If you’ve ever been to a male revue, you know that eventually, the clothes come off (at least some of them). “Magic Mike Live” at Sahara Las Vegas is no different, but they like to get the crowd warmed up and ready for the magic to begin happening before anything comes off. 

The Blast recently had the chance to check out the Vegas show and speak to some of the cast to get some insight into what guests can expect, what they love most about being in this show, and just what “unicorn” means when you’re in the audience. 

‘Magic Mike Live’ Takes The Audience On An Exciting Journey

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Created and co-directed by actor Channing Tatum, “Magic Mike Live” at Sahara Las Vegas features world-class dancing, singing, comedy, and acrobatics to give memories that will last a lifetime. That whole “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” vibe goes out the window here, because you won’t soon forget what happens during this show. 

With many twists and turns, audience interaction, and performers that come to you, this experience is something that will make you smile, laugh, and want to relive it again and again. 

The Blast spoke to a few of the stars of the show to get some background information on how they landed on the “Magic Mike Live” stage, what their favorite part is about being in the show, and more. But first, let’s talk about the “unicorn” in the room. A theme from the time you walk through the doors until you leave is the unicorn. That’s the show’s “safe word” if you don’t want to be brought into the action and would prefer just to watch without being thrust into the spotlight. There are also some other “unicorn” sightings throughout the show.

“We have a lot of conversations about how to approach the guests and how to respect them and talk to them. We can avoid people that we feel are going to be very hesitant or avoidant,” Anthony Curley, otherwise known as “Mike” in the show, told The Blast. “It’s just all about trial and error. There’s no one way to do it. It’s good that we give them the safe word of ‘unicorn.’”

Meet Anthony Curley, Otherwise Know As ‘Mike’ In The Show

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Anthony is an award-winning contemporary dancer from Phoenix, Arizona who began dance training in 2008. He’s mastered ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, hip-hop, acro, and musical theater throughout his dance journey. His career really took off when he was crowned the Season 18 winner of “So You Think You Can Dance.” He then danced behind Paula Abdul in the Magic Summer Tour and was a featured dancer in music videos for Doechii and Dermot Kennedy.

Anthony has been part of “Magic Mike Live” for 13 months now. Joining the show was a bit of a “curveball” for him. 

“It was a very welcomed one,” he said. “I got the call on the Fourth of July last year, and it’s funny because my whole life I’ve actually joked about doing ‘Magic’ with my friends. We would always do dolphin dives and stuff and be like, ‘Who has the best Magic Mike dolphin dive?’ and now all of a sudden, I’m the one out of them that got to be here.”

He said his favorite part about being in the show is the “camaraderie with everyone in the building.” 

“I didn’t realize when I first got here how deeply intertwined I would become with all the cast and it feels like a big family here,” he told The Blast. “And with a resident show that goes on so long, it can get very tedious in that sense, but we keep each other fresh and keep the morale high. I think that’s definitely my favorite thing about being here.” 

Something he hopes to do in the future is dive more into his music and become a recording artist. He would also love to take his show on the road and do some touring, make more albums, and of course, mix lots of dance with it all. 

Mariah Ware Is One Of Few Women In The Show

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Raised in Las Vegas, Mariah was always destined to shine on the stage. She began her professional dancing career on Carnival Cruise Lines before hitting the world-famous Las Vegas Strip with her talent. She’s been in many productions, including opening for Metallica, Mayfair After Dark, New Year’s Eve performance with Natasha Bedingfield, Wheel of Fortune’s 30th Anniversary, and more. She said she knew early on in life that dancing was what she wanted to do professionally thanks to a friend’s introduction to it. 

She told The Blast that her role in the show is a “very coveted role” so there are always a lot of women wanting to audition for it. She shares the role with one other female dancer. 

“The role is called the flying mermaid,” she said. “We do every other night, so there’s always two of us in the building.” 

Her role has a bit of a surprise element to it and she enjoys that night after night. 

When talking about the major misconceptions of the show, she said from the guys’ perspective, most people show up expecting strictly a strip show and no storyline. But that’s not at all what “Magic Mike Live” is all about. 

“People think there’s not anything to it. They’re just going to come on stage, take their clothes off, and the lights are going to go down, and that’s it,” she told The Blast. “There’s so much more that goes into it, so I think it’s the common misconception that it’s like any other male revue show.” 

If she wasn’t in this production, Mariah said she would still be in entertainment in one form or another. 

“I love entertainment in every aspect, so I feel like I would transfer over to film and television,” she said. “Whether that be acting or just being on set, maybe dive into directing or being a visual director.” 

Carson Brooks Knew Early In Life He Wanted To Be A Dancer

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Born and raised in Vegas, Carson knew at a young age that dancing was going to be his life. At 18, he moved to Los Angeles with a dream of dancing professionally and the rest is history. He performed for major events such as Beyonce’s CECRED launch event, Live Mas Live for Taco Bell, and Aria Resort & Casino’s New Year’s Eve celebration. 

“I remember when I was 13, I had friends in school who would go inot dance and I’d see them post dance videos on Instagram and I’d be like, ‘Oh, that’s so cool.’ And then from there, I just got into it,” he told The Blast. “I actually did musical theater at first, but now I don’t sing or act, just dance.” 

He shared that the biggest misconception people have about “Magic Mike Live” is that many think it’s all about “body rolls, take clothes off, done.” 

“I don’t think people understand or know about the dancing part, or the aerial stuff and drumming,” he said. “I don’t think they know about all the special skills behind it.” 

With every show having a different audience, it’s a whole new vibe night after night. Thanks to the audience and their reactions to the show, it’s tough to be on autopilot, so the dancers are 100 percent bringing the magic. 

CJ Jensen Has Performed With Some Big Names In Entertainment

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CJ moved to Vegas to be a part of “Magic Mike Live” just as he was considering quitting dancing. Before that, his career brought him to work with some big names – Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, JoJo Siwa, and more. He toured as a dancer on The Descendants Tour and performed in the Michael Jackson Celebration episode of “Lip Sync Battle.” 

“I was actually about to quit dance. I was in an impasse where I was like, I don’t know if I want to dance anymore,” he told The Blast. “Dancing was for the love of it, but then it started slowly turning into I have to do it to make money and once it became a job, it was different.” 

When CJ’s agent approached him about “Magic Mike Live,” he first asked his “boss,” aka his wife, and since it aligned with them as a family, it made sense to pack up and move to Vegas. 

When discussing what he loves about his new home of Las Vegas, CJ said he loves the food scene. 

“I’m a big foodie, so we love going to Chinatown to try different foods everywhere,” he said. He also added that he’s been thinking about opening a coffee shop for a while, so that could be something on his radar for the future. 

For more information about “Magic Mike Live,” visit the website.

As someone who shops for a living, I spend an unreasonable amount of time keeping tabs on what fashion people are wearing next. This fall, my feeds are filling up with chocolate brown, burgundy, suede, oversized accessories and relaxed silhouettes that make getting dressed feel fun again. And thankfully, you don’t need a designer budget to get in on any of them.

Amazon’s Fall Fashion Edit is packed with pieces that look like they could have come straight from the cool-girl brands filling my Instagram feed. I found chunky sweaters, retro sneakers, statement bags, baggy denim and plenty of rich fall textures that nail the season’s biggest trends. The best part? You can start refreshing your closet for just $15.

17 It-Girl Fall Fashion Finds a Shopping Editor Is Eyeing on Amazon

1. My Favorite: Nothing says fall ‘It-Girl’ quite like a chunky cream sweater, relaxed jeans and an oversized tote. The exaggerated cable knit and slouchy fit give this turtleneck that cozy, expensive-looking feel I’d expect to spot all over Pinterest this season.

2. Cool-Girl Clogs: I’m trading at least a few loafer days for suede clogs this fall. Their chunky shape and rich taupe finish would look especially good poking out beneath baggy jeans or wide-leg trousers.

3. Layer Up: A burgundy knit wrap might be the easiest way to bring fall’s favorite color into your wardrobe. Draped over a simple sweater or dress, it adds warmth and makes the whole outfit feel a little more elevated.

4. Burgundy Babe: If there’s one color I’m expecting to see everywhere this fall, it’s burgundy. This faux-suede jacket combines the rich shade with an equally autumnal texture, making the $37 find feel like two trends in one.

5. ’90s Calling: This suede shoulder bag looks like something an off-duty supermodel could have carried three decades ago. The slim rectangular shape gives it that minimalist ’90s attitude fashion keeps revisiting.

Related: These 17 French Girl-Style Blouses Are My Latest Fall Obsession, From $10

Every fall, I inevitably find a new way to work the classic French girl aesthetic into my wardrobe. Some years I’m constantly wearing ballet flats or trench coats, but right now, I can’t stop looking at blouses covered in stripes, polka dots, lace and other romantic details. They’re an easy way to make everyday fall […]

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6. Chocolate Fix: I’m currently incapable of scrolling past a chocolate brown accessory, especially one that looks this expensive. The suede texture, relaxed shape and belted detail make this $30 bag feel straight out of a much pricier fall collection.

7. Arm Candy: Why buy one bracelet when $15 gets you four chunky bangles? Between the tortoiseshell, caramel and creamy marbled finishes, they look collected over time rather than purchased together.

8. Buckle Up: After years of ultra-minimal bags, I’m ready for accessories with a little personality again. This barrel satchel bag delivers with buckled handles, studs, tassels and enough hardware to make the Y2K-inspired shape feel interesting from every angle.

9. Stripe Hype: At first glance, I would have guessed this retro striped set came from one of the cool-girl brands filling my Instagram feed. It’s actually $50 on Amazon, with an oversized silhouette and rich burgundy palette that make it feel much more fashion-forward than standard loungewear.

10. Trench Twist: Classic trench coats aren’t going anywhere, but their proportions are getting much more interesting. This funnel-neck version keeps the double-breasted buttons and belted waist I love while losing all that extra length for a sharper, more modern feel.

11. Bandana Babe: Western influences are still working their way into everyday fashion, but you don’t need cowboy boots to participate. The paisley knit cardigan borrows bandana-inspired motifs and plenty of fringe for a more unexpected take on the trend.

12. Pretty Pointelle: Basic crewnecks have their place, but the tiny open-knit details on this $16 pointelle sweater make it feel much more special. I also love the relaxed shape and dainty buttons, which give the everyday knit just enough romantic charm.

13. Fall Footwork: Brown suede might be my favorite way to make a sporty sneaker feel seasonally appropriate. These retro suede sneakers trade bright white leather for a warm, textured finish without losing that easy everyday appeal.

14. Shade Upgrade: These oversized tortoiseshell frames prove tiny sunglasses have officially met their match. The glamorous, face-covering proportions make a simple accessory feel like an entire fashion statement.

15. Baggy Business: Skinny jeans could never deliver this level of nonchalance. These baggy Levi’s jeans combine a waist-defining fit with dramatically loose legs, creating the kind of effortlessly cool denim silhouette I keep seeing everywhere.

16. Major League: Nothing says model-off-duty quite like a New York baseball cap pulled over second-day hair. The chocolate brown color gives this sporty staple a richer, more fall-ready feel.

17. Hot Chocolate: The chocolate brown wash is what takes these wide-leg jeans from everyday basic to It-Girl territory. It feels richer and more seasonal than classic blue while still being neutral enough to earn serious closet mileage.

UsNow Fall Sale Alert: These chic fashion finds are up to 60% off – plus free shipping

Welcome to fall with our biggest sale of the season. Our favorite dresses, tops, handbags, and shoes are all on sale + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

Shop the UsNow Fall Sale –> 

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Related: I’m Ditching Stiff Trousers for These 13 Comfy Fall Office Dresses

Consider this my official resignation from wearing stiff trousers five days a week. As much as I love how polished they look, I’d rather spend an eight-hour workday in something soft, stretchy and considerably easier to move in. Thankfully, a good fall dress can give me the best of both worlds. I found 13 polished […]

25 years ago, the epic genre mash-up anime series, Cowboy Bebop, debuted on Cartoon Network’s brand-new Adult Swim block. The programming block and series were game-changers, and decades later, Cowboy Bebop stands out as one of the most iconic shows of its era, achieving mainstream crossover success and becoming a foundational piece of contemporary postmodern art. Cowboy Bebop’s popularity endures to this day, as the series is charting among the Top 5 shows on the Apple TV Store. Cowboy Bebop remains an unfettered masterpiece 29 years after its original debut in Japan.

‘Cowboy Bebop’ Created Mixed Multiple Genres to Create a Unique Anime

Set in 2071, Cowboy Bebop follows a crew of bounty hunters, nicknamed “cowboys,” aboard the spaceship Bebop, who travel the solar system trying to make ends meet. A cataclysm rendered Earth a wasteland, so humanity spreads across the cosmos, colonizing planets such as Mars, Venus, the moons of Jupiter, and even asteroids. Wayward cowboy Spike Spiegel (Steven Blum), an ex-mafioso, travels on the Bebop with his partner, Jet Black (Beau Billingslea), eventually recruiting compulsive gambler and perpetually in-debt femme fatale Faye Valentine (Wendee Lee), computer hacker Edward (Melissa Fahn), and the adorable corgi data dog Ein. This ragtag band will take just about any gig as they can barely scrape together enough credits for their next meal.

Cowboy Bebop features an eclectic mash-up of genres. Despite its futuristic sci-fi setting, the narrative leans heavily on a highly cinematic neo-noir style, mixing in elements of the buddy comedy dynamic of the Bebop crew, cyberpunk, science fiction, horror, and even surrealism. Series director Shinichirō Watanabe combined so many different visual and narrative styles that Cowboy Bebop essentially became a new genre. Hence the eye-catchers and subtitles throughout the show stating, “The work which becomes a new genre itself will be called… Cowboy Bebop!” The series utilizes an incredible score composed by the incomparable musical genius Yoko Kanno and the Seatbelts. The show’s jazz and blues-style music becomes an indelible character throughout the series, empowering the characters’ bittersweet adventures across the galaxy.

‘Cowboy Bebop’ Became a Foundational Gateway Series for Anime Fans

Cowboy Bebop was not only a foundational and highly influential series, but thanks to its airing on Adult Swim, a new programming block created to air more adult-themed and edgier content late at night, the show became a gateway series for many anime fans. Many viewers were introduced to anime through Cowboy Bebop and turned into devoted fans of the art form. Cowboy Bebop translated to Western audiences incredibly well because the creators behind the series were inspired by Western visual styles and works, as well as the series boasting an excellent English dub. Cowboy Bebop’s English reversion proved that a Japanese anime series could be dubbed into English and match or surpass its Japanese counterpart for many fans.

With the series airing on Adult Swim, Bebop aired virtually uncensored. Before Adult Swim, whenever an anime series traveled to the West and aired on television, it usually included a boatload of edits and censorship, butchering a show’s quality. Plus, the English dub tracks would be heavily altered to play down to younger audiences, significantly changing the intent of the characters and story. Adult Swim allowed many iconic and classic shows to air with most of their original content intact, which drew in whole new demographics and audiences to anime, creating legions of new fans.

‘Cowboy Bebop’s Legacy Endures

Image via Sunrise

It’s been 29 years since Cowboy Bebop originally debuted in Japan, and 25 years since it made its U.S. broadcast debut. Over two decades later, the show’s legacy endures, thanks to its memorable storyline and characters. Throughout the series, the crew of the Bebop comes together, becoming a weirdly dysfunctional and charming found family; yet even that emotional arc is finite. The narrative also peppers in unique dreamlike motifs, suggesting ambiguity about whether events throughout the story are even real.

Cowboy Bebop ultimately leaves viewers as emotional wrecks by its 26th episode, offering a deeply profound viewing experience. The show’s final line says it best: “You’re gonna carry that weight.” Almost thirty years later, devoted fans continue carrying the weight of the crew of the Bebop wherever they go. Watanabe and his crew crafted an indelible, one-of-a-kind work that transcends the art form. It’s a show that makes you genuinely wonder, even for a moment, “Are you living in the real world?” Cowboy Bebop is an anime masterpiece that’s worth watching, whether to experience it for the first time or revisit its exceptional quality years later. “See you, space cowboys!”

It’s 2026, and it’s getting harder than ever to pretend the “streaming revolution” didn’t just loop back to where it started. Earlier this week, Prime Video launched a $29.99/month bundle with AMC+, BritBox, MGM+, PBS Masterpiece, and Starz. The tech giant calls it a deal — and it is, technically, 39% cheaper than subscribing to all five on their own.

In this economy, saving money without sacrificing has us all salivating, but let’s look past the sale’s sheen and ask the obvious question: Who asked for this? Was there really a critical mass of viewers willing to pay one flat monthly rate to keep a bunch of services that hardly anyone subscribes to year-round?

You get AMC+ for Interview with the Vampire, Starz for Power, and PBS Masterpiece because your mom wants to watch All Creatures Great and Small. Bundling them doesn’t make the content more essential. It just makes unsubscribing more of a pain, which is exactly how cable kept people paying $200 a month for 400 channels they didn’t watch back in the day. And this, on top of the news that the ad-free versions of the major streamers like Disney+, Netflix, HBO Max, and Apple TV+ already run $139 a month combined (which, adjusted for inflation, is the cable bill we all canceled in 2016), makes this new deal sound even more sinister. Has Amazon just figured out a way to replicate the cost of cable with an app instead of a box?

What’s Included in Prime Video’s New Streaming Bundle?

Look at which platforms are actually in this bundle. Prime Video is the anchor, obviously, because of Amazon. The other five are the streamers that don’t have the muscle to keep customers on their own. AMC+ has never cracked the mainstream conversation the way its parent network did with Breaking Bad and Mad Men. BritBox exists in that awkward middle ground of being niche enough that Anglophiles love it and small enough that Anglophiles are pretty much the entire customer base. MGM+ has been rebranded so many times that even loyal subscribers probably couldn’t tell you what’s on it this month. PBS Masterpiece has a devoted following that skews older than any algorithm finds attractive. And Starz has men in kilts. These are the services that Netflix, Max, Disney+, and Hulu will never bundle with because they don’t need to.

The big streamers can survive off tentpole hits and password crackdowns. The middle tier can’t. They have to link arms and hope consumers keep them all around for the shows they each have one or two of, because otherwise those consumers are dropping them the moment a season finale airs. Amazon knows this, which is why it’s not offering the bundle out of generosity. Prime Video is positioning itself as a distribution layer, the way Comcast used to bundle Bravo and IFC into your basic cable package, because those channels couldn’t survive à la carte. And things have been heading this way for a while.

Through Prime Video Channels, Amazon already sells add-ons for Peacock, HBO Max, Paramount+, and Apple TV, so plenty of people are managing their streaming through Amazon’s app. That’s the cable company’s job description. Amazon just never had to send a technician to anyone’s house to rope customers in. It also isn’t a neutral middleman here, since MGM+ has belonged to Amazon ever since the company bought MGM in 2022. So one of the five “partners” in this bundle is just Amazon selling its own channel back to Prime members.

Cord-Cutting Was a Nice Idea While It Lasted

The pitch for streaming, back in 2013 or so, was that you were free. You could subscribe to Netflix for a month, watch Orange Is the New Black, and cancel. You could pick up HBO for Game of Thrones and drop it after the finale. The math worked because each service was cheap and standalone. That math started falling apart the moment every network launched its own platform, and it broke completely when studios started shuffling licensed content between services like a shell game. You might subscribe to one streamer for a show only to find it has moved to another platform by the following season. Bundling plasters over this by giving you access to everything, all the time, so you never have to think about where anything lives. The convenience is real. It also happens to be the reason your monthly card charges keep climbing without you ever really noticing. Try to unsubscribe from a bundle sometime — not this one, but any of them. Disney’s bundle, the Apple One tier your family plan somehow acquired. Friction is the business model. Cable perfected that trick a long time ago, and the streamers have finally stopped pretending they were ever going to do it any differently.

That autopay habit is also where the viewership problem starts. When everything lives behind one login and one charge, it gets much harder for anyone, including the subscriber, to tell what’s actually being viewed. Streaming was sold to us as the way out of paying for things we didn’t watch. Ten years after a lot of people cut the cord, the monthly total is creeping back up, but the payoff isn’t as good, and the channels are getting packaged together again.

Ginny & Georgia‘s Diesel La Torraca surprised fans when he joked about several major deaths in season 4.

After La Torraca, 15, recently posted a TikTok, viewers took to the comments section asking for the insider scoop.

“Plspls give me some spoilers,” read a reply, to which La Torraca wrote in response, “Everyone dies.”

La Torraca, who plays Austin, was also asked how old his character would look when the Netflix series finally returned. When season 3 premiered in summer 2025, social media users questioned whether La Torraca had aged too much to play Ginny’s half-brother while pointing out the lengths the Netflix show went to conceal the young actor’s growth spurt.

Creator Sarah Lampert weighed in at the time on why the show wasn’t trying to be accurate with Austin’s age.

“Anyone who works on the show will tell you I am fastidious about the details. I am just specific with so many things. Then things like Diesel growing five years [older], I’m like, ‘Whatever.’ Because you can’t control it,” she exclusively told Us in June 2025. “We can’t recast. Diesel is Austin.”

Lampert made it clear there were no plans to bring in someone younger to play Austin.

“There are a few jokes we’re planning to make. We’re aware that he’s growing up and that helps us,” she said before acknowledging that viewers will have to “suspend their disbelief” because La Torraca “grew [up] and it’s a TV show.”

“You don’t want to do a big time leap because that really misses emotional storytelling. Because of that, the flashbacks already make no sense in terms of the timeline of the flashbacks,” she added. “Time is but a construct in Wellsbury.”

Related: Ginny and Georgia Cast: See the Hit Netflix Show‘s Stars Then and Now

Ginny & Georgia fans have watched the cast change on and off screen since the series premiered on Netflix in 2021. Ginny & Georgia — which stars Brianne Howey, Antonia Gentry, Diesel La Torraca, Felix Mallard, Sara Waisglass, Raymond Ablack and Scott Porter — follows a young single mother who moves her family to Wellsbury, […]

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La Torraca, meanwhile, addressed the concerns while sharing the creative ways the show disguised his obvious growth spurt.

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“Well, honestly, we kind of ignore it a little bit!” he told Teen Vogue that same month. “It’s kind of just like … there’s a 14-year-old sitting at the table with Harry Potter glasses on that’s supposed to be 9. And that’s OK! In some shots, I did have to bend my knees a little bit to look a little shorter than [Antonia], or they got her an apple box a few times, but for the most part, we’ve kind of just kept the show running.”

La Torraca continued: “Playing a 9-year-old for six years when you are growing … I’ve grown with him, but I’ve also kind of departed from him because I was 8 when we started, now I’m 14. There are a lot of differences in the way that he would move and act and speak. I have to heighten my voice register, slouch a little bit [to] feel like I’m actually a shy, insecure 9-year-old.”

Ginny & Georgia is currently streaming on Netflix.

Just days after Presley Gerber’s shocking death, his family is moving forward with burial plans.

Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber’s son was cremated at the Rose Family Funeral Home, TMZ reported on Friday, September 25, following his death on Sunday, September 20. He was 27.

Presley’s ashes will be kept at his parents’ home in Malibu, California, according to the death certificate obtained by the outlet. (Crawford, 60, and Rande, 64, also share daughter Kaia Gerber.)

TMZ also reported that funeral arrangements are “underway,” and will likely be held within the next week in the Southern California area.

Related: Presley Gerber’s Body Released by Coroner Amid Investigation Into His Death

Presley Gerber’s body has been released after an autopsy was completed. According to online records viewed by Us, Gerber’s cause of death is still listed as “deferred,” with no timetable for when official results will be released. No foul play is suspected at this time. The Los Angeles Medical Examiner previously confirmed to Us on […]

The model’s official cause of death is still listed as “deferred” and pending investigation despite the cremation and autopsy being complete.

Us has reached out to Presley’s family for comment.

Us previously confirmed that Presley died on Sunday at a rehab facility in Santa Monica, California. (Prior to his death, Presley was vocal about his struggles with addiction and his mental health battle.)

The Santa Monica Police Department later told Us that officers responded to a call regarding a possible overdose at 9:35 a.m. local time on Sunday, where they found an unresponsive adult male at the scene.

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Related: Presley Gerber’s Ex Breaks Silence on His Death in Heartbreaking Tribute

Presley Gerber‘s ex-girlfriend Charlotte D’Alessio shared a heartbreaking message after his sudden death at age 27. “Shared a pure love with you & for that I thank & honor your life,” the 28-year-old wrote via her Instagram Story on Monday, September 21. “You deserved more time. You deserved more life. Very angry [about] this.” D’Alessio […]

“The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner has identified the individual as Presley Gerber, 27,” authorities said in a statement. “SMPD detectives are investigating the death as a suspected overdose. At this time, there is no indication of foul play. The official cause and manner of death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.”

The Crawford-Gerber family also released a statement, reading, “The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time.”

One day later, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed that Presley’s body was “ready for release,” but the cause of death was “deferred” for now, per records viewed by Us.

The medical examiner’s office noted in a press release that it was in the “early stages of investigating” Presley’s death and “limited information is currently available.”

“A deputy medical examiner performed an examination today and the cause and manner of death have been deferred, which means additional testing and/or studies were requested in order to make a determination,” the statement read. “Due to the ongoing death investigation, the DME cannot disclose what testing and/or studies were requested. Deferred cases can take a few months before a cause of death is determined.”

Although Presley’s family has not further commented on his death, celebrities have been mourning the loss all week.

“I’m completely heartbroken. I still can’t believe this is real,” Paris Hilton wrote via her Instagram Stories. “You were such a beautiful soul. So sweet, sensitive, kind and genuine. I cared about you so much, and I’m going to miss you more than words can say.”

Related: Presley Gerber Spoke About Mental Health in Final Appearance Before Death

Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber‘s son, Presley Gerber, spoke about his mental health in what would become his final public appearance before his sudden death. In June, clothing store Aviator Nation Malibu shared photos from an event in collaboration with the mental wellness moment We Are Enough, writing, “Thank you to our incredible mental health […]

Presley’s ex-girlfriend and former Summer House star Lexi Wood paid tribute to him via Instagram on Tuesday, September 22, revealing that he “fought so hard for his life” amid his struggles.

“He was brave enough to be open about that fight,” she explained. “More than anything, he wanted to use his story to help other people, and he did.”

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Wood, 29, concluded, “I feel so lucky to have shared so many years of friendship, so many memories and so much love with him. He will always hold such a special place in my heart, and we will all miss him forever. 🤍.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Taylor Swift is clearing up the mystery surrounding “Patient Zero,” revealing that the song was inspired by a conversation among friends rather than one specific ex-boyfriend. The 36-year-old singer released the track on Friday as part of “The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore,” and fans immediately began searching its lyrics for clues about her famous romantic history. However, Swift explained that the song came together after discovering how many women in her friend group had received unexpected calls from an ex-boyfriend’s current partner.

Taylor Swift Reveals What Inspired ‘Patient Zero’

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Swift shared the story behind the song during an interview with the UK’s Capital FM on Friday. “The story behind me writing the song ‘Patient Zero’ is that I was hanging out with a bunch of friends, and one of my friends told us that she had been reached out to by the new girlfriend of an ex of hers, asking for guidance on if she had had the same experiences with this guy,” Swift said.

According to the Grammy winner, her friend’s experience was far more common than she initially realized. Swift said “everyone” in the group “immediately started saying, like, “Oh, I’ve been through that too,” and telling the stories of when this kind of reach-out had happened for them.”

The conversation gave Swift a new perspective on what happens when two women who dated the same difficult man compare their experiences. Rather than approaching the situation as a rivalry between an ex-girlfriend and a current partner, “Patient Zero” imagines the former girlfriend becoming a source of support and information.

The Singer Wanted To Explore One Side Of The Call

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Swift said she became fascinated by the shared experience and wanted to write the song entirely from the perspective of the woman receiving the unexpected call. “I thought to myself, ‘If this has happened to all of us, it’s such an interesting kind of angle on humanity and on relationships, and I wonder if I could write something from the perspective of getting this phone call, and really only from the perspective and the side of the phone call of the ex who’s been through it before,’” she explained.

The song follows a woman who escaped a toxic relationship and is now being contacted by her former partner’s current girlfriend. Instead of refusing to get involved, the narrator offers to help the new woman recognize the same troubling behavior she previously experienced. Swift captures that idea in the song’s central promise: “I got you, I was patient zero.”

The title compares the first girlfriend to the initial known person affected during an outbreak. By the time another woman begins experiencing the same problems, the narrator already understands the warning signs and knows what could happen next.

Swift said she was excited that she “got to explore” the complicated scenario through her songwriting.

Fans Are Still Searching For Clues About Swift’s Exes

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Although Swift described “Patient Zero” as being inspired by a friend-group conversation, fans have continued speculating about whether elements of the song connect to one of her former relationships. One popular theory involves Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas.

Swift briefly dated Jonas between July and October 2008. Years later, she supported Turner following the “Game of Thrones” star’s separation from Jonas in 2023. Turner was photographed spending time with Swift in New York City during the highly publicized split. Swift also reportedly allowed the actress and her children to stay at one of her properties temporarily. That history has led some listeners to wonder whether the support Swift offered Turner helped shape the idea behind “Patient Zero.” Neither woman has said the song is about their shared connection to Jonas.

Other fans have theorized that the ex could be Joe Alwyn, whom Swift dated for approximately six years before their relationship ended in early 2023. The pair largely kept their romance away from the public eye. Although engagement rumors followed them for years, neither Swift nor Alwyn confirmed that they planned to marry.

John Mayer has also entered the fan conversation. Swift dated Mayer from late 2009 until early 2010, while her on-and-off friend Katy Perry had a relationship with him between 2012 and 2015.

Swift has not identified the man in the song, and her explanation suggests that the premise was drawn from several women’s experiences rather than a single real-life couple.

Dakota Johnson And Colin Farrell Join The Music Video

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Swift announced “Patient Zero” as a single on Tuesday, revealing that its music video would feature two major Hollywood stars. Her longtime friend Dakota Johnson appears in the visual alongside actor Colin Farrell. Johnson previously explained that she and Swift had wanted to work together and found that their longtime friendship translated well into a professional collaboration. The full video is scheduled to debut during the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, September 27.

Swift will also receive the ceremony’s inaugural Artist-Director honor, recognizing her contributions to music-video direction and visual storytelling. The award will make Swift the most decorated artist in VMA history, pushing her career total to 31 and breaking her previous tie with Beyoncé.

She is also nominated in nine competitive categories at this year’s ceremony, including Video of the Year, Artist of the Year and Best Direction.

‘The Encore’ Was Created During A Celebration In Sweden

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“Patient Zero” arrived alongside three other new songs: “Pink Clouding,” “Babylon” and “Cleveland!” All four tracks appear on the expanded edition of Swift’s 2025 album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”

Swift announced the project on Instagram and thanked fans for giving the original release a historic debut. “About a year ago, you guys did a truly unfathomable thing,” she wrote. “Something that completely blew my mind… You gave ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ the biggest first week for an album in history. I took a trip to Sweden to celebrate with Max and Shellback, my two collaborators on this album.”

What began as a trip to reflect on the album’s success quickly turned into another songwriting session. “Really, we just wanted to reflect and take in how grateful we were for the moment we were in, but there was a studio there and we did what we do when we feel anything at all: We wrote more songs.”

She concluded, “I hope you love them, because they were born out of pure gratitude for your exuberance for and celebration of the album we made.”

After a surprisingly brief stint on Special Forces, Brandi Glanville is keeping her reality TV options open — but she can already see herself on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

“Maybe I’ll go on Mormon Wives,” she exclusively told Us while discussing her time on Fox’s Special Forces. “I feel like I’ve done all the shows.”

Glanville, 53, acknowledged that Mormon Wives could use some help amid Taylor Frankie Paul‘s legal issues and a cast divide.

“Maybe I’ll be like their military person on the show. ‘Get in line, girls. No more babies. Too much soda,’” she quipped. “‘Stop it!’”

While Glanville isn’t saying no to any opportunities, she was a bit more unsure about DWTS, adding, “I think that that show is so intense. I’ve had friends do it and they’re like, ‘It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done.’ And these people are in shape. So maybe 15 years ago I could have done it.”

She continued: “I think it’s better and I want something where I can just talk and throw wine and just sit around and do dinners. Get paid to be myself? That’s fun.”

Glanville is best known for her time on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills from 2011 to 2016, with guest appearances in 2019 and 2020. She has since appeared on other shows — including Fox’s Special Forces.

“I’m, like, so proud that I just didn’t give up and I just didn’t want to be the first one out. Obviously no one really wants to be,” she told Us. “I wanted to prove to my kids I could do it, but I had to go to the doctor. I was done. But I think that this still proves to the kids that I was kind of a badass.”

The action-packed Thursday, September 24, premiere showed the contestants being challenged to jump out of a helicopter headfirst into the ocean. They then had to swim back to the dock quickly, which proved to be an issue for several recruits.

Related: Shocking TV Exits Through the Years

All good things must come to an end, even when it comes to TV. Over the years, many television stars have suddenly left their roles — while others have been cut from a series without much notice. Anna Faris announced in September 2020 that she was leaving CBS’ Mom after starring as the lead character […]

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“I over-rotated. I know it felt like my head hit the water, and it was so hard,” Glanville shared of her experience. “It was like immediately I was dizzy and I thought my whole body was in the water. Then my body hits the water after that. It was just like being run over by a truck.”

Glanville recalled developing several health issues.

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“Everyone kept touching me. And even just touching my back, it hurt. I was spinning. I couldn’t hear out of my left ear immediately. I was about to throw up, but then the camera guy was in my face, and I’m like, ‘You’re not getting this from me,’” she explained. “So I sat down, and they’re like, ‘Stand up!’ I’m like, ‘I cannot stand up. I will pass out and hit my head.’”

Glanville continued: “Of course I’m thinking all these crazy things, but everyone seemed to go through it really easily. Like, I was the second one to do it, and I’m watching all these girls go do it, and I’m like, ‘Am I just a disaster? Why can’t I do it like everyone else?’”

Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test season 5 airs on Fox Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET.

If you’re looking for the perfect adventure franchise to binge with “spooky season” just around the corner, there’s no better reason to revisit The Mummy movies. Currently, all three entries in the original Brendan Fraser trilogy can be found streaming for free on Tubi through the end of the month. That’s right, these monster adventure flicks are available on the platform free-of-charge, but only through September 30. Given that we’re about a month out from Halloween, the time to revisit these cinematic delights is right now — especially if you don’t already own all three at home.

‘The Mummy’ Trilogy Is Still One of the Best Monster Adventure Sagas Ever Made

Image via Universal Pictures

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Whether you’ve rewatched The Mummy and its sequels again and again, or if you’ve always meant to give these adventure flicks a try but haven’t had the occasion, consider this your warning sign that they’re about to be hidden behind some sort of streaming paywall. Tubi, however, is a free platform with a vast catalog, one that currently (but only for a limited time) includes these Brendan Fraser adventures. Beginning with The Mummy, director Stephen Sommers re-imagined the classic Universal Monster as an action-packed period piece set during the golden age of archeology in the mid-1920s. When American mercenary Rick O’Connell (Fraser) encounters British Egyptologist and librarian Evelyn “Evie” Carnahan (Rachel Weisz), they find themselves on an adventure headed toward the lost city of Hamunaptra, where they uncover a tomb that was meant to be buried by the sands of time, leading to the resurrection of the evil priest Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo), who brings the biblical 10 plagues of Egypt with him.

While The Mummy is an absolute classic that proves that action blockbusters can be as witty and intelligent as they are earnest, the story doesn’t end there. Sommers reunited the main cast for the sequel, The Mummy Returns, where Imhotep is revived once more in an effort to conquer the Scorpion King (Dwayne Johnson) and his cursed army. Now married, Rick and Evie fight to save their young son, Alex (Freddie Boath), who has been abducted by the titular mummy as only he, with the Bracelet of Anubis, can lead Imhotep to the Scorpion King’s tomb. In many respects, the sequel recaptures the tone and feel of the original, furthering Rick and Evie’s arcs as they find themselves on a mission more personal than before. Of course, some may be satisfied with Sommers’ inspired duology of Mummy flicks and conclude the adventure there. But if you’re curious, Fraser returns for one final installment, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, in which an older Rick and Evelyn (now played by Maria Bello after Weisz was unavailable to reprise her role) find themselves in postwar China with their derelict son Alex (now Luke Ford) dealing with a new undead adversary: Jet Li‘s Qin Shi Huang. Only Fraser and John Hannah (who plays Evie’s brother Jonathan Carnahan) reprise their roles in this one, which is a mixed bag but still mostly fun.

Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz Are Returning to ‘The Mummy’ Once More

No matter which entry you revisit, you’ll find that The Mummy movies are fast-paced, humor-laden, action-packed adventures that reinterpret a horror icon into a dark fantasy foe worth vanquishing over and over again. The period setting gives The Mummy series an Indiana Jones-like quality while adding to the mystery and suspense, leaning into the pulpy flavor of the tales that inspired it in the first place. While Tubi offers several “Mummy” movies beyond these three (most of which are low-budget horror flicks), these highly bingeable films are the only official entries in the Fraser-led collection — at least for now. Fans have been excited to learn that the original cast, including Fraser, Hannah, and, yes, Weisz — as well as Oded Fehr as Ardeth Bay — are set to reprise their roles for a fourth entry, and we can only hope it recaptures the energy of first two.

We’re excited to hear the news that the upcoming (and untitled) Mummy 4 isn’t just going to be nostalgia bait, but even if it were, it would likely outshine the third entry based on its cast alone. (Okay, in all seriousness, Tomb of the Dragon Emperor has its moments. It’s certainly not terrible, even if we’re still mad that Weisz was replaced.) So, with Halloween nearly upon us and another Mummy in the works, there’s no better time than right now to refamiliarize yourself with this iconic collection of monster-themed adventures. Since they’re still streaming for free through the weekend, we know how you’ll be spending your Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights… And hey, if you find yourself loving Sommers’ first two Mummy re-imaginings especially, check out his other Universal Monsters homage: the Hugh Jackman-led Van Helsing, which is better than you probably remember.

The Mummy and its sequels are available for streaming on Tubi.

The Lord of the Rings has made a name for itself on the page and on screen alike, and while the trilogy is one of the best book-to-movie adaptations, it does make changes. Fans can point to many examples, and they do; however, Peter Jackson‘s film’s alterations to one of J. R. R. Tolkien‘s characters stand out. Of course, many have a lot to say about the portrayal of Faramir (David Wenham), whose temptation by the One Ring is the exact opposite of the books, but there is a more significant character whom the films drastically change.

Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) is one of the primary heroes of the series, and while he plays an instrumental role in both the books and the films, the adaptation fundamentally changes his character. In many ways, this change is less about what he does and more about how he does it, because in both versions, Aragorn is a member of the Fellowship, the leader of the Armies of Men, and the rightful ruler of Gondor and Arnor. Yet, the films add a reluctance to his character that Tolkien never established and expand certain aspects of his story. The result works for the films, and Mortensen’s Aragorn is understandably a fan favorite, yet it’s important to recognize that he isn’t exactly like the character Tolkien wrote.

Aragorn Isn’t Supposed to be a Reluctant Hero in ‘The Lord of the Rings’

Image by Nimesh Niyomal

Aragorn is an important character for many reasons, but one major element of his story is his family’s position. As Isildur’s Heir, he has heavy expectations placed on his shoulders, and in the films, he is reluctant to accept that. Aragorn says as much to Arwen (Liv Tyler) in The Fellowship of the Ring. Though she points out that he is not his ancestor, Aragorn says, “The same blood runs through my veins. The same weakness.” This feeling adds an emotional journey as the character slowly accepts his role, proving his worthiness to himself more than anyone else. Plagued by self-doubt throughout the films, Aragorn becomes a brooding character, which is far from how Tolkien intended.

The reluctant hero is a much-loved character trope, but originally Aragorn is far more confident. Tolkien’s version is proud of the legacy he holds and intends to claim his position as King, though he prioritizes destroying the One Ring. This change is most obvious when the Fellowship arrives in Rohan and Aragorn, reluctant to surrender his weapon, cites his ancestry as a reason he shouldn’t need to. While this fits Aragorn’s book personality, film Aragorn would never consider sharing his family history so readily. Aragorn’s change in attitude doesn’t alter the overall plot, but it does make him a dramatically different character in the film than in the books.

‘The Lord of the Rings’ Films Added Stories for Aragorn

Jackson’s adaptation not only changes his nature, but it adds storylines for Aragorn. The most obvious is his romance with Arwen. Although the books mention their relationship, it serves as background information rather than a relevant plot. Arwen herself is barely in the story, and what Tolkien wrote about their romance is mostly in the Appendices. Even that isn’t quite as dramatic as the films make it out to be. While Elrond (Hugo Weaving) doesn’t want Arwen to give up her immortality, he doesn’t resist as much as he does in the film, agreeing to their marriage on the condition that Aragorn first claim his place as King of both Gondor and Arnor. The film series’ forbidden love story highlights both Aragorn and Arwen, and it’s an interesting way to flesh out the character even though it isn’t exactly like the book.

To emphasize the romance and Aragorn’s reluctant hero arc, the adaptation also rewrites the reforging of Narsil into Andúril. In the book, this moment happens before the Fellowship leaves Rivendell, which allows Aragorn to spend most of the story fighting with this sword. But the films take an alternate approach. Elrond reforges the broken sword and delivers it to Aragorn just in time for him to enter the Paths of the Dead. By delaying this event, the films emphasize the drama surrounding Aragorn’s reluctance to accept his destiny and his romance with Arwen. In many ways, these additional stories dive deeper into the lore surrounding Aragorn and his family, which makes sense. After all, the films cannot add appendices to explain these things as Tolkien did. Ultimately, the changes work because the adaptation is done well, but Aragorn is a dramatically different character in the films than in the books.

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Release Date

December 19, 2001

Runtime

178 Minutes

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Writers

Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson, J.R.R. Tolkien

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Producers

Barrie M. Osborne, Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, Mark Ordesky, Robert Shaye, Tim Sanders

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