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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
I just became a mom — after 20 years of marriage: Amy Correa Bell on her long path to parenthood with Ricky Bell
"Everyone's wondering why we waited so long." Actress, singer, songwriter and model Amy Correa Bell married singer Ricky Bell (of New Edition and Bel Biv Devoe fame) in 2004. It would be another 15 years before the couple started thinking about having a child, followed by a few more years spent trying to conceive. This past May 13, more than 20 years after their wedding, Correa Bell, 43, gave birth to their first baby, a girl named Mercy Mae. The new mom announced the birth in a Father's Day post paying tribute to Bell, a first-time dad at 57. In this interview with Yahoo's Maressa Brown, she opens up about her journey to motherhood, the ways in which welcoming their daughter has changed her marriage and how she's getting to know a whole new version of herself. When we got married, I was 22 and Ricky was 36. We wanted to enjoy having a fun time as a married couple. We were supporting one another's careers and taking time away to travel. We were like, 'Hey, let's just enjoy this first part of our marriage without the extra responsibility,' so we weren't trying to have children for a long time. We did have two cats we raised for 15 years, so at the time, those were our babies. When I was growing up in the early 2000s, a lot of managers at the time — as well as different people in our life — convinced me that having a child would stop my creativity or stop my career. So when we first got married, we thought, Hey, if it happens naturally, cool, but let's not try for a while — until we're both ready. It wasn't until 2019 that we decided to actually start trying. After trying to conceive for three years, I realized I had to start taking better care of myself I've always felt like I was a mom — we've had children in our life and are cat parents — but I began to feel strongly that I wanted my own child. For the first three years of trying, I thought I could do all the things I used to do — going from auditions to the recording studio and back again, running around, always busy — and just get pregnant. But in the entertainment industry, everything moves really fast, and it's very stressful. There are really high ups and really low lows. I think in order to get pregnant, you have to be very chill, at peace and not have a lot of things that are causing stress. That's so hard to do in this industry. Finally, when I turned 40, I was like, 'I have to slow down.' Life got a lot more serious, and my health and how I took care of myself — what I put into my body — really mattered. [I stopped] eating things that were not healthy for me [and started] cutting out alcohol, cutting out any form of smoking — anything like that was off the table. I just focused more on being a happy and chill person. Looking back, I really wish someone had told me in my 20s, 'I know you guys aren't ready yet, but why don't you freeze your eggs?' It has been quite a journey. We have had some setbacks and heartbreaks leading up to me actually getting pregnant that really took us out and took us some time to get over. The timing of our pregnancy felt fated Last year, right around our 20th wedding anniversary, which is also Ricky's birthday, we found out we were expecting. It was a birthday present and an anniversary present — it was like God's perfect timing. When I got pregnant, I felt a new hope and excitement about love, about the unknown. I had a new confidence that I could do this. At the same time I also had a fear of something going wrong, because it was my first time being pregnant. [It feels like] you can't even share that you're pregnant until you're past the four- or five-month mark, because you go to a [doctor's] appointment, and they're like, 'Oh, let's make sure your baby has all the right bones,' and 'Let's make sure they're growing right.' That led to having a different awareness and caution with everything I was doing, including who I was hanging out with, what I was eating, the music I was listening to, the shows I was watching on TV. I usually like scary movies, but when I was pregnant, I was like, Nope, can't do it. I'm also normally a very social, extroverted person, but when I got pregnant, I loved being alone. I thought I was going to be sharing my baby bump every month and hanging out with friends, and I just was like, I don't want to be around anyone. I don't want to share this. This is private. I got off social media for the first time in my life. And I told Ricky, 'This must be the personality of our baby. She's a little more personal and quiet.' Since welcoming our daughter, I feel like a different person When we had the baby (Mercy Mae — her middle name is the same as Ricky's late mother), the things that I used to care about and worry about in regards to my future did not matter to me anymore. I found a new sense of purpose and destiny. The people who truly care about me will make time, and the things that are really important to me will come at me in an honoring way. My boundaries became very clear, and I have a new respect for myself and a new value of what I bring to the table in life and in my friendships. I don't really settle for anything less than what I feel is right for me and my family. What I didn't realize about motherhood was that my entire personality and character were going to change. I feel like there's a new Amy here, like I didn't exist before this. I am not Amy from three months ago, or even from before I was pregnant. I changed once I got pregnant, and then I had another life change once I had her. Now, I know that having a kid enhances your abilities and your career, because it brings you more depth, and it gives you a different sense of purpose. Now I'm more motivated to do music. I'm inspired, and I have way more things to talk about. And any time I have away from my daughter now, like to do music, I really cherish it. I'm just like, Oh my God, I have two hours to make a song, whereas I took it for granted before. I'm also loving breastfeeding, which is something I wasn't expecting to be able to do or even enjoy. That's been a beautiful journey. Parenthood has also transformed my marriage to Ricky There's a new love — a new connection — between Ricky and me now as well. After having been married for over 20 years, we have our rhythm, so it's been a little bit of an adjustment. But we're in a new era of our relationship. When you're with someone for that long, you're not the same people you were when you met. You keep evolving, so it's kind of like I have a new husband right now. Beyond being married, we're best friends, and we've been able to just accept each other and each other's flaws, and we're open to learning who we are today and not having all these expectations to be perfect. In the midst of the pregnancy and welcoming Mercy, we both gave each other grace to have our moments. Now we're accomplishing so much being parents. I'm more in love with him today than I was a year ago, because seeing him as a dad is definitely a turn-on. He's the best dad ever. He's so sweet, he's so caring, and even when he has to travel, he helps out so much with the baby. He definitely wants to be present for every moment. The difficult part is having time just for us. We have to schedule that and plan that now, whether we want to have a date night, time to cuddle or to just hang out. I now understand why we had to wait so long It's been wild, because our relationship is in the public eye, and everyone's wondering why we waited so long, and we're so old. But we feel like it wasn't up to us. It's just God, and we're so grateful. We were always meant to become parents at this time. Rick and I both have been through so much in our individual lives. We've grown a lot spiritually, mentally and emotionally, and we're in a place now where our priorities are very clear. Mercy is the most important thing in our lives right now. Not how much money we're making, not what job is coming next. Our only concern is just being great parents. If it had happened sooner, would we have had the same mindset? I don't know. A lot of people say that when you have a baby, everything moves fast. So I've been really enjoying every day, and trying to make time go slow. I'm enjoying seeing Mercy just grow up. How's she going to be at 1? How's she going to be at 3, at 5? What about the first time she laughs, and what's the first word she's going to say? And I never thought I'd say this, but I'm open to having one more. I'm curious to see if God will bless us in that way where she'll have a sibling. Either way it goes, I'll be grateful, but I'm excited about the unknown. This has been edited for length and clarity. Solve the daily Crossword
San Francisco Chronicle
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Celebrity birthdays for the week of Aug. 10-16
Celebrity birthdays for the week of Aug. 10-16: Aug. 10: Actor James Reynolds ('Days of Our Lives') is 79. Singer-flutist Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull is 78. Mandolin player Gene Johnson of Diamond Rio is 76. Singer Patti Austin is 75. Actor Rosanna Arquette is 66. Actor Antonio Banderas is 65. Drummer Jon Farriss of INXS is 64. Actor Chris Caldovino ('Boardwalk Empire') is 62. Singer Neneh Cherry is 61. Singer Aaron Hall of Guy is 61. Singer Lorraine Pearson of Five Star is 58. Singer Michael Bivins (Bell Biv Devoe, New Edition) is 57. Actor Angie Harmon ('Law & Order') is 53. Country singer Jennifer Hanson is 52. Actor-turned-lawyer Craig Kirkwood ('Remember the Titans') is 51. Actor JoAnna Garcia Swisher ('Kevin (Probably) Saves the World,' ″Reba') is 46. Singer Cary Ann Hearst of Shovels and Rope is 46. Singer Nikki Bratcher of Divine is 45. Actor Aaron Staton ('Mad Men') is 45. Actor Ryan Eggold ('The Blacklist: Redemption,' ″90210″) is 41. Actor Charley Koontz ('CSI: Cyber') is 38. Actor Lucas Till ('Hannah Montana') is 35. Actor Jeremy Maguire ('Modern Family') is 14. Aug. 11: Songwriter Kenny Gamble of Gamble and Huff is 82. Bassist Jim Kale of the Guess Who is 82. Country singer John Conlee is 79. Singer Joe Jackson is 71. Actor Viola Davis ('How to Get Away With Murder,' ″The Help') is 60. Actor-podcaster Joe Rogan ('Fear Factor,' ″NewsRadio') is 58. Actor Anna Gunn ('Breaking Bad') is 57. Actor Ashley Jensen ('Ugly Betty') is 57. Actor Sophie Okonedo ('Hotel Rwanda') is 57. Guitarist Charlie Sexton is 57. Hip-hop artist Ali Shaheed Muhammad (Lucy Pearl, A Tribe Called Quest) is 55. Actor Nigel Harman ('Downton Abbey') is 52. Actor Will Friedle ('Boy Meets World') is 49. Singer Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie is 49. Actor Rob Kerkovich ('NCIS: New Orleans') is 46. Actor Merritt Wever ('Nurse Jackie') is 45. Actor Chris Hemsworth ('Tron,' ″The Avengers') is 42. Guitarist Heath Fogg of Alabama Shakes is 41. Singer J-Boog (B2K) is 40. Rapper Asher Roth is 40. Actor Alyson Stoner ('Cheaper by the Dozen,' ″Camp Rock') is 32. Aug. 12: Actor George Hamilton is 86. Actor Dana Ivey is 84. Actor Jennifer Warren is 84. Singer-guitarist Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits is 76. Actor Jim Beaver ('Supernatural') is 75. Singer Kid Creole (of Kid Creole and the Coconuts) is 75. Actor Sam J. Jones ('Flash Gordon') is 71. Jazz guitarist Pat Metheny is 71. Actor Bruce Greenwood (2009′s 'Star Trek,' ″Thirteen Days') is 69. Country singer Danny Shirley of Confederate Railroad is 69. Guitarist Roy Hay of Culture Club is 64. Rapper Sir Mix-A-Lot is 62. Actor Peter Krause ('Parenthood,' ″Six Feet Under') is 60. Actor Brent Sexton ('The Killing,' ″Deadwood') is 58. Actor Michael Ian Black ('Ed') is 54. Actor Yvette Nicole Brown (new 'The Odd Couple,' ″Community') is 54. Actor Rebecca Gayheart is 54. Actor Casey Affleck is 50. Actor Maggie Lawson ('Psych') is 45. Actor Dominique Swain ('Lolita,' 'Face/Off') is 45. Actor Leah Pipes ('The Originals') is 37. Actor Lakeith Stanfield ('Atlanta') is 34. Actor Cara Delevingne ('Paper Towns') is 33. Actor Imani Hakim ('Mythic Quest,' 'Everybody Hates Chris') is 32. Aug. 13: Actor Kevin Tighe ('Emergency,' ″Murder One') is 81. Opera singer Kathleen Battle is 77. Director Paul Greengrass (the 'Bourne' films) is 70. Actor Danny Bonaduce ('The Partridge Family') is 66. Actor Dawnn Lewis ('A Different World,' ″Hangin' With Mr. Cooper') is 64. Actor John Slattery ('Mad Men,' ″Desperate Housewives') is 63. Actor Debi Mazar is 61. Actor Quinn Cummings ('Family') is 58. Actor Seana Kofoed ('Men in Trees') is 55. Country singer Andy Griggs is 52. Drummer Mike Melancon of Emerson Drive is 47. Actor Kathryn Fiore ('Reno 911!') is 46. Actor Sebastian Stan is 43. Actor Eme Ikwuakor ('Marvel's Inhumans') is 41. Singer James Morrison is 41. Actor Lennon Stella ('Nashville') is 26. Aug. 14: Singer Dash Crofts of Seals and Crofts is 87. Country singer Connie Smith is 84. Actor-musician Steve Martin is 80. Actor Antonio Fargas ('Starsky & Hutch') is 79. Bassist Larry Graham of Sly and the Family Stone is 79. Actor Susan St. James is 79. Romance novelist Danielle Steel is 78. Keyboardist Terry Adams of NRBQ is 77. Cartoonist Gary Larson ('The Far Side') is 75. Actor Carl Lumbly ('Alias') is 74. Actor Jackee Harry ('Sister, Sister,' ″227″) is 69. Actor Marcia Gay Harden is 66. Singer Sarah Brightman is 65. Actor Susan Olsen ('The Brady Bunch') is 64. Actor Halle Berry is 59. Actor Ben Bass ('Rookie Blue') is 57. Actor Catherine Bell ('JAG') is 57. Keyboardist Cody McCarver of Confederate Railroad is 57. Guitarist Kevin Cadogan (Third Eye Blind) is 56. Actor Lalanya Masters ('Barbershop') is 53. Actor Christopher Gorham ('Ugly Betty') is 51. Actor Mila Kunis is 42. Actor Lamorne Morris ('New Girl') is 42. TV personality Spencer Pratt ('The Hills') is 42. Actor Marsai Martin ('black-ish') is 21. Aug. 15: Actor-musician Jim Dale is 90. Actor Pat Priest ('The Munsters') is 89. Drummer Pete York of The Spencer Davis Group is 83. Author-journalist Linda Ellerbee is 81. Songwriter Jimmy Webb is 79. Singer-guitarist Tom Johnston of The Doobie Brothers is 77. Actor Phyllis Smith ('The Office') is 76. Actor Tess Harper is 75. Actor Larry Mathews ('The Dick Van Dyke Show') is 70. Actor Zeljko Ivanek ('Madam Secretary,' ″Heroes') is 68. Actor Rondell Sheridan ('That's So Raven,' ″Cory in the House') is 67. Singer-keyboardist Matt Johnson (The The) is 64. Director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu ('Birdman,' 'Babel') is 62. Actor Peter Hermann ('Law & Order: Special Victims Unit') is 58. Actor Debra Messing ('Will & Grace') is 57. Actor Anthony Anderson ('black-ish') is 55. Actor Ben Affleck is 53. Actor Natasha Henstridge ('The Whole Nine Yards,' ″Species') is 51. Bassist Tim Foreman of Switchfoot is 47. Actor Emily Kinney ('Conviction,' 'The Walking Dead') is 41. Actor Courtney Hope ('The Bold and the Beautiful') is 36. Singer Joe Jonas of The Jonas Brothers is 36. Actor-singer Carlos PenaVega ('Big Time Rush') is 36. Actor Jennifer Lawrence is 35. DJ Smoove da General of Cali Swag District is 35. Aug. 16: Actor Ann Blyth ('Mildred Pierce') is 97. Actor Gary Clarke ('Hondo,' ″The Virginian') is 92. Actor Julie Newmar (TV's 'Batman') is 92. Actor-singer Ketty Lester ('Little House on the Prairie') is 91. Actor Anita Gillette is 89. Actor Bob Balaban ('A Mighty Wind,' ″Best In Show') is 80. Ballerina Suzanne Farrell is 80. Actor Lesley Ann Warren is 79. Bassist Joey Spampinato (NRBQ) is 77. Actor Marshall Manesh ('How I Met Your Mother,' ″Will and Grace') is 75. Actor Reginald VelJohnson ('Family Matters') is 74. TV personality Kathie Lee Gifford is 72. Singer J.T. Taylor (Kool and the Gang) is 72. Director James Cameron ('Titanic,' ″The Terminator') is 71. Actor Jeff Perry ('Scandal,' ″Grey's Anatomy') is 70. Guitarist Tim Farriss of INXS is 68. Actor Laura Innes ('ER') is 68. Actor Angela Bassett is 67. Singer Madonna is 67. Actor Timothy Hutton is 65. Actor Steve Carell is 63. Actor Andy Milder ('Weeds') is 57. Actor Seth Peterson ('Burn Notice,' 'Providence') is 55. Country singer Emily Robison of The Dixie Chicks is 53. Actor George Stults ('Seventh Heaven') is 50. Singer Vanessa Carlton is 45. Actor Cam Gigandet ('Twilight') is 43. Singer-guitarist Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes is 40. Actor Cristin Milioti ('How I Met Your Mother') is 40. Actor Shawn Pyfrom ('Desperate Housewives') is 39. Country singer Ashton Shepherd is 39. Singer Dan Smyers of Dan and Shay is 38. Rapper Young Thug is 34. Actor Cameron Monaghan ('Gotham') is 32. Singer Greyson Chance is 28.
Winnipeg Free Press
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Celebrity birthdays for the week of Aug. 10-16
Celebrity birthdays for the week of Aug. 10-16: Aug. 10: Actor James Reynolds ('Days of Our Lives') is 79. Singer-flutist Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull is 78. Mandolin player Gene Johnson of Diamond Rio is 76. Singer Patti Austin is 75. Actor Rosanna Arquette is 66. Actor Antonio Banderas is 65. Drummer Jon Farriss of INXS is 64. Actor Chris Caldovino ('Boardwalk Empire') is 62. Singer Neneh Cherry is 61. Singer Aaron Hall of Guy is 61. Singer Lorraine Pearson of Five Star is 58. Singer Michael Bivins (Bell Biv Devoe, New Edition) is 57. Actor Angie Harmon ('Law & Order') is 53. Country singer Jennifer Hanson is 52. Actor-turned-lawyer Craig Kirkwood ('Remember the Titans') is 51. Actor JoAnna Garcia Swisher ('Kevin (Probably) Saves the World,' ″Reba') is 46. Singer Cary Ann Hearst of Shovels and Rope is 46. Singer Nikki Bratcher of Divine is 45. Actor Aaron Staton ('Mad Men') is 45. Actor Ryan Eggold ('The Blacklist: Redemption,' ″90210″) is 41. Actor Charley Koontz ('CSI: Cyber') is 38. Actor Lucas Till ('Hannah Montana') is 35. Actor Jeremy Maguire ('Modern Family') is 14. Aug. 11: Songwriter Kenny Gamble of Gamble and Huff is 82. Bassist Jim Kale of the Guess Who is 82. Country singer John Conlee is 79. Singer Joe Jackson is 71. Actor Viola Davis ('How to Get Away With Murder,' ″The Help') is 60. Actor-podcaster Joe Rogan ('Fear Factor,' ″NewsRadio') is 58. Actor Anna Gunn ('Breaking Bad') is 57. Actor Ashley Jensen ('Ugly Betty') is 57. Actor Sophie Okonedo ('Hotel Rwanda') is 57. Guitarist Charlie Sexton is 57. Hip-hop artist Ali Shaheed Muhammad (Lucy Pearl, A Tribe Called Quest) is 55. Actor Nigel Harman ('Downton Abbey') is 52. Actor Will Friedle ('Boy Meets World') is 49. Singer Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie is 49. Actor Rob Kerkovich ('NCIS: New Orleans') is 46. Actor Merritt Wever ('Nurse Jackie') is 45. Actor Chris Hemsworth ('Tron,' ″The Avengers') is 42. Guitarist Heath Fogg of Alabama Shakes is 41. Singer J-Boog (B2K) is 40. Rapper Asher Roth is 40. Actor Alyson Stoner ('Cheaper by the Dozen,' ″Camp Rock') is 32. Aug. 12: Actor George Hamilton is 86. Actor Dana Ivey is 84. Actor Jennifer Warren is 84. Singer-guitarist Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits is 76. Actor Jim Beaver ('Supernatural') is 75. Singer Kid Creole (of Kid Creole and the Coconuts) is 75. Actor Sam J. Jones ('Flash Gordon') is 71. Jazz guitarist Pat Metheny is 71. Actor Bruce Greenwood (2009′s 'Star Trek,' ″Thirteen Days') is 69. Country singer Danny Shirley of Confederate Railroad is 69. Guitarist Roy Hay of Culture Club is 64. Rapper Sir Mix-A-Lot is 62. Actor Peter Krause ('Parenthood,' ″Six Feet Under') is 60. Actor Brent Sexton ('The Killing,' ″Deadwood') is 58. Actor Michael Ian Black ('Ed') is 54. Actor Yvette Nicole Brown (new 'The Odd Couple,' ″Community') is 54. Actor Rebecca Gayheart is 54. Actor Casey Affleck is 50. Actor Maggie Lawson ('Psych') is 45. Actor Dominique Swain ('Lolita,' 'Face/Off') is 45. Actor Leah Pipes ('The Originals') is 37. Actor Lakeith Stanfield ('Atlanta') is 34. Actor Cara Delevingne ('Paper Towns') is 33. Actor Imani Hakim ('Mythic Quest,' 'Everybody Hates Chris') is 32. Aug. 13: Actor Kevin Tighe ('Emergency,' ″Murder One') is 81. Opera singer Kathleen Battle is 77. Director Paul Greengrass (the 'Bourne' films) is 70. Actor Danny Bonaduce ('The Partridge Family') is 66. Actor Dawnn Lewis ('A Different World,' ″Hangin' With Mr. Cooper') is 64. Actor John Slattery ('Mad Men,' ″Desperate Housewives') is 63. Actor Debi Mazar is 61. Actor Quinn Cummings ('Family') is 58. Actor Seana Kofoed ('Men in Trees') is 55. Country singer Andy Griggs is 52. Drummer Mike Melancon of Emerson Drive is 47. Actor Kathryn Fiore ('Reno 911!') is 46. Actor Sebastian Stan is 43. Actor Eme Ikwuakor ('Marvel's Inhumans') is 41. Singer James Morrison is 41. Actor Lennon Stella ('Nashville') is 26. Aug. 14: Singer Dash Crofts of Seals and Crofts is 87. Country singer Connie Smith is 84. Actor-musician Steve Martin is 80. Actor Antonio Fargas ('Starsky & Hutch') is 79. Bassist Larry Graham of Sly and the Family Stone is 79. Actor Susan St. James is 79. Romance novelist Danielle Steel is 78. Keyboardist Terry Adams of NRBQ is 77. Cartoonist Gary Larson ('The Far Side') is 75. Actor Carl Lumbly ('Alias') is 74. Actor Jackee Harry ('Sister, Sister,' ″227″) is 69. Actor Marcia Gay Harden is 66. Singer Sarah Brightman is 65. Actor Susan Olsen ('The Brady Bunch') is 64. Actor Halle Berry is 59. Actor Ben Bass ('Rookie Blue') is 57. Actor Catherine Bell ('JAG') is 57. Keyboardist Cody McCarver of Confederate Railroad is 57. Guitarist Kevin Cadogan (Third Eye Blind) is 56. Actor Lalanya Masters ('Barbershop') is 53. Actor Christopher Gorham ('Ugly Betty') is 51. Actor Mila Kunis is 42. Actor Lamorne Morris ('New Girl') is 42. TV personality Spencer Pratt ('The Hills') is 42. Actor Marsai Martin ('black-ish') is 21. Aug. 15: Actor-musician Jim Dale is 90. Actor Pat Priest ('The Munsters') is 89. Drummer Pete York of The Spencer Davis Group is 83. Author-journalist Linda Ellerbee is 81. Songwriter Jimmy Webb is 79. Singer-guitarist Tom Johnston of The Doobie Brothers is 77. Actor Phyllis Smith ('The Office') is 76. Actor Tess Harper is 75. Actor Larry Mathews ('The Dick Van Dyke Show') is 70. Actor Zeljko Ivanek ('Madam Secretary,' ″Heroes') is 68. Actor Rondell Sheridan ('That's So Raven,' ″Cory in the House') is 67. Singer-keyboardist Matt Johnson (The The) is 64. Director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu ('Birdman,' 'Babel') is 62. Actor Peter Hermann ('Law & Order: Special Victims Unit') is 58. Actor Debra Messing ('Will & Grace') is 57. Actor Anthony Anderson ('black-ish') is 55. Actor Ben Affleck is 53. Actor Natasha Henstridge ('The Whole Nine Yards,' ″Species') is 51. Bassist Tim Foreman of Switchfoot is 47. Actor Emily Kinney ('Conviction,' 'The Walking Dead') is 41. Actor Courtney Hope ('The Bold and the Beautiful') is 36. Singer Joe Jonas of The Jonas Brothers is 36. Actor-singer Carlos PenaVega ('Big Time Rush') is 36. Actor Jennifer Lawrence is 35. DJ Smoove da General of Cali Swag District is 35. Aug. 16: Actor Ann Blyth ('Mildred Pierce') is 97. Actor Gary Clarke ('Hondo,' ″The Virginian') is 92. Actor Julie Newmar (TV's 'Batman') is 92. Actor-singer Ketty Lester ('Little House on the Prairie') is 91. Actor Anita Gillette is 89. Actor Bob Balaban ('A Mighty Wind,' ″Best In Show') is 80. Ballerina Suzanne Farrell is 80. Actor Lesley Ann Warren is 79. Bassist Joey Spampinato (NRBQ) is 77. Actor Marshall Manesh ('How I Met Your Mother,' ″Will and Grace') is 75. Actor Reginald VelJohnson ('Family Matters') is 74. TV personality Kathie Lee Gifford is 72. Singer J.T. Taylor (Kool and the Gang) is 72. Director James Cameron ('Titanic,' ″The Terminator') is 71. Actor Jeff Perry ('Scandal,' ″Grey's Anatomy') is 70. Guitarist Tim Farriss of INXS is 68. Actor Laura Innes ('ER') is 68. Actor Angela Bassett is 67. Singer Madonna is 67. Actor Timothy Hutton is 65. Actor Steve Carell is 63. Actor Andy Milder ('Weeds') is 57. Actor Seth Peterson ('Burn Notice,' 'Providence') is 55. Country singer Emily Robison of The Dixie Chicks is 53. Actor George Stults ('Seventh Heaven') is 50. Singer Vanessa Carlton is 45. Actor Cam Gigandet ('Twilight') is 43. Singer-guitarist Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes is 40. Actor Cristin Milioti ('How I Met Your Mother') is 40. Actor Shawn Pyfrom ('Desperate Housewives') is 39. Country singer Ashton Shepherd is 39. Singer Dan Smyers of Dan and Shay is 38. Rapper Young Thug is 34. Actor Cameron Monaghan ('Gotham') is 32. Singer Greyson Chance is 28.
Boston Globe
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Our Brother Theo: An Appreciation of Malcolm-Jamal Warner
As a latchkey kid and the only child in my home, I felt raised by television and was lucky to have a big brother in Theo Huxtable. He showed me what I had yet to see or dream. And he had siblings like me by the thousands. Jonathan L. Allen counts himself among them. Advertisement 'He was smart, funny, witty, and for me, even now reflecting on his legacy, I am still seeing the degree to which my own imagination was expanded about who I could be and what was possible just by seeing him on that screen.' As cofounder of 'Theo was living a life within the show where his parents had graduate degrees. This is what we want at Leadership Brainery, what we desire to see and be able to achieve. On that show, Theo had dyslexia and they called that episode 'Theo's Gift.' To see those challenges as gifts and see those challenges with grace, and to lead how to have tough conversations around education and still overcome them? Malcolm himself was a gift.' Advertisement It's been a hard week for the Xennial pop culture collective. Ozzy Osbourne died at 76. Hulk Hogan died at 71. And our dear brother Malcolm-Jamal Warner died at 54, almost a month before his 55th birthday. They were all legends in their own ways. Few entertainers can live up to the myths we make about them as we create giants of our greats. Warner did. Beyond his role on 'The Cosby Show,' outside of any role he played, Warner exhibited genuine character. On Def Poetry Jam, he celebrated Black love and Black women. In interviews and on stages through music, poetry, and dialogue, he spoke out on the importance of fighting negative stereotypes and living in loving truths. He brought people together. Nick Bates, director of 'A lot of us didn't just watch 'The Cosby Show,' we were able to experience certain fundamental experiences through him, through a nuclear family. We see him go from boyhood to manhood.' Some years ago, Bates joined a virtual brotherhood of fathers and men dedicated to cultivating community for a better future. 'Malcolm-Jamal Warner came in and dropped really pointed and meaningful words about fatherhood and being a husband. It's always been fascinating for us to cultivate a variety of ways that maleness can look beyond toxic masculinity. Malcolm-Jamal Warner showed us the possibilities through his characters, and he did that in real life.' Advertisement The Huxtables had an impact well beyond 1992, when the last episode of 'The Cosby Show' aired. James 'Avenue' Fitzpatrick, a Boston rapper and cofounder of 'Theo was like a big brother,' he said. 'He was cool, he was intelligent, and self-aware at a young age. As a child, I noticed that. I remember the first time I saw Malcolm-Jamal Warner host 'Showtime at the Apollo,' and I saw him in music videos like New Edition's 'N.E. Heart Break.' Are you sure that show ended in 1992?' It was so present in his home, he didn't notice it was reruns he was watching throughout most of the '90s until this week. Warner, the man, and Warner in his portrayal of Theo are so filled with palpable love, joy, and authenticity that love lives in us now. Still present. We remember in ways that make it hard to believe that show ended 33 years ago. On-air and off, we just kept growing with him. Malcolm-Jamal Warner: our distant brother from another. We give thanks. The Read | Story of the moment Clipse's 'The Birds Don't Sing' and vulnerability HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 16: (L-R) Pusha T and Malice of Clipse perform onstage during the 2025 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre on July 16, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by) Kevin Winter/Getty We're still in our feels with the latest Clipse album, and Andscape's Justin Tinsley unpacks some of why A palpable vulnerability reverberates in every lyric, drum kick, and John Legend's haunting vocals. But most importantly for me, 'The Birds Don't Sing' allowed me to do something I have yet to do for one reason or another this year: sit with my grandmother's death. Advertisement The Watch Malcolm-Jamal Warner was and is beloved beyond Theo Huxtable, and this talk on vulnerability he gave for TEDx Talks in 2023, reminds us of who he is and what he stood for. His beautiful resistance was standing in his truth with tenderness and love and joy as he subverted stereotypes. Black parade | The vibes we're on right now Roxbury—08/24/2024 Elvin Gonzalez talks on the phone as his Puerto Rico flag blows in the wind. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff (metro) John Tlumacki/Globe Staff Joy pushas | Holding space for happiness David Chae of by Chae Handout We're celebrating David Chae as our joy pusha this week. He's been dreaming of going into the business of food and beverages since he was 13. A month ago, the 20-year-old debuted He grew up drinking matcha in Korea. He once sold Korean fried chicken out of his kitchen in high school. For him, it's always going to be about sharing a drink or a meal. He posts his locations throughout Greater Boston in his Instagram stories and spends a lot of time studying recipes of all kinds. Chae is starting his third year at Babson College, where he studies business and entrepreneurship. What centers you? Beyond joy, my center is always love. I am a huge believer in doing something I love for the rest of my life, loving and eating food, and sharing that, whether I am cooking it or sharing a restaurant recommendation, that is where I feel joy. Now I am making something people enjoy and it becomes a daily routine, and that is one of the best feelings ever. What makes your life a beautiful resistance? There are a lot of people who are worried about how hard this will be for me with school and give me reasons about why it wouldn't work, but I have realized that optimistic thinking and believing in myself and understanding small fails and winning big is the most successful part of my journey. Advertisement Another issue comes up every day, but I think about the next possible optimizing action, and it helps me be better at what I am doing to overcome. It's mentally exhausting being a business owner, but I believe that whether you are 20, 40, or 60, the only thing that is going to limit you is your mindset. Block the noise. Be resistant. Focus on what you do. Fresh finds | Supporting businesses owned by folks of color Mattapan has flowers. Beautiful blooms reside in Boston Flower Co., a floral and workshop studio by Yanique Shaw. Custom floral design has long been her forte. Now there is a brick-and-mortar space for everyday access to stems that blossom with joy. Learn more at What makes your life a beautiful resistance? Jeneé Osterheldt can be reached at
Business Wire
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Boston Arts Academy Foundation's 2025 Honors will Celebrate Visionary Leaders in Visual Arts, Design, Film, Fashion, Music and Civic Responsibility
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Boston Arts Academy Foundation, a vital 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization, proudly presents its annual star-studded BAAF Honors event with the theme "The Power of Art to Transform Well-Being." The event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 23, at MGM Music Hall at Fenway. Legendary musician, actor and Boston native Donnie Wahlberg will receive the lifetime achievement award and notables such as Eliza Dushkin Palandjian will receive the TV + Film recognition, and New Edition singer and songwriter Johnny Gill will receive the music award and treat the crowd to a live performance! "While talent is evenly distributed in Boston, opportunity is not. We are so grateful to all of our donors and supporters who help make opportunities and experiences possible for the students of Boston Arts Academy,' says BAAF CEO Denella Clark Share BAAF President and CEO Denella Clark will serve as co-chair along with Pam Reeve, Boston Arts Academy Foundation Board Member, Former CEO, current Director of publicly traded and non-profit companies, and passionate supporter of women and diversity progress. This signature event is the largest annual single funding source for the Boston Arts Academy, the city's only public high school for the visual and performing arts. Guests will enjoy live performances by BAA students and alumni. "While talent is evenly distributed in Boston, opportunity is not. We are so grateful to all of our donors and supporters who help make opportunities and experiences possible for the students of Boston Arts Academy,' says BAAF President and CEO Denella Clark. 'Honors is a truly magical night where we celebrate the arts and spotlight the incredible professionals who demonstrate talent and leadership for our vibrant youth community.' 2025 Honorees: Dance Honoree - Dianne Walker - also known as Lady Di, is an American tap dancer. Her thirty-year career spans Broadway, television, film, and international dance concerts. Walker is the artistic director of TapDancin, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. Fashion Honoree - David Josef - From Debbie Reynolds to Raquel Welch, Boston fashion designer David Josef has dressed the best. His expertise has allowed him to give back in many ways and foster the growth of new designers. He is recognized internationally and his atelier is located in Waltham, MA. Visual Art Honoree - Ieasha James is a premiere event designer creating jaw-dropping events, experiences and visual wonders throughout Boston and New England. She is the owner of Endless Flair Events and works passionately to make client dreams come true and supports her community through many philanthropic endeavors. Each of her events emphasizes the main purpose and she also works as a coach and mentor to others in the industry. TV + Film Honoree - Eliza Dushku Palandjian is a mother, philanthropist, wellness specialist and former actress and producer. She has studied the piano, drums, and several types of dance (jazz, tap, and ballet). She began performing at the Watertown Children's Theater in her youth and went on to have a successful career in Hollywood. She is now an active wellness professional, philanthropist and activist living in Boston. Music Honoree - Johnny Gill is a singer songwriter and two-time Soul-Train award winner. He has two Grammy nominations and is the 2019 winner of the SoulTracks Readers' Choice Award for Album of the Year (for Game Changer II). He recently enjoyed a resurgence of popularity with his song, "Rub You the Right Way" on the popular social media app TikTok, with various influencers using the song for their videos. He is well known for being a part of New Edition, the American R&B/pop group from the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. Civic Responsibility Honoree - Grace Lee is a Philanthropist and the Massachusetts Regional President, Executive Vice President at M&T Bank. Lee has combined over twenty-five years of public and private leadership. She is passionate about showing how money can fund arts, culture and inspire a lifetime of joy and purpose. She recently inspired a fundraising group in support of BAA with, 'If ever a time we needed the arts, it is now.' Lifetime Achievement Honoree: Donnie Wahlberg is an American singer, actor, and producer. He gained fame as a founding member of the boy band New Kids on the Block. He later transitioned to acting, starring in films like "The Sixth Sense" and "Saw" and the TV series "Blue Bloods.' He is currently filming 'Boston Blue' in and around town. Donnie is one of nine children from Dorchester, Massachusetts. For additional information about the Boston Arts Academy, Boston Arts Academy Foundation, the 2025 Honors Event on October 23rd, or to purchase tickets, sponsorships, or place an ad, visit
