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John Cusack R-Rated Crime Thriller Keeps The Mystery Hot To The End

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John Cusack R-Rated Crime Thriller Keeps The Mystery Hot To The End

By Robert Scucci
| Published

If you thought that Nicolas Cage was the only A-list actor who spent a considerable amount of time occupying direct-to-video territory in the 2010s, you’re gravely mistaken. John Cusack’s career followed a similar trajectory during this time, and the Say Anything actor found himself starring in a dozen films that would not be released theatrically, but rather get picked up as an afterthought at the Redbox outside of your local grocery store. 2014’s The Bag Man resides among these titles, and although Cusack is supported by Robert De Niro and Rebecca Da Costa, it’s one of those strange neo-noir crime thrillers that you probably missed out on.

The Bag

The Bag Man 2014

The Bag Man was originally released as The Carrier, and as the updated titles suggests, there is a mysterious black bag involved and we’re not sure what it contains. John Cusack portrays a killer-for-hire named Jack, who is tasked with securing and containing the bag until his employer, Dragna (Robert De Niro), can meet him at a seedy motel and retrieve it. Dragna makes it very clear that Jack is not to look inside the bag under any circumstances or he will be killed. 

Jack checks into room 13, as instructed by Dragna, and awaits further instructions, but he’s not alone. He encounters an escort named Rivka (Rebecca Da Costa), and she immediately starts asking questions about the bag that he has hidden underneath his motel bed. Having already been ambushed by a number of Dragna’s men, one of which is now dead and sloppily stuffed into the back of Jack’s car, Jack remains tight-lipped and armed, as he has good reason to not trust anybody he encounters during his mission. 

Taking place primarily inside of room 13, The Bag Man is a claustrophobic film that explores themes of paranoia and moral ambiguity in the kind of setting that will make your skin crawl. The motel lighting flashes in red and blue, which bears a striking resemblance to an approaching cop car (of which there are plenty), which only adds a sense of confusion to the narrative. When Jack does leave the room, he encounters the nosy wheelchair-bound motel owner, Ned (Crispin Glover), and two thugs named Lizard and Guano, who are all suspicious of his activities. 

A Thriller That Deserves A Second Chance

The Bag Man 2014

At face-value, The Bag Man has all the mechanics of a solid neo-noir film, but its third-act reveal leaves a lot to be desired. But within the oppressively small world this film takes place, there’s a solid story that is absolutely worthy of your time if you enjoy the kind of low-budget crime film that doesn’t get a wide theatrical release. 

Unfortunately, The Bag Man was not exactly what we would call a warmly received title despite the talent involved with the production. Critics and audiences alike were quick to brush this crime thriller under the rug, and their respective 11 percent and 23 percent critical and audience approval ratings on Rotten Tomatoes drive this point home. 

Not unlike season 2 of True Detective, The Bag Man isn’t as terrible as the reviews make it out to be, and you can place partial blame on expectations versus execution. John Cusack spent decades portraying extremely likable characters in various romantic comedies, and Robert De Niro’s range runs the gamut from serious mobsters in films like Goodfellas to the quirky but nightmarish father in-law in the Meet the Parents franchise. If you go into watching The Bag Man expecting performances that are reflective of Cusack’s and De Niro’s past work, you’re probably going to be disappointed. 

But still, The Bag Man is an interesting, dark and gritty exploration of a job gone wrong under questionable circumstances. If you want to find out what’s in the bag and the suspense is killing you, you can rent the title on-demand through YouTube, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, and Fandago as of this writing.

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Aaron Rodgers biographer shares behind-the-scenes breakdown of family reconciliation after prolonged estrangement

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Rodgers shared a set of images on Monday showing him happy and smiling with his mother, father, and brother Luke.

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Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Widow Sues His Mom for $1.2 Million

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Everything We Know About Malcolm Jamal Warners Death So Far

Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s widow is suing his mother in a prenuptial dispute one year after the actor died.

News broke on Tuesday, July 21, that Tenisha Warner filed a lawsuit in DeKalb County Superior Court against his mother, Pamela Warner. Pamela is the successor trustee of the Warner Family Trust, which Malcolm-Jamal set up in 1996.

In court documents obtained by Us Weekly, Tenisha, 48, claimed she is entitled to more than $1.2 million from the trust. Tenisha alleged that the sum is the equivalent of what Malcolm-Jamal had promised her as part of their May 2022 premarital agreement. Tenisha alleged that Malcolm-Jamal did not deliver before his death, explaining that she is a creditor of his estate.

In her complaint, Tenisha alleged that Malcolm-Jamal’s estate is currently unrepresented and “will be inadequate to satisfy” his obligations to her. She claimed that the property of a California-based family trust is liable for his debt to her. While the administration of his estate is contested, Tenisha claimed that her rights are vulnerable.

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Everything We Know About Malcolm Jamal Warners Death So Far


Related: Everything We Know About Malcolm-Jamal Warner‘s Death So Far

Hollywood is in mourning following the tragic death of Malcolm-Jamal Warner. On July 21, 2025, news broke that The Cosby Show alum died in Costa Rica. He was 54. Warner skyrocketed to fame when he landed the role of Theodore Huxtable on NBC’s sitcom. While playing the fan-favorite character from 1984 to 1992, the actor […]

“Plaintiff performed all obligations required of her under the agreement, including entering into and remaining in the marriage until the decedent’s death,” the lawsuit reads. “The decedent died without having satisfied his obligations under the agreement, and no person or entity has paid or provided the sums due to plaintiff under the agreement.”

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The lawsuit is seeking to block Pamela from distributing trust property while the dispute is litigated. In the court documents, Tenisha included a copy of the prenuptial agreement — which was signed before the pair tied the knot in 2022.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner's Widow Sues His Mom for $1.2 Million in Prenup Dispute on Death Anniversary
Cindy Ord/Getty Images

The documents indicated that Malcolm-Jamal’s annual earnings were about $680,000 and his net worth was around $3.4 million. At the time, Tenisha was unemployed and had a net worth of about $0. She was pregnant with their second child and had been living together at his properties in Atlanta and Los Angeles, per the agreement.

The agreement noted that Malcolm-Jamal was to buy and maintain a $1 million life insurance policy, where Tenisha was the sole beneficiary, and agreed to get a $1 million life insurance policy on her. She was named as the primary beneficiary.

Tenisha, however, claimed in the court documents that Malcolm-Jamal did not get either insurance policy and alleged that he did not pay her $5,000 per month as his “chief of staff” and give her $16,000 per year on their anniversary. She further alleged that Malcolm-Jamal did not fund a tax-free retirement account for her and maintain college funds for their children.

Tenisha alleged that she is owed at least $1,276,042 plus interest and attorney fees. She also filed a creditor’s claim in the DeKalb County Probate Court against Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s estate, where she sought the same amount.

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Malcolm-Jamal drowned in July 2025 on a Costa Rican beach after he was caught in a riptide. He was 54. At the time, Malcolm-Jamal was traveling with Tenisha and their daughter.

Later that year, Pamela spoke out in an interview with Us about what Malcolm-Jamal’s legacy would be.

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“What was important to him was integrity,” she said in December 2025. “Your craft is your baby, and you must treat it as such. But more than that, be the best human you can be.”

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Kendra Scott Kills Man Found Under Daughter’s Bed In Memphis

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Kendra Scott, 36, told police earlier this month that she “did what [she] had to do.” And what she did, allegedly, is fatally shoot a man she found under her 13-year-old daughter’s bed. The story has been sparking debates across social media platforms about who was right and who was wrong. Here’s what we know about how 20-year-old Rodderius Morton died and what’s next for the Memphis mom who allegedly killed him.

RELATED: Seven Minors Charged After Attacking A Mother & Her Children Near A Chicago School (UPDATE)

Memphis Mom Finds Man Under Her 13-Year-Old’s Bed

According to court documents cited by Fox News, Kendra Scott had previously told a witness at the crime that she’d “put a hole” in the head of any boy she saw in her house. This witness is believed to be Scott’s 13-year-old daughter. On July 17, it appears that’s exactly what went down. Officers responded to a shooting at a home on Travis Road, where they discovered a man dead near Scott’s front porch. He had a gunshot wound to the back of his head. Authorities reportedly identified the man as Rodderius Morton. He did not have a weapon at the time of the shooting.

“I saw a dude under my kid’s bed and I did what I had to do,” Kendra Scott reportedly told police following the incident.

The same aforementioned witness at the scene told investigators that the Memphis mom had arrived home between 1:30 a.m. and 1:40 p.m., per Fox News and NewsNation. Upon arrival, she allegedly began knocking on the front door and yelling, “Who’s at my house?” Ultimately, a minor child allowed Kendra in the home and she discovered 20-year-old Morton hiding under her daughter’s bed. As Morton prepared to leave the home, he and Scott allegedly got into an argument. She allegedly yelled “Get out of my house, b*tch!” and once they both made it to the front porch, a gunshot rang out. Morton had entered the residence at around 1 a.m. through the back door after allegedly being invited in.

Kendra Scott Bond Set At $100,000 After Fatal Shooting

Kendra Scott appeared in court on Monday (July 20), per NewsNation. By the end of it, a judge set her bond to $100,000. Prosecutors charged the 36-year-old with first-degree murder and employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. Meanwhile, her defense attorney, Blake Ballin, has said they’re unclear whether the ‘Stand Your Ground’ law will apply.

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“I don’t know enough about what led to the actual shooting. I don’t know if there was a scuffle, I don’t know if there was an accidental discharge, I just don’t know,” Ballin said, per Fox News.

Also, Kendra Scott is not allowed to have contact with Morton’s family. She will return to court on August 3, per Fox 12/KPTV.

Former Teacher Of Rodderius Morton Speaks Out 

Robin Perkins is reportedly a special-needs educator who formerly taught Rodderius Morton. She spoke to WREG about her experience with him, describing him as a former special-needs student who was sweet. Perkins shared her belief that Kendra Scott could’ve handled the situation differently, in a way that didn’t end with Morton’s death. Additionally, she claimed Morton’s death shocked her. To her, he was a soft-spoken, respectful kid who had been diagnosed with learning disabilities. However, she denied supporting his linking up with a 13-year-old.

“Unbelievable, very, very hurt. Because the young man that I knew, most people, based off this story they don’t know the young man like I did,” Robin Perkins said. “I do not condone his actions of going and mingling with a 13-year-old. However, when you’re not 20, what do you expect? And then I found out last night from his sister that no one knew that he was gone from the house.”

RELATED: Prayers Up! Florida Mother Dies Saving 4-Year-Old Son From Drowning In St. Johns River

What Do You Think Roomies?

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Mom Arrested After Waiting to Report Autistic Child Missing

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Florida Mother Arrested After She Allegedly Chained Daughter, 13, to a Fence, Left Her in the Heat

A mother in Florida was arrested after she waited to report her autistic daughter as missing, instead taking a shower before informing authorities of the child’s disappearance.

Amy Brooke Evans was taken into custody and was charged with one count of child abuse by simple neglect following an incident that took place earlier in July.

The Leesburg Police Department stated in a probable cause affidavit obtained by Us that officers responded to a shopping center in Lake County shortly before noon on July 9 after they received reports of a child walking alone through the parking lot “with a soiled diaper, wearing one shoe, and no parents seen nearby.”

The witness who called authorities told police that she spotted the child wandering through the parking lot and she brought him inside of a department store as they waited for help. After noting that the child appeared to be nonverbal and seemed to have “a severe mental disability,” she said that she and others searched the area for a parent or guardian before she called 911.

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Florida Mother Arrested After She Allegedly Chained Daughter, 13, to a Fence, Left Her in the Heat


Related: Florida Mother Arrested After She Allegedly Chained Daughter, 13, to Fence

A mother in South Florida was arrested after she was accused of chaining her 13-year-old daughter to a fence outside of a relative’s home and leaving her there without food, water or shade. Authorities with the Hialeah Police Department arrested Yashira Marie Maldonado following the alleged incident that took place on the morning of Saturday, […]

Another shopper told investigators that the child knocked on her vehicle window. She said there were no adults nearby and she reportedly noticed that there was feces smeared on the jacket that the child was holding.

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Officers found the child with fecal residue on the body and clothing, while her diaper was “heavily soiled” and “appeared to have not been changed in the last 24 hours,” per the affidavit.

Investigators reportedly saw multiple bruises on the child’s arms and legs, while they also noted that he had several wounds to the arms, legs and hands. Officers then recruited the help of paramedics, who transported the child to a hospital for further evaluation.

As the investigation continued, Evans, 40, called 911 to report that the child was missing from a residence about 0.3 miles away. Evans said she had taken a shower for “no more than an hour” and her boyfriend was sleeping on the couch at the time her child went missing. She added that she realized that the child was gone when she got out of the shower.

Evans reportedly declined to provide a written statement, as well as gave inconsistent answers about where she lived. Officers noted that she appeared “apprehensive, fidgeting, leaning excessively, and would ‘zone out’” while she was being questioned, which suggested she “may have been under the influence of narcotics.”

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Police asked Evans for a recent photo of the missing child, and she showed officers one picture that was taken one year earlier. Evans also allegedly claimed that the child had become autistic and nonverbal “out of the blue.”

Evans and her roommate gave drastically different accounts of what happened, which were both detailed in the affidavit.

The roommate told investigators that Evans did not appear concerned when she discovered her child was missing and was “more concerned with taking a shower first and becoming presentable before calling the police to report the victim missing.”

Additionally, the roommate told officers that the child “always appears dirty and unkempt” and implied Evans might not know how to properly care for the child.

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Once the child made it to the hospital, staff found what appeared to be a cigarette burn on the child’s left arm. Medical personnel also found several bruises and scars, though indicated that some of the injuries could have been self-inflicted.

Investigators eventually concluded that Evans willfully failed to provide the supervision and care required for a child that’s severely autistic and nonverbal. She was then arrested and booked into the Lake County Jail on $10,000 bond. Evans is next scheduled to appear in court for her arraignment hearing on August 3.

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It is not currently clear if Evans has entered a plea or retained legal counsel following her arrest.

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3-decade TV veteran removed from ESPN in shocking round of Disney layoffs

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ESPN and the NFL Network will lose prominent on-air personalities as part of the company’s latest layoff process.

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90 Day Fiance: Debby Rolando Blindsides Mido – Recap [S12E11]

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90 Day Fiance: Debby Rolando

90 Day Fiance recap covers Season 12, Episode 11 Meeting The Family with major drama including Debby Rolando blindsiding Mohamed “Mido” Fayed with a surprise trip to a wedding chapel and a deadline. Marissa Rubinetti fears Edward Miguel Gomez won’t keep up with her intellectually. Rasit Kebabci is shocked when Brandon takes his side and offers up an apology. And Annabelle Chua isn’t impressed when Shea McGuire takes her to a megachurch.

90 Day Fiance: Debby Surprises Mido

On 90 Day Fiance, Debby Rolando treads lightly around Mohamed “Mido” Fayed. They didn’t speak for days after the fight at the haunted house. And she finally got him to talk. He blamed everything on her so she just gave up having any type of serious conversation with him. And instead fills the time walking on eggshells and taking him on small adventures like kayaking. Mido spends his time staring in a mirror practicing his acting chops.

He even speaks to an agent. Suggesting he could be the next Tom Cruise or Denzel Washington. The agent humors him telling him he’s hot. But needs to practice his English before they could work together. A pouty Mido explains this to Debby Rolando. Who suggests the acting classes have to be on hold till they figure out if he’s even planning to stay. Debby wonders why Mido hasn’t proposed. And hasn’t shown the slightest interest in discussing getting married.

So, Debby Rolando takes matters into her own hands on 90 Day Fiance. She gets Mido in the car and takes him to a lovely wedding venue. While the enthusiastic coordinator gives them a tour, Debby beams but Mido looks like he smells something bad. When Debby asserts they will marry in 3 weeks, Mido shuts down completely. And once alone with Debby tells her he will return home to Egypt. Debby Rolando runs out of the venue and collapses on the ground in a sobbing heap.

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90 Day Fiance: Debby Rolando90 Day Fiance: Debby Rolando
90 Day Fiance: Debby Rolando

90 Day Fiance: Marissa Fears Edward Can’t Keep Up

Marissa Rubinetti and Edward Miguel Gomez dress for a party with her well-heeled friends. She makes suggestions on his outfits. And tells him not to make the conversation about baseball. The party is at a beautiful home with a pool and an outdoor kitchen. Everyone is welcoming. But Edward quickly feels insecure when the other men reveal jobs in finance and insurance. He comments these would be the people he took care of when he worked at the hotel.

Marissa hears Edward talking baseball and intervenes on 90 Day Fiance. Later, sitting with her friends she reveals her hesitation to marry Edward Miguel Gomez. She fears he won’t be able to keep up with her intellectually. And admits she’s mean to Edward when she’s frustrated. Her pals gush over her telling her she’s not mean. But Marissa confides she’s losing her identity. And isn’t sure they are going to be a good fit for marriage.

90 Day Fiance: Rasit Gets an Unexpected Ally in Brandon

After the baseball game, Mallorie DeGrange admits they haven’t been hanging around with her friends on 90 Day Fiance. But are invited to a barbecue at her best friend Macayla’s house. Things are fine at first. Rasit Kebabci is comfortable with Macayla’s husband Ryn. But still doesn’t want Brandon around. Ryn suggests he’s got to let it go. Because Brandon is his best friend and isn’t going anywhere.

While noshing on barbecued deer, the conversation turns to the prenup Mallorie wants Rasit to sign. Her friends think it’s a great idea for her to protect her assets. Brandon unexpectedly chimes in on behalf of Rasit. Suggesting he gave up everything for Mallorie DeGrange. And she should consider that. Rasit is surprised and touched. And takes Brandon outside for a heartfelt apology and a handshake.

90 Day Fiance: Annabelle Is a Bad Sport in Church

It’s the morning after Shea McGuire’s big party and he’s hungover big time on 90 Day Fiance. Annabelle Chua isn’t sympathetic. And admits disgust over his flirting and drinking. But agrees to give him a massage to help with a pounding headache. Shea soldiers on and they get ready to attend church with his daughter Allison. Annabelle attends Catholic church services. So she’s taken aback when she enters the megachurch. And asks Allison if it’s a church or a disco.

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Throughout the service Annabelle Chua yawns, rolls her eyes and makes it obvious she’s not enjoying the service. Allison is offended and calls her out in the parking lot afterward. Annabelle suggests Allison is acting like a spoiled brat. But Allison doubles down and tells Annabelle she has resting bitch face and a bad attitude. Shea McGuire finds himself in the middle once again. Allison leaves in anger running over a curb.

90 Day Fiance: Catie and Josh Clash Over Travel

Catie Norboe and Josh Atkins are heading to San Jose to spend Easter with her family on 90 Day Fiance. Catie questions Josh on his religious views. And he admits he really doesn’t follow a religion and leans more on the side of agnostic. Catie admits her family are devout Lutherans. And her mom has even read the whole Bible.

The day of the flight, Catie aggravates Josh by running late. And he stresses over the flight in general. Catie does apologize later and Josh appreciates it. At Catie’s house her parents welcome them. Although her mom admits Catie has issues. And has a history of being bossy and thoughtless. She encourages Catie not to screw things up with Josh Atkins because she thinks he’s good for her. Catie reveals how she messed up at her birthday party. And her mom suggests she get it together before she hurts someone. Catie inquires if her mom means murder. But her mom says no, more on a spiritual level.

90 Day Fiance: Ashia Reveals Her Plan to Family

Ashia Montgomery is bothered that the age gap between her and Maxwell Okeke is an issue with his family. She requests some time alone with Maxwell’s mom. Ashia gifts her a purse and some dresses. Mother Maxwell doesn’t care for Ashia interfering with Maxwell’s looks. Suggesting if they start having kids his skin will clear up naturally. And requests Ashia provide 4 children. Two girls and two boys. Ashia compromises at 3 and earns his mom’s blessing.

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But things don’t go as well when she calls her god brother back home. He flat out tells her she is crazy to marry Maxwell so soon. She stands her ground and they argue. While he hints that he thinks it’s all a scam. Ashia Montgomery wants his support. And asks him to come and help get the rest of her family over to Nigeria. He’s not happy about it. But relents and agrees to make the trek and get her sisters over there as well. Till next time!

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‘Alice’ Star Reveals The Side Of Walt Disney Fans Never Saw

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Magic Kingdom sign

Kathryn Beaumont helped bring one of Disney’s most recognizable heroines to life, but her contribution to “Alice in Wonderland” extended far beyond the recording booth. As the animated classic celebrates its 75th anniversary, the actress is looking back on voicing Alice, physically performing scenes for Disney’s animators, and forming an unexpectedly comfortable relationship with Walt Disney himself. Her memories also offer a rare firsthand account of the studio’s creative process during a defining period in Disney animation history.

Beaumont discussed her experience during a 2017 conversation with radio host Joe Sibilia. The episode was recently re-aired on “Nostalgia Tonight with Joe Sibilia” to commemorate the 75th anniversary of “Alice in Wonderland.” The 88-year-old actress explained that Disney needed someone capable of making Alice sound authentically British without alienating American moviegoers.

“He was looking for a voice for Alice that was pleasing to both sides… that wasn’t too British for American ears and vice versa,” Beaumont said. “They decided that my voice fit the best for the role, and I was excited to be able to perform for him.”

Born in London, Beaumont was only a child when she was selected to voice Lewis Carroll’s curious young heroine. Disney’s search required more than finding an actress with the appropriate accent. Alice needed to serve as the audience’s emotional anchor while surrounded by the exaggerated voices and unpredictable personalities of Wonderland.

The Actress Shares Her Candid Impression Of Walt Disney

Magic Kingdom sign
MEGACredit: Mom&Paparazzi / MEGA

Although Beaumont was initially intimidated by the legendary filmmaker, she remembered Disney quickly putting her at ease. “He just immediately made me comfortable. I forgot my fear,” she recalled.

Disney’s behavior around the studio also challenged Beaumont’s expectations. Despite overseeing an expanding entertainment company, he remained visible and approachable to the actors and artists working on his productions. “You would see him walking down the hall. He’d come into the cafeteria at lunchtime,” she explained. “It was just this wonderful, casual, friendly relationship.”

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Their interactions occasionally extended beyond the studio. Beaumont was invited to Disney’s home, where she experienced one of his most famous personal passions: trains. “I did ride Walt’s train,” she shared. “There were a couple of events at his house and you could go around the backyard on the little train track. That was an exciting experience.”

Disney’s backyard railroad, known as the Carolwood Pacific Railroad, reflected his lifelong fascination with trains and preceded the opening of Disneyland in 1955. Beaumont’s ride therefore placed her inside a personal piece of Disney history years before locomotives became an integral part of his first theme park.

Beaumont Did Much More Than Record Alice’s Voice

Beaumont’s influence on the finished character was not limited to Alice’s dialogue. The actress also performed scenes on camera so the animation team could study her expressions, posture, and movement. This live-action reference footage was never intended to appear in the completed movie. Instead, it gave the artists a human foundation from which to build a believable animated performance.

“They also wanted me to do what they called the live-action, that wasn’t for the audience, that was for the animators,” Beaumont explained. “They wanted to make sure they were able to make the human look very realistic with all the motions.”

That process makes Beaumont’s contribution particularly significant. Audiences are not merely hearing her voice when they watch Alice chase the White Rabbit or navigate Wonderland. Elements of her physical performance are also embedded in the character’s reactions and movements.

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The technique did not mean animators simply traced everything the actress did. Her performance functioned as a visual guide that artists could study, refine, and exaggerate to fit the animated world.

Kathryn Beaumont Remembers Working With Comedy Legends

Walt Disney Studios headquarters
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

The young performer also worked alongside several established stars, including Ed Wynn, who voiced the Mad Hatter, and Jerry Colonna, who played the March Hare.

Beaumont admitted that she expected the famous comedians to behave like their eccentric characters even when the microphones were off. “They were so well-known, and I was in awe of both of them,” she said. “I expected, because they were comics, that they were going to be funny all the time.”

Instead, she discovered that both performers approached their work with considerable focus. “But they were both very serious in between,” Beaumont continued. “Yet, they made me feel very at home, and I just felt blessed to be able to work with them.”

‘Alice In Wonderland’ Led Directly To ‘Peter Pan’

Beaumont barely had time to step away from Alice before Disney placed her at the center of another animated classic. After finishing promotional work for “Alice in Wonderland,” she returned to the studio and began recording as Wendy Darling in 1953’s “Peter Pan.”

“As soon as I got back from [promoting ‘Alice in Wonderland’], they started right away on ‘Peter Pan,’” she recalled. “I was recording immediately, almost as soon as I got off the plane from doing promotion for ‘Alice in Wonderland.’”

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She again supplied both the voice and live-action reference performance for her character, giving Beaumont a direct creative connection to two of Disney’s most enduring heroines.

The Walt Disney Company formally recognized that contribution in 1998 when Beaumont was named a Disney Legend. According to Disney’s official D23 biography, she continued voicing Alice and Wendy for various Disney projects and theme park attractions before retiring from voice acting in 2005.

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7 Contemporary Romance Books That Are Perfect From the First Page to Last

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The book cover for To Sir, With Love by Lauren Layne

No matter the subgenre, great romance books will thrive. Well-written romance novels have complex and nuanced main characters who have their own lives, but who still fit well together. These love stories are easy to root for and get attached to, and their interactions are filled with great chemistry and banter. No matter the obstacles that they are facing, they ultimately come together by the end of the novel for their Happily Ever After.

Contemporary romance, in particular, is an especially enjoyable subgenre. These stories take place in a modern setting, typically have high emotional stakes but low physical ones, and are often cozy and comedic. Readers can enjoy these novels, knowing that a happy ending is in store for the main pairing, even if quite a bit of miscommunication is as well. These are contemporary romance books that are perfect from start to finish.

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‘To Sir, with Love’ (2021)

The book cover for To Sir, With Love by Lauren Layne
The book cover for To Sir, With Love by Lauren Layne
Image via Gallery Books

Inspired by You’ve Got Mail, To Sir, with Love by Lauren Layne tells the love story of two real-life rivals who don’t know that they’ve been falling in love with each other online. Gracie Cooper is an aspiring artist who has taken over her father’s champagne shop in the wake of his death. The family business may not be Gracie’s passion, but she believes in what they do, and she’s trying to make it work. Unfortunately, a big corporation is determined to buy them out and destroy their business, and their spokesperson, Sebastian Andrews, can’t understand Gracie’s opposition to this.

All the while, Gracie has been falling for a stranger whom she met on a dating app. They know each other only as “Sir” and “Lady,” and they don’t know what the other looks like, or anything about each other’s real lives. All Gracie knows is that she connects with Sir in a way that she never has with anyone else. What Gracie doesn’t know, though, is that Sebastian is Sir. He doesn’t know about her, either, and the closer they get online, the more they grow to dislike each other in real life. To Sir, with Love is the perfect mental vacation throughout, with cozy vibes and an absolutely delightful main romance.

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‘Boyfriend Material’ (2020)

The book cover for Alexis Hall's 'Boyfriend Material'
The book cover for Alexis Hall’s ‘Boyfriend Material’
Image via Sourcebooks Casablanca

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall is an absolutely hilarious fake-dating rom-com. It follows Luc O’Donnell, the 28-year-old son of two former rockstars. Luc’s father left when he was young, and Luc never really knew him, but his life is always being upended by his father’s fame. After some recent bad press, the obscure charity that Luc works for threatens to fire him for being the “wrong” kind of gay man, unless he can get a respectable boyfriend in time for an upcoming event.

Panicked and determined to keep his job, Luc decides to fake-date Oliver Blackwood, a barrister with whom he shares a mutual friend. Luc and Oliver have never gotten along, and Luc always feels like Oliver is judging him. Still, though, they both know that they would benefit from having a fake boyfriend to accompany them to upcoming commitments. Thus, the two of them agree to start fake-dating, and, in spending more time together, they realize that their initial impressions of each other might have been wrong. Boyfriend Material is a true romantic comedy. It’s sharply funny, and Luc and Oliver have an amazing connection that jumps off the page.

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‘Thank You for Listening’ (2022)

The cover for the book Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan
The cover for the book Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan
Image via Avon Books

Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan follows Sewanee Chester, a former actress who lost her career after a tragic accident took her right eye. Sewanee is now an audiobook narrator — and a very successful one at that. She used to narrate romance novels under a pseudonym, but she gave up on them years ago. After the death of June French, a wildly successful author of romance novels, for whom Sewanee used to narrate, Sewanee is chosen to narrate June’s last book. It’s a dual POV novel that requires two narrators, and for the other, June requested the mysterious Brock McKnight.

Brock McKnight is the most famous romance audiobook narrator by far. His voice is known and beloved in the romance reader community, and many of his listeners are enamored with him. Brock works under a pseudonym as well and has always been very secretive about his identity, so he and Sewanee start working on the project together by exchanging emails. Through these emails, the two really get to know each other, and Sewanee finds herself deeply connecting with another person in a way that she hasn’t let herself in a long time. Thank You for Listening is an excellent romance novel, both for Sewanee’s journey, and for her truly delightful love story.

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‘One Last Stop’ (2021)

Book cover for 'One Last Stop' by Casey McQuiston
Book cover for ‘One Last Stop’ by Casey McQuiston
Image via St. Martin’s Press

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston is a contemporary romance with a speculative twist. It follows August Landry, a 23-year-old woman who has just moved to New York City. It’s a big adjustment for August, but she soon finds her footing, largely thanks to her new roommates. One day, August is riding the subway, when she meets her dream woman. Jane Su is cool, calm, and everything that August is looking for. The only problem is, Jane doesn’t remember much about herself, except that she is actually an accidental time traveler from the 1970s.

One Last Stop is a fantastic romance novel that both follows August’s journey of finding a home and family for herself in the city, as well as slowly builds a real connection between August and Jane. August has quite a bit of experience with detective work, so she tries to help Jane piece together past details about herself. In the process, the two only become closer, and August starts to realize how much it will affect her if Jane ever does go back to her time.











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Collider Exclusive · The Sorting Hat Awaits
Which Hogwarts House Are You?
Gryffindor · Slytherin · Hufflepuff · Ravenclaw
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Four houses. One destiny. The Sorting Hat has considered thousands of students — now it’s your turn. Answer honestly and discover where you truly belong at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

🦁Gryffindor

🐍Slytherin

🦡Hufflepuff

🦅Ravenclaw

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01

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What quality do you value most in yourself?
Answer as honestly as you can — the Hat always knows.




02

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A friend is being treated unfairly. What do you do?
How you protect others says everything about who you are.




03

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What does success look like to you?
What you’re working toward defines who you’re becoming.




04

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What is your greatest fear?
Fear is the most honest thing about a person.




05

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The rules say no. Your gut says go. What do you do?
Every institution has rules. What you do with them is a choice.




06

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What kind of friend are you?
Who you are to the people you love is who you really are.




07

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You look into the Mirror of Erised. What do you see?
The mirror shows the deepest desire of your heart.




08

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The Sorting Hat pauses. It whispers: “You could do well in any house. But what matters most to you — truly?”
This is your tiebreaker. The Hat always listens.




The Sorting Hat Speaks
Your House Has Been Chosen
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After careful deliberation, the Sorting Hat has made its decision. This is the house your values, your instincts, and your particular way of being in the world were made for.


Gryffindor Tower · Scarlet & Gold

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🦁 Gryffindor

You have nerve. Not the reckless kind, but the deep, quiet courage that shows up even when you’re terrified — especially then.

  • Gryffindors don’t act because they’re fearless — they act because they understand that some things are worth being afraid for.
  • You stand up for people when it would be easier to look away.
  • You charge toward what’s right even when the odds are terrible.
  • Harry, Hermione, Ron — the heroes of Hogwarts’s greatest chapter — all called the tower with the scarlet and gold home. And now, so do you.


Slytherin Dungeon · Emerald & Silver

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🐍 Slytherin

You are driven, sharp, and utterly clear-eyed about what you want and how to get there.

  • Slytherin has long been misunderstood — painted as the house of villains when it is, at its best, the house of those who refuse to accept limits placed on them by others.
  • You are resourceful, strategic, and you play the long game.
  • You know your worth. You protect your own fiercely.
  • The dungeon common room with its view of the Black Lake is yours — and the ambitions that will take you further than anyone expects are yours too.


Hufflepuff Basement · Yellow & Black

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🦡 Hufflepuff

You are the kind of person that makes the world genuinely better just by being in it.

  • Hufflepuff is not the “safe” house or the “leftover” house — it is the house of those with the greatest heart and the most unwavering integrity.
  • You show up. You work hard. You don’t need glory or recognition — you do what’s right because it’s right.
  • Your loyalty never wavers, even when tested.
  • Nymphadora Tonks, Cedric Diggory, Newt Scamander — some of the wizarding world’s finest. And now you join them.


Ravenclaw Tower · Blue & Bronze

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🦅 Ravenclaw

Your mind is your greatest gift, and you’ve always known it.

  • Ravenclaws are the thinkers, the questioners, the ones who find a puzzle irresistible and a good book better company than most people.
  • Ravenclaw is not merely about intelligence — it’s about the love of learning, the pursuit of truth, and the rare courage to admit you don’t know something yet.
  • You see the world with unusual clarity and depth.
  • Luna Lovegood, Filius Flitwick, Rowena Ravenclaw herself — all extraordinary, all original. And so are you.

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‘Get a Life, Chloe Brown’ (2019)

Book cover for 'Get a Life, Chloe Brown' by Talia Hibbert
Book cover for ‘Get a Life, Chloe Brown’ by Talia Hibbert
Image via Avon Books

Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert is the first in Hibbert’s trilogy about the three Brown sisters each finding love. The novel follows Chloe Brown, a chronically ill woman who has been struggling with isolation and a stale routine in the wake of her illness. After a near-death experience, Chloe decides to shake things up and finally live the life that she wants for herself. This starts with making a list of everything she believes she needs to do in order to kickstart the next stage of her life.

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First, Chloe moves out of her parents’ house and into her own apartment. There, she meets Red, the building’s superintendent and her new neighbor. Red is bold and adventurous in all the ways that Chloe is unable to be, so she asks him to help her check off the items on her list. Thus begins a fun and delightful quest that sees Chloe and Red going out of their way to tick off each item on her list, and in doing so, they slowly open up to each other along the way. Get a Life, Chloe Brown is a funny, heartwarming romance novel, and it is wonderful all the way through.

‘The Charm Offensive’ (2021)

Book cover for Alison Cochran's 'The Charm Offensive'
Book cover for Alison Cochran’s ‘The Charm Offensive’
Image via Atria Books

The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun is a delightful spin on The Bachelor. It follows Dev Deshpande, the star producer of a reality dating show called Ever After. Dev is phenomenal at his job for a reason: he adores a great love story, and he knows how to write and sell them. Ever After is a fictionalized version of The Bachelor that casts a male lead who has to decide between a group of women. This season’s lead is Charlie Winshaw, a tech millionaire who’s recently and publicly gotten into some hot water.

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In order to save his image, Charlie has agreed to be this season’s lead. The problem is, he is doing so very reluctantly. He has no interest in charming his contestants or the show’s viewers, and he’d rather be anywhere else. Charlie does feel a connection to Dev, though, and he quickly starts to lean on him throughout the process. Dev, on the other hand, needs Charlie to fall for one of the women, but he can’t help his own growing feelings for the one person he absolutely can’t fall for. The Charm Offensive is as fun as it is sweet, and it is an absolute joy to read – and reread.

‘Book Lovers’ (2022)

Book cover for Emily Henry's 'Book Lovers'
Book cover for Emily Henry’s ‘Book Lovers’
Image via Berkley Books

Emily Henry is well-known for her phenomenal romance novels, which include the sharply funny and truly captivating Book Lovers. The novel follows Nora Stephens, a successful literary agent who lives in New York City. Nora has been unlucky in love after regularly getting dumped in Hallmark-movie-style scenarios that have seen her exes leave her for women in cozy small towns. Now, her sister has convinced her to take a month-long vacation together to one such town: Sunshine Falls, North Carolina, which happens to be where one of Nora’s clients sets her novels.

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While in Sunshine Falls, Nora runs into Charlie Lastra, a book editor whom she dislikes. As it turns out, Sunshine Falls is Charlie’s hometown, and he’s in town to help his parents out with their bookstore. Despite their previous negative interactions, Nora and Charlie keep crossing paths in Sunshine Falls, and they start to realize that they have more in common than they initially thought. Book Lovers is full of funny banter and sweet romantic moments between Nora and Charlie, and it is a true delight of a novel.

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Raunchy Trip To A Pleasure Planet Is Farscape’s Quirkiest Episode

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Raunchy Trip To A Pleasure Planet Is Farscape's Quirkiest Episode

By Jonathan Klotz
| Updated

For every emotional, character-driven episode of Farscape that pushes forward the battle against the Peacekeepers, there’s an episode that exists for no other reason than the universe of the show is cool and the writers want to spend time in it. “Scratch N Sniff,” Season 3 Episode 13, adds nothing to the overall plot and yet, it’s essential viewing. Years before The Hangover, John Crichton and D’Argo wake up after a wild night of partying, unsure what happened, where all of their stuff is, and why Crichton is wearing stockings. It’s fun, it ends up meaning nothing, and it’s one of the series best episodes. 

Pleasure Planet Excursions Never End Well

Crichton (Ben Browder), D’Argo (Anthony Simcoe), Chiana (Gigi Edgley), and Jool (Tammy Macintosh) are kicked out of the Moya by Pilot (Lani Tupu) because, well, everyone was annoying him. After only two days, Crichton returns to the Moya and tries to tell Pilot the story of what happened to them on the pleasure planet LoMo. Crichton and D’Argo work to piece together the missing night, and try to find what happened to Chiana and Jool. 

Raxil (Ben Browder’s wife Francesa Butler, back for her third appearance, third character, and always an annoyance to Crichton) explains to the men that the women were kidnapped by a local crime lord to produce the pleasure drug Frelin. To get back their friends, D’Argo and Crichton have to infiltrate a criminal hideout, by sneaking into an auction for Chiana and Jool, with a little help from Harvey (Wayne Pygram). Along the way, Raxil wants them to help rescue her mate, but if you’ve seen any other episode of Farscape with Butler, you can guess how it’s going to end. 

Scratch N Sniff Was Originally Much Different

“Scratch N Sniff” is filled with fun moments, including Chiana’s fire-twirling (performed by Gigi Edgley herself), Jool doing gymnastics (performed by Tammy Macintosh, a former gymnast), and D’Argo’s smooth dance moves (also performed by Anthony Simcoe). Pilot’s annoyed interjections during the story, and Crichton’s frustrated attempts to explain himself, serve as a running bit. It’s also the first, and only time, that Harvey appears to someone else when D’Argo gets dragged along into Crichton’s subconscious through an alien connector. 

Originally “Scratch N Sniff” was going to be a serious, noir-detective story. According to the cast and crew in various interviews over the years, it ended up being boring. Farscape can be described in a lot of different ways, but boring is never one of them. Re-editing the footage with the homage to The Usual Suspects and using quick, music video-style cuts as often as possible turned the serious mystery into an offbeat, quirky adventure. 

Between all of the drug references and the human trafficking, it’s easy to see how this episode was originally much darker, and then there’s Crichton using a deep southern accent while undercover. The second, significantly less serious version, works so well, it’s hard to imagine it was originally anything else. Farscape was always able to walk the fine line between heavy emotion, and good old fashioned sci-fi fun, which is why over 20 years after it ended, it’s still one of the best sci-fi shows of all time.

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Godzilla vs. Kong’s Kaylee Hottle Dead at 18 After Car Accident

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Celebrity Deaths of 2026

UPDATE 7/21/26 at 2:27 p.m. E.T. — The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office issued a press release on Tuesday, sharing that officers responded to a single-vehicle collision in Ijamsville, Maryland, at about 2:52 a.m. local time.

A preliminary investigation shared that a vehicle driven by a 19-year-old man traveled off the right side of the road and struck a culvert. The press release noted that excessive speed may have been a contributing factor in the crash.

The driver was transported to a local hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening. One of the passengers declined medical treatment at the scene, while the second passenger was identified as Kaylee. She was transported from the scene to a trauma center in the area, where she was pronounced dead.

The crash is currently under investigation by the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit.

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Original story:

Godzilla vs. Kong star Kaylee Hottle has died after being involved in a car accident. She was 18.

Kaylee’s dad, Joshua Hottle, told TMZ on Tuesday, July 21, that the actress was killed earlier that day in Maryland.

He also shared the news in a Facebook livestream, explaining in ASL that he flew from Texas to claim her body, according to TMZ.

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Joshua reportedly said that he learned Kaylee was involved in a serious car accident and was later called by officials to share that his daughter’s heart stopped on the way to the hospital.

Celebrity Deaths of 2026


Related: Celeb Deaths of 2026: Brenda Fricker and More Stars We’ve Lost

Hollywood mourned the deaths of some of its most legendary stars in 2026. The year started off with Broadway performer and influencer Bret Hanna-Shuford’s death at age 46. At the end of the month, comedy acting icon Catherine O’Hara died at age 71. In February, Dawson’s Creek actor James Van Der Beek died at age […]

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Joshua shared that the family is now preparing for arrangements, per Newsweek.

The video was captioned, “I am taking a flight that I never would like to take.” Joshua received support in the comments section.

'Godzilla vs. Kong' Star Kaylee Hottle Dead at 18 After Car Accident in Maryland
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

“What a bright light she was. So talented in every way. A huge loss for all of us. So sorry. ,” one user wrote, while another added, “I’m so sorry for your unimaginable loss. My heart goes out to you and your family. Sending you love, strength, and comfort during this heartbreaking time.”

A third added, “My deeply [sic] condolences.. She’s lucky [to] have you as her daddy. Wow, my heart’s broken. She’s gone so soon. Prayer with you and family…”

Kaylee, who comes from a multi-generational deaf family, was born in Atlanta. She was then raised in Austin, Texas, where she attended the Texas School for the Deaf.

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Kaylee started in the entertainment industry with a PSA for the live video messaging app Glide, a tool that is used by members of the community. She was 9 at the time.

Kaylee went on to play Jia in 2021’s Godzilla vs Kong. Her character communicated with King Kong via sign language and lived on Skull Island with Dr. Ilene Andrews, played by Rebecca Hall.

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“Hi, this Kaylee Hottle known as Jia in the movie, Godzilla vs Kong,” Kaylee wrote in her first Instagram post in 2021, alongside a video of herself signing. “This is my official Instagram page. I wanted to thank you all for your support and love! ♥️ 🤟 #godzillavskong.”

Three years later, Kaylee reprised her role in the film Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire. She also appeared in the Magnum P.I. reboot, where she portrayed Joon in a season 4 episode. Before her death, Kaylee had a film in pre-production on IMDb titled What Doesn’t Kill Us.

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