Tag: michele mendez

16 Books About K-Pop That Should Be on Every Fan's Reading List

As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you’ll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.

While K-pop has been around for decades, it’s become especially popular in recent years. Groups like BTS and Blackpink are always at the top of the music charts. Seeing as K-pop is on everyone’s mind right now, it’s no surprise that a lot of authors have drawn inspiration from the K-pop industry and fan culture to pen their latest stories. So many books about K-pop focus on aspiring idols chasing their dreams and learning what it really takes to survive in the K-pop world. There are also stories about forbidden love between K-pop idols, as well as K-pop stars unexpectedly falling for non-famous people.

For those who prefer nonfiction, there are also plenty of books about K-pop dedicated to real-life groups. They often document stars’ journey to fame — from their humble beginnings as trainees to their experiences as full-fledged K-pop idols. So if you’re eager to learn more about the industry, here are 16 books about K-pop that you’re sure to love.

And for all book lovers, check out the 2024 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge.

Michele Mendez

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December 1, 2023
16 Marvel-Themed Gifts That Will Make You the Hero of the Holiday Season

As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you’ll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.

If you know someone who loves “The Avengers” as much as “Ms. Marvel” but aren’t quite sure about what kind of gift to get them for that special occasion — whether you’re looking for a unique birthday gift or are just getting a headstart on your holiday shopping — we know finding that perfect gift can be a struggle. The Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand each year, so it can be difficult to nail down that ideal product that’ll truly wow them, and it’s only going to get harder as Marvel’s wondrous, fictional world continues to expand.

There’s just so much merch available already, plus items like jewelry, comic books, action figures, and clothing. To help you on your hunt for the best gifts for Marvel fans, we’ve compiled the hottest Marvel-themed products on the market all in one place. Whether you’re looking for something for a Spider-Man, Moon Knight, or She-Hulk fan, you won’t have to worry because we’ve likely got some ideas for you right here. Best of all, they’re available to shop at a wide range of prices, too. So without further ado, here are all the best Marvel-themed gifts that are sure to make any die-hard fan giddy with excitement.

— Additional reporting by Kyley Warren

Michele Mendez

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November 16, 2023
12 Thanksgiving Movies That Are Timeless Classics

There are so many Christmas movies to watch each year, but what about Thanksgiving? Of course, everyone always thinks about “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.” The 1973 animated film has been many people’s go-to film for the past 50 years, seeing as it’s always on TV around the holiday season. However, there are a lot of other films that center on Turkey Day. There are also movies that don’t necessarily focus on Thanksgiving but include an iconic Thanksgiving scene, like “Addams Family Values.” Some films don’t even mention the holiday at all but are still perfect to watch with the whole family because they’re about bringing people together.

So, if you’re looking for something to watch after dinner, here are 12 Thanksgiving movies that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

Michele Mendez

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November 12, 2023
Here’s Every Star Who’s Been Named People’s Sexiest Man Alive

It’s that time of year again! On Nov. 8, People crowned this year’s Sexiest Man Alive, Patrick Dempsey. If you’re wondering how the publication makes its choice, according to People’s former Editor in Chief Dan Wakeford, the magazine makes its selection not only based on a celebrity’s looks but also their overall demeanor.

“Being sexy is about being decent, intelligent, funny, and talented,” Wakeford previously told CNN. He added that someone “who creates buzz” is a requirement and that sometimes who they’re in a relationship with may give them bonus points.

As Dempsey joins this exclusive club, take a trip down memory lane by seeing all the past winners, including Chris Evans, Michael B. Jordan, Idris Elba, David Beckham, Chris Hemsworth, Channing Tatum, Bradley Cooper, and more.

Michele Mendez

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November 8, 2023
Who Is Sydney Sweeney Dating? What to Know About Her Fiancé, Jonathan Davino

Sweeney keeps her love life pretty private, so details about when or how she met Davino haven’t been revealed. However, the couple first sparked dating rumors in September 2018 when they attended Hulu’s 2018 Emmy Party together. That October, Sweeney and Davino were also photographed at an InStyle and Kate Spade dinner party.

The pair was seen again the following year at a New York Knicks basketball game at Madison Square Garden in October 2019. That December, Sweeney hinted that she and Davino were getting serious while talking to Elite Daily. Although she didn’t specifically mention Davino in her interview, Sweeney appeared to reference the Chicago-based businessman by saying she could see herself permanently moving to the Windy City one day. “It’s like my getaway place,” she said, adding that she has “a friend” there.

Sweeney also made a rare comment about her dating life in a February 2022 interview with Cosmopolitan. “I don’t date people in the spotlight,” she said. “I don’t date actors or musicians or anyone in entertainment because I can just be normal Syd that way and it’s easiest.” The actor added that she has a “great support system” and even hinted that her fame doesn’t get in between her relationship with Davino, saying, “I have people who will battle for me and allow me to be on the pedestal and shine without making me feel like, ‘Oh no, I’m shining too bright and I need to step back.”

When asked about her ideal partner, Sweeney replied, “I look for a best friend. I need to be able to be with someone who I can literally hang out with 24/7 and never get sick of and we laugh every single day.”

After Sweeney was spotted wearing a diamond ring in March 2022, People confirmed that Sweeney and Davino had gotten engaged. In 2023, she and Davino proved they were still going strong by attending the Cannes Film Festival together in May, as well as the Venice Film Festival in September.

Michele Mendez

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October 23, 2023
Jennifer Lawrence’s Raunchy Comedy “No Hard Feelings” Is Based On a Real Craigslist Ad

Jennifer Lawrence stars in the raunchy comedy “No Hard Feelings,” which was released this summer in theaters. In the film, which is streaming now on Netflix, Lawrence plays an Uber driver named Maddie whose car gets repossessed, leaving her out of a job. To make matters worse, she’s also on the verge of losing her childhood home. Just when she thinks all hope is lost, Maddie comes across an unusual ad promising a car in exchange for helping a couple’s awkward 19-year-old son, Percy (Andrew Barth Feldman), come out of his shell before college by “dating his brains out.” Maddie accepts the job since she sees it as an easy opportunity to get back on her feet. However, it turns out to be much harder than she expected after she constantly fails to seduce Percy.

If you’re wondering what inspired the film’s wacky plot, director Gene Stupnitsky revealed at CinemaCon that the breakout comedy is actually based on a real Craigslist ad.

Is “No Hard Feelings” Based On a True Story?

In a May 12 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Stupnitsky said the idea for the film came to him after producers Marc Provissiero and Naomi Odenkirk showed him a Craigslist ad from a couple looking for a woman to date their son. “I read it, and I thought, ‘This is wild. Who is the woman that answers this ad?’” Stupnitsky said. “And I thought, ‘Oh, that’ll be a great role for my friend Jennifer Lawrence.’”

Stupnitsky also told The Associated Press that he specifically developed the film with Lawrence in mind because he wanted everyone to see her funny side. “I remember I told her, ‘I really want you to experience a feeling of sitting in a theater with hundreds of people laughing,’” Stupnitsky said. “She’s had many, many experiences in film, but she hasn’t quite had this one.”

Stupnitsky first mentioned the idea for the movie while grabbing dinner with Lawrence one night, and of course, she loved it. “Gene read the Craigslist ad to me, and I died laughing,” Lawrence told EW. “I thought it was hilarious, but there wasn’t a script or anything. I just thought he had a funny idea. And then a couple years later, he handed me the funniest script I’ve ever read in my life.”

While speaking to AP, Lawrence said she jumped at the opportunity to do the film since she’s “always wanted to do a comedy” but “didn’t read anything that was funny enough” until “No Hard Feelings.”

And yes, you can read the real Craigslist ad still. The Huffington Post wrote about the ad when it went viral back in 2013. Per the outlet, the real ad read, “This is going to sound strange but my son is a senior in High School and I want to help him.” The anonymous parent went on to describe their son as “extremely smart” but “socially awkward” and said, “I want to find a cute young girl to date him and turn him from high school nerd to cool college kid.” They added that he’s “very handsome and extremely fit.”

The parent then proposed a scheme where they would set up for their son to be at the same concert as the person answering the ad so she could “pick him up.” Then they’d date until he went off to college. The parent wrote, “In return, I’ll make your financial issues disappear.”

Besides this ad, “No Hard Feelings” isn’t based on a true story, but its Internet origins are a fun twist on the comedy.

“No Hard Feelings” is streaming now on Netflix.

Michele Mendez

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October 23, 2023
12 Josephine Langford Movies and TV Shows, Including the After Series

Getty/ Amy Sussman/ Everett Collection
Getty/ Amy Sussman/ Everett Collection

Josephine Langford is most well known for playing college student Tessa Young in the “After” movies. The franchise, which is inspired by Anna Todd’s best-selling book series of the same name, chronicles Tessa’s tumultuous relationship with Hardin Scott (Hero Fiennes Tiffin) — a mysterious bad boy with a dark past. The first film, which premiered in 2019, catapulted Langford to fame. Now, years later, Langford has officially said goodbye to Tessa following the release of the final “After” installment “After Everything,” which premiered on Sept. 13.

So what’s next for Langford? The actress is set to star in the upcoming romantic comedy “The Other Zoey.” The film centers around a college student named Zoey, who enters into a fake relationship after a cute guy with amnesia mistakes her for his real girlfriend. The movie will be released in select theaters on Oct. 20 before becoming available on-demand on Nov. 10.

If you loved Langford in the After movies and are excited to watch “The Other Zoey,” check out more of the star’s projects below.

Josephine Langford Movies

“Wish Upon”

“Wish Upon” centers around a 17-year-old high school student named Clare Shannon, who finds a mysterious music box that promises the holder seven wishes. As Clare begins using the box, terrible tragedies also start to happen around her, and she soon realizes her wishes come at a dangerous price. Langford plays Clare’s school bully, Darcie, in the film.

“After”

Getty/ Amy Sussman/ Everett Collection

Tessa Young (Langford) embarks on her first semester at college, where she meets a handsome bad boy named Hardin Scott, who she knows is no good. Still, Tessa can’t seem to get Hardin off her mind and begins to fall for him, leading the pair down a tumultuous path.

“After We Collided”

In “After We Collided,” Tessa and Hardin go their separate ways. While Tessa finds success as an intern at a publishing company, Hardin spends his days drinking and longing for her. After the pair unexpectedly reunites, Tessa realizes she still has feelings for Hardin, however, she wrestles with the idea of getting back together with him.

“After We Fell”

In “After We Fell,” Tessa’s decision to move to Seattle puts a strain on her relationship with Hardin. The two attempt to work things out, however, they encounter other problems that continue to test their relationship.

“After Ever Happy”

In “After Ever Happy,” Hardin goes into a downward spiral after a huge family secret is revealed at his mother’s wedding. As a result, he distances himself from Tessa, but when she experiences a family tragedy, Hardin rushes to be by her side again. Although she loves Hardin, Tessa realizes that the couple will have to spend some time apart in order to heal from their recent traumas and make their relationship stronger.

“After Everything”

After Hardin publishes a best-selling novel about his relationship with Tessa without her knowledge, the two break up and begin living separate lives. Hardin is determined to make things up to Tessa and get back together with her. However, he must first confront his past in order to move forward with the woman he loves.

“Moxie”

Getty/ Amy Sussman/ Everett Collection

After noticing the unfair treatment of girls at her school, 16-year-old Vivian feels helpless to make a difference. However, that all changes once she discovers her mother’s feminist zine collection, which inspires her to create her own zine called “Moxie” in an effort to call out the sexism at her school. Langford plays a head cheerleader named Emma in the film.

“Gigi & Nate”

18-year-old Nate Gibson contracts meningitis after swimming in a lake. After he becomes a quadriplegic, Nate falls into a depression as he’s unable to cope with everyday life. In order to help her son, Claire contacts an organization to get Nate a service animal. They connect him with a capuchin monkey named Gigi, who ends up transforming Nate’s life. In the movie, Langford play’s Nate’s older sister, Katy.

“The Other Zoey”

Getty/ Amy Sussman/ Everett Collection

Zoey (Langford) is a college student who works at a bookstore. When she witnesses a popular student named Zack get hit by a car, Zoey rushes to his aid only to realize the accident gave him amnesia. Because of this, Zack accidentally mistakes Zoey for his girlfriend. In order to not make his condition worse, Zoey decides to keep up the act until Zack’s amnesia goes away, but things get complicated when she starts to fall for his cousin.

“The Great Gatsby Live Read!”

In order to benefit charity, Langford, Kaia Gerber, Mason Gooding, and other stars teamed up to do a live table read of “The Great Gatsby” in 2021. The classic novel, which was written by F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1925, centers around a millionaire named Jay Gatsby, who tries to win over his former lover Daisy Buchanan. Langford read for the character of Jordan Baker.

Josephine Langford TV Shows

“Wolf Creek”

“Wolf Creek” is a TV series that follows an American college student named Eve Thorogood, who travels to Australia with her parents and younger brother. During their trip, the family meets a man named Mick, who appears friendly but turns out to be a serial killer. The Thorogoods become Mick’s latest targets, and after everyone but Eve is killed, she embarks on a mission to avenge her family by hunting Mick down. Langford played the reoccurring character Emma Webber on the show.

“Into the Dark”

“Into the Dark” is a horror anthology series with each episode centering around a holiday. In Langford’s episode, “They Come Knocking,” a family’s road trip turns into a nightmare after they’re attacked by supernatural creatures.

Michele Mendez

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October 14, 2023
Cardi B and Offset’s Relationship Timeline Proves They’ve Stuck Together Through Thick and Thin

Cardi B and Offset’s first date was one to remember. While appearing on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in July 2021, the Migos rapper revealed he decided to go “big” by taking Cardi B to Super Bowl LI. “I wanted to do something that was not normally done, you know what I’m saying? I wanted to have fun,” he said. Although he lost a $10K bet over the game, Offset said he “won” a wife that night. “That’s not a bad consolation prize,” host Anthony Anderson said. “Not at all,” Offset responded.

In an April 2018 interview with GQ, Cardi B admitted she was a bit hesitant to go on a date with Offset at first. “I never wanted to date a rapper because I would hate to look crazy in public, like you on a date with me but you f*cking other b*tches?” she explained. However, once Cardi B realized his feelings for her were genuine, she agreed to meet up. “He was like, ‘No, I really like her. I’m really feeling her,’” she said, adding that they officially became a couple soon after the game. “We was talking, we was making out. We didn’t f*ck. After the Super Bowl, it got really serious because I feel, like, all eyes on us.”

Michele Mendez

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October 12, 2023
Ashanti and Nelly Are Dating Again After 10 Years of Being Apart

While appearing on “Boss Moves With Rasheeda” on Sept. 13, Nelly finally confirmed that he and Ashanti are dating again following months of speculation. “Yeah, we cool again. I think it surprised both of us, though. It wasn’t anything that was planned,” he said.

Nelly explained that spending time apart has only made his current relationship with Ashanti stronger. “Sometimes being separate you understand one another more,” he added. “You could be like, ‘Well yo, let me exactly see maybe what they see.’ We all can be defensive sometimes in our own relationships. We know we wrong but we going to stand on it, you know what I mean? But we all a victim to that.”

Ashanti also confirmed their romance at the 2023 MTV VMAs that same day. “We’re in a great space, everything is positive, we’re having a lot of fun,” the singer told People on the red carpet. Although Nelly wasn’t physically at the 2023 MTV VMAs, he was there in spirit as Ashanti wore a customized purse that featured a photo of the couple.

Michele Mendez

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October 9, 2023
Jamie Foxx’s Dating History Includes Several Major Stars

Foxx’s longest relationship in the public eye was with Holmes. A year after the actor had split from her then-husband Tom Cruise, Holmes was reportedly spotted dancing with Foxx in the Hamptons in August 2013, per People. However, their relationship wasn’t confirmed until March 2015. An insider told People that Foxx and Holmes “have been spending time together for well over a year,” but their relationship wasn’t “serious.” Around the same time, a photograph surfaced of the pair seemingly holding hands at Foxx’s home studio.

That May, Foxx appeared to deny he was dating Holmes in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. “I guess some knucklehead person who was here hit us with the phone cam,” he said of their viral photo together. “I guess they are trying to get money for whatever. It’s amazing what people will do to sell you out.”

In a January 2016 interview with More (via ET), Holmes was also asked about her dating life, but she refused to give any details by saying, “That’s not something I want to answer.”

Despite the stars repeatedly shutting down dating rumors, Foxx and Holmes continued to be romantically linked. In fact, in September 2017, they were even spotted taking a romantic stroll on a beach in Malibu.

Since then, Foxx and Holmes appeared to get gradually more comfortable being seen together in public. In January 2018, the stars sat next to each other during a pre-Grammy gala. Over the course of the night, they were photographed smiling, laughing, and whispering into each other’s ears. After six years of dating rumors, Foxx and Holmes finally made their red carpet debut together at the 2019 Met Gala.

However, that August, rumors spread that Foxx and Holmes had called it quits.

Michele Mendez

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October 9, 2023
Here’s Who Travis Kelce Dated Before Taylor Swift

Kelce and the sports journalist Kayla Nicole were in a five-year relationship from 2017 to 2022. In a February 2022 interview with E! News, Kelce confirmed the couple began dating after he started Instagram “stalking” Nicole, which led her to direct message him. “It was over the course of a month’s span, just following her and liking the pictures that she was posting and watching all of her stories when stories had first started coming out,” he said about interacting with Nicole’s profile. “Finally, on New Year’s, she gave in. And, you know, New Year new me. She just shot her shot, jumped in my DMs and the rest is history.”

In an Instagram Story that June, Nicole shared her side of the story while answering fan questions. “He had been following me and insta-flirting for a few months. All double taps and no dm. Soooo after a little liquid courage and a pep talk from @iqueenb (something along the lines of ‘WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR’) I dm’d him on New Years,” she wrote, according to the New York Post. “Slid into that thang like it was third base, idk baseball so not sure that’s the best analogy, but ya.”

A year after they began dating, Kelce and Nicole made their red carpet debut as a couple by attending the 2018 ESPY Awards together. Afterward, the pair made several more public appearances together, including at the 2018 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, 2019 Paris Fashion Week, and a 2020 Los Angeles Lakers game.

In August 2020, rumors swirled that Kelce and Nicole had broken up due to the NFL star reportedly cheating on her. Shortly afterward, Kelce confirmed he and Nicole had split, but denied it was due to him being unfaithful. “This is fake news… a lie… and not why Kayla and I broke up,” Kelce said in a since-deleted tweet (via TMZ). “Take all your hatred somewhere else please.”

That December, Kelce revealed he and Nicole had gotten back together in a Q&A with WNBA player Chiney Ogwumike. After Ogwumike asked Kelce who he was buying Christmas gifts for, Kelce confirmed he and Nicole had reconciled by saying, “So obviously we’ve got the fam. My girlfriend Kayla. Kayla is definitely on the list. Always gotta do it big for Kayla,” according to TMZ.

The couple remained together for two more years before they split for good in May 2022.

Michele Mendez

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October 8, 2023
All About Sarah Rafferty’s 2 Daughters, Oona Gray and Iris Friday

Sarah Rafferty has appeared in many beloved series like “Suits,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “Chicago Med.” Up next, she’s set to star in Netflix’s “My Life With the Walter Boys,” in which she’ll play matriarch Dr. Katherine Walter, who is the mother of 10 boys and married to rancher George, played by Marc Blucas. Similar to her character, Rafferty is also a mom in real life. Rafferty and her husband, Santtu Seppälä, are the parents of two girls. Their oldest daughter is named Oona Gray, and their youngest daughter is named Iris Friday.

While Rafferty may constantly be in the spotlight, her family prefer to stay away from the cameras. According to her husband’s LinkedIn page, Seppälä is a businessman in Los Angeles. And despite the fact the couple have been married since 2001, Rafferty and Seppälä make very few public appearances together. In May 2018, the pair notably attended Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding together.

Fans have only continued to get a glimpse into Rafferty and Seppälä’s family life on Instagram. However, since the couple are protective when it comes to their kids, Rafferty has only shared a handful of details about Oona and Iris.

Keep reading for everything we know about Rafferty’s kids.

Michele Mendez

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September 21, 2023
Sylvester Stallone Is a Father of 5 — Get to Know His Kids

Sylvester Stallone is one of the most recognized actors in the industry. His breakout role came in 1976 when he starred in “Rocky,” which was such a big hit that it received 10 Oscar nominations and went on to inspire a whole film franchise. It also led Sylvester to land his role as John J. Rambo in 1982 action film “First Blood,” which, similarly to “Rocky,” resulted in a number of sequels that turned Sylvester into a pop-culture icon. Even decades later, he’s still dominating Hollywood with parts in the Creed, Expendables, and Guardians of the Galaxy franchises. However, one of the actor’s biggest roles in life is being a father to his five kids.

Sylvester’s family is super supportive of his acting career. His wife, Jennifer Flavin, a successful model and entrepreneur, frequently attends Sylvester’s movie premieres, and so do the couple’s three daughters: Sophia Rose, Sistine Rose, and Scarlet Rose Stallone. Whenever the trio aren’t joining their parents on the red carpet, though, they’re off pursuing their own acting and modeling projects. The family’s reality TV series, “The Family Stallone,” brings them all together to show off what goes down with them at home.

Leading up to their show’s May 2023 premiere on Paramount+, Sylvester’s wife and three daughters appeared on “Today,” where the trio opened up about what it’s like dating when their dad is famously known to the world as Rocky Balboa and Rambo. “It’s very difficult,” middle daughter Sistine shared. “He’s quite intimidating to most, and most of the time when they come over to meet the parents, they don’t necessarily return, simply because he’s just so scary.” Sylvester defended himself, saying that it’s because “I don’t trust their intentions. Because I know men.”

The “Tulsa King” star also had an oldest son named Sage Moonblood Stallone, whom he shared with first wife Sasha Czack, who dabbled in acting and filming before he died in 2012. While four of Sylvester’s kids have been in the spotlight, the actor’s second son, Seargeoh Stallone, whom he also shares with Czack, has lived a quiet life out of the public eye.

Read more about Sylvester’s five children ahead.

Michele Mendez

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September 19, 2023
Grant Gustin’s Short but Sweet Dating History

According to LA’s Instagram, she and Grant appeared to have started dating in early 2016. In April 2017, she announced their engagement on Instagram by sharing a photo of her and Grant on the beach, per Entertainment Tonight. Grant reportedly proposed the day after LA moved in with him at his home in Venice, CA.

During a 2018 appearance on “Conan,” Grant revealed that he was initially going to propose to LA in Costa Rica. He was supposed to film a movie there, however, after it kept being pushed back, he eventually had to drop the project due to his “Flash” obligations. “It was such an impromptu proposal and random moment that she thought I was joking when I proposed. It was not a very good proposal. She laughed at first, and then she did say yes,” Grant recalled.

Grant and LA got married on Dec. 15, 2018. LA shared a few photos from their ceremony on Instagram, including one of her and Grant sharing their first kiss as husband and wife. According to E! News, the couple held their wedding at Valentine DTLA in Los Angeles. Several stars were in attendance, including “Supergirl” actors Melissa Benoist and Chris Wood.

Three years after tying the knot, LA announced in February 2021 that she and Grant were expecting their first child together. She shared the exciting news on Instagram by posting a photo of her and Grant surrounded by their dogs as the couple held up their baby’s sonogram. “adding one more to the crew! The pups are thrilled :),” LA wrote.

The pair welcomed a daughter that August. “Juniper Grace Louise is here and mama and papa are absolutely obsessed 🤍,” LA announced on Instagram, alongside a photo of her baby’s feet. “We will be very busy kissing and sniffing every inch of her until she is old enough to tell us it’s weird 😏.”

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August 15, 2023