Latest news with #TheAccused
Time of India
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'The Accused' and 'ER' director Jonathan Kaplan passes away at 77
Trigger warning: This article contains references to an individual's death. Legendary film and television director Jonathan Kaplan , best known for his powerful work on the Oscar-winning film 'The Accused' and his multiple Emmy-nominated episodes of 'ER,' has passed away at the age of 77. The Hollywood veteran's death, confirmed by his daughter Molly, marks the end of a prolific career that spanned decades and left an indelible mark on both the big and small screens. Fans and industry peers are mourning the loss of the filmmaker whose commitment to compelling and socially conscious storytelling earned him critical acclaim. Who was Jonathan Kaplan? Jonathan was the son of the film composer Sol Kaplan and actress Frances Heflin. He was born in Paris and moved to Los Angeles and then New York. During his childhood, he made appearances in Elia Kazan's Broadway production 'The Dark at the Top of the Stairs.' He did his graduation at the University of Chicago and later pursued filmmaking under Martin Scorsese at New York University. He made his award-winning short film 'Stanley' in 1967. The renowned filmmaker then recommended Jonathan Kaplan to Roger Corman, where he got hired to helm his first feature project, 'Night Call Nurses.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo After the movie turned into a hit at the box office, Kaplan got several offers to direct. He went on to direct movies like 'The Student Teachers,' 'The Slam,' 'Truck Turner,' 'White Line Fever,' and 'Over The Edge' in the 1970s. Kaplan made a comeback into movies after directing his critically acclaimed film, 'The Accused.' Jodie Foster won her first Academy Award in the Best Actress category for the film. Later, he helmed projects like 'Immediate Family,' starring James Woods and Glenn Close; Kurt Russell, Madeleine Stowe, and Ray Liotta-starrer 'Unlawful Entry'; and 'Love Field,' with Michelle Pfeiffer, which earned her an Academy Award nomination. His last film, 'Brokedown Palace,' was released in 1999. Other works and personal life. The late director then ventured into directing TV shows and episodes. He also turned producer for movies and shows. He helmed more than 50 episodes of the show 'ER' and also served as a producer of the same, earning five Emmy nominations between 1997 and 2005. His last credit as an executive producer was for a 2014 film, 'That Guy Dick Miller.' The filmmaker got married to casting director Julie Selzer in 1987, with whom he had his only child. The couple divorced in 2001. He is survived by his daughter, Molly Kaplan, his sister, Nora, and his two nieces.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fans Mourn Malcolm-Jamal Warner After Actor's Shocking Death at 54: 'My Gen X Heart Is Breaking'
Fans Mourn Malcolm-Jamal Warner After Actor's Shocking Death at 54: 'My Gen X Heart Is Breaking' originally appeared on Parade. , best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has died at the age of 54 following an accidental drowning while on a family vacation in Costa Rica, according to multiple outlets. Warner rose to prominence in the 1980s as the witty and deeply lovable middle child of the Huxtable family. His portrayal resonated with millions and helped redefine the image of Black fatherhood and family on primetime television. Over the years, he expanded his career with roles in The Resident, The Accused, and Reed Between the Lines, becoming a quietly prolific presence in both mainstream and independent productions. News of Warner's death on Monday sent a shockwave through generations of fans who saw themselves in Theo. As word spread, tributes poured in across social media, capturing the depth of Warner's impact and the heartbreak of his loss. 'Heartbreaking. Malcolm-Jamal Warner was more than just a TV icon — he was a symbol of a generation that grew up watching family, laughter, and life lessons on screen,' one fan wrote on X. 'Rest in peace, legend. Your presence will be missed, but your legacy lives on.' 'Very sad to hear,' another added. 'Though many of us grew up knowing him mainly as Theo Huxtable, it was great seeing him more recently in The Resident. Great actor and gone far too soon.' 'This absolutely breaks my heart,' one mourner wrote. 'He was such a good actor. Of course I loved him on The Cosby Show, but in recent years he got me hooked on The Resident and The Accused (he was only on one episode, but I had never watched the show until he was on it and I became enthralled).' 'Gone way too soon. Love to all his family and friends,' said one fan, with another adding, 'He was so much more [than] just the kid that played Theo, he grew up to be a hell of a actor an so much more' Others pointed out how important Warner was to their generation. 'My gen x heart is breaking,' an X user wrote, before mentioning one of Warner's most famous scenes in The Cosby Show. 'RIP Malcolm Jamal Warner. The $95 Gordon Gartrell shirt is iconic.' 'Forever our Theo Huxtable, a symbol of Black excellence, grace, and artistry,' another declared. 'Your legacy shines on.' 'As a kid growing up in the 80s, I wanted to be Theo Huxtable,' said one fan, with another writing, 'The Cosby Show shaped a generation and so did he.' As the news hits the media, some fans are still finding it hard to believe. 'I keep hoping this isn't true. But it appears to be,' a fan said. 'Rest in power good brother. And thank you for a life wonderfully lived and shared.' Another added: 'he told stories with depth and purpose. Quiet brilliance, lasting impact. Rest in power, Malcolm' 'Theo Huxtable getting his ear pierced without his parents' permission was an all-time great sitcom episode. Rest in peace, Malcolm-Jamal Warner,' a Cosby fan shared. Another noted just how meaningful he was to Black culture: 'Malcolm Jamal Warner is Black American royalty,' one fan wrote. 'This one stings.' As the tributes roll in, it's easy to know how much Warner's work defined the cultural fabric of America. His absence leaves a void that fans across generations are feeling deeply. Fans Mourn Malcolm-Jamal Warner After Actor's Shocking Death at 54: 'My Gen X Heart Is Breaking' first appeared on Parade on Jul 21, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
Daily Mirror
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Top Gun legend turn back on fame after devastating attacks
Kelly McGillis was one of the most iconic stars of the 80s, but after her role in Top Gun she walked away from the film industry after a series of devastating attacks and personal struggles The 80s hit film Top Gun rocketed many of its stars to fame, including the flight instructor character Charlie, played by Kelly McGillis, who quickly ascended to become one of Tinseltown's most sought-after actresses. Fast-forward three decades, and a life marred by personal tragedies paints a starkly different picture. Born into the well-heeled surrounds of Newport Beach, California, Kelly McGillis' transition to New York City to chase her acting aspirations was marked by harrowing episodes. In what should have been an enchanting second year at the elite Julliard School, she faced the terror of a mugging at gunpoint. Undeterred, though, McGillis pressed on with her ambition. Yet 1982 brought a grimmer chapter, only four years ahead of her acclaim in Top Gun; her own residence became the setting of a nightmare when intruders forced their way in and subjected her to a knife-point rape. It was the alarm raised by a neighbour that brought police sirens to the scene, precipitating the burglars' escape and their eventual capture, the principal assailant receiving a sentence of three years behind bars, reports the Mirror US. In an intimate recount to People Magazine in 1988, she shared visceral memories of the assault: "I'll never forget the way they smelled. Like alcohol and old one watched, the taller one got on top of me and held the knife to my right the other one got on top of me. They kept switching and telling me they were going to beat me until I was dead." Living with a woman during that period, McGillis interpreted the attack as a divine "punishment" for her sexual orientation. Despite facing a harrowing ordeal, McGillis continued to chase her acting dream and landed a major role in 1985 alongside Harrison Ford in Witness. In 1988, she played a prosecutor in The Accused opposite Jodie Foster, a part which she hoped would help her process her own past traumas. By 1989, McGillis had married yacht salesman Fred Tillman and was confronting her sexuality while relationship strains surfaced. They had two daughters, but their family life took a hit when Tillman was caught soliciting sex from an undercover policewoman posing as a prostitute. Seeking respite from New York's glare, the pair relocated to Florida and set up a bar called Kelly's. During this period, McGillis formed a bond with bartender Melanie Leis. Leis who was openly gay later said: "We were partners in crime and were both drinking and abusing drugs." After finalising her divorce from Tillman in 2002, McGillis left Tinseltown behind to co-parent with Leis in rural Pennsylvania, then moved back to New Jersey where she undertook a new role as a rehab counsellor. Returning to her acting roots in 2008 with a part in the lesbian-themed TV show The L Word, McGillis publicly came out the following year. In a candid chat with she declared: "I'm done with the man thing. "Life is a journey and it's about growing and changing and coming to terms with who and what you are and loving who and what you are." In 2016, she endured another harrowing experience when an intruder broke into her North Carolina residence. When the casting for "Top Gun: Maverick" came around in 2022, McGillis was not selected to return to the iconic series, which she believes might be due to her refusal to undergo plastic surgery or revert her hair to its famous blonde hue – a claim director Joseph Kosinski has refuted. Speaking candidly to ET at age 62, McGillis offered a blunt perspective on the expectations of Hollywood, stating: "I'm old, and I'm fat and I look age-appropriate for what my age is. And that is not what that whole scene is about. I'd much rather feel absolutely secure in my skin and my age than place any value in all that other stuff."
Irish Daily Mirror
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Top Gun star's harrowing life before turning back on fame
The 80s classic Top Gun catapulted its cast to stardom, including the character of flight instructor Charlie, played by Kelly McGillis, who became one of Hollywood's most sought-after actresses. Fast forward three decades and life has dealt her some tough cards. Born into a well-off family in Newport Beach, California, McGillis moved to New York to chase her acting dreams, studying at the renowned Julliard School. Despite being robbed at gunpoint in her second year, she didn't let the incident deter her ambitions. However, in 1982, four years before her breakthrough role, McGillis faced a harrowing experience when two intruders broke into her apartment and raped her at knifepoint. Her screams alerted a neighbour who called the police, leading to the assailants' attempt to escape and subsequent arrest, with the main perpetrator sentenced to three years in prison. In a 1988 interview with People Magazine, McGillis recounted the terrifying event: "I'll never forget the way they smelled. Like alcohol and old one watched, the taller one got on top of me and held the knife to my right the other one got on top of me. They kept switching and telling me they were going to beat me until I was dead." At that time, she shared an apartment with another woman and believed the attack was a divine "punishment" for her sexuality, reports the Mirror US. McGillis persevered through tough times to land her major role with Harrison Ford in the film Witness in 1985. By 1988, she starred as a prosecutor in The Accused alongside Jodie Foster, tackling the heavy subject of seeking justice for a rape victim, hoping it would help her process her own past trauma. Her personal life also saw its share of turbulence. In 1989 McGillis married yacht salesman Fred Tillman and although they had two daughters together, their marriage faced challenges, exacerbated when Tillman was caught hiring a prostitute who turned out to be an undercover policewoman. The duo attempted to make a fresh start by moving to Florida and setting up a bar called Kelly's, where McGillis formed an intimate bond with bartender Melanie Leis. Describing their shared struggles at the time, Leis stated: "We were partners in crime and were both drinking and abusing drugs." After her divorce in 2002 from Tillman, McGillis stepped away from Tinseltown spotlight to focus on raising her children with Leis in the tranquillity of rural Pennsylvania, later moving to New Jersey to pursue a career as a rehab counsellor. Returning to acting in 2008, McGillis had a role in The L Word, a lesbian TV drama, and a year later she publicly came out, telling "I'm done with the man thing. "Life is a journey and it's about growing and changing and coming to terms with who and what you are and loving who and what you are." In 2016, she became the target of an attack when an intruder broke into her North Carolina residence. Then in 2022, when casting for 'Top Gun: Maverick' was underway, McGillis wasn't selected to return to the iconic series, which she believes is due to her refusal to undergo plastic surgery or revert her hair to its famous blonde hue - a claim director Joseph Kosinski has refuted. Speaking candidly to ET at age 62, she offered a blunt perspective on the beauty standards of Tinseltown: "I'm old, and I'm fat and I look age-appropriate for what my age is. And that is not what that whole scene is about. I'd much rather feel absolutely secure in my skin and my age than place any value in all that other stuff."
Daily Record
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Tragic life of Top Gun heartthrob who turned back on fame
Kelly McGillis shot to fame as the love interest of Tom Cruise's character in the 1986 film Top Gun, but behind the scenes her life was filled with tragedy and heartbreak The 1986 blockbuster Top Gun turned many of its actors into stars, among them the character Charlie, played by Kelly McGillis, who captivated audiences and emerged as one of Tinseltown's most sought-after actresses. However, three decades later, her journey through stardom has been marked by personal tragedies that are worlds apart from her character's glamour. Hailing from the upmarket neighbourhood of Newport Beach in California, Kelly McGillis's life took a stark turn after relocating to New York to chase her acting aspirations. Her time in the city began with a terrifying encounter during her second year while studying at the renowned Juilliard School, where she was robbed at gunpoint. Although shaken, the brazen attack didn't deter her from her passion. Yet, in 1982, tragedy struck again—just a few years before her star-making performance in Top Gun. She faced a nightmarish scenario when two intruders burst into her residence and subjected her to a rape ordeal at knifepoint. Her plight only ceased when a neighbour responded to her screams, leading to police intervention and the subsequent apprehension and conviction of the culprits, with the chief attacker getting a three-year prison sentence, reports the Mirror US. In an intimate revelation to People Magazine in 1988, McGillis recounted the harrowing details: "I'll never forget the way they smelled. Like alcohol and old one watched, the taller one got on top of me and held the knife to my right the other one got on top of me. They kept switching and telling me they were going to beat me until I was dead." At the time of this terrible incident, she shared her home with another woman and agonizingly concluded that the assault was a divine "punishment" for her sexual orientation. Despite the difficult experiences, McGillis pursued her dream career, landing a major part alongside Harrison Ford in 1985's Witness. In 1988, she portrayed a prosecutor opposite Jodie Foster in The Accused—a film about an attorney fighting for justice for a rape survivor—a role McGillis hoped would help her grapple with her own past. 1989 saw her marry yacht salesman Fred Tillman. What seemed like wedded bliss was complicated by McGillis' struggles with her sexuality and the marriage soon showed signs of strain. The pair had two daughters, but their family faced turmoil when Tillman was caught hiring sex from an undercover policewoman posing as a prostitute not long after their second child's birth. In search of respite from New York's glare, they relocated to Florida and started operating a bar called Kelly's. There, McGillis developed a romance with bartender Melanie Leis. Leis, who is openly gay, recalled: "We were partners in crime and were both drinking and abusing drugs." McGillis and her second husband parted ways in 2002, with the actress stepping away from the Hollywood spotlight to co-parent her children with Leis in rural Pennsylvania, eventually moving back to New Jersey where she became a rehabilitation counsellor. On her return to acting with a lesbian TV series The L Word in 2008, McGillis made the decision to come out publicly a year later. In a candid interview with she declared: "I'm done with the man thing. "Life is a journey and it's about growing and changing and coming to terms with who and what you are and loving who and what you are." After suffering an attack in 2016 when a stranger invaded her North Carolina home, actress McGillis once again faced disappointment. Her absence from the 2022 "Top Gun: Maverick" cast raised eyebrows, with speculation that her refusal to undergo plastic surgery or dye her hair to its iconic blonde played a role—an assertion director Joseph Kosinski has rebutted. Talking to ET, the 62 year old actress voiced her candid views on Tinseltown's beauty standards, declaring: "I'm old, and I'm fat and I look age-appropriate for what my age is. And that is not what that whole scene is about. I'd much rather feel absolutely secure in my skin and my age than place any value in all that other stuff."
