Every time a new cast or cast member for Bravo's Real Housewives franchise is announced, fans — myself included — begin to scour the Internet with a fine tooth comb to find out what they can learn about the next person to become our latest addiction. In the case of TheReal Housewives of Dallas' Tiffany Hendra, some information bubbled to the surface about her acting credits on IMDb.
You see, once upon a time when Hendra was still fostering her acting and modeling career, she starred in a couple of projects with racy titles — like 12 Hot Women, Singapore Sling and Black Tie Nights.
In the mad dash to report as much titillating information about the new Housewife as possible, Hendra was made out to have a dark past by several outlets, including the New York Post, who referred to Hendra as a "former porn star."
"It was a series for Cinemax... I was hired for my acting ability," Hendra explained to Us Weekly of Black Tie Nights, adding that her husband, Aaron Hendra, was even fine with everything that went down. "I do own the fact that I knew I was taking my clothes off... he [Aaron] came to my dressing room to check on me to make sure everything was cool."
Tiffany Hendra Instagram
Tiffany Hendra Instagram
Hendra has no regrets about her past performances, and was quick to point out her scenes were nothing compared to some of the stuff you might catch on mainstream TV now.
"My nudity rider said that they couldn’t show below my belly button or below the top of my butt," she said. "No one is calling Game of Thrones stars porn artists!"
Hendra also wants everyone to know that she is much more than her former acting career, whether it was mainstream or not. She now aims to help fellow females feel great about themselves through lifestyle mentoring and her website.
"Her vision is for women all over the world to overcome their past circumstances, own their BS, give up victimhood and stand confident in their power," her website reads.
"I was sexually assaulted when I was 16, but kept it a secret until I was 31. I felt shame," she told Us. "All the pain that I did go through, I use that for a purpose now. Helping women love themselves — that is my intention."
What do you think? Is it fair to label Hendra a porn star because of her previous work?
Growing up in the South, there are certain names you're inundated with so many times that they become intertwined with your own story — intrinsic to the chronicles of your coming of age.
I was raised in a sleepy Southern town by a single mother who spent her formative years on a farm. Her parents, my "Goodness" and "Papa," were the kind of quintessential, salt-of-the-earth folk you might associate with all things endearing about Southerners: hospitable, charming, honest, family-oriented and hardworking.
They also liked to raise a little hell from time to time, too.
So it's not surprising we were indoctrinated with the gospel of Haggard from an early age. After all, he was all of those things as well (with an emphasis on the hell raising in his younger years). Haggard was, in every sense of the word, the "Poet of the Common Man." As Andy Wickham once wrote in a Rolling Stone review, "Merle Haggard looks the part and sounds the part because he is the part."
He was without a doubt one of the single greatest influences on modern country music's crop of singers and songwriters.
His songs were revered as anthems of the Silent Majority, of which my family was squarely rooted. My parents and grandparents kept their noses to the grindstone and stayed out of the fray, but they shared the same frustrations as so many of the other lower and middle-class Americans the South is largely comprised of.
So we listened to Haggard. And we listened to other country artists cover Haggard or pay homage to Haggard in their own lyrics. Where I come from, the music of Merle Haggard is like the metronome people use to pace their lives.
Over the years, country music has evolved and a newer sound has emerged. But Haggard remains the cornerstone of country for many Southerners — including my grandparents, as long as they lived.
Both sets hailed Haggard as a legend. Naturally, then, so many of my memories with them are set to the soundtrack of standards such as "Workin' Man Blues," "The Fightin' Side of Me," "Okie From Muskogee" and "Branded Man."
In light of the passing of my final remaining grandparent last year, Haggard's death feels like the end of a truly special era of my life. I can't even hear the first few distinctive chords of "Mama Tried" without feeling a familiar lump well up in my throat.
In a weird way, losing Haggard feels in some small sense like losing them again. There is an indescribable ache for nostalgia in my very bones. What I wouldn't give to return, if only for a moment, to sitting on the scuffed-up parque floor in my grandma's kitchen, listening to Haggard's gravelly voice stream out of the tabletop Victrola.
I realize this may sound silly to people who don't come from this corner of the world. You may not understand Haggard's hallowed sound, especially if you're of the camp who doesn't like country music to begin with.
But for me at least, Haggard was home.
I distinctly remember (and, looking back, am borderline embarrassed to admit) listening to a song by musical duo Brooks and Dunn on repeat growing up that included the lyric "acts like Madonna but she listens to Merle" in reference to a certain type of girl.
And whatever the implication of the song was, at the time, I couldn't think of anything I wanted to embody more than the essence of that girl. A girl who was bold and brazen and modern, but who never forgot her roots.
The time of year is coming up where we all get a little heartbroken by our favorite shows. The regular season is wrapping up, and for some, that means the death of your favorite characters (I’m still not OK with Shonda Rhimes for what she did to Meredith and Derek, but that’s for another time). Fans of The Walking Dead are the latest casualties of season finale deaths, and they are not happy about it. At all.
Season 6 just ended with a mystery around who Negan killed, and some fans refuse to wait until Season 7 before they get an answer — over 1,700 fans, in fact. One eager fan took it upon themselves to start a petition on Change.org to demand answers from the showrunners.
“I would like AMC to show us who Negan killed in the Season 6 finale of The Walking Dead,” the petition reads. “We want this either in an interim episode that borders Season 6 and 7, or a short R-Rated webisode that shows us the death in all its bloody glory. Either of these are fine as long as it’s released before May 30th.”
And their efforts worked. Greg Nicotero, the show’s executive producer and director, spoke out to the fans to say he couldn’t give them answers even if he wanted to. He said, “We didn’t have anybody there because we didn’t want even somebody on the crew or somebody there to go, ‘Oh I get it, I know what’s going to happen. So I think they were all gone. We built a little rig for Jeffrey [Dean Morgan] to hit so that there would be impact with the baseball bat.”
The whole thing is comical to an outsider like me. I’m not in the group of devoted The Walking Dead fans, so I don’t know what kind of cliffhangers the show has put them through already, but it is a contract you sign when you become a fan of a hit drama. The show will give you all the juicy story lines you could ask for, but they’re definitely going to frustrate you in the meantime. If you want happy endings, you’ve got to watch sitcoms.
With that being said, though, I really hope this petition works and the fans get the answers they want. Then maybe I can start my own and Derek Shepherd will come back again.
Of course, had the comments been true, Banks would have had every reason to be disgusted, shocked and angry, but her response was still one that perpetuated violence. Reacting to the tweets, Palin delivered a powerful response explaining that the article was fake and encouraged Banks to use her voice for something really great instead of criticizing her.
What happened next was just a tad bizarre, as Banks offered an apology, sort of, before taking aim at Sarah's daughter, Bristol Palin.
"Twitter is not real, neither is your opinion of me! If Bristol Palin listened to my music she probably wouldn't have all those cotdamn [sic] kids!!!!" Banks tweeted.
But if you thought that Bristol was going to let that comment slide, well, you'd be so wrong.
Taking to her Patheos blog to respond, Bristol created a post titled, "Azealia, which of your songs will teach me your values?"
Speaking of the "threats" that Banks directed at her mother, Bristol wrote, "It is unfortunate people in my generation think they can do, and say, whatever they wish without any sort of consequence. There are consequences for every action you make Miss Bank$, and there will be consequences for your unimaginable threats."
She makes a good point: Because of the barriers that technology puts up, many people feel it's perfectly acceptable to say vile things on social media without repercussions, but online hate and bullying should really not be tolerated. And while it's unfortunate to see women embroiled in online feuds instead of supporting one another, Palin's words do serve as a reminder for us to really think before we speak, or in this case, type.
But instead of wanting to "waste another minute of [her] day addressing" Banks, Bristol instead focused on the tweet that was directed at her — in which Banks claimed she could have learned something.
"So, I looked up your lyrics," Bristol wrote. "Which song should I have been listening too? 'Hood Bitch,' 'P-U-S-S-Y,' 'Queen of Clubs,' 'Grand Scam' or 'Big Talk?'"
"Just let me know," she concluded.
Hopefully, Banks doesn't rise to the comment and this feud can finally be over.
Candace Cameron Bure celebrated her 40th birthday on Wednesday, and her husband, Valeri, pulled out all the stops when he bought her the most thoughtful gift.
The gift in question was a pair of 18 karat Tiffany & Co. earrings, specifically, the Elsa Peretti Mesh Scarf Earrings in Gold, which retail for $2,100. It's an expensive purchase, but that's not the reason it's the greatest gift, as Bure later explained when she took to Instagram to share a photo of herself sporting her brand-new earrings.
She captioned the post with an emotional message, writing, "My thoughtful husband bought me the earrings I've admired and wanted since I was 10 years old for my big 4-0! Tiffany gold mesh earrings. Thank you, baby. I'm so grateful and blessed."
It doesn't really matter if the gift had cost thousands or only a couple of dollars, because what makes it truly special is that her husband got something that he knew really meant something to his wife. He bought her a gift she had been dreaming of for 30 years, and his purchase proves he listens and pays attention to what Bure says and wants — and this is the real beauty of the present.
Fans have reacted to the post in a very positive way and are as impressed with Bure's gift as she is.
"They are gorgeous like you. Hope you had a blessed birthday! You are a bright beautiful soul!" redrobinsings wrote.
"Beautiful earrings, and you definitely don't look 40!" shanny627 gushed. And lpacegrammy shared similar thoughts, writing, "Beautiful earrings!! They look great on you!"
We're so glad Bure shared this picture with the public because it reminds us all to pay closer attention to the wants and needs of our significant others (and not just their gift-related needs!) — even if we are just the tiniest bit jealous.
According to Life & Style, former wild child Lindsay Lohan might be ready to give up her hard partying ways so she can settle down and start a family.
Lohan has been dating Egor Tarabasov for around seven months now, and according to an insider close to the couple, dating him long-term "has changed" Lohan, who was formerly known for serial dating, drug arrests and multiple stint in rehab facilities.
"Lindsay says she wants to be a mom," the source reportedly told Life & Style. "Egor wants kids, and that’s how talk of a baby started."
Lohan, 29, recently moved to London to live with Tarabasov, something it sounds like the people close to her really support.
"That was a huge step in the right direction for her," one source said. Even Lohan's mom, Dina Lohan, with whom she's had a famously volatile relationship, seems to be a fan of the relationship and the direction it's heading in.
"Dina loves Egor," a source revealed. "And she can’t wait to be a grandma."
With how fast this relationship is moving, we can't help but wonder if Tarabasov is pushing Lohan to settle down, or if she's rushing the relationship because she's ready for kids — she's nearly 30, after all. Both seem like possible options, but then again, may Lohan and Tarabasov are just in love and on the same page about starting a family. As long as they're happy, who are we to judge?
Lohan herself appears ready to embrace the changes that have happened in her life. As the source tells Life & Style, "She says she’s ready to embrace motherhood to the fullest."
The two famously feuding stars of Bravo's Vanderpump Rules have been at each other's throats for years. But now that the show's fourth season has ended, they've reportedly decided to cut each other out of their lives and move on from the constant catfights.
The fighting between the two began all the way back in Season 2 of Vanderpump Rules, when Doute accused Madix of hooking up with Tom Sandoval, whom Doute was dating at the time. Madix denied that she enticed Sandoval to cheat, but the two are now dating, and it's always been clear that Doute doesn't buy the story that Sandoval was faithful.
Doute did apologize to Madix on the show, but Madix made it clear the apology was not accepted.
"It’s just self-serving manipulation," she told Life & Style about the apology.
While these two may have put their differences aside for now, once the Vanderpump Rules cameras start rolling again, we're willing to bet their feud will be back on in full force. They've brought far too much drama to the show for producers to allow them to call it quits, and once they're back to being forced into each other's lives, we're sure the claws will come right back out.
On April 11 at 10/9c, the latest evidence that there is a higher power who loves us will manifest on Bravo in the form of the premiere of The Real Housewives of Dallas. The show will follow six women — LeeAnne Locken, Tiffany Hendra, Brandi Redmond, Stephanie Hollman, Marie Reyes and Cary Deuber — as they frequent the Dallas charity circuit, wear expensive workout attire and, most importantly, gossip and fight.
Brandi Redmond is a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, graduate of Texas Woman's University and mother to two girls. She's a Housewife who does her own thing and isn't concerned about what the others around her think, especially those obsessed with etiquette (à la Karen Huger).
Redmond and fellow cast member Stephanie Hollman have been best friends for years, and their antics, often fueled by wine, are delightfully silly. Redmond described Hollman as "a sweet, sensitive, beautiful soul and I just love, love, love her. She makes me laugh and we fit so well together with our friendship, families and shenanigans! We are like two little girls when we get together without kids."
Look for them this season telling lots of fart jokes and making even boring chores an exercise in ridiculousness. They'll also have important conversations about the reality of having young kids, as well as spouses who are often traveling.
"It's important to enjoy raising children, and everyone reminds you that childhood goes by quickly," Redmond told SheKnows. "So trying to give yourself a break from your normal without feeling guilty will rejuvenate being a parent and all that life throws your way. I find that I start missing my girls after a nice break."
Other things to look for this season include Redmond's hilarious and frighteningly accurate impression of Housewife LeeAnne Locken, which causes some divisiveness between the two of them.
"I love to impersonate people in good fun," said Redmond. "I‘ve done this my entire life, and some are better than others." Redmond and Locken met before their paths crossed while filming RHOD. Redmond encountered her on the set of Travis Hollman's (Stephanie's husband) film Rain, in which Locken had a part.
In addition to Locken learning about Redmond's impression of her in the season premiere, the two will butt heads again at a Mad Hatters party. The event is a big deal in the Dallas charity scene, and the attendees take their hats — hence the name Mad Hatters — very seriously. The theme of this year's party, which was filmed for RHOD, was April in Paris, and Redmond went for it, unrepentantly, with her enormous, carefully constructed Dog Poop in Paris hat. (You really just have to see it to appreciate its grandeur.) While some at the party thought the hat was outstanding, Locken wasn't one of them. Although, if she could go back, Redmond wouldn't do anything differently.
"I have no regrets for doing the Dog Poop in Paris Hat... The Mad Hatters theme for the Dallas Arboretum was April in Paris, so if viewers don’t know, Paris is known to have issues with dog poop all over the sidewalks because owners aren’t picking up after their pets. I was still with the theme and it was all in fun."
The first season of RHOD promises to be a whirlwind, powered by Redmond's sense of humor, free spirit and her ability to not take things too seriously. "I'm proud of who I am and love to laugh," said Redmond. "I can handle a little trouble."
Need a crash course in feminism? Jennifer Lawrence has you covered.
In a new interview with Harper's Bazaar, Lawrence addresses the controversy she created when she spoke out about equal pay for women and men in Hollywood, and why she is a staunch feminist.
"I don't know why that word is so scary to people; it shouldn't be, because it just means equality," she explains. "If we are moving forward in a society, you are feeling stronger as a woman and you want to be taken more seriously. You don't have to take away the wonderful traits that come with being a woman: We are sensitive. We are pleasers. We're empathetic. All those things that can keep you from asking for what you want or making mistakes."
Those traits, she argues, don't make her less of a powerful woman.
"There's nothing wrong with being a pleaser if you're smart about it," she says. "As long as you're getting what's fair. You know, I want my employers to be happy. I want to please anyone I'm working for as long as they pay me the appropriate amount. I'll make them as happy as they want."
Lawrence publicly addressed the gap in pay for men and women in the entertainment industry in an essay she wrote for Lena Dunham's newsletter last year. Her stance garnered backlash, even from other celebrities like Ricky Gervais, who joked, "Jennifer Lawrence… demanded equal pay for women in Hollywood, and she received overwhelming support from people everywhere. There were marches… with nurses and factory workers saying, 'How the hell can a 25-year-old live on $52 million?'"
In response, she says, "I had no idea it was going to blow up like that. And I obviously only absorbed the negative. I didn't pay any attention to the positive feedback. My parents get really upset. They do not like me speaking out about anything political because it's hard to see your kid take criticism. But, really, people who criticized it are people who think women should not be paid the same as men. So I don't really care what those people think."
Despite her down-to-earth attitude, Lawrence knows her outspoken stance can be intimidating, as much as she wishes it weren't.
"I can feel people sometimes are intimidated by me, but I try to do the best I can to offset that," she says. "There is zero reason to be intimidated by me. At all. But I also understand it."
Do you agree with Jennifer Lawrence's views on feminism?
Despite what some haters may think, there is life after Bobby Flay. Less than a year after Stephanie March and Flay finalized their divorce, she's going public with a new relationship to hedge fund manager Daniel Benton. March and Benton attended their first official outing as a couple at the Whitney Museum Gala in NYC on Tuesday night.
According to the Daily Mail, March and Benton aren't quite in the honeymoon phase: they've secretly been dating for six months. He's a fellow divorcé who, more importantly, owns a 12-room, $39 million penthouse on Central Park. The apartment is reportedly in "triple-mint" condition. Kudos to Benton and, frankly, to March.
The revelation comes just a few weeks after Flay and Broadway actress Helene Yorke have gotten very publicly cozy on social media. Yorke, who is currently in American Psycho, has been alluding to their relationship on Instagram. She captioned a breakfast photo, "NAILED my soft boil this morning. Take THAT fancy pants!" Bobby Flay commented back, "I'm gonna say.. spot on! But can you sing and dance? #americanpsycho."
The couple split after 10 years of marriage and a difficult divorce that ended in March fighting for $5,000 a month in alimony payments from Flay. Maybe March can save some of the money she's spending on rent and move into one of her new boyfriend's 12 rooms.
After a messy divorce from celebrity chef Bobby Flay, Stephanie March has found happiness again, and this time it's with a very accomplished man: Daniel Benton. Here's everything you need to know about March's new man.
March and Benton were spotted looking very close at the Whitney Museum gala on Tuesday, Page Six reports. And they are apparently quite serious, as a source revealed that they have been "very quietly dating for six months," adding that they are "crazy about each other."
Stephanie March Instagram
Stephanie March Instagram
2. Benton has a very impressive portfolio
Benton is the man behind lucrative tech fund Andor Capital Management and according to Insider Monkey, his fund is worth $701,934,000. Impressive, to say the least.
3. He graduated from Harvard University
A glance at Mr. Benton's LinkedIn profile page reveals that he received his MBA from Harvard University in 1984. He also graduated from Colgate University with a B.A. in mathematics in 1980.
Benton was married to Axel Capital Management founder Anna Nikolayevsky, Page Six reports. There is little information available about their private life, suggesting that Benton is a very private man.
5. His home makes us all extremely jealous
Benton owns a 12-room duplex penthouse with Central Park views that he purchased for the grand sum of $39 million in 2012, Observer reports. The publication notes that the sale was handled by Sotheby's brokers Meredyth Smith and Serena Boardman, with Smith revealing that it was "among the prettiest apartments that I’ve ever seen."
Seriously, who wouldn't want to wake up every morning to those views?
6. He has a keen interest in fast cars
Benton uploaded a photo of himself to Twitter that shows him enjoying the Ferrari Driving Experience with 2014 Indianapolis 500 Champion Ryan Hunter-Reay.
Dan Benton Twitter
Dan Benton Twitter
7. In fact, he's a big fan of Ryan Hunter-Reay
Benton was also there to celebrate Hunter-Reay's win at the championship with team Andretti Autosport.
Dan Benton Twitter 3
Dan Benton Twitter 3
March recently proved she's a fan of Andretti Autosport, too.
Stephanie March Instagram
Stephanie March Instagram
8. He's inspired by business magnate Elon Musk
Benton's Twitter profile features several images and posts about Tesla Motor's founder Elon Musk, and he most recently attended an event where Musk unveiled the new Tesla 3. According to Insider Monkey, Benton also has holdings in Tesla Motors Inc.
Dan Benton Twitter 2
Dan Benton Twitter 2
9. He's still just like the rest of us
Despite the fact that Benton is a highly accomplished man with more money than most of us could dream of, he's still just like the rest of us and occasionally plays Powerball — you know, just in case.
This might be the most exciting news to come from the Gilmore Girls revival since it was announced that four 90-minute episodes will soon debut on Netflix. Thanks to Entertainment Weekly, there are new Gilmore Girls photos for fans to theorize (and probably sob with excitement) over.
As you can see below, these four particular photos showcase a lot of spoilers. First, in what is a wondrous sight, Luke and Lorelai are holding hands. *sigh* They never fail in making my heart feel so much happiness. Clearly, they are still together eight years later and even blissful, based on Lorelai's smile. Also, let's observe how Luke is still wearing that famous blue hat. Yeah, he still rocks it.
Luke & Lorelai
Luke & Lorelai
So, all is right in the world. Luke and Lorelai are still going strong and probably married, right? Nope. They are definitely not married. According to EW (via TV Line), Luke and Lorelai are not married in the revival — at least for now, that is.
Before fans start freaking out, this doesn't mean that they won't end up tying the knot. Remember, the new episodes are said to feature a wedding. So, maybe Luke and Lorelai will finally have that wedding they were supposed to have in Season 6. I know, I know. It's kind of frustrating that these two still haven't said I do. That's all most fans have wanted ever since the series began and proved that they belonged together, right? Well, as frustrating as it may be, the two not being married isn't necessarily bad.
They've never had a traditional relationship, so them not taking the next big step isn't that surprising. Plus, seeing how their first engagement went down, maybe there is some hesitation and fear remaining. Maybe they are also just taking things slow and savoring the moment before walking down the aisle.
Who really knows, but let's also keep in mind that even though they aren't married, they could very well be engaged. As much as I'd love to see them married, if they are together, happy and head over heels in love, that's all I care about.
Now, let's check out these other photos.
Rory & Lorelai
Rory & Lorelai
Rory GG revival
Rory GG revival
Emily GG revival
Emily GG revival
Aren't they just glorious? First, let's discuss how beautiful Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel are. They haven't changed a bit and still possess the charm of the beloved mother-daughter duo they exceptionally portray.
So, it looks like Rory is embracing her hippie side with that outfit, and totally rocking it. Also, is anyone else freaking out that there is going to be a Stars Hollow: The Musical? If you haven't heard, EW also revealed that Sutton Foster will sing in the musical, alongside Smash’s Christian Borle and Disaster!’s Kerry Butler.
As for Rory's career, is she now a teacher? Based on the chalkboard, there are Jane Eyre notes, which just might mean she is teaching English. If you're disappointed in the fact that Rory took a very different career path than you originally thought, this photo doesn't necessarily mean she is a teacher. Maybe she is a killer journalist who came in to speak in a class — and hopefully one at Chilton.
Finally, there is Emily, who is now a widow. It's definitely heartbreaking to think that Richard (Edward Herrmann) won't be part of the revival, but he will surely be there in spirit. I have no doubt that Emily will continue to rock it, even without Richard by her side.
So, who else is now even more excited for the Gilmore Girls revival? I think I need a cup of coffee to calm me down.
During Tuesday's episode of NCIS, not only did Tony DiNozzo have his identity stolen (more than once), but he came to the realization that he might want more from life.
While interrogating two of the men who were pretending to be Tony, they pointed out how boring a life he leads, in addition to the fact that he has no wife or children. The latter isn't for everyone, nor will it make everyone feel fulfilled, but it was clear their remarks irritated Tony. To be exact, they said, "You have no life. No wife, no kids, no hobbies, same job, same apartment… Nothing changes with you."
Actually, it definitely hit home, because Tony ended up having a conversation with McGee about it all. "I feel like my life is a charade," the longtime NCIS agent said. He then added, "You’d tell me, right, if I was losing my edge, the DiNozzo edge? Because I feel like it."
His realization moment didn't end there as he reflected further, "Sometimes feel like I don’t know who I am… like I’ve already lost my identity. Is [the identity theft] some weird metaphor for my psychological state?"
Earlier in the episode, Tony lamented to Abby about his personal life and the fact that he hasn't married. "Maybe I just haven’t met the right one yet?" And here's why I insert my opinion and that being, maybe he hasn't met the right one because Ziva is the right one. Who's with me? Of course, I can only hope Tony's goodbye will feature Cote de Pablo's return. If not, then at least the mention of Tony going off to be with her.
Whatever the case, it appears that Tony's leaving will have to do with him not being fulfilled in life and wanting more. Who hasn't felt that at one time or another? He's been an agent at NCIS for a long time, so it makes sense that he needs a change.
It definitely is bittersweet, but as long as this doesn't mean Tony will be killed off at the end of Season 13, then I'm totally OK with all of this. As a huge Tony fan, all I want is for him to be happy. If leaving NCIS for good is the way for him to do that (and as much as it's going to break my heart), then I'm on board.
The moment Nick Maiorano was voted off Survivor, fans ignited social media with a not-so-nice celebratory reaction. Many were thrilled that the self-admitted arrogant castaway was finally snuffed out of the competition. But is he really that cocky? Does he regret any of his comments watching them back on TV? How have his good looks helped him in life as he claimed in the first episode? He gave us all those details in our one-on-one interview. Plus, find out which other seasons of Survivor he had been nearly selected to compete on. Enjoy!
SheKnows: Some viewers celebrated your elimination on social media, many with not-so-nice comments about you. What's it like seeing viewers bash you in a public forum, labeling you as arrogant, a jerk and lots of other nasty things?
Nick Maiorano: [Laughs.] I don't mind it. That might be a confidence thing or an arrogance thing in itself. It's a TV show to me. I knew I was coming across that way in confessionals while I was out there. For some reason, I don't mind it whatsoever. It's fine. I think it's funny. You want somebody who you're gonna root for or root against. I'm OK with being either of those as long as you have something in that. You don't want to be in the middle. You don't want to be bland. It's funny. It's interesting. It's crazy, though, because people get a little angry with their strong opinions.
SK: Was your arrogance intentional in hopes of being portrayed more villainous?
NM: I wouldn't say it was intentional, and I know this sounds bad, but I know my surroundings. That's almost a non-self-aware thing to say, but I know it's a TV show. There [are] cameras around. I just opened up that part of my brain. I'm willing to go there even though I know the reaction might be sour. It's definitely part of my personality. I just happened to show it in a heightened experience.
Image: CBS
SK: But is that the real Nick we saw on the show?
NM: That's me being funny, if you know me. That's the context of it. If you don't know me, it's so understandable why you wouldn't like that person. It makes sense. That's why I can't get mad at people, because they don't know you. How dare you be mad at them for not liking that person they see on TV? It's definitely part of my personality and my sense of humor.
Image: CBS
SK: Would you label yourself as arrogant?
NM: Yeah, again, in a funny way. I'm humble in other situations that call for it, but if I'm with friends or somebody says, "Hey, Nick, you're ugly," I'm like, "No, I'm the best-looking guy in the room." I usually just tend to go the opposite of what anybody says. Debbie, for instance, was saying I should be a model. In confessionals I was saying, "Has Debbie ever been out of Pennsylvania? I'm a two in LA. I'm a two in New York City." Obviously, you don't see those confessionals. I just play it based on what situation I'm in.
SK: At the opening of the first episode, you introduced yourself as a member of the Beauty tribe to the viewers with the following words: "My life has definitely been easier because I'm better-looking than most people. That sounds terrible. It sounds awful, but it's the truth." Can you give us an example of how your good looks have actually helped you in life?
NM: [Laughs.] I would say people view you differently as far as I'm aware. If I was 5 feet 8 inches or 5 feet 7 inches and I didn't have tall, dark features, I think people treat you different. I think that's just the way it is. I think I get by, in a sense, from that first observation with people. I think it does benefit people. I don't think it's a good thing, but I think it's the reality of it.
Image: CBS
SK: For fans spewing hatred at you, what's your message to them?
NM: It's fine! Keep doing it if you want to do it. Whatever makes people happy, I'm for. If it makes you happy saying mean things, not-so-great things or just making an opinion, do it. I'm all for it. I'm never against that type of stuff.
Image: CBS
SK: What has it been like for you to watch the show and hear all the arrogant statements you made? Do you regret any of it, or has it been fun?
NM: It's been so fun for me. If anything, I think I probably got away with some things that didn't make air that were pretty ridiculous, and probably not as funny as I thought they'd be as I was saying them out there. I think I got lucky in that sense. It's been so much fun to watch, and the narrative the producers put on is phenomenal.
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SK: Can you give us an example of one of those things you say you got away with?
NM: I just said a lot of jokes or snarky comments on the Beauty tribe. They probably wouldn't come across that well if they would've aired. I was omitted from the story on Beauty, and I was almost sort of happy by that because of some of the silly things I was saying.
SK: Again, do you have any particular example?
NM: [Laughs.] I do, but I wouldn't want to say it. I'll leave that on the cutting-room floor.
Image: CBS
SK: Although it was definitely a blindside, did you have any inkling you might be voted off?
NM: Well, I was confident that I had fixed it on the beach. Michele, after we got back from the Immunity challenge, she had told me I was the target for the vote. I thought I had corrected it. Unfortunately, I didn't see that it was gonna be Michele and Julia who flipped. I thought it was going to be Scot and Jason.
Image: CBS
SK: So where was your downfall?
NM: My biggest downfall was the way I communicated with Michele. I just never could figure it out 24/7. There [were] times where I got it right, and there were so many times where I got it wrong. That was my fault. I put these super-high expectations on her, and that was wrong for me to do. She was never gonna live up to them, because I can't live up to them. That was my downfall.
Image: CBS
SK: You had won Immunity after the tribes merged, but it didn't matter because Neal was unexpectedly medically removed from the game. That meant you didn't go to Tribal Council with the ability to play your cards and vote somebody off. Can you make any connection to blame your elimination on Neal's evacuation?
NM: I think the immature way, or to make myself feel better, that would be a good scapegoat because it ruined momentum for the alliance. We didn't get to solidify a vote on paper. Yeah, I could say that. But no, I wouldn't say that's the reason, at all, if I was gonna be objective.
SK: Including Michele, who was the other person you were hoping to take to the final three?
NM: I think it would've been Julia by default. I didn't realize how tight Julia and Michele were because Michele was always the third person between Anna, Julia and Michele. I would've been open to Joe, Scot or Jason at that point.
Image: CBS
SK: Is there anybody you felt threatened by strategically?
NM: No, but again, that might be arrogant. I was usually in the middle of everything and knowing what was going on, where the group dynamics were and where they could go. That's all I thought about. "If we pull this person out of the group, how does the group dynamic change?" Unfortunately, that's probably not the right way to play because other people aren't necessarily thinking that way.
Image: CBS
SK: You went 22 days before making your first visit to Tribal Council, which is also when you were booted. Was there ever a desire for you to go to Tribal sooner? Were you looking forward to going there?
NM: Looking back, on day six or so when it was guys versus girls and I was eventually sort of on the outs with Tai, I realized we should've lost that challenge. One of the girls probably would've [gone] home. Supposedly, Anna and Julia wanted Michele out. That's what they told me for the first three days. I wish we would've lost that first challenge because that would change obviously everything.
Image: CBS
SK: Debbie was very vocal about telling others how attractive she felt you are. Was that awkward for you, or did you enjoy it?
NM: I enjoyed it. I don't mind flirting with anybody. I'm sure Debbie feels the same way. She can have a good time with anybody. It was only awkward for me when she would do it publicly. I don't like PDA, and especially in a game like Survivor. It puts a target on my back, and it puts a target on her back. Yeah, I would have flirted with her. It would've been a blast. We could've played together [laughs].
Image: CBS
SK: Have you been recognized by any fans? If so, what has their reaction been like toward you?
NM: A couple people have definitely come up to me, especially at the gym. They've just been super friendly. They just want to know: Is everybody really like this? That's the big question. They're basically asking, "Hey, are you really not that nice? Are you really that arrogant?" It's always funny. You have a good conversation, and they understand. "We get it. You're not this way exactly."
Image: CBS
SK: How did you get on the show?
NM: I applied three or four years ago randomly. I went through casting for Season 25 and Season 26. I was asked to eventually try out for Season 29, a Blood vs. Water season, but I didn't apply for that. Eventually, I applied again for Season 32 and I got on. I had kept in touch with the casting director, Lynne [Spillman], throughout those years off and on, and finally a slot opened up where I could possibly work.
Image: CBS
SK: Were you a fan of the show prior to getting on?
NM: When I applied, I had only seen like the Richard Hatch season a little bit when I was younger. When I applied, I just wanted to win a million bucks and to compete. It was random. Once I got an email from Lynne right away when I applied the first time for 25, I started to watch all the seasons. That's how I became an obsessive fan of it. I've seen every season, I listen to all the podcasts and interviews.
Image: CBS
What are your thoughts on Nick's comments? Do you appreciate his arrogance? Were you happy he was voted out? Do you think he was a smart strategic player? Join the conversation by leaving a comment now.
Well, the moment I've been waiting for since 2011 is finally coming to fruition. On Thursday, it was announced that Freeform has greenlit a Greek reunion movie titled Greek: The Reunion. I know, I know. I cannot contain my excitement either.
The series, which aired on ABC Family before it became Freeform, ended in 2011 after four seasons and 74 episodes. For me, it was an extremely sad day, but thankfully the series and hopefully all of the original characters will soon be back in my life.
The revival movie is said to be a holiday movie in which the viewers will see their favorites return to Cyprus-Rhodes University for their five-year reunion. Can you believe it's already been five years? Series creator Patrick Sean Smith will also return as executive producer.
At this point in time, no cast members have been announced for the revival, but here's hoping they all are able to return. It just wouldn't be the same without the entire original cast, especially Scott Michael Foster as Cappie.
Don't get me wrong, I would be thrilled to see every single actor and actress reprise their roles, but Foster as Cappie will forever be my favorite. He stole my heart from the get-go and continued to hold it until the very end when he and Casey drove off into the sunset.
I mean, how could you not love him when he provided moments like these?
Not everyone was excited to see the Rogue One: A Star Wars Story teaser trailer launch this morning. The problem was a female lead, rebel fighter Jyn Erso, played by Felicity Jones. For many online critics, it's disturbingly hard to process another female lead immediately after the franchise cast one this winter with The Force Awakens.
Overzealous Star Wars fans took to Twitter to blast their misogyny at the franchise. "I guess every Star Wars will have a female lead now, even Han Solo will be a woman in his movie," wrote one commenter. Another one claims the only reason the film would have a female lead is for political correctness.
Thankfully, not everyone is so scared of a woman in the pilot seat. Fans also defended Disney's choice to follow Erso's story. "If you can't handle a female lead in a Star Wars flick, then perhaps the 21st century just isn't for you," one pro-Jones commenter tweeted. Another agreed, "Amazing to see that Star Wars episode VIII: Rogue One is going to have a female lead! Felicity Jones at that! About bloody time!"
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The debate is sure to heat up as we get closer to Rogue One's December release. Will the film still gross millions of dollars even with a — gasp — female lead? Something tells us it'll do just fine.
Jill and Derick Dillard celebrated baby Israel's first birthday this week, and they marked the occasion in the most creative way. The couple wrote an open letter to Israel on their blog, sharing some of their favorite memories from their first year with their son. "Since he won't remember all the little things that are going on right now (and we will likely soon forget!) you'll see we have tried to document many of those little things," they wrote.
"On Sunday you got to try cake and ice cream for the first time with a bunch of your friends watching you (you smeared it all over your legs! lol). You are a handsome little fella, and here in Central America you stand out a little with your blonde hair and blue eyes. You are walking everywhere now and love to play soccer (fútbol) with your friends," they continued.
They shared how Israel is learning to speak and share. "You can say, "mama," "papa," "nur-nur" (when you wanna nurse) and "uh oh," as well as several words in sign language. You think that anytime you say "more" or "please" in sign language you should be given whatever you're asking for."
They even shared some of his baby fears: "You love water, as long as it's not the waves at the beach that look like they're gonna get you."
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar also recorded a sweet video message for Israel, wearing their trademark matching shirts. Do we think the Duggars will still be on the air by the time Israel is old enough to revisit these messages? My money's on yes.
Jules Wainstein seems to fit right in on the new season of The Real Housewives of New York, but what does the cast really think of her?
Turns out, they are big fans!
Sonja Morgan said she loves Wainstein for a rather narcissistic reason: She's just like herself.
"Oh, Jules is great! Jules is great!" Morgan told Us Weekly at the Real Housewives of New York Season 8 premiere party. "She's very similar to me. She's a class clown. She's not guarded at all."
But Morgan warns that Wainstein's lack of guile could be her downfall, too. "She's an open book, and very sensitive," she explained. "So, that together can be very dangerous in our crowd."
Ramona Singer, who has known Wainstein for years, says she likes the new addition because she's hot and nice. Seriously.
"Jules — I've known before the show — and I think what I love about Jules is how she just has a fresh spirit, looks at everything optimistically," Singer said. "Always has a smile on her face, and she's not bad to look at, either!"
The only person who did not have something nice to say about Wainstein was Bethenny Frankel, who outright accused her costar of having an eating disorder on the season premiere.
"I wrote a book called Naturally Thin," Frankel declared. "This is not naturally thin. It's the kind of thin that makes people around you uncomfortable. I never had an eating disorder. I had a mother who had an eating disorder, and I've been around it, and I understand it."
I wanted to love Trainwreck. I didn’t know much about Amy Schumer at the time of its release, but the trailer was hilarious and something I related to on a personal level. Unfortunately, when I finally sat down to watch it, I didn’t like it at all.
Hear me out before you tweet angry things at me.
I fully support Schumer as a writer and an actor. Writing and acting an entire feature film seems like an impossible feat, especially for women in Hollywood. So I applaud her for getting it done.
What I don’t like about Schumer is the style of comedy she used in Trainwreck. It’s the same style that was made popular by Lena Dunham’s show Girls. And basically, it’s all about showing women being terrible people. I’m not a fan.
I get where it started. Women’s roles in movies and on TV all followed one basic concept: clueless girl can’t do anything right in her life until she falls in love. It was boring and completely unrelatable for most of us.
Creating characters who were complex with complete lives was a necessary and welcome change. But, in an effort to get away from the damsel in distress theme, Schumer and others have swung into this other theme where women are inconsiderate and kind of annoying.
The most annoying part of Trainwreck was Schumer’s character took no responsibility for her behavior, particularly when she treated her boyfriend terribly. She labeled it being independent, blamed it on her father or was downright oblivious that any of it was rude.
But here’s a general life rule: Making someone feel insignificant in your life isn’t self-love or independence. And when you’re in your 30s, your parents’ divorce can’t be the reason you’re a jerk. You’re an adult getting away with bad behavior because you don’t let people who call you out on it stay in your life.
This can’t be the new version of women we write into all of our movies and TV shows.
I don’t think Schumer will be stuck writing all her characters this way. And I don’t have a bad opinion of her in general. I just don’t think Trainwreck was a good movie.
OK, now you can tweet me angry things if you want to.
Paris and Prince Jackson are maintaining a close bond with their late father, Michael Jackson, in a very permanent way: with tattoos.
To celebrate Paris' 18th birthday, the brother-sister duo hit up Justin Lewis at Timeless Tattoo in Los Angeles for some ink. While they did not get matching designs, they both chose art that will always remind them of their dad.
Prince chose an Egyptian design for his back, the deity Anubis, whose role was to usher souls into the afterlife after he weighed their hearts (symbolically, of course) to determine if they were worthy of the realm of the dead.
What does this design have to do with MJ? Michael had a deep fascination with Egyptian mythology, even heavily featuring such imagery in the theme of his video for the song "Remember the Time."
Paris went in an entirely different direction. She had the words "Queen of My Heart" inked on her arm in Michael's handwriting.
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She explained, "'Queen of My Heart' in his handwriting. To everyone else he was the King of Pop. To me, well, he was the king of my heart."
And surprise! Not content to just honor one important loved one, Paris tattooed her other arm with a dedication to her grandmother, Katherine Jackson, who was revered by Michael and gained custody of his children after his death.
