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The Johnny Depp Crime Drama That Will Break Your Heart

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The Johnny Depp Crime Drama That Will Break Your Heart

By Kevin C. Neece
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Donnie Brasco

Johnny Depp’s 1997 mafia film Donnie Brasco tells the story of an FBI agent who infiltrates a crime family in the 1970s, and the emotional conflict within which he finds himself.

That conflict is rooted in the heartbreaking difficulty of betrayal the agent experiences after he befriends and wins the trust of a person who will almost certainly end up dead because of the scheme.

In the film, Johnny Depp plays Joe Pistone, a young FBI agent who poses as jewel thief Donnie Brasco in order to infiltrate the Bonanno crime family in New York. The movie is based on the 1988 book Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia by the real Joseph D. Pistone and Richard Woodley.

Creative Liberties Were Taken

While the book relates Pistone’s accounts of his real-life undercover operation, the film fictionalizes the story quite a bit and ends up loosely based on its source material.

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Al Pacino as Lefty Ruggiero in Donnie Brasco

Appearing alongside Johnny Depp is Al Pacino as Lefty Ruggiero, an enforcer for the Bonanno crime family who befriends and vouches for Pistone as Brasco. The story focuses on the relationship between the two men as Pistone becomes increasingly uncomfortable with the looming end result of his goals. The film and its screenplay by Paul Attanasio were widely praised upon its 1997 theatrical release.

Long before he became associated with Captain Jack Sparrow, Johnny Depp was riding his career’s first wave of success, following his roles in Edward Scissorhands (1990), Benny & Joon (1993), and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? (1993).

Depp had also won a London Film Critics’ Circle Actor of the Year award for his performance in Ed Wood the previous year. Already showing the diversity of his talent, the actor was moving seamlessly between fantasy, comedy, and drama, with his taste for the weird and wacky on full display.

Johnny Depp as Joe Pistone in Donnie Brasco

Johnny Depp showed yet another side to himself in Donnie Brasco, compellingly leading a serious crime drama that nonetheless tells a heart-rending human story. His performance in the film was widely praised by critics who noted the believability and grace in his exploration of the role, but this success followed a rather winding production road for the film.

Development And Casting Were Crucial

Long before Johnny Depp or Al Pacino became involved with the project, the film rights were purchased by Louis DiGiaimo, who had known Joseph D. Pistone since their childhood years. DiGiamo was a casting director for Barry Levinson and brought the property to the attention of producers Gail Mutrux and Mark Johnson, and Levinson’s Baltimore Pictures. Paul Attanasio was brought on to write the script with Stephen Frears set to direct.

In 1990, the year of Johnny Depp’s breakout in Edward Scissorhands, Martin Scorsese also released his now-classic mob movie, Goodfellas, causing the film’s production to be pushed back. As the film languished in development for a few years, Frears eventually left the project, with Mike Newell stepping in as director. In 1996, development finally moved forward with Pacino cast as Lefty, a casting for which Frears had long advocated.

Pistone himself was brought on as a character development consultant for the two leads. Rounding out the primary cast were Michael Madsen as Sonny Black, Bruno Kirby as Nicky Santora, James Russo as Paulie, and Anne Heche as Maggie Pistone. The film premiered in the US in February of 1997 with a UK release that May.

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Depp’s Range On Full Display

While Johnny Depp is best known for more cartoonish roles like Captain Jack Sparrow, revisiting his grounded turn in Donnie Brasco shows just how nuanced and engaging his performance can be. Even his broad comedic roles are built on the same thoughtful approach he brings to playing Joe Pistone.

Donnie Brasco serves as a great reminder of why Depp became a star in the first place, and it’s currently available to watch on-demand through YouTube, Fandango at Home, and Prime Video.


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Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau Are All Smiles on Dinner Date

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Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau prove they are still going strong — and don’t feel their ages — with a recent date night snap.

“How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?” Perry, 41, captioned a series of Instagram photos on Friday, March 27.

The caption appeared to be tailored to Perry’s first picture of the couple out to dinner. In the photo, Perry and Trudeau, 54, are both holding up their phones to show their “biological ages” after taking a quiz together.

The “Roar” singer’s result revealed that she is 33.1 years old, which is more than eight years younger than her calendar age. Trudeau’s number was 43, 11 years younger than his real age.

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Katy Perry Holds Hands With Justin Trudeau on Paris Date for Her Birthday


Related: Katy Perry Holds Hands With Justin Trudeau in 1st Major Appearance

Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau took their romance to the City of Light for a very special date. The former Canadian Prime Minister, 53, was filmed holding hands with the “Dark Horse” singer following a date in Paris for her 41st birthday on Saturday, October 25. Footage published by TMZ showed Perry wearing a sleek […]

Both Perry and Trudeau had big grins on their faces, with the singer closing her eyes and smiling after realizing they both have young spirits.

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The rest of Perry’s photo recap included pictures of her skiing with daughter Daisy, 5, whom she shares with ex-fiancé Orlando Bloom, and getting custom cowboy boots made for her little girl.

The sweet upload comes less than one year after Perry and the former Canadian prime minister were first spotted out to dinner together in July 2025.

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Related: Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau Cuddle Up in New Selfie: ‘Tokyo Times on Tour’

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Katy Perry and former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau are Instagram official. “Tokyo times on tour and more,” Perry, 41, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, December 6, sharing a slew of photos in Japan. In one photo, Trudeau, 53, snapped a selfie with Perry as they took in the fall foliage. A second clip, meanwhile, […]

A source exclusively told Us Weekly at the time that Perry and Trudeau — who shares kids Xavier, 18, Ella Grace, 17, and Hadrien, 11, with ex-wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau — were “definitely” on a date when they were seen in Montreal, Canada.

The musician kept the start of her relationship with Trudeau quiet for months before they were seen packing on the PDA and kissing during an October 2025 yacht trip off the coast of Santa Barbara, California.

“She’s very happy,” an insider told Us at the time. “She’s trying to keep it low-key, and they’ve spent a lot of private time together. She’s not looking to publicize this relationship.”

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Related: Katy Perry Snuggles Up to Justin Trudeau in New Holiday Photo Dump

Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau are still going strong. Perry, 41, took to Instagram on Wednesday, January 7, and shared a photo of herself leaning in to kiss Trudeau, 54, during a seaside vacation. The former prime minister of Canada sported a big smile, dark sunglasses and a white T-shirt.  “Holidaze ♥️,” Perry captioned the […]

The twosome ended 2025 with a very public outing, meeting with former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during a trip to Japan that December.

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To kick off the new year, Perry gave fans a glimpse at her romance with Trudeau and the time they shared over the holidays.

“Holidaze ♥️,” Perry captioned the Instagram post in January, sharing a photo of herself leaning to kiss Trudeau.

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Earlier this month, Perry once again featured Trudeau in a photo dump.

“You are the treasure you seek,” she captioned the Instagram snaps, which included a silly selfie of Perry and Trudeau taken from below.

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Taylor Frankie Paul posts — then deletes — message about her 'life line' amid domestic assault investigation

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“Thank you to every check in, call, prayer sent” the “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star wrote in her Instagram Stories.

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Ex-“George ”magazine staffer 'sobbed' watching “Love Story ”finale: 'That horrible lingering question'

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Lisa DePaulo said she “dreaded” how “Love Story” would recreate JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette’s final moments.

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Hudson Williams, Dylan O'Brien to maximize their joint fandom, will costar in thriller about 'handheld massagers'

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The film will mark one of Williams’ first new projects since “Heated Rivalry” debuted last year.

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Corey Feldman addresses being left out of Rob Reiner Oscars tribute: 'Family reunion I wasn't invited to' (exclusive)

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Feldman speaks to EW in a reunion interview with “Stand by Me” costars Jerry O’Connell and Wil Wheaton: “All very destroyed” by Reiner’s death.

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Did “Love Story ”just address the infamous 'Kennedy curse'?

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The notion of a curse has haunted the political dynasty for decades.

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King Charles Urged To Help Harry And Meghan Before They ‘Crash And Burn’

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King Charles III and Camilla Queen Consort, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Duchess of Sussex seen at Wellington Arch.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are under renewed scrutiny as debates continue over their future roles and business direction.

Now, a proposed “half-in, half-out” royal arrangement has resurfaced, while the couple continues to struggle as they pursue independent ventures in Hollywood.

Ex-Vanity Fair editor-in-chief, Tina Brown, is now calling on King Charles to step in and assist Prince Harry and Meghan before things go south for the Montecito-based royals.

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King Charles Advised To Act Quickly As Concerns Grow Over Prince Harry And Meghan’s Future

King Charles III and Camilla Queen Consort, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Duchess of Sussex seen at Wellington Arch.
WPA-Pool/ MEGA

A royal commentator has warned that Harry and Meghan could “crash and burn” unless King Charles intervenes with a new arrangement.

Tina Brown, the former editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair, argues that the couple would benefit from a revised role within the monarchy, something similar to the “half-in, half-out” model Harry had previously proposed.

According to Brown, their current financial partnerships, including deals with streaming platforms, may not be as stable as before, making such a shift increasingly important.

She suggested that rather than watching the situation unfold negatively, the royal family should take a more proactive approach.

“The Sussexes’ revenue streams are starting to dry up,” Brown noted in her recent Substack piece. “Before the Sussexes crash and burn, the House of Windsor needs to put aside schadenfreude and grip the problem. Give Harry and Meghan a limited international role.”

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She believes assigning Harry and Meghan limited international responsibilities could offer a practical solution.

Her comments come amid speculation that major media partners may be reconsidering their focus, potentially turning attention toward other senior royals like Prince William and Kate Middleton.

The Sussexes Face Questions Over Future Roles As Royals’

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Project Healthy Minds World Mental Health Day Gala
Steven Bergman/AFF-USA.COM / MEGA

There have also been rumors that Meghan could return to acting, given her past success in series like “Suits” and “Fringe.”

However, according to The Mirror, some observers are suggesting that she and Harry might instead re-engage with royal-style duties, particularly in a charitable or global capacity.

The couple stepped back from official royal responsibilities in 2020 to build a life in California, but ongoing controversies surrounding the royal family have kept discussions about reform alive.

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One idea that continues to surface is whether a flexible role for Harry and Meghan could work.

Queen Elizabeth with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry the Royal Family watch the RAF100 flypast
James Whatling / MEGA

Royal correspondent Jennie Bond previously questioned why a compromise wasn’t possible, asking, “Could it not have worked, half in, half out? He is the spare; he isn’t going to be King, so why couldn’t they have worked out some sort of compromise?”

Bond noted that Harry is a “natural with the crowds: funny, informal, charming,” and the positive reception he often receives during appearances.

Still, a key concern remains: balancing any royal duties with independent commercial ventures.

Despite stepping away from formal roles, Harry and Meghan are expected to travel to Australia soon, where they will take part in philanthropic activities similar to those typically carried out by working members of the royal family.

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Meghan Markle Is Still Laser-Focused On Growing Her Business

Meghan Markle at Invictus Games 2023, day 6, Dusseldorf, Germany - 15 Sept 2023
MEGA

Meanwhile, outlets like The Telegraph and Daily Mail revealed that Meghan has filed for 12 trademarks in Australia for her lifestyle brand, As Ever, in September 2024, with approvals granted in June 2025.

A spokesperson clarified that these filings are standard practice, noting that Australia is just one of several regions where the brand has been registered.

Records show that As Ever spans a wide range of categories, including skincare, pet products, candles, gardening tools, and digital media such as films, TV content, podcasts, and educational programs.

The brand also extends into jewelry, stationery, furniture, yoga equipment, and hospitality services involving food, drink, and short-term stays.

Additional filings show expansion into outdoor décor, craft materials, and food items, particularly spreads like jams, which are a signature part of Meghan’s lifestyle line.

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The brand also includes sauces, non-alcoholic cocktail mixers, and alcoholic drinks (excluding beer), as well as services tied to online broadcasting, content creation, and customizable digital tools for printable stationery.

As Ever To Grow Independently After Parting Ways With Netflix

Meghan Markle attend the Commonwealth Service with the Royal family
James Whatling / MEGA

Earlier this month, it was reported that As Ever and Netflix were going their separate ways, with representatives for both sides confirming that the brand will continue operating independently.

A spokesperson for As Ever expressed appreciation for the collaboration, noting that the partnership with Netflix supported the brand through its launch and first year.

They noted that the company has experienced meaningful and rapid growth, and As Ever is now ready to stand on its own, with plans for further expansion in the coming months.

Someone close to the project described this period as a major turning point, explaining that “Meghan is building with her team and enjoying the creative fulfillment that comes with creating a brand that’s so close to the life she authentically lives.”

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They added: “This year is really about establishing the brand and scaling it.”

A Netflix Source Addressed Claims About A Split From Meghan’s Brand

Prince Harry And Meghan Markle On Stage At One805 Live 2025
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

In a statement to People Magazine, a Netflix representative said the transition had always been part of the plan.

They emphasized that Meghan’s vision, centered on bringing beauty and simplicity to everyday life, was the driving force behind the creation of As Ever, and that Netflix was pleased to have helped bring it to market.

The spokesperson added that Meghan will now take the brand into its next phase independently, while Netflix looks forward to seeing how it continues to grow and resonate with audiences worldwide.

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Kristin Cavallari Avoids Wardrobe Mishap at Laguna Beach Event

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Laguna Beach alum Kristin Cavallari nearly had a wardrobe malfunction but luckily, her ex Stephen Colletti was around to help.

Cavallari, 39, rocked a nearly identical dress to the one she wore in the reality show’s first episode during the premiere event for The Reunion: Laguna Beach. Cavallari paid homage to her past look at the Thursday, March 26, gathering by rocking a white mini dress. Her frock featured a strapless neckline, a fitted bodice and a tight skirt equipped with a cowl waist.

A now-viral clip shared by StyleCaster posted on Friday, March 27, showed the reality star trying to sit down in her dress, but struggling because it was too short. That’s when Colletti, 40, held up a pillow to cover her backside. Lauren Conrad also used her dress to cover up Cavallari while she readjusted herself.

Fans shared their reactions in the comments section. “They don’t make guys like them anymore,” one wrote, while a second added, “Stephen with the modesty pillow!!” A third gushed, “I love this.”

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Kristin Cavallari Teases Her Outfit Ahead of Laguna Beach Reunion GettyImages 2221527012


Related: Kristin Cavallari Teases ‘Laguna Beach’ Reunion Outfit Ahead of Special

Kristin Cavallari is making waves — and we’re not just talking about the oceanfront drama of Laguna Beach. The reality TV star, 38, dropped a sneak peek of her Laguna Beach reunion look and it’s giving still the queen bee energy. In a mirror selfie shared via Instagram Stories on Tuesday, October 7, Cavallari posed […]

Cavallari accessorized with a black choker to get more into the Y2K spirit. For glam, she donned a full beat including dewy skin, brown eyelash, long lashes and pink lips. Her platinum blonde hair was parted down the middle and styled in loose curls.

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She opened up about her outfit choice via Instagram before hitting the red carpet. “Tonight I was like, ‘I have to wear a white dress, and it has to be similar,’” she explained while holding the number out. “So, it’s like an elevated dress from the original.”

In the show’s first episode, Cavallari attended a black-and-white party in a nearly identical look, arriving in a strapless white dress with a fitted top. At the time, she parted her hair to the side and wore her mane down and straightened.

Kristin Cavallari Rewears Same Dress She Wore on 1st Episode of Laguna Beach
MTV; Todd Williamson/JanuaryImages

Following the premiere, Cavallari shared a photo of her look via Instagram. “Someone said Laguna Beach is back….and that means the black choker is too @uncommonjames,” she captioned the post.

Fans shared their thoughts on her look via X on Thursday. “One more [method] of dressing this year. The archive makes its presence felt once again,” one wrote, while a second added, “The iconic white dress! Can’t wait to see the reunion.” A third praised, “She’s fantastic.”

Cavallari starred on seasons 1 and 2 of Laguna Beach, which followed her high school life and friendships.

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HBO’s Best 7-Part Crime Thriller Just Made a Stellar Addition to Its Next Season

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HBO's Best 7-Part Crime Thriller Just Made a Stellar Addition to Its Next Season

Task likely would have gone down in history as one of HBO’s best miniseries, but it was surprisingly picked up for a second season that will see Mark Ruffalo reprise his role as FBI Agent Tom Brandis. Although Season 1 ends with Brandis only beginning his path of healing, it also concludes with the climactic death of Robbie Prendergrast (Tom Pelphrey), a criminal who was dealing with his own personal family issues. Task was always going to face high expectations because of the dichotomy between Robbie and Brandis, which evolves beyond a simple cat-and-mouse game between two men on opposite sides of the law. However, the recent announcement that two-time Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali would be joining the second season suggests that showrunner Brad Ingelsby has another masterpiece on his hands.

While details about where Task Season 2 will go are minimal, Ali is set to play new character Eddie Barnes, a respected DEA agent who leads his own team. Since the first season featured a face-off between Brandis’ task force and Robbie’s crew, it would make sense to add another character who leads their own unit. That an actor of Ali’s quality would sign up for a continuing series indicates that Ingelsby has something very special in mind for the future of Task. While Brandis’ superior, Kathleen McGinty (Martha Plimpton), and the traitorous detective Anthony Grasso (Fabien Frankel) may very well be returning, the inclusion of a potential new nemesis for Ruffalo’s character will take Task in a different direction.

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Mahershala Ali Needs a Role Like HBO’s ‘Task’

Ali is a brilliant actor who has unfortunately not been onscreen as often as his talents deserve due to the unusual development hell surrounding the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s version of Blade; after several directors departed the project and the script was reworked, Ali’s superhero project appears to be dead. Ali isn’t well-served by disappointing blockbuster fare like Jurassic World Rebirth, but he has already proven himself to be well-suited for an HBO series. True Detective was an interesting case in which Ali revamped the anthology show and built back its credibility, which had been eroded after the second season failed to match expectations. Inserting him into a show like Task, which already has an established ensemble of great actors, means that he will have even more space to develop a compelling character.


Mark Ruffalo’s HBO Crime Drama Just Broke a Major Television Rule With Its Latest Episode

We never thought these two would cross paths so soon.

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Ali’s character is a logical addition because the season finale of Task leaves several unanswered questions regarding the different criminal organizations involved in the stashhouse that Robbie had stolen from. Even if the money is safely in the hands of his family, the Dark Hearts are still operating, which may explain why the DEA could be involved in the situation. Season 1 revealed that Tom is an inherently skeptical character who is generally unwilling to share responsibility with others, as he was initially dubious about commanding his own task unit; his confidence has likely been shaken further after Grasso’s betrayal. The conflict between the DEA and FBI, who may have different goals when it comes to the criminal situation in Pennsylvania, would seemingly be the complication that Task needs in order to develop into a more expansive series moving forward. Since the first season was so eloquent in fleshing out the backstories for both Robbie and Brandis, there’s an opportunity for Ali to offer an equally compelling story for Eddie that would explain his relevance to the story.

HBO’s ‘Task’ Can Sustain Its Quality Through Expanding Its Cast

The presence of a character like Ali’s Eddie would indicate that Task Season 2 is picking up on an interesting thread from Season 1 regarding the unreliable nature of law enforcement. Beyond Grasso’s role as an informant for the Dark Hearts, it’s hinted that the other members of the FBI can’t be trusted, which is why Tom needs to lock down his own unit. The DEA may have completely different motivations that have less to do with bringing the criminals to justice and more with the seizure of drugs. At the same time, the detail that Eddie is a “well-respected” member of the community would imply he is perceived very differently from Tom, who has kept his private life a secret after dealing with a personal tragedy. Tom’s reputation might be under fire even more in the next season, given that he had allowed Maeve (Emilia Jones) to leave the state without facing any further investigations.

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The addition of a robust supporting cast is essential to Task because the show created a thoughtful balance of established names and rising stars. While Ruffalo was obviously a big draw in Season 1, the series also helped to highlight newer talents like Sam Keeley and Alison Oliver. Ali is the type of universally respected actor who can sustain viewer interest in Task, giving it more opportunities to bring in emerging stars with the potential of being breakouts. It also proves that Task‘s renewal was not an impromptu decision based on the positive reaction to Season 1, but part of a plan that Ingelsby had from the beginning; if the writing for Season 2 is strong enough that one of the greatest living actors wants to be involved, then there is even more reason to believe in the future of Task.

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Hottest Rising Stars in Media

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Hottest Rising Stars in Media

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