By Mackenzie Cutruzzula
Columnist
In 2016, we’ve found ourselves at a loss for words time and time again in the wake of celebrity passings. Last week, Gene Wilder, known for bringing the magic of Willy Wonka in “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” to life, passed away. A writer and painter in his spare time, Wilder kept a low profile throughout his long career. To honor the actor, Coldplay performed a heartfelt rendition of “Pure Imagination” at its Denver concert on Monday, Aug. 29.
Carrie Underwood has been hard at work during her North-American leg of her “The Storytellers Tour — Stories in the Round,” while traveling with her son, Isaiah Michael. To keep herself grounded, the singer keeps a washer, dryer and cooktop on her bus so that she can do her own cooking and laundry. Underwood told People that she tries to feel as “human” as possible, despite her international success and NHL husband.
Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna have released new photos of their life at home during Chyna’s pregnancy. The photos feature Chyna pushing Kardashian to live a healthier lifestyle after being diagnosed with diabetes last year. The couple appears overjoyed by their relationship, despite the backlash they have felt from Kardashian’s famous family.
Khloe Kardashian has been spotted with NBA star Tristan Thompson. A source told People that the two are a “mini-thing,” as they spent Labor Day weekend in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. After spending time together earlier in a nightclub in Beverly Hills, Calif., it is reported that the duo like each other and are simply hanging out.
Gold medal gymnast, Laurie Hernandez, showed off her pitching skills at the New York Mets game on Saturday, Sept. 3. Hernandez did an aerial cartwheel, landed and then threw the first pitch. Her upcoming “Dancing With The Stars” partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, praised her pitch, even though it wasn’t a strike, and joked that she threw it better than the famed, failed pitch by rapper 50 Cent.
Mel Gibson is on the rebound, but not in the romance department. The acclaimed actor and director is returning behind the camera for the first time in 10 years to direct the World War II film “Hacksaw Ridge.” The cast is headed by heartthrob Andrew Garfield, who was spotted alongside the rest of the cast in Italy this weekend for the Venice Film Festival.
In the aftermath of last week’s MTV Video Music Awards, Alicia Keys was met by harsh criticism for not wearing makeup to the show. Keys has been a notable spokesperson for the makeup-free movement, but Nicole Richie has also joined the singer in appearing makeup free. Keys shutdown critics with a tweet that read, “Y’all, me choosing to be makeup free doesn’t mean I’m anti-makeup. Do you!”
