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Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Courtney Stodden poses nude in bed to honor Marilyn Monroe on Hollywood icon's 99th birthday
Courtney Stodden has stripped off her clothing for a very specific reason. The 30-year-old reality TV star had on not shred of attire as she lay sideways on her bed with her two dogs by her side. The looker was nicely made up with her blonde hair down as she smiled with her eyes closed for the Monday Instagram post. The former child bride was honoring her idol, Hollywood movie siren Marilyn Monroe, on what would have been her 99th birthday on June 1. It was the same nude pose the How To Marry A Millionaire actress made in 1949 when she was photographed on red velvet for shutterbug Tom Kelley. On August 4, 1962, Monroe died at age 36 of an reported overdose of barbiturates at her Los Angeles home. Her death was ruled a probable suicide but there have been questions for decades about whether it was really a murder. Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson, was a 1950s and 1960s sex symbol with films like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) and Some Like it Hot (1959). From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Stodden added a sweet note. 'Happy 99th Birthday to the iconic Marilyn Monroe,' she began. 'A woman who was beauty and brilliance wrapped in one. Forced into marriage at 16, she broke free — but the weight of her past never left her. Still, she rose. Again and again. 'She fought through pain, pressure, and public scrutiny with unmatched grace. Marilyn wasn't just a star — she was a survivor. A reminder that women are resilient, powerful, and unstoppable. Forever in our hearts, forever inspiring.' This comes after Courtney shared her feelings on her tragic teenage bride story after her 14 year wedding anniversary. The beauty has told that tying the knot with 65-year-old A Time To Kill actor Doug Hutchinson was a bad move and she won't pretend otherwise. She was just 16-years-old when she married Hutchison, who was 51 at the time, at a Las Vegas wedding chapel in 2011. 'It stays with me, the pain, I won't stay quiet,' she told adding Doug was 'emotionally abusive.' The model then said: 'My voice is my power and for every voice silenced, I'll shout louder. And I won't ask for permission to do what's right. Not anymore. I speak for that little girl within.' Stodden added: 'I am living life on my own terms now. Everything that's happened in my life, I have handled. I am strong, resilient. I am coming back to myself. I will never let anyone silence me again.' And she wants to help others: 'I want past victims and survivors to really tap into that part of themselves. We are so strong.' She has also called Doug a 'groomer' who had control over her body, and finances.' Due to her being a minor, Courtney's parents had to sign off on the union. 'I think the marriage that I went through in Vegas — it was so fast and I couldn't process it because I was 16,' Courtney shared. Stodden acknowledged the 14-year anniversary of her married to Doug. She shared: '14 years ago, a 16-year-old girl stepped into a world that would try to break her. Relentlessly bullied, mocked, told to end her life. Violated. Shattered. Lost in pain she never asked for. 'But she survives… 'Today is a sacred reminder: we are not defined by what was done to us—we are defined by the fire it forged within us. By how we rise. By how we protect the little girl who still lives inside us, fiercely and unapologetically. 'I will never let anyone silence her again. I wake up for her. I fight for her. And every day, I choose to stand in my power. 'To every woman reading this: you are not alone. You are not broken. You are becoming.' She faced widespread media scrutiny and was labeled everything from a 'child bride' to a 'whore' for marrying a man 34 years her senior, all of which impacted her body image and mental health. The 30-year-old blonde beauty has told that tying the knot with 65-year-old A Time To Kill actor Doug Hutchinson was a bad move and she won't pretend otherwise; seen with Doug in 2013 The couple went on to appear in a string of reality TV shows such as Couples Therapy, Celebrity Big Brother and Hollywood Hillbillies. This comes just as Stodden shared a note about 'coming back' while touching on her 'strength and ambition' following her teen wedding scandal from over a decade ago. Stodden's note to her Insta Stories was powerful. 'She's coming back to herself... Look at her,' began the passage. 'Everything that's happened in her life, she's f***ing handled. She works hard. She is strong, she is ambitious, she is resilient. She is genuine and loyal. 'Anyone who doesn't value what she brings to the table, doesn't deserve her. She's seeing her worth. She's living life on her terms. She's coming back to herself.' The quote was from Women Of The Future. Last month she talked body shaming as she has been trolled for over a decade about her shape. 'The only thing wide about me is my mouth — so let me use it: Our bodies are so torn apart by people hiding behind their devises — it's honestly eww!!!!' began the documentary star. 'I don't vibe with women who do not support other women. Our bodies are all different. They come in different shapes and sizes— if you can't vibe, we can't ride.' Her hashtag was for 'body confidence' as she added, 'Share the love you butterfly.' ✨ The former teen bride is wed to movie producer Jared Safier at the Casa de Monte Vista hotel in Palm Springs, California. It was in a 'last-minute' ceremony, she said. Courtney began dating the Emmy-winning TV producer in summer 2023 after meeting on the set of a film project and they were engaged by June 2024. She told the outlet that she and Jared felt now was the 'perfect time' to get married as both of their families were in Los Angeles for the Thanksgiving holiday. 'We planned on getting married, and we didn't have a date. We just kind of looked at each other, and we're the same kind of crazy. We just looked at each other and we're just like, 'This is the perfect time to do it,' she explained. After exchanging their vows, Courtney and Jared treated their guests to vegan food at the reception.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Best Photos of Marilyn Monroe Over the Years
When people think of Old Hollywood, one of the first images that pops into their head is the legendary starlet Marilyn Monroe. An A-list actress who came from tragic, humble beginnings, Monroe had an unstable home life and grew up in orphanages, leaving them to pursue her starlet dreams as soon as possible. She was discovered working in a factory for World War II and was soon cast in high-profile modeling gigs. Then Hollywood called her name as she set to star in classics like Some Like It Hot, The Seven-Year Itch, and Gentleman Prefer Blondes, to name a few. From playing the 'blonde bombshell' to defining an era of beauty, Marilyn Monroe seemed to be able to do anything she wanted. Sadly, the smiling face many adored on the silver screen was not the reality. Monroe had a hard life, battling extensive mental issues and lost love. It was well known that her mental state was fragile, but she was hailed as a beacon of strength for herself and her friends nonetheless. On Aug. 4, 1962, the world was heartbroken when Monroe was found dead in her bedroom at age 36 from suicide. Ever since then, many have paid homage to the starlet through the art of their own. Most recently, Madonna paid homage to Monroe in a series of controversial photos. To this day, many ask questions about her life and sudden death. But over 60 years after her untimely death, she remains one of the most celebrated actresses in history. Learn more about her turbulent life, career, and romances in the iconic photos below, in honor of what would've been her 99th birthday today. A version of this article was originally published on Nov 2021. More from SheKnows Madonna's Latest Risqué Photos Channel Marilyn Monroe — & Some People Aren't Happy About That Best of SheKnows All the Men Marilyn Monroe Reportedly Had Relationships With Throughout Her Short Life Every Time Heidi Klum's Gorgeous, Colorful Fashion Choices Stopped Us in Our Tracks Elizabeth Hurley & Billy Ray Cyrus, & More of the Best Red Carpet Debuts From Celebrity Couples Over the Years Marilyn Monroe's stage name origin is a somewhat sweet tale. The head of new talent at Fox Studios, Ben Lyon, thought she looked like a Marilyn, and she requested to have the last name Monroe in honor of her grandmother. And despite being a natural brunette, Monroe's agency, Blue Book Modeling Agency, wanted her to bleach her hair to a lighter color. Monroe was quite erratic with showing up for the set, so she would have her own screen-tests at random times. In 1949, Marilyn Monroe was cast in her first leading role in the film, Ladies of the Chorus. Monroe worked tirelessly to earn her iconic role in the film noir, The Asphalt Jungle. Director John Huston said she was amazing at the audition. 'Marilyn didn't get the part because of Johnny [her agent]. She got it because she was damned good.' Before she was discovered, Marilyn Monroe worked factory jobs to help supply forces for World War II. Marilyn Monroe had a strong desire to be taken more seriously as an actress, despite being cast in comedies. Marilyn Monroe frequently consulted with acting coaches, but she had a soft spot for her first one, Natasha Lytess. Marilyn Monroe was very well-read and had over 400 volumes in her library. Monroe frequently spoke in third person, saying things like, 'She wouldn't do this. Marilyn wouldn't say that.' Marilyn Monroe frequently attended A-list movie premieres and always wore lavish gowns. For Gentleman Prefer Blondes, Monroe stole the show with her performances. However, she earned about $18,000, while her male co-stars earned upwards of $150,000. So she insisted on her own dressing room saying, 'I am the blonde, and it is Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.' Marilyn Monroe and Lauren Bacall starred alongside one another in the hit film, How to Marry a Millionaire. Old-Hollywood starlet Betty Grable starred with them as well. Marilyn Monroe frequently traveled around the globe for her work. (Original Caption) Marilyn Monroe is shown in this photo entertaining military troops in Korea. Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio's rollercoaster romance only lasted nine months. They got married spontaneously only a few months into their relationship and then got divorced over their long-term goals. Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio frequented the Stork Club, just like Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Marilyn once said about her favorite singer. 'Well, my very favorite person, and I love her as a person as well as a singer. I think she's the greatest, and that's Ella Fitzgerald.' They ended up being great friends, and Monroe used her A-list status to help with Fitzgerald's career. Despite her lavish outfits and accessories, Marilyn wasn't a fan of statement pieces. She would wear costume jewelry most of the time. Monroe's most iconic look was when she cheekily stepped onto a grate, having the wind blow up her dress. She shocked audiences with this performance in The Seven Year Itch and it has been considered a legendary scene to this day. Monroe frequently brushed elbows with A-listers like Vivien Leigh and Sir Laurence Olivier. Monroe and her third husband, Arthur Miller, were all smiles at movie premieres of all kinds. But behind the scenes, they had a hard marriage filled with distance, miscarriages, and fighting. Arthur Miller and Marilyn Monroe waited in their car to leave their residence. Monroe and Miller lived in a now-$6.75 million NYC penthouse. Marilyn Monroe left her home in New York to film the iconic film, Some Like It Hot. She took a brief acting break before returning to act in the legendary film. Ronald Reagan actually gave Marilyn Monroe her first big job. Reagan thought sending pictures of pretty factory girls would boost morale, so he got Monroe in some shots! Marilyn was notorious for being late on-set and forgetting her lines, even in her most popular production, Some Like It Hot. Marilyn Monroe and Montgomery Clift starred alongside one another in the hit film, The Misfits. This was Monroe's last feature-length film before her untimely death. Monroe had to undergo an emergency gall bladder operation in 1961, but was in good spirits afterwards. Oscar-nominated actor Don Murray said Monroe hated being in front of the camera. 'I think it was a lack of confidence. For somebody who the camera loved, she was still terrified of going before the camera and broke out in a rash all over her body.' Despite this, the camera undeniably loved her. Something's Got to Give was Marilyn's last performance before her death less than six months later.
Al Jazeera
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Jazeera
‘She's the queen': Sri Lanka bids farewell to film legend Malini Fonseka
Colombo, Sri Lanka — As a girl, when Srimathi Mallika Kaluarachchi would go to the cinema with her family, and a man on the screen would hit the character played by superstar Malini Fonseka, Kaluarachchi would cry. Then she would turn to her father in desperation. 'We used to scream at the screen, telling our father to save her,' Kaluarachchi, now 68, recalled. 'That was how much we loved her.' On Monday, Kaluarachchi joined thousands of fans in bidding a final goodbye to Fonseka, who died on May 24 at the age of 78 while receiving treatment in hospital. Neither Fonseka's family nor the hospital has publicly revealed the nature of her illness. One of the country's most popular actresses, Fonseka was widely regarded as the queen of Sri Lankan cinema. She was cremated with full state honours, as fans dressed in the mourning colour of white flocked to Colombo's Independence Square to catch a glimpse of her coffin before she was cremated. Songs from Fonseka's films were played while a projector drone flew above the crowd, displaying a montage of scenes from across her career. Describing Fonseka as 'a true icon of Sri Lankan cinema whose grace and talent inspired generations', Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that 'her legacy will forever shine in our hearts and on our screens'. Fonseka, who starred in more than 140 films, had a career in Sinhala cinema spanning more than five decades. 'Whenever we saw her, we'd forget all the pain we had in our hearts,' said Kaluarachchi, wiping away tears. 'Now, we know films aren't real, but when we were children, we didn't realise.' Fonseka was special, Kaluarachchi said, because of the way she represented how everyday people experienced love and, often, the violence that comes with it for women in patriarchal societies. Fonseka started her career as a stage actress before making her film debut with the 1968 film Punchi Baba. Her popularity peaked in the 1970s and 1980s, as she collaborated with renowned directors, including Lester James Peries and Dharmasena Pathiraja. Many of her most famous roles shared a common theme: the struggles of women in a male-dominated society. She played a wife murdered by her husband in the film Nidhanaya (1972), a college student in a complicated relationship in Thushara (1973), a village girl hounded by male attention in Eya Dan Loku Lamayek (1975), and a girl from a rural fishing village enticed by the big city lifestyle, in Bambaru Avith (1978). This success continued into the 1980s, when she also expanded into directorial ventures, including in the films Sasara Chethana (1984) and Ahimsa (1987). She also starred in the first Indian-Sri Lankan co-production Pilot Premnath in 1978, opposite legendary Indian Tamil actor Sivaji Ganesan. 'She never limited herself to one category. She was in commercial cinema and arthouse cinema,' said 27-year-old teacher Prabuddhika Kannagara. 'She played a village girl, a young girl, a married woman, a mother, and even a grandmother. She represented women across all generations.' Kannagara was one of the last mourners at the funeral, sitting and watching as sparks emanated from the white cloth tower in the square, specially erected for Fonseka's cremation, according to Buddhist rituals. She told Al Jazeera that Fonseka had acted as a 'bridge' across various eras of cinema, from black-and-white to digital, and had remained a star not only for her mother's generation, but also for her own. Fonseka was a five-time Best Actress winner at Sri Lanka's Presidential Film Awards. Her most recent win was in 2006 for her role in Ammawarune, a film she also directed. She also won international accolades at the Moscow International Film Festival and the New Delhi Film Festival. She became Sri Lanka's first female television drama director in the 1980s, a time when women's participation behind the camera was unusual. Fonseka also had a short-lived foray into politics, serving as a member of Sri Lanka's parliament from 2010 to 2015 under former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Film critic and journalist Anuradha Kodagoda told Al Jazeera that Fonseka was 'rare and unique in Sri Lankan cinema' for the range of characters she played. Petite and fair, with an oval face and soft features, Fonseka was a 'pioneer' in representing working-class women onscreen, and 'represented the beauty idol for Sri Lankan women', said Kodagoda. 'She portrayed her characters very organically and authentically. That is the magic of it, I think,' Kodagoda said. Many mourners, some of whom travelled long distances to attend the funeral, recalled moments when they had met or spoken with Fonseka. 'She was a role model for us. We saw her as an example when we went to the cinema,' said 56-year-old jam factory worker Pushpa Hemalatha. 'She wasn't arrogant. We loved her when we were young.' Fonseka's final acting performance was in the 2024 music video Eya Wasanathaya Nowe, playing an elderly woman remembering her deceased husband. Ivanka Peiris, an actress and musician who acted with her in the TV drama Hithuwakkara, told Al Jazeera that Fonseka was 'very empowering' as a role model for women, and 'everything' for younger actresses in the industry. And, she said, Fonseka would never be replaced. 'She's the queen. That's it,' Peiris said. 'There will be no other queens in Sri Lanka. She will be the first and the last.'
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Only Surviving Member of 'The Monkees' Shares Exciting News: 'Mind-Blowing'
When you think 60s pop rock, you think of The Monkees. The band reached icon status for their multiple chart-topping hits back in the day, including "I'm a Believer," "Last Train to Clarksville," and "Daydream Believer." Since the band's breakup in the 70s, they've seen several reunions until the untimely passing of all members of the band, aside from drummer Micky Dolenz. Dolenz has been spending the past three years touring and celebrating the Monkees, and he has some exciting news to share. Dolenz will be taking over the Boston City Winery for a couple nights for what he's calling a "cultural experience." Fans showed their support in the comments of the post. "He's still doing great good for him. 🥰" "Micky's shows are an absolute must-see!!" "Mind-blowing!!! He's 80!!!! He's been making people smile for several decades. 😀 A true living legend. ✨️⭐️✨️" It seems that in the fans eyes, Dolenz has only gotten better with age. If I wasn't before, I'm a believer now. Tickets are on sale for the City Winery shows, so get yours before they sell out!🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Legendary US rocker, 75, shocks onlookers as he's spotted sunbathing in Manchester before arena gig - so do you know who it is?
A legendary rocker has been spotted sunbathing in Manchester ahead of his sold-out arena show - but would you have recognised him? The American icon, 75, was seen stretched out on the balcony of a city centre hotel, making the most of the rare UK sunshine. With a career spanning more than five decades, he's the voice behind some of the most iconic anthems in rock history. He has sold more than 140 million records around the globe and more than 70 million in the US. Known for turning everyday stories into epic songs, he's still packing out stadiums around the world. So, who is the rock legend enjoying a quiet moment before the spotlight calls? It's none other than Bruce Springsteen! Ahead of his Wednesday night (May 14) concert in the city, one fan caught a rare glimpse of the star on in full relaxation mode - a far cry from his electric stage presence. Spotted shirtless in a pair of bright yellow shorts, the snap of the star quickly went viral on social media. Fans went wild over the snap, with many taking to the comment section to gush over the star. They said: 'You can take the man away from the beach, but you can't take the beach out of the man,'; 'Well deserved,'; 'That is a cover photo for next album,'; 'Looking great! Ready to rock Europe,' 'No one in music works harder,'; 'The rest before rocking Manchester to the ground.' Bruce took to the stage on May 14 at the Co-op Live, marking the first of his 16-date European tour. He and the E Street band are expected to play two more times in Manchester, on May 17 and May 20. Their only other UK dates are in Liverpool on June 4 and June 7, when they play at Anfield, before they venture onto the European venues. Throughout his career, Bruce has won a total of 20 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, two Golden Globes, a Special Tony Award, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999 by his friend Bono. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest artists of all time, with his hit songs Born in the U.S.A, Dancing in the Dark, and Hungry Heart. But despite his huge success, he has shut down rumours that he is a billionaire. In October, Forbes pegged his net worth over $1.1 billion, but the star clarified to The Telegraph: 'I'm not a billionaire. I wish I was, but they got that real wrong.' Despite a $500 million music catalog sale in 2021 and a blockbuster $379.5 million tour with the E Street Band this year, the 75-year-old legend admits he's 'spent too much money on superfluous things,' trimming down his fortune. On top of that, Bruce noted that he makes sure to fairly compensate those he makes music with. 'I pay a tremendous amount of money to my band,' he shared, claiming it's a key to his success. 'If you get the art right, the music right, and the band right, you go out and play every night like it's your last night on Earth,' he said, adding, 'That was the serial philosophy of the band, and we're sticking to it.' However, Bruce chose to keep the exact figures close to the vest, leaving the Forbes billionaire report without a precise counter. His bank account confession comes hot on the heels of him sharing his secret to staying youthful. In an interview with The Times, the Grammy winner revealed his diet trick: he eats just one full meal a day. 'I'll have a bit of fruit in the morning and then I'll have dinner,' the rock star said. 'That has kept me lean and mean.' His Hulu and Disney+ documentary, Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, which came out in October, dives into these aspects of Springsteen's world. The film also reveals Bruce's wife Patti Scialfa has been battling a rare blood cancer. Patti, guitarist for Bruce's E Street Band, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer, in 2018 and has since stepped back from touring to navigate her health journey privately. At the premiere of Bruce's documentary at the Toronto Film Festival in September, she opened up about her battle with the disease. Reflecting on her decision to reduce her stage commitments, she shared that after 40 years of performing, returning to the stage felt exhilarating, but touring has become increasingly challenging for her. Since her diagnosis while performing in a Broadway play, Patti explained that she makes occasional appearances at shows, singing a few songs, but her focus remains on her health. She acknowledged the need to be cautious, stating, 'This affects my immune system, so I just have to be careful what I choose to do and where I choose to go,' but added that her new normal is something she's learned to accept. Bruce and Patti have been married since 1991. They share three children together: Evan, 34, Jessica, 32, and Samuel, 30.
