It’s almost impossible for a person who has never acted to imagine how taxing mentally and physically it is being an actor. And to pull off something like Heath Ledger did in The Dark Knight? Unimaginable for all. Some performances become cultural shorthand. A walk, a voice, a breakfast order, even the way somebody sits in a chair starts carrying the whole character. That only happens when the acting is detailed enough to survive repeat viewings and alive enough to feel unpredictable the first time.

How do you compare someone learning the world from scratch with someone who has spent decades mastering how the world sees her? You really compare control, difficulty, emotional impact, and how completely the character seems to exist beyond the script. These six performances leave almost nothing unattended. Scroll down slowly if you want me going all geeky about this.

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Emma Stone in ‘Poor Things’ (2023)

Image via Searchlight Pictures

Bella Baxter (Emma Stone) begins Poor Things as a woman brought back to life by surgeon Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe) with a mind that has barely begun developing. She learns language, movement, pleasure, cruelty, money, philosophy, and independence at astonishing speed, then leaves Baxter’s London home with the spectacularly self-important Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo) to experience the world for herself. The role therefore has an unusual problem built into it. Bella has to mature enormously without ever feeling as though the movie simply switched from one version of her to another.

That development is visible everywhere. Her early movements are stiff and poorly coordinated, her speech initially treats words like objects she has just discovered, and her curiosity has no embarrassment attached to it because society has not taught her shame yet. As Bella absorbs more of Lisbon, Alexandria, Paris, and the people around her, her physical confidence and language evolve together. Even that gloriously strange Lisbon dance feels like part of the education rather than a comic detour. The role won Stone her second Best Actress Oscar, and the achievement becomes even clearer on a rewatch when you can track how carefully Bella changes from scene to scene.

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Olivia Colman in ‘The Favourite’ (2018)

Image via Searchlight Pictures

Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) occupies the throne in The Favourite (unlike HOTD), but early eighteenth-century England is largely being managed by her close companion Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz) while the country fights France. Anne is ill, grieving, lonely, temperamental, and surrounded by people who understand that access to her bedroom can become political power. Abigail Masham (Emma Stone)’s arrival gives Sarah a rival for that access, turning court politics into an intimate struggle over affection, influence, and who understands the Queen well enough to survive her moods. The duck racing is absurd. The emotional stakes underneath it are vicious.

Anne could easily have become a collection of eccentricities. Instead, her neediness, cruelty, humor, physical pain, and genuine loneliness keep colliding in ways that make her difficult to reduce to one judgment. The rabbits she keeps are connected to the children she lost, so even one of the film’s strangest visual details carries private grief. Her insults can be hilarious, then a change in her face can expose how frightened she is of being abandoned. That balance is delicate, especially beside two characters constantly trying to manage her. The Academy awarded Colman Best Actress, and it remains one of those wins where the trophy feels almost secondary to how unforgettable the character became.

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Casey Affleck in ‘Manchester by the Sea’ (2016)

Image via Amazon Studios

Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck) has built a tiny life for himself as a janitor in Boston when his older brother dies and forces him back to Manchester-by-the-Sea. He learns that he has been named guardian of his teenage nephew Patrick Chandler (Lucas Hedges), which means staying connected to the town he deliberately left behind. Kenneth Lonergan gradually reveals why Lee cannot simply move home and resume being part of the community, turning an ordinary family responsibility into something he is emotionally unequipped to carry.

Lee spends much of the film trying to keep feeling contained inside routine. His shoulders stay tight, conversations end early, and anger arrives faster than language whenever somebody pushes too close. That restraint makes the rare moments when control slips incredibly painful. The encounter with Randi Chandler (Michelle Williams) on the street is especially hard to watch because both people clearly have more to say than either can successfully get out. Lucas Hedges’ Patrick also prevents Lee from disappearing entirely into grief, since guardianship keeps demanding groceries, hockey practices, girlfriends, and practical decisions from a man who would rather shrink his life further. The role earned Affleck the Best Actor Oscar.

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Daniel Day-Lewis in ‘Phantom Thread’ (2017)

Image via Focus Features

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Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis) runs an elite fashion house in 1950s London with the precision of a private kingdom. His sister Cyril Woodcock (Lesley Manville) controls the machinery around him, wealthy clients depend on his taste, and women tend to move through his personal life without disturbing the routine for long. Then he meets Alma Elson (Vicky Krieps), a waitress who becomes his model and partner and gradually refuses to behave like another temporary piece of the Woodcock system. Suddenly, breakfast can become warfare because somebody buttered toast too loudly.

Reynolds is funny partly because his seriousness is absolute. A badly prepared meal, an interruption at the wrong hour, or someone challenging his taste can offend him on a level most people reserve for betrayal. Underneath that fussiness sits real artistic discipline. Day-Lewis studied couture at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, trained with a professional cutter, and learned enough construction technique to recreate a Balenciaga dress while preparing for the role. That knowledge is visible in the ease with which Reynolds handles fabric and discusses clothes. The pleasure of Phantom Thread grows once you realize this formidable artist has finally met someone who sees his routines clearly and has no intention of worshipping them.

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Joaquin Phoenix in ‘The Master’ (2012)

Image via Annapurna Pictures

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Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix) returns from World War II carrying anger, alcoholism, sexual obsession, and almost no idea how to function in ordinary civilian life. He drifts through jobs and drinks concoctions made from whatever chemicals happen to be available until he stumbles onto a yacht belonging to Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman), the charismatic leader of a movement called the Cause. Dodd becomes fascinated by Freddie as both potential follower and personal experiment, while Freddie seems equally fascinated by a man who believes his chaos can be explained and controlled.

Freddie almost seems uncomfortable inside his own skeleton. His shoulders curl forward, one side of his face tightens into a permanent grimace, and his hands frequently settle around his hips as though his body has learned a defensive position his mind never consciously chose. The famous processing exercise with Dodd becomes riveting through repetition, eye contact, and the effort required for Freddie to answer without escaping into violence. Later, the jail sequence turns that same trapped energy physical as he attacks the cell around him while Dodd stands only a few feet away arguing that he can save him. Phoenix received an Oscar nomination for the role. More than a decade later, Freddie still feels less like a constructed character than a damaged human being somebody happened to catch on film.

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Cate Blanchett in ‘Tár’ (2022)

Image Via Focus Features

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Lydia Tár (Cate Blanchett) enters Tár with the kind of résumé that makes her sound like a real cultural institution. She is a celebrated conductor leading a major Berlin orchestra, preparing to record Mahler’s Fifth Symphony while teaching, writing, traveling, managing a foundation, and navigating relationships with musicians whose careers can be affected by her attention. Todd Field introduces her through a long public conversation before letting us see the private machinery behind that reputation. Lydia knows how to speak about herself. She also knows exactly what a room expects from someone of her stature.

That self-command makes every small disturbance fascinating. The Juilliard masterclass shows how quickly intellectual confidence can turn into domination when somebody challenges her assumptions. Orchestra rehearsals reveal another vocabulary entirely, where a hand movement or correction can communicate authority without a speech. Blanchett prepared by studying conducting, piano, and German, while the musical material was treated seriously enough for professional musicians to share the frame. As pressure starts entering Lydia’s carefully organized life, ordinary sounds and interruptions become harder for her to control, and the character who seemed capable of conducting everything around her starts looking much more vulnerable to disorder. Tár rewards a second viewing enormously. Once you know Lydia’s rhythms, you begin noticing how often she is conducting the room even when there is no orchestra in sight.

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Tar

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Release Date

October 7, 2022

Runtime

158 minutes

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Katie Holmes wore knit ballet flats this spring, but I can’t stop thinking about how perfect this shoe is for fall. The soft, textured fabric practically looks borrowed from a chunky sweater, while the neutral shade makes them easy to wear with everything from jeans to trousers. Cozy shoes that still look polished? I’m sold.

Holmes’ exact knit ballet flats are Vivaia’s Square-Toe Margot V-Cut Flats, which feature a roomy toe box, cushioning and enhanced arch support for extra comfort. Here’s the catch — Holmes’ exact shoe is $129. If that’s out of your budget, I found five sweater-like flats that give me the same comfy fall vibes — for nearly $100 less.

5 Katie Holmes-Inspired Knit Ballet Flats

1. Our Favorite: Want to nail Holmes’ knit ballet flats without spending over $100? I recommend these two-tone flats. The neutral knit, rounded toe and Mary Jane straps make them feel cozy without looking too casual.

2. Pretty in Pink: Holmes went neutral with her knit flats, but this soft pink pair is a fun way to give the cozy look a little more personality. They have the same sweater-like texture, plus a soft sole and breathable construction for comfortable everyday wear.

3. Pattern Play: These colorblock knit flats take the sweater comparison even further with a design that looks straight off a cozy fall cardigan. The breathable upper and soft, foot-conforming construction sound comfortable enough for hours of wear, too.

4. Sleek and Polished: I’m always looking for flats I can actually walk around in, and these comfortable knit flats are designed with a soft, flexible feel. The sweater-like knit channels Holmes’ cozy pair without sacrificing that polished, wear-everywhere look.

5. Sweater Weather: These almond knit flats are exactly what I want to slip into once sweater season arrives. I love the soft, flexible-looking knit and roomy square toe, while the slim strap helps keep my foot securely in place.

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

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Related: Worth It: I Walked 12,000+ Steps in Katie Holmes’ Comfy Flats Brand

If you’re tired of choosing between style and comfort, I found the perfect pair of pointed ballet flats to solve the problem instantly. I tested the exact pair from Vivaia that’s been spotted on Katie Holmes, and they seriously held up through a full day on my feet. I’m talking travel, standing at a networking […]

A dispute over Daveigh Chase’s estimated $400,000 estate is intensifying as the late actress’ former business manager challenges her mother’s attempt to take control. John Ryan, who described himself as Chase’s friend and business manager, reportedly filed a declaration opposing Cathy Chase’s request to become administrator of her daughter’s estate. Ryan has instead aligned himself with Chase’s father, John Schwallier, who wants the court to appoint an independent third party to manage the estate.

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According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Ryan claimed Chase became estranged from both parents at different points in her life. “Daveigh was estranged from her father when her parents divorced,” Ryan stated in his declaration. However, he claimed the actress’ relationship with her mother also deteriorated later.

Ryan alleged Chase told him “that in the mid-2000s she filed for legal emancipation from her mother.” According to his filing, Chase allegedly wanted to “take this action because she believed that her mother was taking advantage of [her] finances and putting [her] physical and mental well-being at risk.”

Ryan claimed he helped connect the former child star with business professionals who could assist her during the alleged emancipation process.

The assertions have not been proven in court, and Cathy has not been accused of a crime in connection with the estate proceedings.

Daveigh Chase’s Father Wants An Independent Administrator

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Ryan’s objection follows an earlier filing from Schwallier, who also opposed Cathy’s request to administer their daughter’s estate. Chase’s father reportedly claimed his daughter and ex-wife had been estranged for years before the actress’ death.

Rather than asking to control the approximately $400,000 estate himself, Schwallier requested that the court appoint an independent administrator. Ryan said he supports that proposal.

The disagreement currently concerns who will oversee the estate, including managing its assets, obligations and probate proceedings. It does not represent a final ruling about how Chase’s assets will ultimately be distributed.

The court has not yet decided who will be appointed administrator.

Former Manager Previously Warned Fans About A Fundraiser

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The estate battle is not the first dispute to emerge following Chase’s death. Ryan previously urged fans not to donate to a GoFundMe campaign that had reportedly been created to cover expenses associated with the actress’ passing. He claimed Chase’s “estate has plenty of means to pay for the cremation” and disputed the fundraiser’s legitimacy.

“That GoFundMe is not going toward ANY expenses for Daveigh,” Ryan told Deadline. “Myself, her father, her uncle and all of us close friends who knew her for decades are encouraging people not to donate to this page. This man making these claims brought her into the hospital in terrible condition and didn’t let any of the family know until she passed so he can control the dialogue.”

Daveigh Chase Died At 35

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Chase died at a Los Angeles hospital on June 16, 2026. She was 35. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner listed AIDS as her primary cause of death, with chronic polysubstance use identified as a contributing condition. Early accounts from her family indicated that she had also experienced severe bacterial meningitis, blood infections and sepsis that led to organ failure.

Following Chase’s death, her former friend Shawn Rosenthal recalled trying to locate the actress and help her. “It’s such a tragedy,” Rosenthal told PEOPLE. “She was an incredible singer, and we would play music together that, unfortunately, we never had a chance to record.”

He continued, “I wound up getting clean in 2023, which is why I haven’t seen her since then,” he continued. “Some of her sober friends and I were trying to find her and get her help, but to no avail. She was surrounding herself with the worst of the worst people. It’s such a tragedy because no one cared for her best interests at all. I pray she’s just finally at peace.”

Daveigh Chase Built A Memorable Career As A Child Star

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Chase became widely recognized for two dramatically different performances released in 2002.

She voiced Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s animated hit “Lilo & Stitch,” giving life to the lonely but spirited Hawaiian girl who befriends the destructive alien Stitch. That same year, Chase terrified audiences as Samara Morgan in “The Ring.” Her unsettling performance earned her the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain.

The actress also appeared as Samantha Darko in “Donnie Darko” and later portrayed Rhonda Volmer on HBO’s “Big Love.”

Fall means it’s time to break out the tall black boots, and if you’re like Margot Robbie, you’re prepping your wardrobe now (actually, last week). Robbie’s black boots are incredibly sleek, and we found the chic, polished look for 45% off on Amazon!

Filming the Ocean’s Eleven prequel in Paris, the actress was spotted leaving the set donning a classy two-piece outfit, a roomy Chanel bag and simple black boots. The below-knee length plays nicely with midi skirts, trousers and the shorter hemlines that keep sneaking back into rotation. Robbie pulled this quintessential fall style out well before the leaves turn, and at only $60, we’re following suit.

Get the LifeStride Xtrovert Knee-High Boots for $60 (was $110) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

These LifeStride Xtrovert Knee-High Boots have become a low-key favorite among reviewers. With a low 1.25-inch block heel, a built-in stretch panel and a water-resistant faux leather finish that manages surprise rain, these boots are as practical as they are stylish.

Better yet, these box-checking boots come in regular and wide versions. One happy shopper raved, “They fit perfectly on my extra-wide calves, which is hard to find. They’re comfortable, well-made and easy to wear all day.” That kind of fit and flexibility is rare at any price point, let alone this one.

The durability and comfort keep coming up in reviews, too. “I only buy this brand because the boots literally last for many years,” another fan wrote.  They added, “These boots are comfy (I’m on my feet most of the day).”

Rock this fall must-have with a tee and jeans, a soft sweater dress or your favorite outfit set, and you’ve basically got Robbie’s off-duty formula. Grab these timeless tall boots on sale now and wear them through April!

Get the LifeStride Xtrovert Knee-High Boots for $60 (was $110) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more stylish boots, and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

Shop the UsNow Summer Sale –>

Related: Nobody Would Ever Know These Rich-Looking Flats Are as Comfy as Sneakers

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If you’re bored with sneakers, you’re not alone. There’s a reason the streets of New York City, Los Angeles and London are overflowing with polished flats, which are a classy and equally versatile alternative. We found 13 luxe-looking pairs that deliver the comfort of sneakers, and seriously, you’ll wish you found them sooner. These timeless […]

Tony Romo is taking “full responsibility” following his OWI arrest last month.

A spokesperson for the CBS Sports NFL analyst, 46, told multiple outlets on Thursday, August 27 that “Tony accepts full responsibility for his actions and has taken proactive steps to ensure that this isolated civil matter is properly resolved.”

The statement continued: “We are working with local authorities to bring this matter to a close and we are communicating with CBS about next steps.”

CBS Sports placed the lead NFL color analyst on leave in July — one week after his arrest in Wisconsin on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence.

Related: J.J. Watt Breaks His Silence About Tony Romo’s Arrest After Taking Over Job

J.J. Watt addressed Tony Romo’s arrest last month, which led to the former Houston Texans star taking over Romo’s spot in the CBS Sports broadcasting booth.  “Haven’t said much because it’s not the circumstances you’d hope it would happen under, but I’m incredibly excited about this opportunity and look forward to working with a legendary […]

“Tony Romo is on leave from his role at CBS Sports until further notice,” a CBS representative said in a statement to Us on July 31.

Romo was pulled over in Milwaukee at around 8 p.m. on July 23, after participating in the Wisconsin Amateur Championship golf tournament.

He was issued a citation for “refusing to take test for intoxication after arrest,” according to court documents viewed by Us.

Additional citations came for Romo allegedly having an “open bottle of an alcoholic beverage” on the passenger’s side of his Jeep, discovered when the vehicle was searched before it was towed away, and for passing vehicles in a “gore area,” which separates interstate traffic from cars entering from an on-ramp.

After allegedly failing field sobriety tests at the scene – as seen in body cam footage obtained by Us – he was taken into custody and a court date has been set for September 21, one day after CBS’ Week 2 NFL slate. Romo has not spoken publicly about his arrest and Us has previously reached out to his attorney for comment.

An officer at the scene told Romo she believed he was intoxicated due to his “red glassy eyes” and an “odor of an intoxicating alcoholic beverage.”

After placing Romo on leave, CBS told NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport that JJ Watt will take Romo’s place in his absence.

Posting about his role via X on August 11, Watt, 37, expressed his enthusiasm over the appointment.

“Haven’t said much because it’s not the circumstances you’d hope it would happen under, but I’m incredibly excited about this opportunity and look forward to working with a legendary team in Jim Nantz, Tracy Wolfson, Jim Rikhoff and the entire CBS lead crew,” Watt wrote. “See you in Minnesota!”

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Related: Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Breaks Silence on Former QB Tony Romo’s DUI Arrest

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has thrown his full and unapologetic support behind his former quarterback, Tony Romo, in the wake of his July arrest on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence. “Been talking to him,” Jones, 83, told Fox 4 Dallas-Fort Worth’s Mike Doocy on Saturday, August 1. “I love him. […]

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The same day, CBS Sports president David Berson said the network had still not made a definitive judgment about Romo’s future.

“It’s an evolving situation and we are still assessing,” Berson said at NFL on CBS media day. “There is no timetable or final decision at this time.”

Berson added, “We have to consider the impact on our image and our brand. That’s very important to us. The focus should be and needs to be on our presentation and this great product and not on any others. Fortunately, we have a deep bench and everybody is stepping up.”

Dolly Parton‘s influence can be felt in countless areas, from music and Hollywood to literacy and philanthropy. Yet some of the most unexpected examples of her legacy exist in the natural world. Over the years, species and plants have been given names inspired by the country icon, creating some unusual additions to Parton’s remarkable legacy.

In 1996, scientists at the Roslin Institute in Scotland successfully created the first mammal cloned from an adult somatic cell. The female sheep was introduced to the world as Dolly the following year.

Later, lead scientist Ian Wilmut shared the reason why Dolly was named after the country singer. “Dolly is derived from a mammary gland cell, and we couldn’t think of a more impressive pair of glands than Dolly Parton’s,” he said.

Wilmut revealed that the singer’s team was notified beforehand about the name, and they reportedly received a response from her manager that read, “There is no such thing as baaaaaad publicity.”

In a 2024 interview with The Guardian, Parton said that she was flattered by the cheeky reference to her breasts, adding, “Everybody always played up to these [points to her chest], so that’s why we had Dolly the Sheep.”

Dolly the Sheep gave birth to six healthy lambs but had to be euthanized in 2003 due to an incurable illness. She remains an important figure in scientific history and pop culture, remembered for her groundbreaking place in the history of cloning.

Scientists named a lichen species after the country singer

Scientists from the New York Botanical Garden discovered a new lichen species in 2015. Lichens are composite organisms, which means two organisms living as one unit.

The new species is native to the southern Appalachian Mountains, near the area where Parton was born and raised in Tennessee. The scientists named the lichen Japewiella dollypartoniana to honor the singer and her charitable conservation efforts in her community.

“Just as we have climbed the great peaks of the southern mountains to document new and endangered lichens, she has climbed to the top of music charts and met with success. During her lifelong journey, Ms. Parton has strived to bring attention to, and support, her native region,” they explained.

Dolly Parton Inspired The Name Of A 460-Million-Year-Old Fossil Moss

In 2020, geologist Greg Retallack discovered fossilized moss, along with species of plants, mosses, and lichens, in Tennessee, just a few miles from Dollywood.

Dollywood, the theme park Parton co-owned, sits on more than150 acres of land in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and boasts several attractions and resort hotels.

Per Retallack, the fossil’s proximity to Dollywood helped inspire its name, Dollyphyton buocotii, as a tribute to Parton, as reported by Forbes.

A Hybrid Orange-Red Rose Shares The Iconic Singer’s Name

Amateur flower breeder Joe Winchel created a new breed of rose in 1984 by cross-pollinating the Oklahoma and Fragrant Cloud varieties. The result was a bright orange-red hybrid tea flower that gives off a sweet and spicy fragrance.

Winchel named his creation after the iconic country singer, telling the Los Angeles Times, “It’s the color of Dolly’s lipstick. It has big blooms, lots of perfume, excellent form, and it likes the hot weather”

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Parton gave her blessing for the rose to be named after her, though she has said that yellow roses were her favorite.

A Newborn Pygmy Hippo Was Named Dolly Parton After The Singer’s Passing

The Brevard Zoo in Florida recently introduced the new addition to their family, a female pygmy hippo. “In honor of Dolly Parton’s passing and her legacy of joy, generosity, and sparkle, we’ve named her Dolly,” the announcement read.

Pygmy hippos are classified as an endangered species, with an estimated population of about 2,000 to 2,500 mature hippos in the wild. Conservation groups and researchers are taking steps to prevent pygmy hippos from becoming extinct.

Parton was a strong supporter of wildlife and animal welfare, using her platform to advocate for these causes. She also donated millions of dollars to support wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and education efforts.

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Robert De Niro has spent decades in the spotlight, but the Oscar-winning actor has also taken on one of his most important roles away from Hollywood: fatherhood. The esteemed actor is a father of seven children, and in a recent interview, he opened up about the challenges of raising a large family while balancing an enduring career in entertainment.

Robert De Niro is reflecting on his life as a father to seven kids, and while he does his best, he acknowledges that he still has feelings of self-doubt when it comes to being present.

The actor’s latest role is that of a retired police detective who is forced to reconnect with his estranged son in the Netflix thriller, “The Whisper Man.” While promoting the film, De Niro spoke with PEOPLE about his own experiences, saying he doesn’t know if there’s a secret to fatherhood.

“It’s just managing it all. And there’s no way around not feeling a little guilty about not being there at times you should, or you think you should,” the 83-year-old actor said.

De Niro explained that becoming a parent means jumping into the role and figuring things out along the way.

The Actor Has 7 Children Between The Ages Of 3 And 54

De Niro has seven children with four different women. He married Diahnne Abbot in 1976, and together they had Drena and Raphael. The couple divorced in 1988.

The actor welcomed twins, Julian and Airyn, in 1995 with his then-partner, Toukie Smith. The couple was together for about eight years, but they never married. They parted ways in 1996 and remained co-parents.

In 1997, De Niro married Grace Hightower, and they had two children, Elliot and Helen Grace. The actor and flight attendant divorced in 2018.

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In 2023, De Niro’s partner, Tiffany Chen, gave birth to a daughter they named Gia.

The actor shares a close bond with his children and has made an effort to remain present in their lives.

Robert De Niro Has Repeatedly Expressed Love For His Children

His career took off in the early ’70s, and he starred in several hit films in the years following, including “Mean Streets,” “The Godfather II,” “Taxi Driver,” “The Deer Hunter,” and “Raging Bull,” to name a few. He has remained active in the industry for more than six decades and continues to take on new projects well into his early 80s.

Over the years, the veteran actor has shared glimpses of how he is as a father. In a 2024 interview on “The Chris Wallace Show,” De Niro talked about fatherhood, sharing that despite his busy career, he always put his children first. “I was busy, of course, but I always loved my kids,” he said, adding that he tries his best to be a good father. “I’m going to put on my gravestone, ‘I tried my best’,” he noted.

In 2025, the actor shared some parenting advice with Entertainment Tonight, saying, “The main thing is to support your kids. You have to support them, period. And they have to know that you support them. Always.”

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Raphael De Niro Talks About Being Raised By His Parents

Raphael, De Niro’s eldest son, is a luxury real estate broker and businessman. In 2017, he shared how his parents, who were both in the entertainment industry, wanted him to learn about responsibility.

Despite having an A-list celebrity as a father, Raphael said he held various jobs before entering the real estate world, including folding rugs at a store, working as a production assistant for De Niro, and serving as a busboy at Nobu, which his father co-owns.

“My parents felt it was good for me to get some responsibility. They were worried that I’d become a typical Hollywood kid,” Raphael told The Real Deal.

The father and son are also business partners, co-owning The Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca along with other partners.

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Airyn Said Her Father ‘Should Be The Standard’

Airyn De Niro came out as transgender in April 2025, and shortly after, De Niro said, “I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter. I don’t know what the big deal is. I love all my children,” per The Blast.

Airyn shared that she has received “nonstop” support from her father, who expressed his happiness that she had found someone who loves her for who she is. “He’s very good at being a dad, not just that, [but also] accepting people from all walks of life,” Airyn told Them.

She further stated that De Niro “should be the standard” when it comes to fatherhood.

Jennifer Lopez is seemingly showing little interest in slowing down, with a major business deal adding to an already demanding year for the entertainer.

The 57-year-old singer and actress is balancing music, movies, beauty ventures, brand partnerships and plans for another international tour, even as significant changes unfold in her personal life.

While her ability to remain one of Hollywood’s busiest stars continues to bring lucrative opportunities, people close to Jennifer Lopez are said to be concerned about her suffering a “burnout.”

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Lopez has filled 2026 with one project after another and reportedly has no plans to ease up.

Alongside preparing for an international tour next year, she has two movies to promote, “The JLo Show,” centered around her recent Las Vegas residency, and crime thriller “The Last Mrs Parrish.”

According to the Daily Mail, her tight schedule is helping her navigate major changes in her private life. Following her difficult divorce from Ben Affleck, Lopez has remained single, while her twins are preparing to leave for college.

A source told the news outlet that the transition has been emotional, but keeping occupied has become a source of comfort for her.

“She is working her tail off because she wants to stay busy, though there is some concern she may burn out,” the insider said, adding that work is how Lopez keeps herself grounded during this period.

Another source described her as someone who would rather “wake up at 5 am and put in a 14-hour day” than spend her time sitting at home, but cautioned that such a routine could eventually leave her completely exhausted.

The Singer Previously Suffered A ‘Nervous Breakdown’

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Fears about Lopez pushing herself too hard are particularly concerning to her inner circle because she has previously experienced the consequences of an overwhelming workload.

In 2002, while filming the thriller “Enough,” the entertainer reportedly reached a point where exhaustion and insufficient sleep left her unable to continue normally.

Years later, Lopez admitted that she had been juggling music, movies, and numerous other responsibilities when the pressure finally caught up with her.

“I was suffering from a lack of sleep. And I did have a kind of nervous breakdown,” she recalled, per the Daily Mail.

The situation became so severe that Lopez said she froze while inside her trailer and lost the desire to do anything.

“I was like – I don’t want to move, I don’t want to talk, I don’t want to do anything,” she explained. The experience offered an early example of how her intense work ethic could take a personal toll when combined with little opportunity for rest.

Jennifer Lopez Reportedly Landed A Massive $20M Dolce & Gabbana Deal

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Lopez’s hectic work schedule continues to pay off financially. She is set to become the face of a new Dolce & Gabbana campaign through a deal expected to earn her more than $20 million, alongside other perks.

According to a source close to the star, “She got a huge paycheck for that, over $20 million, and hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of clothing and accessories,” as well as a first-class trip to Italy with her sister and entourage.

The campaign has yet to be officially unveiled and is reportedly being kept under wraps.

An insider described Lopez as the central figure in a glamorous advertisement photographed in Italy and said landing such a major modeling contract at 57 was a source of pride for the singer.

The Singer Has Her Eyes Set On Billionaire Status

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Lopez has already accumulated an estimated fortune of around $400 million, but she reportedly has much bigger financial ambitions.

With multiple income streams spanning entertainment, beauty, fashion and endorsements, the star is said to be interested in eventually joining the billionaire ranks.

“Jennifer would love to be a billionaire, sure, it would look good on her,” a source revealed. The insider added that Lopez is pleased she continues commanding substantial earnings at this stage of her career.

Her schedule throughout 2026 demonstrates the scale of that ambition. She began the year with her “Up All Night” Las Vegas concert and a JLo Beauty launch before moving into music releases, another Vegas performance, Coachella, movie promotion and several fashion collaborations.

The summer also brought appearances at Paris Fashion Week, another beauty product launch and her high-profile work with Dolce & Gabbana.

Jennifer Lopez’s Pricey Glam Squad

5

Looking camera-ready comes with a hefty price tag for Jennifer Lopez. The singer reportedly spends more than $2 million a year maintaining an extensive beauty and wellness team.

Her routine is said to include professional makeup every morning, daily facial treatments, and full-body lymphatic drainage massages. Personal trainers are also kept on staff, allowing Lopez to exercise whenever her schedule permits.

“These people are on call day and night, even between shows, to make sure every inch of her is flawless,” a source said, per Star Magazine.

The team also consists of several people in each role so members can take time off while Lopez continues receiving round-the-clock attention.

Although their hourly rates are described as “astronomical,” the insider claimed the annual expense hardly affects her finances, saying, “She earns $40 million a year, so it doesn’t make a dent, and it’s a business expense too.”

Gospel singer Tina Campbell is being ruthlessly trolled online by fans after revealing her monthly income is less than $5,000. The “Get Up” singer is in the middle of a messy divorce from her estranged husband, Glendon “Teddy” Campbell, and revealed she survives on less than her soon-to-be ex.

While Tina’s husband pulled the trigger on their marriage in early April 2026, this isn’t the first time that their business has been shared with the world. A decade ago, Tina starred in a reality show, “Mary Mary,” alongside her sister, Erica, and issues about her relationship and her partner’s infidelity were a major part of the storyline.

According to court documents revealed by TMZ, Tina reportedly works 20 hours a week and earns $4,976 each month. In the documents, Tina stated that her monthly expenses are double what she brings in.

The singer’s monthly expenses include $4,100 per month in rent, $266 in health care, $1,800 on groceries, $2,200 on utilities, $208 on her husband’s cell phone, $100 on laundry and cleaning, $150 on education, $1,308 on car maintenance, and $400 on charity and other bills.

Elsewhere in the legal documents, Tina said her ex brings in $7,500 per month as a professional drummer.

Glendon Filed For Divorce In April 2026 After Two Decades Of Marriage

TMZ revealed in April 2026 that Tina and Glendon’s relationship was headed for divorce after the latter filed the papers in a Los Angeles court. In the docs, Glendon said that he and Tina, who wed in 2000, had been separated since June 2024.

The pair share two children, and while Glendon isn’t requesting full custody, he asked the court to establish visitation and to determine spousal support during the process.

Tina clapped back with her own legal filing in August 2026, telling the judge that she wants primary custody of her children and also is also seeking to block the court from awarding either of them spousal support.

Glendon Allegedly Cheated With One Of Tina’s Employees

This isn’t the first time that the spotlight has been cast on Tina and Glendon’s relationship. In 2015, the “It’s Personal” singer spoke with Steve Harvey about the struggles she’s faced and claimed that her husband had been unfaithful to her.

“The person who it was, she used to work for me, and so, that broke my heart. She was like a godmother to my children,” Tina said. “She had access to my home, to come get my kids, and all that kind of stuff. She was very intermixed in my family.”

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Tina said that she made her husband call the employee so she could confront her; however, the alleged mistress “hung up the phone,” essentially confirming her fears. “So I had my answer. It broke my heart, it devastated me, so I spazzed out,” she said.

How The Alleged Cheating Scandal Helped Tina Campbell Get Her Spark Back

Three years after spilling the behind-the-scenes tea about her marriage, Tina said she had learned a lot about herself. While working through the cheating was hard, it reminded her that there was beauty on the other side of pain.

“It was empowering for me to go through that in the public eye and then make it to the other side,” she said. “There was a lot of prayer and counseling. But now I’m stronger.”

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News of Tina’s monthly income had Mary Mary fans buzzing, with some trolling the “God in Me” singer and even borrowing her own lyrics to urge her to keep fighting for a brighter day.

“It’s time to get back in the stu & turn that pain into prosperity,” someone wrote, while another said, “You gotta take the shackles off your feet so you could dance, boo.”

A third wrote, “Call your sister now and get that Mary Mary tour going,” and a fourth joked, “How much the booking fee then?! Tryna see something.”

With a career spanning more than five decades and dozens of published works, calling Stephen King a seasoned writer barely does him justice. Although he is best known for horror, King’s greatest strength lies in transforming ordinary fears into deeply unsettling stories. His monsters may be supernatural, but the emotions driving them are often painfully human.

However, horror is only one part of King’s appeal. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated versatility, exploring genres, characters, and themes that don’t rely on traditional scares. Whether he’s writing about grief, ambition, or human nature, King finds ways to interpret everyday themes into new trepidations. With that said, here are 10 Stephen King books that are 10/10 masterpieces.

1

‘The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger’ (1982)

Image via Donald M. Grant, Publisher

Like many authors at the height of their career, King was more than capable of creating a multi-book series, with The Dark Tower being his most popular. Its first book, The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger, kicks things off by introducing Roland Deschain, a mysterious gunslinger chasing the legendary Dark Tower across a bizarre, dying world.

The Gunslinger, and the rest of the series, is basically King’s answer to The Lord of the Rings. It’s packed with adventure and shows off plenty of experimentation on King’s part, combining Western, fantasy, horror, and sci-fi into one strange cornucopia. While it isn’t the strongest book in the series, The Gunslinger lays the groundwork for its creepy, post-apocalyptic world and sets up a much bigger story to come.

2

‘The Green Mile’ (1996)

Image via Signet Books

The Green Mile follows death row supervisor Paul Edgecomb and John Coffey, a gentle giant convicted of murdering two young girls. As Paul gets to know him, he discovers Coffey possesses mysterious abilities that challenge everything he believes about justice and guilt. Meanwhile, the prison houses dangerous inmates, cruel guards, and unexpected friendships that make the death row unforgettable.

King might be famous for showing the worst in people, but The Green Mile does the opposite. King introduces a great deal of humanity into an unforgiving environment. He challenges people’s perceptions of the prisoners, presenting readers with difficult questions about whether certain prisoners deserve to die despite their crimes or deserve a second chance.

3

’11/22/63′ (1963)

Image via Scribner/Stephen King

English teacher Jake Epping gets the unimaginable chance to travel back to 1958 through a mysterious portal. His friend Al thinks Jake could use it to stop John F. Kennedy’s assassination and maybe prevent decades of tragedy. Jake takes on the mission, but his little stint gets complicated when the alternative timeline promises him a better life.

At a whopping 800+ pages, 11/22/63 is a lengthy read. Plus, time travel isn’t exactly the most innovative concept, as it’s pretty common in sci-fi. But it’s hard to resist King’s meticulous research into the period, which he pours into his fictional writing to create a terrifying alternate reality filled with war, political extremism, violence, and natural disasters.

4

‘The Shining’ (1977)

Image via Vintage

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There’s a reason why Stanley Kubrick chose to adapt The Shining (apart from the urgency to make a commercial hit). A classic study of how the human psyche manifests through our surroundings, The Shining follows Jack Torrance as he moves his family to the isolated Overlook Hotel. Looking for a fresh start, it seems like his demons decide to tag along.

The Overlook Hotel is a sight to behold, with decades of history marked by dark events such as mob hits and personal tragedies. But the phantom apparitions haunting these hallways are none other than Jack projecting his baggage, trapping him in a toxic cycle of self-destruction that heightens the tension when his family is involved.

5

‘The Dead Zone’ (1979)

Image via Hodder & Stoughton

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They say that great power comes with great responsibility, and the same applies to Johnny Smith from The Dead Zone. As a child, he discovers that he has the gift of clairvoyance. But after an accident leaves him in a five-year coma, he awakens with a much stronger sense of this ability.

A single physical touch allows Johnny to glimpse people’s pasts and possible futures. It’s a lot for an ordinary high school teacher to take in, but he tries to use his abilities for good. However, tampering with future outcomes always comes with consequences. It’s reasonable for him to use his powers to help solve cases in his small town, but when the fate of the world is in jeopardy, that’s when the book truly raises the stakes.

6

‘Pet Sematary’ (1983)

Image via Doubleday

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The moral lesson in Pet Sematary is plain and simple: never challenge grief. The novel follows Louis Creed, a Chicago doctor who moves his family to the small Maine town of Ludlow. Although their new house is picturesque, it sits dangerously close to a busy road where speeding trucks regularly kill animals.

This actual pet cemetery behind Louis’ family home is a star in itself. When a deceased cat they buried returns to life, it gives Louis an idea after a similar tragedy occurs to his family. However, Louis’ inability to deal with his grief becomes the catalyst for the disasters that follow, proving that there is a reason why the dead should remain dead.

7

‘Carrie’ (1974)

Image via Doubleday

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Not all evil descends from hell. Sometimes the worst demons are waiting at school. Carrie follows reserved teenager Carrie White, whose social interactions are limited to her overzealous religious mother. With no experience of how the “real world” works, Carrie is chastised by her peers for her awkwardness, inadvertently forcing her telekinetic powers to come out.

Carrie is one of King’s most grounded works, mainly because readers can recognize the all-too-familiar teenage experience of being bullied. Revenge is never the right answer, but Carrie never wanted this life. That makes her redemption — though violence is certainly not the answer — one of the most satisfying conclusions, especially after all the pain she is forced to endure against her will.

8

‘The Stand’ (1978)

Image via Doubleday

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Only King could have written about COVID-19 decades before it actually happened, so much so that he had to “apologize” for it. The Stand starts off with a deadly, man-made virus that makes its way out of a government laboratory. While authorities try to contain it, it’s too late — more than 99% of the world’s population is wiped out.

The Stand shows that apocalypses don’t happen overnight. It’s weeks and weeks of collapse. The same can be said for the human psyche. When entire nations fall apart, survivors need some kind of belief to hold on. It’s here that King introduces one of his famous recurring villains, who take advantage of humanity’s fears for their pleasure.

9

‘Salem’s Lot’ (1975)

Image via Vintage Publishing

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Ben Mears returns to Jerusalem’s Lot, hoping to write about the creepy old Marsten House. But something is bugging him about his childhood town. Before long, Ben notices something wrong with the town as its residents begin disappearing and turning into vampires, turning his homecoming trip into a horrific haunt.

But the vampires aren’t the only thing making Salem’s Lot frightening. The town is already filled with corruption, betrayal, and people willing to look the other way. The vampires simply bring those darker sides into bigger manifestations. Even religion offers little protection, showing that evil can exist anywhere, including among people who are supposed to be good.

10

‘Misery’ (1987)

Image via Viking

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After novelist Paul Sheldon crashes his car during a snowstorm, he wakes up injured in the home of Annie Wilkes, a woman who claims to be his fan. However, Paul realizes Annie is no lifesaver — she’s keeping him hostage. With his legs injured, he’s forced to keep writing his Misery series according to her demands.

Misery takes obsessive fandom to a level, showing what happens when admiration turns into control. Unlike today’s stan culture, which is mostly expressed through the Internet, there’s no screen protecting Paul from Annie. He’s trapped with her, while she controls his medication, threatens him, and uses violence to get what she wants.

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Release Date

November 30, 1990

Runtime

107 minutes

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Producers

Andrew Scheinman

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