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Lauren Chapin, actor known for 'Father Knows Best' and 'A Star Is Born,' dies at 80

Lauren Chapin, the former child actor best known for portraying Kathleen Anderson in the 1950s series "Father Knows Best," has died. She was 80.

LA Times "Father Knows Best" 1956

The actor's son, Matthew Chapin, announced onFacebookthat his mother succumbed to her "long hard fought battle" with cancer after five years. He did not disclose additional details about her death or her condition. He said in his post he is "at a complete loss for words right now."

"Please keep my sister and family in your thoughts and prayers as we go through this incredibly tough time," Matthew Chapin added.

Lauren Chapin, a Los Angeles native born on May 23, 1945, began her screen career in the 1950s with a minor role in 1954's "A Star Is Born" starring Judy Garland and James Mason, appearances in TV including the anthology series "Lux Video Theatre" and the family sitcom "Father Knows Best."

Read more:Eric Dane, Dr. McSteamy of 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'Euphoria' star, dies of ALS at 53

"Father Knows Best" aired from 1954 to 1960 — bouncing between networks CBS and NBC — and starred Robert Young as the patriarch of the middle-class Anderson family. Chapin's Kathleen, also "Kathy" and nicknamed "Kitten," was the youngest of Jim Anderson Sr. (Young) and Margaret Anderson's (Jane Wyatt) three children. Her screen siblings were played by Elinor Donahue and Billy Gray.

The Emmy-winning sitcom, which ran for more than 200 episodes over six seasons, comprised the bulk of Chapin's screen career. Chapin followed up her time on "Father Knows Best" with a single appearance on "General Electric Theater," and nearly two decades later a role in 1976's "The Amorous Adventures of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza" and two "Father Knows Best" reunion specials. In 1980, she appeared alongside Gary Coleman in the film "Scout's Honor."

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She would not return to the screen until the late 2010s, starring as an elderly school bus driver in the YouTube series "School Bus Diaries" from 2016 to 2017, according to IMDb.

Off-screen, Chapin was an evangelist who shared her faith through public speaking, ministry and outreach, according to herwebsite. She also concerned herself with various charitable efforts and work as a talent agent, channeling her experience to guide rising stars, including a young Jennifer Love Hewitt. Chapin's website notes her accolades, including five Junior Emmy awards for child actress and "Honorable Mayor" titles from Oklahoma, Texas and Florida for her charity work.

Read more:Tom Noonan, 'Manhunter' character actor who also wrote and directed films, dies at 74

In 1989, she penned "Father Knows Best: The Lauren Chapin Story," which chronicled her time on the beloved sitcom but also illuminated the emotional and sexual abuse she allegedly endured from several family members off-screen. The memoir also concerned itself with Chapin's post-"Father Know Best" life, including struggles with drug addiction, suicide attempts, troubled marriages and legal trouble.

"Lauren Chapin's story reminds us that while fame may introduce a person to the world, it is perseverance, honesty, and compassion that define a life well lived," says the description on Chapin's website.

She is survived by her son, her daughter Summer and her brother Michael Chapin, according to theHollywood Reporter.

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This story originally appeared inLos Angeles Times.

Lauren Chapin, actor known for 'Father Knows Best' and 'A Star Is Born,' dies at 80

Lauren Chapin, the former child actor best known for portraying Kathleen Anderson in the 1950s series "Father Knows...
Luke Combs' brutal response to 'liberal' labels: 'Why do we all care?'

Country superstar Luke Combs is pushing back on labels from both sides of thepolitical aisle, saying rejecting racism shouldn't automatically brand someone as "liberal."

Fox News

In a wide-ranging conversation touching on culture, politics and the evolution of country music, Combs addressed criticism he faced in recent years — particularly after speaking out during the height of the Black Lives Matter movement and apologizing for past use of Confederate flag imagery.

During the New York Times'"Popcast,"Combs was asked if he regrets how he handled that criticism, particularly now that culture and country music specifically have shifted away from those kinds of call-outs.

How Luke Combs Skyrocketed To Fame: The Country Music Star's Road To Sold-out Shows And Chart-topping Songs

Luke Combs performing onstage at Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Chicago, on July 31, 2025.

He said that he doesn't regret it.

"It's funny. There's always something in my video. It's like, 'Well I can't believe you'd like Luke Combs, he's a liberal' or whatever it is. … One, I've never said what I am. That's the thing that blows me away the most about it is, like, basically seven or whatever years ago, five, six years ago now, me saying that I was not a racist was then people saying, 'Well then you must be a liberal' … I'm not sure those things really [equate].

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Country Singer Zach Bryan Releases Statement On Controversial Song, Insisting 'I Love This Country'

"I've been accused of a million things, man. Like, I would consider myself heavily moderate in everything. … That's to the point where like I'm not liberal enough for liberals, and I'm not conservative enough for conservatives, right? And I kind of like it that way.

"Also I kind of like people not really (knowing) what I have going on politically. Like, why do we all care what everybody else is? … I have friends that are liberal. I have tons of friends that are conservative. You know, I have friends all across the board."

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Luke Combs performing at CMA Fest 2023

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The host asked, "You're in an interesting industry. The reason I'm framing it this way is, like, you're in one of the only mainstream American industries where the norm is to not say 'I'm not a racist' … and especially now, like you couldbe canceled from the right."

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"Oh, certainly you could be for sure. For sure. And I mean, listen, there was a time when people were trying to actively cancel me for basically saying like, 'Hey, man. Well, this guy's, you know, he's a liberal or whatever.' … I never said that. Never said I was liberal. … How is it hard to say you're not like a racist? That's all I'm saying."

Nicole and Luke Combs

Combs released his first EP, "The Way She Rides," in 2014, which was years prior to the release of hisdebut album, "This One's for You,"in 2017. Combs' popular song "Hurricane" was featured on this album, as well as "When It Rains It Pours."

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Many viral Combs moments have come from his cover of Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car." After performing "Fast Car" at many of his shows, the singer released the cover in 2023. His cover of the '80s song rose to the top of music charts.

Aside from his chart-topping music, Combs is married to Nicole Hocking. The two tied the knot in August 2020in Floridabefore welcoming their three sons, Tex Lawrence Combs, Beau Lee Combs and Chet Wiley Combs.

Fox News Digital's Ashlyn Messier contributed to this report.

Original article source:Luke Combs' brutal response to 'liberal' labels: 'Why do we all care?'

Luke Combs’ brutal response to ‘liberal’ labels: ‘Why do we all care?’

Country superstar Luke Combs is pushing back on labels from both sides of thepolitical aisle, saying rejecting racism sh...
Singer D4vd under grand jury investigation into teen's death, L.A. court documents say

Singer D4vd is the target of a Los Angeles grand jury investigation into the death of a teenage girl whosedismembered remains were found last year in the trunk of his car, according to court filings.

NBC Universal D4vd. (Josh Brasted / FilmMagic via Getty Images file)

The filings state a grand jury investigation is currently pending in Los Angeles County involving allegations that D4vd, whose real name isDavid Anthony Burke, "may be involved in the death of a 14-year-old victim" identified as Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who was reported missing from Lake Elsinore, California, in 2024.

The filings state that Hernandez "may have been the victim of foul play."

A Los Angeles Police Department source with direct knowledge of the investigation previously said that thesinger was a suspectin Hernandez's death. He has not been arrested or charged with any crime.

Both of the singer's parents, Colleen and Dawud Burke, were ordered to appear before a Los Angeles grand jury scheduled for Feb. 11, according to court documents. They live in Texas.

His father was asked to appear as a witness in the investigation, the documents state.

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Hernandez's remains were found Sept. 8inside the front trunk of the singer's Tesla at a Hollywood tow lot. The manager called officers to report a "strong smell of decay" coming from the vehicle and the presence of flies, the court documents state.

"Detectives approached the vehicle which was parked on the upper deck of the impound lot and immediately noticed a smell of decaying biological material consistent with a decomposing corpse coming from the front storage compartment of the vehicle," the documents say.

Inside the trunk was a black cadaver bag covered with insects. Officers unzipped the bag and found a decomposed head and torso, according to the documents. A second black bag was also in the trunk, containing additional dismembered body parts.

The car was taken to the tow lot after it was left abandoned on a Los Angeles street. A citizen reported the abandoned vehicle in August.

The documents state that the Department of Transportation marked the vehicle and issued a citation before impounding it. D4vd was on tour at the time the car was impounded, the court documents state.

Following news of Hernandez's death, hecanceled the rest of his U.S. tour.

D4vd's lawyers have not responded to multiple requests for comment. In September, his spokesperson said he was "fully cooperating with authorities." A police source toldNBC Los Angelesthat the singer has not been cooperative.

Singer D4vd under grand jury investigation into teen's death, L.A. court documents say

Singer D4vd is the target of a Los Angeles grand jury investigation into the death of a teenage girl whosedismembered re...
Who Is

Jeff Probst, the longtime host of Survivor, is married to Lisa Ann Russell

People Jeff Probst and Lisa Ann Russell at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards on January 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.Credit: Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty

NEED TO KNOW

  • He and Russell, a former model, married on Dec. 5, 2011

  • Probst is a stepdad to Russell's two children, who she welcomed with her ex-husband, Mark-Paul Gosselaar

Jeff Probsthas served as the host ofSurvivorfor the past 25 years, and just as the contestants and crew members on the show have formed families of their own over the years, Probst has his own to go home to, too.

Probst and his wife, Lisa Ann Russell, met when they were guests at a mutual friend's Christmas party, and the couple got together shortly after. In December 2011, they made it official with an intimate backyard wedding.

Over a decade later, the couple parent Russell's two children — Michael and Ava — from her first marriage toSaved by the BellactorMark-Paul Gosselaar.

In a2012 interviewwith hostLarry King, Probst shared his gratitude for Russell. When asked about married life, he said it was "awesome because I married the right person."

Family has remained a priority for Probst, who changed the family visiting policy for the show's crew when he took over as executive producer.

"As people started having kids, they're not going to want to leave them. I know becauseI deal with it," he told PEOPLE ahead ofSurvivor's season 50 premiere in February 2026.

So who is Jeff Probst's wife? Here's everything to know about Lisa Ann Russell and her relationship with the TV personality.

She was previously married to Mark-Paul Gosselaar

Mark-Paul Gosselaar and ex-wife Lisa Ann Russell at the Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, California.Credit: Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

Russell got her start in the entertainment industry as a model for Revlon before pivoting to acting in 1992. The following year, she landed a minor role inSaved By The Bell: The College Years, where she met Gosselaar, who playedZack Morrison the original sitcom and its sequel.

Russell and Gosselaar started dating and got married in August 1996. They share two children: Michael, born in 2004, and Ava, welcomed in 2006.

The pair announced their separation in June 2010 after nearly 14 years of marriage, and the former spouses share joint custody of their kids.

"​​They both remain focused on their family and are jointly committed to their children," a rep for Gosselaar told PEOPLE at the time.

They met at a Christmas party

Jeff Probst and his wife Lisa Ann Russell at Malaria No More's

In his 2012 interview onLarry King Now, Probst revealed that he met Russell at the annual Christmas party of his friend, creator and producer ofSurvivor,Mark Burnett.

Noting that Burnett is "eclectic and hangs in weird circles" because of his variety of work, Probst discussed how "crazy" this Christmas party was.

"You haveGary Buseydoing pressure points on your arm," he said, describing the scene. "Meanwhile, there'sBarbra Streisandtalking toParis Hiltonon the other couch."

Other attendees includedArsenio HallandDavid Foster, but Probst noticed Russell in the crowd, who was with two of her friends witnessing "the spectacle."

Probst and Russell wed in 2011

Jeff Probst and his wife Lisa Ann Russell at the 2011 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards in September 2011 in Los Angeles, California.Credit: Tommaso Boddi/WireImage

After meeting at Burnett's Christmas party, Probst and Russell started dating. The couplemade their first public outingin August 2010 at the 62nd Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards.

The award-winning host and former model married on Dec. 5, 2011, in a private ceremony held in Probst's backyard in L.A.

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Before marrying Russell, Probst previously wed therapist Shelly Wright from 1996 to 2001, and he also dated formerSurvivorcontestantJulie Berryfrom 2004 to 2008.

She's a mom of two children

Jeff Probst and his wife, Lisa Ann Russell, with her children, Michael and Ava, in March 2011 in Los Angeles, California.Credit: David Livingston/Getty

Russell and her ex-husband Gosselaar have two kids together, Michael and Ava.

"I always thought I would have this family and this great family unit, because that's what I came from," Probst told King in 2012. "And then, one day, I met this woman, and it happened. And she had two kids."

Probst also spoke kindly about Russell's previous marriage and Gosselaar.

"They raised these kids with the kind of love that they just see ... us as two more parents," Probst added, speaking of himself and Gosselaar's second wife, Catriona McGinn, whom he married in 2012.

Probst revealed that Michael and Ava call him dad now, but before he and Russell married, they played with different names to call him, like "Jeff Dad 2" or "D2." On their wedding day, though, Russell's son called Probst "dad," and it was a special moment.

She vacations in Hawaii with her family often

Jeff Probst and his wife Lisa Ann Russell arrive at the premiere of 'The Wrong Side of Right' in July 2015 in Hollywood, California.Credit: Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic

During the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in 2020, Probst, Russell and their children quarantined in Hawaii, where they were originally on vacation.

He explained that it's their family's go-to spring break trip in March when the kids are off from school and before he goes to Fiji to shootSurvivor. After the CBS reality competition series was canceled for the season, the family decided to stay longer.

"What we thought was gonna be ... let's just stay another couple days, turned into three and a half months," Probst said on theReview Revuepodcastin September 2020. "It was ... probably the best three and a half months of my last 20 years."

Probst, Russell and their kids weren't alone: two family friends were there with their kids, and they all quarantined together.

"We only saw each other, we had dinners every night, we played tennis in the morning," he continued. "It was like life had stopped and nothing was happening and then I would call back to L.A. to my friends and they would say, 'Could you please stop sending photos? It's not like that here.' "

She and Probst share a love for reality TV

Jeff Probst and his wife Lisa Ann Russell at the premiere of 'Ben-Hur' in August 2016 in Hollywood, California.Credit: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Probst's long career as the host ofSurvivordemonstrates his love of reality TV, but Russell is also a fan. On theReview Revuepodcast, Probst revealed that he and Russell enjoy watching shows like HGTV'sHouse Hunter, joking about how couples on the shows have unrealistic expectations.

From 2012 to 2013, Probst hosted his own talk show,The Jeff Probst Show. The hour-long episodes saw him in conversation with celebrity guests, including the likes ofTia Mowry,Hugh JackmanandJenna Fischer, among others. Russell helped facilitate some of these guests as a credited talent coordinator on the show.

She also appeared as a co-host on a taping ofThe Jeff Probst Showand she shared a story about celebrating a close friend's 40th birthday with a group pole dancing lesson, even showing what she learned.

While Russell has yet to appear onSurvivoralongside her husband, Probst has an answer for what he would do if they were on the show together. WhenSurvivor: Blood vs. Water,which featured married couples, was airing in 2013,Entertainment Weeklyasked Probst what he would do if he and Russell were in the final four.

"We would both be assessing every scenario and we would, I think, probably come to an agreement that either given the jury you will be better at swaying them, or I will be," he said.

It seems the couple also keeps their relationship alive with a little healthy competition. When asked if he would vote Russell out, Probst said, "It depends on the situation, but absolutely."

Read the original article onPeople

Who Is “Survivor” Host Jeff Probst's Wife? All About Former Model Lisa Ann Russell

Jeff Probst, the longtime host of Survivor , is married to Lisa Ann Russell NEED TO KNOW He and Russell, a f...
'Melania' movie producer reveals artists who refused to have music featured

The producerof "Melania,"thecontroversial documentarychronicling the first lady's life in the lead-up to the 2025 inauguration, is pulling the curtain back onits buzzy soundtrack.

USA TODAY

Marc Beckman, anadvisor to Melania Trumpand a key figurein the film'sproduction,told Variety in a new interviewthat certain artists declined to have their songs featured.

"There was music that we tried to get, but sadly, there were politics to it," Beckman said in the interview published Monday. "For example, the guys from Guns N' Roses split down the middle politically. There was a beautiful song we wanted to use, and one of the guys – I don't want to name, it's not fair – said, 'You got it. Go.' And the other one was basically like, 'There's just no way.'"

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Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere

First lady Melania Trump took a rare step into the spotlight at the premiere ofher "Melania" documentaryon Jan. 29, 2026. See her red carpet look.

'Melania' movie features Rolling Stones,Michael Jackson, Elvis songs

The movie,whichexceeded expectationsat the box officebut drew criticism from someover potential conflicts of interest, still included highly recognizable tunes. Released theatrically on Jan. 30, "Melania" included tracks like "Gimme Shelter," "Billie Jean" andAretha Franklin's rendition of "Amazing Grace."

Beckman revealed, however, that certain songs did not make it off the wish list.

"There was a song that we wanted to use from Grace Jones; obviously, also a tremendous amount of respect for her," he told Variety. "She apparently couldn't get over the political hurdle, notwithstanding the fact that the film is not a political film. So that was disappointing, too. It's disappointing when people put politics so far ahead, and that happened a little bit with the film, for sure."

<p style=First lady Melania Trump appears during her NYSE Opening Bell ceremony to celebrate the upcoming documentary film "Melania" at New York Stock Exchange on January 28, 2026 in New York City. Trump is giving the public a look into her life in the weeks before President Donald Trump's 2025 inauguration with her highly anticipated documentary.

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First lady Melania Trump rings NYSE bell, promotes new documentary

First lady Melania Trumpappears during her NYSE Opening Bell ceremony to celebrate the upcoming documentary film "Melania" at New York Stock Exchange on January 28, 2026 in New York City.Trumpis giving the public a look into her life in the weeks beforePresident Donald Trump's2025 inauguration with herhighly anticipated documentary.

Brett Ratner'sMelania Trumpmoviehas an emotional disconnect – Review

Prince's music was also ultimately pulled, after his estate voiced concern over being associated with PresidentDonald Trump.

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"We were ready to go, and this lawyer that manages the estate was like, 'Prince would never want his song associated with Donald Trump,'" Beckman said. "And we're like, 'But it's not a Donald Trump film! He comes into the movie once in a while, but this is all about Melania. It's not political.' And that guy blocked it. It's so ridiculous."

USA TODAY has reached out to reps for Prince's estate, Grace Jones and Guns N' Roses for comment.

<p style=The new "Melania" documentary had a splashy premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. See which celebrities and political figures walked the red carpet, starting with President Donald Trump first lady Melania Trump.

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" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Linda McMahon <p style=Kathryn Burgum and Doug Burgum

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" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Doug Collins and Lisa Collins

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" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Lori Chavez-DeRemer Steve Witkoff Tham Kannalikham Scott Turner Alina Habba <p style=Brett Ratner (left) and Marc Beckman

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Brett Ratner

Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere

Thenew "Melania" documentaryhad a splashy premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. See which celebrities and political figures walked the red carpet, starting with President Donald Trumpfirst lady Melania Trump.

The producer also used the interview to respond to statements from Radiohead's Jonny Greenwoodand director Paul Thomas Anderson, who chided themakers of "Melania"for employing a soundtrack cue from their 2017 movie "Phantom Thread."

"It's funny – Radiohead is one of my all-time favorite bands. For them to have come out publicly and distanced themselves, I think that's just part of the unfortunate time we're living in," Beckman told Variety. "We went out and created a nice film that doesn't get into any kind of political policy or anything like that. The music at that moment is so perfect, honestly, I was so thrilled to be able to use it."

What the 'Melania' movie reveals(and what it leaves out)

Beckman's comments illustrate the sticky science of soundtrackinga movieamid a contentious relationship with the music industry. Though the president has celebrity supporters such asGeorge Strait,Nicki MinajandKid Rock, as well as tacit endorsements fromSnoop Dogg,Carrie UnderwoodandNelly– who all performed at various inauguration events – he has also been plagued byrocky relations with musiciansthroughout his time in office.

Over the years, A-list musicians including The Rolling Stones,Sabrina Carpenter,Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna andCéline Dionhave decried his administration's use of their music in everything frompromotional videos for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcementtocampaign rallies.

Ultimately, "Melania"blended an original score with a patchwork of licensing.

See the full 'Melania' movie soundtrack

  • Rolling Stones: "Gimme Shelter"

  • Michael Jackson: "Billie Jean"

  • Sylvie Vartan: "La Maritza"

  • Aretha Franklin: Amazing Grace

  • Tears for Fears: "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" (Instrumental)

  • Giorgio Moroder: "Chase"

  • Jonny Greenwood: "Barbara Rose"

  • James Brown: "It's A Man's Man's Man's World"

  • Elvis Presley: "An American Trilogy"

  • Village People: "Y.M.C.A."

  • The Crystals: "Then He Kissed Me"

  • Jeff Danna: "What I'll Do"

  • Boney M.: "Sunny"

Contributing: Taijuan Moorman, Patrick Ryan, Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:'Melania' movie music – Producer reveals which artists declined

'Melania' movie producer reveals artists who refused to have music featured

The producerof "Melania,"thecontroversial documentarychronicling the first lady's life in the lead-up to t...

 

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