In the basement of a car dealership in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District last spring, The Messenger chairman and CEO Jimmy Finkelstein addressed a throng of New York’s media elite. Finkelstein was there to unveil his grand plans for a new website that he claimed would revolutionize the news, talking a big game in the process.
“When I was at The Hill, we did 125 million visits a month,” he told the gathering that featured media heavyweights Barry Diller, Kara Swisher, Chris Licht and Jen Psaki. “It was the second highest political site next to CNN. That’s with 70ish journalists and maybe 90 people in the editorial. Here, we are going to have hundreds of journalists. We are not just covering politics, we are covering sports, we are covering business, we are covering entertainment. So it’s hard to imagine why we couldn’t do it.”
Sitting in the crowd watching...
“When I was at The Hill, we did 125 million visits a month,” he told the gathering that featured media heavyweights Barry Diller, Kara Swisher, Chris Licht and Jen Psaki. “It was the second highest political site next to CNN. That’s with 70ish journalists and maybe 90 people in the editorial. Here, we are going to have hundreds of journalists. We are not just covering politics, we are covering sports, we are covering business, we are covering entertainment. So it’s hard to imagine why we couldn’t do it.”
Sitting in the crowd watching...
- 2/6/2024
- by Lachlan Cartwright
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Embattled startup The Messenger is shuttering just eight months after launching, The Hollywood Reporter can confirm. Approximately 300 staffers are being let go from the media outlet.
Employees had their Slack accounts deactivated shortly after 1 p.m. Pst Wednesday. There was no comment from a Messenger representative when reached by phone.
“I am not in the loop. Trying to find out now,” editor Dan Wakeford earlier wrote on Slack after being asked by staff if there would be any update from management. The development came after the board of The Messenger met earlier Wednesday to decide the site’s fate.
A note to staff from owner Jimmy Finkelstein is below:
I am personally devastated to share that we have made the painfully hard decision to shut down The Messenger, effective immediately. Over the past few weeks, literally until last night, we exhausted every option available and have endeavored to raise sufficient capital to reach profitability.
Employees had their Slack accounts deactivated shortly after 1 p.m. Pst Wednesday. There was no comment from a Messenger representative when reached by phone.
“I am not in the loop. Trying to find out now,” editor Dan Wakeford earlier wrote on Slack after being asked by staff if there would be any update from management. The development came after the board of The Messenger met earlier Wednesday to decide the site’s fate.
A note to staff from owner Jimmy Finkelstein is below:
I am personally devastated to share that we have made the painfully hard decision to shut down The Messenger, effective immediately. Over the past few weeks, literally until last night, we exhausted every option available and have endeavored to raise sufficient capital to reach profitability.
- 1/31/2024
- by Lachlan Cartwright
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It's that time of year again! On Nov. 8, People crowned this year's Sexiest Man Alive, Patrick Dempsey. If you're wondering how the publication makes its choice, according to People's former Editor in Chief Dan Wakeford, the magazine makes its selection not only based on a celebrity's looks but also their overall demeanor.
"Being sexy is about being decent, intelligent, funny, and talented," Wakeford previously told CNN. He added that someone "who creates buzz" is a requirement and that sometimes who they're in a relationship with may give them bonus points.
As Dempsey joins this exclusive club, take a trip down memory lane by seeing all the past winners, including Chris Evans, Michael B. Jordan, Idris Elba, David Beckham, Chris Hemsworth, Channing Tatum, Bradley Cooper, and more.
"Being sexy is about being decent, intelligent, funny, and talented," Wakeford previously told CNN. He added that someone "who creates buzz" is a requirement and that sometimes who they're in a relationship with may give them bonus points.
As Dempsey joins this exclusive club, take a trip down memory lane by seeing all the past winners, including Chris Evans, Michael B. Jordan, Idris Elba, David Beckham, Chris Hemsworth, Channing Tatum, Bradley Cooper, and more.
- 11/8/2023
- by Michele Mendez
- Popsugar.com
On Dec. 28, Betty White’s Twitter account celebrated the actor’s latest cover story in People magazine. “My 100th birthday… I cannot believe it is coming up, and People Magazine is celebrating with me!” White tweeted. “The new issue … is available on newsstands nationwide tomorrow.”
Three days later, news broke that White, a Hollywood icon for 70 years, had died at 99, just weeks before her 100th birthday on January 17.
It’s the kind of Dewey Defeats Truman moment that print journalists can lose sleep over, compounded by the fact that People released two issues celebrating White’s centennial: Its weekly newsstand issue and a special commemorative issue devoted exclusively to the actor.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of Betty White’s passing,” People editor-in-chief Dan Wakeford said in a statement to Variety. “We are honored that she recently chose to work with People to celebrate her extraordinary life and career.
Three days later, news broke that White, a Hollywood icon for 70 years, had died at 99, just weeks before her 100th birthday on January 17.
It’s the kind of Dewey Defeats Truman moment that print journalists can lose sleep over, compounded by the fact that People released two issues celebrating White’s centennial: Its weekly newsstand issue and a special commemorative issue devoted exclusively to the actor.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of Betty White’s passing,” People editor-in-chief Dan Wakeford said in a statement to Variety. “We are honored that she recently chose to work with People to celebrate her extraordinary life and career.
- 12/31/2021
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
Game Show Network has renewed the crossword puzzle show People Puzzler, hosted by Leah Remini, for season two.
People Puzzler, which will launch its new season in the fall, features three contestants who will put their pop culture knowledge to the test to complete crosswords from the pop culture magazine. The player who has won the most points after three rounds will move on to the Fast Puzzle Bonus Round where they will have the opportunity to win a cash prize.
The game show is produced by Meredith Corporation and Start Entertainment, LLC for Game Show Network. Leah Remini serves as producer. Executive Producers are Scott St. John and Neal Konstantini for Start Entertainment, LLC, along with Dan Wakeford and Rachel Feinberg for Meredith Corporation. Rane Laymance also serves as executive producer.
People Puzzler, which will launch its new season in the fall, features three contestants who will put their pop culture knowledge to the test to complete crosswords from the pop culture magazine. The player who has won the most points after three rounds will move on to the Fast Puzzle Bonus Round where they will have the opportunity to win a cash prize.
The game show is produced by Meredith Corporation and Start Entertainment, LLC for Game Show Network. Leah Remini serves as producer. Executive Producers are Scott St. John and Neal Konstantini for Start Entertainment, LLC, along with Dan Wakeford and Rachel Feinberg for Meredith Corporation. Rane Laymance also serves as executive producer.
- 6/2/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Meredith Corporation’s People and its Let’s Talk About It Mental Health Initiative is partnering with actor and advocate Glenn Close and her non-profit organization, Bring Change To Mind, in an effort to destigmatize mental illness.
A four-part virtual panel discussion series on mental health and young people through the lens of masculinity, race, Lgbtqia, and digital life, Conversations with Bring Change to Mind in Partnership with People, will be moderated by People’s editor in chief, Dan Wakeford; People Every Day podcast host, Janine Rubenstein; filmmaker, co-founder of Wayfarer Studios, and author of the new book, Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity, Justin Baldoni; and critically acclaimed actor and star of Hamilton, Javier Muñoz, during Mental Health Awareness Month and will stream from May 24-27 on People.com, People’s YouTube, Twitter and PeopleTV’s social channels, as well as on BringChange2Mind.org.
Glenn Close, her sister Jessie Close...
A four-part virtual panel discussion series on mental health and young people through the lens of masculinity, race, Lgbtqia, and digital life, Conversations with Bring Change to Mind in Partnership with People, will be moderated by People’s editor in chief, Dan Wakeford; People Every Day podcast host, Janine Rubenstein; filmmaker, co-founder of Wayfarer Studios, and author of the new book, Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity, Justin Baldoni; and critically acclaimed actor and star of Hamilton, Javier Muñoz, during Mental Health Awareness Month and will stream from May 24-27 on People.com, People’s YouTube, Twitter and PeopleTV’s social channels, as well as on BringChange2Mind.org.
Glenn Close, her sister Jessie Close...
- 5/17/2021
- Look to the Stars
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting performing artists with a vital safety net of programs and services, and People, the world’s most popular magazine brand, have joined together for a virtual table read of an episode of Happy Days to raise funds that will provide emergency financial and medical assistance, disaster relief, and scholarships to SAG-AFTRA artists and their families, as well as support the Foundation’s free educational programming including its children’s literacy program Storyline Online®.
Four-time SAG Award nominee Henry Winkler will reprise his iconic role as Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli in a table read of the 1975 episode “The Motorcycle,” where “the Fonz” seeks revenge for the culprit who demolished his treasured bike. Two-time SAG Award winning actress Glenn Close steps into the role of Mrs. Marion Cunningham from the nostalgic television series, with John Carroll Lynch playing her husband, Mr. Howard Cunningham. Rounding...
Four-time SAG Award nominee Henry Winkler will reprise his iconic role as Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli in a table read of the 1975 episode “The Motorcycle,” where “the Fonz” seeks revenge for the culprit who demolished his treasured bike. Two-time SAG Award winning actress Glenn Close steps into the role of Mrs. Marion Cunningham from the nostalgic television series, with John Carroll Lynch playing her husband, Mr. Howard Cunningham. Rounding...
- 3/26/2021
- Look to the Stars
The new owner of People magazine plans to adapt the entertainment and human interest magazine into a daily TV series set to launch in the fall on the company’s TV stations.
Meredith Corp., which acquired People through its Time Inc. purchase in early 2018, has tapped “Access Hollywood” veteran Rob Silverstein to lead the half-hour strip as executive producer and showrunner. The series will be “People-branded” but the formal title has not been unveiled. It will originate from New York and air initially on the Big Three network affiliates that Meredith owns in 12 mid-sized heartland markets.
Silverstein told Variety the series would mirror the venerable magazine that mixes celebrity and entertainment coverage with human interest and lifestyle stories. The breadth of People magazine’s coverage of pop culture, news and trends gives a TV series plenty to material to assemble a daily program.
“The magazine is so well respected for what they do now.
Meredith Corp., which acquired People through its Time Inc. purchase in early 2018, has tapped “Access Hollywood” veteran Rob Silverstein to lead the half-hour strip as executive producer and showrunner. The series will be “People-branded” but the formal title has not been unveiled. It will originate from New York and air initially on the Big Three network affiliates that Meredith owns in 12 mid-sized heartland markets.
Silverstein told Variety the series would mirror the venerable magazine that mixes celebrity and entertainment coverage with human interest and lifestyle stories. The breadth of People magazine’s coverage of pop culture, news and trends gives a TV series plenty to material to assemble a daily program.
“The magazine is so well respected for what they do now.
- 5/19/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Dr. Anthony Fauci already has a Hollywood A-lister in mind to portray him on Saturday Night Live.
During a segment with CNN’s Alisyn Camerota on Friday, the mood took a humorous turn when the anchor asked if Fauci, 79, had given any thought to who he would like to portray him if SNL did a sketch about the daily White House briefings featuring the Coronavirus Task Force.
Fauci said he has “no idea” if somebody will take on his role as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, but he hopes to not be a part of it.
During a segment with CNN’s Alisyn Camerota on Friday, the mood took a humorous turn when the anchor asked if Fauci, 79, had given any thought to who he would like to portray him if SNL did a sketch about the daily White House briefings featuring the Coronavirus Task Force.
Fauci said he has “no idea” if somebody will take on his role as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, but he hopes to not be a part of it.
- 4/11/2020
- by Georgia Slater
- PEOPLE.com
“People Magazine Investigates: Cults” returns for a sophomore season on June 3 on Investigation Discovery.
Each episode follows one infamous cult from the time of its creation, and tracks leaders as well as survivors. A team of People’s true-crime staff talks to survivors who escaped and are attempting to rebuild their lives after submerging themselves into cult-like organizations.
“The stories told from those who have escaped from these cults are incredibly harrowing – truly, stranger than fiction – which is why they both captivate and so intrigue our viewers,” said Henry Schleiff, group president of Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, American Heroes Channel and Destination America, in a prepared statement. “ID continues our extremely successful partnership with People for this new season, as they bring their expert reporting to our viewers on these secret societies that so often seek to dominate and control their innocent followers.”
In the first episode of the new season,...
Each episode follows one infamous cult from the time of its creation, and tracks leaders as well as survivors. A team of People’s true-crime staff talks to survivors who escaped and are attempting to rebuild their lives after submerging themselves into cult-like organizations.
“The stories told from those who have escaped from these cults are incredibly harrowing – truly, stranger than fiction – which is why they both captivate and so intrigue our viewers,” said Henry Schleiff, group president of Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, American Heroes Channel and Destination America, in a prepared statement. “ID continues our extremely successful partnership with People for this new season, as they bring their expert reporting to our viewers on these secret societies that so often seek to dominate and control their innocent followers.”
In the first episode of the new season,...
- 5/17/2019
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Taraji P. Henson has Terry Crews to thank for ensuring her Golden Globes didn’t cost her the earth!
The actress, who attended Sunday night’s awards — she and the cast of Ralph Breaks the Internet were nominated for best animated feature film — stunned in a dark green, velvet, low-cut gown with silver accessories.
Part of those accessories included some stunning diamond rings one of which Henson lost right as the crowd was letting out of the ceremony.
When she realized that her ring had fallen off, Henson, 48, began screaming, “Oh my god, oh my god! No one move! No one move!
The actress, who attended Sunday night’s awards — she and the cast of Ralph Breaks the Internet were nominated for best animated feature film — stunned in a dark green, velvet, low-cut gown with silver accessories.
Part of those accessories included some stunning diamond rings one of which Henson lost right as the crowd was letting out of the ceremony.
When she realized that her ring had fallen off, Henson, 48, began screaming, “Oh my god, oh my god! No one move! No one move!
- 1/7/2019
- by Joelle Goldstein
- PEOPLE.com
While many tuned in to watch Sandra Oh and Andy Samberg‘s hilarious hosting moments and all the winners at the 2019 Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, People was watching for the action off-camera, backstage and on the red carpet.
From many big moments to the friendly catchup sessions between A-listers, we caught every moment not shown on TV.
Here are the best backstage moments you didn’t see.
Can’t get enough of the Globes? Check out our full Golden Globes coverage for the latest news, fashion and more.
On the Red Carpet
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel star Rachel Brosnahan‘s husband,...
From many big moments to the friendly catchup sessions between A-listers, we caught every moment not shown on TV.
Here are the best backstage moments you didn’t see.
Can’t get enough of the Globes? Check out our full Golden Globes coverage for the latest news, fashion and more.
On the Red Carpet
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel star Rachel Brosnahan‘s husband,...
- 1/7/2019
- by Karen Mizoguchi
- PEOPLE.com
Cher is happy to play Meryl Streep’s mother in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again — even though she is only three years older than her onscreen daughter.
The music icon is 72, while Streep is 69, but the age spread hardly bothers the “Believe” singer, who appears in the new Mamma Mia movie as the grandmother to Amanda Seyfried’s character.
“That doesn’t make any difference,” Cher said in People’s exclusive Facebook live talk with the cast, moderated by People deputy editor Dan Wakeford, about the small age gap. “I was thrilled to death, and it was so silly.
The music icon is 72, while Streep is 69, but the age spread hardly bothers the “Believe” singer, who appears in the new Mamma Mia movie as the grandmother to Amanda Seyfried’s character.
“That doesn’t make any difference,” Cher said in People’s exclusive Facebook live talk with the cast, moderated by People deputy editor Dan Wakeford, about the small age gap. “I was thrilled to death, and it was so silly.
- 7/16/2018
- by Emily Zaumer
- PEOPLE.com
As Suits star-turned-duchess Meghan Markle works on her new accent, ABC has set a premiere date for The Story of the Royals. The four-hour documentary miniseries will air at 9 Pm Wednesday and Thursday, August 22-23. Watch a new promo above.
A co-production of ABC, People and Four M Studios, the program will chronicle pivotal moments in the crown’s history beginning with a simple question: How exactly did we get here? The Story of the Royals captures the mystique of the monarchy through its many loves, losses, extravagances, challenges and charms, per the network. With Prince William and Kate’s new royal baby and Prince Harry’s recent marriage to Markle, the Windsors have begun to modernize and resemble a 21st century family. The two-part mini will illustrate that evolution as well as examine America’s obsession with all things royal.
Last year’s The Story of Diana, about the...
A co-production of ABC, People and Four M Studios, the program will chronicle pivotal moments in the crown’s history beginning with a simple question: How exactly did we get here? The Story of the Royals captures the mystique of the monarchy through its many loves, losses, extravagances, challenges and charms, per the network. With Prince William and Kate’s new royal baby and Prince Harry’s recent marriage to Markle, the Windsors have begun to modernize and resemble a 21st century family. The two-part mini will illustrate that evolution as well as examine America’s obsession with all things royal.
Last year’s The Story of Diana, about the...
- 7/10/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to grow up in Hollywood, Kyle Richards can shed some light.
On Wednesday, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star sat down with People’s Dan Wakeford at the 92Y for a tell-all night of stories about being born into a California acting family. One of her many exciting anecdotes? That time she went on vacation with George Clooney and didn’t even know it. In fact, the realization didn’t hit her until she landed the role of nurse Dori Kerns on ER.
“The first day I was on the...
On Wednesday, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star sat down with People’s Dan Wakeford at the 92Y for a tell-all night of stories about being born into a California acting family. One of her many exciting anecdotes? That time she went on vacation with George Clooney and didn’t even know it. In fact, the realization didn’t hit her until she landed the role of nurse Dori Kerns on ER.
“The first day I was on the...
- 6/7/2018
- by Dan Wakeford, Aurelie Corinthios
- PEOPLE.com
Eventually, April Balascio would discover that her father, Edward Wayne Edwards, was a serial killer — and then she’d help bring him to justice.
But even before that terrible revelation, she and her siblings had discussed the fact that their dad had a dark side — which he sometimes took out on the family.
The case’s twists and turns (and Balascio’s central role) will be the focus of Monday night’s People Magazine Investigates, on Investigation Discovery, exclusively previewed above.
• For more on Edward Edwards’ dark secrets and his daughter’s search for the truth, subscribe now to People...
But even before that terrible revelation, she and her siblings had discussed the fact that their dad had a dark side — which he sometimes took out on the family.
The case’s twists and turns (and Balascio’s central role) will be the focus of Monday night’s People Magazine Investigates, on Investigation Discovery, exclusively previewed above.
• For more on Edward Edwards’ dark secrets and his daughter’s search for the truth, subscribe now to People...
- 1/15/2018
- by Adam Carlson
- PEOPLE.com
Justin Bieber is really getting into the Christmas spirit.
On Saturday, the 23-year-old singer showed off the very special holiday makeover one Mercedes-Benz G-Class received.
“Homies came to me trippin’ saying, Jb, you ain’t in the Christmas spirit,” Bieber said on his Instagram story before unveiling his festive car decorations. “Aye, you know you trippin’.”
“Pull up in the Christmas G-Wagon on them,” he added alongside pictures of the car covered with images of Santa Claus, Christmas trees and a polar bear family snuggling up together in the North Pole alongside some festively wrapped gifts.
And the side of...
On Saturday, the 23-year-old singer showed off the very special holiday makeover one Mercedes-Benz G-Class received.
“Homies came to me trippin’ saying, Jb, you ain’t in the Christmas spirit,” Bieber said on his Instagram story before unveiling his festive car decorations. “Aye, you know you trippin’.”
“Pull up in the Christmas G-Wagon on them,” he added alongside pictures of the car covered with images of Santa Claus, Christmas trees and a polar bear family snuggling up together in the North Pole alongside some festively wrapped gifts.
And the side of...
- 12/17/2017
- by Maria Pasquini
- PEOPLE.com
Prince Harry is a traditionalist at heart.
The royal, who announced his engagement to Meghan Markle on Monday, asked for her mother, Doria Ragland’s permission before popping the question, a source tells People.
Markle has been outspoken about her love and admiration for her mother in the past, so it’s no surprise that Harry would seek out Ragland’s blessing before asking Markle to marry him. In an August 2017 article for Glamour, Markle talked about the impact her mother had on her, calling Ragland her “best friend.”
“My mom’s a yoga instructor, but she does social work,...
The royal, who announced his engagement to Meghan Markle on Monday, asked for her mother, Doria Ragland’s permission before popping the question, a source tells People.
Markle has been outspoken about her love and admiration for her mother in the past, so it’s no surprise that Harry would seek out Ragland’s blessing before asking Markle to marry him. In an August 2017 article for Glamour, Markle talked about the impact her mother had on her, calling Ragland her “best friend.”
“My mom’s a yoga instructor, but she does social work,...
- 11/27/2017
- by Diana Pearl
- PEOPLE.com
Kylie Jenner‘s famous family is trying to be as supportive as possible about her unexpected pregnancy, but not so long ago it was their “nightmare” that the 20-year-old reality star would get pregnant — with Tyga.
“It was such a bad relationship. Her family would beg her to protect herself. They were very concerned,” a Keeping Up with the Kardashians source tells People exclusively about Kylie and her rapper ex, 27.
Kylie and Tyga split in April after more than two tumultuous years together shortly before she was spotted getting cozy with Travis Scott, 25, with whom she’s expecting a baby girl in February.
“It was such a bad relationship. Her family would beg her to protect herself. They were very concerned,” a Keeping Up with the Kardashians source tells People exclusively about Kylie and her rapper ex, 27.
Kylie and Tyga split in April after more than two tumultuous years together shortly before she was spotted getting cozy with Travis Scott, 25, with whom she’s expecting a baby girl in February.
- 9/26/2017
- by Melody Chiu
- PEOPLE.com
Donald Trump taught his children to fight dirty and win, no matter the cost. Subscribe now for a look at how the ruthless family culture has shaped Don Jr., his siblings, and the Presidency – only in People.
Decades before he started making headlines as a First Son with a controversial record of meeting with Russian nationals, President Donald Trump‘s eldest child was a self-confessed hard-partying fraternity brother at the University of Pennsylvania.
There, Donald Trump Jr. was so notorious for his strong interest in women that a friend who went to frat parties with him tells People in this...
Decades before he started making headlines as a First Son with a controversial record of meeting with Russian nationals, President Donald Trump‘s eldest child was a self-confessed hard-partying fraternity brother at the University of Pennsylvania.
There, Donald Trump Jr. was so notorious for his strong interest in women that a friend who went to frat parties with him tells People in this...
- 7/19/2017
- by Sandra Sobieraj Westfall and Tierney McAfee
- PEOPLE.com
Donald Trump taught his children to fight dirty and win, no matter the cost. Subscribe now for a look at how the ruthless family culture has shaped Don Jr., his siblings, and the Presidency – only in People.
When Donald Trump Jr.—just hours after tweeting the email chain that exposed his glee (“I love it”) over the prospect of getting dirt on Hillary Clinton from a Russian lawyer in 2016—went on Fox News’ Hannity July 11 and said, “In retrospect, I probably would have done things a little differently,” some friends took notice.
“Those are not words normally heard from a Trump,...
When Donald Trump Jr.—just hours after tweeting the email chain that exposed his glee (“I love it”) over the prospect of getting dirt on Hillary Clinton from a Russian lawyer in 2016—went on Fox News’ Hannity July 11 and said, “In retrospect, I probably would have done things a little differently,” some friends took notice.
“Those are not words normally heard from a Trump,...
- 7/19/2017
- by Sandra Sobieraj Westfall and Tierney McAfee
- PEOPLE.com
Do you believe David Letterman once footed Cher’s pricey hotel bill in order to convince her to come on his show?
During a concert at the MGM National Harbor in Maryland on Saturday, the 70-year-old singer stood by the story she first told during her 1986 visit on the Late Show about why she finally decided to do the appearance.
“I had a $28,000 hotel bill and Dave Letterman had always asked me to be on his show,” she explained to the audience. “And I said, ‘Yes if you have $28,000.’ But they said no.”
“Then they called back and said yes!
During a concert at the MGM National Harbor in Maryland on Saturday, the 70-year-old singer stood by the story she first told during her 1986 visit on the Late Show about why she finally decided to do the appearance.
“I had a $28,000 hotel bill and Dave Letterman had always asked me to be on his show,” she explained to the audience. “And I said, ‘Yes if you have $28,000.’ But they said no.”
“Then they called back and said yes!
- 3/27/2017
- by Brianne Tracy
- PEOPLE.com
Distraught former Playboy Playmate Anna Nicole Smith was forced to sell photos of her son Daniel Smith taken the night before he died in order to pay for his funeral expenses. The family portraits were taken in a hospital room in the Bahamas two days after the birth of Anna Nicole's daughter and hours before her 20-year-old son was found dead. Photo agency Getty Images sold the photos to US publication In Touch for $400,000 after a fierce bidding war. According to In Touch executive editor Dan Wakeford, "We purchased the photos, beating the competition. The photos were extremely emotive, and our readers are incredibly intrigued by this story." Wakeford says the images show "a perfectly healthy young man." While it is unclear what portion of the proceeds will go to Anna Nicole, a source tells American publication Us Weekly that the devastated star sold the pictures in order to pay for her son's funeral. The source says, "She needs the money." Getty Images claims that a portion of the profits from the sale of the photos will go to a charitable foundation to be set up in Daniel's name. His body remains at Butler's Funeral Home in the Bahamas and won't be released to the family until the investigation into his death is complete.
- 9/21/2006
- WENN
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