Actor Joshua Bassett is getting real about his past addiction to ketamine following a near-death experience he had in 2021. During a podcast interview, Bassett, who starred in the Disney show “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” said that he used the drug to help him “escape” his internal struggles.

While appearing on the “Zack Sang Show,” Bassett said that he used ketamine and other drugs to help him mask the pain he was feeling in 2021. “[I’d use] whatever was the most effective in that moment at sort of putting me at ease,” he said.

According to PEOPLE, Bassett also opened up about his struggles in his new book, “Rookie: My Public, Private, and Secret Life,” in which he wrote about using “six” baggies of ketamine every day.

In the podcast episode, the actor said that after he began using the drugs, his addiction to them only grew.

“It got to a point, and I think that’s the thing about a lot of drugs is that they can be fun and enjoyable for a little while, but … what happens is you have a good time and then now you’re at a deficit, a dopamine deficit,” he said, explaining that he used the drugs as “an escape” from the pain.

Joshua Bassett Was Able To Hide His Addiction To Ketamine Because Of His Acting Abilities

Bassett said on the podcast that he became quite skilled at hiding his addiction struggles, mainly because of his profession as a performer.

“I was pretty good at hiding it. You know?” he said. “I’m an actor so I think it’s my gift and curse is that I can pretend that I’m doing well when I’m not.”

The singer, now 25, said that addiction “thrives through isolation” before saying his proximity to fame and money only exacerbated things.

He went on to say how thankful he was to still be alive today, saying, “It’s truly a miracle it didn’t take my life.”

He added, “It’s a miracle my life hasn’t been taken quite a few times, to be honest … You know, it’s a miracle I’m here for sure.”

Writing A Book Was ‘Cathartic’ For Joshua Bassett

In a separate interview with PEOPLE, Bassett opened up about how writing a book helped him begin his healing journey.

“When you start to write those down and relive those, it’s very, very physically painful,” he said. “The body does keep the score and I think in doing that it’s very raw and difficult, but the artist paves the road for the audience to scroll down.”

For those who may be unfamiliar, Bassett spent much of 2021 and 2022 in the headlines, thanks to his Disney co-star, Olivia Rodrigo, and her Hot 100 No. 1 hit, “Driver’s License,” which is rumored to be about him.

“The hard work I have to do of sitting in those emotions over and over again and crafting the perfect words and trying to get it to really fit and having to relive that, that difficult work ideally makes it cathartic and easy for somebody to be able to read it,” he said.

Bassett Is ‘Honest’ In His Book, But Not Always ‘Transparent’

Continuing, Bassett, who won an Emmy for Outstanding Original Song, said he bares his soul in the book, talking about sexual abuse, mental health, and the pressure of fame.

And while he touches on serious topics, the actor said he decided to dial it back a bit in certain parts of the writing process.

“My mentor, there were a couple times where he’d be like, ‘You can be honest without being transparent at times.’ So there were a couple times where I dialed it in. It’s still pretty vulnerable, but there’s certain points where it’s like, ‘You know what, you don’t need to give the world everything, you know?’” he shared.

What Has Bassett Learned From His Addiction?

Elsewhere during the interview, Bassett said that he’s learned a lot about himself over the years. According to him, he displayed some behavior he isn’t proud of, and if he could go back and do it over again, he would.

“I wish I was more considerate in my tornado and my distress and even addiction,” he said. “[Addiction can be] very self-centered. There is an element to addiction that is, ‘I care more about how I feel at the expense of everyone else,’ and you end up hurting a lot of people, you end up choosing yourself in a way that is unhealthy over people. I just wish I’d be a little bit more considerate, a little bit more thoughtful and a little bit more forgiving of myself and others.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce looked as smitten as ever as they stepped out for a romantic date night in New York City.

The “Opalite” singer and Kansas City Chiefs tight end, both 36, were spotted holding hands as they made their way to dinner at Or’esh restaurant on Friday, May 15.

Swift opted for a flowing off-the-shoulder cream dress which featured a floral pattern. She teamed the look with Aquazzura’s Twist Sandal 95 heels and accessorized with a straw shoulder bag which had a chain strap.

For his part, Kelce went for his usual head-turning style, wearing a light blue and white pinstriped button-down emblazoned with patchwork artwork, including an image of a wolf on one panel. The NFL player completed the ensemble with black trousers and black shoes.

Related: Taylor Swift Brings Her Red Lip Classic to NYC Date With Travis Kelce

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce got all dressed up to hit the town in New York City. Swift and Kelce, both 35, were pictured heading to dinner in the Big Apple on Saturday, December 28, where they both showed off their signature style while holding hands. The pop star, for her part, was positively bejeweled […]

The couple, who announced their engagement in August 2025, recently returned from a short visit to London, where they saw a Romeo & Juliet play starring Sadie Sink, attended Poppy Delevingne’s 40th birthday celebrations and indulged in the city’s dining hotspots.

Speaking on his “New Heights” podcast on Wednesday, May 13, Kelce gushed about their time in the U.K. and raved about the restaurant they dined at.

“For the most part, [I] had some really good food, enjoyed some plays,” Kelce shared. “[We] saw Sadie Sink and, I believe, Noah Jupe is his name. He was f***ing phenomenal as Romeo. Sadie is phenomenal as Juliet, as well.”

Since they began dating in summer 2023, Swift has been candid about the positive effect Kelce’s presence has had on her life.

When the singer won the Best Pop Album award for The Life of a Showgirl at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in March, Swift praised Kelce in her speech.

“This album probably also feels very happy and confident and free because that’s the way that I get to feel every single day of my life because of my fiancé, who is here tonight,” Swift told the crowd at the time. “So, thanks for the vibes.”

Related: Taylor Swift and Fiance Travis Kelce Hold Hands on London Date

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were all loved up while enjoying a date night in London. Swift and Kelce, both 36, were spotted leaving the Indian restaurant Gymkhana on Thursday, May 7, according to photos obtained by TMZ. The couple held hands as they walked out of the London hotspot. The pair donned coordinated outfits […]

Kelce has echoed the same sentiment in multiple interviews, including on “The Stephen A. Smith” podcast in January 2025.

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“I’m enjoying all aspects of life. Me and Taylor are happy,” Kelce said at the time. “I couldn’t be happier to have that confidence and that comfort off the field and all the support I could ever ask for in the stadium.”

The athlete added that he and Swift are equally supportive of each other, which has been equally beneficial.

“I think personally, that’s the beauty of being in a very strong relationship is that you get that support to be able to come in and focus on your craft, focus on being the best version of you,” Kelce continued. “That’s why I wanted to be at the concert, supporting her and being there for her, making sure she feels comfortable and supported in everything she’s doing in life.”

Randy Jackson has fans talking after his recent return to “American Idol” sparked concern online. The former judge appeared on the Fox competition series earlier this month alongside fellow original Idol star Paula Abdul to mentor Season 24 semi-finalists, but some viewers quickly shifted their attention from the contestants to Jackson’s noticeably slimmer appearance.

Jackson returned to “American Idol” as a guest mentor, reuniting with Abdul in a nostalgic moment for longtime fans of the singing competition. However, viewers took to social media shortly after the episode aired, with some expressing concern over Jackson’s appearance after noticing he looked significantly thinner.

The music producer appeared seated in a chair while greeting contestants, with some fans pointing to his slimmer frame, gaunt facial features, and raspy voice. Several social media users questioned whether the former judge was feeling well, with some describing him as looking “weak and frail.”

Others wondered whether the star’s dramatic weight loss had impacted his overall health. “He lost a bit too much weight,” one user claimed as another chimed in with, “For phex’s sake, Randy, you were ok the way you were. You look awful Bro. I hope you can save yourself.”

Jackson Previously Lost More Than 100 Pounds

Jackson has been open for years about his health journey after receiving a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis in 2003. At the height of his fame on “American Idol,” Jackson revealed in his 2008 memoir, “Body with Soul,” that his weight climbed to 350 pounds before he decided to make a major lifestyle change.

Following his diagnosis, Jackson underwent gastric bypass surgery, a decision he has previously described as a “jump starter” rather than a long-term solution. “It’s a great jump starter. You lose a bunch of weight really fast, but maintaining is another thing,” Jackson told PEOPLE in 2022. “You get there and your mind tells you, ‘OK, phew. I’m here now. I can start to party and bring out the cheesecake.’”

Randy Jackson Says Keeping The Weight Off Took A Mindset Shift

Jackson previously revealed that he ultimately lost 114 pounds and has focused on maintaining his health through lifestyle changes rather than extreme dieting. At the time, he said he prioritized eating healthy, avoiding crash diets, and paying closer attention to gut health.

“I hate the word diet. I don’t use that anymore,” Jackson explained. “Anybody that’s lost weight, you lose it and then you start eating and drinking more and it all starts coming back.”

The former “American Idol” judge admitted he eventually realized he had to completely rethink his relationship with food. “You have to change the way you think about food,” he said. “You have to almost have a complete divorce break up … and start back bit by bit and find out the things that work with your body.”

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Jackson Made Rare ‘American Idol’ Return

Jackson’s recent appearance marked a rare return to “American Idol,” bringing longtime fans a nostalgic reunion with one of the show’s original judges. The music veteran returned to the competition to mentor Season 24 contestants Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough, Keyla Richardson, Braden Rumfelt, and Chris Tungseth during the episode’s “Class of 2006” theme night.

Offering advice to contestant Chris Tungseth, Jackson reflected on his time behind the judges’ table while encouraging the aspiring singer to stay focused on the competition. “As a guy that was a judge on this program a long time ago,” Randy told Chris, “I always ask the question, ‘Are you in it to win?’”

For Tungseth, the moment proved surreal. “I grew up watching ‘American Idol,’ so I’m a little starstruck,” the Minnesota native told Jackson. “I love you.”

Paula Abdul And ‘American Idol’ Favorites Joined Randy Jackson’s Return

Jackson was not the only familiar face making a comeback that evening. Fellow original judge Paula Abdul also returned, joined by former contestants Kellie Pickler, Elliott Yamin, Paris Bennett, Bucky Covington, and Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks for the nostalgic celebration.

Jackson’s nostalgic return came just days before “American Idol” officially crowned its newest champion. After weeks of competition and a nationwide fan vote, host Ryan Seacrest revealed Harper as the winner of “American Idol” 2026, officially earning the title after edging out her fellow finalists.

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Writer-director M. Night Shyamalan seems to have hit his stride in the last decade, with well-received genre films produced on restrained budgets and undeterred by the restrictions that would affect more expensive movies. In this last decade, he has delivered blockbusters such as Split and Glass, as well as the far leaner and meaner thrillers Old and Trap. His next movie is a supernatural romance starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Phoebe Dynevor. It’s arguably his most unexpected genre switch-up in roughly 15 years, which was around the time when his career hit rock-bottom. The movie that sent him there remains infamous to this day, and is currently streaming on Peacock in the United States for those curious to check it out. However, it will be removed from the platform soon.

The film in question was released in 2010 and developed as the first installment of a trilogy. It was the most expensive project of Shyamalan’s career, and his first film to be based on a pre-existing property. Shyamalan absolutely needed the project to work, not only because of its hefty budget, but also because his career had hit a bit of a rough patch in the preceding few years. Unfortunately, the film was universally panned upon release, and even accused of having racist undertones. It now holds a 5% score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, which, unsurprisingly, is the lowest of Shyamalan’s career.

Here’s How Long You Have Left To Watch ‘The Last Airbender’

By now you’ve guessed that we’re talking about The Last Airbender, based on the beloved Nickelodeon cartoon series Avatar: The Last Airbender. The movie featured a handful of newcomers alongside veterans such as Shaun Toub, Aasif Mandvi, and Cliff Curtis. The fantasy epic, which borrowed elements from Eastern philosophies and spiritual traditions, starred Noah Ringer in the lead role of a “chosen one” archetype who must fulfill his destiny and protect his people from menacing imperial forces.

The Last Airbender grossed around $320 million worldwide against a reported budget of $150 million, but the poor response from critics and fans put an end to any future plans that Shyamalan and Paramount might have had. The property was rebooted as a Netflix live-action series several years later; it received mixed reviews and is set to return with a second season in June 2026. You can watch Shyamalan’s adaptation on Peacock, but only until June 1. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

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July 1, 2010

Runtime

103 minutes

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Producers

Frank Marshall, Sam Mercer

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Jack Schlossberg is still struggling to wrap his head around the loss of his late sister, Tatiana Schlossberg.

Speaking to Vanity Fair in an interview published on Friday, May 15, Jack, 33, admitted, “I don’t think I’ll ever process it.”

Tatiana, who was the daughter of Caroline Kennedy and granddaughter of the late President John F. Kennedy — died in December 2025 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. She was 35.

“The world will never be the same for me, not only since she passed away, but since she was diagnosed with cancer about two years ago,” Jack told Vanity Fair.

Jack, who is also a younger brother to Rose, 37, said his sister Tatiana is still on his mind almost five months after her death.

“She was my best friend. We could finish each other’s sentences,” Jack added. “I miss her all the time. Every day I think about her.”

The JFK Library Foundation confirmed Tatiana’s death following her battle with acute myeloid leukemia via an Instagram statement in December 2025.

“Our beautiful Tatiana passed away this morning. She will always be in our hearts,” the statement read. It was signed by Tatiana’s husband, George Moran, their two children, Edwin, 4, and Josephine, 1, her parents, siblings and sister-in-law Rory Schlossberg.

In a New Yorker essay published in November 2025, Tatiana wrote that she had been given a year to live after receiving her devastating diagnosis.

Tatiana shared that she learned she had “a rare mutation called Inversion 3” after her doctor noticed an imbalance in her white blood cell count following the birth of her second child. Initially, Tatiana was told she would need to undergo months of chemotherapy and receive a bone marrow transplant.

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“I did not — could not — believe that they were talking about me. I had swum a mile in the pool the day before, nine months pregnant. I wasn’t sick. I didn’t feel sick. I was actually one of the healthiest people I knew,” she wrote. “I had a son whom I loved more than anything and a newborn I needed to take care of.”

Related: Tatiana Schlossberg Reveals How Her Siblings Supported Cancer Treatment

As Tatiana Schlossberg underwent stem cell treatment for her terminal cancer battle, her siblings leapt into action to help. “My sister had turned out to be a match and would donate her stem cells,” Tatiana, 35, wrote in a New Yorker essay published Saturday, November 22, referring to older sister Rose Schlossberg. “My brother [Jack […]

Tatiana added in the essay that her mind immediately went to her young children and she shared her fears that they would grow up with limited memories of their mother.

“My first thought was that my kids, whose faces live permanently on the inside of my eyelids, wouldn’t remember me,” she recalled. “My son might have a few memories, but he’ll probably start confusing them with pictures he sees or stories he hears. I didn’t ever really get to take care of my daughter — I couldn’t change her diaper or give her a bath or feed her, all because of the risk of infection after my transplants. I was gone for almost half of her first year of life. I don’t know who, really, she thinks I am, and whether she will feel or remember, when I am gone, that I am her mother.”

Over the years, stories have made the most of criminals with good intentions. Some have undergone impressive redemption arcs, while others have always been good but worked outside the system, but it is undeniable that people flock to these stories. However, one 2008 TNT series with this concept is unfairly forgotten. Leverage takes the Robin Hood idea and applies it to modern con artists in a five-season heist series that can be watched over and over again. Though Leverage may not have been the most popular show, it got a three-season sequel on Prime Video, Leverage: Redemption, which continues the story with a few new faces, proving that there are plenty of stories to tell about these unlikely heroes.

The original series centers on five complex and lovable characters who use their morally questionable talents for good as they defend those who are taken advantage of by the rich and powerful. Though the action sets Leverage apart, it’s the characters that are the heart of the show as they show off their skills, face their fears, and let each other in. With over 70 episodes, each featuring a different job, Leverage offers a new and exciting story with each installment, making it the perfect show to have on repeat.

What Is ‘Leverage’ About?

The point of Leverage is the central group of thieves uniting to fight for the little guy. The team is formed by former insurance investigator, Nate (Timothy Hutton), who serves as the mastermind, using his years of chasing thieves (including his eventual friends) to plan elaborate heists in near-impossible situations. The rest of the group consists of Sophie Devereaux (Gina Bellman), a grifter able to play any role, Eliot (Christian Kane), the hitter who rarely loses a fight, Hardison (Aldis Hodge), a gifted hacker, and Parker (Beth Riesgraf), a cat burglar, pickpocket, and safe-cracker. They each prefer to work on their own, but one unlikely mission proves that they make an impressive team, setting all five of them on a new path where they use detailed heists to target corruption and avenge ordinary people whom the system has failed.

Leverage‘s episodic format allows each story to stand on its own, but the characters all have their own journeys. Nate has perhaps the most unique story as he goes from a respected investigator to a criminal, but his journey isn’t black and white. Nate loses his career long before the events of the series, as the loss of his son and subsequent divorce ruined him both emotionally and financially. This newfound passion helps Nate heal while the rest begin to reform as they steal to help others and form a strange found family, especially as they learn more about each other. While the heist action is new every episode, the characters’ personal storylines develop slowly, making a compelling rewatch, especially considering it’s impossible to remember the details of every mission.

The Characters Are ‘Leverage’s Highlight

While the concept is exciting in itself, the characters make Leverage that much better. The main group doesn’t initially fit together, but they end up being exactly what the others need. While they all quickly choose to help others, it is a slow process of growth, and throughout the series, each one is haunted by their past. This allows all five heroes to grow throughout the series, proving that redemption isn’t something that happens immediately. Each character gets episodes to explore their growth as they return home to help their family or face their personal trauma. With the constant development, it’s hard not to get attached to these characters.

It’s a strange support group, but they are always there for each other, and with two slow-burning romances (one between Nate and Sophie and another between Parker and Hardison), the show keeps changing the dynamic. But one thing always remains: the humor. Though there are often dark realities that the characters face, Leverage never misses an opportunity to lighten the mood. With relentless gags, constant banter between Elliot and Hardison, Parker’s socially awkward personality, and shocking talents that come to light, the show offers plenty of laughs in the midst of the drama. While sorely underrated, Leverage is the perfect new comfort series where the heroes outmaneuver the bad guys in increasingly unexpected ways.

Leverage is streaming on Prime Video in the U.S.

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2008 – 2012-00-00

Showrunner

Chris Downey

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Directors

Dean Devlin

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Taylor Swift has employed a non-conventional means to reach out to her wedding guests as her big day approaches.

According to a new report, the pop superstar has decided to skip the traditional method of sending out save the dates and is simply dialing up her guests to remind them of her upcoming nuptials.

This comes after it was revealed that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have already decided to get married in early July in New York, with a precise venue still uncertain.

Sources who spoke with TMZ revealed Swift had made a major pivot from the traditional route when it comes to wedding invitations ahead of her big days.

The singer has reportedly been personally calling her celebrity pals to let them know of her wedding to her NFL star fiancé, Kelce.

According to the news outlet, sources claim Swift has decided against mailing out “save the dates” in an attempt to keep things tightly under wraps and avoid the leak of information about her nuptials, as these kinds of invitations tend to go public.

The singer, along with some members of her team, is said to be handling the calls, but only letting the A-list guests know about the wedding without giving too much away.

Sources noted that due to this, guests are still unaware of the exact wedding date and location, and have to keep their schedules flexible as it will certainly happen this summer.

The Pop Star Is Also Being Careful About Her Wedding Gown Information Ahead Of Her Nuptials

News about Swift’s decision to personally call her friends to invite them to her wedding comes after insiders alleged that she has commissioned six gowns for her big day, with some meant to be used as decoys.

“There are multiple gowns standing by,” an insider told journalist Rob Shuter’s “Naughty But Nice” Substack, noting that Swift “could wear one dress the entire night” or switch into different gowns as the event progresses.

“Some of the dresses are deliberate decoys,” another insider explained, per The Blast. “The goal is to confuse people, stop leaks, and make sure nobody figures out the real look ahead of time.”

Designers Involved In Taylor Swift’s Wedding Had To Sign An ‘Ironclad’ NDA

With the recent information about Swift personally calling her guests, it’s no surprise that she would also go the extra mile to keep details about her wedding gown a secret, particularly with the help of non-disclosure agreements for designers involved.

“Every designer involved signed ironclad NDAs,” the insider noted. “No photos, no sketches, no fitting details — absolutely nothing is allowed to leak.”

They added that “Taylor wants complete control over the reveal” of her wedding gown design, which is bound to break the internet, with another source sharing that “everyone is desperate for that first image.”

The pop star’s wedding is being handled like a major Hollywood production,” an insider further alleged, noting that Swift “wants the moment to feel cinematic — a true jaw-dropping reveal.”

The Singer And NFL Star’s Wedding Might Have Two Major Ceremonies: A Huge Event And An Intimate Gathering

Swift is reportedly considering having double wedding ceremonies due to mounting security concerns.

According to Ok! Magazine, sources shared that the singer and her NFL beau have grown weary of possible safety issues due to growing media speculation about their nuptials, which could lead to potential stalkers causing a scene.

“Taylor is extremely aware of the risks that come with this level of fame and exposure, and there is a feeling that a single event simply cannot be protected in the way she would like,” an insider told the news outlet.

“The strategy being discussed is to hold one large, highly visible celebration with extensive security, which effectively acts as a decoy, while a second, much smaller ceremony takes place privately,” the source added.

They further noted that Swift believes that putting on a headline-grabbing event will help draw attention away from the intimate ceremony and greatly “reduce the risk of stalkers or troublemakers attempting to track her movements…”

Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce’s Pre-Wedding Parties Are Expected To Be Lavish And Extravagant

Before their day, Swift and Kelce are already reportedly pulling out the stops for a memorable pre-wedding bash.

According to Closer Online, the singer has also set a very high spending budget to ensure all their needs are met, but they don’t go overboard for their bachelorette and bachelor parties.

“Taylor didn’t want money to be a factor in planning these parties, so she and Travis have set a $10 million limit,” an insider told the publication.

They added, “However, they’ve made it clear to their wedding party that if more needs to be spent to ensure everything runs smoothly, that won’t be an issue.”

The singer and NFL star will likely be employing the use of “private jets” for said parties along with “villa rentals, a large team of private staff to cater for guests, and plenty of other luxury extras.”