Entertainment Daypop Archives

Former Law & Order actress Diane Neal is seeking a new role– as representative of a congressional district in upstate New York. Neal, 42, appeared on the original L&O, once the longest-running crime drama on American primetime. From 2001-2012, she played Assistant District Attorney Casey Novak on Law & Order: SVU, now in its 19th season. More recently, in 2015, Neal appeared on NCIS: New Orleans, The Following and Blue Bloods. Neal launched her campaign for the 19th Congressional District, where she has lived for four years. She announced her independent candidacy in February. Seven candidates are vying for the Democratic nomination, but Neal is running as an independent.... [Read Full Story]

Isabela Moner will take on the title role in the live-action feature film “Dora the Explorer,” Paramount Players announced earlier this week. The film will be based on the animated series of the same name. It will follow a teenage version of Dora, as she goes on an adventure with her best friend, a monkey named Boots, and her cousin Diego. Moner recently starred in “Transformers: The Last Knight” with Mark Wahlberg and Anthony Hopkins. She also previously voiced the character Kate in the 2014 animated spinoff “Dora and Friends: Into the City!” and was the lead in Nickelodeon comedy series “100 Things to Do Before High School.” The original animdated “Dora the Explorer” series premiered on Nickelodeon in 2000, featuring Dora as a 7-year-old Latina who travels the world. The live-action film will be shot in Queensland, Australia, and is expected to be released in theaters on Aug. 2, 2019.... [Read Full Story]

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The Handmaid’s Tale has been renewed for a third season. Hulu announced the news on Wednesday, following the drama series’ record-breaking season two premiere last week, which doubled in viewership. The Handmaid’s Tale is based on the 1985 Margaret Atwood novel of the same name. The dystopian series has been massively successful since it’s season one debut in April 2017, scoring eight Primetime Emmy Awards, and making history as the first series ever on a streaming video on-demand service to nab both an Emmy and Golden Globe for Best Drama Series.... [Read Full Story]

Netflix will debut a re-cut edition of Arrested Development season 4 that at last puts the fragmented story in chronological order. Arrested Development creator Mitchell Hurwitz heard the complaints of fans about season 4 and promised a re-cut version that would put the episodes in chronological order. Now, as revealed on the Arrested Development Twitter, that re-cut is ready to come to Netflix. Hurwitz’s season 4 do-over goes by the title Arrested Development Season 4 Remix: Fateful Consequences. The re-worked season debuts on Netflix on Friday, May 4. ... [Read Full Story]

Mariah Carey announced on Monday that she would return to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for a new residency, “The Butterfly Returns,” beginning in July and extending through September. The Colosseum was home to Carey’s previous Vegas show, “Mariah #1 to Infinity,” which lasted from 2015-2017. The announcement comes on the heels of Carey sharing her struggle with bipolar disorder. Carey has also been teasing new music on social media, promising an album release later this year.  Tickets for “The Butterfly Returns” go on sale this Friday. More information can be found on Carey’s website.... [Read Full Story]

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s latest #Hamildrop picks up the pace with “First Burn,” which Manuel confirmed in a tweet is “a first draft” of the Hamilton track “Burn,” is packed with features from Arianna Afsar, Julia Harriman, Lexi Lawson, Rachelle Ann Go and Shoba Narayan. Each of these singers had at one point played the part of Eliza in the show across the U.K. and United States. “It’s different, but it’s a mood” tweeted Miranda about the tune that dropped Monday morning (April 30). “First Burn” is upbeat and rhythmic, with each Eliza adding her unique flair to the three-minute track.  Check out the track in the article below.... [Read Full Story]

Nickelodeon announced that the classic 1980s and ’90s game show Double Dare is set to return to the network this summer with 40 new episodes. Originally running from 1986 to 1993, Double Dare pits two teams of kids against each other in trivia, physical challenges, and the series’ unforgettable obstacle course. It also made use of the network’s signature green slime. Those components and some past contestants will return, though original host Marc Summers will not be back.  It is expected that a new emcee is expected to be named soon. In 1988, the original Double Dare moved to Fox for a season before returning to Nickelodeon. A revival, hosted by Jason Harris and titled Double Dare 2000, aired on the kids’ network from January to November 2000.... [Read Full Story]

Avengers: Infinity War has made box-office history with a $250 million opening weekend. It’s the biggest opening of all time, smashing the record previously held by Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which opened in 2015 with almost $248 million. Avengers: Infinity Force, the third Avengers movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, earned another $380 million internationally, for a total of $630 million worldwide.  A Quiet Place was a distant second with $10.6 million in its fourth weekend, Amy Schumer’s I Feel Pretty came in at #3, Rampage was 4th, and Marvel’s Black Panther came in at No. 5, for $688 million total.... [Read Full Story]

The family of electronic dance musician Avicii has released a second statement about their late son this week, saying the famed DJ “could not go on any longer” and that “he wanted to find peace.” Avicii, born Tim Bergling, was found dead last week in Muscat, Oman at age 28. Details about his death were not revealed. “Our beloved Tim was a seeker, a fragile artistic soul searching for answers to existential questions. An over-achieving perfectionist who travelled and worked hard at a pace that led to extreme stress,” read the statement, released Thursday. Avicii had in the past suffered acute pancreatitis, in part due to excessive drinking. After having his gallbladder and appendix removed in 2014, he canceled a series of shows in attempt to recover. The Swedish performer retired from performing in 2016 but still produced albums and songs.  Some of his hits included Wake Me Up and Le7els. He was an international pop star, performing his well-known electronic dance songs around the world.... [Read Full Story]

A Montgomery County jury of seven men and five women returned guilty verdicts regarding the January 2004 sexual assault of Andrea Constand. The jurors spent nearly 15 hours over two days deciding the verdict after being charged Monday morning. Victims of Cosby sitting in the courtroom shrieked and cried in delight after the first verdict was announced. Cosby stared straight ahead as the verdict was read, but moments later lashed out loudly at District Attorney Kevin Steele and called him an “a–hole” after the prosecutor asked that Cosby be immediately jailed because he might flee. Cosby denied he has an airplane and shouted, “I’m sick of him!” The judge decided Cosby can remain free on bail while he awaits sentencing. No sentencing date was set, but state law requires it within 100 days of a conviction. Cosby, 80, could face up to 30 years in prison — 10 years for each count. Asked by a reporter whether he plans to appeal, Cosby’s lead defense attorney Tom Mesereau said, “Yes, yes, very strongly.”... [Read Full Story]

Beyoncé’s headlining appearance at Coachella has influences her album sales. Billboard magazine reports in the week following her April 14 performance at Coachella, sales and streams of the album and song catalog of both Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child jumped 83 percent.Three of Beyoncé’s albums have re-entered the Billboard 200 Album chart: “Lemonade,” at number 91, her self-titled album at number 138 and “I Am…Sasha Fierce” at 160. Beyoncé performed again at Coachella on Saturday, but any sales or streaming information influenced by that will reflect on next week’s chart.... [Read Full Story]

Actress Priyanka Chopra confirmed that she will attend Meghan Markle’s wedding to Prince Harry. Chopra is still deciding which dress she will wear. “I sort of may have an idea,” she told Us Magazine.  The actress also spoke about her close friendship with the 36-year-old Markle. “I’ve known Meghan for three years and I’m so happy the way the world has responded to her because as long as I’ve known her … she is a relatable young woman of the world today,” she said. “She’s that girl who thinks out of the box. She has always been an activist. She has always had a strong voice. She’s an ambitious girl of today. I think the world needs strong role models like Meghan. I think, I hope, Meghan will end up being one of those people.” Harry, 33, and Markle announced their engagement in November after more than a year of dating. They are set to tie the knot on May 19 at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in England.... [Read Full Story]

The 2018 Billboard Music Awards will feature a special performance from South Korean boy band BTS. Billboard announced in a news release Tuesday that the K-pop group will perform a new single at the awards show May 20 in Las Vegas. The event will mark BTS’ first performance at the Billboard Music Awards. The boy band attended the awards show for the first time in 2017. “Look out for our second appearance or – say what? – FIRST PERFORMANCE at the @BBMAs! #BTS_BBMAs,” the group tweeted Tuesday. BTS is also nominated for Top Social Artist at this year’s ceremony, which the band won back in 2017.... [Read Full Story]

The family of the late Prince are suing Trinity Medical Center in Illinois, the hospital that treated the singer for an opioid overdose in April 2016 before his fatal overdose a week later.  They are also suing the pharmacy chain Walgreens. According to court papers, Prince’s family claims that the singer received improper medical care after his private plane made an emergency landing in Moline, Illinois, on April 15, 2016. The suit claims that the hospital “failed to timely and appropriately diagnose and treat opiate overdose; failed to provide timely and appropriate counseling for opiate overdose; and failed to timely and appropriately investigate the cause of opiate overdose,” which was a “direct and proximate cause” of Prince’s death on April 21, 2016.  The family also claims in the suit that Walgreens stores in Minnesota dispensed prescription medication to Prince “not valid for a legitimate medical purpose” and also “failed to conduct appropriate drug utilization review.” Prince was found dead in an elevator at his Paisley Park estate in Chanhassen, Minnesota. He was 57 years old.... [Read Full Story]

Prince William and Princess Kate debuted the newest member of Britain’s royal family, as they gave the world a first look at their newborn son outside the London hospital where Kate gave birth on Monday.  Kate, 36, wearing a red dress, held her third child as she exited St. Mary’s Hospital alongside William. Kate delivered the baby, weighing 8 pounds, 7 ounces, at 11:01 a.m. according to Kensington Palace.  William, 35, was present for the baby’s birth at St. Mary’s Hospital; he departed the hospital a few hours after the baby’s birth was announced, and later returned with his two other children: Prince George, 4, and Princess Charlotte, who turns 3 on May 2. ... [Read Full Story]

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and longtime girlfriend Lauren Hashian welcomed their newborn daughter, Tiana Gia Johnson, on Monday,. In an Instagram post, Johnson wrote, “Blessed and proud to bring another strong girl into this world. Tiana Gia Johnson came into this world like a force of nature and Mama @laurenhashianofficial labored and delivered like a true rockstar.” This is Johnson’s third daughter.  The couple welcomed their first child together, Jasmine Lia, in December 2015. Johnson also shares a 16-year-old daughter named Simone with ex-wife, Dany Garcia.  You can see a picture of the couple’s new baby daughter in the article below!... [Read Full Story]

Verne Troyer, who played Mini-Me in two of the Austin Powers comedy films, has died at the age of 49, according to statements posted to his social media accounts. Troyer was 49. A statement posted to his social media said “Verne was an extremely caring individual. He wanted to make everyone smile, be happy, and laugh,” “Anybody in need, he would help to any extent possible. Verne hoped he made a positive change with the platform he had and worked towards spreading that message every day.”  No cause of death was immediately released. Troyer, who was reportedly 2 feet, 8 inches tall, was in 58 movies and television shows. He played Mini-Me, the diminutive clone of Mike Myers’ Dr. Evil, in “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me” and “Austin Powers in Goldmember.”... [Read Full Story]

“Smallville” actress Allison Mack pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit forced labor charges as part of an alleged sex cult in a federal court in New York. Mack, 35, appeared before a judge in the federal court in Brooklyn. After entering her plea the judge refused a request by her lawyers to release her without bail. A bail hearing will be held Monday. Also during the court appearance, it was revealed Mack married “Battlestar Galactica” star Nicki Clyne, who was also rumored to be part of NXIVM. Clyne and Mack were spotted in Mexico when cult leader Keith Raniere was hunted down by police and arrested at a $10,000-a-week villa they were reportedly hiding out last month.  Raniere, the co-founder of the self-help organization and alleged cult NXIVM, is accused of keeping numerous women as slaves and branding his initials into their skin. He was arraigned last week on the same charges as Mack and was denied bail while he awaits his next court appearance on April 27.... [Read Full Story]

The singer Pink has landed the cover of People magazine’s newly renamed “Beautiful” issue. The Grammy-winning artist is featured on the cover of the magazine with her two children: son Jameson Moon and six-year-old daughter, Willow Sage, with husband Carey Hart. People editorial director Jess Cagle explained how the magazine’s “Beautiful” issue has evolved, which led to the decision to drop the word “most” from the title. “We’re renaming it “The Beautiful Issue” — to make clear that the issue is not a beauty contest. Nothing else has changed. As always it will feature beautiful women (and a few men) of all shapes, sizes and colors, and it will celebrate the most beautiful qualities of all: strength, humanity and artistry,” Cagle wrote. Pink is currently performing live on her “Beautiful Trauma” tour.... [Read Full Story]

Josh Groban and Sara Bareilles have been named hosts of the 72nd annual Tony Awards, which will air live from Radio City Music Hall in New York City on June 10. The event marks the performers’ first time hosting the awards ceremony. Groban and Bareilles are no strangers to Broadway. Bareilles starred in Waitress, which she also composed the music and lyrics for, and received her first Tony Award nomination for her performance. Groban appeared in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, for which he received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical. The two took to social media to share how excited they were to host the Tonys. The 2018 Tony Awards will air Sunday, June 10 at 8:00 p.m. on CBS.... [Read Full Story]

Homeland actress Claire Danes and husband Hugh Dancy are expecting their second child.  Danes revealed the news during an interview with Howard Stern “I am pregnant. I’m seriously preggo … I’m deep into my second trimester.”  When asked if the pregnancy was a surprise or planned, Danes replied that she and Dancy were trying to get pregnant. “Yeah, this was planned,” she said. “We’ve been wanting another kid for a while, and it happened.” Despite revealing this personal news, Danes says she is keeping the baby’s sex a secret. Danes and Dancy, 42, met while filming the 2007 movie Evening in Rhode Island and became engaged in 2009; the two were married later that same year. Their son, Cyrus, who is now 5, was born in December 2012. ... [Read Full Story]

A Colorado man who was wearing a mask and had a knife in his car when he was arrested outside a Beverly Hills home owned by Taylor Swift was released from custody on Tuesday while police continued their investigation. Julius Sandrock, 38, was arrested Saturday on suspicion of stalking after officers went to the home. Swift, who lives in New York, wasn’t at the home, police said. Sandrock was freed from jail on Tuesday morning, according to a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department website. Meanwhile, police obtained a temporary restraining order preventing Sandrock from possessing guns.... [Read Full Story]

Steven Spielberg has just made history, becoming the first director to see the gross of his movies exceed $10 billion worldwide. After three weeks in theaters, Ready Player One has earned $114.9 million in the U.S., bringing its global total to $475.1 million. 1993’s Jurassic Park remains Spielberg’s biggest commercial success ($984 million) and other smash hits include 2008’s Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull ($787 million) and 1983’s E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial ($717 million) have garnered Spielberg this honor. Meanwhile the 71-year old Spielberg shows no signs of slowing down, as the filmmaker is currently developing a West Side Story remake and has a fifth Indiana Jones adventure film in the works.... [Read Full Story]

CBS’ The Big Bang Theory is creating an impressive guest list for its wedding-themed season 11 finale, when Sheldon and Amy tie the knot. The May 11 season ender will focus on the marriage between Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and Amy (Mayim Bialik) and feature a roster of new and returning faces to the long-running series. Among the famous faces set to be in attendance for the nuptials are Star Wars’ Mark Hamill, Kathy Bates, Lauren Lapkus, Jerry O’Connell (as Sheldon’s brother, Georgie); and comedian Teller. It’s unclear if Hamill will play himself, though given how much Sheldon loves Star Wars it is a safe bet.  Returning favorites who received an invitation to return include John Ross Bowie (as frenemy Barry Kripke); Courtney Henggeler (Sheldon’s sister, Missy); previously announced Laurie Metcalf (Sheldon’s mom, Mary); Brian Posehn (Bert); and Will Wheaton (himself).... [Read Full Story]

Harry Anderson, an actor and magician featured on the TV shows Night Court, Dave’s World and Cheers died Monday morning at age 65. Police in Asheville, N.C., say officers responded to a call at Anderson’s home and found him deceased. No foul play is suspected in his death. A Rhode Island native, Anderson gained fame as a stand-up comic, appearing on Saturday Night Live before he was cast on Cheers. His best-known role was playing Judge Harry T. Stone on the sitcom Night Court, which aired nine seasons on NBC from 1984 to 1992. The Associated Press said Anderson left Hollywood and resurfaced as the owner of a New Orleans magic shop, and after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, he moved to Asheville.
Anderson is survived by his wife Elizabeth and two children.... [Read Full Story]

Khloe Kardashian has named her baby girl True, the reality start announced Monday via Instagram, just days after she was born last Thursday. Kardashian wrote “Our little girl, True Thompson, has completely stolen our hearts and we are overwhelmed with LOVE. Such a blessing to welcome this angel into the family! Mommy and Daddy loooooove you True!”  Sisters Kim, Kourtney, mom Kris Jenner, and Khloe’s best friend, Malika Haqq, were in the delivery room with Khloe, while her boyfriend, Tristan Thompson, was spotted at the Cleveland area-hospital — amid reports this week that he allegedly cheated on Khloe with multiple women.  ... [Read Full Story]

“This Is Us,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and the film “A Fantastic Woman” received top honors at the 29th GLAAD Media Awards in Beverly Hills. NBC’s “This Is Us” won best drama series, Fox’s sitcom “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” won best comedy and Sony’s transgender drama “A Fantastic Woman” won the award for best film in limited release.  Special honors also went to pop star Britney Spears, who was presented the Vanguard Award by Ricky Martin; and “The Big Bang Theory” star Jim Parsons, who was presented GLAAD’s Stephen F. Kolzak Award by producer Ryan Murphy and the cast of “Boys in the Band.” “Our society has always put such an emphasis on what’s normal, and to be different is unusual or seen as strange. But to be accepted unconditionally and to be able to express yourself as an individual through art is such a blessing,” Spears said in her speech. The West Coast edition of the ceremony awarded 12 trophies among this year’s 25 media categories. The remaining winners will be announced at the New York edition of the ceremony on May 5.... [Read Full Story]

Dwayne Johnson’s arcade game-inspired Rampage crept past last week’s top film A Quiet Place to take the No. 1 spot on the box-office charts. Studios estimate that Rampage has grossed $34.5 million in its first weekend in theaters. In a very close second was the modestly budgeted John Krasinski thriller A Quiet Place with $32.6 million. In just two weeks, the word-of-mouth sensation is now just shy of $100 million in grosses from North American theaters. Third place went to the horror movie Truth or Dare, which brought in an estimated $19.1 million in its first three days in theaters after opening on Friday the 13th. ... [Read Full Story]

Following the Cannes Film Festival’s announcement last year that it would no longer host films that did not commit to “being distributed in French movie theaters” the streaming giant’s chief content officer, Ted Sarandos, confirmed to Variety that Netflix will not screen any of its upcoming full-length narratives at the film festival. Sarandos told Variety that, “there’s a risk in us going in this way and having our films and filmmakers treated disrespectfully at the festival. They’ve set the tone. I don’t think it would be good for us to be there.” French theater exhibitors reportedly took issue with Cannes allowing Netflix projects into the main competition despite the films failing to secure wide theatrical release dates in the region. National law in France mandates that films can’t appear on home streaming platforms for 36 months after their initial theatrical release.... [Read Full Story]