rznews77.site

Richard Gere left behind one of Connecticut’s most notable celebrity estates when he relocated to Spain with his wife, Alejandra Silva, and their children.

After changing hands, the New Canaan property entered a new chapter — one that would eventually spark local debate and preservation efforts before the historic home was demolished.

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away, the “Pretty Woman” actor has embraced a dramatically different lifestyle in Madrid, where recent family photos have offered a glimpse inside the life he has built since leaving the United States.

The Connecticut Mansion Richard Gere Left Behind

Before moving overseas, Gere owned a historic 32-acre estate in New Canaan, Connecticut, which he later sold for $10.75 million.

The actor purchased the property in 2022 from music legends Paul Simon and Edie Brickell. The estate centered on a six-bedroom brick Colonial dating to 1938 and featured mature trees, gardens, walking paths, and open land.

Gere reportedly hoped to transform part of the property into a working farm before deciding to relocate to Spain.

What Happened After the Estate Was Sold

After the sale, developer SBP Homes announced plans to transform the property into a nine-lot luxury subdivision. The proposal generated debate within the community but ultimately moved forward.

According to Realtor, the project became the largest new subdivision approved in New Canaan since 2007. The lots, ranging from approximately 2.2 to 4.8 acres, are expected to be sold to buyers who will build custom homes on the land.

Before demolition began, Hudson Valley House Parts, an architectural salvage company based in Newburgh, New York, was brought in to rescue historically significant features from the home.

Founder Reggie Young described the situation bluntly.

“It’s a real shame the house is being torn down,” he told the Realtor. “Once the stuff is gone, it’s never coming back.” The company spent days carefully removing architectural elements that otherwise would have been destroyed.

Among the most notable pieces salvaged were two steel bay windows featuring nautical-inspired designs, a complete cerused-oak library with built-in shelving and a bowed fireplace, Colonial-era window sashes, a carved limestone mantel, a white marble fireplace mantel, exterior stone steps with iron railings, and the home’s striking entranceway.

One of the most sought-after features was the original doorway, complete with fan-shaped glass and Egyptian-inspired columns. Young later revealed the piece had already found a new home on a Colonial Revival residence in Indiana.

A white marble mantel was quickly purchased by a buyer in New Orleans, while other items — including the massive oak library — proved more difficult to place because of their size.

The salvage effort also included a cast-stone wellhead that Hudson Valley House Parts later showcased online after the demolition process began.

By August 2025, the home was officially gone.

Young confirmed to People that the 1930s residence had been demolished, with an aerial image showing the site cleared as preparations continued for the nine-home development.

While the house itself no longer stands, many of its architectural details live on. Several salvaged pieces remain in inventory and are expected to find new homes through preservation and restoration projects.

The demolition marked the end of Gere’s Connecticut chapter — but it also marked the beginning of a new one in Spain.

The Promise Richard Gere Made Before Leaving America

Speaking with Vanity Fair Spain, Gere said the move was both a personal adventure and a way to support his wife. “I married a Spaniard!” he joked when asked what attracted him to the country.

After speaking about the move as a new chapter for himself and his children, Gere also emphasized what it would mean for Silva, who had spent years building a life with him in the United States.

“For Alejandra, it will be wonderful to be closer to her family, her lifelong friends, and her culture,” he said. “She was very generous in giving me six years living in my world, so I think it’s only fair that I give her at least another six living in hers.”

The actor also praised Spain’s lifestyle, describing the country as a place filled with joy, generosity, exceptional food, and a genuine appreciation for life.

For Gere, the move was not simply about changing addresses. It was about immersing himself in a culture he admired while allowing his children to experience a different way of life.

The One Question Their Family Still Hasn’t Fully Answered

Despite the headlines surrounding their move, the family has repeatedly suggested that Spain may not be their permanent destination.

In April 2025, Silva told the Daily Mail that she still misses America and expects the family will eventually divide their time between both countries.

“For a few years and then come back,” she said. “But we’re always coming back.”

She explained that the family’s children continue attending summer camp in the United States and that balancing life between Spain and America remains important.

The actor’s son, Homer Gere, expressed similar feelings.

“I’ve been told they’re going to move back within the next few years, so hopefully that’s the case because I miss them here,” the young Gere said.

Gere’s son also pushed back against suggestions that the relocation was politically motivated. “It’s the same people,” he said. “Just a different place. It doesn’t change the world. Spain’s beautiful.”

The Move That Confirmed Richard Gere Made the Right Decision

Months after settling in Spain, Gere offered a glowing assessment of the family’s new life during an interview with Elle España.

“The truth is that you are seeing us in our momentum. We are happier than ever,” Gere said. “[Alejandra], because she is at home and I because, if she is happy, I am happy.”

Gere also highlighted the couple’s shared humanitarian and environmental work, including the Sierra a Mar project in Mexico, and praised Silva’s gratitude and openness.

Those comments offered perhaps the clearest indication yet that the family’s decision to leave Connecticut had achieved exactly what they hoped it would.

The Two Spanish Properties at the Center of Their New Life

The family’s new chapter is centered around two notable properties in Spain.

According to Idealista, Gere and Silva’s primary residence is located in La Moraleja, one of Madrid’s most exclusive residential communities. Situated in Alcobendas on the outskirts of the capital, the neighborhood is known for its privacy, large estates, golf courses, and tree-lined streets.

The couple reportedly purchased the mansion for around €11 million (about $12.65 million). Set on more than 10,000 square meters of land, the property is surrounded by expansive gardens and designed to provide exceptional privacy and security.

Reports describe several-meter-high perimeter walls, surveillance cameras, and a guardhouse, along with generous indoor and outdoor spaces for both family life and entertaining.

Part of La Moraleja’s appeal is its location. Despite its secluded atmosphere, residents are only about 15 minutes from central Madrid and close to the airport. The area has long attracted athletes, business leaders, celebrities, and public figures seeking privacy without sacrificing convenience.

The family’s connection to Spain extends beyond Madrid.

Gere and Silva also own Casa Cervigón, a historic mansion near Bastiagueiro Beach on the outskirts of A Coruña in Galicia, the region where Silva was born and raised. Built in the 1920s, the waterfront property is considered a landmark of Galician Modernist architecture.

Valued at around €10 million (about $11.5 million), the estate overlooks the Ría do Burgo estuary and offers direct beach access, extensive gardens, a swimming pool, and dedicated leisure areas.

Together, the two properties reflect different aspects of the family’s life in Spain — one serving as a base near Madrid and the other maintaining a close connection to Silva’s Galician roots.

The Small Detail That Sets the Tone for the Entire House

While the family remains protective of their privacy, a 2025 profile by El País offered a rare look inside their home in La Moraleja.

According to the publication, visitors are greeted by a sign asking them to remove their shoes before entering. Beyond the front door sits a mudroom filled with coats, boots, and sneakers, giving the residence the feel of a busy family home rather than a formal celebrity estate.

The newspaper also described a spacious kitchen with terracotta floors and large windows overlooking the garden. Children’s drawings and family photographs are displayed throughout the room, underscoring the home’s family-centered atmosphere.

Silva Shared Glimpses of the Property’s Expansive Grounds

Silva’s Instagram activity has offered occasional glimpses of the couple’s life in Spain, beginning with the property’s expansive outdoor spaces.

In a series of Instagram Stories, she documented an ongoing landscaping project, sharing images of dozens of potted flowers, shrubs, and young plants arranged beneath mature trees.

The garden appeared to be undergoing a redesign, with newly planted greenery spread across shaded sections of the grounds. Silva captioned the updates “Work in Progress,” suggesting the outdoor space was still evolving.

Other content shared on her account reveals winding stone pathways bordered by manicured hedges, flowering plants, and mature trees.

One video follows Silva as she walks toward an outdoor seating area furnished with wooden tables and benches, while another showcases a patio lounge surrounded by colorful blooms and dense greenery.

A separate image shows part of the property’s front yard, where cobblestone paving, mature trees, and carefully maintained landscaping create a secluded, park-like setting. The residence remains partially hidden behind dense greenery.

A Closer Look at the Spaces Behind the Scenes

Beyond the outdoor areas, Silva has also shared occasional glimpses of the home’s interior.

One image appears to show a spacious walk-in closet with floor-to-ceiling built-in shelving, mirrored doors, and dedicated storage for clothing, shoes, and accessories.

Another offers a partial view of a living area or storage space, where books, framed photographs, and decorative objects are displayed inside a glass-front cabinet.

Additional photos and videos offer glimpses of other areas of the home.

White cabinetry, subway-tile backsplashes, and soft lighting create a bright atmosphere in the kitchen, where one clip appears to show Silva preparing a drink at a countertop arranged with ceramic bowls, wooden containers, and tea accessories.

Another image captures a vivid sunset beyond the property, highlighting the peaceful surroundings that now frame the family’s life in Spain.

The residence also appears to include a dedicated gym. Videos shared by Silva show a workout space equipped with treadmills, free weights, exercise mats, a weight bench, and a multi-station training machine.

Large windows bring in natural light, while a mural depicting trees and a countryside landscape adds character to the room.

Several posts also offer glimpses of family celebrations at home. One image shows a bouquet of red roses displayed beside a bowl of fresh fruit on a wooden table.

Another reveals vaulted ceilings with exposed beams, wood-framed glass doors, and warm-toned flooring, continuing the natural aesthetic seen throughout the residence.

The Family Photos That Revealed More than the House

The most talked-about images, however, focused on the family itself.

One series of photos offers a glimpse inside a cozy room with wood-paneled walls, exposed beams, and wide-plank flooring. One image shows the family gathered around a dining table, while another captures the children playing indoors.

The post drew particular attention because it appeared to mark the first time Silva publicly revealed the faces of the children she shares with Gere. The couple has largely kept their sons out of the public eye.

Many followers also remarked on the resemblance between Gere and his children. “The son nearest to his dad is the double of Richard 😍,” one commenter wrote.

“Richard’s wife, the image of Richard making a heart gesture looks very cute and warm. Happy forever🤭🤭❤️,” another added.“Your little one in front of Richard looks exactly like a young Richard Gere 💙 from Days of Heaven 💔,” a third person commented.

“Wow the youngest son is so much like Richard, hope you had a wonderful mother’s day, I know I did. 🤩🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺,” another follower wrote.

While many followers commented on the children, the images offered the clearest look yet inside the life Richard Gere and Silva have built in Spain — from the gardens and living spaces to the family moments they rarely share publicly.

The actress was photographed during a rare walk through New York City, where a simple mother-son moment quickly drew attention to the striking family resemblance seen in the photos.

According to Page Six, the Oscar-winning actress was seen walking through Manhattan on June 25, 2026, with her son during a casual afternoon stroll. The pair appeared relaxed as they walked side by side, talking as photographers captured the outing.

Julia dressed casually for the walk in denim shorts, a loose blue blouse, white sneakers, and black sunglasses. She completed the look with a burgundy crossbody bag, while her long blond hair was pulled back.

Her son also opted for a laid-back outfit, wearing green shorts, a blue T-shirt, striped socks, green loafers, and dark sunglasses. During part of the walk, he added a baseball cap. The photos also showed that he now stands noticeably taller than his mother.

One series of images captured Julia linking her arm through her son’s as they continued their walk together. The gesture became one of the most talked-about moments from the outing after the photographs were shared online.

Who Was Walking Beside Julia? Online Comments Quickly Turned to His Resemblance

Because Roberts has kept her family life largely private, many people who saw the photos wanted to know more about the young man walking beside her.

According to the same publication, he is Phinnaeus “Finn” Moder, Roberts’ 21-year-old son with her husband, cinematographer Danny Moder. Phinnaeus is the twin brother of Hazel Moder, and the couple also has a younger son, Henry Moder.

Once his identity became clear, many commenters turned their attention to another question: Which parent does he resemble?

Several people thought Phinnaeus closely resembled his father. On Instagram, one user wrote, “He looks just like his dad.” Another commenter echoed that view, “I thought that was Danny. He looks like his dad here.”

Others pointed to similarities with Julia instead. One person commented, “Looks like his mom with red hair,” while another wrote, “Lips like his mother! 💕”

Not every comment focused on family resemblance. Someone else reacted to the photos of Julia linking arms with her son, asking, “does she need his support to walk? she isn’t that old.”

The discussion continued on Facebook after the images were reposted there.

One commenter wrote, “She does not look like Julia Roberts,” while another focused on Phinnaeus’s first name instead of his appearance, writing, “Lovely family, love it that Julia’s son has an ancient Greek name 😀.” A third simply added, “What a name lol.”

Another Recent Family Outing Offered a Different Glimpse of Julia’s Adult Children

The walk with Phinnaeus was not the only time Julia had been seen with her children this month.

According to the Daily Mail in June 19, the actress was photographed outside Manhattan’s historic Jane Hotel with Henry, a day after his 19th birthday. Hazel also joined the outing, along with celebrity hairstylist Serge Normant.

The photos drew attention because Henry now stood head and shoulders above his mother.

Julia wore what appeared to be a black suit with a string of pearls and glasses, while one image showed her wrapping an arm around Henry’s waist as they walked together. Phinnaeus and Danny were not part of that outing.

Taken together, the two June outings have provided unusual public glimpses of Julia with her adult children, whom she and Moder have largely raised away from the spotlight.

Julia Says Becoming an Empty Nester Has Meant More Visits, Not More Distance

As her children have grown older and left home for college, Julia has spoken openly about adjusting to life as an empty nester.

During an appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” in October 2025, host Stephen Colbert noted that she had reached “a huge milestone” since her previous visit.

“You’re an empty nester,” he told the actress. Julia smiled and replied, “Oh, yes. Yes.”

Stephen then joked about whether her husband had ever found her standing in their daughter’s bedroom, “turning slow circles” and crying after the children moved out.

Laughing, Julia answered, “I don’t know if sobbing now is the best jumping off point to our interview.”

Once the conversation turned serious, however, she described the experience in positive terms. “It’s all fun, honestly. It is all so delicious,” Julia said.

She explained that while her children now live in different places, they still make time to see one another.

“I love hanging out with them and spending time with them. And fortunately, it’s…we have had like lots of, you know, visits along the way of this empty nest,” she said.

When Stephen asked whether her children still enjoyed spending time with her, Julia laughed before answering, “I think they do. They indicate that.”

Page Six has reported that Phinnaeus attends the University of California, Berkeley. His twin sister, Hazel, studies at Trinity College Dublin, while Henry is a student at the Pratt Institute in New York.

Julia Says Her Parenting Hasn’t Changed Even Though Her Children Are Adults

Julia has also said that becoming an empty nester has not changed the way she looks after her children.

In an interview with Today in December 2023, she explained that she still checks in with them just as she did when they lived at home. “I parent them the same way out of the house that I parented them in the house,” Julia said.

She explained that her conversations still include familiar questions: “Are you getting enough sleep?” “You sound like you’re sick.” “Are you drinking tea?” She also said she continues asking them to let her know when they arrive home safely.

Julia added that she appreciates how her older children respond to that continued attention, saying: “I have an immense amount of appreciation for both of my older kids because they still allow me to be the same mom to them, and it’s not eye-rolling and there’s a huge amount of understanding.”

Whether commenters saw more of Julia Roberts or Danny in Phinnaeus, the photos accomplished something simpler: they gave fans a rare new look at the actress’s eldest son as he joined his mother for an afternoon in New York.

The ballroom is suddenly looking a lot like a time machine, and the transformations are almost as entertaining as the competition itself. But keep scrolling, because while fans revisit these stars’ early eras, one contestant’s résumé is creating a very different kind of conversation.

As Variety reported, Season 35 of “Dancing with the Stars” (“DWTS”) is notably stacked with performers who already know their way around a stage, including stars with extensive dance backgrounds. The cast was unveiled on “Good Morning America” ahead of the two-night Sept. 15 and 16 premiere on ABC and Disney+.

That makes this lineup catnip for nostalgia lovers — but it also means some contestants walked into the ballroom with very different levels of experience.

Julia Stiles: From Teen-Movie Rebel to a Whole New Chapter

According to TV Insider, Julia Stiles began acting professionally before she even reached high school, appearing on “Ghostwriter” before moving into movies like “The Devil’s Own” and 1998’s “Wicked.” Her real breakthrough arrived with 1999’s “10 Things I Hate About You,” which turned her into one of the defining young actresses of that era.

The success led to prominent roles in “Hamlet,” “O,” “Save the Last Dance,” and “Mona Lisa Smile,” while Stiles also later became part of the “Bourne” franchise as Nicolette Parsons. Remarkably, she was pursuing something very different at the same time: a college education at Columbia University.

Her career later stretched into television with “Dexter” and “Riviera,” as well as films including “Silver Linings Playbook,” “Jason Bourne,” and “Hustlers.” Instead of simply riding the nostalgia surrounding her early work and later roles, Stiles eventually decided to take much more creative control.

As The New York Times reported in 2024, she made her feature directorial debut with “Wish You Were Here” while raising three children. Stiles said motherhood had actually helped prepare her for directing, explaining that both require thinking ahead, managing time, responding to people’s needs, and still knowing when to hold a boundary.

Before: The Julia Stiles Era Fans Never Forgot

After: A More Seasoned, More Self-Directed Julia Stiles on ‘DWTS’

Tatyana Ali: The Sitcom Sweetheart Who Quietly Built a Powerhouse Résumé

For millions of viewers, Tatyana Ali will forever be Ashley Banks — but her entertainment career actually began years before “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” According to her TV Guide bio, Ali started acting at only four years old, appeared in commercials, and became a regular on “Sesame Street” in 1985.

Her work on “The Fresh Prince” brought her major recognition, including a Young Artist Award in 1991 and an NAACP Image Award in 1996. Ali did not stop at acting: her 1998 debut album, “Kiss the Sky,” went gold and gave her the chance to tour with both ‘NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys.

Away from the spotlight, she also achieved something fans who mainly remember her sitcom years may have missed. Ali graduated from Harvard University in 2002 with a degree in African-American Studies and Government, while also becoming involved with charitable organizations including the Millennium Momentum Foundation and Step Up Women’s Network.

Her later résumé includes producing “Love That Girl!” and the web series “Buppies,” as well as multiple NAACP Image Award wins connected to “The Young and the Restless.” In other words, the childhood star viewers remember from the ’90s quietly built a career that became much broader than Ashley Banks alone.

Before: The Child Star Who Became a ’90s Favorite

After: A Star with Far More Range than People May Remember

Taylor Hanson: The Teen Idol Whose Life Now Looks Wildly Different

Taylor Hanson was only nine when he began performing a cappella alongside brothers Isaac and Zac, according to TV Insider. The brothers eventually added instruments, began performing as Hanson, and landed a record deal after some time playing festivals, fairs, and showcases.

Then came “Middle of Nowhere” in 1997. Its breakout single, “MMMBop,” became an international hit, earned two Grammy nominations, and helped send the album to No. 2 on the Billboard 200 — making the artist one of the most recognizable young musicians of the decade.

He never completely left music behind, either. In 2009, the entertainer formed the supergroup Tinted Windows with Adam Schlesinger, James Iha, and Bun E. Carlos, and he later founded the Tulsa-based organization Food on the Move to fight food insecurity.

But the biggest “wait, really?” detail for fans who still picture teenage Hanson may be his home life. As People reported in 2020, he and his wife Natalie were preparing to welcome their seventh child — fittingly enough, since Hanson himself is also one of seven siblings.

Before: Peak Teen-Pop Taylor Hanson

After: The Former ’90s Heartthrob with a Very Different Surprise Factor

Giada De Laurentiis: From Kitchen Standout to TV Mainstay

Giada De Laurentiis may be synonymous with food television now, but she was born into a family with deep Hollywood roots. Her Biography profile notes that her grandfather was famed Producer Dino De Laurentiis, while her mother, Veronica De Laurentiis, is an actress and her father, Alex De Benedetti, worked as an actor and producer.

After moving from Italy to the United States at age seven, Giada eventually graduated from UCLA with a degree in anthropology before following her passion for cooking to Paris. She trained at Le Cordon Bleu and later worked at the Ritz-Carlton Fine Dining Room and Wolfgang Puck’s Spago before launching her own catering business, GDL Foods.

Her leap to television came after a Food & Wine article about her family’s Sunday meal traditions caught the attention of a Food Network executive. “Everyday Italian” debuted in 2003, and De Laurentiis soon expanded into bestselling cookbooks, “Giada’s Weekend Getaways,” “Giada at Home,” appearances on “Today,” and work as a mentor and judge on “Next Food Network Star.”

Her personal life evolved along with her career. Giada married Todd Thompson in 2003, welcomed daughter Jade in 2008, and announced in 2014 that the couple had decided to end their marriage after an amicable separation — while emphasizing that their daughter and family’s happiness remained their focus.

Before: Building the Giada De Laurentiis Brand

After: Still Polished, Still Camera-Ready, Still Evolving

Jenna Dewan: The Contestant Who Was Practically Built for This Kind of Show

Jenna Dewan did not discover dancing after becoming famous — dancing is how she entered show business in the first place. According to TV Insider, she began dancing at age six and eventually moved to Los Angeles, where her first major music-video job came as a backup dancer in Janet Jackson’s “All for You.

That led to more high-profile work with stars including Justin Timberlake, Ricky Martin, Missy Elliott, Toni Braxton, and Mandy Moore. She also toured with Jackson and Timberlake before beginning to pursue acting, initially landing smaller television and film roles.

The two worlds collided in 2006, when she appeared in both “Take the Lead” and “Step Up.” The latter became her breakout, pairing her with Channing Tatum and helping turn Dewan from an accomplished working dancer into a recognizable Hollywood actress; she later expanded into projects including “American Horror Story,” “Witches of East End,” “Supergirl,” and hosting “World of Dance.”

Her relationship with Tatum ultimately became a major part of her public story as well, as they went on to marry and welcome a daughter together. However, in April 2018, Dewan shared their joint Instagram announcement, telling fans they had “lovingly chosen to separate as a couple” and stressing that there were “no secrets nor salacious events at the root” of their decision.

Before: The Dance-World Breakout

After: Still Glamorous, Still Dance-Coded, Still a Threat

Harry Shum Jr.: The Star Whose Dance Background Has Everyone Talking

And then there is the guy accused of having an unfair advantage. Harry Shum Jr. has spent years moving between dance, acting, producing, and other creative work. His official “Dancing with the Stars” bio traces his career from professional dancing and “Step Up 2: The Streets” to “Glee,” where his performance as Mike Chang helped introduce him to a much larger audience.

He later expanded far beyond dance-heavy roles, appearing in “Crazy Rich Asians,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “Shadowhunters,” “Love Hard,” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” Shum has also produced and co-choreographed “The LXD: The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers,” executive produced the scripted podcast “Echo Park,” and co-authored the children’s book “Martee Dares to Dance” with wife Shelby Rabara.

But once he joined “DWTS,” that earlier chapter of his career immediately became impossible to ignore. Shum had previously danced professionally and performed with artists including Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez — exactly the kind of résumé that prompted viewers to wonder whether he was entering the competition with an unusually big head start.

After the Sept. 15 premiere, Shum addressed that debate directly in an interview with E! News. “I think a lot of people who had dance backgrounds don’t make it very far,” he said.

Shum argued that the show is about far more than dancing, pointing to storytelling, personality, partnership, and connecting with the audience. “That’s what I love about the show. Because I used to see it as dancing only, and when I watched last season, I was like, ‘Oh, there’s just so much more.'”

His own explanation also complicates the “trained dancer” label somewhat. Shum said he never had the formal training people might assume and recalled spending past dance jobs trying to pick things up quickly enough so he would not get fired.

Still, his debut certainly did not quiet the conversation. Shum and partner Jenna Johnson earned 21 points for their cha-cha, the highest score of the evening, while Johnson admitted even she was impressed by the way he came alive in front of a full audience.

Upon watching the episode, one viewer in a Reddit discussion about the dance-experience debate offered a simple counterpoint: “Figure skaters and gymnasts have advantage too.”

Still, another commenter was far less convinced by the argument that prior experience should be downplayed: “Just own that it’s a huge advantage. Especially at his and Jenna D’s level. Not just in terms of being able to move and pick up choreography quickly, but also they are used to performing in front of audiences. In their cases, audiences of thousands of people. Last night we saw a lot of the men struggling with nerves for [sic] example.”

A different viewer had mixed feelings about Shum’s participation, writing, “I do think it’s unfair for the other contestants to compete with Harry since he was a professional dancer. But I’m going to support him because I like him, and there hasn’t been an Asian male competitor since S19 (and only 3-4 total). And I’m excited to see what type of routines he will do.”

And on a separate Reddit discussion, one commenter suggested there was another layer to the discourse altogether: “Oh there’s double standards all around for the women (celebs and pros) compared to the men. Male ringers have never gotten a fraction of the hate female ringers have [sic].”

The discussion is especially interesting in a season that also includes Dewan, whose own professional dance history is impossible to overlook, too. In other words, Shum may currently be the lightning rod of the debate, but he is hardly the only contestant entering the ballroom with serious experience.

Before: The Performer Who Was Always Going to Raise Eyebrows

After: The Frontrunner Energy Fans Can’t Stop Dissecting

From Ashley Banks and Kat Stratford to “MMMBop,” Food Network stardom, “Step Up,” and “Glee,” this season of “DWTS” has pulled together an unusually nostalgic group of names. The before-and-after photos tell one story — but what happens once all that experience collides on the ballroom floor in Season 35 may be an even more interesting one.

Born in Los Angeles, California, on September 25, 1949, the actor grew up to become part of a television cast that defined an era. He became one of the stars of ABC’s Happy Days, the sitcom that ran from 1974 to 1984 and presented an idealized version of life in the 1950s and 1960s.

The TV Role That Made Him Famous

He played one of Richie Cunningham’s best friends, appearing alongside Ron Howard as Richie, Donny Most as Ralph Malph, Henry Winkler as Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli, Tom Bosley as Howard “Mr. C” Cunningham, and Marion Ross as Marion “Mrs. C” Cunningham. The role was Potsie Weber, and it turned the actor into a household name.

He did not, however, land the part without a struggle. He told Smashing Interviews Magazine that his agent sent him to audition at the last minute and he initially got the role, but the pilot did not sell. A second pilot was made a year later after American Graffiti became a hit, and the actor had to screen-test again with a group of other actors.

“Then I had a screen test with a bunch of people, and it took a month of not knowing to finally get the part again. Hundreds of people tried out for the role of Potsie.”

That uncertainty eventually led to one of the most recognizable sitcom careers of the era.

He Knew Early That Acting Would Not Be His Whole Life

The success of Happy Days could easily have convinced the beloved actor to remain in front of the camera indefinitely. Instead, he had already started looking beyond acting.

“Early on in acting, I knew I wouldn’t be doing it as a career my whole life. I first started creating and writing shows and selling them as a producer. Then it was Ron Howard who said, ‘You really should direct.’ I ended up attaching myself to shows that I had created because no one would give me a break as a director.”

The actor was Anson Williams. And Howard’s suggestion ultimately opened another major chapter in his career. Williams began directing in 1985 and went on to direct episodes of Diagnosis Murder, Xena: Warrior Princess, Melrose Place, Beverly Hills, 90210, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager, 7th Heaven, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, Charmed, and Lizzie McGuire.

His other directing credits included the 1990 television movie Quiet Little Neighborhood, a Perfect Little Murder, starring Teri Garr and Robert Urich, the 1991 direct-to-video thriller All-American Murder, starring Christopher Walken and Charlie Schlatter, and episodes of New York Undercover, The Pretender and The Love Boat: The Next Wave.

He also had feature films in development and said he had done a project for Chris Walken for HBO. Still, television remained overwhelmingly his territory. “I’ve had feature films in development. I did something for Chris Walken for HBO. But it has been 99.9% television.”

1974

He Never Let Potsie Define Him

Interestingly, Williams said he did not worry much about being typecast after Happy Days. His reason was simple: he had already begun thinking beyond acting. “No, because I didn’t care. I own two national product companies, so I’ve always been an entrepreneur and a realist. I didn’t care about typecasting and didn’t care about acting after Happy Days.”

Instead, Williams said he wanted to work satisfyingly and use the opportunities he had been given to pursue other ventures. “I cared about working in a satisfying way and using what I had for positive things in future adventures and challenges for future profits, so I was able to use that and develop a lot more than acting.”

That same willingness to move on appeared in another part of his career: music. Williams said he pursued singing for more than a decade, co-headlining in Las Vegas and Reno before deciding that chapter had reached its limit. “I saw limitations, and I changed course.” That phrase could almost serve as a summary of his entire career.

His Fame Was Huge — But He Says It Never Went to His Head

The success of Happy Days was enormous. Williams recalled that the cast had millions of people watching every week and compared their level of fame to The Beatles.

Yet he insisted that the success did not create massive egos among the cast. “We had millions of people watching us every week, and we were The Beatles for years, but it never went to our heads. We all used it constructively.”

He said the cast remained involved in the entertainment business and also contributed to charities and society. Williams credited Garry Marshall, the creator and boss of Happy Days, with inspiring that approach.

1975

1979

His relationship with the cast also remained strong years after the series ended. Asked whether he was still in contact with his former co-stars, Williams responded, “Oh my gosh, yes. Everybody is very close.”

His connection with Howard went beyond simply sharing the Happy Days set. Williams recalled working with Howard years earlier and noted that Howard executive produced the first television film Williams created, Skyward, which aired in 1980 and starred Bette Davis and Marion Ross.

He described Howard as “one of those major artists in film” and said they had worked together on numerous projects in the past.

Henry Winkler Was Nothing Like The Fonz

Williams was particularly complimentary when asked about Henry Winkler. “Henry is the kindest, most decent person on earth. He’s so not the Fonz. He’s an intelligent, wonderful actor with an amazing heart and social conscience.”

Williams said the Happy Days cast could easily have developed large egos given how many people watched them. Instead, he said, they tried to use their success constructively. The same affection extended to Tom Bosley, who played Howard Cunningham.

When interviewer Melissa Parker mentioned Bosley’s death, Williams remembered him as a genuine father figure. “He didn’t want any of us young guys taken advantage of. Tom was much more than a talented actor; he was a very kind and giving friend.” Williams even remembered Bosley helping him negotiate his first mortgage.

He Also Had a Surprising Singing and Commercial Chapter

Long before his directing and business ventures fully developed, Williams spent years performing as a singer. But one of his earliest entertainment opportunities came from a commercial. When Parker mentioned seeing an old McDonald’s commercial featuring a young Williams and a young John Amos on YouTube, Williams called it one of his greatest breaks.

1989

“That was one of the greatest breaks ever! It was the first time I was able to get some money.” During the interview, he explained that the commercial eventually became iconic enough that the company would call, renegotiate, and put it back on the air.

There was also the question of another Happy Days reunion. The cast had reunited in 2005, but Williams did not expect another one. “No. I don’t think there’ll be another one. It was fun, though.”

Then He Took His Career in a Completely Different Direction

Williams eventually became an entrepreneur, founding two product companies: StarMaker Products and Physicians Prefer. His business interests were not simply an extension of celebrity branding. As the father of five daughters, he became particularly interested in women’s health and helped put those issues at the center of Physicians Prefer’s agenda.

1992

One of the company’s products was Cool Flash for the Hot Flash, which Williams described as an alternative approach to hot flashes associated with menopause and chemotherapy.

The story behind the product began while he was directing Melrose Place in 2000. The cast members had been raving about skin-care products in the makeup trailer, which led Williams to meet JoAnna Connell.

1994

Connell had created skin-care products for actors before they went on camera and had also created skin care for Baywatch. Williams and his partners turned that connection into StarMaker Products, which eventually became a nationwide company. “We’ve been on QVC for 8 years,” Williams said.

His interest in alternative healing also had a family connection. He explained that his uncle — technically his cousin, whom he called his uncle — was Dr. Henry Heimlich, known for the Heimlich Maneuver.

Heimlich’s wife, Jane Heimlich, wrote What Your Doctor Won’t Tell You, and Williams said that background contributed to his longstanding interest in alternative medicine.

1999

His Passion for Women’s Health Had a Personal Side

Williams and his business partner eventually connected with doctors who were concerned about hormonal treatments and wanted to develop alternative products that were clinically proven.

2005

They used profits from StarMaker to fund the work. The first product was Cool Flash for the Hot Flash, which Williams described as a drug-free, hormone-free, and estrogen-free topical gel. He explained that users applied it to two areas of the body when a hot flash began — the back of the neck and the bottom of the neck in front.

Williams said the product had become a phenomenon and was available through Costco and drugstore.com. He also highlighted its use among chemotherapy patients because hot flashes can be a side effect of treatment.

2009

“Women can basically use these liquid ice cubes instead of going through hormone treatments that cause cancer. It costs less than $10 and lasts about a month.” He said thousands of chemotherapy patients were using the product. “That just blows me away, and it is one of the main reasons I’m so passionate about Cool Flash.”

2014

He Has Five Daughters — And Kept Them Out of Hollywood

While Williams was juggling directing and his companies, he was also raising five daughters. At the time of the interview, he described having two 8-year-olds, a 3-year-old, a 12-year-old, and a 21-year-old.

And despite their father’s long Hollywood career, he said none appeared particularly interested in show business. “I would say no. They’re all unique, but I don’t think anyone has a passion for show business, and I don’t push it on them. I don’t think they’ve seen a whole episode of Happy Days.”

2015

For Williams, being a father meant putting the children first. “I’m daddy, and when I’m with them, I’m with them. It’s their time, and it’s not my time.” He described show business as a very difficult road for young people. “Writing may be a little easier, but being an actor is a very difficult road.”

2016

2020

Williams was especially critical of the risks surrounding child actors, pointing to what he called numerous sad stories involving young performers and questionable parenting. He considered Ron Howard an exception because, in his view, Howard’s parents provided him with a balanced upbringing.

“Most child actors have a terrible time because there is questionable parenting. Ron Howard is healthy because his parents were amazing, and it was a balanced life. Numerous times it is not that way. The highs are too high, and the lows are too low. I don’t recommend it.”

He Had Strong Opinions About What Television Should Be Doing

Williams’ years on Happy Days also shaped his thoughts about television’s role in society. When asked about The Secret Life of the American Teenager, which he was directing at the time, he said he had joined the show during its first six episodes.

He directed almost half the episodes, while Keith Truesdell directed the others. Williams praised the ensemble for being experienced and prepared, saying that the production’s discipline helped save time and keep working hours reasonable.

He also defended the show’s controversial pregnancy storylines. Although he described himself as “just a hired director,” Williams said the studio and producers received positive mail about the storylines. He believed the show encouraged parents and children to discuss difficult subjects rather than portraying teenage parenthood as glamorous.

2024

When asked whether the storylines were educational, Williams replied: “Very educational. Parents’ groups love the show. Any parent who has intelligence will say, ‘Wow! This is helping to prevent it!’ The show deals with teenage issues very honestly. It says, ‘This is not cool because look what your responsibilities are going to be.'”

He also pushed back on the idea that the show sent the wrong message to young viewers, saying its storylines were meant to encourage thoughtful conversations, better communication, and responsible choices.

His Views on Television Had Changed Since Happy Days

Williams acknowledged that Happy Days belonged to a very different era of television. While some subjects were rarely discussed openly at the time, he remembered that the sitcom still had episodes that pushed boundaries for its audience.

He also pointed to All in the Family and Maude as examples of earlier shows that tackled difficult social subjects and helped bring topics that were rarely discussed into mainstream television.

Williams recalled that Happy Days also addressed racial issues during its first season, including a storyline involving neighbors who wanted to marry at the Cunningham family home.

Television itself had changed dramatically since Williams’ Happy Days days. When he was on the sitcom, viewers had only a few major networks to choose from, whereas the television landscape had expanded enormously by the time of his interview.

Williams believed that the growth of media had also changed the culture surrounding fame. He felt that the constant pursuit of attention had contributed to a society increasingly focused on brief moments of publicity rather than lasting accomplishments.

He was also critical of the modern celebrity-news cycle, particularly the way photographers and media outlets could contribute to manufactured attention. In his view, sensational material often attracted more interest because audiences continued to consume it.

All of those ideas — staying active, changing direction, refusing to be defined by age and continuing to pursue new challenges — make his latest birthday message particularly fitting.

And Then Came the Birthday Post

At 77, Williams took to Instagram with a message aimed directly at fellow Baby Boomers. “My yearly reminder to every Boomer: NEVER let anyone diminish us because of our age. I’m 77. More creative, healthier, busier, more curious — and more alive than I was at 40.”

He credited a combination of love, kindness, adventure, and discipline for the way he feels today. “Why? A partner who sees the best in me. Good lovin’. Kindness. Adventure. A little discipline — eat right, move, take care of yourself. Mountains still worth climbing.”

Then he made the central point of the post unmistakable. “And the absolute refusal to let anyone else decide my worth.” Williams finished with a declaration that sounds remarkably consistent with the career choices he has made since Happy Days. “We didn’t come this far to become invisible.”

“We came this far to become unstoppable. We’re not winding down. We’re still winning — and we haven’t even played our best hand yet.” After a career that moved from Happy Days fame to directing, singing, entrepreneurship, women’s health advocacy and fatherhood, Williams is still talking about mountains worth climbing.

And perhaps the most revealing part of his birthday message is that he does not sound like someone looking back at what he has already accomplished. He sounds like someone who believes his best hand may still be waiting to be played.

Candace Cameron Bure, John Stamos, Lori Loughlin, and Jodie Sweetin got together for a very special reason at the Scleroderma Research Foundation’s “Cool Comedy – Hot Cuisine” fundraiser at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, in Beverly Hills, California, on October 13, 2026.

Thirty-one years after “Full House” ended, the familiar names were enough to stir up old affection, but wait until you see how beautifully those childhood memories meet the present.

The Tanner Family Album Just Got a Very Glamorous Addition

D.J. and Stephanie. Uncle Jesse and Aunt Becky. Some television characters never quite stop feeling like people we grew up with.

For viewers who remember the oversized sweaters and spectacularly ambitious hair, seeing these four together comes with a personal little nostalgic pang. A family sitcom can occupy a surprisingly big place in your heart, especially when its younger stars were growing up right alongside you.

Now, their latest group photographs bring Candace, John, Lori, and Jodie into the same frame again, dressed for a Beverly Hills fundraiser. From left to right, the lineup puts the former eldest Tanner daughter beside her television uncle, followed by Aunt Becky and the little sister whose childhood wardrobe practically deserves its own scrapbook.

And goodness, they brought the glamour. Tailoring, satin, and a beautifully embroidered neckline give this addition to the album a decidedly grown-up dress code.

The occasion came more than three decades after the original series finished in 1995, although their shared television history continued through “Fuller House.” That makes these pictures especially lovely: the years have room for both the characters fans adored and the lives their performers built afterward.

Naturally, those lives have included quite a few wardrobe changes.

D.J.’s Scrunchie Years Give Way to Sharp Beverly Hills Tailoring

Candace’s D.J. had the sort of clothes that can send a former ’90s kid straight back to a childhood closet. High-waisted denim, colorful oversized sweaters, and scrunchies were all part of the look, with voluminous bangs completing that gloriously familiar silhouette.

For this outing, Candace chose a houndstooth-and-plaid layered bustier ensemble beneath a matching blazer. Her cropped blonde bob, parted in the center, gave the patterned tailoring a crisp finish. D.J. would have had serious outfit envy.

Candace’s acting ambitions began early, following the example of her older brother, Kirk Cameron, who played Mike Seaver on “Growing Pains.” Before the Tanner household came calling, she appeared in commercials and made guest appearances on “Punky Brewster,” “St. Elsewhere,” and “Who’s the Boss?”

According to IMDb, she was cast as D.J. in 1986, at age 10, ahead of the show’s 1987 debut. During its original run, she also played Sally Field’s daughter in the 1988 film “Punchline.”

But what about her life and career after D.J.?

After “Full House,” Candace married hockey player Valeri Bure at 20, and the couple has three children. Her career has kept moving, too, with Christmas movies and mysteries becoming familiar fixtures in her work.

Recent credits include “Home Sweet Christmas” and “A Christmas Less Traveled” in 2024, followed by “Timeless Tidings of Joy” and “Another Sweet Christmas” in 2025.

Her 2026 credits include “A Second Chance Christmas” and “Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Watchmaker.” The scrunchies may belong to the scrapbook, but Candace has hardly finished filling the screen.

Uncle Jesse Still Knows His Way Around a Good Hair Day

Beside Candace, John supplied the evening’s classic formalwear in a black suit with satin lapels, a white dress shirt, and a dark tie. His shorter hair was neatly swept back, a polished successor to Uncle Jesse’s magnificently feathered volume.

Oh, that hair. For anyone who remembers the leather jackets and rolled sleeves, Uncle Jesse’s styling was practically a supporting character. But this evening held something far sweeter than another handsome Uncle Jesse photograph. John was receiving the Bob Saget Legacy Award, with Candace, Lori, and Jodie there to cheer him on.

According to the foundation, the honor recognizes people who use their voices to build awareness and raise money for scleroderma research. The evening raised $1,077,000, and John’s acceptance speech paid tribute to his late friend.

Did you know? John’s connection to Jesse went deeper than the wardrobe. His biography notes that he asked for the character’s surname to become Katsopolis, replacing Cochran, to reflect his Greek heritage.

Before joining “Full House” in 1987, John played Blackie Parrish on “General Hospital” from 1982 to 1984. Music also became a lasting part of his career, including occasional performances on drums with the Beach Boys beginning in 1985.

After the original sitcom ended, he brought his musical and dancing abilities to Broadway as J. Pierrepont Finch in “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying!” in 1995. Jesse’s musical streak had a very capable man behind it.

More recently, John played basketball coach Marvyn Korn in “Big Shot” from 2021 to 2022 and appeared in “Doctor Odyssey” and “Unprisoned” in 2024. His 2025 work included “Palm Royale” and “The Hunting Wives.”

Younger viewers may recognize his voice, too, through his work as Tony Stark and Iron Man in “Spidey and His Amazing Friends,” and as Howard Stark in “Iron Man and His Awesome Friends.” A whole new audience has been getting acquainted with a performer their parents may still affectionately think of as their handsome TV uncle.

Aunt Becky’s Latest Look Deserves Its Own Place in the Album

Lori brought a gorgeous sweep of navy to the reunion in a floor-length gown with gold embroidery around the neckline. Her long brunette hair fell in loose waves, giving the formal dress a soft finish.

Aunt Becky always understood the appeal of looking beautifully put together. Back then, that meant feathered shoulder-length hair, soft bangs, and polished outfits that suited her broadcast-world character.

The new photographs offer a lovely comparison, especially for viewers who remember Becky becoming such a familiar presence in the Tanner household. Lori played the role on the original series from 1988 to 1995, later returning for “Fuller House.”

Her post-sitcom career included playing Ava Gregory in “Summerland” from 2004 to 2005, according to her credits. She also became associated with Abigail Stanton in “When Calls the Heart” and Jennifer Shannon in the “Garage Sale Mysteries” films.

Recent work has taken her from the romantic territory of “Fall Into Winter” and “Blessings of Christmas” in 2023 to an appearance as herself on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” in 2024. In 2025, she played Lieutenant Bishop in “On Call.”

Her listed 2026 work includes “Garage Sale Mysteries: Murder Takes the Stage.” For fans who first knew her as Becky, there is a generous stretch of television history between those early sitcom outfits and this elegant Beverly Hills gown.

Stephanie’s Pigtails Are a Memory, but Jodie’s Glamour Is Fully Grown

Then there is Jodie, whose transformation from little Stephanie’s bright prints and overalls to evening glamour delivers an especially sweet dose of nostalgia.

For the fundraiser, she wore a draped, shimmering rose-gold satin dress with an elegant updo. Warm makeup and prominent jewelry completed a look that gave the one-time scrunchie enthusiast a thoroughly glamorous evening. Little Stephanie in pigtails feels both like yesterday and a lifetime ago.

Jodie Sweetin returned to Stephanie for “Fuller House,” which ran from 2016 to 2020, while building a separate collection of romantic and mystery roles. Her most recent filmography includes “Just Swipe” in 2021 and “A Cozy Christmas Inn” and “A Christmas in Switzerland” in 2022.

She played Jane Da Silva in “The Jane Mysteries: Inheritance Lost” in 2023, followed by three more entries in 2024. That year also brought “The Heiress and the Handyman” and “Love’s Second Act.”

Her later credits include “Dateless to Dangerous: My Son’s Secret Life” in 2025 and the Sorcerer Queen in “Vampirina: Teenage Vampire” in 2026. Away from acting, she married Mescal Wasilewski on July 30, 2022.

Those are substantial chapters in a life many viewers first encountered through a little girl’s sitcom adventures. And yet a photograph can bring that early affection rushing back with almost embarrassing ease.

The family album below holds that pleasure beautifully, moving through their earlier years, their time on the show, and the occasions that followed. Then come the newest pictures: four familiar faces together again, giving everyone who grew up loving them one more memory to keep.

1989

1991

1992

1993

1994

2016

2017

2026: A Sweet Reunion

Carrie Fisher was the daughter of Debbie Reynolds, a singer, actress, and businesswoman. Although Fisher took the cue from her mother and became a famous TV star as a child, she never liked having a celebrity mom.

In her book “Wishful Drinking,” the author confessed that walking with her movie star mother felt complicated during her younger years in public.

Fisher explained that fans often gush about her roles, complimenting the older actress during what was supposed to be a private time for mother and daughter.

Fisher hated the fame because it not only intruded in their intimate moments but also meant that she had to share her mother with the public.

Reynolds worked so hard, and it chipped into her time with her son, Todd. However, during rare occasions when she was home, Fisher and her brother loved being in her company.

It did not matter whether she was getting dressed, applying makeup, or sleeping. The kids always found ways to stay close to their mother. While Fisher loved to sleep on the rug in the room, her brother curled up on the couch, and in the morning, they would sneakily leave the room.

When Fisher became an adult, she left her mother’s home, but the “Star Wars” actress remained attached to the family’s matriarch.

During their final years, they became close again and lived as neighbors in Los Angeles for fifteen years. A hill separated the women’s houses in the Cold-water Canyon neighborhood of Beverly Hills. While defining their bond, Fisher’s comment was:

“I usually come to her. I always come to her.”

INSIDE CARRIE FISHER’S LUXURY HOME

Fisher purchased her estate in the star-studded area of Beverly Hills in 1993. The property was worth $13.75 million, and Spanish-themed architecture was spread on a portion of the 4,200 square feet of land.

The actress agreed that her estate, including a four-bedroom and four-bathroom house, possessed a superstar quality that preceded the actress.

Its original owner was Robert Armstrong, who starred in “King Kong.” The following person to live in it was Bette Davis, before Edith Head, and that was when most of the rebuilding occurred.

Fisher confessed that she was attracted to the house because it embraced her furniture and wide range of properties, including Indian rugs, folk arts, enormous 1930s leather club chairs, and Biedermeier tables. The actress described it as a “playful house.”

In reality, Fisher lived in her magical galaxy surrounded by incredible arts, which she once referred to as “scavenger hunting.” The actress’ bathroom was an ample space that welcomed wall hangings and a grand piano.

The entire space leading up to her creative room was warm and illuminated with fireplaces at different spots. The actress stored artworks from her childhood trips worldwide and her association with the iconic “Star Wars” films.

Fisher’s creative room was a haven for her whenever she needed to write. The walls were painted pink and beige and possessed lights from the side lamps.

Colorful sofas were lying on printed rugs, while one side of the room was framed with a gigantic hand painting, among other miniature artworks.

The dining area looked like a disco house. It is a burst of colors from the windows, walls, ceiling, and different-sized chairs tucked under a brown wooden table.

Fisher’s living room space displayed her love for collectibles, from table lamps to the large “ugly children” painting on the wall, the leather and cushion chairs, and the little statue of Yoda from “Star Wars” standing in front of a small center table.

The bedroom hosted eccentric colors, from the chairs to the decorations. There was an adorable and rare artwork of Fisher’s “Star Wars” character and the Director’s chair.

One Collection Was Stranger Than Everything Else

Among all the unusual decorations in Fisher’s home, one collection stood out for a rather unexpected reason. The actress had a fascination with old-fashioned portraits of children whose peculiar expressions made them anything but ordinary.

She jokingly called them her “ugly children” collection. In the HBO documentary “Bright Lights,” Fisher even compared one of the painted children to actor Shia LaBeouf, showing the offbeat sense of humor that made her so memorable.

The unusual interiors certainly caught viewers’ attention when footage of Fisher’s home appeared on YouTube. One person admired the actress’s decorating choices, writing, “I love how weird and unique all the rooms are.”

However, not everyone reacted with the same enthusiasm. Another viewer left a much more uneasy response: “This feels so wrong to me…” without explaining what specifically bothered them.

Another reaction focused on the director’s chair seen inside the actress’s home. One viewer was particularly protective of the personal item, commenting, “I got so triggered when she sat on that directors chair. Only Carrie deserves to sit on that chair.”

From the peculiar portraits to the familiar Hollywood memorabilia, Fisher’s home was far from a typical celebrity mansion. Every corner reflected her personality, and even years after her death, those personal belongings continued to provoke very different emotions among viewers.

ALL ABOUT DEBBIE REYNOLDS’ HOME

Seven years after Fisher moved into the luxury estate, her mother bought her own home. It was a three-bedroom, three-bathroom home that cost about $1 million and faced her daughter’s house.

Reynolds’ front porch displayed a homely feeling and peaceful atmosphere with a series of white dainty-looking chairs lined up. Inside was a storehouse, including a room where Fisher’s old bed was kept.

The older actress was particular about keeping old belongings. On one side of a room, she stored her old jewelry in a glass-themed frame. However, the accessories locked up in the glass house are visible to passers-by.

Reynold also created a raised platform next to her room wall where she preserved her children’s childhood shoes in bronze.

Her living room space boasts musical instruments, including a piano, open-styled curtains on a large window, two chairs placed side by side at the fireplace, and some table decorations.

This was the exact way she left the house, but when it was listed on the market five years after her death, Reynolds’ home went through some changes. The 1929-built house has a modified kitchen and bathroom, but the English yard has been preserved.

FISHER AND REYNOLDS’S DEATHS

Fisher and Reynolds maintained a close relationship. While they lived a stone’s throw from each other’s doorsteps, they also shared an intimate bond, not failing to check up on each other.

Sadly, all that changed in December 2016. Fisher was flying from London back home when she suffered a cardiac arrest. She was rushed to the hospital, but four days later, on December 27, 2016, she passed away.

Reynolds was devastated when she heard the tragic news. The singer was so in love with the season that she always kept a Christmas tree. This time she had planned the event for the year when news of her daughter’s illness reached her.

Fisher’s mother thought they would spend the time together, but unfortunately, she received news of her daughter’s death. The following day, December 28, 2016, she died from a stroke.

Her son confessed that his mother missed Fisher greatly and had talked about being with her in her final moments. According to Todd:

“She said she really wanted to be with Carrie. In those precise words, and within 15 minutes from that conversation she faded out within 30 minutes; she technically was gone.”

Fisher and Reynolds’ bond was so great that she began and ended her life close to her mother. After their deaths, they were buried next to each other in an intimate funeral service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, in Hollywood, with family and close friends in attendance.

The first 911 call reported gunfire directed at a vehicle outside Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend. Within moments, other callers reported that the gunman had entered the school, setting off an emergency response that would unfold in just minutes.

The shooting on Thursday, October 15, 2026, left five people dead, including three children, ages 5, 8, and 11, and a teacher, according to Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB).

Two other people, ages 7 and 54, were hospitalized. Their conditions were not immediately reported. OPB’s report did not identify the victims by name.

The first 911 call came at approximately 12:59 p.m. Within three minutes, officers had reached the school. A nearby resident’s account and later police statements provide a closer look at how those minutes unfolded.

A Neighborhood Walk Was Interrupted by Gunfire

Bend resident Leah Schwartz was walking with her husband and dog near Silver Rail Elementary when she heard sounds she could not immediately identify.

During an interview with NBC News, Schwartz described the routine outing and the first sounds that interrupted it.

“We were just on our usual afternoon walk. My husband and my dog and I, we heard about three gunshots,” she told Hallie Jackson.

Schwartz said she initially wondered whether the noise might have come from nearby construction, so they continued walking. Then came three more shots, followed shortly afterward by sirens.

The significance of what she heard became apparent after she returned home and saw news coverage of the shooting. “It’s just really heartbreaking,” Schwartz said.

The First 911 Caller Reported Being Shot At

At 12:59 p.m., a person inside a vehicle called 911 to report being shot at multiple times, Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said during a Thursday news conference, according to OPB.

The Bend Police Department‘s initial statement described the first report as an unknown man shooting into a car.

About a dozen additional 911 calls followed, reporting that a shooter had entered Silver Rail Elementary School. Dispatchers alerted law enforcement at 1 p.m. The school entered lockdown at 1:01 p.m., according to Krantz.

Within two minutes of the first emergency call, the reports had shifted from gunfire directed at a vehicle to a shooter inside an elementary school.

The Suspect Entered Through Locked Doors

The later police briefing provided an important detail about how the suspect gained access to the school. According to OPB, Krantz said the suspected shooter entered by firing at locked doors.

Officials said the suspect used a long gun, a firearm category that includes rifles and shotguns. They did not specify the weapon’s exact type. Authorities also had not established where the suspect went inside the building before being killed.

The first Bend Police officers arrived at 1:02 p.m., approximately three minutes after the initial emergency call. A CBS News 24/7 report included an assessment that the incident unfolded within “maybe 6 minutes.”

By the time officers reached the school, another encounter involving the suspect had already begun.

A Community Member Followed the Suspect Into the School

Moments after officers arrived, an officer reported that the suspected shooter had been shot.

Bend Police initially raised the possibility that a bystander was responsible. At a later news conference, Krantz gave a more detailed account of what officers had learned.

“Moments later, an officer reported that the suspect had been shot by a community member who had seen the suspect enter the school, and pursued him into the school and engaged him,” Krantz said, according to OPB.

Officials said the community member fatally shot the suspect after following him into the building. They did not immediately identify the person.

An emergency medical services radio dispatch captured an early, unconfirmed description of the person involved. “It looks like the shooter has been neutralized, possibly shot by a father at the school,” the dispatch audio said, according to CNN.

At the news conference, however, officials described the person only as a community member. They did not confirm whether the individual was a parent or had another connection to the school.

With the suspect dead, officers continued clearing the building and checking for victims.

Students Were Evacuated as Families Awaited Reunification

Bend-La Pine Schools arranged buses to transport students to Journey Church at 61303 S. Highway 97, where families and guardians were directed for reunification.

Officials asked the public to avoid both locations because of the large law enforcement presence.

As the district coordinated the reunification process, Superintendent Steven Cook addressed the tragedy in a statement released by the Bend Police Department. “We are stunned and heartbroken by this senseless tragedy,” Cook said.

“We extend our deepest sympathy to the families and to everyone affected by this violence. No words can adequately express the grief our community is experiencing. Our immediate priorities are caring for our students and staff and assisting law enforcement and emergency responders,” Cook added.

At a 5:30 p.m. news conference, officials confirmed the deaths of three children, a teacher, and the suspected shooter. They also reported that two other people had been hospitalized, according to OPB.

The disruption extended into the following day. A notice posted on the Silver Rail Elementary School website announced that all schools would be closed on Friday, October 16. All activities and athletic events scheduled for that day were also canceled.

Suspect’s Age Emerges as Motive Remains Unknown

As more details emerged Thursday evening, officials had not publicly identified the suspected shooter. Four law enforcement sources told OPB that the suspect was a minor. One source said the suspect was 16 years old.

The sources requested anonymity because the information had not yet been made public. Authorities also said it was unclear whether the suspect had any connection to Silver Rail Elementary School.

Investigators Trace Firearm as Police Continue Their Work

Federal authorities also took steps to investigate the weapon used in the attack.

Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted an urgent firearm trace and received the results, NBC News reported, citing a source familiar with the investigation and crime scene. The report did not disclose what the trace revealed.

Bend police had completed active-threat training at a local high school in August, about two months before the shooting. Krantz addressed that preparation while discussing the department’s response.

“Unfortunately, this is something we train for on a regular basis, and we must,” Krantz added.

Investigators would also need time to examine the circumstances of the attack. “We will have a large police presence at Silver Rail Elementary School for the next several days as our officers continue to conduct a very thorough investigation so we get all the answers,” Krantz said.

Oregon Leaders Call for Action and Offer Support

Democratic Senator Ron Wyden addressed the shooting in a post on X, reflecting on its impact on the Bend community.

“My heart is with the victims of today’s shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School and their loved ones now facing the consequences of another school shooting in America,” Wyden wrote.

Fellow Senator Jeff Merkley said in a separate post that his team was monitoring developments. He expressed support for affected students and families and said no one should have to fear violence at school.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek praised school staff, parents, first responders, and the community member who intervened during the shooting. Speaking about the impact on Bend, she acknowledged the grief the community would face in the coming weeks.

“My heart is absolutely broken. Our hearts will stay broken in the days and weeks ahead. My daily prayers will be with this community, with the children, with the parents,” Kotek said, as reported by KVAL.

Kotek also recalled visiting Silver Rail Elementary nearly a year earlier and said state agencies were coordinating support for the community.

Her public response began with an Instagram statement saying she was monitoring the situation and thanking first responders. In a later post, she called on Oregonians to support one another and stressed that no community should have to experience such violence.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Christine Drazan also responded to the shooting, calling for action to prevent similar incidents. “My heart is with the students, families, teachers and staff facing an unimaginable tragedy at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend,” Drazan said, according to KVAL.

What We Know About Silver Rail Elementary School

Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, has a building designed to support classroom instruction and shared learning activities.

According to the school’s official website, Steel and Associates designed the campus with a central area connecting the gym, media center, and performing arts center. The building also uses LED lighting throughout, making it the first elementary school in Oregon to do so, according to the school.

Students also have access to a dedicated classroom for activities involving science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).

The school is led by Principal Lybe Hawkins. Its educational priorities include academic achievement, student well-being, and community involvement. The school also emphasizes helping children build positive relationships, strengthen their problem-solving skills, and develop resilience when facing challenges.

As investigators continue examining the firearm and the circumstances surrounding the attack, questions remain about the suspect’s connection to the school. As of this writing, the motive behind the shooting remains unknown, and police have said their investigation will continue in the days ahead.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) identified the victim as Erin Piacenti, 32, who was fatally wounded during the Monday afternoon attack.

Bank of America (BofA) confirmed the loss of an employee, while an internal memo reviewed by Reuters identified Erin as the victim.

The stabbing prompted a major emergency response in one of Manhattan’s busiest areas. What happened in the moments leading up to Erin’s death began one block away.

A Man Was Stabbed First

The first victim was a 68-year-old man who had exited the subway and was waiting with his wife to cross the street near 41st Street and Seventh Avenue.

Police said the suspect, Pamela Cisneros, approached the couple while carrying two knives. A witness told investigators that Pamela had the weapons inside a red Target bag before removing them, according to NBC New York.

Pamela waved the knives and stabbed the man in the side, police said. She then continued north on Seventh Avenue toward 42nd Street. Police said the next stabbing occurred about 20 seconds later.

What Erin Piacenti Was Doing Moments Before the Attack

Erin was walking along Seventh Avenue near 42nd Street at about 4:30 p.m., according to Fox 5 New York. She was about one block north of the location where the 68-year-old man had just been stabbed.

After attacking the man, Pamela continued north and approached Erin, police said. About 20 seconds separated the two stabbings. Pamela stabbed Erin in the stomach.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch later described the stabbings as a “random and unprovoked attack,” according to CBS News. “At this point in the investigation, we have no reason to believe this incident was an attack of terrorism,” she said.

After stabbing Erin, police said Pamela continued north on Seventh Avenue while still carrying both knives.

Police Confronted Pamela Cisneros After the Second Stabbing

Pamela encountered officers between 42nd and 43rd streets, according to police. The officers repeatedly ordered her to put down the knives. The encounter lasted about four minutes, Commissioner Jessica said.

Pamela refused to comply. “I’m not dropping anything. I would rather kill both of you,” Pamela said during the encounter, according to Commissioner Jessica. Police said she also repeatedly threatened to kill the officers.

Officers deployed stun guns, but police said they appeared to have no effect. Pamela then advanced toward the officers, and two officers opened fire.

“This was an extraordinarily dangerous situation unfolding in the heart of Times Square, the crossroads of the world,” Commissioner Jessica said.

Police said Pamela had documented mental health-related contacts with the NYPD dating to 2018 and 2019, according to NBC New York. She had no criminal history. Police described Pamela as emotionally disturbed.

The NYPD Commissioner and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani defended the officers’ use of lethal force. The police shooting will be investigated, which is standard following an officer-involved shooting in New York, according to The Guardian.

“I want to thank the NYPD officers who stepped in and prevented a horrific attack from becoming even worse,” the mayor said.

Pamelas was taken to Bellevue Hospital and pronounced dead. The two stabbing victims were also transported to Bellevue. Erin died, while the 68-year-old man survived.

The First Victim Was Visiting From Rhode Island

The 68-year-old man is from Rhode Island and was believed to have been visiting family in New York, according to ABC7 New York. His next-door neighbor, August DiMartino, spoke about the attack after learning what had happened.

“Absolutely terrible, to just find out that something that horrible can happen to somebody that close to you really makes the community seem vulnerable,” August said.

ABC7 also spoke with the victim’s family by phone Tuesday. The family declined an interview but provided a brief update on his condition. “He seems fine,” they said. The man was released from Bellevue late Tuesday afternoon.

While the 68-year-old man recovered from his injuries, Erin’s death prompted new attention to the career and life she had built before the attack.

Erin Piacenti’s Professional Background

Erin worked as a vice president in BofA’s Business Selection & Conflicts team. Her LinkedIn profile lists February 2025 as the start of her position at the bank.

Before BofA, Erin worked at Davis Polk & Wardwell. She joined the law firm as an associate in October 2021 and remained there until January 2025. Her work included mergers and acquisitions, according to her professional profile.

While at Davis Polk, Erin completed a seven-month secondment at Morgan Stanley. She worked in the company’s Legal & Compliance Division from August 2023 through February 2024.

Her relationship with Davis Polk began while she was in law school. She worked there as a summer associate from June through August 2020.

Erin had also worked as a legal intern with Major League Baseball from May through August 2019. Before entering law, her profile lists positions at Bloomingdale’s and internships at Saks Fifth Avenue.

She Graduated With Flying Colors From Fordham Law

Erin earned her J.D. from Fordham University School of Law in 2021. She graduated magna cum laude and was a member of the Order of the Coif, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Erin also participated in the Fordham Law Review and Fordham Moot Court Board. Her listed academic activities included the 46th Annual Kaufman Memorial Securities Law Competition and the UCLA Cyber Crimes Moot Court Competition.

She received a Legal Writing Award and was a Mary Daly Scholar. Before attending Fordham, Erin studied at the University of Pennsylvania. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science in 2016.

After graduating from Fordham in 2021, she began her associate position at Davis Polk that October. She moved to Bank of America in February 2025.

Erin Piacenti Had Recently Celebrated a Personal Milestone

Erin was married to attorney Frank Piacenti. The couple had recently celebrated their second wedding anniversary, according to People. A wedding image of the couple also serves as the profile picture on Erin’s private Instagram account.

They had also purchased their first home in Chester, New Jersey, in September 2025, according to property records obtained by the same publication. Chester is about 40 miles west of New York City.

Frank graduated cum laude and was a member of the Fordham Law Review, according to his professional biography at Kasowitz. He practices complex commercial litigation.

Before joining Kasowitz, Frank clerked for U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore in the Southern District of Florida. While attending law school, he also served as a judicial intern for U.S. District Judge Loretta Preska in the Southern District of New York. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia in 2018.

Erin and Frank’s connection to Fordham later became part of the university’s response to her death.

Bank of America Called Erin Piacenti a ‘Valued Teammate’

Bank of America issued a statement after Erin’s death. “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague. She was a valued teammate who will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to her family and all of her loved ones,” the company said in a statement provided to Reuters.

Matthew Koder, president of Global Corporate & Investment Banking, also addressed Erin’s death in an internal memo reviewed by Reuters. Koder described her as a “cherished teammate and friend.”

“Erin was a valued member of the Business Selection and Conflicts team, having joined the bank 18 months ago,” Koder wrote. “Her loss is being felt deeply by many.”

Koder said Bank of America’s security teams were “fully engaged” in supporting the police investigation and addressing the safety and security of the bank’s offices and employees. Bank of America’s One Bryant Park office is near Times Square.

Fordham Remembered Erin and Frank as Members of Its Law Community

Fordham University also released a statement following Erin’s death. “We are heartbroken to learn of the tragic and senseless loss of our alumna, Erin [Guiltinan] Piacenti,” a university spokesperson told CBS News.

The university noted that Erin and Frank both graduated from Fordham Law in 2021 and had remained connected to the school. Fordham extended its condolences to Frank and their loved ones.

“During this devastating time, our thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies are with Frank, their families, and all who knew and loved Erin,” the spokesperson said.