Laura Dern Leaves Folks Shocked ... I Was Just 23 in OG 'Jurassic Park'!!!
Laura Dern was just a 20-something in 'Jurassic Park' -- opposite a then-40-something Sam Neill -- and the Internet can't believe it ... although we aren't sure if that's a good thing. 🤔
The actress dropped this bomb in a new interview with the Sunday Times, claiming she was just 23 when she starred in the original 'JP' back in 1993 ... and the age difference with her costar at the time was noted by the man himself, in a joking manner.
Laura Dern was 23 when she starred in Jurassic Park with Sam Neill, who is 20 years older. Now the duo are back, they talk to @JonathanDean_ about patriarchy, politics and palaeontologyhttps://t.co/TZbqJ0bUv2
— Sunday Times Culture (@ST_Culture) May 22, 2022 @ST_Culture
Neill, who did the interview with Dern apparently, is quoted as blurting out how much older he is/was than LD, saying ... "I am 20 years older than Laura! Which at the time was a completely appropriate age difference for a leading man and lady!"
Dern concurs, explaining, "Well, it felt completely appropriate to fall in love with Sam Neill. And, it was only now, when we returned in a moment of cultural awareness about the patriarchy, that I was, like, ‘Wow! We’re not the same age?'"
Dern: “Well, it felt completely appropriate to fall in love with Sam Neill. And it was only now, when we returned in a moment of cultural awareness about the patriarchy, that I was, like, ‘Wow! We’re not the same age?’” pic.twitter.com/Q37jEuRbJf
— Sunday Times Culture (@ST_Culture) May 22, 2022 @ST_Culture
People latched on to this for a couple reasons ... one, Dern's quote is being interpreted by some as sarcastic and sort of a commentary on the idea that a woman of Sam's age (at the time) couldn't or wouldn't be cast -- apparently touching on double standards in the biz.
Of course, Laura herself didn't say this exactly ... and that argument doesn't hold water next to the source material (the book) and considering Drs. Grant and Sattler are described as being in their 40s and late 20s, respectively. Her character was always meant to be younger.
Me finding out this muthafucka was 23 n Jurassic Park 😱😱😱 pic.twitter.com/pyG4NH6Pqd
— Brad's Imaginarium Emporium 🎨 (@BradRadcock) May 22, 2022 @BradRadcock
More importantly, the 23-year-old remark comes as news to many that Dern was that young in the film. As many have noted, she looks significantly older -- at least in her mid-30s.
Some have done the math on her 23 claim -- based on her birthday and the time the movie was shot, she might've been closer to 25 or 26 -- but folks are still in awe Dern was able to pass for much older back then ... and how good she looks now at 55. So ... thanks???
related articles
Stars and Scars You Be the Judge
Elon Musk has thrown a monkey wrench in his bid to buy Twitter with a change of party affiliation, and how crazy is Depp vs. Heard?!!? So, we gotta ask ...
Elon Musk Turns Republican ...
Chris Brown Congratulating Rihanna on Birth of Baby ...
Who's Winning???
Anti-Fur Protesters Scaring Christine Quinn
Shawn Booth Says Wild Snake Loose In His House ...
UFOs ...
Kourtney Not Inviting Scott Disick to Wedding
Kim Will Try To Catch Kourtney's Bouquet ...
Racism In 2022 ...
'Rescue Rangers' Movie Pan's Arc Compared to Driscoll Tragedy Fans Pissed Over Disrespect
The new Chip and Dale movie finds an unlikely villain in adult Peter Pan -- an inside nod to the real-life tragedy of the actor who voiced him years ago ... which has pissed off fans.
BTW, spoilers are ahead ... so beware. Anyway, here's what's going on -- everyone's buzzing about the 'Rescue Rangers' flick on Disney+, which has been viewed by many as a spiritual sequel to 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit?' ... namely, in the fact that toons and humans unite.
So #ChipNDaleRescueRangers came out today. Let's talk about the disgusting portrayal of Peter Pan as the villain
— QG (@2nd_quick) May 20, 2022 @2nd_quick
A thread 🧵 pic.twitter.com/bZfXqHDimE
There's tons of cameos -- most of which are very self-aware and "meta" -- but one, in particular, has gotten backlash ... the boy who never grows up turns out to be the big bad.
Pan describes why he turned evil to the main characters at one point, describing how the studio kicked him to the curb as he started to age and how he grew jaded. The disturbing thing -- to many, at least -- is that this plot accurately reflects Bobby Driscoll's own downfall.
Bobby Driscoll was the voice of Peter pan and one of Disney poster child before they basically threw him to the street when he reached puberty. He died at the age of thirty-one from drugs and misery. And in this movie, they do THAT. That's why I'll never watch this shitty movie. pic.twitter.com/9SpRsvqCDR
— Sei sai 1751 (@1751Sei) May 20, 2022 @1751Sei
If you're unfamiliar, BD was a child star working with Disney a lot back in the '40/'50s -- he even played Peter in the classic animated hit, and is said to have served as the inspiration behind Pan's look -- but eventually parted ways with the studio and died young after falling into drugs and homelessness. He was even buried in a pauper's grave, unidentified.
Rumor has it ... Bobby himself was allegedly canned by Disney as soon as he hit puberty and was no longer desirable. At least that's the urban legend ... something Disney themselves seem to be alluding to and/or poking fun at with adult Pan in this new movie.
Well, the animated Peter Pan is a spitting image of the real life actor as a kid, and unless they did plastic surgery on a kid back in the 50's, I'd say the most likely explanation is that yes, Peter Pan's face is based on the actor who voiced him. pic.twitter.com/JYHkiNcOGj
— ΔSimbab (@SimbabTheSailor) May 22, 2022 @SimbabTheSailor
Therein lies the controversy -- people think it's mad disrespectful to dip into Driscoll's story -- either intentionally or not -- for a few laughs and punchlines in this Mouse House movie.
While you could argue that this is Disney making fun of/criticizing their own alleged history when it comes to this dark lore ... others feel it's unwarranted territory to make a point, especially since Driscoll may have, in fact, spiraled as a result of how Disney treated him.
Aside from this seemingly cringeworthy reference, people are saying 'Rescue Rangers' is actually pretty damn good ... and a burst of nostalgia we haven't seen in a while.
That, or it's a cold and soulless IP dump/flex ... one or the other!
related articles
Amanda Bynes Interested in 'What I Like About You' ... Maybe a Revival Works!!!
-
Exclusive
- 1.2K shares
Amanda Bynes might be back on the small screen sooner than later -- she says she's potentially interested in getting back into the TV biz ... on her signature sitcom, no less.
The one-time child star -- who was recently released from a years-long conservatorship -- tells TMZ ... yes, she's "very interested" in a possible revival of her WB series "What I Like About You" -- a fan fave that ran for 4 seasons in the early 2000s.
She adds, "I think it's a great idea to reboot the show," while hedging a bit -- explaining that she hasn't talked to Leslie Grossman or Jennie Garth about it just yet.
Still, there's certainly some hope here -- AB says, "I miss them and would love to work with them again. I don't miss acting but I loved this show, so I'd be down to return to acting for this revival. It would be a great experience to continue the show."
That's a pretty big deal ... especially when you consider Garth herself recently said something to the same effect -- namely, expressing interest in getting the gang together again.
She noted on Behind the Velvet Rope with David Yontef she wasn't going to count Amanda out -- and now she might even wanna pick up the phone if there was any hesitation before ... 'cause her old costar sounds like she could easily hop on board for this.
Of course, it'll take more than just their mutual interest to get a would-be reboot off the ground and on the airwaves -- there's gotta be a studio that wants to produce it.
Nonetheless, seeing how much people are rallying around AB lately -- and the cult classic status 'WILAY' already has -- something tells us these ladies could get meetings quickly.
related articles
Kim Kardashian Now Ain't that Sweet??? ... On the Hunt for Gelato Ahead of Kourtney's Wedding
Kim Kardashian took to the streets of Portofino, Italy Sunday ... and she was like a Pied Piper.
Kim strolled through the streets with North and Penelope, with an entourage -- including her glam team -- and bodyguards in tow. It's pretty clear ... Italians are at the very least curious about the big fuss over the Kardashians.
They were on the hunt for gelato and did a little shopping in the process.
Kim's in town for sister Kourtney's 3rd wedding ceremony. Most of the fam is there, including Kylie, Kendall and Kris.
She jumped on a boat with North, presumably to get ready for the nuptials.
What we don't know ... is it possible Pete will jump on a plane and make it in time for the nuptials? He signed off 'SNL' for good Saturday night, and he could have jetted off in the middle of the night ... but we don't know.
Kourtney and Travis' ceremony will go down in a pretty spectacular castle.
Congrats ... for the third time, already!
related articles
Pete Davidson Bye Bye 'SNL' ... Moving, Hilarious Goodbye
Pete Davidson ended his 8-year stint on "SNL" Saturday night, telling jokes that were laced with truth and humor.
Pete was front and center at the anchor desk for 'Weekend Update,' and right out of the gate he made it clear ... he was not holding back. He began with, “Hello Colin and Che and millions of people only watching to see if I bring up Kanye.”
Davidson never mentioned Kim Kardashian, but he did bring up another flame -- Ariana Grande, with whom he got engaged after dating only 2 weeks. Lorne Michaels' reaction to the engagement is hilarious.
He also cracked a joke about people being confused by his race ... “Now everyone knows I’m white because I became hugely successful while barely showing up to work.”
Pete ended with a heartfelt goodbye, but now the real question ... is he moving to L.A. to be with Kim? Their relationship is undeniably serious and he's been spending a lot of time in the City of Angels, so it seems he's positioned to cross the country for good.
related articles
Mike Tyson Addresses JetBlue Confrontation ... 'He Was f***ing with Me!!!'
Mike Tyson finally broke his silence about his confrontation on a JetBlue flight with an out-of-control passenger, and one thing's clear ... he's really pissed over what went down.
Mike was on his 'Hotboxin' podcast and was clearly relieved the San Mateo County D.A. decided not to charge Mike for battery. As you know, the video -- obtained by TMZ -- shows Mike punching away at the guy after getting harassed even before the plane took off.
Mike said, "He was f***ing with me, man. I took pictures with this n****."
Mike says he knows there's always the chance someone will become "overly excited," and that's why his wife has been on him not to fly commercial.
Mike concedes, "I shouldn't even be taking public planes," adding, "A bodyguard and a f***ing yes man. What am I gonna do on a plane?"
He admitted situations like the one on JetBlue "trigger me" and he acknowledged ultimately it's a lose/lose situation.
And, speaking of triggering, Mike had reminisced about an incident during the infamous Holyfield fight.
BTW ... the passenger has lawyered up ... so it's unclear if Mike will have to open his wallet.
related articles
Buffalo Mass Shooting Scammer Targets Security Guard GoFundMe ... Tried to Steal Thousands?!?
-
Exclusive
- 436 shares
In another gut punch for the family of the Buffalo security guard killed in the mass shooting, a scammer allegedly tried to steal thousands of dollars from their crowdfunding account.
Here's the deal ... there's an official GoFundMe for the family of Aaron Salter Jr., the retired police officer who was working security at the supermarket where the tragic shooting happened, and it's raised about $40,000.
But, Aaron's son says the fund was targeted by a scammer this week, who he says tried to steal his personal information and bank account numbers.
Aaron Salter III tells TMZ ... he was combing through a sea of messages on the GoFundMe when he came across a message from a user who claimed they wanted to donate $4k. But, when he clicked on the message, he says his personal info was instantly switched with someone in Mississippi.
Aaron's son says he was able to get in touch with the good folks at GoFundMe, and they got the account back in his family's hands.
A spokesperson for GoFundMe tells TMZ ... they responded to a phishing attempt against the Salter family, and quickly secured the account. We're told the funds are safe and are being delivered directly to the fam.
Aaron's son says they would have been devastated if the scammer had succeeded -- because he says, obviously, the last thing they need while grieving is someone trying to rob them blind.
The Salter family is still getting a ton of community support ... including from Daymond John, who offered to help cover funeral costs and other expenses.
related articles
Khabib Nurmagomedov Planning To Visit Cain Velasquez ... In Jail Next Week
-
Exclusive
- 8.8K shares
Add Khabib Nurmagomedov to the ever-growing list of people outraged Cain Velsaquez remains in a northern Cali cell ... with the undefeated fighter telling TMZ Sports he feels so bad for the former heavyweight champ, he's visiting him in jail next week.
"Yesterday, I was talking with coach. I tell him any chance or is it possible to go and see him in jail? In Russia, we can go and see anybody like I asked him because I don't know the law here in the U.S. I really wanna go to see him. After a couple of days, I'm gonna be in San Jose. I wanna go to see him, shake his hand, give him good energy."
33-year-old Khabib has been friends and gym mates at AKA with 39-year-old Velasquez ... who's been locked up since February 28 ... on an attempted murder charge.
But, that doesn't even begin to tell the whole story ... 'cause the person Cain allegedly tried to take out is accused of doing something very bad to a family member.
In an effort to protect the alleged victim in Velasquez's family, we are not identifying the person.
There's been a ton of support from everyone from Dana White, Henry Cejudo and Kamaru Usman, amongst many others.
"Anybody in the world who respects himself, who loves his family -- he's gonna do same thing," Khabib passionately said.
"C'mon, nobody gonna think about law or something when you have something about your family. You have to protect your family."
Nurmagomedov, like many, can't understand why Cain's behind bars, but the man accused of the heinous act against CV's family member is free.
"This is not fair to sit in jail and other guy, he's outside. What about other guy? Put this guy in jail, too! He's more dangerous for people than Cain Velasquez."
"Never in his life, he's 40-years-old, never in his life did he have a problem in social, you know, outside with people. He's the most respectful guy I've ever seen in my life. I was training with him more than 10 years, I know his family, everybody."
Still, despite the outpouring of support, and his attorney's fighting for his freedom, the judge and prosecutor have refused to allow bail.
Velasquez, if convicted, is facing many years in prison.
Cain is back in court June 10 ... where it's possible he could be released while he awaits his trial.
In the meantime, at least he has the support of Khabib -- and so many others -- who are in his corner.
related articles
Rick Ross Car & Bike Show Underway ... Vroom, Start Your Engines!!!
Rick Ross's Georgia estate looks more like 5 different dealerships on one lot -- because his first annual Car and Bike Show is underway ... and it's a who's-who of automobiles.
The hip-hop mogul is hosting the debut event Saturday, and he's been documenting all the goings-on on his social media ... right from the crack of dawn, when preparations were getting underway and sweet luxury rides were being rolled in one by one.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
As the day crept on, more and more people started showing up ... along with their novelty whips, including classic 20th century cars, low riders, monster trucks, Jeeps and just about everything in between. This is in addition to what RR himself was bringing to the table.
We won't list everything he's got in his own garage ... but safe to say, a lot of what you're seeing here is Renzel's, and his selection runs the gamut for gear heads everywhere.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
This is essentially an expo right there in Fayetteville ... and it's all happening on Rick's massive property, which is part ranch and part compound. He's got acres of land to spare, and it looks like he's putting all of that space to good use -- there appears to be several dozens of vehicles strewn about the grounds, and just as many people (if not more).
He told us this past week on 'TMZ Live' that he would even be looking to buy some stuff that caught his eye ... and we imagine he's been busy scoping out the hardware being trotted in.
Or course, there's a competition element to this as well ... and if you peep Rick's IG Story ... you'll see he's already dishing out some iced-out chains as rewards for the best showcases.
Looks like a good ass time, and considering just how massive of a turnout it conjured ... something tells us this will be a sure thing year after year, and may even grow. Shoot, the guy is liable to get some sponsorship looks ... because all kinds of wheels on display here.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
Just another day in the life of the Boss ... dude's living a good life lately, and he's got the VIN numbers to prove it!!! Congrats on a smash hit success, sir.
related articles
Celebrity Scramble Guess Who!
Swirled inside this celebrity scramble is an American actor who recently made his Broadway debut, and even though he currently lives in New York City he's known for his big Hollywood stardom.
A true professional in the television industry, this father of two has played hundreds of roles throughout his career but playing a surgeon, and friend of the OG 'McSteamy,' is probably his most notable role to date.
Need one more clue on who this rippled celeb is? Just ask his good pal Shonda Rhimes.
Grab your scalpel and your suction tube ... and cut your way into this scrambled star!
related articles
Flavor Flav I'm Stepping Up and Paying Child Support ... But Still Owes Tens of Thousands
-
Exclusive
- 1.5K shares
Flavor Flav is making monthly child support payments for his 3-year-old son, but he's still got a pretty big balance owed to his baby mama.
According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Flav found out in 2019, shortly after little Jordan was born, that he was the dad, with the help of a DNA test.
Fast forward to 2021 ... Flav and the baby's mother, Kate Gammell -- his former manager -- were hashing out a child support agreement and agreed he would pay $3,000 a month going forward. No problem here .... Flav's been making the monthly payments.
Thing is ... by the time he started paying, Jordan was already 2 years old, and Kate had incurred various expenses, including medical, that she wanted Flav to pay. As part of the child support agreement, Flav said he would pay the baby's expenses for the first 2 years, totaling $78,704.
He was supposed to make his first payment of the $78k last month, but according to Kate's family, the deadline came and went and she didn't get the loot.
Flav tells TMZ ... he fully intends to pay the $78k, and is working with an accountant to straighten out his finances. Flav makes it clear ... he's making the $3,000 monthly child support payments. He's also paying down her $100,000 in attorney's fees -- he's paid $40k already.
FF adds ... he's doing his very best to provide for and be there for the son he loves.
We're told Flav has been with the boy at least 6 times and plans to continue to have a relationship with Jordan.
related articles
Skyar Astin Good Genes or Good Docs?!
Skylar Astin's looks over the years are positively "Pitch Perfect!"
Here's the 19-year-old version of the American actor and singer rocking some tight curls at a "Totally Tisch" star-studded gala in New York City back in 2007 (left) -- just five years before his big break in the film "Pitch Perfect."
And, 15 years later, the now 34-year-old "So Help Me Todd" actor is still treble-making his way through NYC and recently posed for a photo with a more blown out 'do at the premiere of "Spring Awakening: Those You've Known" (right).
Skylar is still scoring a 10.0 in the looks department.
The question is ...
Skylar Astin ...
related articles
Brazil BASE Jumping Guy Parachute Lands on Roof ... Then Down to the Beach!!!
D.B. Cooper is alive and well, it seems -- or at least his Brazilian counterpart is ... because this is the type of stuff you'd see in the craziest of action movies, only it's real!!!
Check out this insane footage that's making the rounds online right now -- it shows a man parachuting down onto the top of a tall, beachside building with an open roof layout ... and sorta crash-landing right on top of it without much apparent injury.
Waiting for your permission to load TikTok Post.
The caption of the video says he landed on the wrong roof, but if we're being real ... there's no other roof around that we can see. So he definitely chose that spot on purpose.
In any case, the dude is recording the whole daredevil moment from a mounted camera of some sort -- one that's hovering above him, it seems -- and eventually ... he's confronted by what look to be security guards who try escorting him away for a chat.
Instead of going along, though ... he says screw it, and jumps from the roof with an already-open parachute all the way down to the beach level, which is waaaay down there. Before long, he makes the leap of faith ... and wouldn't you know it, the stunt actually works!!!
Somehow, he lands safely on the sand and is on to his next adventure before the security knows what hit 'em. Literally something out of a Batman or James Bond movie ... wild!
related articles
Amber Heard's Attorney Elaine Bredehoft Gets Sympathy ... Tough Case, Alleged Tumult
Amber Heard might not be getting much of a shoulder to cry on from the public amid her trial with Johnny Depp -- but her legal team certainly is ... specifically, Elaine Bredehoft.
It's been a strained week for Team Heard ... at least that seems to be the general consensus online, with many noticing what appears to be obvious -- namely, that Ms. Bredehoft had a tough go during redirect after Camille Vasquez's laser-focused cross-examination of AH.
If you watched that on Tuesday (Amber's last day on the stand), you certainly saw the frustration as Vasquez constantly objected to questions Bredehoft asked ... and the judge sustaining a fair amount of them, almost to the point EB could barely get a word out.
In fact, Bredehoft seemed to acknowledge the difficulty in the moment ... apparently looking up into her thoughts/figuring out a way to ask something without objection. She literally said, "I'm trying, I'm trying" ... and in the end, didn't have too successful of a redirect.
Waiting for your permission to load TikTok Post.
After Bredehoft wrapped redirect, Amber left the courtroom in a hurry ... this after the judge told her she could step down and rejoin her attorneys. Frankly, Amber seemed pissed.
There've also been rumors -- unconfirmed ones, mind you -- that AH and her team have gotten into squabbles and shouting matches in court when the camera wasn't rolling. No way of telling if that's true, but it would seem to lend to most people's belief that AH and co. are getting out lawyered throughout this trial ... and that it may be taking hold internally.
That leads us to the sympathy Elaine seems to have garnered by some ... folks on TikTok and elsewhere say she and the other Heard attorneys look down and out a lot of the times -- and a handful of apparent Depp supporters even say they feel for EB, suggesting she's got an uphill battle as well as a not-so-easy-to-defend client -- at least that's their read.
Of course, we're certain Elaine herself would fiercely disagree with that characterization -- and, more importantly ... it's up to the jury on who's got a leg up right now and who'll win.
While a good amount of folks might think Amber's testimony was so-so in firming up her defense -- others say the witnesses her team put on thereafter were way more effective in backing up her claim that Johnny was allegedly abusive/controlling amid their relationship.
JD's ex, Ellen Barkin, testified he once threw a wine bottle toward her and was jealous. Plus, other AH witnesses testified to seeing alleged injuries and/or actual beatdowns of Amber by Johnny first-hand ... and if the jury believes he struck her on even one occasion, he loses.
In other words, it's anyone's ball game at the moment ... despite Tuesday's outcome.
related articles
John Mulaney Slammed for Having Chappelle Open ... And 'Transphobic' Jokes
John Mulaney is usually beloved by all, but right now -- he's getting slammed big time ... all because he let Dave Chappelle open for him, and the guy told "anti-trans" jokes.
Here's the deal ... John had a comedy show Friday night in Columbus, OH -- where phones were locked up in a pouch so no one could record -- and according to folks who flocked to social media afterward, DC was a surprise guest who did a set before John came out.
my favorite part of tonight was when dave chappelle ambushed us at the john mulaney show, told a bunch of transphobic jokes, a massive stadium of people laughed, and then john mulaney hugged him at the end
— rylan ☻ (@testosteronejew) May 21, 2022 @testosteronejew
A lot of these people say they felt ambushed by Dave's presence, especially since he allegedly went on to tell what they characterize as transphobic/homophobic jokes.
The argument is that these paying customers came out to see JM -- not Dave -- and many of them are either part of the LGBT crowd, or consider themselves allies ... going on to say they never would've purchased tickets if they'd known Chappelle was going to show up.
John Mulaney is a piece of shit for not giving a single fuck about the many trans members of his audience that had to sit through Chapelle’s unnecessary transphobic tirades that he calls jokes. Can trans people fucking breathe? 💙 to everyone that felt unsafe and laughed at
— MarQuel (@ByMarQuel) May 21, 2022 @ByMarQuel
Of course, this all dates back to the controversy over his Netflix special, "The Closer," which some have said is transphobic -- despite DC denying that, and the streamer sticking by him.
As for what exactly was said that's transphobic (in these users' minds) ... you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who actually detailed the crack(s), but someone finally did. The supposedly harmful joke was about the stage crasher and the gun/knife he had on him.
“I mean, it wasn’t a gun, it was a knife! A gun that identifies as a knife?”
— Reggie Fills-Anime (@FillsAnime) May 21, 2022 @FillsAnime
He then paused, smiled a bit, and moved on quickly.
- The homophobic joke was him saying “maybe you two are gay, I don’t know, nothing wrong with that if that’s the case.”
Dave apparently said something to the effect of ... it was a knife that identified as a gun, which some took as an allusion to gender fluidity -- and sure, that's a fair assessment.
He moved on from that -- this after getting laughs, it seems -- and then made a joke about a couple of audience members he speculated might be gay ... adding, not that there's anything wrong with that. Apparently, that's about all that was said ... but it's got people up in arms.
We'll say this ... Dave does seem to be obsessed with joking about trans topics -- he did so during his Hollywood Bowl sets a few weeks ago ... and even said something about the alleged attacker, Isaiah Lee, joking that it was a "trans man" after he was tackled.
As for John, he's said to have given Dave a hug ... but hasn't said anything about the controversy bubbling up now. He's pretty private -- don't hold your breath for a statement.