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Thirty-five years ago this week, Disney released Ron Clements and John Musker's The Little Mermaid, and pop culture was never the same. Between its iconic visuals and addictive soundtrack, the movie has long since become one of the Mouse House's most beloved movies, and for good reason. Ariel's story is timeless and continues to inspire the imagination. Even if some want to claim parts of the story are problematic, The Little Mermaid has a message that resonates to this day.

The Little Mermaid

Director John Musker, Ron ClementsRelease Date November 17, 1989Studio(s) DisneyDistributor(s) DisneyWriters John Musker, Ron ClementsCast Jason Marin, Pat Carroll, Samuel E. Wright, Rene Auberjonois, Jodi Benson, Christopher Daniel BarnesRating GRuntime 63 MinutesGenres Family, Animation, AdventureFranchise(s) The Little MermaidBudget $40 MillionMain Genre Animation

I grew up with The Little Mermaid, so I have a lot of fondness for it. Ariel was one of my favorite Disney princesses as a kid,...

Disney movies are often admired for their wholesome morals, but examining some classics a little closer shows that they have some strange messages. Children's movies usually have positive messages, even though kids often learn more from brief interactions than extended narratives. Disney has always been lauded for teaching children to work hard for their dreams and to be kind to others, but not all their movies have such simplistic messages.

There are plenty of Disney movies which have aged poorly, with outdated stereotypes and problematic characters. In some cases, older Disney movies also have questionable moral lessons that don't hold up to scrutiny. What's more surprising is that modern Disney movies have also been criticized for their strange messaging. Movies can help shape young minds, so it's a little alarming to see some of the weird morals that Disney classics seem to offer.

Related 13 Disney Animation Characters With Surprisingly Large...

There were plenty of fantastic sitcoms in the 1970s, but audiences barely remembered some of them. Several of the best sitcoms of all time were broadcast throughout the 1970s, including Fawlty Towers and The Jeffersons. However, even some of the most popular comedy titles of that decade were forgotten about over time. Their disappearance from the spotlight wasnt always immediate, though. Multiple 70s sitcoms were popular for years after they ended and then eventually faded from memory, whereas others were massively underrated and cut short too quickly.

Unfortunately, even some of the best sitcoms of the 70s were a victim of this. These shows were incredibly prominent while they were on the air, but their biggest names ended up gaining popularity for other roles, so new generations of viewers stopped discovering their older projects. These sitcoms were also remembered in parts, but audiences often didn't recall how long they were on the air,...

For those of a certain age, Pat Carroll will forever be synonymous with her voice role as the fabulous sea witch Ursula in Disney's animated "The Little Mermaid." However, for those of another certain age, their memories of Carroll will forever be entwined with her career as a mainstay of 20th-century television comedy thanks to her appearances on variety shows like "The Carol Burnett Show" and her stint as Shirley Feeney's ever-critical mother on "Laverne & Shirley." 

Or maybe you're a weirdo who was reared on animated "Garfield" holiday specials and associate her with Jon Arbuckle's piano-pounding, chainsaw-swinging grandmother with the abs of steel. I wouldn't know anything about that.

As fate would have it, Carroll nearly voiced Jane Jetson on Hanna-Barbera's futuristic cartoon sitcom "The Jetsons," a role that would've existed at the nexus between her animated ventures and her run as a linchpin of live-action TV burlesque...

Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies reveals a pivotal moment in "The Church on Ruby Road" pays tribute to Disney's The Little Mermaid. The 2023 seasonal special introduces Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor and Millie Gibson as the new companion, Ruby Sunday. The show is set to take a more fantastical approach to storytelling, expanding its vision and incorporating elements of fantasy into future episodes.

Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies reveals that one pivotal moment in "The Church on Ruby Road" involving the Goblin King was a tribute to a beloved Disney animated feature. The 2023 seasonal special was Ncuti Gatwa's first solo adventure as the Fifteenth Doctor, fully introducing the new incarnation of the Time Lord and Millie Gibson's new companion, Ruby Sunday. In "The Church on Ruby Road," the Doctor and Ruby face a horde of goblins led by a ginormous Goblin King, who jumps through time and...

A cosplay video shows an impressive transformation into Ursula, the iconic villain from The Little Mermaid. Ursula is influenced by drag culture, and this cosplay pays homage to her drag queen ties. Melissa McCarthy's experience as a drag queen influenced her portrayal of Ursula in the live-action remake.

A cosplay video shows a shocking transformation into The Little Mermaid’s Ursula. The main villain of the story, Ursula’s introduction to Disney was through the 1989 animated film, in which she was voiced by Pat Carroll. 2023’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid saw Melissa McCarthy in the classic antagonist role.

A video from @ronclark_ shows his impressive transformation into the humanoid octopus.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ron Clark (@ronclark__)

As the video begins, Clark sports a bulbous periwinkle chin extension that forms the bottom of Ursula’s plump face. As the video continues, more elements are added,...

In the new Hulu comedy-drama “Quiz Lady,” the shy Anne (Awkwafina) has found solace since childhood from her irresponsible mother, Mia father and her boring job watching a “Jeopardy”-esque game show every weeknight. And she even envisions the host (Will Ferrell) as a father figure. Though game show fans don’t usually have such high drama in their lives, most of the contestants on “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune” are literally lifelong aficionados. But not every quiz or game show is a “Jeopardy!” “Wheel of Fortune” or even a “Family Feud.”

There have been a lot of quiz and game show series that were offbeat, short-lived or downright hideous, like CBS’ “You’re in the Picture,” which premiered Jan. 20, 1961, the same night as President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration. The show was hosted by none other than Jackie Gleason, who was one of the biggest stars on the Tiffany...

Few Disney villains are as delightfully wicked as Ursula, the sea witch in "The Little Mermaid." That goes for the animated version voiced by Pat Carroll in the 1989 film as well as the less impressive live-action version with Melissa McCarthy. She just loves being evil and milks every second of enjoyment out of her dastardly plan to take Ariel's voice (Halle Bailey) to get back at her brother Titan (Javier Bardem). 

McCarthy was born for this role and made it her own, including her big number "Poor Unfortunate Souls," which was a lot to live up to. She did, however, have one issue with a bit of advice she got from director Rob Marshall and producer John DeLuca. So many kids beloved the original film, and this advice/stage direction might have gotten this version of the film pushed out of the PG slot it ended up in, as she recently told Entertainment Weekly.

The Little Mermaid's sea witch Ursula is a misunderstood figure among Disney's pantheon of villains, according to Melissa McCarthy. First voiced by Pat Carroll in the 1989 Disney animated classic, Urusla made a deal with Princess Ariel (Jodi Benson) to give her the chance to walk on land among humans in a scheme to usurp the throne of Atlantica. In the 2023 remake led by Halle Bailey, Ursula's origins are expanded on to provide her character with further development.

Following the release of Disney's live-action reimagining of The Little Mermaid, McCarthy offered her perspective on just who the iconic Disney villain truly is during the closing moments of the latest episode of First We Feast's Hot Ones.

McCarthy defended her character, stating that Ursula uses her over-the-top outfits and over-confident, outgoing personality to hide the pain that she has endured and allowed to fester over the years following her banishment. Check out...

Live-action Disney villain prequels have become a trend recently and after The Little Mermaid, it's inevitable that the next one will be about Ursula. 2023's The Little Mermaid has been a huge hit, once again revitalizing the Disney animated classic and renewing interest in the future of the franchise. Due to the film's success, Disney is most likely looking for ways to expand on The Little Mermaid live-action remake. Luckily, the film's fantastic use of Ursula means that a live-action The Little Mermaid prequel focusing on the Sea Witch is the perfect choice for Disney's next big villain prequel.

The Little Mermaid is only the most recent entry in Disney's long line of live-action remakes of animated classics with, The Jungle Book, The Lion King, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and more getting the same treatment. 2023's The Little Mermaid is arguably the most accurate to the source material, as...

In Hans Christian Andersen's original tale of "The Little Mermaid," first published in 1837, the titular mermaid longs to swim to the surface and explore the world of humans after falling in love with a human man. She visits a sea witch who has a potion that can give her legs in exchange for her voice; she will become human but won't be able to speak. In Andersen's world, mermaids don't have souls and, when they die, transform into sea foam rather than ascending into heaven. 

In order to survive, the little mermaid will have to marry a human man before a certain amount of time elapses. It seems that the mermaid will not be successful in wooing the prince and is destined to become sea foam. At the last minute, the mermaid's sisters rally, giving their hair to the sea witch in exchange for a magical dagger. If...

"The Little Mermaid" was a vital turning point for Disney. Released in 1989, it was the first princess story in 30 years since "Sleeping Beauty," Ariel was a rebellious heroine like no other, and composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman created a Broadway-style soundtrack. The songs have emotional depth, guide the story along, and communicate the characters' inner desires.

The incredible vocal talents of the original film made these songs treasures. Jodi Benson's sweet, crystalline voice — especially in her pivotal number "Part of Your World" — defined Ariel as an adventurous young woman and a new generation of princesses who would stop at nothing to get what they want. Samuel E. Wright's booming voice and vivacious energy are perfect for the overdramatic crustacean — especially the classic romp "Under the Sea." The dramatic, deep-throated performance of "Poor Unfortunate Souls" by Pat Carroll is delightfully wicked. These musical numbers are beloved classics,...

The article contains some spoilers from the live-action The Little Mermaid. The Little Mermaid live-action remake already has stars Melissa McCarthy and Javier Bardem - who play Ursula and King Triton, respectively - pushing a spinoff film for their characters. The Little Mermaid is the latest in a long line of recent Disney live-action remakes, and the early reviews are mostly positive, remarking on Halle Bailey and McCarthy's performances as standouts. With the film already making numerous changes from the animated movie, such as the songs, another modification includes King Triton and Ursula's relationship as they are siblings in the remake.

In a recent conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, McCarthy and Bardem talked about what it was like working together on the live-action The Little Mermaid set. They both gushed over each other's talents, which led to Bardem saying that he needed a spinoff film, so their characters could spend more time together.

Halle Bailey and Jonah Hauer-King in The Little Mermaid Image: Disney A few weeks ago, I wrote a news story about Alan Menken’s reveal that songs from The Little Mermaid had been edited and updated to be more reflective of modern morality, particularly in relation to consent. Without having heard the new lyrics,...

Halle Bailey and Jonah Hauer-King in The Little MermaidImage: Disney

A few weeks ago, I wrote a news story about Alan Menken’s reveal that songs from The Little Mermaid had been edited and updated to be more reflective of modern morality, particularly in relation to consent. Without having heard the new lyrics,...

Melissa McCarthy has played all manner of outlandish characters, but stepping into the role (and tentacles) of Ursula, the sea witch from Disney’s 1989 animated feature “The Little Mermaid” originally voiced by Pat Carroll, was an intimidating feat.

“I so loved Pat Carroll,” McCarthy told TheWrap. “She crushed this in the original that if I’m going to do this I have to stop and just say, ‘all the love I have to you, homage to the beginning’ and then try to make mine my own.”

That process started, as McCarthy said, by treating Ursula no different than any other character the actress has played. “I just kind of took her apart like any other character and started really think about what makes her tick. What’s kind of a front and what is she really hiding? What’s the vulnerability, and what’s the loneliness and the isolation?” she said.

For all of the spurious arguments over authenticity or criticisms about Halle Bailey’s casting as Ariel, Rob Marshall’s The Little Mermaid is a remarkably safe—and remarkably bland—live-action adaptation of Ron Clements and John Musker’s 1989 animated original. Beyond Lin-Manuel Miranda’s newly written music, including a cringe-worthy rap song performed by Scuttle (Awkwafina) and Sebastian (Daveed Diggs), this Little Mermaid feels more or less like two-hour-plus cosplay with the texture and gravitas of a Disneyland sideshow.

The story itself largely remains unchanged. Ariel (Halle Bailey) is the youngest of five daughters of the widowed King Triton (Javier Bardem). As the king desperately tries to keep Ariel obedient and away from the humans whom he blames for his beloved wife’s death, the precocious mermaid only grows more enamored and intrigued by human behavior and their affects.

One night, Ariel’s curiosity gets the best of her...

Halle Bailey in The Little Mermaid Photo: Disney Another day, another Disney remake. The Mouse House’s decade-long trend of realizing their animated canon in live action—or whatever The Lion King was—has been commented upon ad nauseum, criticized for their revisionism of stories that didn’t need revising...

Halle Bailey in The Little MermaidPhoto: Disney

Another day, another Disney remake. The Mouse House’s decade-long trend of realizing their animated canon in live action—or whatever The Lion King was—has been commented upon ad nauseum, criticized for their revisionism of stories that didn’t need revising and...

A new clip from the live-action The Little Mermaid remake reveals Melissa McCarthy's performance of an iconic song from the original film. Disney's 1989 animated classic, which is based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale of the same name, follows young mermaid Ariel as she trades her voice to the sea witch Ursula in exchange for a pair of legs to explore the human world. The new film, which premieres in theaters on May 26, stars Halle Bailey as Ariel with McCarthy stepping into the role of the octopus-like Ursula.

This week, Walt Disney Studios shared a brand-new clip from The Little Mermaid 2023.

The minute-long video shows a snippet of McCarthy performing Ursula's bombastic solo song "Poor Unfortunate Souls." It also offers a closer glimpse at her eel minions Flotsam and Jetsam, who haven't been featured front and center in the marketing materials thus far.

How The Little Mermaid...

The Little Mermaid introduced viewers to Ursula (voiced by Pat Carroll), a villainous sea witch banished from the mermaid kingdom who tricked Ariel (Jodi Benson), but why was Ursula banished in the first place? In the movie, it’s shown that Ursula lives completely isolated from the rest of the kingdom, but mermaids still come to her for magical help. When Ariel comes to her, Ursula clearly has made deals before, but the audience doesn't get much of her backstory. Even the Disney animated series, set before the events of the movie, didn't spend much time with Ursula.

Ursula’s plan was not only to trick Ariel, so she could own her but also to get rid of her, so she could replace King Triton and thus rule over the oceans. However, her reasons to do so, for her resentment towards King Triton and company, and for her banishment and...

Melissa McCarthy explains how her view of The Little Mermaid's Ursula has changed. Directed by Rob Marshall, the live-action remake of Disney's 1989 animated film stars Halle Bailey as the young mermaid who dreams of visiting the surface world. McCarthy takes on the role of Ursula. In the animated movie, the sea witch's motivations to acquire power, along with her song "Poor Unfortunate Souls," make her a memorable antagonist. The Little Mermaid trailer features several glimpses of McCarthy's Ursula, and audiences are eager to see her in a more villainous role.

In a recent interview with People, McCarthy revealed what it was like playing Ursula and shared that her perception of the character changed while filming. Read McCarthy's comments regarding Ursula in The Little Mermaid below:

[Ursula] is just bigger than life. So then to kind of have to live with her for that long and really think about, like, what is she afraid of?...

With a high bar set by her predecessor, The Little Mermaid star Awkwafina shares how she is making her version of Scuttle her own. The upcoming film marks the latest live-action Disney remake, itself loosely based on the 19th century Danish fairy tale about the mermaid daughter of King Triton who falls in love with a human and trades her voice to a sea witch in exchange for legs in order to be part of his world. Grown-ish alum Halle Bailey is leading the cast of The Little Mermaid alongside Jonah Hauer-King, Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay, and Melissa McCarthy.

During a recent exclusive interview with Screen Rant for the horror-comedy Renfield, Awkwafina opened up about her work on the upcoming The Little Mermaid remake. When asked about how she approached voicing Ariel's iconic companion Scuttle, the star quickly noted she had no interest in trying to duplicate Buddy Hackett's "memorable" original performance,...

The first trailer for Disney’s new live-action remake of The Little Mermaid has broken the surface before its splash landing in theaters on May 26th.

The new retelling of the 1989 animated classic stars Halle Bailey as Ariel against Melissa McCarthy’s tentacled antagonist, Ursula. Javier Bardem appears as Ariel’s father King Triton, while Jonah Hauer-King will serve as her on-shore love interest, Eric. Meanwhile, Daveed Diggs, Jacob Tremblay, and Awkwafina will voice Ariel’s underwater gang as Sebastian, Flounder, and Scuttle, respectively.

The new live-action rendition was directed by Rob Marshall and features four new songs written by the original animated movie’s composer, Alan Menken, in a long-awaited collaboration with Lin-Manuel Miranda.

The Little Mermaid arrives in theaters on May 26th. In the meantime, revisit the careers of some of the original film’s cast including the late Pat Carroll, who voiced Ursula, and Samuel E. Wright,...

“The Little Mermaid” is almost here.

Star Halle Bailey revealed a new poster on Twitter Wednesday.

She also revealed an official drop date for the trailer, writing, “check out the new poster for #TheLittleMermaid and see the official trailer debut during the #Oscars this Sunday on ABC”.

Read More: Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ Live-Action Poster Surfaces

check out the new poster for #TheLittleMermaid and see the official trailer debut during the #Oscars this Sunday on ABC pic.twitter.com/mtOwMWUl3P

— Halle (@HalleBailey) March 8, 2023

The new poster features Bailey’s red-headed Ariel in the iconic pose atop a rocky crag in the middle of the ocean. The artistically rendered image shows a sun rising behind her, lighting her silhouette against the dark sky.

The reveal comes after the teaser was released in February, giving fans a first look at Melissa McCarthy’s Ursula.

Read More: Pat Carroll, Voice Of Ursula In ‘The Little Mermaid,...

Sunday’s SAG Awards ceremony will be a streaming event for the first time on the Netflix YouTube channel. One of the highlights each year is the special In Memoriam segment. It’s been a particularly rough year with over 100 deaths of prominent actors and actresses who were likely members of SAG/AFTRA. Show producers typically are able to include approximately 40-50 people in a tribute.

Among that group will certainly be Oscar winners Louise Fletcher, William Hurt and Irene Cara, plus nominees Angela Lansbury (a SAG life achievement recipient) and Melinda Dillon. Emmy champs Mary Alice, Kirstie Alley, Leslie Jordan, Ray Liotta, Stuart Margolin, Robert Morse and Barbara Walters.

SEECelebrity Deaths 2023: In Memoriam Gallery

Here is our expansive list of over 100 people who died since last year’s ceremony, several of whom will be honored on Sunday’s event:

Ralph Ahn

J. Grant Albrecht

Mary Alice

Rae Allen...

It’s time for Ursula to emerge from the ocean depths.

Disney released the newest teaser for its live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid” starring Halle Bailey in the role of Ariel and it’s introducing the villain of the classic film — Ursula.

Melissa McCarthy plays the sea witch in the new film, and viewers are given a glimpse of her at the end of the 30-second trailer.

Read More: Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ Live-Action Poster Surfaces

Bailey’s Ariel takes the audience across a variety of beautiful underwater locales, including a shot of the iconic rowboat scene with Jonah Hauer-King’s Prince Eric, all while her rendition of “Part of Your World” plays.

At the end of the sequence, a close-up shot of Ursula’s eyes are shown, framed by her tentacles, as McCarthy can be heard laughing menacingly.

The cast also includes Daveed Diggs as the voice...

The release of Disney's live-action remake of "The Little Mermaid" is swimming ever closer, and now, a new teaser is here to show you more of what's under the sea.

Disney released the first teaser for "The Little Mermaid" last September at D23 Expo, where /Film was on hand to provide a description of additional footage not shown online. Both the teaser and convention footage centered on a recreation of the "Part of Your World" sequence from the original 1989 animated version of "The Little Mermaid." We got a look at "Grown-ish" actress Halle Bailey, who is also one half of the musical duo Chloe x Halle, singing her heart out as the eponymous mermaid princess, Ariel. Since it was just a teaser, though, there wasn't much to see beyond some quick glimpses of sea turtles, coral, silhouettes, a mermaid fin, and the final shot of the new Ariel's live-action face.

The live-action remake of Disney’s The Little Mermaid has been met with a lot of criticism for many reasons and way before the first looks at it were shared, and Melissa McCarthy’s casting as Ursula was no exception. The trend of live-action remakes continues at Disney, and next in line is The Little Mermaid, loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen’s 1837 fairy tale of the same name. The Little Mermaid remake is directed by Rob Marshall with music by legendary composer Alan Menken and new songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and it’s expected to tell the same story as the animated classic, but with some changes here and there.

The Little Mermaid, then, will see the title mermaid, Ariel (Halle Bailey), as she transforms into a human after falling in love with human Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King) and making a deal with the sea witch Ursula (Melissa McCarthy...

Olivia Newton-John will receive yet another special tribute — a state memorial service in her childhood home of Melbourne, Australia, later this month.

Newton-John’s family is helping to plan the event, which will take place at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre in Melbourne on Feb. 26. The show will feature special tributes from family and friends, as well as a musical performance from Delta Goodrem, who both collaborated with Newton-John and played her in the 2018 Australian biopic miniseries.

Tickets to the tribute will be free, though only a limited number will be available.

John Legend took the stage at the Emmy Awards on Monday to honor the stars who left us during the past year. The “In Memoriam” segment was one of the highlights of the night, with the Egot winner performing his new song “Pieces.”

Hollywood & Media Deaths 2022: A Photo Gallery

Anthony Anderson presented Legend and the segment, saying, “It never feels like the right time to say goodbye to a loved one, a friend or a cherished icon.”

He added. “To quote Shakespeare, ‘All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players, they have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts.’ As we acknowledge the legends within our industry will pass on, we celebrate all that they created and shared with the world. May they rest in peace and power.”

Emmy Red Carpet Photos: Best Looks Of 2022

During Legend’s performance,...

Image Source: Patrick T. Fallon/Afp via Getty Images

The 2022 Emmy Awards included its annual in memoriam tribute to entertainers and industry professionals who died in the past year during Monday night's ceremony in Los Angeles. "Golden Girls" icon Betty White, actor James Caan, and "Full House" star Bob Saget were all honored.

John Legend performed his emotional new song "Pieces" during the ceremony at the Microsoft Theater on Sept. 12 after an introduction by Anthony Anderson. "It never feels like the right time to say goodbye to a loved one, a friend, or a cherished icon," Anderson said, before launching into a Shakespeare quote. He said the segment would "acknowledge the legends within our industry who have passed on."

Continued Anderson, "We celebrate all that they created and shared with the world. May they rest in peace and power."

As Legend crooned the heartfelt lyrics, video played featuring images -...

These stars will always be remembered. During Sunday’s broadcast of the Emmy Awards, John Legend was tasked with leading the In Memoriam segment remembering celebrities in entertainment — and ones out of it — during a moving performance of his new song “Pieces.”

“It never feels like the right time to say goodbye to a loved one, a friend, or cherished icon,” Anthony Anderson shared, introducing the moving performance. “To quote Shakespeare, all the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances,...

Producers of this Monday’s Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony have some difficult decisions to make about who to honor during the emotional In Memoriam segment. John Legend will perform “Pieces,” a new song he has written for the tribute. Kenan Thompson will host the 2022 Emmys for NBC at 8 p.m. Et; 5 p.m. Pt.

Our list below includes almost 100 people who made a strong contribution to television and have died since mid-September of 2021 following the previous Emmys ceremony. Only about 40-45 of these people will probably be in the video segment. Certain to be featured will be TV Academy Hall of Fame members actress Betty White and director Jay Sandrich.Other prominent names almost certainly chosen are: Mary Alice (acting winner), Louie Anderson (acting winner), James Caan (acting nominee), Anne Heche (acting winner), Howard Hesseman (acting nominee), William Hurt (acting nominee), Gregory Itzin (acting nominee), Ray Liotta (acting winner), Burt Metcalfe...

Lisa Simpson discovers that villains really do have more fun in the new Simpsons animated short, “Welcome to the Club” on Disney+, which sees her hanging out with “Little Mermaid” baddie Ursula and Loki.

Tom Hiddleston, who previously appeared in the Simpsons/Marvel crossover short, “The Good, the Bart, and the Loki,” returns to voice the mischievous trickster god in the new four-minute short. Voice artist Dawn Lewis takes over the role of Ursula from Pat Carroll, who died earlier this year.

Ahead of the short film’s premiere on Thursday, Sept. 8 at 12:01 a.m. Pt, TheWrap spoke with “The Simpsons” writer/producer Al Jean, who joked he’s dying to do a NatGeo crossover. And since he’s a big fan of “Bluey,” it might not be a stretch to see Simpsons’ pooch Santa’s Little Helper hanging out with our favorite animated heelers.

Also Read:

Longest Running...

One year after losing the Best Comedy Supporting Actress Emmy to her “Ted Lasso” castmate Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple has now earned an immediate second shot at the gold. If she triumphs this time, “Ted Lasso” will become the fifth series to produce multiple winners in the category after “Caesar’s Hour” (Nanette Fabray and Pat Carroll), “Bewitched” (Alice Pearce and Marion Lorne), “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “Cheers” (Rhea Perlman and Bebe Neuwirth).

Temple has played model-turned-pr consultant Keeley Jones since “Ted Lasso” first premiered in August 2020. Her episode submission, “Midnight Train to Royston,” serves as the penultimate chapter of the Apple TV+ show’s sophomore season. In the installment, Keeley prepares for a Vanity Fair photoshoot by shopping for new outfits with Nate Shelley (Nick Mohammed). Partway through the errand, she graciously rebuffs an impulsive kiss from Nate, who harbors feelings for her despite the fact that she is dating his coworker,...

Olivia Newton-John, the celebrated pop culture icon known for her performances in Grease and Xanadu, as well as her Grammy-winning hits like “I Honestly Love You” and “Physical,” died Monday, Aug. 8. She was 73.

Newton-John’s husband, John Easterling, confirmed her death on Instagram, writing that she “passed away peacefully at her ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends.” No exact cause of death was given.

The statement continued, “Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer.

Olivia Newton-John, the multiple-Grammy-winning “Physical” and “I Honestly Love You” singer who went on to star in the beloved film musical Grease and later Xanadu, died today at her Southern California ranch, according to her official Facebook page. She was 73.

No cause of death was given, but Newton-John had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992. She later recovered, but the cancer recurred in 2013 and had metastasized to her lower back within four years. She long had been an activist against the disease.

Related: Entertainment & Media Deaths In 2022: Photo Gallery & Obituaries

A UK native who was raised in Australia, Newton-John began her career as a country singer but quickly crossed over to pop with the late-1973 hit “Let Me Be There.” It was the first of 15 Top 10 U.S. singles, including five No. 1s: “I Honestly Love You,” “Have You Never Been Mellow,” “You’re the One That I Want”, “Magic” (from the 1980 film Xanadu) and her biggest smash, “Physical.” The latter topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 10 weeks and was the No. 1 single of 1981. It also spurred a physical-fitness craze, with its music video featuring Newton-John — in a period-defining outfit that included a leotard and headband — cavorting among hardbody models and chunky schlubs just trying to work off a few dozen extra pounds. Watch it below.

Newton-John won four Grammy Awards among a dozen nominations during her career: “Let Me Be There” took Best Country Performance, Female, in 1974; “I Honestly Love You” won Record of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female, the following year; and “Heart Attack” took Video of the Year in 1983. She also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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She is best known to movie fans as the “Sandra Dee”-esque Sandy in Grease, the 1978 smash that remains among the top-grossing movie musicals of all time. Starring opposite Travolta in the Broadway adaptation, Newton-John sang the film’s country-flecked ballad “Hopelessly Devoted to You” and also duetted with Travolta and the company on “Summer Nights.” Both of those singles also made the U.S. Top 10. The film’s soundtrack spent 12 nonconsecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and has sold more than 8 million copies in the U.S. alone. It also spawned a No. 1 hit with Frankie Valli’s title track.

Related: John Travolta Remembers ‘Grease’ Costar Olivia Newton-John: “Your Impact Was Incredible”

Olivia Newton-John, and John Travolta in ‘Grease,’ 1978

Grease was a sensation with it premiered in June 1978. With school scenes shot at Venice High and Marshall High in Los Angeles, it combined the era’s 1950s nostalgia with the burgeoning disco movement and made film stars of Newton-John and Travolta. They played star-crossed polar-opposite lovers who become the king and queen of Rydell High School, with Newton-John’s Sandy Dumbrowski getting an extreme makeover from the prim, ponytailed new girl at school into a leather-clad stunner near the end.

Grease was added to the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry in 2020.

The film also helped fuel Newton-John’s stellar music career. Along with “Physical” and “Magic,” she also had post-Grease Top 10 hits with the disco-flecked “A Little More Love,” “Make a Move on Me,” “Heart Attack,” “Twist of Fate” and the title track from follow-up film, “Xanadu.” She had five Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart as well.

Related: Olivia Newton-John’s Daughter And Peers Remember The Actress, Singer And Humanitarian: “Heartbroken Doesn’t Even Begin To Cover It”

Released by Universal in August 1980, Xanadu coat-tailed the late-’70s roller disco craze, with Newton-John starring as Kira, a mysterious woman who falls in love with a struggling freelance artist (Michael Beck) living in Los Angeles. Despite co-starring Gene Kelly, the film was not a commercial hit — the skating fad had ebbed by the time it came out — but its soundtrack reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and went on to go double platinum. It also features Electric Light Orchestra and the Tubes.

Flowers for Olivia Newton-John are placed on her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Many of Newton-John’s solo albums also were hot sellers in the 1970s and early ’80s, with If You Love Me, Let Me Know topping the Billboard 200 in October 1974 and follow-up Have You Never Been Mellow doing the same just five months later. Two others made the U.S. Top 10: Totally Hot (1978) and Physical (1981).

Born on September 26, 1948, in Cambridge, England, Newton-John moved with her family to Melbourne, Australia, when she was a child. She began in music with a teenage pop group before winning an Australian TV talent show. She made her first single, “Till You Say You’ll Be Mine” in 1966 and toured English clubs as part of the duo Pat & Olivia with Pat Carroll. She later returned Down Under to continue her music career.

Newton-John is survived by her husband, John Easterling; daughter Chloe Lattanzi; her sister, Sarah Newton-John; her brother, Toby Newton-John; and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory at ONJfoundation.org.

Olivia Newton-John, the top female pop vocalist of the 1970s who starred in movies including “Grease” and “Xanadu,” died Monday. She was 73.

Her husband, John Easterling, posted the news on her official Facebook page, writing: “Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends. We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”

A cause of death was not given, but Newton-John was diagnosed with breast cancer that surfaced for a third time in 2017. “Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer,” her husband wrote. “Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer.”

Her “Grease” costar and hit duet partner John Travolta was quick to weigh in with a tribute on social media.

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Olivia Newton-John, the angelic Australian singer who forged a hopelessly devoted following with her chart-topping hits “Physical,” “Have You Never Been Mellow” and “You’re the One That I Want,” her Grease duet with John Travolta, has died. She was 73.

Newton-John died Monday morning at her ranch in Southern California, her husband, John Easterling, announced on Facebook.

“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer,” he wrote. “Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer.”

Born in England and raised in Melbourne, Newton-John was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, and she announced in May 2017 that after 25 years in remission the disease had spread to her lower back. The singer in August 2018 canceled a two-date tour just three...

Pat Carroll, an accomplished stage and screen actress who also voiced one of the most memorable Disney villains, died from pneumonia on Saturday. The actress passed away at her home in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and she was 95. While she continued to provide her iconic voice as Ursula in other venues after appearing in the […]

The post Pat Carroll, Actress Who Voiced Ursula In ‘The Little Mermaid,’ Dies At 95 appeared first on uInterview.

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Whoopi Goldberg took time to remember Star Trek star Nichelle Nichols on Monday’s The View.

Goldberg, in her role as moderator on the ABC daytime show, spoke about Nichols in a segment midway through the Monday broadcast in which she and the other co-hosts discussed the numerous high-profile individuals who died recently including Bill Russell, Pat Carroll and Heather Gray.

When she got to Nichols, Goldberg took a deep breath before speaking about the woman she called a “Star Trek legend” as well as a “trailblazer, a heroine and an extraordinary woman.”

Nichols “inspired millions and millions of people,” Goldberg said, including her, recalling what she had previously said when she joined the Star Trek franchise as Guinan.

“Nichelle was the first Black person I’d ever seen who made it to the future,” Goldberg recalled. “She was head of communications. This...

Pat Carroll, Emmy-winning actress and voice of the Disney villain Ursula in "The Little Mermaid," has died at the age of 95. Carroll's daughter Kerry Karsian confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that she had succumbed to pneumonia at her home in Cape Cod, Massachusetts on Saturday, July 30, 2022. Her talent rep, Derek Maki, separately confirmed the news to Variety, adding that Carroll had her best friend by her side when she passed.

Carroll was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1927; at an early age, she uprooted with her family to Los Angeles. After performing with stock companies and in nightclubs and army productions, the multitalented thespian...

The post Pat Carroll, Voice Of Ursula In The Little Mermaid, Has Died At 95 appeared first on /Film.

Emmy-winning comedienne Pat Carroll, a prolific stage and television actress known for shows such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Laverne & Shirley, has died. She was 95. Carroll passed away at her home in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, on Saturday, July 30, while recovering from pneumonia, her daughter Kerry Karsian told The Hollywood Reporter. Born on May 5, 1927, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Carroll would begin her acting career in 1947, landing a role in the film Hometown Girl. From there, she went on to star in numerous television shows, including the sitcom Make Room for Daddy, Studio 57, The Steve Allen Show, and Caesar’s Hour, for which she received an Emmy Award. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Carroll would appear in various sketch/variety shows, including The Danny Thomas Show, The Red Skelton Show, and The Carol Burnett Show. Then, in 1976, she joined the popular sitcom Laverne & Shirley. Over the next three decades,...

The comedy actor, who started out as a regular on variety shows and became a prolific voice actor, died at home on Saturday of pneumonia

Pat Carroll, the Emmy award-winning actor and voice of the memorable Disney villain Ursula in The Little Mermaid, has died aged 95.

Carroll died on Saturday of pneumonia at her home in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, her daughter Kerry Karsian told the Hollywood Reporter.

Pat Carroll, a veteran actress known for her voice role as Ursula in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” and whose career as an entertainer spanned seven decades, died Saturday in Cape Cod, Mass. while recovering from pneumonia. She was 95 years old.

Carroll’s death was confirmed by her representative, Derek Maki. Maki stated that Carroll died with her best friend by her side.

Born on May 5, 1927 in Shreveport, La., Patricia Ann Carroll’s family relocated to Los Angeles when she was five years old. There she began acting in local productions at a young age, before attending Catholic University of America and later enlisting in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Carroll’s first role came in 1947 in the film “Hometown Girl.” She became a regular presence on variety shows over the next three decades. Carroll earned an Emmy Award in 1956 for her work on “Sid Caesar’s House.

Actress and Emmy winner Pat Carroll, the voice of The Little Mermaid‘s Ursula, has died, our sister site Deadline reports. She was 95.

Carroll, who was also a Grammy winner, died at her home in Cape Cod, Mass. Saturday while recovering from pneumonia.

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Best known by modern audiences for voicing the popular Disney villain, Carroll was a frequent film and TV actress who...

Pat Carroll, an Emmy-winning actress who appeared on “Laverne & Shirley” and was the voice of Ursula in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” has died at the age of 95 from pneumonia, her daughter Tara Karsian announced on her Facebook page.

“It is with a heavy heart that I write that my mother, Pat Carroll, has passed away at the grand old age of 95,” Karsian announced. “We ask that you honor her by having a raucous laugh at absolutely anything today (and everyday forward) because besides her brilliant talent and love, she leaves my sister Kerry and I with the greatest gift of all, imbuing us with humor and the ability to laugh… even in the saddest of times.”

Carroll made her onscreen debut in the 1948 film “Hometown Girl,” and subsequently made a mark in television. She won an Emmy in 1956 for her work on “Caesar’s Hour” and starred as a...

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Pat Carroll, the gregarious Emmy-winning comedienne who was a television mainstay for decades before segueing to a voiceover career that included portraying the villainous sea witch Ursula in The Little Mermaid, has died. She was 95.

Carroll died Saturday of pneumonia at her home in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, her daughter Kerry Karsian told The Hollywood Reporter.

Carroll’s perky personality, screwball wit and impeccable timing made her a great second banana, and Red Buttons, Jimmy Durante, Mickey Rooney, Steve Allen and Charley Weaver were among those who called upon her to make their programs funnier. Her antics on Caesar’s Hour earned her an Emmy in 1957, and she was nominated for her work on the classic variety show the following year.

In a 2013 interview with Kliph Nesteroff, Carroll compared Howard Morris, Carl Reiner and Sid Caesar on Caesar’s Hour to the Chicago Cubs’ legendary double-play...

Comedian and actress Pat Carroll, a television pioneer and an Emmy, Drama Desk and Grammy winner, died at her home on Cape Cod, Massachusetts on July 30, while recovering from pnuemonia.

A frequent film actress and television guest star and series regular starting in the late 1940s, her work was seen on the Jimmy Durante Show, The Danny Thomas Show, Laverne & Shirley, ER and many other shows. She voiced Ursula in The Little Mermaid, and voiced several cartoon series.

Patricia Ann Carroll was born May 5, 1927 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Her family moved to Los Angeles when she was five years old, and she soon began acting in local productions. She graduated from Immaculate Heart High Schol and then attended Catholic University of America after enlisting in the US Army.

Carroll’s acting career started in 1947 with the film Hometown Girl. In 1956, Carroll won an Emmy Award for her work on Sid Caesar’s House,...