Latest news with #Actress
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fans Won't Believe What's Coming Next on 'Euphoria,' Sydney Sweeney Warns
Sydney Sweeney promises fans that Euphoria Season 3 will up the ante in ways they've never seen before. The actress, who plays the emotionally erratic and often meme-worthy Cassie, revealed in a new interview with Empire magazine that the upcoming season is "unhinged" even by Euphoria's over-the-top standards. 'I have such a spot in my heart for Cassie, and I hold her really close and dear,' Sweeney said. 'She is crazy. She makes so many mistakes. She's flawed on so many levels, but she does it all from a place of love. It could be a sad version of love, as well.' Sweeney, who's currently filming the show's long-awaited third season, laughed when the interviewer asked if things were truly more chaotic. 'Yes,' she confirmed, hinting at even wilder storylines. The upcoming episodes, which reportedly pick up after a time jump post-high school, are shaping up to push the envelope. Sweeney, who was just 21 when Euphoria first premiered in 2019, has since become a powerhouse in Hollywood, starring in rom-coms like Anyone But You and the psychological thriller Immaculate. Yet, it's Cassie that fans can't seem to separate from her. 'It definitely changed my life,' Sweeney said of the role. 'I think that with the amount of access, with social media, and how much content gets put out there of Cassie… People do have a hard time separating actors from their characters. And especially someone like Cassie, where she is hated and she's loved, but she's definitely a complicated character. And so I think that that could confuse people, for sure. But if they're hating me for decisions that my character is making, then I'm playing the character correctly.' Sweeney's next big project, Echo Valley, hits Apple TV+ on June 13, but for now, all eyes are on Euphoria. As she put it, creator Sam Levinson is 'all in' for taking the drama to new, unhinged Won't Believe What's Coming Next on 'Euphoria,' Sydney Sweeney Warns first appeared on Men's Journal on May 26, 2025
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Patti LuPone breaks silence over brutal swipes against Broadway stars Audra McDonald and Kecia Lewis
Broadway star Patti LuPone has now apologized for the swipes she made about Audra McDonald and Kecia Lewis. In a statement obtained by and posted to her social media accounts, LuPone said she regrets the 'flippant' and 'emotional' responses she offered when asked about McDonald and Lewis during her recent interview with the New Yorker. LuPone, 76, called Lewis, 59, a 'b***h' and said McDonald, 54, was 'not a friend' during her controversial profile. The actress was especially remorseful over the insult she threw at Lewis, which she admitted was 'demeaning and disrespectful' and expressed hopes that she would be able to speak with both of the actresses 'personally' to make amends. 'For as long as I have worked in the theatre, I have spoken my mind and never apologized. That is changing today,' the statement began. 'I am deeply sorry for the words I used during The New Yorker interview, particularly about Kecia Lewis, which were demeaning and disrespectful. I regret my flippant and emotional responses during this interview, which were inappropriate, and I am devastated that my behavior has offended others and has run counter to what we hold dear in this community. 'I hope to have the chance to speak to Audra and Kecia personally to offer my sincere apologies. 'I wholeheartedly agree with everything that was written in the open letter shared yesterday. From middle school drama clubs to professional stages, theatre has always been about lifting each other up and welcoming those who feel they don't belong anywhere else. 'I made a mistake, I take full responsibility for it, and I am committed to making this right. Our entire theatre community deserves better.' has reached out to representatives for McDonald and Lewis for comment but did not immediately receive a response. LuPone has faced much backlash since her controversial interview with the New Yorker was published, and her remarks even drew the ire of her own Broadway peers. Over 500 people have signed an open letter from Broadway's theater community condemning the slights Lupone made about McDonald and Lewis during her now infamous interview with the New Yorker. The letter, which is addressed to the American Theatre Wing, The Broadway League, and 'the greater theater community', claims the comments LuPone made about McDonald and Kecia were degrading, misogynistic, and a 'blatant act of racialized disrespect.' Among those signing the letter is rock star Courtney Love. 'This is a call for accountability, justice, and respect — rooted in love for the art form and for the people who make it possible. We believe our community can do better. We believe it must do better — especially when harm is done to those who have given so much to this industry,' the letter said. While the letter insists they do not intend to 'shame', 'isolate', or 'punish' LuPone, they have recommended that she and others who have used 'their platform to publicly demean, harass, or disparage fellow artists' be excluded from future industry events such as the Tony Awards. The letter described LuPone's comments as 'deeply inappropriate and unacceptable' a form of 'bullying', 'harassment', and 'is emblematic of the microaggressions and abuse that people in this industry have endured for far too long, too often without consequence.' 'To publicly attack a woman who has contributed to this art form with such excellence, leadership, and grace—and to discredit the legacy of Audra McDonald, the most nominated and awarded performer in Tony Award history—is not simply a personal offense,' the letter said. 'It is a public affront to the values of collaboration, equity, and mutual respect that our theater community claims to uphold. Let us be clear: this is about more than one person. It is about a culture. A pattern. A persistent failure to hold people accountable for violent, disrespectful, or harmful behavior—especially when they are powerful or well-known. 'This is not about differing opinions. It is about public actions that demean, intimidate, or perpetuate violence against fellow artists. It is about the normalization of harm in an industry that too often protects prestige over people.' They called her remarks a violation of the American Theatre Wing's core values, which consist of 'champion creative expression', 'support growth and create connections' and to 'make excellence known and inspire artistic greatness'. The letter insists they are not calling on 'cancelling' Lupone nor intend to signal her out, but over concern for their industry. 'This is not about 'canceling' anyone or condemning them — it is about care. Care for our artists, our values, and the future of our shared craft. We write because we want this community to thrive — not just in box office numbers or critical acclaim, but in integrity, safety, and mutual respect,' the letter says. 'We envision a theater industry where all artists — including Black women — are protected, valued, and celebrated. Where excellence is met with recognition, not hostility. Where harm is addressed, not ignored. Where no one is forced to choose between their artistry and their dignity.' They did recommend several repercussions - which included excluding LuPone from future events such as the Tony Awards. 'Individuals, including Patti Lupone, who use their platform to publicly demean, harass, or disparage fellow artists— particularly with racial, gendered, or otherwise violent language—should not be welcomed at industry events, including the Tony Awards, fundraisers, and public programs,' it said. The individual can return back into the community following completion of 'comprehensive anti-bias or restorative justice programs.' 'Participation, recognition, and attendance at high-profile events must be contingent on conduct that reflects community values. This includes completion of comprehensive anti-bias or restorative justice programs before re-entry into publicfacing spaces,' they wrote. 'Theater institutions must adopt and enforce clear, transparent policies for addressing harmful behavior—regardless of an individual's fame or tenure in the industry,' it also suggested. 'This would not be tolerated in other industries. In 2021, the NFL fined the Washington Commanders $10 million and removed Dan Snyder from day-to-day operations after a toxic workplace culture came to light. Will Smith was banned from the Oscars for ten years after slapping a fellow artist during a live broadcast. These organizations acted swiftly to preserve their values and the integrity of their communities. Why should Broadway hold itself to a lower standard?' it continued. They also offered support to Lewis and McDonald, whom were on the receiving end of LuPone's barbs. 'To the Kecias and the Audras of our past, present, and future: You are the soul of this community. We honor your brilliance, your resilience, and your impact. You deserve more than applause. You deserve protection. You deserve respect,' the letter says. 'We are calling for action — not to punish, but to protect. Not to divide, but to strengthen. A stronger, healthier, more equitable Broadway is possible — one where all artists are treated with dignity, safety, and respect,' the letter also states. LuPone has been making headlines ever since she made various swipes against McDonald and Lewis in an interview with the New Yorker. While addressing comments Tony-award winning Kecia Lewis made last year, LuPone called her a 'b***h'. (LuPone had complained about the noise levels of Lewis' show Hell's Kitchen, which neighbored LuPone's own show, and the fallout led to Lewis making a video statement accusing her neighbor of being a bully and making 'racially microaggressive' comments). 'Oh, my God,' LuPone said when the conflict Lewis was mentioned. 'Here's the problem. She calls herself a veteran? Let's find out how many Broadway shows Kecia Lewis has done, because she doesn't know what the f**k she's talking about.' 'She's done seven. I've done thirty-one. Don't call yourself a vet, b***h,' she said. (The publication noted that Lewis has done 10 and LuPone 28.) The publication noted that McDonald showed her support for Lewis' video by dropping several supportive emojis in the comments of the post, which LuPone also took issue with. 'Exactly,' she told the New Yorker when the emojis were raised. 'And I thought, You should know better. That's typical of Audra. She's not a friend,' she said, with the publication noting she emphasized friend with a 'hard "D."' Patti also seemed to deliberately avoid answering a question about McDonald's performance in Gypsy, a show she also starred in. Michael Schulman of the publication wrote: 'When I asked what she had thought of McDonald's current production of 'Gypsy,' she stared at me, in silence, for fifteen seconds. Then she turned to the window and sighed, 'What a beautiful day.'' McDonald was asked about Lupone's comments during a CBS Mornings interview with Gayle King, which is set to air in full next week. A sneak peek of the interview showed McDonald insisting she was unaware of any issues between her and Lupone when the New Yorker interview was raised. 'If there's a rift between us, I don't know what it is,' she replied. 'That's something that you'd have to ask Patti about. 'You know, I haven't seen her in about 11 years, just because we've been busy just with life and stuff. So I don't know what rift she's talking about, but you'd have to ask her.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Valerie Mahaffey has died at the age of 71
Valerie Mahaffey - best known for her roles in 'Northern Exposure' and 'Big Sky - has died at the age of 71.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Valerie Mahaffey Dies: ‘The Northern Exposure' Actress Was 71
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 08: Actress Valerie Mahaffey attends the screening of Warner Bros. ... More Pictures' 'Sully' at Directors Guild Of America on September 8, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by) Valerie Mahaffey, who reached a career zenith in 1992 with an Emmy win for Best Supporting actress in a Drama Series for Northern Exposure, died on May 30 after losing her battle with cancer. She was 71. Born June 16, 1953 in Sumatra, Indonesia, Valerie Mahaffey racked up 90 credits as a character actress, according to her IMDb page. She debuted on television in the movie Tell Me My Name in 1977 and segued to the role of Ashley Bennett in the former daytime drama The Doctors from 1977 to 1980, where she was nominated for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. In 1986, Mahaffey appeared in the six-hour comical miniseries Fresno opposite Carol Burnett and in the dramatic film Women of Valor, which followed a group of women in the Philippines during World War II. She made the guest-starring rounds in TV series like Newhart, Murphy's Law, Quantum Leap, Cheers and Seinfeld. And 1991 came her first regularly scheduled TV series, Norman Lear's one season The Powers That Be. Mahaffey's recurring role as Eve on Northern Exposure came in 1991, which was followed with more guest spots and five episodes of the Designing Women spinoff Women of the House with Delta Burke in 1995. She had a recurring role on medical drama ER in 1999 and continued appearing in a roster of TV series including Ally McBeal, Judging Amy, The West Wing, Law & Order: SVU, Frasier, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and Private Practice. Mahaffey also had the recurring role of Alma Hodge on Desperate Housewives from 2006 to 2012 and Olivia Rice on Devious Maids from 2013 to 2015, which were both from Marc Cherry, and appeared in the one season medical drama Monday Mornings in 2013. More recently were recurring roles on the series Young Sheldon, Big Sky and the dark comedy Dead to Me. UNITED STATES - NOVEMBER 22: DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES - "No Fits, No Fights, No Feuds" (Photo by Ron ... More Tom/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images) In 2020, Mahaffey received a Spirit Award nomination for her turn as widowed American expat Madame Reynard in the film French Exit opposite Michelle Pfeiffer. She also won Obie Awards on stage in Top Girls at the Public Theatre and Talking Heads at the Minetta Lane. Her other theater credits included Othello opposite Morgan Freeman and Juliet in Romeo and Juliet with Tom Hulce. Survivors include her husband, Joseph Kell, and her daughter, Alice.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Valerie Mahaffey, Emmy-Winning 'Northern Exposure' Actress Also Known for Starring in 'Young Sheldon' and 'Big Sky', Dies at 71
Valerie Mahaffey died in Los Angeles on Friday, May 30, according to her husband, Joseph Kell, per Variety The Big Sky actress was 71 and had been diagnosed with cancer She famously won the Outstanding Supporting Actress Emmy for her role in CBS' Northern Exposure in 1992Valerie Mahaffey, the Emmy-winning actress known for her roles in Northern Exposure and Big Sky, has died. She was 71. Mahaffey's husband, Joseph Kell, told Variety that she died on Friday, May 30, after being diagnosed with cancer. 'I have lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses. She will be missed,' Kell said in a touching tribute, per the outlet. Mahaffey's publicist Jillian Roscoe also confirmed the news of her death to The Hollywood Reporter. Mahaffey starred in several notable acting roles throughout her career, appearing on shows including Northern Exposure (1991—1994), Desperate Housewives (2006-2012), Young Sheldon (2017-2020), and Dead to Me (2019-2022). She also starred in the movies French Exit (2020) with Michelle Pfeiffer, Sully (2016), opposite Tom Hanks, Seabiscuit (2003) and Jungle 2 Jungle (1997). Mahaffey was born in Indonesia to a Canadian mother and Texan father and raised there until the age of 11. She later moved to Nigeria and England before finally relocating with her family to Austin, Texas, where she graduated from high school and attended the University of Texas, per Variety and THR. Mahaffey got her break as an actress starring on New York City's Broadway in the late 1970s. She starred on Broadway six times in the plays Dracula and Play Memory, directed by Harold Prince, per THR. While appearing on Broadway, Mahaffey also starred in the NBC soap The Doctors, in her Daytime Emmy-nominated role as Ashley Bennett from 1979 to 1980, per Variety. The late actress later won an Outstanding Supporting Actress Emmy in 1992 for her role as hypochondriac Eve in CBS' Northern Exposure. She starred on the show for five episodes over three seasons in the early 1990s, per THR. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Mahaffey's most recent roles were in the Apple TV+ series Echo 3 in 2022 and the film The 8th Day, released in March 2025, according to IMDB. The actress is survived by her husband Kell and their daughter Alice, per THR. Mahaffey's representatives did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on May 31. Read the original article on People
