appearance 069
Blake Lively at the SXSW premiere of Another Simple Favor on March 7, 2025. Getty Images (2)

It’s no secret that the libation bears real significance for Lively too, as the original film also served as a marketing promotion piece for her husband Ryan Reynolds’ Aviation Gin company. (However, director Paul Fieg’s liquor brand will get exclusive rights in Another Simple Favor.)

'Another Simple Favor' Director Praises Blake Lively's ‘Weird’ Wardrobe Ideas

For her part, Lively has long been a fan of dressing the part to generate buzz for projects. Most recently, the Gossip Girl alum wore every floral print under the sun throughout her entire It Ends With Us press tour, which was naturally inspired by her role as the aptly named florist Lily Bloom.

Last time around, she wore nothing but power suits for months to promote A Simple Favor. Whether shaken or stirred, judging by Lively’s looks at SXSW, we can expect to see more “exquisitely crafted” themed styles until the sequel’s release via Amazon Prime Video on May 1.

DeAnna Pappas Calls Stephen Stagliano ‘Good Father’ in Restraining Order

DeAnna Pappas detailed her coparenting dynamic with ex-husband Stephen Stagliano — and her hopes for their kids’ future — in her recent restraining order filing.

Pappas, 43, claimed in her Friday, March 7, filing that Stagliano’s alleged “past mental health issues do not mean that I do not think he is a good father.”

The former Bachelorette noted in the court documents obtained by Us Weekly that their children “love him deeply” despite his alleged faults. (Pappas and Stagliano share daughter Addison, 11, and son Austin, 9.)

Pappas noted that she believes the ex-spouses “need to take a realistic look at what is going on and do whatever we have to do to help” their children process their divorce and recent issues.

Bachelorette’s DeAnna Pappas and Stephen's Relationship Timeline

“Instead of looking for things and other people to blame, I want [him] to work with me to come up with solutions,” the docs state.

News broke on Monday, March 10, that Pappas was previously arrested after an alleged altercation with Stagliano, 41, in which he claimed she was drunk. (In Touch reported in June 2024 that when the exes finalized their divorce, Pappas and Stagliano agreed not to consume alcohol around their children.)

At the time, Stagliano accused his ex-wife of being allegedly intoxicated when Stagliano’s mother picked up their son earlier that morning for school.

DeAnn Pappas Calls Stephen Stagliano a Good Father in Restraining Order Docs Wants to Work as Team 064
Courtesy of DeAnn Pappas/Instagram

When Stagliano came to Pappas home that evening to get their daughter, he allegedly forced himself inside her garage and “refused to leave.” Pappas claimed that Stagliano “forcefully shoved” her and then he called the police.

According to court docs obtained by Us, Pappas was arrested on a misdemeanor charge on February 27 after Stagliano pressed charges for domestic violence. Pappas was released the same day on bond and proceeded to file a restraining order on her ex-husband the following week.

Former Bachelorette DeAnna Pappas Arrested After Altercation With Ex-Husband

Pappas denied being an alcoholic and claimed that their daughter’s video from that night would prove exactly what transpired and who was the aggressor. She also alleged she tested negative for drugs and alcohol in a voluntary test.

The former reality star outlined her side of the incident in her restraining order and detailed her and Stagliano’s “difficult” coparenting relationship. Pappas asked a judge order Stagliano to stay 100 yards away from her — and a hearing was set for later this month.

DeAnna Pappas and Stephen Stagliano Timeline
Paul Archuleta/Getty Images

“I would describe our coparenting as ‘parallel parenting,’ in that I handle the children when I have them, and Respondent does the same,” Pappas explained in the filing. “That of course is with the exception of extreme situations, wherein both the Respondent and I will reach out to each other to let each other know what is going on with the children.”

She noted that the former couple also interact when their children allegedly “share with me that they are concerned or uncomfortable with the Respondent’s live-in girlfriend.” Pappas said in that scenario, she contacts Stagliano “to relay that information so that he can address that with the children how he sees fit.”

Pappas also claimed that she is “very willing” to help Stagliano and “be flexible” on the “few occasions” they need to switch custodial times. “The Respondent is also accommodating when I need to switch custodial time due to my unique work schedule,” she added.

Pappas acknowledged that her coparenting relationship with Stagliano “certainly needs help” but argued, “I do believe I have made significant effort for the sake of our children.”

The TV personality met Stephen through his brother, Michael Stagliano, who was on season 5 of The Bachelorette. (Pappas, for her part, was the lead on season 4 of the dating franchise.)

DeAnna Pappas Underwent ‘Intensive Therapy' at Trauma Center Amid Divorce

The pair tied the knot in October 2011. After more than 10 years of marriage, Pappas and Stephen announced in January 2023 that they had called it quits. The exes finalized their divorce in June 2024, agreeing to joint custody of their kids.

In addition to agreeing not to be “intoxicated” while the children were in their respective custody, Pappas and Stephen agreed not to consume narcotics within 12 hours before or during their stays with the kids, according to docs obtained by In Touch in summer 2024.

Pappas and Stephen’s deal awarded Stephen $1,000 a month in child support and an additional $1,500 in spousal support.

Us Weekly reached out to Pappas and Stagliano’s lawyer for comment.

© Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

‘Real Housewives’ Cast Members Who Have Quit While Filming the Show

On Sunday, March 9, Real Housewives of Orange County star Tamra Judge appeared to suggest she’s done with the show — and she’s not the only cast member who has unexpectedly quit mid-season.

“It was a long run! When life gives you real problems this reality s— doesn’t make sense. Peace out … I’m out,” Judge, 57, shared via an Instagram Story on Sunday. Judge has been part of the RHOC cast since season 3. She left the show for a bit in season 14 but returned full-time for season 17 in 2023.

Though the final RHOC cast has not yet been confirmed by Bravo, Judge had been spotted filming in New Orleans alongside Shannon Beador, Heather Dubrow, Katie Ginella, Gina Kirschenheiter, Jennifer Pedranti and Emily Simpson.

When it comes to Housewives who have flounced while filming, Judge isn’t alone — keep scrolling for others who have unexpectedly departed the series after a falling out (or two).

From Bethenny to NeNe to Camille! 'Real Housewives' Who Left and Returned

Kim Zolciak-Biermann

Housewives Who Quit in the Middle of Filming
Prince Williams/Wireimage

Kim Zolciak-Biermann exited Real Housewives of Atlanta after four years in November 2012. Zolciak-Biermann was several months pregnant when she abruptly stopped filming the series essentially on-camera. Zolciak-Biermann and the gang were invited to Anguilla for Cynthia Bailey’s wedding, but drama erupted after Zolciak-Biermann said she couldn’t go (most airlines do not allow pregnant women to fly once they’ve passed 36 weeks gestation).

Her departure also happened to line up with the announcement for her new series, Don’t Be Tardy for the Wedding. Though Zolciak-Biermann insisted she left to pursue other opportunities, castmate NeNe Leakes tweeted in 2012 that she was fired. “It’s so funny how this chick wants people 2 think she quit the show! The producers no longer wanted 2 work wit u! Good bye wit the lies,” Leakes wrote.

Zolciak-Biermann denied she was fired, and later reappeared on the series until April 2018 when left for a second time and vowed to never return.

Tanya Sam

Housewives Who Quit in the Middle of Filming
Paras Griffin/Getty Images

Tanya Sam was never a full-time cast member of Real Housewives of Atlanta, but she was regularly featured and her sudden exit was packed with drama. Sam was on hand to help celebrate Bailey’s bachelorette, where apparently… stripper-related shenanigans went down.

TMZ reported at the time, “[Tanya] who’s not an official Housewife but a “friend” of the show – has officially bailed on filming the rest of the current season.” The outlet added that Sam’s departure “revolves around Cynthia Bailey’s bachelorette party and what Tanya and Porsha Williams did with a male stripper while cameras were rolling … and what they may or may not have done when cameras shut down.”

Girl, Bye! ‘Real Housewives’ Who Only Appeared on One Season

Adrienne Maloof

Housewives Who Quit in the Middle of Filming
Michael Tullberg/Getty Images

Adrienne Maloof was an original cast member of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills but abruptly left the show in season 3 after a secret was shared about her family. Cast member Brandi Glanville, who had repeatedly sparred with Maloof throughout the third season, told the rest of the show’s cast that Maloof hired a surrogate to carry her twins — something Maloof had not yet told her then 6-year-old sons.

Maloof was so upset she made sure Bravo couldn’t air what Glanville shared and also filed a cease-and-desist against her former friend. Maloof later shared the details of the surrogacy with Life & Style, and Bravo ultimately fired her (though Maloof maintained she left on her own accord).

In 2019 Maloof said she was open to being featured in “cameos” on the series.

© Kaitlyn Morris/Getty Images

11 Wardrobe Staples Us Weekly Readers Are Buying in Droves — Starting at $10

Here at Us Weekly, we’re always excited to see what products our readers can’t get enough of. Sometimes it’s a viral beauty item that delivers stellar results, and sometimes it’s an affordable cleaning product that makes our lives easier. For this story, though, we’re concentrating on the top fashion pieces that have been added to carts time and time again.

Unsurprisingly, many of these popular picks are ideal for the winter-to-spring transition. Think tops that can be easily layered on those in-between weather days, and pants that take you from winter to spring to summer to fall — and back again. And, of course, there are accessories that know no bounds. Together, it’s easy to see how these 11 pieces have made such an impact.

What’s even better is that these beloved fashion finds are all available on Amazon, which means they can arrive at your door in record time. Starting at just $10, give your wardrobe an affordable facelift with the help of these Us reader-recommended buys.

1. Striped Coziness: This roomy striped sweater can be paired with leggings or jeans for a simple, not boring, look — $10!

2. Business in a Bag: You can’t go wrong with a classic black bag, and this structured top-handle option comes with a bonus matching clutch —  $56!

3. Luxury Lookalike: The quilted pattern gives this shoulder bag a designer look without the designer price — originally $36, now $19!

4. Structured Trousers: Dressing for the office doesn’t have to be a stressful affair when you have a pair of classic trousers you can wear with a range of tops — originally $43, now $20!

5. Everyday Bottoms: No one will know that these office-approved pants are as stretchy and comfortable as they are — $37!

6. Transitional Top: Too cold for shorts sleeves, but too hot for long sleeves? Compromise with a short-sleeve turtleneck — originally $30, now $20!

These 19 Elegant Basics Are the Foundation of My Wardrobe — Starting at $10

7. Flowy Chiffon: Whether you’re headed to the office or out to dinner, this floral three-quarter-sleeve top fits the occasion — $25!

8. Versatile Basic: This isn’t your average V-neck shirt — its knitted style and vertical line details make it a better basic — $20!

9. Reliable Crewneck: Over 114,000 shoppers give this Hanes sweatshirt a five-star rating, thanks to its simple style and fleece interior — originally $18, now $11!

10. Lightweight Sweater: Available in more than 20 colors and patterns, this V-neck sweater is a layering-friendly top for all kinds of temperatures — originally $24, now $15!

11. Flower Power: This feminine floral top is one of those finds that people will be shocked to find out was snagged on Amazon — $34!

Unlock 30 Outfits From These 10 Surprisingly Affordable Must-Have Styles — All Under $28

Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!

© Getty Images

Meet the new VC firm secretly backed by Volkswagen

A new venture firm called Leitmotif has been on a quiet blitz for the last 16 months, funding around 20 startups broadly focused on decarbonization. Its portfolio includes EV companies, space and battery plays, and four nuclear fusion startups. But the firm has only said its funding is from “European industrial interests.” Now, Leitmotif has […]

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Startup studio Hexa acquires majority stake in Veevart, a vertical SaaS platform for museums

Hexa is trying something new. Instead of fostering startups from the ground up and incubating them for the first year or so, the Paris-based startup studio is acquiring a majority stake in Veevart, a vertical software-as-a-service company for museums that provides solutions for ticketing, fundraising, CRM and collection management. Hexa is a familiar name in […]

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Radiology AI software provider Gleamer expands into MRI with two small acquisitions

Medical imaging is a broad term that encompasses several distinct technologies. After working on AI-powered tools to enhance X-rays and mammographies, French startup Gleamer now aims to tackle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Instead of starting from scratch, Gleamer has acquired two startups that have already been working on AI-powered MRI analysis: Pixyl and Caerus Medical. […]

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