Steve Pond's Blog, page 66
August 3, 2025
‘The Gilded Age’ Star Harry Richardson Dissects Larry and Marian’s Engagement Impasse and That Deadly Cliffhanger
Note: This story contains spoilers from “The Gilded Age” Season 3, Episode 7.
“The Gilded Age” threw a number of surprises on its main characters ahead of the Season 3 finale, and then topped all of it off with a deadly cliffhanger.
It was a particularly eventful episode for Larry Russell (Harry Richardson), who returned to New York from the West in Episode 7, having secured a lucrative deal that saved his family from financial ruin, and helping his father George (Morgan Spector) one-up his enemies. But Larry also came back to heartbreak, as he received Marian’s (Louisa Jacobson) letter revealing her decision to cancel their engagement.
“Larry’s been in a flow and really on top of his stuff. He’s feeling like an adult, stepping out on his own path and succeeding … then he has this bombshell dropped on him,” Richardson told TheWrap. “The most important thing in his life at this stage is this engagement, and he just had it ripped away with no explanation. It’s super painful for him.”
Fans will recall that Marian decided to end her engagement via letter, after learning that Larry had visited a “house of ill repute” the night that he popped the question. He only went there for his businesspartner and footman-turned-rich inventor Jack (Ben Ahlers), but Marian left little time for explanations once she learned of the indiscretion while Larry was away. The duo shared a difficult conversation during the episode, leaving little hope for reconciliation. Then Marian started to warm up again after Jack explained what happened during the night in question.
Richardson cherished the nuance of Larry and Marian’s impasse. He said it’s easy to understand where both characters are coming from. Marian fears rejection after two (maybe now three?) broken engagements. Larry is having to examine why his instinct was to lie to the person he loves.
“There’s no clear perpetrator or victim, there’s two people who are really struggling to release their own ego into a place of understanding and love,” the actor said. “The very act of learning to love someone brings up all of our wounds and all of our fears to the surface. A truly great love story is not one that doesn’t have conflict. It’s one where we witness people overcome their fears, traumas and conflicts to fall into a space of love with each other.”
Louisa Jacobson in “The Gilded Age.” (HBO)But Larry’s relationship woes — along with the drama unfolding in Season 3 — will likely take a pause after the Episode 7 cliffhanger, in which a gunman arrived at the club with George as his target. The episode ended with the gunman pointing his gun and shooting as it faded to black.
“That’s what we’re all dealing with at all times, that our mortality is always potentially just around the corner,” Richardson said. “We can get so wrapped up in who’s marrying who, who was right in what situation and who hurt who. But then the gun goes off and everyone has to think about what really matters … It really is a conduit for clarity.”
The shooting will certainly jolt the already fickle connection between the Russells, who are still rebuilding after George and Bertha (Carrie Coon) sparred over her decision to arrange a marriage for her daughter Gladys (Taissa Farmiga). Even as George celebrated Larry’s victory in the West, he still met his wife with a cold shoulder. Meanwhile, Oscar (Blake Ritson) grieved the death of his love John (Claybourne Elder) and tried to be there to support him.
In England, Gladys and Henry (Ben Lamb) seemed to be hitting their stride as husband and wife, and maybe starting to fall in love. They even prepared to send his sister Lady Sarah (Hattie Morahan) away to London, while they prepared to travel to London for Bertha’s upcoming end of the season party in Newport. As for Peggy (Denée Benton), it seemed like she and Dr. Kirkland (Jordan Donica) were getting serious when he invited her to an event hosted by his family as his date. Those plans might hit a snag though, since his mother Elizabeth (Phylicia Rashad) learned of Peggy’s past adoption and headed straight for New York to tell her son.
All roads lead to the Season 3 finale, airing next Sunday.
“The end of Season 3 is definitely one of my favorite episodes,” Richardson teased. “All of the complexity that has been built so well over three seasons is all funneling into this melting pot of questions and drama. I’m really excited for people to see how this season is wrapped up. It leads to a lot more to explore.”
“The Gilded Age” releases new episodes Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on HBO and HBO Max.
The post ‘The Gilded Age’ Star Harry Richardson Dissects Larry and Marian’s Engagement Impasse and That Deadly Cliffhanger appeared first on TheWrap.
Jonathan Kaplan, ‘The Accused’ Director and Multiple Emmy Nominee for ‘ER,’ Dies at 77
Jonathan Kaplan, director of “The Accused” and nominated five times for Emmys for episodes of “ER,” died Friday in Los Angles of liver cancer. His death was confirmed by his daughter Molly.
Kaplan was the son of film composer Sol Kaplan and actress Frances Heflin and studied under Martin Scorsese in New York City after graduating from the University of Chicago.
It was Scorsese who connected Kaplan to Roger Corman, who in turn brought him onboard to direct the sex comedy “Night Call Nurses.” Kaplan went on to direct “The Slam,” “Truck Turner,” “Over The Edge” and more.
He shifted to directing TV movies and music videos in the 1980s and worked with performers including Barbra Streisand and Rod Stewart. Kaplan was responsible for director Jodi Foster in “The Accused,” which earned the actress her first Best Actress Academy Award nomination.
His additional films included “Unlawful Entry” starring Kurt Russell and “Immediate Family” starring Glenn Close. His final film was 1999’s “Brokedown Palace.”
Kaplan shifted entirely into television at the beginning of the century and directed episodes of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and “Brothers & Sisters,” as well as more than 50 episode of “ER.”
In addition to receiving five Emmy nominations, Kaplan was also nominated for two Golden Bear Awards at the Berlin International Film Festival, a Leo Award, and a CableACE Award.
Jonathan Kaplan was born in Paris, France, in 1947. He is survived by his daughter, Molly.
The post Jonathan Kaplan, ‘The Accused’ Director and Multiple Emmy Nominee for ‘ER,’ Dies at 77 appeared first on TheWrap.
Elon Musk Donated $5 Million to Trump Super PAC Weeks After Epstein Files Claim
Elon Musk donated $15 million to Donald Trump’s Super PAC MAGA Inc., as well as to the Congressional Leadership Fund and the Senate Leadership Fund, according to Federal Election Commission filings published on Thursday. Both funds serve to support House and Senate Republicans.
Musk spent nearly $300 million to support Trump and Republicans in their election bids in 2024 and, much to the then-delight of Trump, openly sported a “dark MAGA” black hat ahead of the president’s re-election. He was brought onboard to head the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in November.
But the chummy relationship began to show signs of cracking soon after Musk’s appointment, and the frenemies exchanged a series of written insults across social media in June. Musk accused Trump of being in the Epstein files — a point of contention that still dogs the administration — and two days later the president retaliated by accusing Musk of being a “big-time drug addict.”
Though Musk has since walked back many of his accusations and insults, the duo haven’t openly resumed the type of working relationship they once enjoyed. That coupled with Musk’s own insistence he would form his own political party (he announced the America Party on X on July 7) makes the sizable donations something of a surprise.
CNN reported Musk is also the largest individual contributor to the congressional PACs, and has also poured an additional $45 million into America PAC (the super PAC he supervises). Notably, the FEC filings released last week only cover his financial activity through the end of June, and it’s not implausible he has continued to donate to the same efforts.
The post Elon Musk Donated $5 Million to Trump Super PAC Weeks After Epstein Files Claim appeared first on TheWrap.
Loni Anderson, Emmy- and Golden Globe-Nominated Star of ‘WKRP in Cincinnati,’ Dies at 79
Loni Anderson, whose beloved role as Jennifer Marlowe on “WKRP in Cincinnati” was nominated for Emmy and Golden Globe awards, has died, her publicist confirmed Sunday. She was 79.
Anderson played the “sexy-yet-smartest-person-in-the-room receptionist” on the hit TV series about a mixed-format radio station from 1978 to 1982. She died Sunday in Los Angeles following an acute prolonged illness, surrounded by family, longtime publicist Cheryl Kagan told TheWrap.
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother,” the family said in a statement.
Anderson starred in six TV series, seven feature films, 19 TV movies and two min-series over the years. After her diagnosis, she continued working co-starring in Lifetime’s “Ladies Of The 80’s: A Divas Christmas” with Linda Gray, Donna Mills, Morgan Fairchild and Nicollette Sheridan. The TV movie aired in late December 2023.
“Loni was a class act. Beautiful. Talented. Witty. Always a joy to be around,” said Steve Sauer, Anderson’s manager for 30 years. “She was the ultimate working mother. Family first … and maintained a great balance with her career. She and I had wonderful adventures together that I shall forever cherish. I will especially miss that infectious chuckle of hers. She will be forever missed.”
Anderson wished to be an actress while growing up in St. Paul, Minn., working in community as a single parent raising her daughter. She moved to Los Angeles in 1975, landing a spot on “Swat” two weeks later.
By 1978, she landed a starring role in her first movie – “Three On A Date” with June Allyson, Ray Bolger, Gary Crosby and Carol Lawrence – and guest-starred on hit TV shows like “Three’s Company,” “The Incredible Hulk” and “Love Boat.”
“WKRP” creator Hugh Wilson asked to meet with her, but – not wanting to play a stereotypical dumb blonde – would only accept the role if it be rewritten. Wilson agreed, and “smartest person in the room” Jennifer Marlowe was the result.
In 1982 Anderson co-starred in “Stroker Ace,” a feature film with future husband
Burt Reynolds. The couple adopted their son Quinton Anderson Reynolds in August 1988. Her autobiography, “My Life In High Heels” was published by
William Morrow in 1995 and reached the both The New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists.
Anderson married Bob Flick, a founding member of the 1960’s folk group The Brothers Four, in 2008 after meeting at a movie premiere in Minneapolis years earlier. Anderson is survived by her husband, daughter Deidra and son-in law Charlie Hoffman; son Quinton Anderson Reynolds; grandchildren McKenzie and Megan Hoffman, stepson Adam Flick and wife Helene and step-grandchildren Felix and Maximilian.
The post Loni Anderson, Emmy- and Golden Globe-Nominated Star of ‘WKRP in Cincinnati,’ Dies at 79 appeared first on TheWrap.
Oasis Responds to Death of Man Who Apparently Fell at London Concert: ‘Our Sincere Condolences’
Oasis has responded to the death of a man in the audience at the band’s show at Wembley Stadium in London, who reportedly died after he appeared to fall.
“Oasis would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the person involved,” the band said in a statement issued Sunday.
Authorities have requested help from the public, especially people who might have photos or videos of the man’s presumed fall on Saturday. A spokesperson for the police told the BBC the man “was found with injuries consistent with a fall.”
Police add they “believe it is likely a number of people witnessed the incident, or may knowingly or unknowingly have caught it on mobile phone video footage.”
The band’s Saturday concert was part of a series of seven sold-out performances in the capital city. The venue can seat up to 90,000 fans across three levels.
The death mars a tour that has thus far been a resounding success for the band, who broke up in 2009 due to an increasingly intense feud between brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher.
The band hinted at a potential reunion in August 2024 after both brothers shared a vague video that read “27.08.24. 8am” on social media. The band’s website was also updated with the video.
Liam wrote on X at the time, “Listen it’s Saturday morning you lot are scaring me with all this f–king talk of Tuesday can we not just enjoy 1 day at f–king time Rastas.” Liam also tweeted Sunday, “I never did like that word FORMER.”
The 2025 tour kicked off on July 4, 2025, in Cardiff, Wales, and will wrap up on November 23 in Brazil.
The post Oasis Responds to Death of Man Who Apparently Fell at London Concert: ‘Our Sincere Condolences’ appeared first on TheWrap.
Ioan Gruffudd Says Cancellation of 3rd ‘Fantastic Four’ Film Was ‘Beyond My Control’
Ioan Gruffudd starred in 2005’s “Fantastic Four” and the follow-up “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer” before plans for a third film were canned, something he told Vulture was “beyond my control” despite fan disappointment.
In an interview published July 30, Gruffudd explained, “The mind-set was that we were going to do three, and I think the second movie was equally successful as the first and equally enjoyable for the fans. I particularly loved working with Doug Jones [as the Silver Surfer] on that movie, who’s just a terrific artist and an expert in the field of movement.”
“If you want to witness somebody bringing a character to life physically, he’s just untouchable. So there was definitely that sort of momentum, and the plan was to do three movies, but these decisions are beyond my control.”
Gruffudd starred as Mister Fantastic in both films, the role that’s played by Pedro Pascal in 2025’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” He told the outlet he entered a period of grief after finding out he’d no longer play the character.
“As an actor, you almost grieve every part that you’ve played, and this was no different,” Gruffudd said. “This was a massive stepping-stone in my career, and because this was two movies over several years, the character becomes part of you. So I think the grieving process is that you’ve enjoyed the character so much and you’re not getting to play them again.”
And despite fan theories, Gruffudd also made it clear he has not “been approached to reprise Mister Fantastic” in any way … yet.
The post Ioan Gruffudd Says Cancellation of 3rd ‘Fantastic Four’ Film Was ‘Beyond My Control’ appeared first on TheWrap.
Soulja Boy Arrested in Los Angeles on Gun Charges
Soulja Boy, the rapper who was born DeAndre Cortez Way, was arrested Sunday morning for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Way was a passenger in the vehicle.
The rapper, who is best known for his hit single “Crank That,” was previously ordered to pay $4 million for sexual battery in April.
Soulja Boy was found liable for sexually assaulting and physically and emotionally abusing a former assistant earlier this year. He was accused of locking the woman, identified as Jane Doe, “in her room without hot water for three days” and sexually assaulting her several times. Doe filed her suit against the rapper in 2021.
“We’re happy our client was vindicated and the jury believed her claims of physical and sexual assault. We’re looking forward to moving on to the punitive damages phase of the case,” Doe’s attorney said at the time.
In 2019 Soulja Boy was arrested for violating probation pertaining to a 2014 weapons conviction. He was sentenced to 240 days in jail and 265 hours of community service.
The post Soulja Boy Arrested in Los Angeles on Gun Charges appeared first on TheWrap.
Trump Attacks Charlamagne Tha God on Truth Social After Epstein Comments
Donald Trump launched a written tirade at Charlamagne Tha God Sunday on Truth Social after the radio host and author told Lara Trump he believes traditional Republicans will soon reclaim their political party after the Epstein-files fallout.
Trump described Charlamagne as a “Low IQ individual” who “knows nothing about me or what I have done – like just ending 5 Wars, including a 31 year bloodbath between Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.”
[image error]“I think traditional conservatives are going to take the Republican Party back,” Charlamagne said Saturday on “My View with Lara Trump.”
“I think there’s a political coup going on right now in the Republican Party that people aren’t paying attention to. I think this Epstein thing is going to be a way for traditional conservatives to take their party back, I really do,” he added.
“They know this is the issue that has gotten the base riled up,” he continued. “The MAGA base isn’t letting this issue go, and for the first time, they know they can probably take their party back and not piss off the MAGA base.”
Charlamagne isn’t the only person who has recently noticed changes in MAGA. On Saturday MSNBC’s Ali Velshi told viewers the “once invincible MAGA machine is glitching” due to prolonged secrecy and deferment in respect to repeated questions about Trump’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
“This moment marks a significant rupture. For all his authoritarian instincts, Trump has always relied on one illusion, that he was one of them,” Velshi explained. “A truth teller. A rebel. A man fighting the man.”
“But that was always a con. Trump never saw the base as partners in a cause. He saw them as marks. A means to an end. A block of loyal, gullible voters he could exploit to win power that he couldn’t and wouldn’t have won without them. Now that his own base is turning the lens back on him, what they’re seeing is just another rich, powerful man protecting himself.”
The post Trump Attacks Charlamagne Tha God on Truth Social After Epstein Comments appeared first on TheWrap.
Brendan Carr Defends Timing of Paramount Merger Approval: ‘We Ran Normal Course’ | Video
Brendan Carr defended the timing of federal approval for the merger of Paramount Global and Skydance Media, with the Federal Communications Commission chair saying the process “ran normal course” – while also celebrating the Trump Administration’s influence on the national media landscape and suggesting that “consequences” would be felt far into the future.
Carr appeared Sunday on Fox News’ “Media Buzz” with host Howard Kurtz, who grilled the Trump appointee on how “quickly” the merger was approved after Paramount settled the president’s “60 Minutes” lawsuit for $16 million – and CBS effectively canceled “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.”
“It is giving ammunition to those who believe the skids were greased,” Kurtz said. “That the settlement … was part of an orchestrated arrangement.”
Carr chalked that perception up to “a lot of misinformation out there,” and pushed back on the notion that the timing was rushed.
“Our review here followed our very standard practice at the FCC,” Carr said. “In fact, the timing was right in the wheelhouse of when we ordinarily approve these types of transactions or at least reach a final decision both at this administration and the last administration as well. So, we ran normal course. We had a full commission vote, and really excited about the outcome.”
Carr then praised the “new buyers of CBS” for their commitment to “unbiased, fact-based reporting.”
“They’re going to report on a wide variety of political and ideological perspectives,” he said. “They’re committing to getting rid of invidious forms of DEI discrimination, reinvest in local journalism. So, I think it’s a great win for the American people.”
Kurtz noted that even Colbert’s late-night rivals Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon – and “all kinds of celebrities” – are speaking out in support of Colbert, whose cancellation was attributed by the network to financial realities.
“There’s seismic changes taking place right now across the legacy media landscape,” Carr said. “There’s a lot of reasons for that, but fundamentally, I think it goes back to President Trump. One of the things that President Trump did was he ran directly at the legacy national media, and he smashed the facade that they get to decide what we think and what we get to say.”
Carr called out a “credibility crisis” for legacy media, suggesting that the blame lies with gatekeepers who are looking to blame Trump for losing control.
“To some extent, President Trump is the reason why their business models are failing, but not for exactly the reasons that they think,” Carr said.
Kurtz pressed him on that, asking why the marketplace should not be the final arbiter.
“I think the market is speaking,” Carr said. “You saw the reports being that CBS was losing something like $50 million a year on Stephen Colbert. “And it’s great to have, you know, comedians out there. It’s great to have satire. It’s great to go after people that are in power. But one of the stories here is that, you know, Colbert and others went from being court jesters making fun of everybody to being court clerics. And they stopped going for joke lines and laugh lines and they started going for applause lines.”
Carr went back to Trump, saying the president is “speaking for the American people” who don’t trust corporate media when he attacks it.
“So, I think the consequences are going to continue to be felt for — for a period of time here,” Carr said.
Watch the entire exchange in the video here.
The post Brendan Carr Defends Timing of Paramount Merger Approval: ‘We Ran Normal Course’ | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
How to Watch Lollapalooza 2025: Where Is the Music Festival Streaming?
Summer may be coming to a close, but Lollapalooza is just getting started at Grant’s Park in Chicago. But you don’t have to be in the Windy City to catch this year’s slew of musicians.
This year’s headliners include A$AP Rocky, Luke Combs, Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter. Throughout the weekend other artists like Gracie Abrams, Finneas, Bleachers, Rüfüs Du Sol and Martin Garrix will perform across the festival’s nine stages.
The four-day music festival kicked off Thursday night, and fans can stream the festival at home only on Hulu.
For more details on when and how to watch your favorite acts this weekend, keep reading:
When is Lollapalooza this year?Lollapalooza kicks off Thursday, July 31 and concludes Sunday, Aug. 3.
Where is Lollapalooza held?The four-day music festival will take place at Grant Park in Chicago. Performances will take place at nine different stages at the festival. Check out the festival’s Instagram for a detailed lineup for each day.
Where is Lollapalooza streaming?Lollapalooza will stream exclusively on Hulu and is available to all subscriber tiers. This is part of Hulu’s greater investment in live music entertainment, as they will stream the Austin City Limits Music Festival this October.
There will be two channels airing performances live throughout all four days of the festival. Keep reading for more details.
When does Lollapalooza start?Performances begin streaming each day at 2:05 p.m. PT / 5:05 p.m. ET and conclude after midnight. You can see the full schedule of performances here.
Who is performing at Lollapalooza?Headlining this year’s festival are Tyler, The Creator and Luke Combs on Thursday; Olivia Rodrigo and Korn on Friday; Rüfüs Du Sol and Twice on Saturday and Sabrina Carpenter and A$AP Rocky on Sunday.
See the full lineup here.
View this post on InstagramWhat time can I stream the headliners?A post shared by Lollapalooza (@lollapalooza)
There will be two separate channels broadcasting performances from the music festival. Below you will find a detailed schedule for when which acts perform on which channels throughout the weekend. Times are subject to change, and all livestream schedules are listed in ET.
Channel 1 ScheduleThursday, July 31, 20255:05 PM – Durand Bernarr
5:45 PM – The Blessed Madonna
6:50 PM – Barry Can’t Swim
8:00 PM – Gracie Abrams
9:10 PM – Cage the Elephant
10:15 PM – Tyler, the Creator
11:35 PM – Mau P
5:05 PM – Ravyn Lenae
6:15 PM – T-Pain
7:20 PM – Foster the People
8:30 PM – Bleachers
9:40 PM – Olivia Rodrigo
11:15 PM – Korn
12:50 AM – Knock2
5:05 PM – Charlotte Lawrence
6:10 PM – Max McNown
7:15 PM – Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso
8:25 PM – Marina
9:30 PM – Clairo
10:35 PM – Chase & Status
11:45 PM – Rüfüs. Du Sol
5:05 PM – Nimino
5:40 PM – BoyNextDoor
6:50 PM – KatsEye
7:45 PM – Rebecca Black
8:50 PM – Mariah the Scientist
10:00 PM – Sabrina Carpenter
11:25 PM – A$AP Rocky
5:05 PM – Prospa
5:50 PM – Sierra Ferrell
7:00 PM – Magdalena Bay
8:05 PM – Cloonee
9:00 PM – Royel Otis
10:05 PM – Luke Combs
11:40 PM – Dom Dolla
5:05 PM – Isabel LaRosa
5:45 PM – Murda Beatz
6:40 PM – Amaarae
7:45 PM – Bunt.
8:50 PM – Djo
10:00 PM – Isoxo
11:20 PM – Wallows
5:05 PM – Sam Austins
5:30 PM – Young Miko
6:45 PM – Bôa
7:55 PM – Doechii
8:55 PM – Levity
9:30 PM – Jpegmafia
10:40 PM – Twice
12:15 AM – Two Friends
5:15 PM – Marlon Hoffstadt
6:20 PM – Remi Wolf
7:00 PM – Finneas
8:10 PM – Isaiah Rashad
9:15 PM – The Marías
10:25 PM – Dominic Fike
11:30 PM – Martin Garrix
The post How to Watch Lollapalooza 2025: Where Is the Music Festival Streaming? appeared first on TheWrap.
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