Darci Lynne sure knows how to captivate an audience with her voice.
The America’s Got Talent winner left fans in awe with her breathtaking performance of the opera aria O Mio Babbino Caro in Italian—without even opening her mouth. The young star sang the timeless piece with flawless technique, leaving the crowd with goosebumps as she showcased a level of technical skill that usually takes years to develop, yet she’s already mastered it in just a couple of years.
Watch her live performance below.
What to know about O Mio Babbino Caro
This iconic aria, composed by Gianni Schicchi for Puccini’s opera Gianni Schicchi, is one of the most famous and beloved arias in opera. Known for its emotional depth and lyrical beauty, O Mio Babbino Caro is often performed by sopranos as a show of vocal skill and emotional resonance.
The song tells the story of a young woman pleading with her father to allow her to marry the man she loves. The delicate balance of emotion and vocal control required to perform the aria is a hallmark of the opera genre, and Darci Lynne’s rendition proves that she’s well on her way to becoming a vocal powerhouse in classical music.
Elon Musk Blocks Disney’s Pride Content on Platform X: “‘Woke’ Is Not For Kids”
In a bold and controversial move, Elon Musk has taken a firm stance on content he deems inappropriate for children by blocking Disney’s Pride-related programming on his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter). Musk’s decision has ignited fierce debate, with supporters praising his action and critics accusing him of censorship and intolerance.
The Action
Disney’s Pride content, which includes LGBTQ+-themed shows, promotional campaigns, and Pride Month celebrations, was reportedly flagged by X’s moderation team before being removed or restricted on the platform. Musk himself addressed the decision in a tweet, stating:
“‘Woke’ programming has no place in children’s entertainment. Let kids be kids without pushing agendas.”
Mixed Reactions
The decision has drawn mixed reactions from the public and high-profile figures. Supporters of Musk argue that his move protects children from exposure to content they believe should be introduced by parents, not corporations.
One user commented:
“Thank you, Elon, for standing up for traditional values and letting parents decide what’s right for their kids.”
On the other hand, LGBTQ+ advocates and allies have slammed the decision as regressive and harmful to inclusivity efforts. Disney responded with a statement defending its content:
“Our Pride programming reflects our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and celebrating the voices of all communities.”
Broader Context
Musk’s relationship with cultural issues has often been polarizing. Known for his outspoken views on “woke culture,” Musk has previously criticized what he describes as the over-politicization of media and entertainment. This latest action follows a series of changes to X’s content policies that emphasize free speech but also allow for selective moderation under Musk’s leadership.
The Cultural Divide
This incident underscores a growing cultural divide over the intersection of media, corporate messaging, and social values. Critics argue that Musk’s actions could embolden similar censorship efforts, while others see it as a pushback against what they perceive as overreach by media companies.
What’s Next?
The controversy has reignited calls for clearer policies regarding LGBTQ+ representation in media targeted at children. Meanwhile, both Disney and Musk show no signs of backing down, setting the stage for a prolonged cultural and corporate clash.
What do you think about Musk’s decision? Is this protecting children or stifling representation? Share your views in the comments below!
Optical illusions are known for their puzzling nature and for pushing our eyesight to its limits. As such, a particularly special one is doing the rounds on the internet presently.
It has left the majority of its viewers baffled even though it is one of the more straightforward illusions.
The Optical Illusion With A Hidden Message
Optical illusions come in many different types.
Some ask the viewer to find a mistake, while others disguise the answer in plain sight. This one is closer to the latter category.
This particular optical illusion tests the viewer’s sensitivity towards contrasting colors.
At first glance, it may seem pretty simple. However, the more you look at it, you may see more and more is revealed to you.
Of course, in the end, the actual answer is still confusing most of the viewers.
So, let’s take a look at the optical illusions first. Here it is:
Do You see a number? If so, what number?
This challenge, which has gone viral on Twitter, has done so because of its perceived simplicity. There is a number that is hidden within the striped grey and black circle. Can you see the entire number? It may seem simple, but its actually a harder test than it seems.
The illusion is actually a test for the viewer’s contrast sensitivity. It is the ability to differentiate an object from its background. In daily life, this ability is important for driving in foggy weather or when there is low light. During those times, the contrast between the background and the object is reduced.
So now that you know the focus of the optical illusion, can you spot all the digits?
Before we get to the actual answers, here are some of the answers that the viewers posted:
“I can only see 528. Does that mean anything about my eyesight?”
-@CookieLousie
“I see 528 with glasses and 45283 without… I can’t read a screen without glasses however”
-@Techn0phobe
45283…and what’s the catch? Should I book an appointment with my GP?
-@PhilippeAuclair
The majority of the viewers said that they could 528 or, at the most, 45283. But the real answer will shock you.
Are you ready for it? Well, then, here it is:
The actual answer is 3452839 – a whopping seven-digit number. Now, most of the people saw the numbers at the middle of the circle where the contrast was highest. As one moved away from the center, the contrast between the digits and the background diminished, which made the digits on the extreme quite difficult to see. But you can see a glimpse of them if you squint hard enough!
If you actually did manage to see them, then you have one of the best eyesight in the world. You can be proud of it! Share the optical illusion with your friends and family, and see how good their eyesight is!
Six-year-old Alan, an orphan, was no stranger to abandonment.
Ever since he was left on the steps of a shelter as a baby, he had held onto a longing for his mother.
He often gazed at other children with parents by their sides, wondering what it would feel like to be loved and held by a mother.
On one particular Sunday, he went to church with his guardian, Nancy. That day, Alan felt a surge of longing that he couldn’t hold back.
He walked to the front of the church, kneeling, hands clasped tightly together, his small body shaking as he whispered his pleas.
“Dear Jesus, they say you hear everything,” he cried, his innocent voice echoing through the empty hall. “My guardians told me you would listen if I knocked on your door. So here I am, begging you…please, Jesus, send my mommy to me.”
As he continued to pray, his words grew louder, each filled with the deep-seated yearning that only an abandoned child could understand. His cheeks flushed red, and his eyes grew puffy from crying. Nearby, Nancy approached, urging him to keep his voice down, but Alan seemed lost in his own world, a place where he hoped his voice could reach the heavens. He stared at the crucifix, imploring God to hear him.
“Why aren’t you answering me?” he sobbed. “Please, Jesus…they all have mommies. Why can’t I have mine? I just want my mommy.”
Nancy gently placed a hand on his shoulder, reminding him to quiet down as people glanced over sympathetically. Alan wiped his tears and tried to compose himself, but just then, his attention was caught by a woman who entered the church with her little girl. The child, nestled against her mother’s side, looked at Alan and smiled shyly. Alan’s heart swelled with longing once again, and his tears began anew.
“Jesus, look!” he cried out, gesturing toward the woman and her child. “That girl has her mommy with her. Why don’t I have mine? I’m begging you, Jesus, please let me see my mommy.”
Nancy looked at him, a soft smile tugging at her lips despite the sadness in her eyes. “You never know, Alan. Sometimes God answers our prayers in ways we don’t expect.”
Before Alan could respond, a woman’s voice suddenly sounded from behind them. “I’ll take you, my boy. I’ve come for you.”
Alan and Nancy turned around in surprise. The woman Alan had noticed earlier was now standing directly behind them. She was looking at Alan with tear-filled eyes and trembling lips.
“Alan, my boy! I’ve come for you. I’m here to take you home,” she said, her voice breaking.
Nancy’s face was a mix of surprise and confusion. She held Alan protectively, turning to the woman. “Who are you? And how do you know his name?”
The woman took a step closer, her eyes locked on Alan. “My name is Annette,” she said. “I’m Alan’s mother. I left him at the shelter six years ago. I come here almost every day to see him from a distance. Today…I couldn’t hold back anymore. I’ve come to take him home.”
Nancy looked stunned, glancing between the woman and Alan. “Your son? If you’re truly his mother, you must have proof.”
Annette reached into her purse and pulled out an old photograph. In it, a younger version of herself was holding a newborn, wrapped tightly in a blanket, gazing at him with eyes full of love and sorrow. “I was 16 when I gave birth to Alan,” Annette explained, tears rolling down her cheeks. “My parents forced me to abandon him, and I had no choice back then.”
Annette’s story came pouring out. She had fallen in love with a boy at a young age, only to be left heartbroken when he abandoned her upon learning of the pregnancy. Her parents, unwilling to support her decision to keep the child, gave her an ultimatum—abandon the baby or lose everything, including her family and inheritance. Devastated, Annette left her newborn son on the shelter steps, unable to see any other way. She moved on, finished her education, and eventually married a man named Jason, who knew about her past but assumed she’d left it behind.
“I tried to live my life, but I could never forget him,” Annette said, choking up. “For years, I visited this church, hoping to get a glimpse of him. But today, hearing him cry out, I just couldn’t walk away again. I need him in my life. I want to take him home and make up for the years I’ve lost.”
Do you wake up feeling sluggish most mornings? Have caffeinated beverages become a necessity to help power you through the day?
If this sounds familiar, it’s time to ditch the quick fixes you rely on, and develop an energy management plan. Getting started may seem daunting, but soon you’ll be energized to keep going once you recap the benefits of a happier, healthier and more productive lifestyle.
What is energy management?
Think of your energy as a limited resource, like money in an account. You begin the day with a certain amount to spend. The amount varies from person to person based on factors, such as age, sleep, stress levels, medical conditions and lifestyle.
Activities and interactions withdraw energy from or deposit energy into your account. While you may not always have control over activities that deplete your energy, you can take steps to deposit more energy into your account.
Follow these seven tips to increase your energy and live a happier, healthier, more productive life:
1. Eat nourishing food.
A well-balanced, healthy diet is at the core of well-being. But it’s common to regard healthy eating primarily as a tool for weight loss. According to the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables, lean protein, low-fat dairy and whole grains is needed for optimal energy. You really are what you eat.
Consume a variety of foods from all the food groups to get a range of nutrients to provide energy throughout the day. Opt for fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, especially nutrient-dense dark, leafy greens and broccoli, as well as orange vegetables, like carrots and sweet potatoes. You can choose from many types of fish and legumes to choose from for healthy protein options. Aim to eat 3 ounces of whole-grain cereals, breads, rice or pasta daily.
2. Sleep seven to eight hours per night.
Prioritizing sleep is one of the best things you can do to set yourself up for a successful, energized day. Sleep deprivation can perpetuate serious health conditions, as well as negatively affect your mood, motivation and energy levels. Getting quality sleep is a healthy habit many people need to improve. Most adults need at least seven to eight hours of shut-eye each night, so what prevents them from getting it?
Observe your sleep patterns if you struggle with sleep. Take note of how much you sleep each night, factors that contribute to your sleep or lack of it, how rested you feel, and how much energy you have during your day. Then try sleep strategies to improve your sleep, like creating a relaxing and restful environment, minimizing light and noise, establishing a bedtime routine, managing stress, and turning off electronic devices.
Whatever you decide to start with, be consistent. Utilizing the same sleep routine and sleep strategies will help develop your body’s internal alarm clock and can lead to improved sleep quality. With improved sleep quality, people experience better health, and improved emotional well-being, lower risk of diseases, and are more productive.
3. Keep company with good people.
Maximize the amount of time that you spend with people you enjoy being around. Connecting with others who radiate positivity and have similar interests will excite and energize you.
On the other side, people you don’t relate to or who have negative outlooks, complain often, or make poor choices will only drain your energy account. Be selective about the company you keep.
It’s important to set limits and boundaries to protect yourself and conserve your energy when around people who do not refill your energy reserves.
4. Avoid news overdose.
Consuming news is an important way to stay connected to what’s happening in the world. It can be educational, entertaining and even uplifting.
Unfortunately, the news too frequently is filled with stories of suffering. These stories can skew your view of the world and cause you to focus on your worst fears instead of recognizing the good that surrounds you.
You can’t avoid these stories altogether, but try to minimize your exposure when you can, especially during trying times.
5. Get regular exercise.
Do you find yourself feeling lethargic halfway through the day? Have you ever gotten winded by simple everyday duties, such as grocery shopping or household chores? The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults complete at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week. Contrary to what you might believe, this will add to your energy account and not subtract from it.
Exercise relieves stress and tension, strengthens muscles and boosts endurance, and helps your body work more efficiently during other physical tasks or activities.
6. Do something meaningful each day.
What do you feel passionate about? Do you have a special talent that you’d like to practice more often or share with others? Do something you enjoy every day, even if it’s a simple act like cooking a healthy meal or listening to your favorite song. Putting effort into the things that matter most to you will help you use and reserve your energy in ways that will bring out the best in you.
7. Think good thoughts for others.
Maintaining a compassionate mindset is another way to conserve energy. One example of practicing this way of thinking is called kind attention. For example, try to make eye contact with a stranger and smile, while thinking “I wish you well.” This positive act can, instead, keep you from judging that person. Judging others can cause us to place judgment on ourselves, and that type of negative internal dialogue can be exhausting.
You’ll feel better with each step you take toward this important self-care investment.
Here are a few simple activities that will help you become more mindful of caring for yourself:
Monitor your energy.
Take your energy “temperature” at various points throughout the day, assigning it a number from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest energy level. Pay attention to the details of your day so you can identify the people or events that impact you the most.
Make incremental changes.
Once you are aware of some of the people or events that sabotage your energy, consider your next steps. Rather than tackling everything at once, choose an area that is important to you, and be realistic with the goals you set. For instance, if disorganization in your home is a big source of daily stress, pick one cabinet, closet or drawer to clear out each week instead of overwhelming yourself with doing it all at once. Then move on to your next goal when you feel ready.
Plan and prioritize.
Take note of the times during the day when your energy levels tend to be the highest. Decide how you can take advantage of those moments by prioritizing important tasks when you are feeling fresh and productive.
In November 1985, the world witnessed a tragedy that left an indelible scar on humanity. When the Nevado del Ruiz volcano erupted, it unleashed a devastating mudflow that buried the town of Armero in Colombia, wiping out nearly everything in its path.
Over 25,000 lives were lost in one of the most catastrophic natural disasters of all time. Amid the destruction, a single haunting image came to symbolize the unimaginable suffering: a young girl, Omayra Sánchez, trapped in the volcanic mudflow, her fragile face etched with courage and despair.
Captured by photojournalist Frank Fournier just hours before her death, the photograph shook the world. It won the prestigious World Press Photo of the Year in 1986 and remains one of the most powerful images of human vulnerability. But behind the lens, a question still echoes: Why didn’t the photographer save her?
Caution: This article contains material that may be disturbing to some readers.
Inside the Armero tragedy
To truly understand the heartbreaking photograph of Omayra Sánchez, we must first revisit the devastating event known as the Armero tragedy.
On November 13, 1985, the Nevado del Ruiz stratovolcano erupted after 69 years of dormancy, catching nearby towns completely off guard.
Nevado del Ruiz had erupted twice before — once in 1595 and again in 1845. On both occasions, avalanches roared down the Lagunilla River, the very area where the town of Armero would later be built.
Public Domain
Months before the 1985 eruption, experts had detected increased volcanic activity and warned Colombian authorities of the looming danger. Researchers, climbers, and political figures sounded the alarm about an impending disaster, but their warnings were largely ignored, despite clear signs of what was to come.
Farmers reported finding dead fish in nearby basins. Additionally, large amounts of sulfur were detected, and small explosions in the area even triggered a forest fire.
Yet, despite these warnings, no evacuation took place.
94% of the population was wiped out
As the volcano’s crater unleashed devastating pyroclastic flows, it rapidly melted the glaciers atop Nevado del Ruiz, sending four massive lahars — fast-moving mudflows, landslides, and debris — hurtling down its slopes at terrifying speeds of 50 km/h (30 mph). The lahars gained momentum as they rushed through gullies, ultimately engulfing the town of Armero in their deadly path.
According to Colombian sources, the eruption claimed the lives of around 23,000 people — nearly 94% of Armero’s population. The eruption’s smoke and ash soared up to 15 kilometers high, dramatically altering the region’s climate and leaving it in a state of devastation. Entire neighborhoods were wiped out, with 5,092 homes destroyed, 4,718 of them in Armero alone.
The disaster left 230,000 people impacted, with material losses estimated between 35 and 50 billion Colombian pesos, which translates to approximately $7.5 million to $10.5 million USD.
Story of Omayra Sánchez Garzón
Among the many victims was 13-year-old Omayra Sánchez Garzón, whose tragic situation drew the world’s focus.
Omayra Sánchez was born on August 28, 1972, in the town of Armero, where she grew up with her parents, Álvaro Enrique, who worked as a rice and sorghum collector, and María Aleida, a nurse. She shared her home with her brother, Álvaro Enrique, and her aunt, María Adela Garzón.
Public Domain
On the night of the Armero catastrophe , Omayra and her family were awake, concerned about the ash from the erupting Nevado del Ruiz volcano.
As they anxiously watched, they suddenly heard the deafening sound of an approaching lahar. When the massive eruption buried the Andean valley of Armero under a sea of mud, Omayra became trapped beneath the wreckage of her home, with concrete and debris pinning her down, making escape impossible.
A brave soul in the face of despair
As rescue workers arrived, they found her legs trapped under the rubble, her aunt’s lifeless arms still tightly clutching her. Despite efforts to pull her free, the task seemed impossible — any attempt to move her risked causing further harm. Her legs were trapped so tightly that rescuers placed a tire around her to keep her afloat as rising water surrounded her. Though the rescuers tried everything they could, it soon became clear that the situation was dire.
Doctors determined that the only way to free Omayra was by amputating both of her legs at the knees. However, there was no equipment available to perform the necessary surgery.
For over 60 hours, Omayra remained trapped, submerged in water, her body slowly succumbing to the elements. Yet, she never lost her calm demeanor. She spoke to a volunteer journalist, asking for sweet foods, singing, and even agreeing to an interview. But as the hours wore on, fear crept in.
She began hallucinating, talking about school and a math exam she thought she had missed. Her hands swelled and her face reddened as the water continued to rise. Still, she clung to life.
She was a courageous girl.
”I don’t feel my body anymore,” she said.
The famous photograph
Omayra’s story could have been different. Had the authorities acted upon the early warnings that had been issued, perhaps Omayra’s fate would have been another tragedy avoided. Yet, as the hours passed, it became impossible to save her.
Lacking the surgical equipment needed to amputate her legs and relieve the pressure, the doctors on site had to make a heart-wrenching decision: to let her die peacefully rather than subject her to further suffering.
It was in this final moment, when Omayra’s life was slipping away, that a French journalist named Frank Fournier arrived. He had flown into Bogotá just days after the eruption, and as he made his way to Armero, he was struck by the haunting silence and devastation.
“All around, hundreds of people were trapped. Rescuers were having difficulty reaching them. I could hear people screaming for help and then silence – an eerie silence,” he told the BBC two decades after the horrifying disaster. “It was very haunting.”
A farmer led him to Omayra, whose body was already beginning to show signs of swelling. Fournier, moved by her quiet courage and the agony she endured, snapped a photograph — a moment frozen in time that would come to symbolize the helplessness of the situation and the failure of those in power.
Fournier later reflected on the profound impact of the image, stating, “She was facing death with courage and dignity.”
Omayra Sánchez’s last words
On the morning of November 16th, at 9:45 AM, Omayra Sánchez closed her eyes for the last time. Just two hours before, a rescuer had reassured her, saying, “Relax, sweetheart, we’re going to get you out in just a minute. You’re going to live many years.” At that moment, the water had risen to her neck, and coffee beans were tangled in her hair.
Witnesses capturing the scene managed to film her last words, as the girl softly said, “Mommy, I love you so much, daddy I love you, brother I love you.”
Omayra’s brother survived the lahars; her father and aunt died. Her mother, María Aleida, also survived – before the eruption, she had gone to Bogotá on a business trip.
“It is horrible, but we have to think about the living,” Aleida said, referring to survivors like herself and her 12-year-old son, who lost a finger during the disaster.
Why didn’t the photographer help her?
Frank Fournier’s photo of the scene, titled The Agony of Omayra Sánchez, would become an iconic image, drawing international attention to the tragedy.
As the image spread across the globe, it ignited a firestorm of debate. Many, including the BBC, were horrified by the raw intimacy of the image, feeling as though they had witnessed the last moments of a young girl’s life.
Critics accused Fournier of exploiting Omayra’s suffering, calling him a monster for taking such a personal photograph. But Fournier defended his decision, saying that the photograph had helped raise crucial funds for the victims and highlighted the irresponsibility of the country’s leadership.
Devastation of the town of Armero / Getty Images
Despite the controversy, the photograph went on to win the prestigious World Press Photo of the Year in 1986. It captured the world’s attention and shone a light on the horrors of the Armero disaster.
As the photo continued to spread worldwide, some questioning why Frank hadn’t attempted to rescue Omayra from the lahar. He explained to the BBC that, given the dire situation, rescue was simply impossible. “There was a huge outcry — television debates on whether photojournalists are vultures,” Fournier reflected.
“But I felt the story needed to be told, and I was actually relieved by the reaction. It would have been worse if no one cared at all.”
Remembered in numerous ways
The impact of the photograph capturing Omayra Sánchez’s final moments is undeniable. Manuel Martín Benitos, a family friend, vowed to honor the young girl’s tragic death by turning it into a symbol of triumph.
In 1986, he established the International Foundation Omayra Sánchez with the mission of creating a global network of teams dedicated to preventing similar disasters and supporting the victims of catastrophic events.
Over the years following the eruption, Sánchez has been remembered in numerous ways, particularly by publications like El Tiempo. While many of the disaster’s victims were commemorated, Sánchez’s story has resonated deeply, inspiring poems, novels, and music that continue to keep her memory alive.
Armero today
In an effort to prevent future tragedies, the Colombian government created the Oficina Nacional para la Atención de Desastres (National Office for Disaster Preparedness), now known as the Dirección de Prevención y Atención de Desastres (Directorate for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness). As part of these efforts, all cities in Colombia were instructed to develop disaster preparedness plans.
In a poignant tribute to Sánchez, a species of cricket found in the region of the Armero tragedy was named Gigagryllus omayrae in her honor, ensuring that her legacy endures in both human and natural history.
Although the volcano Nevado del Ruiz remains active, the city of Armero no longer exists. Today, the site serves as a memorial, marked by Christian crosses and a small monument dedicated to Sánchez’s memory.
”Her face, her words, and her courage, which streamed throughout the world on television and were a heartbreaking image in the largest newspapers and magazines of the United States and Europe, remained a testimony of accusation against those who could have at the very least made the tragedy less serious.”
Germán Santa María Barragán in El Tiempo, November 23, 1985
When you think of Hilary Swank words like ”grit,” ”talent,” and ”unstoppable” probably come to mind.
But before she graced red carpets and delivered jaw-dropping performances in award-winning films, her story was anything but glamorous.
Hilary Swank was raised in a trailer park
Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, and raised in a trailer park in Bellingham, Washington, Hilary Swank stepping into Hollywood as a young teenager armed with sheer determination and a dream.
As a young girl with a passion for acting, she was encouraged to perform in school plays and local theater productions.
“I had some teachers that I still think of fondly and were amazing to me. But I had other teachers who said, ‘You know what? This dream of yours is a hobby,’” Swank told CBS, adding that that her mom’s unwavering support is all that matters.
“My mom said to me that I could do anything I wanted in life. As long as I worked hard enough,” Swank told the outlet in 2005 after picking up her second Oscar. “And to this day, it still makes me really emotional, because I just never questioned it, you know? She just always believed in me.”
When she was 15, her parents – Judy and Stephen – split.
Using the separation as an opportunity to support her daughter, Judy made a bold decision: they would move to Los Angeles so Hilary could pursue her dream.
The pair packed up their belongings and drove to Hollywood with hope as their compass – and little else.
Arriving in Los Angeles
”She was at a crossroads. My father and her were getting separated, and she said, ‘Let’s go to California,’” says Swank. ”And so $75, and a Mobil card, we drove down to California.”
After they arrived in Los Angeles, the pair struggled, living in their car while Swank looked for auditions.
“We had a friend who was selling their house. And so, they said, ‘You know, there’s no furniture, but you can stay there at night. And then, during the day, you have to leave so we can try and sell it,’” says Swank. “So we got air mattresses. Blew the air up. Slept on the air mattresses. And left in the morning.”
But they weren’t homeless for long.
Early roles
After some time in California, Swank left South Pasadena High School to focus on her acting career. Reflecting on her decision, she admitted, “I’m not proud to say I didn’t finish high school.”
”I felt like such an outsider. I didn’t feel like I fit in. I didn’t belong in any way. I didn’t even feel like the teachers wanted me there. I just felt like I wasn’t seen or understood,” she also said.
The young actor started landing guest roles on TV shows like Growing Pains and Camp Wilder, and in 1994 she had her big break in The Next Karate Kid.
While the movie didn’t catapult her to stardom, it gave her valuable experience and put her on Hollywood’s radar.
Her next high-profile role came on the hit TV series Beverly Hills, 90210. Swank had a starring role in the show’s eighth season but her character was written out after just 16 episodes.
“Not dropped, fired,” Swank said. “And I thought if I’m not a good enough actor for 90210,’ then maybe I should [pack it in.] I don’t know. I was devastated.”
But instead of letting the setback crush her confidence, it instead fueled her fire.
Career launch
In 1999, everything changed for Swank when she landed the role of Brandon Teena in Boys Don’t Cry. The film, based on the true story of a transgender man who was tragically murdered, required Swank to deliver an emotionally raw, transformative performance.
Despite earning just $3,000 for the role, Swank won the Academy Award for Best Actress, proving that a breakout performance doesn’t depend on a big paycheck.
“So, I had an Academy Award, and I didn’t have health insurance,” Swank quipped. “The life of an actor.”
She followed up her award-winning performance with roles in critically acclaimed films like Million Dollar Baby (2004), which earned her a second Oscar: “I don’t know what I did in this life to deserve this. I’m just a girl from a trailer park who had a dream,” she said in her acceptance speech.
But what set Swank apart wasn’t just her talent – it was her willingness to take risks, embrace challenging roles, and push her boundaries.
Speaking with CBS about Swank convincingly playing a professional boxer, Clint Eastwood, who starred and directed Million Dollar Baby, told CBS: “I just thought, ‘Yeah, this gal would be great. If we can get her trained up. If we can get a little bit more bulk on her, to make her look like a fighter,” he said. “She was like a feather. But what happened is, she had this great work ethic.”
What fills her heart
In 2014, she took a break from her hugely successful career to be a caregiver for her father, Stephen Michael Swank, an Air Force and Air National Guard veteran, who needed a risky lung transplant.
The one-year sabbatical turned into three as her father’s recovery from the invasive surgery was slow.
Still also caring for her dad, who lived with her until he died in 2021, the Alaska Daily star returned to filming.
All throughout, Swank – the founder of Hilaroo Foundation – generously shares her time and celebrity in bringing awareness to various causes, like advocating for cancer research, and for the wellbeing of animals.
In an interview with Health, she said, “One of the things that filled my heart was animals because none of them looked at me for anything other than for who I am. It quickly became apparent that they were going to be by my side and a part of my journey forever. They touch my heart in a way that a lot of humans can’t.”
New family
Finding love with a human was a challenge for the Freedom Writers actor, who’s instinct is to care for others before herself – a trait she inherited from her mom.
She wed Chad Lowe in 1997 but the younger brother to celebrity Rob Lowe, struggled with substance abuse and the pair divorced in 2006.
Speaking with USA Today, Swank said that having her ailing father living at her home helped her find a good man.
Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com
“It’s almost a great way to weed out people. ‘Wait, you live with your dad?’ The reaction to that helps you move through things faster,” said Swank, who met her now husband Phillip Schneider in the time she was caring for her dad.
On April 10, 2023 her and Schneider announced the birth of their twins, a daughter and son named Ohm and Aya, who popped out before their due date of April 16, her father’s birthday.
In an interview with Extra TV, Swank said, “I was having a career and not having the right relationship until…all the elements needed to come together and be right.”
What’s next?
While Swank is busy chasing around twin toddlers, she says she’d love to work again with Eastwood, whom she considers a mentor.
“I adore Clint Eastwood for all the reasons everyone else does. We actually have been talking about trying to find something,” she told the Independent. “It’s a matter of aligning our schedules, but I would do anything if he asked. I wouldn’t even need to read it, I would just say, ‘yes!’”
Hilary Swank’s journey from a trailer park in Washington to Hollywood stardom is as inspiring as it gets!
Please let us know what you think of this inspiring actor and then share this story so we can hear from others!
Rewatching some of your favorite movies as an adult makes you pay attention to things you never did before. Sometimes you recognize plotholes and other times you see mistakes that you might have missed the first time around.
In this piece, we take you through some bloopers in the film ‘Dirty Dancing’ which is a crowd favorite. Over the years many have pointed them out but you might not have heard about some of them.
Keep reading to learn more about what happened in the movie that was perhaps an oversight by the cast and crew.
Some films become classics that stay in your heart no matter how many years have passed since their release. I’m certainly not alone in absolutely loving the romantic film Dirty Dancing, which made its debut back in 1987.
However, even though I, like many others, see this work as a masterpiece, there are actually quite a few mistakes in it. You can spot scenes where actors make obvious errors or where the film editors have overlooked awkward details.
So let’s dive deep into this nostalgic classic and explore the unedited moments that should have been corrected.
Many films make it to the big screen, but not all become classics. Some are forgotten over time, but only a few grow stronger and are adored by future generations. One film I’m not alone in loving is Dirty Dancing. Though it came out before I was born, I’ve watched it so many times that it’s been a constant part of my life, from childhood to today.
Dirty Dancing truly has it all; excitement, romance, drama, humor, and of course an unforgettable soundtrack.
Even thirty years later, who doesn’t love the tunes of “I’ve Had the Time of My Life” and “Hungry Eyes”?
But even though this film is perfect in many ways, there are mistakes as well. Some are subtle and easy to miss but can disrupt the experience once you notice them. Here are some mistakes that the film crew should have caught back then—or details you might have missed entirely.
Johnny’s Changing Hair
As the irresistible dance instructor Johnny Castle, Patrick Swayze makes an unforgettable impression with his good looks and charisma. But during the famous final dance scene, there’s a mistake. Keen-eyed viewers will notice that Swayze’s hair alternates between wet and dry as he dances. In the same scene, you can also see Swayze’s pants get dirtied as he slides across the floor—only to be clean again in the next shot.
Johnny and Baby’s Position Changes
After their iconic performance, Johnny signals it’s time to leave. Viewers watch as they walk toward the exit but are suddenly back on the dance floor in the middle of the crowd in the next shot.
Johnny Takes Off His Jacket Twice
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Before dancing with Baby, Johnny steps aside and removes his leather jacket. Moments later, in a different angle, he removes the same jacket again.
Baby’s Line Isn’t Heard
In one of the movie’s most iconic scenes, when Baby meets Johnny for the first time, the song “Do You Love Me,” plays in the background and she feels awkward. Johnny asks his cousin why Baby is there, and she replies, “I carried a watermelon.” When Johnny turns away, Baby mouths the line again, and in the next cut, she says it out loud again.
Patrick Swayze’s Frustration with Jennifer Grey
We’ve all probably recognized Patrick Swayze’s frustration in teaching Jennifer Grey’s character. Grey repeatedly steps on his toes, and when they’re supposed to perform an intimate scene, everything goes wrong. The famous scene where Swayze runs his hand down Grey’s arm to her armpit isn’t faked. His sighs of frustration are genuine, as Swayze was clearly annoyed. Years later, Swayze confirmed that their on-screen chemistry wasn’t always smooth. In his autobiography, he shared that they often irritated each other and had to act like they were close. “We did have a few moments of friction when we were tired or after a long day of shooting. She seemed particularly emotional, sometimes bursting into tears if someone criticized her. Other times, she slipped into silly moods, forcing us to do scenes over and over again when she’d start laughing,” he wrote.
The Truth Behind the Lift
We saved the most iconic scene for last. Who can forget when Johnny lifts Baby up to “I’ve Had the Time of My Life”? Contrary to popular belief, this lift was only done once. Jennifer Grey was so terrified of the jump that she insisted it be recorded in a single take, and the result became legendary.
Johnny’s Belt Undoes Itself
Toward the end, Johnny fights Robbie after learning he got Penny pregnant. As Johnny lunges at Robbie, his belt is fastened. But if you look closely, the belt appears undone in the next moment, only to be fastened again right after.
Even with all these mistakes, the movie is iconic! Did you know any of these bloopers before reading this article? Let us know in the comments below. Share this with others who might like to know about these bloopers in Dirty Dancing too!
In the world of dog breeds, pitbulls must have one of the worst reputations.
They are often wrongfully labelled as aggressive, dangerous and ticking time bombs who are ready to explode any minute.
But these are labels given by prejudiced people. If these same people were given the opportunity to actually be acquainted with a pitbull — they would most likely remember one thing about them: their big hearts.
That’s right — pitbulls are often warm-hearted, kind and incredibly loyal dogs.
If you don’t believe me, keep reading.
Pitbull Lara was found abandoned outside the Greek port of Nafplion.
Lara’s owner not only left the dog in the middle of nowhere, but she was also tied to a tree — without any food or water.
Lonely and scared, Lara was left to her own fate.
To make things even more tragic, neighbors knew that Lara was tied to a tree in the woods, but nobody wanted to approach her because they were scared of her breed.
Nobody knows how long the poor dog had been sitting there tied to that tree.
And the story doesn’t end there — Lara was actually pregnant.
Afraid and alone in the forest, unable to go anywhere, she gave birth to four adorable puppies.
Despite not having adequate food, Lara somehow managed to take care of her puppies for 10 long painful days — until her saviors found her.
Even though nobody in the village wanted to adopt or take care of Lara, luckily someone reported her to an animal welfare organization. The organization became aware that there was a dog tied in the woods who was suffering.
As soon as rescue workers came to the scene and found Lara, they could clearly see that they were dealing with a malnourished and extremely dehydrated dog.
But they were even more shocked to see her little puppies jumping around happily.
Lara had not only done a great job in guarding and protecting them, but also feeding them with whatever she could to find — all while tied to a tree. Talk about maternal instinct.
Despite the mother’s great efforts, the five pups had struggled a lot during these 10 days and unfortunately, the smallest puppy didn’t make it.
But the other four puppies managed to survive, thanks to their heroic mom.
The team who saved the dogs eventually managed to find a foster home that would take care of Lara and her puppies.
Linda at The Orphan Pet came to Lara’s rescue and she also took care of the four little puppies.
Although rescued and in a happy home with Linda, Lara had become shy and didn’t trust her new owner. The mamma dog also refused to eat, as she was clearly traumatized.
But with time, Lara realized that Linda was there to help, and she began to relax and become more comfortable in her new home.
Today the whole family is doing well. Isn’t it so lovely that this story had a happy ending?
All dog breeds have the potential to be affectionate and loving companions — but Lara’s strength and loyalty is really something out of the ordinary.
Please continue to pay tribute to this strong mamma dog and the people who took the time to save her and her little puppies!
