David Johansen, Trailblazing Singer for the Proto-Punk Band New York Dolls, Dies at 75

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Johansen's Final Days
3. Early Career with the New York Dolls
4. Post-Dolls Career
5. Acting Career
6. Documentary and Legacy
7. Conclusion

Introduction

David Johansen, the influential frontman of the 1970s proto-punk band New York Dolls, passed away at the age of 75. He died in his New York City home on Friday, February 28, after a prolonged battle with health issues, including stage 4 cancer and a brain tumor. His family has confirmed that he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

Johansen's Final Days

Johansen's daughter, Leah Hennessey, shared the news of his death, noting that he passed away in the sunlight, holding the hands of his wife, Mara Hennessey, and daughter. In a statement, she added that the family had been deeply moved by the outpouring of support after Johansen revealed his battle with cancer earlier in February. Johansen had privately been dealing with the illness for over a decade, and he had previously shared with Rolling Stone that he had continued to live a fulfilling life despite his diagnosis.

Early Career with the New York Dolls

Born in Staten Island in 1950, Johansen became a pivotal figure in New York City's rock scene. In 1971, he co-founded the New York Dolls, alongside Sylvain Sylvain, Arthur Kane, Jerry Nolan, and Johnny Thunders. The band, known for its glam rock style and provocative performances, quickly became iconic in the underground music scene. Their influence on punk music and culture was undeniable, as they helped pave the way for bands like the Velvet Underground, Stooges, and MC5.

Post-Dolls Career

After the New York Dolls disbanded in 1975, Johansen went on to have a successful solo career. He released several solo albums, including four under the name Buster Poindexter. His work spanned across genres, from rock to new wave, and he performed with notable acts such as Blondie, The Who, and Pat Benatar. Johansen also made appearances as Buster Poindexter on Saturday Night Live, further cementing his place in popular culture.

Acting Career

In addition to his musical career, Johansen ventured into acting, with roles in both film and television. He appeared in experimental films like Up Your Legs Forever and made cameo appearances in Miami Vice and The Equalizer. His notable acting credits include a memorable role as the Ghost of Christmas Past in the beloved holiday film Scrooged, as well as a three-episode stint on the HBO drama Oz. Most recently, he lent his voice to the character Beartaur in the Netflix animated series Centaurworld.

Documentary and Legacy

In 2022, a documentary about Johansen, titled Personality Crisis: One Night Only, was released and directed by Martin Scorsese, celebrating his career and impact on music and culture. Johansen's legacy as a pioneer of proto-punk and a multifaceted artist will continue to influence generations of musicians and performers.

Conclusion

David Johansen's passing marks the loss of a true innovator in both music and entertainment. From his groundbreaking work with the New York Dolls to his enduring solo career and acting roles, Johansen's contributions to popular culture remain immeasurable. He is survived by his wife, Mara Hennessey, and daughter, Leah Hennessey

Rob Lowe Doesn't Get Why Nicole Kidman's Babygirl Sex Scenes Were Called 'Brave'

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Lowe's View on Modern Cinema
3. Lowe's Thoughts on Babygirl
4. The "Page 73 Rule"
5. Hollywood's History with Sex Scenes
6. Lowe on the Reality of Filming Sex Scenes
7. Conclusion

Introduction

Rob Lowe, star of 9-1-1: Lone Star, recently discussed the lack of sex scenes in modern cinema, expressing confusion over why they are now considered a rare and bold inclusion. Specifically, he questioned why Nicole Kidman's sex scenes in the 2024 erotic drama Babygirl were being hailed as "brave."

Lowe's View on Modern Cinema

Lowe lamented the absence of sex scenes in contemporary movies during an episode of his podcast, Literally! With Rob Lowe, with guest Kristin Davis. “Nobody has sex scenes in movies anymore,” Lowe remarked, highlighting a shift in how films handle intimacy and sexuality.

Lowe's Thoughts on Babygirl

When Davis mentioned Babygirl, Lowe expressed his reconsideration, admitting he had seen the movie. "Ohhh… I’ve seen it. I take it back," he said. "It's pretty great. It’s pretty hot. Babygirl's great." Despite his earlier commentary, Lowe acknowledged the film’s appeal and appreciated its erotic elements.

The "Page 73 Rule"

Lowe further explained his perspective on the evolving view of sex scenes in movies, referencing the infamous "Page 73 Rule" from his early acting years. He explained that, in the past, the sex scene was always on page 73 of a script. Actors would check the page to see if nudity or a steamy scene was required, simplifying their decision-making process before committing to a role.

Hollywood's History with Sex Scenes

Lowe recalled how sex scenes were commonly included in scripts to bridge narrative gaps, especially in the difficult mid-second act of storytelling. “What do you do in the second act?” Lowe asked, noting that writers would often include intimate scenes, like a moonlit beach moment in Blue Lagoon, to maintain the flow of the story. Despite this, in modern times, such scenes are now viewed as groundbreaking and “brave,” a shift that Lowe finds puzzling.

Lowe on the Reality of Filming Sex Scenes

Despite his thoughts on their place in films, Lowe admitted that filming sex scenes is far from glamorous. Recalling his experience with Demi Moore in the 1986 film About Last Night, Lowe noted the technical and tedious nature of shooting intimate sequences. "They're not fun," Lowe said, describing the monotony of shooting erotic scenes for hours on end. “It’s not all you bargain for.”

Conclusion

Rob Lowe’s commentary on sex scenes in Hollywood highlights the changing landscape of cinema and the evolving perceptions of intimacy in films. While Lowe laments the decrease of such scenes in contemporary movies, his thoughts on Nicole Kidman’s performance in Babygirl show his appreciation for their return, albeit with a touch of skepticism toward the newfound praise for such inclusions.

This version provides a Table of Contents for easy navigation and a more structured presentation of Rob Lowe's comments on modern cinema and sex scenes.

Angie Stone, Grammy-Nominated Soul Singer, Dies in Car Crash at 63

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Tragic Accident
3. Early Life and Career Beginnings
4. Musical Success and Collaborations
5. Notable Albums and Grammy Nominations
6. Acting Career and Other Ventures
7. Survived by Family
8. Legacy

Introduction

Angie Stone, the R&B and neo-soul singer best known for her hit single "Wish I Didn't Miss You", has tragically passed away at the age of 63. Stone died in a car crash in Montgomery, Alabama, while returning from a performance.

The Tragic Accident

Stone was traveling from a gig in Alabama back to Atlanta when the cargo van she was in flipped over and was hit by a big rig. The accident occurred on Saturday morning. Music producer Walter Millsap III confirmed the details, stating that Stone had been scheduled to perform later that day at the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament in Baltimore. Thankfully, the other people in the vehicle survived.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born Angela Brown in Columbia, South Carolina, in 1961, Angie Stone began her singing career at First Nazareth Baptist Church, performing gospel music. At 16, she joined high school friends Cheryl "the Pearl" Cook and Gwendolyn "Blondie" Chisolm to form the hip-hop trio The Sequence. The group signed with Sugar Hill Records and released the hit single "Funk You Up" in 1979.

Musical Success and Collaborations

Stone later joined the trio Vertical Hold and released two albums in the mid-1990s: A Matter of Time and Head First. She also worked with Devox and provided backing vocals on Lenny Kravitz's 1998 album 5.

Notable Albums and Grammy Nominations

Stone’s solo career skyrocketed with the release of her debut album Black Diamond in 1999. The album went gold and reached the Top 10 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop chart. Its standout single, "No More Rain (In This Cloud)", topped the Adult R&B Songs chart.

Her second album, Mahogany Soul (2001), produced the widely successful single "Wish I Didn't Miss You". This track became Stone’s signature hit, while the album itself reached No. 4 on the Billboard R&B chart. Stone was also nominated for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for the song "More Than a Woman" featuring Joe.

Stone continued to achieve success with albums like Stone Love (2005), The Art of Love & War (2007), and Love Language (2023), each earning her Grammy nominations and solidifying her place in the music industry.

Acting Career and Other Ventures

In addition to her music career, Stone pursued acting, with notable appearances in 2002's The Hot Chick and the sitcom Girlfriends. She also starred in reality TV shows such as Celebrity Fit Club and Celebrity Wife Swap, and played Big Mama Morton in the Broadway production of Chicago in 2003.

Survived by Family

Stone is survived by her two children, Diamond and Michael. She leaves behind a legacy of powerful music and an unforgettable impact on the R&B and soul genres.

Legacy

Angie Stone’s music and contributions to R&B and soul will continue to resonate for years to come. Her voice, talent, and songwriting prowess have left a lasting impression on the music world. Fans and peers alike will mourn the loss of one of soul music's most influential voices.

Color Purple Stars Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey Reunite, and More Intel from 2025 Oscars Rehearsal

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey Reunite
3. Rehearsal Highlights
4. Funny Moments from Rehearsals
5. Photos from the Rehearsal
6. 2025 Oscars Ceremony Details

Introduction

The 2025 Oscars are just around the corner, and Entertainment Weekly got a special sneak peek at the rehearsal for Hollywood’s biggest night. Among the exciting moments, we saw the reunion of the Color Purple stars Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey, as well as the preparation of several star-studded presenters, including Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, and Sterling K. Brown.

Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey Reunite

One of the most heartwarming moments at the rehearsal was the reunion of Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey, who shared big smiles as they prepared for a top-secret presentation. The two were nominated for their roles in the 1985 film The Color Purple—Goldberg for Best Actress and Winfrey for Best Supporting Actress, though neither won that year. Goldberg went on to win Best Supporting Actress in 1991 for Ghost.

In a delightful twist, Gayle King made a surprise appearance to greet her longtime best friend Oprah, adding to the warmth of the reunion.

Rehearsal Highlights

EW was invited into the Dolby Theatre on Saturday to watch the rehearsal for the 97th Annual Academy Awards. We saw several stars practicing their roles, including Sterling K. Brown and Ana de Armas, who were easing into their speeches for Best Live-Action Short. Meanwhile, Andrew Garfield and Goldie Hawn were rehearsing to present Best Animated Short and Best Animated Feature. Garfield kept his arm around Hawn, with the Oscar-winning actress helping to ensure their presentation went smoothly.

Funny Moments from Rehearsals

The rehearsals weren't without some lighthearted moments. Miley Cyrus and Da’Vine Joy Randolph were among those rehearsing, along with Miles Teller and Emma Stone, the two-time Best Actress winner. Stone had a brief mishap when she stumbled over her words but quickly made a joke: "This is gonna go great!" adding a bit of levity to the proceedings.

Photos from the Rehearsal

Below are some photos from the rehearsal, giving a glimpse of the stars in action ahead of Sunday’s Oscar ceremony:

1. Goldie Hawn and Andrew Garfield
2. Da’Vine Joy Randolph
3. Sterling K. Brown and Ana de Armas
4. Miles Teller
5. Oscars Statues at Rehearsal

2025 Oscars Ceremony Details

The 2025 Oscars will air Sunday at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ABC and Hulu, with the official red carpet presentation beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. Hosted by Conan O'Brien, the ceremony promises to be an exciting evening filled with star power and celebration. Be sure to catch all the glitz and glamour as Hollywood’s finest gather for the biggest night in film.

Harrison Ford Drops Out as Presenter at 2025 Oscars After Shingles Diagnosis (Exclusive)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Shingles Diagnosis and Withdrawal
3. Harrison Ford's Health Update
4. Oscar Presenters and Ceremony Details
5. Conclusion

Introduction

Hollywood icon Harrison Ford will no longer appear as a presenter at the 2025 Oscars following a recent diagnosis of shingles, Entertainment Weekly can exclusively report. The legendary actor, known for his roles in the Indiana Jones and Star Wars franchises, was previously announced as one of the presenters for the upcoming event.

Shingles Diagnosis and Withdrawal

Ford, 82, received the diagnosis yesterday and, after careful consideration, made the decision to withdraw from presenting at the Oscars ceremony. The actor’s representatives confirmed his absence this morning. Shingles is a viral infection that often causes a painful rash and can be caused by the same virus responsible for chickenpox. According to the Mayo Clinic, it typically appears as a stripe of blisters on one side of the body.

Harrison Ford's Health Update

While Ford is resting, sources indicate that he is doing well and focusing on his recovery. Fans and the entertainment community have expressed their well-wishes for the star's swift return to health. Ford recently attended the 2025 SAG Awards and appeared in a playful moment with his Shrinking costar, Jessica Williams, during the live broadcast.

Oscar Presenters and Ceremony Details

Ford’s withdrawal comes just days after he was announced as one of the Oscar presenters, alongside stars like Dave Bautista, Gal Gadot, Andrew Garfield, Samuel L. Jackson, Margaret Qualley, Alba Rohrwacher, Rachel Zegler, and Zoe Saldaña. The ceremony will still feature many other star-studded presenters, including reigning acting winners Cillian Murphy, Emma Stone, Robert Downey, Jr., and Da'Vine Joy Randolph.

Other past acting winners, including Penélope Cruz, Halle Berry, and Goldie Hawn, are also slated to present.

Conclusion

Though Harrison Ford will not be attending the 2025 Oscars, his health and recovery remain a priority. Fans can still look forward to an exciting show, with an impressive list of presenters and performances, hosted by Conan O'Brien. The Oscars ceremony will air on ABC and Hulu at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on Sunday, with the official red carpet presentation starting at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.