Latest news with #TheStepfather
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
This Father's Day, Let's Hear It for the Stepfathers
Stepfathers are everywhere, but where's their special section in the greeting card aisle? In 2008, a study estimated that about 8.4 percent of U.S. married couples of childbearing age contained a stepfather; some estimates suggest the figure is closer to 20 percent, if you fold in couples that cohabitate but aren't married. In the run-up to Father's Day this year, I'm thinking a lot about how little air time stepfathers are given in the our annual compulsory displays of love and gratitude for all types of dads. What gives? Stepfathers have always been members of my family and our community. Honestly, I never thought twice about this social arrangement until, as an adult single parent, I brought a stepfather into the home my teen son and I shared…and well, indoor fireworks are an understatement. 96 Funny Father's Day Quotes That Sum Him Up Better Than a Dad Joke Back up a sec—In my defense, I understand this stepfather salute is a too-little and possibly too-late honor for my own stepfather and my son's stepfather figure (who isn't actually married to me but is my domestic partner). However, I come by this wan praise honestly, having come of age in a time when stepfathers were basically ignored as having their own challenges and strengths. For example, growing up, the multiplex didn't give me stepfathers in sweet family sitcoms and movies like Father of the Bride. No, they offered up The Stepfather, a horror film in which a psychopath romances single women with children, only to murder them when the perfect family image disappoints him. And frankly, my first stepfather, who was married to my mom and legally adopted me, turned out to be his own horror show until my mom and I drove away one day never to return. My point here is—I didn't grow up thinking too much of the institution of male stepparenting, and until my mom married a third and final time when I was in my teens, I didn't have any male role model in the home. At the time she began getting serious with the man who is now my stepfather, I was a wary teenager that didn't want anything to do with 'mom's boyfriend,' even though he took the time to tutor me in physics, toured prospective colleges with me and gave me his old car. I didn't see then what I see now, that my working mom was tired, I was a teenage handful and this stepfather had a lot of kindness and smarts to share, but I was maybe too immature and traumatized to receive. My stepfather and I have a great relationship today—we have a two-person book club in which we make a monthly date to discuss chapters, and he's shown me how investing can be a creative act. And, as he and my mom get older, I'm all up in their doctor appointments. In retrospect, I realize he cleverly wore me down with decades of patience and dependability, since I wasn't convinced that a stepfather could possibly have any reason to make nice with someone else's bio-kids. And in my petulant youth, I didn't see how my initial rudeness—thawing to lukewarm greetings and perfunctory conversation as a young adult—could have been hurtful to him or to my mom. Until, of course, I got a taste of my own medicine. File under 'Paybacks are hell.' As a recent widow, I started dating C. My 13-year-old son really liked him, until my kid figured out C. and I were romantic. Then, my son was super angry at me and dismissive of him. One day, for example, my son breezed out of his room, glanced at my boyfriend and said, "Hello F---face." I was stunned into nervous laughter, while my boyfriend kept his cool, laughed briefly and replied with a cool hello. Then my son ignored and insulted C. for months, during which time he lambasted me, too, for being a bad mom to date so soon after his father had died, for choosing the wrong guy, for just being a disappointment overall. As a mom, this really hurt, but my boyfriend let my son's rebellion roll off his back. 'He was a grief-addled kid, was processing his grief and his pain,' C. tells me now, 'and I was a reasonable target for it. As the adult, you kind of have to suck it up and absorb it…and also I knew I was in it for the long haul with you, so I was also with him.' C. goes on to say that he thought that he and my son had things in common—both are rabid sports fans and contemporary music lovers—and that their mutual interests would give them something to bond over. Eventually. 'And I did have some limited success in trying to bribe my way into his heart with concert tickets and food,' C. laughs. But was any of that for sure going to work? No, it was not. There was a real period of touch-and-go there for a year when, as a mom, the pressure of my son's anger and disobedience made me super worried and yes, tired like my own mom had been long ago. My boyfriend stuck with me, and with my son, even though we didn't have a rule book for step-parenting. (Again, that seeming public health silence around stepdads!) I've since researched the topic, and found that family psychologists urge the following stepdads maneuvers: Be patient—it takes 2 to 5 years for blended families to adjust Keep your spousal relationship between Mom and stepdad strong—it's a sense of security for the whole family system Parents need to really focus on the kids' needs and practice active listening Practice shoulder-to-shoulder parenting (a therapy term for engaging in side-by-side activities with the stepkid to slowly build rapport) All that tracks, and today, five years after our family's rocky beginning, I'll walk into the living room and see my son and C. cheering together watching the game on TV, or burbling stats at each other like two parakeets in a cage. The happiness I feel at the mutual respect between the two, and not incidentally, the friendship between mine and C.'s son who attends college across the country but visits a few times a year, is something I don't take for granted. This Father's Day, and every day, I wish we could all acknowledge, appreciate and majorly amplify the big dad energy of stepfathers. (Maybe buy him a steak.) Stepdads are really sailing uncharted territories and should be celebrated maybe even more than biodads, who after all, have a genetic buy-in to stick around. Stepfathers are operating on faith and generosity, as well as a bit of optimism, which all families can use more of these days. 'It was like waiting out a thunder storm, when your son was younger. I didn't feel disrespected because I was just the sounding board for his spew of feelings,' C. says now. 'And like with a thunder storm, you just wait it out then go back outside and see if its calmed down.' The 86 Best Gifts for Dad That He'll Actually Use—& Not Leave in the Garage
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'You' star Penn Badgley's 'stalk-worthy' fitness: How the actor balances food, fitness, and mental health
Penn Badgley has always kept his audience hooked. From being the irresistible Dan Humphrey in 'Gossip Girl' to the obsessed serial killer Joe Goldberg in ' You ', he has constantly delivered, and how! The charming star has a legion of fans, thanks to his incredible acting chops and his awe-inspiring fitness. Penn Badgley is bidding farewell to Joe Goldberg with the fifth and final season of the thriller series, and what better time to take a look at the actor's diet and fitness routine, which gives him a 'stalk-worthy' appearance! 'You' star's fitness routine (Pic courtesy: X) Badgley is quite disciplined when it comes to his fitness journey. His regimen focuses on efficiency and strength. Given that he is often cast in films and shows that demand a certain physique, Badgley tries to stick to strength training . For instance, in 2009, as he was prepping for 'The Stepfather, ' Badgley underwent a rapid transformation, dropping 2-3 pounds of fat and building muscle in just one week. This required intense exercise about 4 times a week. Pull-ups, leg raises, Bosu ball pushup, dumbbell curl to press, shoulder fly, isometric pushup, and arm raises were some of the exercises he incorporated for that routine. What keeps the actor shredded is his consistency, and also mixing up exercises, so that the body burns more fat and calories, and builds muscles. What does Penn Badgley's diet look like? (Pic courtesy: X) Penn Badgley follows a vegan diet. A vegan diet is an entirely plant-based diet that focuses on foods derived from plants such as vegetables, grains, nuts, and fruits. This means foods that come from animals, including dairy products and eggs, are not a part of this diet. From his clear skin to his overall health, his vegan diet plays a crucial role. His typical day starts with oatmeal, almonds, protein powder, a banana, and berries for breakfast. Building muscles and maintaining a shredded body is no cakewalk, and hence, the actor ensures to get enough protein in every meal. His lunch generally has plant-based proteins along with brown rice and vegetables. Badgley's dinner is rather hearty with a bowl of salad. He throws in a variety of veggies along with some plant-based protein. On Cam: Trump CLASHES With 'Woke' ABC Journalist On LIVE TV Over 'Illegal Aliens' In U.S. Mental health (Pic courtesy: X) Badgley has previously spoken about struggling with body dysmorphia as a kid. 'I know that I hated my body and simply wanted a different one," he said. He had his own share of struggles while venturing into acting. But that started to fade away when he incorporated daily prayer and meditation into his routine. He meditates every day, and that has helped him maintain sanity along with 'the simple stuff of life, like having a family, meaningful relationships with my friends.' Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Penn Badgley Recalls What Michelle Trachtenberg Was Like: ‘Quick to Laugh'
During a red carpet appearance for 'You' on April 23, reflected on the loss of his former 'Gossip Girl' co-star . Trachtenberg suddenly passed away in February due to complications from diabetes mellitus. She had left a lasting impression on people in her life, hence discovering her unconscious in her apartment caused a stir among fans and co-stars alike. While many took to social media to share their grief, Penn Badgley opened up about the tragedy in an exclusive red carpet interview. After Gossip Girl alum Michelle Trachtenberg's untimely demise, her co-stars, including Penn Badgley, promptly expressed their shock. While talking to E! News, Badgley shared heartfelt thoughts about the actor, singing nothing but praise for her. The 'You' star arrived at the premiere of the fifth season of the Netflix series, talking about the show, his wife, and his anticipated children. While talking of Trachtenberg, Badgley described the memories with warmth and admiration. Although he admitted he had not met her in over ten years, he recalled her as having 'a really pure heart.' He expressed how 'surreal' and 'saddening' the tragic loss felt, representing how the news resonated deeply within the entertainment industry. At the same time, the 'The Stepfather' actor recounted: 'What I remember of her is she was incredibly quick to laugh.' Furthermore, he shared, 'She was really joyous,' adding, 'We all have our ups and downs, our lights and shadows, but she had this — I mean, she was mature, but she had this childlike, joyous laugh.' Among other 'Gossip Girl' actors, Trachtenberg's death prompted heartfelt tributes from Blake Lively and Chace Crawford. Besides, her 'Mercy' co-star James Van Der Beek shared a nostalgic video of the late actor rapping Nicki Minaj during a car ride, proving her impact was felt by many who worked with her throughout her career. Michelle Trachtenberg's sudden passing left a void in the hearts of her fans and co-stars, but Penn Badgley's words of praise proved that her vibrant spirit and talent will never fade away. Originally reported by Ishika Mishra on Reality Tea. The post Penn Badgley Recalls What Michelle Trachtenberg Was Like: 'Quick to Laugh' appeared first on Mandatory.
Scottish Sun
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Seventies pin-up unrecognizable 43 years after hitting out at hit show that sacked her – can you guess who she is?
She was a teen star who went onto work behind the camera HIDDEN STAR Seventies pin-up unrecognizable 43 years after hitting out at hit show that sacked her – can you guess who she is? Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SHE was the first face of Charlie girl perfume after joining TV's most glamorous crime-fighting trio. Nowadays she's enjoying retirement and living a low-key life in Connecticut. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 8 One of TV's most famous pinnups is living a quieter life away from Hollywood Credit: 8 The former teenage model and seventies legend was spotted shopping in Connecticut Credit: 8 Shelley Hack joined the show in series four 8 Shelley, pictured right, with Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd Credit: Disney General Entertainment Con 8 Shelley hit out at Charlie's Angels - and went on to have a successful career in Hollywood Credit: Alamy Charlie's Angels legend Shelley Hack was spotted out shopping dressed down in a cosy fleece and black trousers. Life now is a far cry from the fashion flair of the seventies and her on-screen alter ego Tiffany Welles. Shelley joined hit show Charlie's Angels in 1979 as a replacement for original Angel, Kate Jackson. But her stint lasted just one season before she was dropped amid slumping ratings. A the time, Shelley didn't hold back in her criticism of the show's bosses. She claimed her axe wasn't about talent but telly politics. Shelley said in a statement: "They can say I didn't work out, but it isn't true. "What happened was a network war. A business decision was made. "Change the timeslot or bring on some new publicity. How to get publicity? A new Angel hunt. Seventies movie legend Julie Christie seen for the first time in eight years as she shops with her husband in London "Who is the obvious person to replace? I am — the new kid on the block." Shelley was then replaced by Bond girl Tanya Roberts in season five. While her Angel wings may have been clipped early, Shelley didn't disappear from showbiz. The former teenage model starred in Martin Scorsese's The King of Comedy and cult horror flick The Stepfather. She continued to carve out a career behind the scenes, producing feel-good Hallmark Channel movies through the 2010s. Shelley married film director and university professor Harry Winer in 1990. Together they co-own production company Smash Media, working on Hallmark movies together. The couple have one child, daughter Devon Rose Winer. 8 She was a teenage model before joining the show Credit: Getty 8 Season Four stars pictured in 1979, Shelley Hack, Jaclyn Smith, David Doyle and Cheryl Ladd Credit: Disney General Entertainment Con
The Irish Sun
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Seventies pin-up unrecognizable 43 years after hitting out at hit show that sacked her – can you guess who she is?
SHE was the first face of Charlie girl perfume after joining TV's most glamorous crime-fighting trio. Nowadays she's enjoying retirement and living a low-key life in Connecticut. 8 One of TV's most famous pinnups is living a quieter life away from Hollywood Credit: 8 The former teenage model and seventies legend was spotted shopping in Connecticut Credit: 8 Shelley Hack joined the show in series four 8 Shelley, pictured right, with Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd Credit: Disney General Entertainment Con 8 Shelley hit out at Charlie's Angels - and went on to have a successful career in Hollywood Credit: Alamy Charlie's Angels legend Shelley Hack was spotted out shopping dressed down in a cosy fleece and black trousers. Life now is a far cry from the fashion flair of the seventies and her on-screen alter ego Tiffany Welles. Shelley joined hit show Charlie's Angels in 1979 as a replacement for original Angel, Kate Jackson. But her stint lasted just one season before she was dropped amid slumping ratings. READ MORE ON SEVENTIES A the time, Shelley didn't hold back in her criticism of the show's bosses. She claimed her axe wasn't about talent but telly politics. Shelley said in a statement: "They can say I didn't work out, but it isn't true. "What happened was a network war. A business decision was made. Most read in Celebrity "Change the timeslot or bring on some new publicity. How to get publicity? A new Angel hunt. Seventies movie legend Julie Christie seen for the first time in eight years as she shops with her husband in London "Who is the obvious person to replace? I am — the new kid on the block." Shelley was then replaced by While her Angel wings may have been clipped early, Shelley didn't disappear from showbiz. The former teenage model starred in Martin Scorsese's The King of Comedy and cult horror flick The Stepfather. She continued to carve out a career behind the scenes, producing feel-good Hallmark Channel movies through the 2010s. Shelley married film director and university professor Harry Winer in 1990. Together they co-own production company Smash Media, working on Hallmark movies together. The couple have one child, daughter Devon Rose Winer. 8 She was a teenage model before joining the show Credit: Getty 8 Season Four stars pictured in 1979, Shelley Hack, Jaclyn Smith, David Doyle and Cheryl Ladd Credit: Disney General Entertainment Con 8 Shelley was the first face of Revlon's Charlie perfume
