Celebrity Interviews

The AP Interview

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35:56
‘Love is the New Gangsta’ for 6LACK | AP interview

For 6LACK, “family is what’s cool, being vulnerable is what’s cool.” The Grammy-nominated rapper and singer-songwriter says “Love is the New Gangsta” represents his most personal — and honest — album to date. Now a 33-year-old father, the artist born Ricardo Valdez Valentine Jr. sat down with AP Entertainment journalist Leslie Ambriz to discuss his evolution as an artist, finding his purpose, mental health and why he’s encouraging fans to “heal from their trauma.”

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6:26
‘The Boys’ ends: Stars on the spinoff and satire | AP interview

After five seasons of death, depravity and digs at the capitalistic superhero-industrial complex, “The Boys” has dropped its series finale. But the gutsy (in more than one way) Vought Cinematic Universe is not coming to an end, with two spinoffs on the horizon at Amazon’s Prime Video: “Vought Rising” and “The Boys: Mexico.” AP entertainment journalists Leslie Ambriz and Cristina Jaleru spoke with Jensen Ackles and his co-stars, along with showrunner Eric Kripke, about the future of the characters and the series’ “unsettling” parallels to current events.

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13:37
‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ | AP interview

Pedro Pascal is taking “Baby Yoda” to the big screen in “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” The star spoke with AP entertainment reporter Leslie Ambriz at the “Star Wars” film’s red carpet premiere about sharing the suit of his helmeted Din Djarin character with stuntmen and body doubles Lateef Crowder and Brendan Wayne. Sigourney Weaver also joins the space fantasy franchise in Jon Favreau’s film, a continuation of the Disney+ series’ adventures.

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8:04
Landmark ‘Brady Bunch’ home opens to fans with set replicas and Easter eggs

Fans of “The Brady Bunch” can now walk through their TV memories inside the landmark Los Angeles home used for exterior shots on the hit 1970s sitcom. The modest midcentury house on Dilling Avenue in the San Fernando Valley has been designated a historic-cultural monument, and for a limited time is hosting a ticketed “Brady experience” with replicas of art, furniture and even cars used in the show.

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16:35
The Beach Boys on 60 years of ‘Pet Sounds’ | AP interview

The surviving members of The Beach Boys — Mike Love, Al Jardine and Bruce Johnston — reunited at the iconic Capitol Records building in Los Angeles to celebrate the 60th anniversary of “Pet Sounds,” the landmark album that was released May 16, 1966. In this interview with Associated Press entertainment journalist Liam McEwan, the trio discuss the making of the album, reflect on the genius of bandmate Brian Wilson — and share how the record changed their lives.

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11:04
Cannes 2026: Top moments from opening day

The 79th Cannes Film Festival launched on Tuesday, marking the start of 12 days of nonstop premieres that will culminate May 23 with the presentation of the prestigious Palme d’Or. The French Riviera festival began with a tribute to Peter Jackson. The task of declaring the festival officially open fell to the 88-year-old Jane Fonda and Gong Li, the Chinese-Singaporean actor. The nine-member jury is being presided over by Park Chan-wook. Other jury members include Chloé Zhao, Stellan Skarsgård, Ruth Negga and Demi Moore. James Franco was an unexpected guest at the opening ceremony.

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11:59
Ziggy Marley on legacy, philanthropy and new album | AP interview

Ziggy Marley is looking to the “Brightside.” The Grammy-winning 57-year-old musician focused his ninth solo studio album on optimism and mental health, along with nods to legacy. He spoke with AP entertainment editor about using a nontraditional 432Hz tuning while recording at his newly constructed Rebel Lion Studio, honoring his father and tradition while exploring new musical paths, and performing live — with a “Brightside” tour beginning in Arizona in June.

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6:28
With new album on the way, Shania Twain hosts ACM Awards | AP interview

With an album on the way, Shania Twain is hosting the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on May 17. AP music editor Maria Sherman spoke with the 60-year-old country star about the host gig, women in country music, and her upcoming new music — which she says is “a story all reflecting on my youth.”

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14:04
Kneecap ‘thrive in the chaos’ with album ‘Fenian’ shaped by court case | AP interview

The Irish hip-hop group Kneecap recorded their second album “Fenian” while dealing with a legal battle. Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known as Mo Chara, faced terror-related charges for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a London concert. The case was dismissed, and the experience inspired tracks on the album. Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí sat down with AP entertainment journalist Sian Watson to discuss the album’s creation, their energetic live shows, and plans to tour the U.S.

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22:14
Mel C: ‘Before I was part of the Spice Girls, I discovered rave culture’ | AP interview

Get your heart pumpin’. She’ll make you “Sweat.” Such is the promise sung by the artist known as Melanie C, or Mel C and Sporty Spice of the game-changing ‘90s girl group Spice Girls, in the lead single from her ninth album of the same name. Eight or so years ago, Melanie C began deejaying, reinvigorating her love of rave and dance music — early loves that predate her girl group days. She sat down with AP music editor Maria Sherman to discuss the “Sweat” recording process, dance floor therapy and learning to embrace her Sporty Spice legacy.

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10:36
Prince’s first wife Mayte on keeping his legacy alive a decade after his death | AP interview

Ten years after Prince’s death, his first wife Mayte Jannell Garcia has relaunched the Live 4 Love charity that she and the pop star first established after the 1996 death of their infant child. The performer and teacher sat down with AP entertainment editor Ryan Pearson in Hollywood before her Glam Slam fundraising event to discuss keeping his legacy alive, spirituality, the songs he wrote for and about her, and plans for two films: a documentary about Prince’s philanthropy and a feature adaptation of her 2017 memoir. She also looks back at Prince’s rivalry with Michael Jackson and shares her thoughts on the Ezra Edelman docuseries project about the pop star that was shelved by Netflix after complaints from Prince’s estate.

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15:38
This must be the place: David Byrne backstage at Coachella | AP interview

David Byrne sits down with Associated Press entertainment journalist Liam McEwan backstage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival to discuss the surge of younger fans discovering his work, his creative process, and the unpredictability of hits like “Burning Down the House.” The 73-year-old former Talking Heads frontman reflects on a recently-abandoned music project, failing at watercolor painting — and feeling “incredibly lucky” to keep doing what he loves.

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9:29
Ranbir Kapoor Leads Ambitious Epic ‘Ramayana’ I AP Interview

Ranbir Kapoor says that while he doesn’t love the promotion side of his job, he’s happy to do it for “Ramayana.” The Indian star leads an ambitious new two-part film epic aiming to share the sacred Hindu stories with audiences around the world.

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9:16
Riz Ahmed on ‘Bait’ and learning to silence his inner critic | AP interview

Riz Ahmed says he went on a journey of self-acceptance while creating and starring in “Bait.” The Oscar-winning actor sat down with Associated Press entertainment journalist Leslie Ambriz to chat about the new Prime Video series. It follows a struggling British-Pakistani actor named Shah Latif who becomes the center of James Bond casting rumors after he’s photographed leaving an audition. As life begins to imitate art, he faces an existential crisis around identity, culture and self-confidence.

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15:52
Ryan Gosling leads ‘Project Hail Mary’ | AP interview

Ryan Gosling didn’t set off on his latest space odyssey in just a boring astronaut suit. The 45-year-old star of “Project Hail Mary” credits his kids — and inspiration from Val Kilmer — for his stylish astro-nerd look in the sci-fi film. He sat down at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory to speak with AP entertainment journalist Leslie Ambriz alongside co-star Sandra Hüller, directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, writer Drew Goddard and book author Andy Weir. In the movie, opening Friday in U.S. theatres, Gosling portrays a science teacher sent on a mission to save Earth from a dying sun.

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8:23
Academy Awards 2026: ‘Sinners’ 11-month journey to the Oscars

Eleven months after its release, Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” heads into the Oscars on March 15 with a record-breaking 16 nominations. The vampire epic is competing for best picture, best director and best screenplay, in many craft categories and in multiple acting categories including a nod for double-duty star Michael B. Jordan. Here’s a look back at the film’s journey to the 98th Academy Awards.

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19:56
Jafar Panahi plans return to Iran after Oscars | AP interview

Jafar Panahi still plans to return home after the Oscars on March 15. The Iranian filmmaker heads to the Academy Awards with two nominations for “It Was Just An Accident,” in the international film and screenplay categories. He sat down with Associated Press entertainment journalist Leslie Ambriz in early February, before the Iran war began, to talk about the intersection of art and politics, his belief in the Iranian people, and how his film starring Vahid Mobasseri was informed by his time in prison.

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12:25
TWICE reflect on a decade as a group: ‘There’s so much more we can do’ | AP interview

Speaking backstage at the Kia Forum during a stop on their ‘THIS IS FOR’ World Tour, TWICE sit down with Associated Press entertainment journalist Liam McEwan to reflect on a decade together — and the journey still unfolding. Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu open up about their anniversary release, “TEN: The Story Goes On,” featuring solo tracks from every member for the first time. The group also speaks about their evolving definitions of success, how comebacks come together through group chats and meetings, balancing solo ambitions and subunits, and pushing forward creatively without repeating themselves. They also discuss contributing “Takedown” to the Netflix hit “KPop Demon Hunters.”

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26:41
Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett on ‘The Mountain’ and building the Gorillaz | AP interview

The new Gorillaz album “The Mountain” is the most personal to date for band co-creators Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett. The two sit down with Associated Press entertainment journalist Liam McEwan to discuss their creative process, the virtual band’s return and the role of collaboration in shaping the project. As the album launches alongside an eight-minute music video/short film, “The Mountain, The Moon Cave and The Sad God,” Albarn and Hewlett discuss the mythology of the Gorillaz animated universe — including characters 2-D, Murdoc, Russel, and Noodle — and how that lore has evolved over time.

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53:08
‘The Simpsons’ at 800 episodes: The creators look back — and ahead | AP interview

At 800 episodes and 37 seasons, “The Simpsons” remains a cultural juggernaut that refuses to age. In this exclusive set of interviews, the architects of Springfield reflect on the journey to becoming one of the most influential and enduring television series of all time. Creator Matt Groening and longtime showrunners Al Jean, and Matt Selman speak with Associated Press entertainment journalist Liam McEwan about the secrets behind the animated show’s nearly four-decade run — from evolving characters and legendary guest stars to the “accidental” predictions that have become internet legend. Bart Simpson voice actor Nancy Cartwright takes viewers inside a recording session, revealing how playing a 10-year-old boy for nearly 40 years has become inseparable from her own identity. Animator David Silverman revisits his original sketches that transformed rough ideas into iconic moments, while principal composer Kara Talve offers a rare look inside a live scoring session.

SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin poses for a portrait at his office in Los Angeles on Dec. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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54:35
SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin | AP interview

Sean Astin says he is happy to be at the head of the actors union at a vital moment. The 54-year-old actor from “The Lord of the Rings” films is the new president of the the actors union SAG-AFTRA and will be leading the group as it begins contract talks with studios that last time led to a long strike. In an interview, Astin tells AP entertainment journalist Andrew Dalton that the union’s negotiators can’t give up any of the ground they earned during the 2023 strike, including higher wages and artificial intelligence protections.

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8:05
The perks and perils of being a ‘Bridgerton’ | AP interview

As “Bridgerton” enters its fairytale era in season four with a masquerade ball meet-cute, AP entertainment journalist Hilary Fox sat down with the cast of the steamy Netflix hit to discuss their own Cinderella moments, being spotted by fans and sex scenes. With the focus on Luke Thompson’s Benedict and the mysterious Sophie, played by newcomer Yerin Ha, returning stars include Hannah Dodd, Luke Newton and Claudia Jessie as the Ton’s Bridgerton siblings Francesca, Colin and Eloise.

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23:30
Kaouther Ben Hania and Saja Kilani on ’The Voice of Hind Rajab’ | AP interview

When Tunisian writer and director Kaouther Ben Hania first heard Hind Rajab’s voice, she knew that she had to tell her story. The child’s call to the Palestinian Red Crescent went viral in 2024 and became a symbol of innocent lives lost in Gaza. Ben Hania and actor Saja Kilani spoke with AP entertainment journalist Leslie Ambriz about the difficult task of blending reality with narrative as they sought to bring Hind’s story to the cinema.

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41:49
A year after the Palisades Fire, Cary Elwes is looking back — and moving forward | AP interview

One year after the Palisades Fire destroyed his family’s longtime home in Malibu, Calif., Cary Elwes is looking back — at a four-decade film and TV career that includes “The Princess Bride,” “Liar Liar,” “Days of Thunder,” “Glory” and “Robin Hood: Men In Tights” — as well as forward, with the new movie “Dead Man’s Wire” hitting theaters this weekend. The 63-year-old actor sat down with AP entertainment editor Ryan Pearson to reflect on the “Malibu Strong” mentality as his community rebuilds, not overthinking his characters, and his relationships with the Hollywood legends he’s befriended along the way, from Mel Brooks to Tom Cruise. This interview was conducted before Rob Reiner’s death.

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53:45
Tobias Forge on songwriting, alter egos and the evolution of GHOST | AP interview

Tobias Forge, the creative force behind the Grammy-winning Swedish rock band GHOST, sits down virtually with Associated Press entertainment journalist Liam McEwan to discuss the evolution of his ‘Papa’ frontman alter-egos, his songwriting process and the expansive lore that defines GHOST’s identity. Forge also opens up about trusting his musical instincts, his favorite instruments, and how storytelling, mythology, and music continue to shape the band’s ever-evolving world.

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44:06
Tony Kanal on No Doubt’s rise, reunions and Sphere residency | AP interview

Tony Kanal is looking back at No Doubt’s journey from Orange County to Las Vegas — and what fans can expect from the band’s upcoming residency at Sphere. Kanal sat down with Associated Press entertainment journalist Liam McEwan to discuss the band’s early gigs, rehearsal process and rapid rise to fame. He also opens up about their musical evolution across landmark albums like “Tragic Kingdom” and “Rock Steady,” as well as the emotions surrounding their 2024 Coachella reunion and what it meant to reunite on such a massive stage. The Sphere residency begins in May.

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31:41
Kamasi Washington and Ami Taf Ra’s musical and personal partnership | AP interview

Singer-songwriter Ami Taf Ra and composer-saxophonist Kamasi Washington had watched all the television they could when locked down in the early days of the pandemic. So the couple started reading Khalil Gibran’s “The Prophet” out loud to each other — launching a creative journey that resulted in Ami Taf Ra’s debut album, “The Prophet and The Madman.” They sat down with AP entertainment editor Ryan Pearson to talk about their meeting at a New York City jazz club and their musical and personal partnership.

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23:23
AP Breakthrough Entertainer Danny Ramirez entered Hollywood from a soccer field | AP interview

Danny Ramirez’s acting career began unexpectedly on a soccer field. Now, he’s earned a spot as one of The Associated Press’ Breakthrough Entertainers of 2025. Known for his roles in “Captain America: Brave New World” and “The Last of Us,” Ramirez first began acting while sidelined with a sprained ankle when a production assistant invited him to be an extra in Mira Nair’s film “The Reluctant Fundamentalist.” Seeing actor Riz Ahmed portraying a soccer player on set inspired Ramirez. He’s set to produce, write, direct and star in his directorial debut “Baton.”

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11:43
Joe Walsh on custom guitars, craftsmanship and letting go | AP interview

Joe Walsh is letting go. The famed guitarist and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer says that while he’s “kind of a hoarder,” it’s time to put some 800 items up for auction to benefit his military veterans charity. Walsh sits down with Associated Press entertainment journalist Liam McEwan to discuss selling his customized guitars and amps, vehicles and decades of memorabilia. The 78-year-old Eagles guitarist shares the stories behind his beloved gear and discusses how music-making has shifted from the analog era to the digital age — and what’s being lost in the process.

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53:23
Paul Anka on ‘My Way,’ Sinatra, and 70 years of music history | AP interview

Legendary singer-songwriter Paul Anka sits down with Associated Press entertainment journalist Liam McEwan to discuss his new documentary, “Paul Anka: His Way.” Anka reflects on seven decades in show business, the evolving future of music in the age of A.I., and the stories behind some of his most iconic collaborations. He opens up about writing “My Way” for Frank Sinatra, his crucial role in bringing The Beatles to the U.S., and working with Michael Jackson, Drake, Sammy Davis Jr. and Elvis Presley.

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