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Say the name Catherine O’Hara, and a smile inevitably follows. Perhaps you think about her hysterical TV characters or her holiday movies that became family-night traditions. Or maybe you’re drawn to her warm, quick-witted personality, on display during her eulogy to John Candy in 1994 and her Hollywood Walk of Fame tribute to Home Alone son Macauley Culkin in 2024. Whatever she did, she brought a spirit of generosity to every role and every interaction. That’s why the news of her death on Jan. 30 at age 71 feels like a collective heartbreak. It also seems so, well, unfair. When I interviewed O’Hara in 2024, she Zoomed in from her family’s summer cottage in Ontario, Canada, exuding pure bliss and satisfaction at age 70. Lounging on a plush chair with the birds chirping through the open window, she said, “I’m sorry to rub it in, but this is very cozy!” She deserved more summers in that chair. O’Hara’s career spanned five decades, beginning in the 1970s when she joined Toronto’s fa...

Candice King knows a thing or two about evolution—on screen and off. Best-known for her unforgettable turn as Caroline Forbes on The Vampire Diaries , King brought to life one of the most iconic vampire characters in TV history on the CW’s wildly popular series. What began as a shallow, insecure and often self-centered teenager transformed over eight seasons into a fiercely loyal friend, devoted family member and fan-favorite symbol of strength and compassion. And just when viewers thought they’d said goodbye, Caroline made her return in the beloved spinoff, The Originals , proving that some characters never truly leave our hearts. Now, King is stepping into an exciting new chapter in real life. Already a mom of two, the actress is preparing to welcome another child—this time with fiancé Steven Krueger, who fans will recognize from The Originals . In an exclusive interview with Reader’s Digest , King opens up about her expanding family, some sweet babymoon memories and a newfound lov...

In 2016, my closet was full of going-out tops, skinny jeans and one coveted black choker. I slurped down Moscow mules with abandon while The Chainsmokers’s “Closer” thumped in the background. I was 23, and life was good. I’ve been reflecting on 2016 since the beginning of 2026, when people began sharing TikTok videos and Instagram carousels recalling the good times they had that year. The pink drinks and grainy Insta snaps of 2016 certainly made it, well, different. But was it really that great a year? Or do we miss 2016 for another reason entirely? To find out, I spoke to a psychologist who researches nostalgia and its impact on our lives. Spoiler alert: Looking back at the past can actually be a good thing. Here’s what the science says about reminiscing—and how to hop on this feel-good trend. Get  Reader’s Digest ’s  Read Up newsletter for more trends, humor, travel, tech and fun facts all week long. Why is 2016 trending in 2026? It’s normal to look back 10 years at ...

After almost three decades as a travel writer and more trips than I can count, I’ve developed a foolproof checklist that I consult before every trip: I hold the mail, check that my ID is up to date, pack my carry-on items, fill my suitcase and make sure the dog is taken care of—the family too, if they’re coming along. Even though that’s a lot to juggle, I still add one important thing to the list before I leave: Reach out to the hotel directly before my arrival. Yes, I usually make reservations on the hotel’s app or website. And yes, it adds another step to my trip prep. But there are some vital reasons to connect directly with the property and the front desk or concierge before showing up. Trust me, it’s always worth the time and effort. Curious whether you should add this step to your pre-trip prep? Read on to find out why you really want to get in touch with your hotel before you arrive at your destination. Get  Reader’s Digest ’s  Read Up newsletter for more travel, ...