Connect with us
DAPA Banner
DAPA Coin
DAPA
COIN PAYMENT ASSET
PRIVACY · BLOCKDAG · HOMOMORPHIC ENCRYPTION · RUST
ElGamal Encrypted MINE DAPA
🚫 GENESIS SOLD OUT
DAPAPAY COMING

Entertainment

Chuck Norris Was Wrong About The Viral Trend That Defined Him

Published

on

Todd Graves and Chuck Norris

Long before social media turned celebrities into memes, Chuck Norris became the subject of one of the internet’s most enduring phenomena. The action star, martial artist, and “Walker, Texas Ranger” icon inspired thousands of “Chuck Norris Facts” jokes that portrayed him as an almost superhuman figure capable of impossible feats. While the jokes became a cultural sensation, Chuck Norris himself initially assumed the trend would be short-lived.

Todd Graves and Chuck Norris
Raising Cane’s

The Blast attended a press conference hosted by Raising Cane’s in Cypress, Texas, where Chuck Norris’ widow, Gena O’Kelley, joined founder Todd Graves and the couple’s children, Danilee and Dakota Norris, to celebrate a new campaign benefiting Kickstart Kids ahead of National Chicken Finger Day on July 27.

During the event, O’Kelley opened up about how Norris first reacted to the viral jokes and revealed why he eventually came to appreciate the phenomenon that introduced him to an entirely new generation of fans. According to O’Kelley, the family first encountered the now-famous “Chuck Norris Facts” during the early days of the internet.

Like many people, Norris found the jokes amusing. But he never imagined they would become part of popular culture for decades. “When the Chuck Norris Facts first came out back in the early 2000s, he kind of laughed,” O’Kelley recalled.

She said one of the first jokes they encountered claimed that Mount Rushmore was too small to properly feature Norris. “The first one that we got was they wanted to put Chuck Norris on Mount Rushmore, but the granite wasn’t hard enough for his beard,” she said.

Advertisement

The joke made him laugh, but Norris remained convinced the trend would quickly disappear. “He goes, ‘Oh, those will be gone in about six months.’” Instead, the opposite happened.

The ‘Chuck Norris Facts’ Became A Global Phenomenon

Chuck Norris' family, Todd Graves, and the Kickstart Kids
Raising Cane’s

More than two decades later, the jokes continue to circulate online, making Norris one of the earliest celebrities to achieve true viral internet fame. The exaggerated one-liners transformed Norris from a beloved action star into a larger-than-life cultural icon whose name became synonymous with toughness, strength, and invincibility. At the press conference, Graves reflected on just how widespread the phenomenon became.

Sharing a story from a family vacation to Iceland, the Raising Cane’s founder recalled discovering Chuck Norris jokes in places he never expected. “We went to Iceland, and in Iceland they had Chuck Norris sayings,” Graves said, adding that some of his personal favorites included classics like, “Chuck Norris can count to infinity twice.”

For Graves, the jokes helped elevate Norris beyond traditional celebrity status. “Chuck became larger than life,” he said.

The Memes Helped Chuck Norris Reach Younger Generations

Chuck Norris
VF / AFF-USA.com / MEGA

While many celebrities may have grown tired of being turned into a punchline, O’Kelley said Norris ultimately recognized a deeper benefit. “The greatest blessing from it all is it’s reconnected him with all the young people around the world,” she explained, and as new generations discovered the jokes online, many were introduced to Norris for the first time. Some knew the memes before they knew his movies.

According to O’Kelley, that unexpected connection became one of the most meaningful aspects of the phenomenon. “All these new young generations that come up, they feel like they’ve discovered something that’s superhuman for the first time,” she said.

Advertisement

The jokes may have started as internet humor, but they ultimately helped preserve Norris’ relevance long after many of his most famous films and television appearances had aired.

Chuck Norris Embraced The Joke

Todd Graves and Chuck Norris with his wife
Raising Cane’s

Part of what kept the phenomenon alive was Norris’ willingness to laugh along with everyone else. Rather than distancing himself from the jokes, he embraced them. “Chuck had a great sense of humor,” Graves said. “So he embraced it, and that made it even better.”

O’Kelley recalled that Norris even incorporated the jokes into his own work, sharing one of his favorite examples involving a cobra. “When the cobra bit Chuck Norris, after five days of agonizing pain, the cobra died,” she said, laughing.

Rather than taking himself too seriously, Norris understood that the jokes were rooted in admiration for the image he had spent decades building through martial arts, film, and television.

The Legacy Lives On Beyond The Memes

Todd Graves laughing with Chuck Norris' widow
Raising Cane’s

Although Norris died in 2026 at age 86, his family says the larger-than-life persona created by the “Chuck Norris Facts” continues to introduce people to his story. For O’Kelley, however, the most important part of his legacy isn’t the jokes themselves but what they ultimately led people to discover.

Beyond the punchlines was a man dedicated to faith, family, service, and helping young people through Kickstart Kids, the youth development organization he founded more than three decades ago.

Advertisement

The viral memes may have portrayed Norris as indestructible, but according to those closest to him, their greatest impact was connecting millions of people to the values he spent his life promoting. And more than 20 years after he predicted the jokes would disappear, the legend of Chuck Norris shows no signs of fading away.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Entertainment

Why Below Deck’s Joe Thinks Nathan ‘Should Not’ Have Returned

Published

on

Biggest 'Below Deck' Feuds Ever — and Where the Relationships Stand Today grey jacket

Below Deck Mediterranean‘s Joe Bradley didn’t hold back when discussing why he thought Nathan Gallagher shouldn’t have returned to the show.

“I love the fact that he’s a working man and he fights for his family and he’s put himself in that position financially to fight for his family. I can’t take that from him,” Joe exclusively told Us Weekly. “I admire that as much as I don’t like him. I admire fighting for your family.”

Joe noted that despite Nathan stepping up, he appeared overwhelmed.

“He should not be there. It’s detrimental,” he said about Nathan trying to balance work and raising his newborn with girlfriend Gael Cameron. “You might think to yourself, ‘Oh, it’s only six weeks.’ But those six weeks feel like nine months.”

Advertisement
Biggest 'Below Deck' Feuds Ever — and Where the Relationships Stand Today grey jacket


Related: Biggest ‘Below Deck‘ Feuds — and Where the Relationships Stand Today

Viewers have had a front row seat to some of the biggest reality TV feuds since the Below Deck franchise debuted. The show’s spinoff series Below Deck Mediterranean shocked viewers when Hannah Ferrier and Captain Sandy Yawn‘s inability to see eye to eye turned into the most memorable firing to date. Since the captain joined […]

After joining Below Deck Med in season 9, Joe and Nathan became quick friends. They fell out, however, following Joe’s tumultuous love triangle in season 10, which resulted in Nathan choosing sides.

Advertisement

Joe told Us that he has maintained “absolutely no” contact with Nathan.

“He did message me when I was in Australia,” Joe said. “But I didn’t answer him back so he can taste his own medicine.”

Season 11 of the hit Bravo series captured numerous moments when Nathan was frustrated with Joe. For the lead deckhand, it was gratifying for viewers to see his experience with Nathan.

“Watching it back and seeing Nathan — who he truly is — is rather refreshing to me,” Joe added. “I know who Nathan is, I know what he’s like, how he can react and for him to get his two minutes of how he actually is is refreshing to me.”

Advertisement

Joe pointed to the instances when Nathan went off on him in public, adding, “The fact that he can just switch is so alarming to me because I’ve seen it before.”

Below Deck Mediterranean
Fred Jagueneau/Bravo

He continued: “It didn’t look good for him. We’re all professionals at the end of the day so [the rest of the crew] don’t know who Nathan really is yet. This is Nathan. This is who he is. He switches. He’s generally got anger issues and you hopefully throughout the season you will discover what Nathan has to offer in terms of who he is.”

Before Below Deck Med returned, Joe reflected on his growth between seasons.

“You will see a level of growth [this season] because I felt it. You will see that I’m comfortable in my own skin on board. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a bit boisterous at times,” he previously told Us. “That’s where Nathan [and I differ]. I can actually be social, but I have a good time as well and do my job well. You will see growth and you will see a level of change because I’m fed up with all these [love] triangles now.”

Advertisement
Captain Sandy: Hannah Is 'Still Angry' Following 'Below Deck Med' Firing


Related: Below Deck Mediterranean’s Biggest Drama Through the Years

As soon as you step foot on a Below Deck Mediterranean charter yacht, you’re guaranteed one thing: a whole lot of drama. Throughout its Bravo run, crew members like Captain Sandy Yawn, Hannah Ferrier, Malia White and more have been know to butt heads with each other — all with the purpose of delivering a […]

Joe clarified that he “learned” his lesson, revealing that he’s focused on his duties as lead deckhand.

“I really do hope that you see it on this season. My job is my main priority. I’m going to say my [biggest] regret right now was the situation with Victoria, I could have handled that very differently. I could have handled that in a mature manner,” he shared. “I was just boisterous. Obviously, we haven’t had any contact yet. But if I could sit down with her today, I would apologize. If she allows me one day to actually get all around and say I’m sorry for what I’ve done, I will do that.”

Advertisement

Looking ahead, Joe was determined to prove his critics wrong.

“I understand it’s not a comfortable position — even just being a viewer. Watching myself back, I have learned from the situation. I’m really focused [on] my job right now,” he concluded. “I am taming it down [in my romantic life on board] to just being one person. I don’t need to be greedy anymore. I’ve had my and I’m just ready to get the job done.”

Advertisement

Below Deck Med airs on Bravo Mondays at 8 p.m. ET. New episodes stream the next day on Peacock.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Entertainment

How Teddy Swims Stays ‘Present’ Since Becoming a Father

Published

on

Teddy Swims

Teddy Swims is opening up about how becoming a father has changed his outlook on life.

“Being present in so many situations has been more, more important, you know? Like, I find that being where my feet are is now the most important thing to me,” the “Mr. Know It All” singer, 33, exclusively tells Us Weekly while promoting his partnership with White Claw. “There’s so much more intention in every step I take, and the things I do.”

Swims welcomed son Theodore, 13 months, with ex-girlfriend Raiche Wright in June 2025. Earlier this month, Swims revealed that he and Wright split while releasing his new song “Break Up in Reverse.”

The musician shares that he knows he can’t be there for all of his son’s milestones, so he really wants to immerse himself in those special moments when he can.

Advertisement
Teddy Swims


Related: Teddy Swims Reveals ‘Hard Part’ About Finding New Sound After Becoming a Dad

Teddy Swims joined the fatherhood club just 10 months ago, and he’s opening up about how it’s influencing his musical direction. The “Lose Control” singer dished on his journey as a parent during his Stagecoach pop-up at T-Mobile’s exclusive Club Magenta hospitality space. Club Magenta welcomed guests at Stagecoach with open arms, providing an upscale […]

“I feel like I’m the same as I was a year ago, in so many regards. And he’s completely changing every day,” Swims recalls. “So seeing that passage of time … how minuscule time is, and seeing how finite it is … it’s such a scary, crazy thing.”

Advertisement

Swims adds that his new philosophy is making him appreciate the little moments with his son.

“There’s so many times where I’m sitting with him and he’s doing nothing at all and this is the most productive thing I could do, just giving my time and not be on my phone and just be there,” he explains. “I look at him when I talk to him, and he just wants you to look at him in the eyes. He just wants you to be there and see what he’s doing, and he looks back over his shoulder if he’s doing whatever, and it’s just like, ‘Are you watching?’ And that’s become the most important thing to me.”

Swims confesses he knows it might sound “cheesy” to feel this way but he truly wants to “make the time count” and “celebrate those little wins.”

Teddy Swims Says Becoming a Father Has Taught Him to Be 'Present,' Details Daily FaceTimes With Son
Courtesy of White Claw

“My son has just done so much of that for me to just slow me down and give me that real time,” he shares with Us, noting that it can be easy to feel like everyone has it all together as people often post their highlight reels online. “I think, in an age of social media … you’re constantly comparing yourself to other people and their accomplishments, or whatever fake life that they’re kind of portraying, that it’s all good all the time, and everything’s wonderful. It can be really kind of draining on you.”

On the days where Swims is on the road and can’t physically be there with his son, the “Bad Dreams” singer says he hops on a video call to spend time with his little one.

Advertisement

“I miss him, but I’m on Facetime with him every day I can,” he tells Us. “We’re like five hours difference in a lot of these places, I’m getting him when he’s eating his breakfast, lunch and dinner, just trying to hop on and see him. With a 1-year-old, you’re getting like, maybe a minute and a half of his attention, and he’s on to something else, but at least he’s stoked to see me.”

Swims acknowledges that he knows others in his scenario don’t get the luxury of being able to check in with their families on a daily basis.

“There are guys doing my job that don’t get to talk to or see their kid at all, you know, so I’m super grateful that we can be face to face in some regard,” he points out.

Teddy Swims Says Becoming a Father Has Taught Him to Be 'Present,' Details Daily FaceTimes With Son
Courtesy of White Claw

In addition to being on his international The Ugly Tour, Swims has teamed up with White Claw to get in the summer spirit. The partnership includes a limited-edition collection that includes a bear-shaped pool floatie, hoodie and T-shirt. The pool accessory incorporates Swim’s punk-rock style while also having a built-in waterproof Bluetooth speaker, center cooler and cup holders.

“I’m really pumped about the floaty, he’s really cool,” Swims tells Us. “He’s got a big bear with a mustache, he’s got a cooler, so you can put your white claws in, something you could stick them into if they’re already open, of course, some cup holders, and there’s also like this waterproof Bluetooth speaker in there, so you know it’s got everything you need for the hangs, for the pool hangs, put it in your bathtub if you want, I guess.”

Advertisement

Swims adds that the opportunity to work with White Claw was a perfect fit as he’s embracing the little moments with loved ones.

“White claw [is] like the perfect situation, because it’s all about that, just being where your feet are,” he explains. “Being with those people, and making that time so valuable, because you know, time is just that thing, especially watching this little creature grow so fast.”

Advertisement

Swims’ collection will be available exclusively at whiteclaw.com on Thursday, July 16, at 9 a.m. ET, available while supplies last.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Entertainment

Loki Creator Is Giving Marvel’s Most Obscure Hero His Own Movie

Published

on

Loki Creator Is Giving Marvel’s Most Obscure Hero His Own Movie

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published

For better or for worse, the DCU has been taking the time to give secondary characters their own projects. That’s how Supergirl and Clayface got their own films, and James Gunn recently greenlit a TV show featuring Jimmy Olsen and Gorilla Grodd. That’s a very different approach from the MCU, whose success has historically been built on primary characters like Iron Man and Captain America. However, to combat superhero fatigue, Marvel has been trying new things lately, including giving a movie to The Thunderbolts, a kind of in-universe B-team. Now, it seems, they are going a step further and giving a very obscure character his own feature film. 

That character is Nova; he’s part of the Nova Corps, which first appeared onscreen in Guardians of the Galaxy in 2014. Many Marvel fans thought we’d get a solo Nova movie soon afterward, but over a decade later, there has been no film. That’s all about to change, however: Deadline reports that Marvel Studios is working on a solo Nova movie. Even more exciting, the film will be written and possibly directed by Michael Waldrop, who is arguably best known for creating the fan-favorite Loki series.

A Secret Comic Icon

Marvel Nova

This news comes to us courtesy of Deadline, whose insiders claim that Michael Waldron is currently working on a Nova feature film for Marvel Studios. The insiders claim that this project is in its very earliest stages and has not yet gotten an official green light from the studio. However, should the project get the go-ahead, Waldron will write the script and preferably direct the film. Interestingly, this is a shift in direction for Marvel, which had originally intended to turn Nova into a television show on Disney+.

Originally, Marvel wanted to have Sabir Pirzada write a Nova TV series, but they quietly canceled those plans back in 2025. It’s possible that they canceled this project to avoid any comparisons to the upcoming DCU show Lanterns. The Nova Corps are basically Marvel’s version of the Green Lanterns; thanks to powers from the Nova Force, these space cops can fly, absorb energy, and move fast, and they are more durable than most. The Nova movie will presumably focus on Richard Rider, the warrior who, in the comics, has had many solo adventures and team-ups with the Guardians of the Galaxy.

No Evil Shall Escape His Sight

Marvel Nova

Michael Waldron is a great choice to write and direct the Nova movie. He has major Marvel experience, including writing Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness and serving as showrunner for Loki. Outside the world of tights-and-flights, he is best known as the creator of Chad Powers, a popular Hulu TV show featuring Glen Powell. Done well, Nova could be the next Guardians of the Galaxy: a movie that embraces the cosmic weirdness of this cinematic universe with both humor and style. Speaking of Gunn’s beloved movie, there’s a significant chance that the Nova character will play a major part in future GOTG films. 

While all of this is exciting, it’s worth stressing once again that Nova hasn’t had an official greenlight, much less a release date. Should this movie get the go-ahead from Kevin Feige, it will likely be after Avengers: Secret Wars reboots the MCU at the end of 2027. That reboot is meant to give new life to Marvel, making way for new characters and new adventures. Considering what a major role the Nova Corps played in Guardians of the Galaxy and how important these characters have been in the comics for over half a century, here’s hoping we get to see a big-screen outing that does this underappreciated character justice!

Advertisement


Source link

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Sam Neill Delivered His Greatest Performance in This 97% Rotten Tomatoes Classic

Published

on

hunt-for-the-wilderpeople-2016

There are plenty of reasons Sam Neill became one of the most beloved actors of his generation. He could anchor a blockbuster, steal a scene with a perfectly timed sarcastic remark, or make even the most reserved character impossible to stop watching. It’s why audiences still adore performances like Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, even more than 30 years later. As much as I love that role, though, Hunt for the Wilderpeople has always felt like the performance that defines Neill at his very best.

Taika Waititi‘s 2016 adventure follows reluctant outdoorsman Hec Faulkner (Neill) and foster child Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison) as they’re forced into the New Zealand wilderness, unintentionally becoming the subjects of a nationwide manhunt. It’s an endlessly funny road movie, but it’s also the movie that best understands what made Neill such a remarkable screen presence. The warmth, the dry wit, the vulnerability beneath a permanently grumpy exterior; they’re all here. Waititi didn’t ask Neill to reinvent himself. He simply built the perfect role around everything audiences already loved about him.













Advertisement









































Collider Exclusive · Middle-earth Quiz
Which Lord of the Rings
Character Are You?

One Quiz · Ten Questions · Your Fate Revealed
Advertisement

The road goes ever on. From the green hills of the Shire to the fires of Mount Doom, every soul in Middle-earth carries a destiny. Ten questions stand between you and the truth of who you are. Answer honestly — the One Ring has a way of revealing what we most want to hide.

💍Frodo

🌿Samwise

👑Aragorn

🔥Gandalf

Advertisement

🏹Legolas

⚒️Gimli

👁️Sauron

🪨Gollum

Advertisement

01

Advertisement

You are handed a responsibility that could destroy you. What do you do?
The weight of the world falls on unlikely shoulders.




02

Advertisement

Your closest companion is heading into terrible danger. You:
True loyalty is revealed not in comfort, but in crisis.




03

Advertisement

Enormous power is within your reach. Your instinct is:
Power corrupts — but only those who reach for it.




04

Advertisement

What does “home” mean to you?
Where we long to return reveals who we truly are.




05

Advertisement

When a battle is upon you, your approach is:
War reveals what we are made of — whether we like it or not.




06

Advertisement

Someone comes to you for advice in their darkest hour. You:
Wisdom is not knowing all the answers — it’s knowing which questions to ask.




07

Advertisement

How do you see yourself, honestly?
Self-knowledge is the most dangerous kind.




08

Advertisement

Which of these best describes your relationship with the natural world?
Middle-earth speaks to those who know how to listen.




09

Advertisement

You encounter a wretched, pitiable creature who has done terrible things. You:
How we treat the fallen reveals the height of our character.




10

Advertisement

When the quest is over and the songs are sung, what do you hope they say about you?
In the end, we are all just stories.




The Fellowship Has Spoken
Your Place in Middle-earth
Advertisement

The scores below reveal your true character. Your highest number is your match. Even a tie tells a story — the Fellowship was never made of simple people.

💍
Frodo

🌿
Samwise

Advertisement

👑
Aragorn

🔥
Gandalf

🏹
Legolas

⚒️
Gimli

Advertisement

👁️
Sauron

🪨
Gollum

You carry something heavy — and you carry it alone, even when you don’t have to. You were not born for greatness, and that is precisely why greatness chose you. Your courage is not the roaring, sword-swinging kind; it is quiet, stubborn, and terrifying in its refusal to quit. The Ring weighs on you more than anyone can see, and still you walk toward the fire. That is not weakness. That is the rarest kind of strength there is.

Advertisement

You are, without question, the best of them. Not the most powerful, not the most celebrated — but the most essential. Your loyalty is not a trait; it is a force of nature. You would carry the person you love up the slopes of Mount Doom if it came to that, and we both know you’d do it without being asked. The world needs more people like you, and the world is lucky it has even one.

You were born to lead, and you have spent years running from it. The crown is yours by right, but you know better than anyone that right means nothing without the will and the worthiness to back it up. You are tempered by loss, shaped by long roads, and defined by a code of honour you hold to even when no one is watching. When you finally step forward, the world shifts. Because it was always waiting for you.

Advertisement

You have seen more than you let on, and you say less than you know — which is exactly as it should be. You are a catalyst: you do not fight the battles yourself, you ignite the people who can. Your wisdom comes not from books but from an age of watching what happens when it is ignored. You arrive precisely when you mean to, and your presence alone changes what is possible. A wizard is never late.

Graceful, perceptive, and almost preternaturally calm under pressure — you see things others miss and act before others react. You do not need to make a scene to be remarkable; your presence speaks for itself. You are loyal to those you choose to stand beside, and that choice is not made lightly. You have lived long enough to know that the most beautiful things in this world are also the most fragile, and that is why you fight to protect them.

Advertisement

You are loud, proud, and absolutely formidable — and beneath all of that is one of the most fiercely loyal hearts in Middle-earth. You don’t do anything by half measures. Your friendships are forged like iron, your grudges run as deep as mines, and your courage in battle is the kind that makes legends. You came into this fellowship suspicious of everyone and ended it willing to die for an elf. That is not a small thing. That is everything.

You think in centuries and act in absolutes. Order, dominion, control — not because you are cruel by nature, but because you have decided that the world left to itself always falls apart, and you are the only one with the vision and the will to hold it together. You were not always this. Something was lost, or taken, or betrayed, and the version of you that stands now is the answer to that wound. The tragedy is that you’re not entirely wrong — just entirely too far gone to course-correct.

Advertisement

You are a study in contradiction — pitiable and dangerous, cunning and broken, capable of both cruelty and something that once resembled love. You are defined by loss: of innocence, of self, of the one thing that gave your existence meaning. Two voices war inside you constantly, and the tragedy is that the better one sometimes wins, just not often enough, and never at the right moment. You are a warning, yes — but also a mirror. We are all a little Gollum, given the right ring and enough time.

Advertisement

Taika Waititi Gave Sam Neill the Perfect Character

hunt-for-the-wilderpeople-2016
Sam Neill and Julian Dennson in Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Image via Defender Films
Advertisement

One of Neill’s greatest strengths was never feeling like he was trying too hard. Whether he was delivering a joke or carrying the emotional weight of a scene, there was always an effortlessness to his performances. He knew exactly when to hold back, trusting the audience to meet him halfway instead of spelling everything out. That’s exactly why Hec Faulkner works. On paper, Hec is a familiar character: a stubborn widower who wants nothing to do with the energetic kid suddenly dropped into his life. Another movie might have turned him into a one-note grouch before giving him a predictable change of heart. Waititi never takes that shortcut, and Neill never plays Hec as someone who secretly has all the answers. He stays gruff, he complains constantly, and half the time, he looks like he’d rather hike another twenty miles than admit Ricky has grown on him.

That’s what makes their relationship so satisfying. Rather than relying on sentimental speeches, Hunt for the Wilderpeople lets dozens of little moments do the work. Hec starts looking out for Ricky without even realizing he’s doing it, and Neill never announces that Hec has changed because he doesn’t need to: you can see it. It’s also one of the funniest performances of Neill’s career. His deadpan delivery turns even the simplest lines into laugh-out-loud moments, but the jokes never come at the expense of the character. Hec isn’t funny because he’s trying to be, he’s funny because Neill understood that the best comedy often comes from taking everything completely seriously.

It’s the Performance That Captures Everything Audiences Loved About Sam Neill

Waititi has made bigger movies since Hunt for the Wilderpeople. He’s directed Marvel blockbusters and won an Academy Award for Jojo Rabbit. But this remains the movie where every one of his strengths comes together most naturally. It’s hilarious without undermining its emotional moments, heartfelt without becoming overly sentimental, and adventurous without ever losing sight of its characters. At the center of all of its charm is Neill. Looking back at his career now, it’s remarkable how often filmmakers cast Neill as an authority figure. Scientists, doctors, military officers, detectives. He had a natural confidence that made audiences trust him almost immediately. Hunt for the Wilderpeople strips all of that away. Hec isn’t the smartest person in the room. He isn’t trying to save the world. He’s just a lonely man who unexpectedly finds someone worth caring about. That simplicity allows every one of Neill’s best qualities to shine. The dry sense of humor. The reluctant compassion. The ability to communicate everything a scene needs with little more than an expression or a perfectly timed pause.

Advertisement

There are bigger Neill performances, and there are certainly more famous ones. Alan Grant will always be one of cinema’s greatest heroes, and Jurassic Park isn’t losing that crown anytime soon. But Hunt for the Wilderpeople feels different. It’s the role that brings together everything Neill did best into one unforgettable performance. Rather than asking him to become someone larger than life, Waititi trusted that Neill was already exactly who the movie needed him to be. Nearly a decade later, it’s still Waititi’s finest movie, and the performance I will always think of first whenever I remember how special Neill really was.


hunt for the wilderpeople poster
Advertisement


Release Date
Advertisement

March 31, 2016

Runtime

101minutes

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Entertainment

7 Thriller Shows That Are a Masterclass in Cliffhangers

Published

on

Titus Welliver in Bosch

Some thrillers leave audiences with more questions than answers — and that’s what makes the genre so addictive. The best thriller shows reveal just enough information for viewers to piece together their own theories, only to pull the rug out from under them with an unexpected twist. It’s already difficult to tell who’s truly good or bad, but when the story starts presenting different versions of the same truth, every revelation only heightens the mystery.

That’s where cliffhangers come in. Designed to keep viewers on edge, they end episodes at the worst possible moment, tempting audiences to hit “next episode” in search of answers — only to be met with even more questions. Without further ado, here are seven thriller shows that are a masterclass in cliffhangers.

Advertisement

1

‘Bosch’ (2014–2021)

Titus Welliver in Bosch
Titus Welliver in Bosch
Image via Prime Video

Murky police politics, corrupt commissioners, and hidden agendas — Bosch is never one to offer straightforward conclusions. LAPD Homicide Detective Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver) constantly finds himself in the middle of murder investigations. What he doesn’t expect is that certain cases either connect or are merely pieces of a much larger conspiracy involving not only the police department, but also the highest levels of Los Angeles politics.

Almost every episode ends on an uneasy cliffhanger. Just when audiences think they’ve identified the killer, another character suddenly turns up with an alibi, or the prime suspect ends up dead instead. Some of the series’ biggest jaw-dropping moments include the shocking daylight murder of Bosch’s ex-wife, the revelation that his mother’s killer is none other than the President of the Los Angeles Police Commission, and Bosch’s sudden resignation at the end of Season 7 — a moment that ultimately sets up his post-LAPD life in Bosch: Legacy perfectly.

Advertisement

2

‘Sherlock’ (2010–2017)

Sherlock-1
Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) peers inquisitively to something as he stands outside at night with an orange blanket draped around his shoulders in ‘Sherlock’.
Image via BBC

No detective story is more globally iconic than Sherlock. This 21st-century adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic tales follows Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Dr. John Watson (Martin Freeman) as they tackle the author’s most elaborate cases with a modern twist. Armed with DNA analysis, digital footprints, and state-of-the-art forensics, solving crimes is easier than ever. But when it comes to hunting dangerous criminals, even the latest technology can’t prepare the sleuthing duo for what lies ahead.

If fans think the books hold all the answers to Sherlock‘s biggest cliffhangers, think again. The series takes creative liberties with Sir Doyle’s stories to keep viewers guessing over whether certain characters are truly dead or alive. From the return of Moriarty (Andrew Scott) and Sherlock’s “presumed” death to Watson’s fate after being shot in the face, these cliffhangers reinvent the Sherlockian lore while staying true to the spirit of the original stories.

Advertisement

3

‘Prison Break’ (2005–2009)

Wentworth Miller, Dominic Purcell, and others lineup in jumpsuits in Prison Break image
Wentworth Miller, Dominic Purcell, and others lineup in jumpsuits in Prison Break image
Image via © 20th Century Fox Film Corp. All rights reserved, Courtesy: Everett Collection

There are many ways to get someone out of jail. In Prison Break, Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller) purposely gets himself incarcerated to break out his brother, Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell), who is sentenced for a murder he did not commit. For the escape plan itself, he’s got it all tattooed across his entire upper body. Sounds like a foolproof plan, but practice has a nasty way of betraying theory.

Prison Break promises escape, but never guarantees safety. Most of the cliffhangers revolve around Michael and Lincoln having the rug pulled out from under them just as they’re an arm’s length away from freedom. Just when they think they’ve reached the light at the end of the tunnel, that very escape tunnel literally collapses. The season finales are even more unforgiving, from Michael’s heartbreaking sacrifice in “The Final Break” to the mind-blowing revelation years later that Michael is actually alive and imprisoned in Yemen under another identity.













Advertisement



















































Collider Exclusive · Action Hero Quiz
Which Action Hero Would Be
Your Perfect Partner?

Rambo · James Bond · Indiana Jones · John McClane · Ethan Hunt
Advertisement

Five legends. Five completely different ways of getting out alive — with style, with muscle, with charm, with luck, or with a plan so intricate it probably shouldn’t work. Ten questions will reveal which action hero was built to have your back.

🎖️Rambo

🍸James Bond

🏺Indiana Jones

🔧John McClane

Advertisement

🎭Ethan Hunt

Advertisement

01

You’re dropped into a dangerous situation with no warning. What do you need most from a partner?
The first few seconds tell you everything about who belongs beside you.





Advertisement

02

You have to get somewhere dangerous, fast. How do you travel?
How you get there is half the mission.





Advertisement

03

You’re pinned down and outnumbered. What does your ideal partner do?
This is when you find out what someone is really made of.





Advertisement

04

The mission is paused. You have one evening to decompress. What does your partner suggest?
Who someone is when the pressure drops is who they actually are.





Advertisement

05

How do you prefer your partner to communicate mid-mission?
Good communication is the difference between partners and a liability.





Advertisement

06

Your enemy is powerful, well-resourced, and has the upper hand. How should your partner approach them?
The approach to the enemy defines the partnership.





Advertisement

07

Things go badly wrong and you’re captured. What do you trust your partner to do?
Who someone is when you need them most is the only thing that matters.





Advertisement

08

What does your ideal partner bring to the table that you couldn’t replace?
A great partner fills the gap you didn’t know you had.





Advertisement

09

Every partnership has a cost. Which of these can you live with?
No one comes without baggage. The question is whether you can carry it together.





Advertisement

10

It’s the final moment. Everything is on the line. What do you need from your partner right now?
The last question is the most honest one.





Advertisement
Your Partner Has Been Assigned
Your Perfect Partner Is…

Your answers have pointed to one action hero above all others. This is the person built to have your back — for better or considerably, spectacularly worse.

Rambo

Advertisement

Your partner doesn’t talk much, doesn’t need to, and will have assessed every threat in your immediate environment before you’ve finished your first sentence. John Rambo is not a man of plans or politics — he is a force of nature shaped by survival, loyalty, and a capacity for endurance that goes beyond anything training can produce. He will not leave you behind. He has never left anyone behind who deserved to come home. What you get with Rambo is the most capable, most quietly ferocious partner imaginable — one who has been through things that would have broken anyone else, and who chose to keep going anyway. You’ll never need to ask if he has your back. You’ll just know.

James Bond

Your partner will arrive perfectly dressed, perfectly briefed, and with a cover story so convincing it’ll take you a moment to remember what’s actually true. James Bond is the most professionally dangerous person in any room he enters — and the most disarmingly charming, which is the point. He operates in a world of layers, where nothing is what it appears and every advantage is used without apology. You’ll never be bored. You’ll occasionally be furious. But when it matters — when the mission is genuinely on the line and the margin for error has collapsed to nothing — Bond is exactly the partner you want. He has survived things that have no business being survivable. He does it with style. That is not nothing.

Advertisement

Indiana Jones

Your partner will know the history, the language, the cultural context, and exactly why the thing everyone else is ignoring is actually the most important thing in the room. Indiana Jones is brilliant, reckless, and occasionally impossible — but he is also one of the most resourceful, most genuinely knowledgeable partners you could find yourself beside. He approaches every situation with a scholar’s eye and a brawler’s instinct, which is an unusual combination and a remarkably effective one. He hates snakes and gets personally attached to objects of historical significance, both of which will slow you down at least once. It doesn’t matter. What Indy brings is irreplaceable — and the adventures you’ll have together will be the kind people write books about. Assuming you survive them.

Advertisement

John McClane

Your partner was not supposed to be here. He does not have the right equipment, the right information, or anything approaching the right odds. He has a sarcastic remark and an absolute refusal to accept that the situation is as bad as it looks. John McClane is the greatest accidental hero in the history of action cinema — a man whose superpower is stubbornness, whose contingency plan is improvisation, and whose capacity to absorb punishment and keep moving would be alarming if it weren’t so useful. He will complain the entire time. He will make it significantly more chaotic than it needed to be. And he will absolutely, unconditionally, without question come through when it counts. Yippee-ki-yay.

Ethan Hunt

Advertisement

Your partner has already run seventeen scenarios by the time you’ve finished reading the briefing, and the plan he’s settled on involves at least two things that should be physically impossible. Ethan Hunt operates at the absolute edge of human capability — technically, physically, and intellectually — and he brings the same relentless precision to protecting his partners that he brings to dismantling organisations that shouldn’t exist. He is not easy to know and he will never fully tell you everything. But he will carry the weight of the mission so completely, so absolutely, that your job is simply to trust him — and the remarkable thing is that trusting him always turns out to be the right call. The mission will be impossible. He will complete it anyway.

Advertisement

4

‘The Night Manager’ (2016–Present)

Tom Hiddleston as Jonathan Pine in 'The Night Manager' Season 2
Tom Hiddleston as Jonathan Pine in ‘The Night Manager’ Season 2
Image via Prime Video

The Night Manager follows Jonathan Pine (Tom Hiddleston), a former British soldier who trades the battlefield for a quiet job managing a luxury hotel. His life takes a dangerous turn when a guest he promised to protect is murdered, leading him to go undercover and infiltrate the inner circle of notorious arms dealer Richard Roper (Hugh Laurie). As Pine earns Roper’s trust, every move brings him closer to exposing the criminal empire while putting his own identity and life at risk.

Advertisement

The Night Manager keeps audiences on edge with the constant uncertainty surrounding Pine’s undercover mission. Nearly every episode ends with his cover hanging by a thread, leaving viewers wondering whether Roper has uncovered the truth or if Pine can talk his way out of yet another impossible situation. Even when Pine believes he’s cleared Roper’s suspicions, Roper’s associates often have doubts of their own, raising the stakes even further. With Pine just one mistake away from being exposed, the show’s cliffhangers only become more intense.

5

‘Lost’ (2004–2010)

The cast of 'Lost.'
The cast of ‘Lost.’
Image via ABC

When you’re stranded on a mysterious island in the South Pacific after a plane crash, you’re bound to have a lot of questions. Lost constantly keeps viewers guessing, from why the plane crashed and where the survivors really are to whether anyone will ever rescue them. With no idea what the island truly holds or if they’ll ever make it home, life there feels like purgatory, where the only certainty is the emotional baggage each survivor brings with them.

Advertisement

For an island in the middle of nowhere, there’s certainly no shortage of mysteries in Lost. Its cliffhangers often center on the survivors’ fates as they face increasingly bizarre situations, from kidnappings and disappearances to seemingly impossible escapes that leave viewers questioning who’s dead or alive. The season finales also peel back the island’s secrets, revealing an intricate mythology where the island can move, time travel is possible, and nothing is ever quite as it seems.

6

‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)

BREAKING BAD, (from left): Dean Norris, Bryan Cranston, 'Bug', (Season 4, ep. 409, aired Sept. 11, 2011), 2008-. Photo: Lewis Jacobs / © AMC / courtesy Everett Collection
BREAKING BAD, (from left): Dean Norris, Bryan Cranston, ‘Bug’, (Season 4, ep. 409, aired Sept. 11, 2011), 2008-. Photo: Lewis Jacobs / © AMC / courtesy Everett Collection
Image via Lewis Jacobs / © AMC / courtesy Everett Collection

Becoming dirt poor can do strange things to a cancer-ridden chemistry teacher. Breaking Bad follows Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a desperate man who enters the drug trade to secure his family’s future after his cancer diagnosis. While his partner Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) has more experience, Walter quickly proves himself capable of building a respectable operation. Much of Breaking Bad’s conflicts come from Walter claiming his power, and in turn, the people around him slowly losing theirs.

Advertisement

As Walter’s empire grows, his associates and rivals start losing their influence, which rarely ends well when they realize they can no longer control the man they helped create. These power shifts are what make up some of the show’s most brutal cliffhangers. Whether it is Walter eliminating threats, losing control of his empire, or pushing Jesse to the brink of betrayal, each turning point shows just how far he has fallen. Alliances fall apart, trust disappears, and everyone around him is forced to deal with the consequences.

7

‘Silo’ (2023–Present)

Rebecca Ferguson in "Silo," premiering July 3, 2026 on Apple TV.
Rebecca Ferguson in “Silo,” premiering July 3, 2026 on Apple TV.
Image via Apple TV

When you’re stuck with roughly 10,000 people in one silo, the last thing you want to do is ruffle the feathers of the people in charge. Silo follows accidental rebel Juliette Nichols (Rebecca Ferguson), who is unexpectedly appointed sheriff while grieving the unexplained death of her lover. As she settles into the role, she begins uncovering disturbing secrets, realizing that the silo’s leaders have been hiding the truth about the world they live in.

Advertisement

The mystery surrounding the silo is what makes Silo‘s cliffhangers so effective. Nobody knows why the silos were built or why humanity is living inside them. The only thing everyone has ever been told is that stepping outside means certain death, making it the ultimate punishment. But with every cliffhanger, Juliette discovers another lie, slowly unraveling everything the silo has taught its people to believe. By the time she finally steps outside, viewers are led to believe she’s as good as dead, only for the series to reveal that the truth about the world is far more shocking than anyone imagined.


silo-poster.jpg
Advertisement


Silo


Advertisement

Release Date

May 5, 2023

Network

Apple TV

Advertisement

Showrunner

Graham Yost

Advertisement
Directors

Morten Tyldum, David Semel, Michael Dinner, Aric Avelino

Advertisement


Advertisement


Advertisement

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Entertainment

Zendaya In Deep Plunging Goddess Dress Blows Fans Away

Published

on

Zendaya arrive at the Odyssey premiere in Paris.

Zendaya is continuing to embrace method dressing while promoting “The Odyssey,” turning heads with a series of Greek goddess-inspired looks that pay tribute to her character, Athena.

The actress has captivated fans throughout the film’s global press tour with fashion choices that blend high couture with mythological influences.

As anticipation builds for Christopher Nolan‘s epic adaptation, Zendaya has also shared a behind-the-scenes story about how her husband Tom Holland surprised her with the news that she had been cast in the film.

Zendaya continued her streak of fashion-forward appearances while promoting “The Odyssey,” stepping out in New York with another look inspired by her role in the highly anticipated epic.

The actress, 29, was spotted greeting fans and signing autographs outside her hotel ahead of the film’s New York premiere on Tuesday.

Advertisement

For the outing, she embraced a goddess-inspired aesthetic in a flowing white dress featuring subtle grey stripes, a plunging neckline and a belted waist. She completed the ensemble with lace-up heels that climbed to just below her knees and styled her cropped hair in defined curls.

Later in the day, Zendaya changed into a second all-white outfit, opting for a fitted T-shirt-style midi dress with a bold cutout that highlighted her midriff. She paired the look with pointed stilettos and sparkling drop earrings.

The actress portrays Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, in Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of “The Odyssey.” In the film, Athena serves as a guide and protector to Odysseus, played by Matt Damon, as he navigates his long and dangerous journey home following the Trojan War.

Fans Were Blown Away By The Actress’s Goddess-Inspired Look

Zendaya arrive at the Odyssey premiere in Paris.
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

On social media, fans couldn’t help but praise Zendaya for her stunning outfit and how well she wore it.

Reacting to the look, an individual noted, “She looks STUNNING! Styled to perfection.”

Advertisement

“Awww this dress is so so beautiful. With that hair??? Stunning,” another person said on Instagram about the look.

A third person wrote, “Absolute perfection!!!! She wears this look so well. Those gladiators omg.”

“And they did it again… She can wear a bag of potatoes and will look amazing,” another fan commented.

Several others praised Zendaya’s stylist, Law Roach, for the look, emphasizing how well the pair work together.

Advertisement

Zendaya Channels A Greek Goddess Throughout ‘The Odyssey’ Press Tour

Zendaya at ''The Odyssey'' World Premiere In London, UK
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Known for aligning her fashion choices with her projects, Zendaya has consistently incorporated elements of Greek mythology into her promotional wardrobe throughout the film’s global press tour.

At the London premiere, she made a dramatic statement in a sculptural Schiaparelli couture gown featuring a metallic breastplate-inspired bodice and coordinating choker. The striking design debuted just hours earlier during Paris Couture Week.

She later switched into a nature-inspired ensemble featuring a leaf-patterned bodice and flowing chiffon skirt while posing alongside her castmates.

For the Paris premiere, Zendaya leaned even further into the mythology theme, wearing a white lace gown complete with dramatic cutouts and a cascading cape. She finished the look with a braided hairstyle and stone jewelry reminiscent of ancient Greek iconography.

Based on Homer’s classic epic poem, “The Odyssey” follows the legendary King Odysseus as he embarks on a perilous voyage home after the Trojan War, determined to reunite with his wife, Penelope.

Advertisement

Tom Holland Applauds Zendaya’s Bold Creative Choices

Zendaya in a stunning web-themed dress and Tom Holland on the Red Carpet Of The Film Spider-Man: Brand New Day At Ponte Sant'Angelo
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

The project has been described as one of Nolan’s most ambitious undertakings to date. With a reported budget of $250 million, it is the most expensive film of his career and the first to be shot entirely using IMAX 70mm cameras.

The star-studded cast includes Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, Robert Pattinson, Travis Scott, and Elliot Page.

Damon leads the film as Odysseus, while Hathaway portrays Penelope, who must navigate mounting pressures and unwanted suitors during her husband’s prolonged absence.

Beyond the film itself, fans have also been captivated by the opportunity to see Zendaya and Tom Holland share the screen.

During the film’s promotional tour, Holland praised his wife for the confidence and creativity she brings to her performances.

Advertisement

“She makes big choices when she plays characters,” he told Entertainment Tonight, explaining that he admires her willingness to fully commit to a character and make them feel authentic.

Zendaya Reveals How Tom Holland Surprised Her With The Odyssey Casting News

Zendaya at ''The Odyssey'' World Premiere In London, UK
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Meanwhile, Zendaya recently revealed that Holland played a special role in sharing the news that she had been cast in “The Odyssey.”

Speaking with the Associated Press, the actress recalled how her husband, who portrays Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, surprised her with the announcement after returning from a meeting with director Christopher Nolan.

According to Zendaya, the pair had been reading through the film’s script together when Holland encouraged her to take another look.

“He was like, ‘Read it again,” she recalled. “And I was like, ‘OK.’ And he was like, ‘But now, think of Athena.”

Advertisement

The hint immediately gave away the surprise. “I was like, ‘Stop right now! You’re joking!” Zendaya said of her reaction.

Looking back, the actress described the moment as especially meaningful because Holland had been entrusted with delivering the news himself. “He was allowed to be the one to tell me, and that was really special,” she said.

Zendaya explained that she had already been thrilled when Holland landed a role in the highly anticipated film, making her own casting an unexpected bonus.

“I was already on cloud nine,” she said. “The fact that I even got to be involved as well was like just this cherry on top.”

Advertisement

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Entertainment

Chuck Norris’ Son Shares Hilarious BTS Story About His Dad

Published

on

Chuck Norris

Chuck Norris built a reputation over decades as one of Hollywood’s toughest action stars, inspiring countless internet memes that portrayed him as nearly invincible. According to his son, Dakota Norris, one real-life family experience may have helped fuel that larger-than-life image.

The Blast attended a press conference hosted by Raising Cane’s in Cypress, Texas, where founder Todd Graves joined Chuck Norris’ widow, Gena O’Kelley, and the couple’s children, Danilee and Dakota Norris, to celebrate a new $1 million fundraising campaign benefiting Kickstart Kids ahead of National Chicken Finger Day on July 27.

While much of the event focused on Chuck Norris’ charitable legacy and the impact of the youth martial arts organization he founded, Dakota Norris shared a story that left the room laughing, a memory involving a powerful tornado, a frightened family, and a father who appeared completely unfazed by the danger.

Chuck Norris
VF / AFF-USA.com / MEGA

During the press conference, Dakota was asked to share a memorable story about his father, prompting him to recall a frightening weather event that unfolded at the Norris family ranch in 2017. According to Dakota, a tornado touched down on the property, causing widespread damage and sending family members scrambling for safety.

“I mean, it’s just part of his personality, but in 2017, we had a tornado that actually hit our ranch,” Dakota said. “It was bad. It was throwing cow feeders all over the place. I mean, it was horrible. It looked like the apocalypse outside.”

Advertisement

As the storm intensified, Dakota said family members rushed to wake everyone up and gather beneath a staircase for protection. The only problem? Chuck Norris didn’t seem particularly interested in taking cover.

While Everyone Else Hid Under The Stairs, Chuck Norris Walked Outside

Dakota explained that as the family hurried to safety, they attempted to convince the martial arts legend to join them. Instead, Chuck Norris reportedly took a very different approach. “We were like, ‘Dad, get under the stairs,’” Dakota recalled.

Rather than following their advice, Norris walked outside to get a better look at the approaching storm. “He goes outside,” Dakota said. “He’s watching the tornado cycle.”

For Dakota and the rest of the family, the sight was almost unbelievable. As they remained sheltered indoors, Chuck Norris stood outside observing the tornado as if it were just another day on the ranch.

Chuck Norris Looked At His Family And Went Back To Bed

Chuck Norris makes his first ever Wizard World Comic Con appearance during the 2017 Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia
MEGA

The story only became more unbelievable from there. According to Dakota, after watching the tornado, his father looked back at his family members who were huddled beneath the stairs with their dogs. Then he made a decision that perfectly matched the fearless image millions of fans had associated with him for decades.

“He looks at us, he sees we’re under the stairs,” Dakota said before imitating his dad shrugging. “Ah, I’m gonna go back to bed.”

Advertisement

The remark prompted laughter throughout the room as Dakota described the surreal scene. “I just remember him crossing his arms, just looking at it,” he added of Chuck standing outside, clearly admiring Mother Nature while the rest of the family remained terrified under the staircase.

When asked whether anyone had captured the moment on video, Dakota admitted they had not. “No, I didn’t,” he said. “I was 15.”

Gena O’Kelley Says Her Husband Truly Was Fearless

After Dakota finished recounting the story, O’Kelley said the tornado incident perfectly reflected the man she knew throughout their nearly 30-year marriage. “That was him,” she said. “Definitely fearless.”

The moment also highlighted the personality traits that helped turn Norris into a cultural icon long before the internet transformed him into a meme. Known worldwide for films like “Way of the Dragon” and television’s “Walker, Texas Ranger,” Norris built a reputation for toughness that eventually evolved into the famous “Chuck Norris Facts” phenomenon of the early 2000s.

During the same press conference, O’Kelley revealed that her husband initially believed the jokes would disappear after a few months. Instead, they introduced him to an entirely new generation of fans around the world.

Advertisement

The Story Comes As Chuck Norris’ Legacy Continues Through Kickstart Kids

The Norris Family and Todd Graves at Raising Cane's
The Blast / Kelly Coffey-Behrens

The family shared the tornado story while celebrating a major milestone for Kickstart Kids, the youth development organization Norris founded to teach children discipline, confidence, respect, and leadership through martial arts. The event marked the launch of Raising Cane’s nationwide fundraising campaign, which aims to raise $1 million for the organization through donations tied to National Chicken Finger Day.

Norris died in 2026 at age 86, but his family made it clear that both his charitable mission and larger-than-life reputation remain very much alive.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Entertainment

American Hero Reveals Heartbreaking Diagnosis

Published

on

Captain Sully Sullenberger.

Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger III, widely regarded as the American hero who landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River, has recently opened up about a heartbreaking diagnosis. In a new interview, the 75-year-old aviation safety advocate said that after struggling with his memory for a little over a year, he spoke with a doctor, who informed him he’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Captain Sully Sullenberger.
MEGA

Speaking with PEOPLE, Sullenberger said he learned he had Alzheimer’s in August 2025 after realizing he was beginning to forget key details.

While it’s still in the early stages, Sullenberger said the disease has a major impact on his day-to-day.

“For now, this means a name may not come easily to me, I forget a story I have recently told, or I don’t sleep as well,” he said.

Advertisement

Alzheimer’s affects around 24 million people worldwide, and one in 10 people older than 65 has it, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Since receiving his diagnosis, Sullenberger said he’s been learning just how widespread the disease, which slowly damages your memory, thinking, learning, and organizing skills, really is.

“My doctor, Dr. Gil Rabinovici with UCSF Medical Center, has opened my eyes to the prevalence of Alzheimer’s,” he said, adding that he’s learned the disease “spares no age group.”

Captain Sullenberger’s Wife Opens Up About How Her Husband’s Diagnosis Has Affected Their Family

Captain Sully Sullenberger.
MEGA

Despite the diagnosis, Sullenberger’s wife, Lorrie, told PEOPLE that it hasn’t done much to affect his even-keeled demeanor. “Just as he was the same steady person before and after Flight 1549, he is the same steady person now, before and after this diagnosis,” she said.

Lorrie, along with her and Sullenberger’s two daughters and granddaughter, is taking each day one at a time and living with appreciation and gratitude.

Advertisement

“That strength and steadiness is guiding us as a family. We’re supporting him on this journey that we now walk with so many other families. Though the future is uncertain, we continue to live our lives, have hope, and find joy in the everyday,” she added.

Captain Sully Sullenberger Wants To Use His Public Profile To Educate And Support Others About The Disease

Since being diagnosed, Sullenberger said his focus has been on learning more about the disease to educate not only himself and his family, but also those dealing with the disorder.

“This new phase of my life has challenged what it means to be of service,” he said. “And the answer is to speak up. It is my hope that by sharing this, other families living in the shadows with this disease will feel they too can step forward. And about hope. So many people told us after Flight 1549, that the outcome gave them hope. Lorrie, my incredible partner of 37 years, says we can all use a little of that hope right now.”

Advertisement

Danny Glover Got Candid About His Alzheimer’s Diagnosis Earlier This Year

Sullenberger isn’t the only public figure using their voice to spread awareness. According to TODAY, actor Danny Glover opened up about his diagnosis earlier this year, revealing that he learned of his status after noticing a change in his speech and memory.

Glover’s daughter, Mandisa Glover, told NBC anchors that part of the reason they wanted to come forward with his story was to help break barriers and remove the shame around the disorder.

“I think it’s really important for him to have control of his own narrative, of his own life story,” she said. “That’s really important. And the time is now. What better time but now for him to speak for himself?”

Advertisement

Mandisa also said that coming forward allows her family to live in their truth. “It’s important because people ask questions sometimes, and I don’t want to be a dishonest person and say, ‘Oh, yeah, everything is all right. It’s all great,’” she added.

Chris Hemsworth Said There’s A Chance He Could Be Diagnosed With The Disease In The Future

'Limitless' with Chris Hemsworth Premiere
MEGA

In 2022, Marvel actor Chris Hemsworth shared that he has a genetic predisposition for Alzheimer’s disease, making him eight to 10 times more likely to develop the disorder in the future.

He wrestled with sharing the news publicly, according to Variety, saying that doing so would reveal some of his deepest fears and insecurities.

While Hemsworth is healthy at the moment, the actor confirmed that his grandfather and father had been diagnosed, prompting him to pull back from Hollywood.

“My appetite for racing forward has really been reined in,” he said. “I’ve become more aware of the fragility of things. You start thinking, ‘My dad won’t be here for ever.’ And my kids are now 11 and 13. Those nights where they’d fight over sleeping in our bed – suddenly they’re not happening any more.”

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Ariana Grande Dating Ricky Alvarez After Ethan Slater Split

Published

on

Everything to Know About RHOSLC Alum Jen Shah's Legal Drama

Ariana Grande is dipping her feet back in the dating pond again with a familiar face.

Us Weekly can confirm the Grammy winner, 33, and Ricky Alvarez are back together nearly 10 years after their initial split. (People was first to report the news.)

“They’ve always shared a close bond,” an insider exclusively told Us earlier this month after the pair were seen leaving a Whole Foods in Boca Raton, Florida, during the 4th of July weekend. “There was a period in time where they weren’t close — while she was with Ethan [Slater] — so she is happy to reconnect with him again.”

The source continued, “Ariana is grateful to have him in her life right now, and he’s been a huge source of support.”

Advertisement

News broke in June that Grande had officially called it quits with Slater, 34, after nearly three years of dating. At the time, a source said they had been quietly broken up for several months.

“It’s amicable. They gave lots of time and careful consideration and decided to go their separate ways,” the insider shared at the time. “They are still friends and very supportive of one another.”

In recent days, fans have kept their focus on Alvarez, especially after Grande changed the lyrics to one of her hit songs during a concert at the Barclays Center in New York on Monday, July 13.

On her original 2018 single “Thank U, Next,” the singer referenced her previous romance with Alvarez while name-checking numerous exes, reminiscing, “Wrote some songs about Ricky / Now I listen and laugh.”

Advertisement

During her recent concert, however, Grande switched the lyrics to “Wrote some songs about Ricky / We always find our way back.”

She also previously fueled reconciliation rumors during her show in Austin, Texas, on June 26, singing to the crowd, “Wrote some songs about Ricky / Know he still got my back.”

Ariana Grande Through the Years


Related: Ariana Grande Through the Years: Photos

Since her humble beginnings in Boca Raton, Florida, Ariana Grande has become one of the most recognizable names in the entertainment industry. The singer had a knack for entertaining from an early age, performing at various children’s theaters and in local musicals before landing her first major role as Cat Valentine on the Nickelodeon show […]

Alvarez is a successful photographer who shares his work on social media. He previously was a backup dancer for Grande on her 2014 to 2015 Honeymoon Tour. They started dating in 2015 before calling it quits in 2016.

Advertisement

While appearing on the Zach Sang Show in 2019, Grande revealed that Alvarez frequently joked about his shout-out in “Thank U, Next.”

“Ricky loved it. He was proud. But Ricky was like, ‘Why did I get the worst line?’ And I was like, ‘What do you mean?’” she recalled. “He was like, ‘Everyone else’s line is so nice, and mine is like, ‘Man, f*** him, he’s trash.’ I was like, I could have said that. I could’ve said, ‘Wrote some songs about Ricky, never mind he’s trash.’ … But I didn’t. I said, ‘Now I listen and laugh.’”

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Todd Graves Reveals Rare Gift Chuck Norris Once Gave Him

Published

on

Chuck Norris and Todd Graves

For Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves, Chuck Norris was more than a Hollywood legend. He was a mentor, a friend, and someone whose leadership lessons helped shape the culture of one of America’s fastest-growing restaurant brands.

Speaking at a Raising Cane’s press conference in Cypress, Texas, attended by The Blast, Graves reflected on his years-long friendship with Norris while celebrating a new fundraising initiative benefiting Kickstart Kids, the youth development organization the martial arts icon founded.

While discussing their longtime friendship, Todd Graves shared details about a rare gift Chuck Norris presented him years ago, along with an unexpected act of generosity that left a lasting impression on him and his leadership team.

Chuck Norris and Todd Graves
Raising Cane’s

Graves explained that his admiration for Norris began long before the two became friends.

Like many fans, he grew up watching Norris’ films and was captivated by the martial arts icon’s larger-than-life presence. But after launching Raising Cane’s and learning what it meant to lead a growing company, Graves found himself drawn to a different side of Norris. “I started learning about leadership,” Graves said. “I saw posters of Chuck Norris’ codes of conduct, and I actually put those posters up in the restaurant.”

Advertisement

The Raising Cane’s founder said those leadership principles became discussion points for managers and crew members alike, eventually helping shape the company’s culture.

Their relationship deepened when Graves became involved with Kickstart Kids, the youth development organization Norris founded to teach children discipline, confidence, and leadership through martial arts. Over time, Graves said Norris evolved from childhood hero to trusted mentor. “He really became a mentor,” Graves told reporters.

Norris Surprised Graves With A Rare Personal Gift

Chuck Norris' family, Todd Graves, posing in front of a gi gifted by Chuck Norris
Raising Cane’s

One of the most memorable moments in their friendship came during a Kickstart Kids ceremony when Norris presented Graves with something deeply personal.

According to Graves, Norris handed him one of his own karate gis bearing the Kickstart Kids logo and explained that it was a gesture he had only made one other time. “He said, ‘Todd, I’ve only done this for you and for George W. Bush,’” Graves recalled.

Norris reportedly told Graves the gift was in recognition of his leadership and his commitment to supporting Kickstart Kids and the children served by the program. “For your leadership of your people and your support of all these children out here,” Graves remembered Norris saying.

Advertisement

The gesture left him stunned. “My hero and now a mentor to me,” Graves said. “I was just blown away.”

Today, the gi remains displayed in Raising Cane’s headquarters, where employees can see it and hear the story behind it. “It’s one of my greatest treasures,” Graves later added.

Chuck Norris Wrote Fourteen Pages Of Handwritten Leadership Notes For Cane’s Managers

Chuck Norris strangling Todd Graves in head lock
Raising Cane’s

While the gifted gi holds a special place in Graves’ collection, he said another gesture from Norris may have had an even greater impact. After learning about Raising Cane’s leadership retreat for restaurant managers, Norris offered to speak to the group. Graves expected the actor to spend a few minutes sharing advice from his decades of experience. Instead, Norris arrived with 14 pages of handwritten notes.

“I said, ‘Chuck, if you can just talk to them for five minutes and inspire them, I think it’ll go a long way,’” Graves recalled, but Norris took the opportunity far more seriously. “He came, and he brought out like 14 pages of handwritten notes,” Graves said before holding up the binder he still owns, complete with handwritten pages from Norris.

The Speech Left A Lasting Impression On Raising Cane’s Leaders

Chuck Norris and Todd Graves
Raising Cane’s

Graves said Norris meticulously walked through the material, sharing lessons about leadership, perseverance, character, and overcoming fear. The speech resonated deeply with the audience. “Our team was blown away,” Graves said. “Our leaders were blown away.”

Years later, he says employees still talk about the presentation. “We still talk about it,” Graves explained. “This is the greatest speech anybody’s ever done for me in our leadership.”

Advertisement

What struck him most was the amount of effort Norris invested despite having no obligation to do so. “He wanted to really touch people,” Graves said. “That’s why he was there.”

Among the lessons Graves remembers most was Norris’ belief that confidence is built by confronting challenges head-on and pushing through discomfort. For Graves, the speech reflected the same humility and character that made Norris such an effective mentor.

Raising Cane’s Founder Says Chuck Norris’ Legacy Lives On Through Leadership

The emotional reflections came as Raising Cane’s announced a nationwide campaign aimed at raising $1 million for Kickstart Kids, a cause that remained close to Norris’ heart throughout his life.

Norris, who died in 2026 at age 86, spent decades supporting youth development programs and encouraging young people to embrace discipline, respect, and service. For Graves, the lessons Norris shared continue to influence both his personal life and the company he built.

The treasured gi and the handwritten leadership notes serve as constant reminders of the man behind the action-star persona. “I wanted to preserve it,” Graves said of the gifts and memories Norris left behind.

Advertisement

More than anything, he hopes future generations of Raising Cane’s leaders can learn from the same values Norris worked so hard to pass on. “It’s the gift that keeps on giving,” Graves said.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025