WHAT A CHARACTER: WARWICK DAVIS

Warwick Davis’s journey to stardom began in the most unexpected way. As a child, he was a passionate Star Wars fan, never imagining he would one day be part of the galaxy far, far away. Born with a rare condition that limited his growth, he grew up in a world where opportunities seemed scarce. But fate intervened when his grandmother heard a radio announcement calling for people under four feet tall to audition for Return of the Jedi. That call would change his life.

At just 11 years old, Davis stepped onto a movie set for the first time, cast as Wicket the Ewok. Despite being surrounded by towering film legends, his presence shone brightly. That small role opened the door to Willow, where he carried an entire fantasy epic on his young shoulders. The film cemented him as a leading man, not just in niche roles, but as a true cinematic hero. Behind the scenes, he worked tirelessly to ensure his performances were never about his height, but about his skill, charisma, and heart.

He played the title character in Willow (1988) and the Leprechaun film series (1993–2003); several characters in the Star Wars film series (1983–2024), most notably Wicket the Ewok; and Professor Filius Flitwick and the goblin Griphook in the Harry Potter film series (2001–2011).

Over the years, Davis faced challenges many never see typecasting, industry prejudice, and the physical demands of certain roles yet he built a career spanning decades. From the Harry Potter series to Life’s Too Short, he showcased both comedic timing and dramatic weight. Off-screen, he became a powerful advocate for actors with disabilities, proving time and again that talent knows no size. His story isn’t just about acting; it’s about persistence, dignity, and rewriting the rules for those who come after him...

THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BUDDY CLARK

RIP: LAUREN CHAPIN

Lauren Chapin, who played Kitten on the classic TV series "Father Knows Best," has died at 80.

Her son Matthew Chapin broke the sad news on Facebook Tuesday, writing, "After a long hard fought battle over the past 5 years, the time has come. My mother Lauren Chapin passed away from her battle with cancer tonight."

He went on, "I'm at a complete loss for words right now. Please keep my sister and family in your thoughts and prayers as we go through this incredibly tough time."

Chapin was youngest kid Kathy (nicknamed Kitten) Anderson on "Father Knows Best" from 1954-1960, appearing in nearly 200 episodes.

For her memorable work, she earned five Junior Emmys.

The series, starring Robert Young and Jane Wyatt, also featured big sis Betty "Princess" Anderson (Elinor Donahue) and James "Bun" Anderson (Billy Gray).

Both 88, Donahue and Gray are still living.

Born May 23, 1945, Chapin joined her brothers, Billy and Michael, as a child actor.

Her first, uncredited, work was in the iconic Judy Garland film "A Star Is Born" (1954). After a couple of TV gigs, she was cast as Kitten.

When "Father Knows Best" ended, she worked very sporadically, including returning to her most famous role for two TV reunions, both in 1977.

Chapin went on to have an eclectic career after leaving television, including as a natural childbirth coach and working at a brokerage firm. She ran beauty pageants and even helped Jennifer Love Hewitt early in her own successful TV career.

Her later years were devoted to Evangelism and advocating for Israel. She was also a regular at nostalgia shows.

Chapin is survived by her son and daughter, and by her brother Michael. She was preceded in death in 2016 by her brother Billy...

RICK MORANIS: A HOLLYWOOD HERO

Rick Moranis was one of Hollywood’s most beloved comedic actors in the 1980s and early 90s, known for hits like Ghostbusters, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, and Spaceballs. His sharp timing, warm charm, and ability to make audiences laugh without ever overplaying a role made him a standout in every ensemble. But in 1997, at the height of his career, Rick made the rarest move in Hollywood he stepped away completely. The reason wasn’t scandal or burnout, but something far more personal.

After losing his wife, Ann, to cancer in 1991, Moranis faced the daunting task of raising their two children alone. For years, he balanced acting with fatherhood, but eventually realized that the job that mattered most to him wasn’t on a film set it was at home. Turning down role after role, he quietly faded from the industry to be present for his kids’ upbringing. This decision, though it broke fans’ hearts, earned him deep respect as a man who valued family over fame.

Now, after nearly four decades, Moranis is stepping back into the spotlight. His return isn’t just about making movies again it’s about revisiting the joy of storytelling after a lifetime of real life priorities. For fans who grew up watching him, this comeback feels like a reunion with an old friend one who left at his best, and returns with even more heart...

MOVIE MOMENT: AIRPLANE

Woman: "Oh, stewardess! I speak jive."

Randy, The Stewardess: "Oh, good."

Woman: "He said that he's in great pain and he wants to know if you can help him."

Randy: "All right. Would you tell him to just relax and I'll be back as soon as I can with some medicine?"

Woman: [to the Second Jive Dude] "Jus' hang loose, blood. She gonna catch ya up on da rebound on da med side".

[Subtitle: JUST BE PATIENT MY FRIEND. SHE'S GOING TO BRING SOMETHING ON HER WAY BACK TO MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER]

Second Jive Dude: "What it is, big mama? My mama no raise no dummies. I dug her rap!"

[Subtitle: MA'AM, I'M NOT STUPID. I UNDERSTAND WHAT SHE JUST SAID]

Woman: "Cut me some slack, Jack! Chump don' want no help, chump don't GET da help!"

[Subtitle: GIVE ME A BREAK! IF YOU DON'T WANT HELP, I WON'T HELP YOU!]

First Jive Dude: "Say 'e can't hang, say seven up!"

Woman: "Jive-@ss dude don't got no brains, anyhow! Sh!!!!t."

[Subtitle: NEVER MIND. YOU'RE STUPID, ANYWAY. GOLLY!]

The part of the Jive Lady in "Airplane!" was originally intended for Harriet Nelson, who had played the mother in the 1950s sitcom "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet." She turned it down because she was concerned about the film's adult language. She was replaced with Barbara Billingsley who played the mother in the 1950s sitcom "Leave It to Beaver." Nelson later admitted to "Airplane!" star Robert Hays that she regretted not taking the part.

HOLLYWOOD BEAUTY: ELEANOR POWELL

One of the best dancers in Hollywood and one of the most beautiful was the underrated Eleanor Powell. Here are some photos from the past that show her everlasting beauty...

BING CROSBY: THE HOLLYWOOD YEARS - PART 11