Honestly,​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ I think you could liken watching a long-running TV show to signing a lease. Luckily, we are now in the era of mini-series: brief, powerful stories that wrap up in less than 10 episodes. Max (formerly HBO Max) has pretty much become the limited series brand that is most emotionally charged, and which delivers shock, awe, and characters that you never forget. In case you fancy an intense historical drama or a twisted psychological journey, then these mini-series are just great for a binge over the weekend. And yeah, we are switching from nine to one, just because it seems more appropriate to keep the best for the ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌last.

9. The Penguin

Gotham has always had its darkness, but The Penguin plunges headfirst into the gloom. Colin Farrell disappears into the role of Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot in this dark, grounded crime story. Continuing from the end of The Batman, it’s a city on the brink, as Oz fights off other crime families and attempts to take over Gotham’s decaying underworld. It’s noir through and through, with violence, backroom politics, and shady truces. If slow-burning gangland epics with difficult characters are your thing, this is well worth every minute.

8. The Last of Us

More than a video game adaptation, The Last of Us is one of the greatest post-apocalyptic dramas of the last few years. It centers on a broken man and a girl who may well save the world. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey imbue their characters with depth and nuance as they traverse a world that has been turned upside down by a pandemic that feels disturbingly real. It’s half horror, half hope, and half heartbreak—evidence that even the darkest universes contain humanity.

7. Watchmen

It is not your standard superhero tale. Taking place in an alternate America and drawing heavily from real-world events, Watchmen turns the genre on its ear. Regina King heads a phenomenal cast in a story that combines masked crusaders, racial inequality, and hidden secrets. Visually breathtaking and packed with bold storytelling decisions, this nine-episode series doesn’t merely follow in the footsteps of the original comic—it fearlessly reinterprets it.

6. The Pacific

In the wake of Band of Brothers, this World War II miniseries turns its attention to the Pacific theater—and with the same impact. We experience the unvarnished, unrelenting nature of war in locations such as Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa through the eyes of three U.S. Marines. The series does not flinch from the physical and emotional cost of combat, providing a savage, close-up glimpse at the price of survival. With outstanding production and performances that are not to be forgotten, The Pacific makes an indelible impression.

5. Band of Brothers

Few programs have captured so fully the brotherhood of war as this one. Based on the true story of Easy Company, Band of Brothers takes us from D-Day landings to the end of Nazi Germany. It’s on a cinematic scale but intensely personal in mood, mixing epic battles with intimate moments of camaraderie, terror, and selflessness. Starring Damian Lewis and Ron Livingston, it’s one of the greatest war dramas of all time.

4. Mare of Easttown

Crime dramas come a dime a dozen, but Mare of Easttown is one step above the rest. In a small Pennsylvania town, it follows detective Mare Sheehan, played magnificently by Kate Winslet, as she solves a murder through the chaos of her own falling-apart life. It’s a slow-burning thriller coated with grief, secrets, and richly layered characters. The emotional baggage, great acting, and pitch-perfect writing turn it into something more than a whodunit. It’s a richly inhabited world you won’t want to leave.

3. I May Destroy You

This show doesn’t just break boundaries—it rewrites them. Written by and starring Michaela Coel, I May Destroy You is a raw, unflinching exploration of trauma, consent, and identity. Coel stars as Arabella, a writer struggling to cope with the aftermath of a sexual assault, and the story unfolds both heartbreakingly and darkly humorously. It provokes, agitates, and hovers over the entire run. With incisive writing and intimate personalising, this 12-parter is a contemporary classic.

2. Chernobyl

Tense, frightening, and appallingly accurate, Chernobyl is the sort of show that burrows under your skin. Covering the disastrous 1986 nuclear explosion, the series examines the personal and political shortcomings of the humans that resulted in one of the most devastating man-made catastrophes in history. Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, and Emily Watson lead the cast with performances you won’t soon forget, but it is the creepy atmosphere that draws you in with sly terror. It’s compelling, thoroughly researched, and unflinchingly realistic.

1. Angels in America

It is a show that blends politics, fantasy, love, and loss into something beautiful that heads this ensemble. In the small screen, it visualizes Tony Kushner’s classic play Angels in America, an adaptation of a Broadway event like no other. The series depicts the six characters whose personal lives trudge alongside the AIDS epidemic and questions of illness, identity, and change in 1980s New York. Along with the stellar performances of Meryl Streep, Al Pacino, Emma Thompson, and Jeffrey Wright, it is magnificent, lyrical, and unforgettable. The six-part epic is a victory of writing, acting, and storytelling, and is still very relevant today.

Whatever your mood is, whether gritty realism, historical drama, or intelligent character studies, these miniseries have it all in full, with no cliffhangers to keep you hanging on, no filler episodes, just excellent storytelling from beginning to end. Pick up that remote control, set your schedule aside, and get ready for one great binge after the next.

Hollywood​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ 2025 features amazing talent, charm, and a significant impact on the culture, and the guys who are at the forefront are bringing about the change of a new celebrity. These artists are going beyond just winning the fans to reshaping the face of the industry, the art, and the story for the next generation by queering their identities as LGBTQ+ icons, thus breaking the barriers and attracting the industry with their outstanding talent. Here are the eight most interesting and highly talented people that we can think of who are currently making a brilliant light in the sky of ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌Hollywood.

8. Leo Sheng – The Changemaker

Leo Sheng has turned authenticity into a career. Maybe best known for his work on Adam and The L Word: Generation Q, Sheng has been a prominent voice in advocating for queer and trans representation on television. Off camera, he’s equally powerful lobbying for social justice, workers’ rights, and queer youth voices. Charismatic, unapologetic, and on a mission, Sheng is as lovely as he is talented.

7. Tramell Tillman – The Breakout Force

You watched Severance, so you know Tramell Tillman as the unforgettable Milchick, both charming and unsettling. He’s gone on to break into big-budget films with Mission: Impossible, The Final Reckoning, starring Tom Cruise. As a gay Black man breaking ceilings in Hollywood, Tillman brings talent with trailblazing visibility, and his effortless charm makes him irrefutable.

6. Jonathan Groff – The Broadway Powerhouse

Jonathan Groff is a Broadway royalty transplanted into a natural film, television, and voice actor. From Spring Awakening to originating Kristoff in Frozen to unnerving turns in Mindhunter, his versatility speaks volumes. Following his recent Tony Award win for Merrily We Roll Along, Groff continues to pave the way for openly gay actors. Warm, magnetic, and unapologetic in his manner, he’s always guaranteed to please the crowd.

5. Omar Apollo – The Sound of Now

Omar Apollo is now one of the defining voices of music in the 2020s, with hits such as Evergreen and albums that transcend genres. But he’s not resting on his laurels; his film debut in Luca Guadagnino’s Queer, starring alongside Daniel Craig, was a demonstration of his acting abilities. Apollo’s candor, creativity, and fearless queerness make him a cultural force who won’t be contained in one box.

4. Lukas Gage – The Gambler

Lukas Gage has made a career out of saying yes to dangerous roles. He began with a splash on The White Lotus and went on to star in films like Smile 2 and Companion. Never afraid to get raw or gritty, Gage is opening doors for queer performers in Hollywood. His most recent role in Overcompensating cemented his status as one of the most exciting up-and-coming stars in the business.

3. Tonatiuh – The Cultural Star

Nominated for his Aztec heritage, Tonatiuh is lighting up the screen in Hollywood. From his initial breakout in Vida to his latest in the musical Kiss of the Spider Woman with Diego Luna and Jennifer Lopez, he’s offering a solid queer Latine presence on the screen. Full of pride, balancing his heritage on his back with every new project, Tonatiuh is already a familiar face on his way to household name status.

2. Matt Rogers – The Comedy Visionary

Matt Rogers is pop culture’s master thief. Stealing moments on Fire Island, dropping holiday singles, or co-hosting the behemoth Las Culturistas podcast with Bowen Yang, Rogers is as quick on his tongue as he is adaptable. His mixture of humor, musicality, and cultural critique has made him one of the leading voices in queer comedy and a go-to personality on all scales.

1. Jeremy Pope – The Game-Changer

Jeremy Pope is the package deal: actor, singer, and visual artist. Praise has come his way on Broadway and television (Hollywood, One Night in Miami), he’s released an experimental album (Last Name: Pope), and even courted controversy with his photography series, which confronted toxic masculinity head-on.

With his new lineup, The Beauty, ready to make waves, Pope is already cementing himself not just as a star but as a cultural icon. Wittier, more charming, and more unapologetically himself, he’s Hollywood’s future face.

These eight men are not just stars; they’re creating the next chapter of Hollywood. Talented, commanding, and unapologetically authentic, they’re reauthoring the playbook on what it means to be a leading man in 2025.

Comedy wouldn’t be the same without these brilliant men who mastered the art of making us laugh. These guys are more than just funny facesthey are the ones who changed the whole game of entertainment, invented new styles of humor, and made an indelible mark in movies, TV, and stand, up. Here are ten of the greatest comedic leading men whose works still entertain and amuse audiences all over the world.

10. Rowan Atkinson

Rowan Atkinson is the master of awkward comedy. One moment, he is comically bumbling through life as Mr. Bean, the next, he is delivering razor-sharp lines in Blackadder. What is remarkable with Atkinson is his ability to take the smallest of gestures or expressions and turn them into a laugh, out, loud moment. Not forgetting his background in radio and sketch comedy, one can only marvel at the extent of his versatility, but it is really his prowess in physical comedy that has made him a household name to fans in every corner of the worldfrom London to Tokyo. He is, in fact, the closest thing we have to the silent film comedians of yesteryears, making it all look so easy.

9. Gene Wilder

Gene Wilder possessed the elusive talent for combining sweetness with a touch of madness. From the wacky mayhem of Willy Wonka to the neurotic intensity of Leo Bloom in The Producers, Wilder turned eccentricity into an art form. His work with Mel Brooks (Young Frankenstein, Blazing Saddles) is comedy gold, and his drama training only honed his comedic sense. Wilder’s performances were always volatile—like he was privy to a joke everyone else wasn’t.

8. Will Ferrell

Few performers are more inherently absurdist comedians than Will Ferrell. From his Saturday Night Live parodies (yes, cowbell) to his legendary role as Ron Burgundy in Anchorman, Ferrell established himself through a career of taking cringe-inducing awkwardness to its extreme. His characters tend to be absurd, oblivious, and self-aggrandizing—and that is precisely what makes them memorable. Outside of acting, he’s also fostered up-and-coming comedic talent as a producer, solidifying his impact on a new generation of comedy.

7. Bill Murray

Deadpan delivery is an art, and Bill Murray mastered it. His early days provided us with classics such as Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day, but he never ceased to reinvent himself. From his improv-laden work on SNL to his more recent collaborations with Wes Anderson, Murray has consistently possessed an otherworldly knack for making the offbeat feel familiar. Throw in dramatic gems such as Lost in Translation, and it’s easy to see why Murray ranks as one of the most unique comedy legends ever.

6. Jim Carrey

When Jim Carrey came on the scene, there simply wasn’t anyone else around like him. His elastic face, manic energy, and total fearlessness lit up In Living Color and carried him to box office domination with Ace Ventura, The Mask, and Dumb and Dumber—all in the same year. But Carrey isn’t just about wild slapstick; films like The Truman Show and Eternal Sunshine proved he had dramatic depth too. He’s a true shape-shifter, able to play larger-than-life comedy and heart-wrenching drama with equal brilliance.

5. Robin Williams

Robin Williams was a whirlwind—pure energy, heart, and improvisational brilliance. From Mrs. Doubtfire to his iconic voice performance as Genie in Aladdin, Williams could spin comedy from thin air. But he also possessed the unusual ability to infuse humor with humanity, giving us incandescent performances in Good Will Hunting and Dead Poets Society. His comedy was zany, yes, but it was never lacking in soul.

4. Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy didn’t only appear in comedies—he revolutionized the whole genre. Blowing out of SNL with unbridled talent, he became a box office phenomenon with movies like Beverly Hills Cop and Coming to America. His chutzpah, his larger-than-life personas, and his capacity to reinvent himself made him a fixture for decades. And when he ventured into drama in Dreamgirls, he demonstrated how versatile he is, to say the least.

3. Leslie Nielsen

Before Leslie Nielsen became the comedic genius of the group, he was a straight man actor. And then there was Airplane!—comedy would never be the same. With his impeccable deadpan sense of delivery, Nielsen was able to make the most ridiculous lines sound straight, transforming garbage into genius. His Frank Drebin character in The Naked Gun franchise cemented his status as the greatest straight-faced clown of all time. Not many actors have ever made “not understanding the joke” so funny.

2. Cary Grant

There was Cary Grant before there was the action-comedy or modern rom-com. Witty, suave, and perpetually charming, he was the gold standard of screwball comedies such as His Girl Friday and Bringing Up Baby. Even in Hitchcock thrills, he introduced suspense with a dash of humor, leading the way for action-comedy heroes of today. Grant’s impeccable timing and effortless charm rendered him one of Hollywood’s longest-lasting stars.

1. Charlie Chaplin

Charlie Chaplin is the basis of contemporary comedy. His Tramp persona—bowler hat, cane, and that indelible walk—is still one of the most recognizable characters in cinema history. City Lights and Modern Times were not only hilarious; they were profoundly human, combining slapstick with feeling in a way nobody else could or would. Over a hundred years later, Chaplin’s presence can be found in every aspect of comedy.

These ten men didn’t simply tell jokes—they raised comedy to something larger. They made us laugh, made us think, and in most cases, made us feel intensely. From Chaplin’s silent pathos to Ferrell’s absurd stunts, their legacies remind us why comedy is one of the greatest storytelling tools we possess.

Hollywood stars are often associated with glitz, glamour, and the spotlight. However, some actors went to serve their country before they became famous. These celebrities made a completely different choice to serve in the military. They were molded by the battlefield and the harsh training of the boot camp, and in numerous instances, these experiences even led them to choose acting as a career. Here is a list of ten actors who have been in the military, and their service should be acknowledged and respected.

10. George Cantero

Before he was seen in Apocalypse Now, George Cantero had a life that was quite different from the one he is known for as a soldier. Being brought up in a family of the military, he went to serve in Vietnam and then came back to the world of acting. Cantero frequently attributed the discipline and the toughness that he got through his service, not only to the development of his career, but also to his deep, rooted sense of obligation to the veteran community in Hollywood. He has been able to demonstrate, through the support of the likes of Veterans in Media & Entertainment, how the experience on the warfront can be a rich source for the creation of impactful narratives.

9. Ernie Lively

Best recognized as Blake Lively’s father, Ernie Lively initially donned the uniform of an officer in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. After exiting service as a Captain, he went on to do decades of steady TV and film acting work, as well as becoming a widely respected acting coach. Several younger stars attributed their careers to him—testimony that the leadership and discipline he developed in the Marines carried over wonderfully well to Hollywood.

8. Richard Chaves

Richard Chaves will be remembered by Predator fans as Staff Sgt. Jorge “Poncho” Ramírez, but before Hollywood, he served as an infantryman in Vietnam. With the 196th Infantry Brigade, Chaves had three years of service with the Army before moving onto stage and screen. His realism as a soldier thrilled naturally—his performances had the gravitas of a man who’d lived the life.

7. R. Lee Ermey

Few actors embodied military toughness like R. Lee Ermey—and for good reason. Ermey spent more than a decade in the Marine Corps, including 14 months in Vietnam, before a medical discharge ended his service. He was originally hired as a technical advisor for Full Metal Jacket, but his no-nonsense attitude and genuine drill instructor presence landed him the iconic role of Gunnery Sgt. Hartman. Even after his Hollywood breakthrough, Ermey never stopped advocating for veterans and honoring the Corps.

6. Adam Driver

Before he wielded a lightsaber as Kylo Ren, Adam Driver wielded a rifle as a Marine. Inspired by the atrocities of 9/11, Driver enlisted in the Corps and became trained as an 81mm mortarman. A wound kept him from deploying, but he’s long praised the discipline and sense of mission the Marines provided him—abilities that transferred directly into his ferocious, nuanced work on camera.

5. James Stewart

Jimmy Stewart was not only America’s everyman—he was also an honored war hero. Enlisting in the Army Air Corps before America entered World War II, he piloted hazardous bombing runs over Europe and later remained a member of the Air Force Reserves. Stewart finally retired at the rank of brigadier general, the highest rank attained by a Hollywood star. His military command in real life lent authority to his screen appearances that audiences intuited from the start.

4. Clark Gable

Hollywood royalty Clark Gable volunteered after the devastating loss of his wife, Carole Lombard, who died in a wartime plane crash. Suspending his film career, Gable trained as a gunner and flew over Europe with B-17 bomber crews, surviving near misses in combat even. Beyond his stardom, he recorded aerial missions for the military, leaving both cinema and first-hand reports of the air war behind.

3. Bea Arthur

In between becoming a sitcom icon on The Golden Girls, Bea Arthur fought for her country during World War II as part of the U.S. Marine Corps Women’s Reserve. She typed, drove, and dispatched, rising to staff sergeant. When women in uniform were still trying to break barriers, Arthur’s service was trailblazing—and that sassy wit and commanding screen presence was a testament to that no-nonsense attitude.

2. Elvis Presley

The King of Rock and Roll did not dodge the draft—he welcomed it. When Presley enlisted in the Army in 1958, he went into service as an ordinary grunt, not in some soft PR position. Assigned to duty in Germany with an armored division, he did his time along with his comrades. His choice earned him respect well beyond his music public, demonstrating he was not only a cultural icon but also a soldier who was willing to serve just like everyone else.

1. Oliver Stone

Oliver Stone’s experience in Vietnam branded him—and inspired him. Volunteering for combat in 1967, he battled on the Cambodian border, survived ambushes, and was wounded twice, receiving both the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. What he experienced gave fuel to his filmmaking, resulting in his iconic Vietnam War trilogy (Platoon, Born on the Fourth of July, Heaven & Earth). Stone didn’t merely direct war movies; he rendered his lived experience into some of the rawest accounts of combat seen in cinema.

From backlot to battlefield, these actors demonstrate that the discipline, resilience, and courage developed during military service don’t vanish when the uniform is shed. In subdued supporting roles or iconic roles, their military service influenced how they spoke through their characters—and the way we recall them.

The DC cinematic universe is changing rapidly. After Ezra Miller’s troubled departure as The Flash and the coming total reboot by James Gunn and Peter Safran, the main question is no longer whether there will be a new Flash, but rather which character will be the next one. It may be Barry Allen or some other version of the multiverse, but the character needs to be a person who is funny, nice, and full of energy at lightning speed. So, which one of these stars could you see playing The Flash?

12. Timothée Chalamet

Timothe Chalamet, Hollywood’s golden boy, has shown his versatility by taking on a range of projects from an epic sci-fi (Dune) to an intimate drama (Call Me by Your Name). As the Flash, he could add a darker, more thoughtful layer to the character, but he would still be incredibly captivating. Despite being sought after by many, if DC is looking for a mixture of star power and acting depth, then Chalamet might be the ideal pick.

11. Austin Butler

Elvis himself—Butler exudes charisma in spades and has some serious acting credentials. Having some starring roles behind him and a track record of holding his own on screen, he might imbue the Flash with a grittier, earthier feel. Old-school suave plus next-gen hero.

10. George MacKay

If you saw 1917, you realize that this man can move. MacKay adds emotional depth and stamina to his performances, ideal for a Barry Allen who goes hard on the character’s humanness. He’s not a household name yet, but he could headline a superhero franchise.

9. Dylan Minette

From 13 Reasons Why to Scream, Minette’s got the range and the intensity. He’s got a sharp, grounded presence that could make him a very believable forensic scientist-turned-speedster. Plus, he brings the kind of youth and relatability DC might be aiming for.

8. Jahi Di’Allo Winston

Young, talented, and up-and-coming, Winston has already shown he can do emotional storytelling as well as action. He’d allow the DCU to reboot the character with fresh energy—and perhaps introduce a younger audience. And his acting skills? Rock solid.

7. Darren Barnet

If you need a Flash with charm and comedic sense, Barnet’s your man. Never Have I Ever fans are aware that he can convey heart and flames on the screen. He’s a relative newcomer, but under the right guidance, he could run into superstardom.

6. Elliot Page

Page is no newcomer to the world of superheroes, with appearances in X-Men and The Umbrella Academy. Adding Page to the DCU would be a forceful step toward increased diversity—and an intelligent one, at that, considering his capacity to keep up with complicated, action-packed characters.

5. Dylan O’Brien

A long-time fan favorite choice, O’Brien has the credentials (check out Maze Runner, Teen Wolf) and charm to make a natural Flash. He’s hilarious, acrobatic, and can handle emotional moments with finesse. Surprisingly, he hasn’t donned the suit yet.

4. Shameik Moore

Moore is already cherished as Miles Morales’ voice—and he’s got the energy, heart, and swagger to make a live-action Flash come to life. If DC wants someone familiar with superhero storytelling and brings a new perspective, Moore’s a no-brainer.

3. Justice Smith

Smith has demonstrated he can helm high-budget movies (Detective Pikachu) and ground characters in some sense. His approach to Barry Allen would introduce more vulnerability and warmth to the character, as well as take advantage of a more diverse future for the DCU.

2. Joseph Quinn

Thanks to Stranger Things, Quinn has a devoted fanbase already—and the chops to match. Stealing every scene as Eddie Munson, he found equal parts humor, emotion, and mayhem. That is seriously Barry Allen energy if you know what we mean.

1. Grant Gustin

If you’re a product of The CW, this is a no-brainer. Gustin had Barry Allen for almost a decade and earned a dedicated fan base doing so. He is the Flash in many people’s eyes. With the multiverse at play and the Arrowverse in his rearview, this may be the ideal time to move him to the big screen.

With DC looking to reinvent itself, there’s no shortage of actors who could bring new life to the Flash. Whether they go with a rising star or a fan-favorite, one thing’s clear: whoever takes over the role will have some very fast shoes to fill. And we’ll be watching—hopefully at lightning speed.

Let’s be honesthaven’t we all at some point dreamt of living a celebrity’s life? The red carpets, the fans that adore you, the glamorous outfits (and the inevitable fashion faux pas). However, fame has not been everything for every actor. Some of them have left Hollywood because of burnout, the desire for a simpler life, or the need to follow a new passion. Some have left permanently, while others have just taken a break. Here is a list of 15 celebrities who left acting unexpectedly and what they are doing now.

15. Shirley Temple

Hollywood’s first child star of the 1930s left the spotlight at only 22. She tried going back to acting when she was grown, but it didn’t work out, so in 1950, she decided to quit the business for good and became involved in politics. Eventually, she was appointed the U.S. ambassador to both Ghana and Czechoslovakia.

14. Debra Winger

With three Oscar nominations to her credit, Winger appeared invincible—but departed at the peak of her career. Disgruntled with unfulfilling roles, she took six years off before reclaiming her seat at the table, but only when the projects truly tested her.

13. Audrey Hepburn

After captivating the world in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and dozens of other timeless classics, Hepburn devoted her life to humanitarian causes. As a UNICEF spokesperson, she visited all corners of the globe and left behind a legacy of kindness that earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

12. Gene Hackman

Hackman retired from acting in 2004 after Welcome to Mooseport. Doctors told him that he needed to cut down on stress, and he decided to take a quieter life in New Mexico. Having two Oscars in his pocket, he figured he’d done enough for Hollywood.

11. Portia de Rossi

Best known for Scandal and Arrested Development, de Rossi retired at age 45. She told Ellen DeGeneres’ daytime talk show that she needed to begin a new life beyond her acting career. For a short time, aside from completing Arrested Development, she’s been a businesswoman.

10. Robert Redford

After six decades in front of the camera, Redford announced his retirement with The Old Man & the Gun (2018). While he’s still dabbled in producing and occasional cameos, he’s largely stepped away, saying it was simply time.

9. Terrence Howard

Howard made headlines when he declared he was done with acting after Empire. “I’m done pretending,” he said. But Hollywood retirements don’t always stick—he’s since appeared in other projects.

8. Lindsay Lohan

Lohan has made a gentle return after all those years of tabloid melodrama, appearing in Netflix’s Falling for Christmas. She’s now juggling motherhood and acting, and appears to have found her balance again in life and career.

7. Cameron Diaz

One of the biggest stars of the late 90s and early 2000s, Diaz quit after Annie in 2014. She explained later that she wanted to put family and personal happiness first. Ten years later, she’s back for Back in Action alongside Jamie Foxx.

6. Jane Fonda

Fonda quit acting for 15 years after she married media mogul Ted Turner, believing she’d never be back. But at age 60, she came back—and has been working consistently ever since. At 85, she’s still a force to be reckoned with.

5. Brendan Fraser

Having ruled the 90s, Fraser took a step back because of health problems and personal issues. His return in The Whale was victorious, awarding him an Academy Award and demonstrating that second acts really are better.

4. Ke Huy Quan

The Indiana Jones and The Goonies child star favorite faded from view in Hollywood for 20 years, toiling behind the scenes. Then he made his breathtaking comeback in Everything Everywhere All At Once, for which he won an Oscar.

3. Shelley Duvall

Duvall’s spooky performances in The Shining and Popeye are iconic, but she slipped quietly out of Hollywood in 2002 to tend to relatives in Texas. She briefly reappeared in 2023, just a year before her death.

2. Frankie Muniz

Once he became a household name from Malcolm in the Middle, Muniz ditched acting for race cars. He dived headfirst into professional driving and loved every second of it. He is circling back to acting with a Disney+ revival of Malcolm in the works.

1. Cate Blanchett

Blanchett hasn’t officially retired, but she’s been open about the idea of leaving acting behind. “I’m serious about giving it up,” she’s said, pointing to passions like conservation and family. For now, she’s still gracing the screen—but fans are bracing for the day she does step back.

And that’s it—evidence that fame does not necessarily translate to satisfaction. For these celebrities, the largest plot twist came not on screen, but in real life, when they decided to leave behind the roles that earned them immortality.

There are times when one character has the power to ruin a TV show that is otherwise excellent. Such characters are the ones that make you groan every time they appear, take over the story, or just make the scene less fun. Perhaps they were adorable at the beginning, or maybe they irritated the audience from their very first line. In any case, their presence made the show that used to be enjoyable a real challenge of patience. This is a list of ten characters from TV shows whose fans were so annoyed with their continuous presence that they thought the characters almost ruined the series.

10. Emily Cooper (Emily in Paris)

Emily dances her way through Paris in stylish couture and boundless hope, yet her complete lack of knowledge of French culture has upset quite a few people. In some way, she continues to get chances that she hardly appears to deserve, going up through layers more by chance than by ability. To a lot of the audience, her character of the “plucky expat” was getting boring.

9. Nate Shelley (Ted Lasso)

Nate’s journey from awkward kit man to full-fledged petty villain was on paper, but to some viewers, it simply weighed the show down. His heel-turn felt more like a tedious, frustrating side trip than an engaging twist—one that had many cheering for him to simply leave the pitch once and for all.

8. Beth Dutton (Yellowstone)

Beth’s cutting comebacks and boardroom fights earned her an icon status for some but were intolerable for others. Her perpetual bickering, particularly with her brother Jamie, can be draining. She’s undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with, but her excessive antics have driven many viewers from amused to annoyed.

7. Piper Chapman (Orange Is the New Black)

She’s the star, but Piper soon proved to be the least interesting inmate in Litchfield. With her selfish decisions, playing the victim, and constant drama, she was overshadowed by the rich, multilayered supporting cast. Fans admit they stuck around despite her, not because of her.

6. Xander Harris (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

The so-called “lovable everyman” soon wore out his welcome with sexist humor and refusal to own up. Some viewers felt his attitude brought down the group dynamic—and wondered why the rest of the Scooby Gang put up with him to begin with.

5. Rory Gilmore (Gilmore Girls)

Book-smart, nice, and easy to support, early Rory. College Rory? Entitled, irresponsible, and infuriatingly well-liked by all those in her orbit, even with a string of selfish choices. Even loyal fans have admitted their re-watches are accompanied by a side of eye-rolling whenever she appears on screen.

4. Debbie Gallagher (Shameless)

Debbie’s transition from bad girl to manipulative woman had viewers tired. Her decisions tended to do more harm than good, and instead of maturing, she doubled down on bad behavior—making her one of the show’s most divisive characters.

3. Skyler White (Breaking Bad)

Few television characters have polarized audiences as much as Skyler. Some empathized with her situation, but others enjoyed her so much that they couldn’t get through the first season. For part of the fan base, she was the biggest obstacle to liking the show.

2. Lana Lang (Smallville)

Lana was supposed to be Clark’s great love, but her incessant indecision and melodrama became a burden to bear. The fans wanted the show to get past her, and so she became one of TV’s biggest overstayed welcomes.

1. Dana (Mythic Quest)

Dana is at the top of this list due to her self-appointed hobby of policing everyone else’s hobbies and bulldozing boundaries. Her habitual moral posturing wore on enough people that some of them stopped watching altogether. She’s the epitome of a “can’t watch this anymore” character.

Love them, hate them, or love to hate them—these characters show one thing: TV drama doesn’t just exist on the page. Sometimes the most fierce arguments occur off-camera, between fans arguing over who messed up what.

Nothing quite excites Hollywood like a weddingindeed, the paparazzi barely have time to catch their breath before the swarm descends on a subsequent dramatic divorce. To the average person, three marriages may sound extravagant, but in the world of celebrities, it’s usually just the tip of the iceberg. There are stars for whom getting hitched seems to have replaced their actual profession, as they are constantly tying the knot in a quickie Vegas ceremony, proclaiming eternal love in the fairy tale fashion, and splitting up in a manner that could rival any soap opera. Check out the count of Hollywood’s most married celebrities, who have been hitched anywhere from six to an almost unbelievable nine times.

10. Pamela Anderson (6 Marriages)

Pamela Anderson’s love life has garnered nearly as much attention as her iconic Baywatch swimsuit. One of her most notable events was when she married Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee only four days after meeting him in 1995a whirlwind romance that ended in 1998. Since then, she has married Kid Rock, poker player Rick Salomon (twice), film producer Jon Peters (although she later stated that it was not official), and bodyguard Dan Hayhurstthereby accumulating six weddings in total. Anderson has humorously implied that her number of weddings may still increase.

9. Billy Bob Thornton (6 Marriages)

Oscar-winning Billy Bob Thornton has been down the aisle six times, with romantic relationships as vibrant as his life. His wives have been Melissa Lee Gatlin, Toni Lawrence, Cynda Williams, Pietra Dawn Cherniak, Angelina Jolie (recall the infamous vials of blood?), and Connie Angland, whom he married in 2014 after over a decade together. For Thornton, it seems like marriage number six could be the winner.

8. Rue McClanahan (6–7 Marriages)

Playing Golden Girls’ Blanche Devereaux, Rue McClanahan was notorious for her flirtations—and the real-life credentials caught up with the character. She married a minimum of six men, and possibly seven, including Tom Bish, Norman Hartweg, Peter DeMaio, Gus Fisher, Tom Keel, and Morrow Wilson. She even named her memoir My First Five Husbands. And the Ones Who Got Away. That says it all.

7. Lana Turner (8 Marriages)

One of the great leading ladies of Old Hollywood, Lana Turner, had eight marriages to seven grooms. Among them were her whirlwind affairs with musician Artie Shaw for four months, two marriages to Joseph Stephen Crane, and subsequent marriages to Bob Topping, Lex Barker, Fred May, Robert Eaton, and Ronald Pellar. Her love life was as dramatic as those in her movies.

6. Elizabeth Taylor (8 Marriages)

Elizabeth Taylor was well-nigh Hollywood’s patron saint of marriage. She married eight times to seven men: Conrad Hilton Jr., Michael Wilding, Mike Todd, Eddie Fisher, Richard Burton (twice!), John Warner, and Larry Fortensky. Her passionate, diamond-spangled romance with Burton—two marriages and two divorces—is the stuff of legend.

5. Mickey Rooney (8 Marriages)

Legendary actor Mickey Rooney lived nearly a century and packed in eight marriages along the way. His first was to Ava Gardner, followed by Betty Jane Phillips, Martha Vickers, Elaine Devry, Barbara Thomason, Marge Lane, Carolyn Hockett, and finally Jan Chamberlin. Rooney once joked, “Weddings? I’ve been to a lot of them”—a serious understatement.

4. Larry King (8 Marriages)

Broadcasting icon Larry King was nearly as famous for his suspenders as for his serial nuptials. He married eight times to seven women, including two marriages to Alene Akins. His final marriage to Shawn Southwick was unraveling at the time of his death in 2021. King summed it up best: “I got married a lot. In my head, I’m not a marrying guy.”

3. Jennifer O’Neill (9 Marriages)

Actress Jennifer O’Neill, most famously known for Summer of ’42, has the record for one of Hollywood’s busiest bride histories—nine marriages to eight grooms. She married for the first time at 17 years old and even remarried one ex-husband, Richard Alan Brown, after a previous breakup. Her life is the testimony that hope springs eternal when it comes to “the one.”

2. Zsa Zsa Gabor (9 Marriages)

As far as wedlock goes, Zsa Zsa Gabor is still Hollywood royalty. She married nine times, with a list that ranged from Turkish politician Burhan Asaf Belge, to hotel tycoon Conrad Hilton, actor George Sanders, banker Herbert Hutner, oil trust heir Joshua S. Cosden Jr., Mattel co-founder Jack Ryan, attorney Michael O’Hara, actor Felipe de Alba (brief one-day marriage), and lastly Frédéric Prinz von Anhalt, who stayed with her until she passed on at 99. Ninth time truly was the charm.

1. Honorable Mentions

While these top the charts, many others have their own significant track records. Richard Pryor was married seven times (to five women), always going back to the exes. Joan Collins, Martin Scorsese, and David Foster each boast five marriages. Nicolas Cage has also uttered “I do” five times—his briefest marriage lasted four days in Vegas. And the stars who double-dipped with the same partner: Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Richard Pryor and Jennifer Lee, Larry King and Alene Akins.

The reasons are different—some point to growing apart, others the immense pressure of fame, hectic schedules, or simply seeking love over and over. Marriage is in Hollywood both a romantic gesture and a high-risk gamble. Yet if there’s something that these stories are guaranteed to prove, it’s that in Tinseltown, hope of finding forever love never really dies—no matter how many wedding rings it may require.

TV has always mirrored the world we live inat least most of the time. However, Black women had to struggle hard to get acknowledged in an industry that most of the time either ignored or stereotyped them. Nevertheless, they made places that were innovative, real, and absolutely strong. A lot of them transitioned from being faces in front of the camera to leaders in the industry, thus, playing a significant role in the development of Black Twitter and the empowerment of the community as a whole. These women were not only present on the sets, they changed the very nature of television. Here is a list of the ten most influential Black women who have contributed significantly to the evolution of the medium and whose impact is still felt today, presented in reverse order of influence.

10. Zendaya: Youngest Double Emmy Winner for Drama

Zendaya started out as a Disney Channel star, but she didn’t take long to become one of the most influential voices of her generation. At only 24 years of age, she made history as the youngest woman ever to win an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Seriesand she shattered that record again when she won it a second time, also as the youngest. Her character Rue in Euphoria was an absolute mess, but it was also real, truthful, and very touching. Zendaya made the star history and showed that she could be the representative of the young generation and carry the heaviness of the issue with elegance and power.

9. Viola Davis: First Black Woman to Win Lead Actress in a Drama Emmy

When Viola Davis took the stage to receive her Emmy in 2015 for How to Get Away with Murder, it wasn’t a victory—it was a reset. She was the first Black woman to ever win for Lead Actress in a Drama, shattering a decades-long barrier. Davis always auditions intentionally, playing multifaceted, messy women who aren’t stereotypes. One moment that stands out was when her character stepped over into an episode of Scandal, shared with Kerry Washington. Two Black women, both starring in top dramas, standing shoulder to shoulder in primetime, it was a moment of representation that television had long lacked.

8. Cicely Tyson: Pioneering Drama

Years before “diversity” became a buzzword in Hollywood, Cicely Tyson was commanding respect on television. In the 1960s, she broke ground as the first Black woman to play the lead in a television drama with East Side/West Side, when Black women were limited to being maids or extras. Tyson would not play roles that insulted Black women, instead holding out for characters that were full of dignity and depth. She even appeared on TV with her natural hair, a radical and groundbreaking move that defied beauty standards. Cicely Tyson wasn’t acting; she was redefining what was possible on television.

7. Oprah Winfrey: The Queen of Talk and Media Mogul

Oprah Winfrey’s biography is nothing short of remarkable. Emerging from a difficult childhood, she created an empire that began with The Oprah Winfrey Show, which she not only hosted but also owned and produced. That ownership positioned her as the first woman in history to own her own talk show, and subsequently, the world’s first Black billionaire. In addition to TV, Oprah produced her own network, launched careers, initiated book clubs, and impacted millions of viewers with her combination of empathy and drive. She transformed herself from more than just a talk show host into a cultural icon, teaching Black women that they could lead, build, and own their narratives on the global stage.

6. Shonda Rhimes: The Architect of Multicultural TV

Shonda Rhimes did not simply develop TV shows; she constructed worlds. With Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and How to Get Away with Murder, she demonstrated that diverse storytelling wasn’t a niche market; it was primetime gold. Her shows regularly included strong Black women as leads, nuanced storylines, and casts representative of the actual world. But Rhimes didn’t just stop at the screen. She opened doors for countless Black actors, writers, and directors to succeed in an industry that had previously excluded them. In the process, she redefined network television into something richer, more diverse, and unmistakably hers.

5. Issa Rae: Advocating True Black Stories

Issa Rae made awkwardness into art and into history. She started out with her YouTube series Awkward Black Girl and gradually expanded to HBO’s critically acclaimed Insecure. The series was a breakthrough not only because it had a Black woman in the lead, but because it portrayed the intricacies of Black friendships, dating lives, and work dilemmas with sensitivity and comedy. Rae has been vocal about the need for representation on and off screen, ensuring specifics such as natural hair, neighborhood lifestyles, and cultural markers were accurate. She even created a documentary, Seen and Heard: The History of Black Television, to highlight the challenges and achievements of Black creatives in the business.

4. Lena Waithe: First Black Woman to Win an Emmy for Comedy Writing

Lena Waithe’s ascension has been nothing less than historic. She became history’s first Black woman to take home a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Writing when her extremely personal Master of None episode “Thanksgiving” earned her the award. During her acceptance speech, she boldly accepted the victory on behalf of the LGBTQIA community, showing that her writing is based on both personal experience and universal appeal. Waithe followed up with The Chi, a show that presents richly nuanced portraits of Black life in Chicago. By placing genuine Black stories at the forefront, she’s rewritten the rules of who gets to tell them, and how.

3. Shaun Robinson: Black Women Media Leadership Advocate

We know Shaun Robinson from her time on Access Hollywood, but her impact spreads far wider than red carpets. Robinson has made it a point to use her platform to advocate for greater representation of Black women in media and leadership. She’s also a staunch supporter of young girls, developing programs that bring them into careers in STEM and media professions. Robinson illustrates the idea that visibility is important not only for actors or producers, but also for leaders and decision-makers off-stage. Her work ensures that the future generation of Black women is able to dream and aim for positions both in front of and behind the camera.

2. Black Twitter: The Digital Powerhouse for Representation and Resistance

Not an individual, Black Twitter merits its own place on this list. It’s become a cultural phenomenon that amplifies Black women’s voices, calls out misrepresentation, and recasts the way television is consumed and talked about. With hashtags, memes, and threads, Black women on Twitter have called out Hollywood and celebrated the shows that are doing it right. In so many ways, Black Twitter continues the “call and response” tradition, a cultural tradition from African American history, but modernized for the social media age. It’s evidence that representation isn’t just about who appears on screen, but also who drives the conversation about it.

1. The Pioneers: Beverly Payne, Diahann Carroll, and More

Before Zendaya, before Shonda, before Oprah, some women took bold risks in entering the limelight. Beverly Payne was the first African-American woman to anchor the news in Detroit, opening the doors for other journalists such as Shaun Robinson. Diahann Carroll pioneered Julia, one of the first shows with a Black woman as the star, no maid uniforms, no clichés, just a contemporary woman raising her child and living her life. These pioneers demonstrated that Black women could anchor shows, command audiences, and pave the way for generations to come. Their strength enabled today’s stars to shine.

Black women have always been at the center of television’s most significant changes, either by asking for better parts, building narratives behind the scenes, or redefining how audiences participate with media. From trailblazers Cicely Tyson and Diahann Carroll to current innovators Zendaya and Issa Rae, their work keeps us in mind that television isn’t entertainment—it’s history in motion. And because of these women, that history is richer, bolder, and more diverse than ever.

Hollywood is very quick to promote its new talent, but there is a certain charm in the veteran actors who have managed to survive through the changing trends, genres, and audiences for decades. These are the stars that have appeared on both the big and small screens for the last couple of years, thereby showing that talent, charm, and a sincere love for the art only grow with time. We celebrate the lives of 11 such legendary actors of Hollywood’s Golden Age who are still alive today.

11. Nancy Olson

The acting career of Nancy Olson is a true Hollywood success tale. While she is best remembered today for her Academy-nominated performance as Betty Schaefer in Sunset Boulevard, she delighted fans with memorable performances in popular family films such as The Absent-Minded Professor and Son of Flubber. Though she retired as an actress during the 1980s, Olson periodically resurfaced as a special guest, including a role in a movie released in 2014, thus demonstrating that she had not lost her magic during these intervening years.

10. Mel Brooks

Few comedy names bring the same gravitas as Mel Brooks. From Blazing Saddles through Young Frankenstein, his films have set the standard for comedic filmmaking for decades. Brooks also counts among the select EGOT winners, having won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards. Aside from writing and directing, Brooks started Brooksfilms, producing classics such as The Elephant Man and The Fly. With a career of over 75 years, his creative spark is still burning bright.

9. David Attenborough

David Attenborough’s voice is one that the world heeds. His pioneering Life series on a documentary set the benchmark for nature shows, combining breathtaking imagery with his warm, authoritative voice. More recently, Attenborough has been an outspoken champion of the environment, calling for action on climate change and conservation. His voice and vision have led generations to care for the world.

8. Dick Van Dyke

At 98, Dick Van Dyke retains the same energy that propelled him to household fame in the 1960s. From The Dick Van Dyke Show to his iconic role in Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, it has been one long masterclass in entertainment for the ages. With Emmys, a Tony, a Grammy, and even a face-saving return cameo in Mary Poppins Returns, Van Dyke continues to demonstrate that art and joy have no shelf life.

7. Jimmy Carter

Most famous as America’s 39th president, Jimmy Carter has perhaps had an even greater effect on the world since leaving office. The current longest-living U.S. president has spent decades working on humanitarian issues, promoting peace, and working for the environment. His Nobel Peace Prize is only one of a number of awards that attest to a life dedicated to service and world improvement.

6. Eva Marie Saint

Eva Marie Saint has had a career that most actors can only hope for—lasting more than seven decades, touching film, stage, radio, and television. She received an Academy Award for On the Waterfront and mesmerized audiences opposite Cary Grant in Hitchcock’s North by Northwest. Most recently, she was seen in Winter’s Tale and provided voice work in The Legend of Korra, solidifying her status as a multi-generational star.

5. Ray Anthony

Ray Anthony is not only a bandleading legend but also the sole remaining member of the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Famous for his hit recording of “At Last,” Anthony has been on the scene for more than 80 years. At age 102, his Hollywood Walk of Fame star remains a living link to the golden era of big band music. 

4. Frances Wessells

Frances Wessells demonstrates that dance keeps one young. Performing professionally well into her late 90s, she’s amazed audiences with her poise and energy, even taking on a role in the Latin Ballet of Virginia’s The Legend of the Poinsettia. As an instructor and performer, she’s influenced countless students to keep active and create at any age.

3. June Spencer

At 103, June Spencer just completed a record-breaking career as Peggy Woolley in the BBC radio soap The Archers, a position that she held for more than 70 years. Her remarkable career on the program has presented her with numerous lifetime achievement awards and a place in broadcasting history.

2. Caren Marsh Doll

One of the dying remnants of Hollywood’s Golden Age, Caren Marsh Doll contributed to many MGM productions and notoriously played Judy Garland’s stand-in for The Wizard of Oz and Ziegfeld Girl. The oldest living Hollywood actress, her life is an opportunity to experience the early days of movie magic.

1. Elisabeth Waldo

At 106, Elisabeth Waldo is the oldest living entertainment personality. A classically trained violinist, composer, and conductor, Waldo’s life has brought her from rural origins to concert halls around the world. Her distinctive blending of classical and Latin American music represents a lifetime of discovery and creativity.

What’s their secret?

Studies in the Blue Zones documentary identify shared practices: being active, maintaining close social connections, consuming primarily plant-based diets, and having a sense of purpose. Betty White attributed her longevity to optimism and a sense of humor, while legends such as Mel Brooks and Dick Van Dyke continue producing well into old age.

These incredible women demonstrate that passion, purpose, and a little determination can sustain the spotlight for a lifetime and beyond.