If fall looming has you dreading jeans, you’re not alone. There’s nothing worse than stiff fabric and tight waistbands, which is why we’re copying Zooey Deschanel, who swapped basic denim for comfy yet elevated pants. We found her genius pull-on look for only $22!

A few days ago, Deschanel stepped out with fiancée and Property Brothers star Jonathan Scott for a walk. The actress wore a simple black top, Oxford-style sneakers, and wide-leg pull-on pants with a soft, relaxed appeal. The pair was effortlessly polished, just like this luxe-looking twin.

Get the Amazon Essentials Linen-Blend Drawstring Pants for $22 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

The Amazon Essentials Linen-Blend Drawstring Pants are made from a linen-cotton mix that drapes beautifully and actually breathes on those not-too-hot, not-too-cold days. The style comes in a similar grey-stripe print as Deschanel’s bottoms, and the full-length, wide-leg shape makes it almost impossible to tell the difference between the two.

Better yet, the pull-on elastic waistband means no buttons or zippers to fuss with. One thrilled shopper put it perfectly: “I can’t wear jeans or leggings in the summer and was looking for something light and comfortable. I found it.”

Another five-star fan confessed, “If I like something, I buy it in every color imaginable. I’ve purchased almost every color available. They’re the perfect linen pants that can be dressed up or down effortlessly.”

Pair this Deschanel-approved look with a fitted tee and sneakers for errand runs, or throw on a blazer and flats for dinner out. No matter how you style these pants, one thing’s for sure: you’ll be happy you didn’t opt for stiff jeans!

Get the Amazon Essentials Linen-Blend Drawstring Pants for $22 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

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

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

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

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This weekend, the historical crime thriller By Any Means becomes the latest to try to dethrone Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, following his previous 2026 roles in Wonder Man and Man on Fire, By Any Means follows the unlikely partnership of a young Black FBI agent and a notorious mafia hitman turned informant (Mark Wahlberg). Wahlberg hasn’t had much success at the box office in recent years, so Brand New Day is expected to continue its all-conquering run. With the box office taken care of, here’s a look at three movies you should stream this weekend on Netflix.

Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.

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‘Smile 2’ (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes: 86% | IMDb: 6.7/10

Now that September has reared its sepia-toned head, horror fans’ thoughts turn to the upcoming spooky season. To get you in the mood, why not watch one of the most gruesome horror sequels of the past couple of years? Director Parker Finn‘s sequel to his smash-hit horror flick Smile follows the grinning demon as it turns its attention to Naomi Scott‘s Skye Riley, a global pop star recovering from a tragic incident.

A spine-chilling exploration of the cost of fame and the weight of public expectation, Smile 2 is an intelligent follow-up to an acclaimed horror original. Finn once again proved his talent as a horror director with some of the most memorable, skin-crawling sequences of the past couple of years, culminating in an explosive climax that will live long in your nightmares.

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‘Teenage Wasteland’ (2025)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.1/10

This week, documentary fans were delivered a treat via Netflix, as one of the best docs in the past year finally made its streaming debut. Teenage Wasteland (formerly known as Middletown) follows a teacher and group of students in the early 1990s who uncover a conspiracy while making a short film. 30 years later, they reunite to explore the discovery once again.

After premiering at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, Teenage Wasteland earned hugely positive reviews, even earning a coveted 100% rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. “Riveting without ever feeling sensationalized and moving without being saccharine, Middletown is a captivating tale that combines elements of true crime and coming-of-age stories,” wrote Collider’s Taylor Gates in one of many glowing reviews for the doc.

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‘Neighbors’ (2014)

Rotten Tomatoes: 72% | IMDb: 6.3/10

Finally breaking away from his High School Musical image, Zac Efron‘s coming-of-age came in the 2014 comedy Neighbors, which follows a loving couple with a newborn, Mac (Seth Rogen) and Kelly (Rose Byrne), as their lives change when they are forced to live next to a fraternity house. As a bitter rivalry emerges, hilarity ensues.

Efron, Rogen, Byrne, Dave Franco, and Lisa Kudrow all combine for comedy gold in Nicholas Stoller‘s fourth directorial feature, which began with the beloved Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Utterly hilarious from start to finish and littered with perfect pop culture references, Neighbors will keep you thoroughly entertained this first weekend of September, setting you up for a great month of movies.

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Release Date

May 9, 2014

Runtime

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97 minutes

Writers

Andrew J. Cohen, Brendan O’Brien

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Busy Philipps is celebrating a positive milestone on her cancer journey.

Taking to her Instagram account on Thursday, September 3, the Dawson’s Creek alum, 47, revealed it had been six months since her successful brain surgery.

“YESTERDAY WAS 6 MONTHS SINCE MY BRAIN SURGERY REMOVED THAT TUMOR FROM MY BRAIN! 🧠 🎉🙌” she wrote alongside a carousel of images, including a selfie that showed her sticking her tongue out.

Another photo showed Philipps in what appeared to be a hospital gown as she took a mirror selfie. She further revealed in the caption, “Well guess what? my mammogram was all clear too! woo!”

Related: Busy Philipps Diagnosed With Tumor Days After James Van der Beek’s Death

Dawson’s Creek alum Busy Philipps is opening up about her recovery after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. “I’m grateful that I’m alive,” Philipps, 47, told People in an interview published Wednesday, August 26, revealing that a Prenuvo full-body scan in February confirmed the presence of a grade 2 oligodendroglioma, a rare slow-growing tumor. Philipps, […]

In an interview with People published on August 26, Philipps shared that she was “grateful” to be alive after her health diagnosis.

The actress explained that a Prenuvo full-body scan in February confirmed the presence of a grade 2 oligodendroglioma, a rare slow-growing tumor.

Philipps added that she almost skipped her appointment to undergo the scan as she didn’t have any obvious symptoms and the consultation was scheduled to take place just one day after her former Dawson’s Creek costar, James Van Der Beek, died from stage III colorectal cancer.

“‘Should I cancel it?’” Philipps recalled asking her ex-husband, Marc Silverstein, who responded, “Maybe it’s the best thing you could do for your friend this morning. Go get that scan.”

After the scan confirmed a tumor had been detected, Philipps underwent a procedure in March so doctors could remove a 2.6-centimeter mass from her brain.

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Related: James Van Der Beek’s Widow Supports Busy Philipps After Brain Tumor News

James Van Der Beek’s widow, Kimberly Van Der Beek, is sharing a message of support after his former Dawson’s Creek costar Busy Philipps shared her brain tumor diagnosis. “We love you @busyphilipps and you got angels in heaven. ❤️,” Kimberly, 44, commented on People’s Wednesday, August 26, Instagram post from the outlet’s interview with Philipps, […]

Philipps’ procedure was successful, and she told the outlet that she “wasn’t in pain at all.” However, she faced a setback in April when she contracted staphylococcus on her incision and needed a follow-up surgery to debride and clear the wound.

In the People interview, Philipps shared the impact her cancer diagnosis had on her two daughters, Birdie, 17, and Cricket, 13, whom she shares with Silverstein, 55.

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“[Birdie] was kind of beside herself and really, really scared and overwhelmed with emotion,” Philipps said. “I just kept saying to her, ‘Birdie, you’re just not in the movie where your mom dies your senior year of high school. That’s just not the movie that you’re in. I promise you.’”

The actress said Cricket processed the news in a calmer way than her eldest child.

‘OK. You’re going to be fine?’ And I was like, ‘I’m totally going to be fine,’” Philipps said. “And she’s like, ‘OK.’”

The mystery surrounding Jim Thornton’s sudden suspension from “Wheel of Fortune” has taken a dramatic turn after newly surfaced photographs shed light on the incident that reportedly triggered Sony’s investigation. 

For days, questions swirled about what happened aboard an American Airlines flight that ultimately led to the longtime announcer being removed from the show. 

Now, images obtained have provided the clearest look yet at the online activity that sparked complaints from a fellow passenger and set off a chain of events that continues to rock the beloved game show.

Mackenzie Shirilla has lost her final attempt to appeal her 2023 double murder conviction at a state level.

The Ohio Supreme Court‘s Chief Justice, Sharon L. Kennedy, declined to reconsider Shirilla’s appeal on Tuesday, September 1, after the court rejected a previous bid from her lawyers in June, per court documents obtained by Us. (Columbus, Ohio’s Fox 8 was the first to report the ruling.)

“It is ordered by the court that the motion for reconsideration in this case is denied,” Chief Justice Kennedy wrote in her ruling.

Us has reached out to Shirilla’s attorneys for comment.

Related: How Many Years Will Mackenzie Shirilla Be in Prison? Sentence Details

Mackenzie Shirilla became the subject of national attention after a fatal July 2022 car crash in Strongsville, Ohio, killed her boyfriend and their close friend — and her story has only intensified in the wake of Netflix’s documentary The Crash. As viewers process the chilling details of the case, many are asking the same question: […]

The Netflix true-crime documentary The Crash explored her July 2022 car crash in Strongsville, Ohio, in which Shirilla, now 21, allegedly drove her Toyota Camry into a brick building after accelerating her car to 100 mph. Investigators later discovered that she never pushed the brake before impact.

Shirilla’s two passengers — her on-off boyfriend Dominic Russo and classmate Davion Flanagan — were both pronounced dead at the scene of the crash while she suffered serious injuries. The documentary raised questions over whether Shirilla may have intentionally driven into a wall due to relationship problems with Russo.

Shirilla was convicted during a 2023 bench trial of 12 felony charges, including murder, and ordered to serve two concurrent sentences of 15 years to life imprisonment. Shirilla has always maintained her innocence.

Since her conviction, Shirilla has hired new lawyers and shaped her appeal around a theory that she had a pre-existing medical condition known as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) that may have caused her to black out behind the wheel.

Her current legal team has argued that Shirilla’s previous lawyers did not adequately explore a possible medical defense, nor did they secure any expert testimony. They also offered an alternate theory of why Shirilla may have been in the vicinity of the crash site on the night of the deadly incident.

“The prosecution theorized that the location was intended to be private in order for Shirilla to crash the vehicle without immediate attention,” her lawyers wrote in her appeal. “But the defense had evidence that a local grocer had left a package of produce for Shirilla at a 24-hour pickup spot at a store located in the vicinity of the crash scene.”

An appeal filed in 2024 was initially dismissed as untimely since Shirilla filed it on October 24, 2024 — a single day after the statutory one-year deadline expired. Her lawyers argued that there was a mix-up on the calendar since 2024 was a leap year.

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Her appeal was eventually denied twice in Cuyahoga County Court and once in the Eighth District Court of Appeals before it finally landed in the Ohio Supreme Court in June. At that time, the Supreme Court upheld the lower courts’ decision to deny consideration.

Shirilla’s legal fight is not over after her legal setback, as Us confirmed on July 29 that her attorneys filed a writ of habeas corpus in federal court, arguing that her rights were violated in her original bench trial because key evidence in her defense was excluded from consideration.

For now, Shirilla remains behind bars at the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville where she continues to serve two concurrent sentences of 15 years to life. She will be eligible for parole in 2037, per state prison records.

Hilaria Baldwin and husband Alec Baldwin accidentally shared a twinning moment with their outfit of the day.

“He’s concerned about the fit of my pants. I’m concerned that we accidentally coordinated 😂,” Hilaria, 42, wrote alongside an Instagram Reel shared on Thursday, September 3. “The odd couple has officially started dressing alike.”

In the clip, Hilaria stood in front of a mirror to show off her maroon top and black trousers. Alec, 68, then could be heard as he attempted to fix her pants.

“I don’t like the way it is here cause your butt is so nice,” the actor said as he adjusted his wife’s bottoms.

As Hilaria panned the camera to show off Alec, she realized he was also wearing a maroon shirt and black pants. The only difference was that Hilaria rocked a pair of black heels while Alec opted for sneakers.

“I’m actually realizing that we accidentally dressed the same. S***,” she quipped.

Alec shared that his outfit didn’t compare at all to his wife’s ensemble.

“My butt looks bad. My pants look bad on my ass,” he joked.

Hilaria and Alec have been married since 2012. The couple, who have a 26-year age gap, share seven children: daughters Carmen, 12, María, 5, and Ilaria, 3, and sons Rafael, 10, Leonardo, 9, Romeo, 8, and Eduardo, 5. Alec is also father to daughter Ireland, 30, whom he shares with ex-wife Kim Basinger.

“I had been married, got divorced. I dated another woman off and on for quite a while. I’m like, ‘I don’t want to have a girlfriend. I don’t,’” Alec recalled of the time he and Hilaria met in a 2025 interview with People. “So when I met [Hilaria], I was really like, ‘Oh, God. I don’t want to do this. I don’t want to do this. But I mean, I fell madly in love with her. And I told my friends, and they were like, ‘Oh, Jesus Christ. It’s like a miracle.’”

Earlier this year, Hilaria and Alec celebrated their 14th anniversary.

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Related: Hilaria Baldwin Just Admitted She Has to Be Alec’s ‘Mommy’ … ‘Sometimes’

While Hilaria Baldwin is a mother of seven every day, she also has to parent her husband Alec Baldwin on occasion. “Sometimes I’m his mommy,” the yoga instructor, 39, said of Alec, 65, in an interview with Romper published on Wednesday, June 21. “At the beginning of our relationship, everyone was like, ‘She must have […]

“Happy 14 years! Grateful to you and can’t wait to see where our wild ride and family takes us next 💕,” she wrote alongside a June Instagram slideshow of the pair’s most memorable moments over the years. “Love you!”

Hilaria previously opened up about the work she and Alec put into their relationship.

“We’ll find time to go for dinner,” she told People in February 2025. “It gives us a chance to reconnect, sometimes just sit in silence. It’s just like, ‘OK, we’re here.’ He always said, ‘We’re married, you’re my wife, you’re the mother of my children, but you always need to be my girlfriend.’”

Val Chmerkovskiy is refusing to let the “Dancing With The Stars” ringer comments distract him from his partnership with Jenna Dewan.

The professional dancer recently addressed criticism surrounding his partner’s extensive dance background. Dewan enters Season 35 with years of experience as a professional backup dancer and performer.

Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Dewan are now preparing to compete together for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Chmerkovskiy has competed in 20 seasons of DWTS and won the Mirrorball Trophy three times.

Chmerkovskiy recently shared a video with several behind-the-scenes clips of his partnership with Dewan. In the video caption, he said it was an update on what he’s been up to. “I promise to be even more transparent this season and take you along for the ride of a lifetime,” he wrote.

The video featured the pair in full ballroom attire while posing for polished professional photographs. It also showed them rehearsing together inside the studio as they prepared their competition routines.

In the video, the dancer shared that Dewan joked about how much she was sweating during what seemed like a rehearsal. Another clip showed Chmerkovskiy handing her water during what appeared to be a rehearsal break.

They were also filmed laughing and posing together during a “Dancing With the Stars” press event. In his Instagram video, Chmerkovskiy addressed a question about dealing with comments that Dewan is already a dancer.

“I won’t,” he responded, making it clear he doesn’t intend to engage with the criticism. He added that he cannot control how people feel, but he can control the love and effort he gives his work.

Fans Are Divided Over The Dancers’ Pairing

Fans quickly took to the comments to react to Chmerkovskiy’s response. One supporter praised him for how he handles negativity, writing, “So proud of you and how you handle negativity!!” The comment reflected support for Chmerkovskiy’s decision to focus on his work rather than engage with the backlash.

“I’m sad about Jenna,” another fan wrote, explaining that they were “not happy an experienced dancer is on the show.” They added that they preferred watching contestants like Robert from the previous season and seeing their growth throughout the competition. Another viewer was even more direct, saying the pairing could give them an unfair advantage.

“Ok I’ll be the one,” the commenter wrote before arguing that the partnership was unfair unless other contestants also had dance backgrounds. Still, not everyone viewed the partnership negatively, with another fan expressing complete excitement about the duo. “Quite possibly the most iconic pairing ever !!!!!!” the supporter declared in the comments.

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Val Chmerkovskiy Defended His Dance Partner

Chmerkovskiy, who has competed on 20 seasons of “Dancing With the Stars,” said the ringer debate is “all relative.” The three-time Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy winner defended Dewan’s place in the competition. He argued that the show is about more than dance, focusing instead on the human experience and personal journeys.

“Dance is a vehicle for us to find out more about these people — and I think that’s our advantage,” Chmerkovskiy said. He said his biggest advantage is being partnered with someone he considers an incredible human being. He wants viewers to see Dewan as a woman and mother who is getting another opportunity to do what she loves.

Chmerkovskiy also acknowledged that Dewan brings “incredible talent” into the competition. “I’m going to push her and push us to showcase to the world something they haven’t seen from her yet,” he said.

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Dewan also praised Chmerkovskiy’s approach, describing him as a loving teacher who still pushes her to improve. She said they are both hard workers who want the best for each other. 

Jenna Dewan Insists Ballroom Dancing Is Different 

Dewan’s dance background stretches back more than two decades before her “DWTS” debut. She worked as a backup dancer for Janet Jackson between the ages of 18 and 20 in the early 2000s. She also danced in music videos for Mandy Moore, Toni Braxton, Jackson, and other major performers.

Dewan described Jackson as her first major vision-board dream and said she desperately wanted to dance for her. She remains close friends with Jackson and still remembers some of the singer’s choreography. Dewan even joked that she performs the “If” dance whenever she has had one tequila.

Her dance career later led to her breakout role in the 2006 movie “Step Up” alongside Channing Tatum. Despite that extensive history, Dewan insisted she has never trained specifically in ballroom dancing. She explained that her previous training helps with choreography and performance, but ballroom requires something different.

“I do not know how to ballroom dance. Let’s be clear,” Dewan told Entertainment Weekly. She described ballroom as “two different languages” and said she has had to unlearn habits from her usual dance styles. The actress admitted that the unfamiliar technique has made the experience challenging despite her existing skills.

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Val Chmerkovskiy’s Dancer Partner’s Daughter Put Her On The ‘DWTS’ Radar

Dewan’s decision to join the competition was influenced by someone much closer to home. Her 13-year-old daughter, Everly, is a huge “Dancing With the Stars” fan and helped spark her mother’s connection to the show. Dewan shares Everly with her ex-husband, Channing Tatum, and also has two younger children.

Everly and her friends wanted to attend last year’s “DWTS” finale, so Dewan arranged tickets and attended with them. Dewan believes appearing at the finale may have helped put her on the show’s radar. She said this was the first time the producers had actually approached her about joining.

According to PEOPLE, Dewan hadn’t considered doing the show before receiving the offer. She said the moment she received the opportunity, she immediately felt an internal “yes.”

Her teenage daughter has experience with Irish dancing and even performed with the Los Angeles Rams at halftime. Dewan said Everly is finally beginning to understand why people recognize her mother because of “Step Up.”

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Meg Donnelly is mourning the death of her “Zombies” co-star and longtime friend Carla Jeffery. Jeffery, who played Bree in the Disney franchise, died on September 1 at 33. Her death was confirmed in a statement posted to her official Instagram account by her longtime talent manager, Carla Alexander. Following the devastating announcement, Donnelly shared an emotional tribute alongside a carousel of personal photos documenting their friendship through the years.

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Donnelly admitted that Jeffery’s death still does not feel real as she reflected on the qualities that made her friend unforgettable.

“I have been in a state of denial. I feel like I keep waiting for something before I believe it’s actually real. Carla is truly a one of a kind. the most strong-willed, beautiful person. The most contagious laugh I’ve ever heard. She deeply cares for the people she loves. Genuinely the funniest person in the entire world, just radiating positivity. I feel so lucky to know Carla Jeffery. ” God, there is no one like her,” Donnelly wrote.

The actress accompanied her message with photos of Jeffery smiling, laughing, and spending time with friends and castmates. Several images appeared to have been taken during the stars’ years working together on the “Zombies” franchise, while others captured quieter moments away from the set.

The Disney Star Initially Did Not Want To Post A Tribute

Donnelly explained that sharing something publicly initially felt uncomfortable because of the enormity of the loss. However, she ultimately reconsidered after thinking about the joyful way Jeffery lived and the memories she would want her friends to celebrate.

“I didn’t want to post anything because it just feels so strange and unnatural to me in a time so devastating. But then, I thought about what Carla would’ve wanted. I know she’s waiting for a post of all of us smiling, laughing, loving each other. Because that’s what she always did. So, here you go, my beautiful Carla. Thank you for being such a huge part of my life. I love you always. Addi & Bree forever,” she continued.

The final line referenced their beloved “Zombies” characters. Donnelly starred as Addison Wells, while Jeffery portrayed Addison’s best friend, Bree.

Carla Jeffery’s Management Confirms Her Death

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Alexanders Talent Management announced Jeffery’s death in a statement shared through the actress’ official Instagram account. “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Carla Jeffery, who passed away on September 1, 2026, at just 33 years old,” Carla Alexander wrote.

The manager said her relationship with Jeffery went far beyond their professional work together. “Carla joined the Alexanders Talent Management family at the age of 12. For more than 20 years, we had the privilege of watching her grow into a beautiful, vibrant, and incredibly talented woman whose radiant smile could light up any room,” Alexander continued.

She added that Jeffery was “more than a client; she was family,” adding, “Our hearts are with Carla’s family and loved ones during this devastating time. We respectfully ask that their privacy be honored as they grieve this unimaginable loss. Rest beautifully, Carla. Your light will never be forgotten.”

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A cause of death has not been disclosed.

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Disney Entertainment Television also honored Jeffery’s impact on audiences and the people who worked alongside her. “Carla Jeffery’s extraordinary talent, warmth, and spirit left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of working with her,” the company said.

“She had a rare gift for connecting with audiences, and her performances brought joy to millions. We will remember Carla for her generosity, her humor, and the genuine light she brought to those around her,” they added. “We offer our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones, her castmates and collaborators, and the countless fans whose lives she touched,” the company said in a statement.

Jeffery appeared as Bree in the first three “Zombies” films, which were released in 2018, 2020, and 2022. She later returned to voice the character in “Zombies: The Re-Animated Series.”

Before becoming a recognizable face to Disney audiences, Jeffery began acting as a child. Her credits included appearances in “Phat Girlz,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “iCarly,” “Shake It Up,” “Good Luck Charlie,” “Scream Queens,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” and “American Vandal.”

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Milo Manheim Joins Meg Donnelly In Mourning Their Co-Star

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Donnelly was not the only “Zombies” cast member to publicly grieve Jeffery. Milo Manheim, who starred as Zed throughout the Disney franchise, reacted to news of her death with a brief but emotional message. “Carla. The sweetest person I have ever met. I love you,” Manheim commented.

Olivia Rodrigo has already picked who she wants to play her in a future biopic.

In a recent chat with director Cameron Crowe, the pop star named Monica Barbaro as that actress, citing their uncanny resemblance.

That actress already has some experience playing a musician, having transformed into folk music icon Joan Baez for a hit 2024 film.

Speaking to Crowe at the Grammy Museum, Rodrigo was asked who she would want to play her in a biopic, and she didn’t hesitate to name Barbaro.

“Sometimes I see a picture of Monica Barbaro, and I’m like, ‘Oh, that’s a picture of me. Oh no, that’s Monica,’” she told the multi-award-winning filmmaker.

While Rodrigo’s main reason for choosing Barbaro was their uncanny resemblance, she also believes Barbaro’s skills make the choice more than just picking a doppelgänger.

She described Barbaro as a “fantastic actress,” a description that Crowe also agreed with at the time.

Netizens React To Olivia Rodrigo’s Biopic Pick

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Following Rodrigo’s revelation, fans of the singer offered varying reactions to her remarks about Barbaro playing her.

“The Olivia Rodrigo biopic actress has not even been born yet,” one user said, a statement that appeared to reference the singer’s young age.

Several other fans felt that, since Rodrigo already had acting experience, she should play the part herself.

“Girl, you. You are an actress. Go play you,” one user wrote, while another stated, “Do what Kneecap did and do it yourself, girl; you’re an actress as well.”

Some other netizens suggested different actresses, with one saying, “I feel like Inde Navarrette could pull it off.”

Rodrigo’s Pick Has Already Played A Music Icon

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Rodrigo’s choice has already stepped into the shoes of a real-life musician, which might have also influenced the singer’s selection.

In the 2024 film A Complete Unknown, Barbaro portrayed activist and musician Joan Baez, starring alongside Timothée Chalamet, who played Bob Dylan.

She earned widespread praise for the role, which is no surprise given the extensive preparation she put into playing the character.

According to reports, Barbaro spent months learning guitar and taking vocal lessons despite having no prior musical background. She also met with Joan Baez during filming to gain insights and ensure her portrayal was accurate.

Eventually, she performed all her songs herself, with everything recorded live on set rather than using prerecorded tracks, as required by the role.

Joan Baez Praised Monica Barbaro’s Performance

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Baez also praised Barbaro, the veteran musician she portrayed in the biopic.

Speaking to her hometown paper, the Marin Independent Journal, Baez shared that she loved what the actress did in the movie.

“If I didn’t think she was good at it, I probably wouldn’t have enjoyed it in general,” she shared.

The iconic singer noted that she was especially pleased with how Barbaro had done her best to replicate her gestures.

“She looked enough like me, and she had my gestures down. You could tell who it was. She worked so hard. Kudos to her for taking the role on,” she continued.

Olivia Rodrigo Already Has The Acting Skills To Play Herself

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A biopic isn’t a likely move for Rodrigo given her age, but if there is any reason for the actress to play herself in the near future, she already has the skills to do so.

The singer was once an acting child star, rising to fame through Disney’s Bizaardvark and later High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.

Since leaving the Disney series after its third season, Rodrigo has focused on her music career and has made a name for herself, earning three Grammy Awards, four MTV Video Music Awards, and seven Billboard Music Awards.