Peter Cullen, the legendary voice actor best known for bringing Optimus Prime to life across the “Transformers” franchise, has died at age 85. Cullen reportedly died Wednesday at his Los Angeles home, where he was surrounded by members of his family. A cause of death has not been disclosed.

5

Cullen’s agent confirmed his death to TMZ, while his family released a statement honoring the compassion and integrity that defined his life and most famous character.

“Peter Cullen passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family – and held in the hearts of his many friends and countless fans worldwide. His family asks that you honor his remarkable legacy by serving your communities and leading others with compassion, integrity, and loyalty and always remember ‘be strong enough to be gentle,’” the statement read.

Cullen portrayed the character as a powerful but thoughtful leader who valued courage, loyalty and compassion over aggression. His performance ultimately became inseparable from Optimus Prime, earning him generations of fans across animation, movies, video games and other media.

Peter Cullen Became The Voice Of Optimus Prime

5

Peter Cullen began voicing Optimus Prime in the original “The Transformers” animated television series, which premiered in 1984. He also voiced Ironhide and several other characters in the franchise.

The actor reprised Optimus Prime in the 1986 animated movie “The Transformers: The Movie,” helping establish the character as one of the most recognizable leaders in animation. More than two decades later, Cullen returned to the role for Michael Bay’s 2007 live-action “Transformers” movie.

Cullen continued voicing the character in multiple sequels, including “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” “Transformers: Age of Extinction” and “Transformers: The Last Knight.”

He later returned for “Bumblebee” and “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.”

Cullen Delivered One Of The Franchise’s Most Memorable Speeches

5

Peter Cullen’s deep, commanding voice was featured prominently during the conclusion of the first live-action “Transformers” movie. As Optimus Prime, he delivered a memorable speech about the Autobots making Earth their new home and secretly protecting humanity.

“With the Allspark gone, we cannot return life to our planet,” he began. “And fate has yielded it’s reward, a new world to call home. We live among its people now, hiding in plain site but watching over them in secret… waiting…protecting. I have witnessed their capacity for courage, and though we are worlds apart, like us there’s more to them than meets the eye.”

The monologue ended with Optimus sending a message to any surviving Autobots still hiding among the stars. “I am Optimus Prime, and I send this message to any surviving Autobots taking refuge among the stars: We are here. We are waiting,” he said.

Peter Cullen Voiced Eeyore And Other Beloved Characters

5

Although Optimus Prime became Cullen’s signature role, his voice could be heard across numerous popular television shows and movies. He voiced Eeyore in several “Winnie the Pooh” projects and played Monterey Jack in “Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers.” He also provided the voice of KARR in “Knight Rider.” Nintendo fans may also recognize his work as Mario in the original “Donkey Kong” animated series from the 1980s.

Cullen’s work extended beyond traditional dialogue. He provided the vocal effects for the alien hunter in the 1987 film “Predator,” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Peter Cullen Received A Lifetime Achievement Award

5

Cullen’s contributions to children’s entertainment were formally recognized in 2023 when he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Children’s & Family Emmy Awards. The honor celebrated a career that stretched across more than six decades and included hundreds of performances.

He was also nominated for a Daytime Emmy for portraying Optimus Prime in the animated series “Transformers: Prime.”

Lainey Wilson is paying tribute to Dolly Parton with a heartfelt social media post.

The country singer, 34, honored her music idol by sharing details of her final call with Parton via an Instagram post shared on Thursday, August 27.

“My Dolly. 💛 I felt like you were my friend before we even met.. you made everybody feel that way. But once we became friends, boy did we have a lot to talk about… I sure am glad you called a couple of weeks ago,” she wrote alongside a carousel of photos and video moments of the pair together.

During the conversation, Parton offered Wilson words of wisdom about Wilson’s relationship with former NFL player Devlin “Duck” Hodges.

Related: Dolly Parton Dead: Iconic Country Music Singer-Songwriter Was 80

Country music icon Dolly Parton died on Tuesday, August 25. She was 80. “Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee,” read a statement from Parton’s rep. “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world […]

“We got to talk about the business, the sacrifice, how special Carl Dean was to you and how important Duck is to me.. you told me that ‘it’s all great and stuff that Duck lets you be you, but you better make sure you let Duck be himself too.’”

The “Heart Like a Truck” singer recalled that the pair also spoke about faith, the music business and ambition during the interaction.

“You also told me to take my time reading the book of Revelation and that I might need to go on back to Psalms for a minute to catch my breath,” Wilson wrote. “We talked about how we both feel like we were called into this business and you told me you felt like you weren’t finished. Well my friend, you are not. The kind of love and light you shined in your lifetime is the kind that never goes away. I am thankful the Lord gave you a gift, you decided to share it, and the Lord decided to share you with us. I can’t wait to see you again and I know when I hug your neck in heaven someday you are still gonna be saying, ‘don’t mess up hair, Lainey girl.’ I will always love you, my friend. 💛🦋.”

News broke on Tuesday, August 25, that Parton died after a brief battle with an undisclosed form of cancer. She was 80.

Parton’s rep shared that a “small, private service will be held for immediate family” in the coming days to honor the late singer.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Meanwhile, her “fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly” on social media and her website, per the singer’s request. The family asked for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in lieu of flowers.

Related: Stars Send Love to Dolly Parton After Her Husband’s Death at 82

Advertisement

Celebrities are sharing their condolences with Dolly Parton after the death of her husband, Carl Dean. The country icon, 79, confirmed on Monday, March 3, that Dean passed away at the age of 82. “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together,” Parton wrote via an Instagram statement. “Words can’t do justice to the love […]

“Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee,” read a statement from Parton’s rep. “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth and kindness that made us all feel like family.”

The statement continued: “Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”

It’s vocal cords’ rest time for Kehlani!

The singer recently announced that, due to a health issue that suddenly sprang up, she would be sitting out two of her scheduled shows. 

This comes over a year after Kehlani Ashley Parrish, known mononymously as Kehlani, revealed her bipolar disorder diagnosis. Since coming out with the mental health issue, she has spoken about how she keeps herself in check and manages the condition.

Kehlani shared an update that fans who were probably already counting down the days to her next two shows were not expecting. The singer revealed via an Instagram post that her health had taken a low blow, and after being examined, she was not cleared by medical personnel to sing.

She detailed that after her two off days, during which she felt “completely normal,” she suddenly was unable to swallow and was in so much pain. The discomfort kept the “Folded” hitmaker up all night, and she had to go to the hospital.

Kehlani dropped the bombshell, apologizing to her fans in Camden & DC because she was “not cleared to sing for the next two shows.” The musician noted that her team is working on a solution, adding that canceling the shows was no easy decision for her.

Fans’ Mixed Reaction To The Songwriter’s Health Update

“I do everything I’m supposed to to ensure my health stays up to par & it still isn’t guaranteed,” she wrote before informing fans that the next time she will be on stage will be in Virginia. Kehlani’s post was a slideshow with two images of an exam room at the hospital.

Fans were split over the singer’s comments, with some offering thoughts and prayers and others expressing their disappointment. “Kehlani, I love you, but the show was supposed to start in like 3-4 hours,” a fan wrote, with others replying that her move was “so unprofessional.”

Several fans wrote about how they had prepared to attend the show by traveling out of town, taking time off work, or working an extra shift to make up for their planned absence. Some netizens asked if they could switch their tickets to attend her Virginia show, while others requested refunds since Kehlani did not address the topic in her statement.

Advertisement

On the other hand, supporters expressed concern for the artist, writing “Get well soon, love,” “Sending love and healing, Keh,” while others advised her to rest. A few comments were from internet users who dropped home remedies for a sore throat while wishing her a speedy recovery.

Kehlani Detailed The Routine She Follows To Manage Her Bipolar Disorder 

In April 2025, Kehlani revealed that she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder (BPD). Living with the condition, it is apparent that she stays on top of her mental health. The songwriter recently detailed the non-negotiables she lives by to maintain balance with her condition in a Billboard cover story.

“I take medicine. I have to go to the gym; it’s not an option,” she noted, adding that she takes walks, does yoga, and spends ample time in nature. “[I] sit in the park or go wiggle my toes in somebody’s grass. I have to build a relationship with God. I have to pray.”

Kehlani disclosed that sticking to a routine is necessary largely because of her career in the music industry. She noted that with the hard work she puts into creating music and building her career, she can only survive by keeping to “a routine supporting my wellness.”

The ‘Folded’ Vocalist’s Activism Led To A Canceled Performance

Kehlani was scheduled to perform at Cornell University’s annual Slope Day on May 7 last year. Less than a month before the performance, the institution released a statement that her concert was canceled over her past pro-Palestine statements.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Cornell President Michael I. Kotlikoff wrote in a letter to the student body, addressing the issue. The letter claimed that plans for Kehlani’s presence at the event had “injected division and discord” among the students.

Advertisement

Kotlikoff also alleged in the letter that several students had expressed that they were “angry, hurt and confused that Slope Day would feature a performer who has espoused antisemitic, anti-Israel sentiments in performances, videos and on social media.”

The letter also noted that every artist has the right to express “hateful views,” but Slope Day was about celebrating unity in the community and not division.

Kehlani Was Vocal About Her Support For Palestine

The mom of one showed her support for Palestine on public platforms and even through her music. In a music video for her song “Next 2 U,” she began the video with “Long Live the Intifada,” before dancing and singing in front of a Palestinian flag in some of the scenes.

During the 2025 American Music Awards, she spoke about the violence in Gaza on the red carpet. She said supporting the “Free Palestine” movement should come as second nature to all, as many innocent lives were killed. Kehlani received backlash for her comments, especially on social media, where users labeled her as “a Nazi” and “a moron.”

The Blast reported that the former Poplyfe member clarified that she is not “anti-Semitic nor anti-Jew”; however, she is against the extermination of an entire people as well as the bombing of innocent children, women, and men.

Advertisement

Get well soon, Kehlani!

It’s almost impossible for a person who has never acted to imagine how taxing mentally and physically it is being an actor. And to pull off something like Heath Ledger did in The Dark Knight? Unimaginable for all. Some performances become cultural shorthand. A walk, a voice, a breakfast order, even the way somebody sits in a chair starts carrying the whole character. That only happens when the acting is detailed enough to survive repeat viewings and alive enough to feel unpredictable the first time.

How do you compare someone learning the world from scratch with someone who has spent decades mastering how the world sees her? You really compare control, difficulty, emotional impact, and how completely the character seems to exist beyond the script. These six performances leave almost nothing unattended. Scroll down slowly if you want me going all geeky about this.

6

Emma Stone in ‘Poor Things’ (2023)

Image via Searchlight Pictures

Bella Baxter (Emma Stone) begins Poor Things as a woman brought back to life by surgeon Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe) with a mind that has barely begun developing. She learns language, movement, pleasure, cruelty, money, philosophy, and independence at astonishing speed, then leaves Baxter’s London home with the spectacularly self-important Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo) to experience the world for herself. The role therefore has an unusual problem built into it. Bella has to mature enormously without ever feeling as though the movie simply switched from one version of her to another.

That development is visible everywhere. Her early movements are stiff and poorly coordinated, her speech initially treats words like objects she has just discovered, and her curiosity has no embarrassment attached to it because society has not taught her shame yet. As Bella absorbs more of Lisbon, Alexandria, Paris, and the people around her, her physical confidence and language evolve together. Even that gloriously strange Lisbon dance feels like part of the education rather than a comic detour. The role won Stone her second Best Actress Oscar, and the achievement becomes even clearer on a rewatch when you can track how carefully Bella changes from scene to scene.

5

Olivia Colman in ‘The Favourite’ (2018)

Image via Searchlight Pictures

Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) occupies the throne in The Favourite (unlike HOTD), but early eighteenth-century England is largely being managed by her close companion Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz) while the country fights France. Anne is ill, grieving, lonely, temperamental, and surrounded by people who understand that access to her bedroom can become political power. Abigail Masham (Emma Stone)’s arrival gives Sarah a rival for that access, turning court politics into an intimate struggle over affection, influence, and who understands the Queen well enough to survive her moods. The duck racing is absurd. The emotional stakes underneath it are vicious.

Anne could easily have become a collection of eccentricities. Instead, her neediness, cruelty, humor, physical pain, and genuine loneliness keep colliding in ways that make her difficult to reduce to one judgment. The rabbits she keeps are connected to the children she lost, so even one of the film’s strangest visual details carries private grief. Her insults can be hilarious, then a change in her face can expose how frightened she is of being abandoned. That balance is delicate, especially beside two characters constantly trying to manage her. The Academy awarded Colman Best Actress, and it remains one of those wins where the trophy feels almost secondary to how unforgettable the character became.

4

Casey Affleck in ‘Manchester by the Sea’ (2016)

Image via Amazon Studios

Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck) has built a tiny life for himself as a janitor in Boston when his older brother dies and forces him back to Manchester-by-the-Sea. He learns that he has been named guardian of his teenage nephew Patrick Chandler (Lucas Hedges), which means staying connected to the town he deliberately left behind. Kenneth Lonergan gradually reveals why Lee cannot simply move home and resume being part of the community, turning an ordinary family responsibility into something he is emotionally unequipped to carry.

Lee spends much of the film trying to keep feeling contained inside routine. His shoulders stay tight, conversations end early, and anger arrives faster than language whenever somebody pushes too close. That restraint makes the rare moments when control slips incredibly painful. The encounter with Randi Chandler (Michelle Williams) on the street is especially hard to watch because both people clearly have more to say than either can successfully get out. Lucas Hedges’ Patrick also prevents Lee from disappearing entirely into grief, since guardianship keeps demanding groceries, hockey practices, girlfriends, and practical decisions from a man who would rather shrink his life further. The role earned Affleck the Best Actor Oscar.

3

Daniel Day-Lewis in ‘Phantom Thread’ (2017)

Image via Focus Features

Advertisement

Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis) runs an elite fashion house in 1950s London with the precision of a private kingdom. His sister Cyril Woodcock (Lesley Manville) controls the machinery around him, wealthy clients depend on his taste, and women tend to move through his personal life without disturbing the routine for long. Then he meets Alma Elson (Vicky Krieps), a waitress who becomes his model and partner and gradually refuses to behave like another temporary piece of the Woodcock system. Suddenly, breakfast can become warfare because somebody buttered toast too loudly.

Reynolds is funny partly because his seriousness is absolute. A badly prepared meal, an interruption at the wrong hour, or someone challenging his taste can offend him on a level most people reserve for betrayal. Underneath that fussiness sits real artistic discipline. Day-Lewis studied couture at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, trained with a professional cutter, and learned enough construction technique to recreate a Balenciaga dress while preparing for the role. That knowledge is visible in the ease with which Reynolds handles fabric and discusses clothes. The pleasure of Phantom Thread grows once you realize this formidable artist has finally met someone who sees his routines clearly and has no intention of worshipping them.

2

Joaquin Phoenix in ‘The Master’ (2012)

Image via Annapurna Pictures

Advertisement

Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix) returns from World War II carrying anger, alcoholism, sexual obsession, and almost no idea how to function in ordinary civilian life. He drifts through jobs and drinks concoctions made from whatever chemicals happen to be available until he stumbles onto a yacht belonging to Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman), the charismatic leader of a movement called the Cause. Dodd becomes fascinated by Freddie as both potential follower and personal experiment, while Freddie seems equally fascinated by a man who believes his chaos can be explained and controlled.

Freddie almost seems uncomfortable inside his own skeleton. His shoulders curl forward, one side of his face tightens into a permanent grimace, and his hands frequently settle around his hips as though his body has learned a defensive position his mind never consciously chose. The famous processing exercise with Dodd becomes riveting through repetition, eye contact, and the effort required for Freddie to answer without escaping into violence. Later, the jail sequence turns that same trapped energy physical as he attacks the cell around him while Dodd stands only a few feet away arguing that he can save him. Phoenix received an Oscar nomination for the role. More than a decade later, Freddie still feels less like a constructed character than a damaged human being somebody happened to catch on film.

1

Cate Blanchett in ‘Tár’ (2022)

Image Via Focus Features

Advertisement

Lydia Tár (Cate Blanchett) enters Tár with the kind of résumé that makes her sound like a real cultural institution. She is a celebrated conductor leading a major Berlin orchestra, preparing to record Mahler’s Fifth Symphony while teaching, writing, traveling, managing a foundation, and navigating relationships with musicians whose careers can be affected by her attention. Todd Field introduces her through a long public conversation before letting us see the private machinery behind that reputation. Lydia knows how to speak about herself. She also knows exactly what a room expects from someone of her stature.

That self-command makes every small disturbance fascinating. The Juilliard masterclass shows how quickly intellectual confidence can turn into domination when somebody challenges her assumptions. Orchestra rehearsals reveal another vocabulary entirely, where a hand movement or correction can communicate authority without a speech. Blanchett prepared by studying conducting, piano, and German, while the musical material was treated seriously enough for professional musicians to share the frame. As pressure starts entering Lydia’s carefully organized life, ordinary sounds and interruptions become harder for her to control, and the character who seemed capable of conducting everything around her starts looking much more vulnerable to disorder. Tár rewards a second viewing enormously. Once you know Lydia’s rhythms, you begin noticing how often she is conducting the room even when there is no orchestra in sight.

Advertisement

Tar

Advertisement

Release Date

October 7, 2022

Runtime

158 minutes

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

A dispute over Daveigh Chase’s estimated $400,000 estate is intensifying as the late actress’ former business manager challenges her mother’s attempt to take control. John Ryan, who described himself as Chase’s friend and business manager, reportedly filed a declaration opposing Cathy Chase’s request to become administrator of her daughter’s estate. Ryan has instead aligned himself with Chase’s father, John Schwallier, who wants the court to appoint an independent third party to manage the estate.

5

According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Ryan claimed Chase became estranged from both parents at different points in her life. “Daveigh was estranged from her father when her parents divorced,” Ryan stated in his declaration. However, he claimed the actress’ relationship with her mother also deteriorated later.

Ryan alleged Chase told him “that in the mid-2000s she filed for legal emancipation from her mother.” According to his filing, Chase allegedly wanted to “take this action because she believed that her mother was taking advantage of [her] finances and putting [her] physical and mental well-being at risk.”

Ryan claimed he helped connect the former child star with business professionals who could assist her during the alleged emancipation process.

The assertions have not been proven in court, and Cathy has not been accused of a crime in connection with the estate proceedings.

Daveigh Chase’s Father Wants An Independent Administrator

5

Ryan’s objection follows an earlier filing from Schwallier, who also opposed Cathy’s request to administer their daughter’s estate. Chase’s father reportedly claimed his daughter and ex-wife had been estranged for years before the actress’ death.

Rather than asking to control the approximately $400,000 estate himself, Schwallier requested that the court appoint an independent administrator. Ryan said he supports that proposal.

The disagreement currently concerns who will oversee the estate, including managing its assets, obligations and probate proceedings. It does not represent a final ruling about how Chase’s assets will ultimately be distributed.

The court has not yet decided who will be appointed administrator.

Former Manager Previously Warned Fans About A Fundraiser

5

The estate battle is not the first dispute to emerge following Chase’s death. Ryan previously urged fans not to donate to a GoFundMe campaign that had reportedly been created to cover expenses associated with the actress’ passing. He claimed Chase’s “estate has plenty of means to pay for the cremation” and disputed the fundraiser’s legitimacy.

“That GoFundMe is not going toward ANY expenses for Daveigh,” Ryan told Deadline. “Myself, her father, her uncle and all of us close friends who knew her for decades are encouraging people not to donate to this page. This man making these claims brought her into the hospital in terrible condition and didn’t let any of the family know until she passed so he can control the dialogue.”

Daveigh Chase Died At 35

5

Chase died at a Los Angeles hospital on June 16, 2026. She was 35. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner listed AIDS as her primary cause of death, with chronic polysubstance use identified as a contributing condition. Early accounts from her family indicated that she had also experienced severe bacterial meningitis, blood infections and sepsis that led to organ failure.

Following Chase’s death, her former friend Shawn Rosenthal recalled trying to locate the actress and help her. “It’s such a tragedy,” Rosenthal told PEOPLE. “She was an incredible singer, and we would play music together that, unfortunately, we never had a chance to record.”

He continued, “I wound up getting clean in 2023, which is why I haven’t seen her since then,” he continued. “Some of her sober friends and I were trying to find her and get her help, but to no avail. She was surrounding herself with the worst of the worst people. It’s such a tragedy because no one cared for her best interests at all. I pray she’s just finally at peace.”

Daveigh Chase Built A Memorable Career As A Child Star

5

Chase became widely recognized for two dramatically different performances released in 2002.

She voiced Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s animated hit “Lilo & Stitch,” giving life to the lonely but spirited Hawaiian girl who befriends the destructive alien Stitch. That same year, Chase terrified audiences as Samara Morgan in “The Ring.” Her unsettling performance earned her the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain.

The actress also appeared as Samantha Darko in “Donnie Darko” and later portrayed Rhonda Volmer on HBO’s “Big Love.”

Fall means it’s time to break out the tall black boots, and if you’re like Margot Robbie, you’re prepping your wardrobe now (actually, last week). Robbie’s black boots are incredibly sleek, and we found the chic, polished look for 45% off on Amazon!

Filming the Ocean’s Eleven prequel in Paris, the actress was spotted leaving the set donning a classy two-piece outfit, a roomy Chanel bag and simple black boots. The below-knee length plays nicely with midi skirts, trousers and the shorter hemlines that keep sneaking back into rotation. Robbie pulled this quintessential fall style out well before the leaves turn, and at only $60, we’re following suit.

Get the LifeStride Xtrovert Knee-High Boots for $60 (was $110) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

These LifeStride Xtrovert Knee-High Boots have become a low-key favorite among reviewers. With a low 1.25-inch block heel, a built-in stretch panel and a water-resistant faux leather finish that manages surprise rain, these boots are as practical as they are stylish.

Better yet, these box-checking boots come in regular and wide versions. One happy shopper raved, “They fit perfectly on my extra-wide calves, which is hard to find. They’re comfortable, well-made and easy to wear all day.” That kind of fit and flexibility is rare at any price point, let alone this one.

The durability and comfort keep coming up in reviews, too. “I only buy this brand because the boots literally last for many years,” another fan wrote.  They added, “These boots are comfy (I’m on my feet most of the day).”

Rock this fall must-have with a tee and jeans, a soft sweater dress or your favorite outfit set, and you’ve basically got Robbie’s off-duty formula. Grab these timeless tall boots on sale now and wear them through April!

Get the LifeStride Xtrovert Knee-High Boots for $60 (was $110) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more stylish boots, and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

Shop the UsNow Summer Sale –>

Related: Nobody Would Ever Know These Rich-Looking Flats Are as Comfy as Sneakers

Advertisement

If you’re bored with sneakers, you’re not alone. There’s a reason the streets of New York City, Los Angeles and London are overflowing with polished flats, which are a classy and equally versatile alternative. We found 13 luxe-looking pairs that deliver the comfort of sneakers, and seriously, you’ll wish you found them sooner. These timeless […]

Tony Romo is taking “full responsibility” following his OWI arrest last month.

A spokesperson for the CBS Sports NFL analyst, 46, told multiple outlets on Thursday, August 27 that “Tony accepts full responsibility for his actions and has taken proactive steps to ensure that this isolated civil matter is properly resolved.”

The statement continued: “We are working with local authorities to bring this matter to a close and we are communicating with CBS about next steps.”

CBS Sports placed the lead NFL color analyst on leave in July — one week after his arrest in Wisconsin on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence.

Related: J.J. Watt Breaks His Silence About Tony Romo’s Arrest After Taking Over Job

J.J. Watt addressed Tony Romo’s arrest last month, which led to the former Houston Texans star taking over Romo’s spot in the CBS Sports broadcasting booth.  “Haven’t said much because it’s not the circumstances you’d hope it would happen under, but I’m incredibly excited about this opportunity and look forward to working with a legendary […]

“Tony Romo is on leave from his role at CBS Sports until further notice,” a CBS representative said in a statement to Us on July 31.

Romo was pulled over in Milwaukee at around 8 p.m. on July 23, after participating in the Wisconsin Amateur Championship golf tournament.

He was issued a citation for “refusing to take test for intoxication after arrest,” according to court documents viewed by Us.

Additional citations came for Romo allegedly having an “open bottle of an alcoholic beverage” on the passenger’s side of his Jeep, discovered when the vehicle was searched before it was towed away, and for passing vehicles in a “gore area,” which separates interstate traffic from cars entering from an on-ramp.

After allegedly failing field sobriety tests at the scene – as seen in body cam footage obtained by Us – he was taken into custody and a court date has been set for September 21, one day after CBS’ Week 2 NFL slate. Romo has not spoken publicly about his arrest and Us has previously reached out to his attorney for comment.

An officer at the scene told Romo she believed he was intoxicated due to his “red glassy eyes” and an “odor of an intoxicating alcoholic beverage.”

After placing Romo on leave, CBS told NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport that JJ Watt will take Romo’s place in his absence.

Posting about his role via X on August 11, Watt, 37, expressed his enthusiasm over the appointment.

“Haven’t said much because it’s not the circumstances you’d hope it would happen under, but I’m incredibly excited about this opportunity and look forward to working with a legendary team in Jim Nantz, Tracy Wolfson, Jim Rikhoff and the entire CBS lead crew,” Watt wrote. “See you in Minnesota!”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Related: Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Breaks Silence on Former QB Tony Romo’s DUI Arrest

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has thrown his full and unapologetic support behind his former quarterback, Tony Romo, in the wake of his July arrest on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence. “Been talking to him,” Jones, 83, told Fox 4 Dallas-Fort Worth’s Mike Doocy on Saturday, August 1. “I love him. […]

Advertisement

The same day, CBS Sports president David Berson said the network had still not made a definitive judgment about Romo’s future.

“It’s an evolving situation and we are still assessing,” Berson said at NFL on CBS media day. “There is no timetable or final decision at this time.”

Berson added, “We have to consider the impact on our image and our brand. That’s very important to us. The focus should be and needs to be on our presentation and this great product and not on any others. Fortunately, we have a deep bench and everybody is stepping up.”