How Jerry Springer Nearly Forced Oprah to QuitAnd Why He Thought He Was Going to Hell Because of It
Known as one of America's most polarizing and beloved talk show hosts, Jerry Springer passed away at the age of 79 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was called a 'sleaze master' and 'godfather of reality television' as well as the 'Sultan of Salaciousness.' His legacy, while controversial, is a testament to his intrigue in sensationalist stories and his ability to captivate the American audience. But his success didn't come without an outpour of criticism. The Jerry Springer Show, which premiered in 1991 and ran until 2018, was a source of disgust for the queen of daytime, Oprah Winfrey- so much that she even threatened to walk away from daytime television entirely. Oprah Winfrey Threatens to Quit @oprah/InstagramIn an interview published by the Sunday Times of London, Winfrey called The Jerry Springer Show, a "vulgarity circus", fearing that Springer's show was leading American audiences down a cultural cesspool. “I am in disbelief about things that are happening on television talk shows,” Winfrey said. “How low can it get? Can public taste keep on sinking? Yes, it can. I have to get out.” She continued to say that Springer had oversaturated himself. RELATED: Top 20 Inspiring Oprah Winfrey Quotes That Will Empower YouWhat began as a daytime show intended to discuss politics, Springer, a lawyer and former politician, wanted his new show to shed light on current topics such as homelessness and gun laws. But in 1994, the show shifted focus to encourage higher ratings and gave way to a sensationalist, tabloid style of television known as 'trash TV.' Fistfights, brawls, nudity, and profanity became commonplace occurrences. He covered topics like affairs, secret children, and sexual encounters, and one infamous show about marrying a horse that was later banned by multiple stations. The Jerry Springer Show Vs The Oprah Winfrey ShowSpringer's instincts paid off, and by 1998, Springer was beating The Oprah Winfrey Show in many U.S. cities, and his show saw more than 9.8 million viewers on average. While ratings weren't usually in Springers favour, he defended his show, saying that it was "escapist entertainment", but others argued that he was leading to the decline of American culture. Winfrey wasn't afraid to publicly bow out of the talkshow scene because of people like Springer. “I am all talked out,” Winfrey said. “My contract has two years left, then I am getting out of such shows, because I feel they are going to burn themselves out." Winfrey's eponymous show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, would end up running until 2011. But in a surprise twist, Springer publicly forgave Oprah for the takedown of his show and begged her not to leave television because of him. In an interview published by The Post in 1999, Springer said, "I like Oprah and she’s a real talent...Let’s face it, she’s the best in the business. So she doesn’t like my show, so what? I hope she doesn’t quit. There would be a void [in the business]. I guess I’ve got two years to clean up my act – and then she’ll stay!”Jerry Springer Acknowledges His Mistake@thejerryspringershow/InstagramDespite Springer's casual defence of the show during its 27-year reign, in a 2022 interview for the Behind the Rope Podcast, Springer offered an unexpected apology for his show's impact on American television culture and joked that he would end up in hell because of it. "I just apologize," he says. "I'm so sorry. What have I done? I've ruined the culture...He went on to say, "I just hope hell isn't that hot, because I burn real easy. I'm very light-complected."While Springer's apology is lighthearted, he still understood the consequences of an action he probably didn't see foresee when his show was at its peak popularity. The television legend's apology is a great reminder that we all make mistakes. As we grow and mature we often see the poor or misguided choices of our youth. What makes us better people is to take ownership of those mistakes, no matter how much time has passed. Springer ended every show with the same line, no matter the histrionics in the hour before, "Take care of yourself, and each other.'" And those are all words we can live by.
The Wild Ride Of "Indiana Jones" Star Ke Huy Quan–From Unemployable to Oscar Winner at 50
Ke Huy Quan cleaned it up at the Oscars, winning Best Supporting Actor for Everything Everywhere All At Once.While he is best known for his early childhood roles in hits like 1984's Indiana Jones and The Goonies, the 50 year old veteran has made a major adult comeback.The Vietnamese-born actor seemed like he was paving a career of notoriety in Hollywood and had supporters like Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford in his corner- but quickly, the actor seemed to fade away from the spotlight altogether, leading many to wonder what happened to him. But in 2022, everything changed. He recently starred in 2022's Everything Everywhere All At Once, where he plays a Chinese immigrant alongside Michelle Yeoh. The film is set to sweep the Oscars with 11 nominations with Quan nominated for Best Supporting Actor (and ultimately winning). But his journey to the Oscars was anything but easy. Notable Childhood Actor IMDBLong before Macaulay Culkin or even Millie Bobby Brown, Ke Huy Quan was the go-to childhood actor for some of Hollywood's most notable adventure movies. Quan is the seventh of nine children and grew up in Saigon, Vietnam. Raised in a 'traditional Chinese household', Quan says that he grew up in a chaotic household and never really needed friends because his siblings filled that role for him. To escape the war in Vietnam, his family had to split up briefly, and finally reunited in Los Angeles in 1979. They moved to Chinatown and settled into their new American life. RELATED: How Pedro Pascal Went From Child Refugee to the Most Wanted Man in HollywoodQuan grew up watching classic Hong Kong films featuring stars like Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung who quickly became his influences. He says his family was heavy in debt and going to the movies was considered a luxury. Quan says, "Acting wasn't even on the horizon, or in my atmosphere."But in a true twist of fate, at the age of 12 years old, he scored the role of Short Round in 1984's Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom alongside Harrison Ford. his younger brother David had initially headed to the audition, but it was Quan who caught the casting director's eye. Riding the wave of success, in 1985, Quan landed the role of Data in The Goonies. Executive producer Steven Spielberg set the role aside specifically for Quan and this is when he discovered acting to be his true calling. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Quan says, "I was allowed to be a kid."Quan thought that the roles would come easier, especially as he grew out of his childhood mold, but things were not easy. Lack of Diversity in Hollywood Goonies | Universal StudiosIn the 1980s and 1990s, Quan found himself as a high school graduate with very little roles available for people like him. He was auditioning in a Hollywood scene that didn't favour Asian actors, especially in dramatic roles. While he had a two-season spot as Jasper Kwong in the 1990 sitcom Head of the Class, Quan's work began to dry up. After a dramatic and painful reckoning, he decided to quit acting and enrolled in USC's film school in 1999. He dedicated his adult years to working behind the camera, mostly in Asian films. Though he found success working as a stunt coordinator and director's assistant, he missed acting. A True Hollywood ComebackQuan's meteoric comeback is truly a story made for Hollywood. After seeing 2018's Crazy Rich Asians, Quan says he was inspired to get back into the acting game. His wife, Echo, also shared his fears and doubts. After all, Quan was about to turn 50 and he hadn't starred in a Hollywood movie in over 30 years. Most of all, he feared the rejection he had alreadyfaced far too many times. RELATED: What Happened to Carrie Anne Moss? The Matrix Actress Who Is Making a ComebackThen, Daniel Kwan and Daniel Schienert, the directors of Everything Everywhere All At Once, approached Quan with a script. He'd be playing Waymond Wang, an optimistic Chinese immigrant father starring alongside Michelle Yeoh. Quan says the script was everything he had hoped for. Despite his initial reservations, Quan truly won Hollywood over with his portrayal of Waymond, winning numerous awards including the Golden Globe for best supporting actor, and the Gotham Award. GQ called Quan's performance, "the beating heart of the film."For many popular child actors, the odds of maintaining a steady and successful career are far too slim. Ke Huy Quan, experienced the hard truth that even with talent and passion, sometimes our dreams don't happen as quick as we hope. His long and unwavering journey is a lesson in never giving up on your passions even when it seems like no one is taking notice of you. It's truly never too late to have your moment.
A$AP Rocky Is “More Excited Than Everyone” That Rihanna’s Performing at the Super Bowl and It’s Adorable
As the world awaits Rihanna's big return to music for The Super Bowl Halftime Show this Sunday, her biggest cheerleader may just be A$AP Rocky. Rihanna's longtime partner A$AP Rocky recently sat down with Apple Music 1 host, Zane Lowe. He couldn't help but gush over her highly anticipated performance, and without revealing too much, he has nothing but encouraging words to share about his partner.RELATED: The Powerful Reason Why Rihanna and Drake Had To Stay ApartThe 34-year-old rapper says, "I'm so glad that my lady's back making music again and whatnot, and getting back out there," Rocky told Apple Music. "It's just incredible."He continues, "The Super Bowl is huge, and her being the creative she is, she going to bring it, man. I'm excited. I'm more excited than everybody else, honestly."Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's Amazing Partnership Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have been friends for over a decade long before they decided to become a couple. In 2012, they performed together at the VMA's where they definitely displayed a lot of chemistry on stage, A$AP even giving Rihanna a quick kiss on the cheek! However, there's no word on whether they were romantically linked at the time. In 2013, they collaborated on the track Fashion Killa, and it was reported that they were spotted kissing off-screen during the shooting of the music video.RELATED: After Surviving Abuse Twice, Rihanna Is Ready To Have Kids With Or Without A ManBut afterward, they both seemed to pursue other relationships and went their separate ways. Rihanna was linked to Leonardo DiCaprio in 2016 after they were spotted at an event together. From 2017-2020, she was linked to businessman and Toyota heir Hassan Jameel. A$AP Rocky was linked to model Kendall Jenner back in 2017. It took many years for Rihanna and Rocky to rekindle their relationship, and in 2019, the pair started to publicly attend events together, sharing sweet moments even when the cameras weren't watching. A$AP Rocky and Rihanna Confirm Their Relationship in 2020badgirlriri /InstagramIn June 2020, A$AP joined Rihanna in a Fenty skincare campaign, but they still hadn't gone public yet. But let's just say that everyone had their bets on the pair's relationship. It wasn't until December 2020 that a source told US Weekly that the pair have been into each other for years. At first, A$AP Rocky was the initiator of all of their flirty exchanges, and Rihanna merely brushed off his advances. She definitely kept him in the friend zone. But over the summer of 2020, the source confirmed that they eventually got together, and have been with one another ever since. RELATED: The Truth Behind Rihanna’s Secret Siblings Will Change The Way You Think About FamilyIn May 2021, A$AP Rocky gave an interview to GQ Magazine where he wasn't shy about professing his love for Rihanna, calling the "Umbrella" singer "the love of my life," and "my lady."Then, the biggest news of all came in January 2021 when it was revealed that Rihanna was expecting the couple's first child. Fast forward to today, and you'll find that Rihanna and A$AP are the proud parents of an adorable 8-month-old son who is truly the light of Rihanna's life. Rihanna's Return to the Super Bowl @badgirlriri /InstagramAlthough Rihanna was always at the top of her game as a pop-icon, she took a step back from the performing spotlight, with her last live performance being the 2018 Grammy Awards when she performed "Wild Thoughts" with DJ Khaled and Bryson Tiller. During Rihanna's hiatus, she leaned into her entrepreneurial side, including building a makeup and skincare line, Fenty Beauty. The brand now dominates the industry and has broken barriers for diversity and inclusion. RELATED: Rihanna Gets Vocal About Embracing Flaws, Uses Her Platform to Spread Message of Unconditional Self-LoveShe also started her own lingerie line, Savage x Fenty, best known for its inclusion of all body sizes and its annual fashion show that streams on Amazon Prime. In 2022, she lent her vocals to the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack which led many to wonder if the pop diva is working on a new album. While this remains a mystery, (though, our fingers are crossed), one thing is clear, her Super Bowl performance is the result of her hard work, and the world is eager to see what she brings. RELATED: Rihanna’s Life Story: From Island Tomboy to Platinum Pop SensationReturning to work isn't an easy task, throw in a new baby and it's even more overwhelming. Whether you're a pop superstar or an employee in an office, the feelings we experience are all the same. But having a partner who supports your passions and goals is so important and valuable. A$AP Rocky's encouraging words for Rihanna is proof that in healthy relationships, there's always room for personal growth and success, and the best part is when you have someone standing right beside you cheering you on.
At 64, Madonna Upsets Everyone With a World Tour—Proving She Doesn’t Care What You Think
At the age of 64, an age when many artists are set to a low profile, Madonna is set to take the world by storm (again). On Wednesday, the singer, songwriter, actor and director announced that she is going to embark on a world tour. RELATED: 5 Times Madonna Completely Destroyed Your Perception of Women Over 50The "Celebration Tour" was announced in typical Madonna fashion—completely unpredictable. The mother of four deleted all of her social media posts on Instagram and has now dedicated her page exclusively to her tour promo. She spilled the news during a game of Truth or Dare with a surprising group of A-listers including Jack Black, Lil Wayne, Amy Schumer, Eric Andre, Bob the Drag Queen, and Diplo. Madonna As the Polarizing IconMadonna is no stranger to the creation of headlines, and the most notable aspect of her career has been her ability to stir news and controversy wherever she goes. When she reached global stardom, she often chose to break the rules in all ways. Her fashion, which popularized the use of the crucifix necklace drew attention for her attempts to sexualize religion. RELATED: Madonna: Take Responsibility for Your LifeOne of her greatest hit songs, "Papa Don't Preach," was criticized for encouraging teen pregnancy back when it was released in 1986. In 1989, Pepsi pulled a commercial with Madonna over her choice to kiss a Black priest in her music video for Just Like A Prayer. And who could forget that moment from the 2003 VMA's when Madonna kissed both Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera on stage. It's safe to safe that Madonna has always done things on her own terms, and while it's paved the way for other pop divas like Lady Gaga and Britney Spears, some say that her actions are too controversial, and now, she's too old to do these things. Madonna Makes Record Breaking Tour History Madonna in the 1989 music video for Like A Prayer Madonna is touted as an artist who birthed a new style of tours, with glitzy stage sets, unconventional dancing and insane stage production. As of 2022, Madonna remains the highest grossing female touring artist of all time, according to Billboard. She has embarked on 12 world tours, and while many have questioned why she has decided to embark on perhaps the biggest tour of her career- and the best answer to that might be from an interview Madge gave back in 2021 to V Magazine. During her Madame X Tour in 2019-2020, she experienced ill health and complications, but that didn't stop the songstress. Nothing seems to.RELATED: Tupac’s Letter To Madonna Reveals The Sad Truth About Their Romance"I had no cartilage left in my right hip, and everyone kept saying, 'You gotta stop, you gotta stop.""I said, 'I will not stop. I will go until the wheels fall off'."In the same interview, Madonna added, "I don't think about stopping. I could have done a stadium tour, greatest hits, and made a billion dollars."Critics may say what they want, but Madonna has solidified herself as one of the greatest performers in history. Her records alone have sold 300 million units worldwide, and her tours are consistently breaking their own records. Her new tour might just make history once again. Always Be True To Yourself Ageist comments towards the artist are simply white noise to the icon. Madonna's life and career are the perfect examples of not listening to anyone and staying true to yourself. RELATED: Madonna Reveals the Ugly Truth About Being a Woman and Turning 60There will always be haters and detractors, but being able to stay true to your authentic self (no matter how plain or outrageous) is what counts the most, and will lead you to your personal success. However we feel about Madonna, she has dedicated her life to creating her own image and not letting others tear her down. As we all should.KEEP READING: Madonna’s Latest Lap Dance Was Controversial – But Not for the ‘Disgusting’ Reason You Think
