Photography: Alex Shevchik, Makeup: Kateryna Lovina From viral comedy tracks to launching her own production company, Ksenia applies sharp humor to dismantle stereotypes and champion female independence. In this candid conversation, the Russian-born creator opens up about finding her authentic voice and the resilience required to succeed on her own terms. You boldly transformed a digital setback into a beautiful opportunity for a fresh start. What empowering emotional shift inspired you to confidently build a brand-new, thriving platform from the ground up? "Losing my platform honestly forced me to realize that social media numbers are not the same thing as identity," Ksenia shared, reflecting on the weight of the experience. "At first it felt devastating because you attach so much emotion, work, memories, and validation to it. But then I realized if I built it once, I can build it again." Starting over, she explained, actually made her more fearless. "I stopped creating for approval and started creating from a more authentic place. It reminded me that I am the brand, not the app." Your single FAKE calls out industry superficiality. Was there a specific moment in Hollywood that broke your patience and forced you to write it? "There wasn’t one dramatic moment, it was more like years of seeing fake energy everywhere," she observed. "Fake support, fake friendships, fake promises, fake ‘let’s work together’ conversations." Hollywood can feel very performative sometimes, Ksenia noted. "'FAKE' came from being emotionally exhausted by people pretending to be genuine while constantly calculating something behind the scenes. I just wanted to say it directly instead of sugarcoating it." With tracks like split the bill, you teach women to embrace financial independence and never settle. What was the uplifting realization that helped you elevate your own standards and fully celebrate your worth? "I realized that standards are not arrogance, they’re self-respect," she stated firmly. "For a long time women are taught to feel guilty for wanting effort, consistency, honesty, or ambition from people. But once I really started valuing myself, my time, and my energy, everything changed." While the track carries a comedic tone, the foundation is serious. "'Split the Bill' is funny, but underneath it is a message about knowing your worth and not settling for crumbs just because society tells women to be grateful for bare minimum behavior," she added. Your confidence is undeniable, yet you have openly admitted that turning failures into jokes is your primary defense mechanism. Was there a moment recently where the humor temporarily failed you before you finally found the punchline? "Definitely," Ksenia admitted with a moment of reflection. "I think people assume comedians are always laughing through everything, but sometimes things hurt before they become funny. There were moments where I felt rejected, overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or genuinely lost, and humor didn’t immediately save me." But those low points, she pointed out, eventually serve a purpose. "Later those experiences usually become the best material because comedy is really just pain with perspective. Sometimes you need time before you can find the punchline." During your acclaimed stage show Ready for Hollywood, you share your incredible journey from a small Russian village to Los Angeles. What has been the most joyful and rewarding part of creating your own Hollywood story and sharing that triumph with a live audience? "Honestly, the most rewarding part is realizing that the little girl from a small Russian town actually made it to Los Angeles and created her own lane," she smiled, acknowledging the surreal nature of her path. "That still feels surreal to me sometimes." The audience connection, however, is the true prize. "Beyond that, hearing people connect emotionally to my story means everything. When audience members come up after shows and say they feel inspired to go after their dreams or stop hiding who they are, that’s the best feeling in the world." Embracing your roots took a completely different sonic turn with your new comedy rap track, girl from the forest. How does turning your Russian background into a hip-hop flex permanently silence your imposter syndrome? "For a long time I thought I had to soften parts of myself to fit in better," she confessed. "But with 'Girl from the Forest,' I did the opposite — I leaned fully into my roots, my accent, my energy, my humor, my perspective." The result was a personal and artistic breakthrough. "And ironically, that’s when I felt the most confident creatively. I realized the things that make me different are actually the most valuable part of my identity as an artist," she explained. While writing your new comedy special, The White Russian, what has been the most surprising personal discovery about the woman this incredible journey has shaped you into? "The biggest discovery has probably been realizing how resilient I actually am," Ksenia reflected. "I used to think confidence meant never doubting yourself, but now I understand that real confidence is moving forward while still having doubts. This journey has pushed me to become more emotionally strong, independent, and honest with myself. I care a lot less about being universally liked and more about staying authentic." She then quickly clarified an update to the project's direction. "Also, just a quick note," she added, "the title of the special has changed from The White Russian to Big Problems, which honestly feels like a better fit for where I’m at with the material and the tone of the show." You are actively building structural power through Pretty Good Productions. How does running your own production company heal the younger version of you who was told her voice was too much for mass consumption? "Starting Pretty Good Productions healed something in me because for years I felt like I needed permission to fully express myself creatively," she expressed passionately. "People would say I was 'too loud,' 'too much,' 'too weird,' or 'too emotional.'" Taking the reins changed the narrative. "Creating my own production company means I no longer wait for someone else to decide whether my voice deserves space. I just create the space myself," she affirmed. This executive control naturally extends to your scripted projects, like Bride To Be. Why is it so vital for you to hijack stereotypes, like the Russian mail-order bride, and inject them with sharp humor and complex control? "Because stereotypes are lazy, and comedy is one of the best ways to destroy them," Ksenia declared. "I love taking assumptions people have about Russian women or Eastern European women and flipping them upside down. Humor gives me the ability to challenge people while still entertaining them." She believes the audience craves depth. "I think audiences connect more deeply when characters are funny and emotionally complex instead of just one-dimensional clichés," she noted. What is the central takeaway you intend for those experiencing your art? "I want people to walk away from my work feeling more confident about being fully themselves," she concluded. "Whether it’s through music, comedy, acting, or storytelling, the message underneath everything I create is really about authenticity, resilience, self-worth, and freedom. I think so many people spend their lives trying to make themselves smaller to fit into expectations, and my art is about doing the opposite." You can follow Ksenia on Instagram and Spotify.

Olga Kurylenko at Filming Italy Sardegna Festival. The 9th edition of the Filming Italy Sardegna Festival, conceived and directed by Tiziana Rocca, successfully concluded. The event brings together cinema and television through screenings, premieres, meetings, and presentations of films and television series. It involved leading film distributors and production companies alongside major television and VOD entertainment platforms. The festival was organized in collaboration with APA (Italian Audiovisual Producers Association), under the patronage of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, the City of Cagliari, the Costa Smeralda Consortium, and in collaboration with Forte Village. Tiziana Rocca, General Director of the Filming Italy Sardegna Festival, stated: "Another edition of the Filming Italy Sardegna Festival comes to a close, once again representing the result of an enormous amount of work built on dedication, passion, and months of continuous commitment. Behind every screening, every meeting, every special session, and every Italian and international guest lies the tireless effort of an entire team, united by the goal of offering audiences a cultural experience of the highest quality. She Added: Our Festival continues to pursue a mission that I deeply believe in: encouraging audiences to return to movie theaters during the summer season and demonstrating that cinema is a place of emotion, sharing, and human connection that can be experienced all year round. Seeing packed theaters, enthusiastic audiences, and such meaningful dialogue between artists and spectators is our greatest reward." James Franco at Filming Italy Sardegna Festival. Festival Leadership & Honorees • Honorary President: Harvey Keitel served as the Festival's Honorary President, receiving the Filming Italy International Award for his indelible mark on the history of contemporary cinema. • Festival Ambassador: Micaela Ramazzotti served as the Festival Ambassador. • Festival Godmother: Clara served as the Godmother of the 9th edition, receiving the Filming Italy Women Power Award. The Short Film Competition French César Award-winning actress Elsa Zylberstein served as President of the jury for the short film competition. Joining her were James Franco, Samuel Arnold, Rosa Diletta Rossi, Ilenia Pastorelli, Professors Massimo Arcangeli, Stefano Arduini, Andrea Minuz, Christian Uva, and Tiziana Rocca. • Winning Short Film: Vorrei incontrarti tra 10 anni, directed by Andrea Castoldi. • Broadcast & Distribution: The film will be broadcast on Rai Cinema Channel, streamed on MyMovies, and presented to American audiences during the next edition of Filming Italy - Los Angeles. Special Awards & Recognitions • Enel Special Award: Presented to Flora degli Alberi, produced by IIS Ovidio of Sulmona (AQ). • Festina Award: Won by Parole per domani - La Voce della Scuola, directed by Diego Palma, for recognizing a work that translates time into storytelling, emotion, and reflection. • Women in Film, Television & Media Italia Award: Won by Fiori Cadono, directed by Ludovica Galletta. It will be honored at the Filming Italy Venice Award during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival this September. Other featured shorts included Blu Silenzio, L'Estraneo, and Emy Nails. • Filming Italy Nanni Loy Award: Presented to Roberto Andò and Agostina Belli (Achievement Award). • Pietro Coccia Memorial Award: Presented to Elisabetta Pellini. • Filming Italy Special Award: Presented to cultural journalist Valerio Cappelli. • Elena Mirò Award: Presented to Micaela Ramazzotti to celebrate artistic independence and the uniqueness of every woman. Franco Nero, Tiziana Rocca, and Harvey Keitel at Filming Italy Sardegna Festival. International & Italian Guests The event welcomed an outstanding lineup of internationally acclaimed actors, filmmakers, and artists. International Honorees: • Filming Italy International Award: Katherine McNamara, Jeremy Piven, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Alanah Bloor, Elsa Zylberstein, Marina Foïs, Olga Kurylenko, Ronn Moss, and Sam Levinson. • Filming Italy Women Power Award: Erin Moriarty. • Filming Italy Creativity Award: James Franco. • Special Memorial Award: Christian Madsen, in memory of his father, Michael Madsen. Italian Honorees: • Filming Italy Achievement Award: Franco Nero. • Filming Italy Women Power Award: Sveva Alviti, Barbara De Rossi, Cristina Chiabotto, Cristina Marino, Natasha Stefanenko, and Nina Zilli (Music). • Filming Italy Creativity Award: Chiara Francini and Antonio Catania. • Filming Italy Award: Matteo Paolillo, Peppe Iodice, Letizia Toni, Tea Falco, Roberto Lipari, Giorgia Palmas (Promotion of the Territory), Chiara Galiazzo (Music), Jalisse (Music), and Massimo Di Cataldo (Music). • Filming Italy Best Actor Award: Giuseppe Ignazio Loi. • Filming Italy Achievement Music Award: Romina Power. Romina Power at Filming Italy Sardegna Festival. Panels & Educational Initiatives • Nuovo IMAIE Session: Irene Giancontieri and Beatrice Savignani participated in a special session with leading cinema figures and received the Filming Italy Spotlight Award. • Superheroines: The Lesson of Ginger Rogers: A panel moderated by Luca Dini and Tiziana Rocca discussing the evolving role of women in contemporary cinema and television. • Rai Cinema University Short Film Award: A national platform for short films produced by students from Italian universities, introduced in collaboration with Rai Cinema. • Institutional Panel: "Cinema and Audiovisual: Italy Tells Its Story" examined the present and future of the Italian audiovisual sector and its international impact. Marg Helgenberger at Filming Italy Sardegna Festival. International & Italian Premieres Supporting the summer reopening of Italian movie theaters, the event presented more than fifty premieres. International Highlights: • Toy Story 5 (Opening Film), Supergirl, Between Love and Lies, Misdirection, The Mummy, Song Sung Blue, Hamnet, Mortal Kombat II, The Third Floor Murder, Epic - Elvis Presley in Concert, The Life List, Super Mario Galaxy - The Movie, C'était mieux demain, Wuthering Heights, Michael, Other Side of Fame, They Will Kill You, Tex McKenzie - My Horse Is the Only Person I Trust, The Bride!, Reminders of Him, and A War on Women. The first episode of Walker: Independence was also screened. Italian Highlights: • Benvenuti in Campagna, Gli Occhi degli Altri, A Se Stesso, Alla Festa della Rivoluzione, Il Mestiere di Vivere, Innamorarsi e altre pessime idee, Il Nibbio, ...Che Dio Perdona a Tutti, Nel Tepore del Ballo, Duse - The Greatest, Antartica - Quasi una Fiaba, Notte prima degli esami 3.0, Agnus Dei, Le cose non dette, Illusione, La Terza Volta, Mi Batte il Corazon, Dacia, Vita Mia - Dialoghi Giapponesi, Il Dio dell'Amore, and La Sobrietà. Katherine McNamara at Filming Italy Sardegna Festival. Partnerships & Collaborations • Intesa Sanpaolo: Supported the event through its Media & Culture Desk to promote the international development of Italy's audiovisual industry. • Gerardo Sacco: Created the exclusive awards presented throughout the event. • Italy for Movies: Renewed its partnership to provide comprehensive information on filming locations and production incentives. • Sustainability: Partnered with FareAmbiente to strengthen environmental commitments. • ICA - International Cinema Academy: Offered professional acting program lessons to the winners of the short film competition. • Event Partners: Main partners included Intesa Sanpaolo, Enel, Festina, Elena Mirò, Gerardo Sacco, and Montegrappa. Cotril served as the Official Partner, alongside numerous Technical and Media Partners. The event was held under the patronage of the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Ministry of Tourism, Autonomous Region of Sardinia, City of Cagliari, and Municipality of Pula.

A broken-down car on an Idaho highway could easily ruin a morning, but Nathan Apodaca simply grabbed his longboard. He glided down the asphalt, cranberry juice in hand, lip-syncing to Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams." There was no lighting crew and no script, just an unmistakable feeling of freedom. In a moment clouded by global anxiety, this father offered the internet exactly what it craved: pure, uncomplicated joy. The world stopped scrolling and breathed. The original viral video introduced him to the world, generating tens of millions of views and inspiring the worldwide “Dreams Challenge.” Mick Fleetwood recreated it, Stevie Nicks joined the trend, and celebrities, families, executives, and fans around the world created their own versions. Warner Music reported that “Dreams” was heard more than 230 million times across streaming platforms, social media, and United States radio during the two weeks following the video’s viral success. Apodaca directly influenced music consumption, introducing a song released more than four decades earlier to an entirely new generation. Ocean Spray acknowledged his cultural footprint by surprising him with a cranberry red pickup truck filled with juice. The gift was particularly meaningful because trouble with his own vehicle had led him to grab his longboard and create the original video in the first place. Doggface with Snoop Dogg While the internet routinely cycles through fleeting personalities, the man known as Doggface is quietly building a lasting footprint in the entertainment industry. He is an actor, creator, and recording artist with established television credits, major music collaborations, national advertising campaigns, and a global digital audience. He brings his signature authenticity to the TMZ After Dark Tour tommorrow. Riding the party bus through Sunset and Santa Monica Boulevards, stepping directly into the Hollywood spotlight is a fitting stage for an entertainer whose appeal has always been rooted in spontaneity. Put him in an unpredictable environment, surround him with music and people, and his natural charisma takes over. His presence there represents far more than a celebrity hosting engagement. It places him back at the center of Hollywood culture. Short-form video introduced the world to him in a matter of seconds, but live streaming gives audiences the opportunity to spend real time with the person behind the viral phenomenon. He has officially joined Kick under the handle @Doggface. This move into live streaming is part of a wider strategy to expand his presence across entertainment, television, music, appearances, and lifestyle partnerships. Viewers will experience the unexpected encounters, music, travel, and comedy that cannot always be contained within a brief social media clip. He already possesses a massive digital presence, maintaining approximately seven million followers on TikTok and more than two million followers on Instagram, giving him a combined core social media audience of more than nine million followers. His wider influence extends far beyond his direct follower count through original content, reposts, celebrity recreations, television appearances, music releases, brand campaigns, and international media coverage. His greatest strength is his rare ability to make audiences feel as though they are sitting right beside him. He is holding his own on critically praised television series, proving that the original clip did not define the limits of his talent. He joined the cast of FX’s Reservation Dogs, portraying Uncle Charley across five episodes. This substantial recurring role was celebrated for placing Indigenous performers at the center of contemporary television. He later appeared in NBC’s Lopez vs. Lopez, demonstrating that his natural on-camera comfort successfully translates into scripted comedy. At the center of his identity is a deep pride in his Northern Arapaho and Mexican heritage. His mother is Northern Arapaho, and his family has roots connected to Wyoming’s Wind River Reservation. The feather tattoo on the side of his head incorporates the Northern Arapaho flag and serves as a visible tribute to his Native American identity. This is an important part of his story, driving his commitment to encouraging Indigenous creators to believe in their ideas and make their voices heard. His journey has shown that cultural identity and mainstream entertainment do not need to exist separately. Music is another deep passion where he is actively creating within the industry rather than simply appearing around established entertainers. In 2022, Doggface collaborated with Snoop Dogg, the legendary band War, and Grammy-nominated producer, artist, and songwriter KLYPSO on “Low Rider No Lighter,” a contemporary adaptation of War’s classic anthem “Low Rider.” The accompanying music video featured Doggface, Snoop Dogg, War, George Lopez, and Cheech and Chong. His partnership with Snoop Dogg later expanded when Doggface and Snoop Dogg appeared together as the “Guard Doggs” in a national advertising campaign for Vivint Smart Home. His wider commercial career has also included campaigns and partnerships connected with major brands, establishing that his appeal has successfully translated into substantial national opportunities. He talks to people rather than performing at them, a quality that makes him relatable and genuine. Doggface and his team are actively developing opportunities across live streaming, television, music, personal appearances, branded products, and major lifestyle partnerships. The strongest collaborations will be those that preserve the authenticity that made him successful in the first place. The commercial opportunity lies in celebrating his real personality rather than attempting to reshape him into a conventional celebrity. Five years after one longboard ride made the world smile, Doggface is no longer waiting for another viral moment to find him. With his move into live streaming, an expanding television and music career, new products and major brand opportunities, he is building the next chapter himself. This time, audiences will not simply witness one unforgettable moment. They will be able to come along for the entire ride. Doggface is represented by The Beverly Hills Agency & Beverly Hills Press Agency. For all press and publicity opportunities, interviews, bookings, personal appearances and any television opportunities, please contact: media@beverlyhillspressagency.com.

She became one of the most recognisable women in the world, but Erika Eleniak is no longer interested in being frozen in time. At 56, the actress, mother and original Baywatch star is returning to the screen on her own terms: tattooed, transformed, unapologetic and more authentically herself than ever before. There was a time when Erika Eleniak’s face seemed to be everywhere. She was the fresh-faced young actress who appeared in Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, the original Baywatch beauty running across the beaches of Southern California as Shauni McClain, and the Hollywood leading lady appearing in films including The Blob, Under Siege, The Beverly Hillbillies, Chasers, A Pyromaniac’s Love Story and Tales from the Crypt Presents: Bordello of Blood. Her career placed her at the centre of one of the most memorable periods in American popular culture, but behind the photographs, the red swimsuit and the movie premieres was a young woman living under the extraordinary pressure of being presented to the world as a symbol of beauty. More than three decades later, some people still appear determined to keep her there. They remember the 23-year-old Erika and expect the 56-year-old woman to look exactly the same. They compare photographs separated by more than 30 years, scrutinise her body and comment on her tattoos, her weight, her clothes and every visible sign that she has lived a real life. Erika has even faced cruel online remarks describing her as “unrecognisable” and, in some cases, “disgusting.” But Erika Eleniak is not 23 years old anymore. She is not pretending to be, and she should never have to apologise for that. Erika helped establish the heart of the original Baywatch. Her character, Shauni McClain, was never simply a woman in a red swimsuit. She was vulnerable, compassionate and determined, a young woman learning to believe in herself while becoming part of a close-knit team responsible for protecting the lives of others. During Erika’s time on the series, Baywatch had already become a worldwide phenomenon, captivating audiences across the globe throughout its first and second seasons. For millions of viewers, Erika was not merely part of the franchise’s early history; she was one of the original stars who helped define its identity, international appeal and enduring cultural legacy. Her departure from the series opened another significant chapter in her career. She moved into major motion pictures, appearing opposite Steven Seagal in the blockbuster action film Under Siege before taking on the much-loved role of Elly May Clampett in the big-screen adaptation of The Beverly Hillbillies. Roles in Chasers, A Pyromaniac’s Love Story, Bordello of Blood and numerous independent films and television projects followed. Yet the entertainment industry has a habit of reducing women to the moment in which the public first decided they were beautiful, and for Erika, that moment became a permanent reference point. Erika may have spent several years away from the centre of the Hollywood spotlight, but she did not disappear. She was raising her incredible daughter, Indy, whom she speaks about with unmistakable pride and love. Motherhood became one of the most meaningful roles of her life, and Erika made the conscious decision to be present for it. While the entertainment press was no longer documenting her every move, she was working, teaching and building a life beyond celebrity. Erika became an acting teacher, sharing the knowledge she had gained across decades in film and television with aspiring performers of different ages. She also served as a director within an acting studio and worked with individuals facing substance abuse and behavioural challenges, using acting, performance and creative expression as a form of therapy. Through this work, she helped people reconnect with themselves, discover confidence, communicate more openly and find a sense of purpose during some of the most difficult periods of their lives. It is a side of Erika the public has rarely been shown. The woman once celebrated almost exclusively for how she looked has spent years helping other people discover who they are. Those who know Erika speak not only about her beauty or accomplishments, but about her kindness. She is warm, emotionally intuitive, compassionate and incredibly generous with her time. Her experiences have not hardened her. Instead, they have given her a deeper understanding of people who feel overlooked, judged or trapped by the circumstances of their lives. There may be no red carpet attached to that work and no box-office totals, magazine covers or applause, but it may be among the most important work she has ever done. Erika has also lived through periods of stress, depression, loss and heartache. At different moments, her body changed. She gained weight. She was photographed walking her dogs or simply going about her ordinary life without professional lighting, a wardrobe team or the careful preparation expected at a Hollywood premiere. Somehow, this became news. But gaining weight during a period of depression, emotional difficulty or stress is not a moral failure. Looking different after having a child and living through several decades is not a scandal. Being photographed while walking a dog should not become an invitation for strangers to publicly dismantle a woman’s appearance. Most people have experienced times when they did not feel their strongest. Most have gained or lost weight, changed their hair, struggled emotionally, grieved, withdrawn or simply tried to get through the day. Let us not pretend that most of us have not comforted ourselves with food, neglected the gym, hidden away or allowed life to overwhelm us at some point. The difference is that most people do not have photographs of their most difficult periods distributed around the world beside images of themselves at 23. Women in Hollywood are repeatedly given an impossible instruction: grow older, but never appear to age. They are expected to preserve the face, body and energy they had in their twenties while simultaneously demonstrating maturity, wisdom and experience. When they use cosmetic procedures, they are criticised for looking artificial. When they choose to age naturally, they are accused of letting themselves go. There is seemingly no acceptable way for a famous woman to grow older. Erika’s return challenges that hypocrisy. She is not asking the public to pretend she has not aged. She is asking why ageing should be treated as something shameful in the first place. She is 56 years old, not the 23-year-old Baywatch babe some people still expect her to be, and she is not trying to recreate that woman. She has grown, changed and evolved, as every woman and every person does. Erika’s tattoos have become another source of fascination and, at times, hostility. For some viewers, they disrupt the carefully preserved image of the blonde, clean-cut Shauni McClain they remember. But Erika is not a television still from 1991. She is a woman who has continued to discover herself long after the cameras stopped filming. Her tattoos carry personal meaning and represent people, experiences and different chapters of her life. They are not evidence that the old Erika has disappeared. They are part of the story of how she became the woman she is now. The tattoos reveal something audiences were rarely permitted to see during the height of her fame: Erika has always had a rock-and-roll spirit. There is an edge beneath the softness, individuality beneath the famous image and a woman who no longer wants every interesting part of herself airbrushed away to make other people comfortable. Her tattoos are not a rejection of her past. They are evidence that she has a present. In January 2027, Baywatch returns to television in a new FOX series, and Erika Eleniak will return with it. She has already filmed a special cameo appearance reprising the role that helped make her internationally famous, but this is not the Shauni McClain audiences last saw more than three decades ago. Shauni is no longer patrolling the beach as a young lifeguard. She has grown, developed a career and become a Santa Monica councilwoman. The choice feels beautifully appropriate. Just as Erika has evolved, so has Shauni. The character has not been forced back into the red swimsuit to pretend that no time has passed. She is returning as a woman with authority, history and a life beyond the beach. She is still recognisably Shauni, but she is also something more. For Erika, the appearance represents far more than nostalgia. It is a homecoming and a declaration that women do not lose their place in entertainment simply because they are no longer the age they were when the world first noticed them. With new management and publicity representation behind her, Erika is entering this next chapter with a renewed sense of purpose. The aim is not to erase her extraordinary past. It is to expand the public’s understanding of her. She will always be part of Baywatch history. She will always be remembered for E.T., Under Siege, The Beverly Hillbillies and the many other projects that established her career. Those achievements deserve to be celebrated, but Erika’s future should not be confined by them. Today, she is a 56-year-old actress with decades of experience. She is a devoted mother. She is a teacher, director and mentor. She is a woman who has worked with vulnerable people and used her craft to help others find confidence, expression and hope. She has endured depression, stress, personal change and the public cruelty that so often accompanies being a woman who first became famous for her appearance. She has scars. She has tattoos. She has stories. She has lived. Erika is now embracing her natural appearance rather than chasing an impossible recreation of her younger self. She is proud of her age, proud of her individuality and increasingly comfortable showing the rock chick who was always there beneath the polished Hollywood image. She remains beautiful, but her beauty no longer needs to be defined by whether she resembles a photograph taken more than 30 years ago. There is beauty in survival. There is beauty in motherhood. There is beauty in compassion, reinvention and the courage to return after the world has spent years telling you how it thinks you should look. Erika Eleniak is not attempting to become the woman she was. She is finally ready to introduce the world to the woman she has become, and this time, she is doing it entirely on her own terms. Erika Eleniak is represented by The Beverly Hills Agency & Beverly Hills Press Agency. For all press and publicity opportunities, interviews, bookings, personal appearances and any television opportunities, please contact: media@beverlyhillspressagency.com.

Marrakech does something to light that cameras love. With over 300 days of annual sunshine, step outside at golden hour anywhere in the medina - a doorway, a rooftop terrace, the tiled courtyard of a riad - and you are looking at a photograph. That is not a coincidence. It is geography, eleven centuries of history, and a particular quality of North African sun that cinematographers return to constantly. The Marrakech Film Commission was created to make sure they keep coming back. We are not a tourism board. We are a production-focused organization that exists to solve problems before they become problems-permits in place before the location scout has finished the first walk-through, access to sites that would normally take months of negotiation delivered in days, a crew base that has worked with studios from Warner Bros. to Netflix and knows the difference between a first-unit camera truck and a second-unit one. What we offer Hollywood is range without compromise. Within an hour of the city, a production company has access to the ancient medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is still breathing-the pre-Saharan desert, the Atlas Mountains, palm-lined valleys, and a fully modern infrastructure. Just down the road lies Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Africa," which houses the largest film studio complex in the world. Reliable studio facilities, well-maintained roads, and an international airport with direct connections to Los Angeles, London, and Paris mean most productions shooting in Marrakech never need to move their base. The financial case is equally serious. Morocco’s incentive program returns an uncapped 30% cash rebate on qualifying local expenditure for productions that spend at least $1 million and shoot for 18 days. Not a tax credit buried in paperwork, but a genuine rebate that changes what a budget can accomplish. The Commission works directly with each production to structure their spend and ensure they get the highest return. But ask any producer who has shot here what they remember, and they will not start with the rebate. They will tell you about the morning light on the Koutoubia Minaret. The quiet of a riad courtyard at five in the morning before the city wakes up. An extras call for two hundred people that produced two hundred people who showed up, in costume, on time. The kind of production experience that does not happen everywhere. Marrakech has already served as the backdrop for films and series that between them have grossed billions at the global box office. Whether it is Tom Cruise racing motorcycles in Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation, the intense combat of John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum, the mind-bending dreamscapes of Inception, or sweeping historical epics like Gladiator and Game of Thrones, they all came to Morocco. No other place on earth offers this combination of visual scale, cultural depth, and professional reliability. We are proud of that history. We are more interested in what we have not yet made. The Marrakech Film Commission website

Larry Namer Was Never Supposed to Change Hollywood. He Did Anyway. Larry Namer was making $90 a week. He was not supposed to rewrite the rules of Hollywood. But beneath the streets of New York City, deep inside the underground cable tunnels, Namer was learning the physical wiring of a medium that would soon change the world. He became Vice Chairman of the Cable Television Division of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers before rising through the ranks of Manhattan Cable Television, eventually serving as Director of Operations while overseeing more than 300 employees. Sales and Marketing were later added to his responsibilities before he moved into Corporate Development, where he focused on identifying new commercial applications for cable television. He understood the infrastructure. Soon, he would understand the audience. When Namer relocated to Los Angeles as Vice President and General Manager of Valley Cable Television, he noticed something that nobody else seemed to question. Hollywood studios were spending millions producing movie trailers, only to confine them to cinema screens after audiences had already purchased a ticket. At the same time, MTV had proven that viewers would happily spend hours watching three-minute music videos. The logic seemed obvious. If audiences would watch three-minute songs all day, why wouldn't they watch three-minute movie trailers? He partnered with longtime friend Alan Mruvka and began knocking on doors. For more than three years, the response was relentless. Industry executives insisted ordinary people didn't start television networks. Financial backers claimed they would need as much as $100 million simply to launch. Instead, they secured just $2.5 million. Armed with a team of only 11 employees and 31 interns, they launched Movietime. The gamble paid off. Almost immediately, Namer recognised something even bigger. Viewers weren't simply interested in movie trailers—they wanted access to Hollywood itself. They wanted the celebrities, the premieres, the stories behind the stories and the velvet rope pulled back. Movietime evolved into E! Entertainment Television. What began as an ambitious startup grew into one of the world's most recognisable entertainment brands, broadcasting into more than 140 countries and helping redefine celebrity journalism for a global audience. Through groundbreaking programming including E! News, Talk Soup, Fashion Police, Live from the Red Carpet, E! True Hollywood Story, Keeping Up with the Kardashians and countless other iconic series, the network transformed the way audiences experienced Hollywood and helped launch the careers of some of entertainment's biggest personalities. Most entrepreneurs would have stopped there. Larry Namer never has. Following the success of E!, he turned his attention to international markets, building media businesses in Russia through Comspan Communications before becoming Co-Founder of Metan Global Entertainment Group in China. Long before global media expansion became common practice, Namer was building partnerships between East and West while producing original programming for entirely new audiences. Today, he believes the future of entertainment is every bit as transformative as the birth of cable television. As Chairman of the World Film Institute and a Board Member of Kwaai, Larry is helping shape conversations around artificial intelligence, creator empowerment and the future of storytelling. He sees AI not as a replacement for creativity, but as a tool capable of lowering production costs, accelerating development and giving independent creators opportunities that once belonged only to major studios. He is also actively involved in the rapidly expanding world of vertical storytelling—premium, mobile-first dramas designed specifically for smartphone audiences. To Larry, the rise of vertical content feels remarkably similar to the early days of cable television. Once again, audience behaviour is changing faster than the traditional industry can respond. And once again, he intends to be part of what comes next. Beyond media, Larry continues to develop projects with a strong social impact, including Financial Wellness for Millennials, Conscious Parenting and Natasha After Dark, while advising emerging technology companies and serving as Executive Producer of Empress, a major limited television series telling the story of Wu Zetian, the only woman in history to rule China as Emperor. He also serves on the Board of Kwaai, helping champion the responsible democratisation of personal artificial intelligence. He advises FireFoX, a company developing next-generation firefighting technologies, and is a Founding Member of the Academy of Arts, Culture & Sports, supporting initiatives that recognise excellence while encouraging collaboration across the creative industries. Looking ahead, Larry is also Co-Founder of The Beverly Hills Awards™, a new annual awards ceremony set to launch during the 2027 awards season. Conceived in partnership with The Beverly Hills Agency, which represents Larry across the entertainment industry, and Ashleigh Cahn, Publisher of Beverly Hills Living Magazine, the Awards were created with a shared vision of celebrating the very best of Beverly Hills while bringing together entertainment, business, philanthropy and the local community. Set to be developed in collaboration with the City of Beverly Hills, the Mayor's Office and the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, the event is envisioned as a premier live-streamed awards celebration recognising excellence across entertainment, business, philanthropy, innovation and the creative industries, while honouring the people, businesses and organisations that have helped shape the legacy of Beverly Hills. Plans for the inaugural event include celebrity hosts, internationally recognised presenters, global music performances, special guest appearances, world-renowned speakers, influential business leaders, philanthropists and some of the biggest names in entertainment, creating a spectacular celebration worthy of one of the world's most iconic cities. The Beverly Hills Awards™ is set to become one of the defining new events of the international awards season and the new hottest ticket in town, bringing together global stars, world-class entertainment and the very best of Beverly Hills while further elevating the city's international profile, prestige and cultural influence. With plans for a premium televised and streamed production and a broader calendar of community-focused experiences, The Beverly Hills Awards™ is set to become one of the city's most anticipated events, and one of the hottest tickets in town. Every generation believes it has discovered the final form of media, Larry knows better. The future is always moving. He explores that philosophy throughout his memoir, OffScript: My Journey Through the Media Maze, chronicling his journey from a $90-a-week cable splicer to Co-Founder of E! Entertainment Television. His forthcoming second book, Two Minute Television, shifts the focus from his past to the future of the industry, exploring how artificial intelligence, vertical storytelling and mobile-first content are transforming the way the world creates, distributes and consumes entertainment. It's a fitting next chapter for someone who has spent more than five decades staying one step ahead of where media is going next. Today, Larry shares those lessons with audiences around the world through fireside conversations, keynote presentations, conferences, corporate events, film festivals, universities and executive leadership forums. Practical, candid and shaped by more than five decades at the forefront of global entertainment, his talks offer a rare perspective from someone who didn't simply witness the evolution of modern media—he helped build it. Larry Namer is represented by the Beverly Hills Press Agency. For all media and interview requests, he can be reached directly at Media@BeverlyHillsPressAgency.com.

From creating viral comedy content and movie parodies online to managing international tours for one of the greatest icons in music history. This is the extraordinary journey of Ludovico Aldasio, the Italian professional who today works as Head of Communications and Tour Manager for Gloria Gaynor, the legendary voice behind I Will Survive, one of the most iconic songs ever recorded. Aldasio’s role goes far beyond the traditional responsibilities of a tour manager. He works on the global communication strategy surrounding Gloria Gaynor’s brand, developing digital campaigns and social media strategies designed to strengthen the connection with longtime fans while introducing the legendary artist to new generations around the world. At the same time, as Tour Manager, Aldasio plays a key role in coordinating international performances, working alongside promoters, organizers, and industry professionals to bring Gloria Gaynor’s to audiences across different countries. Among the most significant recent success are Gloria Gaynor’s Italian shows in Milan on June bringing the Queen of Dance Music back to Italy for two special events. These performances are part of an international journey that has taken the legendary artist across countries including Spain, France, Morocco, the US, and the UK. Behind this international career is a story that began far away from traditional entertainment management. Before entering the world of artist relations and global communication, Ludovico Aldasio built his name through social media, first with comedy videos and later with movie parody content that gained international attention and reached millions of viewers. His creativity, unique style, and ability to connect with audiences online opened unexpected doors. One of the turning points in his career came when Academy Award-winning actor Jamie Foxx discovered his work, followed him on social media, and personally reached out to him from the United States. That moment became an important step toward a new chapter, introducing Aldasio to an American entertainment environment full of opportunities and international connections. After living between the United States and the United Kingdom, Aldasio continued developing his expertise in communication, branding, and entertainment. Today, based in Italy while maintaining a global professional network, he works with major international projects, including his role as Artist PR Manager for Warner in the United States, while also managing communications for various companies, artists, and organizations. “Working with Gloria Gaynor is an incredible privilege,” says Ludovico Aldasio. “Being the Tour Manager of an artist who has shaped the history of worldwide music is something truly unique. Gloria became a legend in a time when TikTok, Instagram, and social media did not exist. Her success was built on pure talent, dedication, determination, and an authentic connection with people. Even today, after turning 80, her energy, discipline, and passion remain extraordinary. She continues to inspire everyone around her.” The legacy of I Will Survive continues to cross generations, making Gloria Gaynor not only a symbol of disco music but a true global cultural icon. Her ability to remain relevant decades after her first success is a testament to her artistry, resilience, and vision. Today, Aldasio’s mission is to help preserve that legacy while creating new opportunities for the future. Through communication strategies, digital storytelling, and international tour management, he contributes to bringing Gloria Gaynor’s music and message to audiences worldwide. The journey is far from over. While the summer tour approaches its final dates, preparations are already underway for the upcoming winter tour, alongside new musical projects that will introduce another chapter in Gloria Gaynor’s extraordinary career. For Ludovico Aldasio, this represents another milestone in a path built on creativity, international vision, and the ability to transform opportunities into achievements. From viral videos on social media to standing beside one of the greatest legends in music history, his story reflects how innovation, passion, and determination can open the doors to the global entertainment industry.

Markos Papadatos spoke with 10-year-old Greek-American singer Maria Tagaris. She sat down and chatted about her love for performing, and singing “Athina Mou” for Greek pop superstar Konstantinos Argiros, and it went viral. Margaret Mead once said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; it’s the only thing that ever has.” This quote applies to Maria Tagaris. On performing for Konstantinos Argiros at the Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church in Brookville, Maria shared, “That felt really amazing! I really couldn’t believe that I was standing next to Konstantinos singing.” Maria is drawn to Argiros’ music to several reasons. “I love his voice. I love his style and I really like his dances,” she said. Maria went on to list “Athina Mou” and “KABANES” as her two personal favorite songs of his. Speaking of Konstantinos Argiros, she listed him as her dream duet choice in music. “Konstantinos was probably one of the first singers who introduced me to music,” she said. Not only was her vocal performance well-received, her video went viral, touching Greeks and fans all over the globe. Regarding her future plans, Maria shared, “I will probably try to become a professional singer and follow my dreams in music.” Maria admitted that it “feels really good” to be a part of the Greek-American community in the United States. “I think without Greek music, I wouldn’t be here doing this,” she noted. Maria defined the word success as follows: “Success means accomplishing a goal and moving on with my life and being proud of myself.” She opened up about her Greek heritage. “My father is from Peloponnese, which is from my Papou’s side. Then, my yiayia is from Athens, and my mom is Bulgarian.” For her new fans and supporters, Maria expressed, “I would like to say thank you for supporting me. I hope one day I get to become a huge star, and I hope you guys are still watching me sing. Thank you!” To learn more about Greek-American singer Maria Tagaris, follow her on Instagram. Review of her performance 10-year-old Greek-American singer Maria Tagaris recently performed for Greek pop superstar Konstantinos Argiros at the Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church in Brookville on Long Island. She left everyone in total awe of her talent. This event was a part of Argiros’ pop-up events in New York, which were in support of his latest studio album “KABANES.” Maria sang a few verses of his signature song “Athina Mou” a cappella, and in doing so, she was able to blow everyone away, including Konstantinos Argiros himself, the fans at the actual event, this journalist, and the viewers who were tuning in from home (because the video clip has gone viral, and rightfully so. Maria Tagaris absolutely stole the spotlight with her incredible singing performance for Konstantinos Argiros. She sang in Greek, which is impressive in and of itself, and she maintained great control over her crisp, crystalline voice. She brought so much passion and emotion to Argiros’ signature song, and it was neat to hear it sung from a young female perspective. Maria did not appear nervous at all, and she was completely in her element. Despite being in the presence of a Greek pop mega-star (such as Argiros), she held her own with confidence and grace as she displayed her immense talent and powerful vocal range. This was such a heartwarming moment where Maria Tagaris was able to put smiles on people’s faces and leave everybody in goosebumps. In this day and age, smiles, levity, and positivity are desperately needed. Overall, the people might have gone to the Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church as fans of Konstantinos Argiros, but they also left as fans of Maria Tagaris as well. “Thank you everyone. This was an amazing experience for me,” Maria Tagaris exclaimed in a post on social media. Hopefully, this is a harbinger of more great things to come from Maria Tagaris in the future. Her future in the music and entertainment industry ought to be bright and promising because she has the natural talent, warmth and charisma to make it big. Maria proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that she is a rising star to watch, and her captivating vocal performance left everyone wanting to hear more. Her performance at the Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church garnered two giant thumbs up. She deserves to become the next Areti Ketime in music, and she should be commended for making all us Greek-Americans proud of our heritage.

Photography: Kane Skennar Markos Papadatos interviewed Australian actor Daniel MacPherson about starring in the movie “Beast,” and working with Luke Hemsworth and Oscar winner Russell Crowe (“Gladiator”). On starring in “Beast,” he shared, “It was an experience I will never forget. It was one of the most intense and challenging but also rewarding and exciting roles of my career.” “I had to act like Russell Crowe, I had to fight like Conor McGregor, and I had to look something like Chris Hemsworth with my shirt off,” he admitted. “Maybe not as big as Thor, but I had to get in pretty good shape.” “So, this role challenged every part of my tool set, but you don’t get stories and you don’t get scripts like this… and you don’t get Russell Crowe coming along saying, ‘hey, I’ll do this movie with you’ very often in your career,” he explained. “So, it was this perfect storm of opportunity and excitement,” he said. “You want to go and make it for the MMA fans, because you can’t lie to them. Everyone is an expert.” “Everyone sees MMA fights 24/7 in this day and age. So, you’ve got to appease those people and impress them, and if you can do that, then maybe everyone else will be impressed,” he elaborated. On playing Patton James, MacPherson said, “I loved his moral core and his heart. He was so committed to his wife and his family.” “I loved that he was a family man, and I loved that he was a man fighting for his purpose and his identity, and to reclaim his purpose and his identity again,” he noted. “I think that I have a lot of buddies in the sports, entertainment, and military worlds, who finished that time of their lives and really struggled to find purpose, identity, and intention moving forward,” he explained. “So, those were things that I really loved anchoring from a performance point of view. Then, if you can get that stuff right… every punch, every kick, every elbow just means a little bit more,” he added. Photography: Kane Skennar On the lessons learned from the “Beast” screenplay, he reflected, “The screenplay taught me about not being afraid to back yourself and fight for what you believe in when you really know deep down that it’s inside you.” “Patton knew that he had unfinished business,” he said. “Patton knew he had to go against the wishes of his wife and the people that loved him to go and prove something to himself and to those around him… that was going to pretty much save his life.” “I reckon that somehow resonated pretty strongly with me,” he admitted. On working with Russell Crowe and Luke Hemsworth, MacPherson said, “Thankfully, I can call those guys two of my best friends. They are great people. Luke and I started working together 25 years ago on a soap opera in Australia. It was our first job together. We’ve been great mates ever since.” “We started on ‘Neighbors’ together and we’ve made plenty of movies together and we will continue to do so in the future,” he noted. “Being on set with Luke was like hanging out with your buddy all day. The acting with him is easy.” “That’s the same with Russell Crowe,” he admitted. “This was my third film with Russell. Now, I’ve worked with him as a co-star and as a director.” “This time, it was extraordinarily satisfying to flex my acting muscles and go toe-to-toe with one of the all-time greats (Russell Crowe) over some really fantastic writing,” he elaborated. “David Frigerio and Russell Crowe co-wrote this script and we got to go head-to-head on some really chunky dialogue, and I will never forget that,” he added. On the title of the current chapter of his life, MacPherson revealed, “It’s Daniel MacPherson 3.0.” “It’s pretty much starting right now,” he admitted. “It’s an incredible time right now. I’m a big fan of reinvention. There’s a great Bukowski poem called ‘No Leaders Please,’ which is one of my favorites, which says, invent yourself and then reinvent yourself.” “That’s one of the things I love about life. It’s the renaissance of Daniel MacPherson. It’s an exciting time to have been acting for 27 years and still feel like I’m at the very beginning now and in a new phase,” he explained. Photography: Kane Skennar If he were to have any superpower, it would be “a generosity of heart and spirit,” as well as “to help people.” Regarding his definition of success, MacPherson said, “If I can just keep working on things that I love with people that I love… and get to take my son on set with me, then that’s the balance.” For fans and viewers, MacPherson stated, “We hope that you come in and you leave surprised. This is as much a story about family. It’s as much a story about fatherhood, marriage, identity and purpose as it is about fighting.” “I hope we surprise people,” he admitted. “I hope you wake up thinking about it and inspired in your own life for days to come after seeing it.” “When Bren Foster and I started training and choreographing the final fights, we looked at each other and said, ‘We want to make the most intense and realistic MMA fight that has ever been seen on screen and in cinema’,” he elaborated. “By the time that we get to that ending, our director Tyler Atkins, has infused the film with so much heart that not only was the fighting intense (and we hope incredible), but the meaning and the reason behind it was pretty extraordinary as well,” he elaborated. “So, hopefully, it’s one of those fight films that you wake up thinking about the next day, and for days after,” he concluded. To learn more about Australian actor Daniel MacPherson, follow him on Instagram.

In the demanding spaces of film and fashion, raw talent is only half the equation. The other half is an invisible, magnetic quality - a specific energy that a person brings into a room before they even speak. For actress and model Carlie Osborne, this presence is her calling card. She possesses a natural, confident drive wrapped in a warmth that makes her an immediate favorite among directors, photographers, and fellow cast members alike. Finding a continuous creative rhythm with a director is a rare gift in the cinematic arts. Osborne has found exactly that with writer and director Michael Head. Their working relationship recently reached new heights in the feature film Jackie the Stripper. Stepping into the shoes of the character Claire, Osborne held her own alongside a highly recognizable cast. Sharing scenes with names like Charlotte Kirk, Patsy Kensit, Kimberley Wyatt, and Katie Price can be a daunting prospect for any rising talent. Yet, Osborne approached the set not just with rigorous professionalism, but with a genuine appreciation for the privilege of working with such experienced peers. This high-profile feature is part of a much broader artistic footprint. Osborne also appears in two other Michael Head films: Bermondsey Tales and Meeting Across the River. Directors do not invite actors back unless they deliver on screen, and her return engagements demonstrate an absolute reliability. Each new script and character has deepened her devotion to the craft, providing her with the practical, hands-on experience that no classroom can teach. People often view acting and modeling as parallel tracks, but for Osborne, they feed directly into one another. Modeling requires an acute physical awareness - knowing how to capture the light and how to communicate a feeling with a simple shift in posture. Acting provides the emotional depth that turns a beautiful frame into a compelling story. What many might not realize about Osborne is how deliberately she merges these disciplines. Her confident exterior is backed by an intense work ethic. She views her career not merely as a job, but as a lifelong dedication to storytelling. Her presence on a set is frequently described as uplifting; she brings a lightness and joy that directly counteracts the heavy pressure of strict filming schedules. The future looks exceedingly bright for this London native. With a rapidly growing resume and an unshakeable belief in her art, Carlie Osborne is steadily building a name for herself in both film and fashion. She embraces every new opportunity with open arms and a clear vision. In an industry that often tests the spirit, Osborne’s radiant optimism might just be her greatest asset, ensuring that her journey on screen will be one to watch for years to come.

In an exclusive conversation hosted by co-founder Ariel Lavi, Compulsion stars Anna-Maria Sieklucka and Charlotte Kirk open up about the psychological weight of their characters, the transition from stage to screen, and the deeply human need for connection that drives their craft. Anna-Maria Sieklucka In the British film Compulsion, your character Evie carries a deep emotional past. Do you build a character like this from the inside out through psychology, or from the outside in using posture and physical movement? "I always start from the inside," she answers without hesitation. "Before I think about how a character walks or moves, I need to understand who they are." For Sieklucka, the physical manifestation of a role is secondary to its psychological core. "I ask myself how their past shaped the person they’ve become and what emotional scars they’re carrying. Once I have that, everything physical follows naturally." You are now working across both Polish and English-language productions. Does acting in a second language change how you access a character's emotions, or do you find that the emotional core remains exactly the same regardless of the vocabulary? "It definitely does. Since English isn’t my first language, it has a completely different rhythm and melody," she explains. "I’m also very aware of my accent; I never want the way I speak to feel forced or unnatural." Yet, the foundation remains untouched. "But emotionally, nothing changes. The emotional truth is exactly the same." She leans forward, elaborating on the cognitive shift required. "What does change is the way I think. When I speak English, my thoughts are structured differently because the language itself works differently. That naturally influences the way I express emotions and ideas." With your podcast, P.S. I LOVE YOU, you are the one asking the questions and guiding the conversation. What has stepping into the role of an interviewer taught you about human connection? "Hosting my podcast has taught me that everyone carries invisible layers shaped by their own life experiences," Sieklucka reflects, her tone shifting to one of quiet observation. "We all move through the world with patterns we’ve learned along the way. That’s why I’ve become much more careful about any judgments - you never really know what someone has been through or what emotional weight they’re carrying." Leaning into the thought, she adds, "I truly believe empathy is the foundation of every meaningful relationship." You have experienced massive international fame, yet you continue to work deeply in local Polish theater. Why is it so necessary for you to keep one foot firmly planted in your home country's artistic community? Her answer is immediate and grounded. "Because I honestly believe every actor should experience theatre. There’s no better place to develop your craft. On stage, you’re standing in front of a live audience - you can’t hide behind editing or multiple takes. If something isn’t truthful, people feel it instantly." The stage, she explains, is an ongoing education. "You spend weeks building a character while also learning how to move and breathe as part of an ensemble. Every performance is different because everything happens in real time. And when something unexpected happens - like someone forgetting a line - you simply have to stay present, trust your instincts, and keep going." That livewire energy is essential to her work. "That’s where spontaneity is born. I’m incredibly grateful that my career allows me to move between theatre, television and film, because each of them has taught me something different." How has the success of 365 Days affected your personality? "365 Days is one of the experiences that helped shape the woman I am today," she says, reflecting on the global phenomenon that launched her career. "I’ve grown so much since then - not just as an actress, but as a woman. Today I know who I am, what I stand for, and what I want from both my career and my life." Looking back at the milestone, she maintains a deep appreciation for the journey. "I’ll always be grateful for that chapter. It was my first real experience on a film set, and creating Laura is something I’ll always carry within me." Charlotte Kirk You co-wrote Compulsion before playing Diana. How does building a character from a blank page change your emotional approach on set, and is it harder to let her go at the end of the day? "Because I helped shape Diana from the ground up, on set it felt like peeling back layers rather than inventing them," Kirk reveals, leaning into the depth of the creative process. "That closeness is powerful, but it also means she can linger." To detach from the psychological weight of the role, she relies on the mundane. "To wind down, I’d do something very ordinary," she adds. "Shower, change clothes, call a friend—something to return to myself." Diana hides her true ambition behind an alluring persona to win Evie over. As an actress, how do you find the authentic emotional core in a character who is actively wearing a mask? "Diana is a very complex character, and one of the things I loved about playing her was that she’s always revealing different sides of herself," Kirk observes. Pushing back slightly on the premise, she clarifies her method. "As an actor, I don’t really think in terms of a character wearing a mask. I try to understand what they’re protecting and why. Usually, there’s something vulnerable underneath." For this particular role, the focus was deeply internal. "For Diana, it was important to focus on her emotional needs, her desires, and what she’s searching for. Once you connect to that human truth, the character feels authentic, regardless of how much of themselves they’re choosing to reveal." She pauses, offering a knowing smile. "What I will say about this film is no one is who they seem to be." The film's tension relies on the intense bond between Diana and Evie. How did you and Anna-Maria Sieklucka build the trust necessary to make such a high-stakes relationship feel real? "Anna-Maria was wonderful to work with," Kirk shares warmly. "We spent a lot of time talking through the characters and their relationship before filming, which helped create a genuine level of trust between us." That off-screen grounding was essential for the on-screen stakes. "The story only works if the audience believes the connection between Diana and Evie, so we focused on building that foundation first," she explains. "Once that trust existed off camera, it allowed us to take bigger emotional risks on camera. We both understood that the relationship had to feel authentic, even when the story takes darker and more unpredictable turns." Shooting in Malta provided a distinct sense of isolation. How did the physical environment and the classic thriller atmosphere influence your internal process and physical tension? "Malta was an incredible location because it offered both beauty and a sense of isolation," Kirk notes, reflecting on the striking Mediterranean backdrop. "The contrast between the stunning scenery and the psychological tension of the story created a very unsettling atmosphere, which was perfect for the film." The setting became a quiet co-star, shaping her physical performance. "The environment naturally influenced my performance because Diana is constantly navigating uncertainty and emotional pressure," she adds. "Being surrounded by unfamiliar landscapes and spending long days immersed in that suspenseful world helped maintain a level of tension that felt very organic rather than forced." Behind Diana's survival instincts is a deeply human desperation. In the quiet moments before the plot spirals, what emotional anchors did you hold onto to keep her grounded for the audience? "For me, it was Diana’s longing for connection," Kirk says, her tone softening as she considers the character's hidden fragility. "Beneath her strength and determination, there’s someone who wants to be seen, understood, and ultimately find a place where she belongs." Those emotional anchors were vital during the production's quieter beats. "Those were the emotions I kept coming back to in the quieter moments," she continues. "No matter what choices she makes throughout the story, I always tried to hold onto that very human need for connection, because that’s what makes her relatable and keeps her grounded for the audience."

Photography: Sean Smith Markos Papadatos interviewed Emmy winner Darin Brooks about his return to the soap opera “The Bold and The Beautiful” on CBS. Academy Award winner Brendan Fraser once said: “I know how wanting this profession can make people become. It can really change your brain chemistry, turn you into a different person that you maybe weren’t anticipating. I wanted to make sure I had a strong sense of identity. That always came from feeling comfortable in my own skin - the way I felt as a kid, going somewhere new all the time.” This quote applies to Emmy award-winning actor Darin Brooks. Returning to ‘The Bold and The Beautiful’ On his return to “The Bold and The Beautiful” on CBS, he exclaimed, “Honestly, it’s amazing! It feels like coming back home again. ‘The Bold and The Beautiful’ is definitely a place that is very near and dear to my heart.” “I’ve been on the show for 10 years and then, I was off for a couple of years, and now I am back,” he said. “Denise Richards is back on there too as Shauna Fulton, and now we have Crew Morrow, who plays my younger brother, the youngest Spencer, and we’ve got a nice thing going on.” “I am just thrilled to be back, and I am really excited to come back and play Wyatt and see what’s in store,” he said. “I love reuniting with Don Diamont as my on-screen father, and with Scott Clifton, who plays Liam, my older brother.” Photography: Sean Smith Speaking of Diamont and Clifton, he complimented both actors for making him break character the most on set. “We have a great time together,” Brooks admitted. When asked what he is exited the most about Wyatt’s return, Brooks said, “I don’t know. I’m excited to just stir the pot a little bit. It seems like there are a lot of happy couples on the show, and you can’t be happy for very long on a soap opera. You need to have some drama, so who knows? I think Wyatt has a lot of possibilities, especially in regard of who he can start messing with. I think there are a lot of ways the writers can go with him.” Brooks poked fun at his on-screen brother Will (played by Crew Morrow) now living in his beach house. “My brother Will now has my damn beach house… I need to get that thing back,” Brooks said with a sweet laugh. “It’s funny because Flo is out of the picture but her mother, Shauna, is back on the show too, so she has to stir the pot too.” Darin Brooks on Denise Richards Speaking of Denise Richards, Brooks praised her for being “the best.” “I love working with her,” he said. “We go back to ‘Blue Mountain State.’ I remember when she first started on ‘The Bold and The Beautiful.’ On her first day, she looked at me with terrifying eyes when she realized how many pages of script it involves, and told me that she didn’t think she can do this. I told her that it may seem like a lot but once she got into the groove of things, 80 pages a day becomes second nature. It’s all about taking things one page at a time.” “Fast forward to now, Denise love doing soap operas… she tells me she ‘loves it here’ and that she wants ‘to stay here forever’,” he added. Photography: Gilles Toucas 2026 ‘Father’s Day’ This weekend, Brooks is excited to celebrate “Father’s Day” with his two daughters. “Being a father means everything to me. This is my weekend with the girls, and I cannot wait to do something fun with them,” he said. ‘Samantha’s Friends’ On September 12 and 13th, he is looking forward to being a part of “Samantha’s Friends” fundraiser in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, which will have a “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” theme to it. “I did ‘Samantha’s Friends’ over a decade ago when I was on ‘Days of Our Lives.’ It has been a long time, but I love what they do and what they stand for. As of now, I have tentatively told them ‘yes.’ I’m definitely going to try to go out there to Florida and help them out with that,” he said. Jessie Godderz collaboration When asked if he would ever collaborate with daytime alum Jessie Godderz (Mr. PEC-Tacular) in any capacity (who is a huge fan of Brooks’ work), Brooks remarked, “I love Jessie! He is so great and such a big supporter of my work. It would be fun to do ‘American Gladiators’ with him.” “I used to watch the original ‘American Gladiators’ show in the ‘90s when I was younger. It would be fun to go on there with Jessie, even though I would probably get my butt kicked,” Brooks said with a sweet laugh. Message for his fans For his loyal fans on “The Bold and The Beautiful,” Brooks said, “Thank you so much for watching us day in and day out. You keep me employed. As long as you are watching, having fun and being entertained, then, we are doing our job.” “That’s what I love the most: putting smiles on people’s faces and making them cry. We appreciate you and we love you,” he expressed, effusively. To learn more about esteemed actor Darin Brooks, follow him on X (formerly known as Twitter) and on Instagram.