Close Ad

  • Shaoni Das

    Shaoni Das is a writer based out of Alberta, Canada. Copywriter by day, true crime enthusiast by night - she has a passion for uncovering perspectives that capture the full spectrum of human nature. She deploys language as a way to connect with her audience and empower them to take action. When she's not writing or scouring the internet for ideas, you can find her playing Genshin Impact or eating Biriyani.
People Are Saying LeBron James Is a Bad Father - Here's Why They're Wrong
Family

People Are Saying LeBron James Is a Bad Father - Here's Why They're Wrong

LeBron James's son, 18-year-old Bronny, suffered a cardiac arrest yesterday while on court during a USC Basketball workout. The eldest son of the basketball legend is now out of the ICU and in "stable condition."After previously being called out as a bad father for certain behaviour, LeBron sets the record straight. LeBron has always been a central figure in his family and it's time to take a look at the amazing father he really is.*This article was originally published on July 15, 2021.Shame if you do, shame if you don’t. That’s a lesson LeBron James learned the hard way following a momentous occasion involving his young son Bronny. The demanding, judgmental nature of social media has become so intimidating over the last couple of years that public figures can’t make a single move without explaining their decision-making. They’re staring down the barrel of targeted vilification and censure at every waking moment, and if they’re not able to justify their actions well ahead of time, they’re in trouble. It only takes one ill-timed rumor to topple your entire career and tarnish your reputation. LeBron had to reckon with similarly misguided assumptions over two years ago when he attended his son’s basketball tournament. What was supposed to be a celebratory affair among the James family quickly turned into a contentious ruckus casting doubt on LeBron’s integrity and capabilities as a father. Here’s how the situation unfolded and why LeBron became labeled as a ‘bad father.'LeBron received flak for making a “spectacle” out of himself at his son’s basketball gameIn July 2019, LeBron accompanied his 14-year-old son, LeBron Raymone "Bronny" James Jr., to an AAU basketball tournament in Las Vegas. It’s nothing short of a miraculous stroke of luck to have LeBron James himself spectating a basketball game. As anticipated, people were curious to see how LeBron would conduct himself on the sidelines and comport himself at a basketball meetup that didn’t feature him as the MVP. Well, the Ohio native didn’t disappoint. He donned his kicks and jumped into the pre-game layup lines to shoot some hoops. His incredible throwdowns — captured vividly on camera — galvanized the crowd and gave them something to be fired up over. It’s not every day that you have LeBron James participate in a warmup routine at a youth basketball matchup, so if you’re fortunate enough to see the man in action, savor the moment. Unfortunately, savor, they did not. The video went viral and caused quite a stir across traditional news and social media, eliciting accusations of ‘showboating’ on LeBron’s part. Many critics lambasted his activities on the court, condemning the basketball star for engaging in what they deem as undignified and inappropriate behavior. They also took issue with his loud cheering, especially his ballistic demeanor in the wake of his son’s game-winning slam dunk. According to The Washington Post, Jason Whitlock, the host of Fox Sports 1′s “Speak for Yourself” segmented, voiced his opinion on LeBron’s layups, saying that the Lakers’ champion should be staying in his own lane and not make a “spectacle” of himself. He alleges that LeBron leveraged his son’s moment in the sun to build his “social media brand.” The commentator told his followers that parents shouldn’t “allow their thirst for fame to distract from or exaggerate their child’s performance.”Barring an extraordinary leap of rationale on Whitlock’s part, it’s futile to expect a personality as animated and expressive as LeBron to suppress his natural energy. Besides, live sports can instigate a wide range of emotions in the most stoic of individuals, so there’s nothing wrong with LeBron boldly enlivening the mood and egging his son on. He reveals the tragic reason he’s so involved in his children’s livesWhat LeBron’s detractors don’t realize is that there’s a particular reason why the athlete prefers to take such a hands-on approach to parenthood. His dad had a number of criminal charges to his name and wasn’t in the picture, causing LeBron to grow up feeling helplessly incomplete and resentful. The absence of a solid paternal figure hurt him deeply, so he promised himself that he wouldn’t dare put his own children through the same ordeal. I wanted to have kids early, to prove to my father that the way you did it was the absolute wrong way to do it, and I wanted to break the mold to where I want to be there and give them all the life skills. LeBron James on UNINTERRUPTED The 36-year-old essentially took an oath to do right by his children and support them however he could. That’s partly why he wanted his eldest to bear his own name; it was about conferring respect and passing on the values that matter to him a great deal. He obviously can’t guarantee that his children would follow the exact path he’s envisioned for them, but he can hope that they’ll be able to appreciate the “life skills” he’s trying to instill in them. LeBron will do his best to ensure his kids are able to “experience things that [he] didn’t experience” and that they’re able to seize the opportunities by the horns and succeed in whichever field they decide to pursue. LeBron admits that he can only give them the “blueprint” and lay the groundwork; “it’s up to them to take their own course, whenever that time comes.”Setting a positive example for his children isn’t just about breaking the mold that’d been put in place by his dad. LeBron legitimately believes that the responsibilities associated with fatherhood allow him to flourish as a ballplayer. For example, he described each of his children as having distinct, divergent personalities that he must cater to in his unique ways; similarly, he must adjust his mode of communication when interacting with his teammates to get the best out of them. When I talk about patience, it comes back to being a father [...] It comes back to that patience of learning their mindsets, learning how you can get the most out of them, what triggers them to be their best, and what triggers them to not be their best. You learn that over time.LeBron James on The Tim Ferriss ShowThe expression of love is as unique as the love itselfA parent’s love and pride is a rare thing to capture, so no parent should be ashamed for how they choose to convey their depth of love and admiration for their children’s accomplishments. As long as you’re respectful of others in your space and that the recipient of your love is in agreement, you should feel free to express your love however you please. More importantly, your way will be unique to you; it doesn’t matter how it stacks up against someone else’s behavior. Embrace your peculiarities and instincts, and the rest will work itself out. More inspiring stories:LeBron James and Savannah Brinson Grew From High School Sweethearts to Lifelong Partners5 Life-Changing Books That Inspired LeBron James to Keep WinningOctavia Spencer Reveals LeBron James Helped Her Negotiate What ‘She Deserves’ for Her Upcoming Netflix SeriesThe Empowering Truth Behind John Cena and Dwayne Johnson’s Feud

What Happened to Kim Basinger? Where the Sex Symbol Who Disappeared From the Spotlight Is Now
Celebrities

What Happened to Kim Basinger? Where the Sex Symbol Who Disappeared From the Spotlight Is Now

Yes, Kim Basinger is living life on her own terms now! A wildly popular actress in the '80s and '90s, Basinger all but vanished from the Hollywood limelight. But while fans have missed seeing her face on the big screen, the 69-year-old has quietly savored a wildly fulfilling life away from the camera's lens that includes family, volunteering, and a new relationship. With her comeback on the horizon, the question everyone wants to know is what prompted her mysterious retirement from the spotlight?What Is Kim Basinger Famous For?@kimbasinger / InstagramThe actress emerged in the late '70s and became one of the most familiar faces in Hollywood. Starring in a series of notable projects, she captivated the public, establishing herself as the undeniable sex symbol. In the late '90s, Basinger transitioned towards more independent and contemplative roles and grabbed the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1998 for her performance as an escort in Curtis Hanson's neo-noir L.A. Confidential. Given her captivating career, one would expect her to have a lasting presence on the silver screen. However, as the new millennium rolled in, her visibility considerably diminished. Where Is Kim Basinger Now?@kimbasinger / InstagramThe actress, set to turn 70 in 2023, was in her early 20s when she caught the attention of a prestigious modeling agency, launching her into the world of national magazine covers and commercials. Despite earning a substantial $1,000 daily, the industry never truly connected with Basinger on a personal level. She condemned the vanity involved with modeling and despised checking herself out in the mirror before every shoot, “It was very hard to go from one booking to another and always have to deal with the way I looked.” In 1981, Basinger posed nude for Playboy, using the exposure as a springboard to her first love of acting.Basinger’s acting breakout was as a Bond girl, when she starred across Sean Connery in the 1983 film Never Say Never Again. It was an opportunity of a lifetime, a pathway to a new universe of possibilities. Next, she was cast in The Man Who Loved Women and Blind Date. Her work in cult erotic romantic drama 9½ Weeks marked a turning point in her career, solidifying her image as a figure of sensuality and beauty in the eyes of many. Other notable movies in her 90s filmography included The Marrying Man, Final Analysis, The Real McCoy, Wayne World 2, and The Getaway. Following her Oscar-winning turn in L.A. Confidential, Basinger has the honor of being the only actress to date to have posed nude for Playboy and been honored with an Academy Award. However, as the early 2000s unfolded, Basinger's professional journey took a different direction, and the excitement surrounding her fame gradually declined. Was her decision to decrease her workload a personal choice, or had Hollywood producers already lost interest in her and begun exploring other talents? Why Did Kim Basinger Stop Making Movies?@kimbasinger / InstagramDuring her interview with Vanity Fair in 2013, Basinger candidly discusses her Hollywood trajectory, reflecting on the unpredictable nature of the industry and appreciation for her enduring success and "longevity" within it. “I’ve been so blessed because I’ve had such longevity.” Yet, though always a champion of the artistry, she has deep-rooted reservations about the artifice of celebrity. “I’m not a big red-carpet girl. But I love the work.”Basinger told the magazine she’d been suffering from agoraphobia and anxiety for a while, which played a role in how she dealt with her burgeoning renown. She needed to step away from the spotlight and cope with her mood disorders without relying on drugs on substances. “Now I wake up and enjoy life. I didn’t want to live on drugs. I wanted to face everything I was afraid of.” she says. How Kim Basinger Put Her Daughter Ireland Baldwin First@kimbasinger / InstagramKim Basinger may have left a slew of broken hearts in her wake (including musician Prince) but her marriage to Alec Baldwin was one of the more tumultuous relationships. Married for over a decade, the couple welcomed daughter Ireland to their family. But ultimately the '90s power couple broke up in and Basinger made her only child her absolute priority.The Georgia native disclosed part of the reason why she disappeared from the scene was to protect Ireland and give her structure and calm through the turbulence of a broken family. “She grew up in the limelight but I tried to provide stability and a quieter world.” Yet, it is crucial to note that despite Basinger's deliberate decision to limit her commitments, she never entirely retreated from the public eye. Over the course of the last 20 years, she maintained a steady presence in both television and film, appearing in a diverse range of productions, spanning from independent films to blockbuster hits such as Fifty Shades Darker, 8 Mile, and Charlie St. Cloud. What Does Kim Basinger Plan To Do Now?What is truly commendable about Basinger is her willingness to embrace and experience love in all its splendor. She has been dating her boyfriend, hairstylist Mitch Stone for nearly a decade, and together they lead a serene existence by the seaside, relishing each other’s company and shared passions. Over the years Basinger has cultivated a fondness for writing children's stories, discovering that it provides both a creative outlet and a means of personal therapy. “My boyfriend and I spend a lot of time in Hawaii, our favorite place on Earth. I have always loved writing and I'm getting more into it these days, especially children's books. The most important thing I do is work with four wonderful animal protection groups to help stop the cruelty that goes on in every country on this planet.”While Basinger does appreciate occasional retreats to the serenity of nature, she still looks forward to undertaking roles that intrigue her. “It's a very privileged position to be in. You get offers your whole life. They've never stopped, and I'm happy to say that I'm going back on the screen pretty soon myself,” she told Vulture magazine in 2021.Kim Basinger's DeterminationUltimately, as we eagerly await Basinger's future endeavors, we also need to applaud her courage and patience. Not everyone has the determination to walk away from a life of consistent work, success and fame, but Basinger made the decision to do so to suit her own needs. Basinger’s pathway demonstrates that not everyone wants to chase the same dreams, and that people have different definitions of peace and fulfillment. As long as you’re content in your own corner, and if you’re continuing to grow and learn and make new memories, you’re living the dream. Everyone has unique markers for success, and the sooner you recognize your own, the quicker you can start on your journey. MORE FROM GOALCAST:What Happened To Adrien Brody? The Promising Leading Man Who Mysteriously Left the SceneWhat Happened to Jenna Marbles, One of YouTube’s First Big Stars?What Happened to Josh Hartnett – The ’90s Bad Boy Who Vanished – And Why It’s Important

Brooke Shields Reveals The Horrors Of Her Child Modeling Days— And How She Thrived and Overcame
Celebrities

Brooke Shields Reveals The Horrors Of Her Child Modeling Days— And How She Thrived and Overcame

Brooke Shields is holding nothing back in her new documentary Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields.Although most people now recognize Shields as a charismatic and successful television actress with an air of old-school dignity, her early years in front of the camera were marked by shocking experiences. As a child model, she was subjected to intense scrutiny and sexualization that had a lasting impact on her life. Shields's breakthrough role was in the 1978 film Pretty Baby, where she portrayed Violet, a 12-year-old sex worker who is forced into a world of exploitation, drugs, and dysfunctional family dynamics.In a cruel case of life imitating art, Shields found herself thrust into the spotlight as a teenage superstar in the eighties, where she was once again subjected to widespread media objectification and harassment. Shields' latest Hulu documentary marks a significant step forward in her willingness to discuss her experiences, shedding light on her struggles and the steps she's taken to overcome them.Brooke Sheilds First Film Roles Catapulted Her to It Girl Status & ObjectificationIn her documentary Pretty Baby, Shields reveals she made her first appearance on camera at the startlingly young age of 11 months. From there, she was plunged into a turbulent vortex of the unpredictable Hollywood culture, where she found herself gracing the covers of numerous magazines and receiving offers purely based on her looks. RELATED: Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen: Why the Child Stars Who Became Business Icons DisappearedAt just 16, she posed on the cover of Time magazine, with the tagline “The ’80s look.” Shields notes in her documentary how she can’t believe how anyone thought it was appropriate to have just one teenager represent an entire decade. “I was on the cover of Time magazine as the face of that whole era. Who decides that?” she says. She also told New Yorker that Barbara Walters was discussing her “measurements” at one point. “There was nothing intellectual about it. You saw these adults, who were supposed to be the smart people in the world, be so lowest common denominator.”Reflecting on the Pretty Baby performance that catapulted her to fame, Shields recalls being oblivious to the controversy. But the memory of agonizing working conditions still lingers, like when she was forced to “wear antique shoes that lacerated her feet.”Co-star Susan Sarandon decided that they couldn’t “fake” a slap scene and Shields was “whacked” across the face for “nine consecutive takes.” At the tender age of 11, Shields recounts her first kiss which took place on film, with 29-year-old actor Keith Carradine.Following Pretty Baby, Shields was cast in 1980’s Blue Lagoon, where the film’s director allegedly “tried to engineer a real relationship between Shields and her 18-year-old co-star, Christopher Atkins.”She Was Sexually Assault by a Hollywood Producer in Her 20s@brookeshields/InstagramAside from her filmography, Shields rose to global fame through Calvin Klein commercials, uttering the now-famous line, "Nothing comes between me and my Calvins." Both ABC and CBS banned the shoot after deeming it too provocative. Shields acknowledges her cinematic roles were unconventional but it was the media's fixation on her that caused the most distress. “They’re shocking,” she told Vogue. “I felt more objectified and abused by [that],” says Shields. Despite the challenges that came with her celebrity status, the now 57-year-old Shields cherishes her time in the spotlight. She may have made some “non-thespian choices” just to afford certain practical necessities, like a car or an apartment. RELATED: How Hilary Duff Escaped The Child Star Curse–And The Other Battles She Had To FightThe most startling disclosure in the documentary was Shields' account of sexual assault after graduating from university. She met with a Hollywood “power player,” a studio executive who wanted to discuss film opportunities with her. Following their dinner, he requested she call a taxi from his hotel room.“He was right on me. It was just like wrestling,” she recalls in her documentary. She eventually froze and decided not to fight back in case he threatened her life. “God knows I knew how to be disassociated from my body. I’d practiced that.”Why Shields Chose to Come Forward and Share Her Story@brookeshields/InstagramAs with countless other survivors of sexual assault, Shields struggled to come to terms with her trauma and internalized feelings of guilt and responsibility for years after the incident. Her attacker manipulated her with a facade of trust and companionship, causing Shields to question her own role in the events that transpired. "It's such a tired cliché, it's almost pitiful," she reflects.The Lipstick Jungle actress says that it took a long time before she felt any semblance of “ownership” over her own existence. Despite the difficulty of revisiting her painful past, Shields felt compelled to speak her truth in the documentary, not only for her own healing but also to offer solace and solidarity to other women who have suffered similar experiences. “This story is not uncommon, with regard to abuse or objectification.” What Her Teen Daughters Think About Her Harrowing StoryThe mother-of-two once wrote a letter to her assailant, expressing how his actions had shattered her sense of trust. Fed up with feeling like a victim, she sought a way to break free from the cycle of sadness and pain. “I wanted to erase the whole thing from my mind and body and just keep on the path I was on,” she notes. Shields' experience of sexual assault left her with a deep sense of distrust towards the entertainment industry and a feeling of disappointment with the lack of resources available to survivors of such trauma. “So I just had to get stronger on my own,” she says. RELATED: Mariah Carey’s Parents: How the Pop Star’s Neglected Childhood Shaped Her LifeToday, as a mother of two teenage daughters, Shields recognizes the significance of building self-assurance, mental resilience, and personal boundaries. “It was interesting to see [my daughters] say what they felt about it. Their big issue was that I was my age. I was proud of them for being able to talk about all of [the documentary].” What Brooke Shields Teaches Us About Gaining Strength With Our Past@brookeshields/InstagramShields reflects on the attention she garnered during her teenage and young adult years and has come to accept that it was not her her fault. She was propelled into the scene, and although she found some aspects of it amusing, she was not a willing participant in the media circus. “At every step of the way, every time someone criticized, it so clearly became about them,” she said. As a result, Shields has learned to champion her abilities, assert her worth in public settings, and set clear limits.Brooke Shields' choice to share her story serves as a reminder that taking the time to reflect on your past can lead to healing and acceptance. Although life may be influenced by external forces, your strength can withstand any circumstance. It's never too late to delve into your past and come to terms with painful experiences. By doing so, you can gain new insights and understandings that can propel you forward on your path towards self-discovery and self-love.

Bruce Willis & Demi Moore's Unbreakable Bond Proves Love Doesn't End After Divorce – Even With a Dementia Diagnosis  
Celebrities

Bruce Willis & Demi Moore's Unbreakable Bond Proves Love Doesn't End After Divorce – Even With a Dementia Diagnosis  

A couple like no other in the world. Demi Moore and Bruce Willis have been divorced for over two decades, but they have done the impossible and remain as close as ever. Hollywood has seen its share of fairly ugly divorces where the private affairs of celebrities are scattered over the pages of tabloids. It’s an occupational hazard; it is not just their professional endeavors that attract media attention, it's the gossip of their private lives. However, every so often, you come across a divorce handled so thoughtfully and empathetically that you can’t help but look up to the couple. Just look at Moore and Willis: the pair tied the knot in 1987 and separated in 1998, having spent almost eleven years together as a couple. Yet, the love between them never ceased and has manifested in a multitude of ways in the years since. A Dementia Diagnosis That Could Have Shattered the FamilyThis little snippet reminds everyone how close Demi Moore has been with Bruce Willis in recent years. The two families got together to celebrate the actor's 68th birthday. The Die Hard actor retired on March 30, 2022, due to a condition recently diagnosed as frontotemporal dementia (FTD). This form of dementia is characterized by behavioral and language difficulties, gaps in expressive and receptive communication, and emotional apathy. There is no cure for the disease as of now. RELATED: These Celebrity Divorces Could Have Been Ugly — Here’s What We Can Learn From ThemThe statement announcing Willis’ diagnosis on February 16, 2023, also mentioned that Willis’ condition had “progressed,” but the family was relieved at having a “clear diagnosis.” The statement, published on The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration’s website, was intended to raise awareness about the implications of FTD and empower other people to seek out support if their loved ones were facing the same disorder. “We know in our hearts that – if [Willis] could today -- he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease,” the statement read. It was signed by all of Willis’ daughters, Emma Heming Willis (Bruce Willis' current wife), and Moore. Despite an Uncomfortable Marriage, They Made It Work as Co-Parents & Friends@brucewillisbw/InstagramThe way Moore rallied behind the actor in his time of need is nothing short of remarkable. Most people are not obligated to maintain a relationship with their ex-spouses, especially when they already have enough people in their lives to get them through the trying times. However, Moore has consistently defied expectations to be a pillar of comfort, care, and compassion to Willis, even when there had been friction between the two at the time of divorce. In Moore’s 2019 memoir Inside Out, the Ghost actress shared the details of her split from Willis and the incompatibility challenges they faced as a married couple. Over 12 years of marriage is not an insignificant period of time in the wacky world of showbiz, but they were not able to make their partnership work in the long run. Moore said that Willis had been “ambivalent” about her work, which she said he felt took her away from raising their daughters. Willis had also told her repeatedly that he was “unsure” about staying married to her and going the distance. RELATED: Chris Pratt’s Tragic Divorce Taught Him One Crucial Thing before Marrying Katherine SchwarzeneggerUltimately, Moore was “proud” about going through the divorce and keeping the proceedings as civil as possible. “I think Bruce was fearful at the beginning that I was going to make our split difficult, and that I would express my anger and whatever baggage that I had from our marriage by obstructing his access to the kids,” she wrote in her memoir. Thankfully, both parties kept quiet about their grievances and let the divorce unfold as smoothly as possible. Though it wasn’t easy at first, they were able to forge something new with the changing circumstances, managing to “move the heart of [their] relationship,” the same heart that fostered such a kind, loving environment for their young daughters. They came to feel “more connected than [they] did before the divorce,” the mom-of-three wrote in her memoir. Moore & Willis' Daughters Sing Their Praises & Commend Their Co-Parenting The love flowed from both sides. In a 2000 interview with Rolling Stone, shortly after their divorce, Wilis said that he still “loves” Moore and that they strive to work closely to co-parent their children and fulfill their “lifelong commitment” of parenthood. “Our friendship continues. The institution has been set aside,” he added. This was confirmed by their eldest daughter, Rumer, in 2015, when she said that she had a wonderful childhood and that there wasn’t any deficiency in how she and her siblings were brought up by Willis and Moore. “They always made an effort to do all of the family events still together and made such an effort to still have our family be as one unit, as opposed to two separate things, which I think really made an impact,” she told Larry King. RELATED: What Happened to Anna Marie Tendler After Her Divorce from John Mulaney?Even when Willis remarried, Moore continued to be by his side, going so far as to attend his wedding to Heming Willis. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Willis and Moore decided to quarantine together with their three daughters at the family's home in Hailey, Idaho. Rumer even posted a clip of the two dancing with each other, bobbing to a rhythm and laughing alongside their daughters. Scout Willis said about the social distancing arrangement, “It’s been really funny to have both of my parents in the house where they raised us, which has been really cute.”What Their Bond Teaches Us About Different Forms of Love@brucewillisbw/InstagramDemi Moore and Bruce Willis have set a shining example of how we can sensitively handle divorces and other taxing challenges in our lives. Those experiences are not always going to be pleasant, and they’re likely to dredge up all kinds of resentment, drama, and animosity. But if you take a moment to see the bigger picture and truly make an effort, you will be able to weather the storm. Love, respect, admiration, and care don’t have to come to an end after divorce.Moore and Willis prove that it's not just possible but rewarding for divorced couples to maintain a loving and caring relationship post-divorce. You might even find your love deepening after divorce, as you gain a new perspective and appreciation for your former partner.

How "Everything Everywhere All At Once” Went From Oddball Indie Flick to Big-Time Oscar Winner
Celebrities

How "Everything Everywhere All At Once” Went From Oddball Indie Flick to Big-Time Oscar Winner

A film that really has everything, everywhere, all at once, and then some!It’s safe to say that this breathtaking A24 production has captivated audiences like no other, leaving a trail of multiple Oscar awards and box office triumphs in its wake, while also inspiring its fair share of memes, reactions, and reenactments. Nobody ever expected the indie gem, Everything Everywhere All at Once to make such a cultural impact within such a short period. After all, it’s a movie chronicling the ups and downs of an Asian-American family against the backdrop of multiverses, existentialism and kung-fu action. RELATED: Michelle Yeoh’s Astounding First Oscar Win at 60 Makes History –There’s Always Time To Break Down BarriersBut its absurd wackiness underpins a message of hope and kindness, which makes it special. Everything Everywhere All At Once's success at the Oscars calls for a closer examination of its underdog tale and how it gradually ascended to widespread recognition. The film took home seven Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Editing, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress — almost everything (wink wink). The recent achievement reminds us that every creative idea has its payoff, and you have to keep hoping that your time to shine will arrive sooner rather than later. The 12-Year Process To Turn a Half-Baked Idea Into a RealityEverything Everywhere All At Once/IMDB What’s so incredible about this movie is that the directors and screenwriters at the helm of this extravaganza, Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, ruminated on their out-of-the-world concept for nearly 12 years. Nothing extraordinary takes a second; in fact, it can take years of ideation, calculation, revision, and collaboration. “And so it’s a very organic process. We never know where our ideas start and when they end, really. It’s about the accumulation, that snowball effect that a single idea can have sometimes,” Kwan told Deadline recently. RELATED: ‘Black Panther’ Director Shares Heartfelt Letter on Twitter, Gives Us All a Lesson in Positive LeadershipBefore EEAAO, their filmography included the music video for "Turn Down For What" and the Daniel Radcliffe-led black comedy Swiss Army Man. So, it goes without saying that the unforeseen triumph of their latest venture surpassed their wildest expectations. Speaking about how the film was received at the SXSW festival in March 2022, Scheinert says, “The reception still humbled us and freaked us out. And it was the first time we got a taste of just how much people resonated with the emotional side of the movie, not just the action.”What grounds the emotional basis of the narrative is Michelle Yeoh’s career-defining performance as Evelyn Wang: a frazzled, overwhelmed laundromat owner going through the wringer on all fronts. Not only is she facing an IRS investigation into her business, but her relationship with her daughter is strained and her marriage is on the brink of collapse. Adding to her troubles, she is currently being pursued by an elusive villain who wields influence over parallel universes. Obviously, the narrative is intricate and multi-faceted and quite a bit surreal, but, according to the Daniels, there is a truth holding together all the motions — that is, the generational gap between Evelyn and her daughter Joy. The Unprecedented Box Office Success & Why It Matters for Asian-AmericansEverything Everywhere All At Once/IMDB The status quo rarely positions middle-aged women as the center of the action, much less middle-aged Asian women. However, the Daniels had known from the beginning they would focus on this demographic as their driving force. “We always knew the film was going to be about generations, that gap that happens with every generation, because it felt like a really perfect way to explore the multiverse…” says Kwan.Thankfully, their labor of love astounded people across the board, garnering widespread recognition from both the masses and the critics. It grossed more than $107 million globally, making it A24's top-grossing movie of all time, and the first to exceed the $100 million milestone, surpassing Hereditary (2018). IGN reported that the film recently earned the distinction of being the most-awarded film of all time. So far it has received a total of 156 accolades from leading critics' groups and award organizations, including nominations and wins for the ensemble cast featuring Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, Stephanie Hsu, and Jamie Lee Curtis.A Pop Culture Phenomenon Amidst a Sea of Unoriginal, Formulaic FranchisesEverything Everywhere All At Once/IMDBThere is no doubt that Everything Everywhere All At Once has become a cultural phenomenon — an endeavor so exceptional in scale that it will be revered and commemorated in the years to come. But the question remains as to how such a bonkers, offbeat idea from an indie creative team turned into an award-season juggernaut competing against the likes of studio franchises and traditional Oscar ‘bait.’ Well, it seems that there is a lot of power in the word of mouth. With the movie industry saturated by well-known superhero spectacles, it’s frankly refreshing to watch a movie that’s about original characters in an original universe deploying original thematic elements to drive story and character development. RELATED: Sean Penn Loaned One of His Oscars To Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy – For a Touching ReasonThere is also the case of the COVID-19 pandemic impacting what viewers are finding engaging and relatable. The chain of events portrayed in the movie comes from a place of self-reflection and the decisions we make, which shape us into the person we are today. The film also encompasses themes of infinite universes, all of which are determined by the paths we take. Though this has been explored before in cinema, Everything Everything All At Once turns the trope on its head and treads upon entire new territory with its motifs of everything bagels, buttplugs, hot dog fingers, and the truly unpredictable. How EEAAO Changed The Lives Of Its Central CastFinally, the film must receive credit for rejuvenating the careers of the parties involved. Before the movie’s release, perhaps only Jamie Lee Curtis among the cast could realistically be called ‘superstar.' But over the past year, Yeoh, Hsu, and Huy Quan have been catapulted into stardom and shown no signs of slowing down. When asked about the success of EEAAO, Yeoh says, “What I found so beautiful was, [the movie] was giving a voice to a very ordinary woman, aging immigrant woman, who's never really had a voice before,” Meanwhile, Huy Quan has just been grateful for the opportunity to get back on the screen, since he’d well and truly believed that his days as an actor were behind him. “It was a role that I thought was written for me, and I was just so excited [...] I felt whatever that was missing all those years. ... All of a sudden I felt like I was back where I needed to be,” he told NPR. Everything Everywhere All At Once’s Oscar glory is an example of working harder as well as smarter for your dreams. It only takes one project to transform everyone’s lives around and propel them toward victory, and that’s exactly what the Daniels managed to do for the EEAAO cast and the crew. Sometimes you don’t need big bucks or powerful connections to make magic happen; all you need is an innovative idea that comes from within, something that’s not masked by ulterior motives or greed or money. It’s about making a connection with someone else and introducing them to a weird, wild, and wonderful world.

Michelle Yeoh’s Astounding First Oscar Win at 60 Makes History –There’s Always Time To Break Down Barriers
Celebrities

Michelle Yeoh’s Astounding First Oscar Win at 60 Makes History –There’s Always Time To Break Down Barriers

There’s no stopping Michelle Yeoh. Not only did Yeoh claim her first Oscar win for the hit film Everything Everywhere All At Once, but she did it while making history as the first Asian woman to win Best Actress.The actress has been on a winning streak over the past year — surfing from one high to another with no signs of slowing down. She’s been an actor for nearly 40 years, but it’s taken the stratospheric success of Everything Everywhere All At Once to catapult her to a new height of fame and recognition. Her tremendous performance as Evelyn, an Asian-American immigrant mother struggling to make ends meet, was an absolute revelation — a burst of fireworks that finally uncovered her exceptional talent and charisma to the rest of the world.RELATED: Watch 10 of the Most Inspiring Oscars Speeches of All TimeThankfully, she’s no longer in the shadows; it’s her moment, and all we can do as spectators is embrace her journey. From Hong Kong martial arts films to Hollywood favorites like James Bond and The Mummy, she’s been making an impact since the very beginning. However, her road is paved with obstacles, and she’s not hesitant in raising awareness about biases she’s encountered throughout her career. Michelle Yeoh's Oscar Acceptance Speech@michelleyeoh_official/Instagram Yeoh took the stage to deliver a touching speech with advice to never give up on your dreams. She dedicated her win to “the Asian community and anyone who has ever been identified as a minority.”“For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities. This is proof — dream big and dreams do come true. And ladies, don’t let anybody tell you you’re ever past your prime.”After 40 years in Hollywood, Yeoh is finally receiving the recognition she deserves, but it wasn’t an easy road. “I kung fu’d it out and shattered it, and we need this because there are so many who felt unseen, unheard.” A Career That Began in Martial Arts & Fighting Against the ‘Boys'Shang chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings/marvel StudiosHer unrelenting triumphs remind us we must not let up in our efforts for change. The wait may be long, but the outcome is most certainly worth it. What’s so admirable about Yeoh’s journey is that she’s never let rejection or doubt derail her vision. This is a woman who has been so assured about her abilities from the onset that she continued to strive and strive until the right opportunity came her way. In this case, it was Everything Everything All At Once, but even if the movie hadn’t received the acclaim it did, Yeoh would have carved out something else to lift her up. RELATED: Lady Gaga’s Relatable Oscar Acceptance Speech Offers a Powerful Lesson in AuthenticityDiscrimination and being underestimated have sadly featured at every junction in her professional trajectory. In the eighties, as she started out in the male-dominated Hong Kong film industry, men viewed her with distrust and a touch of fear. “They literally folded their arms, stood back and watched me. ‘This little thing wants to do all this?’” she told The Guardian. But the former Miss Malaysia didn’t let up: she kept up with the men and oftentimes surpassed them in the gym, training day and night until she was satisfied with her progress. Yeoh Steps Up to the Marriage PlateAlbert L. Ortega / Getty ContributorThough she went to London in her late teens to study dance, a back injury at 16 shattered her dreams of being a ballerina. She realized that she needed to transfer her acrobatic “energy” into a different craft, and so, action movies were the answer. However, there wasn't digital technologies and clever stunt choreography back in the day — actors had to roll up their sleeves and do the stunts themselves if they wanted any kind of credibility in the business. And so, Yeoh did what she needed to do. “Once she leaped from a speeding van onto a convertible, bounced off the windshield, and nearly died tumbling onto the pavement,” wrote Town and Country Mag. In 1988, she retired from acting to marry producer Dickson Poon. “It wasn’t a hard decision,” she said about leaving her thriving career behind at its peak, “because I saw marriage as a full existence. Her logic was fairly simple: “I couldn’t be running around all over the world jumping off buildings if I was going to give my marriage 100%.” The marriage didn’t work out, and they divorced in 1992. Noticed by Tarantino & Moving up Into HollywoodBy the mid-90s, the Crouching Tiger star was exploring making a foray into Hollywood. Funnily enough, she was inspired to do so by Quentin Tarantino, who initially took a liking to her work as a video clerk and martial arts enthusiast and later visited her in Hong Kong while screening Pulp Fiction. She was allegedly considered for the lead in Kill Bill but ultimately lost out to Uma Thurman. About the rejection, she said, “I go forward, because life is about moving forward.”RELATED: What the ‘Devil’ Did Denzel Tell Will Smith at the Oscars (And Why You Need to Hear It, Too)Still, the drive to keep working and building her filmography bit by bit was a taxing endeavour, especially when you’re told you’re not good enough by so many people. In Yeoh’s case, she experienced contempt not only due to her being Asian but also for being an ‘older’ woman who could seemingly be classified only as a ‘grandmother’ when it came to casting and promoting. It seems like the numbers go up, and these things go narrow, and then you start getting relegated to the side more and more. So when Everything Everywhere came…it was very emotional because this means that you are the one who’s leading this whole process, who’s telling the story,” she said in the Los Angeles Times’s The Envelope podcast. Being Told to Retire & Never Listening to Her CriticsEverything Everywhere All at OnceMany people told her to call it quits and retire, believing that she’d already reached the ceiling of what she could realistically achieve. Yet Yeoh kept persisting, her response simply being: “No, do not tell me what to do.”Her choice to do Everything Everything All At Once was driven by the paradoxical nature of her character. Although Evelyn may appear to be an unremarkable mother one might see in a supermarket, she has lived a thousand lives in infinite universes, similar to a superhero. “At the end of the day, it’s to remind us that, you know what? All of us puny humans, we do have a superpower, which is called kindness,” she said regarding the film’s thematic center. RELATED: Sacheen Littlefeather Was ‘Shocked’ by Her Oscars Apology – Her Response Was More SurprisingIn discussing her slow but steady rise to the public consciousness, Yeoh credits Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon for their pioneering efforts in promoting the visibility and recognition of women of a certain age across film and television. “Because they are not going to wait at the sidelines. Because they saw that coming as well,” she said in the podcast. Even the box-office records of Everything Everywhere prove that audiences, in fact, do want to see older women kicking butt, but the studio executives often don’t know better. So it comes down to the women themselves. “You have to be smart about it. And if you don't make it happen and you wait, then you could be waiting for a very long time,” she said. Michelle Yeoh’s Long Road Is a Lesson in Not Taking No for an Answer@michelleyeoh_official | Instagram Needless to say, Yeoh has been bombarded with enticing offers on the heels of Everything Everywhere. Not to mention an extraordinary award season that’s enabled her to travel across the globe and be honored for her illustrious career. She also scored her first Oscar win at 60 - a feat many actors can only hope to accomplish. In a world that often discriminates against individuals on the basis of race, gender, and age, Yeoh has been a trailblazer in breaking down barriers and forging a path for herself. Despite facing numerous setbacks and obstacles, she has always maintained a positive attitude and remained committed to her goals. As she puts it, "I think failures and mistakes factor into who you are, and make you who you are."RELATED: Sean Penn Loaned One of His Oscars To Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy – For a Touching ReasonRather than letting these failures define us, we need to use them as an opportunity to learn and grow. At the end of the day, a positive attitude and commitment to excellence is really the recipe we need to follow in pursuing our own dreams. Though the road appears long and dark and full of twists and turns, it will get us where we want to.

Colin Farrell's Shocking Transformation From Hollywood Bad Boy To 'Dad Of The Year' Will Move You To Tears
Celebrities

Colin Farrell's Shocking Transformation From Hollywood Bad Boy To 'Dad Of The Year' Will Move You To Tears

*Top right Image: Colin Farrell and son Henry Tadeusz Farrell at the 2023 OscarsWho had ‘Colin Farrell resurgence’ in their 2023 bingo card?If they did, it’s time to cash in. This is truly the year of the comeback kid, stars like Michelle Yeoh, The Goonies child star Ke Huy Quan, and even Jamie Lee Curtis (though she has never been far from the spotlight) are making their names for Oscar nods. And Colin Farrell has joined the team with his latest Oscar nomination for Best Actor in his performance in The Banshees of Inisherin.Indeed, the Irish actor has had one of the most intriguing trajectories of any performer in show business — over the last 20 years, he has gone from the epitome of the classic Hollywood ‘bad boy’ archetype to a sweet, gentle, and empathetic figure that contemporaries today can’t sing enough praises of. Many modern audiences might question this characterization, but Farrell was truly a troublemaker back in the day: drug addictions, alcoholism, sex tapes, murder investigations, wild parties, disruptive behavior on set, beautiful women hanging on his arms at all times— he had no limits. His twenties represented the sheer decadence of the Hollywood lifestyle, which, if left unchecked, can lead to self-destruction and even death. Sure, it was evident to everyone that Farrell was brimming with natural charisma and talent, but if he couldn’t control his off-screen disposition, it’d have been all for naught. However, something thankfully shifted in the later aughts, and Farrell turned the corner and impossibly started to find his way back to sobriety and stability.An Alcoholic Since His Teens, Colin Farrell Nearly Died In his 20sAs Colin Farrell earns universal acclaim for his role in The Banshees of Inisherin, we must remember that the ‘Colinnaissance’ has, in fact, been years in the making. The In Bruges checked into rehab for the first time in 2006, sharing later that his substance abuse had gotten “out of control” as he had developed a high tolerance over the last 16 years. “It accumulated to the point where I couldn’t put my foot on the brake anymore,” he told Craig Ferguson. He started drinking at 14 and never stopped up until that point; that’s when he realized that a change was in the cards and that he’d have to work hard to fight for his survival. “It was a tough life change, and I was dying. I’m one of the lucky ones,” he said. RELATED: Bella Hadid’s Toxic Relationship with Alcohol Is a Lesson for Immediate ChangeDuring the peak of his addiction, Farrell stated that he would engage in binge drinking with his companions, subsequently returning home to use heroin, smoke marijuana, and consume whiskey. He even admitted to having contemplated traveling to New York to acquire heroin and “shoot up” until his death. The drug abuse wasn’t the only aggressor; it also facilitated an environment in which Farrell deliberately lied to his loved ones about his mental health. He was a roguish, bull-headed womanizer who would do quite literally anything to avoid accountability and blame. “The amount of energy you have to put in and the amount of lies you have to tell to keep a drug habit alive, it’s fairly significant. Your whole life is a lie,” he told Details magazine in November 2012. Becoming A Dad Changed His LIfe For The BetterWhile Farrell was going about his hard-partying ways, uncontrollable and devastating everything in his path, he welcomed his first child, son James Padraig, with then-girlfriend Kim Bordenave in 2003. For the first few years of the boy’s life, Farrell was hesitant to clean up his act. Thankfully, with time, he realized that he needed to be a proper ‘dad’ to his young one; he simply couldn’t be a ‘friend’ in this case. “I had this little baby who didn’t need a best friend — who needed a dad,” the star stated in a 2009 interview with Lorraine. “So, that was a big turning point. He was about 2 when I got sober.” In 2008, Farrell became a father for the second time, when his girlfriend, Polish actress Alicja Bachleda-Curuś, gave birth to a son whom they named Henry Tadeusz. The two split up shortly after but continued to co-parent their child. RELATED: Monica Lewinsky’s Overwhelmingly Kind Look at the World 25 Years LaterThe Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them hasn’t looked back since. He embraced fatherhood in full force, grabbing the reins with steadfast determination to fight for the well-being and happiness of his family. Even then, his road was paved with obstacles. His son James was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Angelman syndrome (AS), a condition that is characterized by seizures, jerky movements, sleeping problems, and developmental disability. It has no cure.The Hardships & Victories Of Caring For A Child WIth Special NeedsThe 46-year-old opened up about the struggles of raising a child with special needs in a candid interview with InStyle, stating that though the journey has been a roller coaster ride, nothing prepared him for the love and motivation he found in being a father to his James. Farrell said, "I nearly broke in half" when James, now 19, took his first steps, as every small victory is worth celebrating. He added, "We share in the smallest victories; the first words at age six or seven, being able to feed oneself at 19, and getting the seizures under control.”RELATED: Netflix’s ‘How to Change Your Mind’ Says Drugs Are the Answer – Are They Right?Farrell has since become a spokesperson for the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome (FAST), raising awareness while empowering other families affected by the disorder. He said, "When you're the parent of a child with special needs, it's important to feel that you're not alone.” He also supports numerous non-profits focused on the differently-abled community. In fact, it was at the Special Olympics in Shanghai in 2007 that Farrell decided to talk publicly about the pride and joy he had in his son. He said, "He has enriched my life, but I don't want to minimize the trials that so many families go through; the fear, consternation, frustration, and pain."Colin Farrell's Phenomenal Career Rejuvenation After Stint In RehabBanshees of InisherinIIMDBAs it turns out, Farrell’s life-changing stint in rehab didn’t just do wonders for his personal health and domestic sphere— it thoroughly transformed his motivation as an actor. To begin with, he wasn’t even sure whether he’d continue to act, as he had become tedious of himself and his success. He no longer wanted to do surface-level projects that required the minimum of him; instead, he wanted to dig deep into his characters and test himself as an actor. RELATED: Fitness Saved Her From Addiction and Homelessness, So She Opened a Gym to Help Others Stay SoberThis led him to take on roles in films such as In Bruges, Pride and Glory, and Cassandra's Dream. Through this transition, Farrell found joy in stepping out of his comfort zone and proving to himself and others that he was capable of more than just action roles. Today, the Irishman encourages other actors to also seek out new and challenging roles, even if they may initially seem wrong for them, as it leads to a more fulfilling and dynamic career. “There's great enjoyment in stepping into the world of the unknown creatively if you get a chance to. It's very easy to get in a rut and do stuff - if you're lucky enough to get the opportunity - that you are familiar with,” he told Life! in 2014. Yet, despite the breadth and brilliance of his on-screen work, fatherhood has been his most incredible achievement by far. "Don't get me wrong, I know I'm one of the fortunate people who gets a certain amount of meaning from my work," he said in an interview with OK! Magazine. "But being a dad to these two boys is the most difficult, the most rewarding, the most meaningful, and the most consequential thing that I will ever do by far.” What Colin Farrell's Journey Teaches Us About RedemptionFor much of his life, he circled the drain, consuming everything in his path and leaving behind a trail of destruction and devastation. It affected not only him but his loved ones, relationships, and future opportunities. Had he persisted, he’d have faced financial ruin, physical and mental health deterioration, and possibly death. However, in his darkest moment, Farrell found his purpose. With fatherhood as his North Star, he navigated the treacherous waters of sobriety and emerged victorious, a better man for facing his demons head-on. RELATED: Kate Hudson Reveals How She Successfully Co-parents With 3 Different Dads Of course, sobriety doesn’t come easy. In 2018, Farrell checked into a rehabilitation center as a preventative measure, with a source mentioning, “He's been sober 12 years and wanted to do this to make sure he stays that way.” Farrell understands that his position requires a daily commitment to self-improvement and self-control, as the temptation to relapse is always lurking in the shadows. Who would have thought that Colin Farrell, once known for his wild and destructive ways, would make a comeback as one of the most respected and acclaimed actors of his generation? But that's exactly what he's done, and it serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how deep the hole we find ourselves in, it's never too late to change our lives for the better.Farrell's journey to sobriety and stability was not an easy one. He struggled with addiction for years, and it nearly consumed him. But he didn't give up, he didn't let his demons win. Instead, he looked to his family, specifically his children, as the motivation he needed to turn his life around. The road to sobriety is never easy, it's a daily fight, but it's worth it. Farrell's story is a testament to the power of determination, self-control, and the love of family. It's a story of redemption and hope, that no matter how far we've fallen, we can always pick ourselves up and start again. So, if you're in a dark place, remember Colin Farrell's journey, and let it be a source of inspiration to you that change is possible, and a brighter future is within reach.

The Empowering Truth Behind John Cena and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's Feud
Celebrities

The Empowering Truth Behind John Cena and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's Feud

What is it about professional wrestling that propels its most prominent players towards movie stardom?It may seem fairly unexceptional at the moment, but it wasn’t too long ago that a jump from a rough-and-tumble fighting gig to a feted career in Hollywood made you a laughing stock in both arenas. Some notable examples of this occurrence include Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and John Cena, both of whom essentially invented the blueprint for this type of professional trajectory. Hardcore wrestling aficionados are no strangers to the two’s long-standing rivalry, which has continued in some form or the other for nearly twenty years.The feud, of course, erupted in the ring, where they spent years ostensibly trash-talking each other to drum up excitement and publicity for their showdowns. However, even as Dwayne and John Cena went on to gain respectable footing in the entertainment industry, the feud didn’t appear to subside, and perhaps may have even worsened. John Cena Admits he Was “Stupid” for Badmouthing The Rock’s Acting Career(George Napolitano/FilmMagic)Dwayne had been the first among the two to end his contract with WWE to pursue full-time acting. As such, John Cena took full advantage of his rival’s departure to make jabs about his emerging film career. This particularly rings hypocritical to our modern sensibilities as we now know John Cena shortly followed in The Rock’s footsteps to carve out his own place within Hollywood. However, back in the early 2010s, John had no idea that he would go on to emulate his greatest adversary. John went on a radio interview in 2010 and condemned Dwayne’s decision to abandon wrestling, given how he claimed to love the sport so much. “Explain to me why he can’t come back for an anniversary show, why he can’t make an appearance at WrestleMania. Simply put, it’s because he wants to be an actor,” he said. The proud Massachusettsian accused The Rock of actively prioritizing his movie aspirations over the bustling wrestling scene. They were insinuations that The Rock was slighting his legion of old-school fans by opting for the glamorous riches of Tinsel Town. “Don’t f*** me around and tell me that you love [wrestling] when you’re just doing it to do something else,” said John Cena. Eventually, The Rock returned to the ring as the host of WrestleMania XXVII to face Cena. As one can imagine, John didn’t miss a beat in viciously tearing at his nemesis. “Fashion advice from the Tooth Fairy,” he yelled out during the prolific clash, referring to Dwayne’s 2010 film. In another WrestleMania face-off, John said The Rock’s best stuff is “either pre-recorded or via satellite,” adding that he’s a “vodka-mixer and a Corvette away from a mid-life crisis.” John clearly didn’t hold back. Reflecting on the heated confrontation, John expressed regret at launching such a harsh, pointed attack on The Rock’s flourishing film career. “It was stupid of me. It genuinely was,” he admitted, adding that his brazenness had been a result of his limited perspective. He’d been oblivious to The Rock’s laborious journey in film, so he pounced on low-hanging fruit and decided to blast the WWE superstar. For me to not be able to see Dwayne’s vision on what he wanted to do personally, and how his personal success could affect a growing global brand, that was just ignorant on my part.John Cena to Sports Illustrated He acknowledged that he had had “blinders” on when he lambasted The Rock for not showing up at high-profile WWE events, as if the Jumanji actor was committing an eternal sin by keeping a low profile and fine-tuning his craft. John simply had been so immersed in the idea of the dedicated fighter, someone who lives and breathes wrestling at every instance, that the possibility of a wrestling champion forgoing his so-called duties seemed nothing short of a betrayal. John is Now "Thankful" to The Rock for the Opportunities He's Had in HollywoodHowever, as a fledgling actor himself, John Cena understands the struggle to break away from your principal identity and establish a name for yourself in an entirely dissimilar environment. That’s why he’s changed his stance on Dwayne’s commitment to acting; instead, he has nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for Dwayne. In a way, Dwayne laid the foundation for how pro-wrestlers can shine in other spheres, and so John Cena will remain forever indebted to The Rock for the way he blazed a trail for wrestlers in cinema. Cena said that he wouldn’t have half the opportunities he does today had it not been for Rock’s contribution to cinema. He’s “thankful” to Dwayne, and he is incredibly appreciative of Dwayne’s determination in breaking stereotypes and showing the world that pro-wrestlers can be more than pro-wrestlers, that they have the capacity to create intuitive art that can stir emotions as effectively as the explosive battles in the ring. I’m very thankful to Dwayne Johnson. His success has gotten me a lot of opportunities that I’m extremely thankful for, and certainly wouldn’t have without him [...] I think his biggest accomplishment is to be one of the bricks that break the wall of the stereotype that we have.John Cena to Sports Illustrated The most ironic detail about the wrestling-to-acting transition is that both fields are strikingly similar to one another. The element of theatricality is endemic to WWE, and the level of showmanship is second to none. So it’s no surprise that these retired wrestlers seem to excel in the movie business; they know what it takes to adhere to a script and tap into their innermost emotions to elicit drama. Yet, John Cena should still be commended for putting aside the competitive impulses and showering his contemporary with such high praise. There’s a tremendous amount of self-aggrandizing and animosity associated with WWE, and as planned and ‘artificial’ as the exchanges seem, it’s still quite out of the ordinary to see the fighters get along. It’s not from one side, either; Dwayne has gone on record to share that he considers John Cena one of his “best friends,” adding that they talk all the time and that he’s always rooting for him to win, either it’s in the ring or on the screen. Judgment Only Limits Our Potential It took John Cena an awfully long period of time to realize that he’d been restricting his own potential by vehemently judging The Rock’s motivations. Yes, you could argue that most of their ringside tirades were motivated by WWE publicity tactics, but there is no doubt that John Cena held unfair assumptions about The Rock and his decision to venture into film. Instead of spending our energies on judging and shaming others for how they choose to pursue their life, we should remain open-minded and presume everyone has their own reasons for doing what they do. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to mimic their actions, but as long as you harbor a reasonable level of curiosity, you’ll be able to unlock your full potential and discover truths about your talent and work ethic.

How Vanessa Hudgens’ Romance With "Elvis" Actor Austin Butler Teaches Us to Handle Failed Expectations
Celebrities

How Vanessa Hudgens’ Romance With "Elvis" Actor Austin Butler Teaches Us to Handle Failed Expectations

Vanessa Hudgens is finally growing up. In many cases, growth doesn’t occur when we turn 18 and venture out into the world on our own. We’ve seen with former child actors how hard it is to lose sight of innocence when you’ve been thrown into the showbiz jungle of fame, impulses, and excess wealth. As a result, you miss out on the standard milestones of growth and development, and therefore have to rely on unusual markers to guide yourself. RELATED: How Dolly Parton Saved Miley Cyrus’ Life in Her Darkest HourThough Hudgens has done relatively well in maintaining good behavior amid the countless temptations, she still hasn’t achieved the goals she had laid out for herself before commencing her journey. At 33, she had hoped to be married to someone, with a couple of kids in tow. However, reality dealt her something else, and she’s taken those experiences in stride and reframed her perspective on love. Her growth speaks volumes about how we need to adjust our expectations in tandem with our changing conditions. How Vanessa Hudgens Is Dealing With Missing Out On Important Milestones In a recent profile with Shape magazine, the Tick, Tick... Boom! actress digs deeps into the milestones she’s set up for herself at a young age.As her mother had tied the knot at the age of 25, she thought she’d follow suit and begin her happily-ever-after by the same token. However, as Hudgens soon learned, it’s not possible for two people to have exactly the same markers of happiness. Her self-imposed deadline came and passed, and she realized marriage was ultimately not on her horizon in her twenties. “That didn’t happen,” she said honestly, as her long-term relationships with actors Zac Efron and "Elvis" star Austin Butler fell through by the time she hit her thirties. Hudgens and Butler dated for over eight years before their split in 2020. The two cited 'distance and scheduling' to the break.Hudgens has also spoken out on the moment she realized her then-boyfriend should play Elvis after hearing a song on the radio, "I was like, babe, you need to play Elvis. I don’t know how, but I’m serious. You need to play him.”RELATED: This Woman Found Out Her Ex-Boyfriend Is Dating Lady Gaga: Her Reaction Will Surprise YouHowever, Hudgens isn’t deterred by the vision that didn’t pan out, as she’s in a better place than she could have ever imagined. “Where I am now is better than I could have dreamed of. My relationship with myself is something I value deeply, even if things don’t always go the way I expected,” she told the outlet. She’s been dating baseball player Cole Tucker since 2020, and the pair are not rushing their romance; they want to live each and every moment and adequately define what is healthy and satisfying for them as a couple, as opposed to what society determines is appropriate. “He’s just kind of perfect for me. I am [happy]. I really am,” she said. The two met during the pandemic in a Zoom meditation session, a “random” first meeting that inadvertently turned into something more. The Healthy Relationships She's Built With Athlete Cole TuckerSince getting together, the two have been proudly showing off their love on social media, from Hudgens visiting her man’s baseball games to Tucker accompanying his girlfriend to movie premieres. Speaking about what enabled them to get closer, Hudgens told Entertainment Tonight, “It's just easy. We're like the same person, very much the same person, but with different interests,” she said. They’re also quite “goofy” with each other, which means every day is a blast, and they’re continuing to have tons of fun with each other. RELATED: Best Dating Quotes to Keep You Motivated in Your Search for LoveAs for what’s next for the lovebirds? Insiders told US Magazine that while they’re not thinking about marriage at the moment, Tucker is a ‘romantic’ who does hope to get down on one knee in the near future. Despite their busy schedules, they make an effort to see each other as much as possible and value their time together. The source added that they are supportive of each other's careers and understand the need for space, but they also miss each other when they are apart.Hudgens, for her part, doesn’t want to jump into anything she isn’t ready for. The High School Musical star spoke about facing a critical wake-up call at the age of 27, a quarter-life crisis of sorts where she realized that she didn’t know anything about herself or what she wanted. Hudgens turned to shadow work therapy to ask herself difficult questions and connect with her inner self, ultimately leading her to reimagine her personal and professional limits and take control of how much of her life she shares with the world. Through this process, Hudgens has also learned the value of setting boundaries and taking control of her own narrative, as she has experienced "two very long life-changing relationships" that have shaped her. Now, as she savors her thirties, Hudgens is embracing the journey and all that it has taught her. She states that everyone has “ideas” about their future and how they want their life to end up, but “if they don't happen, then there's a reason why,” stated Hudgens. She has embraced learning in all its forms and is incredibly grateful for her current state of affairs, no matter what it looks like from the outside. Hudgens' Realization Is A Conscious Effort In Accepting Your RealitySeeing how Hudgens, in many ways, has had to begin ‘from scratch’ with Tucker, she’s adjusted her expectations accordingly, now hoping to grow her family by her late 30s. Of course, no one can predict the trajectory of your life, so you try your best to meet those objectives in the most sensible way possible. RELATED: Three Women Discover They’re Dating The Same Man – What Happens Next Is ShockingToday, Vanessa Hudgens has embraced a new mindset in which she is confident and self-assured and is not bothered by the opinions of others. She has learned the importance of setting boundaries and living with them, seeing them as simply a part of life rather than an ominous presence. At the end of the day, Hudgens is not locked into any strict timelines as she is merely going with the flow, trusting in her own divine timing. “When you're fully accepting of who you are, and you stop trying to suppress pieces of yourself, you can conquer the world,” she told Shape. Vanessa Hudgen's JourneyVanessa Hudgens’ journey tells us that learning to live with failed expectations and still loving oneself can be a challenging journey, but it is worth your time if you’re invested in personal growth and self-acceptance. It is natural to have expectations for ourselves and our lives, but it is essential to remember that things don't always go as planned, which is okay. RELATED: Jennifer Coolidge’s Shocking Truth on Dating After “American Pie” – And Why It’s So GoodRather than letting failed expectations bring her down, Hudgens chooses to focus on the things that bring her joy and value and work towards building a life that makes her happy. We must practice self-compassion and self-love just like her, even when things don't go as we hoped. By embracing our imperfections and learning to live with failed expectations, we can find peace and happiness within ourselves.KEEP READING: How Miley Cyrus Repaired Her Relationship With Billy Ray Cyrus