Neil Patrick Harris went to great lengths to protect what he held dear, yet still faced the music from nosy people.

The actor revealed how he managed to keep his sizzling romance with David Burtka under the radar in an era where media attention fixated on homosexual relationships was awfully toxic.

Neil Patrick Harris and his husband dated for a decade before they tied the knot in 2014, four years after welcoming fraternal twins Harper Grace and Gideon Scott via a surrogate in 2010.

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Harris explained on the latest episode of the “Great Company” podcast that he was already in a relationship with Burtka when he auditioned for “How I Met Your Mother.”

He added that everyone on the show knew what was happening with them romantically, but he harbored a fear that he might be the next subject of the ruthless tabloid at the time.

“That was at a time when there were bloggers on the internet that you would go to read the salacious, ‘Try to guess who this actor is that’s gay and in the closet’ comment. There was a fear that I would be, like, the next target on that,” the movie star explained.

In the middle of all that fear, he recalled attending red carpets alongside Burtka and how they would strategically avoid posing for pictures together to throw off the scent of a possible romance or chemistry.

He stressed that while they could avoid discussing their private lives and justify it by focusing solely on their careers, the dynamic made Burtka feel diminished, especially as he was forced to remain in the background while Harris shone.

The Actor Was Eventually Forced To Come Out

Harris continued to the podcast host Jamie Laing that his worst fears eventually came to pass and he found himself in the eye of the hurricane about rumors surrounding his sexuality. He recalled someone asking a publicist about his sexuality, and the publicist did not give an answer the media wanted to hear.

“That turned into, ‘That’s weird for him to say because we know that he’s gay, and why is he doing that?’ Then it became, ‘I’m gonna have to say something,’” Harris continued. He noted that his instinct was to swing into action and get ahead of the story as he did not want to be blackmailed.

Harris then worked with his agent and publicist to craft a captivating coming-out story in 2006, and he nursed a concern for the stigma that would trail his confession because it was the trend to come out after gay people at the time.

Fortunately for the actor, he was able to scale through, as many people were also coming out at the time, and his story did not exactly surprise many people.

Neil Patrick Harris And David Burtka’s Twins May Be Following Them Into Show Business

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In June, the couple linked up with E! News at the Tony Awards to rave about finally attaining the cool parent status with their kids. The couple’s 15-year-old twins reportedly approved of their parenting style, and the couple has reciprocated the entertainment with their impeccable sense of humor.

Burtka shared that their verdict did not come only from within; he also sought confirmation from external sources, which came back green. Friends of the twins revealed to Burtka, after some light investigation, that the kids genuinely like having them as parents and consider them “cool dads.”

On the flipside, Burtka and Harris have realized that raising increasingly independent high schoolers has also required them to adjust their roles. Burtka explained that their children are reaching the age when they want more freedom and may not always want their parents hovering nearby. 

As Harper and Gideon get older, Harris believes they could eventually gravitate toward entertainment, although he would rather they avoid repeating his experience of becoming a professional actor at a young age. Instead, Harris hoped they would attend college, study their interests, and then decide whether performing is right for them.

Inside Their Beautiful Love Story

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In 2004, sparks flew as soon as Harris and Burtka set eyes on each other on that street corner, and they ended up going to the movies for their first date. As noted by The Blast, Harris came out as gay in 2006 in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, where he admitted to being content with his sexuality and living his life to the fullest.

The actor publicly confirmed his relationship in 2007 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” although he kept Burtka’s identity under wraps. A few months after that talk show appearance, they made their red carpet debut at the Emmy Awards that same year.

Three years later, the couple announced they were going to be parents via surrogacy. On their ninth anniversary, the couple shared images of their love with the whole world to see, reiterating and reassuring their love for each other.

Burtka celebrated Harris’ 50th birthday in the same manner, praising him as the best partner who has made their connection a beautiful and genuine one over the years. 

Neil Patrick Harris’ Age Gap Crush On Nick Jonas Landed Him In Hot Water

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In 2022, The Blast reported that a 2015 interview Harris gave on “The Wendy Williams Show” resurfaced, in which he admitted he had a huge crush on Nick Jonas.

Years later, Harris’ truth came back to haunt him as he got slammed for not considering the wide age gap between himself and Jonas before revealing that so publicly.

In a clip from the segment, Harris admitted to Ellen that discussing such feelings might be a bit controversial given their age gap. But he justified it with an excuse that Jonas’ good looks were enough to pique his interest.

Although Harris was married to Burtka at the time, he shared that his partner had no reservations about his decision to speak his truth. At the time of the interview, Nick was 23 years old while Harris was  49.

Adaptations are tricky, providing filmmakers with strong source material but also increasing the risk that some things might get lost in translation. For this reason, countless readers have been let down by tepid adaptations of their favorite books. That said, a lot of adaptations do succeed, and this is particularly evident when looking at comedies. A lot of terrific comedy films were actually based on solid, if not particularly memorable, novels, upping the humor and breathing life into the characters.

The list is long but includes movies like Silver Linings Playbook and The Devil Wears Prada. Through performances and left direction, these adaptations manage to surpass their source material. Even The Princess Bride, which was a fantastic book, is better in cinematic form. With this in mind, here are the ten best comedy movies based on books, from coming-of-age classics to wacky family movies. Whether they lean into slapstick humor or sharp wit, these films manage to respect their literary origins while making a mark of their own.

10

‘The Devil Wears Prada’ (2006)

Image via 20th Century Studios

“By all means, move at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me.” Anne Hathaway turns in a charming lead performance in this fun adaptation of Lauren Weisberger‘s bestselling novel. She plays Andy Sachs, an aspiring journalist who lands a job as an assistant to the formidable Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), editor-in-chief of a high-fashion magazine. As Andy navigates the cutthroat world of fashion, she finds herself torn between her personal life and the demands of her ruthless boss.

The movie is entertaining and well-crafted; light and effervescent but also sleek. On the storytelling side, Aline Brosh McKenna‘s screenplay not only stays true to the essence of the novel but also elevates it, while David Frankel’s economical direction adds a perfect touch. The performances are the real highlight, however, with Streep turning in some of her very best work. She rightly received an Oscar nod for her efforts. Stanley Tucci is also fantastic in his supporting part as art director Nigel.

9

‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ (1993)

Image via 20th Century Studios

“Help is on the way, dear! Based on Anne Fine‘s novel Alias Madame Doubtfire, this heartwarming gem follows Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams), a struggling actor who disguises himself as an elderly British nanny to spend more time with his children after his divorce. Under the guise of Mrs. Doubtfire, Daniel learns more about his family and becomes a better father, all while trying to keep his double life under wraps.

It’s a zany and slightly twisted premise, but Williams carries the project with his energetic and versatile performance. Cleverly, the humor appeals to both young and mature audiences, with sly, risqué jokes woven subtly into the dialogue. But the comedy is also balanced out with a lot of emotion and genuine family drama. Not every scene sticks the landing, but, overall, Mrs. Doubtfire makes for an enjoyable slice of ’80s entertainment. There’s a reason it grossed $441m worldwide against a budget of just $25m.

8

‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ (1982)

Image via Universal Pictures

“All I need are some tasty waves, a cool buzz, and I’m fine.” Another ’80s classic, Fast Times at Ridgemont High is a hilarious (and apparently painfully accurate) depiction of teenage life in that decade. The film follows a group of students at Ridgemont High, including surfer dude Jeff Spicoli (Sean Penn), as they navigate the highs and lows of adolescence, from relationships to part-time jobs and the complexities of growing up.

The movie was based on a book by future filmmaker Cameron Crowe (Jerry Maguire, Almost Famous), who was then still a journalist. It works as both a comedy and a social commentary, full of raunchiness but also genuine emotion. Director Amy Heckerling approaches the characters with care and without judgment, making for a movie that was both of its time and ahead of it. Over the following decades, it would exert a strong influence on the teen comedy genre.

7

‘Mean Girls’ (2004)

Image via Paramount Pictures

“On Wednesdays we wear pink.” If Fast Times is a defining statement on teenagerhood in the 1980s, Mean Girls is one for the 2000s. Penned by Tina Fey from the nonfiction book Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman, it centers on Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan), a new student attempting to survive the complex social hierarchy of her new school. The movie was a huge hit on release and quickly became iconic, thanks to its insightful script and defiance of teen movie stereotypes.

The sharp screenplay brings to life the absurdities of high school cliques and the power dynamics at play. (In many ways, the movie’s rampant cattiness was a harbinger of social media.) The acting is also great, with great work from future stars like Rachel McAdams as well as SNL alums like Amy Poehler and Tim Meadows. For all these reasons, Mean Girls has become a cultural touchstone. How long will it remain enjoyable? The limit does not exist.

6

‘High Fidelity’ (2000)

“Did I listen to pop music because I was miserable? Or was I miserable because I listened to pop music?” John Cusack leads this adaptation of Nick Hornby‘s novel as Rob Gordon, a record store owner in Chicago who recounts his top five breakups and reflects on his past relationships. Most of all, he pines for his ex Laura (Iben Hjejle). Bursting with witty dialogue and a stellar soundtrack, High Fidelity is an infectious exploration of love, identity, and personal growth.

The screenwriters (including Cusack himself) do a great job of translating the book to the screen. Their changes (like relocating the setting from London to Chicago) are generally for the better, and they retained the first-person narrative by having Rob frequently talk directly to the audience. In addition to Cusack, Jack Black also delivers a scene-stealing performance as an obnoxious record store clerk, one which greatly boosted his profile and enabled many of the roles to follow.

5

‘Election’ (1999)

Image via Paramount Pictures

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“Pick Flick!” Election, based on the novel by Tom Perrotta, is a satirical comedy about a high school election that spirals out of control. At the heart of the mayhem are two oddball characters: Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon), an overachieving student determined to win the election for class president, and history teacher Jim McAllister (Matthew Broderick), who will go to any length to prevent Tracy from winning.

It’s a biting commentary on ambition, ethics, and power, packaged within plentiful gags. Much of the movie’s success is thanks to Witherspoon. She turns in some of her finest work here as the wacky but terrifying Tracy, an embodiment of unrestrained power-hunger. Her complex character ultimately flips the script and is the movie’s real animating force. Not for nothing, Barack Obama has reportedly named Election as his all-time favorite movie about politics. It has aged well and remains possibly Alexander Payne‘s funniest project.

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‘M*A*S*H’ (1970)

Image via CBS

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“Attention, attention. All personnel report to the compound for ‘M*A*S*H.’” Before the long-running TV series, there was this classic black comedy film directed by Robert Altman (Nashville, The Player). It’s based on Richard Hooker‘s book MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors, set during the Korean War. The plot centers on the irreverent antics of surgeons Hawkeye Pierce (Donald Sutherland) and Trapper John (Elliott Gould), who use humor and pranks to cope with the horrors of war. While it’s filled with jokes, the film also poignantly addresses the toll that war takes on those involved.

The movie is endlessly irreverent (seemingly poking at every sacred cow) and often crass but conveyed through sophisticated camerawork and a sneakily smart script. It’s also thoroughly absurd, in a way that recalls Joseph Heller‘s Catch-22. The hard-edged humor and clear-eyed take on war resonated with viewers on release, making M*A*S*H a box office hit.

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‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ (1961)

Image via Paramount Pictures

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“You call yourself a free spirit, a ‘wild thing,’ and you’re terrified somebody’s gonna stick you in a cage.” Audrey Hepburn is at her most iconic in this one as Holly Golightly, a New York socialite with a mysterious past who charms everyone she meets, including her new neighbor, Paul Varjak (George Peppard). But, while Holly appears carefree and whimsical, her life is far more complex than it seems, as she struggles with identity, love, and survival in the big city.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a delightful mix of romance and comedy, ranking among the most beloved movies of the 1960s. What many fans may not know is that it was based on a novella by Truman Capote, the author of In Cold Blood. The writer complained that the movie deviated too much from the source material, although even Capote admitted that it was enjoyable, saying, “The movie is a confection — a sugar and spice confection.”

2

‘Silver Linings Playbook’ (2012)

Image via The Weinstein Company 

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“You have to do everything you can, and if you stay positive, you have a shot at a silver lining.” Based on Matthew Quick‘s novel, Silver Linings Playbook tells the story of Pat Solitano (Bradley Cooper), a man with bipolar who returns to live with his parents after being released from a mental health facility. Determined to reconcile with his estranged wife, Pat meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a young widow with her own emotional struggles. Together, they form an unlikely bond and discover new ways to find happiness.

The book was well-received, but the movie takes everything good about it and ups it by a factor of ten. It’s wonderfully eccentric and madcap, shot through with humor and drive and unexpected emotional twists. The film could have been sentimental but is instead energetic and fresh. It helps that the acting is great, not just from the leads but also from the supporting players like Chris Tucker, Jacki Weaver, and Robert De Niro.

1

‘The Princess Bride’ (1987)

Image via 20th Century Studios

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“As you wish.” When it comes to the best comedy movies based on books, it’s very hard to top The Princess Bride, which was adapted by writer William Goldman from his own 1973 novel. Both the book and the film are fantastic, radiating a joy that can’t help but be infectious. It’s a fairy tale adventure centering on Westley (Cary Elwes), who embarks on a quest to rescue his true love, Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright), from the evil Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon).

Along the way, Westley encounters a cast of colorful characters, including the giant Fezzik (André the Giant), the vengeful Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin), and the cunning Vizzini (Wallace Shawn). The film is pure fun from start to finish, jam-packed with quirkiness and memorable dialogue. Practically every second line is quotable. A genuine classic, The Princess Bride remains entertaining today and has aged a lot more gracefully than most of its ’80s peers.

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The Princess Bride

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Release Date

September 25, 1987

Runtime

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99 minutes

Writers

William Goldman

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Hey Big Brother fans, we’ve got so much to talk about today including who’s headed home tonight and whether the votes may flip again.

Big Brother 28: Baby on Board?

So first of all, I want to talk about the Kamu Kirk and Yash Patel looking for baby mamas. They were in the gym with Melody Morris if you haven’t seen this.

Kamu gave out Yash’s IG and said, if you’re interested in having babies with YP, send him an emoji of baby. Kamu said same for me, DM me an emoji of a baby – that tells us you’re interested in having a baby.

Melody was on the elliptical and Kamu said, “what’s your IG? We’re getting you pregnant, like it or not”. Melody laughed and said, “I don’t like it”.

Also, Taylor Brown and Haley Thogmartin talked to Chuk Anyanwu about his aroma. Taylor said there’s a smell when he comes out of the bathroom and Chuk said he took a number two. Taylor said you’re not listening.

She criticized Chuk’s hygiene. Haley told him hair holds odor and said, “If I don’t wash my hair, I have a certain odor”. Taylor said you smell like my brothers. Haley asks are you shaved down there. Chuk said he is. Taylor said he’s not.

Chuk said he grooms it but can’t groom it like he does at home. Taylor said shave, talking about his pubes. Chuk said he can’t shave it in the house because he only has tools for his beard and isn’t going to use the same tools down there.

Big Brother 28: A Tough Talk

Now, in Chuk’s defense, maybe Taylor and Haley have super-sensitive noses like Ormund Hightower from House of Dragons. But also, this isn’t the first Stank Gate in Big Brother.

Last season, Vince Panaro stayed mad calling Keanu Soto “swamp ass”. And there was the whole Austin thing because he worked out way more than he showered. There was Marvin’s feet on BB5 that got a lot of talk.

And fun fact, they actually tore down the Big Brother house after Season 5 because production said the whole place smelled awful.

So, there’s some criticism with some fans saying Taylor should’ve talked to Chuk in private. Danielle Reyes from BB3 and BB7 chimed in and said “private where? Where going to be private. Ya’ll on the feeds 24/7. Reminds me when I was in the house.”

Danielle said to anyone upset at Taylor, “Enhance your calm, ya’ll being stupid.”

And if you ask to speak to someone in private, they’re going to assume game talk. But the cameras are everywhere, so no privacy ever. That’s the deal. But wait, there’s more Derek Frazier and Tiffany Mitchell from the Cookout posted about it.

Derek said: “If you don’t understand what Taylor was saying, don’t worry, we made a visual aid for you”. And he posted a video of Tiffany demonstrating saying “if you don’t have clippers, use these and held up a pair of scissors”.

Then Tiffany mimed trimming pubes. Then she had body wash and a washcloth and demonstrated squirting a half bottle and said this is what he’s supposed to do and gestured aggressively scrubbing her groin.

There was more to it with Tiff then saying this is what Chuk’s doing and demonstrated a small amount of soap on the cloth and a cursory top bottom pits and walk out. You can see it below. Tiffany’s always fun.

If you didn’t understand what Taylor was saying, don’t worry, we made a visual aid for y’all. #BB28 https://t.co/Vqn32Vefbg pic.twitter.com/jsTeIqIKmZ

— •IG: TheDerekFrazier (@TheDerekFrazier) August 13, 2026

Word got out about the Haley, Taylor, Chuk talk and Dee Valladares was defending Chuk to Angela Murray said it was mean spirited when Taylor told Chuk to “figure it out”.

Big Brother: Eviction Predictions

Okay now let’s talk about the eviction prediction. Dee and Angela are still talking out whether they can flip the vote to save Haley. And Dee said they have to keep Lala Verrett and Taylor out of the loop if they do.

Dee thinks Haley won’t come after her and Angela. So, Dee thinks Haley’s going after Taylor and Lala if she stays. Dee also said they need to keep Kamu in the loop but not to tell him until the last minute.

There’s 10 votes tonight so 6 to evict because if it was a tie, Lala would break it against Haley. Angela, Dee and maybe Kamu is three. The math’s not mathing on the other three even if they got Devens on-board.

They might swing Drew Campbell to do it which would make 5. And if Barrett Pfeiffer was off the block because he wins Blockbuster, they could swing it. But the BB28 house would explode. Lala would rain hell down on Dee and Angela and the flippers.

And thing is, Mallory’s got Drew on her poop list because Dee told Mallory that Drew ratted her out for wanting to go after the icons specifically renomming Dee.

Dee told Barrett she told Mallory that’s what Drew told her. And then Barrett told Drew that Dee did it and he’s annoyed. Mallory and Melody are also annoyed and agreed they can’t tell Drew anything game related. So, FAP’s cracking down the middle.

Big Brother 28: Throwback to BB27

Back to votes. Haley and Chuk both refuse to campaign although Haley and Angela did hug it out just a little. Right now, this is how the votes look to land tonight. If Barrett wins BB Blockbuster, Haley’s out 10-0 unless she gets a sympathy vote or Dee’s flip manifests.

If Chuk wins Blockbuster, I can’t see any path forward for LumberJill because Dee can’t get the house to flip against Barrett to keep Haley. And if Haley wins the Blockbuster, and it’s Chuk vs Barrett same thing. Chuk’s going to be meeting Julie Chen tonight.

Also, can I say that I enjoyed in the veto comp when Kamu did that throwback and said I believe you have a prompt.  The disco stuff was cute. Devens outfit was my fave with the leather jacket. They all looked great.

Also, the intern running the Big Brother official insta account went ham on Wednesday. They posted a pile of memes. I’m going show you two. The first is “I’m Drew and you’re watching the Disney Channel“.

And the last one upset a few people. But overall got more likes than controversy. It’s a poll asking who suffered more, Haley or Jesus – with Haley at 74 percent.

UPDATE: Dee may have gotten her wish – the vote flip seems to be a go. Don’t miss tonight’s live eviction episode to see if she pulls it off.

Perez Hilton‘s sister described what it was like to find her brother in the nude and covered in blood following his recent hospitalization. Hilton was hospitalized in Miami on Tuesday, August 4, after he self-harmed during a livestream on TikTok.

RELATED: Prayers Up! Gloss Up Shares Recovery Progress After Hospital Release Following Major Foot Injury (VIDEO)

Perez Hilton Hospitalized After He’s Seen Harming Himself On TikTok Livestream

Perez Hilton was hospitalized after he was seen self-harming on a TikTok livestream last week. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office released a statement noting they responded to the home after receiving multiple reports about the livestream, per E! News.

“The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office received multiple calls regarding an individual who was livestreaming acts of self-harm on social media,” reads the statement. “Deputies quickly located the individual’s residence, where they spoke with family members on scene, and confirmed he was alone inside.”

After the celebrity blogger was hospitalized, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office released another statement to the press.

“The individual has been safely recovered and transported by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to a local hospital, where he is receiving medical attention,” the statement noted. “The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Crisis Response Unit and Licensed Mental Health Professionals are also on scene providing support and resources to the individual’s family.”

Hilton’s three children, Mario, 13, Mia, 11, and 8-year-old Mayte, were in the home with Hilton just before the live stream but “immediately fled” amid his “severe mental health crisis,” his family noted, per PEOPLE. Additionally, Hilton’s sister and niece were also in the home just before the livestream.

Hilton’s Sister Found Him Locked In His Bedroom

His sister, Barbara Lavandeira, told Page Six that August 4 would “forever be one of the darkest days my family and I have ever experienced.”

Lavandeira said that Hilton, whose birth name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., was in his bedroom behind a locked, closed door. She added that she knocked on the door and the 48-year-old responded that he was fine, but “something just felt wrong.”

“I unlocked his bedroom door and realized he was inside the bathroom,” she said. “I knocked several more times and told him I was going to come in if he didn’t open the door. He still didn’t answer, so I unlocked it. When I opened the door, my nightmare became a reality.” 

Lavandeira Found Perez Naked And Covered In Blood

Lavandeira said that after she opened the bathroom door, she saw Hilton naked and bloodied from cuts. In addition, he was also holding a box cutter.

“Mario was standing in front of the shower, naked, cut up, covered in blood, with a box cutter in his hand,” she said.

She said what happened next caught her by surprise.

“What I can say with certainty is that I didn’t recognize my brother when I looked at him. I saw it in his eyes,” she added. “They didn’t look the same. Then, a split second later, he smiled at me. It felt like I was staring at someone else.”

According to NBC Miami, Hilton’s family noted that he required surgery after the suicide attempt but was recovering.

“He experienced significant blood loss and sustained additional injuries that will require surgery in the coming days,” reads a family statement. “His treatment and recovery will be a long process.”

Subsequently, Hilton’s mother, Teresita Lavandeira, was taking care of his three children after the incident and filed for temporary custody amid his hospitalization, per Page Six.

Her attorney told Page Six that the children’s safety was her main concern following the tragedy. In addition, Hilton reportedly “voluntarily consented” to the temporary custody request.

“I realize that by signing this document, I am consenting to the Petitioner having temporary legal custody of the minor children and that such temporary custody is in the best interest of the children,” court documents state.

A source also told the outlet that Perez nearly died from sepsis in March. He was hospitalized after taking the flu vaccine on an empty stomach. After that, he reportedly got an ulcer, which led to sepsis.

“His health struggles this year have been extreme,” said the source. “The sepsis honestly almost killed him. I don’t know if people realize just how traumatic and horrific that was for him, both physically, but also emotionally.”

RELATED: Prayers Up! Eminem’s Ex-Wife Kim Scott Recently Rushed To The Hospital (VIDEO)

Alright, y’all! Keyshia Cole has folks doing a double-take after popping out in a new photo that has the internet wondering what exactly is going on between her and Skrilla. While the singer kept things low-key, the rapper appeared to be right there beside her for a flick that’s already getting plenty of attention.

RELATED: Was That A Push? Footage Shows Keyshia Cole & Skrilla In The Studio & Folks Have Questions (VIDEO)

Keyshia Cole Is All Smiles While Posted With Skrilla

In the photo, Keyshia rocks what appears to be a purplish-blue sweatshirt and a black baseball cap. She closes her eyes and flashes a big smile, showing off all 32, while Skrilla appears to be the one behind the camera and joins the moment in a washed-gray top while biting his bottom lip. The two didn’t appear to offer any additional context about the snap, but that hasn’t stopped folks from reading into the vibe.

You Already Know This Flick Has Fans Talking

Fans quickly ran to TSR’s Instagram comment section and ran it up with their thoughts on Keyshia Cole and Skrilla’s latest flick. While some aren’t sure Keyshia should be this public about the relationship, others are looking at her smile and figuring Skrilla must be doing something right. And, of course, plenty of folks are simply watching to see where this whole situation goes next.

This Instagram user @diorb said, “I would be in 5 relationships and nobody would know not even my dog 😭 love my girl down tho”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @_pettyking wrote, “***Upcoming heartbreak Power Ballad loading soon…*** 👀”

While Instagram user @breciejanelle added, “somebody on twitter was like ‘see i told yall she let anybody hit im next for sure’ 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂”

And, Instagram user @__lexy commented, “😭😭he putting her thru the mattress i know it!”

But, Instagram user @thej_cece shared, “Y auntie can’t like YN ??? What’s the problem 😭😭😭”

Finally, Instagram user @_suckafreesi claimed, “Can’t wait for my son to grow up and graduate school so he can show Miss Keyshia what a real man is 😤”

Miss Keyshia Cole Seems To Be Enjoying Her Soft Life

Keyshia Cole appears to be in her feel-good era, and sis seems to be soaking up every moment. The 44-year-old singer was previously spotted with 27-year-old rapper Skrilla in a music studio, where he pulled her into the frame as she flashed a big smile beneath a Louis Vuitton baseball cap before exiting the shot.

And the vibes didn’t stop there! Keyshia also shared photos of two lavish rose arrangements, including a heart-shaped bouquet of multicolored roses and a box of red roses, with one image featuring the word “Baby.” A sweet note reading, “Love u beautiful XOXO,” also caught fans’ attention, giving them even more reason to believe someone is spoiling the singer as she enjoys this new chapter.

RELATED: Lover Girl! Keyshia Cole Shows Off Bouquets Of Roses Amid Apparent Romance With Skrilla (PHOTOS)

The 1990s were an incredible decade for romantic movies. The biggest film of that decade is a romance-tragedy film involving a sinking ship. But apart from that, the decade also offers more in the genre, from the comedic and light to the heartbreaking movies. It was a decade that showed how flexible the genre could be, with films like Before Sunrise finding romance in simple conversation and Chungking Express turning loneliness and chance encounters into something beautiful.

Here, we take a look at the romantic films of the 1990s that are perfect from start to finish. They may vary in their expression of romance and love, but one thing unites them all: the ability to bring the audience into the film and feel emotions when watching them. Whether they end happily, tragically, or somewhere in between, the best movies in the genre make us understand that love can appear in the most unexpected places.

8

‘The Piano’ (1993)

image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

The Piano tells the story of Ada McGrath (Holly Hunter), a mute Scottish woman who is sent to colonial New Zealand for an arranged marriage to wealthy landowner Alisdair Stewart (Sam Neill). Ada expresses herself almost entirely through her beloved piano, which becomes her strongest connection to the world around her. When Stewart leaves the instrument behind on the beach, his neighbor George Baines (Harvey Keitel) offers to retrieve it in exchange for piano lessons that gradually develop into a complicated romance.

Through subtle cues, The Piano is able to communicate its characters’ overwhelming emotion. Jane Campion uses silence, music, and visual storytelling to reveal feelings that words could never adequately express. Holly Hunter delivers a phenomenal, Oscar-winning performance almost entirely without dialogue, while Harvey Keitel and Sam Neill bring depth to two men who represent different forms of love for Ada. Also phenomenal is young Anna Paquin‘s Oscar-winning performance in this film. The score by Michael Nyman is beautiful and essential to every moment of the film. This sweeping romance film also won the Palme d’Or, making Campion the first woman to win it.

7

‘Il Postino’ (1994)

Image via Miramax

Il Postino follows Mario Ruoppolo (Massimo Troisi), a fisherman who becomes the temporary postman for the exiled Chilean poet Pablo Neruda (Philippe Noiret) on a small Italian island. As Mario delivers Neruda’s letters, the two gradually develop an unlikely friendship, with Mario learning about language, poetry and politics from the famous poet. With Neruda’s help, Mario gains the confidence to pursue Beatrice (Maria Grazia Cucinotta), the woman he has quietly admired from afar.

Il Postino is not just a romance film about two people falling in love, even though the central romance between Mario and Beatrice is undeniably sweet. Through his friendship with Neruda, Mario finds love and beauty through poetry and human connection, and that is a much more eternal kind of love. Massimo Troisi delivers an incredibly tender performance filled with warmth and innocence. The film was his final role before his death as he was suffering from heart conditions during filming. The film was nominated for five Oscars, including Best Picture and two posthumous Oscar nominations for Troisi. The film ultimately won one for Best Score.

6

‘Wild at Heart’ (1990)

Image via The Samuel Goldwyn Company

Wild at Heart follows lovers Sailor Ripley (Nicolas Cage) and Lula Fortune (Laura Dern) as they flee across the American South after Lula’s controlling mother (Diane Ladd) hires criminals to break them up. Along the way, Sailor and Lula’s devotion to one another is tested by dangerous criminals hunting down Sailor, personal problems, and a world that seems determined to tear them apart.

Despite its outrageous violence and surreal imagery, Wild at Heart is ultimately one of the purest love stories in David Lynch‘s filmography. Beneath its eccentric surface lies a surprisingly straightforward tale about two people refusing to let the world destroy their relationship. Nicolas Cage and Laura Dern bring everything to their performances, creating lovers who feel larger-than-life yet still relatable and genuine. The film was met with mixed reviews, despite winning the Palme d’Or at Cannes. It has since been reappraised as one of Lynch’s best and has developed a strong cult following.

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’10 Things I Hate About You’ (1999)

Image via Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

10 Things I Hate About You is a modern update of William Shakespeare‘s The Taming of the Shrew set in a high school. It follows Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), who wants to date the popular Bianca Stratford (Larisa Oleynik) but can’t because of her father’s rule that Bianca can only date if her independent older sister, Kat (Julia Stiles) does too. This leads to bad-boy Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger) being paid to pursue Kat, only to actually fall in love with her.

10 Things I Hate About You is leagues above other teen romances because of the film’s great ensemble and its remarkable sincerity. Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles share undeniable chemistry. They transform familiar romantic tropes into something emotionally authentic and mature. From Patrick’s unforgettable stadium song performance to Kat’s emotional poem in the classroom, every major scene lands because the film earns its emotions through strong character development. The film is funny, heartfelt, and endlessly quotable. It still leads the pack among other modern Shakespearean updates.

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‘The Bridges of Madison County’ (1995)

Image via Warner Bros.

The Bridges of Madison County follows Francesca Johnson (Meryl Streep), an Italian immigrant who has settled in Iowa. When her husband and children leave home for several days, she meets Robert Kincaid (Clint Eastwood), a traveling photographer who has arrived in Madison County to photograph its famous covered bridges. After Francesca helps him find one of the bridges, the two begin spending time together and develop a romance.

Directed by Eastwood himself, the film is a satisfying and rich romance. The whole story is set in the course of four days yet the connection between Francesca and Robert is very intimate and strong. Meryl Streep and Eastwood give remarkably restrained performances, allowing their chemistry to emerge through small gestures like a glance or a brush against each other. Francesca’s dilemma is particularly powerful because neither choice is presented as entirely right or wrong. Leaving with Robert would mean following the love of her life, but staying means honoring her family and the life she has spent years building. That emotional maturity is what makes The Bridges of Madison County so romantic from beginning to end.

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‘Before Sunrise’ (1995)

Image via Columbia Pictures

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Before Sunrise follows Jesse (Ethan Hawke), an American traveling through Europe, and Céline (Julie Delpy), a French student he meets on a train. Jesse persuades Céline to get off the train with him in Vienna and spend the night together before his flight the following morning. Together they spend the night wandering through Vienna and discussing everything from the mundane to the profound.

Before Sunrise‘s charm comes from the natural feeling that flows between the two characters. The film is full of dialogues and conversations, which on paper, could be boring yet it never is. Richard Linklater proves that he doesn’t need elaborate obstacles or dramatic moments to sell their connection because the simple act of two people discovering one another is compelling enough. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy have extraordinary chemistry, and their performances make Jesse and Céline feel like real people that the audience eavesdrops on for two hours. By the end, we also fall in love with them and don’t want to leave.

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‘Chungking Express’ (1994)

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Chungking Express tells two separate but thematically connected stories about lonely people searching for love in the crowded streets of Hong Kong. One follows a heartbroken police officer (Takeshi Kaneshiro) who becomes fascinated by a mysterious woman wearing a blonde wig and sunglasses (Brigitte Lin), while the second centers on another policeman (Tony Leung) whose life is quietly disrupted by Faye (Faye Wong), an eccentric employee at a local snack bar he frequents.

Wong Kar-wai has no shortage of iconic movies, and Chungking Express is definitely one of them. His characters constantly seem to be surrounded by people while remaining emotionally isolated, making every unexpected connection feel significant. The film’s kinetic camerawork, neon-lit imagery, fragmented editing, and unforgettable music give it a unique atmosphere. Nevertheless, none of the style overshadows the gist of the film, which is the romance that’s loaded with absence and longing. It becomes more outstanding against the backdrop of Hong Kong, one of the busiest cities in the world. It’s undoubtedly one of the best offerings from Asian cinema.

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Chungking Express

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Release Date

March 8, 1994

Runtime

103 minutes

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Director

Wong Kar-wai

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Writers

Wong Kar-wai

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HBO was launched in late 1972, establishing the blueprint for premium channels and pretty much revolutionizing subscription television. In the years since then, they have made a jaw-dropping number of TV shows that are often counted among the greatest ever made—which includes several masterful miniseries that have virtually no flaws whatsoever.

The format of the miniseries (a show that tells a complete story in a limited number of pre-defined episodes) was born shortly after HBO’s launch, and the network’s first own miniseries was 1979’s The Seekers. It wouldn’t be until much later, though, that they would master the art of the miniseries and start producing undeniably perfect masterpieces of the stature of John Adams and Chernobyl.

‘The Corner’ (2000)

Image via HBO

The Corner is one of those fantastic miniseries that nobody remembers, a show that walked so The Wire could run just two years later. Based on the nonfiction book The Corner: A Year in the Life of An Inner-City Neighborhood by David Simon and Ed Burns (who co-created The Wire), it’s a chronicle of the life of a poor family living in the open-air drug markets of Baltimore.

Composed of only six episodes, The Corner is a must-see not only for people who love The Wire and somehow still haven’t seen it, but for just about anyone who enjoys crime dramas but doesn’t want to commit to a multi-season one. Though it shares much of the DNA of HBO’s 2002 cult classic, it’s entirely its own thing, a wonderfully empathetic story told with raw emotion and powerful authenticity.

‘Scavengers Reign’ (2023)

Image via HBO Max

Cartoons deserve every bit as much respect and love as live-action miniseries, and few animated HBO miniseries demonstrate that fact better than Scavengers Reign. One of the highest-rated sci-fi miniseries ever on IMDb, this enrapturing survival drama had all the potential to deliver several years’ worth of animated sci-fi bliss; but it was originally pitched as a self-contained miniseries, so even in spite of its tragic cancellation, it does provide a perfectly satisfying experience from start to finish.

Anyone who thinks of animation as a medium separate from, or even lesser than, live-action, ought to check out Scavengers Reign at least once in their lives. The animation and world-building are absolutely gorgeous and incredibly imaginative, the character writing is surprisingly complex and nuanced, and the methodical pacing makes the story utterly engrossing.

‘John Adams’ (2008)

Image via HBO

With four Golden Globe wins and a whopping 13 Emmy Awards under its belt, John Adams is the most awarded miniseries in the history of both ceremonies—and deservedly so. Directed by Tom Hooper right before his string of Oscar-nominated movies from the 2010s, this adaptation of the 2001 biography penned by David McCullough is, indeed, one of the most impressively produced TV shows of the 21st century.

There’s really no shortage of reasons as to why John Adams is one of the best HBO miniseries of the 2000s. The art of condensing the life and work of a man of John Adams‘ stature into a perfectly self-contained miniseries is precisely that: an art in and of itself, and everyone involved with the creation of this miniseries nailed that art. Gritty, complex, and anchored by one of the best performances of Paul Giamatti’s career, it’s a show that even those uninterested in American history should consider watching.

‘The Penguin’ (2024)

Image via HBO

It’s not only real people that HBO make character study miniseries about. As it turns out, they also make some incredible miniseries about supervillains, as irrefutably demonstrated by The Penguin. Starring an unrecognizable Colin Farrell in one of his most potent performances to date, this is far more than just a TV sequel to Matt Reeves‘ The Batman: It’s an absolute masterpiece in its entire own right.

One could go so far as to say that The Penguin is one of the best miniseries released since 2020, a perfect show which proves that there is still plenty of gripping stories to be told within the superhero genre, just as long as they’re told with this level of gravitas and creativity. Powerfully dramatic and wearing its influences on its sleeve with pride (most notably HBO’s own The Sopranos), it’s worth watching even for those irreparably tired of comic book adaptations.

‘It’s a Sin’ (2021)

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Russell T Davies has been one of the kings of modern British television for years, creating and writing several shows that deserve to be considered among the UK’s best for years, but It’s a Sin may very well be his magnum opus. It was originally produced and broadcast by Channel 4, HBO joining as a co-producer and acquiring the miniseries’ U.S. rights in late 2019. The result of such a partnership is one of the best-scripted miniseries ever, according to IMDb.

Set in London between 1981 and 1991, the show tells the story of the HIV and AIDS crisis in the United Kingdom with an unparalleled balance between gut-wrenching poignancy and infectious joy. Davies, a champion of LGBTQ+ representation on the small screen, tells this five-part story with a level of profound emotion so heartbreaking that it’s admirable that he never lets the hope and energy surrounding the show disappear.

‘The Night Of’ (2016)

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The Night Of is one of the best thriller TV shows with only one season, a crime drama based on the 2008 BBC series Criminal Justice. It’s one of the most acclaimed and highly awarded miniseries of the 2010s, including four Emmy victories, an Outstanding Lead Actor victory for the powerhouse Riz Ahmed among them. The series also features performances by the likes of John Turturro, and it may well be one of the best-acted miniseries of the last decade.

It’s a gritty, immensely powerful, undeniably bold critique of the American justice system and of deep institutional corruption, exploring these topics with a level of thematic and emotional depth not often seen in a show of any kind. But if there ever has been one television network willing to tell these sorts of complicated stories with such a raw commitment to authenticity and nuance, it’s HBO.

‘Chernobyl’ (2019)

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Chernobyl is the second-highest-rated miniseries of all time on IMDb and the fifth-highest-rated show of all time, and that’s for good reason. After all, this is one of the most perfect miniseries of the last 25 years that we’re talking about, a recreation of the events leading up to and immediately following the 1986 disaster in the titular Ukrainian town that’s definitely not for the faint of heart.

That’s because Chernobyl is five episodes of pure psychological dread, a hauntingly slow-burning depiction of every horrifying element surrounding the Chernobyl disaster. But even though it can be a challenging watch at times, it’s an essential one nonetheless, a powerful critique of the cost of institutional deception and systemic denial. It’s such a complex, potently character-driven, and well-researched masterpiece that it’s stunning that the team behind it were able to condense it all into just five incredible episodes.

‘Band of Brothers’ (2001)

If there’s one miniseries strong enough to be universally considered better than Chernobyl, it’s the masterpiece that’s right above it in the ranking of HBO’s highest-rated TV shows of all time: Band of Brothers, co-created by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg. The connections to Saving Private Ryan are clear, but Band of Brothers is a masterpiece more than capable of standing on its own two legs.

It’s far and away one of the best TV shows composed of fewer than 40 episodes, if not the very best of the best. World War II has been a historical event that has fascinated television for decades, but there is no depiction of the conflict more emotionally riveting, technically impressive, or dramatically powerful than Band of Brothers. It’s a deeply character-driven anti-war statement on a jaw-droppingly cinematic scale.

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Band of Brothers

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Release Date

2001 – 2001

Network

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HBO

Directors

David Frankel, David Nutter, Mikael Salomon, Phil Alden Robinson, Richard Loncraine, Tom Hanks

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Days of Our Lives sees that EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel) is still looking a little green around the gills and he’s laid up with some kind of flu type bug. What we’re wondering if is this seasonal flu somehow or did somebody come for karma on EJ and he was deliberately contaminated? Did somebody make EJ sick on purpose?

Days of our Lives: EJ Going Downhill

We’ve seen Rita Lesley (Maggie Carney) gatekeeping while EJ is sick. And we had Cat Greene (AnnaLynne McCord) there working and lurking and claiming she was taking care of EJ also. And for the past few episodes of the Peacock soap, we’ve seen EJ go from sneezing fits to doctor’s orders to get fluids, medicate, and stay in bed.

Every time we see him, honestly, EJ looks and sounds worse. And it’s not even flu season. Not for a couple more months. So EJ’s random sudden illness has many fans speculating about what is going on with Stephano’s heir. Have all of EJ’s recent misdeeds and shady deals caught up with him? and this is a karmic bout of influenza out of season. That’s possible, but I think there may be more to it than that.

Susan or Kristen Behind EJ’s Illness on DOOL?

The timing is interesting. If you remember, EJ started coming down with symptoms not long after his mom, Susan Banks (Stacy Haiduk), yanked the Phoenix ring off EJ’s finger, and Susan took it upstairs to cleanse the evil out of it before returning it to EJ.

And we know Susan’s got all kinds of mojo working. So, maybe she didn’t just cleanse EJ’s ring with salt and prayers. Maybe Susan used her other powers to curse the ring while she had it upstairs away from EJ and offscreen. As much as Susan loves Elvis Jr., she had no problem yanking that ring off his finger.

And that’s because Susan doesn’t want EJ to become Stefano DiMera (Joseph Mascolo). So, maybe Susan has worked her own brand of magic to try to stop the evil power of the ring and the illness is some kind of side effect that hit EJ.

Or maybe Susan hexed it so the wearer of the ring gets sick every time they are plotting evil. That’s weird. But it’s Days. So, Susan cursing EJ to try and make him a better man is actually plausible. Thanks to Susan, we could be seeing EJ suffering some kind of supernatural flu.

And speaking of Susan, EJ’s sister Kristen DiMera (Stacy Haiduk) recently visited Rachel Black (Lorelei Olivia Mote) and Brady Black (Eric Martsolf) disguised as wacky psychic Susan. And with that in mind, maybe Kristen’s involved.

This may be her parting gift to EJ. Maybe Kristen put on the Susan Doppelganger costume with the fake teeth and just walked right into the mansion and Kristen then contaminated EJ’s favorite scotch or his toothbrush with some kind of virus. Kristen could have used a goon to get her something to dose him with.

Days of Our Lives: Who Deliberately Made EJ Sick?

She’s got ties to Dr. Wilhelm Rolf (Richard Wharton). Of course, he’s on the run, but still Kristen could have found a way to get hold of something she could use to infect EJ. Not something to kill him, but Kristen might have wanted EJ bedridden and distracted long enough so that Kristen could get out of Salem safely.

And this week, we saw John Oliver’s character, Develin St. John, charm Rita, and then he got past her to walk right into EJ’s bedroom and woke him up from his sick bed. And when that happened, EJ looked even worse. So, it was bad enough he has this whatever kind of flu. But the water inspector was blackmailing him about the chlorine seal.

And who knows, maybe Kristen and Lexie Carver (Nikki Crawford) saw this plan as a bit of payback and a way for Kristen to escape EJ’s vengeance. Of course, Lexie didn’t know why Kristen was running from EJ. And if Lexie had known Kristen tried to kill Johnny, you know, maybe she wouldn’t have been willing to even help Kristen.

But if Susan or Kristen aren’t behind EJ’s illness, maybe his lovely assistant and ISA operative Cat is the one who made him sick. She’s been working with FBI guy Rafe Hernandez (Galen Gering) for about a year trying to bring down EJ. And the closest they’ve gotten was Gwen Rizczech‘s (Emily O’Brien) dead man switch letter that Cat stole.

That was crucial. She took it and then deleted it from Melinda Trask’s (Tina Huang) law firm server. I’m still not sure how that’s going to work because it wasn’t obtained through a warrant, but the Days writers may not care. And Cat may be wanting a backup plan in case Rafe can’t bring Gwen back from Alamania.

Cat to Blame on Days?

And Cat knows even though Gwen’s written confession names EJ as her co-conspirator in a bunch of crimes, there’s a risk that either Gwen doesn’t come back or the letter won’t hold up in court because Cat obtained it illegally and they do have to explain where they got evidence that they bring into court.

So, while Rafe is in Alamania, Cat could be doing more digging back in Salem. And remember, Cat’s brother, Dr. Mark Green works in the private lab and he worked alongside Dr. Rolf even though he’s on the run now. So, maybe Cat somehow convinced Mark to get her a vial of some kind of virus from the lab. That way Cat could expose EJ, make him sick, and get him out of the way. And with him in bed, conked out, then Cat can snoop around the mansion, poke into all the nooks and crannies looking for more evidence to use against EJ.

He made a cheeky comment when Cat said EJ needed to get to bed. That’s because he was burning with fever. But he joked he’d been trying to get Cat to say that for a while. And she even brought in a box of face masks so that she could avoid getting infected with whatever EJ has. She made sure to give one to Chad DiMera (Connor Floyd) so that he wouldn’t get infected. And maybe that’s because Cat knows exactly what this is. That could be how she knows to avoid it and exactly what it is because maybe she infected EJ deliberately.

Cat is Ruthless on DOOL

I put nothing past Cat and now she overheard EJ tell Johnny (Carson Boatman) that Lexie’s down in a tunnel room and then Cat told Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) to get word to Theo. And with EJ conked out sick in bed, it will be easier for Lexie’s loved ones to get there and get her out. Also, some fans wonder if there’s a chance Rita might be double crossing EJ.

She may have been in contact with Rolf and figured out how she could make their beloved boss EJ sick. Rita might have done it to get EJ out of the way while she tried to clean up the many messes that he’s made. Rita also seemed like she was crushing on Develin St. John, which was weird. I will say though, I don’t agree with fans that suspect her. We’ve never seen her disloyal to the DiMeras. So, if it is one of EJ’s employees that made him sick, my money is on Cat, not Rita.

But there may be a more innocent explanation for EJ’s influenza bug and this nasty illness he’s got. He’s been spending more time with Johnny. And recently, little Trey had to go to Grandma Paulina Price’s (Jackee Harry) house because he had a summer cold. And with Chanel Dupree (Raven Bowens) going through chemo, her immune system is compromised.

Days of our Lives: Trey Still Contagious

So, Johnny insisted that he was going to take Trey to his grandma for a bit. And Paulina did mention that she was thankful that little Trey was on the mend and that he didn’t have the flu that has been going around. But again, it’s not flu season, it’s summer. But Johnny could have exposed his dad EJ to whatever this cold thing is that Trey had. And EJ is just suffering a worse version of it.

We’ll see how fast EJ recovers and if we see any red flags of a guilty party that might have infected him. Susan hexing the ring is a possibility. Even though it’s weird, Kristen’s revenge is totally plausible. But I think in the end, if somebody did some kind of foul play with this flu, I think it would have to be Cat. We’ll see.

Serena Williams is giving tennis fans something to look forward to as she seems to be making a bounce-back. 

Serena is one of the sport’s most decorated champions. Hence, it came as such a disappointment to fans when an injury caused her to pull out of the highly anticipated doubles match with her sister, Venus Williams. 

However, with another major tournament around the corner, attention is turning back to the star athlete, and excitement is building to see what she has in store. 

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The 23-time Grand Slam champion is raising anticipation among watchers with her latest Instagram Story. 

The post showed the Olympic gold medalist on a tennis court, wearing a white athletic shirt, blue leggings, and white sneakers. She completed her athletic look with a visor over her pulled-back hair as she is seen casually hitting a tennis ball back and forth. 

This comes as a reassurance, as Serena had to step back from her earlier-scheduled Wimbledon match with her sister Venus Williams. 

According to PEOPLE Magazine, the 44-year-old was set to reunite with Venus on July 4 against Camilla Osorio and Solana Sierra. However, Serena had hurt her knee in her first-round singles match against Maya Joint, which resulted in a loss for her. 

Supporters had remained hopeful. However, Serena revealed on her Instagram that she would not be playing the match. She shared that she had done everything possible to recover, but it was just not happening. 

Serena Williams Revealed She Would Keep Playing Despite Injury

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The injury had people questioning Serena’s future in tennis and whether it was finally retirement for her. 

Luckily, the record was set straight by the athlete’s coach, Rennae Stubbs, as reported by The Blast. Stubbs shared that Serena fully intended to continue playing and was eyeing the upcoming US Open tournament in New York. 

Stubbs explained that the main goal was to get the gold medalist back on track and back on the practice court as soon as she was physically well enough to swing a racket. 

Serena Williams Had To Give Herself A Pep Talk Ahead Of Wimbledon Return

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Before her Wimbledon reappearance, the tennis star had been absent from the field for four years. Stepping back into the spotlight may not have been as easy as it looked for her. 

Serena needed to really dig deep before accepting the special invitation to compete in the championship. With organizers reserving one special spot for her, the tennis icon was left with a very important decision to make, per The Blast.

“I thought I should really take this opportunity. Who knows if I’ll ever make it here again. This could be it,” the four-time Olympic gold medalist shared. 

She reflected on the internal debate she had to make before finally making the decision to join the tournament. “I was like, ‘What’s wrong with me, Serena? What are you thinking? Are you nuts? Like you really should do this.’” 

Serena Williams Cites Her Daughter As The Reason For Her Tennis Comeback

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This came as a surprise to the sporting world, as the 44-year-old had announced her retirement back in 2022. 

Two months ago, the tennis star let fans in on the real reason behind her decision to come back on court. 

The Grand Slam great revealed her daughter, Olympia, was a huge driving force, The Blast reports. “Well, I think it’s going to be fun. My daughter Olympia told me that I should play with Venus. She’s always right,” she said. 

The athlete went on to describe her daughter as very serious, very smart, and very wise. Venus and alpine skier Lindsey Vonn were also both listed as motivation for the athlete. After watching her sister and Vonn achieve great feats in different sports, Serena was convinced to compete again. 

Meghan Markle Was Not Present To Support Serena Williams At Wimbledon 

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Serena’s much-awaited comeback of the seven-time Wimbledon singles champion was met with a lot of fanfare. Multiple celebrities flocked to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club to witness the unforgettable event. 

It was noted, however, that Meghan Markle was not present in the crowd. There were speculations about whether she would make an appearance. Instead, her alleged rival, Emma Thynn, Marchioness of Bath, showed up to support Serena, per The Blast.

The Duchess of Sussex had watched Serena compete at the SW19 grass courts in 2019. Due to her absence, fans suspect the longtime friends are no longer as close.

Lindsay Clancy’s trial was brought to a standstill when she broke down in tears during an autopsy testimony and said, “I can’t do this.”

The trial was recessed two times on Wednesday, August 12, after Clancy, 36, got emotional as two medical examiners testified after they performed autopsies on her kids Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8 months, who she killed in January 2023.

The first recess was called after medical examiner Renee Stonebridge explained that the children died by asphyxiation. She then revealed that they were in pain for about 10-30 seconds before they lost consciousness.

Another emotional moment took place when medical examiner Barbara Olson testified, in which she detailed Cora’s autopsy. Olson described the injuries to Cora’s neck, as well as identified signs of ligature strangulation and explained the type of pain the attack caused.

Related: Lindsay Clancy May Not Be ‘Criminally Responsible’ for Murders, Says Attorney

Lindsay Clancy’s defense argued that she may not be “criminally responsible” for killing her three kids ahead of her murder trial. Ahead of her trial start date on Monday, July 20, Clancy’s attorney, Kevin Reddington, said his client was overmedicated for postpartum depression when she killed her children Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8 […]

As Olson described Cora’s injuries, Clancy started to audibly cry and hyperventilate as she said, “I can’t do this,” according to a video from The New York Post.

Following both instances, Judge William Sullivan told the jury that they should not let Clancy’s emotion influence their verdict.

The emotional moments were rare for Clancy, who has remained mostly composed throughout the trial. However, she did previously cry during the August 6 hearing when Massachusetts medical examiner Dr. Kimberley Springer testified that Callan’s autopsy showed “abrasions” and “some needle marks” from “therapeutic procedures.”

Clancy was seen crying as she looked at the autopsy photos, while some jurors were also visibly emotional during Springer’s testimony.

Clancy admitted to killing her kids, but pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges. Throughout the trial, her defense has argued that she was not criminally responsible for the murders because she was overmedicated and experiencing extreme postpartum psychosis at the time.

Related: Lindsay Clancy Repeatedly Asked to Change Medications Before She Killed 3 Kids

Lindsay Clancy repeatedly asked to change her medications before she killed her three children in January 2023, according to a nurse who treated the then-postpartum mom in late 2022. Psychiatric nurse practitioner Rebecca Jollotta testified in court on Tuesday, August 11, that Clancy, 35, asked several times to change her medications despite concerns about her […]

However, prosecutors have argued that Clancy was well aware of what she was doing when she killed her children. Clancy also attempted suicide when she jumped out of the second story of her home shortly after she strangled her kids, which prosecutors argued pointed to the fact that the killings may have been intentional.

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If she is found not criminally responsible, Clancy could be sent to a state mental health facility in Massachusetts. However, she could be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole if she is found guilty of first-degree murder.

If you or someone you know is pregnant or just had a baby and is in crisis, help is available. Call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline for free, confidential support 24/7 in English and Spanish at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262).

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.