Seth Rogen Reflects on the ‘Filthiness’ and ‘Heart’ of “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” as It Nears 20th Anniversary (Exclusive)

Seth Rogen Reflects on the 'Filthiness' and 'Heart' of "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" as It Nears 20th Anniversary (Exclusive)

Theo Wargo/Getty; Suzanne Hanover/Universal Apatow Prods/Kobal/Shutterstock Seth Rogen reflected onThe 40-Year-Old Virginahead of the 2005 adult comedy's 20th anniversary in August 2025 "I helped write a lot of it ... it was the first movie that I was a part of that I really had a creative voice in," he told PEOPLE Rogen, now 43, starred inThe 40-Year-Old Virginalongside Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, Catherine Keener and Romany Malco InThe 40-Year-Old Virgin,Seth Rogen's character "hired a hot girl who can't lift an iPod" to work in the Smart Tech stock room. Today, the film came out so long ago that the iPod has since been discontinued. Rogen, 43, reflected on the 2005 classic adult comedy ahead of its 20th anniversary in August while speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at a recent red carpet event forhis new AppleTV+ show,The Studio. "That's crazy," Rogen says ofThe 40-Year-Old Virginbeing released two decades ago, before sharing his favorite memory from making the movie. Universal "It was the first movie I made where I feel like … I was a co-producer on the movie and I helped write a lot of it withSteve CarellandJudd [Apatow]," he recalls of his co-star and the film's director. "It was the first movie that I was a part of that I really had a creative voice in, and a lot of the R-rated humor and tone came from me really advocating for that." "And so it was really rewarding when it came out and people really responded to both the heart and the filthiness of it," the actor adds. Rogen played Cal, one of the adventurous co-workers of 40-year-old introvert Andy (Carell) at electronics store Smart Tech. In one fan-favorite scene, Cal and their self-destructive colleague David (Paul Rudd) watch as Andy gets his chest waxed. Andy screams wild obscenities as each waxing strip is peeled off his chest, and at an intense point during the wax session,he memorably yells, "Ahh, Kelly Clarkson!" In 2021,Clarkson told Rogen that the scene follows hereverywhere. "Judd Apatow told me that it's your fault people scream my name everywhere I go ... I could literally do anything. Doesn't matter how many hits, what I do in life. I could save a family from drowning, fires, I could do anything,"Clarkson, 43, said at the time. "Literally the one thing that people know me from is 'Ahh, Kelly Clarkson!' So is this true?" Rogen replied, "Well I'm terribly sorry, first of all. I owe you an apology." Apple TV+ The PEOPLE Appis now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! Now, nearly 20 years after the release ofThe 40-Year-Old Virgin, Rogen is starring thesatirical cringe comedy seriesThe Studio, which he created and directed, alongsideCatherine O'Hara,Ike Barinholtz,Chase Sui WondersandKathryn Hahn. The Studioseries is available to stream on AppleTV+. Read the original article onPeople

byRobert Mejias

in

May 24, 2025

Seth Rogen Reflects on the ‘Filthiness’ and ‘Heart’ of “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” as It Nears 20th Anniversary (Exclusive)

Seth Rogen Reflects on the 'Filthiness' and 'Heart' of "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" as It Nears 20th Anniversary (Excl...

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‘Mission: Impossible’ Star Hayley Atwell Says She Was ‘Eight and a Half Months Pregnant’ During ‘Final Reckoning’ Fight Sequence: ‘I’m Serious’

'Mission: Impossible' Star Hayley Atwell Says She Was 'Eight and a Half Months Pregnant' During 'Final Reckoning' Fight Sequence: 'I'm Serious'

Hayley Atwell had an unseen costar during a fight scene in "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning." During a recent appearance on "The Tonight Show," Atwell revealed she was more than eight months pregnant while filming reshoots of a fight scene in "Final Reckoning," but still managed to do all her own stunts. More from Variety Box Office: 'Lilo & Stitch' Riding the Wave to Biggest Memorial Day Weekend Ever, 'Mission: Impossible' Cruises to $24.8 Million Opening Day 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning' Ending: Who Dies and Is This Really Tom Cruise's Last Mission? 'Mission: Impossible' Recap: Everything You Need to Remember Before 'The Final Reckoning' "During this fight sequence, we came back to it a few times to add a few elements to it," she said as host Jimmy Fallon introduced a preview of the scene. "And in this clip, I'm actually eight and a half months pregnant." She continued, "I'm serious. Yes. And I have to say, I was taken such good care of. Everyone was so supportive and they were like, 'Oh, you can sit down, and we'll have a stunt double do it.' And I was like, 'No! I've worked too hard. Let me do it.' So I did it, and here it is." Atwell, who plays a thief named Grace who joins forces with the IMF, stars in "Final Reckoning" alongside Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Esai Morales, Angela Bassett, Pom Klementieff, Henry Czerny, Nick Offerman and Hannah Waddingham. The film is in theaters now. Atwell isn't the only one who had to push their physical limits for the final "Mission: Impossible." Franchise frontman Cruise recently shared that while shooting an extended underwater sequence in the film, hewas unable to seebecause of the aquatic lights. "A lot of times I cannot see because of the reflection of the light," Cruise explained. "So, I would go in, kind of blind, spend a lot of time on the set figuring out [the movement] as we're figuring out the shots. Then, when I'm doing it, I have a hard time. Plus the suit, when it's wet, increases in weight by about 125 pounds. So, the kind of workouts and things that I have to do just to prepare for these things, it's years of development. And yeah, and I'm producing it, so it's also that kind of thing." Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival Sign up forVariety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram.

byRobert Mejias

in

May 24, 2025

‘Mission: Impossible’ Star Hayley Atwell Says She Was ‘Eight and a Half Months Pregnant’ During ‘Final Reckoning’ Fight Sequence: ‘I’m Serious’

'Mission: Impossible' Star Hayley Atwell Says She Was 'Eight and a Half Months Pregnant' During 'Final Reckoning' Fi...

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Queen's Freddie Mercury Had a Secret Daughter, New Biography Claims: Report

Queen's Freddie Mercury Had a Secret Daughter, New Biography Claims: Report

Ian Dickson/Redferns Freddie Mercury has a secret daughter, whom he welcomed with the wife of a friend in 1976, according to a report fromThe Daily Mail, which cites a soon-to-be-released biography The book,Love, Freddie: Freddie Mercury's Secret Life and Loveby Lesley-Ann Jones, is based largely on Mercury's secret diaries, which he reportedly gifted to his daughter prior to his death in 1991 "Freddie Mercury was and is my father. We had a very close and loving relationship from the moment I was born and throughout the final 15 years of his life," his daughter, now 28, reportedly writes in the biography Freddie Mercuryhas a secret child, an upcoming biography about the rock legend reportedly claims. In the pages ofLove, Freddie: Freddie Mercury's Secret Life and Love, author Lesley-Ann Jones claims the iconicQueenfrontman was a dad to a daughter, according to a report fromThe Daily Mail. The soon-to-be-released biography states that Mercury welcomed his daughter — identified only as "B" — with the wife of a close friend in 1976 after a fling, the outlet reported. Love, Freddiealso provides the woman's personal account of the "very close and loving" father-daughter relationship she had with Mercury before his death at age 45 in 1991, perThe Daily Mail. Jones claims inLove, Freddie, perThe Daily Mail,that the existence of Mercury's daughter was only known by those in the singer's inner circle: his parents, sister, Queen bandmates andMary Austin— his ex-fiancée and close friend. The unnamed daughter states in the book that she always knew the performer was her real father. She also writes that Mercury visited her and her mother often throughout her childhood,The Daily Mailreported. "It was decided between the three adults that the child would live with her mother and her husband – the child's stepfather," Jones writes in the book, per the outlet, adding that Mercury even had "his own rooms at each of their homes." The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! Dave Hogan/Getty According to the author, perThe Daily Mail, Mercury, the girl's mom and her stepfather decided to "raise the child together," which meant the rock icon "visited and stayed with them frequently." Jones also claims that the star spoke with his daughter "every day" while he was touring or working on Queen records. Mercury's daughter, Jones says, "knew from toddlerhood which of the two men was her real father," perThe Daily Mail. "Outside the unusual family, privacy and discretion were maintained to a degree that not even some members of Freddie's personal household had any idea that he had a child," the author added, according to the outlet. Love, Freddieis based largely on Mercury's secret diaries, which the rocker reportedly gifted to his daughter prior tohis death, according toThe Daily Mail. "He entrusted his collection of private notebooks to me, his only child and his next of kin, the written record of his private thoughts, memories and feelings about everything he had experienced," the woman — who is now a 28-year-old medical professional and parent herself — writes of Mercury in the book, per the outlet. She decided to share the diaries with Jones in 2021,The Daily Mailreported. Though extremely skeptical at first, the author was later swayed by the woman's proof (photos, cards and bank statements) and behavior. "My instinct was to doubt everything, but I am absolutely sure she is not a fantasist," the author writes of Mercury's alleged daughter, perThe Daily Mail. "No one could have faked all this. Why would she have worked with me for three-and-a-half years, never demanding anything?" The woman, who now leads a private life in Europe, "has never asked for money" and "does not want recognition," Jones says, according to the outlet. The author adds that the woman is "extremely wealthy" in part because of money she inherited from Mercury through a "private, legal arrangement." Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. According toThe Daily Mail,Love, Freddiealso contains a letter from Mercury's alleged daughter, in which she reveals why she decided to share the Queen frontman's secret diaries years after his death. "After more than three decades of lies, speculation and distortion, it is time to let Freddie speak. Those who have been aware of my existence kept his greatest secret out of loyalty to Freddie. That I choose to reveal myself in my own midlife is my decision and mine alone," she reportedly writes, adding that she has not "at any point, been coerced into doing this." Richard Creamer/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty The now-grown woman also shares firsthand accounts of time spent with Mercury, according toThe Daily Mail. In the first chapter, she reportedly writes: "Freddie Mercury was and is my father. We had a very close and loving relationship from the moment I was born and throughout the final 15 years of his life." "He adored me and was devoted to me," she continues, perThe Daily Mail. "The circumstances of my birth may seem, by most people's standards, unusual and even outrageous. That should come as no surprise. It never detracted from his commitment to love and look after me. He cherished me like a treasured possession." Love, Freddie: Freddie Mercury's Secret Life and Lovewill be released on Sept. 5. It is available for preorder now. Read the original article onPeople

byRobert Mejias

in

May 24, 2025

Queen's Freddie Mercury Had a Secret Daughter, New Biography Claims: Report

Queen's Freddie Mercury Had a Secret Daughter, New Biography Claims: Report Ian Dickson/Redferns Freddie Mercury has a secret daughter, ...

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Elton John Dumped His Fiancée Because 'She Didn’t Really Like My Music,' Struggled with Extreme Loneliness: 'So Futile'

Elton John Dumped His Fiancée Because 'She Didn't Really Like My Music,' Struggled with Extreme Loneliness: 'So Futile'

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Elton John did 10 interviews with esteemed British journalist David Frost over the course of several decades. "David Frost Vs Elton John," airing May 25, is the fifth episode of the six-part MSNBC documentary seriesDavid Frost Vs. During his series of intimate chats with Frost, who died in 2013, John discussed his music, his career and his relationships. "Sad songs say so much,"Elton Johnsang on a 1984 Top 5 single, one of his biggest hits of the '80s. And throughout his nearly six-decade career, sad songs have remained a cornerstone of his repertoire, from "Daniel" to "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" to "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" to "Candle in the Wind 1997," a tribute to the lateDiana, Princess of Wales. In "David Frost Vs Elton John," part 5 of MSNBC's sex-episode series David Frost Vs, John expounds on what made one of his saddest songs say as much as it did. The episode covers the 10 interviews John did over the course of decades with the esteemed British journalist he came to consider a good friend. Robin Platzer/Getty Their first interview took place in 1975, and in a vintage clip from it that's shown in the episode, Frost asks John a pointed question about his body of work, which was largely composed by John and his longtime lyricistBernie Taupin. (John, 78, in a current-day interview, says he looked "a bit timid" during his first sit-down with Frost but compliments his own Tommy Nutter suit.) "What's the most emotional song you've ever done — the most meaningful, emotional song?" Frost asks. "There are two very emotional songs," John, who was 27 at the time, replies. "They are also two very autobiographical songs. One's called 'Someone Saved My Life Tonight.' " So how exactly did someone save his life? "Well, I was living with a lady for about six months who didn't really like my music," John says. "I really liked her, but she didn't like my music and kept telling me that I was rubbish and I'd never make it. And she was always saying, 'You'd be better off being a bank manager or something like that.' And I was due to marry her. I got the cake and everything and the flat and the furniture." PA Images via Getty One evening, John met up at a nightclub with the legendary English musician Long John Baldry, with whom he was working at the time and who inadvertently saved his life. He said, 'You're mad to get married, because she doesn't appreciate your music,' " John recalls. "And he knew I was totally wrapped up in music. So I went home and said, 'That's it. It's off.' And that more or less saved my life because if I'd have got married at that particular point in time, I think it would have been goodbye, Elton John." Getty Images/Bob Riha, Jr. Thankfully for all us, John lived to sing more sad songs, but true companionship continued to elude him. In the episode, "To Sir with Love" singer Lulu, a longtime friend of John, comments on the loneliness of being at the top, as John was for most of the '70s. Then in a 1978 interview with Frost, John himself elaborates on his struggles with loneliness. "I've got loads of close friends, fantastic friends," he says in the vintage clip. "And yet, I've got no-one close to me.... There's no-one close to me at all. I think about it sometimes in my 36-room house when I'm sitting there all alone. And it all seems so futile." John, who said he was bisexual in the late '70s, would go on to briefly marry a woman, Renate Blauel, in the '80s, before coming out as gay. In 1993, he embarked on a romantic relationship with Canadian filmmaker David Furnish. The two married in 2104 and share sons Zachary, 14, and Elijah, 12. Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Furnishtold PEOPLE in 2024that he and John "never go to bed on an argument." "We always make sure that before we turn in at night, if there's any kind of hostility in the air or, 'I'm not speaking to you. Really pissed me off,' we don't go to sleep on it," he said. "We don't carry it over the next day." "I just think that's all about respecting the relationship," he added. "David Frost Vs Elton John," from theDavid Frost Vsseries, premieres May 25 on MSNBC. Read the original article onPeople

byRobert Mejias

in

May 24, 2025

Elton John Dumped His Fiancée Because 'She Didn’t Really Like My Music,' Struggled with Extreme Loneliness: 'So Futile'

Elton John Dumped His Fiancée Because 'She Didn't Really Like My Music,' Struggled with Extreme Loneliness: 'So Futile' ...

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NFL Legend Makes Bold Declaration About Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce

NFL Legend Makes Bold Declaration About Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce

NFL legendMichael Strahanmade a bold declaration aboutTaylor SwiftandTravis Kelce—one that many sports fans would consider controversial. Recently, the retired professional athlete—now aGood Morning Americaco-anchor and a Fox Sports analyst—weighed in on the power couple's impact on the NFL. 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 In a statement quoted bySports Business Journal, Strahan, 53, didn't mince words with his strong message. "Sports have leaked into pop culture —and it's a win for everyone," the NFL star declared. "Taylor Swift is one of the best things to happen to the NFL." While at#4SE, Pro Football Hall of Famer@michaelstrahansaid it best: sports have leaked into pop culture—and it's a win for everyone 🏈🎤From Hallmark storylines to Swifties tuning into NFL games, the crossover is real.pic.twitter.com/9kXp1g5mUj — Sports Business Journal (@SBJ)May 20, 2025 Sports fans on X, of course, had intense reactions to Strahan's opinion. One disgruntled user wrote, "Holy crap this ridiculous BS can't get off of my screen quick enough... How stupid can you possibly be? I used to like listening to Mike 'The Gap' Strahan but it seems like he's washed too now & I'm not talking about being an NFL Player. I'm talking about brain-washed." A different fan shared via X, "As a lifelong Giants fan, shut up Strahan. I get you're a TV personality, but let football be football, not a celebrity reality show." Meanwhile, someone elsecommented, "Seriously dude, dumbest statement ever." Still, plenty of players and coaches have praised Swift and Kelce's relationship and its effect on the NFL. Chiefs coachAndy Reidis certainly a fan—and so is Kelce's teammateChris Jonesand Chiefs offensive coordinatorMatt Nagy. Countless other celebrities have lauded Swift, too, includingBen Stiller,Keith Urban,Gracie Abrahamsand many more. In fact, a 2024 poll of 102 NFL players revealed that 74 saidSwift supporting Kelce at games was positivefor the league. Next:Taylor Swift's First Look at 'Reputation TV' Sends Fans Into a Frenzy in Shocking Moment NFL Legend Makes Bold Declaration About Taylor Swift & Travis Kelcefirst appeared on Parade on May 24, 2025

byRobert Mejias

in

May 24, 2025

NFL Legend Makes Bold Declaration About Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce

NFL Legend Makes Bold Declaration About Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce NFL legendMichael Strahanmade a bold declaration aboutTaylor Swiftan...

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