A recovery program based in Florida is receiving backlash after promoting former “Vanderpump Rules” star Jax Taylor as one of their newest ambassadors. The company shared a picture of Taylor on its Instagram and revealed that the Bravo reality star has developed a passion for educating others and supporting them on their sobriety journey.

Recovery Through Repetition recently shared that Taylor had become one of their latest ambassadors.

“As someone who has publicly shared his recovery journey and the strength it takes to face those challenges head-on, Jax understands the importance of support, resilience, and having a community that believes in you,” their post’s caption read.

“Through speaking at treatment facilities, addiction recovery groups, and participating in recovery and mental health-focused fundraising efforts, Jax has become a passionate advocate for breaking stigma, fostering connection, and encouraging others on their path to recovery,” it continued.

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According to RTR’s website, the company’s primary goal is to connect people in need of recovery with others pursuing sober lifestyles through fitness, community, and service.

“Our intention is to create a safe and supportive environment for anyone affected by addiction. RTR is a home away from home. We provide a range of workout classes and opportunities for community involvement, open to anyone,” it says online.

Some social media users argue that Taylor’s appointment contradicts the organization’s mission, with one writing, “Jax as an ambassador for sobriety seems like a stretch.”

Another said, “If I walked into recovery and Jax Taylor was my recovery ambassador, I would turn around and walk right back out. Anything would be better than getting taught by Jax.”

Jax Taylor Admitted To Struggling With Drug Use For Two Decades

Don’t forget, Taylor opened up about his struggle with cocaine use during a podcast appearance, according to a previous report from The Blast.

“I have substance issues—primarily with cocaine. It’s hard to say out loud,” he said, adding that he’s struggled with the drug for two decades.

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“I’ve never said this in my life,” he said. “So, to come out and say that I have an addiction [and] that I have a sickness that I have to work on the rest of my life is a really big deal for me.”

During a separate moment, the father of one revealed that he was using drugs and alcohol to mask a deeper problem: his mental health. “It’s just so overwhelming, so drinking and substances just helped,” he said candidly.

Taylor Was Fired From Another Bravo Show Amid His Struggles With Substance Abuse

Taylor’s struggles with substance abuse were shown on the second season of Bravo’s “The Valley.” Episodes captured the reality star checking into rehab and having challenging conversations with his friends about his future.

Bravo later announced that Taylor wouldn’t return to the series for season 3—a move designed to help the 46-year-old focus on his well-being away from the chaos of reality TV.

Last summer, Taylor opened up even more about his sobriety journey, vowing never to touch drugs again.

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“I know for a fact — and I know you’re not supposed to say it — but I know for a fact I will not touch drugs and alcohol again,” he said. “I know that. I have no interest in it. I’m not triggered by it.”

Continuing, Taylor shared that his new “drug” of choice was AA meetings. “I love it. It’s like a drug to me,” he said, adding that he’s found friendship with the other men in his group. “My sober friends, I’ve shifted from my drunk friends, now I have a sober group of friends. We have a great time. We go out to dinner,” he shared.

Taylor Recently Celebrated 1.5 Years Sober

The Blast reported on Taylor’s recent celebration. Online, the “House of Villains” alum said he had been sober for 1.5 years.

While he admitted the journey hadn’t been easy, Taylor said he was “grateful” to be celebrating a major milestone.

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

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Hulk Hogan’s occupational therapist is detailing the WWE star’s final moments in a newly-released police report.

“So… we’re trying not to say much in front of her, but he is in rough shape,” the wrestler’s occupational therapist, Justin McCamey, told responding Clearwater Police Department officer Jordan Bailey, according to the 72-page final report obtained by Us Weekly on Saturday, June 6.

“We knew this was gonna be happening,” McCamey told the officer, per the report and after claiming he “saw it,” referring to Hogan’s death at age 71. “Came in, did the… chest wasn’t elevating. Couldn’t wake him up … he just… stopped breathing.”

Hogan, real name Terry Gene Bollea, died on July 24, 2025, his family confirmed to Us at the time. TMZ was first to report the news.

Related: Hulk Hogan Had ‘Hospital in His House,’ Was Intubated Before Death: Report

Hulk Hogan’s health had reportedly taken a severe turn for the worse in the days leading up to his death last week. Due to complications from a neck surgery in May, Hogan was intubated and battled renal failure, fluid overload and severe COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), according to wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer. “What happened […]

It was later revealed that the famed wrestler died from acute myocardial infarction, most commonly known as a heart attack. According to court documents obtained by Us, Hogan had a history of leukemia CLL, a type of cancer that affects white blood cells called lymphocytes. It is not believed that Hogan’s cancer was public knowledge prior to his death.

Dana Swinton, Hogan’s home health aide who was also present when the wrestler died, was also interviewed by Officer Bailey.

“I mean, he wasn’t up as [much as] he was Saturday and Sunday when I had him, but he was still talking this morning, a little low, a little mumbly,” she told the officer, per the report. “I got him in the chair, he ate a little yogurt, he was fine. Set him up there, like… set him up in a chair … where he was asleep, but he was breathing.”

It wasn’t until McCamey returned from the bathroom, the report states, that the pair noticed something was wrong.

“The patient was in the chair. By the time he came to do the vitals for the visit he’s on, there was no pulse,” Swinton said. “[Hulk] hasn’t been moved, I’d say, he probably got down… probably… I’d say he got down here probably at 8:30-8:45, which we got down here, he’s been down here.”

According to the report, McCamey told authorities that the WWE star’s health had been “very poor ever since” a recent surgery, noting that Hulk had “approximately 20-30 various knee, hip and back surgeries over the years.” The occupational therapist also provided authorities with a list of medications the wrestler was taking at the time of his death.

The report, released on Friday, June 5, concludes the Clearwater Police Department’s investigation into the wrestler’s death, confirming there is no clear evidence of any wrongdoing.

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Related: Inside the Ongoing Investigation Into Hulk Hogan’s Death: What to Know

The investigation into the death of legendary pro wrestler Hulk Hogan remains open as questions about what really happened continue to be raised. Hogan died on July 24 after suffering cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. He was 71 years old.  In the time since, some of those closest to Hogan — including […]

“Under the circumstances, it fell to the Clearwater Police Department to address, challenge, or validate some of the concerns in the case,” the department wrote. “Investigators had to interview multiple witnesses and review various recordings to answer questions central to our inquiry.”

Authorities also thanked Swinton, McCamey and Hulk’s wife, Sky Daily, for their cooperation in their now-closed investigation.

“Their willingness to allow our investigators access to very personal information, at a time when they were grieving and struggling, was extremely helpful,” the department said in part.

Where would the world be without Gremlins? The classic horror-comedy creature feature directed by Joe Dante and penned by Chris Columbus immediately took the world by storm when it was released in 1984, raking in over $212 million globally on an $11 million budget and spawning an entire franchise that spans a sequel, an upcoming legacy follow-up, the animated Secrets of the Mogwai prequel series, books, and more. Even now, there are plenty of people who still know who Gizmo is and that you never feed a Mogwai after midnight, and the original film’s impact has been felt in everything from Ghoulies to Stranger Things. Surprisingly, though, there was actually a Sliding Doors moment where Warner Bros. nearly ditched the massive hit before they even realized what they had.

During a panel at the Indiana Comic Convention attended by Collider’s Maggie Lovitt, original Gremlins star Zach Galligan reflected on his time with the franchise and the many facts of its creation that still amaze him. “One of the crazy things about Gremlins is, I’m still finding out stuff about the movie 40 years later that I just didn’t know,” he said, and that includes the fate that nearly befell the film. He recalled that Warner Bros. didn’t see Dante and Columbus’ vision at all when it was first presented. A few of the darker moments, in particular, like Kate’s (Phoebe Cates) story about how her father died, had them hesitant that it would resonate with general audiences. In their eyes, this had more of the feel of an odd, indie horror project rather than a multi-million-dollar hit.

However, what ultimately changed their minds was a pair of test screenings in California. It’s not altogether unusual for high marks with test audiences to change a studio’s mind on a project — recent examples include other horror hits like Smile and Evil Dead Rise, which both started as streaming titles before getting the bump to theaters — but these particular results were so off the charts that it required a complete re-evaluation of what Gremlins was and could be.

“One of the things I put in the book was the fact that Warner Brothers really was not high on Gremlins at all. They just thought it was a kind of… they didn’t get it. And when they saw the rushes of Phoebe Cates’ dead dad and the Santa Claus in the chimney thing, they were just like, ‘This is weird and sick and gross and never gonna fly.’ And apparently, according to Mike Fennel, the producer, they did one screening in Sacramento and the audience response was just absolutely psychotic. So they did another one down in San Diego. Obviously, it was gonna be sort of California-based because Warner Brothers is in Los Angeles or Burbank. And they start getting these test scores that were so off the charts that they had to suddenly go, ‘Oh my God, maybe we have something here.’”

‘Gremlins’ Built a Legendary Marketing Campaign From the Ground Up in Record Time

Such overwhelming fervor for the film created a brand-new problem for Warner Bros. Their lack of belief in Gremlins left them with little in terms of a marketing campaign or merchandise. Galligan recalled that, according to Fennel, there was hardly anything in place three months out from the film’s release date. Plans had to be made and executed fast to turn Gizmo into a household name and get everyone crazy for the Christmas Eve carnage the Mogwai would bring. What followed was an all-out sprint to turn Gremlins into a proper event and cement Dante’s creature feature as an icon of the 80s.

“And so there was literally, he said, March 1st — remember, the movie’s coming out on June 8th — there was no merchandising in place whatsoever. And by April 15th, in six weeks, they had suddenly… there was a mad rush, and you had the Hardee’s records, the five records that tell the story, and the Gremlin storybook, and the lunchbox, and then this, and the trading cards, and then that, and the Gizmos, and the peanut butter gremlin cereal that was terrible, and all of this stuff, it all just came exploding out because of these two screenings. They thought it was dead in the water. They thought they had nothing, and then suddenly they just put all of this marketing and stuff into a teaser trailer. So Gremlins was almost the movie that was almost really a throwaway.”

Although they haven’t been in theaters with a new installment since the less well-received Gremlins 2: The New Batch in 1990, the future of Gremlins is quite bright right now. Warner Bros. officially moved to revive the soft and furry magical creatures last year by announcing Gremlins 3 would be heading to theaters on November 19, 2027. Dante won’t be back at the helm, but the spirit of the franchise will live on through the returning Columbus, who now sits in the director’s chair, and Stephen Spielberg, who will again executive produce. The red-hot Final Destination Bloodlines duo Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein were also tapped to write the legacy sequel, though any plot details or cast remain under wraps at this time.

Gremlins can currently be streamed for free on Pluto TV. Stay tuned here at Collider for more on the future of the franchise as work continues on the third film.

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Release Date

June 8, 1984

Runtime

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106 minutes

Director

Joe Dante

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Writers

Chris Columbus

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Producers

Michael Finnell

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• 

  Zach Galligan

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  Billy Peltzer

• 

  Phoebe Cates

  Kate Beringer

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Kyle Cooke and Salley Carson are “hooking up,” multiple sources confirm to Us Weekly.

“It’s new and casual, but he’s really into her and they’ve been having fun,” one source exclusively tells Us. “They’ve only hung out a few times but get along really well. They have a lot of chemistry.”

A second insider further tells Us that Kyle, 43, and Salley, 31, were spotted together at the By the Way bar in Charleston, South Carolina, on Friday, June 6, alongside Salley’s Southern Charm costars Craig Conover and Austen Kroll.

“The group appeared to be getting along,” the eyewitness tells Us of the Friday outing, adding that Kyle and Salley left the bar together. “They have chemistry. It looked like they had fun and enjoyed each other’s company.”

Related: Kyle Cooke Isn’t Ready for Anything ‘Serious’ After Meghan King Kiss

Summer House star Kyle Cooke is single and slowly getting ready to mingle. Following Kyle’s public split from Amanda Batula, a source exclusively shared with Us Weekly that the Bravo star is not ready for anything serious and is just “doing his thing.” At this point, the insider claimed, Kyle, 43, is ready to start […]

Neither Kyle nor Salley have publicly addressed their relationship status. Us reached out to reps for both stars for comment but did not hear back at the time of publication. Us also reached out to Bravo for comment.

Kyle was recently grilled about his connection to Salley during the latest episode of the Summer House reunion.

“What’s up with you and Salley from Southern Charm?” Andy Cohen asked the Loverboy founder during the Tuesday, June 2, episode. “Is that a thing? Did you guys hook up?”

While Kyle attempted to deny the speculation, his costars Lindsay Hubbard and Ciara Miller asserted that he made out with Salley “on the night of the Summer House premiere” back in February. According to Kyle, the aforementioned kiss actually happened “the night before.”

“When I found that out, I immediately called Amanda [Batula], and I told her that Kyle was making out with Salley, and I thought that that was crazy,” Ciara, 30, claimed, referring to Kyle’s estranged wife. “I thought it was absurd. It’s insane. I’m just making an example of how good of a friend I was to you and how you’re a friend to me. I just want to point that out.”

Kyle and Amanda, 34, were married for four years before announcing their separation in January.

“After much reflection, we have mutually and amicably decided to part ways as a couple,”  the now-exes wrote in a joint social media statement at the time. “We share this with a heavy heart and kindly ask for your grace and support while we focus on our personal growth and healing.”

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They continued, “It feels ironic to ask for privacy during this time. since we’ve always tried to be open and honest about our relationship, but your kindness and respect will go a long way as we try to navigate our next chapter.”

Two months later, Amanda confirmed that she recently started seeing Ciara’s ex West Wilson.

As for Salley, she revealed on the “Not Skinny Not Fat” podcast in February that she was “not seriously dating” anyone after one-sided crushes on Craig, 37, and Austen, 38, respectively. The Bravolebrity was previously engaged to Avery Bucholz before her 2021 stint on The Bachelor.

It’s time to break the illusion: actors are not actually the characters they play. And yes, that means they might cross multiple major franchises. In the world of major pop culture movie franchises, there are very few that are bigger and more beloved than Star Wars and Harry Potter. Though one is a science fiction space opera and the other is a magical fantasy epic, there is a crossover in themes, thus drawing in a familiar demographic.

The two major IPs are massive, but one shocking fact is that they only share a handful of performers who have appeared in both worlds. The names on this list must have played a part, either big or small, physical or vocal, in both franchises. For Star Wars, the expanse includes films, spin-offs, and television series, both live-action and animated. For Harry Potter, we’re limiting it to simply the eight films and not the Fantastic Beasts films — sorry Jude Law, Mads Mikkelsen, and Jessica Williams. It’s time to journey through the Wizarding World and a galaxy far, far away to celebrate 10 actors who were granted the chance to play in both worlds.

1

Warwick Davis

Image via Warner Bros.

There might not be a more distinct individual to play in both universes than the incomparable Warwick Davis. A heavy-hitter actor in heavy-hitting franchises, the unique thing about Davis and his tenure in both worlds is that it wasn’t a one-and-done experience; the British acting legend has played multiple roles across multiple projects in both universes. It all started when he began his acting career at 11 years old, portraying Wicket W. Warrick, the brave Ewok who befriends Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), in Return of the Jedi. The character was so beloved that he was carried over into multiple other projects, including the Ewok TV series and The Rise of Skywalker. Davis became part of the Star Wars family, tacking on various roles in a handful more films, including Anakin Skywalker’s (Jake Lloyd) friend Wald and the alien Weazel in The Phantom Menace, Wollivan in The Force Awakens, Weeteef Cyubee in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, DD-BD in Solo: A Star Wars Story, and Wodibin and Kedpin Shoklop in The Last Jedi. Needless to say, Davis is a go-to for Lucasfilm.

Now, in the Harry Potter Universe, Davis is most famous for portraying Professor Filius Flitwick. He had two different iterations of the Charms Master and Head of Ravenclaw House as he appeared as an elderly wizard with a long, white beard in Sorcerer’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets, while director Alfonso Cuarón gave the character a youthful, clean-shaven makeover for Prisoner of Azkaban onward. But wait, there’s more! In Sorcerer’s Stone, Davis was briefly seen as a goblin bank teller at Gringotts. In Deathly Hallows Parts 1 and 2, he took over the role of Griphook from Verne Troyer, though Davis had dubbed his voice as Troyer was American, and the British rule was in favor of the production. It would be unfair to call Davis a utility player, but it’s evident that the actor is more than reliable; he’s iconic.

2

Domhnall Gleeson

Image via Lucasfilm

One of the more prominent figures to play major roles in both universes is the Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson. While we may know him as a rule-keeper as Ned Sampson on The Paper, in both franchises, Gleeson took a walk on the dark side, as a good guy and a bad guy. In the earlier part of his career, Gleeson took on the iconic role of Bill Weasley in Deathly Hallows Parts 1 and 2. The eldest son of Arthur and Molly Weasley (Mark Williams and Julie Walters) and older brother to Ron (Rupert Grint), Ginny (Bonnie Wright), and the rest of the Weasley siblings, Bill is a highly accomplished wizard, having served as Head Boy at Hogwarts and working as a Curse-Breaker for Gringotts. In the first part, Bill marries Fleur Delacour (Clémence Poésy), where the cremation is overrun by Death Eaters. He then becomes a protector of the Order, providing shelter for many survivors, before ultimately braving the front lines against Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). Though the character was largely shafted in the front end of the series, he stands out as a good guy in the final chapter. As a legacy child in the film, he is also one in real life, as he is the son of Brendan Gleeson, best known as Mad-Eye Moody.

Now, to his notorious brush with the dark side as General Armitage Hux. Appearing in all three films in the sequel trilogy, Hux is a ruthless, highly ambitious, and fanatical high-ranking officer in the First Order. Hux had a fierce loyalty to the Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis), but his bitter rivalry with Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) led to a power struggle and a diminished role. Jealousy and pride ultimately caused Hux to become a spy against his own regime, which ultimately resulted in death. Hux was a fascinating character because Gleeson was quite committed to his highly divisive role.

3

Julian Glover

Image via LucasFilms

English actor Julian Glover has had quite a prolific career on stage and screen. The classically trained performer may have an Olivier Award, but his legacy comes from playing iconic villains and authority figures across major pop culture universes, including Walter Donovan in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Grand Maester Pycelle in Game of Thrones. But for the two franchises we’re here to discuss, Glover started his reign as General Maximillian Veers, the Imperial officer who led the AT-AT walker assault on the Rebel base on Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back. Unlike many of the officers under Darth Vader’s command, Veers was highly competent and earned Vader’s genuine respect for destroying the massive shield generator protecting the Rebel base, paving the way for the Imperial victory.

His role in the Wizarding World is a bit more unique. He served as the voice of the giant spider Aragog in Chamber of Secrets and Half-Blood Prince. The sentient Acromantula owned by Rubeus Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane) and raised in secret, Aragog was falsely blamed for opening the Chamber of Secrets when they were at school together. His major contribution in his first film was revealing the truth about the basilisk to Harry (Daniel Radcliffe). The spider passes away in his second appearance, in which Harris holds an emotional funeral, attended by Harry and Professor Horace Slughorn (Jim Broadbent). It’s a consequential death as it gives Harry the chance to bond with Slughorn. Though Glover hasn’t been a part of any major pop culture franchises since, he did appear in a project with Warwick Davis: Willow. It’s all tied together!

4

Shirley Henderson

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

At the age of 36, Shirley Henderson played a child in Chamber of Secrets. Her time was spent playing one of the most iconic characters in the entire series: Moaning Myrtle. First appearing in Chamber of Secrets, Moaning Myrtle is a ghost of a former Ravenclaw student who was killed by the basilisk in the second-floor girls’ bathroom in 1943. Now, stuck there for eternity, she is known for her emotional outbursts and wailing. Played brilliantly by Henderson, she was known for teasing and mocking Hermione (Emma Watson), flooding the bathroom, and ultimately being a hero to Harry during the Triwizard Games in Goblet of Fire. The little ghost girl has become the role the Scottish star is known for playing. It’s the voice! Whether appearing in a guest role in Doctor Who or a prominent part on Dept. Q, audiences struggle to separate the star from the ghost on camera.

In the Star Wars universe, her face was not used, as she voiced the breakout character Babu Frik in Rise of Skywalker. The skilled alien mechanic with the memorable catchphrase worked with the Spice Runners on Kijimi, helping Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) and Zorii Bliss (Keri Russell) by translating Sith text from C-3PO’s memory, despite the risk of wiping out the droid completely. If you were eager to see more Anzellans like Babu Frik, you were in luck as Henderson was featured in The Mandalorian as well as The Mandalorian and Grogu. It’s safe to say, in both of these worlds, Henderson will forever be remembered by her voice.

5

Kathryn Hunter

Image via Disney+

There are certain actors that you see that you instantly know by face, but might not remember them by name. It’s not necessarily a knock to their work; it’s a mark of their ability to be transformative as a character actor. One such case is Kathryn Hunter. Known for her work in physical theater prior to her time on the big and small screens, she first rose to prominence in these worlds as Arabella Figg in the Harry Potter series. Seen in Order of the Phoenix, Mrs. Figg first appears after the Dementors attack, with her cane and iconic string bag, where she instructs Harry to keep his wand out should more attack. She walks Harry and an incapacitated Dudley Dursley (Harry Melling) home, alerting them that she had been instructed by Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) to watch over him. She serves as the sole, eccentric testimony in Harry’s disciplinary hearing. Harry’s cat-loving neighbor is revealed to be a Squib and a member of the Order of the Phoenix.

Motherly figures are very much Hunter’s alley, as that is exactly who she played in Andor. In the Disney+ series, she portrays Eedy Karn, the overbearing mother of disgraced former Imperial officer Syril Karn (Kyle Soller). An integral figure to learn major insights on the antagonist, she is known for relentlessly berating Syril, but pulls strings with the mysterious “Uncle Harlo” to get him a new desk job in the Bureau of Standards, a significant step down for Syril. Hunter, with limited screen time, ensured her character was a breakout one, thanks to her physical performance and a hilariously accessible nagging-mother archetype. And she always looked simply poised and put together in her galaxy couture. How could we not love her?

6

Jason Isaacs

Image via Warner Bros

There are a lot of interesting baddies in the Wizarding World. While there may be a tiered system of evil that sees Lord Voldemort at the tippy top, the next slot would likely be given to Lucius Malfoy. A major character in the franchise, Lucius was made exceptionally sinister thanks to his portrayal by legendary actor Jason Isaacs. With a sprawling career before and after his time in Harry Potter, it’s the long, luscious blond locks that have made him most recognizable to mainstream audiences. We could be here forever discussing his arc, but Lucius is remembered as the father of Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton). The wealthy pure-blood wizard is a devoted Death Eater who served Voldemort, using his wealth and connections to advance his pure-blood supremacist ideology. Cold and aristocratic, Lucius was an instigator of mischief before his ultimate fall from grace following his botched mission at the Department of Mysteries. Though he eventually shifts his loyalty, Lucius remains an iconic antagonist.

Up in space, Isaac lent his voice to the beloved animated series Star Wars Rebels and Star Wars: Tales of the Empire. He voices the Grand Inquisitor, the former Jedi Temple Guard-turned-dark-side assassin who leads the Empire’s Jedi-hunting Inquisitorius. Tasked to hunt down surviving Jedi after Order 66, his mission is under the direct orders of Darth Vader (James Earl Jones). He is ultimately defeated by Kanan Jarrus (Freddie Prinze Jr.), but later appears as a ghost to guide Kanan to knighthood. Ruthless and cruel, wielding a spinning, double-bladed lightsaber, he is known for choosing death over failure. Unfortunately for Isaacs, when the character made his live-action appearance in the series Obi-Wan Kenobi, the role was played by Rupert Friend, another British icon well-versed in playing villains.

7

Fiona Shaw

Image via Warner Bros.

With a profound stature and a versatility that grants her the chance to do Shakespeare, comedies, thrillers, and more, Fiona Shaw remains one of the most revered British actresses of all time. Right from the jump, Shaw was introduced to Harry Potter fans as portraying Harry’s aunt, Petunia Dursley. The sister of Harry’s mother, Petunia and her husband, Vernon (Richard Griffiths), take Harry in after his parents are killed. The strict, magic-averse Muggle isn’t a typical villain; instead, she shows her disdain through bitter resentment, jealousy, and repressed trauma. Since the Dursleys are widely meant to be disliked, she is often involved in comical magical moments, including the infamous moment when Aunt Marge (Pam Ferris) inflates and floats away in Prisoner of Azkaban.

The wild thing about Shaw’s trajectory from Harry Potter to Star Wars is that on Andor, she took on another adoptive mother figure, Maarva Andor, a fiercely protective woman. Alongside her husband, Clem (Gary Beadle), they rescued a young orphan from the planet Kenari, known later as Cassian (Diego Luna). After the Empire hanged her husband, she refused to flee, becoming a hardened salvager and a respected leader in the Daughters of Ferrix. Upon her death, a posthumous message was played at her funeral procession that led to the massive citizen revolt on Rix Road. A woman who clearly has range, Shaw’s versatility in both major franchises was on full display. Love or hate her characters, they are memorable nevertheless.

8

Natalia Tena

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

One of the fun parts of playing in both of these fantasy worlds is the incredible opportunity to transform completely into a character. For some actors, that means putting on an iconic costume and wigs or wearing prosthetics that render them almost unrecognizable. For Natalia Tena, she got to evolve into her character through imagery, where purple seemed to be her go-to color. Tena played Nymphadora Tonks in Harry Potter. First arriving in Order of the Phoenix, Tonks was a half-blood witch and a Metamorphmagus. Often seen aiding Harry in times of need, she’s also known to love and marry Remus Lupin (David Thewlis). By the final parts, Tonks and Lupin join in to defend the school from Voldemort’s army, only to fall victim to death at the Battle of Hogwarts.

After Harry Potter, Tena was part of the mega series Game of Thrones as the major character Osha, giving her even further recognition. Looking to add another notch on her belt, Tena appeared in a single episode of The Mandalorian as Xi’an. And that’s where the purple returned again. The Twi’lek is part of the crew hired by Ranzar Malk (Mark Boone Jr.) to break her brother, Qun (Ismael Cruz Cordova), out of a New Republic prison transport. Her connection to Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) is one of a romantic and professional entanglement. But after things were left acrimoniously, she brought an aggressive and antagonistic demeanor to their reunion, even attempting to betray him and leave him for dead. But no one messes with Mando, as he outsmarts her, locking her and her crew in a transport cell. Though she had only a single appearance in the series, it was memorable, marked by an iconic costume.

9

David Tennant

Image via Lucasfilm

David Tennant is no stranger to major franchises. His most prominent role was playing the Tenth Doctor, and later the Fourteenth Doctor, on the beloved British series Doctor Who. Having experience in major fandoms gave him a sense of what it would be like to explore even bigger ones in Harry Potter and Star Wars. Just as Tennant was starting his run on Doctor Who, he joined Goblet of Fire to play Barty Crouch Jr. He is famously the secret villain of the film, disguising himself as Mad-Eye Moody using Polyjuice Potion to manipulate the Triwizard Tournament and aid in Lord Voldemort’s return. Known for the tongue flick, the tic serves as a connection to his madness, as well as his loyalty to the Dark Lord. Perhaps his run as Barty Crouch Jr. helped land him the equally devious and villainous Kilgrave in Jessica Jones.

In the Star Wars universe, it was time for something completely different. Tennant lent his voice to Professor Huyang, an ancient and highly knowledgeable droid who serves as a lightsaber architect and mentor to the Jedi. His first appearance in the role came in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, where he helped a group of young Jedi build their first lightsabers on the training ship Crucible. He even mentored Yoda (Tom Kane) and Mace Windu (Terrence C. Carson)! Huyang served as a vital figure, providing Jedi history and context. It was even more important when the character made his live-action debut in Ahsoka. There, he accompanied Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) on her travels, offering technical and moral guidance and Jedi philosophy. The beloved character showed up once more in Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures, repairing a lightsaber that once belonged to Jedi Master Barabo. For his role in The Clone Wars, Tennant won an Emmy for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program. Whether evil, heroic, or philosophic, Tennant can do it all.

10

Ian Whyte

Image via Disney

This entry may deserve a bit of a caveat. Many of the actors on this list have given their whole selves to their characters. Others, it was simply a voice. For Ian Whyte, his face never appears on screen; instead, it’s either his voice, his lower body, or his puppeteering. Let’s explain. Technically, Whyte is credited as playing Madame Olympe Maxime. If you’re confused and believe your eyes saw Frances de la Tour in the part, you’re not wrong. Whyte served as the body and stunt double for de la Tour in order to give the 8’6″ half-giant headmistress of Beauxbaxtons her large presence. He also returned for Deathly Hallows Part 1 for additional stuntwork. At 7’1″, Whyte has been a go-to for larger-than-life characters in an assortment of films and series, including Game of Thrones, Alien vs Predator, and Prometheus.

In The Force Awakens, Whyte was the stunt double for the original Chewbacca actor, Peter Mayhew. From there, the franchise trusted him to take on an assortment of space creatures, including Bollie Prindel, a Urodel Resistance pilot, in The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi; Vetch, an alien of Ferrix, in Andor; Moroff, the heavy-set, furry Gigoran mercenary in Rogue One; and Crusher Roodown, a massive, horned Unkar Plutt scavenger, in The Force Awakens. Though you may not recognize him physically, if you see a giant creature, it’s likely Whyte bringing it to life.

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If you associate summer flip-flops with cheap plastic, you’ve only skimmed the surface of the designer-like options that are out there. Refined silhouettes, sculpted leather soles, metallic finishes, braided straps . . . It’s no wonder rich moms are wearing these elevated flip-flop styles nonstop!

We rounded up the classiest, most ‘It’-girl-coded flip-flops, and they’re all secretly on Amazon. You’ll even find a style loved by Jennifer Aniston, so don’t skip around! Your new summer slip-ons are a few clicks away.

17 ‘It’ Girl Flip-Flops Dominating 2026

1. Our Favorite: A Tory Burch-looking medallion sits on the strap of these classy nude sandals (equipped with a padded footbed underneath). Designer aesthetic, $34 price tag.

2. Runner Up: Rhinestones give these sophisticated flip-flops a subtle sparkle while the yoga-mat footbed softens every step. They support your arches from the beach to brunch.

3. Literal Yoga Mats: These yoga mat sandals are exactly what they sound like, featuring squishy, plush cushioning and soft straps to keep you blister-free.

4. Sassy Square Toe: Round-toe flip-flops are basic! These square-toe slip-ons look much sharper with cropped denim.

5. Parisian Rich Mom: When you want a flip-flop that doesn’t look like a flip-flop, these crystal-embellished sandals are the answer. They feel more like jewelry than beachwear, instantly upgrading your outfit.

6. Beach-Friendly: Waterproof jelly construction ensures these gold, bow-embellished sandals are pool-proof. Rain, sand, chlorine — none of it phases the material.

Related: Skip Chunky Sneakers — These Rich Mom Walking Sandals Are Comfier

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‘Walking’ and ‘sandals’ might feel like contradictory terms, and for a while, they were. But it’s 2026. Designers have finally heard our wishes, creating chic walking sandals that deliver the support of sneakers with the style of summer. They’re still hard to come by, but we found 15 comfy sandals that effortlessly balance comfort and […]

7. Luxe Leopard: This leopard-print pair uses memory foam to combat flat-sandal fatigue while the print keeps them luxe. Style and support, finally!

8. All-White: White vegan leather, thin straps and a delicate bow make these understated sandals dressier than most beach shoes. Memory foam is just a bonus.

9. Celeb-Loved: These Havaianas Slim flip-flops in rose gold are Jennifer Aniston‘s go-to pick, so it’s no wonder they’re selling out in real time.

10. Expensive Aesthetic: Calvin Klein’s Crude flip-flops deliver minimalist branding and clean lines. They serve quiet luxury vibes without the four-figure price tag.

11. Braided Beauty: Pair some braided leather sandals with a maxi dress for dinner outside or a tee and shorts for Saturday errands. The textured details make them feel special

12. Arch Support: Orthopedic support hides inside these ultra-cushiony sandals, with a contoured footbed that targets plantar fasciitis. They look like flip-flops yet walk like sneakers.

13. Superstar Status: Studded rivets along the bow strap turn these classic jelly flip-flops into something more edgy than beachy.

14. Boho Twist: Large beaded stones give these boho-inspired sandals a handmade, vacation-souvenir feel. The round toe keeps them classic.

15. Trendy T-Strap: Slide on Dream Pairs’ shiny gold sandals with a black dress for rooftop dinners, or with white jeans for Friday lunches. They’re versatile in every way.

16. Oh-So Elevated: When flats feel too casual but stilettos are overkill, these kitten heel flip-flops are the perfect in-between. Two inches of lift, full sandal ease.

17. Super Light: Heavy beach sandals eat up suitcase space. These lightweight flip-flops fold into a packing cube and still make you look put together on the boardwalk.

Related: All the Amsterdam Cool Girls Wear These Laid-Back Summer Dress Styles

When I booked my trip to Amsterdam, I didn’t expect the city to be a hub for cool-girl fashion. But after spending a weekend in the capital, I’m convinced that it’s the definition of it. The most stylish gals wear sneakers, oversized sunnies and effortlessly chic dresses. I found 17 casual summer options that nail […]

“Summer House” star Ciara Miller is praising country singer Shaboozey after starring in his most recent music video, “Cowgirl.” The music video debuted a day ago and comes at a time of growing opportunities for Miller, both on and off screen.

Shaboozey teased Miller’s appearance in his “Cowgirl” music video weeks ago, and it finally debuted on June 5, 2026. The single is one of the tracks on the Grammy-winner’s upcoming album, “The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales.”

“Meditating on revenge, redemption, and romance, ‘Cowgirl’ is one of the compositions that predates many songs Shaboozey fans have already known and loved for years,” a description of the video reads, per PEOPLE.

In the video, Miller walks into a saloon and outdrinks a broad-shouldered cowboy before beating another in an arm wrestling match.

Across the bar, Miller is gaining the respect from the other patrons, including Shaboozey, who sings, “You a wild little cowgirl / I wanna see you dance / God d-mn.”

Ciara Miller Praises Shaboozey In New Social Media Post Following Appearance In ‘Cowgirl’ Music Video

Hours after the video’s release, Miller praised Shaboozey in a lengthy post on her Instagram Stories.

“I’ve always wanted to be in a country music video, so getting to be part of this felt surreal and like a lifelong dream come true,” she shared.

The Bravo reality star then thanked Shaboozey for working with her, adding that it was “incredible to watch such a clear, creative vision come to life.”

Miller went on to share how “grateful” she was for the opportunity, calling it “an experience I’ll never forget.”

Ciara Miller Teams Up With Country Singer Shaboozey After Being Blindsided By ‘Summer House’ Co-Stars’ Unexpected Relationship

Miller’s work with Shaboozey comes months after the 30-year-old became a trending topic. For those who may be unfamiliar, Miller was betrayed by her “Summer House” co-stars, Amanda Batula and West Wilson.

In March 2026, the pair announced their relationship with a joint statement on Instagram after weeks of intense speculation.

“We’ve seen the growing online speculation, so while this is still very new, we wanted to provide some clarity,” they wrote. “It was never our intention to purposely hide anything. Given the complicated relationship dynamics involved and the scrutiny that comes with being on a reality show, we need a little space to process things privately before speaking on it.”

The problem? Miller, Batula’s former best friend, dated Wilson in 2023. In seasons 8-10 of “Summer House,” Miller detailed their up-and-down relationship and was candid with the viewers about how the end of their dating relationship impacted her.

According to The Blast, Miller said she was “excited” to put the drama behind her, adding, “You know, we can say goodbye to certain things.”

‘Summer House’ Reunion Continues Next Week On Bravo

Before Miller can say goodbye to the drama, though, she has to get through the show’s explosive three-part reunion.

The Blast reported about the super teaser, which showed Miller explaining to Batula how hurt she was by her, considering she’s been her “champion” for six years.

“I couldn’t fathom that I would be sitting here pissed that you’re f–king my ex,” she said. “He wants to embarrass me. He wants to get his last little words in. And I hope it works, because he’s with you to spite me.”

Also, during the reunion, Miller told host Andy Cohen that she believed Batula and Wilson would work out because of Batula’s insecurities.

“I honestly think that the best, like, woman for West is, like, someone who’s not gonna check him on anything, and that’s totally Amanda,” she said. “She’s very mute. She’s gonna be that weak figure that he needs, and he can always be the star in the relationship. So, I actually think, like, maybe it could work.”

Kerry Washington Is ‘Team Ciara’

The “Summer House” drama is crossing into new territory beyond Bravo, as esteemed actress Kerry Washington from “Scandal” and “Django Unchained” recently shared that she was “Team Ciara.” And if that wasn’t enough, she emphasized her point by adding, “Obviously.”

Morgan Wallen has canceled his second show in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, following his viral on-stage incident involving a piano.

“After talking with local officials and my team, there is no choice but to cancel tonight’s show due to severe adverse weather conditions expected throughout the rest of the day and night,” Wallen, 33, announced via his Instagram Stories on Saturday, June 6. “Safety for my fans and crew is the highest priority.”

The country music star concluded by reminding fans, “Refunds available at point of purchase.”

Wallen was scheduled to perform at Pittsburgh’s Acrisure Stadium Saturday night before the concert was ultimately cancelled. WTAE meteorologist Jill Szwed told local outlet TribLive earlier that morning that “scattered thunderstorms” were expected in the area.

Related: Morgan Wallen Apologizes for Abruptly Canceled Show, Gives Health Update

Back on the horse. Morgan Wallen apologized to fans who were impacted by his last-minute concert cancellation as he prepared to return to tour. “What’s up, everybody? I just wanted to let you know I am in Jacksonville, [Florida],” the 29-year-old country singer said in a video shared via his Instagram Story on Thursday, May […]

“It is what it is,” Nate Lynch, a fan who had tickets to the now-cancelled show — part of the singer’s 23-stadium Still The Problem Tour — told TribLive following Wallen’s announcement. “You can’t control Mother Nature. It’s fortunate we’re going to be able to get our tickets refunded.”

Wallen’s canceled performance comes a little over one week after the singer raised eyebrows for flipping over a piano on-stage and mid-performance at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, seemingly frustrated over tech issues.

In footage shared via social media and multiple news outlets, the musician appeared unable to hear the instrument through his ear piece during a performance of his hit song “Sand In My Boots.” The singer ultimately sang the tune a capella.

Us Weekly reached out to representatives for Wallen for comment at the time but did not hear back.

“Hey, I just want you guys to know that right now the piano is working,” the singer told fans while tapping the keys of a piano, breaking his silence in a video shared via TikTok in the wake of the viral incident. “That’s what they told me last night, too.”

The country music star captioned the video, “Can’t you tell I’m so distraught over my piano?”

Related: Morgan Wallen Jokes About Ole Miss Concert, 1 Year After Canceling Show

John Shearer/Getty Images Morgan Wallen poked fun at his vocal ability ahead of taking the stage at Ole Miss this weekend — two weeks after his arrest and a year after canceling a previous concert at the University of Mississippi. The musician, 30, performed at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on Saturday, April 20, in Oxford, Mississippi, after […]

Fans responded to the viral moment and the country singer’s cheeky response in the comments section.
“I love seeing you clap back,” one fan wrote.

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“Hah! I was there … great concert!” another commented.

Others voiced their disapproval of the singer’s behavior.

“Grown professional if you can believe it,” one wrote, while another added, “From chairs in the streets to Nashville to flipping pianos. Wow, anger management may help. What a baby.” (Wallen was arrested in May 2020 for public intoxication and disorderly conduct while partying at Kid Rock’s Nashville bar, Big Honky Tonk. Wallen was later cleared of both charges and apologized for his actions via X, then known as Twitter.)

Heather Locklear and Lorenzo Lamas are one of Hollywood’s most surprising couples of 2026 — and their love story took more than four decades to develop.

From a steamy 1983 magazine cover to a New Year’s Eve reconnection in Las Vegas, here’s a chronological look at how the actors’ surprising romance unfolded:

Heather Locklear and Lorenzo Lamas First Meet in 1983

Locklear and Lamas first crossed paths in 1983, posing together for the cover of Playgirl magazine. At the time, both stars were at the peak of their careers — Locklear starred on Dynasty, while Lamas appeared on Falcon Crest. The joint photo shoot famously featured Locklear in a bikini and Lamas in a Speedo.

“I cannot believe that this was 43 years ago! Side note, speedos on request only,” Lamas tweeted in December 2025, reflecting on the now-iconic shoot.

Heather Locklear and Lorenzo Lamas Reconnect on New Year’s Eve 2025

More than four decades after their first meeting, the actors reconnected over the holiday season.

The pair celebrated New Year’s Eve together in December 2025 at the Circa Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, where they were photographed alongside chef Barry Dakake at his steakhouse inside the resort.

Locklear and Lamas’ reunion came nearly one year after Locklear ended her five-year engagement to high school sweetheart Chris Heisser.

“Heather is single and she’s ready to date again,” an insider exclusively told Us Weekly in May 2025, adding that Locklear was “focusing on herself” and “doing really well.”

Heather Locklear and Lorenzo Lamas Confirm Their Romance in April 2026

In April 2026, a rep for Lamas confirmed to Us that the actor and Locklear “are seeing each other.” The duo made their public debut at the 2026 Chiller Theatre Expo, a horror and sci-fi convention, in New Jersey.

“I’ve been through a lot of trial and error, and she is the most amazing woman that I think I’ve ever met,” Lamas told Fox News Digital after attending the convention with Locklear.

When asked if he ever expected his relationship with Locklear to come full circle, the Renegade star simply replied, “The short answer is no.”

Lorenzo Lamas’ Daughter Shayne Welcomes Heather Locklear to the Family

Shayne publicly endorsed her father’s romance in May 2026 with a Mother’s Day Instagram tribute to Locklear.

“Beautiful Heather, I adore you. The generous, loving, gracious energy you have makes you a very rare woman,” Shayne wrote via Instagram. “Watching your relationship with my dad genuinely makes me believe [that] one’s true love will be one’s lasting love.”

Locklear responded warmly in the comments section, “Beautiful soul, thank you and happy Mothers Day! Your children are so wonderful which shows what a tremendous mom you are. Your dad is the same💘.”

Heather Locklear Brings Lorenzo Lamas to Her Daughter Ava’s Wedding

Us reported later in May 2026 that the couple traveled to Montecito, California,to attend the wedding of Locklear’s daughter, Ava Sambora, to Tyler Farrar at the Rosewood Miramar. (Ava is Locklear’s daughter from her marriage to Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora.)

“Lorenzo is a quiet guy and let her have her moment as the mother of the bride on such a big day,” an eyewitness told Us. “She was proud holding his hand and he was proud holding her hand. They were all smiles.” The source added of the couple, “They are the real deal.”

Heather Locklear Opens Up About Their Romance

Locklear broke her silence on her relationship during a June 2026 episode of the “Hollywood & Divine” podcast.

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“My new guy is very … everything,” the Melrose Place alum gushed. “I’m just like, when I tell this person I love him, I’m really saying, ‘I love you, God.’ Because that’s what happened. It’s from God.”

She added simply, “I’m [in] the best time [of my life].”

This story was compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.