James Burrows, director of classic TV comedies including 'Cheers' and 'Friends,' dies at 85
LOS ANGELES (AP) — James Burrows, the director behind iconic TV comedies like “Cheers,” “Taxi,” “Friends” and “Will and Grace,” has died. His family confirmed his death in a statement to People, saying he passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Burrows directed over a thousand TV episodes, including “Friends.” He started his TV career at 35, working on shows like “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “Laverne & Shirley.” He cocreated “Cheers” and directed all episodes of “Will and Grace.” Known for his kindness and generosity, Burrows was 85.
The Minions and their 'big boss' Chris Meledandri keep a blockbuster machine humming
NEW YORK (AP) — At a time of perpetual upheaval in Hollywood, the Paris-based animation studio Illumination has become one of Hollywood’s most consistent blockbuster-making operations. Since 2010’s “Despicable Me,” Illumination has accounted for more than $11 billion in global box office. Its “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” is the sole $1 billion movie of 2026 so far. Illumination’s next release, “Minions & Monsters,” which premieres Sunday at the Annecy Film Festival in France, stands a good chance of equaling it. Opening two weeks after Pixar’s “Toy Story 5,” “Minions & Monsters” will be a new test of just how much of a powerhouse Illumination has become.
Anne Hathaway is pregnant with her third child
NEW YORK (AP) — Anne Hathaway is pregnant with her third child. On Friday, the Oscar-winning actor shared an Instagram video showing her baby bump. The 43-year-old captioned it “Baby, I'm yours” and used the Barbara Lewis hit as the soundtrack. A Hathaway spokesman said the video is “pretty obvious.” Hathaway and her husband, Adam Shulman, are already parents to Jonathan and Jack Shulman. Friday's news comes during a busy time for Hathaway. Her films this year include “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” “Mother Mary,” and “The Odyssey.”
Kennedy Center says it isn't required to reschedule shows after judge blocks 2-year closure
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Kennedy Center's management isn't committing to new shows or staff expansion, even as it considers options short of a full two-year closure that a federal judge blocked last month. In a court filing Friday, Kennedy Center lawyers said the venue plans to maintain an operational model after the July 5 date when it was initially scheduled to close. The public spaces will remain accessible, but stages may largely be silent. The venue must reassess its plans after a May ruling from U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper. The judge blocked the closure and ordered President Donald Trump's name removed from the building. A vote on renovation options is expected in mid-July.
Lewis Hamilton and Colman Domingo lead a star-studded front row at Ralph Lauren's Milan show
MILAN (AP) — Lewis Hamilton and Colman Domingo have led a star-studded front row at the Ralph Lauren menswear show. The event on Friday evening featured a range of styles, from pinstripes to festival wear. The show, part of Milan Fashion Week, drew stars like Henry Golding and Tom Hiddleston. Fans braved a heatwave to see celebrities, including Thai actor Meen Nichakoon and Korean actor Woobin Kim. Domingo humorously recounted a slip while retrieving his hand fan. The collection showcased a blend of formal and casual looks, with ties becoming belts and bags. Scott Eastwood praised the brand's timeless elegance, eyeing a classy snakeskin bag.
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Former child actor Daveigh Chase, 'The Ring' villain and Lilo voice, dies at 35
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Former child actor Daveigh Chase, known for her roles in “Lilo & Stitch” and “The Ring,” has died at 35. Her father, John David Schwallier, confirmed she died from complications of bacterial meningitis and a blood infection. She had been homeless in Los Angeles. TMZ first reported Chase died Tuesday. She voiced Lilo in the 2002 animated film and won an MTV award for her role in “The Ring.” Chase also voiced a lead in “Spirited Away” and appeared in “Donnie Darko.” Her father says she struggled with drugs since age 13 and was estranged from her parents.
Comedian Carlos Mencia faces 12 felony charges for failing to report more than $8M in earnings
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Comedian Carlos Mencia has been arrested and charged with 12 felonies for allegedly failing to report or pay taxes on over $8 million in earnings. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges Thursday, calling Mencia “one of California’s biggest tax scofflaws.” Mencia faces six felony counts for personal income and six for corporate taxes from 2019 to 2024. Authorities arrested him at his Los Angeles home. He remains in custody on $250,000 bail and is expected to appear in court Monday. If convicted, he could face over 11 years in prison.
Movie Review: In 'Toy Story 5,' it's (digital) apocalypse now for toys
“Toy Story 5” may fall shy of the first three and probably ranks as the fifth best of these movies. But “Toy Story” has a high bar and the quality and thoughtfulness that has long distinguished Pixar is very much present here, writes AP Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review. As the movie’s “toys vs. tech” advertising has made abundantly clear, “Toy Story 5” is predicated on an extremely relatable conflict for kids and parents, alike. In it, tablets arrive just as ominously as weapons did in “2001: A Space Odyssey.” Given just how profoundly screens have altered childhood, the paradigm-shift storyline gives “Toy Story 5” something most sequels can’t claim: a reason for being.
Obama Center opens in Chicago with a call to defend democracy and a celebrity crowd
Former President Barack Obama formally opened his presidential center in Chicago on Thursday with a call to defend democracy. He and Michelle Obama spoke as three other former presidents and their first ladies joined the Obama family on stage in an extraordinary event featuring politicians, A-list celebrities, athletes and other internationally known figures. Obama voiced his support for character, honesty, integrity, kindness, compassion and sense of duty, praising both Democrats and Republicans for their values. President Donald Trump was conspicuous both in his physical absence and by not being mentioned by any of the speakers or performers. Stevie Wonder closed the show with a rousing rendition of “Higher Ground."
Movie Review: 'The Death of Robin Hood' drains the blood, and life, out of an old English legend
Whichever version of Robin Hood is your favorite, the story takes a beating in “The Death of Robin Hood.” There are no knights in shining armor. There are no merry men. There is absolutely no swashbuckling. Writer-director Michael Sarnoski has sapped every bit of derring-do from the folk hero. It’s a thoughtful inversion of myth with some compelling ideas about the nature of storytelling. But it’s a total slog, writes AP Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review. “The Death of Robin Hood” drains the blood, and life, out of an old English legend.
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