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Sam Neill reveals his pillar of strength during cancer battle

<p>Anyone facing a major health battle will always cherish the support they receive from loved ones during tough times, and Sam Neill couldn't be more grateful for his support system. </p> <p>In 2022, the Jurassic Park star was diagnosed with stage-three blood cancer and had to undergo treatment.</p> <p>Fortunately, he is still in remission, and during a recent interview on the <em>Big Talk Show</em> podcast, he told host Jess Rowe that it was fellow actor and friend Bryan Brown who was a pillar of strength for him during his health battle. </p> <p>"I would be completely lost without friends and old friends are even more precious because they have been through the tough times," Neill said. </p> <p>“I had a spell in hospital and Bryan came in every day. Every day. I thought: ‘That’s a real friend’.</p> <p>“He didn’t have anything to say, but he came in and kept me company.”</p> <p>He added that despite the pair having very little in common, their friendship has lasted for more than 40 years. </p> <p>"Bryan and I have been friends since 1980, I think it is," he said. </p> <p>“I love him dearly, he’s a great family man [and] immensely loyal,” he added.</p> <p>Sam found out he had stage-three blood cancer in 2022 during his first trip back to New Zealand following the Covid lockdowns, that made it almost impossible for him to see his family. </p> <p>He had to undergo chemotherapy for three or four months, which he said was "brutal". </p> <p>In another interview with <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/today/sam-neill-says-working-saved-his-life-during-blood-cancer-battle/d4d7442d-c328-4ff8-9195-8a5d78d3ada0" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Today</em></a>, he also credited his work for keeping him busy and helping him survive his battle with cancer. </p> <p>"I like working and when I was diagnosed, I didn't have any work to do, so I wrote a book and that saved my life because I was pretty down and I got up in the morning and I would write and write and write and that was good fun," he said at the time. </p> <p><em>Image: Susanna Saez/EPA-EFE/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

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Shocking moment Queen Mary is struck by electric scooter

<p>Concerns over the safety of the Danish royal family have been raised after a video surfaced showing Queen Mary being struck by a scooter during a visit to Greenland last month.</p> <p>The footage, released by Danish tabloid Ekstra Bladet, depicts the incident in which Queen Mary, wife of King Frederik X, is seen greeting fans before being struck. Onlookers quickly surrounded the scene in shock.</p> <p>The 52-year-old monarch, who has four children, was visibly distressed as she fell but managed to maintain her composure after getting back on her feet. Her security team promptly intervened, halting the scooter's movement. The driver, an elderly man, appeared more shaken than the Queen and stated that he "did not know what happened", explaining that he had intended to extend his arm towards the Queen but accidentally accelerated instead.</p> <p>This incident has prompted widespread debate over the adequacy of security measures for the Danish monarchy. Royal expert Kenth G. Madsen, in an interview with FEMAIL, called for enhanced security protocols during public appearances by royalty and political figures. Madsen cited a recent incident involving Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who was assaulted by a drunk man in Copenhagen.</p> <p>"Threat assessments must be updated regularly to reflect the current security situation," Madsen said. He called for increased surveillance, a larger security presence, the establishment of safe zones around public events, and improved crisis response plans. He also stressed the importance of clear communication between security units.</p> <p>Ekstra Bladet's royal commentator, Kim Bach, criticised Denmark's national security and intelligence service, PET, for allowing a vehicle to get so close to the Queen. "It's strange that they are not more vigilant, just because they are in Greenland," Bach remarked, highlighting the perceived laxity in security measures.</p> <p>Queen Mary was reportedly shaken by the incident, which occurred near her youngest children, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine. King Frederik was also in the vicinity, greeting fans when the accident happened. The palace confirmed that Queen Mary was not injured and continued with her scheduled events.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9LUBJWIGqD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9LUBJWIGqD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐲 (@denmarksqueenmary)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Eyewitnesses described the shock of the crowd following the incident. One spectator told <em>The Australian</em>, "I could see how much it hurt her; her eyes watered immediately. It must hurt to be hit at that speed."</p> <p>While both police and palace security concluded that the incident was an innocent mistake, fans and observers have expressed concerns about the Queen's safety. Comments on social media questioned why a motorised scooter – even a mobility one such as this – was allowed so close to the monarch.</p> <p>The incident has sparked a debate about the balance between the royals' accessibility to the public and the need for more robust security measures. Fans and commentators alike have called for a reassessment of the security protocols surrounding the Danish royal family, particularly during public engagements.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Man arrested over horror crash that left 11-year-old orphaned

<p>A British man has been arrested over a horror crash that left an 11-year-old girl orphaned. </p> <p>Shannen Morgan and Shane Roller have died alongside their two young daughters Rubie, 9, and Lillie, four, when their car collided with a motorbike as the family were travelling home from a walk on Sunday. </p> <p>Christopher Barton, 56, and his wife Janine, 48, who were on the motorbike were also both killed.</p> <p>The couple's son, Lewis, 21 has now been left without his parents, along with Shane and Shannen's 11-year-old daughter Poppie. </p> <p>Shocking pictures taken after the horror crash between Barnsley and Wakefield in northern England, showed the burnt out wreckage of the family's car, who were all declared dead at the scene. </p> <p>Police have confirmed a man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, according to <em>The Sun</em>. </p> <p>Poppie managed to escape the tragic accident because she had gone to a friend's house for dinner, and Lewis was on holiday in Thailand when he found out about his parents death. </p> <p>The 11-year-old was being looked after by family friend, Paul Hepple, at the time, and he said that they were just tucking into a roast dinner when the phone rang with the devastating news. </p> <p>“Her mum actually contacted us and asked if we could watch her because she didn’t want to go on the walk that they went on,” he told <em>Mail Online</em>.</p> <p>“She was with our daughter having fun. And on their way home, that’s when the accident happened.</p> <p>“We were having Sunday dinner as a family, and Poppie's aunty was with us and obviously, Poppie was as well. And then she got a phone call and she ended up leaving really quickly to go and see what happened.”</p> <p>Hepple, has set up a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-poppie" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page for Poppie and has raised almost £380,000 (about $745,000 Australian dollars) to put towards her education, emotional support and future care. </p> <p>The family friend has described Poppie as a “bright and resilient young girl” who has turned to Taylor Swift’s music to find comfort after she “lost her whole world in an instant”.</p> <p>“Despite her unimaginable loss, she shows incredible strength every day,” he wrote on the fundraiser.</p> <p>“Poppie now faces an uncertain future. With her immediate family gone, she needs support to ensure she has a stable, loving environment where she can heal and grow.”</p> <p>Shannen and Shane's devastated friends and family have shared their tributes on social media, vowing to look after Poppie. </p> <p>Shane’s brother Callum said he was “lost for words”, adding: “I’m absolutely heartbroken. I’m gonna miss all of you! You all had a heart of gold. My heart is ripped into a million pieces!”</p> <p>Shannen's friend Chelsea Element wrote: “You are and always will be one of my closest friends.</p> <p>“There are no words to describe the utter loss this has created for family/friends and the community around us. I hope you’re at peace Shannen Morgan and Shane Roller, with your beautiful girls.</p> <p>“Everyone will always look after Poppie, she will never want for anything she has the love of everyone.”</p> <p>Her cousin Beth Brittain said: “My heart just hurts my brain won’t accept what’s happened.</p> <p>“Shannen you were always my extra sister not just my cousin, we grew together. I just can’t speak. No words. Sleep tight my little Roller family your memory will live on for eternity.”</p> <p>Christopher and Janine’s son Lewis, is believed to have flown home immediately after finding out about his parents death. </p> <p>The couple had recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, according to West Yorkshire Police, and they were just 20 minutes from home when the devastating accident occurred. </p> <p>In a tribute released through the police, the couple were described by their son as “a loving, caring mum and dad who always put me before everything else”.</p> <p>Superintendent Alan Travis of Wakefield District Police has urged anyone who has dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage of the car to contact them and assist with their investigation. </p> <p>They have also issued a public plea for anyone who saw a grey coloured Porsche 911 at the time of the crash to come forward. </p> <p>“This is an absolutely tragic incident which has resulted in the loss of six lives," the Superintendent said. </p> <p>“Our thoughts go out to the families of those who have died who we are working with to provide support at this time.”</p> <p><em>Images: news.com.au</em></p>

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The tragic reason Miriam Margolyes is still working at 83

<p>Miriam Margolyes has shared the tragic reason that she is still working in showbiz at the age of 83. </p> <p>The acting legend has long suffered with spinal stenosis – a condition that occurs when the spinal canal or neural foramen narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.</p> <p>Despite suffering from the debilitating illness, the 83-year-old British star has appeared on numerous TV shows over the years. </p> <p>Now, speaking candidly to the <em>Radio Times</em>, Margolyes admitted that she is still working to fund her medical bills. </p> <p>She said, “I’m worried that I won’t have enough money for carers when I finally get paralysed or whatever it is that’s going to happen to me.” </p> <p>Despite dealing with the physical constraints that come from both her spinal stenosis and her age, which she finds “limiting and depressing”, she said she refuses to slow her pace.</p> <p>“When you know that you haven’t got long to live and I’m probably going to die within the next five or six years, if not before, I’m loath to leave behind performing. It’s such a joy.”</p> <p>“I yearn to play roles that don’t confine me to wheelchairs, but I’m just not strong enough.”</p> <p>Margolyes recently underwent major heart surgery, speaking candidly about the operation with the <em>Table Manners</em> podcast.</p> <p>“I’ve got a cow’s heart now,” she said.</p> <p>“Well, not the whole heart. I’ve had an aortic valve replaced by a cow’s aortic valve.</p> <p>“I don’t know how common it is. I’d never heard of that operation. But it saves you from having open-heart surgery, which would be infinitely more invasive.”</p> <p>In the same interview, Margolyes revealed she expected to be a wheelchair soon.</p> <p>“When you get old you become obviously aware of your vulnerability. I have a bad back, I’m probably going to be in a wheelchair soon and you have to come to terms with what life throws at you.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

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Clint Eastwood's partner's cause of death revealed

<p>The cause of death of Clint Eastwood's partner has been revealed, just days after the actor addressed her tragic passing. </p> <p>Christina Sandera, Eastwood's partner of 10 years, died suddenly on July 18th at just 61 years of age. </p> <p>Now, a representative from the Monterey County Health Department confirmed to <em><a href="https://nypost.com/2024/07/23/entertainment/clint-eastwoods-partner-christina-sanderas-cause-of-death-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The New York Post</a></em> that Sandera died of a heart attack. </p> <p>The death certificate listed her immediate cause as cardiac arrhythmia, which is an abnormality in the timing or pattern of the heartbeat.</p> <p>Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease was also outlined as an additional condition that led to Sandera’s death.</p> <p>Eastwood addressed the passing of his partner after the <em>Hollywood Reporter</em> confirmed her death, with the actor writing, “Christina was a lovely, caring woman, and I will miss her very much.”</p> <p>The pair met when Sandera worked as a hostess at a hotel and restaurant owned by the actor in California, before they started dating in 2014. </p> <p>The couple largely kept their romance out of the public eye with Sandera only attended a handful of events with the Hollywood icon during their 10-year relationship.</p> <p>The couple, who never married, walked their last red carpet together in November 2019 at AFI Fest in Hollywood. </p> <p>One of Eastwood's children from a previous marriage Morgan, 27, paid tribute to her father’s longtime love on Sunday by sharing a photo of herself, her father and Eastwood and her wedding, writing, “A devastating loss for our whole family. Thank you Christina for being a good partner to my Dad ❤️ you will be greatly missed.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: John McCoy/UPI/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

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News reader turned firefighter dies at just 46

<p>BBC presenter turned firefighter Beccy Barr has passed away at the age of 46 after a battle with cancer. </p> <p>Barr's family confirmed the sad news on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Beccy passed away peacefully this morning”.</p> <p>“She spent her last few days at @SJHospice who provided the most dignified and compassionate care to Beccy and her whole family. Donations to the hospice can be made in Beccy’s memory.”</p> <p>After 20 years at the British public broadcaster, Barr shocked her loyal viewers announcing she would be leaving her media career behind to follow in her father's footsteps by becoming a firefighter. </p> <p>In February 2022, she updated her fans on social media, explaining she had received distinction marks in all her training assessments for the Lancashire Fire and Rescue team. </p> <p>Then in December 2023, Barr revealed that she was diagnosed with “incurable cancer”, writing to her followers at the time, “Two lessons I’ve learned from this distinctly sub-optimal experience: 1) Life is wild. 2) People have an utterly astounding and boundless capacity for love, care and friendship.”</p> <p>BBC presenter Roger Johnson was one of many who paid tribute to his former colleague, saying, “Beccy was courageous in so many ways.”</p> <p>“In the way she faced her illness, of course, but she also had the courage to walk away from a successful TV career to retrain as a firefighter."</p> <p>“She wanted to make a difference and she excelled at that, too.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: BBC / X (Twitter) </em></p>

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Richard Simmons' final message for fans

<p>Former staff of the late fitness guru Richard Simmons have shared what would be his last message to fans. </p> <p>The legendary fitness instructor <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/jane-fonda-s-heartfelt-tribute-to-richard-simmons" target="_blank" rel="noopener">passed away</a> just one day after celebrating his 76th birthday. </p> <p>In a message posted to Simmons' X (formerly Twitter) account from "Richard's staff," it was stated that Simmons often planned his social media posts ahead of time.</p> <p>"Richard worked very hard on his posts for you," the message from Simmons' staff began.</p> <p>"He had many ideas and would work ahead… going back to each one making changes until he had it just like he wanted before posting," the message continued.</p> <p>"As you know, on the weekends, he would just share a photo with a caption. He always chose his photos and wrote his captions for the upcoming weekend by Friday."</p> <p>"So we have the post Richard planned to share with you last Sunday. We thought you'd want to see it."</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here is the post Richard had planned for you for Sunday July 14, 2024. 3/3</p> <p>“Let me fly you to the moon so we can gaze among the stars. <br />Love,<br />Richard” <a href="https://t.co/aatT3LkrsT">pic.twitter.com/aatT3LkrsT</a></p> <p>— Richard Simmons (@TheWeightSaint) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheWeightSaint/status/1814768145137279282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p>According to his staff, the message that Simmons intended to share with his followers on July 14th 2024, just one day after his death, read: "Let me fly you to the moon so we can gaze among the stars. Love, Richard."</p> <p>According to <a title="People" href="https://people.com/richard-simmons-staff-share-a-final-post-and-last-photo-before-death-8681177" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>People</em>, </a>Simmons was buried on July 19th in Los Angeles. </p> <p>"Our beloved Dicky was laid to rest this morning surrounded by only family and closest friends," Simmons' brother Lenny Simmons told the outlet in a statement via Simmons' longtime publicist Tom Estey.</p> <p>"We pray for your continued love and support during this very difficult time."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Peter Foley/EPA/Shutterstock </em></p>

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Missing 3-year-old found dead at Walt Disney World

<p>The body of a young boy has been found after he went missing from a resort near Walt Disney World in Florida on Thursday.</p> <p>Rakim Akbari, 3, was reported missing from the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas at Lake Buena Vista earlier that day, after he had wandered away from the resort that morning. </p> <p>Authorities also said that Rakim had autism. </p> <p>The Orange County Sheriff sent out a missing child alert for the young boy before deputies located his body in the water at the resort on Thursday afternoon. </p> <p>“It is with heavy hearts that we must share that our deputies have found Rakim Akbari deceased in a body of water at the resort where he was reported missing this morning. Our detectives are still looking into how this tragedy occurred,” they shared on X. </p> <p>“We are grieving his loss, and our prayers are with his family,” they added. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is with heavy hearts that we must share that our deputies have found Rakim Akbari deceased in a body of water at the resort where he was reported missing this morning. Our detectives are still looking into how this tragedy occurred.</p> <p>We are grieving his loss, and our prayers… <a href="https://t.co/3huAOOo0u4">pic.twitter.com/3huAOOo0u4</a></p> <p>— Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) <a href="https://twitter.com/OrangeCoSheriff/status/1814027480782761996?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p>They didn't provide further details, but the boy reportedly went missing while wearing pyjama pants and a shirt with no socks or shoes. </p> <p>People on X have also shared their condolences to the boy's family.</p> <p>"Deepest condolences to the family of this beautiful little boy. Prayers for the law enforcement that found him, it's hard for them to process as well," one said. </p> <p>"Heartbreaking. Prayers to his family and all who loved him," added another. </p> <p>"God bless his family. Rest in Peace," added another. </p> <p>"My heart goes out to the family," wrote a third. </p> <p><em>Image: X</em></p>

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Tributes flow for Bob Newhart

<p>Bob Newhart has died aged 94. </p> <p>The comedian and actor was best known for the television shows, <em>The Bob Newhart Show </em>and <em>Newhart</em>, and also starred in <em>Elf </em>and <em>Big Bang Theory</em>. </p> <p>His publicist, Jerry Digney confirmed that Newhart died in Los Angeles on Thursday morning local time, following a series of short illnesses.</p> <p>Digney called the star's passing the “end of an era in comedy”.</p> <p>Tributes have been pouring in for the "truly one-of-a-kind" talent, with <em>Newhart</em> co-star Julia Duffy sharing a special tribute on X, alongside an old cast photo. </p> <p>"Second most important man in my life," she began, while also referencing the loss of her son. </p> <p>"Glad they're together but I feel so alone now. #RIPBOB. How I will miss being teased. I love you."</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Second most important man in my life. Glad they're together but I feel so alone now. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPBOB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIPBOB</a>. How I will miss being teased. I love you.💔 <a href="https://t.co/edXgWzSfgX">pic.twitter.com/edXgWzSfgX</a></p> <p>— julia duffy (@mybadauditions) <a href="https://twitter.com/mybadauditions/status/1814027810606116901?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p><em>Star Wars</em> actor Mark Hamill also took the platform to share his condolences. </p> <p>"From his groundbreaking stand-up to his two classic sitcoms he gave us a lifetime of laughter," he wrote alongside an image of Newhart. </p> <p>"Truly one-of-a-kind. Thank you Bob Newhart! #RIP." </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">From his groundbreaking stand-up to his two classic sitcoms he gave us a lifetime of laughter. Truly one-of-a-kind. Thank you Bob Newhart!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIP</a> <a href="https://t.co/NlkJNuOw80">pic.twitter.com/NlkJNuOw80</a></p> <p>— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkHamill/status/1814041289664684351?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p>Bill Prady, the co-creator of <em>The Big Bang Theory</em> also paid tribute to the actor and shared what a delight it was to work with the comedian. </p> <p>"Hard to explain how important Bob Newhart was to every comedian and comedy writer who came after him," he wrote in a tribute, with a photo of the pair. </p> <p>"Working with him ever so briefly was one of the greatest joys and honors of my life."</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hard to explain how important Bob Newhart was to every comedian and comedy writer who came after him.</p> <p>Working with him ever so briefly was one of the greatest joys and honors of my life <a href="https://t.co/RjKIpfhF8T">pic.twitter.com/RjKIpfhF8T</a></p> <p>— Bill Prady ⚛️ (@billprady) <a href="https://twitter.com/billprady/status/1814034719258079475?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p>Newhart was originally an accountant and advertising copywriter. </p> <p>He first rose to fame in the 1960's following the release of his comedy album, <em>The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart</em>, which was one of the best-selling albums of the year, and landed him a Grammy Award. </p> <p>In 1972, <em>The Bob Newhart Show </em>debuted, and ten years later, he debuted <em>Newhart</em>, which still has one of the most famous series finale in TV history, for the unexpected twist that tied the two shows together. </p> <p>Newhart was also a frequent guest and regular fill-in host on the <em>Tonight Show </em>during that era. </p> <p><em>Images: </em><em>Jim Ruymen/UPI/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

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"Rest in love": All Blacks legend and Dancing with the Stars winner dies at 55

<p>The sports and entertainment communities are mourning the loss of former All Blacks hooker and <em>Dancing with the Stars</em> winner Norm Hewitt, who has passed away at the age of 55.</p> <p>Hewitt, a beloved figure both on and off the rugby field, succumbed to a lengthy battle with motor neurone disease, as confirmed by his family in a heartfelt statement.</p> <p>"Although rugby dominated his early life, he established a thriving human relations consultancy after retirement, and his services were much in demand both nationally and internationally," his family shared. "He walked confidently in both Māori and Pākehā worlds and was a particular role model for troubled youth, citing his own background, and offering inspirational teachings that one’s present life need not be one’s future."</p> <p>Hewitt leaves behind his wife Arlene and their two children, Elizabeth and Alexander. Born and raised in Pōrangahau, southern Hawke’s Bay, Hewitt's rugby career was nothing short of illustrious. Over 13 seasons, he played 296 representative matches for Hawke’s Bay, Southland and Wellington, earning 23 caps for the All Blacks. Hewitt was also a pivotal member of the Hurricanes during the formative years of Super Rugby, missing only one match in the first five years.</p> <p>The rugby community has been profoundly affected by Hewitt's passing. Former teammate Ofisa Tonu’u posted a touching tribute on Facebook: "I’m just devastated finding out the news today. I will never forget how you always stuck up for me during the Black Tracker days when no one else would, you always look after all the players and we always followed you into battle. No more pain, brother, you can now rest in Love. Fa’afetai tele lava my uso for having my back as I did yours. I know the other boys will be welcoming you with open arms at the gates. Rest in Love, Normy."</p> <p>Beyond his rugby career, Hewitt transitioned into a public speaker and mentor, focusing heavily on violence prevention programmes and advocacy. He worked with the SPCA as an animal cruelty and anti-violence publicity officer, visiting schools to spread his message. In 2005, Hewitt showcased his versatility by winning the first season of<em> Dancing with the Stars</em> alongside professional dancer Carol-Ann Hickmore.</p> <p>Hewitt's life was not without its struggles. In 1999, he made a public apology for a drunken incident in Queenstown, marking a turning point as he renounced alcohol and dedicated himself to helping others facing similar challenges.</p> <p>The outpouring of tributes was immediate, with The All Blacks expressing their sorrow: “We are saddened by the loss of All Black #938 Norm Hewitt who passed away yesterday in Wellington. Hewitt played 9 Tests and 14 Games between 1993 and 1998. Our thoughts are with Norm’s family and loved ones at this time.”</p> <p>Podcaster Martin Devlin shared his personal experience: “RIP Norm Hewitt. Not a lot of people know how kind & generous this man was. A truly wonderful person. Reached out to me and helped me considerably a long time ago when things were very rough. Love & respect.”</p> <p>Richard Hills echoed the sentiments of many: “This is bloody sad. A sad way to lose a kiwi icon so young. He had a really rough childhood and upbringing and faced it and turned his life around to become not only a rugby legend but also helped others who’d been through similar issues.”</p> <p>Norm Hewitt’s legacy will endure through the lives he touched and the positive change he inspired. His story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the profound impact one individual can have on the world.</p> <p><em>Image: Radio New Zealand</em></p>

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"Force of nature": Tributes flow for Shannen Doherty

<p>Shannen Doherty has passed away aged 53. </p> <p>The beloved actress, known for her roles on <em>Little House on the Prairie</em>, <em>Charmed</em> and <em>90210</em>, died over the weekend following a nine-year battle with breast cancer. </p> <p>Doherty's death was confirmed by her publicist, Leslie Sloane, who said in a statement: "It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease."</p> <p>"The devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie. The family asks for their privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace."</p> <p>Tributes have flowed in for Doherty from friends, co-stars and loved ones, who have remembered her as a "force of nature". </p> <p>"Shannen Doherty had the heart of a lion," fellow<em> Charmed </em>co-star Rose McGowan wrote in a tribute shared to Instagram. </p> <p>"Passion for craft is often mislabelled as trouble. Shannen was passion," McGowan continued.</p> <p>"I met her in the 90s and was awed. Getting to really know her later in life, a beautiful gift. This woman fought to live," McGowan added, before praising Doherty's work ethic which was "inspiring to the end".</p> <p>"Shannen's great love for directing, for acting, Holly [Marie Combs], her friends, her parents, dog and her beloved fans was legendary."</p> <p>"Our lives had been intertwined in a unique way. We laughed at dark forces who wanted us to hate each other, instead we chose love and respect. A soft-hearted badass as there ever was. A force of energy that will live forever in hearts," McGowan wrote. </p> <p>"Rest now warrior, we will never forget you dear sister."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9aLxGVvLH_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9aLxGVvLH_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Rose McGowan (@rosemcgowan)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Fellow Charmed co-star Alyssa Milano - who Doherty had a complicated relationship with - also paid tribute to her via a statement shared with<em> People</em>. </p> <p>"It's no secret that Shannen and I had a complicated relationship, but at its core was someone I deeply respected and was in awe of," Milano wrote.</p> <p>"She was a talented actress, beloved by many and the world is less without her. My condolences to all who loved her," she concluded.</p> <p>Meanwhile, actress Olivia Munn, who bonded with Doherty over their shared breast cancer battle, shared a lengthy tribute to her Instagram story. </p> <p>"I am absolutely heartbroken over the passing of Shannen Doherty. When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer I remembered how she bravely let the world into her journey and reached out to her," Munn wrote.</p> <p>"We became instant friends – which I honestly couldn't comprehend at times because watching her on 90210 was everything to me when I was 10."</p> <p>"Looking back on the last text she sent me just a couple months ago, she asked how I was doing and if she could do anything for me.... True to form, Shannen was offering her support even though she was in the final stages of fighting this horrific disease," Munn continued.</p> <p>"Cancer is really f---ing scary and Shannen faced it with such dignity, strength and grace.</p> <p>"I'm sending all my love to her mother who was her best friend, hero and champion every step of the way. Fly so high, my friend 💔💔💔💔".</p> <p>Doherty's <em>Beverly Hills</em> and <em>90210 </em>co-star Jason Priestly described her as a  "force of nature" in an Instagram post. </p> <p>"I will miss her," he wrote.</p> <p>"Sending love and light to her family in this dark time."</p> <p>"Shocked and saddened by news of Shannen Doherty's death," Carol Potter, who played her on-screen mum in <em>90210</em>, wrote on Instagram.</p> <p>"What a journey she has been on! Gone too soon. Throughout, she stayed true to herself and gave us an example of courage and perseverance in facing her own death. May she rest in peace.❤️🙏"</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

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"Hero" victim identified at Trump rally shooting

<p>A former Pennsylvania volunteer fire chief has been named as the man who got caught in the crossfire of an assassination attempt on Donald Trump at a campaign rally. </p> <p>While Trump was delivering a speech to supporters in a small town in the state of Pennsylvania, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks was stationed on a rooftop near the event armed with a sniper. </p> <p>Crooks  fired multiple rounds on the former president and spectators, missing Trump, before he was ultimately killed by a Secret Service sniper.</p> <p>Caught up in the crossfire was 50-year-old Corey Comperatore, who died at the rally while trying to protect his daughter from the shooting. </p> <p>Comperatore's sister Dawn Comperatore Schafer took to Facebook to pay tribute to her brother and praise his heroism in his final moments. </p> <p>“The hatred for one man took the life of the one man we loved the most. He was a hero that shielded his daughters,” she wrote on Facebook.</p> <p>“His wife and girls just lived through the unthinkable and unimaginable,” she added.</p> <p>Comperatore’s wife, Helen, said her husband was as a “real-life superhero” who protected them. </p> <p>“Yesterday, what [was meant to] be such an exciting day for my husband, especially, turned into a nightmare for our family,” Helen wrote on Facebook. </p> <p>“What my precious girls had to witness is unforgivable,” she added. “He died the hero he always was.”</p> <p>Comperatore’s daughter, Allyson, echoed her statement, calling her father “the best dad a girl could ever ask for” as she mourned his sudden death. </p> <p>Allyson said that when the gunshots rang out, Comperatore quickly threw her and her mother to the ground to try to protect them after Trump was shot.</p> <p>“He truly loved us enough to take a real bullet for us,” Allyson wrote on Facebook. </p> <p>“And I want nothing more than to cry on him and tell him thank you.”</p> <p>Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also hailed Comperatore, who was an avid Trump supporter, as a local hero and has ordered flags to be flown half staff in his honour. </p> <p>“Corey died a hero,” Shapiro said. “Corey was the very best of us.”</p> <p>A <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-allyson-after-tragic-loss??fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1AbXfAyX9lw5cZpb1v3op6jM42CFcYObgctlnjT0JokJZAkCMzXjREWkU_aem_e473Brl2b31I68lZxNcpIg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page to support Helen and Allyson has already raised more than $890,000. </p> <p><em>Image credits: GoFundMe/Xinhua News Agency/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

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Jane Fonda's heartfelt tribute to Richard Simmons

<p>Legendary fitness guru Richard Simmons passed away on Saturday, just one day after celebrating his 76th birthday. </p> <p>Tributes are flowing in for the beloved fitness guru, with Jane Fonda honouring his memory through a heartfelt post on Instagram. </p> <p>“Richard Simmons always wanted people to feel good and be happy," Fonda began in her tribute shared one day after Simmons' passing. </p> <p>"He would go out of his way to make people happy. I often wondered if maybe nobody had made him happy when he was a little boy,” she shared with a throwback photo of the pair. </p> <p>“He was generous. He gave of himself, of his time, to make people happy. He once popped out of a huge cake at the launch of some Jane Fonda WORKOUT event. That was generous.”</p> <p>She continued to praise Simmons' generosity, before adding that she - like many who knew Simmons - had lost touch with him as he stepped back from public life over the past decade. </p> <p>"I saw him last when I took him and a boyfriend of his to lunch at the Polo Lounge. The relationship was new and he was proud. I never saw or heard from him again and, like many thousands of others, I’ve mourned his absence from my life," she wrote. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9adC5ptced/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9adC5ptced/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jane Fonda (@janefonda)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"I hope he felt the love so many were sending him these last years. I hope it made him happy. I read he died peacefully in his sleep in his very white home.</p> <p>"Rest in Peace, Dear Richard." </p> <p>Lenny Simmons, his brother, has urged fans to remember the late fitness guru for the happiness he brougt them. </p> <p>"I don't want people to be sad about my brother. I want them to remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to people's lives. He truly cared about people. He called, wrote and emailed thousands of people throughout his career to offer help," he wrote.</p> <p>"So don't be sad. Celebrate his life," Lenny urged.</p> <p>Simmons rose to fame in the 1980s after he became a TV fitness icon.  He was known for his boisterous personality, his curly hair and colourful Lycra outfits. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

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“Miracle”: 1-year-old baby survives two days beside highway during hurricane

<p>A one-year-old baby has been found alive on the side of a highway after surviving two days of dangerous hurricane conditions between the Texas and Louisiana border in the US. </p> <p>A truck driver spotted the one-year-old on a major highway, just a few kilometres where the boy's four-year-old brother was tragically found dead in a lake. </p> <p>The one-year-old had to survive stormy weather as Hurricane Beryl inundated the area with heavy rain and high winds, but was relatively unscathed when he was found.</p> <p>The truck driver recalled the moment he found the child to local news station KPLC, saying, "There was a little boy sitting down in the embankment there."</p> <p>"As I approached him, he smiled at me and then he started crying and walked toward me. Once he walked toward me, I grabbed his hand and he stopped crying at that point."</p> <p>Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Gary “Stitch” Guillory said the baby had a few insect bites, but otherwise seemed well.</p> <p>“This kid spent two days out in the weather on the side of the highway,” Guillory said while becoming emotional.</p> <p>“Thank God that trucker seen him. When you look at the video, here he was, you know, crawling toward the highway."</p> <p>“We look at this one-year-old as our miracle baby because he was still alive.”</p> <p>The children’s mother, 25-year-old Aaliyah Jack of Lake Charles, has been charged with failing to report a missing child, while the child's grandmother is fighting for custody of the infant. </p> <p><em>Image credits: News15</em></p>

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Shelley Duvall passes away at 75

<p>Shelley Duvall who starred in Stanley Kubrick's iconic horror film <em>The Shining</em> has passed away aged 75. </p> <p>Duvall died in her sleep on Thursday at her home in Bianco, Texas, after diabetes complications according to her friend and publicist Gary Springer. </p> <p>Her longtime partner, Dan Gilroy shared a heartbreaking statement. </p> <p>"My dear, sweet, wonderful life, partner, and friend left us last night," he said. </p> <p>"Too much suffering lately, now she's free. Fly away beautiful Shelley."</p> <p>Known for her thin physique, large expressive eyes and powerful performances, Duvall was remembered for her standout roles alongside Jack Nicholson in <em>The Shining</em> and Robin Williams in the comedy <em>Popeye</em>.</p> <p>She became Robert Altman's protégé after she was spotted by his staff members at a party in Houston, Texas in 1970, where she attended junior college, and Altman was preparing to film <em>Brewster McCloud</em> at the time.</p> <p>She also played memorable roles in some of his other films, including <em>Nashville</em> in 1975 and <em>3 Women</em> in 1977, which won her the Cannes Best Actress Award. </p> <p>"He offers me damn good roles," Duvall said about Altman for <em>The New York Times</em> in 1977.</p> <p>"None of them have been alike. He has a great confidence in me, and a trust and respect for me, and he doesn't put any restrictions on me or intimidate me, and I love him. I remember the first advice he ever gave me: 'Don't take yourself seriously.'"</p> <p>Despite <em>The Shining </em>being one of her greatest roles, filming it took an emotional toll on her, after having to be in hysterics during long days of filming, with one scene reportedly requiring 127 takes, </p> <p>By the 1990s she began retiring from acting and retreated from public life. </p> <p>"How would you feel if people were really nice, and then, suddenly, on a dime, they turn on you?" Duvall told the Times earlier this year.</p> <p>"You would never believe it unless it happens to you. That's why you get hurt, because you can't really believe it's true."</p> <p><em>Images: Soshellyduvall Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

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Hospice nurse reveals the key to a peaceful death

<p>Hospice nurse Julie McFadden has shared her best advice for ensuring a peaceful death, after learning from her patients in their final moments. </p> <p>The healthcare professional, who is known for her YouTube channel where she shares information about death to break the taboo of conversations around dying, shared a video about what you can do in life to ensure a peaceful passing. </p> <p>In the recent clip, she shared what you can do in order to have a peaceful death, and she says it comes down to preparedness and acceptance.</p> <p>"That's one of the biggest things I see," she explained. "People who plan for death will tend to have a more peaceful death than those who do not plan for death."</p> <p>"A prepared death versus a non-prepared death - that's the one thing that I've seen in all of my patients," she explained.</p> <p>Julie said she noticed the patients that were "willing to talk about the hard stuff" had a more peaceful death.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qoFvKkfIo00?si=Ba5BnxuaKsBVaGAe" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>"[That means] willing to ask the questions about, 'how long do you think I have? What can I expect? What should I do before I die to make this easier for my family?'" she listed.</p> <p>Julie went on to share a story of when a patient of hers died peacefully surrounded by his family, explaining that the patient was in hospice and had started to decline around 20 minutes after she arrived.</p> <p>"He started having weird changes in breathing, so this was a sudden decline and it looked like he may suddenly die," she recalled, adding the abrupt change was "uncommon actually" in hospice care.</p> <p>"What I noticed was because this family - and him - were so prepared, instead of the family [being] chaotic and reacting in an emotional way - which is very normal - they flipped along right with him," she explained.</p> <p>"[They laid] in bed with him. They understood immediately what was happening. They didn't panic," she shared.</p> <p>Julie said the man was surrounded by his loving family and it was an overwhelmingly emotional experience.</p> <p>"It makes me cry every time I think about it - that vision of them all being able to understand what was happening, even though it was a change they didn't want," she explained.</p> <p>"By the end of that visit he died, so he went from kind of looking okay to dying which is hard - but that family made it a beautiful moment," she said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: YouTube </em></p>

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Grandfather killed after being mistaken for kidnapper

<p>An Indian grandfather has been tragically killed in a one-punch attack after being mistaken for a kidnapper. </p> <p>Mewa Singh, 60, was visiting his son and grandson in Christchurch when he suffered the fatal blow at the hands of a stranger.</p> <p>His 32-year-old attacker, whose name has been suppressed, was spending time at a park on April 7th 2023 with his son when he drove off and left his child behind to “teach his son a lesson” after the boy was misbehaving, according to <em><a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350337161/totally-unfair-how-one-punch-changed-familys-life-forever" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">Stuff</a></em>.</p> <p>When he returned a short time late to pick up his son, the man saw a stranger, later identified as Singh, holding his son’s hand near a bus stop and became enraged, shoving Singh and yelling “that’s my f****** son”.</p> <p>He drove the child back to his ex-partner’s house and explained the situation, when his son allegedly said, Singh was “trying to walk him to daddy’s car”. </p> <p>The man then decided to drive back to the park to find Singh, where he confronted the grandfather by grabbing his shirt collar and accusing him of trying to abduct his son.</p> <p>He then delivered a “haymaker-style punch” to his jaw, which caused Singh to fall backwards and hit his head on the pavement.</p> <p>Believing Singh to be dead, his attacker left and told his ex-partner he thought he killed him, prompting her to phone emergency services.</p> <p>Despite being treated in the ICU at Christchurch Hospital, Singh did not regain consciousness and died on April 9th.</p> <p>Singh’s attacker faced Christchurch High Court on Friday, when he pleaded guilty to manslaughter, and is scheduled to be sentenced in October. </p> <p>Speaking to <em><a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350337161/totally-unfair-how-one-punch-changed-familys-life-forever" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stuff</a></em> about the attack 15 months on, Singh’s son Himanshu Keshwer said his family was still beyond devastated at the sudden loss.</p> <p>“He was a very good human being,” he said.</p> <p>Keshwer said what happened to his father was “totally unfair”.</p> <p>“Someone killed my dad and I couldn’t do anything, and still can’t do anything,” he told the outlet.</p> <p>“It makes me sad, it shouldn’t have happened.”</p> <p>A <a href="https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/helping-and-support-the-family" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">fundraiser</a> was launched to support Singh’s family and transport his body back to India, raising $16,316, which exceeded the $15,000 goal.</p> <p><em>Image credits: givealittle.co.nz</em></p>

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Bon Jovi shares sad family news

<p>Jon Bon Jovi's mother, Carol Bongiovi has died aged 83, just three days before her birthday. </p> <p>Carol passed away at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, New Jersey, on Tuesday.</p> <p>The star paid a heartbreaking tribute to her, telling <em>People</em>: “Our mother was a force to be reckoned with, her spirit and can-do attitude shaped this family.”</p> <p>“She will be greatly missed.”</p> <p>No cause of death has been given. </p> <p>Carol affectionally known to fans as "mum Jovi" was a former Playboy Bunny and the founder of the Bon Jovi band's official fan club. </p> <p>Jon previously spoke about his mother's influence on his career in a 2020 interview with <em>The Big Issue</em>. </p> <p>"What I got from my parents was the ability to make the dream reality," he explained. </p> <p>"Even if you truly weren't any good at your craft, if you believed you were, you could work on it. As I got older I realised that was a great gift that I got from my folks.</p> <p>"They truly believed in the John Kennedy mantra of going to the moon. 'Yeah, of course you can go to the moon. Just go, Johnny.' And there I went."</p> <p>He also shared a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9QAG10uRk-/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">clip</a> from his 2020 music video for <em>Story of Love </em>on Instagram, which featured his parents and captioned it: "Momma. We carry you with us. Always ❤️❤️"</p> <p>According to <em>People</em>, Holmdel Funeral Home is in charge of Carol’s funeral, which will be private. </p> <p>Carol is survived by her husband John, her rocker son and other two children, Matthew and Anthony Bongiovi, as well as eight grandchildren.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

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Today Show entertainment reporter's cause of death revealed

<p>Beloved <em>Today</em> show and KTLA entertainment reporter Sam Rubin's cause of death has been revealed, two months after his sudden <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/legendary-today-show-reporter-dies-unexpectedly" target="_blank" rel="noopener">passing</a>. </p> <p>The 64-year-old died in May with a new report from medical officials finding he died from a heart attack after he suffered a massive blockage to his coronary artery. </p> <p>Just hours after hosting his Hollywood news segment in the morning of May 10th, Rubin was rushed to home after collapsing in his Los Angeles home. </p> <p>The multi-Emmy Award winner was a renowned figure in the news industry on the West Coast, and had covered entertainment, movies and TV for KTLA since 1991.</p> <p>He was also well-known in Australia as a contributor to Channel Nine's <em>Today</em> show and <em>Today Extra</em>, and in the UK where he appeared on <em>This Morning</em>.</p> <p>Following his death, Karl Stefanovic paid tribute to his colleague on Instagram, saying he "adored every second with Sam on air and off over the past two decades".</p> <p>"His spirit. His laugh. His warm caring nature. He was a beautiful man. What a loss. All love to his family, and to his TV family at KTLA5 News."</p> <p><em>Today Extra</em> host David Campbell also paid tribute to Rubin, calling him a "Hollywood great".</p> <p>"He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the industry," Campbell posted on social media.</p> <p>"For years we would cross to him and gossip and laugh," he said.</p> <p>"He would visit us Down Under, and whenever you were in LA you had to catch up. His loss is profound. My love and condolences to his family whom he adored."</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">"Also his KTLA team who have lost a brother. We will cross back to you some other time Sam."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

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