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10 Underrated Film Noir Movies That Can Be Called Masterpieces

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Dana Andrews sitting and looking at Linda Darnell sitting across from him in Fallen Angel (1946)

When it comes to classic cinema, film noir has always been one of the most beloved genres and is celebrated for its gritty stories of crime, corruption, and deadly dames. While a handful of titles, such as The Maltese Falcon, Sunset Boulevard, and Double Indemnity, are endlessly cited as cornerstones of the genre, many of its most daring and emotionally complex works, including Lured, The Big Combo, and New York Confidential, unfortunately remain widely overlooked.

Contrary to popular belief, the majority of underrated noir films, such as The Unsuspected starring Claude Rains and Ida Lupino‘s The Hitch-Hiker, are not minor curiosities or second-tier efforts. They are fully realized masterpieces that are marked by sharp dialogue, morally ambiguous characters, and a deep sense of existential unease. From the marginalized 1945 noir, Fallen Angel, starring Dana Andrews and Linda Darnell, to the underappreciated film noir classic, The Locket, these are ten underrated classic film noir movies that can be called masterpieces today.

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10

‘Fallen Angel’ (1945)

Dana Andrews sitting and looking at Linda Darnell sitting across from him in Fallen Angel (1946)
Dana Andrews sitting and looking at Linda Darnell sitting across from him in Fallen Angel (1946)
Image via 20th Century Studios

Dana Andrews stars in Otto Preminger‘s Fallen Angel as Eric Stanton, a drifter and con artist who arrives in a small California town where he meets and falls for a waitress, Stella (Linda Darnell). Since Stella is only interested in a man with money, Stanton comes up with a scam that involves the help of a wealthy, well-to-do woman, June (Alice Faye), ultimately creating a dangerous love triangle that eventually leads to cold-blooded murder.

Fallen Angel is an underrated noir classic that refuses to fit neatly into the expectations of the genre, but that defiance is what makes the film quietly brilliant. At first, Fallen Angel appears to be a familiar murder mystery, but as the film progresses, the crime itself is almost secondary to the story. Preminger is far more interested in obsession, self-delusion, and moral rot than in procedural thrills, which makes the film feel psychologically richer and less immediately exciting than other plot-driven noirs.

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9

‘The Narrow Margin’ (1952)

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Richard Fleischer‘s The Narrow Margin is an intense noir that follows a Los Angeles detective, Walter Brown (Charles McGraw), who is assigned to transport and protect the widow of a murdered mobster, Frankie Neall (Marie Windsor), who is planning to testify before a grand jury in Chicago. When Brown encounters a string of gangsters who have been hired to stop Neall before she can take the stand, the detective finds himself entangled in a heated game of cat and mouse.

The Narrow Margin is one of the most overlooked noir classics and is perfect for those who prefer a noir that feels like a clenched fist rather than a smoky seduction. Unlike flashier noir movies, The Narrow Margin isn’t as sexy or glamorous, but its lack of showmanship is the main reason why the film feels incredibly authentic and even entirely plausible. Another unique element of The Narrow Margin is Fleischer’s choice to film on actual trains and stations, which gives the film a raw, almost semi-procedural feel and makes the danger feel organic and physical rather than stylized.

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8

‘New York Confidential’ (1955)

Richard Conte standing behind Anne Bancroft in New York Confidential (1955)
Richard Conte standing behind Anne Bancroft in New York Confidential (1955)
Image via Warner Bros.

New York Confidential is a unique contribution to the world of noir, starring Broderick Crawford as a New York gangster, Charlie Lupo, who sends his bodyguard and former Chicago hitman, Nick Magellan (Richard Conte), to eliminate three of the mobster’s men who botched a job that has since put their boss in hot water. When one of the gangsters manages to escape, he cuts a deal with the police in exchange for testifying against Lupo, making Magellan’s job far more complicated than he initially expected.

New York Confidential flips the genre’s usual perspective of a hard-boiled private eye on a cryptic case and delivers a cold, procedural look at organized crime that is a must-see for any film noir fan. Compared to similar noir films, New York Confidential takes it a step further with an authentic depiction of the mob, outlining how power is built, maintained, and inevitably destroyed, ultimately refusing to downplay the reality of being a gangster. The film’s bleak, unsentimental tone, sharp ensemble performances, and focus on corruption as a systemic force give New York Confidential a tougher, meaner, and more modern feel than the majority of other classic noir films.

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7

‘Human Desire’ (1954)

Fritz Lang‘s 1954 film noir drama, Human Desire, follows a Korean War veteran, Jeff Warren (Glenn Ford), who returns home and resumes his job as a railroad engineer as well as his affair with Vicki Buckley (Gloria Grahame), who is married to Warren’s co-worker, Carl Buckley (Broderick Crawford). When Carl murders a man whom he believes was having an affair with his wife, Vicki becomes an unwilling accomplice in her husband’s crime. Now trapped by her abusive husband, Vicki starts to fear for her life and eventually asks Warren to kill him before he has the chance to kill her.

Human Desire was initially dismissed as a mediocre noir, but in hindsight, it is an unsung masterpiece that strips the genre down to its emotional core with its cold realism and psychological depth. Lang directs with icy precision and chooses to let the tension seep out through silences, glances, and doomed choices rather than melodrama. Human Desire also moves away from the genre’s traditional character archetypes, especially Ford and Grahame. Ford conveys a passive, morally drifting man who is undone by his own inertia, while Grahame lacks the power of a traditional femme fatale, all of which gives the film a distinct quality of uncertainty and curiosity.

6

‘The Big Clock’ (1948)

Rita Johnson sitting next to Ray Milland looking at him in The Big Clock (1948)
Rita Johnson sitting next to Ray Milland looking at him in The Big Clock (1948)
Image via Paramount Pictures
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Ray Milland stars in John Farrow‘s film noir thriller The Big Clock as an editor-in-chief, George Stroud, who is fired by his abusive boss, Earl Janoth (Charles Laughton), after he refuses to skip his already postponed honeymoon to travel for an assignment. When Stroud goes to a local bar to drown his sorrows, he runs into Janoth’s mistress (Rita Johnson), who proposes that they blackmail Janoth, but things take an unexpectedly dark turn when one of them winds up murdered.

Initially, The Big Clock was dismissed as too clever and too polished for a noir, but, in retrospect, its structural brilliance, biting cynicism, and relentless tension make it one of the smartest and most finely engineered film noirs ever made. What makes The Big Clock a masterpiece is its audacious narrative design: a man is ordered to investigate a murder, without realizing he himself is the prime suspect. As the net tightens, every clue points closer to him, turning the familiar noir theme of fate into something almost playful yet terrifying, solidifying The Big Clock as a quiet masterpiece hiding in plain sight.

5

‘The Big Combo’ (1955)

Richard Conte standing next to Cornel Wilde in The Big Combo (1955) Image via Allied Artists International
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Cornel Wilde stars in The Big Combo as a police lieutenant, Leonard Diamond, who is on a personal crusade to put a ruthless gangster, Mr. Brown (Richard Conte), behind bars for good. Despite the numerous verbal and violent threats from Brown, Diamond continues to try to build a case against the tough guy and eventually realizes that the key to his potential demise lies in figuring out the identity of a mysterious woman known as Alicia (Helen Walker), who is somehow connected to Brown.

The Big Combo is an underrated noir masterpiece largely because it arrived at the tail end of classic noir, but the unfortunate timing is exactly why the film feels so extreme and uncompromising today. The film pushes noir aesthetics to their limits with brutal violence, undertones of sadomasochism, and some of the most iconic high-contrast lighting in the genre, and is one of the few classic noir films that visualize moral corruption so powerfully. The Big Combo reduces the noir genre to its rawest elements, making it not just a classic but one of the purest and most visually daring film noir masterpieces ever made.

4

‘Lured’ (1947)

lured 1947 Image via United Artists
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Lucille Ball stars in Douglas Sirk‘s Lured as an American dancer, Sandra Carpenter, who, after the sudden disappearance of her friend, is approached by an Inspector, Harley Temple (Charles Coburn), who believes that her friend has been murdered by a serial killer who chooses his victims from the personal ads. Using Carpenter as bait, Temple hatches a plan to catch the killer before he has a chance to strike again, but things become complicated when Carpenter meets a nightclub revue producer, Robert Fleming (George Sanders).

Lured blends serial-killer noir, police procedural, and psychological thriller with unusual elegance and is often overlooked because it doesn’t check just a single noir box. Ball delivers a gripping performance that showcases her underappreciated range and talent as a dramatic actress. Sanders’ performance adds cynical polish and forward sophistication to Lured, which, today, is considered to be one of the Oscar-winner’s best films of all time. While it lacks the hard-boiled swagger or iconic fatalism seen in better-known noirs, Lured is still an elegant, unsettling noir that rewards close attention and deserves recognition as an understated noir masterpiece.

3

‘The Hitch-Hiker’ (1953)

Three men hiding behind a rock in The Hitch-Hiker
Three men hiding behind a rock in The Hitch-Hiker
Image via RKO Pictures
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Ida Lupino’s The Hitch-Hiker is one of the best classic movies that no one has ever seen, starring Edmond O’Brien and Frank Lovejoy as friends, Roy and Gilbert, who, while driving from California to Mexico for a fishing trip, stop and pick up a hitchhiker, Emmett Myers (William Talman) who turns out to be a murderous sociopath on the run from the law. When Myers informs them that he’ll dispose of them when they’re no longer useful to him, the friends try to come up with an escape plan, but their captor’s physical ailment, an eye that never closes, makes it incredibly difficult to make any sudden moves.

The Hitch-Hiker is one of the grittiest and stark classic noir films that trades in the genre’s usual city backdrop, seductive femme fatale, and witty dialogue for an endless stretch of desert, an unpredictable madman, and drawn-out moments of unbearable silence that make it one of the most intense noirs ever made. The story’s terror comes from how easily ordinary men can fall into a nightmare with no logic or escape, while the tight frame enhances the audience’s overall sense of feeling confined in the nightmarish road trip. Over the years, The Hitch-Hiker has gained more recognition, and its psychological realism, female perspective on male vulnerability, and merciless sense of dread deem it to be an innovative noir classic.

2

‘The Unsuspected’ (1947)

Claude Rains looking at Joan Caulfield with his hand on her chin in The Unsuspected (1947)
Claude Rains looking at Joan Caulfield with his hand on her chin in The Unsuspected (1947)
Image via Warner Bros.
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Claude Rains stars in Michael Curtiz‘s The Unsuspected as Victor Grandison, a radio host who is known for his murder mystery series and has been living off the estate of his niece, who tragically died in a shipwreck. When Grandison’s secretary is found murdered in his home, he’s quickly ruled out as a suspect, but when a man (Michael North) arrives claiming to be his niece’s husband, Grandison soon becomes the main character in his own case of whodunit.

The Unsuspected reverses the expectations of a noir by disguising one of the darkest, most cold-blooded noir visions inside what first appears to be a polished, upper-crust mystery. Rains gives one of his most unsettling performances as the cultured and soft-spoken Grandison, whose intellect and charm mask a profoundly vicious worldview. While the plot is quite intricate and requires attention to detail, the film’s chilling tone, daring point of view, and horrifying portrait of respectable evil make The Unsuspected one of the most sophisticated and psychologically radical noirs from the era of classic film noir.

1

‘The Locket’ (1946)

A man and woman sit face to face but don't look at each other in The Locket.
A man and woman sit face to face but don’t look at each other in The Locket.
Image via RKO Radio Pictures Inc.
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The Locket is one of the greatest classic film noir movies that few have ever seen, and is known for its unique nesting-doll story structure and intense psychological depth. The story follows a psychiatrist, Dr. Harry Blair (Brian Aherne), who pays an unexpected visit to a soon-to-be husband, John Willis (Gene Raymond), to warn him about his future bride, Nancy (Laraine Day), whom Blair was once engaged to as well. Through a series of flashbacks, Blair reveals that Nancy is a compulsive liar, a kleptomaniac, and a murderer who has never been punished for her series of crimes.

The greatest achievement in The Locket is its fractured narrative, which peels away lie after lie through flashbacks within flashbacks and is one of the few noirs that are this formally bold or this interested in subjective psychology rather than crime mechanics. Visually, The Locket is elegant and claustrophobic, using mirrors, shadows, and confined spaces to suggest broken identity and moral entrapment. Because of its lack of sensational violence or toughness, it’s easy to understand why The Locket was initially overlooked, but today, its narrative sophistication, emotional cruelty, and psychological insight place The Locket among the riskiest and underrated film noir masterpieces of the 1940s.

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Antonio Banderas Explains Why He’s Happier After Hollywood Exit

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quot Competencia Oficial quot Red Carpet - The 78th Venice International Film Festival

Antonio Banderas is opening up about the life change that brought him a new sense of happiness. The actor, who left Los Angeles in 2017, has embraced a new life in Spain focused on personal fulfillment. For Banderas, the move marked the beginning of a much more rewarding chapter in his life.

Why Did The Actor Move Back To Spain?

quot Competencia Oficial quot Red Carpet - The 78th Venice International Film Festival
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Banderas left Hollywood life and moved back to Spain, specifically his hometown of Málaga, in 2017. His decision was prompted by a health scare that changed his perspective on life, as he told The Times in an interview published on March 25.

According to the 65-year-old actor, his heart attack was the best thing that happened to him, adding, “Seriously. Mine was a really serious warning. It changed the way I look at life.” Before his move, he was living in the U.S. and the U.K. After surviving his heart attack, he quit smoking, got rid of his private jet, and decided to move back to Málaga.

In 2023, Banderas shared his thoughts after the health scare, saying, “Since my heart attack, I’m looking only for the pleasure of acting. That’s it. I don’t care about anything else. For me, life starts when somebody says, ‘Action!’ – or when the curtain comes up.”

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Antonio Banderas’ 2017 Heart Attack

quot Competencia Oficial quot Red Carpet - The 78th Venice International Film Festival
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In March 2017, while attending a film festival in Málaga, Banderas shared that he suffered a heart attack in January that year while he was exercising. The actor said he felt “very lucky” to have survived.

“I underwent an operation where they implanted three stents in my coronary arteries,” Banderas shared. In addition, he said he also had an arrhythmia, wherein the heart doesn’t beat regularly, and had to undergo a thermoablation as well. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Banderas said what he experienced “wasn’t as dramatic” as what was reported in the news.

The actor said his heart attack was the result of the “real beating” his body had taken after spending decades as a workaholic in the entertainment industry. Fortunately, Banderas’ heart attack caused no lasting damage.

Antonio Banderas’ Greatest Passion Is Theater

After moving to Málaga, Banderas purchased a run-down theater. “Faced with death, it made me look back and realise that I am, in fact, a theatre actor,” he told The Times. While known for his work in movies, Banderas also acted on Broadway, earning a Tony Best Actor in a Musical nomination in 2003 for his portrayal of Guido Contini in “Nine.”

“The opportunity arose to buy this venue, a former cinema, which was in a state of disrepair and full of asbestos. It was awful. So I cleared it out and built it inside its shell,” he explained.

Banderas rebuilt the theater and said that he has “never been so happy” now that he is working on his true passion. Teatro del Soho, an 840-seater state-of-the-art theater, opened its doors in 2019 and has since hosted numerous performances and events.

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The Actor’s Theater Is Non-Profit

Banderas’ mission for building the theater was to give back to the community of Málaga through the arts and promote cultural growth in his hometown. The theater is a non-profit venture and funded by businesses and private investors, including Banderas himself.

In January, Banderas shared that he lost money in some productions, but that didn’t stop him from working on his passion. “We don’t work for money either. We lost money with ‘Company’ and ‘Gipsy’,” he noted.

“We filled the theater to not lose much. But they can’t take away the dance from me. I did what I wanted, how I wanted to do it, and with the perfect people. How can that be a failure? The pursuit of excellence is an end in itself,” he explained.

Antonio Banderas’ Love For Theater Came Early

Elsewhere in the interview with The Times, Banderas said that he started watching musicals when he was a young boy, as his parents were “great theatre enthusiasts.” He recalled watching shows with his parents in the ’70s at a time when his country was under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco. “Against all odds, musicals were premiering in Spain that brought a different kind of modernity to the stage,” the actor said.

Banderas gained worldwide recognition after starring in movies including “The Mambo Kings,” “Philadelphia,” “Interview with the Vampire,” and “The Mask of Zorro.” After working for decades in Hollywood, Banderas has come full circle, returning to the craft that gives him the greatest joy.

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Britney Spears Makes Shocking Claim Against Ex-Bodyguard

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Britney Spears wearing a Julien MacDonald dress, H Stern jewels, and Christian Louboutin shoes arrives at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards

Britney Spears is taking legal action after alleging a serious breach of her privacy by a former employee, while also navigating personal challenges that have recently put her back in the spotlight. 

The pop icon’s team has moved to confront what they describe as unauthorized access to her private accounts, even as she deals with fallout from a recent DUI arrest and growing concerns about her well-being. 

Britney Spears Claims Ex-Bodyguard Violated Her Privacy

Britney Spears wearing a Julien MacDonald dress, H Stern jewels, and Christian Louboutin shoes arrives at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / MEGA

Britney Spears has taken legal action against her former bodyguard, Thomas Bunbury, accusing him of secretly accessing her personal devices and Apple iCloud account. 

Through her attorney, the singer issued a cease-and-desist letter last month, demanding answers and accountability.

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According to a report from TMZ, Bunbury allegedly gained access to sensitive information without permission, raising concerns about potential violations of both state and federal laws. 

Spears is now threatening to escalate the matter by reporting him to authorities and pursuing charges.

The singer has also demanded that Bunbury delete any copies of files he may have obtained and clarify whether any photos, documents, or personal data were shared. 

The situation reportedly escalated after Bunbury was fired in August 2025 for allegedly breaching a non-disclosure agreement by communicating with fans and media outlets. 

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Sources claim the alleged hacking incidents occurred after his dismissal, with Spears experiencing repeated lockouts from her own accounts.

Spears’ Public Sighting Follows DUI Arrest Fallout

Britney Spears at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards
Lumeimages / MEGA

Britney Spears’ legal concerns extend beyond the dispute with her former bodyguard. She was recently seen in public for the first time following her arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence earlier this month. 

The singer was spotted shopping at Malibu Country Mart, where she stopped at Starbucks, wearing a long brown coat and black sunglasses.

The arrest stemmed from reports of an erratic driver in a black BMW 430i on the U.S. 101 freeway near the Ventura and Los Angeles County border. 

Spears, who was alone in the vehicle, underwent field sobriety tests at the scene. While additional chemical test results remain pending, authorities confirmed that an investigation is ongoing.

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She was later released from Ventura County Jail, and a court date has been set for May 4, where prosecutors will determine whether charges will be filed. 

According to the Daily Mail, her representative described the situation as “an unfortunate incident that [was] completely inexcusable,” while adding that Spears “is going to take the right steps and comply with the law.” 

The statement also expressed hope that the incident would serve as a turning point.

Britney Spears Faces Mounting Concern Over Behavior And Support System

Britney Spears at the World Premiere Of Sony Pictures' 'Once Upon a Time In Hollywood'
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In the days leading up to her arrest, Spears had already raised concern among fans after sharing a troubling Instagram video. 

The singer appeared disheveled while dancing in her living room, and shortly after her release from jail, her entire Instagram account was deleted.

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Behind the scenes, those close to the 44-year-old are reportedly working to stabilize her situation. Her representative said that she is in need of support during what has been described as a difficult period.

Spears’ family is also stepping in. Her sons, Sean and Jayden, are expected to spend time with her as part of efforts to provide stability. 

According to her representative, “her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue, needed plan to set her up for success for well-being.”

An insider echoed those concerns, saying Spears’ recent behavior “has been worse recently” and pointing to her isolation as a contributing factor. 

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The source explained that she “has a lot of alone time at home, which leads her to make bad choices like drinking,” while also noting that she is currently “very upset” about the recent events but “doesn’t truly understand the implications yet.”

Spears’ Ex-Assistant Calls DUI Arrest ‘Suspicious’ And Raises Fresh Concerns

Britney Spears at the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards
Lumeimages / MEGA

Britney Spears’ former assistant Sean Phillip recently shared his own theory about her recent DUI arrest, calling the situation “suspicious” and suggesting there may be more behind it. 

According to The Blast, Phillip said, “I think there are some people out to get her. The timing is so off,” pointing to the fact that the arrest came shortly after Spears gained financial independence from selling her music catalog.  

He also claimed, “I don’t think she’s free,” alleging there may still be a “care plan” in place and questioning whether Spears truly has full control over her finances.  

According to Phillip, the situation could be part of a larger effort to influence her life again, even hinting at concerns about a possible return to conservatorship. 

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Sam Asghari Says Spears Was ‘Oppressed’ Like Iranian Women

Sam Asghari and Britney Spears
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A few days ago, Sam Asghari made headlines after claiming his ex-wife, Britney Spears, experienced a form of oppression similar to what women face in Iran. 

As The Blast reported, he spoke on “Piers Morgan Uncensored,” revealing that growing up in Iran and witnessing firsthand the oppression of women shaped his perspective, which he said influenced how he views Spears’ past struggles.

He revealed that the “Toxic” singer was also “oppressed by many people who took advantage of her.” 

Asghari explained that although the situations were not identical, he saw similarities in how control and outside influence affected her life. 

He pointed specifically to Spears’ past conservatorship and intense media scrutiny, suggesting both limited her freedom in different ways. 

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Asghari urged people not to judge her harshly and instead understand the pressures she has faced over the years.

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Lionel Richie Talks Going The Extra Mile To Connect With Fans

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Lionel Richie Performs At O2 Arena, London, UK

Music icon Lionel Richie has been in the entertainment industry for five decades, and in that time, he has built a reputation as one of the kindest and most down-to-earth people in the business. One of the keys to his lasting success is making the effort to genuinely engage with fans and the people he works with, a gesture, he says, that is essential to being famous.

Lionel Richie Says Aspiring Stars Should ‘Like People’

Lionel Richie Performs At O2 Arena, London, UK
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Richie sat down for a conversation with his son-in-law, Joel Madden, on the podcast “Artist Friendly,” where he talked about his career, his legacy, and how he thrived in the music industry.

At one point in the conversation, Richie expressed his thoughts about fame and dealing with fans, saying that one thing he says to aspiring stars is something that they don’t often think about: “I hope you like people.”

“Because if you don’t like people, here’s how it’s going to sound. You spend the first half of your career going, ‘Look at me, look at me, look at me, look at me.’ And then you finally get famous. ‘Don’t look at me. Don’t look at me. Don’t look at me,’” Richie said.

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Richie says that fame and fortune come with dealing with people, and stars “have to be able to engage.”

The Singer Makes It A Point To Acknowledge Fans

Lionel Richie at Sir Lucian Grange Star Ceremony - Los Angeles
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Elsewhere in the interview, Madden pointed out one thing he learned from his father-in-law, saying that he “sees people.” “You stop, and you acknowledge them,” he shared, saying that Richie often takes the time to greet or smile at people who recognize him in public, even while not officially working.

Richie recalled a particular incident when his children asked him who he was talking to while they were at a restaurant, as they kept hearing the singer saying, “Hi, how are you?” and “Good to see you” to the patrons.

The 76-year-old singer explained that he does that because he felt “invisible” too before he became famous, and he sees how some people seem like they want to approach him or talk to him, but they’re “scared to death.” “You can see it on their face. They want to say something. And for me to ignore them would be the worst,” he noted.

Lionel Richie Doesn’t Want Fans To Be Disappointed When They Meet Him

Lionel Richie seen on TV Talk Shows in NYC
RCF / MEGA

“There’s an old expression I have: Sometimes you meet the person you idolize the most, and you’re sorry you met them,” Richie told Madden. He then shared that he promised himself not to be the person who would disappoint his fans. “I’m never going to be that. Never,” he firmly said.

In fact, early in his career with the musical band Commodores, Richie would seek out fans to have a meal with them for companionship. In an interview with “TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle” in 2025, the singer revealed that for the first five years with the group, he felt anxious being alone while on tour. “If we had breakfast, lunch, or dinner, I would go downstairs in the restaurant of whatever location and find a fan and go, ‘Let’s have lunch,’” Richie said.

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The Singer Is Also Courteous To Staff And Crew

Lionel Richie at Christmas Concert in Vatican
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Richie also extends the same courtesy to the people he encounters during work. The singer noted that those working behind the scenes are “conditioned” to think that celebrities won’t acknowledge them because of prior experiences, but he doesn’t think that way.

Instead, he makes it a point to say hello or ask how they are doing, at times even offering to take photos with them. “It takes you five seconds less to say ‘Hey, thanks, man’ or ‘How are you doing?’ That’s it,” Richie explained. Madden then shared that over the years, he had crossed paths with people who told him they had met his father-in-law, and they all had the same reaction, saying, “He’s the best.”

Richie then compared how treating people is like planting seeds. “When you plant f-ck you seeds, you get f-ck you flowers. Nothing grows. So if you plant a career of f-ck you flowers, it’s coming back to haunt you.”

Lionel Richie’s Thriving Career

Lionel Richie 70 has 3 costume changes as he performs to excited crowds at the British Summertime Festival in Hyde Park
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Richie has managed to stay relevant for decades, building a career that has lasted beyond his early chart-topping years. After leaving the Commodores, the singer pursued a solo career, releasing hits such as “Hello” and “All Night Long.”

Since then, Richie has remained in the spotlight, going on tours and expanding his reach by serving as a judge on “American Idol.” His staying power in the industry has shown that lasting success isn’t just about talent, but also about the genuine way he connects with fans and the people around him.

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White House slams Joy Behar over 'herpes' comment on “The View”: 'Extremely unlikeable, talentless hack' (exclusive)

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Behar joked that Iranian officials gave Donald Trump “herpes” on Wednesday’s live broadcast, and also questioned what the military has accomplished in the war.

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John Aiken reveals “Married at First Sight” costar Mel Schilling's last conversation with him just before her death at 54

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John Aiken recalled the last time that he spoke with his “Married at First Sight” costar Mel Schilling before she died.

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6 chilling details about JFK Jr.'s fatal plane crash

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Much information has emerged about the crash — and the ways in which it could have been avoided.

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7 Forgotten TV Shows That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

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Zoe Levin as Kara wearing a hospital gown in Red Band Society

Great TV shows need to strike a balance between being modern and relevant to the time in which they’re airing or being released, and having a certain timeless quality. The best TV shows have strong characters, resonant themes, and compelling storylines that can make them stand the test of time. Series like The Sopranos, Golden Girls, and Cheers still make for a fantastic watch and rewatch decades later, because viewers can still connect with the characters and their journeys.

While there are so many popular shows that have aged well, a lot of the shows that continue to get better with time remain underrated years after they’ve ended. Some of these shows have devoted fan bases but never gained widespread viewership, while others had more attention while they were airing, but are now only primarily remembered by their most devoted fans. These are the forgotten TV shows that have aged like fine wine.

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‘Red Band Society’ (2014–2015)

Zoe Levin as Kara wearing a hospital gown in Red Band Society
Zoe Levin as Kara wearing a hospital gown in Red Band Society
Image via FOX

Red Band Society is a teen drama that takes place entirely in the pediatric ward of a hospital. High school cheerleader and mean girl Kara’s (Zoe Levin) life is turned upside down by her heart condition, and she is suddenly admitted to Ocean Park Hospital for a residential stay. There, she meets and starts to bond with the other patients: longtime patients Leo (Charlie Rowe), Dash (Stro), and Emma (Ciara Bravo), brand-new patient Jordi (Nolan Sotillo), and her comatose roommate, Charlie (Griffin Gluck).

Unlike other teen dramas, Red Band Society is confined to one place, heightening the physical and emotional stakes. Every teen in the series is very sick, but they are also each other’s entire social lives at the moment, creating quite a bit of conflict between the group of them. Red Band Society sadly only got one season, but it is a strong one, with 13 episodes that show Kara and Jordi becoming essential members of the group while completely changing as people through their time at Ocean Park.

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‘Kevin From Work’ (2015)

Audrey Piatigorski and Kevin Daly standing together in a bathroom and smiling in Kevin from Work
Audrey Piatigorski and Kevin Daly standing together in a bathroom and smiling in Kevin from Work
Image via Freeform

Kevin From Work follows Kevin Daly (Noah Reid), a normal and generally not-quite-happy guy who works in a dissatisfying office job. The only bright spot of his job is his work crush, Audrey Piatigorsky (Paige Spara). Kevin’s life is about to change, because he’s leaving for his dream job as a truffle and sea salt manager in Italy. On the night before his flight, Kevin drunkenly writes a letter to Audrey, confessing his love for her. The next day, though, the job falls through. Now, Kevin has to keep working beside Audrey, who has a boyfriend and now knows how Kevin feels about her.

Kevin From Work is a hilarious workplace comedy that pokes fun at rom-coms, carefully deconstructing Kevin’s ideas of the ideal romance over the course of its single season. The show plays around with Kevin’s frequent daydreaming, showing elaborate sequences like a fairy tale daydream with cartoon birds, and a spoof of an old black-and-white movie. Kevin From Work is a fun and silly show that really goes over-the-top with its humor, and it makes for an excellent watch and rewatch.

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The cast of Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist dancing.
The cast of Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist dancing.
Image via NBC

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist follows Zoey Clarke (Jane Levy), a coder who’s very serious about her job and close to her family. Zoey’s father, Mitch (Peter Gallagher), has a neurodegenerative disease and is unable to speak. When Zoey gets an MRI to see if she might have his condition, there is an earthquake while she’s in the machine. Zoey leaves the doctor’s office with an unusual superpower: she can now hear the inner thoughts and feelings of the people around her through musical numbers that only she can see and hear.

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist is a heartfelt dramedy with two seasons and a movie. Zoey starts the series focused on work, her family, and her best friend, Max (Skylar Astin). Through what she calls “heart songs,” though, Zoey’s world opens up. Framed like a procedural, each episode of Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist shows Zoey hearing the thoughts of a different person and trying to help them with their emotional conflicts.

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‘Totally Completely Fine’ (2023)

Vivian Cunningham (Thomasin Mackenzie) holding an urn up to her head in Totally Completely Fine
Vivian Cunningham (Thomasin Mackenzie) holding an urn up to her head in Totally Completely Fine
Image via Stan

Totally Completely Fine is an Australian dark comedy series that follows a depressed and self-sabotaging woman in her early 20s named Vivian Cunningham (Thomasin McKenzie). Vivian and her brothers were raised by their grandfather after the death of their parents in a car accident. When their grandfather dies, all three siblings are surprised to learn that he’s left his beautiful waterfront home to Vivian. The catch is that the home overlooks a cliff that is a popular local suicide location, and Vivian’s grandfather has entrusted her with the responsibility of saving those who come there.

Totally Completely Fine kicks off when Vivian saves the life of Amy Matthews (Contessa Treffone), a runaway bride who goes to the cliff in a panic. She then moves in with Vivian, and she encourages a reluctant Vivian to keep saving lives like her grandfather knew she could. All the while, Vivian struggles with her own self-destructive tendencies, her fraught relationship with her oldest brother (Rowan Witt), and her lingering grief and guilt over her parents’ accident.













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Collider Exclusive · Star Wars Quiz
Which Force User
Are You?

Light Side · Dark Side · Or Somewhere Between
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The Force is not a binary. It is a spectrum — from the serene halls of the Jedi Temple to the shadowed corridors of Sith space. Ten questions will reveal where you truly fall. The Force has always known. Now you will too.

🔵Jedi Master

🟡Padawan

🔴Sith Lord

Inquisitor

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Grey Jedi

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01

What is the Force to you?
Your relationship with the Force defines everything else.




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02

When you feel strong emotions — anger, grief, love — what do you do?
The Jedi suppress. The Sith feed. Others choose differently.




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03

The Jedi Council gives you an order you disagree with. You:
How you handle authority reveals your alignment.




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04

You are offered forbidden knowledge that could give you enormous power. The cost is crossing a moral line. You:
The dark side’s pull is never more than a choice away.




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05

Your approach to training and learning is:
A student’s habits become a master’s character.




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06

In a duel, your lightsaber fighting style reflects:
Combat is the purest expression of a Force user’s philosophy.




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07

A defeated enemy lies at your feet, powerless. You:
Mercy — or its absence — is the truest test of alignment.




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08

The Jedi Code forbids attachment. Your honest view on love and bonds:
The source of the greatest falls in the galaxy.




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09

Why do you use the Force at all? What’s the point?
Purpose is the difference between a knight and a weapon.




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10

At the final moment — light side or dark side pulling at you — what wins?
In the end, every Force user faces this moment. What does yours look like?




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Your Alignment Has Been Determined
Your Place in the Force

The scores below reveal how the Force sees you. Your highest number is your true alignment. Read on to understand what that means — and what it will cost you.

🔵
Jedi Master

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🟡
Padawan

🔴
Sith Lord


Inquisitor


Grey Jedi

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Disciplined, compassionate, and deeply attuned to the living Force, you have walked the path long enough to understand its demands — and accept them. You lead not through authority alone, but through example. You have felt the pull of the dark side and chosen otherwise, every time. That is not certainty. That is courage.

You are earnest, powerful, and brimming with potential — and you know it, which is both your greatest asset and your most dangerous flaw. You act before you think, trust your gut over your training, and sometimes confuse impatience for bravery. The Masters see something in you, though. The question isn’t whether you have what it takes — it’s whether you’ll be patient enough to find out.

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You are not simply dangerous — you are certain, and that is worse. You have decided what the galaxy needs, and you have decided you are the one to deliver it. Your power is genuine and formidable, earned through sacrifice that would have broken lesser beings. But examine your victories carefully. Every Sith believed their cause was righteous. The dark side’s cruelest trick is that it agrees with you.

You were forged in fire and reshaped by those who found you at your lowest. You serve, because service gave you structure when you had none. Your allegiance is not to an ideology — it is to survival and to the master who gave you purpose. But there is something buried beneath the conditioning. The Jedi you hunt? You recognize them. Because you remember what it felt like before the choice was taken from you.

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You have looked at the Jedi Code and the Sith Code and found both of them incomplete. You walk the line not out of indecision but out of conviction — you genuinely believe both extremes miss something essential. The Jedi don’t fully trust you. The Sith think you’re wasting your potential. They’re both partially right. But so are you.

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‘The Midnight Club’ (2022)

The cast sit on the floor or stand by walls in a house, looking at something off-camera in The Midnight Club.
Sauriyan Sapkota as Amesh, William Chris Sumpter as Spencer, Igby Rigney as Kevin, Adia as Natalia, Annarah Cymone as Sandra, Iman Benson as Ilonka, and Aya Furukawa as Natsuki in The Midnight Club.
Image via Netflix
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Amongst Mike Flanagan‘s more popular horror series on Netflix is The Midnight Club, an emotional and severely underrated teen drama with a horror twist. The Midnight Club follows Ilonka (Iman Benson), a teenage girl with terminal cancer. After having found stories of a girl with her illness decades before who seemed to have been magically cured, Ilonka goes to spend the rest of her days at Brightcliffe, a hospice center for dying teenagers.

Ilonka is there looking for a cure, but the rest of her new friends are at Brightcliffe because they’ve accepted their fates. She learns that they have a club where they meet every night to tell scary stories, but these stories are far from the only unsettling thing about Brightcliffe. In her search for answers, Ilonka starts seeing horrifying visions and hearing about intricate rituals, forcing her to determine how far she’s willing to go to fight death.

‘Faking It’ (2014–2016)

Karma and Amy standing in front of a croquembouche in Faking It
Karma and Amy standing in front of a croquembouche in Faking It
Image via MTV
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Faking It is a hilarious satirical teen comedy series that follows two extremely close best friends named Karma (Katie Stevens) and Amy (Rita Volk). They are practically invisible at their very progressive high school, but when they are mistaken for a couple, they are made instantly popular. Karma is thrilled at her newfound popularity, but Amy struggles to maintain their fake relationship as she begins to realize that she has real feelings for Karma.

Faking It is such a fun and silly show with wildly over-the-top humor, sharply funny and strange dialogue, and complex and nuanced characters. The show’s goofy comedy and wild premise are grounded in the very real story of Amy slowly coming to terms with her identity, and Karma being forced to examine her own insecurities and her desperate quest for popularity.

‘She-Ra and the Princesses of Power’ (2018–2020)

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power still has a devoted fanbase now, nearly six years after its conclusion, but it’s sadly been removed from Netflix and is currently unavailable to stream anywhere. The series follows Adora (Aimee Carrero), a young woman who’s been trained as a soldier for an evil army called the Horde for the entirety of her life. Adora is soon pulled to find a magic sword that transforms her into a Princess of Power called She-Ra. This leads Adora to realize that the Horde is evil, and to leave behind everything – including her best friend, Catra (AJ Michalka) – to join the rebellion and fight against the Horde.

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She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is a clever series with thoughtful storytelling that slowly unravels over the course of its five seasons. These five seasons are full of nuanced and intentional character development, thoughtful explorations of themes of colonialism and imperialism, and a number of brilliant plot twists that are built up from the very beginning of the series. The show also has one of the best slow-burn romances ever, and a phenomenal ensemble of unique and lovable characters.

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Jeremiah Duggar Returns to Social Media Amid Joseph’s Arrest

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Jeremiah Duggar shared his first social media post amid his brother Joseph’s arrest over child molestation charges.

Posting via Instagram on Thursday, March 26, Jeremiah, 27, shared a tribute to his wife Hannah in honor of their fourth wedding anniversary.

“It’s officially been 4 years since we tied the knot. My love for you is deeper now than ever before,” Jeremiah captioned the post, which featured a carousel of couple selfies.

He added, “You are the most incredible wife, and I am so grateful our girls can look up to you as the ultimate role model in their life. Happy 4 year anniversary Hannah!”

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Jeremiah had limited comments on the post.

Jeremiah’s post comes after Joseph, 31, was arrested on March 18 for allegedly molesting a girl during a Florida vacation.

The alleged victim, now 14, claimed in a police statement that Joseph “eventually apologized for his actions and the incidents stopped after the apology.”

Joseph, however, remains in jail and is facing multiple charges including two counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor.

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Us Weekly confirmed days later that Joseph’s wife, Kendra, was arrested on Friday, March 20. She was released that same day on a $1,470 bond.

Jeremiah-Duggar-Returns-to-Social-Media-Amid-Josephs-Arrest.jpg

Jeremiah and Hannah Duggar
(Photo courtesy of Jeremiah Duggar/Instagram))

In addition to his solo charges, Joseph and Kendra, 27, are both facing charges of endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts of second-degree false imprisonment.

“He’s currently waiting to be transferred from Arkansas to Florida and he’ll be facing trial on child molestation charges in Florida,” Rachael Bennett, a certified family law specialist and senior attorney at Sullivan Law & Associates, told Us on Thursday after looking into Joseph’s case. “He’s also been charged with the same child endangerment crimes as Kendra [Duggar] related to the home inspection, but those are, I would say, considered secondary.”

Bennett explained, “If he’s convicted in Florida, these specific charges could result in a life in prison sentence and if a life sentence isn’t given, Florida law requires what’s called a ‘split sentence,’ which requires a minimum of 25 years in prison followed by lifetime probation.”

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Jinger Duggar Breaks Silence on Joseph and Kendra Arrests


Related: Jinger Duggar Breaks Silence on Joseph and Kendra Duggar’s Arrests

Jinger Duggar and her husband, Jeremy Vuolo, are speaking out after the arrests of Joseph Duggar and his wife, Kendra Duggar. “I mean, it has been such a long week,” Jinger, 32, said on the Wednesday, March 25, episode of her “Jinger & Jeremy” podcast. “It’s been one of those weeks that feels like years. […]

Joseph is the second of Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar’s children to be arrested in recent years. Their eldest son, Josh Duggar, was sentenced in May 2022 to 12 years in prison for possession of child pornography.

Joseph’s brother Jason and his wife Maddie Grace Duggar released a joint statement via Instagram on Thursday, March 26 following news of Joseph’s arrest.

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“We, like many, have spent the week completely shocked, confused, and grieved to list a few emotions,” Jason, 25, and Maddie wrote. “We are disgusted to hear the news about my brother, however, this isn’t about how it’s impacted our lives.”

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.

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Stephen Colbert reveals surprising new project months before “Late Show ”exit

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“The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past” will follow the Andy Serkis-directed “Hunt for Gollum,” slated for release in 2027.

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Heather Graham Talks Impact Of Intimacy Coordinators

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Heather Graham arrives for The Last Son

Heather Graham‘s relationship with intimacy coordinators in Hollywood has not been smooth sailing.

The actress opens up, sharing her view based on her personal experience in the industry. Working on sets and projects with a number of explicit scenes since the early 2000s, she has seen both sides of the coin in the industry.

Sex has been a big topic of discussion for Heather Graham, especially because her big break in the entertainment industry came from having steamy roles. Other huge aspects of her life revolve around health and wellness.

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Heather Graham Says Intimacy Coordinators Make Her Uneasy On Set

Heather Graham arrives for The Last Son
RCF / MEGA

Graham, who rose to stardom with her outstanding role as Rollergirl in “Boogie Nights,” shares how different acting sets were back in her early days. The Paul Anderson film features the actress as the naive porn star in the adult entertainment industry, showing her in various nude scenes. Looking back, the star notes the changes in the ways such scenes are filmed, especially with the presence of intimacy coordinators.

Graham admits that she sees the vision in their presence on set and understands that having them as part of the crew comes with good intentions. Nevertheless, having been in the entertainment industry for so long without having intimacy coordinators, their presence feels odd to her. “There’s this random person in the room just staring at you when you’re, like, pretending you have sex. It’s kind of awkward,” the star explains.

In recent years, intimacy coordinators have become the norm on projects with steamy scenes; they help to choreograph the scenes while making sure the actors feel comfortable. Graham tells US Weekly that she acknowledges their purpose, saying, “I know that they have a beautiful intention, and they really want to help and protect actors.” However, it often feels like there are too many eyes watching her as she tries to get into character fully.

The ‘Boogie Nights’ Star Recalled Other Encounters With Intimacy Coordinators

Heather Graham at the 11th Annual Celebration Of The 2018 Female Oscar Nominees Presented By Women In Film
Jeffrey Mayer / MEGA

The actress shared a recent incident that occurred while filming her upcoming horror comedy “They Will Kill You.” The coordinator on set was an adorable lady in her 20s, according to Graham. During the scary scenes, the star felt less worried about the job and more about the person meant to oversee it. “We were doing this scary scene, and I felt like I had to take care of her. The movie star recalled, “She’s like, ‘This is really disturbing.’ And I’m like, ‘I know, I’m sorry, it’s kind of awkward,” Graham added.

On another project, the intimacy coordinator seemingly switched roles into creative direction and started directing “The Hangover” star on how to have sex in a scene, which made her have to use her voice. Graham reportedly told the coordinator that she was not asking for notes, and if she had any inputs, she could share them with the director.

Graham felt having two different people telling her what to do on set was confusing, and so she had to draw a line. Despite her personal notion about it, she sees that younger actors could benefit more from the help of intimacy coordinators. “It might be better if you’re younger and don’t know how to stand for yourself and speak up for yourself. At this point, I feel like I’m strong enough,” the actress stated.

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The Entertainer’s Reason For Getting Into Roles With Sexual Contents

Heather Graham Sighting In NYC
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The on-screen star previously shared that accepting her role on “Boogie Nights” was a huge step out of her comfort zone. She had initially turned down projects involving explicit content due to her upbringing. “I grew up in a religious family, and they were like, ‘Don’t do anything with any sexual content,’” Graham shared on a podcast two years ago.

“But try to be a woman in Hollywood in your early 20s, mid-20s, and then to try to get no roles with any sexual content, it’s like impossible,” she added, noting that she had to go against her family’s wishes. Accepting the role of Rollergirl was a major turnaround for her career. Although the 56-year-old star found her debut nude scenes terrifying, she rose to the occasion.

The Hollywood Reporter reported that Graham had some concerns as a woman in the industry. Nude scenes create a space for vulnerability and for viewers to see certain flaws. Ultimately, she had to get it all out of her head and channel her character’s inner mindset. With this, the actress found the courage to perform her best in the film.

The Hollywood Icon Admitted That Sex Is Part Of Her Personality

Heather Graham at Los Angeles Gay And Lesbian Center Homeless Youth Services Benefit
Lumeimages / MEGA

Over a decade ago, the “At Any Price” star got candid about her real-life relationship with love-making. Despite being a pro at intimacy on screens, she reportedly struggled to come to terms with the actual process. Metro reported that Graham previously admitted that it took her a while to admit that she feels good about sex, as she constantly questioned her motives behind the feelings.

“Sex is a part of who I am, and it took me a long time to feel good about it,” she disclosed before saying, “I wasn’t sure if it was good or bad to be a person who really enjoys sex. Sex is an aspect of my personality.” She addressed the bias women face for being vocal about their sexuality. The entertainer voiced that the ultimate form of freedom is for a woman to be able to express her sexuality.

She also stated that the American culture at the time did not provide a safe space for women to express themselves sexually. To prove her point further, Graham cited that there are so many movies about men’s fantasies, but little to no attention is given to those of women.

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Heather Graham Is Focused More On Her Health These Days

Heather Graham seen leaving Good Morning America in NYC
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Graham believes that her health takes the number one spot in her life, even above her career. She insists that health is everything; hence, she pays closer attention to what she eats, exercises, and meditates. While she admittedly had unhealthy habits in the past, she has made conscious efforts to put that life behind her.

Graham previously revealed that she tries to stay away from white flour and sugar completely. In the same vein, she does not see the use of GLP-1s like Ozempic as something to include in her regimen. Instead of turning to pharmaceuticals for weight loss, the actress says working out, doing yoga, and dieting do the trick for her.

She also has never gone under the knife for any cosmetic procedures, although she has tried Botox, fillers, and microneedling. The Blast notes that Graham stressed her desire to be as natural as possible and enjoy her life to the fullest.

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