Debra Messing Felt Isolated as a Kid. ‘I Love Lucy' Became Her Escape.

Debra Messing, 56, is known for her roles in TV's 'Will & Grace' and 'The Starter Wife.' She executive produced the new documentary 'October 8' and co-stars in the new crime-drama film 'The Alto Knights.' She spoke with Marc Myers.
I was fearful as a child. My parents grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y., surrounded by a large Jewish family and friends. When I was 3, in 1971, my father got a job in Rhode Island and we moved to East Greenwich, where there were very few Jews.

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Buzz Feed

18 hours ago

• Buzz Feed

Must-Watch LGBTQ+ TV Shows On Hulu For Pride Month

I'm sure there are plenty of ways you're celebrating Pride Month, but we all need a little downtime. If you're in the mood to binge some shows, there are plenty of LGBTQ+ options on Hulu. Here are 21 great shows to binge on Hulu for Pride Month: Love, Victor (2020—22) This spinoff series of the 2018 movie of the same name, starring Michael Cimino, is a coming-of-age to town and school, a student struggling with his sexual orientation seeks Simon's it on Hulu. RuPaul's Drag Race (2009—) If there is a G.O.A.T. of drag shows, it has to be RuPaul's Drag Race. Five seasons are available on America's Next Drag Superstar in this reality show that pits talented drag queens against one another in fierce it on Hulu. Will & Grace (1998—2006) If you're in the mood for a sitcom, the O.G. Will & Grace is the perfect two best friends and their roommates in one of the most groundbreaking representations of LGBTQ+ to (will &) grace TVs across it on Hulu. Will & Grace (2017—20) If you liked the O.G., you will love the three new seasons of Will & best friends and their you know the it on Hulu. The Bisexual (2018) If you're looking for something with a blend of comedy and drama, The Bisexual starring Desiree Akhavan, Maxine Peake, and Brian Gleeson might be the pick for a breakup, a bisexual woman seeks help from her new roommate to navigate the dating it on Hulu. The Bravest Knight (2019—) Looking for a story about a gay knight? How about an animated one? Then, The Bravest Knight is a dream out of your highest fantasies.A young pumpkin farmer-turned-aspiring knight raises his adopted daughter and faces the challenges of the it on Hulu. Being Gwen: A Life & Death Story (2022) If you're looking for a crime documentary, Being Gwen offers never-before-seen evidence of a case that rocked the transgender community and the entire state of California.A heartbreaking true story about the case of slain transgender 17-year-old Gwen it on Hulu. Utopia Falls (2020) Footloose meets Divergent School Musical? This show is all over the place, but it's genuinely a Sci-Fi original. Teens in the distant future use music to change their colony, which has dark it on Hulu. Late to the Party: Coming Out Later in Life (2025) A docuseries that takes a more personal approach than most LGBTQ+ Charles Blow, who came out as gay later in life, spotlights other people who openly shared their true selves, showing that it's never too late to be yourself. Watch it on Hulu. Pose (2018—21) This FX show, created by Ryan Murphy, presents a drama series that offers a unique look at the LGBTQ+ icons who have shaped culture and their struggles along the Jaé Rodriguez plays Blanca Rodriguez-Evangelista, a transgender woman who is one of many lives driving the ball culture world in the ' it on Hulu. I Kissed A Boy (2023—) Reality TV dating in an Italian country single guys looking for love. Pop legend Dannii Minogue hosts and plays cupid. What could go wrong?Watch it on Hulu. I Kissed A Girl (2024—) See the show above. Now: Girl. And it on Hulu. Big Boys (2022—25) Looking to scratch that college life itch with a good TV series? Big Boys has three seasons for unlikely duo of boys traverse university life it on Hulu. Pride (2021) In this six-part documentary series, Pride does an excellent job of chronicling the history of treatment toward the LGBTQ+ community as well as the voices of the pioneers who lived through constant discrimination and civil rights it on Hulu. First Day (2020—22) Looking for the right teen drama? The drama series First Day might be the perfect school away from school.A transgender girl takes on the challenges of a new school, finding the strength to be her true it on Hulu. The Freedom to Exist (2023) Soul of a Nation offers a glimpse into trans stories during a period of legislation targeting the community, featuring an interview with Elliot it on Hulu. #Richkids of Beverly Hills (2014—16) Lovely reality TV trash that you will eat up like a raccoon—and love every kids. Beverly Hills. TV it on Hulu. The Book of Queer (2022) I know there are a lot of history buffs out there, so The Book of Queer is the perfect watch for those who binge Discovery Channel forgotten LGBTQ+ heroes throughout history with these colorful it on Hulu. Looking (2014—16) This HBO Original is perfect if you're looking for the next great LGBTQ+ show to gay friends experience life in their thirties in San it on Hulu. Pride of Broadway (2025) "Don't bring a frown to old Broadway." If theater is your jam, this Hulu special is a show features Broadway legends, offering interviews and behind-the-scenes looks that celebrate queer stars and their allies on the it on Hulu. And lastly, Pride: Vevo Originals (2025) Maybe you're just in the mood for a bit of music. Vevo Originals features a diverse range of LGBTQ+ artists compiled for your viewing you enjoy artists like Chappell Roan, Lil Nas X, Victoria Monét, and Kali Uchis, there's something for it on Hulu. Stream all these LGBTQ+ picks, and more, on Hulu. Looking for more LGBTQ+ or Pride content? Then check out all of BuzzFeed's posts celebrating Pride 2025.

Yahoo

a day ago

• Yahoo

Shanghai Launches Merged Film and TV Market With Industry-Public Hybrid Model

Shanghai's newly merged International Film & TV Market kicked off Saturday at the Shanghai Exhibition Center, launching a five-day event that combines professional industry networking with public cultural experiences. The market, running through June 25, represents the consolidation of the Shanghai International Film Festival Market (SIFF Market) and Shanghai TV Festival Market (STVF Market) into a single comprehensive platform. More from Variety Giuseppe Tornatore Reflects on Chinese Audience Love, Shelved Sci-Fi Project at Shanghai Film Festival Paolo Genovese Brings 'Madly' to China via Italian Screens Initiative at Shanghai Film Festival Marco Mueller's WIP Lab Relocates to Shanghai Film Academy for December Showcase The event is housed at the Shanghai Exhibition Center, originally built in 1955 as the Sino-Soviet Friendship Building. The major landmark draws heavily on Russian and Empire style neoclassical architecture and spans 93,000 square metres, making it one of the largest integrated building complexes in central Shanghai. Chen Guo, managing director of Shanghai International Film & TV Events Center, says the consolidation reflects broader industry trends. 'The industry's evolving trend where content creation, technological applications, and talent mobility increasingly blur the lines between film and television,' Chen explains. 'Many outstanding companies and creators develop across both sectors. This integration aims to break down invisible resource barriers and build a comprehensive, efficient platform that congregates film, series, technology, capital, and talent.' The market's most distinctive feature is its dual-track approach. Professional activities take place inside the Shanghai Exhibition Center, with dedicated meeting zones, display areas, and industry salons designed for efficient business interactions. Meanwhile, outdoor markets serve as platforms for public engagement, featuring immersive IP experiences and cultural products. 'We turn industry achievements into tangible cultural offerings for the audience,' Chen notes. 'This stimulates public enthusiasm for film and TV culture, provides valuable feedback, and fosters innovation in content and business models.' The approach aims to bridge professional efficiency with popular appeal, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in storytelling while providing industry professionals with direct consumer insights. The outdoor market emphasizes openness and interaction, with themed exhibitions such as the 'I Am What I Am' film, where audiences immerse themselves in the story, or TVB's exclusive products that recall childhood memories. The market builds on deal-making success from its predecessor events. Last year's markets recorded over 200 exhibitors and 40,000 visits, with notable achievements including a Korean delegation that generated 107 business negotiations between Chinese and Korean companies, resulting in deals valued at approximately $56.3 million. The Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) organized a delegation including major broadcasters KBS, MBC, SBS, CJ ENM, and SLL, bringing 13 leading Korean companies to showcase content at the Korea Pavilion. This year's market has expanded international participation with a dedicated International Zone featuring an International Negotiation Area designed for global buyer-seller interactions, with 50 overseas exhibitors already participating. Organizers are targeting even greater international involvement in future editions, aiming to attract more top-tier international producers and streaming platforms. The market is showcasing emerging technologies reshaping content creation and distribution through its UHD HUB, which features experience zones dedicated to AI and XR technologies. A standout attraction is an XR large-space project about Qin Shi Huang's Tomb, allowing audiences to experience historical content within a virtual environment. AI applications are particularly prominent, with demonstrations of multi-language AI voice-over and video translation technologies designed to help Chinese content reach global markets more efficiently. The Shanghai International Film Festival's SIFF ING-AIGC program highlights work from young creators utilizing AI in their projects. The merger eliminates what Chen describes as 'invisible barriers that once separated film and TV markets,' bringing together film producers, TV production companies, streaming platforms, tech suppliers, creators, and investors in a unified space. Activities are designed to be medium-agnostic, with forums, expert sessions, and buyer salons applying to both film and TV sectors. 'The IP project promotion event doesn't emphasize the medium but focuses on compelling stories and IPs to attract suitable development partners,' Chen explains. This borderless approach enhances opportunities for cross-field collaboration, talent mobility, and technology sharing. Programming is curated around real industry demands, with IP promotion activities driven by booming interest in adaptations and franchise development. Aligned with national strategies for ultrahigh-definition video, the UHD HUB presents cutting-edge technology, reflecting industry hotspots and addressing pain points. 'All activities are designed around real demands, ensuring relevance—focusing on the latest industry frontiers, technological up-gradings, and creative innovations,' Chen says. While acknowledging the importance of transaction volume, attendance, and press visibility, organizers are taking a broader view of success. 'We place greater emphasis on soft power and long-term effects,' Chen says, focusing on the market's role in fostering cross-sector collaborations, providing cutting-edge industry knowledge, and offering platforms for innovative projects and emerging talent. The ultimate goal is for the market to become 'a renowned hub for global thought exchange and industry innovation, regarded as a continuous creator of projects' that advances both Chinese and global entertainment ecosystems. Looking beyond this inaugural merged edition, organizers plan continued refinement focused on internationalization, industry leadership, and enhanced interactivity. Plans include establishing forward-looking technology innovation zones and expanding the successful Cinemart initiative that creates channels between industry professionals and the public. 'We aim to establish this as a new cultural landmark that embodies Shanghai's distinctive charm,' Chen concludes. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar

Newsweek

a day ago

• Newsweek

Mom Thinks Her Family Is Complete, Then Gets Biggest Shock

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A mom of three thought she was done having children, then got the biggest shock of her life. After welcoming two boys—Carter, now 6, and Eli, 4— Haley and Will Spannagel were overjoyed to meet their daughter Emery in 2023. "It truly felt like our family was complete," Haley told Newsweek. "Life was busy, but full in the best way, and we both agreed we were ready to close the baby chapter." Split view of Haley and Will Spannagel with their three young children and Will in the emergency room post vasectomy procedure. Split view of Haley and Will Spannagel with their three young children and Will in the emergency room post vasectomy procedure. @haleyspannagel Will's vasectomy was subsequently scheduled for August 8 and the parents felt at peace with their decision. But two days later, Haley took a pregnancy test and it was positive. "[I] immediately thought it had to be wrong," the 26-year-old said. At her obstetrician appointment on August 12, Haley's doctor noted her HCG levels were higher than expected. "[I] thought I must be further along than we expected," she said. But on August 16, the ultrasound told a very different story: not just one surprise baby, but two. "I cried. Then I laughed. Then I cried again. It truly felt like a real-life version of the TikTok trend—just total disbelief," Haley told Newsweek. As the couple tried to process the twin bombshell, the unimaginable was around the corner. On September 27, Hurricane Helene struck their region—and their home was among the thousands lost. "It was devastating," Haley said. "Processing a surprise twin pregnancy while navigating the chaos of displacement added an entirely new level of shock. We were in survival mode emotionally and mentally." The following year in March, Will and Haley welcomed twins Asher and Adeline. "Life has truly been a blur since," Haley told Newsweek. There is zero silence or sleep—but also so much love and laughter." The mom of five posted their story in a clip on TikTok, which has been viewed 1.8 million times. Over a thousand other users commented on the clip, many of whom congratulated the new parents. "Not your plans but God's plans," one user wrote. "I'm going to avoid my husband like the plague when he gets snipped, before and after," a second user joked. A third user shared how they got their "surprise" at age 39. With five children under the age of seven, Haley described heir home as "beautifully chaotic." Carter, Eli, and Emery dote on their new siblings, and Katie and Will are learning to navigate life as a team of seven. "It's not easy, but it's ours, and we feel so grateful, even on the hard days," she said.