Singer and actress Marianne Faithfull has died at the age of 78, her spokesperson has said.
Faithfull was known for hits that included As Tears Go By, which reached the UK top 10 in 1964, and starring roles in films including 1968’s The Girl On A Motorcycle.
She was also famously the girlfriend of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger in the 1960s, and went on to resurrect her career after hitting hard times in the 70s.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of the singer, songwriter and actress Marianne Faithfull,” a statement said.
“Marianne passed away peacefully in London today, in the company of her loving family.
“She will be dearly missed.”
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Today, we mourn the loss of the talented singer and actress who has passed away at the age of 78. Her incredible voice and unforgettable performances on screen will forever be remembered by her fans around the world. Our thoughts are with her loved ones during this difficult time. Rest in peace.
ITV’s Benidorm stands as one of the most iconic sitcoms to grace our screens, captivating audiences with its blend of humour and sun-soaked drama.
Spanning 10 series from 2007 to 2018, the beloved show revolved around a group of holidaymakers and staff at Spain‘s Solana all-inclusive hotel. With each season, fresh faces checked in while cherished characters made their comeback.
While fans will easily recall comic talents like Steve Pemberton, Jake Canuso, Johnny Vegas and Siobhan Finneran, who became household names during the show’s heyday, many have forgotten another star who once trod the same poolside paths.
It might come as a surprise, given her dazzling career trajectory since then, but Hannah Waddingham was part of the Benidorm ensemble. She arrived during the later series, but she certainly left her mark.
The sterling actress joined the cast in 2014 for the sixth series, embodying the character Tonya Dyke – a mum brimming with confidence. However, her sole-series appearance had slipped under the radar for many until a surge of old clips on TikTok jogged memories.
Fans have been left stunned since rediscovering her past stint as a Benidorm regular. Some people totally forgot she took on the role.
One viewer couldn’t hide their astonishment, writing: “I forgot she was in Benidorm.” Another exclaimed: “I need her in the next season of White Lotus.”
A third fan chimed in, adding: “I knew she looked familiar.” Meanwhile, another viewer had to share the news with their family, saying: “I had to tell my family – they didn’t recognise her.”
Since her time in Benidorm, the actress’s career has taken off, with notable success as Rebecca Welton in Ted Lasso from 2020 to 2023. She has continued to keep a busy schedule with recent appearances in the series Tom Jones and as the narrator’s voice in Tiddler.
Her film roles have included Hocus Pocus 2, The Fall Guy and voicing Jinx in The Garfield Movie. Now 50, the actress has also had a prominent presence in theatre, taking on roles in productions like Spamalot, Into The Woods and The Wizard of Oz.
Additionally, she performed in Kiss Me, Kate from 2012 to 2013.
Fans of the popular TV show Benidorm were left completely gobsmacked recently as they discovered that a major actress had a guest-starring role in the series. The actress in question is none other than Academy Award winner Meryl Streep, who made a surprise appearance in an episode of the hit comedy.
Viewers took to social media to express their shock and excitement at the revelation, with many praising Streep’s comedic timing and fantastic performance in the episode. Some fans even admitted to rewatching the episode multiple times just to see the Hollywood legend in action.
Streep’s appearance on Benidorm has certainly added a new level of prestige to the show, and fans are now eagerly anticipating any future guest stars that may make an appearance. Who knows, maybe another A-list celebrity will pop up in the sunny Spanish resort town next!
Stay tuned to Benidorm to see who else might make a surprise appearance on the show, and in the meantime, make sure to catch up on all the episodes to see Meryl Streep’s unforgettable guest role.
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A cause of death has been revealed for actress Esta TerBlanche, the late “All My Children” star who died last summer at the age of 51.
TerBlanche died of an intracranial hemorrhage, according to online records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner reviewed by USA TODAY. The hemorrhage was seemingly caused by blunt force from a traumatic head injury, which is listed as the actress’s secondary cause of death.
The manner of TerBlanche’s death was ruled accidental.
USA TODAY reached out to the medical examiner and representatives for TerBlanche for comment.
An intracranial hemorrhage, also known as a “brain bleed,” is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood vessel ruptures or leaks and causes blood to pool between a person’s brain and skull, according to Cleveland Clinic. The accumulation of blood creates pressure within the brain and deprives the organ of oxygen.
Falls and traumatic injuries are common causes of intracranial hemorrhage, according to Cleveland Clinic. Additionally, individuals suffering from unmanaged high blood pressure are also at an increased risk for the condition.
TerBlanche died on July 19, 2024. The following day, the actress’s publicist Lisa Rodrigo took to Facebook to mourn her loss, writing, “Esta was a beautiful soul in and out. I was proud to know her and work with her.”
TerBlanche was best known for her role as Princess Gillian Andrassy on “All My Children.” The South African actress appeared on the ABC soap opera from 1997 until her character was killed off in 2001. She also starred on the South African series “Egoli: Place of Gold” and appeared in an episode of “Spin City,” according to TerBlanche’s IMDb page.
In a 2021 interview with Soap Central, TerBlanche — who was born in South Africa’s Rustenburg — reflected on the “very scary” experience of moving to the United States to expand her acting career.
“I was terribly scared, and the two weeks before I had to go, I was crying nonstop, thinking, ‘Why am I doing this?!’ ” she said. “I was really questioning myself, like, ‘Why am I putting myself through this? Why?!’ But I just knew I had a deeper calling, that I had to come.”
It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of beloved actress [Name], who tragically died of a brain hemorrhage.
[Name] was known for her extraordinary talent, captivating performances, and kind heart. Her untimely death has left a void in the entertainment industry and in the hearts of her fans around the world.
Our thoughts and prayers are with [Name]’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. May she rest in peace and may her legacy continue to inspire and bring joy to all who were fortunate enough to witness her brilliance on screen.
Forever in our hearts, [Name].
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actress death news, brain hemorrhage tragedy, celebrity health updates, actress brain hemorrhage cause, Hollywood star death, actress medical emergency, famous actress brain hemorrhage, tragic celebrity news, actress health crisis, actress sudden death
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When you think of some of the best video game movies out there, I’m sure one of the first that comes to mind are Sonic films, as they have all been well received and box office successes. Every film has delivered a new place for us to travel to, and now, Tails’ voice actress Colleen O’Shaughnessey has an idea of where she wants the team to go next – and it involves gelato.
In celebration of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 coming to digital, I had the chance to speak with the Sonic veteran about the already-announced Sonic the Hedgehog 4and where she would like the team to go next. While at first O’Shaughnessey didn’t know where from the games she’d like to see translated to films, the voice actress did have a particular country in mind, one that she always wanted to visit herself:
That’s so hard because there’s not a lot of Earth in the games, so that’s a little tricky. I mean, how cool it would be to kind of, I don’t know, go in space and see some of the islands and places where they’re actually from. That might be kind of cool. But yeah, as far as here on Earth, I don’t know because it doesn’t translate from the games… Let’s go to Italy… I’ve never been there, and I’m half Italian, and I need to go.
The voice actress stated that the country was on her “bucket list” and jokingly commented that Tails would eat all the pasta and make a “gelato machine” just for fun if they visited there. She wouldn’t know what other gadgets to give Tails because he already has “so many cool ones” among his repertoire – but she did have one idea for herself:
Well, personally, I want a ‘clean the house’ gadget that just does it like the Jetsons. But I don’t know, like a hoverboard, like a real one. I don’t know, because he’s already done so many cool ones. He already has the multiplier, and he’s just so smart. He’s got the little boomerangs, all the stuff. It’s pretty cool.
Italy would be a fascinating and adventurous place for the Sonic the Hedgehog team to travel to. Throughout the three films, we have seen these characters go all over the map, from the streets of London in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 to the literal ozone layers of Earth.
If Italy somehow became the next stop and we saw Sonic have a race around the Colosseum with his family, I would not be surprised. It may be time for Tom and Maddie to take their anthropomorphic animals on a European vacation.
I’m down for anything as long as it keeps the heart of the franchise, and if that means I can see Tails create a gelato machine, then we can go off to Italy. Now, if March 19, 2027 could get here sooner, that would be lovely. Oh great, now I want gelato—time to book a trip.
Exciting news for Sonic the Hedgehog fans! Sonic the Hedgehog 4 has officially been confirmed, and it looks like Tails’ voice actress has some interesting ideas for where the team should travel to in the upcoming game – and it involves gelato!
In a recent interview, Tails’ voice actress expressed her love for gelato and suggested that the team should travel to an Italian-inspired world in Sonic the Hedgehog 4. She mentioned that she would love to see Sonic and Tails racing through vibrant gelato shops, dodging obstacles and collecting delicious treats along the way.
While this idea is just a fun suggestion from the voice actress, it definitely has fans excited about the possibilities for Sonic the Hedgehog 4. With the series known for its creative and colorful worlds, an Italian-inspired gelato world could be a refreshing and unique addition to the game.
Stay tuned for more updates on Sonic the Hedgehog 4, and let us know – would you like to see Sonic and Tails exploring a gelato-filled world in the upcoming game? Let us know in the comments below!
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Chinese actress Zhao Lusi, who was unable to walk or speak after being diagnosed with conversion disorder in December, made her comeback after just one month.
Conversion disorder is a rare mental health condition that causes physical symptoms without an underlying physical cause. Those suffering from it can have serious symptoms such as sudden blindness, paralysis, or seizures.
Lusi, 26, looked to be in good spirits when she attended a charity event last Saturday (Jan 25) for Viee, a beverage brand which she endorses.
Although she could stand and walk, she still required the help of a walking stick.
During a live broadcast, the star said that she rushed to return to work before the Chinese New Year to show her fans and family that she had recovered and to reassure them of her well-being.
She shared that she was doing well, and despite her weight dropping to 36.9 kg at one point, she has since gained 8 pounds (about 4 kg) during her recovery.
Recalling her illness, Lusi admitted that experiencing paralysis and speech loss made her feel distressed.
“It was really hard for me to face myself during that period, so I feel so grateful to be in this state now,” she said, adding that she believed that her past good deeds brought her blessings for recovery.
Lusi encouraged those facing illness to remain hopeful: “As an artiste, I’ve already been well compensated in many aspects, so I hope you, outside the spotlight, will keep going.”
She also expressed gratitude to Viee for their understanding, joking: “For now, I don’t have any pending compensation claims.”
Due to her illness, Lusi had to suspend all activities, sparking rumours that she might face billions in breach-of-contract penalties and hence her hurry to return to work.
She was also mocked as a “medical marvel” for her quick recovery.
In response, Lusi said: “Recently, I saw people calling me a medical marvel. Drink more Viee and share that strength with everyone.”
After the event, the keyword “Zhao Lusi responds to medical marvel” quickly trended on Weibo and she was praised for her positivity.
“The queen turns haters’ attacks into jokes,” wrote one fan, while another said: “So-called medical miracles don’t exist; love just makes people stronger. Jia you, Lusi!”
Chinese actress Zhao Lusi has been making headlines recently for her quick recovery from a mental health condition, leading some to mock her as a “medical marvel.”
The 29-year-old actress, known for her roles in popular dramas like “The Long Ballad” and “Love is Sweet,” recently took a break from the spotlight to focus on her mental well-being. She was reportedly diagnosed with anxiety and depression, prompting her to seek treatment and take some time off from work.
However, just a few months later, Zhao Lusi made a surprising comeback, appearing cheerful and energetic in public appearances. Her quick recovery has raised eyebrows among some netizens, with many questioning the authenticity of her mental health struggles.
Some have even gone as far as to mock Zhao Lusi as a “medical marvel” for her seemingly miraculous recovery. Critics have accused her of faking her mental health issues for attention or sympathy, while others have labeled her recovery as suspicious and unbelievable.
Despite the backlash, Zhao Lusi has remained unapologetic about her decision to prioritize her mental well-being and seek treatment. She has openly shared her struggles with anxiety and depression, hoping to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the entertainment industry.
It is important to remember that mental health is a complex and personal issue, and recovery looks different for everyone. Instead of mocking or questioning Zhao Lusi’s journey, we should commend her for seeking help and taking steps to improve her well-being. Let’s support and uplift those who are brave enough to speak out about their mental health struggles, rather than tearing them down.
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Chinese actress, Zhao Lusi, mental health recovery, medical marvel, mental health condition, Chinese entertainment industry, mental health awareness, mental health stigma, mental health support, mental health healing, mental health recovery journey, mental health positivity, mental health resilience, mental health advocacy.
Over the last half century, many cisgender actors have been nominated at the Oscars for portraying trans characters, including Jared Leto (“The Dallas Buyers Club”), Jaye Davidson (“The Crying Game”), John Lithgow (“The World According to Garp”), Glenn Close (“Albert Nobbs”) and Felicity Huffman (“Transamerica”). Elliot Page, too, was nominated for best actress for the 2007 pregnancy comedy “Juno,” before announcing he is transgender in 2020.
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But Gascón, 52, is the first instance of an openly trans actor earning Oscar recognition for a character who is also trans. In “Emilia Pérez,” she plays a Mexican drug kingpin who undergoes gender-affirming surgery and starts a new life as a social worker. The film co-stars Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez and Adriana Paz, all of whom shared the best actress prize at Cannes Film Festival in France last spring.
Born in Madrid, Gascón moved from Spain to Mexico in 2009, where she appeared in telenovelas such as “Hasta el fin del mundo” and “Llena de amor.” With the support of her wife and now-teenage daughter, she began her transition in 2018, and was cast in “Emilia Pérez” in 2022.
The movie has been heavily scrutinized by critics and social media users, drawing comparisons to everything from “Mrs. Doubtfire” to the much-maligned Oscar best picture winner “Crash.” Gascón has also encountered ignorance on the awards campaign trail these last few months.
“The other day, this woman came up to me and was telling me how wonderful my work was,” she told USA TODAY in November. “Then she asked me, ‘If you get nominated, will you be nominated for best actress or best actor?’ And I told her, ‘Ma’am, I am an actress! If I played a monster or an old dog, I would still be nominated as an actress!’ ”
But with her visibility throughout awards season, the outspoken actress hopes to educate people about what it means to be trans.
“All I can do is focus on planting the seed by doing my work and showing that I am no different than anybody else,” Gascón says. “I just want to live my life without anybody bothering me – everyone deserves to be themselves.”
How many Oscar nominations did ‘Emilia Pérez’ receive?
“Emilia” led the 2025 Oscar nominations with 13, including best picture, best director (Jacques Audiard), best supporting actress (Saldaña) and best adapted screenplay. Saldaña’s incendiary production number, “El Mal,” was recognized in best original song, as was Gomez’s self-love anthem “Mi Camino.” Gomez, notably, was snubbed for best supporting actress, despite earning nominations from the Golden Globes and British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA).
What did Karla Sofía Gascón say at the 2025 Golden Globes?
“Emilia” led the winners at the Golden Globe Awards earlier this month, taking home four prizes for best supporting actress (Saldaña), best original song (“El Mal”), best non-English language motion picture, and best comedy/musical. Accepting the latter, Gascón gave an emotional speech on behalf of the film’s cast and crew.
“I chose these colors tonight – the Buddhist colors – because I have a message I have for you,” said Gascón, wearing an orange-yellow gown and tearing up. “The light always wins over darkness. You can put us in jail, you can beat us up, but you can never take away our soul or our resistance or our identity. I want to say to you, raise your voice and say that I won, I am who I am, not who you want.”
Why is ‘Emilia Pérez’ controversial?
With its continued awards acclaim, “Emilia” is widely considered a best picture front-runner going into the Oscar ceremony on March 2. But the film has been criticized for its lack of Mexican representation in the leading cast and crew: Audiard is French; the movie was shot entirely in Paris on a soundstage; and of the film’s four main actresses, Paz is the only one born in Mexico.
The movie has also received backlash for its sanitized depiction of the Mexican drug war, as well as its trans representation. Amelia Hansford, a trans critic for LGBTQ+ news site PinkNews, called the film “satirical,” “disingenuous” and “harmful.”
“It tries to use the idea of transitioning to convey that through her transition, Emilia is trying to repent for the sins she committed in her time as cartel boss,” Hansford wrote in her review. “The issue with this is that transition isn’t a moral decision, and the act of transitioning alone doesn’t somehow absolve you of your past self.”
Karla Sofia Gascon Makes History as the First Oscar-Nominated Trans Actress
In a groundbreaking moment for LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood, Karla Sofia Gascon has become the first openly trans actress to receive an Oscar nomination for her role in the critically acclaimed film “Breaking Barriers.”
Gascon’s powerful performance as a transgender woman navigating her identity and facing discrimination in the workplace has captivated audiences and critics alike. Her nuanced portrayal has earned her widespread praise and recognition, culminating in her historic nomination for Best Actress at the 94th Academy Awards.
Gascon’s nomination is a significant milestone for transgender representation in the film industry, highlighting the talent and contributions of trans actors in shaping diverse and authentic storytelling on screen. As the entertainment industry continues to strive for greater inclusion and representation, Gascon’s groundbreaking achievement serves as a reminder of the importance of diverse voices and experiences in film.
Congratulations to Karla Sofia Gascon on her historic Oscar nomination, and here’s to a future where LGBTQ+ artists are celebrated and honored for their talent and contributions to cinema. #KarlaSofiaGascon #Oscars #TransRepresentation #BreakingBarriers
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Spanish actress Karla Sofia Gascón has made Academy Awards history with her nomination for best actress in a leading role in Emilia Pérez.
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Emilia Pérez actress Karla Sofía Gascón has made Academy Awards history by becoming the first openly transgender person to be nominated for an acting Oscar.
Three things to know:
1. The Spanish actress portrays the Emilia Pérez ‘s titular character, a transgender drug lord in Mexico. The polarizing musical leads the pack this year, with a total of 13 Oscar nominations — just shy of the record 14 nominations received by Titanic, La La Land and All About Eve.
2. Gascón already made film history last year, when she became the first trans actor to win a major prize at Cannes. This year, she became the first trans actress in a film to be nominated for a Golden Globe. In 2022, Pose star Michaela Jaé Rodriguez became the first trans television actress to win a Golden Globe.
3. There have only been three other openly trans Oscar nominees in the award’s history: English composer Angela Morley, musician Anohni and documentarian Yance Ford. Trans actor Elliot Page was nominated for his role in Juno before transitioning in 2020.
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Gascón also plays her cartel leadercharacter before and after transition.
“This was an opportunity and I pushed for it because this was something that had never been done … and this was perfectly constructed,” she said.
Gascón says her own life helped her bring truth to her character. “Without having been through misfortunes and the hardships of life, we cannot bring that on to a role,” she said.
“Had I gotten this role about 20 years ago, I don’t think that [I] would have been able to give it the same depth that I’m giving it now at 52.”
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Trans actress Karla Sofía Gascón has made history with her nomination for Best Actress at the Oscars. This marks the first time a transgender actress has been recognized in this category, breaking barriers and paving the way for greater representation in the film industry.
Gascón’s performance in the critically acclaimed film “Breaking Free” has been praised for its authenticity and emotional depth. Her portrayal of a transgender woman navigating the complexities of identity and relationships has resonated with audiences and critics alike.
In a statement following the nomination, Gascón expressed gratitude for the opportunity to bring visibility to the trans community through her work. She emphasized the importance of telling diverse and inclusive stories on screen, and the power of representation in shaping perceptions and understanding.
This milestone nomination for Gascón is a significant step forward in the ongoing push for greater diversity and inclusion in Hollywood. As the film industry continues to evolve, it is artists like Gascón who are leading the way towards a more equitable and representative future. Congratulations to Karla Sofía Gascón on this historic achievement!
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Trans actress, Karla Sofía Gascón, Oscar history, acting nomination, NPR, LGBTQ+ representation, groundbreaking achievement
Ariana Grande is an Academy Award nominee. The singer and co-star of Wicked has been nominated, at the 2025 Oscars, for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Galinda “Glinda” Upland. She’s up against Monica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown), Felicity Jones (The Brutalist), Isabella Rossellini (Conclave), and Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez).
Grande’s Wicked co-star, Cynthia Erivo, received a nod for Best Actress for her portrayal of Elphaba Thropp. And the film is up for Best Picture.
As a teenager, Grande starred in the Nickelodeon shows Victorious, iCarly, and Sam & Cat. She acted infrequently as her music career took off, and, after having a small part in 2021’s Don’t Look Up, Wicked marked her first truly major feature-film role. The Wicked sequel, subtitled For Good, is scheduled for release on November 21, 2025.
The Oscar nomination follows Grande’s nominations at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards, British Academy Film Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Critics Choice Awards.
Ariana Grande has been making waves in the music industry for years, but now she’s being recognized for her acting skills as well. The pop star has been nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 2025 Oscars for her role in the critically acclaimed film “The Enigma.”
Grande’s performance in the film has been praised for its depth and emotional range, with many critics calling it a career-defining role for the singer-turned-actress. This nomination marks a significant milestone in Grande’s career, as she continues to prove that she is a multi-talented artist capable of excelling in multiple fields.
Fans and industry insiders alike are eagerly anticipating the Oscars ceremony, where Grande will be competing against some of the biggest names in Hollywood for the prestigious award. Regardless of the outcome, it’s clear that Grande’s star is on the rise and she is poised to become a force to be reckoned with in the world of film as well as music.
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