Latest news with #TheSecretCircle
Khaleej Times
30-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
'Vampire Diaries' author LJ Smith passes away at 66
Author LJ Smith, whose bestselling novel series Vampire Diaries, were adapted for a hit TV show of the same name, passed away at the age of 66, reported Deadline. Referring to a New York Times report, Deadline said the bestselling author died on March 8 in Walnut Creek, Calif, after suffering the effects of a rare autoimmune disease for a decade. A statement on the author's website said she died "peacefully" after a "long bout" of illness. It also described the author as a person with a "kind and gentle" soul whose brilliance, creativity and resilience helped improve the lives of her family, friends and fans. It said, "Lisa was a kind and gentle soul whose brilliance, creativity, resilience and empathy illuminated the lives of her family, friends and fans alike. She will be remembered for her imaginative spirit, her pioneering role in supernatural fiction, and her generosity, warmth and heart, both on and off the page." Smith published the original four-book series, about two vampire brothers and an orphaned young woman, in 1991 and 1992, before they were turned into a hit TV show that debuted in 2009. She wrote another trilogy in 2009-11. The TV show Vampire Diaries starred Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder in the lead roles. Smith also wrote a series of Night World novels that featured vampire stories. Nine books in this series were published between 1996 and 1998. Dark Visions and The Forbidden Game were the other trilogies that the author wrote, reported Deadline. Her trilogy The Secret Circle was published in 1992 and adapted into a TV drama in 2011. According to the author's website, the author is survived by her long-time friend Julie Divola; her younger sister, Judy Clifford; Judy's children, Lauren Clifford and Brian Clifford; Brian's wife, Taylor Acampora; and Lauren's son, Wyatt Nicholson.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Johnny Mathis Cancels Gigs, Announces Retirement From Touring Aged 89 After Suffering 'Memory Issues'
Johnny Mathis has cancelled forthcoming gigs and announced his retirement from touring at the age of 89. The veteran artist shared that he was suffering from 'memory issues' (according to the UK's Sun newspaper) and has decided to quit the road ahead of his 90th birthday. More from Deadline Will Smith Raps About Chris Rock Slap On New Album, Three Years After Oscars 2022 Scandal LJ Smith Dead: Author Of 'The Vampire Diaries,' 'The Secret Circle' Was 66 'Always,' '2000 Meters To Adriivka' Among Big Winners At CPH:DOX In Copenhagen Mathis's decision was shared to his Facebook page, which said: 'While there are still some exciting concerts coming up, regrettably all Johnny Mathis concerts from June 2025 onwards are now cancelled. 'Please read the notice below, and contact individual venues directly with all ticket questions. Refunds will be made through the original point of purchase. Thank you, Mathis Fans.' Following support and concern from fans, Mathis's answered further questions about the prospect of filming his final concerts: 'It's a lovely idea, but unfortunately filming or streaming the final concerts is not going to be possible. We're sorry for any disappointment. 'Johnny is just retiring from touring and concerts, so the good news is there is potentially new music in the works. Check back for news on this. 'The final concerts are just in the U.S., and these dates can be found on the official Johnny Mathis website you on Johnny's behalf for all your support of his music.' Mathis has enjoyed a career lasting almost 70 years, and was the third-best selling artist of the 20th century, with hits including A Child is Born, All the Time, Chances Are and When Sunny Gets Blue. He is estimated to have sold 360million records, and accrued an estimated fortune of around $400million. He has recorded 73 studio albums and enjoyed the rare distinction of once having five albums on the Billboard Chart simultaneously. Best of Deadline 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery '1923' Season 2 Release Schedule: When Do New Episodes Come Out? 2025 TV Cancellations: Photo Gallery
Los Angeles Times
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
L.J. Smith, whose ‘Vampire Diaries' books inspired CW series, dies at 66
Author L.J. Smith, who created the 'Vampire Diaries' book series that inspired the CW drama of the same name and contributed to pop culture's obsession with vampires, has died. Smith died March 8 in a hospital in Walnut Creek, Calif., The Times confirmed. A statement shared to Smith's website says she died 'peacefully' after 'a long bout with illness.' The author's partner Julie Divola and sister Judy Clifford confirmed to the New York Times on Wednesday that Smith, a Danville, Calif., resident, died 'after enduring the cascading effects of a rare autoimmune disease for a decade.' She was 66. 'Lisa was a kind and gentle soul, whose brilliance, creativity, resilience and empathy, illuminated the lives of her family, friends and fans alike,' the announcement on Smith's website said. 'She will be remembered for her imaginative spirit, her pioneering role in supernatural fiction, and her generosity, warmth and heart, both on and off the page. Smith, who was born in Florida in September 1958,, wrote several young-adult book series including 'Night World' and 'The Secret Circle' but was best known for creating the 'Vampire Diaries' novels. Smith's inaugural entries for the fantasy series famously laid the groundwork for the CW adaptation of the same name by producers Julie Plec and Kevin Williamson. The CW's 'Vampire Diaries,' riding off of pop culture's vampire obsession reignited by Stephenie Meyer's 'Twilight' series and film adaptations, aired from 2009 to 2017. 'Vampire Diaries' starred Nina Dobrev as teenager Elena Gilbert, who finds herself in a love triangle between vampire brothers Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder) and Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley) while navigating the less-mythical throes of high school and moving on from her past. Smith grew up in Southern California and began writing as a child. She published her debut fantasy novel, 'The Night of the Solstice,' in 1987, according to her website, and caught the attention of an editor at Alloy Entertainment. Alloy signed Smith to begin its 'Vampire Diaries' book series, according to NYT. She published the first four 'Vampire Diaries' books from 1991 to 1992. Alloy hired Smith on a work-for-hire contract — meaning she did not own the rights to her characters — but she did not realize it at the time, the Wall Street Journal reported in 2014. Years after entering the literary scene, Smith took a hiatus from writing to deal with family matters, including her mother's death. She reentered the world of 'Vampire Diaries' in 2007 amid the success of Meyer's vampire franchise. She struck another deal with Alloy to pen more 'Vampire Diaries' books, published in 2009 and 2010. Shortly after, Smith parted ways with HarperCollins (which bought the 'Vampire Diaries' book series) and Alloy, reportedly over creative differences. Despite this, Alloy hired a ghostwriter to write new novels and complete the 'Vampire Diaries' series. 'I didn't realize that they could take the series away from me,' Smith told the WSJ in 2014. 'I was heartbroken.' Though Smith turned her focus to other work after the fallout with Alloy and HarperCollins, she ultimately picked up 'Vampire Diaries' where she left off — writing the story her way through fan fiction. In Amazon's now-defunct Kindle Worlds fan-fiction publishing platform, Smith reclaimed her beloved characters in informal 'Vampire Diaries' entries. Smith's writing portfolio also included short stories that she published on her website. She most recently finished the latest books in her 'Night World' and 'Strange Fate' series and the adult book 'Lullaby,' according to her website. In an entry in her FAQ, Smith says 'I didn't choose or decide' to become a writer. 'I have been a storyteller since before I learned how to read or write,' she said. 'I knew from my earliest childhood — the first things I remember— that I would only be happy as a storyteller.' Smith is also survived by her sister Judy Clifford; her niece Lauren Clifford and Lauren's son Wyatt; and her nephew Brian Clifford and his wife, Taylor Acampora.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bestselling author of ‘The Vampire Diaries' dies at 66
(WKBN) — Bestselling author L.J. Smith, best known for her work 'The Vampire Diaries' that became a smashing TV hit, has died at 66. Lisa Jane Smith, known professionally as L.J. Smith, was an American author of young-adult literature, with popular works including the 'Night World' series, 'The Vampire Diaries,' 'The Secret Circle,' and New York Time's bestselling work 'Dark Visions.' Smith died peacefully at 66 in a hospital on March 8 after a long bout with illness. She was born on Sept. 4, 1958, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on her father's birthday, to Kathryn J. Smith and Glenn C. Smith. She grew up in Southern California, in the small town of Villa Park. According to her author biography, Smith was happiest sitting by a crackling fire in a cabin at Point Reyes, California, or walking the beaches that surround the area. 'Nothing really dies as long as it's not forgotten.' –L.J. Smith, 'The Forbidden Game' She penned more than 29 books over the course of her career. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
