Daily News 19

Author: DN19 Newsroom

  • Nick Offerman Reflects on ‘The Office’ Audition and Dual Emmy Nominations

    Nick Offerman Reflects on ‘The Office’ Audition and Dual Emmy Nominations

    Nick Offerman, widely celebrated for his iconic portrayal of Ron Swanson on "Parks and Recreation," recently opened up about a pivotal early audition that nearly placed him in the world of "The Office" before his breakthrough role. In a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, the 56-year-old actor traced the winding path that led him from a months-long casting process for the NBC comedy to his current position as a double Emmy nominee for dramatically different roles. Read also: Only Murders in the Building Season 6 Heads to London with December Premiere Date. Read also: Comedy Central Announces Star-Studded Guest Host Lineup for 'The Daily Show'; Veteran Director John Irvin Remembered.

    This past year has marked a career high for Offerman, who secured supporting actor nominations for two distinct projects: Apple TV+'s "Margo's Got Money Troubles," where he plays a former wrestler reconnecting with his daughter, and Netflix's limited series "Death by Lightning," in which he embodies a corrupt, alcoholic vice president. The recognition underscores a deliberate shift away from the libertarian curmudgeon that defined his earlier fame, showcasing a range that includes a heartbreaking guest turn on HBO's "The Last of Us" — a role that already earned him an Emmy win.

    Offerman revealed that his journey to Pawnee began when "Parks and Recreation" creators Greg Daniels and Michael Schur were still focused on the American adaptation of "The Office." He auditioned for a role on that series, but the part ultimately went elsewhere. The casting directors, however, kept him in mind, leading to an extended, unconventional testing process for "Parks and Rec" that involved improvisation and character development sessions. That patience paid off, birthing one of television's most beloved deadpan characters.

    Since the mockumentary ended in 2015, Offerman has actively sought roles that challenge the Ron Swanson archetype. His recent choices — a post-apocalyptic survivalist with a tender soul, a scheming 19th-century politician, and a washed-up wrestler — reflect a desire to explore vulnerability and moral complexity. This trajectory mirrors a broader industry trend where character actors leverage signature roles to pivot toward prestige drama and dark comedy, much like Bryan Cranston's post-"Malcolm in the Middle" evolution.

    Beyond the accolades, Offerman credits his artistic grounding to mentorship under Japanese theater master Shozo Sato and a 26-year partnership with actress Megan Mullally. As he navigates this awards-season momentum, the actor remains characteristically pragmatic, framing his success not as a victory lap but as the result of showing up prepared for whatever the script demands.

  • Jelly Roll Roasts Donald Trump’s Weight During Jimmy Kimmel Live Guest Hosting Stint

    Jelly Roll Roasts Donald Trump’s Weight During Jimmy Kimmel Live Guest Hosting Stint

    Country music star Jelly Roll delivered a blistering comedic takedown of President Donald Trump's physical appearance while filling in for Jimmy Kimmel on Monday night's broadcast. The singer, who has publicly documented his own dramatic weight loss journey, used the platform to respond to a recent Washington Post report citing medical professionals' concerns about the president's health metrics. Read also: Comedy Central Announces Star-Studded Guest Host Lineup for 'The Daily Show'; Veteran Director John Irvin Remembered. Read also: Brandon Flowers Returns with Country-Inspired Solo Album 'Thrasher' After 11-Year Gap.

    During the monologue segment, Jelly Roll referenced the report's mention of Trump approaching 240 pounds before pivoting to a pointed comparison rooted in personal experience. Speaking from the perspective of someone who once weighed significantly more, he quipped that he had effectively "shed an entire Donald Trump" through his 300-pound transformation. The remark framed the president's physique not merely as a punchline but as a benchmark the comedian had personally surpassed.

    The routine escalated when Jelly Roll aired a montage of Trump's own history of mocking others' bodies, including repeated insistence that former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie was "not a fat pig." By juxtaposing the president's past rhetoric with his current physical state, the segment highlighted a perceived double standard. Jelly Roll then turned the humor inward, sharing a graphic personal anecdote about his post-weight-loss anatomy that drew both laughter and groans from the studio audience.

    The appearance underscores a growing trend of musical artists using late-night comedy platforms to engage directly with political discourse. Unlike traditional late-night hosts who maintain a degree of satirical distance, Jelly Roll's approach blended self-deprecation with pointed political commentary, leveraging his own body transformation as both credential and weapon. The segment quickly circulated across social platforms, amplifying the reach of a joke that originated in a mainstream media health report.

  • ‘Super proud’ – Smith wins consecutive PFA Young Player of the Year awards

    ‘Super proud’ – Smith wins consecutive PFA Young Player of the Year awards

    Arsenal’s Olivia Smith has received the PFA Young Player of the Year award for the second consecutive year, saying she wants to “keep setting standards high”.

  • Eminem Shares Never-Before-Seen Note From Dolly Parton in Sweet Tribute

    Eminem Shares Never-Before-Seen Note From Dolly Parton in Sweet Tribute

    Dolly Parton, the beloved country music icon known as the “Queen of Country,” has died at the age of 80. Her family confirmed the news on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in a short video shared on Instagram by her nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver. Seaver stated that his aunt had tasked him with delivering the news when the time came.

    Family and Team Release Heartfelt Statement

    A subsequent statement from Parton’s team celebrated her extraordinary life and legacy:

    “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.” Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”

    Eminem Shares Personal Letter from Dolly Parton

    Following the announcement, tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry and beyond. Among the most poignant was a revelation from rapper Eminem, who shared a personal note he received from Parton in 2022 following his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

    In the letter, which Eminem posted on X (formerly Twitter), Parton wrote:

    “Marshall (Eminem), Congratulations on your induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Your performance was amazing and everybody thought so. Even though I don’t know a lot about rap music, I’ve come to know that you are the very best at it. Aside from that I hope what I have to say will not seem weird or strange to you but I have always felt some unexplained connection to you like I know you somehow. I had hoped to meet you at the show but you know how nuts those things are, personally I hate ’em and missed my chance but maybe someday we’ll meet. In the meantime, keep doing what you’re doing because you do it so well and no matter how complex your world maybe just know you are very special and touch people in ways you don’t even know.”

    The letter was signed with “love and respect” from Dolly.

    Eminem’s Emotional Response

    Posting the correspondence, Eminem expressed deep regret that the two never met in person. He wrote:

    “I’m sorry we never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had a an impact on me. She definitely didn’t have to take the time to do it. Even for a kid who mostly listened to rap music, she was an icon. A superstar in every sense. Rest easy Dolly. And thank you for the kind words.”

    President Trump Orders Flags at Half-Mast

    Political figures also joined the chorus of remembrance. President Donald Trump posted a tribute on his Truth Social platform, stating:

    “Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away. This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will.”

    Trump further announced a national gesture of mourning:

    “In her honour, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.”

  • Brandon Flowers Returns with Country-Inspired Solo Album ‘Thrasher’ After 11-Year Gap

    Brandon Flowers Returns with Country-Inspired Solo Album ‘Thrasher’ After 11-Year Gap

    The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers has released his third solo album, 'Thrasher,' marking his first solo project in over a decade. Recorded at Nashville's historic RCA Studio A — the same room where Dolly Parton cut 'Jolene' and 'I Will Always Love You' — the album leans heavily into the country and Americana sounds that shaped Flowers' childhood in rural Utah. The sessions brought together a cast of veteran musicians, including 85-year-old harmonica player Charlie McCoy, pedal steel legend Bruce Bouton, and singer-songwriter Margo Price. Flowers chose to record vocals live alongside the band, a method he describes as 'romantic' and increasingly rare in modern production. Read also: Entertainment Roundup: Bong Joon Ho's 'Mickey 17' Sets 2024 Release, 'Only Murders in the Building' Heads to London for Season 6. Read also: Britney Spears' Son Jayden James Debuts as MAC Cosmetics' Newest 'Posterboy'.

    Lyrically, 'Thrasher' draws from Flowers' personal history in ways his earlier work did not. He revisits his upbringing in Nephi, Utah, where his father played Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard on the car stereo, and school dances featured country slow dances. The album also addresses the opioid crisis that devastated his hometown, with the track 'Miss America' criticizing how prescription painkillers — chemically similar to heroin — were handed out by doctors, claiming lives across his graduating class. Another song, 'American Dream,' stages a fantastical encounter with Elvis Presley in a flying Tesla, where Flowers asks whether fame is truly worth it — a question he says has haunted him for years, especially as he watches his three teenage sons navigate a world of constant comparison.

    Flowers previewed material from the album at the Newport Folk Festival with assistance from Lucy Dacus, signaling a deliberate step into the Americana and folk communities. The project arrives during a hiatus for The Killers, giving Flowers space to explore a musical identity separate from the arena-rock anthems that defined his band's 25-year run. In recent interviews, he has openly questioned the cost of fame, wondering what he is still trying to prove and to whom. 'Thrasher' suggests the answer may lie not in stadiums, but in the quieter, rawer sound of the music that raised him.

  • Britney Spears’ Son Jayden James Debuts as MAC Cosmetics’ Newest ‘Posterboy’

    Britney Spears’ Son Jayden James Debuts as MAC Cosmetics’ Newest ‘Posterboy’

    Jayden James Federline, the 18-year-old son of pop icon Britney Spears, is stepping further into the spotlight with a major beauty campaign. MAC Cosmetics announced the teenager as its latest "posterboy" on Tuesday, unveiling a dedicated MACzine profile and a series of editorial images that mark his first major brand ambassadorship. The campaign arrives just months after Jayden and his older brother, Sean Preston, made their runway debuts for Vetements during Paris Fashion Week, signaling a deliberate pivot toward fashion and creative expression. Read also: Two Very Different 'Judges' Dominate Headlines: Aaron Judge's Gala Night and Erika Jayne's Court Warning. Read also: Entertainment Roundup: Bong Joon Ho's 'Mickey 17' Sets 2024 Release, 'Only Murders in the Building' Heads to London for Season 6.

    In the accompanying interview, Jayden discusses a lifelong interest in fashion and credits model Francisco Lachowski for helping him navigate the industry. Beyond modeling, he reveals he is an avid piano player who cites Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" as a favorite piece and admits a deep obsession with the anime franchise "Dragon Ball Z." The shoot also features his girlfriend, Gabrielle Helene, offering a glimpse into his personal life away from his famous lineage.

    This move places Jayden among a growing cohort of celebrity children — such as Kaia Gerber, Lila Moss, and Deacon Phillippe — who are leveraging family fame to launch independent careers in high fashion and beauty. Unlike many who rely solely on surname recognition, Jayden's recent runway experience and a multi-faceted creative profile (music, modeling, brand partnership) suggest a strategy aimed at longevity. The MAC campaign, centered on the brand's iconic Fix+ setting spray, also aligns with the current industry trend of casting authentic, personality-driven faces over traditional polished perfection.

    While his mother has largely stayed out of the public eye in recent months, Jayden's increasing visibility represents a new chapter for the Spears-Federline family narrative — one defined by the younger generation carving out their own cultural footprint.

  • Jim Green, Architect of ABC’s Golden Age of TV Movies and Producer of ‘Stephen King’s It,’ Dies at 83

    Jim Green, Architect of ABC’s Golden Age of TV Movies and Producer of ‘Stephen King’s It,’ Dies at 83

    Television pioneer Jim Green, the programming executive who helped turn ABC's Movie of the Week into a cultural institution and later produced landmark miniseries including the 1990 adaptation of Stephen King's "It," passed away on August 9 in Santa Barbara at age 83 following a long illness. His wife of 59 years, singer Cathy Cole Green of The King Family, announced the news. Read also: Only Murders in the Building Season 6 Heads to London with December Premiere Date. Read also: USA Network Orders Rome-Set Medical Drama 'Diplomatic Immunity' as Part of Scripted Revival.

    Green's career reads like a blueprint for modern event television. Joining ABC in 1966 under development chief Barry Diller, he helped shepherd nearly 200 made-for-TV movies that transformed the struggling network's primetime fortunes. The slate included Steven Spielberg's feature directorial debut "Duel" (1971), the Emmy-winning "Brian's Song" (1971), and the groundbreaking eight-part adaptation of Alex Haley's "Roots" (1977). Several of these films spun off into hit series — among them "The Six Million Dollar Man," "Starsky & Hutch," "The Night Stalker," and "The Love Boat."

    After leaving the network in 1977, Green formed Green/Epstein Productions with former ABC executive Allen Epstein, producing more than 50 television movies and miniseries often centered on human-interest stories. Their credits ranged from "Women at West Point" (1979), dramatizing the first female cadets at the U.S. Military Academy, to "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" (1979), a rare male-perspective divorce drama starring Robert Conrad, Billy Crystal, and Ted Bessell. The company also produced "Fallen Angel" and "And the Sea Will Tell," both cited as landmark telefilms of their era.

    Green's path to Hollywood was unconventional. After graduating from Cal State Northridge, he considered law school while dating Cathy Cole, whose family performed on ABC's "The King Family Show." When the group planned a national tour, Green suggested to matriarch Yvonne King that he serve as tour manager — a role that launched his entertainment career. A stint as a Universal publicist preceded his three-decade run shaping television.

    Industry veterans credit Green with helping define the "movie of the week" format as appointment viewing, a model that anticipated today's limited-series boom. His work bridged the gap between network-era mass audiences and the more niche, prestige-driven storytelling that followed. As streaming platforms revive the event-miniseries model, Green's template — high-concept premises, literary adaptations, and true-life dramas — remains visibly influential.

  • Bengals Star Ja’Marr Chase Leaves Training Camp Practice After Apparent Injury

    Bengals Star Ja’Marr Chase Leaves Training Camp Practice After Apparent Injury

    Cincinnati Bengals fans held their collective breath Tuesday when franchise cornerstone Ja’Marr Chase went down during a training camp session outside Paycor Stadium. According to beat reporter Dave Clark of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the All-Pro wide receiver was able to walk off the field under his own power, though the nature and severity of the issue remained unclear as practice continued. Read also: Warriors Add Guard Depth with Brandon Williams on $2.6M Deal as Moody Recovers. Read also: Charles Barkley Urges WNBA Leadership to Draw Firm Line on Transgender Athlete Participation.

    The moment carried extra weight given Chase’s trajectory. Since entering the league in 2021, he has authored one of the most consistent starts to a receiving career in NFL history. His 2025 campaign marked a fifth straight 1,000-yard season, placing him in exclusive company alongside Randy Moss, Mike Evans, A.J. Green, and former LSU teammate Justin Jefferson as the only players to hit that mark in each of their first five years. The 2024 season saw him capture the receiving triple crown — leading the league in catches, yards, and touchdowns — a first for the Bengals franchise.

    Cincinnati backed that production with a record-setting commitment this past March, signing Chase to a four-year extension worth $161 million. The deal made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history at the time, signaling the organization’s belief that its offensive identity runs through No. 1.

    Any absence would ripple far beyond the stat sheet. The Bengals’ offensive architecture, built around Joe Burrow’s quick-rhythm passing game, relies on Chase’s ability to win one-on-one matchups and create separation at all three levels. His 16-catch, 161-yard explosion against Pittsburgh in Week 7 last season — a single-game franchise record — illustrated what defenses face when he’s fully operational.

    Context matters here. Training camp injuries are routine, and the fact Chase exited without assistance is encouraging. But for a team with Super Bowl aspirations and a quarterback on a second contract, the margin for error at the game’s most valuable skill position is razor-thin. The coming days will clarify whether this is a routine maintenance day or something that alters Cincinnati’s September calculus.

  • Only Murders in the Building Season 6 Heads to London with December Premiere Date

    Only Murders in the Building Season 6 Heads to London with December Premiere Date

    The beloved true-crime comedy trio is packing their passports. Hulu has confirmed that Only Murders in the Building will return for a sixth season on December 8, 2025, with a major location shift that takes Charles, Oliver, and Mabel out of the Arconia and across the Atlantic to London. New episodes will drop weekly on Tuesdays, marking the first time the series has moved its primary setting away from the iconic New York apartment building that has anchored the show since its 2021 debut. Read also: This Week's Viral Moments: 'Only Murders' Goes to London and a Senate Candidate's Unforgettable Fox News Appearance. Read also: Entertainment Roundup: Bong Joon Ho's 'Mickey 17' Sets 2024 Release, 'Only Murders in the Building' Heads to London for Season 6.

    The London relocation isn't just a cosmetic change — it signals a narrative reset for a series that has increasingly leaned into meta-commentary about true-crime podcasting and the parasocial relationships between creators and audiences. By moving the action to the UK, the show can explore British true-crime culture, which has its own distinct podcast ecosystem and historical cases, while also putting the American leads in unfamiliar territory where their usual shortcuts and connections don't apply. The decision to bring back Tina Fey's Cinda Canning as the catalyst for the trip also closes a loop: her podcast was the reason the trio met in season one, and now her summons pulls them into a new chapter.

    Season five ended with the trio's podcast empire expanding and their personal lives in various states of flux, so a geographic disruption makes structural sense. The show has always balanced cozy mystery plotting with character-driven humor, and a foreign setting introduces fresh comedic friction — language barriers, legal differences, cultural misunderstandings — without abandoning the core dynamic that made it a hit. Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez have developed a rhythm that transcends location, but the London backdrop could also attract British guest stars and allow cameos from UK true-crime personalities, expanding the show's cultural footprint.

    The December premiere positions the season as holiday-season counter-programming: a witty, low-stakes mystery release when audiences are often overwhelmed by prestige dramas or family films. Hulu's Tuesday rollout also mirrors the podcast-release cadence that the show satirizes, a small but deliberate touch that rewards attentive viewers. With production presumably underway or completed given the announced date, the first-look images from London suggest the visual palette will shift from the Arconia's warm brownstones to something moodier and more historic — think foggy streets, Georgian architecture, and centuries-old secrets waiting in the wings.

  • USA Network Orders Rome-Set Medical Drama ‘Diplomatic Immunity’ as Part of Scripted Revival

    USA Network Orders Rome-Set Medical Drama ‘Diplomatic Immunity’ as Part of Scripted Revival

    USA Network has greenlit a new hour-long medical drama titled "Diplomatic Immunity" with a straight-to-series order, marking the cable outlet's third original scripted series under its new corporate parent Versant. The show comes from Matt Corman and Chris Ord, the creative duo behind the network's former hit "Covert Affairs" and more recently Marvel's "Daredevil: Born Again." Set against the backdrop of Rome, the series follows a young American physician abruptly assigned to the medical office at the U.S. Embassy, where complex clinical cases intersect with diplomatic maneuvering, government personalities, and geopolitical tension — all woven through with romantic entanglements of an expatriate life. Read also: Entertainment Roundup: Bong Joon Ho's 'Mickey 17' Sets 2024 Release, 'Only Murders in the Building' Heads to London for Season 6. Read also: Hollywood's Publishing Push and a Legendary Publicist's Farewell.

    The premise blends procedural medical storytelling with international intrigue, a combination that echoes USA's signature "blue skies" era of the 2000s and 2010s when the network built a loyal audience around character-driven, location-rich procedurals like "White Collar," "Royal Pains," and Corman and Ord's own espionage series "Covert Affairs." "Diplomatic Immunity" joins two other recent original dramas on the network: the John Grisham adaptation "The Rainmaker" and the national-park-set mystery "Anna Pigeon," which premiered earlier this month to solid ratings. Together, the three series signal a deliberate strategy by Versant to rebuild USA's identity around homegrown scripted content after years of relying heavily on acquired programming and reruns.

    For Fox Entertainment Studios, the deal represents an uncommon external sale. Since its formation, the studio has primarily produced for its sibling broadcast network Fox and the free streaming service Tubi. Placing a high-profile project with a third-party cable outlet — especially one owned by a newly spun-off entity like Versant — suggests Fox Studios is testing a broader distribution model, potentially opening the door for more outside partnerships. Industry observers note this could be a pragmatic move as the studio balances its internal slate with the need to monetize premium productions across multiple platforms.

    Corman and Ord described the pickup as a "full-circle moment," reuniting them with USA executives they worked with during the "Covert Affairs" run. Their recent experience on "Daredevil: Born Again" for Marvel Television also brings a heightened sense of serialized stakes and action choreography that could elevate the medical-procedural format. The involvement of Fox Entertainment Studios as the production entity adds further production muscle, with the studio's recent track record on series like "The Cleaning Lady" and "Accused" demonstrating an ability to deliver network-scale procedurals with international appeal.

    Versant's president of entertainment, Val Boreland, framed the series as a flagship for the network's next chapter, emphasizing its blend of high-stakes medicine, global intrigue, and romance as "perfectly at home on the network." With "Anna Pigeon" already demonstrating audience appetite for USA's new originals, "Diplomatic Immunity" will likely be positioned as a tentpole for the 2026–27 season. Casting announcements and a production timeline for the Rome shoot have not yet been disclosed, but the straight-to-series order indicates confidence in the concept and a desire to move quickly into production.