Author Kennedy Ryan Details Why Mental Health Is 'at the Core for A Lot of My Work' (Exclusive)

Kennedy Ryan talks exclusively to PEOPLE about why mental health is at the forefront of the books she writes

NEED TO KNOW

• Her new book Score features a main character navigating bipolar disorder, while also highlighting Black excellence

• “Mental health is something that is kind of core for a lot of my work,” Ryan tells PEOPLE

For award-winning authorKennedy Ryan, mental health is at the center of her work for a reason.

PEOPLE recently spoke to the RITA-winning author about her new bookScore, and how one of her main characters, a screenwriter named Verity Hill, lives with bipolar disorder.

Scoresees Verity reconnecting with a former flame, musician Wright "Monk" Bellamy, as they are forced to work together on a Harlem Renaissance biopic more than 10 years after a gut-wrenching breakup. Relatedly, the book explores the importance of protecting one's mental health.

“I always say that a good second chance has certain elements,” Ryan tells PEOPLE. “Because if I'm buying that you're soulmate level in love, then why did you break up in the first place? I need to understand what went wrong.”

Ryan adds that once Verity reunites with Monk, she needs to know what’s different the second time around.

“And so that's what this whole journey is,” the novelist tells PEOPLE. “It's first unpacking what went wrong... For me, it really gave me an opportunity to talk about mental illness, mental health and how vigilant people who are living with bipolar disorder have to be about their mental health, and about their mental state and what it's like to love someone who is navigating that.”

While readers may have been hungry for more from the long-awaited second installment in theHollywood Renaissanceseries, Ryan says Verity needed that break from Monk between college and now “to understand a lot about herself, and understand the diagnosis.”

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The screenwriter also used that time to live her life on her own terms.

“Mental health is something that is kind of core for a lot of my work,” Ryan tells PEOPLE. “If you look atBefore I Let Go, and depression, and you look atThis Could Be Us, andNeurodivergence, andCan't Get Enough, and dementia and Alzheimer's, it is something that's really important to me.”

Ryan, who navigates her own depression, is an avid supporter of May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

“I really am constantly trying to destigmatize the discourse around mental illness and mental health,” she says.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Ryan adds that there are people in her life in their 40s and 50s who have just been diagnosed, but that she sees how having the proper support and tools has made all the difference.

“Seeing what intervention did, seeing what therapy and medication and an actual diagnosis did, how transformative it was for their life, really inspired me,” she tells PEOPLE. “This is [the] discourse I want to have.”

Read the original article onPeople

byLiam Oneel

in

May 24, 2026

Author Kennedy Ryan Details Why Mental Health Is 'at the Core for A Lot of My Work' (Exclusive)

Kennedy Ryan talks exclusively to PEOPLE about why mental health is at the forefront of the books she writes NEED TO KNOW ...

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John Cena Reveals His Netflix ‘Guilty Pleasure’ Show: ‘Folks Should Check It Out’ (Exclusive)

John Cena revealed that his current Netflix “guilty pleasure” is a specific reality competition series

NEED TO KNOW

• “I think it’s a sleeper ... I love the show,” Cena said

• The Peacemaker actor caught up with PEOPLE exclusively at the Netflix Upfronts in New York City on May 13

John Cenarevealed his favorite Netflix show.

The actor and retired pro wrestler recently caught up with PEOPLE exclusively during the Netflix Upfronts at Pier59 Studios in New York City. During the conversation, PEOPLE asked Cena, 49, if he has a “guilty pleasure” on the streaming giant.

“Loves me some secret millionaire,” he shared, referring to the showMillion Dollar Secret,an elimination game in which 12 contestants must compete to figure out which one of them is in possession of $1 million.

The contestant with the money gets to keep it — but only if they can avoid being identified and eliminated by the other players.

“I think it's a sleeper,” Cena added. “Folks should check it out. I love the show.”

The star even said he's crossing his fingers for “a cameo of some sorts in the future,” on the series.

Pivoting to his own projects, theSuicide Squadactor opened up about his upcoming film, the Netflix comedyLittle Brother,which he stars in alongside comedianEric André.

“I'm a huge fan of theEric Andre Show.I have not laughed out loud so much [for] as long as I can remember,” he said, referring to Andre's talk show series on Adult Swim.

“And when I read the script [forLittle Brother], it's absolutely for Eric, and he just kind of needed a sounding board for his jokes, and I am happy to be that sounding board,” he continued.

Cena went on to sing the 43-year-old comedian's praises.

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“His courage is relentless, and his mind is always working,” he told PEOPLE, adding that working with André reminded him of working with WWE stars.

“I always love being around talented comedians because everyone — I always compare everything to WWE — it's very much likebeing around WWE superstars,” he explained.

Cena continued, “There's no wrong way to do our business. And everyone has a different recipe, and comedians see it the same way. There's no real wrong way to do comedy, and everybody kind of has a different perspective.”

“Eric is — it's hard to compare him with anyone else. And like I said, he's not so risk averse. He's crazy, but so thoughtful, and his mind is always working, and it's just awesome to see,” he added.

“It was a bunch of fun,” the star continued.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Little Brothertells the story of a successful real estate agent (Cena) whose carefully organized life is thrown into chaos when his eccentric younger brother (André) suddenly reappears.

Michelle Monaghan,Christopher Meloni,Ego NwodimandSherry Colaalso make appearances.

Little Brotherpremieres on Netflix on June 26.

Read the original article onPeople

byLiam Oneel

in

May 23, 2026

John Cena Reveals His Netflix ‘Guilty Pleasure’ Show: ‘Folks Should Check It Out’ (Exclusive)

John Cena revealed that his current Netflix “guilty pleasure” is a specific reality competition series NEED TO KNOW ...

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Iran moving World Cup base camp from U.S to Mexico

Iran's World Cup training base has been moved from the United States to Mexico with the approval of FIFA, the president of the governing body of Iranian soccer said Saturday.

FIFA has not yet confirmed the move, which was announced by Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran Football Federation.

"All team base camps for the countries participating in the World Cup must be approved FIFA," Taj said in a statement. "Fortunately, following the requests we submitted and the meetings we held with FIFA and World Cup officials in Istanbul, as well as the webinar meeting we had yesterday in the Tehran with the respected FIFA secretary general, our request to change the team's base from the United States to Mexico was approved."

The Iranian team had been scheduled to hold its base camp, which is used for training ahead of and after matches, at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Ariz., but the war in the Middle East and related security concerns had caused uncertainty about Iran's World Cup activities.

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"We will be based in the Tijuana camp, which is near the Pacific Ocean and on the border between Mexico and the United States," Taj said in a video posted on the federation's Telegram social media account, noting the move could resolve potential visa issues with the team entering the U.S. through Mexico.

Iranian officials said earlier this month their players and staff had not yet received U.S. visas.

The World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico, runs from June 11 through July 19.

As part of Group G, Iran is set to play its first two matches in Los Angeles, against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, with a June 26 matchup against Egypt in Seattle.

--Field Level Media

byLiam Oneel

in

May 23, 2026

Iran moving World Cup base camp from U.S to Mexico

Iran's World Cup training base has been moved from the United States to Mexico with the approval of FIFA, the president of the gove...

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“Lost” ending explained: What really happened on the island?

Lost aired its series finale on May 23, 2010.

Key Points

• Some key questions were left unanswered, frustrating some fans.

• No, they weren't dead the whole time.

Warning: This article contains spoilers forLost,season 6, episode 17, "The End."

It’s no easy feat landing the plane on a show likeLost, a mind-bending mystery series filled with smoke monsters, four-toed statues, and a magical island that defies time and space.

It's not a big surprise, then, that the series had one of the most controversial series finales of all time,blowing some fans awaywhile leaving others angrily scratching their heads. But ABC’s sci-fi stunner, created by Jeffrey Lieber, J. J. Abrams, and Damon Lindelof, wasn’t always so hotly contested…

The Emmy-winning series was an instant hit after itsiconic pilotin September 2004, seeing Oceanic Flight 815 crash on a (supposedly) deserted island.Lostsoon evolved from a standard survival tale into a twisty mind-bender with various mysteries woven throughout its six seasons, from the Others to the Dharma Initiative to the onset oftime travel.

But when“The End”aired on May 23, 2010, many viewers had more questions than answers. What’s the deal with the split timelines? Why is everybody in a church all of a sudden? And were the characters really dead the whole time?

Entertainment Weeklyis taking a hard look at the finale to answer all of these burning questions and more. Here is the ending ofLost, explained.

Do we ever find out what the island is?

The answer is a resounding “sort of.” The show provides several abstract theories but never concretely explains what the islandis.

Here’s what we know: The island is a place with mystical properties, including the ability to heal (e.g. John Locke’s paralysis) and manipulate time and space (the time-jumping in season 5). It’s also the battleground for a cosmic struggle between two opposing forces represented by Jacob (Mark Pellegrino) and the “Man in Black” (a.k.a. the Smoke Monster, played by Titus Welliver). Jacob is the island's protector, while the Man in Black represents chaos and destruction. This conflict drives much of the show’s overarching mythology, with the island acting as a sort of prison for the Man in Black, who is trying to escape.

It also contains a mysterious and powerful energy, often referred to as the "Heart of the Island." This glowing cave of light is linked to the island’s mystical properties and is believed to be the source of life, death, and rebirth. It’s described as a “cork” holding back a malevolent force that, if released, could free the Man in Black and bring darkness to the world.

Protecting this energy is Jacob’s primary role. When Desmond (Henry Ian Cusick) enters the Heart of the Island, it’s revealed that the energy can be manipulated to catastrophic effect.

What happened on the island?

Previously, Jacob explained that the passengers of Oceanic Flight 815 were brought to the island so that one of them could become its protector, taking over Jacob's role. The list of candidates was revealed in the lighthouse and in the cave, where their names were written with corresponding numbers that recurred throughout the series (4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42). As the candidates failed or died, Jacob would cross off their names, narrowing down the list to a final few. In the end, Jack takes the role and agrees to protect the island from the Man in Black.

During the series finale, the Man in Black, who is now in Locke's (Terry O’Quinn) body, makes his final attempt to escape. He brings Desmond to the Heart of the Island so he can turn off its source of power. Jack helps the Man in Black because he believes "uncorking" the power source is the key to killing him once and for all.

Desmond successfully uncorks a stone plug at the island's core and extinguishes the light. However, this action causes earthquakes, indicating that the island is on the verge of destruction and that the energy source is critical to keeping it intact.

Jack and the Man in Black have an epic battle, and Jack prevails. However, the uncorking makes the Man in Black mortal, and he dies. Jack, knowing that the island must be saved, takes it upon himself to restore the light.

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He tells Kate (Evangeline Lilly), Sawyer (Josh Holloway), and Claire (Emilie de Ravin) to escape on the Ajira plane while he stays behind. Jack re-enters the cave, finds Desmond, and sacrifices himself by replacing the stone cork, which reignites the light and stabilizes the island. As a result, Jack fulfills his role as the protector, but it costs him his life.

Jack then realizes he is dying from his injuries. He passes the torch of island protector to Hurley (Jorge Garcia), who reluctantly accepts this role. Ben (Michael Emerson), who had served Jacob for years, offers to stay and help Hurley as his advisor, and Hurley appoints him as his second-in-command.

What’s up with the “flash sideways” timeline?

In a controversial move, the final season is split into two timelines. The first timeline follows the events on the island, continuing from previous seasons as the Oceanic Six face the Man in Black and the impending destruction of the island.

The second timeline, referred to as the "flash sideways," presents an alternate reality where the plane never crashes and the characters live seemingly different lives, though their paths still intersect in significant ways. Sawyer becomes a cop instead of a criminal; Ben becomes a teacher with Alex (Tania Raymonde) as one of his students; Kate befriends Claire while on the run. During the series finale, many characters experience visions of their lives in the original timeline triggered by reminders of the island.

After his death, Jack arrives at a church in the flash sideways featuring symbols from multiple religions. He reunites with his dead father, Dr. Christian Shephard (a very on-the-nose name), who explains that they're in a kind of purgatory. Since the survivor’s time on the island was the most important part of their lives, they created a place where they could find each other after death, irrespective of when they each died. Now that they’re reunited, they can move on to the afterlife together.

Which characters moved on to the afterlife (and with whom)?

In the end, almost all ofLost’s central characters are reunited in the church and paired off with their soulmates, including Jack and Kate, Sawyer and Juliet, and Charlie (Dominic Monaghan) and Claire. Fans were particularly vocal about Sayid (Naveen Andrews) ending up with Shannon (Maggie Grace) in the afterlife rather than Nadia (Andrea Gabriel), even though the character’s love for Nadia served as his motivation for the majority of the series.

However, not everyone moved on. Ben chose to stay behind, feeling unworthy of doing so just yet. This decision was a point of growth for his character, hinting at his ongoing need for redemption. Several major characters weren’t seen in the church, including Mr. Eko (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje), Michael (Harold Perrineau), Walt (Malcolm David Kelley), and Ana Lucia (Michelle Rodriguez). There were also characters seen in the flash sideways world who did not appear in the church, like Alex.

Were they dead the whole time?

No. During earlier seasons ofLost, it was fair to wonder whether the passengers of Oceanic Flight 815 were all dead and stranded in some kind of limbo. However, as the story progressed, and especially when characters started leaving the island and then screaming“We have to go back!”, it became evident that they were in a real place. In fact, since the finale aired,Lostcreators have clarified thatthe events on the island were real.

So where did the confusion come from? Mostly the flash sideways timeline introduced in the final season. The characters are all dead in that purgatory, but they only went there when they died in the original timeline; none of them died in the initial plane crash, and everything that happened on the island was real.

After the last episode, ABC aired footage of the plane wreckage as a callback to the pilot, which led some to believe that everyone was dead from the beginning. This was not the case; the characters lived through real events on the island, and the flash sideways was a separate spiritual journey.

What does the last shot mean?

The final moments ofLostmirror the opening sequence in the pilot. We see Jack lying on the ground in the bamboo forest, his eyes closing as he succumbs to his injuries. It's a poignant end to Jack's journey, bringing his story full circle and marking the conclusion of his role as the island's protector.

Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with ourEW Dispatch newsletter.

In the final shot, there's also a subtle but poignant detail: the inclusion of Walt’s dog, Vincent, who has been a constant throughout the series. He lies next to Jack as he dies, symbolizing the continuity and connection between the characters’ past and present. The dog’s presence suggests that the relationships and bonds formed on the island endure beyond death.

Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly

byLiam Oneel

in

May 23, 2026

“Lost” ending explained: What really happened on the island?

Lost aired its series finale on May 23, 2010. Key Points Some key questions were left unanswered, frustrating som...

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De'Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper good to go for Game 3

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Shams Charania:San Antonio SpursguardsDe'Aaron Fox (ankle) and Dylan Harper (adductor) are both cleared to play in Game 3 tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder,sources tell ESPN.

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype:De'Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper good to go for Game 3

byLiam Oneel

in

May 22, 2026

De'Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper good to go for Game 3

Advertisement Shams Charania:San Antonio SpursguardsDe'Aaron Fox (ankle) and Dylan Harper (adductor) are both cleared to play...

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Alyssa Farah Griffin Says She's 'Struggling' with 'Extraordinary Mom Guilt' 3 Months After Welcoming First Baby

Alyssa Farah Griffin is adjusting to being a working mom with a new baby

NEED TO KNOW

• The View co-host shared her experience on a recent episode of the Behind the Table podcast

• She welcomed her first child, a son, with husband Justin Griffin, in February 2026

Alyssa Farah Griffinadmits that she struggles with mom “guilt” while juggling her career.

On the Thursday, May 21 episode of theBehind the Tablepodcast,The Viewco-host and new mom, 36, opened up to executive producer Brian Teta about howa recent show guestgot her thinking about motherhood and balance.

“So, yesterday we hadKeke Palmeron, on to happier things, she was open about motherhood and saying that you're going to have bad days and it's okay to let your kids see that and show them that you're human,” Teta, 49, told Griffin, asking if the message was something she resonated with.

“I swear I was like looking at Keke and I was like, ‘My soul needed this,’ ” Griffin replied.

TheI Love Boostersactress, 32, is mom to sonLeo, whom she welcomed with ex-boyfriendDarius Jacksonin February 2023.

Griffin went on to call Palmer “one of those gems of a person who's just so wise.”

“I'm struggling right now with being at work and my young son's home with a nanny,” Griffin continued.

The strategist and former press secretary of the Department of Defense of the United States gave birth to her first child, sonJustin Patrick Griffin, Jr., on Feb. 10. She shares her baby boy with her husbandJustin Griffin, 37.

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“We are so lucky to have Maria, this amazing woman, amazing caretaker who's a member of our family, like we absolutely love her,” Alyssa said. “But I find myself competing with two different ideas. On the one hand, I literally feel jealous of my beloved nanny ‘cause she's getting time that I'm not getting with my son.”

“I feel extraordinary guilt that I'm away from him as long as I am because I'm at work during the day and I do CNN in the nights and sometimes in the morning,” she continued. “And then this rational part of my brain that's like you are working for the life you want to give your child, and you are working because it is showing him an example of what moms and what dads do.”

She acknowledged that she understands she’s the mom, and that anytime she’s home, Justin Jr. gets all of her attention, “But I feel like I am wrestling with turmoil in my soul of this mom guilt that we project on ourselves.”

The talk show co-host said that it’s “so hard to be away” from her son and that she grapples with thoughts of being “not good enough because I'm missing this moment.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Alyssa added that she’s prayed about the situation and talked about it with friends who “can relate and have gone through some version of it, but that's the thing I'm probably struggling with the most.”

“I want every second with him, but that's not reality,” she said. “I have a job. I am a working mom. My husband is a working dad. And making peace with that and reminding yourself you're doing it for the kid.”

Read the original article onPeople

byLiam Oneel

in

May 22, 2026

Alyssa Farah Griffin Says She's 'Struggling' with 'Extraordinary Mom Guilt' 3 Months After Welcoming First Baby

Alyssa Farah Griffin is adjusting to being a working mom with a new baby NEED TO KNOW The View co-host shared her...

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Red Wings' Emmitt Finnie scores first goal for Canada at worlds

Detroit Red Wings rookie Emmitt Finnie hasn't been getting much ice time for Canada at the world hockey championship in Switzerland, but he's making the most of his opportunities.

Finnie scored his first goal of the round-robin tournament and added an assist in only 5:57 of ice time, as Canada (5-0) defeated Slovenia, 3-1, on Friday at the BCF Arena in Fribourg.

More:Seven Red Wings competing at world championships: 'It's a great honor'

Finnie, a seventh-round draft choice who had 13 goals and 17 assists for 30 points with a minus-10 rating and 131 hits in his first season in Detroit, has played in only two of Canada's five games.

"My role here is a little different from what I'm used to, but everyone here is a great player," Finnie said after the game at iihf.com. "Whether I'm playing or not it's not going to deteriorate my confidence. I'm just trying to work as hard as I can and make an impact when I'm out there."

Finnie scored his goal early in the third period by going to the net and tipping in a shot from Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly at 6:41, his first career goal with Team Canada.

"It's not easy for him," Maple Leafs forward John Tavares said. "Maybe he's not always taking a regular shift when he's in, but he's really enjoying being around the group and he's learning a lot, being a sponge.

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"I'm thrilled for him to get on the board and be named Best Player of the game."

Ex-Spartan Porter Martone was scoreless in 8:11 of ice time for Canada. He has one goal and four assists for five points in five games.

The win keeps Canada in top place of the Group B standings without a loss, their only blemish being a 6-5 OT decision against Norway on Thursday.

Canada has a day off before playing Slovakia on Sunday in a battle of undefeated teams.

"I think our game was more connected today than yesterday," Tavares said. "It would have been nice to put the puck in the net a little more today, but we possessed it a lot.

"We were in control pretty much the whole game, but we can always find ways to be better."

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News:Emmitt Finnie of the Detroit Red Wings scores first goal at worlds

byLiam Oneel

in

May 22, 2026

Red Wings' Emmitt Finnie scores first goal for Canada at worlds

Detroit Red Wings rookie Emmitt Finnie hasn't been getting much ice time for Canada at the world hockey championship in Switzerland...

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Jess Val Ortiz Says She's 'Open to Love' as She Shares Dating Update 5 Months After Split from Alexei Mitchell (Exclusive)

Influencer Jess Val Ortiz is sharing a dating update, nearly five months after her split from boyfriend Alexei Mitchell

NEED TO KNOW

• Ortiz — who often posts musical theater content — chats with PEOPLE at the Broadway Breakout Brunch on May 22 in New York City, where she was joined by fellow members of the theater community

• She shares a look into the last few months and how things have been going in her dating life

Jess Val Ortizis keeping her "heart open."While chatting with PEOPLE on the Broadway Breakout Brunch red carpet in New York City on Friday, May 22, the influencer gave an update on her dating life. The content creator, who is known to her over 11 million followers for her online parody videos and comedy sketches, announced she had split from her boyfriend of almost one year back in January, sharing the news in a TikTokvideo.Speaking with PEOPLE, the content creator appears to be entering a new chapter in the dating world. "I'm open, you know, my heart is open," she says.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

"I'm open to love, you know, but I, I'm in a really, really good place," she continues, adding that, since the breakup, she feels "healed" and "very optimistic."

"I'm focusing on my career right now, but my heart's open, so I feel good about that," she says.

At the inaugural event honoring the next generation of Broadway talent — including Anania, Whitney Leavitt, Jake Shane and others — Val Ortiz performed a song featuring the lyrics "I don't wanna TikTok no more," which featured humorous lyrics about her social media career.

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Following her initial breakup announcement in January, the influencer came back to her social media to open up about how she's been faring since the news of her breakup hit the Internet."I always hate it whenever people say, 'Oh, you know, you're going through a breakup, you're gonna be okay.' Because that's not true. I'm not gonna be okay. I'm gonna be better. I'm gonna be better because I'm gonna be stronger. I'm gonna be wiser," the influencer said in a FebruaryTikTokpost, with her voice shaking.

"Breakups suck. But breakups are growing pains," she said. "They show you you're one step closer to who you truly are and what you truly need and what you want. It's really hard. But when you do hard things, you feel the most proud of yourself, right?"

She then added that while the decision to break up with Mitchell had been difficult, "difficult things that you do are supposed to be things that you should be proud of and that you should honor."

In anothervideoposted to her TikTok account on Sunday, March 1, the influencer did her makeup and addressed how she's been healing in the wake of the separation, as well as offered insights into what the last month had been like for her. "It is officially been over one month since my breakup," the content creator began her video as she applied foundation to her skin."I've been doing a lot of therapy, been doing a lot of soul searching, spending time with my family and friends," she continued. "It's been a bit of a tumultuous month, not gonna lie. But I have officially found peace with myself and with the breakup."

Val Ortiz went on to reflect on her "adult relationships," saying that, having been in two "serious" ones so far, she thinks she is able to say that she knows what she is looking for in her "forever person."

Read the original article onPeople

byLiam Oneel

in

May 22, 2026

Jess Val Ortiz Says She's 'Open to Love' as She Shares Dating Update 5 Months After Split from Alexei Mitchell (Exclusive)

Influencer Jess Val Ortiz is sharing a dating update, nearly five months after her split from boyfriend Alexei Mitchell NEED TO K...

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Four Verts: Is Aaron Rodgers retiring a year too late? Plus 2026 schedule is a stress test, and we salute Jacoby Brissett

Across the NFL, rookies have reported to their minicamps, organized team activities (OTAs) have begun, and mandatory minicamps are right around the corner. Let’s catch up with some of the top storylines of the past couple weeks.

(Stats via TruMedia unless otherwise noted.)

Aaron Rodgers might be retiring one year too late

Aaron Rodgers, in his return to the Steelers on a one-year deal,said this week that this wasgoing to be his last season in the NFL.One last run forone of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of the gameand future first ballot Hall of Famer. He’ll be teaming up with his old coach Mike McCarthy for the final season of this particular show as the Steelers try to … win a playoff game?

It’s long been accepted that the Steelers were largely going to run back last year’s roster, but it doesn’t seem like they’re too concerned whether or not this is a good idea — and neither is Rodgers himself. This looks destined to be another stuck-in-the-mud Steelers offense that features the inherent dangers of an aging, declined Rodgers playing even worse than he did last year.

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Among the 40 quarterbacks last year to register at least 190 dropbacks, Rodgers ranked 26th in expected points added per dropback (0.01), 24th in yards per dropback (5.98), 37th in first down conversion rate (26.8%), 36th success rate (40.8%) and 39th in air yards per attempt (5.9). In other words, he was pretty bad on a down-to-down basis. His league-leading 2.52 seconds to throw also encapsulated how physically limited he has become. He’s just trying to get the ball out as fast as possible because he doesn’t have the athleticism that he used to possess.

Of course, that is completely reasonable! Rodgers will turn 43 in December, he’s not supposed to be at the peak of his powers. The fact he can credibly be considered an NFL-level player still is a remarkable achievement in its own right — but not everybody gets to be Tom Brady. Rodgers’ performance last year did look and feel better than the recent slew of post-Ben Roethlisberger quarterbacks the Steelers have thrown out there, but that doesn’t mean it was actually good. Just slightly better than what they had. He wasn’t nearly good enough last season for the team to be so passive at quarterback and just wait for him to sign a contract right before OTAs started.

It’s just awfully complacent for a team with an aging defense that needs to be maximized, but it does seem like after this season the Steelers will just have to bite the bullet and try to acquire a young quarterback with real potential. Perhaps Drew Allar can be that guy with a year on the bench, but he was only a third-round pick. A declining quarterback well into his 40s is not the answer they’re looking for, and it seems unclear what their actual goal is this year.

But that’s not different from any other recent Steelers’ seasons, so, God bless ‘em. Let’s see if Mike McCarthy has access to the same cauldron of dark magic that Mike Tomlin did for another painful 10-7 season.

2026 schedule is a massive stress test for the future of the league

TheNFL has long been spreading their corporate empire via game scheduling, with the 2026 season serving as a new frontier for the future of the league. Between international games and games being broadcast on streaming services, the NFL is attempting to be more visible than ever. There are debates to be had over whether or not this expansion is a good idea, but ultimately the NFL is going to keep trying to grow and push the limits of its global gains, with the players taking on the physical toll of that growth.

There’s no going back to the standard 16-game schedule with predictable game times and locations (or even 17 games, soon) — 2026 represents the NFL’s true swing at expanding what can already be considered a cultural hegemony. All through the power of inventory.

TheNFL will be playing a record nine international gamesthis season, with 10 games already approved for 2027 (and an eventual goal of every team having an international game each season). That includes a game in Melbourne, Australia between the 49ers and the Rams and a new game in France. Beyond that, theseason opens on a Wednesdayand there’s anew Thanksgiving Eve gamethat will be exclusively streamed on Netflix. While it’s easy to just look at a piece of paper that shows the NFL’s schedule, this is decidedlya lot.

A lot of streaming interfaces, a lot of stress on the players themselves, more days of the week to be watching the NFL — this is a stark contrast from the league that many fans grew up with over the course of their lives. There are some benefits to being on streaming apps and playing more games overseas, but this season is going to be the first dip in the water at how expansive and prevalent the league desires to become.

This gets a fat “TBD” because we don’t even really have information on things like what happens when you play a game in Australia and then have to come back for a Week 2 game that’s happening 9-10 days later. It’s a stress test that already has a determined outcome, because the NFL is not going to suddenly decide that they have enough and it’s time to stop growing. The impacts on the game itself will be a murky crystal ball at what the league will look like after the next collective bargaining agreement in 2031, if not sooner.

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Jacoby Brissett is a hero of the working man

Jacoby Brissett, we salute you.After starting 12 games last year for the Cardinals, withjustenough quality football, Brissett found himself walking back into Arizona with the idea that he would be the starting quarterback again. However, he also realized that he’s not getting paid like a starting quarterback, which prompted his decision to hold out from team activities until that was fixed.

Let’s get one thing out the way: This is funny. A team that many project to be among the worst in the league in ahellishdivision at the start of a rebuild has their bridge quarterback holding out. The eventual outcome of this holdout is almost guaranteed to have no real impact on the course of the season; it’s essentially irrelevant as far as league hierarchy goes. However, that doesn’t mean Brissett is necessarily wrong to take this stance, because … why not?

Brissett is set to have a cap hit of roughly $9.2 million this season, ranking 25th among all quarterbacks this year and his $8 million in guaranteed money currently ranks 35th in the league. Those numbers place him in line with rookies and veteran backup quarterbacks. In fact, Gardner Minshew, who the team signed this offseason, ismaking more guaranteed salary this year(about $2.9M) than Brissett ($1.5M).

This is where things can become a matter of perspective, but there are two things that are empirically true here: Brissett is not a rookie quarterback or a quarterback on a rookie deal, and he was objectively not the Cardinals’ backup quarterback last year. This isn’t to say that Brissett should get a market rate deal or anything like that, but if Malik Willis and Aaron Rodgers can make $22-23 million in cash this year, placing them right above the cutoff for backup quarterbacks, then it’s not unreasonable for Brissett to desire the same.

Unfortunately, the timeline of the Cardinals’ rebuild (and the general quality of Brissett’s play) is what makes this holdout feel somewhat preposterous. They’re not winning anything this year and Brissett, who really does provide tangible value to an NFL team, is obviously not going to be the team’s long-term quarterback. Arizona has no real incentive to pay him, unless theyalsoview him as the bridge quarterback for whoever the team drafts next year. Considering they signed Minshew and picked Carson Beck with the first pick in the third round, there’s noneedto do anything. Brissett isn’t going to elevate them past the 49ers, Seahawks or Rams. This is a long-haul rebuild that adds a level of incompatibility with Brissett’s desires.

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That doesn’t mean Brissett shouldn’t be trying this, though. As a 33-year-old journeyman, this very well may be his last chance to get a contract extension as a (presumptive) starting quarterback. If they say no, well, that’s life. Regardless, there’s no reason for Brissett not to ask for this considering his specific standing as a returning veteran quarterback. There’s also not much of a reason for the Cardinals to budge, making this a low-stakes holdout for everyone — except Brissett.

The lonely hero attempts to forge his destiny against the oligarchy before it’s too late. For that, we salute you, Jacoby. Whether or not you get that deal, the effort is understood and appreciated.

Joe Brady, Jesse Minter and Mike McDaniel all have something in common

The coaching carousel that followed the regular season was defined by the overwhelming pressure that tends to come with big-ticket quarterback play. Two of the most established head coaches in the league, John Harbaugh and Sean McDermott, were fired coming off winning seasons in which their respective teams had to endure the imbalance of attrition that inevitably bites every NFL — but it’s not like their final seasons were abject disasters.

The Ravens powered through four games without Lamar Jackson and still nearly made the playoffs with a Week 18 loss pushing them out. Buffalo (read: Josh Allen) just had way too many mistakes against Denver, but even then they were almost able to punch their ticket to the AFC championship game. These are only failures relative to expectation, which is fine, but it just means that new coaches are walking into immensely pressurized situations.

These specific coach movements here immediately map out how dire the respective ownership groups view their situations to be. Jesse Minter was hired in Baltimore (where he coached from 2017-20) toimmediatelyimprove the defense and get it back to championship caliber after an inconsistent run the past few years. Joe Brady was promoted to head coach after the Bills fired McDermott, and considering that was the only big firing they made, the expectation is for Brady to improve upon McDermott’s success — in other words, get to the Super Bowl, because that’s the only thing left.

This offseason even featured a former head coach in Mike McDaniel turning down opportunities to continue that role elsewhere in order to sign on as the offensive coordinator with the Chargers. Most offensive coordinators don’t walk into the door with immediate, serious pressure, but McDaniel had substantial success calling plays in Miami, is seen as an upgrade over Greg Roman and finally has an uber-talented quarterback in Justin Herbert. Considering every team coached by Jim Harbaugh seems to have a high enough floor to make the playoffs, improvement can only mean going on a run to the Super Bowl.

Quite frankly, it was reasonable for all three of those teams to feel like they needed to make a major shakeup, even if Buffalo’s process was fairly shaky. They have legitimate franchise quarterbacks that are all multiple years into their second contracts. The window is now, and while getting to the playoffs should always be seen as good, after time that level of success begins to feel diluted — but the expectations decidedly aren’t. Even if Bills team owner Terry Pegula says it’s not a Super Bowl-or-bust situation for Brady, it has to be. They’ve been to the playoffs six straight seasons with two AFC title game appearances. The only feasible next step is rapidly making a Super Bowl appearance. The same applies to Jackson, who was drafted in the same year as Allen as they enter theirninthNFL seasons. While Herbert is a couple years younger than Jackson and Allen, his baseline-level ability to drag broken offenses to the postseason leaves very little margin for error on the expectations for the Chargers’ offense.

These moves also highlight an undeniable truth about what they’re trying to accomplish: All of these moves happened within the AFC, specifically at the projected top of the conference. Success for one would have to mean the failure of the others, and that’s before including the rest of the conference. Even though fans and loud people on TV seem to forget this every year, only one team wins the Super Bowl. It’s a fair goal for these teams to have, but it also means there won’t be much of a grace period in the event of a slow start. These teams don’t have time for that.

There won’t be too much to glean from reporting on OTAs,but how these coaches begin to build the foundation does matter as they try to build squads that have the borderline unreasonable expectation of improving when they’re already on top of the mountain.

byLiam Oneel

in

May 21, 2026

Four Verts: Is Aaron Rodgers retiring a year too late? Plus 2026 schedule is a stress test, and we salute Jacoby Brissett

Across the NFL, rookies have reported to their minicamps, organized team activities (OTAs) have begun, and mandatory minicamps are righ...

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Temi Ajibade Is Pregnant, Expecting First Baby with Husband Mr Eazi: 'Extremely Blessed and Grateful' (Exclusive)

Temi Otedola and Mr Eazi are going to be parents!

NEED TO KNOW

• The actress discovered her pregnancy during the couple's two-month honeymoon across Korea and Japan last year

• Otedola has embraced slowing down during pregnancy and shared the news with loved ones through ultrasound surprises

Temi Otedolais going to be a mom!

The Nigerian actress, 30, is pregnant, expecting her first baby this summer with husband Mr Eazi, 34, PEOPLE can confirm.

"We are beyond excited to start our family and welcome a little one to our cocoon of two. We’re feeling extremely blessed and grateful for this big next step!" Otedola exclusively tells PEOPLE.

The star says she and her husband, whose full name is Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade, found out the happy news after tying the knot last year. The pair had three different weddings in three different countries, beginning in May 2025.

"After wrapping up three weddings in 2025—a court in Monaco, a traditional Nigerian wedding in Dubai, and a church wedding in Iceland—we wanted to end the year with a 2-month, digital-detoxed honeymoon, travelling across Korea and Japan," she says. "That’s when we found out!"

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Otedola says sharing the joyful news with family and friends has been extremely special.

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"It’s been the greatest news to share," she says. "With our family and friends living across every continent, we shared with as many of them as we could in real life, giving them our ultrasound printouts as a surprise. I also celebrated my 30th birthday this March in Mallorca—and was able to tell most of my closest friends there."

While the pair is keeping the sex of their baby on the way under wraps for now, they have already started discussing names for their little one.

"My husband and I send each other names all the time on WhatsApp," she shares. "We’ve also asked our parents to give us name ideas, as is Nigerian tradition."

Otedola says she's feeling "stronger and more energized" in recent weeks but that the first trimester was much rockier.

"For the first trimester, I was really feeling the fatigue and morning sickness (well, all day sickness), but as the months progressed, I’ve been so grateful to feel stronger and more energized," she says.

Above all, the actress has been loving the slower moments of this pregnancy as "someone who has been moving a million miles a minute for years."

"I love how pregnancy forces you to slow down. I’ve been gradually slowing down my routine, prioritizing my goals and looking inward," she shares. "It’s also a beautiful time to spend with loved ones and celebrate the coming of new life."

Read the original article onPeople

byLiam Oneel

in

May 21, 2026

Temi Ajibade Is Pregnant, Expecting First Baby with Husband Mr Eazi: 'Extremely Blessed and Grateful' (Exclusive)

Temi Otedola and Mr Eazi are going to be parents! NEED TO KNOW The actress discovered her pregnancy during the cou...

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“Sex and the City”'s Smith resurfaces after 3 years with a story to tell

Jason Lewis, who famously played Smith on Sex and the City, teased "creative work" is coming after being absent from an onscreen project for years.

Key Points

• "I'm far enough along now that it felt like it was time to resurface and share what I've been doing," Lewis said in an Instagram video.

• Lewis joined Sex and the City in 2003 as a love interest for Kim Cattrall's Samantha Jones, and made his last appearance in 2010's Sex and the City 2.

It's been more than two decades since Jason Lewis awed audiences, andKim Cattrall's character Samantha Jones, with his physique as sexy model Jerry "Smith" Jerrod onSex and the City.

While Lewis took on a mix of onscreen roles since his last appearance as Smith on 2010'sSex and the City 2,the actor hasn't appeared in a project since 2020. On Wednesday, Lewis took to a newly createdInstagramaccount to address his absence while hinting at having something in the works.

"Three years ago, I went quiet. Not because I had nothing to say but because I had something to do," Lewis began his video. "The kind of creative work that doesn't leave room for much else, and I made my peace with that."

Per Lewis' IMDb, he has one upcoming project titledRestaveksthat is in post-production. While the actor didn't address what he specifically has in the pipeline, he explained that "it's the kind of work that needs to find its people though."

"I'm still in it," Lewis added. "And I'm far enough along now that it felt like it was time to resurface and share what I've been doing. More to come."

Originally a model who appeared in campaigns for Guess?, Tommy Hilfiger and Hugo Boss, Lewis first appeared on HBO's hit seriesSex and the Cityin 2003 in the Season 6 premiere titled "Great Sexpectations."

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Smith became a key love interest for Samantha, and remained on the series until it ended in 2004. He reprised his role in 2008'sSex and the City: The Movieand its 2010 sequel. Despite their passionate relationship throughout the series and films, the characters eventually broke up in the sequel due to Samantha feeling she was losing her independence by remaining in the relationship, famously telling Smith, "I love you, but I love me more."

Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with ourEW Dispatch newsletter.

Cattrall's iconic Samantha seemingly had faded from theSex and the Cityuniverse herself when theactress said she didn't want to appearin the spinoff seriesAnd Just Like That... Samantha's absence was explained as Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Samantha having a falling-out, and the high-powered PR exec having relocated to London. However, the two eventually reconnected over the death of Carrie's husband, John James Preston (Chris Noth).

Samantha returned on screen for the Season 2 finale, with Samantha calling Carrie to pay her respects to Carrie's iconic New York City apartment before she moved out.

After three seasons,And Just Like That...aired itsfinal episodeon Aug. 14, 2025.

Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly

byLiam Oneel

in

May 21, 2026

“Sex and the City”'s Smith resurfaces after 3 years with a story to tell

Jason Lewis, who famously played Smith on Sex and the City , teased "creative work" is coming after being absent from an onsc...

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Where Are All 47 “Survivor ”Winners Now? Inside Their Lives After Earning Millions

Survivor season 50 ends on May 20

NEED TO KNOW

• The show has produced 47 winners since its debut in May 2000, with Sandra Diaz-Twine and Tony Vlachos receiving the title of Sole Survivor twice

• Dee Valladares, Kyle Fraser and Savannah Louie were the three winners who returned for the historic 50th season of Survivor

There are fewer than 50 people in the world who can say they hold the title of Sole Survivor.

SinceSurvivorpremiered on May 31, 2000, the tribe has spoken hundreds of times — and only 47 contestants haven't had their torches snuffed.

On May 20, the long-running CBS reality competition show will wrap up itshistoric 50th season, which featured an all-star cast spanning the series' 25-year history.Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fanshas a$2 million prizeon the line thanks toJimmy "MrBeast" Donaldsondoubling the winnings during a surprise episode 10 cameo appearance.

Hosted byJeff Probst, the series follows contestantsthrough a series of challenges, twists and the dreaded Tribal Council, where a group anonymously votes out one of their members at the end of every episode. Yet the best twist of the show comes when the remaining players reach the final Tribal Council and must earn the jury's votes, a.k.a. the players who were most recently voted out of the game.

Many of the show'smemorablewinners— including "Boston" Rob Mariano,Parvati ShallowandRichard Hatch— have gone on to compete on other competition series, likeThe Traitors,The ChallengeandDeal or No Deal Island.

So, where are theSurvivorwinners now? Here's everything to know about their lives today.

Richard Hatch

Hatch became the first-ever Sole Survivor in August 2000, gaining recognition for forming the show's first alliance.

He returned to playSurvivorfor 2004'sAll-Starsseason and later appeared on shows likeThe Celebrity ApprenticeandThe Biggest Loser. Most recently, he starred in the second season of E!'sHouse of Villains, where he came in 10th place.

Though he hasn't returned to the franchise since 2004, Hatch provides commentary on the series on hisYouTube channeland toldKeloland Livingin February 2026 that he would be tuning in to season 50, as he's "never missed an episode" ofSurvivor.

In 2006, Hatch was convicted on two counts of attempted tax evasion and one count of signing a fraudulent tax return after failing to report his $1 millionSurvivorprize and other smaller sums. He served over four years in federal prison, then was sent back to prison for nine months after he failed to amend his previous tax returns, perEntertainment Weekly.

In 2017, Hatch and his partner, Emiliano Cabral, split after 14 years of marriage, according toExtra.

Tina Wesson

Tina Wesson wonseason 2,Survivor: The Australian Outback, in May 2001.

Wesson returned to play in 2013 with her daughter, Katie Collins, for the show's firstBlood vs. Waterseason.

AfterSurvivor, Wesson built a cabin in the woods of North Carolina, and she occasionally teaches survival classes. She remains married to her husband, Dale.

"Survivorwas the greatest experience," she previously told PEOPLE. "It was never about the money. It was about the adventure."

Ethan Zohn

Ethan Zohnwon season 3,Survivor:Africa, in January 2002.

He competed again in 2004 onAll-Starsand in 2020 onWinners at War— a triumphant return after beingdiagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphomain 2009. (In 2012, he announced he was cancer-free.)

After the show, Zohn dated season 6 winner Jenna Morasca for a decade, and the two competed onThe Amazing Racetogetherbefore separating in February 2013.

He married New York City interior designerLisa Heywoodin July 2016. The two live in New Hampshire.

With his winnings, Zohn co-founded Grassroot Soccer, an organization that works to combat the AIDS epidemic in Africa.

Vecepia Towery

Vecepia Towery won season 4,Survivor: Marquesas, in May 2002.

During the show, she formed a close bond with fellow castaway and "Survivorbrother" Sean Rector, who later became her son Jordan's godfather.

She is the first ofonly two Black women to winthe game, though she never returned to play again. Towery has largely stayed out of the spotlight since her win and works at a health company in California, perEntertainment Weekly.

In February 2025, she made her first on-screen appearance in 20 years onThe Price is Right,perParade.

Brian Heidik

Brian HeidikwonSurvivor: Thailandin December 2002.

In September 2015, Heidik shared a throwback photo onInstagramwith his season 5 castmates alongside the caption, "How lucky we all were and are to have been #blessed to have experienced this."

The Maryland native has worked at a Honda dealership in South Carolina since 2020. He's been in the car industry since at least 2011, according to hisLinkedIn.

Heidik shares three children with his wife, Courtney Heidik. He also has one son with ex-wife Charmaine Costigan.

Jenna Morasca

At 21, Morasca became the youngest person ever to be crowned Sole Survivor on season 6,Survivor: The Amazon, in May 2003. She remains the youngest woman to win the title.

She initially competed on the first edition ofSurvivor: All-Starsin 2004 but quit during episode 3 to be with her mother, Carla, who had been battling cancer for 12 years. Carla died eight days after Morasca returned home, per thePittsburgh Post-Gazette.

She's since competed on additional shows, includingFear Factorand season 19 ofThe Amazing Racewith Zohn; hosted CBS.com'sSurvivor Liveand theEmmy-nominatedEveryday Health(the latter was also with Zohn) and tried her hand at wrestling and acting. Morasca now works as a veterinary nurse in her native Pennsylvania, she toldEntertainment Weeklyin January 2021.

Morasca and Zohn dated for a decade before splitting in 2013.

Sandra Diaz-Twine

Sandra Diaz-Twine was the first person to be crowned Sole Survivor twice: She first won season 7,Survivor:Pearl Islands, in 2003 and returned in 2010 to winSurvivor: Heroes vs. Villains.

After her back-to-back wins, Diaz-Twine played the game two more times — on season 34'sGame Changersin 2016 and 2020'sWinners at War— and appeared as a mentor alongside Boston Rob on 2019'sIsland of the Idols. She also starred onAustralian Survivor: Blood vs. Wateralongside her daughter, Nina Twine, in 2022, andplaced fifth on season 2of Peacock'sThe Traitorsin 2024.

Thanks to her $2 million in winnings, Diaz-Twine joked to PEOPLE that she "doesn't do a damn thing" and instead is focused on her family life in North Carolina with her husband, Marcus, and their two kids.

Amber Mariano

Amber Mariano(née Brkich) won season 8,Survivor: All-Stars, in May 2004, after first appearing on season 2,Survivor: The Australian Outback,in 2001.

Fans watched Amberfall in love with "Boston Rob" Marianoon her winning season. Robproposed during the show's live finale, before she bested him for the $1 million prize.

Amber returned to play for a third time in 2020'sWinners at War. She also appeared onThe Amazing Racewith Rob twice — they came in second in 2005 and eighth in 2007.

The couple, who married in April 2005, now live in Florida andshare four daughters: Lucia, Carina, Isabetta and Adelina.

Chris Daugherty

Chris Daugherty (not to be confused withAmerican IdolalumChris Daughtry) won season 9,Survivor: Vanuatu—Islands of Fire, in December 2004.

AfterSurvivor, Daugherty returned to his life in Ohio. He married Lorie Groves-Daugherty in 2005 and later used his winnings to build a house.

"Everyone said my life would change, but life returned to normal," he told PEOPLE. "I have the same friends, live in the same town, and am really happy with where I am."

Tom Westman

Tom Westmanwon season 10,Survivor: Palau, in May 2005, tying the record for most individual immunity wins on his way to the million-dollar prize. He later returned forHeroes vs. Villainsin 2010, where he finished 16th.

After his season, Westman retired from firefighting and got a job as an insurance salesman, though he doesn't tell clients about his stints on reality TV.

"I want them to know I'm an honest guy, and saying I wonSurvivorwill make them think I'm a backstabber," he told PEOPLE.

Danni Boatwright

Danni Boatwright won season 11,Survivor: Guatemala,in May 2005.

Since taking home the crown, Boatwright married NFL player Casey Wiegmann and welcomed two sons, Bo and Stone, whom they've raised in Kansas. A multi-hyphenate, she's worked as a TV personality on KCTV in Kansas City, Mo., started a clothing line and written a series of children's books, as she toldIn Kansas Cityin July 2018.

She is one-half of the co-hosts of theBeyond the Editpodcastwith her fellow99 to Beatcontestant Aggie Gunnels. In herInstagram bio, the veteran player describes herself as a "baseball mom" and "beauty queen."

"Winning a million dollars is wonderful, of course, but I still live a very normal life," Boatwright previously told PEOPLE.

Aras Baskauskas

Aras Baskauskaswon season 12,Survivor: Panama — Exile Island,in May 2006.

He later returned toSurvivorfor the show's firstBlood vs. Waterseason in 2013 alongside his brother Vytas.

After his return fromBlood vs. Water, Baskauskasproposed to his girlfriend, Christy Petersen. The two welcomed their first child,son River Juozas, in May 2014 andwed in a beach ceremony in Mexicoin April 2015. They welcomed a second son, Sage Tiger Baskauskas, in September 2018.

Baskauskas has since released an album and a book under the name "Odd Us," perCBS News. He and his wife launched the sustainable L.A.-based clothing brand Christy Dawn in 2014.

Yul Kwon

Yul Kwon won season 13,Survivor: Cook Islands,in December 2006. He returned for 2020'sWinners at War, where he came in 14th place.

Since his time onSurvivor,Kwon, a lawyer, has worked as an instructor at the F.B.I. Academy and owned a frozen-yogurt chain, per his 2025 interview onFreakonomics. He has also served as the deputy chief of the Federal Communications Commission's Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau.

In 2022, he appeared on USA Network'sSnake in the Grassalongside fellowSurvivorwinner Earl Cole.

Kwon married his wife, Sophie Tan, in 2009. They share two daughters.

Earl Cole

Cole won season 14,Survivor: Fiji, in May 2007.

After his win, Cole toldEntertainment Weeklyin January 2021 that he had traveled to over 40 countries, gotten married and founded the nonprofitPerthes Kids Foundation. Though he's never playedSurvivoragain, Cole revealed that he'd been asked back four times but couldn't make it work with his schedule.

In 2022, he appeared on USA Network'sSnake in the Grassalongside Kwon. That same year, he appeared onShark Tankas the founder and CEO of the Smart Tire Company, a startup developing airless bicycle tires that is working with NASA.

Todd Herzog

Todd Herzog was 22 when hewon season 15,Survivor: China, in December 2007.

Herzog publiclystruggled with alcoholismin the years since his win and is now in sobriety (viaInstagram). He works as a toy maker, often turningSurvivorplayers into Funko Pop! dolls.

After his win, Herzog datedSurvivorcontestant Spencer Duhm beforemarrying Jess Hermansenin 2020.

Parvati Shallow

After appearing on 2006'sCook Islands,Shallow won season 16,Survivor: Micronesia – Fans vs. Favorites, in May 2008.

A four-time player, she went on to appear on 2010'sHeroes vs. Villains, where she placed second, and 2020'sWinners at War, where she placed 15th. Shallow was one of the first five inductees into theSurvivorHall of Fame in 2010. Most recently, she appeared on season 2 ofThe Traitorsand wonSurvivor Australia: Australia vs. the World.

In 2025, Shallowreleased a memoirtitledNice Girls Don't Win:How I Burned It All Down to Claim My Power. Outside of TV, she is a life coach.

Shallowfiled for divorcefrom her husband, fellowSurvivorcontestantJohn Fincher, in August 2021 after four years of marriage. The exes share one child, daughter Alma.

Bob Crowley

Bob Crowley, then 57, won season 17,Survivor: Gabon, in December 2008, becoming the oldest person ever to nab the title of Sole Survivor.

"It was tremendously fun and a learning experience," he told PEOPLE of his time on the show.

After his win, the retired science teacher and his family, including wife Peggy, built a year-round campground in Maine, where they live. Crowley also started theDurham Warriors Project, a nonprofit that supports disabled veterans.

He toldEntertainment Weeklyin March 2021 that he still watches Survivor.

"I enjoyed watchingWinners at War,which I like to call 'Some of the Winners at War.' "

J.T. Thomas

J.T. Thomaswon season 18,Survivor: Tocantins, in May 2009.

Thomas returned to play in 2010'sHeroes vs. Villainsand 2017'sGame Changers, where he placed 10th and 16th, respectively.

He lives in Alabama with his wife. Tocantins contestant Stephen Fishbach officiated their wedding, perEntertainment Weekly.

Natalie White

Natalie White won season 19,Survivor: Samoa, in December 2009 in a controversial victory over villainRussell Hantz. She has stayed out of the public eye since her win.

Jud "Fabio" Birza

Jud "Fabio" Birza, then 21, became the youngest winner ever when he was crowned Sole Survivor on season 21,Survivor: Nicaragua, in December 2010.

He was an actor with a handful of credits to his name, including 2014's90210 Shark Attack,and modeled as Jace in the book cover for Cassandra Clare'sThe Mortal Instruments: City of Heavenly Fire.

In September 2012, Birza confirmed, pertheSurvivor Ozpodcast, that he got married and had a child.

"Boston" Rob Mariano

After appearing on 2002'sMarquesas, 2004'sAll-Starsand 2010'sHeroes vs. Villains, Boston Rob finally got his win in May 2011 on season 22,Survivor: RedemptionIsland.

Following his win, he returned as a mentor on season 39Island of the Idolsand played again with wife Amber on 2020'sWinners at War, where he placed 17th.

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After getting married in 2005, Rob and Amber went on to welcome four daughters. Today, they live in Florida, where Rob is a professional poker player.

Rob has appeared on several other reality shows, includingThe Amazing Racewith Amber twice andDeal or No Deal Island. He alsoappeared on season 3 ofThe Traitors.

Sophie Clarke

Sophie Clarkewon season 23,Survivor: South Pacific, in December 2011. She returned to play in 2020'sWinners at War,where she placed 10th.

A medical student when she first played, Clarke is now the Chief Strategy Officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, per herLinkedIn. She's been married to husband Bobby Shady since 2019. They welcomed son Robinson in 2021 and daughter Teal in 2023.

Kim Spradlin-Wolfe

Kim Spradlin-Wolfe won season 24,Survivor: One World, in May 2012. She returned to the show in 2020 forWinners at War, where she placed ninth.

Shemarried Bryan Wolfein Mexico in 2013 and has since welcomed three children: sons Michael Thomas and Walt anddaughter August Jane.

AfterSurvivor, Kim pivoted from owning a bridal shop to a career in home design and renovation. She hosted two seasons of HGTV'sWhy the Heck Did I Buy This House?, which ended in 2024, perTV Insider.

Kim and her husband continue to run their Wolfe Home design firm in Texas.

Denise Stapley

Denise Stapley won season 25,Survivor: Philippines, in December 2012. She returned forWinners at Warin 2020, placing sixth.

Stapley lives in Iowa, where she is one of three AASECT Certified Sex Therapists practicing in the state and joined most days by her "therapy dog in training," Mocha, per herwebsite.

John Cochran

John Cochranwon season 26,Survivor: Caramoan —the series' secondFans vs. Favoritesseason — in May 2013 after first appearing onSouth Pacificin 2011.

Though he attended Harvard Law School, Cochran decided to pursue a career in television, becoming a writer on the CBS showThe Millersin 2013. He's also worked onStar Trek: Lower DecksandKevin Can Wait.

"[TV writing has] been some of the most fulfilling fun I've ever had, and it never would've happened withoutSurvivor," he toldEntertainment Weeklyin February 2021.

Cochran also told the outlet that he wouldn't play again if asked, "not out of a diminished love for the show," but because "doing it now would be significantly more disruptive to my job and nervous system."

Tyson Apostol

Tyson Apostolwon season 27,Survivor: Blood vs. Water, in December 2013 after first appearing onTocantinsin 2009 andHeroes vs. Villainsin 2010. He went on to compete inWinners at Warin 2020, placing 11th.

Apostol and fellowSurvivorcontestantRachel Foulgergot married in February 2015 and have since welcomed two daughters together, Bergen and Marlowe. (Foulger was on season 27,Survivor: Blood vs. Water, and got voted off on day seven).

SinceSurvivor, Apostol was a finalist on the first season ofThe Challenge: USAin 2022, hostsThe Pod Has SpokenpodcastwithThe Ringerand is a pickleball influencer partnering with brands like Fila.

Tony Vlachos

Tony Vlachos is the second and only other two-timeSurvivorwinner. He first won season 28,Survivor: Cagayan — Brawn vs. Brains vs. Beauty, in May 2014 and later won the special $2 million prize on season 40,Winners at War, in May 2020. He also appeared onGame Changersin 2017.

In 2025, Vlachos competed on season 3 ofThe Traitors.

Outside of reality TV, Vlachos is a police officer in New Jersey. He and his wife, Marissa, have two children.

Natalie Anderson

Natalie Anderson won season 29,Survivor: San Juan del Sur — Blood vs. Water, in December 2014. She competed against her twin sister, Nadiya, who was voted out first on day 3. The sisters were known as "The Twinnies" when they previously competed onThe Amazing Race.

Anderson returned to play in 2020'sWinners at War, where she came in second place.

In 2021, she competed on MTV'sThe Challenge: Double Agentbut had to leave the game early after learning shewas 8 weeks pregnant. She sadlyhad a "heartbreaking" miscarriagejust a week later. She latercompeted on season 4ofTheTraitors.

Anderson lives in New Jersey, where she posts training videos and photos with her nieces onInstagram.

Mike Holloway

Mike Holloway won season 30,Survivor: Worlds Apart — White Collar vs. Blue Collar vs. No Collar, in May 2015.

After his win, Holloway began datingBig Brother 17contestant Meg Maley, who appeared on the other CBS show the same year he was onSurvivor. The twogot engaged in 2020and married in September 2021.

In April 2026, the couple shared onInstagramthat they had welcomed a son named Anthony via adoption. They're also dog parents to a pup named Wally.

Jeremy Collins

Jeremy Collinswon season 31,Survivor: Cambodia— Second Chance, in December 2015 after first appearing on 2014'sBlood vs. Wateralongside his wife, Val.

The firefighter returned in 2020'sWinners at War, where he placed eighth. In 2025, Collins appeared on season 3 ofThe Traitors.

Collins still works as a firefighter in Massachusetts, where he and Valraise their four children.

Michele Fitzgerald

Michele Fitzgeraldwon season 32,Survivor: Kaôh Rōng— Brains vs. Brawn vs. Beauty, in May 2016. She returned in 2020 forWinners at War, where she placed third.

AfterSurvivor, the New Jersey native competed on five seasons of MTV'sThe Challengefranchise. In the summer of 2024, Fitzgerald confirmed that she wasdating fellowThe Challengestar Devin Walker.

Adam Klein

Adam Kleinwon season 33,Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X, in December 2016. He returned to play in 2020'sWinners at War, where he placed 12th.

He now works as a casting coach, helping people get on reality TV shows, per hiswebsite.

Klein married his wife, Kailey, in April 2024 at a ceremony officiated by fellow season 33 player David Wright. They separated in May 2025 and filed for divorce that September, perInstagram.

In January 2026, Klein shared onInstagramthat he had produced a competitive reality show — "something I've always dreamt of doing," he wrote — and had applied to become a citizen of Czechia.

Sarah Lacina

Sarah Lacinawon season 34,Survivor: Game Changers, in May 2017 after first competing in 2014'sCagayan. She later came in fourth on 2020'sWinners at War.

Outside ofSurvivor, Lacina competed on the first season ofThe Challenge: USAin 2022, where she became the female winner, and onThe Challenge: World Championshipin 2023, where she placed fourth.

Lacina and her husband, Wyatt Wardenburg, live in Iowa, where they raise their son Knox.

Ben Driebergen

Ben Driebergenwon season 35Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlersin December 2017. He returned in 2020'sWinners at War, where he placed fifth.

He and Lacina faced off in 2022'sThe Challenge: USAand 2023'sThe Challenge: World Championship. Driebergen was medically removed from the competition in both seasons.

Driebergen lives in Idaho with his wife, Kelly, and their two children, Wyatt and Gracie. He toldEntertainment Weeklyin February 2020 that he's a stay-at-home dad.

Wendell Holland

Wendell Hollandwon season 36,Survivor: Ghost Island, in May 2018 — the first season to end in a tie. Holland later returned for 2020'sWinners at War, where he placed 13th.

Holland hostsSurvivorwatch parties and other fan events with season 28 player Brice Izyah Johnston. A furniture designer, he also joined ABC'sExtreme Makeover: Home Editionin 2025 and is a partner in the boutique The Gas Lamp Hotel in Philadelphia's Old City neighborhood.

He shared onInstagramthat he and his then-girlfriend, Chelsea Brooks, welcomed their son, Wendell Carter Holland, on May 19, 2023.

Nick Wilson

Nick Wilsonwon season 37,Survivor: David vs. Goliath, in December 2018. He returned for 2020'sWinners at War, where he placed seventh.

Since the show, Wilson, a lawyer, hasfocused on his political career as a lawmakerin the Kentucky House of Representatives.

Chris Underwood

Chris Underwoodwon season 38,Survivor: Edge of Extinction, in May 2019.

SinceSurvivor, Underwood competed and won the men's prize onseason 2 ofThe Challenge: USAin 2023.

He now works as a sales coach and lives with his wife, Kate Underwood, and their two children in Charleston, S.C.

Tommy Sheehan

Tommy Sheehanwon season 39,Survivor: Island of the Idols, in December 2019. He proposed to his now-wife, Nicole, the day he returned from the game, and the two wed in 2022.

Sheehan later competed on season 37 ofThe Challengein 2021, but the fourth-grade teacher announced his retirement from reality TV after appearing on the show.

"I love my life and career too much to leave again," he toldEntertainment Weeklythat year.

Erika Casupanan

Erika Casupanan wonSurvivor 41in December 2021.

Since then, the first Canadian winner of the show appeared onThe Traitors Canadain 2023. Based in Toronto, she now hosts theHappy to See Mepodcast, where she speaks to "people who have been overlooked or underestimated."

Maryanne Oketch

Maryanne Oketch wonSurvivor 42in May 2022. She is the second Black woman to win the game after Towery in 2002 and the second Canadian.

She shared onInstagramin August 2024 that she had started medical school at Western University in Ontario.

Oketch announced in October 2023 that she and boyfriend Konner Howellwere engaged. They tied the knot during the total solar eclipse in April 2024, perInstagram.

Mike Gabler

Mike Gabler wonSurvivor 43in December 2022. He later announced he'ddonate his entire $1 million prizeto veterans.

Gabler, a heart valve specialist, lives in Idaho with his wife, Joanna, and their two daughters.

Yamil "Yam Yam" Arocho

Yamil "Yam Yam" Arocho wonSurvivor 44in May 2023, becoming the show's first Puerto Rico-born winner.

He later competed on season 4 ofThe Traitors. He toldDeciderin January 2026 that he "did not get invited" to compete onSurvivor 50.

Arocho owns a beauty salon in Puerto Rico, where he lives with his husband, Karim Sáenz. He shared onInstagramthat the pair had a second wedding in Mexico City following his win.

Dee Valladares

Dee Valladares wonSurvivor 45in December 2023. In 2026, shereturned forSurvivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans, becoming the first jury member aftergetting voted outon episode 7.

Valladares lives in Miami, where she works as an influencer, appearing in ads for Brooks Running and the 2024 movieA Quiet Place: Day One. She co-hosted theOn Fire with Jeff Probstpodcastduring season 46.

Kenzie Petty

Kenzie PettywonSurvivor 46in May 2024.

Afterdelaying her wedding to competeon the show, she married Jackson Petty in September 2023. The couplewelcomed their first child, son Beau, in September 2024. She announced onInstagramthat she was expecting baby No. 2 in September 2025, and welcomed her second child, a boy, in May 2026.

Petty lives in Charlotte, N.C., where she owns a hair salon.

Rachel LaMont

Rachel LaMontearned the title of Sole Survivorof season 47 in December 2024.

The Michigan native co-hosted theOn Fire with Jeff Probstpodcast during season 48.

LaMont designed a competitive puzzle game calledPuzzle Hungry: Umami Rush!, which got fully fundedon Kickstarterwithin 48 hours in 2025.

Kyle Fraser

Kyle Fraserwascrowned the winner of season 48in May 2025. One year later, he returned for season 50, only toleave during the premiere episodedue to an ankle injury.

Fraser told PEOPLE in February 2026 that he has no regrets about going to Fiji.

"I had such a good time playing," he said. "Listen, this injury sucks. There's no doubt about it. But I've learned so much about myself ... it stinks, and the payoff isn't immediate, but I'm feeling the payoff as we speak. I get to say I'm a part of season 50. Who gets to say that?"

Raised in Roanoke, Va., Fraser is a lawyer who lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. He and his wife, Maggie, told PEOPLE exclusively in January 2026 that they wereexpecting their first child together. Theywelcomed their daughter, Wyatt, on April 27, 2026.

Savannah Louie

Savannah Louiewon season 49 ofSurvivor, which took place in the Mamanuca Islands in Fiji, in December 2025.

The former broadcast journalist joined the all-star cast of season 50 and was voted out unanimously on day six.

In April 2026, Louie opened up to PEOPLE about her difficult adjustment following her back-to-back runs onSurvivor.

"I was able to lean on every single person, whether they experienced it directly themselves or they knew other people who had had a hard time," she said. "It was a hard period for me, but because I had those other former players to lean on, that was huge in my mental space."

Louie lives in Atlanta, where she works as a marketing content specialist at Hyperdrive Leadership, according to herLinkedIn. She's been dating software engineer Brandon Stiles since April 2024.

Read the original article onPeople

byLiam Oneel

in

May 20, 2026

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