The Empire State Building has joined the outpouring of tributes honoring Dolly Parton following the country music icon’s passing at age 80. The New York City landmark lit up pink as a touching salute to the beloved singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist. However, the tribute came with a thoughtful detail that fans may recognize, making the gesture even more meaningful.

The Empire State Building often uses its iconic lights to mark major occasions and honor notable people and causes. Its colorful displays have become a familiar part of the city’s skyline, marking everything from holidays and cultural events to milestones and moments of public importance.

On August 25, following news of Dolly Parton’s passing, the landmark announced it would glow pink in remembrance of the Queen of Country Music. The display began at 9:25 p.m. ET, a nod to the singer’s hit song “9 to 5,” released in 1980.

Parton wrote “9 To 5” as the theme song for the comedy movie of the same title, which marked Parton’s mainstream acting debut and saw her star alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. The hit single earned her two Grammys: Best Country Song and Best Female Country Vocal Performance.

The Empire State Building remained illuminated in pink for an hour as part of the tribute.

The Country Singer Navigated Health Issues Before Her Passing

In the past year, Parton shared that she had been battling a series of health issues, including kidney stones, digestive and immune system issues, as well as dizziness and dehydration. However, she reassured her fans that she had been receiving treatment and improving.

In an interview shortly before her passing, Parton told PEOPLE that she neglected her own health while she took care of her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, who died in 2025. “I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl,” Parton said.

Advertisement

On August 25, Parton’s nephew announced the country singer had passed away at 80 years old. As reported by The Blast, a representative later shared more details about the singer’s death, revealing that she also briefly battled cancer.

Dolly Parton And Her Iconic Pink Aesthetic

The color pink became closely associated with Parton’s playful and glamorous image, fitting alongside rhinestones, bold makeup, towering wigs, and the unique fashion that became hallmarks of her personal style.

In 2020, Parton revisited some of her most iconic looks for Vogue‘s “Life in Looks” series, in which she discussed her pink ensemble from the “9 To 5” movie premiere, which she asked the film’s costume designer to create. “I just remember that was probably the first time I ever really felt like I was fashionable,” she said.

Parton described herself as a “painted doll” and used fashion as a form of self-expression. In a 2019 social media post, the singer shared a photo of her younger self in a pink outfit, writing in the caption, “No such thing as too much pink!”

Dolly Parton Sang ‘Pink’ For Breast Cancer Awareness

Advertisement

Pink was more than just a color to Parton. The singer was known for supporting charitable causes and was a dedicated supporter of breast cancer awareness.

In 2020, she collaborated with Monica, Jordin Sparks, Sara Evans, and Rita Wilson on the song “Pink,” an anthem of hope for the fight against breast cancer. The lyrics express a dream of a future where pink is seen as just a color, not a symbol associated with the disease.

In 2023, Susan G. Komen, a breast cancer organization, bestowed the Promise Award to Parton for her philanthropic efforts and commitment to ending breast cancer. “Dolly has long used her talents to inspire, educate, and raise critical funds for the breast cancer community. There’s no doubt, the world is a better place with Dolly Parton in it,” the organization’s president said.

Pink Isn’t Dolly Parton’s Favorite Color

Despite its association with Parton’s signature style, pink is not actually the singer’s favorite color. Her official Pinterest page offered a glimpse into her colorful aesthetic, with boards showcasing photos of her different looks and styles throughout her career.

Advertisement

In an interview with Interview Magazine, the Queen of Country Music said she has two favorites. “White and yellow. White makes me feel light and airy. Yellow makes me happy,” she shared.

Dolly Parton and her music will continue living on after her death, but one piece of her legacy remains deliberately out of reach.

The country music legend, who died on August 25 at age 80, recorded a secret song years before her death and had it physically locked away at her DreamMore Resort in Tennessee.

However, Dolly Parton left strict instructions for the recording to remain sealed until what would have been her 100th birthday in 2046, meaning fans may have to wait another two decades to hear it finally.

5

Parton wrote and recorded the mysterious song, titled “My Place in History,” in 2015, the same year Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort opened in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Instead of releasing the track with the rest of her music, she decided to turn it into a musical time capsule.

The recording was placed inside a chestnut “Dream Box,” which sits behind a glass at the resort, per Business Insider. The plan calls for the box to remain sealed until January 19, 2046, the date that would have marked Parton’s 100th birthday.

The unusual project has taken on considerably more significance following the singer’s shocking death that has devastated fans and friends worldwide.

Parton had originally entertained the possibility that she might actually live long enough to attend the unveiling herself.

In her 2020 book, “Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics,” she joked that she didn’t know whether she wanted to reach 100 but suggested she would attend the opening of the capsule if she did.

Now, the song is poised to become a message from Parton to a generation of fans living decades after she recorded it.

The Singer Admitted She Desperately Wanted To Open The Box Early

5

Keeping “My Place in History” secret apparently became much harder for Parton than she expected.

During a 2022 appearance on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” the country icon admitted that she had repeatedly thought about breaking her own rules and retrieving the recording.

“I wanna go dig that up so bad,” Parton confessed.

She also offered a tantalizing review of the unheard recording, calling it “a really good song.”

Parton admitted that knowing the track was sitting somewhere within her reach, but not able to share it with the world, was “burning me up inside.”

Parton was famously prolific and spent decades sharing her songwriting with audiences, but she had deliberately created one song she wasn’t allowed to release until a set time.

She even joked elsewhere that she wanted permission to dig it up and replace it with something that wasn’t as good.

Despite the temptation to retrieve the musical capsule, Parton apparently stuck to the plan to leave it till 2046.

Only Dolly Parton Knew What ‘My Place In History’ Sounded Like

5

The biggest mystery about this kept song isn’t whether it is good; rather, it is that almost nobody knows what the song sounds like. Knowing Parton, she put all her strength into the song to make it a masterpiece.

The display that accompanied the Dream Box reportedly states that only Parton knew the song’s melody and contents.

Also, the title has become more significant.

“My Place in History” was written decades into Parton’s career, when her place in country music was already firmly established. At this time, she had transformed herself from a Tennessee songwriter into an international entertainer, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist.

She also remained remarkably aware of how her work might be remembered long after she was gone.

Parton’s death now means the song will likely be heard in a completely different context from the one in which she recorded it in 2015.

The Singer Locked Away A CD Player With The Recording

5

Apparently, Parton foresaw a problem with asking her fans to wait decades before they get to listen to “My Place in History.” According to reports, the “Joyful Noise” actress recorded the song on a CD.

With no guarantee that people would still commonly own CD players in 2046, Parton included the necessary equipment inside the Dream Box. Along with the recording, she placed a CD player in the box so whoever eventually opens it should have a way to hear the song.

In her book, Parton joked about the possibility that the technology would survive the long wait. “Hopefully, it will play and the whole thing ain’t rotted,” she wrote.

The glass display showing the recording reportedly contains a piece of wood taken from the front porch of her childhood home in Sevierville, Tennessee. Parton grew up in a family of 12 children before building one of the most successful careers in country music history.

‘My Place In History’ May Not Be Dolly Parton’s Only Posthumous Music

5

The “Dream Box” recording may be Parton’s mystery song to the world, but it may not necessarily be the only new music fans could eventually hear.

Entertainment Weekly revealed that she had deliberately prepared material so her musical legacy would continue long after she is gone.

During a 2020 appearance on the “Dolly Parton’s America” podcast, the singer said she had written hundreds, potentially thousands, of songs that had never been recorded.

She also explained that she was intentionally recording vocals in ways that could allow future producers to build new arrangements around them.

“For me, as far as what I hope my music will be left behind, I hope that it will always live,” she said during the interview.

Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for Trying Season 5.Over the course of five seasons, Apple TV’s greatest hidden gem, Trying, has evolved from a couple wanting to start a family to now navigating the challenges of keeping them all together. While Season 5 throws Esther Smith’s Nikki and Rafe Spall’s Jason into some of their toughest emotional territory yet with the return of their children’s biological mother, Kat (Charlotte Riley), the striking chapter forces everyone to rethink where they fit into each other’s lives.

Along the way, Nikki admits she was really digging her new coworker Kerry (Colin Morgan), Jason begins questioning whether he’s really cut out to become a social worker, and their daughter Princess (Scarlett Rayner) finally confronts the questions she’s carried with her since foster care. Yet somehow, Trying still finds room for bad rap songs, mistaken identities, and a festival centered around Scott’s (Darren Boyd) latest bizarre idea.

Ahead of the Season 5 finale, Collider spoke with Smith and Spall about the biggest turning points of Episode 8’s “WoodScott,” and why the ending feels less like a goodbye than the start of another chapter for the family. As Smith puts it, the finale “gives opportunity for them to go in any direction now,” while Spall sees a future in which Trying continues moving beyond its original adoption story: “Now it’s kind of a family show. It’s about family.”

In an exclusive with Collider, Smith and Spall together unpack how the finale brings several long-running stories to a close, including Kat’s heartbreaking farewell to Princess and Tyler (Cooper Turner), while leaving Nikki, Jason, and their family with plenty of room to keep growing.

Nikki and Jason’s Marriage Survives Its Biggest Test Yet

“Something’s tested, and it’s how you meet that test.”

Image via Apple TV

Image via Apple TV

For the first time in the Andy Wolton-created series, Nikki and Jason’s relationship is tested by something that doesn’t exactly come from the outside, but more so from Nikki herself. As Kat’s return leaves her feeling disconnected from her family, the anxious Nikki finds herself drawn to a new coworker, Kerry. But what begins as an innocent friendship slowly turns into a crush, culminating in Episode 6’s (“Halloween”) beautifully written and performed confession at the movie theater, where Nikki admits she never corrected Jason when he assumed Kerry was a woman. But instead of turning that into a sappy and melodramatic moment, Trying doubles down on what has always made this couple so lovely: their willingness to tell each other the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.

“I’m really pleased that that was the resolution of that,” Smith tells Collider. “When I first heard that there was going to be this character called Kerry that was a potential threat, I freaked out a little bit because I was like, ‘Surely not. Nothing can damage this solid relationship.’ And actually, in essence, what it does is something’s tested, and it’s how you meet that test. They did meet it really maturely, so then that’s just added more growth and more strength to them.”

That emotional spiral wasn’t really about Kerry, though. As Smith explains, Nikki’s feelings stemmed from believing she was slowly losing her place in her own family while Princess bonded with Kat and Jason settled into college. “Nikki’s scared that she’s being left behind and that she’s being forgotten about, and things are changing around her,” she says. “She wants to figure out who she is now without the mom hat on.” Even her decision not to tell Jason that Kerry was a man felt like a line she knew she was crossing.

But for her co-star (and real-life husband), Spall, that’s exactly why the storyline works. Rather than manufacturing conflict for the sake of it, Trying trusts Nikki and Jason to have built the kind of relationship that can withstand difficult conversations. “It’s a healthy dynamic,” he says. “They’re challenged constantly. In this instance, it’s, with them, a breaking of trust. But they have a very mature, healthy approach to their relationship. They know that things happen. They know that things get thrown at them. And yes, they love each other, but also they like each other. They like each other, and they really see each other… All of these things that we’re talking about contribute to them still being a pretty aspirational couple, really.”

Princess’s Reunion With Kat Changes the Future of the Family

Kat is “a bomb” thrown into the family, but she is not the villain.

While Nikki and Jason’s marriage comes out stronger by the end of Season 5, the finale’s biggest emotional payoff belongs to Princess. Ever since her mother reappeared at the start of the season, Princess has been chasing the idea of the relationship she always wished she could have with her biological mum. But in “WoodScott,” the teenager finally realizes that some questions just don’t have the right answers. In what is also one of the season’s most heartbreaking moments, Princess unknowingly opens up to Kat (hidden inside the festival mascot costume she believes Nikki is wearing), admitting she still keeps the rucksack she brought from foster care under her bed for fear of never feeling settled. Later, when Kat tells Princess it’s time to unpack that rucksack before leaving her children for Thailand, it isn’t just a goodbye but permission to finally move forward.

For Smith, that emotional moment only works because Nikki has spent the season learning that loving Princess also means making room for Kat, despite how difficult that is. “What’s really lovely in this season is the way Nikki gets the opportunity to show parts of her maturity,” she says. “She’s not a cruel person; she just loves her children, and she is so protective, and there’s this threat of this person who’s actually a really profoundly fundamental human in Princess’s life, who she wants to get to know her. She has an opportunity, and Nikki allows that, which I think is such a strength in her and the love that she has for her daughter.”

That perspective also reshapes how Kat is viewed by the finale. Throughout the season, it would have been easy to paint her as the villain disrupting Nikki and Jason’s life, but Trying refuses to take the easy route. Spall credits that to creator Wolton’s writing. “I think the show just does such a great job of subverting expectations,” he says. “It avoids cliché. Everyone in it is rounded and does things that are surprising.”

Instead, Kat is desperately trying to reconnect with her daughter while knowing she can never undo the years they lost. Spall believes that complexity is exactly what has allowed the show to keep growing after five seasons. “Even the character of Kat, who is kind of this bomb that is thrown into the family,” he says, “you care about her, and she herself is trying to do something that she’s simply not equipped to do.”

It’s for this reason that he believes the series has naturally evolved beyond its original premise. By the time the show’s final scene rolls around, Princess walks downstairs without the emotional weight she’s carried since Nikki and Jason found her in Season 2, joining her family around the dinner table. Kat may have left, but she finally gives Princess enough closure to stop searching for the mother she imagined and embrace the family that has been there all along.

Jason’s Next Chapter Could Take ‘Trying’ Full Circle

The finale “gives opportunity for them to go in any direction now.”

Image via Apple TV

Although “WoodScott” wraps nearly every major storyline with a satisfying sense of closure, Trying never feels like it’s saying goodbye. Jason’s biggest throughline this season has been whether he’s cut out to become a social worker after struggling through his placement. Meanwhile, Nikki is trying to discover who she is beyond being needed every second of the day, and Princess has reached a place where she can start looking forward. Rather than the story ending, the finale clears the board for a new phase, and, as executive producers this season, both see that as one of the finale’s biggest strengths.

While the Season 5 finale ends with a neat emotional bow, Smith doesn’t believe it closes any doors for the series. “It does have a very neat bow at the end of it, but it’s not so much a bow as in to be like, ‘Okay, that’s it. Goodbye now!’” Smith smiles. “I hope that we get to do it again, because I would like to see it go full circle and see what it looks like with Jason looking after a family as a social worker. I just think that would be a really lovely thing to experience. I equally hope that that’s not the end of it, but I think it gives opportunity for them to go in any direction now, actually.”

Spall agrees, believing Jason’s biggest journey is only just beginning. Rather than making him an instant success in his new career, the show embraces the uncertainty that comes with starting over. As Spall points out, that has always been Trying’s philosophy: “Even with them getting the kids, they’re not great at it. They try, and they are great in certain ways, but they’re not perfect.”

That same honesty carries into Jason’s new career. “I like the fact that Jason is like, ‘I don’t even know if I’m cut out for this. I think I might just quit and not do it anymore.’ I think that’s very human,” Spall says. “I think there’s room for, if there’s another season, where it could be that Scarlett’s character goes to university, and so then they’ve got an empty nest again… Because it’s a show that started off being about adoption, and now it’s kind of a family show. It’s about family, and Andy’s done a really great job in continuing to give the show life. Because, ultimately, these shows live and die on being a collection of people that you like hanging out with, and they’re really well-rounded, original characters. Still, it’s my favorite thing to do.”

Trying is now available to stream on Apple TV. Watch the full interview with Esther Smith and Rafe Spall above.

Advertisement

Trying

Advertisement

Release Date

2020 – 2023

Advertisement

Network

Apple TV

Directors

Advertisement

Ollie Parsons, Ellie Heydon, Elliot Hegarty, Jim O’Hanlon

Writers

Andy Wolton, Oriane Messina, James Wood, Fay Rusling

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Olivia Jade Giannulli has found her ace in tennis star Taylor Fritz, with a source exclusively telling Us they “are dating.”

The pair have been “seeing each other for the last three months,” the insider says.

While the start of Giannulli, 26, and Fritz’s budding romance was kept quiet, the source tells Us, “Taylor invited Olivia to be his date for Paige Lorenze and Tommy Paul‘s wedding and that was their public debut as a couple.” (Fellow tennis player Paul, 29, married influencer Lorenze, 28, in July at Old Westbury Gardens on Long Island, New York.)

Fritz, 28, and Giannulli have been “keeping things private and low-key,” the insider explains, noting that they are “very much dating.”

Related: Morgan Riddle Wears ‘Ex-Girlfriend’ Tee Amid Taylor Fritz Split

Influencer Morgan Riddle might have just subtly addressed her relationship status with tennis champ Taylor Fritz after the pair called it quits. “Is this thing on?” Riddle, 28, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, April 25, hours after multiple media outlets reported she had broken up with Fritz, also 28. In a photo carousel, Riddle snapped […]

The influencer and O.Piccola founder met Fritz “through their friend group” in the Big Apple, the source continues.

As Giannulli and Fritz’s romance continues to blossom, the insider says, “They aren’t putting pressure on it [but they] have been spending a lot of time together these last few months.”

Us has reached out to Giannulli and Fritz’s reps for comment.

The professional athlete’s relationship with Giannulli comes just months after he and Morgan Riddle called it quits. Fritz and Riddle, 29, dated for nearly six years before Us confirmed in April that they had quietly split one month prior.

Advertisement

Related: Shirtless Taylor Fritz Heats Up the Internet After Morgan Riddle Split

Taylor Fritz is heating up the internet with some post breakup thirst traps. Less than a month after Us Weekly confirmed that Fritz, 28, had split from influencer Morgan Riddle after nearly six years of dating, the tennis pro took to social media with a few shirtless gym photos. “Just been working,” Fritz wrote via […]

“When public relationships end, it’s standard to do some sort of Instagram statement or video, and I tried to write that a few times and I was just like, ‘This is not me,’” Riddle told Elle in June.

She noted that since their split, she and Fritz are “on good terms.”

Giannulli, meanwhile, has been linked to a few famous faces over the years.

The YouTube star dated musician Jackson Guthry on and off from early 2019 to August 2021.

Related: Olivia Jade Was a Bridesmaid in Candace Cameron Bure‘s Daughter’s Wedding

Advertisement

It’s a full-circle moment for Full House’s Lori Loughlin and Candace Cameron Bure. Footage from the wedding of Cameron Bure’s daughter, Natasha Bure, 27, revealed that Loughlin’s daughter Olivia Jade Giannulli, 25, played a role in the nuptials. (Cameron Bure, 49, and husband Valeri Bure also share sons Lev, 25, and Maksim, 23. Loughlin, for […]

Giannulli was then linked to Frankenstein actor Jacob Elordi. The pair began spending time together in December 2021, with Us confirming in May 2022 that Lori Loughlin and estranged-husband Mossimo Giannulli’s daughter was officially dating Elordi, 29.

Olivia Jade had an on-off relationship with the Euphoria alum over the next few years, splitting in August 2025 before briefly rekindling the romance the following month.

Us confirmed in October 2025 that the duo had split for good, with a source calling their reconciliation “very short-lived.”

“They were seeing each other for about a month before they figured out it wasn’t working again,” the insider said. “Olivia has been in NYC and Jacob has been filming, and has his home base in L.A., so distance was a factor.”

Related: How Olivia Jade and Bella Giannulli Feel About Their Parents’ Split

Olivia Jade Giannulli and sister Bella Giannulli are “definitely upset” by their parents Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli’s separation — but they “aren’t surprised,” a source exclusively tells Us Weekly. “They had seen the way their parents were interacting in the last year and knew this was coming,” the insider says. “It was not a shock to anyone in the family.” Us confirmed […]

Advertisement

The source added that the relationship “ran its course,” and Elordi and Olivia Jade “realized they are better off not together.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Olivia Jade sparked romance speculation with Fritz in May after DeuxMoi reported they were spotted at The Bird Streets Club in Los Angeles.

The rumors continued to swirl after Olivia Jade posted photos from London in July during the same timeframe that Fritz was competing at Wimbledon.

The pair have not publicly commented on their relationship, but they were spotted together again in New York on Monday, August 24.

Dolly Parton‘s spokesperson revealed that the singer died following a “brief battle with cancer.”

“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand,” a spokesperson for the late singer said in a statement to People on Tuesday, August 25. “Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact.

The statement continued, “After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.”

The type of cancer was not disclosed.

Related: Dolly Parton’s Health Struggles: Everything She Shared Before Her Death

Dolly Parton was open about her health issues before she died at the age of 80 in August 2026. In September 2025, Parton surprised fans when she missed a scheduled visit to her Dollywood theme park to celebrate the new Night Flight Expedition Ride. Instead, the country singer appeared in a prerecorded video message played […]

Parton’s death was confirmed earlier on Tuesday after months of undisclosed health issues. She was 80.

“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,” read a separate statement from her rep. “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.”

Before her death, Parton announced in May that she needed to postpone her Las Vegas residency amid health concerns. The country icon revealed that she was “responding really well to meds and treatment.”

Parton went on to recall how she previously overcame other conditions.

“It’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health,” she told People at the time. “But I think because we live in a 24/7 world with social media, everything gets magnified in ways it wasn’t years ago. I used to joke that I was the Queen of the Tabloids, but now I guess I can say I’m the Queen of Social Media AI! Seriously, though, even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’.”

Parton assured fans that her health was improving.

“It’s gonna take me a little while before I’m up to stage performance level because some of the meds and treatments make me a little bit swimmy-headed, as my grandma used to say,” she said. “And of course, I can’t be dizzy carrying around banjos, guitars and such on five-inch heels.”

Parton promised to return to the stage “better than ever,” adding, “When they raised the hood on this old antique, they realized that I need to rebuild my engine and that my transmission is slipping, my oil pan is leaking, my muffler is busted and my shocks and pistons need to be replaced, and for sure, my spark plugs need to be changed.”

“My immune system and my digestive system got all out of whack over the past couple three years, and they’re working real hard on rebuilding and strengthening those and hopefully I’ll be up to snuff again soon,” she quipped.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Earlier this month, Parton missed a scheduled appearance at the opening of a new roller-coaster at her Dollywood theme park.

“I’m supposed to be there in person, like we planned,” she said in a video message shared with attendees at the event held on Friday, August 13. “Now I’ve told you before, all my fans, that I have had a few little health issues. And sometimes I get a little dizzy, and I get dehydrated.”

Parton continued: “I’m dehydrated, so my Nashville doctor clipped my wings, saying you ain’t traveling this week. I guess if your doctor tells you you ain’t traveling this week, you ain’t traveling this week.”

Jennifer Lawrence might be responsible for my next controversial shoe purchase. The actress stepped out in kitten heels earlier this spring, and while I wasn’t ready to join the backless-shoe bandwagon then, I’m actually considering the style. Suddenly, the polarizing look is exactly what my fall wardrobe is missing.

Lawrence was spotted wearing pointed-toe kitten heels with a black midi dress and sparkly silver bag. It was cool, slightly unexpected and proof that the divisive shoes can make even the simplest staples feel more fashion-forward. I’m officially sold, so I found five Lawrence-inspired kitten heels to shop now.

5 Jennifer Lawrence-Inspired Black Mule Heels

1. My Favorite: If I’m copying Lawrence’s controversial shoe choice, I’m starting with these pointed-toe kitten heels. The tiny heel and backless silhouette look strikingly similar. At $53, they’re an easy way to test-drive the trend.

2. Luxe Look: Texture makes these pointed-toe mules look designer-like. The black croc finish is my pick for copying Lawrence, but they also come in white and burgundy croc for a bolder fall moment.

3. Super Sleek: I can already tell these $40 mules will become a regular in my shoe rotation. The pointed toe and low heel are polished without trying too hard. Choose from classic black, leopard print and more.

4. Woven Wonder: Lawrence’s pair may be smooth, but these woven kitten heel mules make a strong case for switching things up. The textured finish looks luxe and expensive, while the pointed toe and kitten heel still capture her sleek silhouette.

5. Buckle Up: Lawrence kept her mules simple, but these buckle kitten heels make the controversial trend a little more fun. The chic detail dresses up the pointed toe, and I can already picture them with everything from jeans to a little black dress.

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 –>

My Life With The Walter Boys writer Jesikah Suggs has died following a battle with cancer. She was 32.

Suggs’ family confirmed to Deadline on Tuesday, August 25, that the writer died at her home in Studio City, California, on August 18. She was diagnosed with breast cancer eight years prior.

“Through it all, she showed up to work every day, eager to defy being defined by cancer,” Suggs’ sister Liz told the outlet on Tuesday. “Two years after her initial diagnosis, her cancer metastasized.”

Liz continued, “Jes, once again, courageously endured and triumphed through every treatment imaginable, and she did it with a smile on her face and love for all the healthcare workers who poured their care into her … Her life will continue to bear fruit in the stories told by every writer she touched — so in a sense, she’ll still be writing for a very, very, very long time.”

Related: Influencer Dead at 35 After Hospitalization for Sepsis Amid Cancer Battle

Influencer Jéssica Daugirdas has died three years after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. She was 35. “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jessica,” her family wrote in a statement via Instagram on Sunday, January 25, which was translated by People. “God, in His infinite wisdom, has taken our warrior to […]

Suggs is survived by her husband, Dustin Ingram, mother Roxanne, sisters Liz and Kathryn, brother Jimmy and more.

A memorial service was held in Los Angeles on Saturday, August 22, and another service will be held in Grapevine, Texas next weekend.

Suggs was best known for her work on My Life With The Walter Boys. She served as a producer and writer for the Netflix series starring Nikki Rodriguez, Noah LaLonde and Ashby Gentry.

In November 2018, Suggs revealed she was undergoing chemotherapy.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Related: Influencer Carly Douglas Dead at 34, Months After Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis

Influencer Carly Douglas died just three months after being diagnosed with stage IV cancer. She was 34. “On June 13, 2026, Carly Faye Douglas stepped into complete glory, in her final resting place,” read a post shared via Douglas’ Instagram account on Tuesday, June 16. “She met her Maker and Savior face to face, and […]

Advertisement

“My midpoint of chemo happens to also be the midpoint of my whole cancer treatment, bookends of surgery with a few other procedures in the middle. And as I’ve hit this halfway point, right in the middle of this season of thanks I’m, more than anything, very thankful,” she wrote via Instagram alongside a photo of her getting treatment. “The outpouring of dinners and letters and kitchen sink hair washes is plain and simply a blessing. I feel so fortunate to be surrounded by so many friends and family, eager to give their encouragement and support.”

Suggs also expressed her gratitude for her loved ones who were by her side during her diagnosis and health battle.

“I am just so grateful to the Lord for his peace and presence and for surrounding me with so many people I so love who are more than willing to lend me some of their strength,” she continued. “The cup of humanity sucks and is hard to swallow sometimes. The past three years were not ones I expected to live in my twenties. But that same cup also runneth over even in the darkest times — and often the most in the darkest times — because of love from all of you. Almost everyone I know has sent love or mail or something that made me feel so known and so lucky to be known by you. This could be so much harder and more trying than it is if not for you and, for that, I’m so very thankful.”

OutDaughtered stars Adam and Danielle Busby have opened up about homeschooling their 11-year-old quintuplets.

“If you look at the statistics of homeschooled kids, they’re more adjusted to interactions,” Adam, 44, said on the Thursday, August 20, episode of the couple’s “More Than Reality” podcast. “Honestly, we know lots of homeschooled kids right now. The homeschooled kids are more adjusted to communicate with other adults … than, I think, the kids at school are. It’s the homeschooled kids that are actually looking me in the eyes and actually having a conversation with an adult.”

Danielle, 42, also spoke about the academic benefits she’s seeing her having her all-girl quintuplets learning from their Friendswood, Texas, home.

“This is where we’re at … academically, we have some struggles, on top of starting middle school where you’re faced with so much more,” the devout Christian explained. “Kids that age, they don’t see academics. They see, ‘What do I look like? Who’s my friend? What sport am I going to play? Do they like me? They don’t like my shoes. They made fun of me.’ All that stuff comes [to the] front when you’re in public school [and] before your academics. I’m trying to say, ‘Let me help you with your academics first, and us coast [into] the social [aspects].’”

Related: OutDaughtered’s Adam and Danielle Busby Detail Marriage ‘Growing Pains’

Adam Busby and Danielle Busby have faced several “growing pains” throughout their marriage — and season 10 of OutDaughtered will pull back the curtain even more. Adam, 41, exclusively told Us Weekly how expanding his job to work outside of the home has affected his and Danielle’s dynamic. The shift has also impacted how the […]

In a February episode of their podcast, the couple, who rose to fame after welcoming their daughters in 2015 and subsequently starring in TLC’s OutDaughtered the following year, revealed they would transition their girls from the public school system to a homeschool co-op for sixth grade. At the time, the parents detailed that homeschooling was not part of the original family plan, but stemmed from growing instincts as the girls matured.

An Instagram post shared by the couple on Monday, August 24, shared a glimpse of the childrens’ daily life after making the switch. “🏡 HOMESCHOOL 🍎 First Day of 6th Grade for the Busby Quints! Bare feet, comfy clothes, and a late morning start to school… I think we will be enjoying our new adventure!! Praying this year brings us lots of joy,” Danielle wrote.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

A photo of five of the Busby kids showed them holding hand drawn signs to celebrate their sixth grade debut, with each child seated on the front porch of their home beside their dogs.

Related: How OutDaughtered’s Danielle Busby Navigates ‘FOMO’ With 6 Kids

Parenting six children is hard under any circumstances, even more so when there are cameras involved — but OutDaughtered star Danielle Busby tries not to let herself worry too much. “I don’t like the word ‘guilt,’” the reality star, 39, exclusively told Us Weekly while promoting season 9 of the TLC series. “I’m not gonna […]

Fans took to the posts’ comments section to share their support for homeschooling, with one fan writing, “This will be out 8th year homeschooling and I wouldn’t change a thing. We absolutely love it!” and another writing, “Embrace the more relaxed schedule and take advantage of it; that’s the whole point!! Homeschooling is a gift!”

One critic, on the other hand, shared disapproval over the family’s decision. “So you took them out of school because you want to sleep late lol,” the social media user wrote, sparking robust debate among other followers.

Tom Selleck is officially back in the saddle after nearly two years away from a scripted TV show.

The actor has landed a new role following the shocking cancellation of “Blue Bloods.” Selleck will be a guest star in an upcoming Apple TV comedy starring Elizabeth Banks and Ted Danson.

Tom Selleck spent 14 seasons playing NYPD Commissioner Frank Reagan on “Blue Bloods.” The CBS drama premiered in 2010 and ended in 2024, becoming the actor’s longest-running television role. The 81-year-old performer is also known for his role  as the charismatic investigator Thomas Magnum in “Magnum, P.I.” 

3

Selleck has officially joined the guest-starring cast of an upcoming Apple TV+ comedy series led by Banks. Produced by 20th Television, the as-yet-untitled show is created, show-run, and executive produced by Liz Heldens and Matt Ward.

The plot follows Banks’ character, Heidi, as she navigates a messy divorce and accidentally gets caught up coordinating her father’s retirement community escapades. 

The star-studded ensemble features big names including Ted Danson, Rob Delaney, Katey Sagal, Jared Goldstein, and Spencer Moss. Additionally, actors Hamish Linklater, Michelle Buteau, and Simu Liu are locked into recurring roles for the freshman comedy.

According to an official casting report by Deadline, specific details regarding exactly who Selleck will portray are currently being kept completely under wraps. The high-profile comedy gig marks a fresh television chapter for Selleck after completing a massive 15-season run on “Blue Bloods.”

The veteran actor previously dominated the small screen as Thomas Magnum in “Magnum P.I.” and appeared on “Friends.” His extensive Hollywood career also spans decades of hit films, including “In & Out,” “Quigley Down Under,” and “Three Men and a Baby.”

Why The ‘Blue Bloods’ Cancellation Still Stings

Selleck has made it clear that he did not believe “Blue Bloods” had reached its natural end. The actor recently revealed that the cast wanted to return for another season, despite already making financial sacrifices.

He said the ensemble had taken a 25 percent salary cut during the final season to help keep the show alive. The veteran actor reportedly earned nearly $200,000, which dropped to approximately $150,000 per episode.

Advertisement

During Ted Danson’s “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” podcast, Selleck recalled the cast’s final family dinner. “Everybody wanted to come back,” he said, explaining that they had already “done all sorts of things to keep the show going.” He also revealed that the series was “certainly not out of ideas.”

Selleck pointed to the drama’s performance as another reason he struggled with the cancellation. He said “Blue Bloods” ranked sixth among the top 100 broadcast shows in its 15th year, while the same cast had remained intact for an unusually long period.

The Blast reported that Selleck believes the series was taken for granted because it consistently delivered strong audiences, even on Friday nights.

‘Blue Bloods’ is Not The Only Show That Got CBS’s Axe

CBS had already been making major programming decisions before “Blue Bloods” eventually ended. In May 2023, the network canceled “True Lies” and “East New York” after both shows spent time on the bubble. Their final episodes were scheduled to air later that month.

The cancellations came as traditional television ratings continued to decline. Networks were increasingly focused on owning their scripted programming, while viewers were cutting the cord and moving toward streaming platforms. “East New York” was affected likely because Warner Bros. Television produced the procedural.

Advertisement

At the time, “Blue Bloods” was still set to return for another season. CBS had reduced the salaries of its cast and creators by 25 percent to keep the series going, taking it into Season 14 and beyond 275 episodes.

The Blast reported that the show remained part of CBS’ returning lineup while the network continued tightening its spending. Shows slated to return to CBS that season included long-running hits like “Blue Bloods,” “CSI: Vegas, The Equalizer,” “NCIS,” and “Young Sheldon.”

The Veteran Actor Was ‘Scared To Death’ On ‘Friends’

3

Selleck’s television career has included some major departures from his usual roles. Before “Blue Bloods,” he became widely known as Thomas Magnum on “Magnum, P.I.” after getting his big break on the series in 1980. Years later, he stepped into sitcom territory as Dr. Richard Burke on “Friends.”

In 2022, the actor admitted he was “scared to death” when he accepted the role because he had never really worked on a sitcom before. He had previously appeared on “Taxi,” but joining an established comedy with an ensemble already comfortable together was a different challenge. Courteney Cox helped him settle into the role and welcomed him onto the set. “Courteney helped a lot. Courteney’s a big help,” he added.

Selleck was initially expected to appear in only three episodes during Season 2. He ended up appearing in nine, with Richard and Monica eventually breaking up after he refused to have children, before he returned during Season 6 shortly before Matthew Perry’s character proposed to Monica. The Blast reported that Selleck ultimately described the “Friends” set as a “wonderful place to work.”

Advertisement

Tom Selleck’s Favorite Memories On ‘Friends’

3

The actor made memorable appearances as Richard on “Friends.” During one talk show appearance in 2022, he wore a dark three-piece blue suit with a tie and lighter blue shirt, while his distinctive mustache remained part of his signature look. The characters, Richard and Monica, shared several memorable moments during Selleck’s run on the sitcom. 

In “The One Where Dr. Ramoray Dies,” the couple prepared for an intimate night while Rachel and Ross were in the adjoining bedroom, only to discover there was just one protection band left.

Their breakup in “The One With the Jam” also produced one of the show’s most memorable lines. Monica famously declared, “I needed a plan. A plan to get over my man. What’s the opposite of man? Jam!”

The Veteran actor has since built a filmography spanning decades, with “Magnum P.I.” and “Blue Bloods” among his best-known television credits. He was married to Jacqueline Ray before marrying Jillie Joan Mack in 1987, and they have a daughter, Hannah, while Selleck also has an adopted son, Kevin, from his first marriage.

Tom Selleck’s new acting role after “Blue Bloods” is something to look forward to.

Advertisement

Warning! There are some major spoilers regarding the films discussed.

A brilliant movie isn’t just about a moment or two, a legendary performance, or box office numbers. A genuinely perfect film must have all that and still be exceptional from beginning to end. And those films that end in a masterful manner tend to earn forever praise. It’s easy to wrap up a story neatly with a bow, but that’s boring. A great ending must be earned and leave a lasting impact. But what makes an incredible ending? Well, these ten films know a thing or two about sensational finales.

From a shocking revelation to a poetic conclusion, a great movie should end in a way that properly completes the narrative and leaves the audience feeling satisfied. A great ending must be worth sitting through until the credits end. These films do just that. Some have inspired subsequent movies. Others have influenced other filmmakers to find their own iconic buttons that emulate these movies. While there are certainly many more films that could have slipped onto this list, these ten endings represent a great cross-section of cinema history and genres.

1

‘All That Jazz’ (1979)

Image via 20th Century Fox

Of all the films on this list, All That Jazz may be one of the more underrated films of all time. Directed by the legendary Bob Fosse, the film did earn a handful of Academy Award nominations and wins. And perhaps a reason why is that sensational conclusion. The film is a semi-autobiographical film based on the director himself. The dazzling yet cynical musical drama follows Joe Gideon (Roy Scheider), a workaholic director juggling a chaotic personal life, prescription drugs, and impending mortality. He has an endless line of women, his family life is crumbling, and physical and mental stress is taking its toll on a consummate professional. A raw look into the pressures of the industry, balancing work with life and love, All That Jazz is greatly remembered for Fosse’s sizzling choreography and the surreal sequences. The very best comes at the end.

We may ponder how our final moments might play out on our deathbed—Fosse envisioned it for Joe via razzle-dazzle and all that jazz. A dying Joe hallucinates a massive, glamorous television variety show led by O’Connor Flood (Ben Vereen), where he and Joe perform the upbeat song “Bye Bye Life,” a whimsical riff on the Everly Brothers’ song “Bye Bye Love.” It’s a grand conclusion that celebrates himself, his life, and his loves as a cavalcade of characters from his past appear in celebration. The sequence blurs the line between his internal ego, regret, and the final stages of dying where Angelique (Jessica Lange), the alluring woman in white representing death, waits at the end of the spectral runway. At the end, his corpse is zipped up in a body bag. The final scene flourishes with brilliant showmanship and, like a Broadway show, wraps up the entire journey through song. But it’s that shockingly jarring dose of reality that serves as a harrowing reminder that death is finite. Truth and illusion are united through thematic closure. One man’s ego may aggrandize his life, but Joe’s exit from life is just like everyone else’s. All That Jazz simply couldn’t end any other way. ​​​​​​​

2

‘Casablanca’ (1942)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

There are very few romantic dramas that hold a candle to Casablanca. The 1942 classic directed by Michael Curtiz tells the story of Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), a cynical American nightclub owner in Vichy-controlled Morocco. Rick must choose between his lingering love for his former lover, Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman), and helping her husband, Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid), a resistance leader, escape the Nazis by securing vital exit letters. Rick’s moral dilemma leaves him torn between his personal desire for Ilsa and the broader global fight against fascism, forcing him to make the greatest decision. Casablanca ends the way it must: with the ultimate gesture and one of the most romantically heartbreaking lines ever uttered: “We’ll always have Paris.”

The final scene of the film finds Rick and Ilsa on the tarmac at the foggy airport. Rick convinces Ilsa to board a plane to freedom with her husband. But it’s not that easy. Rick shoots the Nazi Major Heinrich Strasser (Conrad Veidt) who tries to stop them, and French Captain Renault (Claude Rains) protects Rick by telling his men to “round up the usual suspects.” It’s implied that Renault has now joined the Free French cause. As the plane departs, Rick and Renault walk into the fog together, Rick’s states, “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship”. One of the most iconic endings with a brilliant quote, Casablanca concludes with the ultimate sacrifice. Rick’s line to Ilsa before he sends her away serves as his acknowledgment that while they have had incredibly sweet moments together, they simply cannot be. Casablanca trades away a typical Hollywood ending for an emotionally mature, cliche-free action of political duty and nobility. This is literally the opposite of riding off into the sunset. It’s a bittersweet parting, but truly the only way hope can be found in the darkness.

3

‘Chinatown’ (1974)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Hands down, one of the greatest neo-noir mysteries in Hollywood history is Chinatown. Directed by Roman Polanski, the thriller centers around private eye Jake Gittes (Jack Nicholson), who, in 1937 Los Angeles, uncovers a dark web of municipal corruption and family secrets after being hired by Evelyn Mulwray (Faye Dunaway) to investigate a routine infidelity case. Gittes uncovers a horrific family connection involving Evelyn’s father, Noah Cross (John Huston), in a finale that instantly cements the film’s legacy. Inspired by a real-life situation, Chinatown packed a powerful punch where hero and villain do battle, but the bloody conclusion may leave you unsatisfied.

Jake tries to help Evelyn flee to Mexico with her daughter/sister Katherine Cross (Belinda Palmer), only to be confronted by the villainous Noah in Chinatown. As Evelyn fires a shot against her abusive father, a police officer blindly fires at her, killing Evelyn instantly. Cross, like the monster he is, cradles the mortified young girl, who is both his daughter and grandchild, ultimately being the one to lead her to safety. Jake, who has seemingly lost the war, is whisked away as the infamous line, “Forget it, Jake. It’s Chinatown,” is uttered in his ear. It’s a devastating blow that proves that corruption can succeed and justice will not prevail. Cross is deemed largely untouchable as this myth of “Chinatown” represents a system where the rules don’t make sense and trying to do so can lead to greater tragedy. The scene may be harrowing, but it’s thematically brilliant. Jake represents a hero whose intervention triggers loss. Chinatown‘s ending serves as a reminder that the Hollywood ideal is that one single person cannot stop a powerful, systemic evil.

4

‘Planet of the Apes’ (1968)

Image via 20th Century Studios

There are a lot of things that the original Planet of the Apes is known for, but it’s that final image that will remain its most recognizable and resounding. Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, the original Planet of the Apes is based on the novel by Pierre Boulle. The science fiction film follows a group of human scientists, led by astronaut George Taylor (Charlton Heston), who crash-land on a mysterious, futuristic, savage planet where talking apes rule society and primitive humans are hunted and enslaved. Chimpanzee scientists Dr. Zira (Kim Hunter) and Dr. Cornelius (Roddy McDowall) befriend Taylor and try to help him, but the menacing orangutan Dr. Zaius (Maurice Evans) tries to hide proof that humans were once the superior intelligence. Planet of the Apes is a film about survival, but what happens when you learn the hard truth about the dangerous world you fell upon? Welcome to that final moment.

As science fiction Hollywood films tended to do, the protagonist would be able to fight his way to freedom. Taylor and a mute human named Nova (Linda Harrison) escape into the Forbidden Zone away from the ape city. Though a confrontation between Taylor and Dr. Zaius arrives, it’s the latter who knows the truth of what’s beyond. Taylor and Nova escape, riding horses along the coastline, only to discover the remains of the Statue of Liberty buried in the sand. The revelation comes as Taylor discovers he did not travel across the galaxy and that humanity was responsible for its own demise, revealing the escape was futile. “We finally really did it. You maniacs! You blew it up! Ah, damn you! Goddamn you all to hell!” he exclaims on his knees, ending on an ultimate low. Planet of the Apes concludes to serve as a cautionary tale about humans’ self-destructive nature. For a film from 1968, it wasn’t necessarily prophetic, but its reality has yet to be altered. The dystopian conclusion of humanity destroyed by nuclear fears struck a chord with Cold War-era audiences, remaining culturally powerful.

5

‘Se7en’ (1995)

Image via New Line Cinema

Crime thrillers often end with the villain getting apprehended and the cops walking off into the sunset. Then came Se7en, and that concept was flipped for one of the most shocking endings in thriller history. Directed by David Fincher, Se7en follows William Somerset (Morgan Freeman), a near-retired veteran detective, and David Mills (Brad Pitt), a hot-headed rookie, who hunt a meticulously complex serial killer, John Doe (Kevin Spacey), who stages his brutal murders around the seven deadly sins. Se7en was destined to deliver on the horrible murders for each sin, but audiences truly never expected the killer’s grand finale to be as horrible as it was.

After a relentless search, the killer finally decides to turn himself in to the police. Covered in blood, Doe leads the two detectives to a remote field where he claims the final two victims are. Suddenly, a van arrives with a mysterious box. Instructed to open it, Somerset opens the box to great dismay as he discovers the severed head of Mills’ wife, Tracy (Gwyneth Paltrow). Left in complete shock, John Doe confesses to murdering Tracy out of envy for Mills’ perfect life. He then provokes Mills by revealing that she was pregnant. In complete despair, Mills fulfills the killer’s need for wrath, shooting John to death. And just like that, the serial killer’s mission is complete: his 7-part murder spree was fulfilled with the last two victims squarely in the field.

Mills and Somerset believed they were about to ride off with a killer in their control, only for their lives to be upended. Mills’ life and career are shattered, and Somerset, quoting Ernest Hemingway, does not retire; he decides to fight for the world he lives in. An utterly perfect end to a psychological thriller, Se7en provides the absolute destruction of the protagonist’s moral code by allowing evil to prevail. Se7en claims that there can never be any morally perfect heroes. Pitt famously fought for the devastating ending, feeling the righteous conclusion did not serve the story. He was right.

6

‘Thelma & Louise’ (1991)

Image via MGM-Pathé Communications

Going out in a blaze of glory never looked more incredible than in Thelma & Louise. The iconic buddy dramedy directed by Ridley Scott follows two best friends—Thelma (Geena Davis), a timid housewife with a controlling husband, and Louise (Susan Sarandon), a tepid diner waitress—as they leave Arkansas for a short fishing trip in the mountains. But their weekend getaway turns into a desperate race across the American Southwest when they become accidental outlaws after Thelma is assaulted by a man at a roadside bar. After deciding to head to Mexico rather than turn themselves in, they make the ultimate decision that leads to one of the most daring and iconic moments in cinema history.

After a long chase, the police eventually catch up with the titular characters and their 1966 Ford Thunderbird. With surrender behind them and death in front of them, Thelma and Louise decide that rather than going to prison, they’ll “keep going.” With a mutual smile and hands held, they agree to accelerate the car and soar right off the cliff. The film ends with an infamous freeze-frame with the Thunderbird suspended in mid air before a cinematic white-out. Even though we know the answer is tragic, this moment is why this ending was pitch-perfect. Their decision is the ultimate act of freedom and self-autonomy. They spent the film fighting against being victims of circumstance. Now, they emerge as agents of their own destiny. Scott keeps the car in flight to immortalize freedom. It solidifies their ultimate bond: mutual liberation from society’s bounds. The scene was not only a fitting finale but also an important liberation for those watching. Though no one wants to meet the same end, Thelma & Louise‘s epic ending made the film the ultimate road trip film.

7

”The Shawshank Redemption’ (1994)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Though many bibliophiles and cinephiles know Stephen King as the King of Horror, there are some stories on his resume that go beyond the genre. The greatest drama he’s ever written, Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption, was turned into a brilliant film adaptation, written and directed by Frank Darabont. The brilliant film tells the story of Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), a banker wrongly convicted of murder. He’s sentenced to life in a brutal Maine penitentiary where he befriends another inmate, Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding (Morgan Freeman). Over two decades, Andy uses his financial skills to survive in a corrupt prison, inspire fellow inmates, and quietly plot his path to freedom. One might think that a King story would end on a bad note, but The Shawshank Redemption concludes with a message of hope, optimism, and friendship.

For 19 years, Andy had been tunneling through his cell wall with a small rock hammer. After pushing through what seems to be an endless maze of raw sewage, Andy finds his way to freedom, where he exposes the warden, Samuel Norton’s (Bob Gunton) money laundering and corruption under a fake identity he prepared. But wait, there’s more. Red is paroled and struggles to adjust to the outside world. But Andy didn’t leave him hanging. Having remembered a promise he made, Red visits a hayfield in Buxton, Maine, where he finds a hidden box under a black volcanic rock, containing cash and an invitation to join Andy in Mexico. Choosing hope over despair, Red breaks his parole and reunites with his friend, as they jovially embrace on a beach, finally finding peace and solitude.

The Shawshank Redemption‘s emotionally earned conclusion proves that there may actually be a light at the end of the tunnel. Andy’s journey was a meticulous plan operated as quiet revenge. He beat the system by choosing to live. Mexico served as an almost distant myth, but seeing it offers the audience an opportunity to witness abstract hope become a practical reality. The film cuts to black over the vast Pacific Ocean, allowing the audience to relish the limitless freedom their characters dreamed of. We may be in prisons of our own, but with hope and resilience, our ocean is attainable.

8

‘The Sixth Sense’ (1999)

Image via Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

As you can tell, the ’90s were filled with some iconic endings. Whether satisfying or shocking, they left a lasting impact, but it was one massive twist no one saw coming that helped cement a director’s stardom. Written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan, the psychological thriller The Sixth Sense follows child psychologist Dr. Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis) as he seeks to help a young patient, Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment), who can communicate with the dead. Malcolm advises Cole to stop running from the ghosts and instead listen to them and try to help them resolve their unfinished business. The Sixth Sense is a mind-blowing example of practicing what you preach, as the finale revealed one of the greatest shocks in cinema history.

As a great psychologist hopes to, Malcolm ultimately helps Cole reconnect with his overwhelmed single mother, Lynne (Toni Collette). Now, it was his turn to return home and speak to his wife, Anna (Olivia Williams), who had previously been distant and cold to him. But there was one clue that was hiding in plain sight: Cole telling Malcolm that dead people “only see what they want to see” and don’t know that they’re dead. At home, he sees his sleeping wife drop his wedding ring, realizing it’s missing on his own finger. Malcolm finally remembers that the gunshot wound from the beginning of the film was due to being shot by a former patient. A shot that he did not survive. It was only then that the dead Malcolm could tell his wife that she was never second to him, giving him and Anna the closure they needed. Malcolm helped Cole, who in turn helped him because, when Cole said he “sees dead people,” he meant him. Though some claim they could have seen it coming, the major twist recontextualized the entire film. Shyamalan masterfully misdirects the audience by tapping into the expectations of seeing what they want to see. Malcolm only interacts with Cole and Anna. And even then there are closed dialogue loops. The Sixth Sense set up our expectations of twist endings from the director, but none ever achieved the same brilliant shock.

9

‘The Usual Suspects’ (1995)

Image via Gramercy Pictures

In another prime example of a twist ending, The Usual Suspects made you realize you simply cannot trust anyone. Especially if they’re criminals. Directed by Bryan Singer and written by Christopher McQuarrie, the crime thriller follows the aftermath of a deadly, explosive shootout on a docked ship in San Pedro harbor; the police are left with only one physically disabled survivor: a small-time con man known as Roger “Verbal” Kint (Kevin Spacey). He’s interrogated by U.S. Customs Agent Dave Kujan (Chazz Palminteri) and recounts a convoluted story detailing how he and four other high-profile criminals—a corrupt ex-cop Dean Keaton (Gabriel Byrne), a hotshot Michael McManus (Stephen Baldwin), his partner Fred Fenster (Benicio del Toro), a hijacker Todd Hockney (Kevin Pollak)—were brought together by a legendary, ruthless, and nearly mythical crime lord named Keyser Söze. As Verbal weaves his complicated tale, the identity of Söze’s becomes the film’s greatest mystery and twist.

The Usual Suspects is a mark of brilliant storytelling. The entire film follows a man spinning a tale. Verbal frames his dead associate, Keaton, as the mythical criminal mastermind. Kujan accepts the story as truth, feeling satisfied that the case is solved. With Verbal gone, a proud Kujan looks around the room, suddenly realizing that every name, brand, and detail in Verbal’s story was completely fabricated on the spot as he built his narrative while sitting in the room. His revelation comes too late as Verbal is gone, having already picked up his belongings. As Verbal walks down the street, he drops his limp, straightens his posture, and lights a cigarette with his steady hand. He gets into a waiting car, driven by his mysterious associate, Kobayashi (Pete Postlethwaite), and rides off into the sunset. The film ends with Kujan recalling Verbal’s previous statement, “The greatest trick the devil ever pulled off was convincing the world he didn’t exist.” Verbal Kint was Keyser Söze all along. The Usual Suspect is the blueprint in misdirection, meaning a two-hour crime thriller was built on an elaborate lie that everyone, audience included, went along with. Spacey delivers a remarkable performance in one of his most iconic roles. Like Kujan, why wouldn’t the audience believe him? The payoff is simple: the film emerges as a rewatchable classic that dares you to pick up the clues that were hiding in plain sight.

10

‘The Wizard of Oz’ (1939)

Image via Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

There are very few films quite as beloved as The Wizard of Oz. From mesmerizing visuals, iconic songs, and an iconic career-making performance, The Wizard of Oz had it all. And that included a perfect ending. Based on the book by L. Frank Baum, the film tells the story of Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland), a young Kansas girl who is swept away by a tornado to the magical Land of Oz. Accompanied by three new friends—the Scarecrow (Ray Bolger), the Tin Man (Jack Haley), and the Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr)—she sets out to meet the Wizard (Frank Morgan) in the Emerald City, hoping he has the power to send her back home. Along the way, Dorothy must overcome challenges and battle a vengeful Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton). A timeless story of self-discovery and inner empowerment, the film was more than just a story with a strong moral anchor; it was a reminder that our imagination is only as powerful as we make it.

At the end of the film, Dorothy gets her wish as she has the power to return home to Kansas. All she has to do is click her ruby slippers three times and repeat, “There’s no place like home.” And she does! She says goodbye to her newfound friends and the adventure ends. But Dorothy’s happily ever after doesn’t stop there. The technicolor is gone as Dorothy wakes up in her sepia-toned world, in the comfort of her own bed. She’s surrounded by her family and farm hands, realizing that her fantastical journey was a dream. “And you were there, and you were there, and you were there…” she says, realizing each and every person was a character she met in Oz. The moral of the story is Dorothy didn’t need to search for her heart’s desire in far-off technicolor lands. There truly is no place like home. It serves as a reminder that life holds more value than any dream that we wish. It’s a beautiful and tender scene and perfectly bookends the story. There was truly no other manner in which The Wizard of Oz could end.

Advertisement

The Wizard of Oz

Advertisement

Release Date

August 25, 1939

Runtime

102 minutes

Advertisement

Director

Victor Fleming

Advertisement

Writers

Edgar Allan Woolf, Florence Ryerson, Noel Langley, L. Frank Baum

Advertisement

• 

  Judy Garland

  Dorothy Gale

  Advertisement
• 

  Ray Bolger

  “Hunk” / Scarecrow

  Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement