Entertainment Daypop Archives

Joel Taylor, who starred on Discovery Channel’s Storm Chasers, has died at the age of 38. Taylor’s death was confirmed by a number of friends on social media Tuesday. The cause of death has not been disclosed, but TMZ is reporting that there is speculation that Taylor may have died from a suspected overdose on a cruise ship.  Taylor joined Storm Chasers, a documentary reality series about researchers who follow storms in Tornado Alley, in 2008. The series was canceled after five seasons in January 2012. “RIP my best friend and storm chasing partner, Joel Taylor. I am shocked and absolutely devastated by the loss of my incredible, caring friend,” Taylor’s Storm Chasers co-star Reed Timmer said on Twitter alongside photos of the reality star.

Elton John announced during a special live-streamed event Wednesday that he will be retiring from touring, following an upcoming 300-date farewell tour.  “I’m not going to be touring and traveling the world. My priorities have changed. I have young children,” the music icon said to moderator Anderson Cooper onstage during the event, which included John playing songs such as “Tiny Dancer” and “I’m Still Standing.”  The singer also confirmed that he will still be making music following the tour and that he is healthy after being forced to cancel a series of shows in April due to contracting a rare infection in South America.  The 70-year-old said he will kick off his final world tour in September. 

Neil Diamond has decided to retire from touring after learning that he’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. “It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring. I have been so honored to bring my shows to the public for the past 50 years,” Diamond, 76, said in a statement on Monday, January 22. “My sincerest apologies to everyone who purchased tickets and were planning to come to the upcoming shows.” Diamond did, however, say he plans to still work in some capacity.  “I plan to remain active in writing, recording and other projects for a long time to come,” he continued in his statement. Diamond was scheduled to perform at several outdoor stadiums, arenas and winery shows during his Australian and New Zealand tour dates, which have since been canceled.

The 2018 Academy Award nominations were announced this morning and The Shape of Water leads the pack with 13 nods. Guillermo del Toro’s horror/fantasy/romance received the most nominations, including nods for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Original screenplay. Dunkirk followed with eight nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, a favorite before the nominations, received seven nominations, but was shut out of the Best Director category. Other big contenders include Phantom Thread (six nominations), Darkest Hour (six nominations) Lady Bird (five nominations), Get Out (four nominations), and Call Me By Your Name (four nominations).

Actress and comedian Mo’Nique called out Netflix for an offer that was considerably less than her male and white comedian colleagues. The Academy Award-winning actress took to Instagram with a video saying, ” I am asking that you stand with me and boycott Netflix for gender bias and color bias. I was offered a $500,000 deal last week to do a comedy special. However, Amy Schumer was offered $11 million, Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle $20 million.” Shortly after, actress and fellow comedian Wanda Sykes tweeted at Mo’Nique saying, “Thank you for speaking out, [Netflix] offered me less than half of your $500k. I was offended but found another home.” Mo’Nique reiterated that she and Sykes are two black female comedians with 50-plus years of experience at the top of their game and were offered $750,000 by Netflix.