It’s safe to say Ron Perlman has solidified himself as an icon of pop culture through some seriously imposing roles. He’s played Slade in Teen Titans, The Lich in Adventure Time, Clay Morrow in Sons of Anarchy, and, of course, Hellboy. He’s also been a longtime collaborator of Guillermo del Toro, appearing in films including Cronos, Pacific Rim, and the Hellboy movies. But one of Perlman’s most surprising roles came long before Hellboy — on a fantasy series that also counted future Game of Thrones author George R. R. Martin among its writers and producers.

Ron Perlman’s Fantasy Breakout Came Long Before ‘Hellboy’

One thing Perlman is known for is disappearing beneath heavy prosthetics. He did it in his film debut, the 1981 Jean-Jacques Annaud film Quest for Fire, in which he plays Amoukar in full Neanderthal makeup while speaking a made-up prehistoric language. He did it again in The Name of the Rose, The Island of Dr. Moreau, Star Trek: Nemesis, and, most famously, Hellboy and Hellboy II: The Golden Army. But years before the latter made him a genre icon, Perlman spent three seasons under prosthetics for a very different fantasy role.

Long before Hellboy thrust Perlman into the spotlight of mainstream nerd culture, he had already found his breakout performance. His role in Beauty and the Beast earned him a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series in 1989, and Perlman wasn’t the only future fantasy icon involved. Years before A Game of Thrones was published, Martin was working behind the scenes on CBS’ Beauty and the Beast, making the 1987–1990 series an intriguing early chapter in both men’s careers.

‘Beauty and the Beast’ Was a TV Cult Classic in an Era Full of Them

Image via CBS

Beauty and the Beast ran on CBS from 1987 to 1990 and follows Linda Hamilton as sharp-witted DA Catherine, the Beauty of the story, and Perlman as Vincent, the soulful, timid beast-man who lives beneath New York City with a secret society of outcasts and misfits known as The World Below. Most of the show follows the struggle of a deep, literally telepathic relationship between two wildly different worlds, along with the recurring villains and issues of the week that come with it, before getting grittier toward the end.

George R. R. Martin was a writer and producer on the show years before A Game of Thrones was published. Martin joined Beauty and the Beast in 1987 and eventually rose through its producing ranks, making the series a notable part of his pre-Thrones television career — apparently, he went on to write a fantasy book or two of some significance. The series has since gained a cult following, and it’s easy to see why. While at its core it’s a fantasy series with heavy elements of mystery and thrills, there’s something about Beauty and the Beast that just makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside.

That rests largely on Vincent and his interactions with everyone around him. It’s, for my money, Perlman’s most wholesome character, despite being a giant man with the characteristics of a lion and the strength to match. Jokes about resembling a Maine Coon aside, Perlman makes Vincent an unusually gentle romantic lead. He’s someone who deserves to be happy, who we want to succeed in love, and whose relationship with Catherine gives the series much of its emotional pull. Hellboy may be a big softy deep inside, but Vincent wears that softness much closer to the surface.

Ron Perlman Brings Back the True Moral of ‘Beauty and the Beast’

Image via CBS

Hellboy, Slade, The Lich, Clay Morrow — in one word: badass. This makes sense. When you’re on the taller side and have a voice like Perlman’s, you can easily be pigeonholed as a tough guy. And when you have the one-and-only Rick Baker doing your prosthetics, Vincent absolutely could’ve been another variation on that persona. After all, the brooding, rage-filled beast makes a common appearance when adapting the Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve story. That’s how they did the 2012 sort-of reboot of the show; in fact, Disney’s Beast a year later was meaner at the outset. It would’ve made perfect sense for Perlman to do the same thing, especially because he’s undeniably good at it.

The secret ingredient of Beauty and the Beast is that Vincent doesn’t become that character. He has a temper, absolutely, but it isn’t something love magically overcomes; it’s something he personally struggles with without losing his inherent gentleness. In both his animalistic appearance and his dramatic yet sensitive nature, Vincent is most similar to Jean Marais as the Beast in the 1946 Jean Cocteau film, which similarly understands that the core moral of the story is to love the flawed, or what society perceives as flawed. Beautifully, Vincent never changes into a prince, because he was one all along.

Sappy lines aside, Beauty and the Beast remains one of the most revealing performances of Perlman’s career. The imposing presence, unmistakable voice, and elaborate prosthetics are all there, but Vincent’s defining quality is his gentleness. Decades before Hellboy made Perlman a fantasy icon, this cult series proved just how much more he could do with the qualities audiences would eventually associate with his toughest characters.

Joanna Wietrzyk is finally apologizing after the internet backlash against her intensified in recent days. The Australian athlete went viral after pooping herself while competing in the HYROX Beijing Pro Women’s race last Saturday (Sept. 12). Her initial response, “A win is a win,” didn’t go over well on social media. Even HYROX officials ultimately acknowledged their mishandling of the incident. Then, on Thursday (Sept. 17), Joanna Wietrzyk circled back to apologize, to retroactively withdraw from the competition and to forfeit her win.

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Recap Of Joanna’s Initial Statement About Defecating Herself

If you ask the internet, Wietrzyk took “winning by any means” a lil’ too far last weekend. Mid-race in Beijing, the 22-year-old appeared to experience sudden fecal incontinence, meaning she couldn’t control her bowel movements. Photos (seen below) and videos show poop gathering on the back of her pants, running down her legs and eventually ending up on her arms. Still, she pushed through the running portion and the workout stations of the competition with visible, dripping fecal matter. Also, other competitors were required to use the same stations after her.

Following the HYROX race on Saturday, Joanna Wietrzyk hopped on Instagram with a celebratory post on Stories. She posted a selfie, lying on a cot of some kind while seemingly hooked up to an IV. Joanna appeared to be making a kissy face at the camera and wrote, “Go hard or go home they say…a win is a win.” She added, “In all seriousness, thank you for all the support. I’ll be back soon x.” So, initially, the 22-year-old gave no apology and showed no remorse for pooping mid-competition and for how it might have affected her fellow competitors.

HYROX Co-Founder Announces New Rules Following Poop Incident

The footage, combined with Joanna Wietrzyk’s initial statement, had the internet going IN for days. From shady nicknames to genuine disgust among both athletes and non-athletes, the reactions weren’t favorable toward the Australian competitor or the HYROX organizers.

On Sunday (Sept. 13), HYROX China reportedly explained how they decontaminated the area after the race Joanna participated in ended. Officials said the affected areas were closed off and disinfected. Also, they plan to replace the venue’s flooring.

“Relevant equipment was removed from the venue, and waste was disposed of in accordance with municipal waste-management standards,” HYROX China said.

Additionally, HYROX World confirmed they have “clear bio-contaminant and medical procedures in place.” It did not apologize for the pooping incident.

“In this instance, an unforeseen situation arose in which protocols designed for elite competition and mass participation became blurred, creating ambiguity in how they were applied and understood.”

By Monday, HYROX co-founder Moritz Fürste dropped a direct apology over event officials not reacting immediately during the race. He admitted that it was his job to foresee such incidents, but he didn’t. At the time the statement was released, they had already begun making rulebook changes.

“As of this moment, there are new rules and procedures in place to prevent situations like this from happening again. We learn and try to get better every day.”

SEE THE FULL STATEMENT HERE. 

Joanna Wietrzyk Apologizes To Competitors, Gives Up HYROX Win

RELATED: Say, WHAT?! Ohio Mom Pleads Guilty To Child Endangerment After Allegedly Injecting Fecal Matter Into Child’s IV Port

Oprah Winfrey launched her namesake network in January 2011, mere months before the end of her daytime talk show. However, the Oprah Winfrey Network wasn’t an immediate success, and it underwent massive layoffs two years after its launch. Now, years later, Winfrey is reflecting on that time, calling it one of the hardest years of her life.

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Winfrey appeared on the “Mel Robbins Podcast” in September 2026. During the conversation, Winfrey reflected on the early days of her network, including its struggle to gain viewers and its eventual layoff of a substantial bit of its staff.

The 70-year-old began, “2012 was one of the worst years of my life.” Discussing that period, Winfrey mentioned the negative press attention she received. According to her, “Every single story headline about me was, ‘Oprah and the struggling OWN Network. Oprah and the struggling OWN Network.’”

She continued, saying, “And it was hurtful and painful to me because it was the truth. I was struggling.”

Oprah Had Serious Doubts About Starting The Network

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The talk show legend continued the interview by revealing that she entered the network-building process with uncertainty. At one point, however, she feared what her business partners would think if she decided not to move forward.

She said, “I was so angry with myself. I did not listen to [myself]. The voice inside myself was so strong, telling me not to do it, that I would wake up in the middle of the night and couldn’t breathe.”

Winfrey then said, “And I’d say, ‘Don’t do it. Don’t do it. Don’t do it. Don’t do it. Don’t do it.’ Then I’d say, ‘But I already signed. I already signed. Already said I was going to do it.”

Still, she gained a valuable lesson from the ordeal: “You always have the right to change your mind.”

The Former Talk Show Host Has Given Up Most Of Her Stake In The Network

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The Oprah Winfrey Network launched on January 1, 2011, after years of delays, replacing the Discovery Home Channel. However, after viewers tuned in out of initial curiosity, OWN saw a major decline in viewership, and the company laid off 20% of its employees in March 2012.

Over time, the network found an audience, particularly through Winfrey’s contract with Tyler Perry for original content and various interview specials hosted by the beloved television personality. Still, in late 2017, Winfrey sold 24.5% of her stake in the network for a reported $70 million, giving Discovery majority ownership.

According to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, she then sold another 20.2% interest in the company to Discovery for $35 million in late 2020. Winfrey’s company, Harpo, currently owns about 5% of the network.

The 72-Year-Old Also Discussed The Network In 2024

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Winfrey has commented on her namesake network multiple times in recent years. This includes an August 2024 interview with “Today,” where she called the launch of the Oprah Winfrey Network a regret.

She said at the time, “I would not have taken on the responsibility of trying to build a network while still ending the show.” Winfrey continued, “That is my one regret … I should have handled all of that differently, I think. I should have completed one thing, taken a year to do nothing, and then decided what was the next thing for me to do.”

Winfrey continued reflecting, saying, “I’d made my decision that it was time for the show to end; I don’t regret that. What I do regret is trying to do multiple things at the same time.”

The “Color Purple” actress added, “I would have done the thing that I tell everybody else to do: ‘When you don’t know what to do, do nothing. Get still with yourself and do nothing.’ I would have given myself that time.”

She’s Coming To The Las Vegas Sphere

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One of Winfrey’s upcoming endeavors brings a series of live performances to The Sphere in Las Vegas. Per Reuters, her engagement at the Sphere will include four performances, taking place from April 2 to 4, 2027. The performances will be a part of a production known as “Oprah Winfrey’s AHA,” a reference to her iconic “aha moments” from her talk show.

The two-hour shows will feature music, poetry, storytelling, visual art, etc. There will also be guest appearances, including Grammy-winner Jason Collier, poet and author Ocean Vuong, etc.

This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.

This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.

Julia Stiles proved Andy Cohen’s previous assertion that she couldn’t dance wrong after commanding the Dancing With the Stars stage during the season 35 two-night premiere.

“Derek [Hough] said it best,” Stiles, 45, succinctly told Us exclusively after the Wednesday, September 16, live broadcast, referring to the DWTS judge’s diss to Cohen, 58.

In rehearsal footage shared Wednesday, Stiles claimed that the Bravo host once claimed that she didn’t know how to dance following her onscreen performances in 10 Things I Hate About You and Save the Last Dance.

After Stiles’ quickstep to Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” with pro partner Ezra Sosa earned an impressive 18 out of 30, Hough, 41, joked that Cohen could “eat it” because the number was “beautiful and graceful.” (Cohen later issued an apology to Stiles during his Wednesday broadcast of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen.)

“Honestly, I feel like the best message is he should tune in every Tuesday night on Dancing with the Stars,” Sosa, 25, quipped to Us. “He will see some great dancing from this diva.”

Stiles and Sosa’s routine — Parton approved the song choice weeks before her death at age 80 — also impressed Hough’s fellow judge Bruno Tonioli, who gushed that the actress was a “great dancer.”

“I was so, like, having an out-of-body experience. He said I was a great dancer?” Stiles said of Tonioli’s comments. “I’m gonna go home and watch that on repeat, that’s great. You know, sometimes performers we only hear the critique, but I’m gonna try and take this in and just take the positive.”

Stiles and Sosa are now focused on bringing their A-game yet again for the second week of the competition, where the DWTS pairs will all perform routines to various viral hits.

“I mean, there were some major, impressive dances that got me to be like, ‘Oh, OK, we better bring it,’” she said of her competition, especially praising paralympian Ezra Frech’s tango on the Tuesday, September 16, episode. “[He] was incredible, and he matched Daniella [Karagach], who is so fierce, and it was great. I was like, ‘Whoa!’”

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As for Stiles, her routine undoubtedly impressed her husband, Preston Cook, and their three children.

“I’m gonna cry because [my husband has] really, really been holding down the fort at home so that I could come and do this,” she gushed. “It means that I don’t have to worry about or feel guilty, and they see how much fun Mommy is having and how happy I am, and it’s really, really incredible.”

Dancing With the Stars airs on ABC and Disney+ Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET.

Roomies! Nia Long finally received her well-deserved flowers after being honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The ‘Michael’ actress attended the unveiling ceremony on Wednesday, September 16, and her fans say the moment is “long overdue.”

RELATED: We Love To See It! Miley Cyrus Receives Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame (PHOTOS + VIDEO)

Nia Long’s Loved Ones Support Her At Star Ceremony

Nia Long received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Wednesday, and her family was there to witness the special moment. Long’s mother, Talita Long, and Long’s two sons — 25-year-old Massai Zhivago Dorsey II and Kez Sunday Udoka, 14, were at the ceremony.

The 55-year-old actress has been entertaining folks since the 1990s when she starred in the CBS soap opera ‘Guiding Light’ and 1991 film ‘Boyz n the Hood.’ She went on to star in beloved films such as ‘Friday,’ ‘Made in America,’ ‘Soul Food,’ ‘Love Jones,’ ‘The Best Man,’ and ‘Michael, just to name a few. 

Several celebrities were also at the ceremony to support the actress, including two former co-stars — ‘Love Jones‘ co-stars Laurenz Tate and Bill Bellamy. Furthermore, Snoop Dogg was a guest speaker, and he sported a jacket covered with pictures of Long’s starring roles. ‘Michael’ director Graham King was also a guest speaker, and Angelique Jackson from Variety was the emcee. The moment was captured by Variety and shared on Threads. A statement was also shared by Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez.

“The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Nia Long to the Hollywood Walk of Fame,” said Martinez. “Nia is such a beloved and talented actress, and we’re so excited to celebrate her incredible career with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She has brought so many unforgettable characters to life and has connected with audiences for decades. It’s wonderful to see her receive this well-deserved honor.”

The Hollywood Walk of Fame also shared the news on Instagram with the caption:

“Meet your special guest speaker 🎤 Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum recording artist, entrepreneur, actor, producer, television personality and global cultural icon @snoopdogg to serve as guest speaker for @iamnialong’s ⭐ ceremony on Wednesday, September 16.”

Fans React After Nia Long Receives Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star

Fans reacted after the news was shared on TSR’s Instagram page, and several Roomies noted that Long’s star is well overdue.

User @bankonreigns added, “About time she got one though 🔥🔥🔥.”

@_shadequ33n_skeemie added, “Snoop out did himself I love the jacket 🔥🔥🔥😍😍😍😍❤️.”

Long Shared Her Feelings About Receiving The Star

Long sat down with Variety ahead of the ceremony and spoke about what it felt like to be receiving the long-time Hollywood honor. The stars are mostly engrained into the sidewalk along and around Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, and the actress recalled moving to the city with her mother when she was younger and seeing Hollywood Boulevard.

“I came here with very humble beginnings,” said Long, per Variety. “This star is just as much for me as it is for my mother, because she’s the one who brought us here…. I stay under the radar. I just do the work… I’m diligent. I have a vision for what I want for my life and for my children and for myself, and I let God take care of the rest, because I don’t want to be caught up in the hype.”

She added that she remembers walking along the boulevard with her mom and looking at the “all the stars” and naming the stars who she knew.

“It’s every girl’s dream, and everything women work hard for,” she continued. “The little girl in me is like, ‘Oh my gosh, we did it!’ And the woman in me is, ‘Take a moment and be proud of yourself.’

She also spoke during the ceremony, and she was brought to tears while thanking her mother.

“My mommy…. An artist, a singer, the best Tati my children could ever ask for. I share this star with you,” said Long. “Because there isn’t any part of my story that doesn’t circle back to your bravery and unconditional love.”

RELATED: Brandy Opens Up About Ray J Missing Her Hollywood Walk Of Fame Moment & Their Current Relationship

A holiday weekend ended tragically after a Michigan man was arrested for fatally stabbing his sister’s boyfriend at a Labor Day BBQ. Cleo Lawson allegedly stabbed Kenneth Thomas on Monday, September 7, following a dispute over how to cook chicken.

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Michigan Man Reportedly Stabs Sister’s Boyfriend At Labor Day BBQ

Cleo Lawson, 62, allegedly stabbed his sister’s boyfriend, 60-year-old Kenneth Thomas, after arguing about how to properly cook chicken, according to the Hazel Park Police Department.

The stabbing occurred at Thomas’ home on the 1600 block of East Granet Avenue in Hazel Park, Michigan, where he lived with Lawson’s sister. The couple was hosting the Labor Day BBQ when the tragedy occurred at approximately 5:20 p.m.

Chief William Hamel shared a press release on Facebook on Monday, September 14.

“On Monday September 7′, 2026, at 5:20PM, Hazel Park Police Officers were dispatched to a residence for a stabbing,” reads a press release. “On arrival, Officers located an adult male (62yrs old) who sustained life threatening injuries and died during the attempt to treat the injury.”

“The victim (Kenneth Thomas) and his live-in girlfriend were having a barbeque when the girlfriend’s brother (Cleo Lawson) arrived. Lawson and Thomas had a dispute over how the chicken was to be cooked that led to a confrontation. It’s alleged that Lawson stabbed Thomas where he subsequently died.”

Community Reacts To Shocking Tragedy

The tragedy at the Labor Day BBQ left the community in shock as people reacted on Facebook. Several folks noted how sad it was that a dispute over something so minor led to a man losing his life.

Kristy Layne wrote, “Over chicken ??”

Linda Wehmueller agreed. “over chicken? good grief.”

Rochee Jdk Huddy added, “Smdh.”

Diane Burge replied, “I’m having a hard time reading it but I’m very sorry for the part I did already may he rest in peace.”

Caroline Il added, “So sad and heartbreaking .”

Tina Mootispaw replied. “Very sad situation for the family.”

Lois Breen Gayhart wrote, “What is wrong with people nowadays?”

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Susan Clay added, “Someone lost their life over some chicken? Insane.”

Shannon Sanderson Coates simply wrote, “Unreal..”

Cleo Lawson Charged With Second-Degree Murder

Lawson was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, per CBS News, and is currently residing in the Oakland County Jail.

Lawson was arraigned on Thursday, Sept. 10, but he was denied bond. A probable cause conference is scheduled for Tuesday, September 22, according to PEOPLE.

RELATED: 16-Year-Old Student Sentenced After Stabbing Teacher In The Head Inside Classroom (VIDEO)