How Hollywood Can Make Climate Stories Sexy

We've seen the apocalyptic headlines (and movies). We've heard the scientists' warnings. We know they're the characters who are ignored until it's too late. The consequences of that ignorance are supposed to teach us something, right?

Right now, mediamakers are grappling with what their personal and professional roles are within the ever-unfolding climate crisis. Our industry creates content that billions of people consume. How are we using that attention? What are we saying about our future? Do people want stories that help them escape reality, or face it? How do we continue portraying the many nuances and contradictions of our lived realities while keeping entertainment, well … entertaining?

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As working creatives in Hollywood, we found ourselves grappling with these questions and felt there needed to be an accessible space to bridge silos and share information between the climate and media communities. That's why we created the Hollywood Climate Summit, a nonprofit and annual conference whose network of film, TV, music, fashion, games, sports and social media professionals convene with activists and experts to strategize around collective climate action. (It runs this year from June 25 to June 28.)

Over the past five years, we've had a front-row seat to the discussion around, "How should we be integrating climate into our stories?" We've learned that storytelling holds immense power to change the culture around the climate crisis and how we respond to it, and that every person who touches a story has the power to implement climate and sustainability values into their work, whether you're writing the story, marketing it or physically building its sets.

With that understanding, we wanted to summarize our key climate storytelling takeaways from some of the groups designing climate storytelling strategies, with whom we are grateful to be in community: Good Energy, NRDC's Rewrite the Future, Rare, Hip Hop Caucus, Center for Cultural Power, The Redford Center, Hollywood Health and Society, Climate Spring, Futerra, Intersectional Environmentalist, EcoTok Collective, Doc Society, NDN Collective, Harmony Labs, Reality of Change, Grist, CineReach and more.

Make any story a climate story: This doesn't just mean a story explicitly about climate (although it can be!). It's about what the story is illuminating, connecting or moving in us that helps us become better humans, equipped to navigate the massive culture shift needed to face the climate crisis.

Example: The Affair explores the emotional turmoil of an ongoing love affair, but in the final season it jumps to the near future where the main character explores and processes her family trauma by working to help save her home from the effects of the climate crisis. Additionally: True Detective: Night Country, Ted Lasso, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Madam Secretary.

It must be entertaining!: Any attempt at including climate in storytelling isn't going to be as meaningful or valuable unless it is an incredible story that moves us, attracts major audiences and leaves a lasting impression. We're not looking to sacrifice what makes a great story for heavy-handed messaging or information overload. It's impactful to add climate information, questions or values (whether it's through character, plot, in the background, via production design or VFX) in any already entertaining story you have or are developing.

Example: This season of Hacks is one of the best yet and includes many conversations about climate, utilizing the topic to further highlight Ava and Deborah's generational differences, ultimately forcing them into hilarious intergenerational conversations about Deborah's consumption habits and more. Additionally: A Murder at the End of the World, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, The Sex Lives of College Girls, Grey's Anatomy and Twisters.

Make it aspirational: Stories can shift our mindset away from defeatist, apocalyptic narratives and instead offer solutions, agency and inspiration. What are the character values in our stories, who are the people we want to see as leaders, and what are the lifestyles or societies we aspire for that would be better for us and the planet? What story choices or world design choices could help us visualize a climate-positive future?

Example: It may not seem aspirational to escape your life by hiking 2,650 miles, but Wild captured Cheryl Strayed's perseverance and love for nature, trusting the process and showing women world-wide that thru-hikes like the Pacific Crest Trail could be possible for them, too. In the years following, PCT permit application numbers increased 320 percent. Ultimately, studies show that the more time spent outdoors, the more inclined people are toward climate solutions. Additionally: Erin Brockovich, The Biggest Little Farm, WALL-E, The Expanse, Interstellar, Black Panther, Moana, Rutherford Falls and My Octopus Teacher.

Embrace humanity & nuance: In navigating major cultural shifts and compromise, we must depolarize this issue and see one another's humanity. Can your story urge us to be more interconnected? Can people with differing perspectives align over common needs? Can it center community rather than individualism?

Example: The Girls on the Bus is a recent prime example of a diverse group of journalists who are diametrically opposed coming together over issues because they genuinely care about each other. It respects each person's point of view while depolarizing topics like climate and reproductive rights, because the main characters understand they need to join forces in order to create larger systems change. Additionally: Sex Education, Parks and Recreation, The Good Place, The Politician, The 100, King Coal, Reservation Dogs and Loot.

Climate is intersectional: Actually, it is the most intersectional issue of our time. Almost every social justice issue a person can identify with or is passionate about intersects with climate, because climate escalates all issues. Can your story deepen our awareness of the intersectional issues that are the root cause of climate change, such as racial injustice, consolidated power, wealth disparity and extractive economies?

Example: Abbott Elementary expertly weaves climate through many of its episodes because it is undeniably a part of its characters' lives. Abbott is located in a diverse and under-resourced school district in Philadelphia and highlights through comedy how resource disparities in the public education system impact teachers and students dealing with climate change. In an episode in season one, we see how extreme heat impacts schools like Abbott when the characters have to scramble to keep the school day on track after the (already limited) air conditioning stops working. Additionally: Spirit Rangers, Parasite, The Territory, Beasts of the Southern Wild and The Curse. 

Interrogate systems: Despite what advertising corporations and fossil fuel companies have paid to have us believe, climate change is caused by systemic problems, not individual actions. (Recycling is a disinformation plot of fossil fuel companies, talk about a plot twist!) Can your story question entrenched ways of being or things we are telling ourselves that are no longer serving us? Hollywood loves good versus evil (and as stated above, the complicated in between) — is there villain potential in the corrupt systems fueling the climate crisis and touting infinite growth? Just a thought …

Example: Snowpiercer (the film, but also the TV show) is a sleeper climate storytelling classic. A climate solution gone wrong, a train endlessly circling the globe in a frozen tundra, desperately divided by class — clearly a metaphor for the continued inequity of the climate crisis. It both interrogates the feudal system of this postapocalyptic world and finds solutions, namely at the end where the only reason the main character survives is because he listens to two Indigenous characters whom everyone else wrote off. A poignant warning, perhaps? Additionally: Years and Years, Succession, The Game Changers, Thank You for Smoking, Dune, Don't Look Up, Okja, Fallout, Arcane and Barbie.

In order to implement these takeaways, we need to embrace creating an industrywide environment for telling climate stories. Doing so will open the door to dozens more ways to portray the present and future that will defy apathy and encourage action. Intersectional climate stories will only become representative in our content if they are embraced within the culture of this industry, similar and in conjunction to the DE&I movements Hollywood has been striving toward.

To us, "climate storytelling" is an act of radical imagination that emphasizes values we need to shift, choices we must face and questions we must ask ourselves. Every person who touches a story has the power to influence its climate impact. Most importantly, when we are a climate-informed community, we will tell climate-informed stories.

This story first appeared in the June 2024 Sustainability issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to see the rest of the issue.

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‘The Bear’: All the Guest Stars and Celebrity Chefs in Season 3

While Season 3 does still has some surprise cameos from faces you'd typically see on a red carpet, it's culinary celebrities who get the spotlight this time around.

Episode 1, "Tomorrow," is a hodgepodge of flashbacks from Carmy's career before he moved back to Chicago. At one point, chef Terry (Olivia Colman) watches Carmy shuck peas from across the kitchen of Ever, even while a dish is being prepared right in front of her by Dave Beran. In real life, Beran is the chef and owner of Pasjoli in Santa Monica, who also played a role in Jeremy Allen White's culinary training ahead of Season 1.

Chef Terry eventually sends Carmy to work at Noma in Copenhagen, where he shares a quick glance with the world-famous Rene Redzepi, who's poring over recipe photos on an outdoor bulletin board.

Throughout the episode, Carmy is mentored by Daniel Boulud of New York City's Daniel, who helps him refine his technique while prepping vegetables, using truffle and cooking potatoes, which Carmy thinks back to in flashbacks throughout the season.

The finale, "Forever," opens with a flashback to Carmy's days at the French Laundry in Northern California, where chef and owner Thomas Keller teaches him how to take the wishbone out of a chicken before beginning a conversation about having a legacy in the kitchen.

Terry's decision to close Ever and retire draws chefs from all over the world to Chicago for the restaurant's funeral dinner, which is the focus of the rest of the episode. Luca (Will Poulter) peppers Alinea chef Grant Achtaz with questions until he can't take it anymore and awkwardly excuses himself. Carmy catches up with Wylie Dufresne (WD50, Stretch Pizza) and Kevin Boehme (Boka Restaurant Group) before sitting down for dinner.

As they eat, Carmy and Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) listen to other guests share stories from the highs and low of their careers. Among their table mates is Will Guidara, restaurateur and author of the book "Unreasonable Hospitality," which Richie learned from during his training at Ever in the Season 2 episode "Forks." (The book's most famous quote guides "The Bear" and certainly the Season 3 finale: "People will forget what you do; they'll forget what you said. But they'll never forget how you made them feel.") Guidara — who was also a judge on Dan Levy's short-lived cooking competition "The Big Brunch" — is a co-producer and consultant on "The Bear."

Genie Kwon, chef and owner of Chicago's Kasama, has consulted on "The Bear" too, and appears at the dinner, as do Malcolm Livingston II (Noma), Anna Posey (Elske), Rosio Sanchez (Noma, Sanchez, Hija de Sanchez) and Christina Tosi (Milk Bar).

There's one cook who doesn't play himself, though. Paulie James of L.A.'s Uncle Paulie's Deli shows up in Episodes 6 and 7 as Chuckie, who helps Ebra (Edwin Lee Gibson) run the sandwich window at the back of the Bear — the restaurant's only profitable component.

David Zaslav: Hollywood reformer or wrecking ball?

Months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, David Zaslav spent $16 million to buy the Beverly Hills estate of the late film producer Robert Evans and began refurbishing the tattered shrine to 1970s Hollywood.

Two years later, Zaslav embarked on a grander renovation. His cable programming company Discovery took control of the legendary Warner Bros. film and TV studio in Burbank, plus HBO, CNN, TBS and TNT. Zaslav had run Discovery for 16 years, but now he was finally in the major leagues. He proudly plunged into the self-styled role of Warner Bros. Discovery's Superman, brimming with ambition to bring back the luster to the century-old studio — and to Hollywood itself.

Discover the changemakers who are shaping every cultural corner of Los Angeles. This week we br ing you The Disruptors. They include Mattel's miracle maker, a modern Babe Ruth, a vendor avenger and more. All are agitators looking to rewrite the rules of influence and governance. Come back each Sunday for another installment.

But he's been dodging kryptonite ever since.

Just as the April 2022 merger closed, the streaming bubble burst. The $43-billion buyout of previous owner AT&T created a mountain of debt, prompting Zaslav and his team to lay off thousands of employees and scour for cuts. More than $1 billion in programming was canceled, including the nearly completed $90-million "Batgirl" movie, axed for a tax deduction.

Then last year's historic labor strikes brought film and TV production to a virtual halt, further disrupting Warner Bros. Discovery's programming pipeline.

Despite releasing last year's biggest movie blockbuster, "Barbie," which generated more than $1 billion at the box office, Warner Bros. Discovery's financial struggles have alarmed Wall Street. Its stock tanked after posting disappointing earnings, and now, the company is worth about a third of its value when Zaslav took over.

One of America's highest-paid executives, the 64-year-old Brooklyn, N.Y., native has nonethless struggled to reverse the slide. His success or failure could dictate the future of the Warner Bros. studio and storied television brands. Analysts anticipate smaller media companies will get swallowed by larger rivals in a consolidation wave, thrusting Warner Bros. Discovery into a "Game of Thrones"-esque battle for survival.

'What has worked for me throughout my career is not shying away from doing what's hard.'

— David Zaslav

"This is a moment of real disruption. It's a consequential moment for our businesses," Zaslav said in a December interview in his Art Deco office on the Burbank lot where Warner Bros. founder Jack Warner once called the shots. "It's exciting, and scary, but we need to chart a new course in the industry."

So he's shaken things up. He mandated that CNN steer to the political center, a strategy that will be tested as the network tackles another divisive election year. His first stab backfired after former President Trump railroaded a town hall to spread lies, infuriating CNN's newsroom, and contributing to Zaslav's firing of his first CNN chief, Chris Licht. Former New York Times exe cutive Mark Thompson has been tasked with the turnaround.

And Zaslav will need to make streaming service Max more popular with consumers and win over skeptics who denounced its commingling of HBO's prestige quality with shows such as "Flea Market Flip." Seemingly acknowledging his company's offerings might not be strong enough to stand on their own, Zaslav has agreed to offer Max as part of a Disney bundle for Hulu and Disney+. And his Turner networks are scheduled to be part of an upcoming streaming sports venture, Venu.

"When you make decisions, some aren't going to work," Zaslav said. "But what has worked for me throughout my career is not shying away from doing what's hard. Sometimes hard means you have the best chance to win."

How Celebrity Chefs Upgrade Hot Dogs

Among celebrity and home chefs alike, hot dogs have stirred great debates. Is ketchup okay? Is a hot dog a sandwich? And then there's Guy Fieri, who takes things to a whole new level by turning a hot dog into an apple pie. But Fieri isn't alone in his culinary mashups. Bobby Flay stays on the savory side, bringing two ballpark favorites together with the nacho hot dog. These two are just a small taste of the eclectic ways celebrity chefs upgrade hot dogs.

For these chefs, the hot dog is a blank canvas begging to be filled with flavor. They get excited about condiments — Michael Symon will have you questioning your mustard. They bring international flavors — Emeril Lagasse kicks it up with kimchi, Rachael Ray adds spice with harissa tahini sauce, and Giada De Laurentiis takes the hot dog for an Italian spin. They also enjoy classic upgrades — both Gordon Ramsay and Ree Drummond have tasty ideas for chili dogs. So, relish all the options — when it comes to hot dog ideas, these chefs are on a roll.

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Bobby Flay: Nacho Hot Dog

Bobby Flay at cooking demonstration - Larry Marano/Getty Images

Bobby Flay's Emmy-award-winning shows helped make him a culinary superstar. He's even the first chef to be honored with a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. Known for making food fun, it's no wonder he found a playful way to combine two ballpark favorites into one delicious mouthful.

Nacho dogs are much like they sound — hot dogs topped with all the fixings of loaded nachos. In "Bobby Flay's Barbecue Addiction: A Cookbook," he shares the recipe featuring grilled tomato-chipotle salsa, grated Monterey Jack, sliced pickled jalapeños, guacamole, crushed blue corn tortilla chips, and cilantro leaves for garnish.

When Flay went on "Rachael Ray" to show this creation off, it sparked a light-hearted debate about the sequence of toppings. After grilling the hot dog and bun, Ray wanted to maximize meltiness by adding the cheese right away. Flay had other plans. He likes to see his cheese, so he started with guacamole and salsa, then sprinkled the cheese on top. For the finishing touch, he grabbed a handful of blue corn tortilla chips, crunched them in his hand, and dropped them over the dog for that perfect crunch. He almost forgot the pickled jalapeños, but Ray wouldn't let that slide — because what's a nacho dog without a little kick?

Giada De Laurentiis: Take It For An Italian Spin

Hot dog drizzled with pesto - ismishko/Shutterstock

Emmy awards, New York Times bestselling cookbooks, and even her own line of pasta — Giada De Laurentiis is on top of her game. And how does she top her hot dogs? Italian style! A Laurentiis-inspired hot dog condiment bar includes crumbled pancetta, diced red onions, pepperoncini, roasted peppers, mozzarella, pesto, and Calabrian chili mayo. She makes the Calabrian chili mayo with just three ingredients — Calabrian chili paste, lemon juice, and mayonnaise. The amount of Calabrian chili paste is left to taste, with a warning that a little goes a long way. It's hot stuff, but the lemon helps balance out the flavor.

Over at Pink's, the iconic Hollywood hot dog stand, you can sink your teeth into the Giada De Laurentiis Dog. This Italian-themed hot dog comes with mixed grilled sautéed peppers and onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Laurentiis visited Pink's to give her namesake dog a taste test. True to her roots, she loves that the toppings mirror the green, white, and red of the Italian flag. After a big bite, she definitely approved.

Emeril Lagasse: Kimchi Hot Dog

Hot dog with kimchi and siracha mayo - Dennis Wildberger/Shutterstock

"Let's kick it up a notch!" as Emeril Lagasse would say. His Kimchi Dogs bring new meaning to the "hot" in hot dogs. Kimchi, a traditional Korean side dish made from fermented vegetables like cabbage and onions, adds a spicy and tangy flavor. Plus, it adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft bun and juicy dog. For Lagasse's Kimchi Dog, he adds a heap of kimchi to each dog and tops it with Sriracha-Sesame Drizzle — a mix of mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, and hot sesame oil. He garnishes each dog with a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onion tops.< /p>

Lagasse's flair for flavor on franks also inspired an award-winning hot dog that's served up by Pink's infamous hot dog stand. Known as the Emeril Lagasse Bam Dog, it kicks up the flavor with jalapeño, onions, mustard, cheese, three strips of bacon, and coleslaw. Just like kimchi, the coleslaw provides a nice crunch — Lagasse likes to kick up the texture and flavor of his hot dogs.

Rachael Ray: Hot Dogs Topped With Tomato Relish, Israeli Pickles, And Harissa Tahini Sauce

Rachael Ray holding hot dog - Logan Fazio/Getty Images

Rachael Ray takes a Middle Eastern twist on conventional hot dogs by adding tomato relish, Israeli pickles, harissa tahini, and pickled peppers. Her recipe starts with kosher hot dogs on sesame seed hot dog rolls. For the tomato relish, Ray chops up Persian cucumbers, a variety developed in the Middle East to be crunchier and sweeter than other varieties. These cucumbers are also star in Israeli pickles, those punchy, tangy treats you'll find hiding in cans labeled "cucumbers in brine." With a spicier and tangier taste, Israeli pickles pack more kick than your average American kosher dill pickles.

While Ray's choice of relish and pickles already boosts her hot dog's flavor, she keeps going with a slather of harissa tahini sauce. Tahini is a rich, nutty, and creamy Middle Eastern condiment made from ground sesame seeds — it's the secret sauce in hummus. Ray mixes tahini with a bit of harissa paste, a fiery blend of hot peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices. Find both harissa paste and tahini in grocery stores and online — look for harissa paste in jars, tubes, and cans and tahini in jars and squeezable bottles.

Ray tops off the flavor extravaganza with sport peppers, those mildly pickled chiles that are the hallmark of a classic Chicago-style dog. If you don't have sport peppers, Ray isn't picky — any pickled peppers will do.

Gordon Ramsay: Chili Hot Dog

Gordon Ramsay smiling in kitchen - Sterling Munksgard/Shutterstock

The hot dog is no stranger to chili and none other than multi-Michelin starred Chef Gordon Ramsay has perfected the chili dog. His recipe offers some flavorful tips for upgrading the standard hot dog even before the chili hits the bun. He uses pork hot dogs and lets them lounge in hot chicken stock for 15 minutes. This already infuses those dogs with extra flavor. Post-soak, Ramsay roasts the hot dogs on a Josper until the skin is crispy. For those of us without this highly valued charcoal-burning oven, a good ol' grill or pan will have to do. Once crisped to perfection, Ramsay puts the hot dogs in toasted brioche buns where they're ready for a ladle of chili con carne and a parade of garnishes — sliced fresh chili, chopped chives, grated Monterey jack cheese, and a drizzle of sou r cream.

Ramsay offers plenty more inspiration for hot dogs at his Gordon Ramsay Burger restaurants. The Las Vegas location even takes the chili dog up a notch, serving the Chili Dawg — a bacon-wrapped hot dog covered in chili, cheese sauce, crispy onions, green onions, and peppers. Meanwhile, both the Chicago and Boston locations woo diners with the Chipotle Dawg, a feisty mix of cheddar, avocado, chipotle ketchup, chiles, jalapeño, and pepper relish. If you're taking inspiration from Ramsay, your hot dog will not lack flavor.

Ree Drummond: Cilantro Slaw, Special Relish, Or A Chipotle Chili Dog

Chili dogs with cheese and onions - ABBYDOG/Shutterstock

Ree Drummond, also known as The Pioneer Woman, isn't one to let a hot dog be bland. She could add basic coleslaw to a hot dog, but she takes that up a notch and adds cilantro slaw to all-beef hot dogs slathered in barbecue sauce. All this flavor is placed on slightly toasted brioche hot dog buns.

For another hot dog approach, Drummond adds sauerkraut and relish. Of course, not just any relish. She creates a sweet and spicy version by finely chopping a small stalk of celery, a scallion, and a tablespoon of pickled jalapeños, all mixed together with a cup of store-bought sweet pickle relish. She uses this special relish, along with sauerkraut, to top both hot dogs and bratwurst. It's all held together in lightly buttered and toasted split-top hot dog buns.

As if chili didn't already upgrade a hot dog, Drummond takes it a step further and elevates a chili dog. She doesn't make just any chili dogs — she makes chipotle chili dogs. The dog features amped-up chili with adobo sauce and chipotle chile peppers, bringing a smoky flavor and more heat than your average jalapeño. After cooking all-beef hot dogs, she tucks them into toasted potato buns, tops with chili and grated cheddar cheese, and broils for about a minute until the cheese melts. For the finishing touch, Drummond garnishes the chipotle chili dog with finely chopped white onions.

Michael Symon: Whole-Seed Mustard And Absolutely No Ketchup

Jar of whole seed mustard - New Africa/Shutterstock

Food Network Iron Chef Michael Symon let us in on some frank secrets when he grilled up hot dogs on Instagram. A natural casing for that satisfying snap is a must-have for Symon and he likes to split the dogs open to get some charred grilling action in the middle. Instead of butter, he spreads mayonnaise on the bun's inside before toasting it on the grill.

For condiments, Symon has spicy taste. In his Instagram post, he doused his hot dog with Old Bay Hot Sauce and spread some Wickles Spicy Red Sandwich Spread — you know this stuff offers a kick since its first ingredient is jalapeño peppers. For mustard, he layered on whole-seed Old Brooklyn Mustard, one of his favorites. He likes this stuff so much that he actually partnered with the company. Together, they've rebranded as POP Mustard, offering whole-seed mustard in flavors like original, smoked, and kraut. Keep an eye out — this mustard could soon be elevating your hot dogs, as the Cleveland-based company is currently working out large distribution deals.

There is one condiment Michael Symon will never put on his hot dog: ketchup. He's made his anti-ketchup stance clear on social media. When fellow Food Network Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli tweeted good things about ketchup, Symon's response was just a nauseated green face emoji. Talk about throwing shade with a side of relish.

Martha Stewart: Hot Dog With Sauerkraut And Plenty Of Condiments

Hot dogs with condiments - MariaKovaleva/Shutterstock

Martha Stewart may be a household name for her elegant and sophisticated home entertaining, but she's still a hot dog-eating human like the rest of us. On a fun segment of "Today," Stewart lifted the lid on her grill and shared her lineup of all beef hot dogs, kielbasa (Polish sausage), cheddar bratwurst (German sausage), and loukaniko (Greek sausage often flavored with citrus and dried herbs like oregano). When it comes to the bun, there is a hard and fast rule: it must be buttered! Then it goes on the grill until slightly charred.

While grilling up dogs on "Today," Stewart was noticeably excited about condiments. She showed off a condiment bar with bread and butter pickles, dill pickles, French mustard, spicy mustard, beet horseradish mustard, chopped onions, red relish, green relish, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, strips of bacon, and sauerkraut. When it came time to dress her own dog, she topped it with French mustard, pickles, lots of relish, a strip of bacon, and a heap of one of her favorites — sauerkraut.

Like some other celebrity chefs, Stewart earned herself a namesake menu item at Pink's, Hollywood's longstanding go-to hot dog joint. Drawing from the condiments Stewart set out on "Today," Pink's Martha Stewart Dog features relish, onions, chopped tomatoes, sauerkraut, sour cream, and three strips of bacon.

Jeff Mauro: Hot Dogs With Refried Beans, Avocado, And Lots More Flavor

Bacon-wrapped hot dog with toppings - P Lansing/Shutterstock

Jeff Mauro, the Season 7 winner of Food Network Star and the host of Sandwich King, was born, raised, and is still cooking in Chicago. In a BBC profile, he praised Gene & Jude's as Chicago's best sausage spot. He grew up eating the restaurant's classic Chicago hot dog — mustard, relish, onion, and sport peppers.

But Mauro's history doesn't mean his hot dog ideas are limited to Chicago's way of doing things. He's developed dozens of recipes for hot dogs, including meeting Mike's Hard Lemonade challenge to create a hot dog bold enough to pair with Mike's Hard Black Cherry Lemonade. Mauro's answer: the Sonoran-style hot dog.

The Sonoran-style hot dog starts with a toasted bun slathered with refried beans. A bacon-wrapped hot dog joins the party, followed by sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, pickled banana peppers, a drizzle of spicy mayo, and a garnish of cilantro. It's all crafted to go well with Mike's Hard Black Cherry Lemonade, a refreshing drink powerful enough to serve as an extinguisher to the spicy and flavorful Sonoran-style hot dog.

Ina Garten: Hot Dogs Over An Open Fire

Woman cooks hot dog over open fire - Gajus/Shutterstock

The star of "Barefoot Contessa" is known for her elegant yet approachable home cooking. Hot dogs might not be the first food to associate with elegance, so when Ina Garten revealed that she'd want a hot dog for her last meal, a few loyal fans raised their eyebrows. The elegance crept in when Garten specified which hot dog — specifically, she'd choose a hot dog and french fries from Frenchie to Go in Paris. The restaurant knew how to do hot dogs, even fermenting in-house sauerkraut. Sadly for Garten, though, Frenchie to Go has since closed its doors.

When preparing her own hot dogs, Garten shared on Facebook that she prefers to cook them over an open fire. The plump, juicy, smoky, and charred-just-right results can be hard to replicate with other cooking methods. Garten also spilled the beans (or should we say relish?) on the surrounding details — she likes potato rolls, spicy Gulden's mustard, and lots of relish.

Wolfgang Puck: Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dog Melts

Bacon-wrapped hot dog with cheese - Elena Shashkina/Shutterstock

Wolfgang Puck grew up in Vienna as a big fan of Wiener Würstchen, a type of smoked sausage. But his family couldn't afford to eat much meat. They ate home-grown veggies, backyard chicken eggs, and plenty of rice, potatoes, and noodles. After a long journey, Puck is now a renowned celebrity chef for the stars, creating recipes like hot dog melts — a meat-wrapped-in-meat masterpiece.

To create these melts, you'll make cheese pockets in all-beef hot dogs by cutting long slits down the middle of each. Then, stuff a slice of Gruyère cheese into each hot dog's opening. Wrap each hot dog in a thin slice of lean bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Place the bacon-wrapped cheese dogs on a baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit, until the bacon is crisp. Puck serves these hot dog melts in buns with a zesty horseradish sauce made of mayonnaise, sour cream, horseradish, mustard, honey, shallots, chives, and lemon juice.

Julia Child: Just Go To Costco's Food Court

Hot dog on Costco food court menu - oasisamuel/Shutterstock

Long before celebrity chefs used social media to debate hot dog condiments and the true definition of a sandwich, Julia Child published "Mastering the Art of French Cooking." The book is full of labor-intensive instructions that don't exactly shout easy weeknight dinner. But Child's appreciation for food wasn't limited to just the fancy stuff. She simply loved good food, from her go-to tuna salad on an English muffin to her complicated cassoulet. And yup, her range of likes included hot dogs.

In "Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child," Bob Spitz reveals that Child liked to head to Costco for a treat — two hot dogs, with mustard and sauerkraut. Child is not alone in her love for Costco's food court frank. In Costco's 2023 fiscal year, customers purchased 200 million hot dog and soda combos. Over the years, the hot dog itself has seen some changes. Hebrew National originally supplied the dogs, but in 2008, Costco started making their own to save some dough. But one thing that hasn't changed — the budget-friendly cost. Back when Child was enjoying her Costco treat, she paid the same price we do today — just $1.50 for a jumbo all-beef hot dog and a 20-ounce refillable soda.

Guy Fieri: Apple Pie Hot Dog

Baseball, hot dog, and apple pie - /Getty Images

Back in the groovy 1970s, Chevrolet got a catchy tune about "baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and Chevrolet" stuck in everyone's head. A few years ago, the company revived the jingle. And as part of the promotion, Chevrolet recruited celebrity chef Guy Fieri to create a recipe mashup of hot dogs and apple pie. At least they didn't ask him to throw in a baseball cowhide, too.

Chevrolet posted a video on Facebook featuring Fieri making his creation — the Apple Pie Hot Dog. It's a pie pocket with a hot dog, bacon jam, and apple pie filling. He tops it with crumbled bacon and a drizzle of apple mustard — a condiment made with equal parts apple pie filling and yellow mustard.

While the Apple Pie Hot Dog may turn some Americans off of both apple pie and hot dogs, if the flavor mashup inspires you, check out this twist on Guy Fieri's Apple Pie Hot Dog recipe. Instead of pie pockets with whole hot dogs, the recipe calls for chopped-up hot dogs to make adorable round mini pies.

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Celebrity Makeup Artist Makeup by Benazir Unveils Signature Bridal Looks for Wedding Season

Makeup By Benazir: Expert Bridal Looks, Personalized Services, and More

United Kingdom - June 29, 2024 —

Celebrity makeup artist Benazir Thebo, hailing from the United Kingdom, proudly unveils her Signature Bridal Looks for the upcoming wedding season. Benazir gave up her successful career in architecture to pursue her passion for makeup, a decision that has defined her path ever since. With years of experience working closely with celebrities and top-class models, she has made a name for herself in the beauty industry by providing exceptional makeup services for various high-profile events, including runway shows, weddings, and parties. Her latest collection showcases her unique ability to blend timeless elegance with modern trends, promising to make every bride feel stunning on her special day.

The Signature Bridal Looks by Makeup by Benazir is a testament to her exceptional artistry and keen eye for detail. Drawing inspiration from classic bridal beauty while infusing contemporary elements, these looks cater to brides of all styles. Each look emphasizes a flawless complexion, radiant glow, and features that are both timeless and captivating. Benazir employs advanced techniques and high-quality products to ensure long-lasting wear and a picture-perfect finish. Her collection includes a variety of styles, from soft, romantic aesthetics to bold, glamorous statements, ensuring every bride finds her perfect match. Through her innovative approach and dedication to her craft, Benazir Thebo continues to redefine bridal makeup, setting new standards in the industry.

"Every bride deserves to feel stunning on her special day. My Signature Bridal Looks are designed to highlight each bride's unique beauty, combining timeless elegance with modern trends to create a truly unforgettable look. With careful attention to detail and using the finest products, I strive to make every bride feel confident and radiant as she walks down the aisle." - Benazir Thebo, Makeup by Benazir.

Benazir Thebo's journey as a beauty makeup artist has been marked by dedication, creativity, and a passion for enhancing natural beauty. With a reputation built on excellence, she has worked with top-tier models and provided makeup services for a wide range of high-profile events. Her expertise in creating versatile and personalized looks has earned her a loyal clientele and numerous accolades within the industry.

In addition to her Signature Bridal Looks, Benazir offers personalized consultations to ensure each bride's vision is brought to life. She takes the time to understand her clients' preferences and skin types, using this knowledge to craft a flattering and enduring look. Benazir proudly offers bridal services in various countries, including the UK, Pakistan, UAE, and the USA. With years of experience in the beauty industry, she creates personalized looks that enhance the bride's natural beauty and perfectly match the theme of their wedding.

Here's what sets her Signature Bridal makeup services apart:

Expert Bridal Makeup Artist

As a seasoned bridal makeup specialist, Benazir has extensive experience working with different skin tones and facial features to achieve a radiant and flawless finish. She stays updated with the latest trends and techniques to ensure brides look perfect.

Complete Bridal Hair and Makeup Services

Makeup By Benazir offers comprehensive bridal hair and makeup services to cover all their beauty needs. If brides are searching for a bridal hair and makeup artist or a wedding hair and makeup artist, Benazir provides customized services to ensure they look stunning from head to toe.

Stress-Free On-Location Services

Benazir offers on-location bridal makeup services, bringing all the necessary tools and products to the bride's venue, ensuring a stress-free experience on their special day.

Beyond bridal services, Makeup by Benazir offers various makeup services to cater to multiple needs. These include photoshoot makeup, party makeup, fashion show makeup, and celebrity makeup. Each service is tailored to enhance the client's natural beauty and suit the specific requirements of the occasion, ensuring a flawless and captivating look for every event.

To book Makeup by Benazir for a special day, visit the official website or see the contact details for availability and rates. A variety of bridal packages are offered, including trial sessions, to ensure complete satisfaction with the chosen look. Benazir's commitment to providing a seamless and memorable experience means that every detail is meticulously planned and executed, leaving brides to enjoy their day with confidence and grace. Whether seeking a classic, romantic style or a bold, contemporary look, Makeup by Benazir ensures a walk down the aisle looking and feeling stunning.

Social Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeup_by_benazir/

Contact Info:Name: Benazir TheboEmail: Send EmailOrganization: Makeup By BenazirPhone: +44 7418 388739Website: https://makeupbybenazir.com/

Release ID: 89133961

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OV Entertainment Group Acquires Brazilian Studio Kokku Games and Argentinian Studio 3OGS

LONDON, June 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OV Entertainment Group, a newly formed UK-based global multimedia entertainment company, encompassing games, film/TV, and advertising industries, has finalized two strategic acquisitions in Latin America and Europe. The company has emerged as a significant player in the global cross-media market with its recent purchase of Brazil and Portugal-based Kokku, a leading AAA co-development studio, and 3OGS, a highly experienced tech and tools studio based in Argentina.

Expanding Our Horizons: Strategic Acquisitions in Latin America and Europe

Kokku, boasting a workforce of over 170 highly talented individuals and offices in Brazil and Portugal, has become a flagship addition to OV Entertainment's portfolio. In a notable move, Thiago de Freitas, the CEO and founder of Kokku, has assumed the role of OV Entertainment Group CEO following the acquisition. This strategic decision leverages de Freitas' extensive experience and expertise in the entertainment industry and IP creation, positioning OV Entertainment for significant global growth.

The second acquisition, 3OGS, located in Cordoba, is an Argentinian premier tools and tech company known for its high-end engineering and programming services for the video games and broader entertainment industries. 3OGS serves a global clientele with top-tier gaming solutions for consoles, PCs, and mobile, providing porting, engine optimization, bug fixing, proprietary engine updates, continued development, R&D, tools, and much more. The acquisition of 3OGS underscores OV Entertainment's commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and diversifying its offerings while expanding its presence in the Latin American landscape.

A Unified Vision: Leadership and Strategic Direction

OV Entertainment has expressed a broader strategic vision beyond the gaming sector. De Freitas stated, "This movement marks the inaugural step in our bold strategy to unify the entertainment industry with cutting-edge technology, AAA talent, and cross-media expertise. Together, we are building a cross-media company focused on strong brands, organic growth, and profitability. By leveraging the combined expertise of our teams, we are pushing the boundaries of the entertainment industry further than ever before. This encompasses games, films/TV, advertising, and tech and tools, all under one roof, thereby mitigating the risks associated with working in a single industry.

Thiago de Freitas, OV Entertainment Group CEO

We are positioning ourselves to be at the forefront of an entertainment industry that continues to blur the lines between games, film, and television, providing deeper experiences and attracting more diverse audiences worldwide. Our enhanced capabilities will allow us to develop and monetize strong IPs across multiple platforms and entertainment mediums. We are thrilled about the vast opportunities and we are eager to set new benchmarks in the entertainment industry. Together, we are not just adapting to the future of entertainment—we are actively shaping it."

Voices from Our New Family Members

"By joining OV Entertainment Group, we believe that Kokku's opportunities in the long term to work on more innovative and larger cross-media projects will increase exponentially," said Kokku's studio head, Ricardo Flores. "We have seen the convergence of games, film/TV, and advertising for quite some time and now we will be able to fully immerse ourselves through this partnership."

Mauricio Navajas, Co-founder and CEO of 3OGS continued, "Through OV Entertainment, we feel our opportunities to grow, evolve, and innovate will expand greatly. We are already working on new and exciting projects and getting ready to create technology not only for the video games industry but also for film, TV, and more."

Future Prospects and Leadership Expansion

Both Kokku Games and 3OGS are poised for substantial growth, with plans to double their output in 2024. OV Entertainment, known for celebrating founders and its commitment to fostering a supportive environment, is enthusiastic about providing the necessary expertise to facilitate the success of these acquisitions in the dynamic and challenging entertainment industry.

In line with its expansion strategy, OV Entertainment has bolstered its leadership team with industry veterans with significant operational expertise. Christopher Bergstresser, a former executive at Sega, MTG, EG7, and Miniclip, assumes the role of Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), and Oliver Kern, a former executive at Jagex and Lockwood, steps in as Chief Operating Officer (COO). These seasoned professionals are expected to play a crucial role in guiding OV Entertainment through its growth plans.

Looking Ahead: Strategic Expansion Plans

Looking ahead, OV Entertainment has ambitious plans for 2024, aiming to make two other strategic acquisitions. The company's commitment to strategic expansion positions it as a key player in the global entertainment industry, ready to explore new opportunities and provide comprehensive support to production companies across various sectors.

For more information about OV Entertainment Group and its new acquisitions, please visit www.oventertainment.group.

A press kit for OV Entertainment Group can be found here: https://uberstrategist.link/OV-Entertainment-Press-Kit

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/73b7f0d2-bb02-479d-921c-89ee63165797

About OV Entertainment Group:OV Entertainment Group employs a bold strategy to unify the entertainment industry through strong entrepreneurs and founders, cutting-edge technology, AAA talent, and cross-media expertise. The company is building a cross-media enterprise focused on strong brands, organic growth, and profitability. By leveraging the combined expertise of their teams, OV Entertainment is pushing the boundaries of the Entertainment Industry further than ever before. Their strategy encompasses Games, Films/TV, Advertising, and Tech & Tools, all under one roof.

About KokkuKokku stands as a premier provider of end-to-end creative development and Co-Development for AAA/AA projects, boasting a strong presence with offices in Europe and LatAm. Renowned for its collaborative approach, the company specializes in delivering a diverse array of AAA/AA titles across platforms like Consoles, PC, and Mobile. Their esteemed partners include industry giants such as Activision, Guerrilla Games, Codemasters, Electronic Arts, Paradox Interactive, Samsung, Netflix, and many more.

About 3OGS3OGS is an Argentinian premier Tools & Tech Company, known for its high-end engineering and programming services for the Video Games Industry. Operating with high EBITDA margins, 3OGS serves a global clientele with top-tier gaming solutions for Consoles, PC, and Mobile, providing Porting, Engine Optimization, Bug Fixing, Proprietary Engine Updates and Continued Development, R&D, Tools, and much more.

PRESS CONTACTBrett Buren and CJ MelendezÜberStrategist Inc.pr@uberstrategist.com1-646-844-8388

Celebrity Chefs Who Had Near Death Experiences

Life as a celebrity chef can be really hardcore. Whether chefs rise through the ranks of world class kitchens, find success on television, or both, the demands of the profession are immense. Being a chef can be dangerous for many reasons — and these culinary stars know first-hand. All of the celeb chefs on this list faced near-death experiences but lived to tell the tale.

Sadly, a chef's near-death survival is more the exception than the rule. The number of notable chefs who have died tragically is so staggering, it forced the industry to reckon with glamorizing such an intense lifestyle. Fine dining kitchens — where many celebrity chefs start out — are notoriously grueling. Long hours, hostile working conditions, extreme stress, and normalized substance abuse is the fabric from which haute cuisine culture was built, and the many tragedies that occur within it have been well-documented.

The celebrity chef persona is a subject that has captivated and disturbed the public. Some of these chefs nearly died before they were well-known, while others had their survival stories splashed across the media. Here are some celebrity chefs that are lucky to be alive.

Read more: Famous Chefs Who Are Jerks In Real Life

Gordon Ramsay

Gordon Ramsay wearing a cycling outfit and helmet - gordongram / Instagram

He's one of the most successful celebrity chefs to ever exist, but in June 2024, Gordon Ramsay had a brush with death in a serious cycling accident. Ramsay has been a serious cyclist for years, but a bike ride in Connecticut almost put a stop to all that. On a June 15th Instagram video, Ramsay still looked pretty rattled as he opened up about what happened.

"This week unfortunately I had a really bad accident ... it really shook me." Ramsay went on to say that he is "lucky to be here" after receiving treatment in a New London, Connecticut hospital. The TV star did not sustain any broken bones or severe injuries, but toward the end of the video he lifts up his chef coat, revealing a monstrous, purple bruise covering the side of his torso. Ramsay assured that he's healing, and that his helmet saved his life. "You've got to wear a helmet" Ramsay said into the camera. The video message was followed by photos showing significant damage the accident caused to his helmet and cycling clothes.

This wasn't the first close call for Ramsay. In 2008, Ramsay was filming in Iceland for his show "The F Word" when he fell from a 280-foot cliff and plunged into the freezing water below. Bogged down by his heavy boots and clothing, he remained submerged underwater for 45 seconds until crew members threw him a rope and pulled him to safety.

Eduardo Garcia

Chef Eduardo Garcia smiling in stone kitchen - chefeduardogarcia / Instagram

After traveling the world as a private chef on luxury yachts, Eduardo Garcia returned to his boyhood home of Montana. It wasn't unusual for the avid outdoorsman to hunt or explore in Montana's vast backcountry, but an archery hike Garcia took in October 2011 changed his life forever. Upon noticing the remains of a baby black bear inside a halved oil drum, Garcia prodded the animal with his knife, an innocent action that caused 2,400 volts of electricity to surge through his body.

Unbeknownst to Garcia, the oil drum was a marker for a live electrical box. Electricity blasted through his torso, taking out four ribs. The charge left nine electricity exit wounds, the largest bolting out of his inner thigh. His left arm was charred beyond repair. Somehow, Garcia managed to walk back to civilization and was airlifted to a trauma burn unit in Salt Lake City, Utah. His blown out ribs were removed and his left hand amputated at the forearm. When tissue samples returned from lab testing, Garcia found out he had testicular cancer.

Garcia credits his positive outlook on saving him from the brink of death. Accepting help from others allowed him to come to terms with what his life would look like going forward. Today, Garcia cooks with a prosthetic arm, and is endearingly known as the "bionic chef". His accident is the subject of the 2017 documentary, "Charged: The Eduardo Garcia Story".

Mark Iacono

Mark Iacono holds pizza pie with fresh basil - Vivien Killilea/Getty Images

Mob shakedown? Love triangle? These are some rumored causes of what led to the near-fatal 2011 stabbing of Mark Iacono, famed Brooklyn pizza chef and owner of Lucali. What we do know is that Iacono has the hardened New Yorker act down. Speaking about the violent incident to Grub Street in 2012, Iacono insisted the whole thing wasn't that serious. "I have no feeling in, say, about 50 percent of my body, maybe forever. But that's okay, it's nothin' really."

On April 15, 2011, Iacono's Dunkin' run took a sour turn when he encountered Benny Geritano, an ex-con with mob ties — and someone Iacono knew since childhood. A verbal spat ensued, and later in the day when Iacono visited a Brooklyn deli near his restaurant, Geritano appeared again. Their exchange escalated, Geritano brandished a kitchen knife and stabbed Iacono repeatedly in the torso, neck, and legs — hitting Iacono's femoral artery and landing him in critical care.

When Geritano arrived at a local hospital with slash marks on his hands, both men were charged with attempted murder. Neither Geritano nor Iacono cooperated with the investigation, and the case was dropped. Iacono continues to helm Lucali, which has a second location in Miami. The trauma — if it was ever there at all — is behind him. "It was no big deal. Like, I got into a fight. It was just a fight" he told Grub Street. "Yes, it was a near-death experience but it didn't affect me."

Rachael Ray

Rachael Ray mixing salad greens - John Lamparski/Getty Images

She's an American sweetheart of the celebrity chef world, but back in the day, Rachael Ray had to get scrappy on the streets of New York City. Let's just say, the girl can handle herself. Before Ray was a culinary megastar, she lived and worked in New York City. In 1993, she took a job managing Agata & Valentina, a gourmet food store on Manhattan's Upper East Side. Ray commented from her apartment in Woodside, Queens — which is where things got dangerous for the up-and-coming TV personality.

Late one night, Ray walked into the entryway of her apartment and was met by a teenage boy holding a gun. Describing the event to The New York Post, Ray said, "He has literally a glock in his hand and sticks it in my back, and I scream so loud. I think they heard it in Jersey ... I sprayed him in the face with mace and he was not happy."

Not happy is right. Days later, the boy came back. He pulled Ray into an alleyway beside the apartment and hit her with his gun. Ray screamed for the building's guard dog who luckily scared off the attacker. Ray didn't stay in N.Y.C. much longer after that. "I felt the whole universe was telling me, You're not supposed to be here right now," she told Vanity Fair in 2007.

Grant Achatz

Chef Grant Achatz in spotlit kitchen - Juan Naharro Gimenez/Getty Images

The story of how Grant Achatz nearly lost his life is so intense, the chef practically had no choice but to write a book about it. In Achatz's, "Life, on the line: A Chef's Story of Chasing Greatness, Facing Death, and Redefining the Way We Eat," the classically trained chef describes how cancer took away his sense of taste — and nearly took his life.

He was a leader in the molecular gastronomy movement of the 2000s and a co-founder of Alinea, a Chicago restaurant that was Gourmet magazine's pick for the best restaurant in America in 2006. By 2007, Achatz's career and life hung in the balance. He was diagnosed with stage 4 tongue cancer which had spread to his neck. Surgeons advised Achatz they could cut out 75% of his tongue and replace it with muscle tissue from elsewhere in his body — but the chances he would survive two years beyond the procedure was 50%. He was 33 at the time.

Achatz opted for 12 rounds of chemotherapy and 65 radiation treatments, which burned the skin on his face and neck from the inside out. It also made him lose his taste, but only temporarily. When he won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef in 2008, Achatz was still in the process of learning how to taste again. He's been in remission since December 2007, and said the experience made him a better chef.

Gregory Gourdet

Gregory Gourdet speaking at 2024 James Beard Awards - Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images

Gregory Gourdet won our hearts on "Top Chef" and "Top Chef All-Stars," and has had illustrious professional cooking career. It is a career that almost didn't happen — Gourdet miraculously survived a horrific car wreck in 2007 while in the throes of drug and alcohol addiction. He lost years of his life to the disease of addiction, but in recovery, his success skyrocketed.

Gourdet's path to culinary stardom was paved by false starts in other academic pursuits. When his pre-med studies and a collegiate foray into wildlife biology proved unfulfilling, Gourdet pursued cooking — a mere hobby at first — as a serious occupation. Through it all, he struggled with substance abuse, and his consumption increased when he entered the fast-paced environment of fine dining kitchens. Drinking through the day and freebasing at night led to him being fired from his position as chef de cuisine at Jean Georges' restaurant, 66.

Months after leaving rehab in 2007, Gourdet totaled a car on New Year's Eve after a 12-hour binge. In an essay published by Today, the chef reflected upon his near-death experience, "Somehow, I escaped the shell of bent metal and broken glass with just a small scratch above my left eye. I was lucky that I spent the night in jail and not the ICU." It would take another two years for Gourdet to get clean, but once he did, the James Beard Award winner flourished.

Michael Caines

Closeup of Chef Michael Caines in suit and tie - Devon County Show / Facebook

At 25, Chef Michael Caines was on his way to becoming a prominent chef in his native U.K., until a tragic car accident threatened to take it all away. The accident occurred in 1994 on a stretch of road called the M4. Caines was coming home from his niece's christening in South Wales and fell asleep at the wheel. The car drifted and hit a barrier and flipped upside down. Caines came to and saw his hand lying nearby. His right arm was gone from the elbow down.

Caines admits that in the immediate aftermath of the accident he hoped he would die, as he couldn't imagine continuing his career without the use of his dominant hand. Yet, Caines was back to work on a part-time basis in just two weeks, and with the help of a high-end prosthetic, he relearned how to do everything in the kitchen — and more.

Caines went on to earn two Michelin Stars and appear in a number of culinary TV shows in Britain. In conversation with The Irish Times, he said, "It made me a better person in many ways, and it made me realise that resilience and perseverance are important. I could have lost my life that day and I didn't, so it gave me purpose and meaning. Life's too short, so why waste a day."

Kevin Gillespie

Chef Kevin Gillespie smiles at camera - chefkevingillespie / Instagram

"Top Chef" alum Kevin Gillespie was just getting started in 2009 when he made it to the finals of the show's 6th season. The competition helped his star rise, but in 2018, Gillespie was diagnosed with a rare and potentially deadly form of kidney cancer. Just 35 at the time, the news was a shock. Gillespie had been completely asymptomatic, but was told that his kidney needed to be removed immediately.

The surgery was successful and left Gillespie grateful to be alive. Discussing the ordeal with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution he said, "I feel like I dodged not a bullet, but an atom bomb. The kind of cancer that I had is so fatal because it's not detected ... You don't feel sick. You wake up one morning and you're peeing blood, then you die a few months later."

When "Top Chef" approached him to appear on "All Stars Season 17," Gillespie jumped at the chance. In an interview with Forbes, Gillespie said, "I really don't care if I win. I have always been way too driven by money and success and I just don't care anymore. It is my goal to make it to the finals and be on enough episodes to tell my story."

Justin Sutherland

Chef Justin Sutherland holding Emmy Award - Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Justin Sutherland is another "Top Chef" notable who faced a near-death tragedy. In 2022, the chef, who competed on the 16th season of "Top Chef," was involved in a boating accident that almost cost him his left arm. It was something as innocuous as reaching for his captain hat after it blew off that tossed Sutherland into open water and into the path of the boat's propellers. The moment he took his attention from the steering wheel, the boat hit a wave and capsized the talented culinary star.

Sutherland sustained a broken arm, broken jaw, and a host of lacerations. After numerous surgeries, the chef was able to make a full recovery — but it was a journey. In a November 2023 Instagram post, Sutherland said, "In my line of work I rely heavily on my hands and arms, and the thought of losing use of my left arm was devastating. Fast forward 14 months and I'm fully recovered and back to doing what I love."

Chris Cosentino

Chef Chris Cosentino poses in kitchen - chefchriscosentino / Instagram

Fame came to Chris Cosentino easier than most. He found early culinary fame on "Iron Chef" and from there, the TV offers rolled in. Cosentino balanced his media presence with fatherhood, and a full-time job at the esteemed restaurant Incanto. The fragile balance proved to be too much.

A 2009 collapse landed the chef in the hospital, where doctors bounced between diagnosing him with stomach cancer and cirrhosis of the liver. The truth was, Cosentino's stomach lining was pocked with third-degree alkaline burns — likely from the hot pepper eating competition he was paid to perform on TV. Forced into downtime, Cosentino began watching his television appearances and hated what he saw. "I looked like a bully," was how he described the experience to Men's Journal.

His conclusions were bolstered by the fact that Incanto's sales were on a major downturn. The events forced Cosentino to reconsider all that he knew about celebrity chef fame. He now focuses his time on cycling, charity causes, and spreading awareness for mental health.

Hubert Keller

Hubert Keller poses in chef coat - Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Eating a South Pacific tuna while in Tahiti should have been nothing more than a satisfying meal for renowned chef and restaurateur Hubert Keller, but when he did just that circa 2005, he almost died. The bout of food poisoning Keller suffered soon after was nothing short of debilitating. "I couldn't walk anymore," Keller said. "I was literally going (to die), and nobody could do anything" was how the chef put it in an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Keller was raised in the Alsace, France and in the 1980s, helmed the revered Fleur de Lys in San Francisco. He eventually made his way to the glittering landscape of Vegas, running the popular eateries Burger Bar and Fleur. Keller stepped away from both ventures in 2021.

If Keller, now almost 70 years old, is nudging into retirement, we can't blame him. The chef recalls being on his death bed for six months after contracting food poisoning, until one day the infection subsided, allowing him to make a full recovery. Keller is a longtime donor to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and his near-death experience bolstered his passion to the cause even more. Keller told the Las Vegas Review-Journal, "Now when I do a charity event for kids or other adults, I feel like I was fortunate to make it back."

Sean Brock

Chef Sean Brock poses with hand on his glasses - thedabneydc / Instagram

Acclaimed chef Sean Brock was accustomed to the all-consuming hours and hard-partying existence that comes with the upper echelon of culinary life. He vomited often and never felt 100%, something any chef at the top of his game might write off as hazards of the job. What Brock came to understand, was that he suffered from the autoimmune disease myasthenia gravis (MG), which primarily affected his vision and eyelid muscles, but also wreaked havoc on his immune system, hands, and brain.

Multiple surgeries were needed to treat the condition, which introduced painkillers to Brock's life — one that was already mired in illness and too much bourbon. Brock, an admitted workaholic, saw no other way but to power through the misery. When loved ones finally suggested rehab, Brock's immediate thought was "thank god". Today, Brock lives a sober lifestyle and works to spread awareness to those suffering from MG and other conditions often suffered in silence.

Matty Matheson

Matty Matheson poses at an awards show - Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

He wasn't a household name until finding immense success on TV's "The Bear," but Matty Matheson's culinary journey brought him to tough places earlier in life. Born in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1982, Matheson's rise to public consciousness came about in an era when the bad boy chef persona was not yet looked at as fully problematic. To someone like Matheson, who struggled in school and had an early taste for rebellion, an edgy reputation actually boosted his media presence.

Despite his penchant for debauchery, Matheson trained under serious chefs and became the executive chef at Toronto's Parts & Labour in 2010. Meanwhile, his boisterous — albeit self-destructive — lifestyle caught the eye of Vice Media. The popular news outlet regularly showcased Matheson on its online show "Munchies". Although things seemed to be looking up for the unlikely celeb chef, his behavior caught up to him in the worst of ways.

After a three-day bender in 2012, Matheson woke suspiciously early — at 7 am — to the sensation of his heart being squeezed. At the hospital, doctors confirmed that the then 29-year-old had survived a heart attack. The near-death experience was slow to change him. In 2013, Matheson was nearly fired from Parts & Labour for openly conducting a drug deal in front of patrons. It was the catalyst that led to his sobriety, and a career trajectory that shows no bounds.

Read the original article on Mashed.

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Fieri and Florida has a nice ring to it. See where the celebrity chef has popped up

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Hollywood photographer accused of sexually assaulting young men aspiring to be models

Los Angeles police are asking for the public's help to locate witnesses and potential victims in the case of a Hollywood photographer charged with sexually assaulting three young men aspiring to be models.

William Isaac Thomas Jr., 49, presented himself as an industry expert to young men and then after they hired him as their agent, "forced them to submit to sexual assault under duress," according to an LAPD statement.

The district attorney's office charged Thomas in May with a half-dozen felonies, including sodomy, in connection with three men, who were between the ages of 18 and 20 at the time. The LAPD said Friday that detectives have identified three other clients Thomas allegedly assaulted and believe he is "responsible for additional unreported sexual assaults."

Thomas was arrested out of state and extradited to L.A., where he was jailed Wednesday, police said. He is being held on $1.5-million bail and could not be reached for comment. The charges carry a potential life sentence.

The investigation into Thomas began in March 2023 when an 18-year-old reported being "sexually battered" at the photographer's residence, according to an LAPD press release. Sex crimes detectives turned up additional evidence suggesting Thomas had assaulted other young men between the ages of 17 and 21 and threatened to ruin their careers if they protested, police said.

The alleged assaults occurred between 2017 and last year, according to the district attorney's office.

"He preyed upon young men by promising them jobs and monetary opportunities he never delivered," LAPD Det. Brent Hopkins said in a statement. "Once he made them reliant on him, the abuse began."

Releasing a photo of Thomas after his arrest, the detective said, "Now that he is no longer able to harm these victims, hopefully more will be able to tell their story."

All The Celebrity Guests Who Have Taken the Stage at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour ... So Far!

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour has been underway for over a year now and every night brings a new surprise. Whether it's a song she's never played before or a special celebrity guest, Taylor is always keeping her fans on their toes.

Throughout the tour's run, Taylor has brought out a handful of surprise guests, ranging from her musical collaborators to her boyfriend Travis Kelce! Who knows what she has planned next -- but for now, here's all the guests she's brought out so far.

Take a look back on all of the Eras Tour celebrity guests…

1. Travis Kelce

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Taylor surprised fans when her boyfriend Travis Kelce joined her on stage during one of her recent shows in London. As Taylor performed, Travis and two other dancers rose from the center of the stage as the intro to "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart" began. Decked out in a tux and top hat, Travis swooped Taylor off the ground and carried her across the stage as she feigned being passed out. Travis completely committed to the skit and even pretended to apply makeup on Taylor later on in the performance.

"I'm still cracking up/swooning over @killatrav's Eras Tour debut 🥰 Never going to forget these shows," Taylor later wrote on her Instagram.

2. Hayley Williams

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Hayley Williams and her band Paramore may be opening for Taylor but it had been over a decade since the pair had performed together. During Taylor's second performance in London, Hayley joined her during the acoustic segment to sing their Speak Now (Taylor's Version) vault track "Castles Crumbling." The duo sat side-by-side at the piano, where Hayley wore a dress reminiscent of the one that Taylor had worn the last time they took the stage together.

"I got to sing 'Castles Crumbling' with @yelyahwilliams for the first time - hadn't performed with her since 2011 and man my heart was just so full of love for her and our friendship," Taylor wrote in an Instagram post.

3. Gracie Abrams

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London got another treat when the "impossibly gifted and wonderful" Gracie Abrams -- one of Swift's opening acts -- took the stage with Taylor to perform their collaboration "Us" for the very first time. Before they began, Taylor explained that the song was written late at night while the friends were hanging out and drinking wine.

"We wrote this song when we were pretty hammered. We'd had a bunch of cosmos at dinner and then we came home and opened wine. And we were just talking about your life. And talking about your life turned into this song," Taylor said on stage.

4. Ice Spice

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Early on in the American leg of the Eras Tour, Taylor invited Ice Spice to join her on stage in New Jersey -- on the same day that she announced the release of a remixed version of "Karma" featuring the rapper. The pair performed the song together and Ice Spice ended up joining Taylor for all three Jersey shows.

"Last night in Jersey was 🤯💕🌙🙏✨💥 !!! The way the whole stadium screamed when Ice literally popped up unannounced," Taylor wrote on the first night of their on stage collaboration.

On the last night, she added, "@icespice i love youuuu and I'm still buzzing from getting to sing with you all three nights! This tour has become my entire personality."

5. Jack Antonoff

During one of her New Jersey shows, Taylor was also joined on stage by her frequent collaborator and producer Jack Antonoff. With so many songs to choose from, the duo opted to perform "Getaway Car" off of Taylor's album Reputation, which Jack helped write and produce.

While reflecting on the night, Taylor wrote that she loved getting to hear the crowd "shout the lyrics."

6. Haim

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In July 2023, during a tour stop in California, Taylor brought out the Haim sisters: Alana, Danielle and Este. The trio, who were also opening the show, joined Taylor on stage for a performance of their collaboration "no body, no crime" while they were wearing their costumes from the "Bejeweled" music video.

"Santa Clara this weekend was a partyyy, both crowds were so loud and rowdy. And I'll never forget when @alanahaim @estehaim and @daniellehaim emerged wearing their gowns from the Bejeweled video 😂," Taylor later wrote on Instagram.

7. Phoebe Bridgers

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In May 2023, Taylor took the Eras Tour to Nashville and Phoebe Bridgers officially joined her on the road as an opener. That night, the friends performed their collaboration "Nothing New," a vault track off of Red (Taylor's Version). It marked the first of many collabs for the pair, who also performed the song together in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and New Jersey.

"Got to perform 'Nothing New' with boss genius/baby angel face @phoebebridgers for the first time, and have been so moved by these beautiful, generous Nashville crowds!!!! I just can't believe it," Taylor wrote on social media after their first performance together.

8. Aaron Dessner

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Taylor has brought her collaborator Aaron Dessner on stage with her quite a few times throughout the Eras Tour. The pair first took the stage together during a tour stop in Florida, where they performed "The Great War" for the first time. The next night, he returned to play "Mad Woman." Then in Nashville, they had the chance to sing "Would've, Could've, Should've" in the middle of the pouring rain. In July, Aaron returned once again for a performance of "Ivy" in his hometown, Cincinnati.

"Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine getting to play a song for 80,000 people on acoustic guitar with @taylorswift ❤️❤️eternally grateful for all the music we have made and your friendship," Aaron wrote on Instagram. "The #tstheerastour is the greatest show I've ever seen!!!!!"

9. Marcus Mumford

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Marcus Mumford stopped by one of the very first Eras Tour shows when Taylor performed in Las Vegas in March 2023. While on stage together, the duo performed "Cowboy Like Me" off of Taylor's album Evermore — much of which was recorded at Marcus' home recording studio. While Marcus only sang harmonies on the album track, he performed a full verse in concert.

"Last night in Vegas Marcus Mumford showed up and surprised the crowd with 'Cowboy Like Me' so like 🤩🤯😝! Thank you to @marcusmumford and that glorious crowd," Taylor wrote on Instagram.

10. Maren Morris

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In June 2023, the Eras Tour made a stop in Chicago and during one of the shows, Maren Morris joined Taylor on stage. The duo performed their song, "You All Over Me," a vault track from Fearless (Taylor's Version). On TikTok, Maren thanked Taylor for having her, writing, "Your generosity to me in these last 7 years is insurmountable."

On Instagram, she added, "We finally got to play 'You All Over Me' and I won't ever be shutting up about it. Love you @taylorswift and love you always, Chicago."

11. Joey King & Taylor Lautner

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Taylor celebrated the release of the music video for her Speak Now (Taylor's Version) vault track "I Can See You" during a tour stop in Missouri. To mark the occasion, she brought the stars of the music video, Joey King and Taylor Lautner, on stage with her.

"Was any of this real??? Did this actually happen?" Joey wrote on Instagram. "Taylor, you've been such a huge figure in my life since we met when I was 9 years old. I've known you longer than I haven't, and I feel so lucky for it. You are truly the most magical person. I love you forever."

Jason Kelce celebrity bartends at Ocean Drive in Sea Isle City to benefit the Eagles Autism Foundation

SEA ISLE CITY, N.J. (CBS) -- Jason Kelce and some former teammates traded their football gear for beach attire Wednesday in Sea Isle City to serve as celebrity bartenders to benefit the Eagles Autism Foundation for the fourth straight year.  

Fans packed the Ocean Drive wearing their Eagles green and they went crazy as Kelce was announced. He came out wearing an Eagles green and white luchador mask before serving drinks, signing autographs and posing for pictures with fans. 

Kelce was joined by former Eagles Beau Allen, Trent Cole and Fletcher Cox along with current players Brandon Graham, Dallas Goedert, Landon Dickerson, Jake Elliott and Avonte Maddox. 

Even Dom DiSandro, aka "Big Dom," was on hand to help out behind the bar. 

Kelce said even though you won't see him on the field this year for the Birds, he's still grateful to be able to be a part of the community. 

"The fans that are here are a big reason why I enjoyed a wonderful career," Kelce said. "They supported me for a long time. They supported my teammates ... the city of Philadelphia, all the fans that are here today, it's a tremendous opportunity to all have a great time together and do something for a wonderful cause." 

Wednesday's event is part of two days of fun and fundraising in Sea Isle. Thursday is the second-annual New Heights Beer Bowl from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sea Isle City Yacht Club. People who donate $25 or more will be placed into a lottery to attend a podcast taping with the Kelce brothers as guests. 

If you can't make it to the Jersey Shore, you can donate to Team 62's fundraising page by bidding on exclusive items, which runs through Friday until 5 p.m. 

Since 2021, the event has raised more than $630,000.

Kelce retired in March after 13 seasons with the Eagles and accepted a job on ESPN's "Monday Night Countdown" in May. 

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Alicia Roberts

Emmy-award winning Reporter and Anchor Alicia Roberts joined the CBS News Philadelphia team in December 2020.