Entertainment
Remembering Linda Lavin: A Trailblazing Talent and Icon of American Television
It is with profound sadness that we bid farewell to the incomparable Linda Lavin, who left us at the age of 87 after bravely battling complications from recently discovered lung cancer. Lavin’s extraordinary career stands as a testament to her exceptional talent, unwavering resilience, and deep passion for her art, and she leaves behind a legacy that will be treasured by her devoted fans and fellow artists for years to come.
Linda Lavin
Born in Portland, Maine, Lavin found her way to the bright lights of Broadway after graduating from the College of William and Mary. She began her career singing in nightclubs and ensemble productions, but her extraordinary talent caught the eye of iconic producer Hal Prince. This led to her breakout role in the Broadway musical It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s Superman, setting the stage for a illustrious career ahead.
Lavin’s journey through the entertainment industry was marked by both critical acclaim and widespread popularity, most notably as the star of the beloved sitcom Alice. Drawing inspiration from Martin Scorsese’s film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, the show debuted in 1976, introducing audiences to Alice Hyatt—an everywoman character who worked as a waitress in a diner while raising her young son after becoming a widow. With her iconic paper hat and a warm, relatable demeanor, Lavin became a symbol of perseverance for working moms everywhere.
The show, which featured unforgettable catchphrases like “Kiss my grits!”, quickly became a hit, reaching the top ten in ratings for several years. Lavin’s portrayal of Alice resonated deeply with viewers, making them laugh and cry in equal measure. Her musical talent shone through as she crooned the show’s theme song, “There’s a New Girl in Town,” which remains etched in the hearts of fans.
In addition to her television success, Lavin was a force on Broadway, earning a Tony Award for her outstanding performance in Neil Simon’s Broadway Bound. Her ability to capture the complexity of characters—from a self-described nag in The Lyons to the frazzled yet witty protagonist in Collected Stories—showcased her remarkable range and depth as an actress.
Despite her impressive accolades in theater, Lavin never lost sight of her roots. Her dedication to her craft continued to shine through in recent years, as she actively participated in projects, including a new Netflix series, No Good Deed—a testament to her enduring passion for storytelling. She was also busy filming for the forthcoming Hulu series, Mid-Century Modern, until her untimely passing, reminding us all how vibrant and dedicated she was right up to the end.
Beyond her roles on screen and stage, Lavin’s legacy is also defined by her commitment to nurturing the next generation of performers. Her mantra, “work brings work,” reflects her belief in the value of persistence and seizing every opportunity. This wisdom, offered to aspiring actresses, continues to inspire those seeking a place in the competitive world of entertainment.
The warmth of Lavin’s spirit extended beyond her work; her dedication to the arts included co-founding the Red Barn Studio Theatre in Wilmington, North Carolina, where she produced and starred in numerous acclaimed plays. It became a haven for creativity, showcasing both timeless classics and contemporary works to an appreciative audience.
As we mourn the loss of Linda Lavin, we celebrate the joy, laughter, and inspiration she brought into our lives through her performances. Whether it was the role of a struggling waitress fighting for her dreams or a beloved mother bringing her family together, Lavin’s characters became an integral part of our cultural fabric. She will always be remembered as a talented actress and an unforgettable icon, reminding us to embrace every moment, and that it’s never too late to pursue our passions.
Thank you, Linda, for sharing your light with us. You will be missed, but your legacy will live on through the countless lives you touched. Rest in peace, dear Alice.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linda_Lavin
Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at [insert website URL] and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/
Sports
Chili’s Takes the ‘19th Hole’ Literally With Golf Course Pop-Up
Chili’s took the 19th-hole tradition to a new level with a limited-time golf course pop-up in Burbank featuring food, specialty margaritas and exclusive golf apparel.
BURBANK, Calif. — Chili’s Grill & Bar took its casual-dining game onto the golf course with a limited-time experience celebrating one of golf’s favorite traditions: the 19th hole.
The restaurant chain transformed the clubhouse at DeBell Golf Club in Burbank, California, into the Chili’s Golf Club, a two-day pop-up held Aug. 28–29. The event welcomed golfers and fans to enjoy Chili’s favorites, specialty drinks and a golf-inspired apparel collaboration.
The concept played off the traditional “19th hole” — the post-round gathering spot where golfers grab food and drinks, talk about the day’s round and, perhaps, make those missed putts sound a little closer than they actually were.
Chili’s Meets the Golf Course
Guests at DeBell could stop by after playing 18 holes — or simply visit the clubhouse — for Chili’s menu favorites such as the Triple Dipper. The pop-up also featured golf-themed drinks including the Transfusion Marg and Tee Time Marg, created specifically for the Chili’s Golf Club experience.
The promotion also teamed Chili’s with active-lifestyle apparel brand Rhoback for a limited-edition Rhoback X Chili’scollection featuring the Chili’s Golf Club crest. The lineup included performance polos, hoodies, quarter-zips, crewnecks and golf hats.
“Chili’s is the people’s clubhouse, so it only made sense to bring that spirit to the course,” George Felix, chief marketing officer and executive vice president of Brinker International, said in announcing the campaign.
Food, Golf and Entertainment Collide
Chili’s extended the promotion beyond the course with a campaign film celebrating everyday golfers — particularly those whose enthusiasm for the game may be considerably stronger than their scorecards.
The film featured appearances by Wesley Bryan, Caleb Pressley, Jena Sims Koepka, Chaz Bowker, Josh Kelley and JaNa Craig, bringing together golf, entertainment, food and lifestyle culture around the familiar 19th-hole tradition.
Although the Burbank pop-up lasted only two days, the campaign offers another example of restaurant brands looking beyond the dining room to connect food with sports, entertainment and fan culture.
For Chili’s, that meant finding a place where burgers, margaritas, golf stories and questionable scorecards already seemed like a natural fit.
Source
- Chili’s — “Chili’s is Fulfilling Every Golfer’s Dream by Opening on a Golf Course. Yes, Really.” — Original Aug. 26, 2026 press release announcing the Chili’s Golf Club promotion.
Related Links
- Chili’s Golf Club — Official Event Page — Details about the DeBell Golf Club takeover, food, specialty margaritas and Rhoback collaboration.
- DeBell Golf Club — Official Website — Information about the Burbank public golf course that hosted the Chili’s Golf Club.
- DeBell Golf Club — Golf Course Information — Background on the 18-hole, par-71 municipal course in the Verdugo Mountains.
- Rhoback X Chili’s Golf Club Collaboration — Rhoback’s official page covering the limited-edition golf apparel collaboration.
- Rhoback Official Website — More from the active-lifestyle apparel company involved in the Chili’s Golf Club campaign.
🍴 What’s your favorite food, recipe, or dining spot? Tell us in the comments! Then subscribe to the STM Daily News newsletter for fresh recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and delicious stories delivered straight to your inbox. Join our growing community of food lovers today!
Entertainment
M&M’S Brews Up ‘Practical Magic 2’ Movie Night Hype With Limited-Edition Amas Veritas Spell & Snack Packs
M&M’S is leaning hard into spooky-season nostalgia ahead of Practical Magic 2, teaming up with Warner Bros. Pictures on a limited-edition release designed for Halloween movie nights. The brand announced the M&M’S Amas Veritas Spell & Snack Pack, a collectible add-on built around the iconic “Amas Veritas” love charm from the original 1998 film—timed to the sequel’s theatrical release date: September 10, 2026 (in theaters only).
The pack features custom-designed M&M’S candies printed with eight whimsical symbols inspired by the original spell, plus an “extended verse” of four new symbols that the company says hint at mysteries in the sequel. The drop is positioned as part fan-service, part snackable merch—something you bring to a watch party, but also something collectors will want to grab before it disappears.
Availability is limited and online-only. The Spell & Snack Pack is offered exclusively atMMS.com/Practical-Magic as a gift with purchase when fans buy an M&M’S Milk Chocolate Fun Size Sharing Bag, while supplies last. In a nod to the film’s midnight vibe, there are two timed drops at 12:00 a.m. ET: September 3, 2026 and September 14, 2026.
To push the nostalgia even further, M&M’S is also partnering with actress Camilla Belle—who played young Sally Owens in the original film—to recreate her spell scene with an M&M’S twist in social content on Instagram and TikTok. For Halloween hosting, the brand also flagged seasonal staples rolling out nationwide, including its Fun Size Halloween Variety Pack and Halloween Blend options in both Milk Chocolate and Peanut.
Source
- PRNewswire / Mars, Incorporated press release (Sept. 2, 2026): “M&M’S® Brews Up Movie Night Magic This Halloween Season With Limited-Edition ‘Amas Veritas’ Spell & Snack Packs…”
Related links
- Limited-edition pack page: https://www.mms.com/Practical-Magic
- Mars, Incorporated: https://www.mars.com/
- M&M’S (main site): https://www.mms.com/
- Warner Bros. Pictures: https://www.warnerbros.com/
🎬🍿 Lights, camera, entertainment! From must-see movies and TV to music, celebrities, events, and the latest pop culture buzz, STM Daily News keeps you in the know. 💬 Join the conversation, share your take in the comments, and 📬 subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss the next big story!
Entertainment
Danica McKellar and Matthew Marsden Star in The Greatest Christmas Gift for Great American Pure Flix
Great American Media is kicking off the holiday season early with a new Great American Christmas Original. The company announced The Greatest Christmas Gift, starring Danica McKellar and Matthew Marsden, will make its World Premiere streaming first on Great American Pure Flix, before also airing on Great American Family and GFAM+. The title joins Great American Media’s sixth annual Great American Christmas slate—its signature seasonal programming block built around faith, family, and classic Christmas storytelling.
In the film, McKellar plays Emma Harper, a gifted music teacher preparing for a Christmas wedding to her fiancé Caleb Bennett (Marsden). But just as the couple is planning what should be a joyful small-town celebration, an unexpected setback threatens the future they’ve carefully built. As Christmas approaches, the story leans into a familiar but resonant holiday theme: the most meaningful gifts aren’t the ones wrapped under the tree, but the ones revealed through steadfast faith, selfless love, and a community that shows up when it matters most.
Bill Abbott, President and CEO of Great American Media, highlighted why McKellar remains a cornerstone of the network’s holiday brand, saying audiences trust her films to leave them “encouraged, uplifted, and inspired.” Abbott added that pairing McKellar with Marsden in The Greatest Christmas Gift reflects the company’s commitment to stories where “faith, family, and hope are at the center,” reinforcing Great American Media’s identity as a major entertainment player focused on faith-forward programming. The film is written by Summer Israel Johnson.
The Greatest Christmas Gift is positioned as another comfort-watch entry for viewers who want their holiday movies warm, sincere, and rooted in community—exactly the lane Great American Christmas has been building year after year. Keep an eye out for premiere-date details as Great American Pure Flix rolls out its holiday lineup.
Source (primary)
- PRNewswire / Great American Media press release (Aug. 20, 2026) — “Danica McKellar and Matthew Marsden to Star in The Greatest Christmas Gift…”
Related links
- Great American Pure Flix (streaming service): https://www.pureflix.com/
- Great American Family (network): https://www.greatamericanfamily.com/
- Great American Media (corporate / brand info): https://www.greatamericanmedia.com/
Related talent links
- Danica McKellar (IMDb): https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001528/
- Matthew Marsden (IMDb): https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0551128/
🎬 Stay in the spotlight with STM Daily News Entertainment! Catch the latest movies, TV, music, celebrity news, events, and pop culture stories. Explore more, share your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss what’s happening in entertainment.
