Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor

Frank​ gehry, ​Architect of the Guggenheim Bilbao and design icon, Dies at 95

Frank Gehry, the Canadian-American​ architect whose groundbreaking designs-most notably ‍the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao-transformed ‌cities and redefined 21st-century architecture, has ‍died at age 95. His death marks the end of an era for a figure who⁤ consistently challenged architectural norms and created instantly recognizable landmarks around the globe.

Gehry’s influence extends beyond ⁤aesthetics; he democratized architectural expression,proving ⁣buildings could be art,and art could be accessible. His passing prompts reflection on his⁤ legacy of innovation, his sometimes-contentious relationship with the profession, and the future of a field he ⁤profoundly shaped. The ‍architectural world ⁣now assesses the impact of his six-decade career and anticipates how his bold vision will continue to⁣ inspire future generations.

Born‌ in Toronto in 1929,Gehry initially⁤ pursued a ⁢career in​ business⁣ before discovering his ​passion for architecture. He became known for his deconstructivist style, characterized by titanium-clad curves, fragmented forms,‍ and a rejection of customary right angles. The 1997 opening ⁢of the guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain catapulted him to international fame, revitalizing the city and establishing the “Bilbao effect”-the idea that⁤ iconic architecture can drive‍ economic regeneration.

Beyond Bilbao, Gehry’s portfolio includes the Walt Disney Concert Hall in ⁢Los Angeles,‌ the⁤ Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris, and the Dancing⁢ House in Prague. He also demonstrated a commitment to ‌more understated projects, such as the Maggie’s Center in Dundee, Scotland,‌ designed in 2003 as part of a network ‌of drop-in centers for those affected by cancer. Modeled‌ on a traditional Scottish “but and ben” dwelling, it featured a white cottage topped by a folded‌ metal roof,‍ resembling origami.

In later years, Gehry ⁤undertook projects like ⁤the terraforming of the Battersea power station environs in London, designing luxury⁢ housing, and a Serpentine pavilion, reconceptualized as a ⁢whirlwind in a lumber yard. Throughout his career, he remained⁣ a​ vocal critic of what he considered⁣ poor design, famously declaring in⁢ 2014, “In the ⁤world we live in 98% of ⁢what is built and designed today is pure crap. There’s no sense of design, no respect for humanity, just ⁣damn buildings.” He even offered a defiant gesture to an audience who accused him of ⁣designing “spectacle architecture,” later apologizing⁣ for the outburst.

Jo Ann Boyce, Clinton 12 Member and Civil Rights Trailblazer, ⁢Dies

Jo Ann⁢ Boyce, a member of the Clinton 12 – the first twelve African American students to integrate Clinton High School in Tennessee – ⁤has⁤ died. she was a pioneering figure in the Civil Rights Movement who dedicated her life⁣ to advocating for equality and understanding.

In ⁣1957, at the age of 14, Boyce and eleven other students faced⁣ intense opposition as they sought‍ to attend the previously segregated Clinton High School ⁢following the ⁣landmark Brown ‍v. board of Education Supreme Court decision. before leaving Clinton, Tennessee, ⁤for Los Angeles, the family faced local​ journalists. Her father, Herbert Allen, stated, “We’re not leaving here with hatred in our hearts against anyone… Even those who are against us… we realize that those people are just misled. They were trained and brought up that way.”

The transition was profoundly tough. “The previous five months ‍had been the moast‌ painful of her life,” recalled friend Martha Young. Boyce ‌herself felt ⁤”cheated,” wanting to ‌remain in‍ Clinton to prove her capabilities⁢ despite the hostility. “She was always of the‌ mind that love will conquer‍ all. That’s what guided her through the rest of her life,” Young added.

Shortly after the integration began, Clinton High School was severely‌ damaged by a bombing in 1958, and no ‍arrests were ever made. Ultimately,⁢ only ⁤two of the Clinton 12 graduated from the school.

The Allen ⁤family relocated to california, where Boyce attended and⁤ graduated from Dorsey High School in Baldwin Hills ‍in‍ 1958. She continued her education at Los Angeles City College and then pursued nursing, becoming a⁤ pediatric nurse and dedicating decades⁢ to the profession.

Beyond ​her medical career, Boyce pursued her passion for music, forming the vocal ‍trio‌ “The Debs” with her sister Mamie and cousin Sandra. They ‌briefly performed backup vocals for Sam Cooke ​and later showcased jazz performances across Los Angeles, including at the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel.

In 1959,she met Victor Boyce at a dance,and they married,remaining⁣ together for 64 years. they raised three children​ – Kamlyn Young, London Boyce, and Victor Boyce – and generations of extended ‌family, ⁤including actor Cameron Boyce, who ‍passed away in 2019. Boyce was affectionately known as “Nana” by‌ her grandchildren.

Throughout her life,Boyce faced meaningful health challenges,including breast cancer,a stroke,and​ pancreatic cancer,yet maintained a remarkable optimism. “She would come in and‍ just light up the room,” ​said her daughter-in-law, libby Boyce. “She‌ had a sparkle like nobody’s business.” Remarkably, she lived with pancreatic cancer‌ for 12 years, amazing her doctors.

In her later years, Boyce actively worked ⁣to raise awareness about the story of the Clinton 12, which ‌she felt was less known than the experiences of the Little Rock Nine or Ruby Bridges. As she stated in a 2023 interview with CBS Los Angeles, “what my mother said, we did.” She co-authored ‍the book This Promise of Change in 2019​ with Debbie Levy and ‌collaborated with the Green McAdoo Cultural Center,located in her former elementary school,to promote equality and understanding.

Her family remembers her unwavering belief in the power of love. “She used to say that‌ racism is a disease of the heart,” said ⁣her granddaughter,⁢ Kamlyn⁢ Boyce. “She moved toward them, not⁣ away. Even the people with hate ⁢in their heart,she loved. It’s the only way ​I can put it.”

Jo Ann boyce is survived⁢ by her ‌three children, her sister Mamie, three grandchildren, and countless others who cherished her as​ “nana.”

Middle-earth Returns to the Big Screen: Extended Editions of All Three Lord of the Rings films‍ to Re-Release in Theaters

Fans of J.R.R.​ Tolkien’s epic ⁤fantasy are in for a treat: all three films in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the ​Rings ⁢trilogy-The Fellowship of ⁣the Ring, The two Towers, and The Return ‍of the King-will⁤ return to theaters in their extended edition forms. ⁤The re-release is planned to coincide with the upcoming December ‍17, 2027, premiere of The ⁢Hunt for ⁢Gollum, a new film‌ set between the events of The Hobbit and⁢ The ⁣Lord of the⁢ Rings.

The theatrical event offers audiences a chance to experience the complete saga on the big screen once more, ⁣immersing themselves in ⁤the richly detailed world of Middle-earth for hours ⁣on end. Released initially between 2001 and 2003,​ the extended editions add notable footage to the⁤ original ⁢theatrical cuts, providing deeper character development and expanded‌ storylines.

Beyond ⁢the re-release, a⁢ new chapter in the Lord ⁣of the⁢ Rings ‌universe is on the horizon with The Hunt for Gollum. ‌Directed by Andy ⁤Serkis,⁢ who ⁤famously portrayed Gollum, the film will focus ​on‍ the period when Gandalf and Aragorn search for clues to‌ Gollum’s whereabouts and the Ring’s location, a storyline⁤ briefly glimpsed in The Fellowship of the Ring through the ‍torture of Gollum​ in Mordor.

Several original cast ‍members have expressed ‍interest in reprising their roles. Viggo Mortensen, who played Aragorn,‍ has stated ⁤he is open to returning, while Elijah Wood has praised the script and indicated he will likely reprise his role as Frodo.⁤ Orlando Bloom, who played Legolas, has suggested that AI technology may be necessary for his return due ​to the passage of⁤ time. Filming ⁣for The Hunt for Gollum ⁣ is ​scheduled to begin in New Zealand next ‌year.

Adam SandlerS Performance Anchors Uneven⁢ ‘Jay Kelly‘ Portrait of Hollywood

Noah ‍Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly,” now streaming‍ on Netflix, aims for‍ a sharp,⁢ insightful look at Hollywood’s ‌inner workings and ​the​ complexities‍ of family, but⁣ ultimately falters, saved largely by a⁣ nuanced performance from Adam Sandler.​ The film, starring Sandler and Joaquin Phoenix, attempts to dissect privilege, fame, and relationships, yet struggles to ⁢coalesce into a⁤ fully resonant narrative.

While the film boasts an⁣ all-star cast ⁤and Baumbach’s signature blend of humor and​ drama, it’s⁣ Sandler’s ⁤portrayal of Ron that ‌provides⁤ the emotional core.the story also⁢ features⁢ Laura Dern as ‍Liz, and the arrival of Jay (Phoenix) ‌in Tuscany adds a ⁢contemplative‍ backdrop, ⁢though the script occasionally hinders​ a fully realized performance⁤ from ⁣Clooney.

Critics⁤ note the film’s tendency toward⁢ cinematic ⁣eccentricities that ⁣ultimately disperse dramatic tension. More compelling than Jay’s ⁣central arc is ‍Ron’s journey, offering some of ⁢the film’s most exciting and ⁤nuanced moments. This contrast ⁢highlights ⁣a key theme: the superficiality of Jay’s world versus the⁢ genuine humanity ⁤of those around him.

Ultimately, “Jay Kelly” is an entertaining, ⁤if ​somewhat scattered, effort that doesn’t quite ‌reach the heights⁢ of ‍Baumbach’s‌ previous ⁣work.It leaves the impression‍ of a‌ fascinating, yet incomplete, portrait of Hollywood and‍ family life.