Kristin Davis recalls meeting with Cher to get permission to use a song on "Sex and the City": 'Incredible'

Alain BENAINOUS/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Kristin DavishostedSex and the Citywriter Cindy Chupack (whose other work includes writing and producingModern Family,I'm Dying Up Here,Fleishman Is in Trouble, and plenty more) on herAre You a Charlotte?podcast to talk about the season 2SATCepisode "Evolution." You may recall that in that episode Davis' Charlotte hooks up with Stephan, the "straight gay man" pastry chef played by future two-time Oscar-nominated screenwriterDan Futterman. A memorable moment for them is set to the tune ofCher's "Believe," which at the time was a new, groundbreaking hit. Now, you would think that securing rights to a song for use on a television show is something done by people at desks with legal contracts. There is, after all, a specific title for such a position — "Music Supervisor" — in the entertainment industry. ButSex and the Citybends to no rules! And neither, for that matter, does Cher. Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Davis and Chupack were eager to reminisce about a great night they had out on the town in service of HBO's lawyers. "Do you remember that we had to go to a Cher concert to get permission?" Davis asked her guest. Chupack replied, "Yes, we all went. And she came and, like, talked to us before the show." That's when Davis confessed, "I touched her, she was so fragile." Chupack said that the Grammy, Oscar, and Emmy-winning performer with over 100 million records sold worldwide (plus another 40 million withSonny Bono) "had like a viking thing going on," referring to a headpiece she was wearing. (Onstage, it seemed to fit, but in person "it was wow!") CBS Photo Archive/Getty Chupack also remembered thatCyndi Lauperwas the opener, and theSex and the Citycommittee got to have dinner with Cher as Lauper was performing at Madison Square Garden. (Whether they were out at some special restaurant or just having $11 pretzels with packets of yellow mustard like the rest of us wasn't mentioned — but we think we know the answer there.) "We had to get her seal of approval, which is totally fine because we got to meet Cher, which is incredible," Davis explained, with Chupack replying, "One of those experiences where you're like, 'Okay, I can't believe this is my life." Davis added that whenever she hears "Believe" she "get[s] so happy and it reminds me of [Dan] Futterman and Cher. It's a great thing." "Believe," which won a Grammy for Best Dance Recording, sold more than 11 million copies worldwide, went to No. 1 in the U.S. (Cher's fifth time reaching that height), and remains the top-selling single by a solo female vocalist in the U.K. It also pioneered the use of autotune. As we'vewritten before, Cher owns autotune likeFranz Lisztowned the pianoforte. Sign up forEntertainment Weekly's free daily newsletterto get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more. To listen to the full, most recent episode ofAre You a Charlotte?you can press play on the link below. Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly

byAlpha World
in
September 06, 2025

Kristin Davis recalls meeting with Cher to get permission to use a song on “Sex and the City”: 'Incredible'

Kristin Davis recalls meeting with Cher to get permission to use a song on "Sex and the City": 'Incredible' Alain BENAINOU...
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How the 'Wednesday' Effects Team Brought Christopher Lloyd's Severed Head to LifeNew Foto - How the 'Wednesday' Effects Team Brought Christopher Lloyd's Severed Head to Life

SPOILER ALERT:This story contains spoilers for Season 2, Part 2 of "Wednesday,"now streaming on Netflix. Christopher Lloyd is no stranger to the world of the kooky Addams Family. The actor played Uncle Fester in both the 1991 film "The Addams Family" and its sequel "Addams Family Values." He's back on Netflix's "Wednesday" as Professor Orloff, one of Nevermore Academy's longest-serving teachers. More from Variety 'Wednesday' Creators Unpack the Season 2 Finale: Gomez's Tragic Backstory, Thing's Origins and What Wednesday Thinks of Tyler Now Gwendoline Christie on Her Spectral Return in 'Wednesday' Season 2: 'God, I Always Wanted to Play a Ghost' 'Wednesday' Season 2 Finale Creates Six Burning Question for Season 3: What Happens With Enid, Tyler and Hester? However, he's no ordinary teacher. Professor Orloff is a severed head that floats in a jar. The effect was achieved through volume capture technology. Visual effects supervisor Tom Turnbull explains, "We used volume capture where we literally capture every frame of his performance to an incredibly high resolution, and we use that data to recreate him as a CG version." That replica was a perfect image of the actor. Turnbull says, "He is technically CG in the jar, but it is very much Christopher Lloyd driving it." Typically, effects like this are a combination of practical and computer-generated, but as Turnbull explains, "The practical is not prosthetic; the practical is the actual actor." Striking the right balance was key to making Lloyd look as realistic as possible, but when they saw the first effects, it looked too real, and "you don't believe he's in water." Turnbull navigated that challenge by "embracing the distortions of the glass and the refraction of the water." He continues, "We added bubbles, bits of grime and stuff floating in there so it goes from pristine to looking what we ended up with, which felt more believable." Elsewhere in the series, Turnbull worked closely with prosthetics head Tristan Versluis, particularly for the Willow Hill patients. Wednesday (Jenna Ortega) discovers a sinister secret operation happening in the basement. As it turns out, Judi Spannegel (Heather Matarazzo) has been keeping outcasts as prisoners and conducting tests on them. As Wednesday and Uncle Fester (Fred Armisen) attempt to liberate them, they stumble across a range of characters, including a zombie and a half-human/half-feline character. Even though some of them appear for mere seconds, Versluis spent hours on the details. For those characters, Tim Burton provided the team with very good references. "There were some images of monsters and makeups from his childhood. But they were our springboard to make designs." One character that Versluis was particularly proud of was a young Frankenstein-inspired creation that was prosthetics-driven. He says, "The makeup itself was a three-hour process with multiple pieces on the neck, top of the head and chin. Each piece was glued on, and the edges blended." Versluis used scars, staples and twisted skin with hair coming out of it. He added teeth and contact lenses to bring it all to life. For a Burton production, no small detail was spared. Versluis says, "It was weeks of prep, sculpting it, casting, and pre-painting." Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? Samsung, Sonos, Criterion Collection Among Top Brands on Sale for Labor Day - See Running List Here Sign up forVariety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram.

byAlpha World
in
September 06, 2025

How the ‘Wednesday’ Effects Team Brought Christopher Lloyd’s Severed Head to Life

How the 'Wednesday' Effects Team Brought Christopher Lloyd's Severed Head to Life SPOILER ALERT:This story contains spoilers for...
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Hawaii under state of emergency ahead of Hurricane KikoNew Foto - Hawaii under state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Kiko

A state of emergency has been issued in Hawaii ahead of possible inclement weather posed by Hurricane Kiko, officials said. Hawaii's acting governor, Sylvia Luke, issued the emergency proclamation on Friday afternoon, declaring a state of emergency across the entire state. "The proclamation activates emergency measures and resources to protect public health, safety and welfare. Tropical storm-force winds, heavy rainfall and high surf associated with Hurricane Kiko could begin affecting portions of the state as early as Monday, September 8, 2025," the governor's office said in a press release. As of Friday, Hurricane Kiko remains a major hurricane located approximately 1,200 miles east-southeast of Hawaii and is forecast to approach the islands as a tropical storm early next week, officials said. "To ensure the safety and preparedness of our communities, the state and counties will stand ready to mobilize resources to clear debris, secure infrastructure, and respond quickly to any possible damage caused by the storm," said Luke. "We urge residents and visitors to monitor updates, follow official guidance and prepare accordingly." The emergency proclamation authorizes the Hawaii National Guard to assist civilian authorities and directs all state agencies to cooperate in response efforts. It also activates the Major Disaster Fund to provide financial resources for emergency actions, the governor's office said. "The disaster emergency relief period will commence immediately and continue through Friday, September 19, 2025, unless extended or terminated earlier," said Luke. "Several state laws are temporarily suspended to facilitate expedited emergency response and recovery activities, including provisions related to procurement, public works and environmental regulations." Hawaii says it is encouraging all residents to monitor official updates, follow preparedness instructions and ensure they have emergency supplies on hand.

byAlpha World
in
September 06, 2025

Hawaii under state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Kiko

Hawaii under state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Kiko A state of emergency has been issued in Hawaii ahead of possible inclement weather p...
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South Carolina college instructor who loved to travel ID'd as American among 16 killed in Lisbon streetcar crashNew Foto - South Carolina college instructor who loved to travel ID'd as American among 16 killed in Lisbon streetcar crash

A South Carolina college instructor and mother of two who loved to travel was identified as the lone Americanamong the 16 dead when an iconic funicularrailway derailed in Lisbon, Portugal. Dr. Heather Hall, an instructor at the College of Charleston, was in Portugal to speak at a conference when she traveled on the iconicGlória Funicularand disaster struck Wednesday. Hall's death was confirmed by Fran Welch, the Dean of the School of Education, where Hall taught courses as part of the Department of Teacher Education. "This is a tragic loss for all of us," Welch said in an email to students,according to WCIV."She shared her love of travel with her students. Her energy, kindness and student-centeredness will be deeply missed." Hall, a first-generation college student, earned a Bachelor of Science and Distance Education certificate at the College of Charleston before getting her master's at The Citadel. She earned her doctorate in education from the University of South Carolina, according to her biography on the school's website. Hall returned to her alma mater, where she specialized in literacy and special education at the Charleston school. Family remembered Hall as a trailblazer for special education in the Charleston County School District, where she worked for over two decades. "Heather Lynn Hall, a beloved daughter, sister, mother, educator, and advocate, passed away doing what she did best — living life fully, boldly, and with a heart wide open to the world," her family told the outlet. "Heather grew up in a home overflowing with unconditional love. That love expanded outward, reaching every corner of her life. She didn't just have friends — she had soul-deep connections with people who felt truly seen and cherished by her. To know Heather was to be known and loved in return. "Above all else, Heather's most cherished role was that of being a mother to two amazing children," her family said. "She believed in them with all her heart and wanted nothing more than for them to live their lives fully — finding their purpose, trusting themselves, and being open to joy, adventure, and the wild, wonderful possibility of life. Heartbroken relatives said Hall is leaving behind a legacy of love, courage and joy. "May we honor her by living as she did—with curiosity, compassion, and open hearts," the family added. Longtime friends were left in disbelief at Hall's death after hearing the news of the deadly derailment. "I'm in shock. It doesn't seem real. She was such a big part of my life and part of so many people's lives," Hall's friend and college roommate, Maria Davis,told WCBD. "I actually had seen the story on the news that night, and I almost texted her, but thought, no, it's a very small chance it could be her," said Davis. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) reacted to Hall's death on Friday. "Deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Professor Heather Hall from @CofC. Our hearts go out to her family, friends, colleagues, and students during this difficult time. Professor Hall's dedication to education and her contributions to our community will be remembered,"Scott wrote on X. Hall was among 16 killed — the only American — when the famous cable-pulled tram came off its tracks and crashed into a building. Officialsconfirmed the fatalities includedfive Portuguese nationals, and tourists from Canada, South Korea, France, Switzerland and Ukraine. The deadly crash left 18 others injured, including a three-year-old child, and sparked the Portuguese government to call for a day of national mourning on Thursday. "This tragedy … goes beyond our borders," Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said at his official residence, calling it "one of the biggest tragedies of our recent past." Authorities have launched a probe into the mechanical failure of Glória Funicular while local media have cited concerns over recent maintenance schedules. With Post wires

byAlpha World
in
September 06, 2025

South Carolina college instructor who loved to travel ID’d as American among 16 killed in Lisbon streetcar crash

South Carolina college instructor who loved to travel ID'd as American among 16 killed in Lisbon streetcar crash A South Carolina colleg...
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Drew Barrymore remembers accidentally leaving 'bag of weed' in motel on road trip: 'I was so mad!'New Foto - Drew Barrymore remembers accidentally leaving 'bag of weed' in motel on road trip: 'I was so mad!'

Scott Kowalchyk/CBS Drew Barrymoredoesn't just travel through states while on her beloved road trips — she also travels throughstates of mind. The 50-year-oldCharlie's Angelsactress discussed her love for hitting the open road while visitingThe Late Show With Stephen Colberton Thursday. And, as it turns out, her tires aren't the only thing that's rolling on her expeditions. "We stayed in RV parks, we stayed in hotels, kind of a little bit of [everything], you know," Barrymore explained of her adventures, before suddenly bursting into laughter. She then confessed, "One time, I left a bag of weed in a Motel 6 and I was so mad!" Taylor Hill/FilmMagic Her unexpected admission seemed to shock hostStephen Colbert, who shot her an alarmed look before covering the lower half of his face with his hand. That didn't stop Barrymore, though. "I would hide my weed under the mattress," she continued as the audience groaned. "And I was in the next state and I was like, 'Alright, time to roll a —oh no!'" Sadly, that appears to be the last we'll get to hear about the actress' wondrous, weed-less adventure. The footage then cut abruptly to a new clip that featured Barrymore and Colbert holding their respective mugs and talking abouther recent 50th birthday. Earlier in the segment, Barrymore noted that she has an affinity for road trips because "you are beholden to no one" and can travel as you please without an itinerary. "Here's how I start. I rent a Tioga, which is a type of RV," she said, adding that she chose that specific vehicle because you can operate it with "a regular driver's license." When asked if the motorhome had a bathroom on board, Barrymore — in a tone that conveys there'sabsolutelya story there — bluntly replied, "Yeah, but you cannot poo in there. Don't you dare, ever, poo in that bathroom. Because you're gonna be in it for a while! That will come back to haunt you." Sign up forEntertainment Weekly's free daily newsletterto get breaking news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more. Instead, Barrymore said that anything number two-related should be saved for the next available gas station bathroom. "But you can pee in [the vehicle]," she added. "And then you go and you clean it out." Barrymore has spoken often about her love for road trips on her daytime talk showThe Drew Barrymore Showover the years. In 2022, sheshared snapshots taken on one of the very first road tripsthat she went on with longtime pal and Flower Films co-founder Nancy Juvonen (and wife ofJimmy Fallon) at age 19. "Anyone who can do RVing, I highly suggest like a Tioga style," she said at the time. "There's two beds, a little table. You don't have to have a special driver's license for it. And you just take a map and flip coins at intersections. Should we go right or left? I don't know, flip the coin." She continued, "It's the greatest thing on Earth to do and I couldn't recommend it more." Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly

byAlpha World
in
September 06, 2025

Drew Barrymore remembers accidentally leaving 'bag of weed' in motel on road trip: 'I was so mad!'

Drew Barrymore remembers accidentally leaving 'bag of weed' in motel on road trip: 'I was so mad!' Scott Kowalchyk/CBS Drew ...
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