Latest news with #BratPack
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
11 Gen X Traits You'll Totally Recognize If You Grew Up With No Internet and No One Checking On You
I'm a Gen Xer, and like a Seattle Mariners fan, I've come to accept that, even though we're here slugging away, we're usually just not a part of the conversation. We just don't get the same amount of attention as the larger cohorts boomers and millennials—but we also just don't really care, which is pretty much our whole sour grapes vibe. Whatever. If you're between the ages of 45 and 60, you might like me wear that Gen X badge with secret pride (or indifference…up to you)—because Gen Xers have plenty of appealing traits. Of course, no two Gen Xers are exactly alike, but chances are that if you can name every member of the brat pack, can remember when the Berlin wall fell and feel nostalgic for the good old days of MTV and VH1 (i.e., if you came into adulthood in the '90s), then you'll identify with at least a couple of these common Gen X characteristics. So put on a mixtape, lace up those combat boots and read on to discover more about this self-reliant and laid-back cohort. What Is Generation X? If you were born between the years of 1965 and 1980, congrats: You are the meat in the boomer-millennial sandwich. You also belong to an exclusive group, with only about 65 million Gen Xers around, according to data from the Census Bureau. (This is compared to 75 million boomers and 83 million millennials). Often described as the 'Forgotten Generation' and 'America's middle child,' Gen Xers came of age at a time when both divorce and two-income households were increasingly common facts of family life, two factors that undoubtedly impacted our identity. What Is Gen X known for? As previously mentioned, the typical family started to look a little different when Generation X came around—namely, more working mothers and higher divorce rates. This in turn led to more latchkey kids (i.e., children hanging out at home without grown-up supervision after school until a parent came back from work). For these reasons, self-reliance, plus a corresponding ability to appreciate our own company, are among Generation X's most defining traits…but more on that below. 25 Signs You're a Geriatric Millennial (Besides Your DOB) 11 Common Characteristics of Gen X 1. We Are Expert DIY-ers Donna Ward / Getty Images Generation X is also called the 'Latchkey Generation,' a moniker that gives a nod to our decidedly hands-off upbringing. The end result? An undeniably hands-on approach to problem solving around the house. (Witness Joanna Gaines, born 1978.) Yes, if you belong to Generation X then it probably feels like it was just yesterday that you were learning how to plunge a toilet by trial and error while your mom was at work. (I remember doing this after reading a home-repair book—there was no YouTube to hold my Gen X hand while clutching a plunger!) That sepia-toned memory actually dates back to the 80s, though, and your can-do attitude has been serving you well ever since. That's right, friends, the famous self-reliance of Gen Xers translates to some serious skills in the DIY department, or at least a whole lot of confidence. (And that's half the battle, right?) Bottom line: If something breaks down, you can count on the Gen Xer in your life to bust out the tools and start fixing it faster than you can say, 'Let's just buy a new one.' 2. Our Sartorial Style Is Decidedly Dressed-Down Apple TV+ First wave Gen Xers rebelled against the excessive and flashy 80s by opting for 'anti-fashion' staples such as flannel shirts, Doc Martins and oversized sweaters. (Kathryn Hahn, born in 1973, exemplifies this with her comic streetstyle looks in Apple TV+'s The Studio.) Even beauty trends were comparatively pared down, with more natural looks replacing the bright blue eyeshadow of yesteryear. And since we came of age before smartphones hit the scene and social media took the world by storm, the concept of an 'influencer' telling me what to wear makes about as much sense as the Friends gang affording their massive New York City apartments. (FYI: Despite its cross-generational popularity, Friends is very much a Gen X TV show.) This uniqueness is one of my favorite Gen X characteristics: We don't indiscriminately chass the next, hot trend in fashion—we pick and choose which trends to embrace. (That's my excuse for having a Labubu, anyway.) When deciding what to wear, comfort and individual style tend to be the biggest priorities for this group (think: sensible shoes and ribbed knits). Also, we were rocking combat boots and slip dresses before it was cool—and we're still too cool to brag about it. 3. We're Going for a Perfect Work-Life Balance François Duhamel - © 2010 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved. There's a reason why Gen Xers have been dubbed the 'work hard, play hard' generation. Gen X childhood coincides with the emergence of the personal computer—a major development that helped individuals from this generation adapt to future technological advancements. That said, the role of technology during the Gen Xers' formative years was pretty minimal compared to what it was (and continues to be) for millennials. Most importantly, Generation X entered the workforce at a time when technology had not yet made possible the notion of being 'on call' 24/7 (sorry, millennials). This reality combined with the experience of growing up with workaholic parents (boomers actually invented the term) who valued company loyalty over all else shaped the priorities of Gen Xers with regard to work-life balance and gave them a leg up on healthy boundary setting. In other words, if you're off the clock and your boss just sent you an urgent request, you'd be wise to ask yourself what a Gen Xer would do. (Hint: Just say 'no' or even go on your own spiritual quest, like 1967-born Julia Roberts in Eat, Pray, Love.) 4. We're Tech-Savvy, but Not Tech-Dependent Warner Bros. Just like Gen Xers in the workforce have a different relationship to technology than millennials, the same is true when it comes to their personal lives. Because this group know life before and after the tech boom, they have an excellent understanding of both digital and analog worlds... and are equally comfortable with both. Case in point: While many millennials don't hesitate to write the next great American novel in a text message, we Gen Xers will pick up the phone and give you a ring. Don't be fooled, though—the highly adaptable Gen Xer doesn't have any problem keeping up with current technology, like Gen X actor Joaquin Phoenix did in Her; they're just not slaves to it and understand the value of 'unplugging' from time to time. As such, a Gen Xer is more likely to object to excessive phone use in social settings. In other words, when socializing with a Gen Xer, you may want to consider leaving your iPhone at home before you head out for that restaurant reservation. 5. We're Fiercely Independent HBO We're touched on this already, but if there's one defining characteristic of this generation it would be our self-reliance. Helicopter parenting, lawnmower parenting, snowplow parenting…none of these over-involved forms of child-rearing apply to the Gen X generation, many of whom were left to microwave their own dinners and glued to Saved by the Bell for hours after school. As such, there's no task too great for the critical thinking skills of us highly independent individuals—thinking of you, John Oliver, since your 1977 birth date means you are a Gen Xer. This means you typically won't find us asking for help until we've tried our very best to tackle any given challenge solo. So yeah, Gen X is pretty great at getting stuff done. But let's not make a big deal out of it, OK? 6. We Like to Learn New Skills Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty Images Due to our independent upbringing and signature self-reliance, Gen Xers tend to be hungry for knowledge and eager to learn new skills. (For example, 50-year-old Drew Barrymore's career pivot to talk show personality? Priceless.) In fact, a Gen Xer is more likely than most to be a Jack of all trades, from diving into a new digital skill set to taking on a whole new career path. Willing to acquire new tech skills, people skills and management chops, we're an excellent asset in the workplace. 7. We Prefer a Casual Workplace David M. Benett/Dave Benett / Getty Images for WeWork) It should come as no surprise that the self-reliant latchkey generation loathes the idea of a stifling workplace and a micromanaging boss. (Think Adam Neumann, shown here at the opening party for a London WeWork. Even though Neumann, born in 1979, has caught flack for some business dealings, he pioneered the concept of the fun co-working space.) Even so, we Gen Xers do have a practical attitude toward work and enjoy task-based projects that make us feel independently productive. In other words, give us a job to do and then back off. (Don't worry, they will get it done.) 8. We Have a Cynical Streak Pierre Manevy/Express/Getty Images We grew up in the wake of the great untrusting—after government conspiracies such as the Watergate break-in and the Pentagon Papers had tainted the Boomers' ideas about political realities. Add to that economic recessions of the 70s, 80s and 90s and the relatively hands-off upbringing these latchkey kids experienced as a result might have contributed to the lack of trust in society and independent political leanings that's been observed among the Gen X population. (Yikes: Fortune reports that a quarter of Boomers and Gen Xers who have been laid off in the last decade are still unemployed—and 11 percent have taken pay cuts to work.) 9. We're Entrepreneurial Pierre Manevy/Express/Getty Images An important Gen X characteristic to remember is that, professionally speaking, we have always done it our own way. When we were coming up, we got the name "slackers" for the way we thumbed our noses at the boomers' savings plans and office jobs. That meant we had to be creative in the way we structured our lives, with work serving us and our schedules rather than the other way around. "Work smarter, not harder" is the Gen X goal. (Repeat after me: "So Sharks, I'm offering a 20 percent stake on a capitalization...") 10. We Have 'Sandwich Generation' Challengesfor Playboy As a member of the first cohort where it was totally normal for both men and women to have jobs and also have children later in life, and then have parents living decades longer than previous generations, well, we've found ourselves stuck in the middle. We're raising young kids and caring for aging parents at the same time. Oh, and is that my boss texting me while I'm at the appointment to interview a home health aide? Cool, cool. Let's just say, according to the American Institute of Stress, we're at a level of anxiety hat's gone beyond "Calgon, take me away." (A cultural reference you need to be a Gen Xer to even understand.) We've been nicknamed "The Sandwich Generation," caught as we are between caring for our kids at the same time as our aging parents. (Writer Ada Calhoun says the overwhelming pressure makes this more like "the panini generation.") In How to Lose Your Mother, 46-year-old author Molly Jong-Fast—shown here as a young adult with her mom—compelling describes how she survived a year in which her famous mother was diagnosed with dementia and her husband was diagnosed with cancer—and a spot on bestseller lists and coast-to-coast crowds of Gen X women at readings show she's struck a nerve. 11. We're Nutritionally Sophisticated Gregg DeGuire/WireImage/Getty Images Marketers are targeting Gen X as a fruitful target group for vitamins and supplements, according to SupplySide Supplement Journal. That's because we are the generation that's seen our parents age in a sometimes not-so-great way, and want to do it better. We use nutrition as a key plank in our mind-body wellness platform, too. Think of it this way: In the '50s, food was a way to signal worldliness, sophistication and that you had a wife who could spend a whole day prepping a dinner party. Then, as the young adult Gen Xers began working hard and playing hard and wanting to look good, feel good and stay vital forever, a discourse of food and health began. Today, it seems commonplace that chefs, cookbook writers and cultural influencers discuss healthfulness as a goal of their menus—but it wasn't always this way. Gen Xers led the charge to using food as a means to feeling better and having more energy without spending a lot of time doing so—just ask 53-year-old cookbook author and media maven Gwyneth Paltrow. How Is Gen X Different from Millennials? Gen X had less involved parents, hence the latchkey generation nickname, and are thus thought to be more self-reliant than millennials. That's not the only difference, though. Gen Xers also have a different attitude towards technology than millennials—namely in that they view it to be an acquired skill as opposed to something essential. Don't be fooled, Gen Xers are still perfectly tech savvy and are not intimidated by having to learn new technological skills. Also, as previously discussed, we Gen Xers place a higher premium on work-life balance and prefer task-based projects, whereas millennials are more likely to seek work that they find aligns with their belief systems. (Of course, these are all sweeping generalizations and there's plenty of overlap between the two cohorts as well, so take the differences with a grain of salt.) How Is Gen X Different from Baby Boomers Gen X are different from baby boomers in so many ways, depending on how you even compare them, according to author Jean M. Twenge. In her book Generations: The Real Differences Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents--And What They Mean for America's Future, the author crunches government, business and political data to come up with the idea that while boomers grew up with tech like television and home appliances and had time for family, Gen X had by contrast personal computers, latchkey kids and the rise of alternative family structures. Boomers are understandably more tradition-bound—their reality was arguably an upswing of standard of living from previous generations. However, as a Gen Xer, I'm not so secure—the ever-rising tides of changing tech alongside insecure housing and worries about social security (I'm talking the government program and the overall concept) have made me double down on that same attitudes that skeptical grunge kid I was formed in the 90s. Plus ca change! 5 Trends That Gen-X Got Totally Right (And 1 Trend They Got Wrong) Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rob Lowe, 61, Says Sequel to Iconic '80s Movie Is ‘Really Getting Good'
Rob Lowe, 61, Says Sequel to Iconic '80s Movie Is 'Really Getting Good' originally appeared on Parade. There's an update on the sequel to one of the Brat Pack's biggest movies! Rob Lowe revealed that he's been working on a followup script to 1985's St. Elmo's Fire. "We're working on the script, and it's really getting good,' Lowe told People in an interview published on June 29. "I think it's super valid to revisit those characters that continue to mean a lot to people and watch them navigate this chapter of life, because arguably this chapter of life is every bit as interesting and fraught as — 'What do I do when I get out of college?'' Lowe starred as Billy Hicks in the film, alongside Demi Moore, Andrew McCarthy, Emilio Estevez, Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson and Mare Winningham. The Outsiders star previously revealed that he and Moore have talked about what it will be like to revisit their characters from St. Elmo's Fire. 'She has a pseudonym that she goes by, which I can't say, because then it wouldn't be a pseudonym,' Lowe said in an appearance on Kelly Ripa's 'Let's Talk Off Camera' podcast in October 2024. "And we're very much in contact now because we are actively trying to do [the] St. Elmo's Fire sequel." 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 He added that the sequel was 'moving along,' but that it was 'going a little more slowly than [he] would have liked.' 'But that's a good thing because we're trying to find the right writer and the right story. But all of the actors, everybody is on board. Everybody is excited,' Lowe continued. 'I think now, the theme of St. Elmo's Fire today is that it's never too late for happiness. Our kids are out of school and maybe some of us have been divorced and maybe somebody has been falling ill — all the things that you deal with as you get to our ages, this is an opportunity to explore those themes with characters that people know and love. And I think as opposed to just a money run, let's just reboot it because people know the title of it. I actually think there's a lot to be said about why we're doing it. And I'm super excited about it. Hopefully we can pull it off." Rob Lowe, 61, Says Sequel to Iconic '80s Movie Is 'Really Getting Good' first appeared on Parade on Jun 29, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Elle
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
Celine Just Confirmed That '80s Prep Is So Back
It's been seven years since Michael Rider was last at Celine, where he worked for a decade as design director under Phoebe Philo's famed tenure, and quite a few things have changed. While Hedi Slimane stepped in, dropped the acute accent from the name, and shifted away from Philo's feminine ease, Rider sharpened his preppy edge as creative director of Ralph Lauren. Now, on the runway, it's as if the varying influences from his career have formed a scrapbook to compose his Celine debut. As models wound through seats formed in an interlocking C emblem, the sporty collegiate vision was immediately realized. Two things from the collection stood out as abundantly clear: accessories and styling reigned supreme. In a way, this method creates an incredibly approachable luxury vision with tangible entry points. You aspire to buy the beautifully constructed pieces, but you're inspired to shift the way you dress, whether it be incorporating a silk foulard into your wardrobe, taking scissors to the bottom of your necktie, or stacking every single piece of jewelry that you own. The scarves, also seen across multiple menswear collections last week, were a dominant motif on the runway (the invite was even composed of one). Many were adorned with a different logo pattern: a slimmer, almost crescent moon-like 'C.' One wide-winged accessory in particular evoked the ghost of fashion past. With the reissue of Philo's iconic Phantom, Rider smartly tapped into the It-bag resurgence craze. For bags slung over the shoulder—and, in one instance, matched with a tan patchwork leather jacket—bigger was better, emulating a youthful academic aesthetic. The Brat Pack's arrogant glory and personification of the '80s preppy era—specifically in the coming-of-age film St. Elmo's Fire—immediately comes to mind. Give it a French twist with skinny trousers and topsider-meets-Keds minimalist shoes, and you've summed up Rider's debut. There's no doubt that a high-powered and highly glossy version of the '80s is currently dominating the runways. It's a relief to see designers playing skillfully with beautiful styling and a pleasure to witness each interpretation. For Rider, that manifests through yuppie-inspired pieces—no doubt a result of his time at Ralph Lauren. However, it's his remarkable blending of subtle subversions, like tucking wide-legged suit trousers into logo-printed boxing shoes or dabbling with sweatshirts and retro silhouettes, that separates him from playing too heavily into the preppy handbook. Alexandra Hildreth is the Fashion News Editor at ELLE. She is fascinated by style trends, industry news, shake-ups, and The Real Housewives. Previously, she attended the University of St Andrews in Scotland. Following graduation, she moved back to New York City and worked as a freelance journalist and producer.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rob Lowe Shares Update on the Long-Awaited 'St. Elmo's Fire' Sequel — and Why It's 'Super Valid' to Do Now (Exclusive)
Rob Lowe teases St. Elmo's Fire 2 in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE "We're working on the script, and it's really getting good," says the actor of the sequel to the 1985 "Brat Pack" film, which is currently in development Lowe starred as William "Billy" Hicks, a saxophone-playing frat boy, in St. Elmo's FireRob Lowe says St. Elmo's Fire 2 is well worth the wait. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the actor, 61, teases the long-awaited sequel to the 1985 film, which follows a group of recent graduates and their adjustment to post-college life. "We're working on the script, and it's really getting good," teases Lowe, who starred as William "Billy" Hicks, a saxophone-playing frat boy, in the movie. "I think it's super valid to revisit those characters that continue to mean a lot to people and watch them navigate this chapter of life, because arguably this chapter of life is every bit as interesting and fraught as — 'What do I do when I get out of college?' " continues the star. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Directed by Joel Schumacher, St. Elmo's Fire is an essential movie of the "Brat Pack" genre — a nickname given to a group of young actors and actresses who appeared in popular coming-of-age films during the 1980s. Alongside Lowe, who continues his ongoing partnership with Atkins, Emilio Estevez, Andrew McCarthy, Demi Moore, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, Andie MacDowell and Mare Winningham also star. Deadline reported that a sequel was in the works in June 2024. The outlet said the project is in early development at Sony Pictures. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! Last year, McCarthy released the documentary Brats, which explores the "Brat Pack" and '80s-era films such as The Breakfast Club and 16 Candles. (The Deadline report about the St. Elmo's Fire sequel was released a week later.) Speaking with PEOPLE at the time. McCarthy said that the idea of putting together a follow-up to St. Elmo's Fire gets brought up "all the time." "I think 30, 20, even 10 years ago, people would probably [have] said no. But now I think, again, as you get older, you kind of look back on these things with a certain affection and there's nothing to prove to anyone," he said. Read the original article on People
New York Post
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Rob Lowe gives ‘St. Elmo's Fire' sequel update 40 years after original: ‘It's really getting good'
Don't ever let the fire go out. Rob Lowe has provided a surprising update about a 'St. Elmo's Fire' sequel nearly 40 years after the original movie premiered in June 1985. 'We're working on the script, and it's really getting good,' Lowe, 61, told People in an interview published Sunday, June 29. 10 Rob Lowe has provided a surprising update about a 'St. Elmo's Fire' sequel. Instagram/@roblowe 10 'We're working on the script, and it's really getting good,' Lowe said Sunday, 40 years after the original 'St. Elmo's Fire' was released. ©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection 'I think it's super valid to revisit those characters that continue to mean a lot to people and watch them navigate this chapter of life,' he continued, 'because arguably this chapter of life is every bit as interesting and fraught as – 'What do I do when I get out of college?'' The original film, which was released on June 28, 1985, and directed by Joel Schumacher, followed a group of recent Georgetown University graduates as they navigated life after college in their early 20s. Besides Lowe, who starred as Billy Hicks, the Brat Pack classic also featured Emilio Estevez (Kirby Keger), Andrew McCarthy (Kevin Dolenz), Demi Moore (Jules Van Patten), Judd Nelson (Alec Newbury), Andie MacDowell (Dale Bieberman) and Ally Sheedy (Leslie Hunter). 10 Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Emilio Estevez, Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson, Mare Winningham and Andrew McCarthy in 'St. Elmo's Fire' in 1985. ©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection 10 The original film followed a group of recent Georgetown University graduates as they navigated life after college in their early 20s. ©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection Interest in a 'St. Elmo's Fire' sequel reportedly started last year after McCarthy released his documentary 'Brats,' which saw several of the '80s stars reunite to discuss their experiences as members of the so-called Brat Pack. Lowe said that the documentary 'only added to the excitement around' a 'St. Elmo's Fire' sequel, and he later claimed that one was in the 'very early stages,' although he couldn't make any promises about whether it would pan out. 'We've met with the studio and I have been talking about doing it for about four months,' he told Entertainment Tonight last year. 'But it's very, very, very, very, very early stages. So we will see.' 10 Lowe began teasing a 'St. Elmo's Fire' sequel last year. Getty Images for Santa Barbara International Film Festival 10 Demi Moore and Rob Lowe in 'St. Elmo's Fire.' ©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection Then, earlier this year, the 'West Wing' alum suggested that a 'St. Elmo's Fire' sequel was potentially in development at Sony Pictures. 'We're putting together 'St. Elmo's Fire 2.' So we're back working together. We're gonna see what those people are doing at our age now. This is a real thing,' Lowe said during 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' in February. 'I know. It's great. It sounds like it could be a bit, but you'd also go, 'Wait a minute, I'd see that,'' he continued at the time. 'When we did the original, we were on the cover of Rolling Stone. Now we'll be on the cover of AARP, but it's still gonna be great.' 10 Demi Moore as Jules and Rob Lowe as Billy Hicks in 'St. Elmo's Fire.' ©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection 10 Director Joel Schumacher and Rob Lowe on the set of 'St. Elmo's Fire' in 1985. ©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection He also claimed that 'everybody' from the original film was 'on board' during an episode of his 'Literally with Rob Lowe' podcast in March. 'The script has to come in and we all have to like it, but everybody wants to do it,' Lowe said. 'Everybody's on board.' However, others have cast doubt on a 'St. Elmo's Fire' sequel. 10 'The script has to come in and we all have to like it, but everybody wants to do it,' Lowe said in March. Getty Images for Airbnb 10 'Everybody's on board,' Lowe also said earlier this year regarding a sequel. GC Images Producer Adam Fields, who worked on other Brat Pack flicks like 'Sixteen Candles' and 'The Breakfast Club,' questioned how Lowe and the others would go about making the sequel more than four decades after the original. 'I haven't read [the script], and I don't know what their approach is,' Fields told The Post in February. 'I mean, I feel like most of these movies were a moment in time, and they reflected a moment in time, so I don't know how they can do anything,' he added.
