American actor and cultural icon
Sir Sam Neill has died in Sydney at age 78, his family has said. The actor had been diagnosed with stage three angioimmunoblastic T‑cell lymphoma in 2022 and announced in April that he was cancer‑free after trial treatment. Family statements described the death as "sudden and unexpected" and asked for privacy.
The Independent reports Michael J. Fox has disclosed the ongoing impact of young-onset Parkinson’s disease, diagnosed in 1991. He has continued acting and championed research via the Michael J. Fox Foundation, highlighting mobility, memory challenges, and public advocacy tied to his condition.
The Welsh-language version of Star Wars: A New Hope has been announced for Christmas Day release on S4C, featuring a cast of Welsh actors and produced with Lucasfilm and Disney. The project marks a milestone for Welsh-language media, aligning with Wales' cultural sectors and 50th-anniversary celebrations.
Paramount’s planned spin-off 6666 has been scrapped, with creator Taylor Sheridan clarifying he would not fictionalise the active Four Sixes Ranch in Texas. The Yellowstone universe remains intact, with existing series continuing and new prequels and sequels in development across platforms.
The Television Academy is distributing hundreds of Primetime Emmys across two ceremonies at the Peacock Theater, LA. The Pitt leads drama nominations with up to nine wins possible; Hacks leads comedy nominations. Five categories move to Sunday, boosting star power as guests and rookies contend for top prizes.
The dress once worn by Princess Diana at the Serpentine fundraising dinner is expected to fetch up to $220,000 at Sotheby’s, London. The gown, by Christina Stambolian, has toured globally ahead of the December sale, with part of the proceeds supporting NHS Lothian Charity.
Matthew Rhys has become the first actor to win two lead acting Emmys in a single night, taking honors for Widow’s Bay (comedy) and The Beast in Me (limited series). He also holds a previous lead drama win, making him the first man to win in all three lead acting categories. Apple TV+’s Widow’s Bay dominates the night with 14 wins.
The Rules restaurant in Covent Garden has donated its 34-35 Maiden Lane building to the National Trust for £11m, securing the site’s future as a living heritage site. The restaurant will continue trading as a commercial tenant, with rent supporting conservation; the deal preserves the historic interior and collections and marks the Trust’s first entry into restaurant ownership.