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Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Ruby Wax, 71, tells Paloma Faith she's going to become a death doula - as star opens up on mortality and the tragic death of her good friend Alan Rickman
Ruby Wax revealed she's taking a course in order to become a death doula during an appearance on Paloma Faith's Mad Sad Bad podcast. The American comic, 71, has been candid about preparing for death in recent years, even admitting that the prospect of dying is her 'biggest fear'. 'I think about death at least four times a day and hundreds of times around my birthdays,' she wrote a few years ago in Huffpost. 'At New Year's Eve I'm already writing my epitaph. While everyone around me is popping balloons, I'm thinking I'm one year closer to the end.' Ruby has now opened up on mortality once again, making the revelation that she's planning on becoming a death doula. An end of life doula - or a death doula - is a 'compassionate, trained companion who supports individuals with terminal diagnosis and those close to them'. Offering practical and emotional support, many aspiring doulas undergo rigorous training in order to carry out their duties successfully. Ruby is planning on beginning her training in September. She told Paloma, 43, on the Brit singer's podcast this week: 'When was I last sad? Well I think there's a level of sadness all the time because I'm really aware we're going to die.' Paloma asked: 'Because the world's going to end or because we're mortal?', to which the 71-year-old quipped: 'Because I'm mortal. 'I think about it all the time. In September I've made a reservation - I'm going to become a death doula. 'Yeah, I'm going on a course. First of all, I'm interested in who else is going to be on my course, you know. So, I do a week (of the course) in September.' Over the years the comedian has been very open about both the prospect of death and her struggles with mental health. Ruby has battled depression, and in 2022 admitted that her mental illness had become 'so severe that it's hard to stay alive'. But speaking to Paloma, the 71-year-old affirmed that she's 'numb' and hasn't cried in years. 'I'm an example of numbness,' she said: 'I don't feel anything. 'I don't cry, you can never make me cry. But also I don't throw my head back screaming with laughter. Well, sometimes it cuts through and if someone that I knew died it would probably cut through.' Paloma then asked the American when the last time she cried was, to which she replied: 'When Alan Rickman died (in 2016). 'I thought he had a heart problem, so I was telling people to get him a heart specialist. But his partner said, "No, he's dying". 'And when I heard that I burst, I ran in there and I threw myself on him. I was like an animal, it was wild. 'Another time when my son was leaving for school (University) I turned into a howling animal. I was on all fours howling and he was only going to Southampton, because I knew metaphorically he was gone. I feel like everything's goodbye.' Reflecting on her friendship with Alan Rickman - who played Severus Snape in Harry Potter and died of cancer in 2016 - Ruby remembered the advice he gave her. 'When I used to do comedy and I was trying to please, he used to say "Pull it back. Make people come to you". 'It took a long time but now after 30 years I don't look like I'm hungry on stage. I do have an ego though and I want to be liked by large groups of people.' Indeed, in an exclusive interview with MailOnline in 2021, Ruby actually credited her good friend Alan with 'turning her into a comedian'. She said: 'He was hilarious. He was my mentor and he taught me how to do comedy. I would say he saved me. 'He took a c*** actress and then turned her into a comedian against all odds. He was my protector'. Alan died in January 2016 after battling pancreatic cancer in private. Ruby was only made aware of his illness two weeks before his death. The comedian paid tribute to him, saying: 'All of his friends would say he was the most generous man. I mean, I meet kids now and they say "Alan sent me to drama school and I never even met him". He took a lot of people under his wing - that's real generosity.' Following Alan's death, Ruby has been a vocal advocate and fundraiser for Pancreatic Cancer UK.
Metro
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Skins star unrecognisable as he reunites with cast 12 years after show ended
Former Skins star Ollie Barbieri has shed the thick curls he was once known for – and is looking unrecognisable 12 years after the show ended. Ollie, 33, played Jonah Jeremiah Jones – aka JJ – in series 3 and 4 of the raucous teenage drama. During his run on the show, the character found himself in a love triangle between Effy (Kaya Scodelario), Cook (Jack O'Connell) and Freddie (Luke Pasqualino). In the end, JJ settled down with girlfriend Lara (Georgia Henshaw) and her baby from a previous relationship. JJ bowed out in 2010, while the show lasted three more series before coming to an end with series 7 in 2013. Ollie joined Kaya and other members of the cast as they reunited for the birthday of twins Kathryn and Megan Prescott, who played Katie and Emily Fitch. Posting a series of snaps from their birthday, actress and OnlyFans model Megan shared an image of herself and sister Kathryn as they posed with co-stars Klariza Clayton, Kaya and Ollie. 'Happy birthday Meg & Kat… the last time we were together we were all a lil bit younger, little bit dumber & hadn't had the pleasure of waking up with sore knees… love you all xx Y2K 4 EVA,' wrote Kaya as she also shared the image to her Instagram account. 'This is such a nice photo but I must implore you to edit the caption kaya 🤣 (or have I just been on O.F. so long that I read the sore knees thing as something entirely different…🤦♀️😂) xx' joked Megan in the comments below. Boasting a tight haircut, designer stubble and fashionable spectacles, the all-grown-up Ollie looked a world away from shy, nerdy JJ. Followers were shocked to see Ollie's new look, with AkonKitty commenting: 'Happy Birthday and happy to see Skins family!!! Is that JJ on the left?' 'In the end JJ won,' joked j0estrodamus. Meanwhile, others were cheered to see the cast reunite after all these years. 'This heals my inner teenage self seeing you all grown together 😭❤️' said conniekaraitiana. 'the fact you guys are still friends all of these years later 🥺🥹' said hotbriochedameron. 'Happy birthday to you both :) so awesome to see so many of you still in contact ❤️' commented dan_runner_7. 'Aww, a little skins reunion for a special day. 🥺 I cannot word how much I adore those friendships <3' said Following Skins, Ollie went on to appear in the urban drama spoof Anuvahood, where he played a character named Enrique. In 2017, he reunited with fellow Skins alumnus Klariza – who played Freddie's sister, Karen. Starring in the thriller Blood Money, Ollie and Klariza marked their reunion by posing for a selfie together as they shared transport on the way to set. 'Reunited with @klarizaclayton Yeah we're getting a ferry to set,' he wrote in the accompanying caption. These days, the actor lives in London with his girlfriend, journalist and Huffpost editor Dayna McAlpone. Other members of the cast have gone on to achieve varying levels of success since graduating from Skins. Along with 33-year-old Kaya, breakout stars Nicholas Hoult, Dev Patel and Daniel Kaluuya have all gone on to become giants in the world of Hollywood. Last year, Kaya revealed how she 'pushed back' against sex scenes in the spin-off series Skins: Fire. 'I felt much more confident in saying what I felt during that series,' she told The Guardian. More Trending 'When the first draft came through, there were a lot of sex scenes in it, and I could tell it was because I turned 18, and that meant that they could show more. And I went back and said: 'No, there's no need to do that'.' Reflecting on her time in Skins, she said: 'Nothing too awful ever happened [on the set of Skins], thank God, but it could have, and I think that's what's scary about it. What's wonderful now is that every production is aware that a sex scene is essentially a stunt, and it should be choreographed. '[We] were so grateful and happy to be there that we did as we were told most of the time. But this was a show that was created by older grown-ups, and it would have been cool to have more conversations as actors about what we were doing. She continued: '[We] were treated like teenagers that were there to make a teenage show. It was nice that we felt free and didn't understand the politics of the business – we weren't worrying about whose face was going to be on the poster or who was earning more than who. But at the same time, it's important to treat actors like actors.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: Rylan says Celebrity Gogglebox editors had to cut out 'career-ending' conversations MORE: The 7 best 'explosive' Australian thrillers free to watch in UK MORE: Channel 4 star vomits as his girlfriend sleeps with another man on 'unnecessarily graphic' show
Int'l Business Times
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
Democratic Senator Under Fire for 'Disappointing' Vote to Make Trump-Pardoned Charles Kushner an Ambassador: 'I'm Furious'
Sen. Cory Booker is facing intense criticism after becoming the only Democrat to support the confirmation of Charles Kushner—who served prison time and was pardoned by President Donald Trump—as U.S. ambassador to France. Kushner, a New Jersey real estate mogul and father of Trump adviser Jared Kushner, was convicted in 2005 on multiple federal charges, including tax evasion and witness tampering. He served two years in prison before receiving a full presidential pardon from Trump in December 2020. Despite his criminal history, Trump nominated Kushner for the prestigious diplomatic post earlier this year, Huffpost reported. The Senate confirmed Kushner's appointment in a 51-45 vote. While Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski broke ranks to oppose the nomination, Booker's decision to cross the aisle and vote in favor of Kushner drew sharp backlash online. Social media users expressed disbelief and frustration, questioning why Booker would support a Trump-pardoned felon with a history of targeting federal witnesses. The move is already sparking political fallout, especially among progressive and anti-Trump Democrats who once saw Booker as a reliable voice of opposition. Online, social media users call the move "disappointing" with others expressing anger, saying, "I'm furious" about Booker's decision. "I'm going to need Cory Booker to set aside 26 hours to deliver a senate floor speech explaining why he voted to confirm a literal convicted felon to a diplomatic post," one user said, referring to the senator's record-breaking speech made earlier this year. AFP Booker, who has yet to issue a public explanation, is being accused by critics of prioritizing personal ties over principle—reportedly stemming from his longstanding friendship with the Kushner family. The senator's vote may have short-term diplomatic implications, but the long-term political cost could be steeper. As Democrats prepare for midterm primaries and broader accountability over Trump-era alignments, Booker's support for Kushner is likely to resurface as a campaign issue. Originally published on Latin Times
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Yahoo
U.S. tourist in Rome impaled on metal spike at Colosseum
An American on vacation in Rome is reportedly recovering after climbing a fence at the ruins of the Colosseum, falling and being impaled on a metal spike in front of other horrified tourists, according to multiple media outlets. The incident, according to the Italian news outlet Day Italian News, unfolded at around 5 p.m. on May 2, with shocked witnesses immediately calling for help. The 47-year-old man, who has yet to be identified, reportedly took the spike to the lower back, screamed in pain and passed out, Huffpost reported. He 'remained stuck in a painful and dramatic position' while first responders were enroute, witnesses told the Italian outlet. After assessing the situation, paramedics gave the man a sedative while they worked to pull him off the spike, which took about 20 minutes, Day Italian reported. Medical personnel worked to contain the bleeding at the scene and then rushed the man to Rome's San Giovanni Hospital for emergency surgery for the deep wound. Gunman shoots 2 people at packed California campground, turns gun on self The man was reportedly in stable condition after the surgery, which required more than 80 stitches, though it is unclear if there was any permanent damage done to his spine. It is unclear why the American, who currently lives in Tawain and was visiting Italy with family and friends, climbed the fence in the first place. Some reports suggest he was trying to take a selfie or attempting to get a better view of the world-famous tourist attraction or, as Day Italian News reported, 'it is assumed he simply wanted to get closer to the monument. Police in Rome opened an investigation into the incident and have since questioned the man. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Buzz Feed
09-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
I've Tried ALL The Trending Water Bottles — Here's Why I Chose This Old-School Bottle
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. This thing has me drinking more water than truly any bottle or cup I've ever had. For years now, I have had an issue drinking enough water. Working remotely, with no formalized lunch or coworkers drinking water around me, I often go hours, if not whole days, without H2O. The older I get, however, the less subtle my body is when it's dehydrated. The headaches and muscle cramps have been enough to make me try anything to make me drink my frickin' water. Recently, I resorted to buying the 'It Girl' drinking vessel from my high school years, the ever-faithful CamelBak. Like most of us, I have tried nearly every beverage container in my attempt to consume my daily eight cups. I have glass bottles and metal bottles, big ones and small ones, cute ones and sporty ones, and bottles I never use but cannot give away. I have trendy water bottles that are giant and metal and promise to keep your beverage icy cold for hours on end. And on a normal workday, I find I drink less water when I have a giant 40-ounce bottle staring me in the face. Griffin Wynne / Huffpost When working at home, I've learned I prefer a smaller bottle that's plastic. It's comfortable to keep in my lap, encourages me to drink the whole thing, and keeps my water cool but not frigid (which I don't want anyway). On a recent trip to my hometown, I thought a lot about my teen years and suddenly remembered the popularity of the Camelbak. I vividly remember the cool girls carrying them in the hallways and biting on the straw head during class. Like today's Stanley, they were as much of a fashion accessory as they were a functional container for water — and it occurred to me this might be the water bottle I've been looking for. Clicking on Amazon, I saw those very same bottles for sale in an array of gorgeous colors. I don't know how much these bottles cost in 2009, but in 2024, the price (around $12) was right. After much deliberation, I went for the light blue-green shade called 'Coastal' — it looked like sea glass and made me happy when I pictured drinking out of it. Through therapy, I've learned the power of gifting yourself both superfluous and significant things that you may have wanted as a kid. Though a CamelBak was never on the top of my wishlist, it was certainly symbolic of being in some 'in crowd' I never felt I was in. All that aside, this thing has me drinking more water than truly any bottle or cup I've ever had. Try it out for yourself.
