Matthew Lillard, a Fan Favorite, Still Has to Hustle for Work — After a period of joblessness when he had to sell his home and cars, the #Scream7 actor’s career is booming — whether Quentin Tarantino likes it or not
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/28/m...
by @ashleyspencer.bsky.social
Here's my Lizzie McGuire reported deep dive for Vice: www.vice.com/en/article/l...
And for a much, much deeper dive... read my book, DISNEY HIGH, ft. two entire chapters on Lizzie McGuire/Hilary Duff + the audiobook is narrated by Lalaine (aka Miranda Sanchez!): www.vice.com/en/article/l...
Lizzie McGuire premiered 25(!) years ago today. Over the last few years, I've talked to a lot of the cast, crew and Disney executives about why that show was so special and how it helped reshape Disney Channel into a 2000s powerhouse. ⬇️
I interviewed Emily Henry, Tom Blyth, and Emily Bader about the People We Meet on Vacation movie changes and the merits of romance for the @nytimes. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/m...
Josh Hutcherson sits on a red leather couch with legs crossed, wearing a black jacket, blue jeans and black shoes. Behind him is a large arched window showing the exterior of brick buildings. A headline reads: "Josh Hutcherson Is Back. He Never Wanted to Leave." Photo by OK McCausland for The New York Times
Josh Hutcherson found instant success as a child actor. But after his “Hunger Games” fame, it felt like it almost all went away. “From age 23 or 24 to almost 30, I wasn’t getting the kinds of roles that I wanted or cast in the things I was auditioning for. It was a brutal few years.” trib.al/DGUjhkJ
‘When you lose someone important early on, it reaffirms the fact that life is so fleeting. You owe it to yourself to find your passion and to pursue it.’
This is a lovely read by @ashleyspencer.bsky.social on Robert Irwin
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/23/s...
Thank you so much, Lisa!
Met up with character actor William Fichtner for lattes and a long chat about his illustrious, scene-stealing career that includes Heat, Contact, Armageddon, The Dark Knight, Prison Break and about 100 other things. NYT gift link: www.nytimes.com/2025/10/29/a...
It’s been 30 years since “Casper” and “Now and Then,” so I got brunch with Devon Sawa to reminisce and find out what his life was like then and now for The New York Times, ft. additional insights from Christina Ricci and more.
🚨🎙️NEW POD ALERT🎙️🚨
Zach talks to @ashleyspencer.bsky.social, author of DISNEY HIGH.
• Writing DISNEY HIGH 📘
• The evolution of Disney Channel 📺
• The stars of the era 🌟
• Top 4 DCOM's 📽️
• Growing up near Walt Disney World 🏰
• And so much more! 💫
boardwalktimes.net/the-zach-per...
Ha! I love that. Thank you!
What happens when a teen heartthrob grows up? I interviewed Chad Michael Murray for The New York Times to find out. He opened up about being a “not-nice guy” in his 20s, fame and his experiences on projects like “Gilmore Girls,” “Freaky Friday” and “One Tree Hill.” www.nytimes.com/2025/08/08/m...
Christopher McDonald embraces his “Happy Gilmore” alter ego, but Shooter McGavin’s popularity belies a half-century career and a storied life beyond the golf course.
My NYT profile ft. additional insights from Adam Sandler, Jean Smart and more: www.nytimes.com/2025/07/30/m...
A headline reads: "Christopher McDonald Is Shooter McGavin. And a Whole Lot More" over a photo of Christopher McDonald. Photo by Adali Schell for The New York Times
In “Happy Gilmore 2," Christopher Mcdonald has officially reprised the role of Shooter McGavin. “It’s the gift that keeps on giving,” McDonald said in an interview with The New York Times. Read the full interview. nyti.ms/4moffAz
A once-again relevant tidbit from my 2021 deep dive on The Rosie O’Donnell Show. www.vulture.com/article/the-...
Thank you, Maira!
I really enjoyed editing this profile of Kevin Williamson by @ashleyspencer.bsky.social. The creator of "Dawson's Creek" and "Scream" is channeling his family's story into the new Netflix series "The Waterfront" that's loosely based on his father. www.latimes.com/entertainmen...
I profiled Kevin Williamson, looking at the semi-autobiographical projects that have punctuated his career, from “Dawson’s Creek” to “The Waterfront.” Ft. insights from James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Melissa Benoist, Topher Grace & more for the @latimes. www.latimes.com/entertainmen...
I interviewed Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks about their new whodunnit series, The Better Sister, and fighting to take control in Hollywood, for the L.A. Times. www.latimes.com/entertainmen...
Text that reads: During the animated film’s production, the biggest change to Stitch’s physique was switching his color from the original reptilian green to a cool blue — a suggestion that Sanders recalled was made by the head of the paint and ink department who thought that blue would make it more believable that certain characters mistake Stitch for a dog. (Bluey would agree.) However, popular assumptions that Stitch’s physical traits are based on those of a French bulldog or a koala are incorrect. “Those are legitimate comparisons,” Sanders said. “But the thing I was thinking was a bat.”
Did you know Stitch was originally green? And no, he wasn’t modeled after a koala or French bulldog, creator Chris Sanders told me. “The thing I was thinking was a bat.”
Step aside, Moana, Elsa and Simba. In recent years, Stitch has quietly become one of Disney’s most popular — and most merchandised — characters. I reported on Stitch mania for The New York Times. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2025/05/21/m...
“When I think about her, I think about how much I want to be alive.”
That’s how Cate Blanchett described Uzo Aduba to me for this @latimes.com profile of the 3x Emmy winner/star of Netflix’s new Shondaland series “The Residence.” Online now and in print today. www.latimes.com/entertainmen...
Episode 700: Magical With a Side of Chaos With @ashleyspencer.bsky.social
Listen: www.writersbone.com/podcastsarch...
Since folks are celebrating Bluesky's longer video capabilities with this particular clip, I'd highly recommend you read @ashleyspencer.bsky.social's glorious & delightful oral history of Tom Holland's "Lip Sync Battle" performance www.businessinsider.com/tom-holland-...
Huge DISNEY HIGH ebook sale today at all ebook retailers for only $2.99! If you haven’t read my book yet, now’s your chance to do so for mere pennies 💕 us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
Thanks to Eskor David Johnson for a fun discussion this week about his book Pay As You Go.
We hit Episode 700 next Tuesday! We'll be chatting with @ashleyspencer.bsky.social about her book Disney High.
Subscribe and tune in: apple.co/3XMnpcc
Wrote a little bit about Michelle Trachtenberg's singular, special work in Harriet the Spy that inspired a generation of writers (including me). ashleyspencer.substack.com/p/in-michell...
I fear Debbie Downer in 2025 is just all of us now. #SNL50
This actually sounds like a genius idea (and smart career move for Taylor Lautner). variety.com/2025/tv/news...
