Hollywood likes to glint, yet behind the glint is a much darker truth. Some of its seemingly invincible stars were quietly fighting devils—internal battles with addiction, depression, and the destructive price of fame. Their own tragedies were only sensationalized by their deaths; they were harsh reminders of the cruelty of the spotlight. Here we look back on 10 artists whose lives were shortened by overdose or addiction, in reverse order of the most recent tragedies to the legends of the last decades.

10. Lil Peep (1996–2017)

Gustav Åhr, whose stage name was Lil Peep, was being hailed as a trailblazer of emo-rap music. His tombstone-honest singles about suffering, depression, and drug use resonated deeply with fans. He died at the age of 21 from an accidental fentanyl and Xanax overdose. His death shocked the music world and caused instantaneous controversy over the risks of drug use, which has been glamorized in youth culture.

9. Mac Miller (1992–2018)

Mac Miller possessed the hip-hop equivalent of the friend-next-door—laid-back, sincere, and down-to-earth. But addiction was common knowledge. He died in 2018 at the age of 26 after overdosing on a combination of fentanyl, cocaine, and alcohol. His death brought to light the epidemic that is spreading its scope through fentanyl-laced substances, a lethal trend that has driven a record number of young overdoses.

8. Cory Monteith (1982–2013)

To Glee fans, Cory Monteith was Finn Hudson more than anything else—he was the heart and soul of the series. Fans were shocked when he died at 31 from a heroin and alcohol overdose. The incident served as a reminder that nothing matters to addictions, and it is not only deadly but also bad to obtain alcohol mixers and drugs.

7. Brittany Murphy (1977–2009)

Brittany Murphy is most famous for 8 Mile and Clueless. She was loved for her bubbly personality and acting abilities. When she passed away at the age of 32, the cause of death was pneumonia, anemia, and drug intoxication. Her life demonstrated just how thin the lines are between health, drug addiction, and mental illness. Even years after remains Hollywood’s biggest enigma.

6. Heath Ledger (1979–2008)

Heath Ledger’s iconic portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight won’t be forgotten, but sadly, one of his last. At only 28, he accidentally overdosed on legally prescribed drugs, such as sleeping pills and painkillers. His death served to demonstrate how fatal legally prescribed medication can become if abused. The world lost a talented genius in the prime of his talent.

5. River Phoenix (1970–1993)

River Phoenix was the most promising young star of his time, appearing in Stand by Me and My Own Private Idaho. Just 23 when he died outside Hollywood club Viper Room, having ingested a lethal mix of heroin and cocaine. His death is an unfortunate reminder of possible lost talent and the dangers of polydrug use.

4. Chris Farley (1964–1997)

Chris Farley was comedy gold on SNL and at the movies in movies like Tommy Boy. But when the laughter faded, he had to contend with drug addiction and illness. He died from an overdose of a drug in his Chicago apartment at age 33. It’s a sad reminder that pain is masked behind laughter, and popularity will not mask personal conflict.

3. Janis Joplin (1943–1970)

Janis Joplin’s gravelly, soul-stirring singing made her a legend. Her war on heroin, though, was not unknown. She died of a heroin overdose in a Los Angeles hotel room at age 27, forever sealing her place in the squalid “27 Club.” Brief, however, she was. Her fearless talent scared and inspired generations of artists.

2. Jimi Hendrix (1942–1970)

Jimi Hendrix revolutionized music with his onstage guitar pyrotechnics. Superstardom and addiction proved to be a lethal combination. He died at 27 after combining barbiturates with alcohol and smothering in his sleep. His life is rock music’s most tragic tale—a prophetic loss when he was re-writing the music of tomorrow.

1. Marilyn Monroe (1926–1962)

These movies are not so much about celebrities as about deeper struggles with addiction, mental illness, and the stress of modern life are in them. One in five American adults has a mental illness, and overdose deaths among youth have exploded in the last few years, fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic.

If anything, these tragedies serve to remind us that addiction is colorblind to fame, fortune, or talent. It can happen to anyone. And though the stars that were lost left behind wonderful legacies, their stories also compel us to continue talking about mental illness and addiction—because lives are at stake.

We all enjoy hearing about celebrities who come from nowhere to breathtaking success and riches. But almost as compelling—sometimes even more so—are the tales of stars who fall from wealth to destitution. Even with million-dollar deals, top-of-the-charts singles, and blockbuster films, cash can evaporate faster than a Hollywood weekend box office. From dubious expenditures to catastrophic lawsuits, here are ten of the most breathtaking celebrity financial collapses, listed from bad to calamitously worse.

10. MC Hammer: Too Legit to Quit… Spending

MC Hammer was invincible in the early 9’90sliterally—raking in a fortune of approximately $33 million. But the rapper’s lavish lifestyle was nearly as well-known as his pants. He spent lavishly on a huge mansion featuring two pools, a nine-car garage, and a private rehearsal hall, in addition to maintaining an entourage of 200. By 1996, the cash was gone, and Hammer owed $10 million. A classic case of the dangers of overspending fueled by celebrity.

9. Francis Ford Coppola: The Auteur Who Risked Everything on Art

Coppola directed The Godfather, but his own financial tale is one of more tragedy than triumph. His independently financed musical One From the Heart flopped miserably in 1982, earning less than $1 million on its $26 million budget. The flop sent Coppola into bankruptcy three times. Testimony that even Hollywood royalty is not above the pitfalls of pursuing passion projects.

8. Kim Basinger: A Town Too Far

In 1989, Oscar-winning actress Kim Basinger purchased the majority of a tiny Georgia town for $20 million in hopes of making it a tourist destination. But after she backed out of a movie project and was hit with an $8 million judgment, the strain on finances was too great. She filed for bankruptcy and sold off the town at a big loss.

7. Mike Tyson: The Heavyweight of Overspending

Few people have made—and lost—quite as much money as Mike Tyson. During his boxing career, Tyson amassed over $400 million, only to spend it on cars, mansions, baubles, and in famously, pet tigers. Legal bills and IRS back taxes mounted up, and by 2003, he was bankrupt. Now, he’s remade himself with acting roles and a lucrative cannabis company, but his descent is a classic cautionary tale of excess.

6. Willie Nelson: Taxman Took It All Away

Country legend Willie Nelson owed the IRS a whopping $16.7 million in 1990. The government confiscated his property in several states, and Nelson had to think outside the box. He recorded an album, The IRS Tapes: Who’ll Buy My Memories?, to help whittle down the bill. Although it didn’t cover the whole amount, Nelson finally settled the bill, demonstrating that resilience is better than tax evasion.

5. 50 Cent: Bankruptcy as a Power Move

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson once epitomized hip-hop riches. But by 2015, court fights and growing debts had him filing for bankruptcy with $36 million in debts owed. Unlike most on this list, 50 openly referred to calling bankruptcy as an astute business tactic so that he could restructure and recover. Today, due to his hit television show Power and other business endeavors, he’s back on top.

4. Toni Braxton: Twice Burned by Bankruptcy

Toni Braxton’s voice is ageless, but her bottom line wasn’t. She initially filed for bankruptcy in 1998 and again in 2010, with mounting debts reaching approximately $50 million. A combination of poor contracts, overspending (particularly on house furnishings), and medical expenses due to canceled shows did her in. Yet she keeps reinventing herself and moving ahead.

3. Lindsay Lohan: Hollywood’s Fallen Darling

From teen star to tabloid fixture, Lindsay Lohan’s wealth—once some $28 million—frittered away soon enough. There were legal woes, huge tax bills, and flamboyant expenses such as a $103,000-per-month London flat that saw her through. Lohan has since moved more discreetly toward stability, including acting earnings and business ventures.

2. Nicolas Cage: Spending Like a King (and a Collector of Eccentricities)

Nicolas Cage never actually went bankrupt, although his wasteful spending dominated headlines for years. He purchased castles, yachts, dozens of homes, a $150,000 octopus, and even a swiped dinosaur skull that he eventually had to return. Cage owed millions to the IRS and had several foreclosures, although he’s since redeemed himself with a series of movie performances.

1. Bernie Madoff’s Celebrity Victims: The Ultimate Financial Betrayal

Although not celebrities themselves, among the victims of Madoff’s $65 billion Ponzi scheme were some of Hollywood’s biggest names. His scheme ruined Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, John Malkovich, and even charities such as Elie Wiesel’s foundation. Zsa Zsa Gabor is said to have lost as much as $10 million. They were not simply personal losses—they erased legacies and charitable funds.

Fame doesn’t guarantee financial security. From reckless spending to bad investments, even the most glamorous lives can unravel overnight. The lesson? Money disappears just as quickly as it arrives—especially if you’re not paying attention.

There’s nothing quite like the sting of a bad movie ending. You’ve invested two hours, maybe more, falling in love with the characters, getting swept up in the story, and then—BAM!—the credits roll and you’re left with a sour taste in your mouth, wondering what just happened. Occasionally, a movie’s ending is so far out of whack, so completely disconnected from what has preceded it, that it can ruin the whole ride. Let’s dig into the top 10 worst movie endings that destroyed good movies and had them crash into cinematic infamy.

10. The Grey

Liam Neeson vs. wolves—what could go wrong? The setup for The Grey is survivalist gold: after a plane crash, Neeson’s character leads a pack of men through the Alaskan bush, stalked by a pack of killing wolves. The tension mounts to a fever pitch, and the trailer suggests an epic battle of man against beast. But as one enraged viewer recounts, the film ends just as Neeson is poised to meet the alpha wolf for the very first time, cutting to black before the fight has even begun. Not even the post-credits shot, in which the man and wolf both lie out in survival mode, does anything to shed light on the situation. As Robert Vaux and Fawzia Khan say, “audiences were set up for a suspenseful and action-filled fight between Ottway and the wolves, but it ended rather anticlimactically.”

9. Thor: Ragnarok

Connected narratives are what Marvel films are well known for, but sometimes continuity comes at the expense of a satisfying ending. Thor: Ragnarok is a wild, colorful ride in which Thor, Loki, and their companions fight to salvage Asgard. They win—sort of—so that the film can have an instant setup for the next huge crossover, Avengers: Infinity War, when Thanos kills fleeing Asgardians. The heroes’ victory is soon reversed, so that in the end, the audience feels that the film surrendered its conclusion to the greater Marvel machine. As Robert Vaux and Fawzia Khan observe, “the protagonists do nothing, and the Asgardians get killed anyway.”

8. The Accountant

Ben Affleck’s The Accountant is a glossy, action-packed thriller with a mysterious lead and plenty of suspense. But when the big twist finally arrives—Jon Bernthal’s character being Affleck’s secret brother—it falls flat. The film gives away nothing in advance toward this reality, making it random rather than earned. According to Robert Vaux and Fawzia Khan, “the big reveal of the movie is no more than an announcement. Stories must be able to hold up, start to finish.”

7. Spectre

James Bond fans waited years for Blofeld, the best Bond bad guy, played in this one by Christoph Waltz. Spectre spends most of its time setting up the character as the behind-the-scenes mastermind of all of Bond’s suffering. But then the climactic confrontation arrives, and it fails: Bond simply shoots at Blofeld’s helicopter, and it goes down, and the villain is taken down easily. As one of the Reddit commenters opined, all that build-up for so anticlimactic a defeat left the fans in disappointment. According to Redditor dontforgetyourshoes, “All that setup for Christoph Waltz’s character. And then Bond just shoots up his helicopter a few times with a pistol, it blows up, and he gets apprehended.”

6. Sunshine

Danny Boyle’s Sunshine is a slow-burning, visually impressive sci-fi film about a group trying to re-ignite the dying sun. It’s a tense, character-driven drama for the majority of its duration. Then, out of nowhere, the movie goes into slasher mode with a human villain who obliterates the mission. This jolting genre shift confused and annoyed most fans. As one Redditor lamented, the ending “attempts to be Event Horizon and destroys all it was heading towards.” Redditor Tisdue stated, “Out of nowhere, it attempts to be Event Horizon and destroys all it was heading towards. So disappointing.“

5. Pay It Forward

Pay It Forward is about kindness, goodness, and goodwill in the world. So for the film to end with its young hero, Trevor, stabbed to death in meaningless violence is a shock. The ending is so bleak and out of sync with the film’s uplifting message that people were left reeling. As a Redditor put it, “The ending is so woefully sad and they did not have to end it that way.” Another Redditor stated, “The Pay It Forward shock death was a Shameless Oscar-grab.“

4. Now You See Me

A heist thriller featuring stage magicians pulling off impossible heists? Sign us up! Now You See Me sparkles with its snappy tricks and twisty plot—until the final reveal, which suggests that magic might exist, and that the FBI agent tracking down the magicians is a mole from their side. The twist of the movie is so confusingly and poorly explained that it left everyone scratching their heads.

3. The Village

M. Night Shyamalan is the master of the twist ending, but the worst offender is The Village. The film creates an unsettling, isolated 19th-century village under attack from supernatural creatures lurking in the woods. The twist? It’s actually modern-day, and the monsters are just townsfolk wearing masks. Critics and audiences were let down by the twist, which derailed the entire conceit.

2. Remember Me

Remember Me is a romantic drama that spends the majority of its time discussing grief, love, and family. Then, at the very end, it’s revealed that the protagonist is waiting in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. The revelation was so sudden and exploitative that audiences were left speechless and outraged. Employing a real tragedy as a last-minute plot twist was universally criticized as tacky and manipulative. In The Independent, “The last-minute twist — that Pattinson is inside the World Trade Center, seconds before the 9/11 terrorist strikes — is so atrociously misjudged that it made the film into some kind of bad-taste joke.”

1. The Mist

Frank Darabont’s adaptation of Stephen King’s The Mist is a masterclass in suspense and terror, up to the end. In a gut-wrenching twist, the hero, believing all lost, kills his friends to protect them from the monsters outside, just as the military troops soon thereafter arrive to save the day. The abruptness and brutality of the ending divided audiences, with some cheering its shock value while others condemned it as needlessly sick.

There you go—the conclusions that made us cringe, seethe, or just blankly stare at the screen. Occasionally, the journey is worth it, but oh, how we wish these films had stuck the landing.

Sydney Sweeney’s face is ubiquitous these days—whether on streaming services, red carpets, or plastered all over your social media. But standing behind the trendy clips and red-carpet appearances is an actress hell-bent on showing she’s more than Hollywood’s default “troubled teen” or “spoiled daughter.” She’s been specifically countering typecasting, and her body of work thus far serves as evidence that she can flip a switch effortlessly. Below are 10 leading roles that prove just how versatile—and brash—she is.

10. Christy Martin (Upcoming Sports Biopic)

Sweeney’s next challenge is putting on the gloves of Christy Martin, the trailblazing boxing champion. It’s a huge departure from her previous roles, demanding rigorous training, a physical makeover, and even a daring 9’90s-eramullet. This isn’t about simply appearing in the part—it’s about showing she can helm a tough sports drama and crush any lingering doubts about the types of roles she “should” be doing.

9. Sister Cecilia in Immaculate

Horror is thriving, and Sweeney is jumping headfirst. In Immaculate, she depicts a nun whose peaceful convent in Italy has something very evil lurking within. She not only starred, but she also produced the movie, transforming a $9 million budget into a $27 million box-office success. Gory, spooky, and tense, the part demonstrates that she’s happy to get her hands dirty—both on and off screen.

8. Reality Winner in Reality

Playing whistleblower, Reality Winner demanded precision, subtlety, and an ability to channel real-life events with honesty. Sweeney fought for this part, and her performance is taut, understated, and unforgettable. It’s the kind of role that sheds all the glamour, proving she can hold her own in serious political drama.

7. Snake in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Tarantino’s ode to 1969 Los Angeles gave Sweeney a small but memorable part as Snake, one of the Manson Family members. Sharing a film with Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt was a career milestone—and a signal to the industry that she could seamlessly fit into big-name, big-budget productions.

6. Olivia Mossbacher in The White Lotus

As Olivia, the razor-tongued, know-it-all college student, Sweeney delivered one of the first season’s sharpest performances. Equal parts amusing and infuriating, Olivia earned her an Emmy nod and cemented her reputation as someone who can play entitled with just the right edge of vulnerability.

5. Cassie Howard in Euphoria

Cassie is the role that made her a household name—a heartbreak-prone teen whose messy love life and emotional spirals became both meme-worthy and deeply moving. The performance earned her another Emmy nomination, but it also risked boxing her into the “troubled girl” lane—one she’s been deliberately steering away from ever since.

4. Alice in Sharp Objects

Originally meant to be a brief appearance, her role as Alice—a fragile, damaged young woman in a psychiatric ward—grew as the director kept adding scenes to showcase her talent. Acting opposite Amy Adams, she left a haunting impression that lingered long after the credits rolled.

3. Eden Spencer in The Handmaid’s Tale

In one of her most quietly devastating performances, Sweeney played Eden, a devout young bride in Gilead whose tragic fate delivers an emotional gut punch. Innocent yet resolute, Eden was an early hint at Sweeney’s ability to portray heartbreaking sincerity.

2. Emaline Addario on Everything Sucks!

Placed in the ’90s, this short-lived Netflix show allowed Sweeney to showcase her comedic chops alongside touching moments. Playing drama club queen Emaline, she charmed the screen with charisma and emotional depth, and she was the standout in the ensemble.

1. Lana on Clementine

Leading the pack is Lana, an enigmatic and intriguing young woman in the indie drama Clementine. Her multi-faceted performance—part vulnerability, part mystery—grounds the film’s subtle tension and makes it one of her most underappreciated films.

Sydney Sweeney’s career up to this point is an exercise in not being typecast. Whether she’s wearing a habit, sporting boxing gloves, or subtly peeling away a character’s most profound vulnerabilities, she infuses every role with an intensity and authenticity that’s hard to deny. One thing is for sure—she’s just beginning.

Hollywood loves a wedding—and lives off an acrimonious divorce even more so. Three marriages too much? In Hollywood, that’s essentially the warm-up round. Stars have made marriage a second feature, complete with whirlwind Vegas weddings, fairytale commitments, and soap-opera finales. Here’s a list of the most married celebrities in Hollywood history, from six times walking down the aisle to a whopping nine.

10. Pamela Anderson (6 Marriages)

Pamela Anderson’s romance has been nearly as legendary as her Baywatch swimsuit. She notoriously married Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee a mere four days after meeting him in 1995—a roller-coaster relationship that collapsed in 1998. Since then, she married Kid Rock, poker player Rick Salomon (twice), film producer Jon Peters (although she later admitted it wasn’t official), and bodyguard Dan Hayhurst. That adds up to six ceremonies in total. Anderson quipped that she might not be finished yet.

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.

Hollywood may love its rising young stars, but there’s a special kind of magic in the veterans who’ve outlasted decades of trends, genres, and changing tastes. These are the icons who have graced both the big and small screens for generations—proof that talent, charm, and passion for the craft only grow stronger with time. Today, we’re tipping our hats to 11 of the oldest living legends in film and television.

11. Nancy Olson

Nancy Olson’s life is the stuff of which classic Hollywood success stories are made. Most famous for her Oscar-nominated turn as Sunset Boulevard’s Betty Schaefer, Olson continued to delight fans in Disney classics such as The Absent-Minded Professor and Son of Flubber. Although she retired from acting in the 1980s, she’d make sporadic comebacks for one-off appearances—and included a 2014 film role—demonstrating that the screen magic never left her.

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.

Scientology has been one of the most discussed — and most contentious — belief systems of Hollywood for decades. Some celebrities attribute their lives to it, while others were at the forefront of scandals that revealed its seedy underbelly. From blockbuster legends to television stalwarts, these are 12 celebrities who have been closely associated with the Church of Scientology.

12. Tom Cruise

When it comes to Scientology in Hollywood, Tom Cruise is the one. Introduced in the late ’80s by his first wife, Mimi Rogers, Cruise claims that the Church cured his dyslexia and spurred his success. He’s referred to it as “a beautiful religion” and has been one of its loudest champions. His commitment is so strong that some members apparently view him as a savior. Nevertheless, his strong connection to the Church has been attributed to the collapse of his marriages to Nicole Kidman and Katie Holmes, the former allegedly fleeing to protect their daughter from Scientology’s control.

11. Danny Masterson and Family

That ’70s Show star Danny Masterson was raised in a Scientology family and was vocal in his endorsement of the Church. But his trial on criminal charges brought an unsavory light to that relationship: Masterson was found guilty of two counts of rape and sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. Victims said Scientology had protected him, and the Church has been accused of attempting to silence accusers. His brothers — Alanna, Christopher, and Jordan — continue to be members, although their father, Joe Reaiche, has said that they were “brainwashed” against him when he left the Church.

10. Emily Armstrong

Emily Armstrong, who now leads Linkin Park, was born into Scientology. Her family was an active member, and she attended high-profile events as a child. Armstrong once stood by Danny Masterson at an initial court appearance but then went on to distance herself, stating she regretted it when further information came to light. Now, she has denounced abuse and sympathized with victims, and some fans even interpret attacks on Scientology hidden within her Dead Sara lyrics. Her current status with the Church is uncertain.

9. John Travolta

John Travolta joined Scientology in 1975 and often credits the faith with helping him through personal tragedies, including the death of his son. While he tends to keep his beliefs private, he defended the Church against criticism after Leah Remini’s documentary, saying it had supported him for decades. Some speculate he pulled back after his wife, Kelly Presto, ’s cancer battle, since Scientology’s founder opposed chemotherapy.

8. Elisabeth Moss

Mad Men and The Handmaid’s Tale actress Elisabeth Moss doesn’t talk much about her affiliation with Scientology, even though she was born into the religion. When a fan once likened the Church to the dystopian state featured in her television program, Moss was adamant that values such as religious freedom and equality were at its core. Opponents say Scientology’s behavior is more often the opposite. 

7. Catherine Bell

Most famous for Army Wives, Catherine Bell has publicly defended Scientology. She has countered that most of the criticism is based on misconceptions and invites people to read L. Ron Hubbard’s Dianetics themselves before judging. 

6. Jason Dohring

Veronica Mars star attributes his success to Scientology, which he was introduced to through his father. According to Dohring, religion is misunderstood by outsiders who make judgments based on secondhand information and not personal study.

5. Jenna Elfman

Jenna Elfman, best known for Dharma & Greg, has been a proud Scientologist since 1990. She asserts it provides her with energy, happiness, and balance in life.

4. Giovanni and Marissa Ribisi

Identical twins Giovanni and Marissa Ribisi grew up in the Church. Giovanni, who is best known for Friends and Avatar, has stood up for his beliefs as private and useful to him. Marissa, on the other hand, was wedded to musician Beck, who was linked with Scientology for years, too.

3. Erika Christensen

Parenthood actress Erika Christensen was raised in Scientology and explained the challenge of raising a child within the faith, noting that it’s a practice, not a belief.

2. Michael Peña

Actor Michael Peña, who has appeared in American Hustle and The Martian, has credited a Scientology program, Study Tech, as helping him with reading skills and enhancing his acting. 

1. Nancy Cartwright

The voice of Bart Simpson, Nancy Cartwright, has long been a member of the Church and one of its largest financial supporters, giving over $20 million. She has spoken of being honored by Scientology in the past as “the most beautiful acknowledgement” she had ever experienced.

From megastars such as Tom Cruise to the favorite TV voices like Nancy Cartwright, Scientology’s power within Hollywood can’t be denied. To some, it’s a haven of comfort and achievement. To others, it’s been at the center of scandal and controversy. In either case, these individuals illustrate just how far the Church’s influence goes into the industry of entertainment.

Nothing screams “I’ve arrived” quite like owning your very own private island. For celebrities, these hideaways are the pinnacle of status symbols—offering seclusion from flashing cameras, the perfect backdrop for extravagant parties, and even the chance to name a beach after your idols. But among all the A-lister retreats out there, which ones stand above the rest in 2025? Pack your virtual suitcases—here are 10 of the most breathtaking celebrity-owned islands, each of which oozes luxury, exclusivity, and a dash of bold ambition.

10. Ricky Martin – Angra dos Reis, Brazil

Ricky Martin’s beach retreat off Brazil’s shore is pure bliss. The pop star shelled out $8 million for this green paradise, located in the trendy resort town of Angra dos Reis. With emerald-colored bays and crystal water, it’s the perfect family hideaway with still relatively easy access to Brazil’s high-end resorts. That is, complete anonymity—add glamour.

9. Pamela Anderson – Dubai

Pamela Anderson’s island has a love story behind it—Tommy Lee once gifted it to her in a dramatic gesture to rekindle their romance. Nestled within Dubai’s ambitious World Islands project, the island was at one point slated to become an eco-resort. While Pam has kept her exact plans under wraps, the location alone—staring out at the glittering Dubai skyline—cements its wow factor.

8. Shakira – Bonds, Cay, Bahamas

Shakira, Roger Waters, and Alejandro Sanz shelled out $16 million for Bonds Cay, a 700-acre Bahamian getaway. Their fantasy? An artist-friendly, eco-friendly retreat with luxury villas, art studios, and secluded coves. Bonds Cay is a mix of sustainability and creativity—an island created as much for innovation as for recreation.

7. Eddie Murphy – Rooster Cay, Bahamas

Comedy legend Eddie Murphy only bought one island. His second purchase in the Bahamas, Rooster Cay, was $15 million. Located next door to Nassau, this 15-acre tropical haven is essentially a blank canvas, giving Murphy the best of both worlds: seclusion when needed, but instant access to the thrill of the capital city whenever the mood strikes.

6. Johnny Depp – Little Halls Pond Cay, Bahamas

Johnny Depp’s island hideaway seems to have been taken straight out of Pirates of the Caribbean—fitting, as he happened upon it while filming. For $3.6 million, Depp purchased Little Halls Pond Cay, with six beaches, each named for loved ones and friends like Hunter S. Thompson and Marlon Brando. To Depp, it’s “instant freedom”—a secluded sanctuary where Hollywood commotion disappears into the distance.

5. Mel Gibson – Mago Island, Fiji

Mel Gibson purchased a giant buy. Mago Island in Fiji is 5,400 acres wide and one of the largest privately owned islands in the Pacific. Gibson bought it for $15 million, allegedly, but instead of turning it into a gaudy paradise, he’s left the island alone. With volcanic hillsides, lagoons, and unspoiled reefs, Mago is more about unvarnished natural beauty than glamour.

4. David Copperfield – Musha Cay, Bahamas

Magician David Copperfield did not just buy an island—he bought 11. Musha Cay and the surrounding “Islands of Copperfield Bay” are now one of the world’s most exclusive private getaways. Priced at around $50 million, the vacation spot has everything from private beaches to custom firework displays. With a $42,000 price tag per night, Musha Cay has treated Oprah and Google co-founder Sergey Brin like royalty—it’s essentially a playground for the ultra-rich.

3. Larry Ellison – Lanai, Hawaii

It’s not surprising that Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison would acquire nearly a whole Hawaiian island. For $300 million, Ellison acquired 97% of Lanai, the sixth-largest island in Hawaii. With less than 3,000 inhabitants, Lanai has two Four Seasons resorts, professional-grade golf courses, and farm-to-table dining. It’s a blend of local culture, untainted landscapes, and high-end living.

2. Leonardo DiCaprio – Blackadore Caye, Belize

Leonardo DiCaprio’s Blackadore Caye project is as much about restoration as excess. DiCaprio bought the 42-hectare Belize island for $1.75 million and is turning it into an eco-resort powered by high-tech innovation. Amenities will consist of artificial reefs, biodesigned villas, and a focus on restoring the island’s delicate balance of nature. For DiCaprio, it’s having his cake and eating it too: green living and travel luxury.

1. Richard Branson – Necker Island, British Virgin Islands

And finally, the crown jewel: Richard Branson’s Necker Island. Purchased for a paltry $180,000 back in 1979, nowadays it’s one of the world’s most celebrity hideaways. It accommodates 28 in Balinese-inspired villas and has hosted royals, rock legends, and all points in between. Coral reefs and an in-island marina encircle Necker, and it’s still the gold standard of island living.

It’s not just about the money—although, admittedly, that doesn’t hurt either. The real draw is in privacy, the potential to build your own little world, and the chance to escape the unwavering glare of the spotlight. Most of these sanctuaries marry up luxury with wellness, adventure, and culture—so much more than beach resorts.

All that being said, island life is not always quite as glamorous as sipping champagne in the evening. Stars who buy them have gigantic logistical problems to contend with, from building infrastructure to fending off the paparazzi and snooping yachts. Consider Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, for example, who basically had to build their own little town. Still, for someone who has the means to do it, a private island is the ultimate status symbol—a retreat where dreams, parties, and serenity of mind all coexist on one perfect piece of sand.

There have always been Hollywood pioneers who have refused to keep in the background. Throughout most of the industry’s early days, minority actors were relegated to stereotypes or wiped from the scene—but some pushed beyond the walls, rewriting the rules on what it was to be a star. These performers didn’t only entertain; they pushed Hollywood to look beyond race and culture, creating a legacy that continues to inspire today. Here’s a 12-countdown of 12 trailblazers who revolutionized the industry.

12. Jay Silverheels (Six Nations Mohawk)

Long before Hollywood was discussing diversity, Jay Silverheels was a name on everyone’s lips as Tonto in The Lone Ranger. A one-time lacrosse star, he had appeared in close to 100 movies and television shows, emerging as one of the first Native actors to reach widespread popularity. Off-screen, Silverheels co-founded the Indian Actors Workshop to assist others in making it into the business.

11. Anna May Wong (Chinese American)

Anna May Wong was Hollywood’s initial Chinese American star, appearing in over 60 films, among them Shanghai Express. She publicly derided the industry’s racist stereotyping, questioning, for example, why Chinese characters were always the villains. Wong’s career was both pioneering and rebellious, and her influence still rings true with Asian American actors today.

10. Will Rogers (Cherokee)

Actor, rodeo rider, and comedian, Will Rogers was a top star of the early 20th century. Born in the Cherokee Nation, he acted in more than 70 films, effortlessly transitioning from silent films to talkies, all the while becoming America’s most popular entertainer. Rogers was more than an actor—he was a cultural phenomenon whose humor and integrity epitomized an age.

9. Dolores Del Rio (Mexican)

Dolores Del Rio impressed audiences as a Mexican lady who was one of the first to find fame as a Hollywood star. From silent films in the 1920s to sound films in the ’30s, she emerged as a glamorous leading lady with stardom at a time when Latin performers were typically overlooked. Her elegance and global fame paved the way for generations of Latinx performers.

8. Chief Dan George (Tsleil-Waututh Nation)

Chief Dan George provided a career-best performance at the age of 71 for Little Bighorn, for which he received an Academy Award nomination. His portrayal of Old Lodge Skins was full of humor, warmth, and sage advice—something very far from the stereotypical parts that Native characters were normally relegated to. His later body of work showed that there was no barrier of age or heritage when it came to good storytelling.

7. James Shigeta (Japanese American)

Charismatic and talented, James Shigeta was the suave leading man Hollywood didn’t even know it needed. He starred in The Crimson Kimono, Flower Drum Song, and Bridge to the Sun, and brought stature and nuance to roles that were not often given to Asian American actors. Despite studio bias, Shigeta carved out a career that showed audiences—and producers—leading men come in every complexion.

6. Graham Greene (Oneida)

Graham Greene was nominated for an Oscar for Dances with Wolves, but that was only the start. His filmography spans from Thunderheart to Reservation Dogs, with humor, humanity, and authority being brought to bear in each instance. The versatility of Greene has made him one of the most award-winning Native performers to be found in Hollywood’s film roles.

5. Rita Moreno (Puerto Rican)

Few careers have blazed as brightly as Rita Moreno’s. She became the first Latina to receive an Oscar for West Side Story and went on to achieve the EGOT status, which is an uncommon honor. Along the way, she criticized Hollywood colorism and stereotyping and spoke openly of the obstacles she faced. Moreno’s acting ability, strength, and reinvention have maintained her at the pinnacle for decades.

4. Ben Johnson (Cherokee)

Ben Johnson’s Hollywood journey began as a stuntman but evolved to become an Oscar-winning actor. Praise was given to him for his realism on screen, and he performed with giants John Wayne and Steve McQueen before being given an Academy Award for The Last Picture Show. Johnson proved that a Cherokee cowboy could emerge from behind the cameras to the fore.

3. Sabu Dastagir (Indian)

Discovered to be a child performer in India, Sabu was a box office phenomenon in films like Elephant Boy and The Thief of Bagdad. He brought Indian culture to the Western world in a way very few did, becoming the first-ever Indian-American actor to be awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His life may have been brief, but it left a permanent mark on the world of films.

2. Wes Studi (Cherokee)

No one is better at bringing Native narratives of strength and integrity to the screen than Wes Studi. From The Last of the Mohicans to Hostiles, he’s provided fans with unforgettable, intensely rich characters. Studi was honored with an honorary Oscar, the first ever given to a Native American actor.

1. Lily Gladstone (Piegan Blackfeet, Nez Perce)

Lily Gladstone is the face of Hollywood’s new era of Indigenous dominance. Her performance in Killers of the Flower Moon brought Native voices and languages into the spotlight of global cinema. Critics applauded her as the emotional pulse of the film, and she is already inspiring the next generation of Native actors to aim for the stars.

From the early film legends to the current crop of rising stars, these 12 actors not only left an impression in Hollywood—they left Hollywood reeling. They each brought their culture and community with them onto the big screen, sharing the world with the reality that talent and story know no borders. Due to them, the face of the cinema is more vibrant, brasher, and diverse than ever.