Category Entertainment News

Fans have been stunned to learn that Fast & Furious legend Vin Diesel isn’t actually called Vin Diesel, with the story of his stage name dating back to his pre-fame years as a New York bouncer

Known for his tough guy persona, the very name Vin Diesel conjures up images of an action hero ready for any scenario, whether that be racing cars at top speeds or fighting in intergalactic battles.

Many have therefore been stunned to learn that Vin Diesel isn’t actually called Vin Diesel at all, having deliberately picked a stage name that would better reflect his super buff public image.

Away from the bright lights of the movie studio, however, the 57-year-old Fast & Furious legend goes by a very different moniker.

In a 2005 appearance of The Ellen Show, a clip of which has since gone viral, host Ellen DeGeneres pressed Vin on the moniker ‘Vin Diesel’, which she asserted couldn’t “possibly” be the name on his birth certificate.

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To the amazement of viewers, California-born Vin confessed: “You know what, it’s not.” He then went on to reveal: “My real name is Mark Vincent.”

Going on to detail the origins of his famous stage name, Vin explained that it dates back to his time working as a New York City nightclub bouncer.

He shared: “I was a bouncer for nine years, and the name stuck. We all had fictitious names just in case we got in trouble or anything.”

While Vin is of course a shortened version of Vincent, ‘Diesel’ is a reference to the star’s love of working out. Vin continued: “Vin from Vincent. […]When you’re probably built up a little, you say, ‘that guy is diesel’.”

Fans have naturally been baffled by this revelation, with one aghast person tweeting: “Vin Diesel has a real name?” In a humorous nod to Vin’s most famous character, another commented: “I think we all know that his REAL name is Dominic Torreto.”

Of course, Vin is far from the only Hollywood star who has opted to go for a completely different name. Whoopi Goldberg of Sister Act fame was, in fact, born Caryn Elaine Johnson, but wanted something that would stand out a little bit more in the world of showbiz.

As Whoopi explained in her 2024 memoir, Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me, the name she is best known for was partially inspired by her tendency for flatulence. She admitted: “Some people at the Rep called me Whoopi because I would sometimes let loose with a fart.”

Meanwhile, acclaimed Golden Globe winner Jamie Foxx is actually called Eric Marlon Bishop. During a 2024 appearance on Angie Martinez’s radio show, the Django Unchained actor divulged how his pick dates back to his early days as a stand-up starting out in LA.

He recalled: “I went on as Eric Bishop [and] killed. Standing ovation. I come back the next weekend. You sign your name. I don’t get on. Next week, I don’t get on again. Come to find out, the comics are running the list. So I could never get on.”

After trying out another venue, Jamie found he had more success using “unisex names” due to male comics vastly outweighing the number of female comics. The name Jamie Foxx git him booked, and he’s stuck with it ever since.

Legally Blonde icon Reese Witherspoon is another A-lister who has opted for a different name. Born Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon, Reese ultimately decided on a name that felt more “Hollywood”, as previously reported by Women’s Health.

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McFly singer Danny Jones has reportedly decided to miss the BAFTA TV awards tonight while Maura Higgins is poised to make her big red carpet comeback after their kiss

Singer Danny Jones has reportedly decided to give tonight’s BAFTA TV awards ceremony a miss – following his BRIT Awards afterparty kiss with Maura Higgins.

Danny, 39, who won the latest series of I’m A Celebrity and is a mentor on The Voice, is expected to skip the showbiz ceremony. Meanwhile, Love Island star Maura, 34, is reportedly expected to use the event as her big red carpet comeback.

The McFly star, who is married to wife Georgia and shares son Cooper with her, found himself caught up in a scandal earlier this year as he was filmed sharing a drunken kiss with single Maura at an afterparty for the BRIT Awards in March.

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He later shared a public apology while Maura stayed silent on the drama. Now, it’s been reported Danny has decided to swerve today’s BAFTA TV awards while Maura is preparing to make the event her big red carpet comeback.

A source has claimed to The Sun that while Maura is expected to attend with her ‘head held high’, Danny “won’t be attending though as he is focusing on his family life and work.

“He wouldn’t do anything to make wife Georgia doubt him and doesn’t want to set a foot a wrong.”

Mirror Online has reached out to Danny’s representatives for comment.

Meanwhile, it’s been claimed Maura won’t answer any questions about the kiss.

Following the scandal at the beginning of March, which saw Danny and Maura lock lips at a BRIT Awards after party before heading to another after party where it was claimed they stayed up partying until 6am, Danny’s wife Georgia, 38, went to stay with a friend. Following the release of the shock video of Danny and Maura’s drunken kiss, it has been claimed Georgia had ‘moved out’ of the family home but those close to the star told us she wanted to “decompress” after a highly stressful few days, and was always coming home.

“This wasn’t some grand gesture where she suddenly packed her bags and left,” a source told us. “It was just a girlie few nights at a close pal’s flat. Yes, she wanted some space, but she is home now, and while things are still fragile, they are trying to work things through.”

Later in March, she returned to her family home. Meanwhile, Danny issued a public statement to apologise for his actions. In a statement, the McFly singer said: “Hello everyone, sorry it’s taken me a while to post this but I’ve taken some time out to be with those closest to me. I want to deeply apologise to my wife and family for putting them in this situation. I love them so much and we’ll continue to deal with this privately.

“I love you guys, thank you for your patience, understanding, and support. See you all soon, Danny.”

Meanwhile, Maura has continued to remain silent on the matter – after jetting to the US in the wake of the kiss scandal.

The late Steve Irwin’s daughter Bindi Irwin has documented her struggles with endometriosis over the years but now it is a different illness she has been struck by

Steve Irwin’s daughter Bindi has undergone emergency surgery and was forced to miss her dad’s annual event. The 26-year-old was unable to go to the Steve Irwin Gala after being taken to hospital.

She was due to go to the event on Saturday evening but had to go to hospital after her appendix ruptured. Her mum Terri Irwin also went with her to offer her support.

Younger brother Robert Irwin confirmed that she was feeling better after the surgery but admitted that, although being prepared for the event, they weren’t prepared for the hospital visit. He then went on to speak about her endometriosis journey that Bindi has struggled with over the years.

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Speaking to People Magazine, Robert said: “She’s going to be OK, but surgery — out of all the things we were ready for, that was not one of them. She’s just come out the other side of endometriosis and now the appendix goes. Health is so important — it really is.

“Bindi has become an incredible advocate for women’s health, particularly, and I think it’s really important to prioritise getting help.” He then went on to say that Bindi still wanted to go to the gala but her health comes first.

He added: “She came to Las Vegas and was ready to come to the gala, put on a brave face in a lot of discomfort and a lot of pain and said, ‘Nope, I’m just going to tough it out, I’m going to go for it.’ But the surgeon said, ‘No, your appendix is going. That thing’s gotta come out.’ Health has to come first. She’s very sad. She’s devastated that she and Mum can’t be here, but I know she’ll make a speedy recovery.”

The day before, Bindi was telling her followers how excited she was to go to the bash. Taking to Instagram, she wrote: “Khaki by day — Bellagio chic by night! Here in #LasVegas for the #SteveIrwinGala raising funds and awareness for Wildlife Warriors. Supporting conservation and remembering Dad’s extraordinary legacy. Enormous gratitude to everyone for your support as we continue to do all that we can to protect wildlife and wild places for the future generations.”

Bindi has been open about her health over the years, revealing that she suffered from endometriosis. She said she went through ten years of pain and fatigue before finally receiving a diagnosis after surgery.

After surgery, the mum-of-one told her followers that doctors found 37 lesions and a cyst. Writing to fans, Bindi said: “I decided to undergo surgery for endometriosis … Every part of my life was getting torn apart because of the pain. To cut a long story short, they found 37 lesions, some very deep and difficult to remove, a chocolate cyst.

“[The doctor’s] first words to me when I was in recovery were, ‘How did you live with this much pain?; Validation for years of pain is indescribable.”

Liam Payne’s influencer girlfriend Kate Cassidy admitted she was struggling to get out of bed to her followers on TikTok as she indulged in some self care

Liam Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy told fans she needed a “mental reset day” after news of the late One Direction star’s inheritance plans. Kate, 26, took to TikTok to share her day with her fans as she admitted she was struggling to make it out of bed.

The popular influencer – who discovered who will inherit Liam’s fortune this week – wore a yellow hoodie and sat perched on her bed while talking in the clip. Kate went makeup free as she told her followers: “I have been laying in bed for the past hour. It’s one of those mornings where its hard for me to get out of bed and start my day. So I’ve decided I’m going to take a mental reset day and bring you guys along.”

She then went about her day filming it as content for her fans, she first put on some make-up and got dressed in a lilac vest and joggers before going on a dog walk. Kate then went to meet a friend and indulge in a salmon salad for lunch.

Kate then treated herself to a therapy session before indulging in some self care with a little pampering session too. It comes after Kate – who lived with Liam in Florida for two years prior to his death – found out that the former pop star had no will meaning his £24million fortune goes to intestacy rules that will likely see her receive nothing.

His ex partner Cheryl Tweedy has been given the responsibility of managing the fortune he left behind. Court documents published last week revealed the 31-year-old One Direction star didn’t make a will prior to his death, and Cheryl and music industry lawyer Richard Bray now have responsibility for administering his estate, including his property, money and possessions.

Cheryl, 41, and Liam were together for two years until 2018 and split just over a year after their son Bear was born. Shortly after Liam’s death, a heartbroken Cheryl wrote on Instagram she was “navigating this earth shattering event” and “working through her grief at this indescribably painful time.”

A source claims the Girls Aloud singer is now relying on a close-knit circle of friends and focusing on trying to be “the best possible mum” to Bear, now eight. “Liam not leaving a will means Cheryl is front and centre of what’s happening now,” they told us. “It’s a really sad situation and a lot for one person to handle.”

It’s been speculated that Kate won’t receive any money from Liam’s estate. In UK law, spouses and children are usually first to claim an estate, which means Cheryl is likely to put the money in a trust for Bear.

Liam died of “internal and external haemorrhage” and multiple traumatic injuries after falling from the third-floor balcony of the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires on 16 October. The Argentinian prosecutor’s office said shortly afterwards that tests found traces of cocaine, alcohol and a prescription antidepressant in his body.

In December, five people were charged in connection with the tragic death, including the hotel’s manager and the receptionist, and a friend of Liam’s, but these charges were dropped earlier this year. Two other hotel employees were also charged with supplying cocaine to the Liam on the night he died.

Friends fans have been left doubting themselves after learning Jennifer Grey, who played “Baby” in Dirty Dancing, appeared in its first series as Rachel Green’s best friend Mindy

People have been left gobsmacked after realising “Baby” from Dirty Dancing guest starred in a Friends episode. Jennifer Grey, 65, became a household name thanks to her role in Dirty Dancing acting alongside Patrick Swayze, but many Grey fans had no idea she guest starred as Mindy, Rachel Green’s best friend, on Friends, appearing in episode 20 of the first season.

On Reddit, one shocked fan said: “How did I only just today realise that Mindy’s actress is Jennifer Grey? Baby from Dirty Dancing? My mind is blown! OMG.”

Commenting on the post, one user said: “Oh my god – I’m embarrassed to say I lit just learnt this now.”

Another user added: “Another fact in case anyone doesn’t know – Jennifer Grey of course played Ferris Bueller’s sister Jeannie in the film with Matthew Broderick. But they made a Ferris Bueller TV series spin off and Jennifer Aniston played Jeannie!”

A third user said: “I never knew this, and I’m 43, and watched both Dirty Dancing and Friends in real time.”

One more user added: “To be fair, there were two different actors playing Mindy. The Mindy that actually marries Barry is played by Jana Marie Hupp.”

Another user said: “My god. I’m old enough to remember watching Friends when it first aired, so I’ve been a fan for years. Clearly not a good one though because I never knew this! My mind is blown.”

A final user said: “Oh wow I never noticed this before either, thanks for pointing it out!”

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In the show, Grey’s character, Mindy, ends up marrying Barry, who was Rachel’s ex fiancé who left her jilted at the alter.

However, she only played the role once before being recast with Jana Marie Hupp due to her “bad anxiety”.

Speaking to MediaVillage, she said: “When I did it, I had such bad anxiety because they kept changing the script. It’s very hard to be a guest star, because you’re not a part of it, and you’re really trying to figure it all out.

“They were trying to figure out what the character was, what the scene was, and it was changing, and changing, and changing. It all made me so anxious that I could barely do it.”

She admitted it wasn’t until after she took the role that she realised she “needed help in the anxiety department”, meaning she opted to turn down a return to the role.

Not only this, but she also said she was “sad” at being unable to host Saturday Night Live at the time for the same reason.

John Legend describes the ‘sad’ moment he saw a difference in Kanye West’s mental health which was after the tragic death of his mother Donda West who died in 2007

Kanye West’s controversial behaviour on social media and his public support of Donald Trump has recently become synonymous with his musical ability. But according to his ex-friend John Legend, 46, the musician had been spiralling out of control for years and it made him “sad” to witness the “devolution” of his former mentor.

And this, he believes, is down to Kanye struggling to deal with the loss of his mother, Donda, in 2007. John Legend, best known for him chart-topping song All Of Me, fell out with Kanye back in 2022 and the pair have not reconciled since.

In his interview with The Times, John claims that the artist, who now goes by the name Ye, is not the same person he knew 20 years ago.

Speaking about the man he knew when he signed him to his record label back in 2004, John told the publication: “Back then, Kanye was very passionate, very gifted, and he had big dreams not only for himself but also for all the people around him.”

He added: “He had so much optimism, so much creativity. It does feel sad, sometimes shocking, to see where he is now.”

Kanye has been globally criticised for his use of anti-black language and publicly making antisemitic comments.

John, who is married to former model and TV presenter Chrissy Teigan, claimed he did not see an ounce of antisemitism or racism against black people when he was friends with the star.

In fact, he described it as “sad to see his devolution.” John continued: “I don’t think we’re qualified to psychoanalyze him, but after his mother passed in 2007 there was definitely a difference. His descent started then and seems to have accelerated recently.”

According to the singer, the pair parted ways due to their differences in politics, namely Kanye’s support of republican and now president, Donald Trump. John claimed their political differences “became too much for us to sustain.”

The singer and father of three became a major talking point among social media users when a video re-emerged of him accusing the president of being a “white supremacist.”

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