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

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

Taika Waititi Gave Sam Neill the Perfect Character

Image via Defender Films

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

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

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

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

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

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Release Date

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March 31, 2016

Runtime

101minutes

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

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

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‘Bosch’ (2014–2021)

Image via Prime Video

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

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

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‘Sherlock’ (2010–2017)

Image via BBC

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

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

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‘Prison Break’ (2005–2009)

Image via © 20th Century Fox Film Corp. All rights reserved, Courtesy: Everett Collection

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

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

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‘The Night Manager’ (2016–Present)

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

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

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‘Lost’ (2004–2010)

Image via ABC

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

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

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‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)

Image via Lewis Jacobs / © AMC / courtesy Everett Collection

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

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

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‘Silo’ (2023–Present)

Image via Apple TV

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

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

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Silo

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Release Date

May 5, 2023

Network

Apple TV

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Showrunner

Graham Yost

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Directors

Morten Tyldum, David Semel, Michael Dinner, Aric Avelino

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Tom Holland Applauds Zendaya’s Bold Creative Choices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chuck Norris Looked At His Family And Went Back To Bed

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

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

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

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

Gena O’Kelley Says Her Husband Truly Was Fearless

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Related: Ariana Grande Through the Years: Photos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Norris Surprised Graves With A Rare Personal Gift

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The neo-Western genre has become hugely successful on TV in recent years, thanks in no small part to Taylor Sheridan‘s hit franchise. Great as Yellowstoneis, though, real ones will definitely know that the genre has been around much longer on both big and small screens, and that one particular show played a key role in popularizing the neo-Western more than a decade ago. Starring Timothy Olyphant as U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, FX’s Justified was so good that it also helped strengthen his career, launch others, and was even brought back in 2023 for a revival, Justified: City Primeval, which, in turn, established a shared universe of its own.

‘Justified’ Was Brought Back With a Limited Series

The story of Justified begins when Raylan Givens is transferred back to his hometown in Harlan County, Kentucky, after shooting a mob boss on a crowded hotel rooftop in Miami. Over the following seasons, Justified follows Raylan as he is forced to confront his demons, since most of his cases are connected to people from his own past, including former friends and close relatives. The gritty, decaying setting of Harlan reflects Raylan’s own troubles, and his confronting this is part of what makes the original series so good.

Justified: City Primeval revolves around a similar premise, but takes a completely different route. This time, Raylan finds himself in Detroit alongside his now-teenage daughter Willa (Vivian Olyphant), where local authorities need his help to catch the Oklahoma Wildman, Clement Mansell (Boyd Holbrook). In many ways, Raylan and Mansell are opposite sides of the same coin; both are deeply angry, but while Raylan tries his hardest not to hurt everyone around him, Mansell indulges in it, becoming a hedonistic killing machine.

Unfortunately, there has been no news about another sequel following the end of Justified: City Primeval. It’s a shame, especially considering how the series ends on a cliffhanger that ties back to the original Justified. As we wait for Raylan Givens to be somehow rescued from this limbo, however, there are plenty of other stories set within the same universe, because Justified inadvertently started its own shared universe way back.

‘Justified’ Was a Part of the First Neo-Western Shared Universe on TV

Image via FX

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A neo-Western shared universe isn’t anything new to Justified fans because the FX series isn’t an original story, but rather an adaptation of author Elmore Leonard‘s work. Leonard is widely regarded as one of the best crime novelists of the past century, and, in an incredibly serendipitous turn, his best characters all found their way into each other’s stories on TV, thanks to Justified.

Justified: City Primeval is pretty straightforward about its connections to other Leonard stories. Raylan himself isn’t the original protagonist of Leonard’s story City Primeval: High Noon in Detroit, on which the miniseries is based; that’s Detective Raymond Cruz, who both appears in Justified: City Primeval and serves as a key character in Steven Soderbergh‘s 1998 movie Out of Sight — and is played by actor Paul Calderón in both instances.

The original Justified series has another blink-and-you’ll-miss-it connection to Out of Sight. One of the movie’s protagonists is Karen Sisco (Jennifer Lopez), a hot-headed U.S. Marshal who works closely with Cruz to catch bank robber Jack Foley (George Clooney). Later, in 2003, ABC gave the character her own series, Karen Sisco, starring Carla Gugino, and nearly a decade later, Gugino appeared in Justified as Karen Goodall, who is essentially the same character, due to rights issues.

‘Justified’s Revival Proves There Will Always Be a Demand for Raylan Givens

With so many connections, links, and nods amongst themselves, these screen adaptations of Leonard’s works represent the first neo-Western shared universe, way before Yellowstone even existed. Sadly, Justified: City Primeval didn’t get the ratings it deserved, but one thing the revival did perfectly was prove that there will always be a demand for more Justified, and the door has certainly been left open for more.

Justified‘s Raylan Givens isn’t Olyphant’s first time playing a lawman, as he first stepped into the role of Seth Bullock in HBO’s Deadwood. Luckily, the character type suits him; otherwise, Justified wouldn’t have become such a hit or gone on to earn a sequel series. Together, Justified and City Primeval tell the story of one of television’s best protagonists. Hopefully, it won’t be long until we see him again, because both series were successful in their own ways.

By Jonathan Klotz
| Published 12 seconds ago

If you read that headline, and immediately was filled with the rage of a thousand burning suns, let this be your reminder to stretch. We may be getting old, but we still get unreasonably angry over the inability to put together a three-piece statue. It had a top, a middle, and a base. That’s it. It’s not difficult. Nickelodeon’s Legend of the Hidden Temple started airing in 1993, went off the air in 1995, but its impact has traumatized a generation. 

Legends Of The Hidden Temple Was An Afterschool Staple

Legend of the Hidden Temple was one of the many game shows filmed at the network’s Universal Studio location in the early 90s. This one pit six teams against each other in a race across the temple moat. The Red Jaguars, Green Monkeys, Blue Barracudas, Orange Iguanas, Silver Snakes, and the best of them, Purple Parrots, were all comprised of one boy and one girl, and after the race, only four would be left to descend the Steps of Knowledge. This was the shoe-horned in “educational” component of the show with questions centered around the legendary artifact they have to receive from the Temple at the end of the game. 

Round 3 let teams win pendants, and the team with the most at the end of three games was able to go on a run through the Temple. This was why every kid was watching Legend of the Hidden Temple in the first place. We all daydreamed about making the run, going from room to room, evading temple guards, and getting the artifact. Waiting for every team at some point during the run was the Shrine of the Silver Monkey. It spelled doom for all of the idiot pre-teens. 

That’s what I thought at least, watching from the floor after I got home from school. The pieces of the monkey were set around the room at random, and yet, for some reason, countless kids would try to put the head on the base. Or install the middle without the base in place. Even pure guessing trial and error should get them to the right combination. THERE WERE ONLY THREE PIECES. What I didn’t know as a kid watching, was the depths of evil that the show’s producers tapped into when designing the Silver Monkey.

I knew it was frustrating for the contestants between the host, Kirk Fogg, the studio lights, the audience cheering them on, and the very tight three minute time limit. What I didn’t know until later was that the statue was purposely designed to be as difficult as possible. The head of the statue has a pole that goes through the middle and the base at the right angle, will hit a button at the bottom that opens the door to the next room. It was especially brutal for the shorter contestants. 

Now, host Kirk Fogg and co-host Olmec (voiced by Dee Bradley Baker) never let on that there was an added degree of difficulty. The angle was purposely designed to be hard, and looking back, the pedestal was set up juuuuust high enough to where it would be hard to aim the rod. Every kid watching Legends of the Hidden Temple was getting angry at the wrong people. 

The Forgotten Legend Of The Hidden Temple Movie

In 2016, Nickelodeon aired the TV movie Legend of the Hidden Temple, starring DC’s Hawkgirl Isabela Merced as Sadie, which brought back Fogg and Baker to reprise their roles. Of course, it turns out the Temple isn’t a run-down theme park attraction, but an actual Temple. Sadie and her two younger siblings have to run through the Temple, retrieve the pendant, and get out. And yes, they have to solve the Shrine of the Silver Monkey. 

The Nickelodeon movie was watched by 1.6 million viewers, and then, in 2021, The CW brought back the original game show, except now, it was for adults. Slapping in reality television style confessionals between the rounds helped pad out each episode to 60-minutes, but also wrecked the flow of the game show. To the shock of absolutely no one, it was cancelled after one season. 

Legend of the Hidden Temple only aired for 120 episodes over three seasons, but it was one of those shows that felt like it was on forever. The entire genre of cheap game shows made for kids has been overtaken now by YouTubers. It’s how MrBeast got so big in the first place. If kids today wanted to see why the mere mention of the Shrine of the Silver Monkey causes eye twitches in Millennials, they can catch the entire original run on Paramount+.

Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez are boyfriend and girlfriend once again, ten years after they broke it off.

Following a recent performance in New York City, the pop star ignited major internet speculation about rebounding with her ex after calling it quits with her former partner, Ethan Slater, just months ago.

However, close sources confirm it is more than a flirty reunion between the singer and Alvarez.

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After weeks of hanging out together, Grande and Alvarez are said to be now official. An insider confirmed the romantic update, saying the two are ready to try again after years apart.

The source explained that the lovebirds are, however, not rushing to make things serious, as they are focused on taking it slow.

The news, confirmed by TMZ, comes after Grande strongly hinted at a potential romantic reunion with Alvarez, after modifying the lyrics to her hit song during a high-profile concert stop in New York City. 

While taking the stage at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Monday, the 33-year-old vocalist adjusted the phrasing of her 2018 record “Thank U, Next” to suggest a rekindled connection. In the original track, the lyrics read, “Wrote some songs about Ricky, now I listen and laugh.”

However, during her recent performance in front of a packed stadium, the singer boldly vocalized the updated phrase to sing, “Wrote some songs about Ricky, we always find our way back.” 

A video recording capturing the moment quickly went viral, showing the massive arena audience singing along to the verses honoring her high-profile ex-partners. The audience immediately erupted into deafening screams the moment she delivered the revised line about Alvarez.

Though the two individuals originally went their separate ways in 2016 after a year-long relationship, they have continuously maintained a highly supportive and close friendship.

Ariana Grande Was Recently Spotted With Ricky Alvarez 

Grande’s recent performance follows a highly publicized holiday sighting that initially sparked more conversations about her relationship status. 

The Blast reported that over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, onlookers spotted the singer and Alvarez spending quality time together during a casual outing.

They appeared relaxed and comfortable in each other’s presence as they completed a quick grocery run at a Whole Foods store. 

Grande opted for a comfortable wardrobe, wearing a simple grey sweater paired with denim pants and flat shoes, while her companion selected a classic white polo shirt and dark denim pants. According to reports, the long-time acquaintances were traveling together to Grande’s family’s private residence in Boca Raton to celebrate the holiday. 

Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Broke Up Months Ago

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Before fueling dating speculation with her past flame, Grande quietly ended her high-profile relationship with her “Wicked” costar, Slater. 

At the time of their separation, close sources alleged that the romance had been highly turbulent for a long time. When rumors of a breakup began circulating in late 2025, those in the singer’s inner circle expressed doubts about the relationship’s longevity. 

According to The Blast, one source expressed skepticism about their relationship, saying, “If I had to look into my crystal ball, would I think they would stay together? No.”

The Singer Seems To Have A Recurring Romantic Trend

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While the sudden end of Grande’s relationship with Slater caught many onlookers off guard, those in the her closest circles viewed the development as part of a highly familiar cycle. 

Insiders claimed that the pop star’s romantic history reflects a very specific personal pattern that tends to repeat itself during major transitions in her career. According to individuals close to the situation, Grande has historically struggled to balance personal connections with the demands of her professional commitments.

“Ariana and relationships have always been a bit of a complicated mix. She tends to fall hard and fast, and when she does, it’s all-consuming,” a source revealed, as reported by The Blast.

However, despite the split with Slater, additional sources emphasized that the decision to part ways was mutual and friendly, with both individuals remaining highly supportive of each other’s future endeavors. 

Ariana Grande Allegedly Reached Out To Her Lookalike

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Amid navigating breakups, makeups, and her highly successful career, Grande has also had to navigate being idolized by fans online. This became evident in a recent interaction between Grande and her popular lookalike, Paige Niemann. 

Niemann, who rose to digital fame due to her uncanny physical resemblance to Grande, recently shared the contents of a private direct message she claims the singer sent her years ago. 

Rather than criticizing the young influencer’s viral videos, the Grammy-winning artist used the private note to encourage Niemann to find confidence in her natural appearance, per The Blast. 

The message from the singer read: “I am flattered and I am sure you’re very sweet. But I just wanted you to know, I looked back a little ways on your page, and I think someone should tell you, if they haven’t today that you’re very beautiful as YOURSELF.” 

The message continued by gently advising the influencer that she did not need to alter her features or style to find validation online, adding that she was gorgeous without “all the makeup.”