The American soap opera “Dynasty” captured audiences worldwide in the 1980s, drawing viewers in with its compelling drama and complex relationships among characters like Blake Carrington, his wife Krystle Carrington, their children, and Blake’s ex-wife Alexis. The saga of the affluent Carrington family kept thousands glued to their screens, making the actors of “Dynasty” household names. Even today, many cherish the memories of this iconic series.
“Dynasty” was groundbreaking for its era, featuring intense power struggles, romantic conflicts, and sibling rivalries. The 1980s, characterized by bold colors, glamour, and extravagant hairstyles, provided the perfect backdrop for this opulent series.
At the heart of its success were the unforgettable performances of the cast, particularly Linda Evans and Joan Collins, who portrayed the fierce rivalry between Krystle and Alexis. Linda Evans embodied Krystle Grant Jennings Carrington, a character often seen as the heart of the show. Having started from the series’ inception, Evans received a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series in 1982 for her role.
Reflecting on her journey, Evans once said: “That role was the answer to a prayer. I had just separated from my second husband and was uncertain about my future. I had never aimed to be an actress; I wanted to be a wife and mother. But at 39, I decided to pursue my career, and soon after, ‘Dynasty’ came along”.
Evans found a kindred spirit in Krystle, who sought love over wealth, embodying the same desires Evans had in her own life. Before her fame on “Dynasty”, Evans had already made a name for herself as “Audra” in the 1960s western series “The Big Valley” alongside Barbara Stanwyck.
After the series wrapped, Evans faced personal challenges, including depression following the illness of loved ones. In a 2016 interview, she described this period: “My life was in pieces. I struggled to understand my depression, and my health suffered”.
Although she stepped away from acting after 1997, Evans made a notable return in the 2021 film “Swan Song”. “I’m in love with this movie”, she shared. “It’s remarkable to be working at 78, but as I say: ‘Anything is possible’.”
Now at 81, Evans continues to inspire fans, reminding us of the enduring legacy of “Dynasty” and its beloved characters.
Malia Obama, 25, debuted a new moniker as she began her Hollywood career
Growing up in front of the eyes of the public isn’t something Malia Obama is not familiar with. Being the daughter of the former president of the United States, Barak Obama, she has spent her life under the limelight, and even today, the media is interested in her every move.
The 25-year-old just presented her directorial debut, The Heart, at the Sundance Film Festival. In the Sundance Institute’s “Meet the Artist” spotlight video, Malia Obama revealed she was going by the name Malia Ann, thus ditching her moniker.
Malia, who was born Malia Ann Obama on July 4, 1998, has her middle name honoring her paternal grandmother, who died from ovarian cancer at the age of 52 in 1995, and now, she has dropped her last name in favor of her middle name.
Speaking of the short film for which she served as both director and screenwriter, Malia said. “This is an odd little story, somewhat of fable, about a man grieving the death of his mother after she leaves him an unusual request in her will.” Further, in the YouTube clip of the short film, she wrote, “The film is about lost objects and lonely people and forgiveness and regret, but I also think it works hard to uncover where tenderness and closeness can exist in these things.”
The Heat isn’t her first attempt into the profession. Previously, the Harvard grad worked in the writers’ room on Donald’s Amazon Prime show Swarm, co-writing the fifth episode, “Girl, Bye.”
“She’s a very professional person,” Swarm‘s co-creator Janine Nabers said Malia in a January 2023 Vanity Fair interview. “She’s an incredible writer and artist. She made significant contributions… She’s very, truly committed to her craft.”
Swarm‘s executive producer Stephen Glover also spoke of Malia. “We can’t be easy on her just because she’s the [former] President’s daughter,” he told Vanity Fair. “No, she is really down-to-earth and cool. So it’s not an issue at all.”
Malia Obama isn’t the first celebrity who made the decision to ditch their family name. Other celebs have done that before, including Nicolas Cage, who changed his last name from Coppola, and Angelina Jolie, who dropped her surname, Voight.
For her directorial debut, Malia looked cozy, with minimal makeup, her curly hair down with small braids scattered throughout.
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