Tag: CelebrityHollywood

This seasoned Hollywood actor faced rejection not only on the screen but also within the walls of his home. Yet, despite these challenges, he has emerged stronger and shared the one profound thing that he says “saved” his life.

This actor’s family life was complex, shaped by multiple marriages and blended relationships. He and his younger brother, Frank Jr., were born to Jackie and Frank Sr., who divorced in 1957. Following the separation, his mother remarried and had a daughter, Toni Ann, in 1964.

The celebrity’s father also remarried several times, expanding the family with two more children — Bryan and Carla — who prefer to remain private. In 1997, another sibling, Dante, was born, completing the actor’s extended family.

His childhood included spending four and a half to five years in a boarding house in Jackson Heights, where his parents dropped him off. He described the place as “transient.” Run by an older woman, the house left him feeling isolated.

These early experiences left a lasting mark, shaping the actor into a loner and influencing how he connected with others. His mother’s words revealed the depth of this neglect.

These painful words offered a glimpse into his mother’s troubled past, which, according to the actor, shaped her inability to show love. He explained that she had been placed in a “cruel orphanage,” where she was “tied up, whipped and terribly molested.”

This lack of affection and stability at home carried over into his school life. As a child, the actor was expelled from 13 schools, repeatedly being told that he didn’t fit in.

His unconventional behavior led him to attend military schools, including institutions for troubled youth. He described his younger self as simply “adventurous.”

As he pursued acting opportunities, he feared being stuck as a “professional extra” since he “didn’t fit a certain mold” or the image of a traditionally handsome leading man.

Addressing the speculation, he remarked that people often misinterpret the scar, but he had no issue with the procedure, “Why not do it? You have body work done on your car.”

During those difficult days, he relied on a single coat to endure the bitter NY winters. He reflected on its significance in an interview, “That coat saved my life.”

The coat may have kept him warm, but his determination kept him going. On the career front, progress was slow, and he was often dismissed as uncastable. Yet, instead of giving up, the constant rejection fueled his resolve to push even harder.

That unwavering determination ultimately led him to extraordinary success. Today, Sylvester Stallone, whose father died at 91, is known as one of the biggest action movie stars, celebrated for his legendary “Rocky” franchise.

The pressure to maintain his athletic image grew so intense that he avoided sports like golf or basketball. Criticism of his acting reached its peak in 2000 when he received a Razzie for Worst Actor of the Century.

He has been married three times. His first marriage was to actress Sasha Czack, having wed in December 1974. The couple had two sons, Sage and Seargeoh, who was diagnosed with autism, before divorcing in February 1985. Tragically, the family man later lost his oldest son, Sage, who suffered a fatal heart attack at 36.

He is currently in his third and longest marriage with model, Jennifer Flavin. They wed in May 1997, and welcomed three daughters — Sophia, Sistine, and Scarlet Stallone. Though the two briefly filed for divorce in August 2022, they reconciled and chose to remain together. They have been married for 27 years.

Helen Hunt, known for her award-winning performances, shifted her focus from the bright lights of Hollywood to the joys of motherhood when she welcomed her daughter, Makena Lei. Take a closer look at the actress’s journey through motherhood and meet her mini-me.

Now a talented and creative young woman, get to know the actress’s striking redheaded daughter, who social media users called Helen’s twin due to her uncanny resemblance to her famous mother.

Helen welcomed her first and only child, a daughter named Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan, in May 2004, during her 16-year relationship with producer Matthew Carnahan.

Matthew, who already had a son from a previous relationship, and Helen built their family around the joys and challenges of raising Makena. While their relationship faced ups and downs, the pair remained committed to their daughter.

Born in Los Angeles, Makena arrived at a time when her actress mother was at the peak of her career, marking a pivotal moment in the Hollywood star’s life.

Reflecting on her decision, Helen shared, “I fell in love. I had a daughter. It was hard to find a part that was as interesting as watching her grow up.”

She further questioned, “Why go off and pretend to be someone’s mother, or pretend to be someone’s wife, when I finally had the chance to have that experience in my real life?”

During these years, the actress’s filmography became more selective following her blockbuster hits like “What Women Want” and “Cast Away” in 2000.

However, she didn’t stray too far away from the silver screen as she wrote, directed, and starred in two films while also devoting herself to raising Makena. “That’s a lot. You know, for me, that’s plenty,” the actress said.

Speaking about the transition, Helen added, “I’ve been so in deep, deep love and care of this human being that I’ve gotten to mother that I really haven’t been paying attention to what people think about that.”

“I thought, April has to want something really badly. It has to be something we can watch her go after. And I always wanted a baby very badly, so it just seemed right that she should want a baby. People have asked if it’s my story, and on the surface it is,” Helen said.

However, in 2017, her family life changed as reports emerged that she and Matthew were going their separate ways. The couple, who had never married, reportedly faced ongoing challenges in their relationship.

Helen’s daughter carries a name rich with meaning and family history. Her first name, Makena, was inspired by a dream one of Helen’s friends had and was also inspired by the name of a beautiful beach in Maui, Hawaii. Her middle name, Lei, honors her grandfather, Gordon Hunt, a television director.

In June 2022, Makena celebrated a major life milestone — graduating from high school. Her mom proudly marked the occasion by sharing a heartwarming photo on Instagram.

In the picture, the actress radiated joy as she stood beside her daughter, who wore a hunter-green graduation gown for the ceremony. “The Graduate. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️,” Helen wrote in the caption.

Beyond acting, Makena has explored her creative talents as a musician. During high school, she formed a musical duo called Thea with her friend Rhea Garten.

Together, the pair released their debut EP, “July,” on July 28, 2022, marking another impressive achievement for the young artist. Recently, the redhead also took to Instagram to share snaps of herself performing.

“Gorgeous strong resemblance,” another person shared in reaction to Helen’s post about Makena’s graduation. Another person typed, “So hard to believe she is so grown up! Congratulations Helen you all must be so proud!”

In 2023, Helen shared a throwback snap of her and her daughter, and one person wrote, “She looks just like you🥰.” However, a more recent pic of the actress and her daughter captured just how much Makena has grown. “Twins!” one person commented. Another shared, “Beautiful daughter.”

A dazzling star of the 1960s made the ultimate sacrifice for love, stepping back from her career to care for her ailing husband. Now, years later, what became of the redheaded beauty who once ruled Hollywood?

Her journey, however, was more than just a tale of glitz and glamour — it was also a story of sacrifice, love, and resilience. Born in a small Swedish village, the actress grew up surrounded by music. “From when I was 4 years old in Sweden, I would get up and harmonize with my mother to Swedish songs,” she remembered.

“We lived in the same house with Mormor, my mother’s mother, and my uncle, who played the accordion. It was quite a group!” the actress continued.

She also credited these early years for her love of melody, saying, “My first musical memory was of the accordion. It was during World War II, and there were a lot of beautiful songs.”

But academia couldn’t hold her — her sights were set on stardom. Her big break came when George Burns discovered her and introduced her to Hollywood. By the early 1960s, she was not just a rising star but a sensation.

While her chemistry with Presley lit up the screen, it was their off-screen bond that also captured attention. The two reportedly dated and remained close friends until his death. “Everyone knows how I felt about him and the friendship that we had all these years. It was very, very private,” she revealed.

Determined to prove her versatility, she sought roles that would allow her to grow as an artist. By the late 1960s, her career had slowed, and she turned to European projects for a fresh start. However, by 1970, she made a triumphant return to Hollywood, balancing film, television, and Las Vegas performances.

He pursued acting after a chance encounter with James Cagney, who encouraged him to try his luck in Hollywood. With roles in television and films, including his popular series “77 Sunset Strip,” Smith became a household name.

Their connection was instant. “I knew I was going to marry him on the third date,” she said. “I knew he would protect me. I knew that I could depend on him,” the actress revealed.

It wasn’t long before they tied the knot in 1967, with her stepping into her new role as a stepmother to her actor husband’s young children. “I met them when they were 3, 6, and 7,” she fondly recalled, speaking of how they became a family.

Reflecting on her journey, she said, “The point is, if I am meant to have a child, I will have one. Whatever my higher power feels is right for me, I will accept.”

Nonetheless, as the couple’s marriage blossomed, so did their professional partnership. Smith left acting and became her manager, determined to reshape her career and help her shed her risqué image.

“They couldn’t stand to be apart from each other, being on film sets on opposite ends of the country,” a friend once said. Managing her career allowed Smith to remain by her side, both personally and professionally.

“Now in Roger, I’ve found all the men I need rolled into one — a father, a friend, a lover, a manager, a businessman,” she said in 1972. “It’s perfect for me. I couldn’t exist without a strong man.”

Their love story, however, was tested by unforeseen challenges. Smith was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis and later Parkinson’s disease. As his health worsened, she began to prioritize his care over her career. “I kept saying, ‘No, no, no,’ to everything because I was taking care of him,” she explained.

However, while her film career slowed, she continued to land roles in various television dramas, including “The Two Mrs. Grenvilles” and “Who Will Love My Children?”

This actress is none other than Ann-Margret, who deeply mourned her late husband after he passed away in 2017 at the age of 84. In light of his death, the Hollywood star chose to honor his memory by cherishing the life they built together.

She reflected on their union with pride, saying, “When I look back at my life, I am most proud of my marriage. We both wanted it to work. And it did work. We were together night and day. We loved each other and were always in each other’s corner.”

Although she misses him every single day, Ann-Margret has found ways to embrace life again. She returned to acting with a role in “The Kominsky Method” following a personal invite from the star of the series actor Alan Arkin.

Together, they’ve formed an informal walking group. “On Monday, there might be three of us. Another day, there might be 15. We go to a different place every weekend to walk. I’m excited to go,” she shared.

The blonde released an album, “Born to Be Wild,” as well, a collection of her favorite songs from the 1960s. “I had a ball doing it!” she said of the project.

After the sudden death of her husband, this actress found herself navigating single motherhood at age 70. But through this profound loss, her two sons became her strongest source of support. Their love and presence helped her rebuild her life while embracing a new awareness of her health and well-being.

That stability was shattered in 2021 when Gilliland died suddenly at the age of 71. His unexpected passing left Jean to confront new responsibilities and hard decisions as she grieved. Her sons’ support became a lifeline as they adjusted to their new reality as a family of three.

Jean and Richard’s love story started on the set of “Designing Women” in 1986. At the time, Richard was playing J.D. Shackelford, a love interest for another character. But behind the cameras, his heart was set on Jean.

The connection was undeniable, and the two quickly began a relationship. Their love blossomed, and they married in June 1987. Over the years, their partnership grew stronger as they expanded their family.

Later, Jean and Richard decided to expand their family more through adoption. Their second son, Forrest, was adopted from China after a long and emotional process. “I just cried one day,” she shared, noting that her emotional plea ultimately led to Richard agreeing to the adoption.

They continued to support each other through career highs and lows while raising their two boys. Their story stood as an example of enduring love in Hollywood — until everything changed.

A Loss No One Saw Coming

On March 18, 2021, Jean’s life changed forever when her husband died after a brief illness. His death was sudden and unexpected, catching the family completely off guard. Jean later revealed that they initially believed he might have COVID-19 due to his symptoms.

“I said, ‘If I brought my 71-year-old husband in here, who was complaining of pain when you take deep breaths, what would you do for him?’” she recalled.

The response she received was that an EKG would have been done — something that never happened when Richard was alive. Her frustration and grief were palpable.

It wasn’t just the loss of her partner — it was the loss of a future they looked forward to together. As Jean confronted the reality of her loss, she had to face an even bigger challenge — raising her two sons alone.

Raising Two Sons Without Her Partner

When Richard passed away, Jean was left to confront a reality she wasn’t prepared for — single motherhood. After years of shared parenting, she was suddenly the sole caregiver for their two sons, Connor and Forrest. It was a shift that came with immense emotional and practical challenges.

One of her biggest realizations was the importance of caring for her health. With no partner to lean on, she knew that her well-being was directly tied to her ability to care for her children. “If something happens to me, what happens to my kids?” she reflected. This new awareness prompted her to make her health a priority.

In early 2023, she underwent a heart procedure, and later that summer, she had an appendectomy. Jean acknowledged that if she hadn’t been a single mother, she might have delayed seeking treatment.

Her youngest son, Forrest, was just 12 years old when Richard died. Jean was acutely aware of how his father’s loss affected him. She reflected on the trauma of losing a parent so young, a pain she knew would stay with him for life.

But while the responsibilities of single parenthood were overwhelming at times, Jean did not face them entirely alone. Her sons, especially her eldest, Connor, stepped in to offer the support she needed.

After Richard’s passing, Jean’s eldest son, Connor, moved back home to help with the household and family responsibilities. Having his steady presence in the home gave Jean a sense of comfort and stability.

She admitted that she doesn’t know how single working mothers do it without support. “[Connor’s] been helping me a lot since we lost his dad, and so it’s been very nice to have him around,” she said.

For her youngest son, Forrest, support came in a different form. While only a teenager, Forrest’s presence served as a constant reminder of Jean’s purpose. His emotional well-being was one of her biggest priorities after Richard’s passing.

She was acutely aware of how the loss of a father could affect a child, especially at such a formative age. Knowing this, she remained deeply involved in his daily life, ensuring he felt supported. For the 73-year-old Jean Smart, knowing that her sons are by her side makes the burden of single parenthood a little lighter.

Connor Gilliland grew up surrounded by lights, cameras, and production crews. His earliest memories are of the “Designing Women” set, where he would sit in the director’s chair and mimic the production process. Even as a child, he had a “serious” nature, contrasting the lighthearted energy of the set.

Forrest Gilliland’s journey is equally unique. When they adopted him, Jean was in her 50s. She often recalls the emotional process of his adoption and how they were “besotted” with him from the start.

But that changed when his friends started watching Jean’s hit show “Hacks.” His friends’ interest sparked his curiosity, and eventually, he sat down to watch the first season. He finished it just in time for the premiere of the second season, a moment his mother recalls with a mix of pride and humor.

In an attempt to preserve her youthful looks, this 1970s Bond Girl underwent a cosmetic procedure she hoped would enhance her appearance. Instead, the experience turned into a nightmare, leaving her disfigured and regretful.

The devastating experience forced her to step away from appearing in front of the camera and brought her under horrible public scrutiny. Take a closer look at her life over the years, the botched procedure that left her traumatized, and see what she looks like now at 82.

This actress’s rise to fame began as a teenager, appearing in chewing gum advertisements and modeling. These modest beginnings paved the way for her to become one of the most photographed women of the 1970s.

Her undeniable beauty and elegance captured the attention of Hollywood, propelling her into stardom. Her breakthrough role came as a Bond Girl alongside Roger Moore in “The Man with the Golden Gun,” solidifying her place among the most glamorous stars of her era.

Their whirlwind romance began in January 1964 after Sellers spotted her photograph in a newspaper and sent his valet to deliver a message.

“I thought that I would like to meet what I saw,” Sellers later admitted. The couple married just ten days after their first date. However, behind the scenes, their relationship was far from perfect.

According to her, Sellers, known for his mercurial nature, was “very possessive and very, very moody,” often threatening her with divorce and then just as suddenly reconciling.

His fits of jealousy added strain to their relationship. While “The Man with the Golden Gun” star emphasized that the abuse was never physical, she would have left soon.

“I know that sounds horrible. [But] I’m just being practical,” she admitted. She stopped short of outright labeling the relationship abusive but described it as “emotional and psychological warfare.”

She later endured more pain with the passing of her mother from Alzheimer’s disease at age 78. Her mother had been a significant support throughout her career. “Wherever I worked, she always came,” the actress fondly recalled.

Her second marriage to a much younger Stray Cats drummer, Slim Jim Phantom, drew attention due to their over 17-year age gap. The couple wed in 1984 but separated after eight years in 1992.

Throughout her life, the actress found joy in raising her three children. Her eldest child, daughter Victoria Sellers, born in 1965, made her mark in Hollywood as an actress, landing roles in films such as “Warlords” and “Inevitable Grace.”

Her second son and youngest child, T.J. McDonnell, born in 1988 to the actress and her third husband Peter McDonnell, also followed his mother’s footsteps into the film industry.

A Cosmetic Nightmare

Britt Ekland’s story took a harrowing turn in the 1990s when, in her fifties, she decided to undergo a cosmetic procedure in Paris. What she expected to be a moderate enhancement turned into a traumatic experience that left her with lifelong consequences.

According to reports, promoted as a “new dental material,” Articol was risky, with permanent effects. Wendy Lewis, a cosmetic surgery consultant, revealed that the filler was briefly popular in the 1990s but is now rarely used and was never approved in the U.S.

“For a very long time, I couldn’t really do television or films,” she admitted, as opposed to theater, where the distance between her and the audience allowed her some respite. Still, the ordeal left her scarred — both physically and emotionally.

“Oh dear, she used to be so attractive. Other women thinking about cosmetic procedures should think again!” one social media user commented about the actress. Another shared, “What a mess! She was so pretty back in the day. She ruined herself.”

Another person wrote, “She was breathtakingly beautiful back in the day. What a shame to have ruined it through unnecessary work” and a sixth shared, “Jesus, what has she done to herself? That photograph would fit in any horror display.”

In hindsight, she expressed regret for her decision to undergo cosmetic surgery. She emphasized feeling content aging naturally, adding that while she underwent cosmetic procedures in her 50s, she had no interest in doing it again.

She encourages embracing natural aging, sharing, “It’s not really until today, when I’m a really old woman, that I can see, ‘I’m satisfied. I like myself.'”

Beyond her personal journey, Ekland also faced heartache within her family. Her grandson Lucas, born to her son Nic, was diagnosed with ALD. Although devastating, early diagnosis allowed for timely intervention, giving Lucas a fighting chance.

Ekland has since become an advocate for newborn screening, campaigning for the UK to add ALD testing to its standard procedures, “So that all these boys have a future,” she explained.

One user online commented, “She was beautiful. Shame [sic] she and her surgeon did not know when to stop with the surgery and fillers.”

Regardless, Ekland’s resilience shines through her reflections on life. While the consequences of her cosmetic decisions remain, her journey from regret to self-acceptance is a testament to her enduring strength and willingness to grow.

She charmed America as a teen star, shared the screen with Elvis Presley, and later faced a life-threatening health battle with unwavering strength. Discover the inspiring journey of this beloved actress and see her transformation over the years.

The young star started tap dancing at three, modeled as a child, and appeared in TV shows like “Captain Midnight” and “Annie Oakley” by the mid-1950s. She then rose to fame as Mary Stone, the wholesome daughter on the beloved sitcom “The Donna Reed Show” in 1958.

She often played bubbly, bikini-clad leads in lighthearted ’60s movies such as “Ride the Wild Surf” and three Presley films — “Girl Happy,” “Spinout,” and “Clambake.”

The star showcased her comedic chops in shows like “One Day at a Time” and later cemented her status as a fan favorite playing Christine Armstrong, Craig T. Nelson’s partner, in the hit sitcom “Coach.” The role brought her eight seasons of success and two Emmy nominations.

In the end, she found her real-life leading man, Mike Farrell. By the early ’90s, the actress shared a cozy five-bedroom home in Sherman Oaks, California, with Farrell, the former “M*A*S*H” star turned human-rights activist.

Their story began in 1970 when the dark-haired actress guest-starred on “The Interns,” a short-lived series starring Farrell. However, it wasn’t until 12 years later, at a CBS affiliates convention, that their paths truly converged.

By then, both had gone through divorces — Farrell from his 17-year marriage to actress Judy Farrell and the “Captain Midnight” star from Adler. A polite greeting turned into coffee, which eventually led to deeper conversations.

Farrell then invited his future wife to view photographs and footage from a humanitarian trip to Central America. “I had just gotten back from a tour of refugee camps [in Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua], and I was reeling from the terribly inhuman treatment I had seen,” he recalled.

The couple then tied the knot in a ceremony at the Pacific Palisades home of the ’60s beauty icon’s aunt, who later played her mother on “Coach.” However, their relationship was not without its challenges.

Farrell’s children, Mike and Erin, struggled with their parents’ divorce and the introduction of a new stepmother. “The divorce was very hard on the kids,” the actress reflected. “It took a lot of love, patience, courage, and strength, but now they have two solid homes, which is what we all wanted.”

The couple also faced darker times as close friends and family battled illness. The actress’s mentor and dear friend Donna Reed, who played her mother on “The Donna Reed Show,” was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Reed’s passing in 1986 left the dark-haired star heartbroken. Around the same time, her own mother, Elsa, began showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease. The actress and her sister, Smokey, then faced the emotional challenge of placing their mother in a care facility.

Bill Fagerbakke, who played the dim-witted but lovable Dauber Dybinski, echoed the sentiment, though with humor. “I told [her] once that it seems they never argue, but she claimed they have ferocious fights. I think she’s lying. Their niceness is amazing,” he said.

By 1994, their love was tested once more as the actress faced a serious injury after falling through the floor joists of her under-construction home, breaking all the ribs on the left side of her body. While being treated in the emergency room, doctors recommended a follow-up visit as a precaution.

The star suffered a sudden esophageal bleed — an episode so severe she was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. “I was terribly ill,” she later recalled. Doctors confirmed the bleeding was linked to progressive liver failure, and a renowned hepatologist explained that only a liver transplant could save her life.

Then, after waiting over a year, her pager finally went off on October 23, 2000 — it was time. “We have your liver,” Dr. Vierling told her. The transplant was a success, and by 2003, the Hollywood actress reflected on how the experience had transformed her.

She revealed that she wouldn’t wish the experience on anyone but was so blessed to have Farrell. She credited her husband for being her rock during the ordeal, saying, “I was so very ill for such a long time, and we didn’t know what was wrong.”

She emerged from the life-threatening ordeal with a new perspective, cherishing every moment of life and the love she shared with her devoted partner.

So, who is this remarkable woman who rose from teen stardom, shared the screen with Presley, overcame heartbreaking personal struggles, and survived a life-threatening health crisis?

A third shared, “She’s an angel to me!” and a fourth wrote, “I always thought she was so pretty.” Another person commented, “​​I wonder if she had a good life,” and a fifth shared, “I had a crush on her !!!” Continue reading to see the actress’s transformation over the years.

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Shelley Fabares built a career that spanned decades, starred alongside Hollywood legends, and overcame life-threatening challenges. Her story is one of reinvention, love, and perseverance — a testament to the strength behind her enduring success.

Jude Law’s big moment on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was supposed to be all about his legendary acting career, but it was his stunning family that stole the spotlight.

The family’s polished appearance quickly became a focal point as they posed together for photographers. Jude looked sharp in a light cream suit with a white undershirt, while Phillipa commanded attention in a sleek black suit jacket paired with a black turtleneck sweater.

Fans were quick to react, flooding social media with their thoughts. On Instagram, one user wrote, “His wife is so tall and gorgeous,” while another added, “He married… a gorgeous giant who is also a psychologist!”

Her striking looks prompted comparisons to actress Uma Thurman, with one fan pointing out, “His wife resembles Uma Thurman.” But perhaps the most relatable comment came from a fan who simply asked, “He’s married?!”

There was even commentary on Jude’s son, Raff, with one fan stating, “His son reminds me of Ryan Phillipe. The tall daughter/wife is low-key stealing the show.”

A business psychologist with an accomplished career of her own, Phillipa has maintained a relatively low profile in comparison to her famous husband. The couple’s relationship began shortly before Jude started filming HBO’s “The Young Pope,” where he played a daring and unconventional pontiff.

“We enjoy a very healthy relationship where we talk a lot about how we feel, our relationships with friends, relationships with our families, and she has a wonderful perspective on all of that,” he shared in an interview.

Jude was seen helping Phillipa out of the car before they walked hand in hand up the stone steps of the historic venue. Just an hour later, the newlyweds were seen emerging from the hall with wedding bands on display.

Their union has sparked some online chatter, but many fans praised Jude for marrying an accomplished woman close to his age. “Yeah I looked her up and found out that she’s old enough to earn her PhD in like 2015,” one fan noted. “Nice to see a male celeb date an accomplished, age-appropriate woman.”

“The collaboration starts at home,” he told the crowd. “I’ve been very very lucky to have had a family around me that have lived with and supported my passion for acting and filmmaking.”

Although the Walk of Fame ceremony was intended to highlight Jude Law’s achievements in entertainment, it ultimately revealed a side of his personal life that many fans had never seen before. With Phillipa Coan by his side, the Law family dynamic drew as much attention as his career accolades.

From getting married, welcoming three children, and taking a hiatus from acting to coping with the devastating loss of her mother and finding a heartfelt way to celebrate her memory, take a closer look at the twists and turns of this ’90s teen idol’s life over the years.

Her breakout role came during her time on the hit series “Party of Five.” The show served as a launching pad, making her a household name. As the late 1990s rolled on, she transitioned seamlessly into film, starring in hits like “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and “Can’t Hardly Wait.”

While the show didn’t last beyond one season, it was clear her star power wasn’t fading. But by the early 2000s, the young star faced a challenging moment in her career as her movie roles became less prominent. However, her comeback came in 2005, when she returned to television in “The Ghost Whisperer.”

The film’s success was so significant that Lifetime adapted it into a TV series. On the set of the project was also where she met her future husband, actor Brian Hallisay, who starred alongside her.

“It was just the two of us, and then we went to Bed, Bath, and Beyond, ’cause that’s what married people do,” she joked about their simple wedding day.

By 2014, the pair announced that they were expecting their second child. At this point, the actress had already joined the cast of “Criminal Minds” for its tenth season.

Her pregnancy was written into the show. However, she eventually left the series at the end of the season, citing her desire to focus on her family.

“I just needed to be well. I needed to take care of myself mentally and emotionally, and being a mom for me did that,” she added.

After a three-year break, she made her comeback to Hollywood in 2018, joining the cast of the Fox procedural “9-1-1.” However, as she returned to the spotlight, the actress acknowledged how much she had changed since her girl-next-door days.

She also opened up about the challenges of aging in Hollywood, saying, “[…] So it’s beautiful, but aging in Hollywood is really hard. It’s really hard because you can’t do anything right.”

Her honest and grounded perspective resonated with many, as she continued to navigate the complexities of fame while staying true to herself. Now a mother of three, she and her husband have also supported their eldest daughter’s budding interest in acting.

Reflecting on her own experiences as a child star, she added, “Even though my experience as a kid actor was very positive, it’s a different business now with social media and all of that stuff.”

Her daughter’s growing interest in following in her mother’s footsteps has also led to humorous moments, including watching the actress’s old roles.

This actress is none other than Jennifer Love Hewitt, who lost her mother in 2012 to cancer. In June 2022, the actress reflected on a significant and somber milestone — the tenth anniversary of her mother’s passing.

Because it would feel insane to have been without her that long. They were right. Today feels very raw,” the post continued in part.

“Today 12 years ago I lost my best friend. It changed me forever but it also made me realize how lucky I was to even have her in the first place,” she wrote in part.

Over the years, the actress’s grief fueled her creativity and led her to honor her mother in a deeply personal way — the “I Know What You Did Last Summer” star poured her emotions into writing a memoir.

“In my brain, I formed the idea and then never stopped believing it could happen. And today in my hands I am holding it. I cried so many sad and happy tears writing this and then again holding it for the first time,” she continued in part.

In the whimsical cover, Hewitt held a wand and her spell book while her children joined in the mystical moment. She later opened up about the decision to feature her kids on the cover.

“It was the most stressful decision to show our kids or not show them. But my husband and I felt like we couldn’t really tell our story without knowing who they are and how they have made our lives so full and magical,” she said.

“So ‘Inheriting Magic’ is also in honor of my mother, and it’s a book really about how when I lost her I feared that like all the magic I knew was gone ’cause she was a very magical person and in sort of grieving her I realized that I had inherited her magic,” the actress added.

While she continues to act, with new projects on the horizon, her greatest joys remain the family she has built and the enduring magic she inherited from her mother.

Ray Romano, best known for “Everybody Loves Raymond,” and his wife have raised four remarkable children. Their family includes a talented PR professional, filmmakers, and a witty son who keeps the Emmy-winning actor on his toes.

Most recently, the entire family posed together at the red carpet premiere of Ray’s new television show, “No Good Deed.” It was a rare sighting of the Romano family together. Here’s a closer look at each of Ray’s kids and the stories behind them.

The Firstborn: Ray’s Parenting Trial Run

Ray’s first experience with fatherhood came with the birth of his daughter, Alexandra Romano, in New York City. Reflecting on those early days, Ray shared a memorable story about when he picked up his wife and newborn daughter from St. Vincent’s Hospital.

Now 34, Alexandra, whom they fondly called Ally, has built a career for herself in public relations. She works for a PR firm that handles high-profile clients, including celebrity chefs and restaurants.

In 2023, Ray talked about Alexandra who had just gotten engaged. The following year, on September 21, 2024, Alexandra and Zachary Wilezol tied the knot at the iconic New York Public Library.

While Alexandra has chosen a career path outside the spotlight, her brothers have had closer ties to the entertainment industry. Next up are Ray’s identical twin sons, Matthew and Gregory.

Ray and Anna’s middle children are their identical twins, Matthew and Gregory, now 31. Fans of “Everybody Loves Raymond” may recognize their names from the show’s pilot episode, where Ray’s on-screen twin sons were originally named Matthew and Gregory.

Like their older sister Alexandra, Matthew and Gregory have shown interest in the entertainment industry. Both have worked behind the scenes in television production.

Matthew worked on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” and in 2017, Ray brought him on stage during an appearance on the show in an attempt to help him find a girlfriend. Ray’s playful matchmaking antics didn’t stop there.

Days later, he did the same for Gregory while appearing on “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” where Gregory was working at the time. The twins have taken their father’s influence to heart, diving into creative pursuits of their own.

In 2023, they were reported to be working on a documentary together. While their personal lives have remained private, Ray did reveal during a recent appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” that one of the twins got married a few months before their sister Alexandra.

Joseph Romano, the youngest of Ray and Anna’s four children, is 24. Ray has frequently shared anecdotes about him, highlighting his knack for clever one-liners. One of the stories about Joseph happened when he returned home at 6 a.m.

Ray confronted him, asking, “Joe, you come home at 6 a.m.?” Joseph’s response was brief but stuck in his father’s mind. “For now,” he answered. The moment left Ray reflecting on the deeper meaning of time, joking that it sent him into an “existential crisis.”

He has also shared that Joseph has expressed interest in taking acting classes, although, as of Ray’s interview, he had not yet started them. With Joseph’s quick wit and natural comedic timing, it remains to be seen if he will follow in his father’s footsteps in show business.

Ray’s life has been shaped by fatherhood as much as by fame. His journey from stand-up comic to television star came with lessons he continues to pass on to his children.

While on the red carpet for his show “No Good Deed,” Ray shared his thoughts on his kids’ growing interest in entertainment. “I know the business, and I know even people that have ‘it’ don’t get it,” he stated.

But he also sees the positives. “I want them to be passionate about something and go for it. And if that’s it, then good. I’m glad,” he said. His reflections are rooted in his own experience as a young comic struggling to break into the business.

But as his kids grew up, his comedy evolved. “Now that they’re people … we can have a conversation,” he said, noting how much richer his storytelling has become thanks to his children’s perspectives.