Page not returning to ‘Bridgerton’
“Bridgerton” fans, the time has come to bid adieu to Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings.
Netflix and Shondaland announced Friday that star Rege-Jean Page’s character will not appear in the show’s upcoming second season, revealing the news via a notice from Lady Whistledown.
News of the duke’s departure will likely not come as a surprise to fans of the Julia Quinn novels on which the series is based, as the character’s storyline largely plays out in the first book. And the news certainly did not come as a shock to the star.
In fact, the short-term commitment was a big part of the role’s appeal, Page says.
“It’s a one-season arc. It’s going to have a beginning, middle, end — give us a year,” Page says, recounting early conversations with Shondaland producers, who approached him about the role after “For the People” wrapped up. “(I thought) ‘That’s interesting,’ because then it felt like a limited series. I get to come in, I get to contribute my bit, and then the Bridgerton family rolls on.”
The British-Zimbabwean star adds that he relished the idea that “Bridgerton” is essentially an anthology, with each book (and subsequently season) dedicated to a different sibling’s love story.
“I have nothing but excitement for ‘Bridgerton’ continuing to steam train off and conquer the globe,” he says. “But there is also value in completing these arcs and sticking the landing.”
‘Friends’ reunion sets production date:
After a delayed start due to the pandemic, the hotly anticipated “Friends” reunion is finally set to
film next week, according to a source. Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and Matthew Perry will reunite on a Warner Bros. soundstage for the HBO Max special. A HBO Max spokesperson declined to comment. The reunion was first set in motion in late February 2020.
Eilish, Mara and Phoenix distribute food:
In celebration of Support + Feed’s one-year anniversary this week, Billie Eilish, Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix assisted with the distribution of Monty’s Good Burger at My Friend’s Place, an organization that assists youth experiencing homelessness. The trio joined Eilish’s parents, Patrick O’Connell and Support + Feed founder Maggie Baird, at the nonprofit in Hollywood.
“At a time when most people were worried about
their own health and security, Maggie dreamed up and implemented a plan to get nourishing food to people who needed it most,” Mara and Phoenix said.
Baird established the climate change-fighting nonprofit in response to the pandemic. Her first act of kindness a year ago was ordering food from her favorite plant-based restaurant and delivering it to the Midnight Mission, an organization that helps people experiencing homelessness.
April 3 birthdays: Singer Wayne Newton is 79. Singer Tony Orlando is 77. Actor Alec Baldwin is 63. Actor David Hyde Pierce is 62. Comedian Eddie Murphy is 60. Actor Jennie Garth is 49. Actor Adam Scott is 48. Actor Cobie Smulders is 39. Singer Leona Lewis is 36. Actor Amanda Bynes is 35. Actor Rachel Bloom is 34.