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John Travolta's heartbreaking tribute years after losing wife and son

<p>John Travolta has shared a heartbreaking post commemorating his late wife, Kelly Preston, and son, Jett Travolta. </p> <p>Jett was only 16 when he passed away while on vacation with his family in the Bahamas in 2009. He had a seizure at the time and hit his head on a bathtub at their vacation home. </p> <p>His wife Kelly died in July 2020 aged 57, two years after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. </p> <p>John took to Instagram to share a throwback photo of their family, on what would've been Jett's 32nd birthday over the weekend. </p> <p>“Happy birthday my Jetty — not a day goes by where you’re not with me,” he wrote.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C5sBcYKN9ub/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C5sBcYKN9ub/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by John Travolta (@johntravolta)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The post gained 400,000 likes with fans and fellow celebrities rushing to the comments to share their support. </p> <p>“Will never forget him, or Kelly,” wrote actress and good friend Rita Wilson.</p> <p>“Always in your heart forever and ever,” added actress Kristin Chenoweth.</p> <p>“And you will see him and her again.”</p> <p>“They are together and some day you’ll all be together again. Happy heavenly birthday Jett,” wrote one follower.</p> <p>"Happy Birthday to Jett and beautiful Kelly...two angels watching over you and family," added another. </p> <p>The couple had two other children together — daughter Ella, 24, and son Benjamin, 13.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram/ Getty</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

"Finally felt like the right time": John Farnham's huge announcement

<p>John Farnham has announced his triumphant return one year on from his cancer surgery, sharing the news of a highly anticipated project. </p> <p>The 74-year-old Aussie music icon is set to tell his story in his own words with the release of his own candid memoir titled <em>The Voice Inside</em>. </p> <p>The autobiography, which will be released on October 30th, is co-written by Poppy Stockwell, who is the award-winning writer and director of the critically acclaimed biopic Finding the Voice.</p> <p>The book documents Farnham's early life and stardom growing up in Melbourne in the 1960s, to his comeback 1986 album <em>Whispering Jack</em>.</p> <p>It will recall the highs and lows of fame, including when his stellar career stalled, record companies turned their backs and he faced financial ruin.</p> <p><em>The Voice Inside</em> will also detail his shocking diagnosis of mouth cancer in 2022 which turned his life upside down. </p> <p>The book was announced on Farnham's Facebook page, with a statement sharing how he felt it was "the right time" to tell his story. </p> <p><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fjohnfarnham%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02tZwog7QbEW6AxDUxNMp3Kn5msAghjd9yUQe56optBdyX8ZL1DQFm4qvpUYsSjo2Rl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="728" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>"Having been asked many times, it finally felt like the right time to sit down and tell my story," he said.</p> <p>"It is a very strange feeling looking back on my life, on the good and the bad, and now that I have started, it is all rushing back. I hope the book engages and entertains, because that’s what so much of my life has been about."</p> <p>The book will "chart John Farnham’s very personal and public journey, told in his own words and with his inimitable humour, insight, and humility."</p> <p>The post was quickly flooded with comments from fans eager to get their hands on the memoir, while many shared their well wishes as he continues his lengthy recovery from cancer. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

Caring

John Farnham’s son reveals secret health battle

<p dir="ltr">John Farnham’s youngest son has shared the details of a private health battle that he was navigating while his famous father was recovering from throat cancer.</p> <p dir="ltr">James Farnham revealed that he underwent “major surgery” that “saved my life” in 2023 to deal with diverticular disease.</p> <p dir="ltr">Taking to Instagram on Tuesday night, Farnham shared a post-surgery photo and some symptoms of diverticulitis to raise awareness of the condition. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Last year, just as Dad was recovering from his cancer surgeries, I also had major surgery to deal with diverticular disease that had caused perforations in my bowel,” he began.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The surgery saved my life but it has left me with a stoma — a surgically created opening in the abdomen that allows me to poo... into a temporary colostomy bag.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“With any luck, I will be receiving my reversal surgery in the next couple (of) months.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He said with hindsight he was ready to share his story, being able to see that the “whole thing may have been preventable”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I was totally shocked to learn how many people (including young people, I can’t stress that enough) receive this diagnosis,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Coming off the back of what felt like a torturous period that left us emotionally exhausted.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was one thing after another, and when I noticed something felt wrong I kept ignoring it.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“While I felt unwell for a while the whole thing happened very quickly in the end and I didn’t have much time to comprehend what was happening.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“After the surgery, I dealt with fear, isolation, disgust, paranoia and something I’ve never had before — body image issues.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’ve had to go through a huge psychosocial adjustment.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Farnham said that his main symptom was abdominal pain that he experienced for months and “kept ignoring”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“After a few days of complaining ... arguing with my partner Tessa, she finally said, ‘enough is enough!’”</p> <p dir="ltr">Upon more checks, Farnham was diagnosed with diverticulitis that had perforated in his bowel.</p> <p dir="ltr">His situation soon became “an emergency situation” and was “absolutely terrified” when it came time to have his surgery.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I had a rough recovery period and it took three weeks before I was able to go home.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Farnham said that the “reality was now setting in ... this was my life now.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was almost too much for me to comprehend. Thankfully I had support.”</p> <p dir="ltr">James credited his partner Tessa who comforted him through his health journey, and helped him come to terms with his new reality. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Flash forward to now, I’ve figured out my ways and how to deal with everything and I now feel more comfortable.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m telling people and making jokes about it. Maybe this is because I know it’s temporary, but it’s really changed the way I deal with things, especially the way I view my health.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Listening to my body and respecting it.”</p> <p dir="ltr">For his birthday, Farnham requested donations to <a href="https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/online-donation">Bowel Cancer Australia</a>, <a href="https://crohnsandcolitis.org.au/how-to-help/donate/">Crohn’s & Colitis Australia</a> and <a href="https://cabrinifoundation.com.au/donate/lets-beat-bowel-cancer/">Let’s Beat Bowel Cancer</a> to help raise awareness for bowel disease.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 36-year-old’s health battle took place as his father, singer John Farnham was <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/john-farnham-s-sons-share-latest-health-update">recovering</a> from throat cancer, undergoing a 12-hour surgery where doctors removed a tumour from his mouth before reconstructing his jaw in a second major operation.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Vale ‘sister suffragette’: how Glynis Johns became a pop-culture icon in the story of votes for women

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ana-stevenson-196768">Ana Stevenson</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lindsay-helwig-1500979">Lindsay Helwig</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a></em></p> <p>Glynis Johns, most famous for her role as the suffragette mother Mrs Winifred Banks in Disney’s Mary Poppins (1964), passed away last week at the age of 100.</p> <p>A fourth-generation performer who made her <a href="https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-04-17-ca-126-story.html">stage debut</a> in London when she was only three weeks old, Johns inherited her Welsh father’s love of acting. She appeared with him in The Halfway House (1944) and The Sundowners (1960) and argued for the establishment of a Welsh National Theatre <a href="https://twitter.com/huwthomas/status/791367871242862592">as early as 1971</a>.</p> <p>Johns’s career spanned eight decades in Hollywood, Broadway and the British stage and screen. As Palm Springs’s Desert Sun <a href="https://cdnc.ucr.edu/?a=d&d=DS19630426.2.50">reported</a> in 1962, her “husky voice and big blue eyes” were her hallmarks. But it was her portrayal of Mrs Banks in Mary Poppins which would make her a pop culture icon.</p> <h2>A childhood inspiration</h2> <p>Feminist activists and scholars often describe the Mrs Banks character as a childhood inspiration.</p> <p>As feminist communications scholar Amanda Firestone <a href="https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/Resist_and_Persist/s5HiDwAAQBAJ">reflects</a> on the film: "I especially loved […] Mrs Banks (Glynis Johns), who marches around the family home, putting Votes for Women sashes onto the housekeeper, cook, and the (departing) nanny. Of course, as a kid, I had no idea that the people and events embedded in the song’s lyrics were actual parts of history, but I did find a kind of joy in a vague notion of women’s empowerment."</p> <p>Set in 1910, the symbolism associated with Mrs Banks references the history of the British suffragettes. Johns’ musical showstopper, Sister Suffragette, directly refers to <a href="https://www.thehistorypress.co.uk/articles/the-pankhursts-politics-protest-and-passion/">Emmeline Pankhurst</a>, who founded the militant Women’s Social and Political Union in 1903. In 1906 British newspapers <a href="https://doi.org/10.1017/S0020859007003239">coined</a> the moniker “suffragette” to mock the union.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K0SDECwO54E?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>This ambivalence continued into the 1960s. Historian Laura E. Nym Mayhall <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/4316653">argues</a> that American concern over the impact of women’s public roles on their domestic responsibilities influenced the film’s depiction of Mrs Banks, especially her movement from a public suffragette back into an involved mother at the film’s end.</p> <p>For Mayhall, the figure of the suffragette emerges in popular culture as “a symbol of modernity”: a harbinger of democracy and political progress whose characterisation would elide ongoing struggles such as the civil rights movement.</p> <figure class="align-right zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/568335/original/file-20240108-23-tf6kwm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/568335/original/file-20240108-23-tf6kwm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/568335/original/file-20240108-23-tf6kwm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=949&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/568335/original/file-20240108-23-tf6kwm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=949&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/568335/original/file-20240108-23-tf6kwm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=949&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/568335/original/file-20240108-23-tf6kwm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1193&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/568335/original/file-20240108-23-tf6kwm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1193&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/568335/original/file-20240108-23-tf6kwm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1193&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">This 1909 Dunston Weiler Lithograph Co. anti-suffrage postcard offers resonances of Mrs Banks and her household staff in Mary Poppins.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://thesuffragepostcardproject.omeka.net/items/show/44">Catherine H. Palczewski Postcard Archive/The Suffrage Postcard Project</a></span></figcaption></figure> <p>While some see the character of the suffragette mother as <a href="https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/Mary_Poppins/BLujEAAAQBAJ">supporting</a> women’s votes during the 1910s and women’s liberation during the 1960s, other readings of the film suggest a more satirical representation of the suffrage movement. Some historians even find <a href="https://doi.org/10.1215/02705346-6923118">resonances</a> of anti-suffrage propaganda in Mrs Banks, including in her usage of her Votes for Women sash as the tail of a kite in the film’s final scene.</p> <p>Looking back at film reviews offers insight into how audiences received this character – and, by extension, Johns as an actor. American studies scholar Lori Kenschaft <a href="https://books.google.com.au/books/about/Girls_Boys_Books_Toys.html?id=Or13vhnA_W4C">suggests</a> that film critics who saw Mrs Banks as a “nutty suffragette mother” reiterated popular stereotypes about suffragettes and feminists being “mentally unbalanced”.</p> <p>Such stereotypes may have been reinforced by the film’s depiction of motherhood and the nuclear family. Involved parenting emerged as the bedrock of the 1960s nuclear family, an idea both supported and actively promoted by Walt Disney in both his films and his theme parks, as <a href="https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/Children_Childhood_and_Musical_Theater/XHrRDwAAQBAJ">argued</a> by American musicologist William A. Everett.</p> <p>As Mrs Banks, Johns embodied the transition from the distant, uninvolved parenting of the British middle-class in the earlier 20th century to the involved mother who facilitated the stable nuclear family. As women’s studies scholar Anne McLeer <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/4316893">argues</a>, Mary Poppins, through Johns’ portrayal of Mrs Banks, demonstrated the liberated woman of the 1960s could be contained within the nuclear family: the bedrock for a Western capitalist economy.</p> <h2>A long career</h2> <p>Beyond Mary Poppins, her most prominent role was in Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway musical A Little Night Music (1973).</p> <p>Johns originated the character of ageing actress Desiree Armfeldt, becoming the first to sing Send in the Clowns. As she <a href="https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-04-17-ca-126-story.html">reflected</a> of the classic in 1991: "It’s still part of me. And when you’ve got a song like Send in the Clowns, it’s timeless."</p> <p>Sondheim composed this song with Johns’s famously husky voice in mind. Yet some were less enamoured with her performance. One 1973 theatre critic <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/3850619">described</a> Johns as “a now somewhat overage tomboy, kittenish and raspy-voiced, precise and amusing in her delivery of lines but utterly, utterly unseductive.”</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OAl-EawVobY?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>A veteran of stage and screen, Johns appeared in more than 60 films and 30 plays. In 1998, she was honoured with a Disney Legends Award for her role as Mrs Banks. Johns also received critical acclaim throughout her career, including a Laurel Award for Mary Poppins and a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for A Little Night Music.</p> <p>Regardless of how incongruous her status as a “<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-05/glynis-johns-mary-poppins-send-in-the-clowns/103287036">Disney feminist icon</a>” may be, Johns’s extraordinary influence upon the 20th century’s cultural memory is a remarkable legacy. <img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/220766/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ana-stevenson-196768"><em>Ana Stevenson</em></a><em>, Senior Lecturer, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lindsay-helwig-1500979">Lindsay Helwig</a>, Lecturer in Pathways, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Disney</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/vale-sister-suffragette-how-glynis-johns-became-a-pop-culture-icon-in-the-story-of-votes-for-women-220766">original article</a>.</em></p>

Caring

Matthew Perry's cause of death finally revealed

<p>The sudden and tragic death of <em>Friends</em> actor Matthew Perry <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/you-were-loved-tributes-flow-over-tragic-passing-of-matthew-perry" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shocked fans worldwide</a>. Now the County of Los Angeles' medical examiner has finally released its report detailing the cause of his demise, attributing it to the acute effects of ketamine.</p> <p>Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing in the iconic TV series, passed away at the age of 54 on the morning of October 28, after a game of pickleball. He returned home and sent his assistant on an errand. Two hours later, the assistant returned to find Perry unresponsive in the spa. Emergency services were called, but paramedics pronounced Perry dead at the scene.</p> <p>At the time, the coroner's report listed only drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of opioid buprenorphine as contributing factors, ultimately ruling the death as an accident.</p> <p>Ketamine, a dissociative anaesthetic with hallucinogenic effects, has now been determined to have played a significant role in Perry's demise. The autopsy revealed that Perry was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy to manage depression and anxiety. However, the ketamine found in his system at the time of death could not be attributed to the most recent therapy session, as its half-life is only three to four hours. The report stated that the high levels of ketamine in his postmortem blood could lead to cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression.</p> <p>Perry had a history of substance abuse, openly discussing his battles with addiction dating back to his time on <em>Friends</em> in the 1990s. Despite being reportedly clean for 19 months before his death, the toxicology report revealed ongoing ketamine infusions. Perry had detailed his experiences with ketamine in his memoir, describing it as a "giant exhale" that made him feel as though he were "dying".</p> <p>“Ketamine was a very popular street drug in the 1980s," Perry wrote in his book <em>Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing</em>. "There is a synthetic form of it now, and it’s used for two reasons: to ease pain and help with depression. Has my name written all over it – they might as well have called it ‘Matty’.” </p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">During the pandemic, Perry received ketamine infusions in a Swiss rehab clinic, as revealed in his memoir. He explained that the drug, known for its pain-relieving and antidepressant properties, provided a unique and different experience. However, he also acknowledged the rough hangover associated with ketamine, ultimately stating that the drug was not for him.</span></p> <p>“Taking K is like being hit in the head with a giant happy shovel," he wrote. "But the hangover was rough and outweighed the shovel. Ketamine was not for me.”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Caring

Patti Newton's desperate plea to her troubled son

<p>Patti Newton has issued a desperate plea to her son Matthew, who has spent two years out of the spotlight and has built a new life in America. </p> <p>According to <a href="https://www.nowtolove.com.au/womansday" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Woman's Day</em></a>, Patti is determined to see her family reunited, as she wishes for Matthew to return to Australia. </p> <p>After a series of scandals, Matthew fled the country and has since created a new life for himself in Texas with his <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/huge-matthew-newton-mystery-confirmed-during-bert-s-funeral" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wife</a> Catherine Schneiderman. </p> <p>Matthew was arrested twice in 2012 following altercations in Miami, following a string of scandals in Australia, including several domestic violence allegations a charge of assault. </p> <p>Despite her son now living his best life in the US, Patti desperately wants him to return home. </p> <p>"Moving to Texas is the best thing either of them could have done. They're loving a new outdoorsy life and they're both looking and feeling great," a source told the magazine.</p> <p>"[But] Patti desperately wants them to come home to Australia."</p> <p>It's been several years since Matthew returned home, as he chose <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/why-matt-newton-won-t-be-attending-bert-s-funeral" target="_blank" rel="noopener">not to return</a> for his father Bert's funeral in 2021. </p> <p>Matthew, who suffers from bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and has a history of addiction, refrains from the spotlight after having a stint in the Australian entertainment scene with a series of TV shows and movies. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Ten</em></p>

Family & Pets

John Laws hangs up in disgust on Kyle and Jackie O

<p>The radio waves became a battlefield this morning as the titans of Australian talkback clashed in a dramatic showdown involving corset dresses, colon procedures – and a surprise departure for medical attention.</p> <p>The day kicked off with Jackie O making a grand entrance, albeit a slightly woozy one, having undergone surgery to bid farewell to a cervical polyp. Kyle, ever the supportive co-host, explained to listeners that Jackie was feeling under the weather and experiencing some tingling in her arm. (Because, as you know, corset dresses and surgery recovery are a match made in radio heaven.)</p> <p>"She just stepped out for a lay down. She’s got like a corset dress on and she had an operation yesterday," Kyle explained, giving us all a mental image of a radio host napping in style.</p> <p>But that was just the appetiser. The main course featured none other than radio legend John Laws, who decided to play hardball with the hosts in a dramatic fashion. Scheduled for an interview to celebrate an impressive 70 years on-air, Laws decided he'd had enough after catching wind of Jackie O's surgical – and, let's face it, highly graphic – revelations.</p> <p>Jackie O explained to a bemused Kyle that her surgeon had operated on her “via the colon or the vagina, I’m not sure which... What must I have looked like on the operating table? Nude, shower cap...” </p> <p>Now, let's take a moment to appreciate the delicacy of the situation. Laws, a seasoned broadcaster, chose that exact moment to hang up on the dynamic duo faster than you can say "corset controversy". Apparently, the mere thought of following that "real" a discussion about medical procedures, particularly those involving the nether regions, was way too much for his delicate radio palate.</p> <p>In an unexpected turn of events, Laws' assistant then became the unwilling messenger between the offended radio icon and and the KIISFM hosts. “Is it true he got angry about Jackie’s disgusting story?” Kyle asked. The assistant revealed that Laws "just doesn’t like it, Jackie. He doesn’t like following all that talk about vaginas." A sentiment we're sure many have echoed when trying to enjoy their morning coffee.</p> <p>But the cherry on top was Laws hanging up not once, but twice! Cementing forever his stance on steering clear of on-air discussions involving surgical escapades.</p> <p>Jackie O valiantly defended herself, insisting it wasn't gratuitous and was, in fact, a perfectly normal chat about a medical procedure. Laws, unmoved, made it clear he had no interest in such shenanigans.</p> <p>As if that weren't enough drama for one day, Jackie O had to bow out early due to feeling unwell, prompting Kyle to make a mercy call to Laws on-air to explain the situation. Laws, ever the gentleman, softened his stance, admitting he was just surprised at the talk and muttering a nonchalant "never mind".</p> <p>After that morning of medical misadventures, corset calamities and a radio veteran hanging up, who would have guessed that a discussion about surgery could cause such a ruckus?</p> <p><em>Images: KIISFM / X </em></p>

Body

"Kevin Kline and I killed a man in Denmark": John Cleese's startling admission

<p>John Cleese has made a startling admission on his new video series, <em>The Dinosaur Hour</em>, where he hosts intimate chats from a twelfth-century castle.</p> <p>The <em>Monty Python</em> actor claimed that he inadvertently killed someone at a screening of his 1988 comedy film <em>A Fish Called Wanda, </em>which co-starred Kevin Kline and Jamie Lee Curtis. </p> <p>“We killed a man … Kevin Kline and I killed a man in Denmark,” Cleese said, according to the <em>Daily Mail</em>. </p> <p>“He was a dentist, he had a huge laugh. A famous laugh. Very popular. It was in Aarhus, not a big town, but everybody knew him," he added. </p> <p>“And he went to see Wanda and he started laughing about two minutes in and never stopped.</p> <p>“They carried him out dead, he’d had a heart attack.”</p> <p>Cleese is known for his shock factor during TV appearances and interviews. </p> <p>In July, the <em>The Fawlty Towers </em>actor <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/i-don-t-want-to-talk-about-it-john-cleese-shuts-down-waleed-aly" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shut down </a>Waleed Aly's question about the iconic sitcom before poking fun at the <em>The Project</em> star's name. </p> <p>“We can’t let you go without talking about Fawlty Towers – at least I can’t, because I think it’s one of the greatest shows …” the broadcaster began, before Cleese shut him down. </p> <p>“I don’t want to talk about Fawlty Towers,” he said.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Movies

The enduring appeal of Friends, and why so many of us feel we’ve lost a personal friend in Matthew Perry

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adam-gerace-325968">Adam Gerace</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a></em></p> <p>The <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/videos/world/friends-star-matthew-perry-dies-aged-54/cloatn0ae00ea0jqbpdz0h8td">death of Matthew Perry</a>, best known for his role as Chandler Bing in the television series Friends, has seen an outpouring of grief from fans and the Hollywood community.</p> <p>His passing at age 54 has shocked both those who admired his acting work, as well as those who followed his efforts to bring awareness to <a href="https://people.com/tv/matthew-perry-opens-up-about-addiction-new-memoir/">the pains of addiction</a>.</p> <p>Tributes to Perry have understandably focused on his star-making turn on the incredibly popular television sitcom. Scenes, catchphrases, and his character’s lines have been lovingly repurposed across the internet to memorialise the gifted actor.</p> <p>Meanwhile, many viewers have situated their <a href="https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/friends-fans-mourn-matthew-perry-new-york-apartment-1235772520/">recollections</a> of Perry and the series within the context of their own experiences.</p> <p>Viewers who came of age, or were the characters’ ages during the show’s original run, have reminisced about what the work of Perry and his co-stars meant to them at formative times in their lives. Newer viewers have similarly shared how important the series has been to them – their relationship with the show often beginning long after production ended.</p> <p>For many, Friends was the television equivalent of the soundtrack to their lives.</p> <p>To appreciate the staying power of the series for original and <a href="https://www.etonline.com/streaming-friends-how-a-90s-sitcom-became-gen-zs-new-favorite-show-132624">newer viewers alike</a> almost 30 years since it debuted, we need to consider what functions television viewing serves and the bonds we form with its characters.</p> <h2>Enduring appeal</h2> <p>Part of Friends’ popularity lies in its timing. The show premiered in 1994, a period when network television was still dominant. By its end a decade later, while the power of the big television networks had <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/08838150701820924">eroded</a>, the series had maintained <a href="https://www.ratingsryan.com/2022/09/friends-nbc-ratings-recap.html">an average</a> of more than 20 million viewers each season.</p> <p>The 2004 finale brought in a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/08/arts/friends-finale-s-audience-is-the-fourth-biggest-ever.html">record-breaking</a> 52.5 million viewers in the United States. The series then entered repeats around the world. It hasn’t left our screens since.</p> <p>The late 90s and early 2000s have sometimes been referred to as the end of monoculture. While a <a href="https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/12/17/21024439/monoculture-algorithm-netflix-spotify">contested and controversial idea</a> because of, among other concerns, who was included and excluded on our screens, monoculture meant we watched <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/bestmusic2012/2012/12/21/167836852/the-year-in-pop-charts-return-of-the-monoculture">many of the same things</a>.</p> <p>One of the most popular shows of its era, Friends brought people together. It was a show we watched with our families or friends, spoke about the next day with colleagues, and it provided a common connection. It allowed bonding with real friends as much as fictional ones.</p> <p>Friends did not only reflect style of the time; it also frequently created it. Jennifer Aniston’s haircut, coined “<a href="https://www.bustle.com/style/the-rachel-haircut">The Rachel</a>”, or Perry’s lovable smart-alecky cadence, typified with Chandler’s catchphrase of “Could I <em>be</em> any more…”, were endlessly imitated. I know I attempted to replicate Chandler’s <a href="https://www.gq.com.au/style/celebrity/unexpectedly-great-fashion-inspiration-courtesy-of-friends/image-gallery/f55ac75cc180e31c462525da961295fc">sweater vests</a> and light blue denim look. Participation provided viewers <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-5931.2011.00866.x">a sense</a> of identity.</p> <p>As people enter their 30s and 40s, they often <a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0208595">gravitate</a> towards the memories made during their formative adolescent and young adult years. So perhaps it’s no surprise Friends endures for original viewers as it represents – and was a part of – their lives at this important time.</p> <h2>Likeable characters</h2> <p>Television and other fictional media meet our needs for <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2958.2009.01368.x">both</a> pleasure and extracting meaning. We get excited, entertained and moved by television.</p> <p>As part of this, we bond with fictional characters. We cannot help but <a href="https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327825MCS0403_01">empathise</a> with them. A series like Friends with its characters and their combinations of breakups, makeups and other mishaps allowed us to safely use our empathy muscles to cheer on and sometimes commiserate with the group of six. It helped that each character was flawed but inherently likeable.</p> <p>Fictional characters also allow us to <a href="https://theconversation.com/neighbours-vs-friends-we-found-out-which-beloved-show-fans-mourned-more-when-it-ended-212843">experience lifestyles</a> we might not otherwise. In the case of Friends, who didn’t want to live in a rent-controlled apartment like Monica’s, or regularly meet their supportive and funny pals for coffee at Central Perk? As a teen, I imagined such a world for myself in the not-too-distant future.</p> <p>Younger generations might be more aware of how out-of-reach that lifestyle was, or find the show’s <a href="https://ew.com/tv/jennifer-aniston-friends-offensive-new-generation/">humour sometimes dated</a>. But the idea of what the friends’ lifestyle represented – possibility, freedom, a chosen family – evidently still holds appeal.</p> <h2>Fictional relationships, but real sadness</h2> <p>In forming relationships with fictional characters, we form bonds with the performers who bring them to life. The lines between character and creator become blurry, both because of the knowledge about actors’ lives celebrity culture affords us, but also because their characters seem so real. When the actors pass away, we <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.06.042">feel real grief</a>.</p> <p>It’s important for fans of Matthew Perry to <a href="https://womensagenda.com.au/latest/why-with-all-the-sht-happening-in-the-world-its-still-okay-to-grieve-a-celebritys-death/">acknowledge</a> their loss. Even though his character is fictional, and you didn’t know him personally, you can still feel sad. Watching the series may be difficult right now. With time, it will become easier.</p> <p>Matthew Perry wanted <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/matthew-perry-death-addiction-alcoholism-drugs-b2437980.html">his legacy</a> to be awareness of addiction and the help he provided to people struggling with this disorder. Hopefully what will be felt now, alongside collective sadness, is an empathy for those facing addiction. That may be the power of television, and of a character named Chandler, and the actor who brought him to life, who many considered their friend.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/216626/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adam-gerace-325968"><em>Adam Gerace</em></a><em>, Senior Lecturer and Head of Course - Positive Psychology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-enduring-appeal-of-friends-and-why-so-many-of-us-feel-weve-lost-a-personal-friend-in-matthew-perry-216626">original article</a>.</em></p>

"Matthew would enjoy the humour of it": Ironic detail spotted in Friends tribute

<p>While many fans of the long-running sitcom Friends are in mourning over the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/you-were-loved-tributes-flow-over-tragic-passing-of-matthew-perry" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sudden death of Matthew Perry</a>, others have delighted in an ironic detail surrounding the Friends apartment in New York. </p> <p>Since the announcement of Perry's death on Sunday, thousands of fans of the show has flocked to the apartment building in New York City's West Village, where the external shots of the gang's apartment was filmed, to pay their respects. </p> <p>While the sitcom, which ran for ten years from 1994, was actually filmed in Los Angeles, the Bedford Street address was used for the external shots of the New York-based show, with the humble apartment being home to each of the cast members during the show. </p> <p>Fans of the show have left notes, flowers, Central Perk memorabilia, and other sentimental items to pay tribute to the late actor. </p> <p>However, one eagle-eyed fan spotted a quirky detail hovering around the building, as Perry's death coincided with Halloween. </p> <p><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKidspotAustralia%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02xSVyrpRthTeLeBNqtvHKWUB36us5bVB5vKCW1R9DYgF66kBWqnsSYarY2kDFfCT3l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="581" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>Part of the building's Halloween decorations included a large ghost hovering near the iconic apartment, with many quick to point out the hilarious irony of the figure floating above the makeshift memorial. </p> <p>“That Halloween ghost is kinda fitting for the photo/mood and I think Matthew would enjoy the humour of it,” fan Holly astutely pointed out, sharing photos of the ghost on Facebook. </p> <p>The ironic decorations emerged shortly after Perry's Friends co-stars have <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/so-utterly-devastated-friends-cast-break-silence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">broken their silence</a> over his sudden death in a group statement to People magazine. </p> <p>Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer said on Tuesday, "We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family."</p> <p>"There is so much to say, but right now we're going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook / Kidspot</em></p> <div id="fuse-injected-22953829264-1" class="fuse-slot-dynamic publift-video-ad" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-top: 24px; padding-bottom: 24px; display: flex; justify-content: center;" data-fuse="22953829264" data-fuse-injected-at="1698722632652" data-fuse-code="fuse-slot-22953829264-1" data-fuse-zone-instance="zone-instance-22953829264-1" data-fuse-slot="fuse-slot-22953829264-1" data-fuse-processed-at="1440"> <div id="bb-iawr-over60au-1692594483990158" class="bb_iawr" style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative; overflow: hidden; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; width: 730px; height: 0px; opacity: 0.01;"> <div id="bb-wr-over60au-1692594483990158" class="bb-media bb_wrapper bb-muted bb-phase-init bb-mode-video bb-state-loading" style="box-sizing: content-box; cursor: auto; 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display: inline-flex; flex-direction: column; row-gap: 0.3em; column-gap: 0.3em;" role="contentinfo"> <h1 class="title svelte-10zo7b2" style="text-shadow: 0px calc(var(--font-size) / 12.5) 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25); margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap; font-size: 1.1em;">Rupert Friend Spills Secrets of 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' at Star Wars Celebrations</h1> <div class="share-button bar-button svelte-10zo7b2" style="text-shadow: 0px calc(var(--font-size) / 12.5) 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25); width: var(--bar-button-size); height: var(--bar-button-size); margin-top: calc(-0.25 * var(--bar-button-size));"> <div class="button-element svelte-1eoizxx no-toggle-transform no-hover-transform" style="text-shadow: 0px calc(var(--font-size) / 12.5) 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25); box-sizing: border-box; width: 38px; height: 38px; position: relative; cursor: pointer; pointer-events: initial; border-radius: var(--border-radius); --foreground-color: #ffffff; --border-radius: 50%; --icon-height: 16px; 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line-height: var(--icon-height); min-width: var(--icon-height); display: inline-flex; justify-content: center;"> </div> <div class="toggled slot-content svelte-1eoizxx" style="text-shadow: 0px calc(var(--font-size) / 12.5) 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25); filter: drop-shadow(rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25) 0px 2px 0px); box-sizing: border-box; position: var(--button-position); top: 0px; left: 0px; width: 38px; height: 38px; display: grid; align-content: center; justify-content: center; transition: transform 0.2s ease-in-out 0s, opacity 0.2s ease-in-out 0s, transform 0.2s ease-in-out 0s; opacity: 0;"> </div> </div> <div class="button-tooltip svelte-1eoizxx" style="text-shadow: 0px calc(var(--font-size) / 12.5) 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25); pointer-events: none; opacity: 0; transition: opacity 0.2s ease-in-out 0s; height: 0px;"> <div class="tooltip svelte-1bd19u8" style="text-shadow: 0px calc(var(--font-size) / 12.5) 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25); display: inline-block;"> <div class="tooltip-content center svelte-1bd19u8" style="text-shadow: 0px calc(var(--font-size) / 12.5) 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25); display: flex; padding: 6px 10px; background-color: var(--bg-color-pane); border-radius: 5px; font-size: 0.75em; row-gap: 6px; column-gap: 6px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap; position: absolute; left: 19px; transform: translate(-50%); top: 4em;"> <div class="text svelte-1bd19u8" style="text-shadow: 0px calc(var(--font-size) / 12.5) 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25); display: inline-block;">Share</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="center-controls-layer svelte-10zo7b2" style="text-shadow: 0px calc(var(--font-size) / 12.5) 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25); display: grid; align-content: center; justify-content: center; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; width: 730px; height: 411px; transition: opacity 0.15s ease-in-out 0s;"> <div class="center-controls skinsize-S svelte-fllze1" style="text-shadow: 0px calc(var(--font-size) / 12.5) 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25); display: flex; align-items: center; gap: var(--gap-size); --gap-size: 37px;"> <div class="big-button big-play-pause-button svelte-fllze1" style="text-shadow: 0px calc(var(--font-size) / 12.5) 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25); position: relative; transition: opacity 0.25s ease-in-out 0s;"> <div class="button-element svelte-1eoizxx no-toggle-transform" style="text-shadow: 0px calc(var(--font-size) / 12.5) 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25); box-sizing: border-box; width: 54px; height: 54px; position: relative; cursor: pointer; pointer-events: initial; border-radius: var(--border-radius); --foreground-color: #ffffff; --border-radius: 50%; --hover-transform: scale(1.2); --icon-height: 54px; --bg-height: 54px; --bg-width: 54px; --button-position: absolute;"> <div class="button-content svelte-1eoizxx" style="text-shadow: 0px calc(var(--font-size) / 12.5) 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25); width: var(--bg-width); height: var(--bg-height); transition: transform 0.2s ease-in-out 0s, opacity 0.2s ease-in-out 0s, transform 0.2s ease-in-out 0s; border-radius: 50%;" tabindex="0" role="button" aria-label="Play"> <div class="normal slot-content svelte-1eoizxx" style="text-shadow: 0px calc(var(--font-size) / 12.5) 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25); filter: drop-shadow(rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25) 0px 2px 0px); box-sizing: border-box; position: var(--button-position); top: 0px; left: 0px; width: 54px; height: 54px; display: grid; align-content: center; justify-content: center; transition: transform 0.2s ease-in-out 0s, opacity 0.2s ease-in-out 0s, transform 0.2s ease-in-out 0s; opacity: 1;"> <div style="text-shadow: 0px calc(var(--font-size) / 12.5) 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25); min-height: 12px; height: var(--icon-height); line-height: var(--icon-height); min-width: var(--icon-height); display: inline-flex; justify-content: center;"> </div> <div class="toggled slot-content svelte-1eoizxx" style="text-shadow: 0px calc(var(--font-size) / 12.5) 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25); filter: drop-shadow(rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25) 0px 2px 0px); box-sizing: border-box; position: var(--button-position); top: 0px; left: 0px; width: 54px; height: 54px; display: grid; align-content: center; justify-content: center; transition: transform 0.2s ease-in-out 0s, opacity 0.2s ease-in-out 0s, transform 0.2s ease-in-out 0s; opacity: 0;"> <div style="text-shadow: 0px calc(var(--font-size) / 12.5) 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25); min-height: 12px; height: var(--icon-height); line-height: var(--icon-height); min-width: var(--icon-height); display: inline-flex; justify-content: center;"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="start-time svelte-fllze1" style="text-shadow: 0px calc(var(--font-size) / 12.5) 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25); top: calc(8px + var(--size-big-button)); position: absolute; left: 27px; transform: translate(-50%); background-color: var(--bg-color-pane); padding: 8px 16px; border-radius: 32px; font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: var(--margin-size); margin-left: 2px;" data-cy="start-screen-duration">01:31</div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="center-area svelte-10zo7b2" style="text-shadow: 0px calc(var(--font-size) / 12.5) 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25); flex-grow: 1;"> </div> </div> <div class="chrome-bottom-shadow svelte-10zo7b2" style="text-shadow: 0px calc(var(--font-size) / 12.5) 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25); transition: opacity 0.15s ease-in-out 0s; opacity: 0; position: absolute; inset: 0px;"> </div> </div> <div class="bb-layer bb-context-layer" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px; left: 0px; width: 730px; height: 411px; overflow: hidden; border-radius: 10px; pointer-events: none !important;"> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem;">"For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty's family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world."</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Caring

Matthew Perry's huge net worth revealed

<p>As the world <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/you-were-loved-tributes-flow-over-tragic-passing-of-matthew-perry" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mourns the loss </a>of one of its beloved <em>Friends</em> stars, Matthew Perry, whose iconic portrayal of Chandler Bing left an indelible mark on fans worldwide, it's important to remember the legacy he leaves behind – a legacy encompassing not only his role in <em>Friends</em> but also his achievements in film, television, literature, real estate and more.</p> <p>While his presence will be missed, his work will continue to inspire and entertain fans for generations to come. Let's take a look at the legacy he leaves behind.</p> <p><strong>The <em>Friends</em> Phenomenon</strong></p> <p>Matthew Perry's fame skyrocketed when he became Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom in 1995. Initially earning US$35,000 per episode, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/so-utterly-devastated-friends-cast-break-silence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Perry and his five co-stars</a> (Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer and Matt Le Blanc) rewrote history in 2002 when they negotiated a groundbreaking deal to earn US$1 million per episode during the show's final season. Each season consisted of 23 episodes, meaning that Perry made well over US$20 million for just one season. Over the course of the show's ten successful seasons, each cast member earned a staggering $141 million.</p> <p>To add to his wealth, <em>Friends</em> continues to be one of the most popular streaming series globally, guaranteeing the stars royalties of approximately $16 to $31 million annually. Even Warner Bros., the show's producer, reaps substantial profits, with an estimated $1.5 billion yearly from reruns.</p> <p>The 2021 <em>Friends</em> reunion special on HBO Max further contributed to Perry's financial success, with each principal cast member receiving $3.9 million.</p> <p><strong>Film and Television</strong></p> <p>Matthew Perry's talents extended beyond the realm of <em>Friends</em>. He starred in various film and television projects, including <em>The Whole Nine Yards</em> alongside Bruce Willis, Aaron Sorkin's <em>Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip </em>alongside <em>West Wing</em> alum Bradley Whitford, <em>17 Again</em>, and <em>The Odd Couple</em>, where he also served as an executive producer.</p> <p>In his memoir, Perry disclosed that he negotiated his <em>Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip</em> salary from an initial offer of $79,000 per episode to $275,000 per episode. In the romantic comedy <em>Fools Rush In</em> (1997), he earned $1.57 million.</p> <p><strong>Memoir</strong></p> <p>Perry's memoir, titled <em>Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir</em>, was released in November 2022. Despite a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/keanu-reeves-attacked-for-still-being-alive" target="_blank" rel="noopener">minor hiccup involving actor Keanu Reeves</a>, where he questioned why Reeves was still alive while others like River Phoenix and Heath Ledger had tragically passed, Perry's memoir received a warm reception. Perry swiftly apologised for the comment and promised to remove all mention of Reeves from future editions.</p> <p>It's rumoured that Perry secured a "seven-figure" book deal for the candid memoir, which is bound to generate significant earnings through book sales.</p> <p><strong>Real Estate Ventures</strong></p> <p>Perry also dabbled in real estate throughout his life. In 2011, he purchased a $17 million beachfront home in Malibu, later listing it for $23 million in 2020. Ultimately, the property sold in 2021 for $20 million.</p> <p>In 2015, Perry sold another Malibu home for $17 million. In 2017, he acquired a luxurious 40th-floor condo in Century City for $30 million. Two years later, he listed the condo for $46.4 million but eventually sold it in 2021 for $28.3 million, 38% less than the initial asking price.</p> <p>One of his most recent acquisitions was a $7.8 million Hollywood Hills home, purchased in June 2021. In 2020, Perry bought his Pacific Palisades residence, where he resided until his passing. This midcentury modern ranch-style home boasted four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a fire pit and a raised pool overlooking the ocean.</p> <p><strong>Car Collection</strong></p> <p>Apart from his real estate ventures, Perry was known for his impressive car collection. It included various luxury vehicles, such as a Lincoln Navigator, a BMW 6 Series Convertible, a BMW 7 Series sedan, a Porsche Panamera, and a Porsche 911 Carrera Convertible. He also owned a BMW Z8, an Aston Martin Vantage Convertible, a Porsche Taycan 4S, and an Audi R8 Spyder, each valued between $300,000 and $500,000.</p> <p>Perry's enduring legacy spans far beyond the confines of the <em>Friends</em> universe. His multifaceted career, literary contributions, and real estate ventures have solidified his status as an entertainment icon. While his presence will be missed, his work will continue to inspire and entertain fans for generations to come.</p> <p><em>Image: NBC</em></p>

Money & Banking

"So utterly devastated": Friends cast break silence

<p>The cast of <em>Friends</em> have broken their silence on Matthew Perry's <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/you-were-loved-tributes-flow-over-tragic-passing-of-matthew-perry" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tragic passing</a> over the weekend. </p> <p>His co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer, issued a joint statement to<em> People Magazine </em>on Tuesday. </p> <p>"We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family," the statement read. </p> <p>"There is so much to say, but right now we're going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss."</p> <p>"In time we will say more, as and when we are able."</p> <p>"For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty's family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world."</p> <p>The statement was signed by the cast. </p> <p>A few other <em>Friends</em> co-stars had previously paid tribute to the actor, Maggie Wheeler andMorgan Fairchild, were among them. </p> <p>Maggie Wheeler, who played Chandler's on-again, off-again girlfriend, Janice wrote: </p> <p>"What a loss. The world will miss you Matthew Perry. The joy you brought to so many in your too short lifetime will live on. I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared. ♥️"</p> <p>While Morgan Fairchild, who played Chandler's mother, Nora Bing, said she was "heartbroken" by the untimely loss of her "son". </p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

"You were loved": Tributes flow over tragic passing of Matthew Perry

<p>The world was left in shock and mourning as news broke of the tragic death of beloved actor Matthew Perry, best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom <em>Friends</em>.</p> <p>The 54-year-old actor passed away in an apparent drowning accident at his Los Angeles home, leaving a void in the hearts of countless fans and colleagues.</p> <p>Emergency services were summoned to Perry's residence in the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood after an assistant found him unresponsive. Initial reports indicated that it was a "water rescue or water emergency". Disturbingly, a 911 call made from Perry's home shortly before first responders arrived mentioned the word "drowning." The actor was found unresponsive in his jacuzzi, where his life was tragically cut short.</p> <p>In the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed the death investigation at Perry's residence, marking the untimely end of a talented and cherished actor.</p> <p>The circumstances surrounding Perry's death remain the subject of public speculation. While law enforcement sources reported that no drugs were discovered at the scene and foul play is not suspected, the investigation continues.</p> <p>The family, including his mother Suzanne Morrison, father John Bennett Perry, and stepfather Dateline NBC's Keith Morrison, issued a statement expressing their profound grief and gratitude for the outpouring of love from fans.</p> <p>"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother," the family said. "Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend. You all meant so much to him, and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love."</p> <p>In the dispatch audio obtained by TMZ, emergency responders referenced a "drowning" incident. While it is reported that Perry was found in a hot tub, a source later claimed that he had just returned home from a game of pickleball.</p> <p>Perry's passing has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and beyond. Former colleagues and fellow stars have paid their heartfelt tributes to the actor who brought laughter to millions with his portrayal of Chandler Bing.</p> <p>Maggie Wheeler, who portrayed Chandler's unforgettable on-again, off-again girlfriend, Janice, in <em>Friends</em>, expressed her gratitude for the joy Perry brought into people's lives. She shared on Instagram, "The joy Matthew brought to so many in his too short lifetime will live on. I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared."</p> <p>Morgan Fairchild, who played Chandler's mother, Nora Bing, described herself as "heartbroken" by the untimely loss of her "son". She acknowledged the brilliance of the young actor and the shock that this tragedy has brought to the entertainment world.</p> <p>Even Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who knew Perry from their shared history when Perry's mother worked as an aide to Trudeau's father, former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, expressed his grief. Trudeau remembered the schoolyard games they played and the worldwide joy that Perry brought to fans. He said, "Thanks for all the laughs, Matthew. You were loved – and you will be missed."</p> <p>Piers Morgan, the renowned broadcaster and journalist, acknowledged Perry's talent as an actor but also recognised the struggles he faced. Perry's candid autobiography about his battle with addiction left a profound impact, and his passing is a stark reminder of the difficulties he endured.</p> <p>Warner Bros Television Group, which produced <em>Friends</em> for its entire run, released a statement expressing their devastation over the loss of their dear friend. “We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry. Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros Television Group family. The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many. This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans.”</p> <p>NBC, the network that aired <em>Friends</em>, also paid tribute to the late actor, highlighting the immense joy he brought to millions through his pitch-perfect comedic timing and wry wit. They emphasised that his legacy will continue to live on through countless generations.</p> <p>The passing of Matthew Perry is a loss not only for his family and friends but also for the countless individuals whose lives were brightened by his humour and talent. His portrayal of Chandler Bing on Friends remains etched in the hearts of fans around the world, and his memory will live on as an enduring source of laughter and joy.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty / NBC / Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Backlash for John Farnham over use of iconic song in Voice campaign

<p>John Farnham, the celebrated Australian music legend, has allowed his timeless classic, "You're the Voice", to serve as the official soundtrack for the Yes campaign in the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum of 2023. This decision, however, has sparked mixed reactions from the public.</p> <p>Farnham's decision to lend his 1980s hit to the campaign holds particular significance as Australia gears up for the pivotal referendum on October 14.</p> <p>In a heartfelt statement, Farnham expressed his motivation for this gesture, saying, "This song changed my life. I can only hope that it now might help, in some small way, to change the lives of our First Nations people for the better."</p> <p>Tim Wheatley, the son of Farnham's late longtime manager Glenn Wheatley, added, "Win or lose this referendum, this song will forever remain on the right side of history."</p> <p>The campaign video featuring the song will be widely disseminated, appearing on television, social media and various digital platforms.</p> <p>However, the decision to use Farnham's iconic track has not been without controversy. Some critics argue that the campaign missed an opportunity to promote the event using an Indigenous artist, thereby highlighting the importance of Indigenous voices in this critical moment.</p> <p> </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">A very sad day today to hear John Farnham allowing his song to be used for the YES Campaign.<br />Selling yourself out to a divisive political stance.<br />Have been a fan of yours for decades. You have just sold your soul to half of Australia.<br />Shame on you.<br />Vote No to the Voice</p> <p>— Bobby Abruzzo (@wbfc1954) <a href="https://twitter.com/wbfc1954/status/1698126419912745206?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also expressed his reservations about the choice of song. He remarked, "In a sense, it's the appropriate theme song for the Yes campaign because remember that the key line in the lyrics there is, you know, 'you're the Voice, try to understand it.' I honestly don't think most Australians understand it. And they want to be informed."</p> <p>The two-minute campaign ad is a poignant montage that showcases significant moments in Australian history, all experienced through the lens of television. As Farnham's hit plays in the background, viewers witness iconic events such as Cathy Freeman's historic victory at the 2000 Olympics, former Prime Minister John Howard's landmark gun reform in 1996, and Kevin Rudd's heartfelt apology to the stolen generations in 2008.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">I used to think the song "You're The Voice" was for all Australians.<br />Disappointed that John Farnham has decided to make it divisive and political.<br />Have your say privately by voting John but not like this.<br />Still wish you well in recovery.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VoteNO23Australia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VoteNO23Australia</a> <a href="https://t.co/29lxkmCFWG">pic.twitter.com/29lxkmCFWG</a></p> <p>— Jenny (@JennyandFreedom) <a href="https://twitter.com/JennyandFreedom/status/1698123945176891520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><em>Image: Supplied</em> </p>

Music

Elton John hospitalised after fall

<p>Elton John has been hospitalised after suffering a fall at his luxury French villa just outside of Nice on Sunday. </p> <p>The Rocket Man singer, 76, stayed overnight at the Princess Grace Hospital in Monaco after "slipping" in his home, as a precautionary measure. </p> <p>The star has since recovered and is back at home after the incident. </p> <p>"Elton visited the local hospital as a precautionary measure," a representative for the icon told <em>People</em> magazine. </p> <p>"Following check ups, he was immediately discharged this morning and is now back at home and in good health."</p> <p>This comes almost two years after the icon revealed he had a hip replacement surgery in November 2021. </p> <p>"I've had a hip replacement, but I'm full of beans and I'm full of zest. But this is just a prompter to say 'come on you've got more to do now,'" he told the <em>Evening Standard</em> at the time. </p> <p>"I may not look as if I'm 100 per cent fit – but I'm not quite – but I'm still raring to go and I've got a lot more work to do as far as my life goes. So this is just a reminder that there's more to do."</p> <p>He recently ended his <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/elton-john-s-final-message-to-crowd-at-last-concert-ever" target="_blank" rel="noopener">final tour</a> in Stockholm, Sweden with a touching message after 52 years of performing. </p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Caring

John Farnham reveals joyous first wish after finally coming home, cancer free

<p>The Aussie music maestro, the one and only John Farnham, has officially kicked cancer to the curb! After a rollercoaster year of medical procedures, he's emerged victorious and ready to rock on.</p> <p>In a joyous announcement full of gratitude, the 74-year-old crooner spilled the beans about his epic cancer journey. After battling through rehab and finally being given the all clear by his medical team, Farnham wrote "I am the luckiest man I know right now. It's been a year since my first surgery and to be honest I've lost count as to how many other procedures there's been since then.</p> <p>"I'm sure someone's kept track of them all - let's just say, there's been a few. But, I'm home now and I'm a very grateful and happy man."</p> <p>Now he's finally back home and soaking up the love from his clan: "I'm sitting here in my living room lapping up the attention from my beautiful wife, Jill, my boys Rob and James and my mini Schnauzer, Edmund," he wrote.</p> <p>"It's only now that I can start to appreciate and comprehend, for myself, how many messages of love and support have been sent to me over the past year. I don't know what to say, other than thank you so very much. It honestly means the world to me. Thank you to everyone who took the time to write and send a message."</p> <p>And of course how does one of Australia's most celebrated entertainers mark the occasion of finally being cancer-free? Pizza, of course!</p> <p>"Today is a special day," he wrote. "And I'm going to mark it by having a pizza – because I can! I can't wait to see what might be next on the menu. Bring on 2024."</p> <p><em>Images: Getty / Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Olivia Newton-John's daughter reveals health issues

<p>Olivia Newton-John's daughter, Chloe Lattanzi has opened up about a few health struggles in a candid video posted on Instagram. </p> <p>The 37-year-old daughter of the <em>Grease</em> star shared that she had been struggling with the effects of grief, around one year after her mother's passing. </p> <p>"Since my mum's passing and the year and a half with her going through cancer, I have not been OK," she said. </p> <p> "If I have forgotten to return your calls – I've had extreme memory loss, I've had difficulty getting out of bed. I've stuck to my commitments but I have been neglecting myself."</p> <p>She also revealed one of the messages her mum told her before her death. </p> <p>"One of my mum's biggest messages was 'take care of you'," she added. </p> <p>"If you don't take care of you, you cannot give your full capacity of love, wisdom, kindness and power to everyone else."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwJJkSLNkWW/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwJJkSLNkWW/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Chloe Lattanzi (@chloelattanziofficial)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>She then explained that she would be going to Newton-John's annual Walk for Wellness on October 8 in Melbourne, but will disappear for a few weeks after that to honour her mum's words and focus on herself. </p> <p>"After the walk I'm going to disappear for about three weeks, just to honour my mind, body and spirit because I'm developing a little bit of health issues in my mind and my body," she explained.</p> <p>Following Olivia's death on August 8 last year, Chloe revealed that she will be continuing her mum's cancer advocacy by taking over the Walk of Wellness that her mum lead. </p> <p>Her post has been with overwhelming support from fans. </p> <p>"Absolutely - your Mom wants you to take good care of you so please do that & remember she’s always with you 💕" wrote one.</p> <p>"We all love you and we all want to see you at your best healthy and thriving and I’m sure mama would want the same too. We totally all understand and take care of your body, mind and spirit," commented another. </p> <p>"Sending you love Chloe. Look after yourself and always know, you are loved," wrote a third. </p> <p>She has previously opened up about her <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/olivia-newton-john-s-daughter-reflects-on-her-mother-s-life-one-year-after-her-death" target="_blank" rel="noopener">struggles with grief</a> and how she will continue to work tirelessly to keep her mother's legacy going. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

"One of the greats": Elton John's stirring tribute to Michael Parkinson

<p>The entertainment world has been cast into a somber veil of mourning as it bids farewell to the iconic Michael Parkinson, the legendary interviewer who has left us at the age of 88.</p> <p>Elton John, David Attenborough, Michael Caine, Eric Idle ...the long list of luminaries who have joined the chorus of heartfelt tributes to the "TV titan" and the undisputed "king of the chat show" seems limitless.</p> <p>The poignant words of Oscar-winning Michael Caine resonate with a sense of irreparable loss: “Michael Parkinson was irreplaceable," he wrote. "He was charming, always wanted to have a good laugh. He brought the best of everyone he met. Always looked forward to be interviewed by him.”</p> <p>David Attenborough's reflection on his interactions with the man affectionately known as "Parky" evokes a sense of melancholic nostalgia: “He was extremely generous, he wanted you to shine and would always laugh at your jokes and give you an opportunity to make them sound funnier than in fact they were. It was always friendly, it was always thorough, it was always intelligent, it was always a pleasure to do it and I think that came over no matter who his interviewee was.”</p> <p>Elton John said Parkinson was “a TV legend who was one of the greats. I loved his company and his incredible knowledge of cricket and Barnsley Football Club. A real icon who brought out the very best in his guests. Condolences and love to Mary and his family."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwC4JoBMmKq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwC4JoBMmKq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Elton John (@eltonjohn)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The reminiscences continue, with Stephen Fry's words dripping with a bittersweet tone, saying that being interviewed by Parkinson was an experience of impossibly intense thrill.</p> <p>“The genius of Parky was that (unlike most people (and most of his guests, me included) he was always 100 per cent himself. On camera and off. ‘Authentic’ is the word I suppose,” he wrote. “For one of the shows I was on with Robin Williams, a genius of unimaginable comic speed and brilliance. Now they’re both gone.</p> <p>“One should get used to the parade of people constantly falling off the edge, but frankly one doesn’t. So long #parky.”</p> <p>The poignant announcement of the loss came from Parkinson's family. “After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family,” the statement read.</p> <p>“The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve.”</p> <p>The memories flood in as the recollection of Parkinson's rise to prominence in the 1970s fills the air with a sense of wistfulness. His list of more than 2000 interviewees includes luminaries such as Sir Billy Connolly, Muhammad Ali, Prince Philip, Sir Elton John, Madonna, and Paul McCartney.</p> <p>Four-time guest Muhammad Ali's absence echoes through time as Parkinson's voice emerges: “When people ask me who I most enjoyed interviewing, I’m unable to give them an answer”, Parkinson once said in an interview. “If they ask me who was the most remarkable man I ever met, I answer without hesitation – Muhammad Ali. I interviewed him four times – I lost on every occasion.”</p> <p>These titanic verbal sparring matches stand as poignant testimonies of the show's indelible legacy, underscoring their magnetic effect on millions of viewers.</p> <p>Among the program's other poignant moments, the chaos induced by Rod Hull's puppet Emu assaulting Parkinson on his own talk show couch remains etched in memory. Parkinson jestingly admitted that his career would forever be epitomised by "that bloody bird".</p> <p><em>Images: Getty / BBC 1</em></p>

Caring

Olivia Newton-John's daughter reflects on her mother's life, one year after her death

<p>Olivia Newton-John's daughter has opened up about her grief journey on the one year anniversary of her mother's death. </p> <p>Chloe Lattanzi spoke candidly with <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/lifestyle/stellar/world-exclusive-chloe-lattanzi-on-the-first-anniversary-of-olivia-newtonjohns-death/news-story/9fcd4dccc2113fabbbe508e9c92520ee" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Stellar</em></a> magazine about what the last year has looked like for her and her family, as they still struggle with the reality of losing a loved one. </p> <p>Since Olivia's death last year, Chloe and her husband James moved into Olivia's ranch in California, where Chloe says she still feels the healing presence of her late mother. </p> <p>"I feel like she’s still alive," she said. "Even though I feel her around me in spirit, it’s a tangible place where I feel my mother."</p> <p>"I can walk on the soil and be like, her foot was here. I can sit on her favourite seat and know that she sat there a thousand times, and visualise sitting on her lap. It’s the last place she lived, where she crossed and I held her hand. She’s still alive there for me.”</p> <p>Chloe shared that the outpouring of love after Olivia's passing was overwhelming, as fans from around the world sent their thoughts and messages of love. </p> <p>“I got absolute oceans of love and support and connection. I’m kind of isolated on the ranch, and I’d have fans reaching out: ‘If you ever need anything, anyone to talk to… we love you so much.’"</p> <p>"It was the lifeboat, and beautiful in a way, all these people sending so much love to our family and loving my mother. They really lifted me out of dark places."</p> <p>Chloe is determined to carry on her mother's philanthropic work through the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre at Melbourne’s Austin Hospital, and the annual Walk for Wellness event, which will be celebrating 10 years in October. </p> <p>Since her mother's passing, Chloe and her family have worked tirelessly to continue her mother's legacy, and encourage others to get involved in the cause.</p> <p>“It means everything. [Olivia] said, ‘You’re going to carry the torch for me, darling, but you’re going to shine your own unique light.’ I want to rally and encourage everyone to get together, like my mum did."</p> <p>On the anniversary of Olivia's death, Chloe said she is sure she will feel "shattered", but will surround herself with loved ones and bask in happy memories of her mother. </p> <p>“I’m going to be spending the day with a mother figure, going to do the things that my mum liked to do. When I think about the day, it quite honestly just shatters me. That’s the truth. It shatters me. But I know that she’s guiding me and she’s with me."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Family & Pets

Kate Ritchie reflects on special moment with John Farnham

<p>Kate Ritchie has recalled the moment she met John Farnham on the set of <em>Home & Away</em>, in a moment that made her feel like "the luckiest little girl in Australia”.</p> <p>The former Aussie soap star shared the touching tribute as part of <em>7NEWS Spotlight’s The Lost Tapes of John Farnham</em>, as she revealed how much the iconic singer means to her. </p> <p>Ritchie first met Farnham in 1998, as the pair filmed a special episode of <em>Home & Away</em> in which Ritchie, who played nine-year-old Sally Fletcher, was lucky enough to meet her idol, during what was to become an iconic Australian TV moment.</p> <p>“I think we forget how big John Farnham was,” Ritchie told <em>Spotlight’s</em> Michael Usher. “Not only was he an incredible talent and so likeable, I feel as though he represented what Australia was all about."</p> <p>“Not only was he our soundtrack, but he was the guy you wanted to be friends with.”</p> <p>Since filming the episode with Farnham 25 years ago, Ritchie says he’s touched her life in a very special way.</p> <p>“I remember I was the luckiest little girl in Australia,” she said. “The story was that Sally Fletcher won tickets to see Johnny perform but at the last minute she got an awful case of the chicken pox and because he is such a great guy ... he decided to come back to Summer Bay and visit Sally Fletcher in her pyjamas.”</p> <p>After the two filmed the special episode together, Ritchie said she has never forgotten that moment.</p> <p>“He made the child that I was feel like I was the important person on set that day,” she said. “It was like he had come to see me and he needed my help.”</p> <p>Even now, 25 years later, Ritchie is still one of the country’s biggest Farnham fans.</p> <p>“It’s really nice to talk about it,” she said. “I’ve bored my family over the years and (his 1990 hit) <em>Burn For You</em> is a bit of a favourite.</p> <p>“I think that if you’re celebrating the nation we live in ... and you’re not playing John Farnham, you’re not doing it correctly.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: 7News Spotlight</em></p>

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