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Colin Farrell completes marathon while pushing friend in wheelchair

Colin Farrell has completed the Dublin Marathon by pushing his friend in a wheelchair across the finish line. The 48-year-old actor ran the final 4 kilometres of the 42km race while pushing his friend Emma Fogarty, who lives with a rare skin condition, to the end of the race. Back home in his native Ireland, Farrell ran the marathon to raise money for DEBRA, an Irish charity supporting people who, like Fogarty, have the incurable genetic condition epidermolysis bullosa (EB) – also known as butterfly skin. Fogarty is Ireland's oldest surviving person with the condition, and after reaching a milestone of turning 40 in June, her and Farrell pledged to complete the race together. According to the PA Media news agency, Emma was born with a severe form of the condition, as she was born with no skin on her left foot and right arm and can develop very painful blisters from even the slightest touch. Farrell told PA, "I have known Emma for many years and she epitomises bravery, she is what courage and pure determination are all about." "That run was nothing compared to the pain she is forced to endure every single day, even though she doesn't show it." "It was an honour to see her waiting for me with 4km to go, each of those representing a decade of her life, and to do the final stretch together. I'll never forget it." Also speaking to PA, Fogarty said, "This was a dream come true for me and I want to thank Colin, who has been the most supportive, generous and loyal friend I could wish for." "He has always shown his compassion and empathy for people living with EB and is a true champion in my eyes. Running a marathon is never easy but once he committed to it there was no going back, he is a man of his word." Fogarty and Farrell originally set out to raise €400,000 ($660,000 AUD) for the charity but now aim to hit the million-euro mark ($1.6 million AUD), after the pair completed the marathon in just over four hours. Image credits: CNN

Caring

Dame Judi Dench gives tragic health update

Beloved Oscar-winning actress Dame Judi Dench has shared a deeply moving update about her health, revealing that she may never appear on-screen again. At 89, Dench has been a cherished figure in cinema for decades, with her last appearance in the 2022 film Spirited, a Christmas comedy featuring Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds. This sad news emerged when Dench attended the Chelsea Flower Show in London recently. Approached by a journalist inquiring about her future projects, she candidly responded, “No, no, I can’t even see!” Her representative later confirmed that there was nothing more to add to this heartbreaking statement. Dench suffers from age-related macular degeneration, a condition affecting around 700,000 people in the UK alone. This progressive eye disease has significantly deteriorated her vision over the past year. In a previous interview, she admitted that she required assistance to read scripts. “I can’t see on a film set any more,” Dench shared. “And I can’t see to read. So I can’t see much. It’s difficult for me if I have any length of a part. I haven’t yet found a way. But you just deal with it. I have so many friends who will teach me the script.” In a candid conversation with BBC journalist Louis Theroux, Dench revealed she had “no plans” to retire but acknowledged that her worsening eyesight was forcing her to take a break from acting. Despite these challenges, Dench’s indomitable spirit and positive outlook remain inspiring. She has often expressed her gratitude for the support of her partner, David Mills, who has been a steadfast presence in her life since the death of her husband, Michael Williams, in 2001. Reflecting on her relationship with Mills, she once told The Mirror, “I never expected, not for a minute, that there would be anybody else in my life after Michael died. I’ve had many, many good friends, but it’s been very unexpected to have somebody new who is as caring as my partner, David.” She continued, “Someone to be able to share things with … I feel very lucky indeed. And to laugh with somebody is terribly important! Laughing is the most important thing. We laugh about everything.” While her fans will undoubtedly miss seeing her on the screen, Dame Judi Dench's legacy in film and the hearts she has touched will remain timeless. Image: Fred Duval / Shutterstock

Caring

Judi Dench's tough health update

Judi Dench has admitted that due to her degenerative eye disease she can barely see on a film set and can no longer read her scripts. The Oscar-winning actress known for her role as M16 head M in seven different James Bond films, told UK publication The Mirror that her age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has gotten so bad that she can now barely see. “I can’t see on a film set any more,” she told the publication. “And I can’t see to read. So I can’t see much. It’s difficult for me if I have any length of a part. I haven’t yet found a way. “But you just deal with it. I have so many friends who will teach me the script,” she added. The eight-time Academy Award nominee had previously said that she is unable to drive due to her AMD. “It’s the most terrible shock to the system. Ghastly. It’s terrible to be so dependent on people,” she had previously said. However, the actress is determined to maintain her independence and has no plans to stop working. “I have an irrational fear of boredom. That’s why I now have this tattoo that says carpe diem (“seize the day”). That’s what we should live by," she said. The actress has won various awards throughout extensive career including six BAFTAs, two Golden Globes and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Queen Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love. Dench currently lives with her partner David Mills, and has shared how grateful she is to have someone so caring by her side. “I’ve had many, many good friends, but it’s been very unexpected to have somebody new who is as caring as my partner, David. “I feel very lucky indeed. And to laugh with somebody is terribly important! Laughing is the most important thing. We laugh about everything,” she said. Image: Getty

Caring

MAS*H star passes away

M*A*S*H star Judy Farrell has passed away at the age of 84, her son has confirmed to TNZ. The actress, who is best known around the world for her portrayal of Nurse Able, died in hospital nine days after suffering a stroke which left her unable to communicate. However, TNZ have reported that Judy was conscious still and able to squeeze the hands of her loved ones. While Judy’s son Michael - whom she shared with fellow M*A*S*H actor Mike Farrell - has not yet spoken publicly about her mother’s passing, her former co-star Loretta Swift spoke to Fox News Digital about losing “family”. “Judy was a most beautiful woman - inside and out. We grew up together," the actress behind Major Margaret ‘Hot Lips’ Houlihan said. "She was family. This has been a painful loss, but we will always have the beauty of her memory. “Rest in peace, Nurse Able." Farrell starred as Nurse Able in eight episodes of the hit series, and was the only actress to ever be credited as the character. Initially, Nurse Able was a minor role - often just a placeholder for the instances where a background nurse had a line - and from Seasons 2-11 she was played by no fewer than 11 different people. By the fourth season, the role progressed so that she became involved in the show’s plot. It was in the sixth season that Judy Farrell secured her place in television history as Nurse Able, taking over for the character’s final appearances on screen in Seasons 6-11 for eight episodes. During her time on the show, Farrell starred alongside the likes of Loretta Swift, Alan Alda, and ex-husband Mike Farrell. The latter joined M*A*S*H’s cast in 1975, replacing Wayne Rogers, and remained until the 1983 finale. The couple had married in 1963, but went on to divorce 20 years later, in the same year that M*A*S*H bid farewell to its audience. Their split was reportedly amicable, with the two going on to remarry and co-parent their children, son Michael and daughter Erin. And as Farrell’s loved ones mourn her loss, fans and followers of the actress have taken to social media to share their grief, and to honour her work, sharing some of their fondest memories of her time bringing their beloved Nurse Able to life. “RIP Nurse Able. I was so thrilled to have known you, Judy Farrell,” wrote comedian Murray Valeriano. “Condolences to the Farrell and MASH families,” one fan said. And for another, it came as a tragic opportunity to share a clip of Farrell’s work, showcasing the actress alongside some of her former co-stars, with Classic MASH writing “Sad news today.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Sad news today. Judy Farrell has passed away. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClassicMASH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ClassicMASH</a> <a href="https://t.co/hCfSpL7c0W">pic.twitter.com/hCfSpL7c0W</a> — Classic MASH 🍸 (@ClassicMASH) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClassicMASH/status/1643275688017903616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2023</a></blockquote> Images: Getty, Twitter, MASHFandom.com

Problem Aussie females silently suffering

Incontinence is an uncomfortable, embarrassing and debilitating disorder. I should know. I’ve had difficulty with bladder control since my back gave out in April 2021. I’m not alone. One in four Australians and one in three women suffer from incontinence. More than half are under the age of 50, largely due to childbirth. The majority, like me suffer in silence with this uncomfortable, embarrassing and debilitating disorder. It got so bad I was having to wear pads from the minute I got up or else risk embarrassing leakage. It became an issue every day and significantly impacted my quality of life and confidence. There were times I literally couldn’t stand up from my chair without leaking down my leg. I would suffer in silence. Continence is just as important as sexual arousal, sexual response and ease of orgasm, but when it’s not holding, it’s not happening. I spoke at a recent function publicly about my incontinence and I was surprised to see the level of interest and engagement with the topic. Many guests told me after the event they suffer incontinence but have never told anyone or sought any form of medical care. Technology has come a long way in this field. Women’s Wellness platform EmpowerRF from InMode uses internal radiofrequency platforms VTone, FormaV and Morpheus8V which more women are now using. <ul> <li><a href="https://www.inmode.com.au/pages/vtone" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VTone</a> – a gentle intravaginal electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) and neuromuscular re-education treatment. Women with weak pelvic floor muscles are using this. </li> <li><a href="https://www.inmode.com.au/pages/formav" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FormaV</a> – deep tissue heating. Women with dryness and muscle tone issues are using this. Treats incontinence and in particular the feeling of urgency. It also aims to improve vaginal dryness and burning/stinging associated with menopause and associated painful intercourse. It can enhances\ sexual response.</li> <li><a href="https://www.inmode.com.au/pages/morpheus8v" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Morpheus8 V</a> is micro-needling with radiofrequency (in the vagina). Women wanting to improve vaginal laxity and urinary incontinence are turning to this. </li> </ul> While incontinence impacts our lifestyle it also impacts the environment. A recent study from Southern Cross University and the University of Queensland has found that by 2030 waste from absorbent hygiene products (AHP) generated by adults [used for incontinence] will outnumber that produced by infants by between four and 10 times. After food waste, sanitary, incontinence products and disposable nappies ending up in landfill are becoming one of the most significant waste issues, comprising between 5-15 per cent of waste in household bins. It can take up to 800 years for the products to break down. This has to change - and I suspect it will the more we talk openly about it. For more information visit <a href="https://www.inmode.com.au/pages/empower-rf-womens-wellness" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EmpowerRF</a>. Written by Dr Judy Craig , Natural Looks Cosmetic Medicine in Subiaco WA Image: Shutterstock

Body

Dame Judi Dench slams "crude" and "cruel" new season of The Crown

Dame Judi Dench has defended the royal family against the latest season of The Crown, calling it "crude" and "cruel" in the wake of Queen Elizabeth's death. The actress penned an open letter to Netflix in <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-crown-is-crude-and-cruel-says-dame-judi-dench-l6wzqpns9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Times UK</a>, complaining that the “closer the drama comes to our present times, the more freely it seems willing to blur the lines between historical accuracy and crude sensationalism”. Dench called on Netflix to issue a disclaimer at the beginning of each episode of the highly anticipated new season of the show, reminding audiences that The Crown is a fictionalised drama. Dench, who was made a dame by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1988, said she was concerned that viewers would take The Crown’s account as historically accurate. She continued in her letter, “Given some of the wounding suggestions apparently contained in the new series – that King Charles plotted for his mother to abdicate, for example, or once suggested his mother’s parenting was so deficient that she might have deserved a jail sentence – this is both cruelly unjust to the individuals and damaging to the institution they represent." “No one is a greater believer in artistic freedom than I, but this cannot go unchallenged. Despite this week stating publicly that The Crown has always been a ‘fictionalised drama’ the program makers have resisted all calls for them to carry a disclaimer at the start of each episode." “The time has come for Netflix to reconsider – for the sake of a family and a nation so recently bereaved, as a mark of respect to a sovereign who served her people so dutifully for 70 years, and to preserve their own reputation in the eyes of their British subscribers.” Dench said she was not asked by any members of the royal family to pen the letter and did so of her own volition. The upcoming fifth season of The Crown has has stirred consternation in royal, aristocratic and political circles, as the season is expected to focus on the acrimonious breakdown of Charles and Diana’s marriage, which was played out publicly at the time under intense media scrutiny. Image credits: Getty Images

Dame Judi Dench confesses why she "loathes" being called a "national treasure"

Dame Judi Dench has made an announcement: She hates being called a "national treasure". She revealed her thoughts about that phrase on David Tennant's podcast David Tennant does a podcast with... on Tuesday. "I loathe those words. I loathe them," she said. "It's something very, very dusty behind a glass and in a corner. It's a relic and I don't want to be a relic." She also explained the kinds of roles she enjoys, as she hates "playing parts" that are expected of her, such as "some old person dying in a chair" and prefers more exciting roles. She explained: "I hate to play parts that are expected. If a part comes through and it's some old person dying in a chair somewhere, I think 'oh no no, please not that'. "I want to play somebody who you think is a benign old lady sitting in a chair but in actual fact she's bumping people off. I'm looking for a lot of villains to play. I haven't played enough." Dench's career has spanned for an amazing 60 years, and has seen her star in countless movies and plays, including the James Bond franchise and Shakespeare in Love.

Movies

There’s no place like home!

After several months on the market, Judy Garland's former Hollywood Hills home – which Sammy Davis Jnr owned at one time – has sold for $4.675million, about $1.5 million shy of the original price tag. The 5,000 square feet Art Deco home overlooks LA’s Sunset Strip and was built in 1941 by John Elgin Woolf, an architect known for designing homes for celebs including Cary Grant and Bob Hope. Garland lived in the home from 1944 to 1948, along with then-husband Vincente Minnelli and their daughter, Liza Minnelli, who was born in 1946, according to <a rel="noopener" href="https://people.com/home/see-inside-judy-garlands-former-hollywood-hills-home-now-listed-for-6-million/" target="_blank">People</a>. The five bedroom, seven-and-a-half bathroom home sold for $1.5million below the property owner's original asking price, the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.latimes.com/business/real-estate/story/2020-08-21/judy-garlands-former-hollywood-hills-haunt-sells-for-4-675-million" target="_blank">Los Angeles Times</a> reported. The three-story home features multiple decks and patios, which offer up grand views of Los Angeles and the canyon, as well as an indoor-outdoor living room and a master suite with a private balcony. Also among the home's features are a screening room with a hidden bookshelf door that leads to a secret bedroom. The listing also included a pool/guesthouse, which features a custom fireplace, marble bar, billiards room and sleeping loft. The property sits on a third of an acre of land, which includes landscaped gardens full of bamboo, tropical plants and fruit trees and a swimming pool. Despite having been tweaked in the years since Garland owned the home, many of Woolf's original design elements – such as his detailed railings – and floor plans remain. The room that once belonged to baby Liza Minnelli still exists next to the downstairs living room space, as does the “Judy Garland Suite” – the original master bedroom – which is behind a floor-to-ceiling bookcase. An additional hidden room in the home lies behind a walk-in closet and dressing area. After Garland moved out of the home, it was bought by comedian and actor Wally Cox, who then sold it to Davis Jr. in 1955, expanded the property and tacked on the pool house. Real estate company Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties said in its listing that the guesthouse was meant to be a place where music could be recorded or late-night parties could be held so that they wouldn't disturb Davis Jr's children who slept in the main house. While Davis Jr. owned the home, rock act The Band lived and recorded music there. According to online real estate records, the house was on the market for 181 days before being sold on August 5 after originally being listed for $5.2million. It appears the home was initially listed on the market in February for $6.129million. IMAGES: <a rel="noopener" href="http://www.mls.com/" target="_blank">MLS</a> Real Estate Listings / Wikimedia

Real Estate

Dame Judi Dench's racy regret

She recently made headlines as the oldest woman to grace the cover of Vogue. Now at 85, Dame Judi Dench is expressing her disappointment that she didn’t do more sex scenes throughout her acting career. Speaking to the Mirror, the veteran actress looked back on her extensive portfolio and reflected on not taking advantage of the more risqué aspects of her impressive onscreen performances. "I have done a few bed scenes. Not many in the theatre. What a disappointment," she told the publication. Despite her body of work, which includes an Oscar-win for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her portrayal as Queen Elizabeth in 1999’s Shakespeare in Love, Dench was once told she would never appear on film. "They told me I would never make a film. To which there is no reply. I put my chair against the wall. I am not quite sure why. I walked out. She continued, "I did not want to do films anyway. I never thought I'd have a future in films as the stage is my passion. It's never ever the same in a theatre, never. You always got a different reaction to things." But when asked about her acting credits, the Bond star remains modest and puts it down to “luck”. "It's really called luck. The whole business of theatre is suddenly being in the right place at the right time and by chance somebody will say, 'That person might do.'" She continued, "It is not really to do with talent I don't think. It just happens that you fall into the slot at that time." Sharing some advice to aspiring actors, Dench said to the Mirror: "My advice is go see as much theatre as you possibly can. I think it is very, very difficult. We are just lucky we are employed." Dench’s career has spanned over 60 years and included starring in iconic films including M in the James Bond series, Iris, Shakespeare in Love, Notes on a Scandal, Philomena and many more.

Beauty & Style

Judge Judy ends historic daytime TV run after 25 years

The highest-paid TV personality, Judge Judy, has announced her iconic courtroom reality show will be coming to an end after 25 years on air. But fear not, as episodes featuring the ruthless judge will still be shown on TV with the re-runs having sold for a staggering amount. Plus, Judy Sheindlin is set to star in a brand new show which is set to air in the coming years. Appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show this week, Judy revealed that the 2020-21 season of Judge Judy – the show’s 25th – will be its last. “CBS sort of felt, I think, they wanted to optimally utilise the repeats of my program,” she said. “Now they have 25 years of my re-runs,” she added. In 2017, Judge Judy’s entire catalogue of episodes sold for over $150 million, a collection of more than 5,200 hours of programming. The 77-year-old has remained the highest-paid personality on TV, earning $72 million a year according to a contract from 2015.

Girl missing for 43 years finally identified

An American murder victim known for 43 years as Jane Doe #40 has been identified by investigators as 14-year-old Judy Gifford, who disappeared at the age of 14. The breakthrough came after homicide cold case detectives and missing person investigators launched a joint investigation in early 2019. Reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, in a tragic turn of events, investigators shared that Ms Gifford’s aunt kept the same phone number for decades in case her niece attempted to get in touch. What remained of the teenager was discovered by a man walking his dog near San Francisco’s Lake Merced on October 1, 1976. Police found a gold chain with an owl pendant in the girl’s pocket. While sifting through unsolved cases, investigators stumbled upon a report filed in 2017 that said Ms Gifford had disappeared in San Francisco around the same time that Jane Doe #40 was killed in 1976, said San Francisco police. The missing girl’s half-brother, William Shin, reported his sister missing to San Francisco police at an unknown date after he “remembered having a sister when he was a child”, said a New Jersey State Police spokesperson. “He told investigators that his sister went missing when she was 14 years old, and his family had not seen or heard from her since 1976.” Back in June, detectives collected cheek swabs from Ms Gifford’s paternal aunt, Ogee Gifford along with photographs and dental records. That’s when they had an epiphany, as Ms Gifford was wearing a necklace with an owl pendant in some of the photos. They then compared her DNA with Jane Doe #40’s and got a perfect match. “(Ogee) Gifford, who has never changed her phone number in case her niece ever called, was brought some closure as a result of the joint effort,” said police in a statement. Investigators have reopened a murder inquiry into Ms Gifford’s death.

Family & Pets

5 minutes with author Judy Nunn

In 5 minutes with author, Over60 asks book writers about their literary habits and preferences. Next in this series is Judy Nunn, a novelist, scriptwriter and actor. After achieving success as a writer for the TV series Neighbours and as an actor for iconic soap Home and Away, Nunn expanded into prose in 1991 with her debut novel The Glitter Game. Since then, Nunn has sold more than one million copies of her books worldwide. In 2015, she was named a Member of the Order of Australia for her “significant service to the performing arts as a scriptwriter and actor of stage and screen, and to literature as an author”. Her latest book, Khaki Town is out now. Over60 talked with Nunn about the books more people should read, a trick she swears by to ward off writers’ block and the difference between writing for TV and novel. Over60: What is your best writing tip? Alternatively, what is the worst writing advice you’ve ever received? Judy Nunn: Best writing tip: Never let the book out of your head for too long or you’ll lose not only the plot but also your confidence. Worst writing advice (actually came from a UK publisher): “All scenes must be written from one character’s perspective”, which means if you have a scene between two major characters, you’re not supposed to see, within their minds, their specific thoughts or points of view. Ghastly! What book do you think more people should read? J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland – anything that fires up the imagination of the young and reminds adults that they too were once young. What was the last book that made you laugh? Beware of God by Shalom Auslander. I read it years ago – it was first published in 2005 – and recently re-read it. I laughed out loud all over again. What does your writing routine look like? I head off to my ‘office’ – across the balcony to the room at the front of the house – and start work around 9.30. Break for a sandwich around 12.30, back to work until a rewarding glass of wine at 5, on for another hour or so, and that’s it. In your view, what is the biggest difference between scriptwriting and prose writing? Utterly different mediums. Scripts are written for interpretation on the stage or screen, prose is written to be interpreted by the reader’s imagination. Do you deal with writer’s block? If so, how do you handle it? I’ve fortunately never suffered writer’s block, but I have a trick to ward it off. At the end of my writing day I go into ‘upper case’, give no thought to form or ‘correct prose’, just freefall, giving vent to where my characters might go, what they might say and where the plot is leading me. Then, even if I have to leave off writing for several days, I can go back to work, read my big print and I’m right back on track. Which author, deceased or living, would you most like to have dinner with? Authors are often less interesting than the characters they create. I might prefer to have dinner with Doctor Zhivago rather than Boris Pasternak or to have cocktails with Silas Marner rather than George Eliot. But if pushed, what about a beer with Spike Milligan? What trope grinds your gears? Alternatively, is there a cliché that you can’t help but love? I can’t stand ‘The bottom line is…’ and ‘At the end of the day…’. They’re so constantly repeated that to me they lose impact. I love the cliché ‘Fact is stranger than fiction’.

Books

A life in pictures: Judy Garland and her tragic downfall

In 1954, singer and actress Judy Garland appeared in what was going to be her last iconic role as Esther Blodgett (aka Vicki Lester) in A Star is Born. At only 32 years old, Garland had already spent most of her life on stage and on screen, with a career that greatly impacted her mental health. "I’m the queen of the comeback,” <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.biography.com/news/judy-garland-personal-life-struggles-husbands%EF%BB%BF%EF%BB%BF" target="_blank">Garland said</a> during an interview in 1968. “I’m getting tired of coming back. I really am. I can’t even go to… the powder room without making a comeback.” It would only be a year later that Garland would pass away under tragic circumstances. In 1969, Garland’s new husband Mickey Dean would break down the door to the locked bathroom and find Garland dead at the age of 47 years old. The coroner, Gavin Thurston, <a rel="noopener" href="https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=DS19690626.2.98&e=-------en--20--1--txt-txIN--------1" target="_blank">announced to the press</a> following the autopsy, “This is quite clearly an accidental circumstance to a person who was accustomed to taking barbiturates over a very long time. She took more barbiturates than she could tolerate.” Barbiturates were a then-common sleep aid, but Garland had a history of depression and alcoholism. She had attempted suicide several times, with her third husband <a rel="noopener" href="https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1969/06/23/89002088.pdf" target="_blank">Sid Luft</a> alleging that she tried to take her own life on at least 20 different occasions. However, addiction was in Garland’s history, with her mother giving her pills to keep her energy up and bring her down and sleep at the young age of ten. This is according to the biography <a rel="noopener" href="https://aax-us-east.amazon-adsystem.com/x/c/Qp3DrXv8BwRGrf9nTihmGmMAAAFthZVmLQEAAAFKAW2eFyI/https:/assoc-redirect.amazon.com/g/r/https:/www.amazon.com/Get-Happy-Life-Judy-Garland/dp/0385335156?creativeASIN=0385335156&linkCode=w61&imprToken=PjiEgE51E5pnhGrC4RlEXA&slotNum=0&tag=townandcountry_auto-append-20&ascsubtag=%5bartid%7C10067.a.29254579%5bsrc%7C%5bch%7C%5blt%7C" target="_blank">Get Happy: The Life of Judy Garland</a>. The problem only worsened when Garland was signed onto MGM, as she was expected to work at a breakneck pace. "They had us working days and nights on end. They’d give us pills to keep us on our feet long after we were exhausted. Then they’d take us to the studio hospital and knock us out with sleeping pills–[co-star Mickey Rooney] sprawled out on one bed and me on another," Garland said, according to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.amazon.com/Judy-Garland-Paul-Donnelley/dp/1904950817?tag=townandcountry_auto-append-20&ascsubtag=%5bartid%7C10067.a.29254579%5bsrc%7C%5bch%7C%5blt%7C" target="_blank">Paul Donnelley's biography</a> of the actress. "Then after four hours they’d wake us up and give us the pep pills again so we could work 72 hours in a row. Half of the time we were hanging from the ceiling, but it was a way of life for us." Garland didn’t have much success in her personal life, as she went onto marry five different people. She was 19 when she married bandleader David Rose and following their divorce in 1944 went onto marry Vicente Minnelli. Garland married Sid Luft in 1952, Mark Herro in 1965 and finally Mickey Deans in 1969, which was just three months before her death. Towards the end of her life, debt was slowly taking over and Garland played solo concerts to pay off thousands in taxes she owed to the IRS. "It took drugs ... to get her back to a level place where you could have a conversation with her, where you could get her to sign checks, sign contracts, talk about business," Garland's manager Stevie Phillips <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.insideedition.com/judy-garlands-manager-remembers-stars-spiraling-drug-addiction-56276" target="_blank">told Inside Edition</a> of the star's later years. Scroll through the gallery to see Garland throughout the years.

Movies

How much does Judge Judy make in a year?

According to Forbes, Judy Sheindlin or better known as Judge Judy has pocketed AUD$203 million in 2018 alone – making her the highest-grossing TV host. Following in second place is Ellen DeGeneres who earned an estimate of $121 million in 2018 for her daytime talk show. After 5200 episodes, there is no doubt Sheindlin has proven her worth to the US Network CBS. The 74-year-old is a go-getter and has extended her contract with CBS to 2021, which will mark 25 years of the primetime TV show. The show typically attracts an average of 10 million viewers through Monday to Friday on the afternoon time slot and has been the top daytime program for the last nine years. Each season fits in an impressive 260 episodes every season which is packed into just 53 filming days per year, spread over three days a week. Executive Producer Randy Douthit, who along with other 30 staff members produces, directs and edits the show says the simplicity of the show is what makes the show successful and profitable. Production costs for each week is relatively low at AU$550,000 in comparison to others which can rack up at a hefty AU$1.37 million per week.

Legal

Renee Zellweger shines as Judy Garland in first “Judy” trailer

Fans of Hollywood icon Judy Garland are in for a treat, with Oscar winner Renee Zellweger playing the Wizard of Oz star in an upcoming movie. The biopic, titled Judy shows Zellweger singing a much more mellow version of Garland’s most recognisable song Somewhere Over the Rainbow. The movie, which is set in London in 1968-69 will be released in September. Judy will shed light on Garland’s tumultuous life and her struggle with countless health problems during her London tour. The actress passed away at the age of 47 due to accidental drug overdose in June 1969. <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BggE-WhD98a/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BggE-WhD98a/" target="_blank">#JUDY starts principal photography in London today, starring Academy Award winner, Renée Zellweger as Judy Garland! #judygarland #reneezellweger #london #thetalkofthetown #jessiebuckley #finnwittrock #michaelgambon #rupertgoold #pathe #calamityfilms #bbcfilms #ingenious</a> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/judygarlandfilm/" target="_blank"> JUDY</a> (@judygarlandfilm) on Mar 19, 2018 at 3:20am PDT </div> </blockquote> Zellweger has quite an extensive resume herself, with her most notable role being Bridget Jones. The 50-year-old told <a href="https://people.com/">People</a> magazine that she took voice lessons and spent two hours a day in the hair and makeup chair to prepare for the Judy Garland role. Zellweger went on to win an academy award for Best Supporting Actress in 2004 for her part in the movie Cold Mountain. Garland’s daughter, Liza Minnelli has refused to associate herself with the film, saying she never met or spoke with Zellweger. “I do not approve nor sanction the upcoming film about Judy Garland in any way,” wrote Minnelli on Facebook in 2018. <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"></div> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9" style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g4ynUq8TjYA"></iframe></div>

Movies

New hair alert: Judge Judy ditches signature bob for stunning new look

We have watched her on our TV screens for years, and this time she has come back with a new hairdo – and it is drastically different to her signature short, neat bob many are used to. Judge Judy Sheindlin showed up to the Daytime Emmy Awards on Sunday with a modern look as she swept away the red carpet. Her long running courtroom television show, Judge Judy, has never seen her waver from her signature short hairstyle for more than 30 years. However, that hairdo was switched out for a combed-back low ponytail for the event, where she took out the Lifetime Achievement Award. The 76-year-old TV star told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.etonline.com/media/videos/judge-judy-shares-what-inspired-her-to-try-a-new-hairdo-exclusive-124659" target="_blank">Entertainment Tonight</a> the change of style was inspired by wanting to lead a “simpler” life. “It used to take me an hour to get ready for work … or even to go out for dinner,” she said. “Hair, curling, blowing.” However, the new 'do hasn’t just been warmly accepted by fans, but herself as well. “I like it,” she said. “It’s comfortable and easy.” Her on-screen buddy and bailiff, Petri Hawkins Byrd, took to social media to share which look he liked best though. “I tried to stay out of this, y'all won't let me!” the co-star wrote in a caption. “I prefer my boss with the old 'do' (left) More sophisticated and 'Judy'cial.” While accepting her coveted honour at the 46th annual award show, Sheindlin said: “I have a profession that’s always been my passion. And tonight, I have this lovely honor which says I’ve done my job well. “Life has a beginning, a middle and an end. As most of us, I don’t remember the very beginning, I’m having an absolute blast in the middle, and if my luck holds, I won’t be around for the end.” Judge Judy first premiered on September 16, 1996 and is currently in its 23rd season. Scroll through the gallery above to see Judge Judy’s new stunning, sleek hairstyle here.

Legal

Dolly Parton finally addresses gay rumours in new interview

Despite Dolly Parton having a solid marriage to her husband of 53 year, the rumours of her sexuality have followed her throughout her career. The theory suggests that her long-time best friend Judy Ogle is her secret partner instead of her husband Carl Dean, who keeps a very low profile in their hometown of Nashville. Now Parton has addressed the rumours in an interview with <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/8455529/dolly-parton-sexuality-rumours-secret-girlfriend/" target="_blank">The Sun</a>, saying that she accepts everyone for who they are. “So people say that — because you can’t really have a great relationship with a woman. I’m not gay but I have so many gay friends and I accept everybody for who they are.” As for the gay rumours? Parton explained a bit more about why people give her love life any thought at all. “Well, people love to talk, people love to gossip. “Judy and I have been best friends for 64 years, since we were little kids. Our parents knew each other, we grew up together, we were like sisters, became best friends. “She was very quiet, I was very outgoing. So we made perfect friends. We went all through school together. “She went to the army when we graduated because she needed the insurance and she needed to help her family and I was trying to make it. As soon as she got out, she came to Nashville and we’ve been together ever since.” <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/news-photo/dolly-parton-and-judy-ogle-news-photo/91393390" target="_blank"><img style="width: 281.25px; height: 500px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7823775/dolly-parton-friend.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a60d404f2f294a658021bb3b9eff9a52" /></a> Dolly Parton and long-time friend Judy Ogle However, the rumours don’t phase Parton. As long as they don’t come for the people she loves, which include friends and family, she doesn’t have a problem with being in the public eye. “People love to talk — but sometimes that’s your best publicity. I don’t care what they say as long as they don’t hurt other people I love.” This includes saying anything negative about her husband of 53 years, Carl Dean. “He’s a good man. It is a true love story and he’s my best buddy — he’s crazy, he’s funny,” she says. “So I think laughter has been a big part of our relationship. We both have a lot of fun. “And we’re not in the same business — he doesn’t care about that. He’s pretty much a homebody, loves staying around home. We live out on a farm. He likes to mow the fields and work on his tractors.” The pair love their quiet life, which includes a life without children. This is due to a hysterectomy when Parton was 36, but she believes it “wasn’t meant to be”. “My husband feels the same way. Now that we are older, we’re almost kind of glad that we don’t have a bunch of grandkids driving us crazy that we have to babysit if we don’t want to.”

Music

The highest-paid TV host for 2018 earns a whopping $203 million – can you guess who?

Forbes has announced which TV host has taken home the biggest pay cheque for 2018. According to the publication, much-loved Judy Judy host, Judy Sheindlin, came in at the top spot after pocketing a hefty sum of $US147 million ($A203 million). In second place was Ellen DeGeneres who received $US87.5 million ($A121 million) for her popular talk show. While Sheindlin usually pockets $US47 million ($A65 million) annually for her show Judy Judy and being a producer on Hot Bench, one deal landed her an extra $US100 million ($A138 million) this year. The star received the extra sum for selling a back catalogue of 5200 Judge Judy episodes to US network CBS. The extra cash meant that Judge Judy became Forbes' 48th richest self-made woman in America, with an estimated net worth of $US400 million ($A553 million). Daytime TV hosts took the first five spots on the list, with Dr Phil McGraw taking the third spot on $US77.5 million ($A107 million). Closely behind on the list was Ryan Seacrest, earning himself $US74 million ($A102 million) for his work on American Idol, Live With Kelly and Ryan and for producing Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Coming out in the fifth spot was Steve Harvey, after earning $US44 million ($A60 million). This year, Harvey launched his own talk show Steve and hosted the US version of Family Feud. Do these winners surprise you? And do you think TV hosts earn too much? Let us know in the comments below.

News

Kyle Sandiland's new TV show: "It’s just like Judge Judy but it’s me instead of Judy"

Kyle Sandilands news TV show Trial By Kyle is one of eight new shows that will air as part of Channel 10’s Pilot Week, which kicks off this Sunday night. As Sandilands puts it, the show is “just like Judge Judy but it’s me instead of Judy”. He is joined by The Bachelor winner Anna Heinrich, a criminal lawyer, who will assist Sandilands in analysing evidence in each case. “The thing that’s great about it, apart from me and Anna, is the Australian problems are very different from the American problems,” Sandilands said. “On Judge Judy they’re always arguing about someone owing someone some money for some meth … but ours are real problems, like boobs jobs, paparazzi fights, friends falling out over loan money. We have different problems but they’re really quite interesting.” Just like Judge Judy, if Sandilands decides that someone owes money to another person the show will cover the costs. “Screentime Australia (which produces the show) covers the costs,” Sandilands confirmed. “But I was a real stinge. We had quite a big budget but I would only give what felt right. I don’t want to give you money if I think you’re a f***ing idiot. Just because I’ve got a budget doesn’t mean I’m going to use it.” Only one episode of the show will go to air before Channel 10 chooses which show gets picked up and aired in full next year. But Sandilands has already declared he doesn’t care if his TV pilot gets picked up or not. “I think everyone hopes it will go (ahead) but I also don’t give a f**k if it doesn’t,” the KIIS FM host told news.com.au. “I’m not going to cry and be on Xanax or anything. I don’t care.” Sandilands says there’s already interests from other networks for his show. “I got the international rights and people are already interested in buying it,” he said. “So that’s my only interest. I’m only motivated by money and fame,” Sandilands said, before laughing. Asked where he’ll be watching his new show, he quipped: “At home, in bed, in my undies.” Trial By Kyle is set to air next Thursday, August 23, at 8.30pm

Legal

Inside Judge Judy’s new $12 million mansion

Judge Judy has bought a new home with her husband Jerry for $AU12.15 million in Newport, Rhode Island. <p style="margin-top: 0cm; background: white; vertical-align: baseline; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The 9,719-square-foot property has six bedrooms, six full bathrooms, two partial bathrooms, a pool and an elevator. <p style="margin-top: 0cm; background: white; vertical-align: baseline; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Most of the rooms in the impressive mansion have panoramic ocean views and there are many other modern amenities, such as a geothermal heating and cooling system and heated floors. <p style="margin-top: 0cm; background: white; vertical-align: baseline; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The home was previously owned by Campbell Soup heiress Dorrance Hamilton, who nicknamed the property ‘The Bird House’ because of her love for birds. <p style="margin-top: 0cm; background: white; vertical-align: baseline; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">According to a news release, Judy Sheindlin told Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty that she and her husband are “looking forward to falling in love with Newport”. <p style="margin-top: 0cm; background: white; vertical-align: baseline; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The home is located at one of the highest points in Newport, so Judge Judy will be secluded away from prying eyes. <p style="margin-top: 0cm; background: white; vertical-align: baseline; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Take a look inside the $12 million mansion by scrolling through the gallery above.

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