Matthew Perry’s untimely death in 2023 sent shockwaves across the world. For millions, he wasn’t just a television star, he was Chandler Bing, a character who had quietly become a companion through laughter, heartbreak, and everyday life. Across ten seasons of Friends, Perry built a fan base so vast that it stretched far beyond borders and generations, including people he would likely never meet. Even decades after the show first aired in the 1990s, its warmth and humour continue to resonate. On October 28, 2023, Perry was found dead in the jacuzzi of his Los Angeles home. The news spread rapidly, followed by an outpouring of grief. Fans gathered outside the iconic Friends apartment building, leaving flowers and handwritten notes that read, “The one where we lost a friend.” It was a rare moment when people of all ages mourned someone they had never known personally, yet felt deeply connected to. What the documentary traces? Two years after his passing, Warner Bros released Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy, a one-hour documentary that traces the final year of the actor’s life and the days leading up to his death. Perry’s long and public battle with alcohol and drug addiction was no secret. He had spoken candidly about it in interviews and chronicled it in his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. Tragically, that “big terrible thing” ultimately claimed his life. The documentary attempts to cover Perry’s childhood, his rise to fame, years of addiction, and the investigation that followed his death. However, much of it feels hurried, as though racing against time. Instead of lingering on Perry’s legacy or inner world, the film largely centres on the investigation and the ketamine network that allegedly supplied the actor. Diving into the ketamine racket The narrative is driven by interviews with a journalist, investigating officers, and Perry’s attorney, piecing together events after his death and naming individuals accused of illegally administering ketamine. While the documentary repeatedly reminds viewers that the case is still under trial and conclusions are yet to be reached, its tone often feels surprisingly definitive. A significant portion of the film explains the dangers of ketamine, how Perry gained access to it, and how he became dependent on the drug during a period when he was reportedly trying to recover. As Perry himself once revealed in his 2022 autobiography, his appearance mirrored his addictions — when Chandler looked heavier, Perry was drinking; when he was thinner, he was using pills. There was almost always something. A year after the memoir’s release, Perry was found dead at 54, having suffered acute effects of ketamine use. What works? The documentary also broadens its scope, with officers explaining police procedures and the district attorney outlining a network of ketamine suppliers in Los Angeles capable of catering to celebrities. It even references the death of Cody McLaury, reportedly linked to the same suspects, while acknowledging that Perry’s fame may have accelerated the investigation. Is it worth a watch? It's definitely a watch for fans of the actor. Perry was vocal about his struggle with addiction so that he can help people who are suffering like him. In parts, the documentary serves as commentary on the fatal effects of drug consumption and how easy it is to get hooked to it. But it is more an investigative procedural than emotional tribute to a man who will be rememberd for his work on screen and the joy he brought to millions of people. For those seeking to truly understand Perry — his humour, honesty, and humanity — his memoir remains the more intimate and respectful farewell.
02 January,2026 01:39 PM IST | Mumbai | Athulya NambiarVictoria Jones, the 34-year-old daughter of acclaimed Hollywood actor Tommy Lee Jones, was found dead at a luxury hotel in San Francisco on New Year’s Day, sending shockwaves through the entertainment world. Authorities have launched an investigation into the sudden death, though early indications suggest that foul play is not suspected at this stage. Investigation around Victoria's demise Emergency services were alerted to a medical emergency at the Fairmont San Francisco Hotel in the early hours of January 1, shortly before 3 am. Paramedics arrived at the scene and pronounced an adult woman dead inside the hotel room. Officers from the San Francisco Police Department later confirmed that the case had been referred to the city’s Medical Examiner’s Office, which will determine the official cause of death following a detailed examination. While police have not publicly released the identity of the deceased, multiple media reports have identified the woman as Victoria Jones, the daughter of Tommy Lee Jones and his former wife, actress Kimberlea Cloughley. Authorities have emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that no conclusions will be drawn until medical findings are finalized. All about Victoria Jones Victoria Jones was known to have had brief exposure to the entertainment industry during her early years. She appeared in several projects, including Men in Black II and The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, the latter directed by her father. She also made a guest appearance on the television series One Tree Hill. Despite her early acting roles, Victoria largely stayed away from the spotlight in later years, choosing a more private life. The news of her passing has deeply saddened fans and colleagues, particularly given her young age and the timing of the incident during the holiday season. Tommy Lee Jones, an Oscar-winning actor celebrated for films such as The Fugitive and No Country for Old Men, has not issued a public statement regarding the tragedy. Victoria is survived by her father and her brother Austin Jones. Family representatives and hotel officials have also refrained from commenting as authorities continue their inquiry. Further details are expected once the medical examiner completes the investigation and releases official findings surrounding the circumstances of her death.
02 January,2026 12:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMeyer Gottlieb, a Holocaust survivor who was the longtime chief of Samuel Goldwyn Films and produced such movies as Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World and 2013's The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, has passed away. He was 86. The news of his demise was shared by Meyer's wife Pattikay Gottlieb, as per The Hollywood Reporter. He breathed his last on Monday at his home in Los Angeles. Meyer was named president and COO of Samuel Goldwyn Co in 1988, having assisted Samuel Goldwyn Jr., son of the Oscar winner and legendary Hollywood mogul, in reviving the label a decade earlier. He served as a co-producer on Master and Commander (2003), a co-production with 20th Century Fox, Miramax and Universal that was directed by Peter Weir and starred Russell Crowe as a brash Royal Navy captain doing battle during the Napoleonic Wars. As an executive, Gottlieb also had a hand in such other films as Mystic Pizza (1988); Eat, Drink, Man, Woman (1994); The Preacher's Wife (1996), Lolita (1997), Tortilla Soup (2001), Super Size Me (2004), The Squid and the Whale (2005) and Amazing Grace (2006). Gottlieb was born in Poland in September 1939, shortly before Germany invaded his country; he and his family went on the run for months, retreating with the Russians before winding up in Ukrainian labour camps for four years. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
02 January,2026 11:33 AM IST | Los Angeles | ANIWill Smith has been sued by a tour violinist who is accusing the Hollywood star-rapper of sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and retaliation. In the suit, musician Brian King Joseph names Smith and Treyball Studios Management as defendants and accuses Smith of “predatory behavior” and “deliberately grooming and priming Joseph for further sexual exploitation” while on his Based on a True Story: 2025 Tour. Brian Joseph sues Will Smith Joseph has accused Will Smith of “predatory behavior” and “deliberately grooming and priming Mr. Joseph for further sexual exploitation” while on his tour last year. According to a civil complaint filed on December 31 in a Los Angeles court, the musician claimed that he returned to his hotel room, booked by Smith's company, to find that someone had entered and left a sexual message, wipes, a beer bottle, HIV medication with another person's name on it, and hospital discharge paperwork belonging to another person, reports USA Today. There was a note that read, “Brian, I’ll be back no later [sic] 5:30, just us (drawn heart), Stone F.” Joseph has claimed that he reported the situation to hotel security as well as tour management, who accused him of lying and blamed him for the incident. He stated that he was fired days later, though management told him the tour was “moving in a different direction.” He claimed that another violinist was quickly hired in his place, raising concerns that his removal was retaliatory. The suit claims that due to the termination, Joseph suffered from PTSD and economic loss. He is suing for retaliation, wrongful termination, and sexual harassment, and is seeking damages to be determined by a jury, as per Variety.com. The violinist's lawsuit further alleged that Will Smith had been “grooming and priming” him “for further sexual exploitation” since meeting in November 2024. Smith once told the violinist, “You and I have such a special connection, that I don’t have with anyone else.” Who is Brian King Joseph? Brian King Joseph is a celebrated American electric violinist, producer, and composer from Washington D.C., widely recognized as “The King of Violin” for his high-energy fusion of classical technique with contemporary pop and hip-hop. He gained international fame as a third-place finalist on Season 13 of America’s Got Talent in 2018.
02 January,2026 11:27 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentZach Bryan is officially married. Shortly after a video of the country star's video with Samantha Leonard stepping into a 'Just Married' car went viral, Bryan confirmed the news with a special Instagram post, according to People. Taking to his social media handle, Bryan offered a first glimpse from his wedding, with a photo of himself and his bride. In the black-and-white picture, the singer-songwriter could be seen holding Leonard as she wears a strapless white gown with a feather-trimmed hem. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zach Bryan (@zachlanebryan) "Tougher than the rest," he wrote in the caption, referencing Bruce Springsteen's love song with the same name, which is a part of Boss' 1987 album Tunnel of Love. He also included a video from what appeared to be the couple's wedding celebrations. The post was shared a day after the Something in the Orange performer shared a photo on Instagram of him and friends in formal wear with a caption that suggested a bachelor's party. "Tonight's the night, let's live it up. I got my money, let's spend it up (I feel). Go out and smash it, like, "Oh my God!" Jump off that sofa, let's kick it off (I feel)," he captioned the post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zach Bryan (@zachlanebryan) The wedding update comes at a time when Samantha Leonard was recently seen sporting a diamond ring on her left hand in a video, where she lit a firework. Bryan posted the same on his Instagram stories. The couple was first linked in July 2025, after Leonard posted a photo of themselves attending Spain's Running of the Bulls on Instagram. They were also spotted vacationing together. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
02 January,2026 11:21 AM IST | Los Angeles | ANIHollywood actor Timothee Chalamet has a penchant for getting it right in his work. The actor refused a butt double in his film Marty Supreme.The 30-year-old actor plays a ping pong star in the new sports drama and one memorable scene sees his character being spanked by Kevin O’Leary’s pen entrepreneur Milton Rockwell, reports ‘Female First UK’. Kevin told ‘Variety’, “When it came time to whack him, there was a stunt a**. There was a double. (Chalamet) wouldn’t do it. He said he’ll do it himself. He didn’t want some other a** immortalised”. Kevin added that shooting “went on for hours”, with director Josh Safdie doing about 40 takes until 4 in the morning. Kevin also had to use a real paddle after the fake one broke on the first hit. He said, “Josh was saying, ‘You’ve got to wind up harder’. I was really whacking him”. As per ‘Female First UK’, Rockwell humiliates Marty by spanking him in front of his dinner party guests, in retaliation for Marty’s entanglement with his wife, retired actress Kay Stone (Gwyneth Paltrow). Kevin called it “a pivotal scene of humiliation” for Marty, because “he had p***** me off so much and insulted me so many times that capital punishment was correct”. He went on, “I never felt satisfied that he suffered enough for what he did. Even now, I’m still p*****”. Paltrow previously revealed her character has "a lot of sex" with the Dune star in Marty Supreme. She told ‘Vanity Fair’ magazine, "I mean, we have a lot of sex in this movie. There’s a lot, a lot”. When asked if she's in a lot of "vulnerable positions" with the Dune star, she replied, "Beyond". Gwyneth added of Marty Supreme, "(I play) this woman who is married to someone who is in the Ping-Pong mafia, as it were. They [the two characters] meet and she’s had a pretty tough life, and I think he breathes life back into her, but it’s kind of transactional for them both”. She said it was a new experience using an intimacy coordinator on set for the spicy scenes. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
02 January,2026 11:05 AM IST | Los Angeles | IANSHollywood actress Sydney Sweeney is a firm believer in going all in for her work. The actress built a gym in her house just to prepare for Christy. The 28-year-old actress plays boxer Christy Martin in the movie and she was “excited” to totally transform herself for the role, reports ‘Female First UK’. She told Britain’s OK! magazine, “I was excited to do it. I wanted desperately to do Christy justice and to make her proud”. She further mentioned, “I really love to play characters that I can disappear into and just totally transform. I threw myself into every aspect of this character. I built a gym in my house. I had a professional boxing trainer, a weight trainer and a nutritionist. I was working hard every day to get where I needed to be physically”. As per ‘Female First UK’, the Euphoria star gained 35lbs for the role and admitted she often felt “so sick” as a result of her attempts to put on the pounds. She said, “It was really just part of the process. It was building muscle, lots of protein shakes and filling up with calories. It was a lot. I felt so sick all the time. I mean, it’s a lot harder to lose than it was to put it on, that’s for sure. But even with the high calorie intake and the eating, as soon as I started boxing the weight would drop off. Afterwards, it was just a matter of redressing that balance”. It wasn’t just the physical scenes that were challenging for Sydney. She said, “The physical stuff was fun. I could train and feel prepared. But then some days it was about going from that to a big emotional scene. It was a different challenge. We were so lucky to have Christy there with us. I was able to talk to her a lot and figure out what her mindset was in those moments. It was all about feeling the moment, working with the script and just going for it. That’s the way I like to work”.. Sydney Sweeney hailed making the film a “life-changing” experience. Asked what she had taken away from playing Christy, she said, “So much. This has been a life-changing experience for me in such a positive way. Playing Christy and getting to know her has taught me how to stand up for myself and what I need to do to feel stronger in my work life, as well as my personal life”. “It’s made me feel ready to stand up for the people in my life and to always be there for them. It’s also made me remember just how much I love boxing”, she added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
02 January,2026 10:45 AM IST | Los Angeles | IANSActor Isiah Whitlock Jr, mainly known for playing the corrupt state senator Clay Davis on The Wire, has passed away. He breathed his last on Tuesday in New York at the age of 71, as per Variety. The news of his demise was shared by his manager, Brian Liebman. Taking to Instagram, he wrote, "It is with tremendous sadness that I share the passing of my dear friend and client Isiah Whitlock Jr. If you knew him -- you loved him. A brilliant actor and even better person. May his memory forever be a blessing. Our hearts are so broken. He will be very, very missed." Indiana-born Whitlock was a prolific character actor who was a frequent collaborator of Spike Lee, appearing in his films BlacKkKlansman, Da 5 Bloods, She Hate Me, 25th Hour, Red Hook Summer and Chi-Raq. Across many of his projects, he developed the catchphrase "sheeeeee-it", an elongated pronunciation of the word "shit". It started in "She Hate Me" and "25th Hour", and then the writers of The Wire began incorporating it into the HBO series. Whitlock said he could be stopped on the street two to three times per day by fans asking him to say the catchphrase. In a meta turn, Whitlock got to play a man obsessed with The Wire in the 2011 comedy "Cedar Rapids," as per Variety. Whitlock also appeared as a doctor in Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas and held roles in Chappelle's Show, Pieces of April, and Enchanted. He lent his voice to Pixar's Cars 3 and Lightyear and most recently to Hoppers, the studio's animated sci-fi comedy scheduled for release in 2026. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
01 January,2026 12:38 PM IST | Los Angeles | ANIHollywood actor and filmmaker George Clooney has shared his plans to revive the iconic Ocean's Eleven, the original heist film, which was released in 2001. Clooney featured in the lead alongside actors like Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon, and Don Cheadle. Speaking to Variety, Clooney teased a fourth film in the franchise, also suggesting that the original cast is likely to make a return - this time "older, but wiser." "There was something about the idea that we're too old to do what we used to do, but we're still smart enough to know how to get away with something, that just appeals to me. They've lost a step, and they need to find a way to work around their limitations," the actor said, as quoted by Variety. It also added that the team has been scouting for locations, with the shooting likely to begin in October 2026. Earlier this year, Clooney revealed that the film's budget had been approved at Warner Bros. Confirming the return of the original cast members, he added, "It's just scheduling, so it's just setting a start date for us," as per E! News. Ocean's Eleven featured George Clooney as the mastermind Danny Ocean, along with Brad Pitt's right-hand man Rusty, Matt Damon's pickpocket Linus, Don Cheadle's demolitions expert Basher, and Julia Roberts as Tess. The film was followed by sequels Ocean's Twelve and Ocean's Thirteen. In 2018, the spin-off Ocean's 8 was released, featuring Sandra Bullock as Danny's sister, along with Cate Blanchett, Rihanna, Helena Bonham Carter, Sarah Paulson, Mindy Kaling, and Anne Hathaway, among others. Apart from the next Ocean's Eleven film, a prequel is also said to be in development, with Margot Robbie in the lead, stated People. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
01 January,2026 10:34 AM IST | Los Angeles | ANI‘Project Hail Mary’ Ryan Gosling headlines this ambitious sci-fi adaptation of Andy Weir’s bestselling novel, playing an unlikely astronaut tasked with saving Earth. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the film blends scientific precision with emotional heft, making it one of the rare original studio films attempting blockbuster scale without franchise safety nets. ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow’ DC Studios takes a tonal leap with a darker, more introspective superhero story. Based on the acclaimed comic, the film follows Supergirl on a cosmic journey shaped by grief, justice and moral reckoning. It’s a clear indicator that DC’s new cinematic universe is aiming for depth over spectacle-for-spectacle’s sake. ‘Dune: Part Three’ Denis Villeneuve continues Paul Atreides’ epic saga with the final chapter of his Dune trilogy, starring Timothee Chalamet and Rebecca Fergusan. Dense, philosophical and visually staggering, the film doubles down on the belief that intelligent, challenging science fiction still has a place in mainstream theatres. ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Marvel Studios goes all in on a hard reset. Bringing together heroes across timelines and realities, Doomsday is expected to reshape the MCU’s future. After a mixed post-Endgame phase, this December release is being pitched as a return to event cinema — the kind that once turned every Marvel opening into a global moment. ‘The Odyssey’ Christopher Nolan places his biggest wager yet by adapting Homer’s ancient epic for the modern screen. Headlined by Matt Damon and Tom Holland, the film follows Odysseus’ perilous, decade-long journey home after the Trojan War. Shot across multiple countries and designed for IMAX, The Odyssey positions itself as cinema meant to be experienced, not streamed. ‘The Devi Wears Prada 2’ Miranda Priestly returns in a sequel that reflects a drastically changed fashion and media landscape. With Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway reprising their roles, the film examines relevance, power, and survival in an age of influencers and algorithms. ‘Toy Story 5’ Pixar revisits its most cherished characters at a time when nostalgia itself is under scrutiny. As toys confront a world dominated by screens and smart devices, the film explores relevance, obsolescence, and emotional attachment — themes that resonate as much with adults as with children. ‘Michael’ One of the most scrutinised biopics in years, Michael charts the rise, reign, and controversies of the King of Pop. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, the film carries enormous expectations — both as a tribute and a reckoning with fame, genius, and excess. ‘Tha Mandalorian & Grogu’ After redefining Star Wars on streaming, Lucasfilm brings its most successful modern characters to theatres. The film expands the Mandalorian mythos while preserving its intimate emotional core, signalling Disney’s renewed push to make Star Wars a big-screen priority once again.
01 January,2026 07:46 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamActress-singer Jennifer Lopez is focusing on being single. Nearly a year after the performer, 56, finalized her divorce from Ben Affleck, 53, it is revealed that she's not dating. She is focused on work and raising her family, reports ‘People’ magazine. A source told ‘People’, "It's all about work and the kids for her. She seems happy and content”. JLo shares 17-year-old twins Maximilian "Max" David Muniz and Emme Maribel Muniz with her ex-husband Marc Anthony. As per ‘People’, JLo began 2025 in the midst of a divorce, which was finalized in January, nearly 20 weeks after she filed for a dissolution of marriage on August 20. The Hustlers star filed for divorce exactly two years after her second wedding ceremony in Georgia, listing April 26, 2024 as the date of her and Affleck's separation. The ceremony in Georgia, held in front of family and friends, took place a month after the pair married in an intimate Las Vegas ceremony in July 2022. It was the second go-around for the exes, who, after ending their first engagement in 2004, rekindled their romance in 2021. Following their split, Lopez shared in an October 2024 conversation with Interview magazine that she was looking forward to the single life after being in "different challenging situations" throughout the years. She said, "Now I’m excited, when you say you’re just going to be on your own. Yes, I’m not looking for anybody, because everything that I’ve done over the past 25, 30 years, being in these different challenging situations, what can I do when it’s just me flying on my own. What if I'm just free?". Earlier in October, JLo shared that she doesn't plan to use dating apps because is old-fashioned. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
31 December,2025 02:26 PM IST | Los Angeles | IANSADVERTISEMENT
