Actor Frankie Muniz Crashes NASCAR Truck Days After New ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ Spinoff Premieres

ActorFrankie Muniz— star of the TV sitcom “Malcolm in the Middle” — crashed his truck in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday, April 11.

Muniz, 40, did not sustain any significant or notable injuries as a result of the crash, according to multiple reports, though he was unable to finish the race.

“I actually thought we were running pretty good. I felt pretty quick,” he told Fox Sports’Bob Pockrassafter Friday’s race. “We were in the lucky dog position, so I was just trying to do some good lap times. I think there was like 10 to go on the stage.”

Muniz’s new show, “Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair,” premiered the very same day. The show, a spinoff of the iconic early 2000s sitcom, features Muniz reprising his classic role.Bryan CranstonandJane Kaczmarekalso return to their roles in the four-episode miniseries.

Frankie Muniz Says He Hates ‘Hearing Actors Talk,’ Wonders ‘Do I Sound Like Such a Tool?’

Muniz — racing in a “Malcolm in the Middle”-themed F-150 truck — crashed withTyler ReifandTimmy Hillon Turn 3 of the track.

“I think [Reif] maybe got impatient, I don’t know,” Muniz said. “He was yelling at me in there, saying I’m a lapper, like I shouldn’t be racing. I’m in the lucky dog position. I’m fighting. I belong on that racetrack just as much as he does, just as much as the leaders do.”

He continued, “I’m not going to back down on that. I haven’t seen a replay, but based on what I felt, I went to the middle of the track. I didn’t track all the way out to show that I was going to go back to the bottom.”

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As the two drivers went into the turn, Reif seemingly clipped Muniz’s truck while trying to pass him, and both trucks crashed into the wall. Hill was right behind Reif and ended up in the crosshairs of the crash.

Muniz has been passionate about racing since he was a kid, and is famously one of the last people whospoke with the late NASCAR legend,Dale Earnhardt, before his fatal 2001 crash.

“He was extremely friendly to me,” Muniz recalled of the legendary driver in the February 2026 FS1 documentaryWe’ve Lost Dale Earnhardt: 25 Years Later. “And I remember he said, ‘I have to say thank you to you … because your show has brought me and my daughter closer together.’ He’s like, ‘It’s something that we turn on Sunday nights and we watch together.’”

Frankie Muniz’s 5-Year-Old Son Is the Real Star of the ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ Reboot Premiere

"Malcolm in the Middle" was at the peak of its popularity at that time.

Muniz broke into racing in 2004 after stepping away from the Hollywood spotlight, making his professional racing debut in 2006.

In 2024, Munizannounced that he would be racing fulltimeduring the 2025 NASCAR season.

“This is something that I’ve been working [toward] for literally 20 years when I did my first race,” Muniz said of racing at the time. “That feeling of crossing the finish line first in that pro-celebrity race, was an incredible, incredible feeling and I’ve been chasing that.”

byAsher Jeferson

in

April 13, 2026

Actor Frankie Muniz Crashes NASCAR Truck Days After New ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ Spinoff Premieres

ActorFrankie Muniz— star of the TV sitcom “Malcolm in the Middle” — crashed his truck in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Bris...

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Iran's Guards will view military vessels approaching strait as ceasefire breach

CAIRO, April 12 (Reuters) - Iran's Revolutionary Guards ‌said on Sunday ‌that any military vessels ​attempting to approach the Strait of Hormuz will be considered ‌a violation ⁠of the two-week U.S. ceasefire and ⁠be dealt with harshly and ​decisively.

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The strait ​is ​under the control ‌and 'smart management' of Iran's Navy, the Guards said in a statement reported by ‌Iranian state media, ​adding ​it ​is "open for the ‌safe passage of ​non-military ​vessels in accordance with specific regulations".

(Reporting ​by ‌Ahmed Tolba and Hatem ​Maher; Editing by ​Alexander Smith)

byAsher Jeferson

in

April 13, 2026

Iran's Guards will view military vessels approaching strait as ceasefire breach

CAIRO, April 12 (Reuters) - Iran's Revolutionary Guards ‌said on Sunday ‌that any military vessels ​attempting to approach the Stra...

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“Percy Jackson”'s Walker Scobell says he's not going to prom and calls out 'death threats' made to teenage girls he knows

Percy Jackson and the Olympiansstar Walker Scobell has a battle on his hands.

The actor, who plays the titular demigod in the Disney+ series, is not going to prom, he said in a Instagram Stories post on Sunday, amid serious threats made to teenage girls he is acquainted with.

"Just to let everyone know, I will not be attending prom," Scobell wrote in the post to his 2.2 million followers. "Please stop sending death threats to EVERY teenage girl who could remotely be associated with me based on their proximity to where I live. It's not fair to them or their families. Maybe also just stop sending death threats in general. That's just not cool. Kinda weird I have to say this."

This isn't the first time thatPercy Jacksonfans have crossed a line.

Aryan Simhadri, who plays Grover Underwood, recently shared adisturbing encounterwithEntertainment Weeklyduring a game of "Lie vs. Lie" with Scobell. According to Simhadri, he was out in public when a group of “40 drunk girls” recognized him. And one in particular got entirely too handsy with the actor.

“I was feeling pretty uncomfortable, so I put my hands in my back pockets,” Simhadri recalled. “And then she reached around and put her hand inside of my back pocket, with my hand already in there. There’s not enough room in the back pocket of jeans for more than one hand. She lingered there a little longer than I would have liked. Not that I would have liked it at all.”

The third season ofPercy Jackson and the Olympians, based on authorRick Riordan's original book series, will return to Disney+ later this year.

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As EW previously reported,MulanstarMing-Na Wenhasjoined the castas Hera, the queen of Olympus and wife of Zeus (Courtney B. Vance, whotook over the role from the late Lance Reddick). According to Hera’s officialPercy Jacksoncharacter description, Hera is “regal, maternal, and no-nonsense.” However, her husband’s affair “rankles her.”

Another new face on Mount Olympus will beSaturday Night LivealumKate McKinnonasAphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty who assists Percy in his quest.

The series has been such a hit,season 3got the green light months before season 2 even premiered.

“From the momentPercy Jackson and the Olympiansdebuted, it was clear this series had struck a chord with fans of all ages,” Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television, said in astatement.

Season 3 will adaptThe Titan's Curse, the third book in Riordan's series that follows Percy and his friends as they race to save the goddess Artemis (Dafne Keen), while also confronting an ancient monster capable of destroying Olympus.

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Riordan teased what fans can expect when the series returns: "This third season will be new territory for the screen, bringing fan favorites like the Hunters of Artemis and Nico di Angelo to life for the first time."

Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly

byAsher Jeferson

in

April 13, 2026

“Percy Jackson”'s Walker Scobell says he's not going to prom and calls out 'death threats' made to teenage girls he knows

Percy Jackson and the Olympiansstar Walker Scobell has a battle on his hands. The actor, who plays the titular demigod in the Dis...

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Laverne Cox Admits the ‘Loneliness’ of Fame Is a ‘Sacrifice for the Work’ (Exclusive)

Laverne Cox revealed that she finds fame to be a “lonely” experience, but she explained why the “sacrifice” is worth it

NEED TO KNOW

• The actress also shared that the constant scrutiny from being in the public eye can feel “debilitating” at times

• The Orange Is the New Black alum caught up with PEOPLE exclusively at the premiere of her Apple TV+ movie, Outcome

Laverne Coxis getting candid about the “loneliness” of a career in the spotlight — as well as why her work makes it worth it.

The actress, 53, caught up with PEOPLE exclusively at the premiere of her new Apple TV+ movie,Outcome, aJonah Hill-directed dark comedy starringKeanu Reeves. During the conversation, Cox said she resonated with the film’s themes, which center on fame, loneliness and disconnection.

“It hit close to home in a way that was scary and frightening,” Cox explained. “The overawareness that Reef [Reeves’ character] has about how, [with] every interaction, people are going to perceive him in a certain way and then go and talk about it.”

“I’ve always had that awareness, too, and it’s debilitating. It really can be,” she continued, adding, “So it’s like, how do you give yourself permission to just be?”

“Right now, I’m just me, but I also don’t go out much. I have to be really careful. If I can’t get there, I don’t go out … it is lonely,” Cox said, adding that she’s been single “for two years.”

However, theOrange is the New Blackalum went on to say that for her, the satisfaction she gets from her work makes the sacrifices worth it.

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“I just had the most amazing experience onSoapboxwithDavid Duchovnyand the amazing cast. I just had this amazing experience shooting a film. So the loneliness feels like a sacrifice for the work,” she explained.

She added, “When I’m on set, I’m not lonely at all. All the preparation and all the sacrifices I’ve made are worth it when I’m on set and I’m ready to go and take direction and live truthful in the imaginary circumstances of the character.”

Cox also shared that her busy schedule — and immense work ethic — can mean she misses out on day-to-day connections.

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“When I’m working I don’t ever really hang out. I just finished a movie in L.A. and the wrap party was Friday, and I was going to go and I was so tired — I had to fly the next day — and I missed thewrap party.It’s hard,” she said.

“Even when I was younger, when I have to work, I’m very focused. Even when I’m not shooting, I’m preparing for the next day. I’m just making sure I’m rested … so my voice and my body is ready to go. I’m very committed, and when I’m working I’m working,” Cox added.

Outcomepremiered on Apple TV+ on April 10.

Read the original article onPeople

byAsher Jeferson

in

April 13, 2026

Laverne Cox Admits the ‘Loneliness’ of Fame Is a ‘Sacrifice for the Work’ (Exclusive)

Laverne Cox revealed that she finds fame to be a “lonely” experience, but she explained why the “sacrifice” is worth it NEED TO K...

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Lea Thompson Says Fans 'Are Used to Me Getting Older' After Watching Her Age in“ Back to the Future”

Lea Thompson told Woman's World that "people are used to me getting older" after she "played 17, 47 and 77" in the Back to the Future franchise

NEED TO KNOW

• Thompson portrayed Marty McFly's mother, Lorraine, in the beloved films

• "It’s hilarious that I’ve been playing the mother of a 17-year-old for 40 years!" she joked

While aging in Hollywood can be scary,Lea Thompsonknows that fans have already seen her at nearly every stage inBack to the Future.

In an interview withWoman's World,the 64-year-old actress reflected on her decades-long career, including her breakout role in the cult classic.

“It’s a gift to have been part of such an iconic movie that’s loved and recognized all over the world,” Thompson told the outlet.

"It’s interesting, because my character got to be 17, 47 and 77, so people are used to me getting older," she added. "It’s hilarious that I’ve been playing the mother of a 17-year-old for 40 years! I really cornered the market there.”

Thompson starred opposite Michael J. Fox in the 1985 blockbuster. She portrayed time-traveling teen Marty McFly’s mother. The actress was supposed to be in her late 40s in the 1985 section of the movie, only to portray a teenage version of herself while filming the 1955 parts. In the franchise's second installation, Thompson was once again transformed well beyond her years, filming scenes as if she were in her 70s.

“The funny thing about doing that old-age makeup was that I could take it off at the end of the day! Now I use some beautiful skincare,” she joked toWoman's World.

Thompson and Fox were both 23 when they filmed the firstBack to the Futuremovie.

Thompson admitted in 2024 on theStill Here Hollywoodpodcast that she originally didn’t hit it off with Fox when making the movie because she "was friends with Eric Stoltz, who had just gotten fired.” She and Stolz had worked together on 1984'sThe Wild Life.

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While Fox was the first choice to play the McFly, directorRobert Zemeckiscast Stoltz when the actor was unavailable due to his role onFamily Ties. After filming began in November 1984, however, the filmmakers realized they’d made a mistake and went back to their original casting,replacing Stoltz with Fox.

The casting snafu wasn’t the only reason that Thompson didn't immediately warm up to Fox. At the time, she explained that there was an industry difference between movie stars and television stars.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE'sfree daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“I remember specifically being really snooty because there was a big division between movie stars and TV stars at that point,” Thompson said. “I remember being like, ‘He's just a TV star, and I'm a movie star. I was inJaws 3D.’ I think it took me a while to warm up to him, but he was so funny and so fun to act with.”

“I had done some scenes with Eric already and then had to redo them with Michael, so I could see how they were completely different scenes,” Thompson continued.

“When we were shooting and they replaced Eric Stoltz with Michael Fox, six weeks in, I was like, ‘Oh, they must like what they're doing because nobody does that. That's very expensive,’ ” she explained.

Thompson “had a feeling” the movie was going to be a hit, but “no one knew that it was gonna be what it was.”

Read the original article onPeople

byAsher Jeferson

in

April 12, 2026

Lea Thompson Says Fans 'Are Used to Me Getting Older' After Watching Her Age in“ Back to the Future”

Lea Thompson told Woman's World that "people are used to me getting older" after she "played 17, 47 and 77" in ...

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Sabrina Carpenter recruits Susan Sarandon and Will Ferrell for splashy, Hollywood-themed Coachella headlining set

Sabrina Carpentertransformed Indio, Calif., into "SabrinaWood" for her showstoppingCoachella 2026headlining set Friday night.

The Old Hollywood–themed performance boasted surprise cameos fromSusan Sarandon,Will Ferrell,Samuel L. Jackson, andSam Elliott, and included cinematic references to Alfred Hitchcock,The Wizard of Oz… andSnakes on a Plane?

Carpenter opened the set with a black-and-white short film in which she played what looked like a "Hitchcock Blonde," driving down a lone highway at night in a 1950s classic car as she sang along to Kool & the Gang’s "Hollywood Swinging."

In a scene straight out ofPsycho, police lights emerged in the rearview, and when she pulled over a mysterious, creepy officer portrayed byLandmanstar Elliott proceeded to grill her.

The "Manchild" singer managed to get back on the road, eventually arriving at a drive-in that was revealed to be Coachella.  As she emerged from the car, the black-and-white scene turned to Technicolor, seemingly alluding to 1939'sThe Wizard of Oz,but her yellow brick road to the stage resembled the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

HerMan's Best Friendsingle "House Tour" kicked off the show, with the singer decked out in a red glittery mini, perhaps a nod to Dorothy’s ruby slippers.

Sarandon nearly stole the show with her cameo (or at least brought it to a screeching halt) when she delivered a dramatic monologue in the middle of Carpenter's set, playing an older version of the singer. Hearkening back to the opening sequence, the 77-year-old actress sat in a classic car at a drive-in and reflected on "what it was like to be a star" in her glory days. The nearly seven-minute soliloquy was eventually interrupted by a carhop portrayed by Carpenter's formerGirl Meets Worldcostar Corey Fogelmanis, who popped up to give her the check and close her out before he ended his shift.

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So what's the connection between Sarandon and Carpenter? The singer's 2025 video for "Tears" has drawncomparisonstoTheRocky Horror Picture Show,the 1975 musical comedy starring Sarandon and Tim Curry, so it could have all started there.

Several songs later, as Carpenter concluded "Bad Chem," the stage's power short-circuited, requiring a quick repair from the festival's on-call electrician: none other than Will Ferrell. The comedian didn't seem too thrilled about the gig, as he griped to the crowd, because he thought he was working Stagecoach, which will actually take place the weekend after Coachella wraps.

Ferrell got the lights working again just in time for Carpenter's performance of "Juno," a song inspired by the 2007 comedy about an unplanned teen pregnancy. However, she seemed to reference a different funny film toward the end of it —Snakes on a Plane,which features Jackson'siconic line, "I have had it with these motherf---ing snakes on this motherf---ing plane!"

"Hello, Coachella, this is your spiritual guide," said the actor in a voice-over. "I'm here to take you motherf---ers on this journey to relaxation." After a few breathing exercises, he told Carpenter, echoing thatSnakesline, "Now, Sabrina, finish the motherf---ing song."

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Earlier this week, Carpenter promised fans that #Sabchella would be"the most ambitious show I've ever done,"and she did indeed turn in a splashy, glitzy, blockbuster performance.

Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly

byAsher Jeferson

in

April 12, 2026

Sabrina Carpenter recruits Susan Sarandon and Will Ferrell for splashy, Hollywood-themed Coachella headlining set

Sabrina Carpentertransformed Indio, Calif., into "SabrinaWood" for her showstoppingCoachella 2026headlining set Friday night....

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Huntr/x join Katseye at Coachella for surprise performance of “KPop Demon Hunters” hit 'Golden'

Katseye were down a member for theirCoachella 2026debut on Friday, but they gained an entire girl group — Huntr/X fromKPop Demon Hunters.

The ladies behind the fictional K-Pop girl group Huntr/x — Ejae (Rumi), Audrey Nuna (Mira), and Rei Ami (Zoey) — made a surprise appearance for a performance of the movie's Academy Award–winning song, "Golden," joining Katseye (now a quintet) on the Sahara stage.

The crowd recognized "Golden" immediately as it played over the speakers of the darkened backdrop. But when the lights came on, it was Katseye as Yoonchae Jeong and Megan Skiendiel took turns singing the opening lines.

Then, one by one, the three Huntr/x talents stepped into the spotlight as the cheers hit higher decibels. The eight voices harmonized "Golden" so flawlessly, perhaps a new supergroup was just born at the festival.

This was Katseye's first performance without fan-favorite Manon Bannerman, who announced her hiatus from the group in February.

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"After open and thoughtful conversations together, we are sharing that Manon will be taking a temporary hiatus from group activities to focus on her health and well-being," Katseye said in a statement. "We fully support this decision. Katseye remains committed to showing up for one another and for the fans who mean everything to us. The group will continue scheduled activities during this time, and we look forward to being together again when the time is right."

Fans got their first look at the five-piece the day before Coachella, when Katseye dropped the video for their new single, "Pinky Up."

"Golden" made history at the 2026 Oscars when it became the first K-pop song to win the award for Best Original Song. But it was the track's writers who made headlines on the big night whentheir acceptance speech was cut offimmediately after Ejae first addressed the crowd.

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"Thank you to the Academy for this insane award," the singer said during the ceremony. "Growing up, people made fun of me for liking K-pop, but now everyone's singing our song and all the Korean lyrics. I'm so proud. And I realized, like the song, this award is not about success — it's about resilience. And I'm just so grateful to our team."

Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly

byAsher Jeferson

in

April 11, 2026

Huntr/x join Katseye at Coachella for surprise performance of “KPop Demon Hunters” hit 'Golden'

Katseye were down a member for theirCoachella 2026debut on Friday, but they gained an entire girl group — Huntr/X fromKPop Demon Hunter...

Read More