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Actress Dame Maggie Smith Dies at Age 89 Leaving Behind Legions of Fans
Admirers of all ages revered and respected Smith's memorable talents, varying roles and legendary work
By: Alison Palmieri
One of the world’s most beloved and accomplished actors, Maggie Smith has died at age 89. Smith starred in over 80 films and TV shows, and is best known for her roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.
On Friday, September 27th, Maggie Smith passed away peacefully in her hospital room. She died surrounded by loving family and friends, including her two sons and five grandchildren. She was not only an extraordinary actress, but a devoted mother and grandmother. Smith had a long and successful career as an actress. She starred in over 50 films, and won two Academy Awards for her performances in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and California Suite (1978). She also won four Golden Globe awards throughout her career, and was nominated four times for an Oscar.
Born in England in 1934, Smith made her first acting appearance in 1952. She played the role of Voila in a stage production of the Twelfth Night. Since her first debut, she would go on to have a career of over 70 years, starring in film, television and theater.
In 1990, Smith won a Tony Award for her performance in Lettice and Lovage. That same year, she received the prestigious honor of being made a dame by Queen Elizabeth the second, for her many contributions to the world of cinema and acting.
Throughout the 1990’s, she would go on to star in many well known films, including Sister Act (1992), Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993), Hook (1991) and Tea with Mussolini (1999). However, she began one of her most known roles in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
Smith played the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall, a professor at the fantastical school of Hogwarts. It was in this role that she became a beloved figurehead for Harry Potter fans, and continued to play a major role throughout the entire franchise.
She also gained publicity for her role in the BBC series Downton Abbey, for which she won three Emmy Awards. The fame that came with this role was unlike anything Smith had experienced before, and noted in various interviews how she wasn’t used to so many people noticing her on the street.
The actress continued to work in films up until 2023. Her final performance was as Lily Fox in Miracle Club.
Maggie Smith will long be remembered for all of her contributions to the world of performing arts. She touched the lives of so many people, including her thousands of fans, and loving friends and family. The loss of Maggie Smith is a loss that has been felt around the world.
Jailed Without Bale: Sean 'Diddy' Combs Accused of Horrific Crimes Spanning Decades
No longer terrified of threats and abuse, growing number of victims come forward to tell horror stories
By: Tessa O’Brien
Sean 'Diddy' Combs has been a prominent figure in the music industry for decades, achieving massive success as a rapper, producer, and entrepreneur. However, his illustrious career has recently been overshadowed by serious legal conflicts. After a month-long investigation Combs was arrested. This was a development that has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and beyond, including social media, news, and more. The investigation meticulously gathered mounting evidence against him, culminating in his arrest, leaving many to think on the implications for his future, reputation, and the industry as a whole.
The investigation into his activities were extensive and thorough, involving multiple law enforcement agencies and a significant amount of resources. Over the months of investigation, the investigators compiled a substantial body of evidence, suggesting that Combs was involved in activities that warranted legal inspection. The specifics of the charges have not been fully disclosed to the public, but there are indications that show that they are severe enough to potentially result in a lengthy prison sentence. This turn of events is particularly shocking, given Comb's public reputation as a successful and influential person in the music industry.
As a result of his arrest, reports have emerged that Combs is now on suicide watch. This step highlights how critical and severe this is and the potential psychological toll it has taken on him. Being placed on suicide watch indicates that authorities are concerned about his mental state and well-being. They recognize that the stress and pressure on him due to the legal battle he is facing, combined with the potential loss of his freedom, may lead to an extreme mental health crisis. This aspect of the case adds another layer of complexity which highlights the human, ethical component behind the arrest, and the impact these events can have on an individual's mental health. The arrest of Combs raises broader questions about the overlap of fame, accountability, and power. As a millionaire and a highly influential figure, his case serves as a reminder that no one can stand above or be dismissed from the law. It also reflects on the pressures and challenges those in the public eye face, and how these pressures can lead to actions that have serious consequences. Within the coming months, the public will unquestionably see more developments in this case. As the legal process unfolds, more details will be revealed. For now, the arrest of Combs stands as a significant moment in the ongoing narrative of celebrity culture and the justice system.
At press time, over 125 victims (adult males/females including some who were children at the time of their encounter) have filed civil lawsuits against Combs and more continue to come forward daily.
Discussions regarding sexual abuse can be difficult but as a society/community we must have these conversations to protect people, including children, from falling victim to those who use power, money, threats and harassment to abuse others. There is never a reason to keep silent if you feel threatened by anyone. We all have a "voice" and people who care about us and are willing to help. You are not alone.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org. There are also adults and resources in place and available to you at NHHS to keep you safe, protected and supported.
We Celebrate the Legendary Kris Kristofferson: Life Devoted to Music, Colleagues, and Fans
Family man, Rhodes Scholar, actor and musician was known for his talents, kindness, and humility
By: Sophiea Runlett
Country singer, actor, and songwriter Kris Kristofferson recently passed away on September 28th of this year. Kristofferson was born on June 22, 1936 in Brownsville Texas. His parents are Lars Henry Kristofferson and Mary Ann Ashbrook. Kristofferson and his family moved when he was a teenager to San Mateo California where he attended San Mateo high school and graduated in 1954. He would go on to attend college at Pomona College and University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. Later, he joined the U.S. Army due to pressure from his family, serving as a captain in the U.S. Army as a helicopter pilot. (He landed his helicopter on the lawn of famous country legend, Johny Cash, to drop off music lyrics he had written to bring his work to the well-known performer's attention. Cash ultimately sang one of those songs which helped catapult Kristofferson into the limelight and start his decades-long career as a legendary country singer/songwriter. The two ultimately became good friends and even sang in a band together. They often laughed over the incident.)
Kristofferson’s music career took off in 1970 when he released, “For The Good Times, “ a country song that topped the music charts and reached the Top 40 on the pop chart for Ray Price. Some of his other more popular songs include: “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” and “Why Me.” Throughout his life as a musician, Kristofferson collaborated and sang with many other artists such as Dolly Parton. He was also an actor. His first movie, “The Last Movie,” was released in 1971. Soon after, he became a very successful actor with many popular movies, some of which were: Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (1973), Heaven's Gate (1980) and Lone Star (1996). Kristofferson lived a long life, full of success.
He is survived by his 8 children: Tracy Kristofferson (62), Kris Kristofferson Jr. (56), Casey Kristofferson (50), Jesse Kristofferson (40), Jody Kristofferson (39), Johnny Kristofferson (36), Kelly Marie Kristofferson (33), Blake Kristofferson (30) and wife Lisa (Meyers) Kristofferson. Kris Kristofferson died at the age of 88 in his home in Maui, Hawaii. His cause of death is not public, and has been chosen to stay private between the grieving family. Fortunately, they said he passed peacefully in his home.
Release of New Movies Continues to Draws Audiences Back Into Theaters
Pass the popcorn: can live streaming platforms compete with BIG screen appeal?
By: Madyson Renna
This summer, new movies have been released and are gaining popularity throughout the United States. The new movie “Twisters” starring Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar- Jones was released on July 19, 2024, and has attracted viewers to the theaters all summer long. The movie is based off of the original “Twister” that was released in 1996 starring Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt, where Kate Cooper and her team meet Tyler Owens, and fight for their lives to save their town. The film was made for the audience to see how serious and dangerous tornadoes are from the viewpoint of a storm chaser. The setting of Oklahoma, known as “tornado alley” where "Twisters" was filmed, helps give the audience a greater understanding of real life situations where a tornado strikes a town. While the location and cinematography has contributed greatly to the movie, the success of the film can also be credited to Actor Glen Powell. Powell is best known for his Netflix movies, “Anyone But You,” and “Set It Up,” and played the role as “Tyler, the Tornado Wrangler,” in Twisters. Fans became crazy over two of his most popular lines, that are known to be “storm jokes” throughout the movie, with the lines specifically being, “If you feel it, chase it, " and “You don’t face your fears, you ride ‘em.” These lines became well liked, and even put on tee-shirts, and sweatshirts. Overall, this movie was a huge success, and 87% liked this movie, and it has a box office of $369.6 million.
Colleen Hoover’s romance novel, “It End With Us,” was officially turned into a romance/drama movie over the summer. The movie was published on August 9, 2024 and was directed by actor and director Justin Baldoni. The movie tells the story of a 23 year-old girl named Lily Bloom, played by Blake Lively, who moves to Boston to pursue her lifelong dream of owning a flower shop. During her time there, she meets a mysterious neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, who is brought to life by Justin Baldoni. As Lily, and Ryle get to know each other more, Ryle’s true colors begin to show, and his identity is revealed as someone who is emotionally, and physically abusive due to past trauma. The book and movie was made to alert others to abusive relationships, and to help as many that are in need of guidance, and support if they find themselves sitting in Lily’s shoes. “It Ends With Us,” is filled with a variety of different themes, such as hope, love, friendship, and independence. Many people around the world have gone to see this movie, not only to appreciate the relationships and themes in the film, but also to better understand the very real issue of domestic violence.
The movie “Inside Out,” continued when “Inside Out 2” was released on June 14, 2024. Inside Out 2 is an amazing family movie that is full of humor, friendship, family, and love. The film continues Riley’s story of becoming a teenager, and learning to adapt to the real world. Riley faces challenges along the way, but soon enough finds her true home, and where she was always meant to be. The characters and emotions who were originally in Inside Out, were Joy, Anger, Sadness, Disgust, and Fear, but new emotions were added, such as Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, Ennui, and Nostalgia. These are Riley’s new emotions since she became a teenager. This movie teaches young adults, and children how to navigate through life when becoming a teenager, and to let others who are experiencing the same emotions as Riley, that they are not alone.
Overall, movie theaters around the world have been crowded with excited viewers ready to watch these films. They have all experienced a great amount of success, and individuals have high expectations for the next movies that will be released in cinemas.
Matt Damon Takes on Best Heroic Role: Uses Fame to Promote Benevolence
American actor, screenwriter, and producer is noted for intelligent performances/humanitarian efforts
By: Olivia Coish
Matt Damon was born on October 8, 1970 in Cambridge Massachusetts where he attended the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. From a young age, Damon participated in drama classes, and was inspired by his teachers to pursue acting on a more serious, professional level. At age 18, Damon landed a small part in the movie Mystic Pizza (1988), and also enrolled in Harvard University as an English major. Following his appearance in the movie, Rising Son (1990), Damon left Harvard before graduating to chase a career in acting. His decision was proven worth it when Damon landed roles in School Ties (1992) and Geronimo: An American Legend (1993), before his breakthrough performance as a young soldier forced to testify about a battle during the Persian Gulf War in Courage Under Fire (1996). Damon’s performance attracted the attention of director, Francis Ford Coppola, who casted Damon as a lawyer in The Rainmaker (1997). In that same year, Damon decided to pursue screenwriting. Alongside companion Ben Affleck, Damon developed the script for Good Will Hunting.
The film earned nine Oscar nominations, including best actor for Damon. In 1998, at age 27, he won the Academy Award for best original screenplay.
Matt Damon’s acting and screenwriting is nothing short of successful. Over the years, his fans have grown an admiration for his skillful portrayal of emotions as an actor and as a writer, but those who truly respect Matt Damon are appreciative of his efforts off the screen. During the recent World Leaders Forum at Columbia, Damon posed a hypothetical scenario to an audience in Low Rotund: “Imagine if we cured cancer tomorrow and in a hundred years, four hundred thousand children were still dying of it.” That, Damon said, is the story with water: “The technology to deliver safe drinking water to homes has existed for decades, yet nearly eight hundred million people worldwide lack access to potable water.” In an attempt to solve the irony of this issue, Damon founded H2O Africa; a non-profit organization (NGO) intended to raise awareness about clean water initiatives in Africa. Damon also supports the ONE Campaign, which is aimed at fighting AIDS and poverty in Third World countries, and is an ambassador of ONEXONE, a non-profit foundation committed to supporting, preserving and improving the lives of children all around the world.
In addition to his NGO efforts, Damon is also an advocate against the wars in Darfur. He has worked tirelessly to find a resolution to the crisis. Along with George Clooney, they have raised more than 4.5 million dollars for Darfur. Damon and Affleck have also created a famous poker tournament called Ante Up For Africa, in which all received funds are donated to help Darfur.
His humanitarian efforts, along with his success as an actor/screenwriter, and dedication of being a father of four, has allowed Damon to set an example of what it means to give back to the community. For Damon, fame was not an invitation to sit back and enjoy his career, but was rather a motivator in his pursuit of spreading benevolence and philanthropy across the world.
Damon promotes and discusses charitable causes with the press and public at various events. The father of four feels a strong obligation to use his "voice" to bring about positive change in the world.
Damon steps out with long-time friend and business partner, actor/director Ben Affleck. The childhood friends and collaborators wrote and acted in the iconic film, Good Will Hunting, earning Oscars for their screenwriting talents.
Chappell Roan Ascends to the Top of the Charts
And the musical beat goes on....
By: Olivia Coish
Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, known professionally as Chappell Roan, is an American singer who has emerged to the top of the music charts as a "queer pop superstar." Roan has been a working pop artist for years. At age 17, she signed her first record deal with Atlantic Records, and has been putting out songs ever since. Last September, Roan released her first full album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, and set off on tour as Olivia Rodrigo’s opener. In March, her appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert Series went viral, sending her Spotify monthly count up by 500 percent. In April, she became one of the biggest stories out of Coachella. Roan has been on the Jimmy Fallon Show, has performed on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and is currently in the process of discovering that being a pop star comes with baggage.
Social Media platform, TikTok, exposed Roan for calling out her fans for overstepping boundaries in their interactions with her. The video shows Roan saying, “I don’t care that abuse and harassment — stalking, whatever — is a normal thing to do to people who are famous or a little famous, whatever,” she said. “I don’t care that it’s normal. I don’t care that this crazy type of behavior comes along with the job, the career field I’ve chosen. That does not make it okay. That doesn’t make it normal. Doesn’t mean I want it. Doesn’t mean I like it.” Her lack of exposure to life as a pop star is making the transition difficult for Roan. Regardless of the backlash Roan is receiving from the videos, she still proudly expresses her opinions to the public. Just last week, Roan revealed that she is voting for Vice President Kamala Harris in November. The singer-songwriter’s announcement followed an intense online backlash for her fan base. The criticism stemmed from Roan’s previous announcement that she didn’t feel pressure to endorse either side in the 2024 election. Regardless of her political stance, Roan is applauded for her endorsement and advocacy of LGBTQ+ rights on and off the stage.
Chappell Roan’s love for singing and performing began in her middle school years. Her family and peers discovered her singing talent when they heard her in the eighth grade talent show. Roan was scouted, posting songs to YouTube, and eventually signed to Atlantic Records. She flew back and forth between her parents’ home in Missouri and studios in LA and New York. In August 2017, Roan released her first single, “Good Hurt.” Early on in her career, Roan decided that she would not be performing as Kayleigh Amstutz, and instead created a stage name in honor of her grandfather, Dennis Chappell, and his favorite song, “The Strawberry Roan.”
Today, Roan’s new album is still a work in progress, but she has revealed that around five or six songs are completed for the project.
History of the White House Reveals Surprising Facts
If the walls could talk: World's most famous building has fascinating stories to tell about its varied past
By: Russell Collins
Many people believe that The White House is one of the best parts of being a president. Once the candidate wins the election, they can design the interior, have dozens of staff at their command, and fine dine every night. However, The White House has some interesting aspects that one would never suspect. Past presidents have reported that while living in The White House, they experienced unusual occurrences.
Windows are off limits. One might assume that you could open up a window for some fresh air. However, the first family is not allowed to do this when living in The White House. The reason has to do with security concerns. The last thing a secret service agent wants is a myriad of open windows that could potentially be hazardous to the President or his family. Michelle Obama said she was looking forward to being able to open a window again after moving out of The White House
It’s possible to have proms at The White House. It has only happened once, with Gerald Ford’s daughter in 1975. Ford’s daughter and her class paid for the prom through fundraiser organizations and bake sales.
Some previous occupants say The White House is haunted. Most notably the former president George W. Bush's daughter, Jenna, made headlines when she told a publication that The White House has paranoia activity. Jenna reported that there were “...millions of ghosts in The White house” and that “...once opera music was coming from the fireplace.” There is a long history of occupants saying that they saw or heard things they simply could not explain. Harry S. Truman and Winston Churchill are among some of the presidents. The most famous legend revolves around sightings of Abraham Lincoln.
The White House was not originally called The White House. The name arose in the early 1900s when former president, Theodore Roosevelt, used “White House” on his stationary. The name has stuck ever since. Before “The White House,” common names were the “President Mansion,” “President’s Palace,” and the “Executive Mansion.” According to The White House Historical Association, Roosevelt had his staff send out instructions to change all of the official documents to include the new name.
Many people believe that George Washington, the nation’s first president and founding father, was the first person to live in The White House. While George Washington was responsible for picking the location and approving the design, he died before the house was completed. The first president to live in The White House was John Adams. When Adams and his wife moved in, the house was not completely finished. Builders of The White House laid the cornerstone of the house in 1792, but nobody knows what actually happened to the cornerstone. It disappeared shortly after the house was completed.
Family and Fans Mourn the Loss of Television Talk Show Pioneer, Phil Donahue
Legendary host brought controversial topics to the forefront to inform and enlighten the public
By: Brendon Helwig
Phillip Donahue was a well known TV host. He was born December 21, 1935, in Cleveland Ohio to a middle class Irish family. He had a fairly normal childhood. His Father was a furniture salesman and his mother was a shoe store clerk.
He graduated out of his elementary school in 1949 and continued to graduate from Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio. Edward High School was an all boys preparatory, Catholic private school that allowed him to get into the University of Notre Dame. He further graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1957.
Quickly after graduating, Phil Donahue got a job working as a production assistant for KYW radio. He got his first taste for being a host on television when he had to fill in for the usual announcer who did not show. After his time in KYW radio, he had a short period where he worked as a bank czech sorter in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
After moving back to Ohio, he got a job as a program director for WABJ radio in Adrian, Michigan. He continued working on himself, got a job for CBS Evening News, and later went on to become an anchor at WHIO-TV in Dayton, Ohio.
He had interviews with people such as Jimmy Hoffa and Billie Sol Estes during his time as an anchor. He crowned the Conservation Piece, which was an afternoon phone-in talk show from 1963 until 1967. While he was still working in Dayton, Phil interviewed former president John F. Kennedy, another late night talk show host Johnny Carson, and even human rights activist Malcolm X. His talk with both Malcolm X and Jerry Rubin both would eventually be some inspiration for his own talk show. When Phil Donahue went to New York City, he was able to interview famous singer Elton John, two famous heavyweight boxing champions Muhammad Alie and Joe Frazier, and political activist Noam Chomsky.
After his career of being an anchor for WHIO-TV, Phil took to making his own show. On November 6, 1967, Phil moved his talk program to WLWD (Now known as WDTN), where he made The Phil Donahue Show. His show was only able to be aired by the Crosley Broadcasting Corporation, but soon was nationally syndicated. The show was moved from Dayton, Ohio to New York City. His show focused on having the live audience be able to interact with the show. The topics that were brought up mainly revolved around dividing liberals and conservatives, using political issues like abortion, consumer protections, civil rights, and any current or suspected wars. After The Phil Donahue Show ran for 29 years, with almost 7,000 one-hour daily shows, the final episode aired on September 13, 1996.
Phil was married to Margaret Cooney, and had five children. Following their divorce, he later married actress Marlow Thomas and the two were together for decades before his death on August 18, 2024, at the age of 88. He was surrounded by his loved ones and leaves behind a legacy of love and speaking the truth about causes important to him and others. Donahue had an impactful life for many people in America, and will forever be remembered as one of the greatest TV hosts of all time. He laid the ground work for other talk shows like Oprah, Sally Jesse Raphael and The Talk.
Sudden Death of One Direction's Liam Payne Shocks the World
Investigation reveals another young life lost to the dangerous "trappings" of fame and fortune
By: Matthew Campbell and Sophiea Runlett
English songwriter and former member of One Direction, Liam Payne has passed away on October 16th, 2024. Liam was born on August 29th, 1993 and was raised in Wolverhampton, England by his parents Geoff and Karen Payne alongside his two sisters, Ruth Gibbins and Nicola Payne.
Payne rose to fame when he was selected to join boyband “One Direction” after his successful audition as a teen drawing the attention of Simon Cowell and other judges on “The X Factor,” in the UK. In the band, he was one of the main songwriters for the albums. His first solo single was “Strip That Down” which became a power pop track featuring rapper Quavo. The song went on to become a Top 10 hit in Britain in 2017.
After One Direction, he went on to endure a much less successful career compared to his previous band mates. He began by singing and producing R&B and some pop but no big hits. He produced remixes under the names of Big Payno and Payno and collaborated with other artists that remixed tracks for both his group and singer Cheryl.
Payne was in Argentina at the time to attend a concert of his former One Direction bandmate, Niall Horan, perform in the capital. Payne was seen smiling in many Snapchat images shared with the public.
He tragically died on October 16, 2024 after falling three stories off balcony at the CasaSur hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at the age of 31. It was said just before his life ending fall that the hotel manager called the police stating that there was a very aggressive man who was destroying his entire room and could possibly be under the influence of a drug or alcohol. He was confirmed dead on scene by paramedics due to a cranial fracture and life ending injuries. The incident is under investigation since drugs were found in Payne's body and witnesses claim he was exhibiting eratic behaviors shorty before his death.
Although Payne was an iconic musician and at one point a member of a pop culture phenomenon, he admittedly faced struggles in life. During earlier interviews, he discussed experiencing difficult and challenging lows, depression and health problems due to substance abuse/addiction. Meanwhile, as the investigation into his death continues, Payne will be missed by his family, friends, and the millions of people throughout the world whom he impacted with his music.
Those who struggle with addiction/depression can seek helps. Addiction crisis services are available at 1-800-563-4086 and for Clinical and Medical Health Assessment/Assistance call 1-(844)-996-2869.
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