When he’s not making us laugh or fighting bad guys (often at the same time!), the prolific actor, comedian, writer and director keeps things low-key offscreen, and has been married to producer Naomi Odenkirk for nearly 30 years. Read on to learn about their relationship and their many creative collaborations.

Entertainment

Inside Henry Winkler and Bob Odenkirk’s Beautiful Friendship

With the theatrical release of Henry Winkler’s new film Normal approaching, there’s growing curiosity about what audiences can expect. What is the film about, who joins Winkler on screen and what was the experience like behind the scenes? Here’s a closer look at the story, the cast and what those involved have said about working […]

Love at first sight in the ’90s comedy world

The ’90s comedy world was notoriously small and filled with all sorts of rising stars and surprising pairings. Early in his career, Bob Odenkirk dated Janeane Garafalo, his castmate on The Ben Stiller Show. Garofalo introduced him to David Cross, who became his comedy partner on Mr. Show.

While performing at a comedy club, Odenkirk had another fateful encounter, as his future wife, Naomi Yomtov, was in the audience—and she immediately knew that they were meant to be together. As Odenkirk recounted in a Wall Street Journal interview, when they began dating, “Right from the start it had been awesome, and I was having such a great time with her and three weeks in, she goes, ‘Okay, let me tell you a story. A year and a half before we went out on a date, I saw you and I had this flash of insight that we’re going to get married, and I told my roommate and I told my mother.’”

Initially, Odenkirk was a bit embarrassed by this revelation, admitting, “No guy wants to hear this. I’m like, so was the last three weeks just this person trying to fulfill this Braveheart destiny moment?” but the couple’s chemistry turned out to be very real, and they got married in 1997.

Bob and Naomi Odenkirk’s creative collaborations

Shortly after marrying Bob Odenkirk, Naomi became a talent manager—and yes, he’s one of her clients! In his Wall Street Journal interview, Odenkirk said while there were some initial challenges with mixing the personal and the professional, he sees Naomi as “a really smart, informed person with a point of view” and admires her judgment.

Naomi Odenkirk’s company, OPE Partners, produced Bob’s new movie, Normal, and they previously produced Nobody. Naomi has an impressive roster of comedian clients outside of her husband, including Jenna Fischer (The Office), Ayo Edebiri (The Bear) and Tim Robinson (I Think You Should Leave) and her production company has helmed other comedies, including the 2023 Jennifer Lawrence movie No Hard Feelings.

Bob and Naomi married when Mr. Show was in its third season, and after the show ended, she published Mr. Show: What Happened? a 2002 book about the sketch comedy show and what went on behind the scenes. When Mr. Show was revived as the Netflix series W/ Bob & David in 2015, Naomi served as an executive producer, and she’s producing their forthcoming documentary Bob and David Climb Machu Picchu.

Clearly, comedy is a family affair for the Odenkirks, and their children, Nate and Erin, have also gotten in on the fun. Nate is a comedy writer who has written many humor pieces for The New Yorker, while Erin is an artist who illustrated her dad’s 2023 children’s book Zilot & Other Important Rhymes. Bob is very proud of his kids’ achievements, and he sweetly said, “Yes, I can entertain myself with trying to write a good movie, trying to act well in a project. But there’s nothing that meant anything like being a dad to me.”

Overcoming a health scare with a ‘pretty damn great’ family

In 2021, Bob Odenkirk suffered a near-death experience when he had a heart attack on the set of Better Call Saul. While he made a full recovery, it was a traumatic time, and confronting his mortality gave him an even deeper appreciation of his wife and children. As he put it, “The epiphany was simply that my life is pretty damn great, and I should appreciate it and the people around me.”

Odenkirk has played some wacky characters over the years, and he admitted that when he was younger, he wasn’t the friendliest person, but he’s stayed admirably grounded in his personal life. Over the course of three decades, Bob and Naomi Odenkirk have proven that working with a spouse, while sometimes difficult, can be deeply rewarding. Normal is sure to be great evidence of this truth, and we can’t wait to see what other fun projects the comedic couple has on the horizon.

But beyond the records and accolades, there’s a deeper story behind her success. In a recent conversation with Woman’s World, McLaughlin-Levrone opened up about the mindset, discipline and purpose that continue to drive her forward.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone looks back on her Olympic journey 

McLaughlin-Levrone first competed at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, where she captured gold in the 400-meter hurdles. She followed that performance with another gold medal in the same event at the 2024 Paris Games, cementing her dominance on the world stage.

“Track is something I’ve loved ever since I was a kid, and being able to now do it on a professional level is honestly just a dream come true,” McLaughlin-Levrone tells Woman’s World. “’I’m excited to go out there every single time and continue to push my body and push the balance of what’s possible.” 

She’s not alone in that mindset. For generations, female athletes have continued to push the boundaries of what’s possible in their sport—something McLaughlin-Levrone is keenly aware of as she builds on that legacy.

“I’ve always looked up to Allyson Felix,” McLaughlin-Levrone says. “Ever since I was a young girl, I just loved seeing her her poise, her grace and how she’s handled things.” 

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone shares how it felt to named one of ‘Time Magazine’s’ People of the Year

McLaughlin-Levrone was recently named one of Time magazine’s People of the Year—an honor she doesn’t take lightly.

“Every season that I step on the track, my goal is just to be the best that I can be, and whether that gets the recognition from the world or not, it’s really just me pursuing excellence in whatever it is I do, and it’s a huge honor anytime that’s put on display and recognized,” she continues. “I just want to continue to inspire others to keep pursuing greatness in whatever their field is.” 

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Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone opens up about her pregnancy 

McLaughlin-Levrone has been married to husband Andre Levrone since 2022. They met on Instagram, and are currently getting ready to welcome their first baby. 

“This is completely new to me and my husband, so we’re so excited to step into this journey and just to learn along the way. And we’re just excited to meet our little girl,” she says. “As I prepare to welcome my daughter. I hope you know that I can just inspire her to chase her dreams. Whether she chooses track or another sport, I’m going to be able to be there and support her.”

Entertainment

Lindsey Vonn Talks Perseverance and Recovering After 2026 Olympics

Lindsey Vonn is known for defying the odds and redefining limits, and the Olympic champion is doing just that one more time. After a terrifying crash at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics left the athlete with multiple fractures that required several surgeries, Vonn is on the long and winding road to recovery.  But while she […]

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone shares her self-care tips

Self-care has become a key part of McLaughlin-Levrone’s routine—something she takes seriously both on and off the track. It’s also what led her to partner with Band-Aid on its Pro Heal 5 Day Protect initiative.

“I was so excited to just be able to be a part of this campaign,” she says. “As a professional athlete going through training, healing is a huge part of my everyday experience. So being able to now be partnered up with their pro heel, which is their most advanced healing bandage, just seemed like a great fit.” 

Along with using Band-Aid’s, McLaughlin-Levrone says she likes to take ice baths and get massages to help her relax. 

“I think taking care of your body in every way, shape and form is important,” she explains. “If I’m hitting a hurdle or something, I want to make sure that those cuts and scrapes are recovering as best as possible.” 

For more information on the Pro Heal 5 Day Protect Band-Aid’s click here!

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Get to know Alexia Jayy

Jayy is an R&B singer and songwriter from Irvington, Alabama. She was born on October 20, 1993 and has been a frontrunner on The Voice since her blind audition secured her the first “Triple Chair Turn” of the season. She then continued to climb, and was even praised by her coach Adam Levine during the show’s knockround for her rendition of Whitney Houston’s “You Give Good Love.” 

“Normally it’s a bold move to do Whitney, but there is no singer that Whitney is in better hands with — Alexia is special,” Levine said during rehearsal.

Judge Kelly Clarkson agreed with that, saying, “Alexia, you are literally so good. It’s like if Whitney Houston and Lauryn Hill’s voices had a baby.”

Both of those remarks meant a lot to Jayy, who revealed to Levine that Houston is one of the many artists she looks up to. 

“Her songs were some of the songs that my mom made me sing as a kid. It’s like a full-circle moment,” the singer reflected. “I believe my mom did see potential in me very early. When I was little, she used to put me in different talent shows.” 

Entertainment

He Tied Ken Jennings'’Jeopardy!’ Record—Meet Jamie Ding!

Ken Jennings may still hold the crown as Jeopardy!’s most legendary champion, but a new name is quickly making a case for the history books. Contestant Jamie Ding has now won 20 consecutive games, putting him in rare company. Along the way, he also tied Jennings’ record for the most correct responses in a single […]

A recap of Alexia Jayy’s ‘Voice’ win

Eventually, after many weeks of competition, Jayy made it to the finale and decided to perform “One and Only” by Adele, which judge John Legend said had everyone “weeping.” 

“We’re just proud of you, honestly,” Legend continued. “You’ve just been remarkable every single time and you’ve just been a blessing to all of us.”

After singing “One and Only,” Jayy was eventually named The Voice: Battle of Champions winner. She is the first Black woman to win the competition in its 15-year history. 

“You make people reflect on their own life. When you tap into that, you make the world feel a little bit more together and communal,” Levine told her. “That’s really, really, really special. I’ve never experienced the feeling we all just had together. Thank you for being the messenger, you’re unbelievable.”

Clarkson was also super excited for Jayy:  

“You’re like a vessel. Girl, that was so good, and you felt it … That was like a therapeutic release my heart needed, thank you. And, look, I love Adele, she’s one of my favorite singers, but damn. Just promise me this—never cover my songs.” 

Entertainment

$1 Million 'Wheel of Fortune' Win—'I Was Trying to Manifest This!'

After 43 years on the air, the beloved game show Wheel of Fortune has awarded its coveted $1 million prize for the fourth time ever. That, mixed with the contestant’s other earnings, made her the biggest winner in the show’s history. We take you inside the viral moment and introduce you to the lucky winner […]

What does ‘The Voice’ winner get? 

Now that Jayy has won The Voice: Battle of Champions, she will get a $100,000 cash prize and a recording contract with Universal Music Group. 

“I feel great. I’m excited,” Jayy told USA Today. “I’m still processing it all right now, so get back to me in 20 minutes.” 

Jayy, along with her coach Levine, will also get a trophy and, of course, bragging rights. 

“It’s been a while, so I almost forgot what it felt like to win The Voice. This is a beautiful reminder, and what better person to win it with than Alexia. She’s ridiculous, so insanely talented,” Levine told USA Today, “I’ve been around a long time, and as talented as you are, just the person that you are, that’s the best part.”

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While these traits were specifically crafted to create a character reflecting a realistic, non-stereotypical professional with autism, the actress shared that some of those traits come directly from her.

“I’m on the ADHD spectrum so I gave myself advice in the mirror,” Dearden shared of how she incorporated her own experience into the character.

Learn more about what neurodivergence is and how Dearden brought her own experience to the medical drama.

What is neurodivergence?

The definition for the term “describes people whose brains develop or work differently for some reason. This means the person has different strengths and struggles from people whose brains develop or work more typically.”

For someone who is neurodivergent, it is possible that they have another medical condition, but it is also possible there hasn’t been another diagnosis or identified condition. The term neurodivergent isn’t a medical term. Rather, it is a word that comes from the related “neurodiversity,” which was coined by Australian sociologist Judy Singer in 1988 to recognize that everyone’s brains develop uniquely.

There are several medical conditions that a neurodivergent person can have. However, since neurodivergent isn’t an actual medical term, many other conditions can fall under this umbrella as well. Some of the most well known conditions related to neurodivergence include Autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, Down syndrome and dyslexia, among others.

Entertainment

What Happened During 'The Pitt' Season 2's 10-Month Time Jump?

Ever since The Pitt premiered on HBO Max, fans have been locked in on the characters at the helm of the series. From the dedicated Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch to the no-nonsense nurse Dana Evans, the faces of the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center are what makes this show what it is, and their performances in […]

Taylor Dearden’s neurodivergent experience

As for the actress, Dearden has begun opening up about her own neurodivergent experience in correlation to her character on The Pitt. Dearden herself was diagnosed with ADHD as a child and is now portraying a character with a similar experience. The actress and showrunners wanted to bring awareness to this characteristic and portray neurodivergent individuals in a nonjudgemental and realistic way.

“Neurodivergence is continually being misunderstood and judged on the outside without ever showing anything on the inside,” Dearden shared in an interview. “It became such a routine type character. ‘Oh, there’s the neurodivergent one.’ They’re mainly there for the comedy of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time without really getting into why we say the wrong thing at the wrong time or how hard it is; how much we want to get along in neurotypical society.”

As for what it’s been like to participate in a fast-paced medical drama as a neurodivergent herself, Dearden says it’s not always so easy.

“It’s a very tough show for neurodivergents to be in,” Dearden shared. “It moves really fast. It’s really hard words. It’s actions we just learned. You have to put all of that together at the same time and as quickly as possible. And we go so quickly, we don’t have much time to take a second to review, to calm down. And so it’s definitely a challenge to shoot.”

How the character came together

Creating the character of Dr. Mel King was not just one writer’s doing. The show actually consulted a developmental and behavioral doctor regarding the character and how to make her more than just stereotypical.

“I suggested that it not be clear whether or not this character knew she was on the spectrum, but that some of these characteristics unfold subtly and naturally, as they do in real life,” Dr. Wendy Ross, a developmental and behavioral pediatrician and the director of the Jefferson Center for Autism & Neurodiversity in Philadelphia shared.

Later, Dearden spoke with the creator and producers about how she could see similarities between the character and herself, which is how she ended up sharing her experience and how Dr. Mel King came to be.

According to Ross, the writers “were very serious about not portraying a stereotypical situation.” Not only does the character of Mel have neurodivergent qualities but she also has a sister with autism, which Dearden believes impacts Mel’s behaviors and learning about her own neurodivergence.

“If you have a sibling who’s more severely on a spectrum, the parents often don’t even notice that their other child is,” Dearden said. “That’s kind of always how I saw it. With a lot of Mel, it’s just kind of unmasking and seeing what that looks like, and then also being like, ‘Wow, I’m kind of glad I mask sometimes.’”

Entertainment

Diana Ross’ Kids Are Thriving—Wait Till You See What Tracee’s Doing

From her trailblazing success with the Supremes in the ’60s to her many solo hits in the ’70s and ’80s, Diana Ross is one of the ultimate divas, and she remains fabulous as ever at 81. Over the course of an impressive six decades and counting in the spotlight, the singer has also found time […]

Get to know Sheryl Lee Ralph’s husbands 

Over the course of her career, Ralph has been married twice. First to Eric Maurice, then to Vincent Hughes. You can learn more about them below. 

Sheryl Lee Ralph’s first husband: Eric Maurice

From 1990 until 2001, Ralph was married to Eric. Details about their relationship do remain a mystery, but what we do know is that during that 11 year period they welcomed two children: Etienne Maurice and Ivy-Victoria Maurice. 

Following their divorce, Ralph and Eric continued to co-parent their kids, but there is little information on how that worked. 

Sheryl Lee Ralph’s current husband: Vincent Hughes

In the aftermath of her split from Eric, Ralph married Pennsylvania senator Vincent Hughes in July 2005. They currently live apart—he resides in Pennsylvania and she lives in Los Angeles—but according to Ralph, that hasn’t affected their relationship at all. 

“Every two weeks we see each other, and it has continued to work out well. When I go to see him, I love to see him. When it’s time to leave, ‘bye-bye. See you soon.’ I’m telling you, life is good,” the actress explained to People magazine in January 2025. “He has his own life. I have my own life. He has his own real career, I have my own real career. He has his light to stand in, I have my light to stand in. He is not looking at me thinking about status or this or that. He’s doing his thing. I get to do my thing, so it’s all good. It is all good.” 

Despite that, people are still worried that the separation isn’t great for their relationship. Ralph shut down those rumors, though, telling the outlet, “You fall in love with somebody and you realize he’s not leaving his career. He’s not leaving Philadelphia. I’m not leaving Hollywood.” 

Entertainment

Susan Sarandon's Son Is Going Viral: Meet Him and His Siblings

Susan Sarandon has long been known for her spellbinding screen presence and powerful performances in films like Bull Durham, Thelma & Louise, Dead Man Walking and Stepmom, and she and her partner and cinematic collaborator, Tim Robbins, were one of the A-list couples that defined ’90s Hollywood. Sarandon and Robbins’ two sons, Jack and Miles, […]

Get to know Sheryl Lee Ralph’s kids

As noted, Ralph has two kids—Etienne and Ivy-Victoria—which she shares with her ex-husband. 

Etienne was born in 1992, and currently works as the president and founder of the production company WalkGood Productions as well as his nonprofit WalkGood L.A. He’s married to a woman named Stephanie Wash, whom Ralph loves. 

“I am so blessed and happy to see my son find and marry such a smart and beautiful partner who has added so much to his life. It fills my heart with overwhelming joy and happiness,” Ralph told People. “It is as if all the love and good vibes in the world have come together in this spectacular moment, blessing their union with boundless hope and endless possibilities. And grandchildren, too!”

Ralph’s daughter, Ivy-Victoria, who goes by Ivy Coco, was born in 1995. She currently works in fashion, and has even styled her mother for a variety of events. 

“It started as something we were going to do just a few times,” the actress said, according to People. “But every time I had to hit the red carpet, she just kept getting better and better at it. So, now we work together.” 

Along with styling, Ivy Coco serves as the the creative director of her grandmother’s atelier, The House of Ivy, and the president for her brother’s organization WalkGood L.A. She is 31 years old and believed to be single. 

Ready for more? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.

Here, we answer those questions and dive into the true history behind The Forsytes TV series! From the rigid social hierarchies to the landmark legal battles of the era, keep scrolling to see how the real-life history of Victorian London shaped PBS’ new show—plus, learn more about the cast and how to watch!

Is ‘The Forsytes’ based on a book?

Yes! The Forsyte Saga is a three-book series by Nobel Prize–winning author John Galsworthy, published between 1906 and 1921. The saga follows the intertwined lives, fortunes and scandals of a wealthy English family across three generations.

Set against the shifting backdrop from the late Victorian era through the 1920s, the story centers on solicitor Soames Forsyte, whose rigid sense of ownership—over property, status and even love—clashes with a rapidly changing London. Galsworthy’s series follows the Forsyte family through the broader social transformations reshaping Britain at the turn of the century—most notably, the evolving role of women in both public and private life.

Entertainment

Apple TV’s ‘The Buccaneers’ Season 2: Everything We Know So Far

If you’re on the hunt for your next lavish historical drama to binge-watch, look no further than Apple TV+’s The Buccaneers. Based on Edith Wharton’s unfinished final novel of the same name, the series—set in the opulent 1870s Gilded Age—follows a group of wealthy young American heiresses as they scout husbands during London’s debutante season. […]

Is ‘The Forsytes’ based on a real family?

Not exactly. While the historical events that occurred in Galsworthy’s novels are based on real-life events and pivotal cultural moments during this period in London, the Forsyte family—and the entire cast of characters—is fictional. But it’s likely there were many families during this time just like the Forsytes. 

The PBS series is described as a reimagining of Galsworthy’s books and one major book-to-screen difference is the time period. The TV series steps away from the book’s male-centric 1920s point-of-view into a more female-centric 1800s-set view. 

This key time period change gives the female characters more agency throughout the show. “We were clear from the word go that we weren’t going to do a straight adaptation of these male-centric novels,” Horsfield told RadioTimes. “What we wanted to do was redress the balance by fleshing out the women—but not at the expense of the men.”

Entertainment

'Poldark' Team Bringing New Victorian Drama to PBS! Watch the Trailer

Calling all Poldark fans! If you’ve been missing all the drama and angsty romance set amid the rugged cliffs of Cornwall, you’re in for a treat—your next book-to-screen period drama obsession is here. PBS Masterpiece’s newest series, The Forsytes, is a sweeping story set during the opulent, scandal-filled world of 1880s London. And the best […]

‘The Forsytes’: What’s fact, what’s fiction?

According to PBS’ official logline for The Forsytes, “the show chronicles the lives of four generations of an upper-class family of stockbrokers, against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving late-Victorian world.” On the show, the Forsytes are considered “new money.” They are only a few generations removed from being farmers, having recently built their fortune through smart investments, which allow them to live luxuriously, but without inherited land or titles.

Though the characters are fictional, the “nouveau rich” lifestyle was very real during this time period in London. These families stepping into new wealth created a major shift in British society. Suddenly, “old money” families had to compete for power and respect with newer wealthy families. But while the pretentious upper class usually looked down on factory owners, they were a bit more welcoming to wealthy bankers and brokers. Soon, families like the fictional Forsytes realized that if they mingled well and married well, they could potentially buy their way into high society just as easily as they built their bank accounts.

The other events in The Forsytes that were inspired by real events: women’s rights—or lack thereof. For most of the 1800s, getting married meant women legally “disappeared.” Husbands ran the household and legally owned everything the wife brought into the marriage. But early feminists fought to change this and in 1882 the Married Women’s Property Act was passed. This law finally gave wives the right to own and manage their own money.

In the series, Soames Forsyte captures the reality of marriage at this time by treating his wife, Irene, as a possession rather than a partner. His controlling behavior highlights the exact Victorian mindset that the 1882 Act fought to dismantle.

Entertainment

The Real People and Castle That Inspired ‘Downton Abbey’

With the upcoming release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale on September 12, many are reflecting on the years we’ve been lucky to spend with the Crawley family as they’ve navigated the different eras of their lives. With this final chapter in the film trilogy placing us smack dab in the 1930s, an entirely new […]

More ‘Poldark’ connections: From Demelza to Louisa!

There’s another exciting connection between The Forsytes and Poldark that PBS superfans are thrilled about: Eleanor Tomlinson! The 33-year-old British actress is beloved for playing the fan-favorite character Demelza on Poldark. 

In The Forsytes, Tomlinson stars as the mysterious Louisa Byrne, an independent former dressmaker—and former love of Jo Forsyte (played by Danny Griffin). Horsfield wanted an actress to bring strength, humor and vulnerability to Louisa—and she found that with Tomlinson.  “It’s very different to the character she played previously for me,” said Horsfield. “But I knew she’d be brilliant.”

How to watch ‘The Forsytes’ 

The Forsytes premiered on March 22, 2026. All six episodes are now streaming on the PBS app and PBS Masterpiece on Prime Video, with new episodes airing weekly on PBS Sundays at 9/8c. 

Now, you can catch the actress on beloved police procedural Boston Blue every Friday night at 10 PM, where she sticks to the rules but also engages in a bit of fun. Woman’s World had a chance to catch up with Lawson and talk about what it’s been like to join the Blue Bloods universe, her favorite things about Sarah and more!

Woman’s World: You have been in so many iconic shows over the years, but how did you feel joining Boston Blue and the already established Blue Bloods universe?

Maggie Lawson:  It’s such a good show. When I first read the script for Boston Blue, it really stood out. It felt like it was honoring those legacy themes of Blue Bloods, but at the same time, beautifully creating its own world and identity. Every day I’m, like, ‘Is this real?’ I’m pinching myself! To be a part of an extension of that Blue Bloods world is so special. It also nailed the heart of a procedural and a law enforcement show, but the layered family dynamics feel so authentic [that] people want to come have dinner with us every week. So I feel really honored being able to continue what Blue Bloods started, but also give it a new world and a new identity.

Entertainment

This 'Blue Bloods' Character Was Recast in 'Boston Blue'—Get to Know the Cast

Earlier in the year, it was announced that the Blue Bloods universe would be expanding, and with the original series concluding last December, fans have been long anticipating the next chapter of this story. Boston Blue, the exciting new spinoff executive produced by Brandon Sonnier, Brandon Margolis, Jerry Bruckheimer, KristieAnne Reed and Donnie Wahlberg, premiered […]

Woman’s World: Boston Blue really does achieve what it’s supposed to by honoring Blue Bloods. Sometimes  spinoffs don’t capture that same magic the original show had, but Boston Blue has 

Maggie Lawson: I sit at our dinner table sometimes and I look around and it does feel like a family dinner. Those are our favorite days because they are the days that we all get to be together as a cast. I always talk about these dinner scenes because I think they are the anchor of the show, but also because when you’re on a set, we’ll have a couple of minutes and we never leave the table. This whole crew is working around us and we sit because it’s our moment to all be together. This is where a lot of our behind the scenes stuff comes from, because that’s where we get to be with our family. 

Woman’s World:  Sarah is in her element as the superintendent, but she also has a fun side to her when she’s off duty. How did this role come your way? Did you always want to play Sarah or did you audition for any other characters?

Maggie Lawson: I didn’t audition for any other character. It’s so funny because when I read the script, I kind of thought it was a long shot but it was a dream role. It was funny, too, because when I was on Psych, I played a detective and I thought this would be the next level for Juliet [O’Hara]. 

But one of the things I loved about Sarah—well, I love many things—but you used the word fun, and I’m happy you did. I actually was with the writers for a little bit yesterday and we were talking about how I am playing a boss and she’s got to keep it together. She can’t show a lot of emotion a lot of the time, but she probably wants to. I think her way of expressing that is being either funny or goofy or fun or sarcastic, and it’s one of my favorite things about the character. Our showrunner said yesterday, “Yeah, Sarah is fun.” 

When I read the script, I thought I would be so lucky to get to be a part of this show and to play Sarah, almost to the point when you’re, like, ‘Don’t get too excited. Just lay down the audition. It’s any other audition. Let it go.’ But I couldn’t. I love it so much… I actually went back and I redid my audition  because I wanted every piece of it to be exactly right.

Woman’s World: Fans would love to see appearances by Blue Bloods characters and we’ve seen Erin and Maria and now Grandpa Reagan. If you could bring any of the Blue Bloods characters onto Boston Blue, who would you want to bring on?

Maggie Lawson: Oh, my goodness. I mean, I think we would all want to see Frank [Reagan] at some point, right? Like, come on. I also think the couple, Eddie and Jamie. Can I make them one character and just call them a couple?Yes, I think they would be really cool [to have on].

This episode is about what it means to be a mother, the lessons it teaches us, and how to choose joy even in the face of unimaginable grief. Vulnerable, strong, and hopeful – it’s a conversation you won’t forget. 

In Through Mom’s Eyes, Jones interviews the mothers of icons like Lady Gaga, Matthew McConaughey, the Jonas Brothers, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Venus and Serena Williams, Steph Curry, Thomas Rhett and dozens of extraordinary women, to create an insightful and beautiful reflection on motherhood and celebrate the love that shapes who we become.

What started as a recurring TODAY segment asking celebrities’ mothers how they raised confident, successful children evolved into a book with a deeply personal message.

“What emerged for me that I didn’t see coming were the whispers to my soul about the power of these women,” says Jones.

Watch What Matters With Liz Episode 8 here or listen on Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts. 

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'What Matters With Liz’ Episode 7: Jennifer Wallace on How to Matter

You know the feeling. A conversation where someone truly listens. A moment when your effort gets noticed. That quiet sense that you belong somewhere, to someone. Author Jennifer Wallace has a name for that feeling, and understanding it could reshape your closest relationships. On the latest episode of What Matters with Liz, host Liz Vaccariello […]

Watch Episode 9 right here! ‘What Matters with Sheinelle Jones: Motherhood, Grief & A Legacy of Love’

In this episode of ‘What Matters with Liz’ Sheinelle Jones shares:

• The powerful lessons she learned from celebrity moms
• The realities of motherhood—from raising infants to young adults
• The terrifying moment that forced her to slow down as a mother
• The one regret Lady Gaga’s mother holds
• The tough lesson Sonya Curry taught her son Steph Curry early on
• How the mother of Venus and Serena Williams empowered her daughters
• How “discipline wrapped in love” shapes a child
• Why self-preservation is essential to strong parenting
• How faith informs and strengthens mothers
• The untold stories of how her TODAY colleagues—Savannah Guthrie, Jenna Bush, Al Roker and Hoda Kotb—supported her through the loss of her husband, Uche Ojeh
• The one thing no one talks about when you lose a spouse
• How cancer changed her— and what she fears less now
• The surprising connection between Jones’ father and George W. Bush
• The moment she knew she was meant to be a network news anchor
• What success really means to her
• What Jones’ grandmother taught her — and how her legacy lives on in this book
• The deeply personal reason Through Mom’s Eyes matters and how she hopes to encourage mothers everywhere

Beauty

‘What Matters With Liz’ Episode 6: Laura Geller on Midlife Beauty (Excl)

“We’re in a cultural moment where aging is being rewritten—not as something to fight—but something to own.” Those are the words of celebrity makeup artist and entrepreneur Laura Geller. In this episode of What Matters with Liz, the founder of Laura Geller Beauty, a pioneer in age-inclusive makeup, sits down with host Liz Vaccariello to […]

Sheinelle Jones on making the most of every precious day

Throughout her conversations, Jones returned to a theme that anchors both her book and her outlook on life. It’s a message that will resonate deeply with any woman who has ever felt the tension between the life she planned and the life she’s actually living.

“We can’t curate a life—even my own,” says Jones. “What I am trying to figure out is how we can squeeze the most out of the life that we’re given and the days that we’re given. And how can we do the best we can to pour into those little beings that we love.”

Jones does not pretend to have all the answers. Instead, she offers something rarer: honesty about the questions.

What Matters With Liz airs every Wednesday on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts, with highlights and behind-the-scenes clips shared on Instagram and Facebook. 

Also, be sure to subscribe to the What Matters With Liz free newsletter from Woman’s World Editor-in-Chief Liz Vaccariello. Every week, you’ll get real talk about health, money and entertainment, plus uplifting stories, practical tips and exclusive updates on Vaccariello’s new video podcast.

Debuting in 1966 and celebrating its 60th anniversary alongside The Monkees, Batman and Star Trek, Dark Shadows began as a traditional, moody soap opera set in the haunted seaside town of Collinsport, Maine. There were hints of the supernatural early on—a ghost here, a mysterious presence there—but nothing that suggested it would redefine an entire genre.

That changed in April 1967 and the arrival of Barnabas Collins as played by Jonathan Frid. Dark Shadows didn’t just gain a breakout character, it triggered what author and horror historian Mark Dawidziak describes as a fundamental shift in horror storytelling. “The word that best describes the change is seismic,” Dawidziak says. “Not only the impact that the character had on the show, but the impact that the character had on pop culture and also all of horror storytelling going forward.”

It’s a bold claim—but one he backs up by pointing to something undeniable: before Barnabas Collins, vampires didn’t question what they were. After Barnabas, they couldn’t stop.

The accidental vampire

Part of what makes Barnabas Collins so important is that he was never meant to be important at all. When Frid was cast, the role came with a built-in expiration date in the sense that the vampire would arrive, menace the Collins family and then be destroyed.  “He had a 90-day contract,” explains Dawidziak. “He knew how long he was going to be on the show, and he knew how it was going to end—because it was all going to end with a big piece of lumber sticking out of his chest. They were going to kill him off.”

In other words, Barnabas was designed to be just another monster in what was hoped to be a long line stretching back to Dracula—a predator who existed to be defeated. But Frid approached the role differently. “Because Jonathan actually did the work of trying to find relatable ways to play the part—and did what an actor is supposed to do—the viewers picked up on it before the writers did,” states Dawidziak. “They started to find something in this character that was very human in the monster.”

What followed was something no one behind the scenes had anticipated: the audience didn’t want Barnabas Collins killed. “They started getting fan letters—and more fan letters—and suddenly he’s the most popular character on the show,” he continues. “And you can’t kill off the most popular character on the show. They weren’t intending to make him a reluctant vampire. They weren’t intending to give him a conscience. But once that happened, everything changed.”

Vampires before and after Barnabas Collins

To understand the impact of Barnabas Collins, you have to look at what came before him. For decades, the vampire had remained essentially unchanged. From the pages of Dracula to the performances of actors like Bela Lugosi and Christopher Lee, the character evolved stylistically—but not fundamentally. He was a predator, a threat and something to be destroyed.

“Barnabas comes out of the box in 1967—exactly 70 years after the publication of Dracula,” Dawidziak notes. “And in those 70 years, the vampire character does not really advance at all. The job description is still incredibly limited. He’s a predator. Christopher Lee is sort of the raw animal sexuality, John Carradine brings a kind of world-weariness and seduction, Lugosi humanizes the character more and more. But he’s still a predator. On Dark Shadows, once they give him the one thing a vampire has never had before—which is a conscience—everything changes.

“Vampires don’t question their nature,” he continues. “A predator doesn’t question what it is. But Barnabas starts asking, ‘Do I have to live like this? Can I change? Is it possible for me to reclaim my humanity? My soul?’’ No vampire had ever thought that way. And suddenly, he goes from being the monster to being the hero.”

It’s that transformation—from external threat to internal struggle—that would echo across decades of storytelling, reshaping the vampire into something far more complex than the creature Bram Stoker first unleashed.

1967—the right vampire at the right time

If Barnabas Collins had arrived at any other moment, his impact might not have been quite as profound. But he didn’t. “And why does it hit so hard?” Dawidziak asks rhetorically. “Because it’s 1967. Look at what’s going on—antiwar movement, women’s liberation, Black Power, gay liberation, a generation gap. The whole world is being turned upside down. And here comes Barnabas. He’s vampire liberation. He says, ‘I don’t have to live the way I’ve been living.”

That idea—that something as seemingly immutable as a vampire could change—resonated in ways that went far beyond daytime television. It also explains why Barnabas stood apart from every other character in Collinsport. “Look at the other supernatural characters,” Dawidziak says. “Nicholas Blair, Angelique—they don’t question their nature. They revel in it. They embrace it. Barnabas breaks the mold.”

And in breaking that mold, Dark Shadows did more than reinvent a single character—it created a trope that storytellers would return to again and again. There was simply no going back to the way things were. “It splits the vampire world forever,” suggests Dawidziak. “After this, it’s not like we ever lose the nasty vampire. You still have Nosferatu. You still have ’Salem’s Lot. You still have the predator. But you now have parallel tracks. You have the predator vampire, and you have the vampire who questions, who struggles and wants something more.”

Entertainment

‘Dark Shadows’ Remembered: 17 Surprising Facts About TV’s Only Horror Soap Opera

An exclusive look back at 'Dark Shadows,' the horror soap opera that featured the original sexy vampire, Jonathan Frid as Barnabas Collins.

And that second track—the one that begins with Barnabas—leads directly to some of the most influential vampire stories of the last half-century. “One of the people watching Dark Shadows—and a fan of Dark Shadows—is Anne Rice,” Dawidziak points out. “She’s going to take those questions and give them to her immortals, and they’re going to run in all sorts of directions with them.”

The result was Interview with the Vampire, which introduced readers to Lestat and Louis—vampires defined not by their hunger, but by their existential crises. And from there, the lineage becomes unmistakable. “Without Dark Shadows, no Anne Rice—certainly no Interview with the Vampire,” Dawidziak says. “There’s no Buffy, no Angel, no True Blood, no Twilight, no Vampire Diaries.”

That doesn’t mean every modern vampire story follows the same path, but it does mean they exist in a world that Barnabas helped reshape. It’s a world where the monster can also be the hero.

The continuing impact of ‘Dark Shadows’

Sixty years after its debut, Dark Shadows remains difficult—if not impossible—to replicate. Part of that is technical. The show was produced at a pace that would be unthinkable today, with actors memorizing massive amounts of dialogue overnight and performing it with minimal margin for error. “They were doing two and a half hours of television a week,” Dawidziak says. “Give them a break.”

But more than production schedules or even storytelling, it was about tone. “There was always a sense of playing to the balcony,” he explains. “One foot in television, one foot in theater. And the actors who thrived on that show knew how to do it.”

That theatricality—combined with the show’s willingness to take risks—gave Dark Shadows a feeling unlike anything else on television then or now. “You wouldn’t find that acting style in primetime,” he notes. “You wouldn’t find it in other soap operas. And when it left, nothing ever really took its place.”

Attempts to revive or reinvent the series have come and gone, from the 1991 revival to later reinterpretations. Some have found elements worth embracing, but none have fully captured what made the original so compelling. “It’s very much of its time,” Dawidziak says. “You can’t create something in your time without reflecting that time—and Dark Shadows absolutely reflects the ’60s.”

A proud mom of three, Hudson has often shared glimpses of life with her children, the youngest of whom is just 7 years old. Here’s a closer look at her three kids and the family she’s built.

Entertainment

Meet Leslie Mann & Judd Apatow's 2 Daughters—You Probably Recognize One!

Filmmaker Judd Apatow and actress Leslie Mann make quite the comedic duo. While Apatow is the man behind some of the funniest movies of the last decade such as The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005), This Is 40 (2012), The King of Staten Island (2020) and countless others, his wife has showed off her impeccable timing and […]

Get to know Kate Hudson’s kids

Hudson, 46, has three kids: Ryder Robinson, Bingham Bellamy and Rani Rose Fujikawa. You can learn more about them below. 

Ryder Russell Robinson

Kate Hudson welcomed her first child, Ryder Russell Robinson, on January 7, 2004, during her marriage to Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson. Now a recent high school graduate, Ryder appears to be carving out his own path—one that may keep him in the family business.

“Ryder—I mean, he’s clearly gonna probably follow in the footsteps of the family. And I would say he’s probably the funniest in our family,” she revealed on Late Night with Seth Meyers in 2022. “So, this is like every day for me. Nobody makes me laugh like Ryder, and he just constantly makes fun of me.” 

Flash forward to March 2024,when Hudson released a new song and music video called “Live Forever,” which she says is a tribute to her eldest son. 

“It’s about the absolutely consuming joy Ryder was for me from the moment he arrived,” the actress said in March 2024, per People magazine. “I was so young when Ryder was born, I look back and marvel; I was almost a kid, too, so we were able to fall in love while growing up at the same time. And when you listen to the song and watch, it sweeps you up like someone’s arms around you.” 

Bingham Hawn Bellamy

Bingham “Bing” Hawn Bellamy was born in July 2011. His father is Hudson’s ex-fiancé Matt Bellamy, and according to the actress his name was inspired by her parents—Bingham was Hawn’s maiden name and Bing was Russell’s dad. 

One thing that’s different from his family, though? Bingham’s interests! According to Hudson, he loves to trade stocks and read the news, which is a far cry from singing and acting. 

“He really is into the stock market and has been for years,” Hudson told People magazine in 2024. “He trades his own stocks. He reads the news about where things are. He knows the class of each stock and each bond and all this stuff. It’s crazy.” 

Currently, Hudson and Matt co-parent Bingham and have ever since they split in 2014. Matt has since welcomed two more children with his wife Elle Evans. 

“One thing that Matt said to me, which I loved, is, ‘I just want to make sure that Bing feels like he’s gaining something, not losing something,’” Hudson told Women’s Health in 2021. ““I think it’s even bonded us closer—me, Matt, Elle, Danny [Fujikawa, Hudson’s partner]—because we have to trust that we’re protecting each other.”

Entertainment

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Rani Rose Hudson Fujikawa

Hudson and her longterm partner Danny welcomed their daughter Rani (pronounced like Ronnie) Rose Hudson Fujikawa into the world back in October 2018. She was named after Danny’s father Ron, who died in 2012. 

“She’s [Rani] really special,” Hudson told Entertainment Tonight in 2021. “She’s just this loving, funny—she’s hilarious, oh my god—and she likes to be funny. You know, she’s goofy.”

“But as I was saying earlier, I think that when you get older and you’ve had kids… you kind of soak in those moments a little bit more… maybe a little more intensive,” she continued. “It’s those moments that I just cherish.” 

As for Rani’s hobbies, Hudson said she likes to help her mother out in the kitchen. 

“Rani loves food and I cook with her all the time. She’s my little helper,” Hudson told People in 2022. “She’s very precise in everything she does. I also have a theory that when you’re in the kitchen and you cook with your kids, that they really appreciate food in a different way.” 

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