Y’all! The undeniable bond between Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande has left fans buzzing. Apparently, their chemistry on and off the set of ‘Wicked’ had everyone wondering if it’s more than just friendship. And now, Erivo is stepping up to address the rumors head-on.

RELATED: Back It Up! Cynthia Erivo Breaks Her Silence On Ariana Grande’s Red Carpet Scare In Singapore (VIDEO)

Erivo Claps Back At Ariana Grande Romance Rumors

In an interview with Stylist published last week, Erivo addressed the whispers, calling the fascination “strange.” Erivo added, “People either thought we were putting it on for the cameras or that we were lovers,” she said, explaining that society often struggles to recognize “deep and real” platonic female friendships. “A relationship where people are connected sometimes just makes people uncomfortable; we aren’t taught that those relationships are good for us,” Erivo added.

Grande Previously Opened Up About Their Friendship

Furthermore, Ariana Grande previously offered context during a November appearance on Amy Poehler’s ‘Good Hang’ podcast. She explained why she and Erivo “like to touch each other,” noting it helps her “channel a lot of energy through [her] hands.” She said she’s “always holding a hand, always squeezing something” or “always reaching for something,” usually with whoever is nearby. The ‘Thank U, Next’ singer emphasized that their physical closeness is about support and maintaining their friendship amid busy schedules: “We…do our best to stay connected in that way and to take care of each other so we can honor the project as much as humanly possible.”

So Yes, They’re Close — But Both Taken

Additionally, sources close to both stars have confirmed that their affectionate gestures are strictly platonic. Both are in relationships with other people: Grande is reportedly still dating her ‘Wicked’ co-star Ethan Slater, while Erivo has been in a long-term relationship with ‘Chi’ creator Lena Waithe. Even with all the media speculation, it seems the pair are just masters of mixing friendship and theatrical energy — and fans are here for it.

RELATED: Not Too Much! Ariana Grande Clocks Rumors About Whether She Plans To Step Away From Singing & Music (VIDEO)

BARACK OBAMA
WALKS BACK ALIENS ARE ‘REAL’ COMMENTS

Published
February 16, 2026
5:34 AM PST

There’s no better activity than getting cozy with a blanket and a movie, no matter the season or weather. The best kinds of movies to watch in such for getting ultimately cozy and comfortable are, undoubtedly, heartwarming romantic movies. Fans of cozy romance movies have a large movie library to choose from, but how about giving a chance to some South Korean ones?

South Korea is known for its romantic K-dramas with incredible stories and slow-burn love, but its romantic feature films tend to take a backseat in the eyes of international audiences. This makes sense, as K-dramas span several episodes and allow viewers to get to know the characters much better. However, romantic feature films from South Korea have the same sentiment but convey their love stories much better. They’re a quick rollercoaster of feelings, heartwarming and heartbreaking alike, making them ideal for those cold winter moments.

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‘Bungee Jumping of Their Own’ (2001)

Image via Cineclick Asia

One of Korea’s biggest action stars, Lee Byung-hun, is also a well-known heartthrob among South Korean movie fans. He started acting in 1991 and has had various roles since, from cold-blooded vigilantes to romantic leads. One of his unique roles was in the romantic drama Bungee Jumping of Their Own from 2001, which was a bit controversial at the time. Though imperfect in some ways, it’s an interesting love story that depicts the idea of having “the one,” a person who’s meant for us.

Lee Byung-hun and Lee Eun-ju play two young students, In-woo and Tae-hee, who get to know each other and fall in love. When their romance blossoms, things seem to be going well, but suddenly, Tae-hee gets involved in a car accident and dies. In-woo, heartbroken, continues his life, and 17 years later, the story shows him as a high school teacher. When In-woo gets a new student, Hyun-bin, he notices similarities between him and his former love, Tae-hee. The story unfolds, depicting struggles with self-acceptance, self-discovery, and the idea that there’s always that one person in someone’s life.

19

‘Love and Leashes’ (2022)

Image via Netflix

Love and Leashes may be an unusual choice for a great romantic movie, but this rom-com has a lot of surprising elements that will make you chuckle and say “awww.” It’s an unconventional love story and one that’s potentially more realistic than many of the most romantic K-movies. Why? It incorporates sexual desires into its central theme, and a couple who fall in love through exploration of each other’s hidden preferences. Love and Leashes isn’t the first kind of movie to be this open about different types of love, but it’s one of the most prominent recent ones that won over a large audience, mostly due to its Netflix streaming slot.

Love and Leashes follows two employees in a PR firm, Ji-hoo (Lee Jun-young) and Ji-woo (Seohyun). Ji-woo, Ji-hoo’s senior, accidentally learns one day that he is into BDSM, and he asks her to enter such a relationship with him. At first, it’s purely transactional, but then Ji-woo gains more confidence in herself, and the two inevitably fall in love. There’s not a lot of melodrama, but Love and Leashes is just as endearing and romantic as the rest of these movies.

18

‘On Your Wedding Day’ (2018)

On Your Wedding Day is a romance drama directed by Lee Seok-geun. Park Bo-young and Kim Young-kwang, who had previously collaborated on a film in 2014, maintained their impressive on-screen chemistry. Filming took place from September to December 2017, mostly in Seoul, and the ten-year storyline is meant to show believable character growth from the periods of adolescence to adulthood. The film was a box-office success in Korea and was well-received among wider audiences because of how relatable, romantic, heartfelt, and humorous it is.

On Your Wedding Day follows Woo-yeon (Kim), who receives a wedding invitation from his high school love, Seung-hee (Park). The film then takes a nostalgic look back on their long relationship, starting with Woo-yeon’s teen crush on Seung-hee and going through all the troubles and joys of growing up and love. However, instead of a typical fairy-tale love story, we’re shown the fleeting nature of life, showing that romance and affection aren’t always enough, and that people outgrow each other. The realistic portrayal of first love, which is not always “meant to be,” is what makes On Your Wedding Day memorable long after the credits have rolled, but it is an ending you might not expect.

17

‘Sweet & Sour’ (2021)

Sweet & Sour is one of the newer South Korean romantic comedies that comes from Netflix, which has produced some great K-romance movies over the past few years (great examples are Love and Leashes and 20th Century Girl). It portrays a couple, Da-eun and Hyuk (Chae Soo-bin and Jang Ki-yong), who become close after Da-eun takes care of him at the hospital where he is her patient. They enter a relationship that soon becomes long-distance because Hyuk accepts a job in Seoul, whereas they live in Incheon.

Hyuk’s traveling back and forth puts a strain on their relationship, evolving the story into a more complex analysis of emotional neglect—both of oneself and their partner—the working and overworking culture, and long-distance romance. The twist at the end is another great part of what makes Sweet & Sour rewatchable and relatable. Though many viewers feel that the ending is disappointing, it shows that happy endings aren’t always realistic and that romance is sometimes like that.

16

‘Love 911’ (2012)

Love 911 is a romance drama about healing and unexpected connections directed by Jeong Gi-hun. The film balances action, drama, and romance, alternating between fiery rescues and dramatic suspense and soft moments that reveal the characters’ inner selves. Love 911 garnered praise for its performances and chemistry, while Han Hyo-joo received a Best Actress nomination at the 49th Baeksang Arts Awards for her role. Love 911 depicts a romance that develops through the messy and painful, yet ultimately rewarding work of caring for another person by combining the thrill that first responders experience with the slow, imperfect process of emotional healing.

Love 911 follows Kang-il (Go Soo), a devoted firefighter troubled by his wife’s tragic death, and Mi-soo (Han), a tough, career-driven doctor whose initial motive for pursuing Kang-il is less than honorable. After a misdiagnosis causes Mi-soo’s career problems, she attempts to get closer to Kang-il in the hopes of establishing a case, but her strategy backfires as the two clash and slowly start to understand each other’s pasts and inner lives. Love 911 depicts two closed-off people developing a beautiful, honest romance while coping with grief, guilt, and the possibility of moving on.

15

‘Always’ (2011)

Image via Showbox

Always is a melodrama starring So Ji-sub and Han Hyo-joo, who were at the height of their popularity at the start of the 2010s. So Ji-sub plays a former boxer, Cheol-min, whose rough exterior slowly gets broken down by a blind girl, Jung-hwa (Han Hyo-joo). They meet at his new job, a parking attendant booth, where Cheol-min sits and observes the world passing him by. Jung-hwa is optimistic and relentless in tearing down Cheol-min’s walls, but their romance has rocky moments and chilly periods.

This romantic drama has it all: a great-looking tough guy with a kind heart, a beautiful girl whose life didn’t go as planned, but she doesn’t give up, and an unbreakable bond between the two that tugs at the heartstrings. The performances in Always are superb, if not a tad overdramatic, but, as any fan of cheesy South Korean dramas will know, this is how it’s done over there. Letting the emotion in without judging the melodramatics will help viewers enjoy a wonderfully made romance.

14

‘Moonlit Winter’ (2019)

Moonlit Winter is a touching drama that covers many topics, from coming-of-age to forbidden love. Yoon-hee (Kim Hee-ae) lives in the Korean countryside with her teenage daughter Sae-bom (Sohye). Sae-bom finds a love letter in her mother’s possessions one day, which she discovers was sent to her mom from a woman named Jun (Yuko Nakamura) in Japan. Seeing her mother’s loneliness, Sae-bom decides to reunite her mother with the Japanese woman, awakening a decades-old romance that remained hidden for so long.

While the movie follows Sae-bom’s maturing and compassion, it also gives Yoon-hee a second chance to finally live as the woman she always wanted to be. This second life, as well as meeting her first love, Jun, encourages Yoon-hee to embrace herself and make bolder choices that make her happy. While it’s a movie about a queer romance, it’s also a love story that encapsulates more than just romantic love. Moonlit Winter is a visually gorgeous and touching romance for anyone looking for a good cry.

13

‘Architecture 101’ (2012)

Image via Lotte Entertainment

Interestingly enough, Architecture 101 had a largely male audience to thank for its impeccable run at the South Korean box office. Architecture 101 was a breakthrough hit upon release and is often cited among must-watch South Korean movies, whether in the romantic category or in general. While that could be solely due to Bae Suzy, the most popular actress of the 2010s, portraying the younger version of her character, So-yeon, there’s a lot more appealing and beautiful to this movie than just her.

Architecture 101 is a story about two architects, Seung-min (Uhm Tae-woong) and So-yeon (Han Ga-in). So-yeon approaches Seung-min to ask him to redesign her Jeju Island home, and while they work on the house, the two grow closer. The movie also introduces a flashback to the time when the two attended college, and it’s revealed that they met while they were students. Architecture 101 is a bittersweet exploration of lost love, entwined with beautiful displays of impeccable architecture. Director Lee studied architecture himself at university, and collaborated with another famous architect to get the details in the movie right; in that way, it’s also a love letter to architecture, here depicted as an art form.

12

‘Be With You’ (2018)

Another So Ji-sub romance, Be With You, is one of the most popular movies of 2018. This could be because of him or because of his co-star Son Ye-jin (Crash Landing on You), who was the sweetheart of the romance genre at the time (and remains for so many of us). Be With You is a remake of the Japanese drama of the same name, and even the trailer for this movie is a tearfest.

The movie follows Woo-jin, who’s unexpectedly left to raise his son alone after the premature death of his wife, Soo-ah. Before dying, Soo-ah makes a promise to return in the rainy season. Woo-jin soon realizes that Soo-ah miraculously manages to fulfill that promise, but when she does return, her memory is wiped. Woo-jin must show Soo-ah why and how they fell in love, reinventing their romance and getting another chance to hold each other before it gets too late. As the publication London Korean Links said, “If you’re not blubbing uncontrollably at various points in this lovely thing, you are a heartless brute.”

11

‘Spellbound’ (2011)

Image via CJ Entertainment

Spellbound is a romantic comedy with a supernatural twist, and another film starring Son Ye-jin. The movie blends comedy, romance, and horror elements to create a unique tone uncommon in typical South Korean (or global) rom-coms. Supernatural gained a great box office success, with Asian audiences in particular; the movie even got a Philippine remake in 2023, though the original Spellbound remains a staple of quirky, offbeat K-romances.

Spellbound follows Yeo-ri (Son), a woman cursed with the ability to see ghosts, which has made her life lonely and awkward as spirits periodically appear around her without warning. Her world changes when Ma Jo-goo (Lee Min-ki), a charismatic magician, notices her unusual talent and recruits her for his act, partly because her talent and ability add a chilling effect beneficial to his performances. As the two grow closer, their relationship unfolds with a mix of humor, scares, and genuine emotion, forcing Yeo-ri to confront both her fear of isolation and the possibility of love.

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Big Brother season 27 runner-up Vince Panaro has split from his long-term girlfriend Kelsey.

During an interview with the reality TV show’s host, Julie Chen Moonves, for her “God 101” podcast — shared in part via an X fan account on Sunday, February 15 — Vince detailed the pair’s breakup. “We’ve talked about everything. I’ve had a lot of honest conversations with Kelsey and everyone else in my life and we’re not currently together. We’re taking time apart,” he said.

The split comes after Vince announced via an October 2025 YouTube video that he and his former girlfriend were “taking time” apart following speculation that he emotionally cheated with fellow housemate Morgan Pope while appearing on the show.

“I’m doing a lot of self-work and focusing on my areas of improvement,” Vince continued in his interview with Chen Moonves, 56. “While Big Brother was the greatest experience of my life, and I’m so grateful forever for it, it also did highlight some areas of opportunity within myself. I’ve just been spending a lot of time alone, also with family [and] friends, you know, trying to work on becoming the best version of myself I can be.”

He concluded, “At the moment, we’re not together, but last [time] I spoke to her, she’s doing well.”

Vince dated Kelsey for seven years before he joined the cast of Big Brother in July 2025. After settling into the social experiment, he struck up a close friendship with Morgan, 34, which drew chatter among viewers. Speculation of a romantic spark grew when Vince and Morgan were filmed getting cozy with one another on multiple occasions.

After he left the Big Brother house, Vince’s YouTube confessional found him explaining his experience on the show. “As far as probably the more common question that everybody is asking me, [it] is ‘What is my relationship like?’” Vince said at the time. “Kelsey and I have talked everything out. We have talked about everything and anything possible, and we’re currently taking time to process everything individually, and you know, figure out what things look like after that.”

The video also saw him acknowledge his close bond with Morgan. “The fact of the matter is that I was in a relationship entering that house … so that’s all on me. And I understand the way that it looked,” he said.

Vince admitted that during his time in the house, friendship “lines started to blur,” before he defended his stance. “I felt like any level of affection was normal in that alternate reality I was living in,” Vince said in the video. “And some people will say, ‘How could you be that stupid? How could you not see it?’ And I could only say, ‘Well, you’d be surprised.’”

Despite the explanation, Vince ultimately took the opportunity to apologize for his actions. “I’m sorry for that,” he said. “I’m the one who set the boundaries. I was the one who was in a relationship … But outside, I could see that’s not being respectful to having a girlfriend, and I should’ve been extra cautious. But, the fact of the matter is, I wasn’t.”

Some folks love workplace shows, while others enjoy single-camera family sitcoms; no matter how popular, these genres rarely satisfy the specific itch that only college-based shows can scratch. To avoid making it sound more like an incurable rash, college shows are continuously popular among various demographics and audiences. Whether they’re more of a coming-of-age story or a surreal comedy, college shows have something for every taste.

Though many of these ten best shows about college are now over, their popularity endures, mostly because they’re, well, kind of rare. Most school-based shows happen in high schools with rebellious teens (Euphoria, Riverdale, the list is long), but college is often a much better setting for stories about finally entering adulthood, making them more relatable to young folks and adults alike.

15

‘Glory Daze’ (2010–2011)

The comedy-drama Glory Daze is set in the fall of 1986 and follows a group of first-year students at the fictional Hayes University who join a fraternity and dive headfirst into college life. Although the show had a brief run (ten one-hour-long episodes), it gives a glimpse of school life that’s equal parts smart and funny. Its title and plot might feel like an homage to the 1995 movie of the same name starring Ben Affleck, but there are no accounts of them being connected. Still, the show’s creators were probably inspired by the cult comedy.

Glory Daze follows Joel Harrington (Kelly Blatz), a straight-laced freshman who believed that academics would be his biggest obstacle. Life in college soon shows him that his fraternity is all about getting in trouble, throwing parties, and nurturing a community. Glory Daze evokes a nostalgic sense of mischief and belonging, uniquely honing a 1980s atmosphere and vibes; its narrative often leans into rivalry, camaraderie, and the universal awkwardness of growing up. Fans of era-specific college humor mixed with coming-of-age storytelling will enjoy it.

14

‘The Chair’ (2021)

Image via Netflix

Sandra Oh leads the cast of The Chair, a look at college life from a professor’s perspective. This offbeat, understated comedy follows Oh as Dr. Ji-yoon Kim, the first woman of color to become the head of the English department. The series shows her troubles navigating her new position, as well as her love life, friendships, and managing the state of the entire English department. The series was co-written by Amanda Peet and produced by D.B. Weiss and David Benioff, among others.

Sandra Oh is always a breath of fresh air and one of this generation’s best actors, so her leadership on this show makes it all the more likable and enjoyable. Her comedic chops are displayed, too, which is Oh’s forte in a serious setting. The Chair was, unfortunately, canceled after one season, leaving all of its ambitious themes unresolved, but it’s still an enjoyable show about college life—from a different perspective.

13

‘Dear White People’ (2017–2021)

Image via Netflix

Based on the movie of the same name, Netflix’s romantic comedy Dear White People tries its best to tackle racism, adversity, and the college experiences of young Black people at a predominantly white Ivy League university. The show superbly gives the spotlight to amazing talent, from the lead, Logan Browning, and her character Sam’s quick-witted, headstrong charm, to Antoinette Robertson and her character Coco, who balances her struggles with appearance and belonging to causes bigger than what she looks like.

Dear White People is a clever and profound dive into the lives of Black college students, but it seems like its final season didn’t stick the landing. The famous author Ta-Nehisi Coates gave commentary about the first season for The Atlantic, adding, among other things, “it’s always hinting that there is something beyond the pleading and wokeness.” Coates’ comment emphasizes the troubles of the show while still giving it some praise for being nuanced and analytical; this combination of ideas and impressions still makes Dear White People a great watch.

12

‘Hellcats’ (2010–2011)

Image via The CW

Hellcats is a CW college drama that combines the action and thrills of competitive cheerleading with the troubles of personal ambition. With personal journeys and interesting character development, the show offers viewers a glimpse into the often intense world of college cheerleading while combining elements of comedy and drama. Hellcats is known for being a lively depiction of ambition, teamwork, and college life despite having a brief one-season run.

Hellcats was based on the nonfiction book Cheer: Inside the Secret World of College Cheerleaders, and follows Marti Perkins (Aly Michalka), a pre-law student whose academic future rests on keeping her scholarship. She unwillingly tries out for the competitive Hellcats cheer team at a Southern California university to continue her education. Once there, Marti has to manage tough routines, long practice sessions, and the social pressures of college life while developing friendships and rivalries with her teammates. Along the way, she works on her confidence while trying to fit into the athletic and academic worlds.

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‘Felicity’ (1998–2002)

Image via the WB

The it-girl of the late 90s, Felicity made waves as a popular curly-headed, lovestruck girl who changes her college plans to follow her crush to NYC. This coming-of-age drama was not only very popular, but Keri Russell won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of the titular character. Another less flattering accolade is the national outrage sparked by Keri Russell’s decision to cut her hair in Season 2.

Felicity ran for four seasons and showed the ups and downs of Felicity’s romantic life, as well as her time as a part-time worker and student. The premise of her asking her crush to sign her yearbook and then deciding to change all her plans to follow him to NYU would be soapy nowadays; times are different, and this sort of move is unimaginable to many young girls. But, despite the plot, Felicity is still about a girl navigating life after leaving the security of her hometown to live in a large, chaotic city. It’s one of the best college shows out there and one of Keri Russell’s most memorable roles (if not the most memorable, let’s be honest).

Image by NBC Universal, Sony Pictures Television

The offbeat comedy Community may not represent college life accurately, but its elaborate jokes and niche humor make the typically, let’s face it, unfunny college setting hilarious. Community follows a group of people of various ages and backgrounds, forming a study group at the community college they’re attending. This show doesn’t make college more relatable, but it does do an excellent job of portraying unlikely friendships that end up being like family. When it tries to be wholesome, Community is all that and more, but fans of the show know it doesn’t always go for that kind of punchline.

It’s tough to say who’s the greatest Community character—from the inseparable, iconic TV duo Troy and Abed (Donald Glover and Danny Pudi) and the eccentric dean Pelton (Jim Rash) to the controversial Pierce (Chevy Chase) and the unpredictable Spanish language professor Ben Chang (Ken Jeong). Fans of quirky humor love Community, and if anyone’s looking to enjoy a college experience on TV without it always making sense, Community is the perfect show to binge-watch.

9

‘Blue Mountain State’ (2010–2011)

Image via Paramount

Blue Mountain State is a raunchy sports-themed comedy that depicts life at a fictional American university called Blue Mountain State with one of the most over-the-top football programs. The show’s focus is on football culture, with hard practices and Saturday night games, providing a setting for wild humor, sarcasm, and over-the-top college pranks. Blue Mountain State became popular because it was streamable on Netflix and gained a cult following over time. Interestingly, it had three seasons and 39 episodes, but it only aired between 2010 and 2011. It’s also, most notably, a show that made Alan Ritchson famous.

Blue Mountain State follows three freshman students: quarterback Alex Moran (Darin Brooks), running back Craig Shilo (Sam Jones III), and team mascot Sammy Cacciatore (Chris Romano) as they attend classes and wild parties, go through hazing rituals, and have personal adventures on and off the football field. Despite poor reviews, Blue Mountain State became a fan favorite for its unreserved humor and wild portrayal of locker-room antics. Essentially, it’s about friendship, loyalty, and getting through the ridiculousness of college.

8

‘Greek’ (2007–2011)

Image via ABC

Greek is the ultimate teen college show that delves into the lives of college students and pledges to fraternities and sororities. With some essential 2000s fashion, a theme song by the then-it band Plain White T’s, and elaborate and dramatic plots and subplots, Greek is feel-good viewing for anyone who was a teen during its runtime. If anyone wants to do serious research about what the 2000s looked and felt like, putting Greek on and binge-watching it will be like an express train to the past.

Starring Scott Michael Foster as the “bad boy” of the show, Cappie, Jake McDorman as the trust fund baby Evan, and Spencer Grammer as the clever and ambitious Casey, their love triangle is the center of the story. Other side characters are often snarky, quirky, or misunderstood, but Greek allows them to experience a happy ending, too. Unlike some other shows from that time (mostly Glee), Greek holds up very well even today.

7

‘Sweet/Vicious’ (2016–2017)

Image Via MTV

The short-lived but highly praised teen drama Sweet/Vicious was often referred to as MTV’s best drama (though Taylor Sheridan‘s shows seemingly took that title since). The story follows Jules (Eliza Bennett), a preppy sorority girl, and Ophelia (Taylor Dearden), a quiet hacker, and their unlikely friendship. Ophelia defends Julie from an attacker one night on campus, and the two become friends; their bond turns them into a pair of vigilantes who take vengeance on sexual predators who walk around their campus.

While Sweet/Vicious is a teen dramedy in some ways, it’s more often dark and serious. The #MeToo movement sparked more open conversations about sexual assault, putting women’s voices at the forefront. This show embraces the conversation without ever being cliché or over the top, boasting some cool action scenes, too. Though it was canceled after one season and later revived as a comic book, Sweet/Vicious really is one of the best college shows out there.

6

‘Grown-ish’ (2018–2024)

Image via Freeform

The first four seasons of the spin-off of the beloved sitcom Black-ish show Zoey (Yara Shahidi), the oldest child of the Johnson family, as she embarks on her college journey, taking the first steps to independence. The fifth and sixth season shift focus on the Johnsons’ second-born, Andre Junior (Marcus Scribner), and his forays into college life and adulthood. The charismatic Yara Shahidi is brilliant as Zoey, the fashion and sociology enthusiast whose ambitions are mixed up with troubled relationships and difficult career decisions.

Overall, Grown-ish focuses on the college experience while digging deep into its lead’s personality and her adaptation to numerous changes to her plans. She’s supported by an awesome ensemble of actors, most notably Chloe and Halle Bailey (who also sing the theme song), and comedy regulars Deon Cole and Chris Parnell. Fans of binge-watching will rejoice in learning that Grown-ish has 105 episodes, with Season 1 carrying a 95% certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

NASCAR is honoring the late former driver Greg Biffle two months after he died in a plane crash.

The three-minute tribute aired via FOX on Sunday, February 15, during the live Daytona 500 coverage, with Biffle’s loved ones sharing memories of their friend, coworker and family member.

“Greg Biffle was the most talented guy I’ve ever worked with. He had speed, he was fearless, he was smart … He never found himself in a situation that he didn’t think he could win. He always got the most out of the car and that’s the ultimate driver,” Doug Yates, CEO of Roush Yates Engines, said in the video.

“He had supreme confidence in himself,” Biffle’s Roush Racing teammate Jeff Bourton added. “He would put his car in places that others wouldn’t.”

Fellow teammate Matt Kenseth noted, “He was a fierce driver. Winning was above everything else.”

Biffle’s niece, Jordyn, went on to recall how her uncle gave back after the devastation of Hurricane Helene in 2024.

“His instinct was, ‘We can get in the helicopter and we can go look. Let’s try to see what the situation looks like and what we can do to help,’” she recalled, while friend Cleetus McFarland added, “He paid for all the fuel that went into my helicopter, he was the one who gathered the supplies at first. He was going above and beyond just one guy in a helicopter.”

While Jordyn shared that racing was a “huge piece” of Biffle’s life, she noted that “helping people hands down is where he found a lot of joy.”

Related: Greg Biffle and Family Dead After Plane Crash in Statesville: NASCAR Star Was 55

Race car driver Greg Biffle is dead at 55 following a fatal plane crash. Rep. Richard Hudson, a family friend, confirmed Biffle, his wife, Cristina, and his two children died on Thursday, December 18. “I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them,” […]

News broke in December 2025 that a plane belonging to Biffle crashed and burst into flames shortly after takeoff at the Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina.

“At approximately 10:15 am, an aircraft crashed while landing,” airport officials told The Charlotte Observer in a statement on Thursday. “Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is en route and will investigate the incident.”

While the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office confirmed there were fatalities at the crash but didn’t reveal further details, the Biffle’s family friend shared that the athlete and his family were part of the seven people on board who died. (Biffle was married to wife Cristina, with whom he shared daughter Emma, 14, and son Ryder, 5.)

“Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma and son Ryder were on that plane … because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us,” Garrett Mitchell shared via Facebook. “We are devastated. I’m so sorry to share this.”

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Related: NTSB Releases New Photos From Greg Biffle’s Fatal Plane Crash

The National Transportation Safety Board has released new photos and videos from the scene of the crash that killed NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family, among three others, as the investigation continues. “Our representative with the National Transportation Safety Board disaster assistance division is continuing to work with the family members and loved ones […]

Earlier this month, a preliminary investigation from the National Transportation Safety Board determined that Biffle was not at the controls when his plane crashed. Retired pilot Dennis Dutton was flying the plane and his son, Jack Dutton, was his co-pilot, according to the NTSB’s report, released in January.

The report claimed that Dennis was licensed to fly the Cessna 550 aircraft, provided he had a qualified co-pilot. Jack, meanwhile, was not qualified. The report noted that Dennis was flying the plane when it took off before temporarily handing the controls to his son and then taking them back as he tried to land the aircraft.

After discovering a malfunction with the altimeter and determining the “left side flight instruments may not have been working properly,” they tried to return to the airport.

“Both engines remained attached to the pylon structures and both thrust reversers were found in the stowed position,” the report continued. “There was no evidence of uncontained engine failure with either engine.”

As the plane tried to land, the aircraft struck trees and light stanchions outside of the airport. The plane then went through a fence that separates the airport from the main road. The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Simone Biles’ husband Jonathan Owens says he was the victim of an attempted robbery in Milan while attending the 2026 Winter Olympics.

“Not somebody just tried to snatch my shopping bag in Milan, force of habit i had it tied around my hand so he couldn’t get it and took off running immediately,” the Chicago Bears safety wrote via X on Sunday, February 15. “But still crazy.”

When a follower asked the NFL player if the alleged perpetrator was “fast,” Owens, 30, gave more insight into the alleged altercation.

“Not fast at all bro, his arms were moving faster than his legs lol,” Owens replied. “Should’ve seen his face once he realized i turned around and he couldn’t grab it.”

When another fan told the former Green Bay Packer he should have “let him take it just to chase him down,” the athlete admitted that the assumably scary endeavor was initially “hilarious” given the alleged perpetrator’s less-than-athletic prowess.

“Honestly bro it was hilarious how slow he started running away once he saw he couldn’t grab it out of my hand,” Owens shared.

Owens is visiting Milan, Italy, alongside Biles, 28, as the pair take in the 2026 Winter Games. The football player admitted that he prepared to stay safe while traveling overseas with his better half.

“It was no way he could get it off my hand,” Owens told another fan of the encounter and his efforts to keep hold of the shopping bag. “I’ve seen too many TikTok’s of that happening so i was prepared.”

Before Owens detailed the alleged incident online, Biles shared photos of her husband spoiling her on Valentine’s Day 2026 via a Milan shopping spree.

“Always spoiling me,” Biles wrote via Instagram on Sunday, sharing a selfie with Owens at the Bottega Veneta boutique in Italy.

“I never knew Bottega did this, might be a special Milan thing?!” Biles captioned a follow-up slide of a white handbag accessorized with a “SBO” gold monogram on the exterior. “But how f***in cute?”

Owens also gave fans some insight into the pair’s romantic day, writing via his Instagram Stories on Sunday, “The shopping in Milan is elite. [I’m a] long way from St. Louis, man.”

Biles and Owens were first spotted taking in the 2026 Winter Olympics on Friday, February 13, appearing in the stands of the Milano Ice Skating Arena during the men’s single figure skating event. The couple, who tied the knot in 2023, watched as U.S. figure skaters Ilia Malinin and Andrew Torgashev performed. (Malinin, 21, was favored to win gold in the event but finished eighth place after two falls.)

Related: Jonathan Owens Gushes Over ‘Graceful’ Wife Simone Biles

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Jonathan Owens is one proud husband. Owens, 29, gushed over his wife, Simone Biles, the most-decorated gymnast in history after taking home four medals at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, during a Chicago Bears press conference in Chicago on Tuesday, August 6. “It was amazing to watch,” Owens told reporters after Tuesday’s practice with the […]

“There is a little bit of familiarity around [the sport] but I would never do it on ice,” Biles told fans inside the area during an interview shared via the Olympics official website. “I give them all the props, I’m rooting for them, I’m praying for them. I’m just super excited to watch today.”

She teased, “I mean, I can skate. But I cannot do anything that these athletes can do out there tonight.”