New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns reached out for some divine intervention before a key play in Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals.

“I needed a stop,” Towns, 30, joked during a post-game ESPN interview following the Knicks’ 105-104 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, June 6.

Towns was shown on camera looking up to the heavens in a dramatic moment before his team’s final defensive play. The Knicks ultimately pulled out a squeaker victory in Game 2 when the Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama failed to sink a jumper due to Mitchell Robinson’s blocking.

During the post-game interview, Towns clarified that he’d prayed for help from his late mother Jackie Cruz-Towns, who died at age 58 in April 2020 due to complications from COVID-19.

“It’s amazing as you go through life, you lose a parent, you just look for signs. I’ll take any sign I can get and I prayed to her strong before that possession,” he explained. “A great player got a great shot, it just didn’t go in. It’s great defense. Shout-out to Mitch, shout-out to our team. But I take it as a sign my mom was here with me so I appreciate her so much.”

Towns has frequently credited his mom with watching over him throughout the NBA Finals. Before Game 1, Towns told reporters that he “just felt a calm and a peace that I know had to come from the woman above.”

He also speculated on what it would have meant for his mom to see him make it to the NBA Finals because of her own story as an immigrant.

“It means a lot for my mother when she emigrated from DR [Dominican Republic] to New York,” he said. “Saw Madison Square Garden for the first time and saw the energy the city has for MSG and the Knicks.”

Towns revealed in March 2020 that both of his parents had tested positive for COVID-19. While the NBA star’s father, Karl Towns Sr., ultimately recovered, his mother’s health declined and she suffered a stroke.

Following her death, Karl-Anthony shared in a November 2020 vlog that he “pulled the plug” on his late mom when it was clear she would not recuperate.

“At that moment I pulled the plug and just let her pass,” Towns recalled. “They told me she may be alive another hour, maybe two.”

He remembered that Jackie eventually drifted into unconsciousness as family members spoke to her remotely via video calls.

“She was sent off with laughter,” he noted.

Karl-Anthony confessed at the time that he’d temporarily put his own grief on the back-burner to help his family deal with such an immense loss.

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“I think for me, I think if I was to say how am I coping and how am I healing from this, I’m trying to heal myself through others,” he explained. “I’m trying to do as much as I can for my sister and my father. Trying to take care of my friends, and I’m trying to heal myself through them.”

He added, “It’s helped, but I think that one day, and I know it’s creeping up, I feel it every day, it’s gonna creep up and I’m going to have to find a way to deal with it, actually. That’s why I wanted to do this [vlog]. I thought this would be therapeutic for me to admit that these things are real and how I feel is real and being able to try to find some normalcy. Life is a game, and I’m just playing one chess piece at a time.”

Karl-Anthony has experienced much happier times in recent years. In addition to making it to the 2026 NBA Finals, he announced his engagement to Jordyn Woods on Christmas Day in 2025 after five years of dating.

Richard Childress spoke out for the first time following his NASCAR driver Kyle Busch’s shocking death at age 41.

“Kyle will go down in history as one of the greatest race drivers that’s ever been,” Childress, 80, told reporters at the Michigan International Speedway on Saturday, June 6, per the Associated Press. “His legacy is that he was a man that a lot of people thought he was tough to deal with, and that he wouldn’t last long. He is a man that loves his sport.”

Busch spent the final three seasons of his career racing in the NASCAR Cup Series for Richard Childress Racing (RCR). On May 20, Busch became unresponsive in Concord, North Carolina, while preparing for that weekend’s competition and was hospitalized.

NASCAR confirmed hours later on May 21 that the driver had died at age 41. (A death certificate obtained by Us Weekly confirmed that Busch suffered a “chain of events” in his final days, as bacterial pneumonia progressed into sepsis and intravascular coagulation, or small clots. By the time Busch died, he’d developed hemorrhagic shock due to blood loss.)

At Saturday’s press conference, Childress likened Busch’s death to that of NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt Sr., who was killed at age 49 in a February 2001 crash. (Earnhardt spent 18 seasons on the RCR team.)

“You lose two of the greatest drivers that’s ever driven a car in NASCAR and to have to go through it again,” Childress told the media. “I just feel so bad for the family and the employees and everybody. But yeah, I mean, I haven’t slept very good lately.”

He reflected on his final phone call with Kyle the night before his hospitalization, revealing that he’d planned to offer the driver a contract extension.

Childress also said that he wanted to help Kyle guide the amateur racing career of his 11-year-old son Brexton Busch in hopes of the boy turning pro one day. (Richard Childress Racing announced on May 22 that it will retire Kyle’s No. 8 car unless Brexton chooses to race professionally some day.)

“Talking to Kyle at different times, knowing his plans and what he had in the future for Brexton and his family,” Childress said. “The many things that we all could have done together, that was probably the toughest part of this whole thing.”

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Earlier this week, Kyle’s wife Samantha Busch — with whom he shared Brexton and daughter Lennix, 4 — paid tribute to her late husband’s legacy in her first statement since his death.

“As a family, we wanted to take a moment to say thank you,” Samantha, 40, wrote via Instagram on Friday, June 5. “The prayers, messages, flowers, meals, hugs, and countless acts of kindness have carried us through the most heartbreaking days of our lives. While our hearts are absolutely shattered, we have felt God’s presence and arms wrapped tightly around us through each and every one of you.”

She wrote, “The love that has surrounded our family during this unimaginable time has brought comfort in the middle of so much pain. Knowing the impact Kyle had on others and seeing how they are honoring him through each unique act of generosity is a true testament to how special Kyle is to so many people. There are moments when the weight of this loss feels impossible to carry, yet time and time again God, through you all, has shown us we are not alone.”

Halle Berry and ex-partner Gabriel Aubry put their complicated history aside this week for an important family milestone. The Oscar-winning actress was spotted attending daughter Nahla’s high school graduation in Los Angeles on Thursday, where she appeared to have an awkward run-in with Aubry, her former partner and the father of her now-18-year-old daughter.

The former couple split in April 2010 when Nahla was just 2 years old and later found themselves locked in a years-long child support battle. Despite their rocky history, Halle Berry and Gabriel Aubry came together to celebrate their daughter’s big accomplishment.

According to the Daily Mail, Berry arrived at the ceremony with fiancé Van Hunt by her side. The couple, who have been together since 2020, appeared in good spirits for the special occasion.

Though the former couple’s interaction appeared somewhat awkward, both parents showed up to support Nahla as she marked the major milestone ahead of college.

Berry Previously Celebrated Nahla’s College Acceptance

The graduation comes months after Berry proudly celebrated Nahla’s early college acceptance on social media. Back in October, the actress shared a sweet Instagram video featuring a pink cake that read, “You did it, Nahla!!”

“Congratulations to my sweet angel Nahla for her early college acceptance,” Berry wrote at the time, though she did not reveal where her daughter plans to attend school.

Berry previously opened up about Nahla preparing for college during an appearance on “Today” in June 2025. “She’s 17. She’s going to a college summer program, the college that she’s hoping to go to next year,” Berry said.

While admitting she will naturally worry about her daughter leaving home, the actress said she is equally excited for Nahla’s future. “I’m not one of these moms that feels like, ‘Oh, she’s leaving.’ Yes, will I worry? Of course,” she said. “But am I excited for her to start her life and figure out who she’s gonna be? Absolutely. I’m dying to see who she’s gonna be and what she’s gonna do and what she’ll discover.”

Halle Berry And Aubry’s Child Support Battle Made Headlines

While Berry and Aubry’s relationship ended more than a decade ago, legal battles between the former pair stretched on for years after their split. In 2014, Berry was ordered by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge to pay Aubry $16,000 per month in child support, along with a lump sum payment of $115,000.

Years later, the actress successfully had the monthly amount reduced to $8,000 in 2021, though she was also ordered to pay an additional 4.3 percent of any annual income exceeding $1.95 million. Court filings obtained by the Daily Mail in May 2023 later revealed Berry managed to cap that amount at $4.5 million.

Berry also shares son Maceo with ex-husband Olivier Martinez, whom she was also ordered to pay $8,000 per month in child support, in addition to 4.3% of any income she receives over $2 million.

Berry And Olivier Martinez Previously Spoke Out About Divorce

Berry’s split from Olivier Martinez also made headlines after the former couple officially filed for divorce in October 2015 following two years of marriage. At the time, the pair released a joint statement to PEOPLE addressing the difficult decision. “It is with a heavy heart that we have come to the decision to divorce,” they said. “We move forward with love and respect for one another and the shared focus of what is best for our son.”

The former couple also emphasized their desire for privacy as they navigated the breakup. “We wish each other nothing but happiness in life and we hope that you respect our and, most importantly, our children’s privacy as we go through this difficult period,” they said.

Halle Berry Said Van Hunt Changed Her Perspective On Motherhood

Years after her split from Martinez, Berry opened up about how her relationship with her fiancé, Van Hunt, has positively influenced both her personal life and her parenting.

During a 2021 interview with Women’s Health for the magazine’s December cover story, the actress reflected on finding happiness with Hunt after years of high-profile relationships. “I just feel fulfilled. I feel happy in my life romantically, as a mother, as an artist,” Berry said of her relationship with Hunt.

The Oscar winner explained that finding a healthier romantic dynamic ultimately made her feel like a better parent. “I’m a much better mother in this circumstance than I would have been had I stayed in a romantic relationship that didn’t serve me and didn’t make me feel the way I need to feel as a woman,” she shared.

Berry also stressed the importance of prioritizing personal happiness, explaining how it directly impacts her role as a mother. “I’m reminded that we always have to take care of ourselves first, because I can’t be a good mother for my children if I’m not fundamentally happy and feeling good about myself,” she added.

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

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  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.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s rumored wedding plans may have just taken an unexpected turn, and fans could reportedly be part of the celebration. According to a new report, the superstar couple may be planning a massive New York City wedding, with one iconic venue reportedly emerging as a frontrunner. If true, the reported location could potentially open the door for thousands of fans to join in on the excitement surrounding the highly anticipated event.

According to the Daily Mail, a source claimed Swift and Kelce are expected to tie the knot at Madison Square Garden on Friday, July 3. The insider alleged the couple decided to “embrace the spectacle” by choosing the legendary venue, which is best known for hosting concerts and sporting events and can reportedly accommodate up to 22,000 guests.

While it remains unclear exactly how fans could be involved, speculation has already begun swirling online over whether Swifties may somehow be included in the festivities or surrounding celebration.

Neither Swift nor Kelce has publicly confirmed any wedding plans.

Fans May Get Unexpected Chance To Celebrate

The reported Madison Square Garden venue has fueled speculation that fans may not be entirely shut out of the celebration. Given the arena’s massive size and public profile, some have wondered if Swift and Kelce could incorporate fans into the event in some way, whether through an outside viewing experience, a surprise celebration, or another unexpected twist.

For now, however, details surrounding the wedding remain tightly under wraps.

Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Are Keeping Wedding Plans Secret

According to the outlet, the couple previously considered Casa Cipriani, a private members club in Manhattan’s Financial District, before reportedly shifting plans toward Madison Square Garden. The source also claimed the New York Police Department is already in discussions regarding security for the rumored event. The secrecy surrounding the wedding has reportedly only added to the frenzy.

Before Madison Square Garden speculation took over, some insiders reportedly believed the pair could choose a luxury hotel ballroom, including the iconic Waldorf Astoria, due to its privacy and security.

While guests have allegedly received save-the-date notices, the exact venue reportedly has not been disclosed. Previous reports suggested invitees may not even learn the location until the morning of July 3. Still, if the latest rumors prove true, Swift and Kelce’s wedding could quickly become one of the biggest celebrity events New York City has seen in years, with fans possibly getting closer to the action than anyone expected.

Travis Kelce Put Serious Thought Into The Engagement Ring

Long before wedding rumors began swirling, Swift and Kelce had already captured fans’ attention with the announcement of their engagement in August 2025, and the details behind the ring quickly became a major talking point.

Kelce reportedly worked with Kindred Lubeck of Artifex Fine Jewelry to design the custom engagement ring, choosing a brilliant-cut old mine diamond with rounded corners. The stone was bezel-set in yellow gold and featured engraving along the side of the band.

According to reports at the time, the colorless diamond took up much of Swift’s left ring finger, quickly sparking buzz among fans eager to learn more about the sentimental piece.

Taylor Swift Said Travis Kelce Secretly Paid Attention To Everything

A few months later, while appearing on “Heart Breakfast” with Jamie Theakston and Emma Bunton on October 3, Swift revealed that Kelce’s ring choice held an even deeper meaning. The singer shared that she had shown Kelce videos of Lubeck’s jewelry designs long before the proposal, never realizing he had quietly been paying attention.

“I just thought her stuff was so cool, so I had shown him a video a year and a half ago…And he was paying attention to everything it turns out…when I saw the ring I was like [gasp], ‘I know who made that!’” Swift said.

“He listens to me! Like, you really know me. I didn’t know what I would want, but he did somehow, and that’s kind of a flex,” she added. “He did amazing!”

If wedding rumors are true, it seems Kelce’s attention to detail may already have set the tone for the couple’s next big milestone.

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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First TV Show

Star Wars The Clone Wars

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George Lucas

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