June Lockhart, the celebrated actress renowned for her iconic roles in television series such as *Lassie* and *Lost in Space*, has passed away at the age of 100. The veteran performer died peacefully of natural causes at her Santa Monica residence on Thursday, as confirmed by a family spokesperson. Lockhart’s illustrious career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on both stage and screen. Born on June 25, 1925, in New York City, she made her cinematic debut at just 13 years old in the 1938 film *A Christmas Carol*, sharing the screen with her parents, esteemed actors Kathleen and Gene Lockhart. Her Broadway breakthrough came in the 1940s with her ‘enchanting’ performance in *For Love or Money*, earning her a Tony Award, a Donaldson Award, and the Associated Press citation for Woman of the Year for Drama. Lockhart’s portrayal of Ruth Martin in *Lassie* during the late 1950s and 1960s solidified her status as a household name, garnering her an Emmy nomination. She further captivated audiences as the nurturing mother in the science-fiction classic *Lost in Space* from 1965 to 1968. Even in her later years, Lockhart remained active, lending her voice to a 2021 Netflix remake of *Lost in Space*. A lifelong enthusiast of current events, she remained engaged with the world, reading the *New York Times* and *LA Times* daily until her final days. She is survived by her two daughters, including Anne Lockhart, who followed in her mother’s footsteps as an actress.
分类： entertainment
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The musician with 14 aliases and millions of listeners
Liam McCay, a 20-year-old musician from County Donegal, Ireland, has transformed from a part-time restaurant worker to a globally recognized artist with millions of monthly listeners on streaming platforms. Known primarily by his alias Sign Crushes Motorist, McCay has released music under 14 different names, each representing a unique creative endeavor. His journey began in his childhood bedroom, where he crafted songs under the name Moon Water while still in school. Over time, he expanded his repertoire, exploring genres like slowcore, acoustic, and even rap. Despite his success, McCay initially kept his music a secret, sharing it only on online forums and servers for new musicians. By 2023, several of his tracks had gained significant traction, with one peaking at number three on Billboard’s now-defunct TikTok Top 50 chart. After completing his school exams, McCay briefly pursued a degree in computer science at the University of Belfast but ultimately decided to focus on music full-time following a series of collaborations with other artists in the US. Now based in Los Angeles, McCay continues to release music independently, recently dropping an album under the name Dead Calm. While industry professionals have advised him to consolidate his work under a single alias, McCay remains committed to his diverse creative identities, believing it adds an element of discovery for his fans.
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‘Heavens will be merrier’: Bollywood stars pay tribute to veteran Satish Shah on demise
The Indian film industry is in mourning following the passing of veteran actor Satish Shah on October 25. Known for his impeccable comedic timing and memorable roles in films like ‘Main Hoon Na’ and TV shows like ‘Sarabhai vs Sarabhai,’ Shah’s career spanned over 250 movies, including iconic titles such as ‘Hum Saath Saath Hain,’ ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho,’ ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi,’ and ‘Om Shanti Om.’ His demise has elicited an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from Bollywood stars and colleagues. Actor R Madhavan shared a poignant message on Instagram, stating, ‘The heavens will be a merrier and happier place now,’ while director Farah Khan reminisced about their collaboration, calling him a ‘joy to know and work with.’ Actor Rakesh Bedi, a close friend and batchmate from FTII, expressed his grief in an emotional video, saying, ‘It’s one of the saddest days of my life.’ Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar and comedian Johnny Lever also paid their respects, highlighting Shah’s immense contributions to Indian cinema and television. Shah’s legacy as a versatile actor and beloved colleague will continue to inspire generations.
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Dazzling Liuyang fireworks festival sets night sky aglow
The 17th Liuyang Fireworks Festival, held in the heart of Hunan province, China’s renowned fireworks capital, captivated audiences on Friday with a breathtaking opening ceremony. The event, which took place in Liuyang, showcased a mesmerizing fusion of traditional fireworks and cutting-edge technology, including drones, multimedia, and interactive elements. The night sky was transformed into a dynamic canvas of artistic imagery, creating an immersive experience for spectators. The ceremony was divided into five distinct chapters, each designed to highlight the cultural and technological evolution of fireworks. This year’s festival not only celebrated the rich heritage of Liuyang’s fireworks industry but also pushed the boundaries of modern entertainment, leaving attendees in awe of the dazzling spectacle.
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Visit Dubai’s Miracle Garden for free on your birthday; here’s how
Dubai’s Miracle Garden, renowned as the world’s largest natural flower garden, has unveiled its 14th season, captivating visitors with over 150 million blooms arranged in stunning displays, themed landscapes, and record-breaking sculptures. Located in Al Barsha South 3, this winter attraction has become a must-visit destination for tourists and residents alike, offering a magical experience with floral arches, castles, and even an Emirates A380 aircraft replica. The garden operates from 9 AM to 11 PM on weekdays and extends its hours until midnight on weekends. This season, ticket prices are set at Dh105 for adult tourists, Dh85 for children, and discounted rates of Dh73.5 for UAE resident adults and Dh52.5 for children. However, the garden has introduced a special perk for birthday celebrants: free entry on their special day. To avail this offer, visitors simply need to present their passport or Emirates ID at the entrance. While it remains unclear how this applies to online ticket bookings, the garden encourages visitors to arrive in person and request the complimentary entry. This initiative adds a unique touch to the already enchanting experience of the Miracle Garden, making it an even more memorable destination for visitors.
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Amitabh, Abhishek Bachchan attend last rites of ad legend Piyush Pandey
The Indian entertainment and advertising worlds mourned the loss of Piyush Pandey, a legendary figure in advertising, who passed away on Friday due to complications from pneumonia. His funeral, held at the Shivaji Park Crematorium in Mumbai on Saturday, was attended by Bollywood icons Amitabh Bachchan and his son, Abhishek Bachchan. Pandey, 70, was celebrated for his transformative impact on Indian advertising, crafting unforgettable campaigns for brands like Asian Paints, Cadbury, and Fevicol. His career began in 1982 at Ogilvy & Mather India, where he rose from a trainee account executive to a creative powerhouse. Pandey’s groundbreaking work earned him global recognition, including being the first Asian to serve as jury president at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in 2004. He was also honored with the CLIO Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 and the Padma Shri, becoming the first advertising professional to receive the national accolade. Tributes poured in from industry peers, with Shah Rukh Khan recalling Pandey’s effortless genius and Anand Mahindra remembering his infectious laughter and zest for life. Pandey’s legacy as a pioneer who infused joy and humanity into advertising will continue to inspire generations.
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Abu Dhabi: Jane Birkin’s million-dirham Hermès on auction; UAE all set for bidding war
Abu Dhabi is poised to host a high-profile auction of a rare Hermès handbag once owned by the late British-French icon Jane Birkin. The ‘Birkin Voyageur’, a black leather bag gifted to Birkin by Hermès in 2003, will be displayed in the UAE capital from December 2 to December 5, with the auction set for December 5. Estimated to fetch between Dh844,100 ($230,000) and Dh1.58 million ($430,000), the bag is expected to ignite a fierce bidding war, potentially surpassing Dh2 million. This auction follows the record-breaking sale of the first-ever Birkin bag in Paris earlier this year, which sold for Dh36.7 million ($10 million).
The ‘Birkin Voyageur’ is not just a luxury item but a piece of history, bearing a personal inscription by Birkin herself: “Mon Birkin bag qui m’a accompagné dans le monde entier” (My Birkin bag, my globetrotting companion). This phrase, written in 2007, reflects the bag’s significance as a cherished companion during her travels. Birkin was known for auctioning her Hermès bags to support charitable causes, including the International Federation for Human Rights and a leading French AIDS charity. This tradition has elevated Birkin bags to symbols of both heritage and philanthropy.
The UAE has a storied history of high-stakes auctions, particularly for charitable causes. In March 2025, a charity auction of special number plates and mobile numbers raised Dh83.67 million ($22.8 million) for the Fathers’ Endowment campaign, a UAE initiative to support healthcare for the underprivileged. The event saw record-breaking bids, including Dh35 million for the DD5 number plate. Similarly, the world’s most expensive vehicle plate, P7, was sold for Dh55 million in April 2023.
For collectors, owning a Birkin bag is a personal milestone. Shinsuke Sakimoto, CEO of Valuence Holdings Inc, who purchased the original Birkin for $10 million, described it as a defining moment for his company and a tribute to the bag’s legacy. As the December auction approaches, anticipation builds for another historic moment in the world of luxury collectibles.
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6 unforgettable ads Piyush Pandey created that changed Indian advertising
Piyush Pandey, the legendary figure in Indian advertising, passed away on Thursday after a severe infection. Though not a household name himself, Pandey’s creative genius left an indelible mark on the Indian advertising landscape. His campaigns, spanning over two decades, have become cultural touchstones, resonating deeply with audiences across generations. From iconic jingles to powerful political slogans, Pandey’s work transcended mere marketing, embedding itself into the fabric of Indian society. Here’s a look at six of his most unforgettable campaigns that reshaped Indian advertising: 1. **’Do boond zindagi ke’ — Polio Campaign**: This early ’90s initiative, featuring Bollywood stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai, played a pivotal role in promoting polio vaccination nationwide. 2. **’Fevicol ka jod’ — Fevicol**: Known for its humorous and memorable ads, this campaign turned Fevicol into a household name, with one ad showcasing a sofa passed down through generations. 3. **’Vicks ki goli lo, khich khich door karo’ — Vicks**: This enduring campaign for Vicks cough drops remains a staple in Indian advertising, thanks to Pandey’s creative vision. 4. **’Har ghar kuch kehta hai’ — Asian Paints**: This campaign celebrated the stories behind every home, making Asian Paints synonymous with emotional connections. 5. **’Wherever you go, our network follows’ — Hutch/Vodafone**: Featuring a loyal pug following a boy, this ad symbolized the reliability of the network in a heartwarming way. 6. **’Ab ki baar, Modi sarkaar’ — BJP Election Campaign**: This slogan, which became a rallying cry during the 2014 elections, even caught the attention of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Pandey’s legacy is a testament to the power of storytelling in advertising, proving that creativity can leave a lasting impact far beyond its commercial intent.
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Why Bill Gates did a cameo in an iconic Indian TV drama
In an unexpected twist, Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates made a cameo appearance on the iconic Indian soap opera *Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi* (Because the Mother-in-Law Was Also Once Daughter-in-Law). The episode, which aired on Thursday night, featured Gates discussing maternal and child health with actress and former federal minister Smriti Irani, who plays the lead character Tulsi. The Gates Foundation has long been involved in initiatives to reduce infant and maternal mortality in India, particularly in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where healthcare challenges persist. Gates’ appearance on the show aimed to amplify awareness about these critical issues through a platform that resonates deeply with Indian audiences. The four-minute segment saw Gates greeting Tulsi in Hindi, discussing the importance of maternal health, and emphasizing the need for proper nutrition and medical care during pregnancy. The show’s producers, JioStar Entertainment, highlighted their commitment to using storytelling to address socially relevant topics, stating that the integration of such themes can inspire real-world change. Gates is set to appear in three episodes of the series, which recently returned for its second season after a 25-year hiatus. While the show has faced stiff competition from modern OTT platforms, Gates’ cameo has reignited public interest, with a promotional clip garnering over six million views on Instagram in less than a day. The unexpected crossover has sparked a mix of surprise and amusement among viewers, with many praising the innovative approach to raising awareness about maternal and child health.
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Britney Spears said she was used. Kevin Federline says she needs help
The tumultuous relationship between Britney Spears and Kevin Federline has resurfaced in the public eye as both release memoirs offering starkly contrasting accounts of their shared history. Spears, in her 2023 memoir *The Woman in Me*, recounts the emotional and financial control she endured during her 13-year conservatorship, while Federline’s newly released *You Thought You Knew* provides his perspective on their chaotic marriage and her mental health struggles.