Kenya Moore’s Dramatic New Look Has Fans Asking: What Did She Do to Her Face? 

Kenya Moore is turning heads with a noticeably different look — and fans have plenty to say about it.

The former Real Housewives of Atlanta star stepped out in Miami this week to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Miss USA, joining fellow pageant winners and celebrity guests aboard a megayacht for the milestone event. Kenya, 55, who won Miss USA in 1993, also served as a co-host for the Miss USA 75th Diamond Celebration. But while the reality star was dressed to impress, much of the online conversation quickly shifted to her appearance.

On Aug. 26, Kenya shared a glamorous carousel of photos on Instagram showing her posing on a staircase emblazoned with the words “She’s Iconic.” She wore a curve-hugging polka-dot ALAÏA dress and kept her caption short and confident.

“My legacy will always be Iconic,” she wrote.

Almost immediately, followers began flooding the comments with questions about whether Moore had changed her appearance. “Who is that?” one person asked, while another wrote, “Is this Kenya?”

“Kenya, why did you touch your face?” another follower questioned. “This is not the Kenya I know,” one person commented. A third added, “Wow, Kenya, you really touched your face.” Another follower wrote, “I’m disappointed in you, Kenya.”

Some social media users speculated that cosmetic procedures could be behind Moore’s appearance, while others suggested that filters, Photoshop or artificial intelligence may have played a role.

“AI, or did you really get work done?” one person asked.

Another follower wrote, “Kenya, your original face was beautiful.” Other observers pointed to what they described as tighter-looking skin and more defined facial features, leading to additional speculation about a possible facelift, brow lift or other cosmetic work. For some fans, the change appeared dramatic enough that they claimed they barely recognized the longtime reality star. “Unrecognizable,” one social media user wrote.

Another questioned whether Moore had undergone a “mid face and brow lift,” adding, “Kenya, no, your face was perfect.”

The discussion was not limited to Instagram. Fans on X also debated whether Moore had undergone cosmetic work, with one user speculating about a possible “eye lift.” Others remained convinced that editing technology was responsible for the difference in her appearance.

“Kenya, you use AI and Photoshop on your pictures,” one follower wrote.

“Kenya has a Facetune subscription,” another joked.

Some fans even compared Moore’s appearance to model and entrepreneur Kimora Lee Simmons. Kenya Moore has not publicly confirmed undergoing any recent facelift, eye lift or other cosmetic procedure. For now, the conversation surrounding her appearance remains speculation among social media users.

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The Young and the Restless reveals things escalate really fast between Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor) and Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle) as their months of vibing and flirting all come to a head. Kyle and Victoria get frisky on the couch in Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman)’s office, and that leaves them both breathless. But they agree it can never happen again.

But you know what? I bet it keeps on happening. From there, things could end up taking a wild turn. We’re going to talk about whether Victoria Newman might get pregnant by Kyle Abbott and flip Genoa City and their family’s upside down.

Young and the Restless: Victoria’s Rivalry Idea

So, this week, Victoria was up at Jabot pitching this Vibrante rivalry scheme and Kyle promised to consider it, but he refused to tell his parents about it. He told Jack and Diane Jenkins (Susan Walters), “Don’t worry about why Victoria is here. Just focus on your travel plans and go, go, go.” So Kyle’s parents are taking off for Tahiti. And we know Victoria and Kyle were going to kiss at Jabot this week because of the promo, but turns out they do not stop there.

Victoria talks about knocking the swagger out of him after telling Kyle she recalls his birthday suit campaign for Jabot where he not so accidentally wound up wearing only sunscreen and making out turns into Victoria and Kyle ripping off each other’s clothes and then they take Jack’s sofa for a test drive and have sex right there in his office. Thankfully Kyle remembered to lock the door before they got busy. But did Victoria and Kyle remember birth control as well as door locks?

Kyle & Victoria’s Spark Erupts on Y&R

Victoria and Kyle have been heating up for a while and actress Amelia Heinle said she was really surprised that The Young and the Restless decided to go there with Kyle and Victoria. But the actress also said now they’re doing it. She’s excited about the storyline and where it’s going to go from here. And of course, Kyle and Victoria both know that sleeping together once word gets out, if it gets out, would send shock waves through the Newman and Abbott families. But now it’s done and there’s no going back.

However, I do think she and Kyle make this promise about keeping it quiet, not doing it again, but then they’re going to go back for seconds and thirds. I expect a full-blown affair. And if you think Victoria sleeping with Claire Grace Newman (Hayley Erin)’s ex is too shocking, it’s really not. Not only because it’s a soap, but also this is pretty normal behavior for the Newmans. Remember, Victoria and Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) had lover overlaps.

If you’re a longtime Y&R fan, you may remember they have three men in common. The lovers that Victoria and Nikki have in common are Brad Carlton (Don Diamont), Deacon Sharpe (Sean Kanan), and Cole Howard. And if I remember correctly, I think Nikki might have been with all three guys first and then Victoria later. Kind of like Claire with Kyle first and Victoria now.

Shared Lovers in Families is Huge on Young and Restless

But we know that of course, Victoria reconnected with Cole after being apart for many years and thinking that their baby girl died and they got another shot at love and parenting, but then Cole died and Victoria hasn’t been in a relationship since. She had a little vibe with Nate Hastings (Sean Dominic) again, but it didn’t go anywhere. So, she needs a man.

And while Victoria and Nikki do have a history of sharing a few romantic partners, this would definitely be new territory for Claire. And I don’t think she’s going to feel comfortable with it. But let’s be real, Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow), Adam Newman (Mark Grossman), and Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) have all been with Sharon.

And Victor and Nick were both with Diane, and Nick and Adam were both with Sally Spectra (Courtney Hope) and Chelsea Newman (Melissa Claire Egan). So, family overlaps are a big thing on The Young and the Restless. Over on the Abbott side of things. If you remember, of course you remember Victoria was married to Billy and they share kids. So, we’ll also get to see at some point how Kyle’s uncle reacts to this revelation.

Kyle & Victoria Can’t Stay Away on Young and the Restless

So, right now, Kyle and Victoria swear it’s a one-and-done and it’ll never happen again. And they agree that nobody can ever know. But after saying those words, Kyle started making out with her again. And after Victoria left, Kyle happened to find one of her earrings.

So, I suspect when he returns it, these two won’t be able to resist and they’ll be back at it. And I fully suspect the one-time thing with him and Victoria turns into a secret, spicy, ongoing affair. And of course, we know somebody’s going to find out eventually.

Claire finding out is the soapiest option. It would be crazy if she caught Kyle and Victoria in the act. But now that Kyle is sleeping with Victoria, and I assume they’re going to keep at it, I am wondering if Kyle is going to get Victoria pregnant. That would be super wild and very soapy.

Pregnancy a Huge Possibility for Victoria on Y&R

And if you remember, Victoria did briefly have some fertility issues back in the day. If you recall, she had her oldest son, Reed Halstrom, and then her son Johnny was one she adopted from Chelsea because Chelsea had drugged Billy to pull a pregnancy con and she wasn’t in the right place to be a mom.

So, that’s how Victoria got her second son. And then there was some infertility around that time, but then Victoria got pregnant again and she gave birth to Katie Abbott in 2014. And any fertility issues Victoria had were settled by that pregnancy. And she’s got no ongoing infertility we’ve heard about. So, it is absolutely a possibility that Kyle and Victoria could make a baby.

She is older than Kyle, but not too old to get pregnant, especially not on a soap. And if Victoria turned up pregnant, there would be no hiding her and Kyle’s affair. Of course, it would be shocking and unplanned. But Victoria and Kyle both love kids, so I think they would be happy about a baby.

But then everybody would know Victoria and Kyle were sleeping together and lying to everybody. And I think Claire would be pretty horrified since Kyle is her ex-boyfriend and he also could be the father of a new sibling of hers. That would be insane. But never say never on soaps. It could absolutely happen.

Claire Fumes on Young and Restless

Claire already thinks Kyle is using Victoria as a way to get revenge on Victor and the Newmans. So, Claire may suspect that Kyle somehow took advantage of her mom Victoria for sketchy reasons. And once Claire finds out it was totally consensual that Kyle and Victoria were together with no agenda, then Claire may actually be furious with her mom for sleeping with her first love Kyle, the guy who took her virginity.

And then if Victoria added insult to injury by turning up pregnant on top of that, I think Claire’s head might explode. Of course, she’d love to have another sibling, but not with Kyle as the dad. Talk about weird and awkward family dinners. But Claire’s just the tip of the reaction iceberg.

I’m quite certain Victor would be absolutely furious. He thinks it’s bad enough that Victoria had kids with Billy Boy Abbott. And if Victoria goes off and gets pregnant by another Abbott, just wow, Victor might fire her and also disown her. And that would be ironic because Victoria was just joking about that very thing with Kyle and it might turn out to be true.

Kyle & Victoria Can’t Quit Each Other Young and the Restless

We’ll see how long Victoria and Kyle stick to their pledge that it was just a one-time thing because I’m quite certain it’s not going to be. This affair is pretty much confirmed. And with any sneaky affair on a soap opera, pregnancy is always a possibility.

And if Victoria turned up pregnant, then that could have Kyle thinking maybe they should just make things official and lean into this and they even wind up married. It would be a full-blown Romeo and Juliet thing.

They do have really good chemistry. I like Kyle and Victoria’s vibe. And they skipped all the flirting and teasing and just hop straight into ripping each other’s clothes off. So, I expect it to get even spicier from here.

Lance Gross popped out on some “new hair, who dis?” energy, and the internet is going OFF over his latest look. The actor has entered his “do blondes have more fun?” era, but even his mom had something to say about the switch-up. She came through with her unfiltered thoughts, and let’s just say, fans are backing her up, telling Lance he needs to dye it back.

RELATED: TSR Zaddys: Footage Of A Chiseled Lance Gross On Vacation In St. Lucia Has The Girlies Falling OUT

Lance Gross Said, “New Hair,” But His Mom Said “Absolutely NOT!”

Lance Gross’ mother has fans saying “mom’s know best” after he dropped some flicks on Instagram showing off his fresh new hairstyle. Lance swapped his usual dark, black shape-up for blonde, and he told fans his mom quickly let him know she wasn’t feeling it, but his kids were rocking with the switch-up. Lance even shared a text thread from a convo with his mom, where she pleaded with him to change th color back because, in her words, “it looks really horrible.” Her response had fans cuttin’ UP online, but Lance wasn’t fazed. He still dropped a video showing the transformation process of him making the drastic color change.

The Internet Has Some STRONG Feelings About Lance’s Switch-Up

Reactions to Lance’s new hair kept popping off in The Shade Room’s comment section. Fans didn’t let him live one bit! Plenty of Roommates said they agree with his mom, while others said his new hair immediately made them think of Sisqó.

Instagram user @theetwistedtee wrote, “To be fair, I hate it too but I know my opinion doesn’t count 😂😂” 

Instagram user @natasha_nubian wrote, “Blondes don’t be having that much fun Lance . Dye it back.” 

While Instagram user @_muvaaquann_ wrote, “I’m with your mom I hate it too 😭” 

Then Instagram user @trustntrre wrote, “Went from the finest piece of chocolate to frank ocean 😭😭” 

Instagram user @beddybaddass wrote, “Mother always knows best 😂” 

Another Instagram user @_flexxinnnn_ wrote, “‘It really look horrible’ has SENT me..cause felt Mama 😩😂” 

Instagram user @yg_thejuiceman wrote, “Mann out here looking like a black & mild ‘ 😂😂😂😭🤦🏽‍♂️” 

Then another Instagram user @forever_mrbrown wrote, “Mid life crisis or something???” 

While another Instagram user @_clothesmiinded wrote, “BLONDE IS NOT EVERYBODY COLOR!!!!!!!!!!! And that’s okay!!!!!!!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂” 

Finally, Instagram user @shivion_b wrote, “It’s giving.. that thong tha thong thong thong 🤸🏽🤸🏽” 

Lance Previously Had The Ladies Thanking Him For A Timeline Treat

Before switching up his look, Lance previously had the ladies going crazy over his suited-up selfie. In July, Lance dropped a photo on Instagram showing himself dressed in a full pink suit for the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority’s 72nd International Boule. While Lance thanked the sorority for inviting him to the event in his caption, the ladies were busy showing him some love in the comments and thanking him for bringing a little extra fineness to their feeds. Peep the flick below.

RELATED: Whew! Michael B. Jordan Steps Out In “Regular Clothes” & The Ladies Are LOSING It: “B Stands For Blow My Back Out” 

Days of Our Lives fans, we have got some information from our very reliable leaker about the coming Sarah Horton (Linsey Godfrey) and Xander Cook (Paul Telfer) reunion. They told us this rekindling is coming soon, as well as some huge hints on how it may happen.

This is our same trusty source that leaked to me that Rachel Black (Lorelei Olivia Mote) was the one who shot EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel) and lots of other juicy stuff I’ve shared with you guys.

Days of our Lives: Sarah Moving Forward with Brady

So, there’s a lot going on with the Kiriakis house up for sale, with Sarah about to move in with Brady Black (Eric Martsolf), and of course with Xander struggling with his temper. So, let’s get right to it. Our leaker told me quite a while ago that Xander and Sarah would be reuniting this fall, but at the time they didn’t give me a lot of details. And then they also leaked that Xander was going to hook up with Gwen Rizczech (Emily O’Brien), which he did.

Xander had a friends with benefits fling before Gwen found out that Xander was also shagging Kristen DiMera (Stacy Haiduk). And then if you recall, I leaked that Sarah and Brady would have a slow burn romance. And one thing that was leaked to us about that that has not manifested yet is that Brady might possibly propose and that was going to be what inspired Sarah to take a step back and realize Xander is the one for her. So that hasn’t manifested yet. And for now we’re still seeing that slow-burn romance of Brady and Sarah’s that has been ongoing for a while.

That eventually ramped up to Brady making love with Sarah and them getting more serious. And the two recently swapped I love yous. But Brady was the one who said it first and I suspect that he means it more than she does.

Xander Hides His Anger on DOOL

With the Kiriakis mansion about to sell, Sarah’s looking for a place to move into and Xander asked her to move into his building to make co-parenting easier. But Brady invited Sarah and her daughter Victoria to live with him and his kids while Sarah searches for a new place. And as you know, everybody soon needs to evacuate the Kiriakis mansion because a mysterious Italian billionaire made an offer on it and Xander is ready to accept that offer soon.

Now, to his credit, when Sarah told him she’s moving in with Brady, on the surface, at least Xander kept his cool, at least while Sarah was in the room. But once she left, Xander absolutely destroyed a stress ball.

He crushed it, trying to keep from lashing out with all that anger that had boiled up. Xander’s definitely going to need a new stress ball or maybe a whole bucket of them. Regardless, Sarah was impressed that Xander reacted calmly to her announcement. And of course, we know Brady is over the moon excited about his new roommates.

Xander actually offered Sarah could move in at their old apartment with him, but it was a hard no for Sarah. Yet, she said yes to Brady. So, definitely a struggle with the reaction to that. The mansion had plenty enough room where Sarah could stay out of Xander’s way, but the apartment’s a lot smaller.

Days of our Lives: Xander Surprises Sarah

However, our leaker hinted that Sarah is going to see a different side of Xander very soon. The fast approaching father-daughter dance may be the time and place for Sarah’s revelation. She may see something happen between Xander and Victoria, or maybe something that Brady does that convinces Sarah that she and Brady just aren’t meant to be, and it’s been Xander all along. You know, maybe just seeing Xander with Victoria escorting her in style to the dance. I think that’s going to soften up Sarah’s heart, but I think there’s something more coming.

Xander’s got a lot on his mind trying to save Titan and all that, but he’s going to be very focused on Victoria. And of course, he’s been having a wonderful time co-parenting with Sarah while they’re under the same roof. So hopefully Xander can have a stress-free evening with Victoria at the dance. And this is one of three scenarios that our leaker offered us.

One is something to do with Xander and Victoria and this dance which Brady likely is also going to because Chad DiMera (Connor Floyd)’s going with Charlotte. It seems like all the dads with young daughters in Salem will be there. Our trustworthy leakers suggested that if Sarah doesn’t have a change of heart around the time of the dance, then she may see Xander in a different light at Victoria’s birthday party, and that’s coming up very soon.

Victoria’s Birthday a Turning Point on DOOL

So, Sarah may have some flash of revelation and comes to her senses after Victoria’s party. Her birthday is September 8th. We aren’t quite sure how old Victoria is going to be this year because she was born on screen in 2023. And if you recall, Sarah went into labor at Victor Kiriakis (John Aniston)’s funeral. And then Dr. Rex Brady delivered her. But then they sourced Victoria and aged her up and changed her birth year from 2023 back to 2022, which would make her 3 years old at the time.

So, she should be turning four. So, we’ll see if Xander and Sarah are celebrating Victoria’s fourth in a couple of weeks, or if the writers rapidly age the kiddo up again. They just boosted Thomas and Charlotte’s ages a bit with this week’s recast of both of Chad’s kids.

And our leaker said they were waiting on confirmation, but said if Sarah and Xander don’t get back together after the dance or birthday party, that there is another event that could have Sarah seeing the light. The leaker promised they’d fill me in on that if the dance and birthday don’t seal the deal on the reunion, but they said they can’t tell me now.

Sarah & Xander’s Reunion Takes Time On Days

So, the inside source also told me the exes won’t reunite immediately after Sarah ditches Brady if it is the party or the dance thing. So, just as a side note, poor Brady can never catch a break in the romance department. The leaker said Xander and Sarah will have an in-between phase if the dance or birthday party is the catalyst for her to split from Brady.

They said it’ll be a slow-moving thing. Xander and Sarah will co-parent bond and work on their trust issues. But if it’s not the dance or the birthday party and it’s the third mystery event, it’ll be different. And just to clarify why we sometimes get alternate versions is because when people get leaks from the writer room, sometimes it’s when they’re still figuring out which way something’s going to go. So, the Days of our Lives information leaked isn’t always perfect.

The leakers suggested if it takes a third event for Sarah to realize Xander is the one, she’ll dump Brady and quickly reunite with Xander. So, we know that they are remarried likely around the end of the year, Christmas, New Year’s. Maggie Horton (Susanne Rogers) accidentally spilled those beans. She did an interview several months back and I think she was a little confused about what they were taping right then versus what is actually on the air. And she spoke present tense about Xander being her son-in-law and how much Maggie cares about him, which is definitely not the state of things on episodes currently airing.

Days of our Lives: Crisis Changes Everything?

So, I wonder what this third thing might be. Could be Sarah and Xander get close again if Victoria has some sort of accident or illness, just a medical crisis. Doesn’t even have to be anything serious. We saw Sarah softening towards Xander earlier this year when Victoria was hospitalized with pneumonia.

So, we could have that or an external threat that could make Sarah see Xander differently with Titan hanging by a thread. You know, Xander may find a way to save Titan, save the mansion, which would thrill Maggie and all of the other Kiriakis family members.

And there’s also a chance this third event could involve something that Brady does on his side of things. And so, of course, we heard he might propose. If he does, that may rattle Sarah into running right back to Xander. We’ll see how it goes. Watch for a lot more red flags though as this Xander and Sarah reunion gets closer by the day and definitely watch for red flags at the father-daughter dance and then at Victoria’s birthday.

Dolly Parton revealed decades before her passing that inspiring kids to read was the aspect of her legacy that was most meaningful to her.

The legend who died on August 25 spent the better part of her life building a career encompassing music, film, philanthropy, and literacy.

Through her Imagination Library, Dolly Parton helped place hundreds of millions of books in the hands of young children all around the world, encouraging them to read and use their imaginations.

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Parton, 80, passed away earlier this week, following a brief battle with cancer. Her nephew Bryan Seaver confirmed that she passed away peacefully in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by her loved ones.

Parton became recognized worldwide as a talented songstress through hit songs such as “Jolene”, “9 to 5”, “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You”. However, she hoped her lasting legacy would be her work to advance children’s literacy worldwide.

According to The Irish Star, decades before her death, she revealed in a 1982 interview with Barbara Walters what she would like to be remembered for in a hundred years.

She said, “If I’m remembered 100 years from now, I hope it will be not for looks but for books.”

That dream would begin to come to fruition with the launch of her Imagination Library, a program that gifts free books to children in participating areas.

Her ambition was tied to her upbringing in rural Tennessee and her dear father, Robert Lee Parton Sr, who was unable to read, which influenced her mission to inspire little kids to love the activity.

Imagination Library Began As A Tribute To The Country Star’s Father

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The Imagination Library was established in 1995 through her Dollywood Foundation and initially operated in Sevier County, Tennessee, where she grew up, as a tribute to her beloved father.

The program sends free, personalized, age-appropriate books to registered children from their birth until they turn five.

What began as a local project to honor a loved one grew into an international literacy movement that has reportedly distributed more than 300 million books to young children worldwide.

As reported by Men’s Journal, in a 2020 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Parton explained her motivation to launch the library.

She said, “Daddy was a very smart man…but he was ashamed that he couldn’t read or write. That bothered him. He felt like he couldn’t learn after he was grown. I remember thinking, ‘I need to do something.’”

Parton recalled that her father “got such a kick” out of seeing the library become successful and little kids calling her “The Book Lady.” She concluded, saying, “I always know he’s up there somewhere thinking, ‘You go girl. You done good.’”

Dolly Parton’s Legacy As The ‘Book Lady’ Stretches Across The Globe

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The Imagination Library’s reach expanded outside the United States where it launched and, through no small effort on the part of the book lady, has influenced children in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and most recently, the Republic of Ireland.

According to reports, Parton brought the Imagination Library to Ireland in 2019 and has been “inspiring Irish children ever since”.

Ireland became the fifth country to launch the library, and the program there mails over 1.3 million free books to participating children every month.

“The Little Engine That Could” by Watty Piper was Parton’s favorite childhood story and has subsequently become the official welcome book and the first sent to children enrolled in the program in every partner country, including Ireland.

The Singer Urged Kids To ‘Dream Big Dreams’

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Parton was proud of what she accomplished with the library and loved the children she helped learn to read.

As reported by Page Six, the country music legend penned a letter for Imagination Library graduates receiving their final book.

She told the kids to “Dream big dreams; learn everything you can learn; and care for all those who care for you. You do all of these things, and you can be anyone you want to be. You are terrific.”

Parton’s death has prompted renewed attention on the future of the program she created, and the organization has emphasized that the work will continue moving forward.

The Imagination Library Will Carry On Following Dolly Parton’s Passing

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Imagination Library partners have responded to her death and confirmed they will remain committed to the program.

For a generational talent and musical legend, her moniker as the “book lady” represents her connection to the millions of children influenced by her to take an interest in reading and become lifelong learners.

The Imagination Library remains one of the most enduring aspects of Parton’s legacy and the program she was particularly devoted to.

Her family members have requested “donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library… in lieu of flowers.”

During the 1930s, Hollywood took notice of the public’s rising interest in crime fiction and hardboiled detective novels that would later serve as the groundwork for the classic film noir genre. Long before detectives stalked rain-soaked streets and femme fatales entered smoky clubs on the silver screen, writers such as Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett, and James M. Cain were creating fatalistic worlds in corrupt cities populated by cynical private eyes and desperate criminals, essentially defining the visual language and style of film noir.

For anyone who is fascinated by classic noir films, reading the novels and stories like Farewell, My Lovely and Double Indemnity that inspired and shaped the genre offers both a deeper appreciation of what makes noir so enduring and reveals the literary DNA behind some of cinema’s most unforgettable classic noir movies. From Badge of Evil, written by Whit Mackinson, to The Maltese Falcon, these are books that every film noir movie fan should read!

‘Badge of Evil’ (1956)

Image via Prologue Books

Whit Masterson’s 1956 novel, Badge of Evil, inspired Orson Welles‘ Touch of Evil, which many consider one of the best and last movies of the genre’s classic era. Although Welles made several significant changes from Masterson’s original work, there’s still much to discover in the pages of this notable crime thriller, making it a must-read for any fan of the film noir genre. The novel stands out for its razor-sharp dialogue, unsettling tone, and brutal exploration of obsession, moral compromise, and the abuse of power, which are all central themes of classic noir.

While the movie is famous for Welles’ visual style and atmosphere, the book offers a more direct look at what genuinely makes the story’s characters tick and adds more detail to the cynical world they inhabit. Despite not being a direct page-to-screen adaptation, reading Badge of Evil alongside Touch of Evil also makes for a fascinating comparison between hard-boiled crime fiction and the cinematic language of film noir.

‘L.A. Confidential’ (1990)

Image via Grand Central Publishing

James Ellroy‘s L.A. Confidential is a gritty neo-noir novel that marks the third installment in the author’s L.A. Quartet series and is an essential read for any bona fide noir fan. Set in 1950s Los Angeles, the novel follows three very different police officers whose lives become entangled in a web of murder, scandal, police corruption, and Hollywood intrigue. In 1997, L.A. Confidential was adapted for the big screen and went on to win two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress for Kim Basinger and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Ellroy’s brutal prose and deeply flawed characters create a world where justice is rarely straightforward, and everyone has something to hide, while also exposing the more nefarious side of Hollywood. The novel’s intricate plotting, morally complicated characters, and relentless atmosphere make it a powerful example of modern crime fiction. For noir fans, L.A. Confidential is especially rewarding because it combines the hard-boiled tradition with a richly detailed portrait of Los Angeles, making the city itself feel like one of the novel’s darkest characters.

‘Double Indemnity’ (1943)

Image via Vintage Crime/Black Lizard

Double Indemnity is a defining work of hard-boiled crime fiction written by James M. Cain that provided the directing foundation for one of the most important noir films ever made, Billy Wilder‘s Double Indemnity. The novella contains many of the elements that would become synonymous with film noir: a seductive and dangerous woman, a seemingly ordinary man drawn into murder, greed, deception, betrayal, and the feeling that once a character crosses a moral line, there may be no way back.

Cain’s stripped-down, cynical style moves the story quickly, with little sentimentality, while the narration draws the reader into the mind of a man who convinces himself that he can control a criminal scheme that is ultimately far more dangerous than he realizes. The characters are driven by desire and self-interest rather than traditional heroism, giving the story the moral ambiguity that defines noir. For film noir fans, comparing the two reveals how much of the movie’s dark, fatalistic spirit was already present in Cain’s original work and ultimately heightens the overall experience of Wilder’s noir masterpiece.

‘Farewell, My Lovely’ (1940)

Image via Penguin Publishing Group

Farewell, My Lovely was Raymond Chandler’s second novel to feature his famous private eye, Philip Marlowe, and follows the gumshoe as he realizes a dead-end missing-person case is connected to the recent murder of a wealthy client. One of the book’s greatest strengths is Chandler’s distinctive writing style. His sharp, cynical dialogue and vivid descriptions create the kind of dark, rain-soaked world that noir audiences recognize immediately. Marlowe is also the quintessential noir detective: tough and sarcastic, but guided by a personal code of honor in a world where almost everyone else is willing to compromise.

Farewell, My Lovely is particularly important for film noir fans because it demonstrates how much the genre owes to hard-boiled detective fiction. The novel was adapted for the screen more than once, most famously in 1944 as Murder, My Sweet, starring Dick Powell as Marlowe, marking the big-screen debut of Chandler’s famous private eye. Reading the novel alongside the film offers an intriguing look at how Chandler’s language, characters, and atmosphere delivered the essential ingredients for the film noir genre.

‘Laura’ (1943)

Image via Dell

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Vera Caspary‘s Laura is a must-read for any film noir fan because it combines murder, deception, and psychological suspense with the sophisticated world that makes classic noir so compelling. The novel centers on the investigation into the brutal murder of Laura Hunt, a successful advertising executive whose death fascinates and increasingly obsesses the people who knew her. Rather than telling the story from a single point of view, Caspary provides several different perspectives on the case, which allows each character to reveal their own perceptions, prejudices, and secrets, creating a sense of uncertainty where the reader, like the characters, is never completely sure whom to trust.

In 1944, Otto Preminger transformed Caspary’s psychological mystery into one of the defining films of the noir era, Laura, starring Dana Andrews, Gene Tierney, and Vincent Price, with its elegant cinematography, memorable characters, haunting score, and atmosphere of obsession. Ultimately, Laura is a shining example of how noir is not only about detectives and criminals but can also be about obsession, identity, desire, and the unreliable stories people create about one another. Its combination of mystery and psychological complexity makes it an essential book for anyone who wants to understand the literary side of film noir.

‘The Big Sleep’ (1939)

Image via Vintage Crime/Black Lizard

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Raymond Chandler’s 1939 crime novel, The Big Sleep, marked the grand debut of Chandler’s private detective, Philip Marlowe, and follows the gumshoe as his investigation into a wealthy Los Angeles family’s blackmail problems quickly becomes tangled in murder, corruption, gambling, and deception. The Big Sleep stands out for Chandler’s witty dialogue, cynical observations, vivid descriptions, and hard-boiled metaphors that helped establish the voice that audiences now associate with noir.

Howard Hawks‘ 1946 adaptation of The Big Sleep starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall is recognized as a trademark entry in the film noir genre and essentially assisted in setting the standard for detective noir films. Considering the plot of the movie is complex and slightly confusing at times, Chandler’s original work helps readers fill in the blanks that give them the full picture of Chandler’s story and his eccentric characters. The Big Sleep is a worthwhile read that provides the literary blueprint for so much of what makes film noir unforgettable, cementing it as a must-read for anyone who calls themselves a fan of film noir.

‘The Maltese Falcon’ (1929)

Image via Alfred A. Knopf

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Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon is a vital, hard-boiled mystery that established many of the characters, themes, and storytelling conventions that would become central to classic noir, making it an essential for anyone who loves film noir. The 1930 novel introduces private detective Sam Spade, who finds himself caught in a dangerous hunt with several questionable characters for a priceless jewel-encrusted statue known as the Maltese Falcon. Unlike traditional detective stories that often focus primarily on solving a puzzle, The Maltese Falcon immerses the reader in a world where nearly everyone has an ulterior motive, and Spade must constantly decide how far he is willing to go to uncover the truth.

While the novel was originally adapted for the first time in 1931, John Huston‘s 1941 version, starring Humphrey Bogart, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, and Mary Astor, is cited as one of the greatest and most influential film noir movies ever made. The movie not only elevated both Bogie’s and Huston’s careers but also earned several Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor for Greenstreet, and Best Adapted Screenplay for Huston. With its cynical private eye, dangerous femme fatale, shifting alliances, and iconic ending, The Maltese Falcon demonstrates why Hammett’s work had such a lasting influence on both crime fiction and Hollywood film noir and should be added to any noir fan’s reading list.

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The Maltese Falcon

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Release Date

October 18, 1941

Runtime

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100 minutes

Writers

John Huston

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  Humphrey Bogart

  Samuel Spade

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  Mary Astor

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  Brigid O’Shaughnessy

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When Gary Larson ended his legendary newspaper strip, The Far Side, on Jan. 1, 1995, he could have gone sentimental, thanked readers, gathered his favorite characters for a final goodbye, or simply drawn one last absurdist gag and walked away. Instead, Larson did something much more Far Side, and made the entire 15-year run a joke about a joke.

By then, The Far Side had become one of the most recognizable newspaper comics in America. It had appeared in nearly 2,000 newspapers, been translated into more than 17 languages, and produced thousands of cartoons built around talking animals, bewildered humans, cavemen, aliens, scientists, monsters, and situations that rarely made any logical sense. So, naturally, Larson’s grand finale suggested that none of it had actually happened.

‘The Far Side’s Final Comic Was a Bizarre ‘Wizard of Oz’ Parody

Image via FarWorks

The strip’s finale was unusual before the punchline even arrived. The Far Side was overwhelmingly a single-panel comic, but Larson broke that format for his last installment, giving readers a two-panel farewell. The first panel is staged like the climax of The Wizard of Oz. Larson himself stands on a platform beside a parody of Glinda the Good Witch, while a crowd of Far Side regulars gathers around them. There are cows, cavemen, nerdy children, the Devil, animals, and familiar human archetypes that had populated Larson’s cartoons for years.

Glinda then gives Larson a variation on the advice Dorothy receives in The Wizard of Oz: Close his eyes, say “There’s no place like home” and, instead of clicking his heels, quack three times. He took one of the most recognizable moments in American pop culture and replaced its crucial action with a dopey duck joke. Ducks were recurring fixtures in The Far Side, so the gag works on two levels: It’s a parody of Oz, and it’s a final reminder that Larson’s bizarre animal humor has been running the show all along.

The Wizard of Oz connection also gives the strip a visual trick. The first panel is presented in color, while the second switches to black and white, echoing the movie’s famous transition between the colorful world of Oz and Dorothy’s Kansas home.

The Final ‘Far Side’ Strip Reveals Where All Those Weird Characters Came From

Image via FarWorks

The second panel takes Larson out of his surreal fantasy and drops him into bed at home, surrounded by family and friends, except the joke isn’t that his strange adventure was imaginary. Larson uses the dream to make a joke about where The Far Side came from in the first place. The people around his bed resemble the characters from his cartoons; his relatives correspond to the women, cows, cavemen, and nerdy children he has supposedly been dreaming about.

What initially looks like a conventional “it was all a dream” reveal is actually Larson pretending that the entire comic strip was an extended hallucination inspired by the ordinary people and things around him.

Larson never wanted The Far Side to operate like a conventional character-driven comic. He resisted the idea of establishing a fixed cast of recurring characters, believing it would limit what he could do. His characters existed to serve the joke rather than to create an ongoing narrative. The finale essentially turns that philosophy into one last stunt.

The ‘Far Side’s ‘It Was All a Dream’ Ending Is the Joke

Image via Farworks

The best part of the finale is that Larson isn’t really revealing anything. Dream endings usually exist to recontextualize what came before. Television famously used the device to make viewers question what was real, undo events, or connect seemingly unrelated pieces of a story, but The Far Side had no sprawling continuity to resolve. Larson takes a storytelling device meant to deliver an enormous revelation and applies it to a comic strip that never needed one. The punchline is effectively knowing that all those ridiculous things were imaginary — it is a fourth-wall break, but a particularly Far Side version of one.

After 15 years and 4,337 cartoons, Larson didn’t pretend he had been building toward some grand conclusion. Still, he announced his retirement in October 1994, citing fatigue and concern that continuing too long could cause the strip’s quality to decline. The final comic looks like a farewell to the strange world Larson created, but the punchline is that there was never really a world there at all.

Science fiction went into something of a slump throughout the ’90s. Sci-fi was far from prolific during the decade, joining fantasy as one of the formerly glorious genres that fell from grace, with things looking bleak until the late arrival of the game-changing and revolutionary The Matrix.

However, sci-fi wasn’t entirely asleep during the ’90s. In fact, the genre had several worthwhile pictures that flew under the radar. And while some became cult classics in the noughties, others remain underappreciated and are due for a reevaluation, especially as modern audiences look back at underrated content from the ’90s.

10

‘Johnny Mnemonic’ (1995)

Keanu Reeves has enough sci-fi projects in his resumé to cement his place as the genre’s king. However, 1995’s Johnny Mnemonic isn’t one of his best-received efforts. The film follows the titular character as he attempts to extract a stash of information from his mind before it kills him in 48 hours.

Infamous for its overblown and outright silly tone, Johnny Mnemonic ranks as one of Reeves’ most reviled sci-fi outings. However, this daring project has plenty to admire; its reach far exceeds its grasp. It is laughable for considerable portions of its length, but Johnny Mnemonic is endlessly entertaining, a mind-bending cyberpunk movie, and a testament to the genre’s inherent eccentricity.

9

‘The City of Lost Children’ (1995)

Image via Sony Pictures Classics

Steampunk remains a niche subgenre, with few big-screen adaptations attracting acclaim or commercial success. 1995’s The City of Lost Children follows a deranged doctor who kidnaps children to steal their dreams in a misguided attempt to survive. However, the father of one of the victims embarks on a quest to defeat the doctor and his army of clones.

Bizarre but brilliant, The City of Lost Children is disturbing in parts but impressive throughout, a dark fantasy fairytale that perfectly incorporates its science fiction elements. Like best sci-fi films, The City of Lost Children hides deeper reflections underneath its superficial layer, presenting a rich, eerie, yet thought-provoking plot that cements its cult status.

8

‘Fortress’ (1992)

Image via Miramax Films

1992’s Fortress stars Christopher Lambert and Loryn Locklin as a married couple sent to prison for violating their dystopian world’s one-child-only policy. Kurtwood Smith and Clifton Collis Jr. star in key supporting roles.

Equal parts escape movie and sci-fi dystopia, Fortress perfectly combines themes and styles. The film is an insightful exploration of political and social unrest, showcasing most of dystopia’s most common ideas and updating them under a decidedly ’90s outlook. Grim, stylish, and fun, Fortress is a great sci-fi that might not push the envelope but remains thoroughly entertaining and rewatchable.

7

‘Strange Days’ (1995)

Image via 20th Century Studios

Academy Award nominees Angela Bassett, Ralph Fiennes, and Juliette Lewis star in Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow’s 1995 sci-fi film Strange Days. Set in the last days of 1999, the film centers on a police-turned-illegal trader who enlists the help of a bodyguard to uncover a murder plot in Los Angeles.

Strange Days was a notorious flop when it came out in 1995, derailing Bigelow’s career and suggesting a bleak future for sci-fi. However, the film is a great entry into the cyberpunk sub-genre, benefitting from standout performances and an engrossing world that falls short of being everything it can be but remains fascinating throughout its 145-minute length.

6

‘Coneheads’ (1993)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Dan Aykroyd and Jane Curtin star in Steve Barron‘s 1993 sci-fi comedy Coneheads. The film tells the story of the Conehead family, aliens forced to stay on Earth after a retcon mission goes wrong. When their home planet reaches out with sinister orders, the family must decide where their allegiances lie.

Hilarious, subversive, and satirical, Coneheads is a brilliant piece of social criticism and a clever take on the immigrant experience. The film’s comedy will not be for everyone, so audiences should approach it open-mindedly.

5

‘Existenz’ (1999)

image via Alliance

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David Cronenberg is the master of weird, body horror movies. His films are daring, gross, and often shocking, featuring disturbing visuals and equally harrowing themes that make for discomforting but rewarding viewing experiences.

Cronenberg’s 1999 sci-fi film Existenz features a unique combination of body horror and sci-fi to create a film ahead of its time. Oscar nominees Jennifer Jason Leigh and Jude Law star in the film, which revolves around a VR designer targeted by assassins. Visually original and thematically resonant, Existenz is an unfairly overlooked film in Cronenberg’s filmography and a perfect example of a sci-fi gem from the late 90s.

4

‘Gattaca’ (1997)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

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Oscar nominees Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman join Jude Law in Andrew Niccol‘s 1997 sci-fi movie Gattaca. The film presents a future where children are engineered by eugenics and follows Vincent Freeman, a man born outside the program, who faces decimation and obstacles on his quest to travel into space.

Gattaca is a thought-provoking and visually striking sci-fi exploration of society’s obsession with perfection. The film’s portrayal of genetics is a tad superficial, but Gattaca remains a worthwhile and insightful film with several layers hiding underneath its beautiful facade.

3

‘Dark City’ (1998)

Image via New Line Cinema

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Rufus Sewell stars opposite future Oscar winner Jennifer Connelly and future Emmy winner Kiefer Sutherland in Alex Proyas’ 1998 neo-noir sci-fi Dark City. The plot revolves around John, an amnesiac accused of murder, who sets out to clear his name and recover his memories while being hunted by a dangerous group known as the “Strangers.”

With its striking visual style, neo-noir narrative, and incredible cast, Dark City is a brilliant piece of science fiction. The film creates such a distinctive and rich world, the kind that only a few sci-fi properties can come up with. Furthermore, Dark City is a brilliant mystery, a neo-noir masterpiece that proves how perfectly the two genres blend.

2

‘Open Your Eyes’ (1997)

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Spanish sci-fi film Open Your Eyes stars Eduardo Noriega as a rich and carefree playboy whose life drastically changes after a car accident. Penélope Cruz co-stars in this brilliant and daring film, co-written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Alejandro Amenábar.

Open Your Eyes is a mind-bending and thrilling exploration of the human mind and the nature of desire. The film employs a brilliant narrative full of surprises, leading to an emotionally poignant climax that ranks as one of the most surprising endings in 90s cinema. Vanilla Sky, a lesser Hollywood remake directed by Cameron Crowe and starring Tom Cruise, came out in 2001 but couldn’t measure up to the original.

1

‘Cube’ (1997)

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Cube is among the most elusive and overlooked horror sci-fi movies. The film stars an ensemble and features a group of mysterious and unrelated characters trapped in a mysterious and deadly cube-shaped construction.

Tense, often shocking, and gripping, Cube is the rare horror film that features a cerebral plotline to enhance its thrills. The film’s limitations prevent it from fully exploring its fascinating premise, but Cube is still a superior example of horror sci-fi. There aren’t enough worthy entries of this genre combination, surprising considering how well they go together.

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Cube

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Release Date

September 11, 1998

Runtime

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90 minutes

Director

Vincenzo Natali

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Writers

Vincenzo Natali, Graeme Manson, André Bijelic

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Kylie Jenner is over the pregnancy speculation.

The Kylie Cosmetics founder dispelled the latest round of rumors on an August 2026 episode of the “Better Half” podcast, telling listeners she doesn’t feel “the need to say anything ever” when the internet is convinced she’s expecting.

It’s a familiar routine. Jenner has publicly pushed back on pregnancy rumors on at least four separate occasions dating back to 2014, when she was just 17. The chatter has followed her through multiple high-profile relationships — from her on-again, off-again romance with Tyga to her years-long partnership with ex Travis Scott (with whom she shares daughter Stormi and son Aire) to her current relationship with Timothée Chalamet.

Scroll below for every time Jenner has addressed pregnancy speculation:

December 2014

At 17, Jenner was photographed visiting her family’s gynecologist that sparked speculation she was expecting amid her rumored relationship with Tyga.

Jenner shot down the rumors in a single tweet, writing, “I’m not trying to become a rapper. I’m not getting married, & I’m not pregnant….”

May 2015

The following spring, Jenner was tired of tabloid claims that she was expecting Tyga’s baby. “People been thinking I’m pregnant for 8 months now…” she tweeted. “CLEARLY I’m not pregnant!”

Her frustration also spilled into a deleted Keeping Up With the Kardashians scene, in which she interrupted a conversation between mom Kris Jenner‘s boyfriend, Corey Gamble, and her sisters Kim Kardashian and Kourtney Kardashian to ask, “Why is everyone saying that I’m pregnant?”

When Kourtney jokingly replied, “Who’s the dad?” Kylie answered, “I don’t know. How do people know before me?”

July 2016

By age 18, Jenner once again hit back at a report that she was pregnant.

“Omg. No I’m not pregnant,” she tweeted at the time in a since-deleted post. “It’s been the same rumor for years & no baby … So when I decide to go to that next stage in my life, I’ll be the first to let you know … Not a weekly blog.”

At the time, engagement speculation was also swirling after Jenner wore a large diamond ring and referred to then-boyfriend Tyga as her “husband” on social media. A source later told Us she was “just playing.”

April 2024

Speculation returned in April 2024, this time amid Jenner’s relationship with Chalamet. The rumors kicked off after comedian Daniel Tosh claimed on his “Tosh Show” podcast that a supermarket employee told him that the Kardashian-Jenner family allegedly rented out a store to film a scene for The Kardashians, where “Kylie reveals that she’s pregnant again with Timothée’s kid.” (Tosh admitted at the time it might not be true, and insiders close to production told Us that no such scene was filmed.)

Jenner, meanwhile, responded in her own way, while modeling a pair of low-rise pants from her Khy fashion label via social media.

“I wear them a little bigger, I think I’m wearing a 28, but I could go a little smaller,” she said via her Instagram Stories, while tugging at the pants’ waistband. Jenner also flexed her abs in a follow-up mirror selfie.

That same day, multiple sources confirmed to Us that Jenner was not pregnant.

August 2026

More than a decade after her first denial as a teenager, Jenner is taking a different approach. On the “Better Half” podcast, the makeup mogul revealed that she’s grown numb to the rumor cycle.

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“I think that I’m so used to people creating their own narrative that I actually have to just laugh about it and I really don’t care,” Jenner said at the time. “I just assume people will figure it out eventually, which is what they always do. Like, people think I’m pregnant right now. At least I saw some things.”

She added, “I’m not going to address everything ’cause it’s, like, I’m going to be in a bikini somewhere or I’m going to be out and the rumors will be squashed. I, kind of, just don’t feel the need to say anything ever. I can’t, like, talk [or] comment on everything. So, I just laugh about it and join in on the party.”

This story was compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.