AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 8:50 a.m. EST

Bestselling British writer Joanna Trollope dies at 82

LONDON (AP) — British writer Joanna Trollope, known for her bestselling novels about romantic escapades in rural England, has died at 82. Her family announced Friday that Trollope passed away peacefully at her Oxfordshire home on Thursday. Trollope's novels, often called "Aga sagas," include titles like "The Rector’s Wife" and "Marrying the Mistress." She also wrote historical novels under the pseudonym Caroline Harvey. In 2019, Queen Elizabeth II made her a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Literary agent James Gill praised Trollope as a cherished and widely enjoyed novelist.

Here are 10 TV shows from 2025 to catch up on before it's 2026

If you're staying in this holiday season, it's a great time to catch up on some of 2025's standout TV shows. “Dept. Q” features Matthew Goode as a detective solving cold cases. “Paradise” stars Sterling K. Brown in a sci-fi drama on Hulu. “Love Island USA” continues to entertain with its seventh season on Peacock. “The Pitt” brings Noah Wyle back to TV as a doctor. Seth Rogen's “The Studio” offers a comedic take on Hollywood. Netflix's “Adolescence” and “The Beast in Me” deliver gripping drama. “St. Denis Medical” and “The Paper” provide laughs, while “Forever” explores young love.

AP Breakthrough Entertainer: Tramell Tillman, the 'Severance' star who is very much connecting

NEW YORK (AP) — Tramell Tillman has had a remarkable 2025, becoming a force in the entertainment world and winning a spot as one of The Associated Press’ Breakthrough Entertainers of 2025. Known for his role in “Severance,” Tillman made Emmy history as the first Black man to win for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series. He also starred alongside Tom Cruise in “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning.” Tillman, originally aspiring to be a storm chaser, has embraced his newfound fame. He admires versatile performers like Hugh Jackman and Donald Glover and aims to expand his storytelling. Tillman will appear in upcoming films, continuing his impressive journey in acting.

Oscar-winner Morricone’s lost opera debuts in Naples after 30 years

NAPLES, Italy (AP) — At long last, vindication is at hand for an Oscar-winning composer who sought to prove he was as capable of breathing life into Italy’s grand theaters as into gritty Hollywood films. On Friday night, Naples’ Teatro San Carlo will stage Ennio Morricone’s only opera, Partenope, three decades after its composition. It is based on the legend of a mythical siren who drowned herself after failing to enchant Ulysses, her body washing ashore and becoming a settlement that grew over millennia into the seaside city of Naples. To Morricone's great chagrin, Partenope gathered dust for decades, and he died without seeing it performed. Naples has been celebrating its 2,500th anniversary this year, and Morricone’s opera marks the culmination of festivities.

How the Mariachi Rams band turned the NFL game day into a personal Los Angeles soundtrack

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Mariachi Rams are reshaping NFL game day by blending traditional Mexican music with Los Angeles’ hip-hop and rock influences. Crystal Hernández, the only woman in the NFL’s first official mariachi band, is the daughter of José Hernández, the Grammy-nominated artist who founded the ensemble in 2019. The 10-person ensemble plays classic mariachi and reimagined pop and hip-hop anthems. Members balance careers in education, banking and more during the week. Their presence has become integral to the Rams’ game-day rhythm, reflecting the city’s culture and expanding the NFL's cultural connections.

AP Breakthrough Entertainer: Danny Ramirez's entrance into Hollywood began on the soccer field

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Danny Ramirez's acting career began unexpectedly on a soccer field. Now, he's earned a spot as one of The Associated Press's Breakthrough Entertainers of 2025. Known for his roles in “Captain America: Brave New World,” “The Last of Us” and more, Ramirez first began acting while sidelined with a sprained ankle when a production assistant invited him to be an extra in Mira Nair’s film “The Reluctant Fundamentalist.” Seeing actor Riz Ahmed portraying a soccer player on set inspired Ramirez. He’s set to produce, write, direct and star in his directorial debut “Baton,” and other upcoming projects.

Director convicted of scamming $11M from Netflix and going on lavish spending spree

NEW YORK (AP) — A Hollywood director has been convicted on charges that he scammed Netflix out of $11 million for a show that never materialized, while he instead used the cash for lavish purchases that included several Rolls-Royces, a Ferrari and about $1 million in mattresses and luxury bedding. Carl Erik Rinsch, best known for directing the film “47 Ronin,” was convicted of wire fraud, money laundering and other charges on Thursday. His attorney disagreed with the verdict and said it could set a dangerous precedent for artists. Prosecutors said Rinsch swindled Netflix for a show he never completed and instead used the streaming giant's money to benefit himself.

'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones' rarities are in Lawrence Kasdan's university archive

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Documents that detail Lawrence Kasdan’s career have been donated to the University of Michigan, the writer and director’s alma mater. Archivists are about a quarter of the way through cataloging the 150-plus boxes of material. Included are scripts, photographs, audio recordings, call sheets, props and more. One rarity is pictures of Kevin Costner on the set of the 1983 film “The Big Chill,” before his scene was famously cut. Kasdan also wrote “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and a number of “Star Wars” films. Kasdan directed “Wyatt Earp” and “Body Heat.” The 76-year-old's papers join those of fellow filmmakers Orson Welles, Robert Altman and Jonathan Demme at the Ann Arbor school.