Hannah Waddingham carries a huge weight away from those hit movies!

The “Ted Lasso” star got candid about the cons of spending long hours on set, especially when she has to leave her daughter at home, and how she navigates its effects.

Hannah Waddingham has spoken about her decision to become a mother at a time that allows her to balance the demands of motherhood with the requirements of her job.

The TV star unveils the emotional tug-of-war she faces when duty calls for her to be on movie sets, leading to time away from her daughter, whom she enjoys spending quality time with.

Traveling long distances has never been easy, and now that she has to do it again for another season of “Ted Lasso,” the actress admitted she is anticipating those feelings. In her words, “I’m about to go away to do press for the next season of Ted [Lasso], and the mummy guilt descends.”

When Waddingham’s daughter was just eight months old, she was approached with an offer to appear on “Game of Thrones” as Septa Unella, who won a lot of fans during her run. 

She revealed that she initially considered passing on the offer, but it dawned on her that it would be a career-ending move. Looking back at her scenes on the hit HBO series, Waddingham could see someone trying to balance two overwhelming responsibilities at once. 

To keep her grounded, she recalled bringing something her daughter made on set. In her interview with The Guardian, she revealed that she brought a cardboard handbag Kitty created to the 2024 Screen Actors Guild Awards. 

Waddingham picked it over a designer bag because it was practical and, more importantly, served as a reminder that her daughter is always with her in spirit.

Away from the gloominess, the actress went into how her love for performing began, even long before she found fame, thanks to growing up surrounded by theatre due to her mother’s career as an opera singer.

Waddingham recalled spending most of her childhood backstage at the London Coliseum, eventually inspiring her decision to film her Christmas special there instead of a more high-profile venue. The actress had earlier dreamed of becoming a singer whose music could move people emotionally, while also nurturing a passion for acting.

Her career naturally evolved towards appearing on screens in movies, but her international fame has not derailed her from remaining rooted in South West London. The actress then pushed back against the idea that theatre performers are driven by fame, saying her mother’s quiet dedication taught her otherwise. 

Waddingham described her late mother as a remarkably gifted yet humble artist and credited it as the reason why she remains fiercely protective of the theatre community, believing its performers are motivated by passion rather than celebrity.

Hannah Waddingham Weighed In On The Realities Of Motherhood In Her Forties

The doting mother shared the truth about the timing of her decision to have a child, reiterating that she waited until she found the right moment to blend motherhood with a thriving career. As stated by Huffington Post, Waddingham added that it was important for her not to raise her offspring bearing resentment or conflict about missed opportunities.

The actress did not malign the blessing of becoming a parent as she conceived her baby naturally at age 39 via holistic wellness practices. Waddingham engaged in several mineral-balancing treatments, Reiki, and guidance from an Eastern practitioner. 

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However, raising her daughter, Kitty, whom she welcomed in 2014 with Italian hotel manager Gianluca Cugnetto, has not been a walk in the park. She admitted that it can also be draining to constantly show up for her daughter even on days that she had it rough on set. 

After her relationship with Cugnetto ended in 2022, leaving her to become a single mother to a toddler, she realized that difficult endings often make way for unexpected opportunities.

She is gradually learning to take pride in her professional achievements, as it is important for Kitty to grow up seeing a mother who loves both her family and her work, just as she once watched her mother do.

The 51-Year-Old Credited ‘Ted Lasso’ For Changing Her Experience With Motherhood

The sacrifices on late-night movie sets away from her daughter paid off financially when the paychecks from her role on “Ted Lasso” came in. Waddingham admitted to The Standard that the show’s success made single parenting easier, giving her financial independence and stability to support herself and her daughter without relying on anyone else.

The show also transformed her personal and professional life as the role of Rebecca Welton marked a turning point, allowing the audience to see her as someone with flaws, fears, and vulnerabilities just like everybody else. 

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As the new season prepares to air, Waddingham wants viewers to embrace the latest episodes just like they did with the previous seasons. She commended the new female cast members, praising them for exuding confidence as they stepped into their roles, reassuring her that the next generation of actresses are not here to play.

Hannah Waddingham Put A Rude Photographer In Their Place In 2024

As shared by The Blast, the actress showcased her low tolerance for inappropriate behavior on the red carpet for the Olivier Awards when a photographer made a disturbing remark about her legs.

The movie star looked ravishing in a custom lilac number by Marchesa as she stepped onto the carpet at the London Royal Albert Hall, wearing a sparkling, diamond-embellished outfit and matching footwear. The photographer had asked Waddingham to turn and show him more of her legs during the photo session, prompting the actress to decline and protest that they would not make such a demand of a male actor. 

Waddingham warned the photographer to desist from making such a sexist statement, as supporters on social media praised her for standing up to such an uncomfortable situation. One fan who shared the clip on social media noted that Waddingham’s response showed exactly why they consider her a role model for calling out misogyny when she encounters it.

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In the City star Danielle Olivera is ready to introduce her baby boy to fans after his early arrival.

“Welcome to the world, Aidan Santos Heavey 💙,” Danielle, 37, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, July 18, sharing the first photo of the infant resting in a NICU isolette. “Already making his own rules, Aidan arrived on June 21st at just 28 weeks (+5 days). Tiny, mighty and clearly not interested in our timeline.”

Danielle’s boyfriend, Eoin Heavey, revealed via Instagram last month that their son arrived 10 weeks ahead of his scheduled due date and was “heading to summer camp at NICU” for approximately three months.

On Saturday, Danielle shared an update on Aidan’s developmental progress following his premature birth.

Related: In the City’s Danielle Olivera Shares Update on Newborn Baby Amid NICU Stay

In the City star Danielle Olivera offered a major update on her and boyfriend Eoin Heavey’s baby boy. “Baby and parents are doing well,” she captioned an Instagram Stories post on Thursday, June 25. “Overwhelmed by the love and support, thank you all so much!!” Danielle, 37, added, “I’m still getting through so many of […]

“He’s thriving at @stonybrookmedicine NICU and getting stronger every day while keeping Mom and Dad on our toes,” she wrote. “To the incredible NICU team at Stony Brook, our family and friends, and every NICU mom who’s reached out with love, advice and hope — thank you. You’ve carried us through more than you’ll ever know.”

Danielle further detailed her anticipation for Aidan’s eventual discharge from the hospital facility.

“We can’t wait for the day we finally bring you home, Aidan,” Danielle concluded. “Until then, we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.”

Danielle’s fellow Bravolebrities offered their support — and excited desire to one day meet baby Aidan in person — in the comments section.

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“We can’t wait to meet him!!!! 💙,” Lindsay Hubbard replied, while Andrea Denver added, “Sending so much love to little Aidan. He’s already shown how strong he is. Wishing you guys endless strength and hoping home day comes soon.”

Related: Olympian Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Welcomes 1st Baby With Husband Andre

Many stars grew their families in 2026. Becca Kufrin, Justin Theroux, MLB player Freddie Freeman, TikTok star Allison Kuch and NFL star Baker Mayfield all welcomed little ones into their respective families in April, followed Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden in May. That month also brought new arrivals to Stephen Coletti, Josh Duhamel and Pat McAfee‘s […]

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Danielle rose to fame on Summer House, appearing on seasons 2 through 8. Years after her exit, Danielle reunited with Lindsay, 39, Andrea, 35, Kyle Cooke and Amanda Batula on Bravo’s In the City spinoff about their daily life in New York City outside of Hamptons summers. By the end of season 1, Danielle revealed that she was pregnant with her first baby. (Andrea’s wife, Lexi Sundin, as well as costar Yvonne Najor also revealed that they are expecting babies.)

“We always talked about being parents as we were dating, and [Eoin is] very close to his family. I’m very close with mine, and I think that we knew that this would be in our future,” Danielle exclusively told Us Weekly in June before welcoming her baby boy. “He’s just been so supportive at every appointment and making sure that my needs are met and holding my hand through the whole thing. … He’s been doing all the cooking, the cleaning, the heavy lifting, you name it. He’s been great.”

Kylie Jenner found a deeply personal way to remember her beloved grandmother, Mary Jo “MJ” Campbell, following her death at age 91.

The Kylie Cosmetics founder shared a glimpse inside a family memorial on Saturday, revealing that photographs from MJ’s life had been projected onto a large screen. The tribute included childhood memories, glamorous portraits and rare snapshots capturing the matriarch’s close relationship with the Kardashian-Jenner family.

Kylie’s tribute arrived days after Kris Jenner announced her mother’s death in an emotional post describing MJ as the “heart” of their famous family.

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Several of the projected photographs showed Kylie and her older sister, Kendall Jenner, during their childhood in the early 2000s. The sisters could be seen posing with their grandmother in coordinated outfits, offering fans a look at their bond years before Kylie and Kendall became internationally recognized stars.

Another striking black-and-white portrait showed MJ as a young woman modeling a halter-neck dress with a voluminous skirt. The glamorous photograph reflected MJ’s early experience as a model and her lifelong interest in fashion.

Kylie shared the images through her Instagram Stories without adding a lengthy message, allowing the family memories to serve as her tribute.

Kris Jenner Calls MJ The ‘Heart’ Of Their Family

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Kris announced her mother’s passing on Thursday, July 16, with a collection of family photographs and a heartbreaking message. “Today, we said goodbye to my beautiful Mommy MJ. There are no words that could ever capture what she has meant to me or the heartbreak of having to say goodbye,” she began.

“My mom was the heart of our family. She taught me everything that truly matters… to love your family fiercely, to be kind, to show up for the people you love, and to never take a single moment together for granted,” Kris continued.

The momager credited MJ with teaching the family how to find happiness in small moments and confront life’s difficulties with faith and resilience. “Mom, thank you for every sacrifice you made, every piece of wisdom you shared, and every moment you loved us so completely,” she wrote. “I will miss our daily talks, your smile, your laughter…”

Kim Kardashian Remembers Her ‘Forever Twin’

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Kim Kardashian also honored MJ with photographs spanning several decades of their lives together. “My sweet Grandma MJ, my best friend, my gossip buddy, my forever twin,” Kim wrote before crediting her grandmother with establishing the family values that would be carried forward.

Kim also revealed how MJ influenced her as a businesswoman long before the Kardashian-Jenner family built its sprawling collection of companies. “You were the woman who showed me what it meant to be a hardworking businesswoman. You gave me my very first job at your store in San Diego and taught me lessons about work ethic, strength, and confidence that I’ve carried with me ever since,” she wrote.

The SKIMS founder ended her tribute with a joke that reflected their playful relationship. “I know you are up in heaven, looking at all of our Instagram posts of you from your sneaky finsta account you would always use lol,” Kim added.

Mary Jo Campbell Became A Fan Favorite

MJ later became familiar to millions through her appearances on “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” and the family’s subsequent reality projects.

Viewers came to know her through her dry humor, close relationship with Kris and candid conversations with her grandchildren. Despite the family’s fame, her appearances frequently centered on ordinary moments between several generations of women.

The Kardashian-Jenners celebrated MJ’s 91st birthday at The Ivy in Los Angeles in July 2025, complete with a floral cake and gold number candles.

Kylie also included her grandmother in a family Mother’s Day post shortly before her death, alongside Kris and Kim. “Our hearts are broken, but we find comfort knowing that love like yours never truly leaves us,” Kris wrote in her farewell.

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Kylie Jenner Shares A Kiss With Timothée Chalamet At World Cup Final

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Shortly after sharing her emotional tribute to MJ, Kylie stepped out with Timothée Chalamet at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, July 19.

The couple arrived hand-in-hand at New York New Jersey Stadium, where Argentina faced Spain. Once inside their suite, Kylie and Chalamet were spotted sharing a kiss before turning their attention to the match between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.

Chalamet was also given a special role in the event, walking onto the field before kickoff to deliver the official game ball. The “Marty Supreme” star had previously attended Spain’s 2-0 victory over France on July 14, where he was seen chatting with soccer legend David Beckham.

Calling The Sopranos the greatest television series ever made is a little like calling Citizen Kane the greatest film ever made. It’s the obvious choice, but that shouldn’t dissuade younger viewers from seeking either one out. Both The Sopranos and Citizen Kane have rightfully earned reputations as towering works of prestige entertainment with a significant influence on their respective mediums. But both also have a secret weapon up their sleeves: They’re really damn entertaining.

The Sopranos was often one of the funniest television shows, and its sense of humor became a defining characteristic of early prestige dramas. While The Godfather and Goodfellas were clear influences on the world that David Chase imagined, seeing the everyday inner workings of the mafia was unprecedented. Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) struggling to balance his criminal empire with suburban family life is the heart of the series’ drama. Still, it is also the source of some of its funniest moments.

The supporting cast and their banter also made the series feel remarkably lived-in. Many of The Sopranos’ most acclaimed episodes revolve around Tony, including Season 1’s “College,” Season 2’s “Funhouse,” and Season 5’s “The Test Dream.” Yet the show’s sprawling narrative also allowed supporting characters to take center stage without sacrificing quality. No episode proves that better than Season 3’s “Pine Barrens.” More than two decades after its HBO debut on May 6, 2001, it remains one of the funniest and most influential episodes The Sopranos ever aired.

‘Pine Barrens’ Turns ‘The Sopranos’ Into a Perfect Comedy

Image by Nimesh Niyomal Perera

As Tony weighs a future with his fling Gloria Trillo (Annabella Sciorra), he dispatches his nephew Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli) and right-hand man Paulie Gualtieri (Tony Sirico) to complete a transaction with Russian mobster Valery (Vitali Baganov). Christopher and Paulie, who are frequently at odds, initiate a seemingly lethal brawl with the eccentric Russian and plan to dump his body in the Pine Barrens. Unfortunately, Valery survives the attack and disappears into the freezing woods, forcing the pair into an increasingly desperate search.

The trek through the wilderness is miserable for them, but it becomes a hilarious worst-case scenario for the audience. Cut off from Tony by poor reception and increasingly convinced they are doomed, Christopher and Paulie spend the episode arguing, panicking, and making every possible bad decision. Their supposedly simple assignment quickly devolves into one of television’s greatest comedies of errors, allowing viewers to revel in their distress.

Part of the episode’s inherent humor comes from pairing the two mobsters least equipped to work together. Both men are impulsive, but much of Paulie’s resentment stems from his refusal to accept that Christopher may one day lead the family. Christopher is not technically Tony’s nephew, but rather a distant cousin of Tony’s wife Carmela (Edie Falco). Nonetheless, the two are bound by blood, and Christopher remains Tony’s presumed successor. Paulie’s reverence for his boss frequently reaches absurd levels, causing him to compete with Christopher for Tony’s attention like a child fighting for the approval of a favorite parent.

Seeing these two selfish, paranoid man-children forced to rely on one another grows even funnier as they begin to recognize each other’s usefulness in their own unusual ways. It takes a hellish mission gone wrong for the two men to become too exhausted to continue blaming one another. Their induced madness is somehow the only thing capable of drawing out even a flicker of empathy.

This is also one of Gandolfini’s best comedic performances, even though Tony sits out most of the main action and simply barks orders from afar. His unusually upbeat mood, brought on by his affair with Gloria, quickly disappears when he learns of his henchmen’s incompetence, and no one could scream over the phone quite like Gandolfini. Tony’s breakdown into laughter when he sees the affable Bobby Baccalieri (Steve Schirripa) decked out in outdoor gear, spurred by a raunchy real-life prank designed to capture Gandolfini’s genuine reaction, remains one of the most authentic laughs in the entire series.

‘Pine Barrens’ Perfectly Captures What Made ‘The Sopranos’ Revolutionary

The brilliance of “Pine Barrens” is that Christopher and Paulie’s detour mirrors the larger narrative rhythm of the series, transforming what initially seems like a B-plot into the episode’s dominant storyline. The episode arrives near the end of Season 3, when nearly every character is under considerable pressure. Tony’s daughter Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler) is locked in a conflict with her criminally inclined boyfriend Jackie Jr. (Jason Cerbone), Gloria’s erratic behavior threatens Tony’s decision-making, and Tony’s therapist Dr. Melfi (Lorraine Bracco) continues recovering from a traumatic assault. Yet, much like Christopher and Paulie’s supposedly simple mission, all of these intense storylines are temporarily derailed.

That willingness to wander is exactly what made The Sopranos revolutionary. It refused to conform to the expectations of either episodic television or tightly serialized storytelling, allowing its narrative to unfold at a more natural pace. Some consequences did not become apparent for several seasons, while other storylines were left hanging without a clean resolution or the satisfaction of a definitive answer. None is more famous than the show’s lingering final shot. Like real life, The Sopranos allowed itself to be heartbreaking, hilarious, exhausting, and even irritating.

That approach occasionally produced storylines that divided audiences, including Vito Spatafore’s (Joseph R. Gannascoli) retreat to New Hampshire in the first half of Season 6 or the increasingly frustrating ramblings of Tony’s son A.J. (Robert Iler). At its best, however, it transformed a story as seemingly trivial as the one in “Pine Barrens” into something equally farcical and poignant. Much of the credit belongs to director and eventual Season 5 co-star Steve Buscemi, whose experience helming slice-of-life independent films like Trees Lounge and Animal Factory proved invaluable when balancing realism with situational comedy.

“Pine Barrens” does not end with Christopher and Paulie luring Valery into an intense final standoff, nor does it culminate in a haunting shot of him escaping into the distance. Instead, it concludes with a spare reprimand from Tony as he, Bobby, Christopher, and Paulie sit together during a car ride quieter than anything they encountered in the empty woods. Just a few episodes later, Christopher and Paulie are snapping at each other once again. That nobody learns anything from the ordeal somehow makes the episode even funnier. They survive one of the worst days of their lives, only to resume bickering as though nothing ever happened.

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The Sopranos

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Release Date

1999 – 2007

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Network

HBO

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Showrunner

David Chase

Directors

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Tim Van Patten, John Patterson, Alan Taylor, Jack Bender, Steve Buscemi, Daniel Attias, David Chase, Andy Wolk, Danny Leiner, David Nutter, James Hayman, Lee Tamahori, Lorraine Senna, Matthew Penn, Mike Figgis, Nick Gomez, Peter Bogdanovich, Phil Abraham, Rodrigo García

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Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley and his family are reportedly safe after authorities say they were victims of an attempted burglary.

According to the Tredyffrin Township Police Department, officers were dispatched to respond to a burglary at the 29-year-old NFL star’s Pennsylvania home on Saturday, July 18, shortly after 5:00 a.m. ET. According to authorities, the alleged suspects fled the area prior to the officers’ arrival.

“They were home, and fortunately, as you know, with any situation like this, our main concern is that the residents of that home at the time were unharmed, which they were,” Capt. Tyler Moyer told reporters, per ESPN. “They were fine afterwards, obviously unsettled as anyone would be.”

The Pennsylvania’s Chester County District Attorney’s Office also issued a public statement via social media in the wake of the incident, saying detectives are assisting the local police department with their ongoing investigation.

“We are incredibly grateful that the Barkley family was not injured during this incident,” the District Attorney’s office said in the statement. “We are asking the public to help us identify those responsible by checking any home security cameras for suspicious activity in the area around 5:00 a.m. If you saw anything unusual or have video that may assist investigators, please contact the Tredyffrin Township Police Department immediately.

A slew of high-profile athletes, including Kansas City Chiefs players Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, have been the targets of burglaries or attempted burglaries as of late, prompting the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to investigate whether the break-ins are “connected to a transnational crime ring such as one from South America,” per a November 2024 NBC News report.

At the time, local law enforcement sources told ABC News that the investigation cannot “discount a local person” being involved in the string of incidents either, noting that “it’s very easy” to predict when athletes will not be home due to their very public game and practice schedules.

Around the time both Kelce, 36, and Mahomes, 30, homes were targeted, Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis also claimed his “prized possessions” were stolen from his home while he was playing in a game.

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Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr. also reported in September that same year that people broke into his home while he was attending a Minnesota Vikings game.

Capt. Moyer told local Philadelphia media outlet WCAU-TV that local authorities are not ruling out a possible connection between the incident targeting Barkley’s home and the incidents involving other athletes.

“We will look at all angles of this because we know, obviously, it’s been all over the news in the past few years about different professional athletes’ homes getting burglarized,” he said.

Championship boxer Hannah Rapp has died. She was 26.

“On Saturday, July 18, 2026, just before 10:00 a.m., deputies with the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 2300 block of FM 150 in reference to a major crash involving a vehicle and a bicyclist,” a statement issued by the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office via their official Facebook page read in part, announcing the athlete’s untimely death.

“Initial reports indicated that a vehicle had struck a bicyclist, leaving an adult female lying in the roadway,” the statement continued. “First responders arrived on scene and provided emergency medical care before the victim was transported to a local hospital. Despite lifesaving efforts, she later passed away at the hospital.”

The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office then identified the woman as “26-year-old Hannah Rapp,” an exciting and promising boxer who ran track at Purdue University before relocating to College Station, Texas, where she became a professional athlete while also working as a full-time fire and life safety inspector at Texas A&M University.

“During the course of the investigation, investigators learned that the driver of the vehicle, identified as 31-year-old Charles Medina, had passed two bicyclists traveling along FM 159,” the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office continued in the same statement. “After passing the bicyclists, Mr. Medina stopped his vehicle, reversed, and struck one of the cyclists.”’

The authorities continued, “At this time, investigators believe this was an isolated incident. The investigation remains active and ongoing as detectives continue to gather evidence and review all available information.”

According to the statement, Medina was arrested, “charged with manslaughter” and taken to the county’s detention center “without incident.”

“The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office extends his deepest condolences to the family and friends of Hannah Rapp during this difficult time,” the authorities concluded.

Prior to her death, Rapp — who was born in Indiana — boasted an impressive 8-0-1 boxing record before she lost a World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight title fight against Tiara Brown, who paid tribute to the late athlete on social media in the wake of her shocking death.

“I will never let your name fade Hanna [sic],” Brown wrote via her Instagram Stories on Saturday, over a photo of the competitors hugging in the ring and a black-and-white photo of Rapp posing for the cameras with her fists up.

In a comment on a separate Instagram post also paying tribute to Rapp, Brown described the late athlete as “the best dance partner I have ever faced as a pro.”

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“When you asked for my autograph, it filled my heart because we were getting ready for war, yet she was still asking for my autograph,” Brown continued in the comment, per ESPN. “It made me smile, we fought a GREAT fight for the fans from the 1st bell to the last! It was my honor to share the ring with her.”

Mauricio Sulaimán, president of the WBC, also issued a statement acknowledging Rapp’s tragic passing, her contribution to the sport and the pain her friends, family and many fans must be in as a result of her death.

“The loss of Hannah Rapp leaves us heartbroken,” Sulaiman said in a written statement shared on the WBC’s website. “She was an exceptional boxer, but above all, an invaluable member of our boxing family. We join in the grief that overwhelms her loved ones, her team, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and supporting her throughout her brilliant career.”

If you’re a movie fan, you’re probably going to watch Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey at some point.

The epic adaptation of Homer’s classic poem starring Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya and more is projected to top the box office this weekend and probably the rest of the summer.

If you have already watched the film and are craving more ancient history spectacle, or simply want to watch a good film, you’re in luck.

Watch With Us has curated a list of films you should watch if you like The Odyssey and can’t get enough of Hellenic heroism and sweaty men killing each other on the battlefield.

‘Troy’ (2004) – YouTube

The most obvious pick on this list, Troy is also the most satisfying – especially for those looking for more traditional epic movie thrills. Brad Pitt stars as Achilles, Greece’s greatest warrior, who is called into battle when pretty-boy Paris (Orlando Bloom) romances the married Queen Helen (Diane Kruger) and takes her to his hometown, Troy. Troy is well defended by Hector (Eric Bana), Paris’ older brother and a warrior equal to Achilles, and the city’s walls, which are heavily fortified. The only way to penetrate Troy – and get Helen back – is for the Greeks to sneak in, and what better way to do that than by building a giant wooden horse to hide in?

Directed by Wolfgang Peterson, Troy is a loose adaptation of Homer’s The Iliad – think of it as a more action-packed prequel to The Odyssey. The film itself is less cerebral than Nolan’s film – it’s focused more on staging elaborate scenes of armies attacking each other on beaches and within Troy itself. Taking it as it is, Troy is great entertainment – a thrilling, old-school spectacle of brawn, testosterone and military glory. The all-star cast looks great, even when they’re covered in sweat, blood and tears, with Pitt’s Achilles outmogging everyone, even Helen. Odysseus (Sean Bean) appears as a supporting character, but he’s important – he’s the genius who comes up with the idea for the Trojan Horse, which turns the tide of the war.

‘The Return’ (2024) – Paramount+

What happens after the Trojan War, when the remaining soldiers have to return home and grapple with everything they’ve done to survive? That’s what Nolan explores in his Odyssey, but he’s not the first to adapt the ancient text. Just two years ago, Uberto Pasolini released his version of the tale, The Return, which adapts the second part of the poem. As a result, Penelope (Juliette Binoche) is more of a lead character than Anne Hathaway is in The Odyssey, as she has to reconcile with her husband’s probable death and consider remarriage with a host of suitors. Odysseus (Ralph Fiennes) is still alive, though, and he’s not too happy to find out his beloved wife has finally moved on from him.

Less an epic film and more of a domestic drama, The Return probes the psychology of its married couple as well as their son, Telemachus (Charlie Plummer), who gradually becomes affected by all the violence he sees when his father returns. Don’t expect Greek gods in The Return; Pasolini is interested in only the human drama between an estranged husband and wife who still love each other and a child who is ready to leave them behind for good.

‘Spartacus’ (1960) – Prime Video

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The Odyssey has been hailed as an intelligent epic by some critics, but Nolan isn’t the first to combine large-scale battle sequences with complex characterization and bravura filmmaking. Stanley Kubrick’s Spartacus revolutionized the epic movie genre in 1960 and became that year’s top-grossing film, beating out other classics like Psycho, The Apartment and The Magnificent Seven.

Born in slavery and raised in chains, Roman citizen Spartacus (Kirk Douglas) has never known true freedom. When he’s sold to a gladiator trainer and commanded to fight to the death to entertain the Roman elite, something inside Spartacus snaps. He refuses, causing a rebellion that sees the city’s slaves wage war against their oppressors. But law and order must be preserved at all costs, and General Marcus Licinius Crassus (Laurence Olivier) is determined to quash the rebellion as quickly as it started — and consolidate his power in Rome in the process.

Spartacus is a strange hybrid of a traditional sword-and-sandal epic like 1953’s The Robe and 1956’s The Ten Commandments and a psychological character study like Kubrick’s Paths of Glory. The result is a one-of-a-kind epic, a spectacle that dazzles the eyes and engages your mind. Spartacus was nominated for six Academy Awards in 1961 and won four, including Best Supporting Actor for Peter Ustinov.

Fitted dresses had their moment, but thankfully, the fashion world has moved on to options that are just as comfy as they are stylish. The latest dress trend is flowy, delicate and much more flattering than the form-fitting options of the past, and these 13 boutiquey ‘nightgown’ dresses nail the look. Even better, our favorites start at only $4!

Nightgown dresses are defined by their dainty, boutique-like details, lightweight fabrics and loose silhouettes, plus occasional ruffles, florals and other luxe-looking embellishments. Whether you’re searching for a chic dress for errands, baby showers, summer vacations and beyond, these comfy picks have you covered.

13 Nightgown Dresses — From $4

1. Our Favorite: Made with 100% cotton fabric, this floral midi dress is as breathable as it is chic. The ruffle neckline makes it extra special.

2. Cute and Crisp: Channel East Coast vibes in a preppy striped dress. Frilly straps add cutesy flair.

3. Bestseller Alert: Thousands of reviewers rave about this lace-embellished midi dress, specifically the fit, feel and dressy-casual versatility.

4. Miss Polished: When you want to look exceptionally put-together, this flutter-sleeve mini is an easy choice. Add sandals and go!

5. Boutique Vibes: Dreamy and luxe, this $15 tank dress looks straight out of a Hamptons boutique. The tulip print is optional, but it’s a must-have for Us!

Related: Free People Has a Secret Collection on Amazon — Chic Summer Pieces From $12

If you think getting your Free People fix requires trudging to the mall, think again. Amazon is overflowing with the brand’s boho best, including dresses, tops, pants, jeans and everything in between. Better yet, the most stylish pieces start at just $12! These chic wardrobe staples make every outfit look quietly luxe, whether you’re running […]

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6. Gingham Print: Even Kate Middleton is wearing gingham print this summer. Nail the look with this nap-ready number.

7. Like Loungewear: If you live in loungewear, you’ll adore this stretchy maxi that “feels like wearing nothing at all,” per one shopper.

8. Expensive Aesthetic: People will assume you dropped hundreds on Nordstrom’s relaxed-fitting maxi. Lace, pleats and crochet are just a few highlights.

9. Yacht Wife: This easy, laid-back mini dress radiates nautical energy, thanks to the coastal stripes and classic knee length.

10. English Countryside: Elizabeth Bennet, is that you? Decorated with lace and roses, this billowy midi dress is incredibly romantic.

11. Colors Galore: From solid colors to understated prints and bold designs, this stylish dress suits every mood and moment.

12. Detail Person: Flower-shaped buttons, pink roses, a sale tag! This scoop-neck midi should cost triple, but we’re not complaining.

13. Sexy Satin: Dress up this silky mini dress with sandals and a clutch, or down with slippers and a glass of wine. You’ll stun regardless.

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 9 seconds ago

I’m on the record as being a very big fan of Solo: A Star Wars Story. While I still think Lucasfilm made a mistake by firing Lord and Miller (like, can you imagine the Spider-Verse guys directing a movie set in that galaxy far, far away?!), this is a very solid standalone film. Talented actors bring familiar characters like Han Solo and Lando Calrissian to vivid life. Additionally, the film introduces a colorful assortment of new characters, including the beautiful Qi’ra and the scheming Dryden Vos. However, none of the newbies are quite as entertaining as L3-37, the droid voiced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

The movie presents her as a kind of love interest for Lando, with dialogue hinting at a sexual relationship between them. As disturbing as it is to ponder the scoundrel having a living (non)Fleshlight, that’s not the most disturbing thing about this character. Towards the end of Solo, this plucky droid is uploaded into the Millennium Falcon’s computer, meaning she is technically part of the entire Original Trilogy and Sequel Trilogy. This retroactively ruins The Empire Strikes Back, making Lando seem like a heartless monster while forcing us to question if L3-37 nearly got our favorite heroes killed.

Bringing A Third Into The Cockpit

The revelation that L3-37 was part of the Millennium Falcon’s computer retroactively makes many events in the Original Trilogy kind of weird, in retrospect. For example, she was technically part of the Battle of Yavin. Remember when Han Solo showed up at the last minute and nearly got Darth Vader killed? If the Sith Lord had actually bitten the dust, L3-37 would have gotten the assist! She was also in the Falcon when Lando Calrissian led the attack against the second Death Star. That means that she and Wedge Antilles are basically the only living things to have fought against both Death Stars, landing them a place in the galaxy’s history books.

While all of that is pretty cool, L3-37’s presence in the Millennium Falcon’s computer arguably makes the events of The Empire Strikes Back much, much weirder. For example, we see Lando make no real effort to check in on his old flame despite knowing she is still in there (before you finish typing the comment: yes, he checks in on her in a short story, but we never see it onscreen, and 99 percent of fans will never read that book). This, combined with his gambling the ship away in the first place, makes him seem like a monster that never really cared about her in the first place. 

The Most Important Droid In The Galaxy?

Additionally, L3-37 being in the Falcon retroactively makes our heroes’ hyperspace issues in the second Star Wars movie problematic. There are some cute moments, of course: when C-3PO gripes about the computer having an “appalling dialect,” we now know that Lando’s old droid was basically cussing him out. That’s funny, but it also implies that L3-37 was effectively hindering repairs to the ship that were necessary to help Han Solo, Leia Organa, and Chewbacca escape the Empire. Everyone loves a droid with some attitude (just ask Star Wars fans who love Chopper!), but it’s hard to root for L3-37 when she’s clapping back so hard that it nearly gets our heroes killed.

At any rate, this snarky droid gets multiple chances to redeem herself. In addition to helping with the attack on the second Death Star, she was part of the attack on Exegol that freed the galaxy, once and for all, from Emperor Palpatine. In this sense, it’s fair to say that she helped save countless lives throughout the entire galaxy far, far away. Forget all the pilots, Jedi, smugglers, and soldiers that we see onscreen. At the end of the day, the greatest hero in Star Wars just happens to be Lando Calrissian’s former sex toy!