David Spade recalls the challenges he faced at “SNL”: 'It was hard for me to get a foothold'

David Spade recalls the challenges he faced at "SNL": 'It was hard for me to get a foothold'

TheStewartofNY/WireImage WhileDavid Spadeis associated with one of the most iconicSaturday Night Livecasts, he recently shared that he struggled to find his footing when he started on the show. In thelatest episodeofConan O'BrienNeeds a Friend,Spade recalled how after he auditioned alongsideRob Schneiderand futureSpongeBob SquarePantsvoice actorTom Kenny, he was initially hired onto the show as a writer. However, the experience was not an easy adjustment — as many formerSNLcast members haveattested toin the past. Spade and O'Brien, who also served as a writer, exchanged stories about how little guidance there was when they first started on the show. "When I look back, it was hard for me to get a foothold," Spade said. What's more, working with big personalities like Schneider,Adam Sandler,Chris Farley, andDana Carvey, gave Spade a bit of a "nice guy finishing last" feeling. "I mean, obviously, Sandler caught fire pretty quick, and he's got so many moves, all these characters. Everything was happening so fast. I was like, 'Holy s---.' He really came in loaded," Spade said. "And Dana, obviously, is so good on the show, and Farley right from the get go. So I just didn't have that. I was sort of just a comedian that could write some funny stuff, but it took a while." Spade recalled a memorable interaction with longtimeSNLwriter Robert Smigel, during which Smigel noted that Schneider was "tough, but he was valuable. Worth having around." He continued, "And I was like, ''I want to be valuable.' That's when it hit me. You want someone in a position like Smigel was, 'We need you around.'" Sign up forEntertainment Weekly's free daily newsletterto get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more. Now, though, Spade loves being "lumped in" with Sandler, Farley, Chris Rock, and the rest of the cast and writers from his tenure. "That was just a big chunk of people that you could look to anyone and go, 'Oh, I can learn something from this guy. I can learn how to write, or I can learn how to perform or look at the table read.' It took a while to seep in, and then I got better at it," he said. Spade clearly found his footing, parlaying hisSNLstint into a successful movie career including the hit movieTommy Boyco-starring Farley. To hear David Spade's full interview onConan O'Brien Needs a Friend, click below. Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly

byLiam Oneel

in

June 17, 2025

David Spade recalls the challenges he faced at “SNL”: 'It was hard for me to get a foothold'

David Spade recalls the challenges he faced at "SNL": 'It was hard for me to get a foothold' TheStewartofNY/WireImage Whil...

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California doctor to plead guilty to supplying Matthew Perry with ketamine

California doctor to plead guilty to supplying Matthew Perry with ketamine

A California doctor accused of giving Friends star Matthew Perry access to ketamine in the weeks before the actor's overdose death has agreed to plead guilty, according to federal prosecutors. Dr Salvador Plasencia will plead guilty to four counts of distributing ketamine, federal prosecutors said in a statement on Monday. The plea carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and the doctor is expected to make his plea in the coming weeks. Who is the 'Ketamine Queen' accused of supplying Matthew Perry Doctor pleads guilty in Matthew Perry overdose death Ketamine swapped for salt as smugglers exploit Europe loophole in booming market Perry – best known for playing Chandler Bing on Friends – was found dead in his hot tub in Los Angeles in October 2023. He was 54 and although he'd been open about struggles with depression and addiction, fans around the world were shocked by his death. According to text messages shared with prosecutors from Dr Mark Chavez - a doctor who already pleaded guilty in the case - Dr Plasencia called Perry a "moron" and wondered how much he'd be willing to pay for the drugs. According to documents filed for the plea agreement, Dr Plasencia injected Perry with ketamine at his home and in the parking lot of the Long Beach Aquarium. Dr Plasencia taught Perry's assistant - who is also a defendant - how to administer the drug and would sell extra vials for them to keep at home, according to the plea deal. The doctor is one of five people charged with what prosecutors allege was an underground network of dealers and medical professionals who supplied Perry with ketamine. The actor was taking legal, prescribed amounts of the drug to treat his depression, but wanted more than what was prescribed. In total, the plea agreement says, between 30 September 2023, and 12 October 2023, Dr Plasencia sold twenty 5ml (100mg/ml) vials of ketamine, less than a full package of ketamine lozenges, and syringes to Perry and his assistant. Dr Plasencia's lawyers could not be immediately reached for comment.

byLiam Oneel

in

June 17, 2025

California doctor to plead guilty to supplying Matthew Perry with ketamine

California doctor to plead guilty to supplying Matthew Perry with ketamine A California doctor accused of giving Friends star Matthew Perry ...

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Louisiana is poised to hike its sports betting tax to help colleges pay their athletes

Louisiana is poised to hike its sports betting tax to help colleges pay their athletes

Louisiana is poised to hike taxes on sports betting to pump more than $24 million into athletic departments at the state's most prominent public universities. Legislation pending before Gov. Jeff Landry would make Louisiana the first state to raise taxes to fund college sports sincea judge approved a landmark settlementwith the NCAA allowing schools to directly pay athletes for use of their name, image and likeness (NIL). Anticipating the court's approval, Arkansas this year became the first towaive state income taxeson NIL payments made to athletes by higher education institutions. More states seem almost certain to adopt their own creative ways to gain an edge — or at least keep pace — in the rapidly evolving and highly competitive field of college sports. "These bills, and the inevitable ones that will follow, are intended to make states 'college-athlete friendly,'" said David Carter, founder of the Sports Business Group consultancy and an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California. But "they will no doubt continue to stoke the debate about the `perceived' preferential treatment afforded athletes." The new NCCA rules allowing direct payments to college athletes kick in July 1. In the first year, each Division I school can share up to $20.5 million with its athletes — a figure that may be easier to meet for big-time programs than for smaller schools weighing whether to divert money from other purposes. The settlement also continues to allow college athletes toreceive NIL moneyfrom third parties, such as donor-backed collectives that support specific schools. Louisiana bill sponsor: `We love football' The Louisiana legislation won final approval just two days after a judge approved the antitrust settlement between the NCAA and athletes, but it had been in the works for months. Athletic directors from many of Louisiana's universities met earlier this year and hashed out a plan with lawmakers to relieve some of their financial pressures by dividing a share of the state'ssports betting tax revenue. The biggest question for lawmakers was how large of a tax increase to support. The initial proposal sought to double the state's 15% tax on net proceeds from online sports betting. But lawmakers ultimately agreed on a 21.5% tax rate in a compromise with the industry. One-quarter of the tax revenue from online sports wagering — an estimated $24.3 million — would be split equally among 11 public universities in conferences with Division I football programs. The money must be used "for the benefit of student athletes," including scholarships, insurance, medical coverage, facility enhancements and litigation settlement fees. The state tax money won't provide direct NIL payments to athletes. But it could facilitate that indirectly by freeing up other university resources. The legislation passed overwhelmingly in the final days of Louisiana's annual session. "We love football in Louisiana – that's the easiest way to say it," said Republican state Rep. Neil Riser, who sponsored the bill. Smaller universities are feeling the squeeze Many colleges and universities across the country have been feeling a financial squeeze, but it's especially affected the athletic departments of smaller schools. Athletic departments in the top Division I football conferences take in millions of dollars from media rights, donors, corporate sponsors and ticket sales, with a median of just 7% coming from student fees and institutional and government support, according to theKnight-Newhouse College Athletics Database. But the remaining schools in Division I football bowl conferences got a median of 63% of the revenue from such sources last year. And schools without football teams got a median of 81% of their athletic department revenues from institutional and governmental support or student fees. Riser said Louisiana's smaller universities, in particular, have been struggling financially and have shifted money from their general funds to their sports programs to try to remain competitive. At the same time, the state has taken in millions of dollars of tax revenue from sports bets made at least partly on college athletics. "Without the athletes, we wouldn't have the revenue. I just felt like it's fairness that we do give something back and, at the same time, help the general funds of the universities," Riser said. Other states are investing in college sports Louisiana would become the second state behind North Carolina to dedicate a portion of its sports wagering revenues to colleges athletics. North Carolinalaunched online sports wageringlast year under a state law earmarking part of an 18% tax on gross gaming revenue to the athletic departments at 13 public universities. The state's two largest institutions were excluded. But that might be about to change. Differing budget plans passed by the state House and Senate this year both would start allotting sports betting tax revenue to the athletic programs at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University. The Senate version also would double the tax rate. The proposals come a year after University of North Carolina trustees approvedan audit of the athletics departmentafter a preliminary budget projected about $100 million of debt in the years ahead. Other schools also are taking actions because of deficits in their athletic departments. Last week, University of Kentucky trustees approved a $31 million operating loan for the athletics department as it begins making direct NIL payments to athletes. That came after trustees in April voted to convert the Kentucky athletics department into a limited-liability holding company —Champions Blue LLC— to more nimbly navigate the emerging financial pressures. Given the money involved in college athletics, it's not surprising that states are starting to provide tax money to athletic departments or — as in Arkansas' case — tax relief to college athletes, said Patrick Rishe, executive director of the sports business program at Washington University in St. Louis. "If you can attract better athletes to your schools and your states, then this is more visibility to your states, this is more potential out-of-town economic activity for your state," Rishe said. "I do think you're going to see many states pursue this, because you don't want to be the state that's left exposed or at a disadvantage."

byLiam Oneel

in

June 17, 2025

Louisiana is poised to hike its sports betting tax to help colleges pay their athletes

Louisiana is poised to hike its sports betting tax to help colleges pay their athletes Louisiana is poised to hike taxes on sports betting t...

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Giancarlo Stanton makes season debut for Yankees after missing first 70 games

Giancarlo Stanton makes season debut for Yankees after missing first 70 games

NEW YORK (AP) — His bat thundering as usual in his return, Giancarlo Stanton batted away a question about elbow pain as if it were a pitch he was trying to spoil. "We're good to go," he said. After missing the Yankees' first 70 games because of inflammation in the tendons of both elbows, Stanton went 2 for 4 with a single and double in a1-0, 11-inning defeat to the Los Angeles Angelson Monday night that stretched New York's losing streak to a season-high four games. He hit a 101.5 mph groundout in the first and a 111.1 mph single in the fourth, struck out in the sixth and led off the ninth with a 102.9 mph double. "I thought he moved well on his double," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. "I feel like his timing with the fastball has been good. Now it's just about continuing to do it over and over and seeing how he bounces back every day." Stanton had said in February "the pain was very high in general" last year because of epicondylitis, a tendon inflammation known as tennis elbow. Taking early batting practice off a machine in empty Yankee Stadium, he took notice of being on the field he had missed during a layoff that began in the weeks before spring training. "Excited to get the big boy back," Boone said a little later in the interview room. Batting fifth as the designated hitter, Stanton received a standing ovation from the crowd of 37,398 when he came to the plate with two on and two outs in the first inning. "That's awesome. It's amazing," Stanton said. "It's been a long time coming for the year, so I appreciate them and good thing I was able to do all right tonight." Stanton has not played a full season since 2018, the first year after the Yankees acquired him from the Miami Marlins. Entering Monday, he had missed 364 of 940 games (39%) since the beginning of the 2019 season. The 35-year-old appeared in 114 games last season, hitting .233 with 27 homers and 72 RBIs, then hadseven homers in 14 postseason gamesand was voted the MVP of the AL Championship Series. Given a then-record$325 million, 13-year contractby the Marlins, Stanton had 59 homers and 132 RBIs in 2017, winning theNL MVP award. He wastraded to the Yankeesand had 38 homers and 100 RBIs in his first season in the Bronx. He missed time because of a strained right biceps and strained posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee (2019), strained left hamstring (2020), strained left quadriceps (2021), right ankle inflammation and left Achilles tendinitis (2022) and strained left hamstring (2023 and 2024). Stanton was activated from the 60-day injured list and infielder/outfielder Pablo Reyes was designated for assignment. Ben Rice had started 43 games at designated hitter, Aaron Judge 17, Jasson Domínguez eight and Paul Goldschmidt two. Rice has 12 homers and could see time catching, where he has made six appearances since his big league debut last June 18, none of them starts. "We have, frankly, guys that should be in there probably pretty much every single day and we'll have to work a little bit of a rotation there," Boone said. "Everyone's not going to be happy about it all the time and that's OK, as long as we're all in it together as a team." Cousins to have Tommy John surgery and Brubaker nearing return Boone said right-hander Jake Cousins will have Tommy John surgery on Wednesday with Texas Rangers team physician Dr. Keith Meister, and right-hander JT Brubaker likely will be activated in the next few days after recovering from three broken left ribs sustained when trying to avoid acomebacker off the bat of Tampa Bay's Kameron Misner during an exhibition on Feb. 21. Cousins, a right-hander who turns 31 next month, has been sidelined all season. Boone said ahead of the first workout at spring training that Cousins had a strained right forearm and then the pitcher felt a pec issue after a pair of batting practice sessions last month. Cousins made minor league rehab appearances on June 3 and June 7 for High-A Hudson Valley and felt discomfort. He had a 2.37 ERA in 37 relief appearances last year, striking out 53 and walking 20 in 38 innings. Brubaker was acquired from Pittsburgh in March 2024 while recovering from Tommy John surgery on April 12, 2023. The 31-year-old right-hander made six minor league appearances from May 18 through Saturday, then got a call on Sunday from his rehab coordinator telling him to report to Yankee Stadium. He'll likely be used at first in long relief. "Just to be able to step in this clubhouse is amazing. I mean, the history, just everything," Brubaker said. "It's an unbelievable experience. I got lost a little bit walking around." ___ AP MLB:https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

byLiam Oneel

in

June 17, 2025

Giancarlo Stanton makes season debut for Yankees after missing first 70 games

Giancarlo Stanton makes season debut for Yankees after missing first 70 games NEW YORK (AP) — His bat thundering as usual in his return, Gia...

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YouTube Launches ‘Open Call,’ a New Way for Marketers to Solicit Branded Content From Creators

YouTube Launches 'Open Call,' a New Way for Marketers to Solicit Branded Content From Creators

For several years, YouTube has provided a matchmaking service to connect marketers with top creators to promote their wares. Now the video platform has a new tool that it's hoping will make it even easier for brands to enlist creators for campaigns at scale. YouTube on Tuesday announced Open Call, which will let brands broadly request sponsored content from creators who are part of the YouTube Partner Program. The new feature is powered by YouTube BrandConnect, the platform's marketplace for brands to discover and partner with creators. The announcement is timed for the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, the advertising conference taking place this week in the south of France. More from Variety Disney Loses Legal Bid to Block YouTube's Hiring of Media Exec Justin Connolly YouTube Disputes Disney Lawsuit's Claims Over Justin Connolly Hiring, Alleges Disney Is Using Exec as 'Pawn' in License Talks Justin Connolly, After Exiting Disney, Joins YouTube as Global Head of Media and Sports; Disney Sues Over Exec's Hiring With Open Call, based on a marketer's creative brief, creators can proactively respond by creating videos that match the parameters of the project and then share them with the brand. At that point, the brand that issued the Open Call can decide which videos to use in their campaigns. The marketer can then promote creator videos as "partnership ads" in Google Ads. Open Call "gives creators of all sizes the opportunity to pursue new relationships with brands," Melissa Hsieh Nikolic, director of product management, YouTube Ads, wrote in a blog post about the new feature. Marketers can "lean on the relevance and trust of YouTube creators to get more from your social strategy on YouTube." Initially, Open Call is available for "select advertisers," with a broader rollout planned in the coming months, according to YouTube. YouTube says there are more than 3 million channels in the YouTube Partner Program, which shares ad revenue with creators (and provides other perks) if those creatorsmeet certain minimum thresholds. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar Sign up forVariety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram.

byLiam Oneel

in

June 17, 2025

YouTube Launches ‘Open Call,’ a New Way for Marketers to Solicit Branded Content From Creators

YouTube Launches 'Open Call,' a New Way for Marketers to Solicit Branded Content From Creators For several years, YouTube has provid...

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Jason Isaacs Reveals Exactly How Much “The White Lotus” Cast Get Paid Per Episode: ‘A Very Low Price’

Jason Isaacs Reveals Exactly How Much "The White Lotus" Cast Get Paid Per Episode: 'A Very Low Price'

Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/WireImage; Stefano Delia/HBO Jason Isaacs has revealed how much he and hisThe White Lotuscostars get paid per episode The actor, who starred in the third season of the HBO series, confirmed that he and his fellow cast members earned $40,000 per episode "Compared to what people normally get paid for big television shows, that's a very low price," Isaacs told Vulture Jason Isaacsis getting real about his paycheck. In a new interview withVulture, published Monday, June 16, the actor, 62, opened up about how much he and hisTheWhite Lotuscostars earned on the show, Confirming they were paid were paid $40,000 per episode, Isaacs, who played Timothy Ratliff in season 3 of the HBO series, called the amount "very low." "I didn't know that was public knowledge," he told the outlet. "That's absolutely true. Generally actors don't talk about pay in public because it's ridiculously disproportionate to what we do — putting on makeup and funny voices — and just upsets the public." He added, "But compared to what people normally get paid for big television shows, that's a very low price. But the fact is, we would have paid to be in it. We probably would have given a body part." Fabio Lovino/HBO Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The star was then asked if it bothered him that he was earning the same as actors with less experience than him, like costarPatrick Schwarzenegger, who played the role of his son Saxon Ratliff in the series. "Do I mind that I wasn't paid more than other people? I never work for money," he said. "I mean, I've done all right. People will think I have huge stockpiles of money but sadly, what I've done rather immaturely is expand my outgoings to match my incomings and pretty much spent everything I've earned over the years." In April, casting director Meredith Tucker and producer David Bernad revealed that cast members onThe White Lotuswere paid the same. Fabio Lovino/HBO "Everyone is treated the same onThe White Lotus," Bernad toldThe Hollywood Reporter. "They get paid the same, and we do alphabetical billing, so you're getting people who want to do the project for the right reasons, not to quoteThe Bachelor." "It makes it so much easier," Tucker continued. "You tell people this is what it is. And some won't do it — and honestly, you can't hold it against people who need to make a living. Our series regulars are pretty much doing this for scale." "And it's not negotiable," Bernad added. Read the original article onPeople

byLiam Oneel

in

June 17, 2025

Jason Isaacs Reveals Exactly How Much “The White Lotus” Cast Get Paid Per Episode: ‘A Very Low Price’

Jason Isaacs Reveals Exactly How Much "The White Lotus" Cast Get Paid Per Episode: 'A Very Low Price' Alan Chapman/Dave Be...

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OKC's Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander enter NBA Finals lore with Game 5 scoring spree

OKC's Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander enter NBA Finals lore with Game 5 scoring spree

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Jerry West and Elgin Baylor did it often. Kyrie Irving and LeBron James did it a couple of times. Magic Johnson and Jamaal Wilkes were among those who did it once. And now,Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexanderhave entered NBA lore. Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday night marked just the 14th time in league history that a game saw somebody score at least 40 points in a title-round game while one of his teammates scored at least 30. Williams had 40 and Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 31 in Oklahoma City's 120-109 win over Indiana, a victory that gave the Thunder a 3-2 lead in the series. "These guys are really good players," Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault said. "Obviously." A look at the history when a team has a 40-point and 30-point scorer in the same finals game: Jerry West and Elgin Baylor, Lakers This 40-30 combination has happened 14 times in NBA Finals history. West and Baylor are responsible for half of them, and they made it almost seem commonplace back then — while hardly any set of teammates has done it since. — April 8, 1962: West scored 40, Baylor scored 36 in the Los Angeles Lakers' 129-122 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of those finals. — April 18, 1962: Baylor scored 41, West scored 35, but it wasn't enough and the Celtics beat the Lakers 110-107 in Game 7 for the title that season. — April 17, 1963: West scored 42, Baylor scored 38 and the Lakers beat the Celtics 119-99 in Game 3. — April 21, 1963: Baylor scored 43, West scored 32 and the Lakers beat the Celtics 126-119 in Game 5. The Celtics would prevail in six games. — April 17, 1966: West scored 41, Baylor scored 36 in the Lakers' 133-129 win over the Celtics in Game 1 of that series. — April 24, 1966: Baylor scored 41, West scored 31 and the Lakers beat the Celtics 121-117 in Game 5. But Boston would win the title again, prevailing in Game 7. — April 25, 1969: West scored 31, Baylor scored 32 and the Lakers beat the Celtics 118-112 in Game 2 that year. And once again, the Celtics would win, this time in another Game 7 and the 11th and final title for Bill Russell. Kyrie Irving and LeBron James, Cavaliers They did it in back-to-back seasons for Cleveland, both times against Golden State. The Cavs won the title in 2016, then lost in 2017. — June 13, 2016: Both scored 41 points and the Cavs beat the Warriors 112-97, cutting Golden State's series lead to 3-2. This was the season Cleveland successfully rallied from a 3-1 deficit to win the title. — June 9, 2017: Irving scored 40 and James scored 31 as the Cavs avoided a sweep by beating the Warriors 137-116 in Game 4 of that series. Golden State went on to prevail in five games. Magic Johnson and Jamaal Wilkes, Lakers They did it once, in the clincher of the 1980 finals for the Lakers against the Philadelphia 76ers. — May 16, 1980: Johnson scored 42 and Wilkes scored 37 in the Lakers' 123-107 road win in Game 6 to secure the title. Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West, Lakers West's name pops into the list again, this time with Wilt Chamberlain in the Lakers' 1970 finals appearance against the New York Knicks. — May 6, 1970: Chamberlain scored 45, West scored 33 and the Lakers beat the Knicks 135-113 in Game 6 of that series. New York would win the title two nights later in Game 7. John Havlicek and Bailey Howell, Celtics Hard to believe it's happened only once in Celtics lore, but that's indeed the case. The Boston teammates did it against the Lakers in 1968. — May 2, 1968: Havlicek scored 40, Howell scored 30 and the Celtics won 124-109 in Game 6 of that series, clinching yet another championship. Cliff Hagan and Bob Pettit, Hawks Not the Atlanta Hawks, the St. Louis Hawks. Hagan and Pettit were the first members of the finals 40-30 club. — April 5, 1961: Hagan scored 40, Pettit scored 30 and the Hawks lost to the Celtics 116-108 in Game 2 of that series. Boston won the series in five games. ___ AP NBA:https://apnews.com/nba

byLiam Oneel

in

June 17, 2025

OKC's Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander enter NBA Finals lore with Game 5 scoring spree

OKC's Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander enter NBA Finals lore with Game 5 scoring spree OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Jerry West and Elg...

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Sabalenka apologizes to Gauff for post-match comments after French Open

Sabalenka apologizes to Gauff for post-match comments after French Open

BERLIN (AP) —Aryna Sabalenkasays she has written toCoco Gauffto apologize for the "unprofessional" comments she made following her loss to her American rival in the final of theFrench Open. Speaking to Eurosport Germany, the top-ranked Sabalenka said her remarks after her6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4loss to Gauff at Roland-Garros this month were a mistake. In her post-match press conference in Paris, Sabalenka had suggested that the result was more due to her own errors than to Gauff's performance. "That was just completely unprofessional of me," Sabalenka said. "I let my emotions get the better of me. I absolutely regret what I said back then. You know, we all make mistakes. I'm just a human being who's still learning in life. I think we all have those days when we lose control. But what I also want to say is that I wrote to Coco afterward — not immediately, but recently." Sabalenka hit 37 winners but finished the final with 70 unforced errors — compared to Gauff's 30. She said she wrote to Gauff to apologize and "make sure she knew she absolutely deserved to win the tournament and that I respect her." "I never intended to attack her," Sabalanka added. "I was super emotional and not very smart at that press conference. I'm not necessarily grateful for what I did. It took me a while to go back and think about it, to approach it with open eyes, and to understand. I realized a lot about myself. Why did I lose so many finals?" Sabalenka, a three-time major champion, also lost to Gauffin the 2023 U.S. Open final, where she also won the first set. "I kept getting so emotional," Sabalenka added. "So I learned a lot. Above all, one thing: I'm the one who always treats my opponents with great respect, whether I win or lose. Without that respect, I wouldn't be where I am today. So it was a tough but very valuable lesson for me." ___ AP tennis:https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

byLiam Oneel

in

June 17, 2025

Sabalenka apologizes to Gauff for post-match comments after French Open

Sabalenka apologizes to Gauff for post-match comments after French Open BERLIN (AP) —Aryna Sabalenkasays she has written toCoco Gauffto apol...

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Brad Pitt Reveals the Reason Behind His New Buzzcut as He Teases New Role (Exclusive)

Brad Pitt Reveals the Reason Behind His New Buzzcut as He Teases New Role (Exclusive)

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Brad Pitt shared the true reason behind his new buzzcut in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the New York City premiere of his latest movie,F1 "I just finished a job," Pitt teases. "It's for a character we did" The actor was joined by his girlfriend Ines de Ramon for the premiere on June 16 Brad Pittis dishing the details behind his latest look! Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at the New York City premiere of his new movieF1on June 16, the actor, 61, revealed why he hasbrought back his iconic 2004 buzz cut. "I just finished a job," Pitt teases. "It's for a character we did." On the red carpet, Pitt teamed his shaved head with a navy blue double-breasted suit, a crisp white shirt and a satin pocket square. He was first spottedrocking the dramatic cutwhile driving around Los Angeles last month. He was also pictured with the look in hisGQsummer issue coverthat was released at the end of May. Pitt was joined at the premiere by his girlfriendInes de Ramon, with the couple making arare appearance on the red carpet. De Ramon, 32, showed her support for her partner in a sheer halter top and long, feathered skirt. She accessorized the look with a white Chanel purse. Elsewhere during his chat with PEOPLE, Pitt opened up about his favorite memories from filming the movie, in which he plays a Formula 1 driver called Sonny Hayes who is getting back in the driver's seat after nearly 30 years. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty "I got a lot," Pitts tells PEOPLE. "I got a lot, but every time I got in the car, these tracks are just like hallowed ground. Silverstone. Spa in Belgium was the most memorable. Abu Dhabi. We really got spoiled." The star also shared what it was like having to switch from driving at super high speeds in the movie to driving in everyday life. Scott Garfield / Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures / Apple Original Films Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "There's a strange calm in the car when you're hitting everything," he says. "You're hitting your breaking points and hitting your turning points. It's such a piece. I can't even describe it. Yeah, it's incredible." According to an official synopsis, Pitt's character Hayes was Formula's 1 "most promising phenom of the 1990s" until an accident on the track nearly ended his career." "Thirty years later, he's a nomadic racer-for-hire when he's approached by his former teammate Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), owner of a struggling Formula 1 team that is on the verge of collapse. Ruben convinces Sonny to come back to Formula for one last shot at saving the team and being the best in the world," the synopsis continues. "But as the engines roar, Sonny's past catches up with him and he finds that in Formula 1, your teammate is your fiercest competition—and the road to redemption is not something you can travel alone." The PEOPLE Appis now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! The film also starsDamson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles and Samson Kayo, whileLewis Hamiltonis one of the producers. F1is in theaters on June 27. Read the original article onPeople

byLiam Oneel

in

June 17, 2025

Brad Pitt Reveals the Reason Behind His New Buzzcut as He Teases New Role (Exclusive)

Brad Pitt Reveals the Reason Behind His New Buzzcut as He Teases New Role (Exclusive) Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Brad Pitt shared the true re...

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Barry Manilow's Life in Photos

Barry Manilow's Life in Photos

Jack Mitchell/Getty There is no doubt thatBarry Manilowis one of the greatest living entertainers of our time. From his humble beginnings in New York, to his brief stint as a jingle writer, to chart-topping dance and love songs, the man is an incomparable performer who writes the songs that make the whole world sing (as he put it). Look back at his life in photos as he turns 82 on June 17, 2025. Bobby Bank/WireImage Barry Alan Pincus was born on June 17, 1943 to Harold Pincus and Edna Manilow in Brooklyn, New York. Since his parents divorced when he was young and he was raised by his single mother, he adopted her maiden last name instead. His love for music bloomed early, as Manilow took on the accordion and the piano as a child. He would later enroll at the New York College of Music (now part of N.Y.U.) and attend the Juilliard School of Music to fine tune his talents. ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty During his university years, Manilow worked in the mailroom at CBS. That's where he met director Bro Herrod, who recruited him to arrange some songs for the musical adaptation of the playThe Drunkard.Because of his talent and sharp ear for music, Manilow wound up writing the entire score for the production. In the 1960s, Manilow also found success as a jingle writer. In fact, the musician is responsible for some of thecatchiest phrases top companies still use today— State Farm's "Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there" as well as Band-Aid's "I am stuck on Band-Aid cause Band-Aid's stuck on me," for example. Other successful jingles include KFC's "Grab a Bucket of Chicken," Pepsi's "Feelin' Free" and McDonalds' "You Deserve a Break Today." Dick Clark Productions/Getty In 1971, Manilow began working with Bette Midler after the two performed a show together at the Continental Baths in New York City. Their musical chemistry was so strong that he wound up coproducing her first two albums and was nominated for a Grammy for his work onThe Divine Miss M. Manilow went on to release his first solo albumsBarry Manilow IandBarry Manilow IIin 1973 and 1974, respectively. The latter was a smash hit thanks to its single "Mandy" topping the charts. He followed that up with several albums that produced hit singles such as "I Write the Songs" off 1975'sTryin' to Get the Feelin,' "Looks Like We Made It" from 1976'sThis One's for Youand, of course, the widely popular, Grammy Award-winning, "Copacabana (At the Copa)" off 1978'sEven Now. Jim Britt /American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Barry Manilow is not just a Grammy Award-winning musician. In 1977, he took home the Emmy Award for outstanding special — comedy-variety or music forThe Barry Manilow Specialwhich aired on ABC that same year. The show was also nominated for outstanding writing in a comedy-variety or music special. Manilow was nominated for another two Emmys in 1978, before snagging his second trophy for outstanding individual performance in a variety or music program for 2006'sBarry Manilow: Music and Passion,which aired on PBS. Ethan Miller/Getty The award-winning multi-hyphenate is pictured performing during his 100th "Manilow: Music and Passion" show at the Las Vegas Hilton in 2005. He began his residency at the hotel in February 2005 and it was extended through 2008. In 2009, he moved his residency to the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino and he's been performing there since. This year, the musician will becelebrating his 14th year at the prestigious establishment, as well as his 50-year anniversary as a recording artist. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Manilow married his high school sweetheart Susan Deixler shortly after the two graduated, but ashe told PEOPLEin 2017, "I just was not ready for marriage" at that time. The two were divorced after a year. Love took a back seat as he pursued his career, until Manilow met TV executive Garry Kief in 1978. Despite knowing that Kief was the one, Manilow kept their relationship under wraps not only because he's a private person, but also because he was afraid of letting his fans down. "I thought I would be disappointing them if they knew I was gay," he recalled. "So I never did anything." But once news of their 2014 nuptials came out, there was nothing but a wave of support from his dedicated followers. "When they found out that Garry and I were together, they were so happy. The reaction was so beautiful — strangers commenting, 'Great for you!' I'm just so grateful for it." Jeff Kravitz/Getty The "Can't Smile Without You" crooner looked as sharp as ever while performing onstage during the We Love NYC: The Homecoming Concert produced by N.Y.C, Clive Davis and Live Nation during the summer of 2021. Manilow posed with fellow music icons Dionne Warwick and Charo while backstage at Carnegie Hall in April 2023. Manilow was being honored during the star-studded "This One's for You: The Music of Barry Manilow" gala concert. Bruce Glikas/Getty Manilow — accompanied by the cast of the Broadway musicalHarmony —brought down the house while performing at Radio City Music Hall in May 2023. The performance was a special occasion, as it was one of five special performances he would give at the historic venue for the first time in 11 years. Jenny Anderson/Getty A recipient of 1977's Special Tony Award, Manilow poses with Melissa Etheridge at the 76th Annual Tony Awards in 2023. Scott Legato/Getty On April 14, 2025, Manilow announced that he was hitting the road one last time with a string offarewell performancesthroughout the U.S. this summer. In addition to the shows, which wrap up on July 20, he is also set to resume his residency at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino where he has shows scheduled through December. "It'sa bittersweet experiencefor me because I know that I'm not coming back here and [the fans] know I'm not coming back here," he toldBillboardof his tour. "And when I finish and I say 'goodbye' it is goodbye." Read the original article onPeople

byLiam Oneel

in

June 17, 2025

Barry Manilow's Life in Photos

Barry Manilow's Life in Photos Jack Mitchell/Getty There is no doubt thatBarry Manilowis one of the greatest living entertainers of our ...

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