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Ex-Euphoria Actor's New Job Sparks Fan Outrage

Ex-Euphoria Actor's New Job Sparks Fan Outrage

Buzz Feed5 days ago
Euphoria fans just received a huge reality check after seeing what it's really like being a struggling actor in Hollywood.
Nika King is widely known for playing Leslie Bennett (aka Rue and Gia's mom) on the hit HBO series for the first two seasons.
Three years after Season 2 debuted in January 2022, it was announced that Season 3 had finally begun filming. It even included a photo of Zendaya on set for additional proof.
Delays in production were due to a slew of reasons, which ranged from the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes in 2023 to alleged behind-the-scenes drama with claims of a "toxic" work environment and grueling "18-hour" workdays. During this delay, Euphoria producer Kevin Turen died in November 2023 from multiple heart issues, and Angus Cloud, who starred as the beloved Fez, tragically died of an accidental overdose at the age of 25 in July 2023.
On top of all that, two cast members revealed they had no plans on returning to the show: Barbie Ferriera announced the shocking news shortly after Season 2 ended, while Storm Reid revealed she would be focusing on other things, like graduating from USC and working on projects through her production company.
The delays also caused strain and stress for some of the cast members, including Nika. In March 2024, during one of her stand-up comedy shows posted on her TikTok, the actor and comedian admitted she was having trouble paying her rent because filming for Euphoria was taking so long to commence.
'People are like, 'We need Season 3.' I'm like, 'Bitch, I need Season 3. I haven't paid my rent in six months. I thought my career was on the rise after Euphoria. I thought I was good. It don't work that way. I called Taraji [P. Henson} and she was like, 'Bitch, get used to it.''While she recently starred in the American drama film Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot, we should note that filming for it began back in 2022.
Fast forward to February 2025, Nika announced her "character is not coming back to the show," after she received tons of DMs and comments asking about Season 3. "Unfortunately, I'm not [returning]," she said in a video posted online. "My character is not coming back to the show, but I am forever grateful to HBO, Zendaya, and Sam Levinson for giving me the opportunity to come on set."
"Without Euphoria, I was not able to step into who I am as an actor."
Fans showered her with words of encouragement on her future endeavors, while also expressing sadness that they won't see her in future episodes.
But concern for Nika grew when she recently shared a video of her cleaning what appeared to be a restaurant kitchen. She captioned the clip, "When ppl ask me if I'm filming S3 of Euphoria?" while the caption for the post read, "A job is a job."
Reactions ranged from saying how "fucked up" it is that her promising acting career led her to a non-Hollywood position, to applause for her vulnerability in sharing the realities of being a struggling actor in the industry:
At first glance, I had similar thoughts, but I quickly found out there was more to her post than meets the eye. After noticing she tagged an account on the post I checked the page out, and discovered Nika not only works in that kitchen, but she co-owns the establishment it's located in.
The account is linked to Blue Tree Cafe, a vegan soul food restaurant run by Nika and her mother, Sharon Allen. The page was a pleasant surprise because the food looks delicious, and their playful relationship shines in their videos.
And once others caught on as well,
But owning a restaurant is no easy feat either. Nika hopped on a popular social media trend where people show how they mask their true emotions while dealing with a crisis — and for Nika, that was the current status of the restaurant. Nika and her mother also set up a GoFundMe as a way to help the establishment from closing.
I truly appreciate the transparency, even if it's done through laughter. I don't know about you, but I'm wishing Nika success in all of her passions — acting, comedy, and restaurateur.
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Colin Cowherd Makes Expensive Purchase Thanks To Sydney Sweeney
Colin Cowherd Makes Expensive Purchase Thanks To Sydney Sweeney

Yahoo

time17 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Colin Cowherd Makes Expensive Purchase Thanks To Sydney Sweeney

Colin Cowherd Makes Expensive Purchase Thanks To Sydney Sweeney originally appeared on The Spun. Sydney Sweeney has been trending on social media ever since her new collaboration with American Eagle Outfitters. In fact, she even managed to get Colin Cowherd's attention. On Thursday, American Eagle's shares increased by over 4% after the company announced its partnership with Sweeney. In an effort to promote its fall campaign, American Eagle had the "Euphoria" actress wear nothing but a denim jacket. There's also a brief clip of her opening the hood of a vintage Mustang GT350 while wearing American Eagles jeans. "There is something so effortless about American Eagle – it's the perfect balance of being put-together but still feeling like yourself," Sweeney said. "Their commitment to creating pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin is something that resonates with me. It's rare to find a brand that grows with you, the way American Eagle has for generations. They have literally been there with me through every version of myself." This ad showing Sweeney enter a Mustang GT350 had millions of views in just 24 hours because of Sweeney's popularity. Clearly, Fox Sports radio host Colin Cowherd watched this advertisement. He claims it inspired him to buy a Mustang GT350. "I just purchased a GT 350," Cowherd wrote on X this Friday. "I don't think anyone realizes how effective Sydney Sweeney is." Does this mean Cowherd is a fan of Sweeney's work as an actress? We're not sure, but she's certainly keeping herself busy. Sweeney will portray boxing legend Christy Martin in a movie that'll premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. "This story is so much bigger than just a film," Sweeney said. "It's a testament to resilience, survival, and finding the strength to keep fighting. I can't wait for you all to see it—not only because I'm proud of the transformation and the work I've poured into it, but because Christy's story deserves to be told. And yes, you'll get to see me kick some serious ass (like seriously kicked some ass) ((like I might've enjoyed it a little toooooo much while kicking ass haha)), but most importantly, you'll witness a story that's as powerful as the woman who lived it. I'll carry this experience with me forever. Can't wait to share more." Maybe, just maybe, Cowherd will check out Sweeney's upcoming Cowherd Makes Expensive Purchase Thanks To Sydney Sweeney first appeared on The Spun on Jul 25, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword

30 Makeup Products That'll Make You Change Your Routine
30 Makeup Products That'll Make You Change Your Routine

Buzz Feed

time3 hours ago

  • Buzz Feed

30 Makeup Products That'll Make You Change Your Routine

A Sol de Janeiro lip butter crafted with moisturizing ~cupuaçu (a popular rainforest tree related to cacao) butter~, nourishing açai oil, and conditioning coconut oil. It'll leave you with a perfectly soft, smooth pout *and* the iconic caramelized vanilla scent of the ever-so-popular Cheirosa 62' fragrance. Promising review: "This lip butter is everything! The texture is so smooth and buttery, and it glides on effortlessly without feeling sticky or heavy. The caramelized vanilla scent is heavenly — sweet, warm, and comforting without being overpowering. It keeps my lips incredibly soft and hydrated for hours, even in dry weather. I also love the larger size — it feels luxurious and lasts a long time. Definitely a staple in my skincare routine now. Highly recommend!" —MeghanGet it from Amazon for $18. A Kylie Cosmetics skin tint everyone on TikTok is HYPING. And honestly, the videos literally look like witchcraft taking place all over my FYP, it's kinda wild. This light-to-medium coverage blurring elixir will literally just look like your skin, like, you may not be able to tell where your skin is and where you put on the skin tint. Check it out on TikTok! It's literally giving it from Ulta for $32 (available in 24 shades). An Ilia Milk Essence moisturizer, a lightweight, hyaluronic acid-packed bottle of goodness that's perfect to incorporate into your skincare routine before sunscreen and makeup. Dry skin and redness are no match for this barrier-renewing miracle. Promising review: "THIS. IS. AMAZING. 😍 I'm obsessed with this face milk! It's so lightweight, and my skin just drinks it in. It feels so good without being heavy or greasy like some other moisturizers. I usually hate putting moisturizers on because I don't like it getting all over my hands, but this is super-absorbent and doesn't leave a greasy residue. I love it so much that I keep a bottle in my purse and my car so I can apply it on the go. I'm kind of [obsessed], TBH. It's the perfect way to keep my skin hydrated all day long!" —Single Mom, Happy Kids!Get it from Amazon for $28+ (available in two sizes). A set of freckle makeup pens to add some different shades of freckles to your gorgeous little face. If you hate when your foundation covers up your beautiful marks, grab these to bring 'em back like Winnie brought Billy Butcherson back from the dead. Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen that can also be used as your makeup primer, offering broad-spectrum SPF without feeling greasy or leaving a white cast. I know, I know, trying to make sure you wear sunscreen on your face can be a pain, especially if you wanna wear a full face of makeup buuuutt, that's why this baby is so perfect! A win if I ever knew one. An active acne scar primer made by Topicals for those with acne-prone skin. Not only is it great for blurring pores and raised bumps for a flawless makeup application, but it also can help reduce texture over time with regular use. Makeup + skincare wrapped into one bottle?! Pinch me, I *must* be dreaming. Topicals is a Black woman-owned small biz!Promising review: "This is it. This is the one that *actually* blurs and fills in significant pitted scarring and large pores. My skin is oily/dehydrated. After years of trying every single primer available and being let down, I am astonished. On a totally bare, clean face, I press it into the scarring (don't rub, just tap it in) and wait for 30 seconds. The primer dries completely and levels itself into smoothness. I use Estée Lauder Double Wear foundation on top, and it actually stays put all day. I was worried about the silicone in this primer causing foundation separation issues, but after a 10-hour day, everything is still in place. I did look a tad oily after six hours and had to re-powder." —lcsftwGet it from Sephora for $34. A One/Size glass skin setting spray, a skincare-infused elixir by our favorite witch, Patrick Starrr. Perfect if you need tons of powder to set your makeup on your oily skin, but then end up looking all cake-y and un-skin-like. This'll melt the powder into the rest of your makeup for a seamless, glass-like blend. One/Size is a queer, Filipino-owned business founded by makeup artist Patrick Starrr to ensure that makeup is really one size fits all, as it should review: "WOW Patrick, I never got your first setting spray, but you DEFINITELY got my attention with THIS new one. Of course, I've only used it once, but for me, having to use a setting spray one time makes a difference in whether I like it or not, and WOW, I am OBSESSED. The lay down on this setting spray is GORGEOUS, my new obsession." —nikkicalebGet it from Sephora for $34. And their new On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Setting Spray with SPF 28 so you can have your makeup locked in *and* get 80 minutes of sweat-resistant broad spectrum protection without a white cast or sticky feeling. Plus, reapplying will be so easy. Promising review: "Girl, you're telling me you're giving me a two-in-one. Not only is this one of the best setting sprays out there, but you're telling me it has SPF in it!! You know ima be spraying this all day, every day from now on. I absolutely love how it sets my face and how good it feels, too!" —Elizabeth it from One/Size for $39. A top-notch tubing mascara that'll easily rank above any other mascara you've ever tried. Perfect for anyone who lives for drama — when it comes to their lashes, that is. Promising review: "I am not a morning person, but have to be at work at 7:00 a.m. I don't use a lot of makeup, but mascara is one of the two things I never go without. I have been having trouble even with some of my go-to brands, with the mascara not staying put in the humidity. I read a review about this mascara and decided to give it a go. I love it! The 'tubing' effect gives me noticeable, lovely lashes, and it stays put all day. However, it is by far the easiest I have used in years to get rid of when it's time. One swipe with a cleansing wipe seems to get all the little tubes off — I no longer wake up with residual raccoon eyes even after cleansing at night." —cmpGet it from Amazon for $7 (available in three shades). A Fenty lip oil for anyone who loves immediate hydration and locked-in moisture for their pout. This trio of perfection — vitamin E, passionfruit oil, and shea butter will help nourish and condition your lips *and* the colors of the oils are stunning. Everything you could want in a lippie product. Promising review: "This is my favorite lip oil that I've tried! The iridescence is beautiful any time of day, and it smells so good it makes me want to eat it! I wear it to work, around the house, and out running errands — you really can wear it for any occasion. I also appreciate that it's not sticky feeling!" —DrStassiGet it from Sephora for $26 (available in two finishes and seven shades). A pack of 50 cult-favorite Clean Skin Club Clean Towels that are actually reaaaaaally multitalented. You can use 'em to take your makeup off with cleansers and makeup remover, use them to dry your face, to remove face masks, and even to clean your skincare and makeup tools. Your washcloth could have some bacteria on it, especially if you're using it a few days in a row. Use these babies instead and toss the funky rag to the side. A volcanic stone face roller to soak up excess oil even if you're wearing makeup. This baby is reusable AND washable!! Bring it on the go and when you see your face beginning to look a little past the glazed donut stage, let this baby save you! I personally would like to take part in this sorcery. A shimmer-free translucent cream highlight balm that you can use on your eyes, cheeks, and lips to give you that yummy dewy look. 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Goes on smooth and stays on all day." —Sara A SmithGet it from Amazon for $26 (available in eight shades). And an Anastasia Beverly Hills freeze wax because you want your brows laminated, but your wallet is your biggest hater and *does not* want you to spend that money. DIY home laminated brows, it is! Luckily, this little cauldron of magic will help you achieve the look as if you had cast a spell. Promising review: "This gel keeps my brows in place without feeling stiff or sticky. I love how it blends with my brows and provides a strong hold while still looking natural." —Elena BGet it from Amazon for $23. A blurring setting powder that I'm, like, 98% sure Fiona and Cordelia Goode from AHS: Coven conjured up. Silky smooth, poreless-looking, matte skin for up to 14 hours?! Where's the cauldron that this was made in? An illuminating moisturizer by L'Oreal to help enhance your skin's natural summer ✨glow.✨ It's a perfect, lightweight alternative to heavy foundations that just make you feel suuuuuper hot on those lovely 95-degree days. Laneige's Neo Blurring Powder — a magical K-beauty concoction that'll control the shine while keeping the glow. Pores where? Oil where? Not over here, all we know is matte, radiant, glowy skin. Or, all we know is witchcraft, cuz how the heck does this make your skin both glowy and matte?! Not sure, but it's perfection. A Glow Reviver melting lip balm that not only comes in the most stunning shades, but it'll slick your pout DOWN with some deliciously buttery moisture without the sticky feeling. And that shine?! To die for. 😍 Promising review: "Diva, stop letting these influencers sway you into spending your hard-earned (and scarce) beans on $20–$30 subpar lip balms — you're paying for the brand, and the quality is questionable. 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It'll also give your face a nice cleansing and ~melt~ your makeup away. A Too Faced "Better Than Sex" mascara that'll condition your lashes while also adding volume and length, locking your lash curl in place. You'll get the false lash drama without the discomfort. Promising reviews: "Okay… just wow!! So I was looking for a mascara that would actually make my eyelashes look good without having to apply, like, 50 coats before they popped, and this mascara is it! With only one coat, they pop so quickly! It goes on so smoothly, and I absolutely love how thick my lashes become so quickly! Highly recommend this mascara! I will never turn back to any others now!" —Ashly Richardson"This mascara is by far the BEST mascara I've ever used. No matter the price, I will now purchase this forever." —Alexandra MeoliGet it from Amazon for $16+ (available in two sizes, two shades, and a two-pack). A foundation mixing pigment — blue to tone down the orange-y look, orange to bring warmth into cooler foundations, and white to lighten. Whatever the problem, these are the solutions and will help you get the most perfect foundation shade ever. Looks like actually getting a correct match isn't a myth. Thank you, makeup gods. 🙌 A sparkly gloss in the shade "Amber Sparkle" by Anastasia Beverly Hills that'll have you glued to the mirror, trying to get over how stunning this looks on your lips. Promising reviews: "This gloss is INCREDIBLE! So sparkly and not gritty. It looks amazing by itself or over the top of a lipstick. Soooo happy I finally got my hands on this shade." —cannonator"Visibly PACKED with glitter! I like how well it can stand on its own without lipstick and that you don't have to look too closely to see how it sparkles!" —arcturusGet it from Sephora for $22 (available in 20 shades). A lash cluster kit with the fluffiest of fluffy clusters and wispy bottom lashes so you can do a full volume set *with* your bottom ones for so cheap and way less time. It comes with a bond, seal, and review: "These lash clusters are amazing! They stack so beautifully without looking bulky or unnatural. The base is super thin, which makes layering easy and seamless, and they blend perfectly with my natural lashes. Whether I'm going for a light, wispy look or full glam, they hold up and stay put all day. Definitely a staple in my lash routine!" —Ari💕Get them from Amazon for $13.99 (available in 12 other kits). A Nyx "Duck Plump" plumping lip liner that'll give you up to 10 hours of wear and the best ducking plumped up pout of your life. From the high pigment and creamy formula to the affordable price, this baby will easily become a makeup must-have. Promising review: "This lasts all day! As with anything plumping, you'll feel the tingle. I can just apply ChapStick throughout the day and it 'reactivates' the liner and you'll feel the tingle again. I think I'm done with lip fillers, this works soooo well!!! Five stars definitely!" —Kristi it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 12 shades). A color-correcting multistick for your eyes, lips, and cheeks — it'll neutralize dark spots and circles even if you've felt like NOTHING will cover your tired under-eyes lately. Put this over any areas with hyperpigmentation, then put your foundation or concealer on top and boom: tired under-eyes will be gone in a flash. A Tower 28 cream blush that can *also* be used on your lips. If you've been searching for an unbelievably pigmented blush with a radiant, luminous finish, look no further. A Tarte under-eye color corrector to help correct and neutralize dark circles so no one will be able to tell you stayed up a *bit* too late bingeing Love Island. Promising review: "I have dark under-eye circles and have tried countless products. This REALLY helps! I wear it under my concealer, and there is a NOTICEABLE difference when I do/don't wear it. This product is great because it can be worn alone as well, without making you look weird. I have fair skin, and this product is perfect. I will be reordering." —Honesty333Get it from Amazon for $32 (available in three shades). Tirtir foundation that won't betray you four hours after applying it by becoming all cracked, cakey, and creased. Makeup nightmare. This bad boy lasts up to 72 hours and delivers buildable coverage that'll conceal redness, blemishes, and dreaded dark circles. And if that doesn't already have your finger hovering over the *add to cart button*, it helps boost skin elasticity and will help give you the coveted ~glass skin~ look.

‘Billy Joel: And So It Goes:' 5 Takeaways From the Film's Conclusion
‘Billy Joel: And So It Goes:' 5 Takeaways From the Film's Conclusion

New York Times

time3 hours ago

  • New York Times

‘Billy Joel: And So It Goes:' 5 Takeaways From the Film's Conclusion

The second part of the sprawling documentary 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes' ends before the musician's recent announcement that he has the brain disorder normal pressure hydrocephalus. That is to say, if you're looking for an update on Joel's health, the film by Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin, which HBO aired on Friday night (and is streaming on HBO Max), does not provide one. But Joel, in a podcast interview with Bill Maher earlier this week, is seen playing the piano. 'It's not fixed,' he said of his condition, but it's 'being worked on,' and he assured fans: 'I feel good.' 'They keep referring to what I have as a brain disorder, so it sounds a lot worse than what I'm feeling,' he added, likening the sensation to being on a boat with poor balance. While the first half of the film, which premiered in June at the Tribeca Festival, focused on the little-told story of how Joel's relationship with his first wife, Elizabeth Weber, shaped the early days of his career, the second covers more familiar territory. Starting with the production of 'The Nylon Curtain' in 1982, it chronicles his much discussed marriages to Christie Brinkley and Katie Lee Biegel, his well-documented struggles with alcohol, the betrayal of his manager Frank Weber, his decision to retire from the road and eventual return to live performance following the '12-12-12' benefit concert for Hurricane Sandy relief. And still, the nearly two-and-a-half-hour exploration of his life and career makes time to delve into his complicated relationship with his father, Howard, as well as his retreat from producing new pop music and the influence of classical compositions on his work. Here are five takeaways. The Holocaust looms large in Joel's family history. Joel's Jewish identity comes into play heavily during the second part of the documentary, specifically with regard to his fraught relationship with his father, Howard Joel. He describes how in his mid-20s he discovered that his paternal grandfather, Karl Joel, had a textile factory in Nuremberg. The family lived next to the park where the Nuremberg rallies were held and Joel speculates about the trauma his father must have endured watching those unfold as a young Jewish boy. Joel's grandfather was targeted by Nazi propaganda newspaper Der Stürmer and was forced to sell his business, though he was never paid. The Joels escaped Germany over the Swiss border and the factory was ultimately used to manufacture the striped uniforms for prisoners in concentration camps. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.

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