Matthew Perry died from acute effects of ketamine, other contributing factors: Autopsy

Matthew Perry died from acute effects of ketamine, other contributing factors: Autopsy
Matthew Perry died from acute effects of ketamine, other contributing factors: Autopsy
Santiago Felipe/Getty Images, FILE

Matthew Perry died from the acute effects of ketamine, according to the autopsy report released Friday by the Los Angeles County coroner.

The Friends actor died on October 28. He was 54 years old.

The autopsy listed drowning, coronary artery disease and buprenorphine effects as contributing factors not related to the immediate cause of death. The manner of death was ruled an accident.

In a statement the day after responding to his home, the Los Angeles Police Department said Perry “was discovered by a witness unresponsive in his jacuzzi.”

“The Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the scene and pronounced Perry deceased,” police said.

There were no signs of foul play at the scene, according to law enforcement sources. The Los Angeles County medical examiner positively identified the body as Perry.

Perry was on ketamine infusion therapy, with the most recent therapy 1 1/2 weeks before his death, according to the autopsy report.

He had high levels of ketamine in his blood, and likely lapsed into unconsciousness and then went under the water, the autopsy report said.

He was reported to have been receiving ketamine infusions for depression and anxiety, according to the report, but the medical examiner writes the ketamine in his system at death could not have been from that infusion therapy because ketamine’s half life is three to four hours or less. His method of intake is listed as unknown.

Prescription drugs and loose pills were found at his home, but nothing close to the pool where he was found dead, the report said.

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Dominic West says Prince Harry’s ‘Spare’ influenced season 6 of ‘The Crown’

Dominic West says Prince Harry’s ‘Spare’ influenced season 6 of ‘The Crown’
Dominic West says Prince Harry’s ‘Spare’ influenced season 6 of ‘The Crown’
Netflix

Dominic West says he took inspiration from Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare, for his performance in season 6 of The Crown.

In Spare, Prince Harry recounts the morning that his father, King Charles III, woke him up to tell him that his mother, Princess Diana, had died.

“Pa didn’t hug me,” Harry writes. “He wasn’t great at showing emotions under normal circumstances. But his hand did fall once more on my knee and he said, ‘It’s going to be okay.’”

West told Variety he considers Spare to be a “gift.”

“I bought it immediately, and I think it did slightly affect the way we played that key scene where he wakes Harry up,” West said.

West also said he tried for a more passionate version of the then-Prince Charles for the final season of the series, saying he felt it was truer to the character.

“I thought that was a more honest portrayal of him,” West said. “We had a very interesting discussion with someone who had witnessed him with his sons, and she did slightly put him right. She said, ‘What I saw was a closeness.’ And then, of course, Harry’s book comes out and we didn’t know what to think!”

All six seasons of The Crown are available to stream on Netflix.

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Official trailer for Ava DuVernay’s latest film, ‘Origin,’ is here

Official trailer for Ava DuVernay’s latest film, ‘Origin,’ is here
Official trailer for Ava DuVernay’s latest film, ‘Origin,’ is here
Neon

The official trailer for Ava DuVernay’s latest film, Originhas arrived.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor stars as author and Pulitzer Prize winner Isabel Wilkerson in a story about her investigation into the global phenomenon of caste. Along the way, Wilkerson experiences love, loss and the beauty of human resilience.

DuVernay wrote and directed the film, which is being distributed by Neon. It is inspired by The New York Times bestseller Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, written by Wilkerson.

“You don’t escape trauma by ignoring it,” Ellis-Taylor says in the trailer. “You escape trauma by confronting it.”

The film features an all-star supporting cast, including Jon BernthalNiecy Nash-BettsVictoria PedrettiJasmine Cephas JonesAudra McDonald and Nick Offerman.

Origin arrives in theaters January 19.

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Is ‘Die Hard’ a Christmas movie? Most Americans say no

Is ‘Die Hard’ a Christmas movie? Most Americans say no
Is ‘Die Hard’ a Christmas movie? Most Americans say no
20th Century Fox/Getty Images

With the holiday season comes the onslaught of Christmas movies. While some classics are indisputably Christmas flicks, like ElfA Christmas Story and Miracle on 34th Street, others, like Die HardLove Actually and more, are subject for debate.

A new YouGov poll reveals how folks really feel about some of those borderline Christmas movies, and the results may surprise you. 

When it comes to Die Hard, only 39% of Americans consider the Bruce Willis action flick a Christmas movie, with 50% saying it absolutely isn’t. That opinion does vary by age, though. Most adults 45 and older, who were in their teens or older when the film came out in 1988, do not believe it’s a Christmas film. In fact, 51% of those 45-64 and 70% of those 65 and over say it’s not, while only 32% of those 18-29 and 36% of those 30-44 agree.

As for America’s thoughts on other questionable holiday films, 50% would categorize the romantic comedy Love Actually as a Christmas movie, while 43% say the same about the Ryan Reynolds flick Just Friends. Interestingly, 79% actually think Tim Burton’s spooky The Nightmare Before Christmas is a holiday film.

So, what actually makes a film a Christmas movie? Well, for 89% of people, the flick must take place during the Christmas season, while 72% say it needs a heartwarming feel and another 72% want a Christmas music soundtrack. But apparently, it doesn’t necessarily need Santa, with only 42% saying Santa Claus must be in the flick for it to be a Christmas movie.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Iconic props from ‘ET: The Extra Terrestrial’ and the ‘Harry Potter’ films auctioned off

Iconic props from ‘ET: The Extra Terrestrial’ and the ‘Harry Potter’ films auctioned off
Iconic props from ‘ET: The Extra Terrestrial’ and the ‘Harry Potter’ films auctioned off
Universal/Getty Images

Ever wanted to own a piece of film history? Those who bid during the first evening of the Hollywood Legends’ four-day event presented by Julien’s Auctions and Turner Classic Movies can definitely relate.

The inaugural sale, aptly called Robots, Wizards, Heroes & Aliens: Contemporary Hollywood Auction, Part I, offered props, costumes and memorabilia from some of cinema’s most popular science fiction, fantasy and action franchises on Thursday.

Over $3 million worth of artifacts were sold, but it was a special effects head from E.T. The Extra Terrestrial that took the top spot — it sold for $635,000.

Other notable items sold in the auction include prop wands from the Harry Potter film franchise (would you believe it was Ron Weasley’s that made the most money, selling for 15 times the estimate and thousands more than Harry, Hermione and Voldemort’s wands), Harrison Ford’s rope bridge machete from Indiana Jones and the Temple of DoomChris Evans’ Captain America shield from Captain America: The First Avenger and Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man helmet from Captain America: Civil War.

Part II of the Robots, Wizards, Heroes & Aliens: Contemporary Hollywood Auction will be held Friday night. On Saturday, Julien’s Auctions and Turner Classic Movies will host The Big Lebowski: The Complete Storyboards Auction, before hosting Glamour, Grace & Greatness: Classic Hollywood Auction on Sunday

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

In birthday post, Jamie Foxx says he “needed every prayer” during health scare

In birthday post, Jamie Foxx says he “needed every prayer” during health scare
In birthday post, Jamie Foxx says he “needed every prayer” during health scare
CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images

Jamie Foxx reflected on his recent health scare in a heartfelt post he shared for his 56th birthday.

The Oscar-winning actor took to Instagram on Dec. 13 to note that “this birthday is a special one” and to thank his fans for all their support through his health struggles while sharing a carousel of selfies.

“I wanna start by saying thank you to everyone that prayed for me when I was in a bad way… here lately I’ve been able to thank some of you personally but I want to say to all of you. I NEEDED EVERY PRAYER… you lifted me through… I was able to make it to today because of your prayers…” he wrote.

Foxx continued, “I consider all of you my family… and thank you to my immediate family, and everybody who chipped in to make sure that I could celebrate on this day… I’m sending our complete joy to everybody… Cause if it’s my birthday it’s your birthday….”

The “Blame It” singer was hospitalized in April and has yet to disclose the exact medical condition he faced.

At the time, his daughter Corinne Foxx said he had “experienced a medical complication” on the set of his forthcoming film Back in Action, which was filming in Atlanta, and had been rushed to the hospital.

Foxx recently delivered an emotional speech in his first public appearance since his health scare, saying that six months ago he “couldn’t actually walk.”

“I wouldn’t wish what I went through on my worst enemy, ’cause it’s tough, when you almost — when it’s almost over,” he said. “When you see the tunnel. I saw the tunnel, I didn’t see no light. It was hot in that tunnel.”

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Reality Roundup: New trailers for ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ ‘Vanderpump’ and more

Reality Roundup: New trailers for ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ ‘Vanderpump’ and more
Reality Roundup: New trailers for ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ ‘Vanderpump’ and more

Have no fear, your reality roundup is here! Here’s a look at what’s happened in the world of reality television this week:

RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV)
The new trailer for season 16 of RuPaul’s Drag Race has been released. The trailer teases some new twists to the competition, including the chance for immunity from elimination and an opportunity for the queens to judge each other. We also get a glimpse of two of the guest judges this season – Charlize Theron and Sarah Michelle Gellar. And that’s the tea!

Vanderpump Rules (Bravo)
The Scandoval is far from over in the new trailer for Vanderpump Rules’ season 11. In the trailer released earlier this week, we see Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix still dealing with the fallout from Tom’s cheating scandal with Rachel Leviss. When the new season picks up, the exes are still living in the same house. Awkward. Season 11 premieres Tuesday, January 30, at 8 p.m. ET.

The Traitors (Peacock)
The trailer for season 2 of the Alan Cumming-hosted reality competition series has been released. The 21 contestants are comprised of fan-favorite reality stars, including Love Island USA‘s Carsten “Bergie” Bergersen, The Challenge‘s Chris “C.T.” Tamburello, Real Housewives of Miami‘s Larsa Pippen and her boyfriend, basketball player Marcus Jordan, Dancing with the StarsMaksim Chmerkovskiy, Shahs of Sunset‘s Mercedes “MJ” Javid and Real Housewives of Atlanta‘s Phaedra Parks. The first three episodes will be available to stream Friday, January 12, and weekly on Thursdays at 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET after that.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Erika Alexander hopes ‘American Fiction’ prompts “brave” conversation about race in America

Erika Alexander hopes ‘American Fiction’ prompts “brave” conversation about race in America
Erika Alexander hopes ‘American Fiction’ prompts “brave” conversation about race in America
Claire Folger

The new film American Fiction satirically explores conversations about race being had in the U.S. today.

Jeffrey Wright plays an author tired of having his work ignored, so as a joke he writes a novel that he finds offensive in the way it deals with Black stereotypes — a novel that becomes a major hit, but not in the ironic way he had intended.

Erika Alexander plays Wright’s love interest in the film, and she tells ABC Audio race is a topic everyone should explore.

“This is an American conversation,” she says. “It’s not about Black people. It’s about how we see each other, identity, the things that we do that could help us to be successful, may take a piece or part of you away that you need. And it’s good to have these conversations because we’ve all done it.”

Alexander suggests that although African Americans “stick out,” other cultures have been stereotyped. 

“These same conversations happened between the Irish and the Italians who are grouped to be white people,” she says. “But before that, weren’t considered to be able to go into those same rooms.”

As for her wishes for the film: “I’m hoping that it not only changes, but I hope it gives everybody a chance to be brave and go at some of these conversations.” 

American Fiction premieres in select theaters Friday, December 15.  

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

In Brief: Pete Davidson and Eddie Murphy picked up for ‘The Pickup’, and more

In Brief: Pete Davidson and Eddie Murphy picked up for ‘The Pickup’, and more
In Brief: Pete Davidson and Eddie Murphy picked up for ‘The Pickup’, and more

Pete Davidson will join his fellow Saturday Night Live alum Eddie Murphy in The Pickup from Amazon and MGM, according to Deadline. The studios are short on details about the film, except that it’s a heist comedy. Davidson was a cast member on NBC’s SNL from 2014-22, while Murphy appeared on the show from 1980-84…

George Clooney and Adam Sandler will join forces for a new as yet untitled Netflix film, co-written and directed by Barbie co-writer Noah Baumbach, according to Deadline. Specific details are under wraps, though it’s described as “a funny and emotional coming-of-age film about adults,” according to the outlet…

Apple TV+ has renewed the Rose ByrneSeth Rogen comedy Platonic for a second season. The series stars Rogen and Byrne as “platonic former best friends approaching midlife who reconnect after a long rift.” per the streaming service. Their all consuming ultimately destabilizes their lives in a hilarious way. Since its premiere this past summer, Platonic season 1 also starred Luke Macfarlane, Tre Hale, Andrew Lopez and Carla Gallo

Kristen Stewart will be the recipient of the 2024 Sundance Film Festival’s Visionary Award at the festival’s opening-night gala January 18 at the DeJoria Center in Utah, according to Deadline. The Visionary Award honors recipients for their work as an uncompromising artist and contributions to the field of independent film. The upcoming Sundance Film Festival will take place January 18–28 in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, as well as online from January 25–28…

Searching for Italy host Stanley Tucci is making his way back to the motherland for the National Geographic series, Tucci — The Heart of Italy. The new series features the actor meeting “professional chefs, amateur cooks, farmers and fishermen, winemakers and brewers, and fellow eaters who all share his passion for food and who inspire him,” offering insight to the regions’ geology and changing climate, according to the cable channel. An airdate has yet to be announced…

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‘Rebel Moon’ stars tell all about Zack Snyder’s newest epic

‘Rebel Moon’ stars tell all about Zack Snyder’s newest epic
‘Rebel Moon’ stars tell all about Zack Snyder’s newest epic
Clay Enos/Netflix

Get ready for more from Zack Snyder.

His highly anticipated original space thriller Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire arrives in limited release on Friday, and its stars spoke to ABC Audio about what fans can expect from the epic new universe Snyder’s created.

“It will be spectacular. Could be a bit overwhelming. And I would say prepare yourself for a new, original universe,” Michiel Huisman said.

Huisman stars as Gunnar, a farmer who tags along with his friend Kora (Sofia Boutella) as she gathers warriors from across the galaxy to fight the Motherworld.

Charlie Hunnam plays Kai, a starship pilot and mercenary hired by Kora to join them on their quest. He says he trained for months to get into shape before he even stepped foot on set.

“That’s one of the terrible, brutal, magical parts of working with Zack,” Hunnam said. “You have to earn your spot there through sweat, blood and tears. And so before we even had started, we had all been mandated to train quite vigorously every day for weeks and weeks.”

And while all the training did help with the action scenes, Hunnam says that wasn’t the only purpose all the physical training served. An unanticipated perk was the friendships they made along the way.

“I didn’t really appreciate actually at the time until we started filming what the function of that was, other than to look good,” Hunnam said. “But I think that’s a sort of secondary consequence. It’s really about team building and getting us all to, like, trust each other and build a team before we even started shooting.”

Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire will be available to stream on Netflix December 22.

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