Two months before his death, singer-songwriter Oliver Tree gave a candid interview about the details of his will and how his estate would be distributed posthumously. The artist died on June 14 after a fatal helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The mid-air collision, which occurred just above a car dealership, killed six people. … Read more
Gene Shalit, the fast-talking funnyman who reviewed films, plays and books for NBC’s “Today” show, has died. He was 100. Shalit’s family confirmed the longtime critic’s death Friday, telling NBC that he “passed away peacefully after 100 years of an amazing life.” According to a 2010 interview with Guy Ludwig, Shalit’s producer for more than … Read more
Soccer lovers know there’s no shortage of songs about their favorite sport. British punk rockers The Fall voiced their gripes about the the game on the 1983 track “Kicker Conspiracy.” Shakira and guest rapper Burma Boy performed this year’s official FIFA World Cup anthem “Dai Dai.” And then there’s stadium singalongs, whether fans are stomping … Read more
What to do after writing some of this century’s most devastating songs about the torment of breaking up? Write some of this century’s most devastating songs about the ecstasy of getting together. With her first two albums — 2021’s Grammy-winning “Sour” and 2023’s triple-platinum “Guts” — Olivia Rodrigo proved herself to be perhaps the most … Read more
The role was an unexpected break for Auerbach who started at NBC in 1984 as a temp, providing vacation relief on various shows including David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, Rosie O’Donnell and “SNL.” As good as the gigs were, they were a means to an end for Auerbach, whose real ambition was to act. “I would … Read more
Authorities have identified the hiker who suffered a fatal medical emergency in Runyon Canyon as 78-year-old screenwriter William Hasley. Hasley was a veteran TV writer who taught screenwriting classes at UCLA Extension. He was also a friend of Caitlyn Jenner and helped write the former athlete’s motivational book “Finding the Champion Within,” according to his … Read more
Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones are giving viewers a look at the inner workings of their show and friendship in a new segment called “Ask Away.” The TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle co-hosts debuted the segment June 9 and shared two questions from fans of the show, which were submitted on Instagram. Up first, … Read more
It was a strange year on Broadway, but then it’s been strange everywhere. Our world at times seems downright unrecognizable, with politicians acting like mob bosses, AI transforming not just the internet but potentially the entire economy, the cost of living leaving only the super rich able to keep up, and I won’t even mention … Read more
Mindy Kaling is back with a new series that concludes her trilogy of shows inspired by the early days of her career. The actor, writer, director and producer recently released “Not Suitable for Work,” a comedy about five twenty-somethings who are pursuing their career aspirations in Manhattan. The first three episodes of the series arrived … Read more
The state of California is leading an effort to prepare a possible lawsuit that could thwart Paramount Skydance Corp.’s planned acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, a potential obstacle for the $111-billion deal. The lawsuit, which could be filed as early as this month, would likely involve multiple states, according to a source familiar with the … Read more