Table of contents for March 18, 2024 in Star Magazine

THAT’S dark! Machine Gun Kelly debuted a blackout tattoo that covers his upper chest and most of his arms on Instagram Feb. 20, captioning the shot, “For spiritual purposes only.” The ink, created by blackout specialists Roxx and Cats, required “44 needles,” the rapper (a.k.a. Colson Baker) revealed, noting that the process was full of “joy” and “pain.” The pain wasn’t just physical. The 33-year-old shared the impetus behind the tattoo in the lyrics of a new track, which also touch on the miscarriage his fiancée, Megan Fox, opened up about in November. “Just like I wish they would understand me one time,” he raps on “Don’t Let Me Go,” “I had a breakdown and tatted my entire body except one line.” His ink and his lyrics are how he…

They looked like a cozy foursome at January’s Golden Globes, but don’t let that fool you. Insiders tell Star that while Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are still besties, their wives, Jennifer Lopez and Luciana Barroso, haven’t taken to each other — at all. It could be a matter of timing. “Matt met Lucy the same year Jennifer and Ben split up the first time,” says the insider, adding that she built an independent relationship with Ben over the next 20 years. For J.Lo, “That grates on her nerves,” says the source. “As if Lucy thinks she’s better than her or something.” Both Ben, 51, and Matt, 53, have tried to get their wives to meet in the middle. “It never goes well,” says the insider of Jen, 54, and…

It’s a Queer Eye makeover! Ever since Bobby Berk’s 2023 announcement he would exit the feel-good Netflix show after its current season, fans have wondered who could possibly replace the soft-spoken Southerner capable of turning ho-hum rooms into fantasy spaces. On Feb. 27, the streamer announced that Jeremiah Brent, 39, will head to Vegas for the show’s ninth season. The HGTV star and dad of two with husband Nate Berkus seems like a natural fit for the show, joining vets Antoni Porowski, Jonathan Van Ness, Karamo Brown and Tan France. “He’s a breath of fresh air they felt was needed,” an insider tells Star. “He comes with experience and isn’t hard on the eyes either!” The designer has appeared on multiple TV shows, from The Rachel Zoe Project to The…

Faithful Friends New York City, Feb. 22 The Today show’s Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie linked up in the evening for a live discussion of Savannah’s new book, Mostly What God Does: Reflections on Seeking and Finding His Love Everywhere, at the 92nd Street Y. Clutch Moves Los Angeles, Feb. 21 Selling Sunset’s Emma Hernan held hands with Chelsea Lazkani, who defended her against Nicole Young’s allegations that she’s a social climber. “We know [Emma’s] heart, we know her hustle. Why take that from another woman?” asked Chelsea. Camera Ready Berlin, Feb. 21 An eager fan snapped a photo with Carey Mulligan at the Berlin International Film Festival premiere of Spaceman, the Netflix drama costarring Adam Sandler. “I loved every day I got to spend with him as well as…

She’s back on the market, but not the scene. A year after Reese Witherspoon announced that she was divorcing second husband Jim Toth, the Oscar winner, 47, is dating again — but don’t expect to see her snapped with a new man outside of Nobu. “She feels it’s not fair to the guy, who might be on a first or second date and suddenly has nosy friends asking him to define the relationship,” an insider says of Reese’s dating strategy. “So she’s decided to date in secret.” The Nashville native has been upfront about the toll her public divorces have taken on her. The Morning Show star previously revealed that her 2006 split from Ryan Phillippe (with whom she shares kids Ava, 24, and Deacon, 20) left her so deflated,…

She’s so donezo. Just 15 months after marrying Simon Guobadia, Real Housewives of Atlanta star Porsha Williams quietly filed for divorce from the Nigerian businessman. “It was a case of too much too soon,” says a source of the pair, who were engaged only a few weeks after they started dating. “Porsha’s friends warned her about getting married so fast.” The 42-year-old revealed in mid-February that she was coming back to RHOA following a three-season hiatus, and would be returning a married woman: “Porsha Guobadia is in the building!” But the source says that Simon’s “sketchy past” — which includes criminal arrests and immigration issues — had something to do with her decision to pull the plug. “They married after getting caught up in the romance, but reality hit soon…

DESPITE nabbing four Oscar nominations over the course of his career, Tom has yet to take home the coveted trophy. But he’s hoping that’s about to change. The actor is in talks to star in an upcoming film directed by lauded filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu, who helmed the award-winning Birdman and The Revenant, which earned Leonardo DiCaprio his first Oscar. “When Tom heard Alejandro was moving forward on a big studio project, he was compelled to meet with him,” says an insider. “This is a pivotal move on Tom’s part.” He may feel he’s more than earned the prize. “Top Gun: Maverick was the first huge hit after Covid, and Tom’s been credited with saving the movie industry,” notes the source. “This should put him back in the running.”…

BRADLEY COOPER THE HANGOVER Now that he’s an Oscar winner and auteur, you’d think the Maestro star would be too big to revisit the raunchy comedy. Not so! Asked if he would ever rejoin the Wolfpack, the 49-year-old didn’t hesitate. “I would probably do Hangover 4 in an instant,” he replied. The hang-up? Director Todd Phillips has moved on. “I don’t think Todd’s ever going to do that,” lamented the actor. SHAILENE WOODLEY DIVERGENT Big screen or go home! The 32-year-old bristled when the fourth installment of the Divergent movies was set to head straight to television instead of a theatrical release. “I didn’t sign up to be in a TV show,” she said. “No. I’m not going to be on the television show.” Ultimately, because of the pandemic, the…

CELEB PUZZLE #12 ACROSS 1 “Hot In Cleveland” star White 3 Kingsley or Affleck 6 Oscar winner Berry 9 Ms. Mirren of “The Debt” 10 Fan speed 12 Actress Tyler 13 “The Big Bang Theory” star Parsons 15 Tell a whopper 17 Actor Holbrook 19 Night before 21 McKellen or McShane 23 “Platoon” star Willem 26 Actor Hawke 28 Mate for Pa 29 Radio reply 30 Postal abbreviation 32 James Bond classic 34 Singer Lambert 37 Actress Maureen 38 Things on a list 39 New Jersey team 41 “Young Frankenstein” star Madeline 42 Actor O’Neill 44 “Sicario” star Blunt 46 Atop 47 Actress Barkin 50 TV repeat 53 Hive dweller 54 Hall Of Famer Mel 56 Ms. Anderson 57 “The Women” star Ryan 59 Gives the go-ahead 61 “The Barefoot…

Good 4 Her Palm Springs, Calif., Feb. 23 Olivia Rodrigo kicked off her Guts World Tour at Acrisure Arena, captivating the sold-out crowd with a 22-song set that included “bad idea right?” and “Vampire” as well as songs off her first album, Sour. “It’s every artist’s dream to get to play these iconic venues, like Madison Square Garden, The Forum and all these awesome places,” said the singer, 21. “I feel incredibly lucky and grateful for the opportunity. The energy of a show of that size is so infectious, and it’s just so cool how music can unite a group of people for a few hours like that.”…

Absolute Panda-monium San Francisco, Feb. 24 Awkwafina served as grand marshal of the city’s annual Chinese New Year Parade. “It’s such an honor for me,” said the Kung Fu Panda 4 actress. Tower of Power Paris, Feb. 28 Camera ready! Model Alessandra Ambrosio snapped a pic in front of the Eiffel Tower while in town for Paris Fashion Week. In Perfect Harmony Nashville, Feb. 28 Aww! Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton only had eyes for each other as they performed their duet “Purple Irises” at the 2024 Country Radio Seminar. Policing the Scene Miami, Feb. 28 Whatcha gonna do? Martin Lawrence and Will Smith signed movie posters for their fans between takes on the set of the upcoming Bad Boys 4. Red Carpet Royalty London, Feb. 28 Make way! Julianne…

Bradley Cooper has been catching some flak for his try-hard campaign this awards season. But the Maestro star struck a raw note during a recent appearance on the Armchair Expert podcast with Dax Shepard. The 49-year-old, who plays the mercurial composer and director Leonard Bernstein in the movie, shared how becoming a dad to Lea, his daughter with ex Irina Shayk, in 2017 made him recommit to his sobriety. “Honestly, I’m not sure I’d be alive if I wasn’t a dad,” he said. “I don’t know what would have happened. I’m not sure.” The actor has admitted he was suicidal and self-destructive before he quit drinking and drugs in 2004. But, he went on to say, having a child became an “anchor” in his life. “Your DNA is going to…

Deeply Entrenched Feb. 20 Shades of gray! Jessica Alba was the epitome of elegance in a trench coat and boots at the Tod’s Fall/Winter 2024–25 womenswear fashion show. The mogul/actress sat in the front row with Vogue editor Anna Wintour. Wild, Wild West Feb. 22 Dressed in their usual quirky style, Kanye West and wife Bianca Censori gave a couple of rare smiles at the Marni fashion show. Hot Tickets Feb. 22 The Witcher’s Freya Allan and Stranger Things’ Jamie Campbell Bower joined Uma Thurman in the front row at the Tom Ford show. JoyRoad Trip Feb. 21 Lucy Hale said she had the “best 48 hours” unveiling the JoyRoad capsule collection she designed for Weekend Max Mara. House of Gucci Feb. 23 Talent agent Dan Constable and Ozark alum…

Brie Larson Ab fab! The Avengers stunner chose a breathtaking Atelier Versace two-piece ensemble for the evening, which was inspired by a design worn by model Claudia Schiffer in the ’90s. Emily Blunt The British beauty turned heads on the carpet in a mesmerizing custom Louis Vuitton gown styled with a striking Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany necklace. Issa Rae Effortlessly gorgeous! The Insecure star made a swoonworthy entrance in an Off-White number complemented by Suzanne Kalan jewelry. Halle Bailey Clad in a custom Dolce & Gabbana confection paired with a Joseph Saidian and Sons necklace, the Little Mermaid darling stunned at the ceremony. Storm Reid Beautiful in blooms! Reid opted for a custom Balmain number that featured a thigh-high slit. She accessorized the flirty look with Christian Louboutin pumps. Hannah…

IN early February, Tom Cruise was photographed landing his helicopter at a heliport in Battersea London after a day spent filming the next installment of his hit Mission: Impossible franchise. The 61-year-old actor was all smiles as he walked the tarmac and happily greeted the grounds crew before making his way to his waiting car. He may not have been jumping on a couch on national TV, but it was clear to those who know Tom that he was a man in love. The A-lister went public with his romance with Russian socialite Elsina Khayrov at a party in London’s Grosvenor Square in early December. According to a source, Tom recently asked Elsina to marry him and was knee-deep in planning a lavish, $10 million wedding when the 36-year-old former…

PISCES FEB. 19–MARCH 20 This is a positive and powerful time. Life travels in the fast lane, and you’re in the driver’s seat! Career, money and love are all on the top of your list. Don’t assume anything and don’t overreact to details. ARIES MARCH 21–APRIL 19 You have entered a positive phase. Make a wish! Be optimistic and think the best. A discussion with someone influential can put more cash in your back pocket. TAURUS APRIL 20–MAY 20 Love goddess Venus encourages you to be social and connect with like-minded people. Embark on a personal image makeover and get ready to be noticed! GEMINI MAY 21–JUNE 20 You can have it all this year, so stay focused on your goals. A connection with a co-worker or superior can uncover…

ACROSS 1 Not important 9 Altar guy 18 College head 19 Office note 21 Singles 22 Adjutant 23 Goes with yin 24 Opera stars 27 Beat 28 It turns a bit 31 Unattractive 33 Troy story 34 Liability 36 Salad dressing 40 Nobleman 41 Nile queen, shortly 42 Used yarn 44 Necessity 45 Egypt’s river 46 Evergreen 48 Sizzle 49 After taxes 50 — Paulo 51 Auto 53 Golf goal 54 Fearsome fly 57 Ruckus 60 Racer Al 62 Break free 64 Happenings 66 Bread choice 67 Tax grp. 69 Greek goddess 70 Memorizes 72 Require 74 Stretched out 77 Shook 79 Ventilates 81 Stumble 83 African trips 84 Verne captain 85 Greek portico 87 Primp 88 Cleaning tool 90 Kind of boom 91 Sports nut 92 Ticket remains 93…

Viva Las Vegas! No sooner did Travis Kelce arrive back in the States after his whirlwind trip to catch girlfriend Taylor Swift’s Australian Eras Tour dates than the Super Bowl champ hit the floor to party with his teammates in Sin City. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end, along with QB Patrick Mahomes and others, descended on XS nightclub at the Wynn Las Vegas, where the 34-year-old hung out in the DJ booth with EDM star Marshmello and belted along to Queen’s “We Are the Champions” with his fellow Chiefs. Before they left after 4 a.m., the rowdy bunch even showered the crowd with champagne. But Taylor had nothing to worry about. As the music pumped, a couple of eager young women were spotted dancing up to Travis and Co.…

It’s…complicated. Last year, Jada Pinkett Smith made some confusing revelations about her 25-plus-year marriage to Will Smith — among them, that the parents of two (plus a child from his first marriage) had been separated since 2016. Yet the 52-year-old insisted that she and the Oscar winner, 55, would never divorce, telling talk show host Drew Barrymore, “We’re staying together forever.” That may be, but sources tell Star the marriage is simply one of convenience. “They’re living separate lives and don’t seem to care what the other is doing as long as he — or she — doesn’t cross the line and cause any type of scandal,” notes an insider, adding that the duo, worth a combined $400 million, have one rule: “Don’t do anything that’s going to get you…

✪ Sofia Richie Grainge, teaming up with Erewhon for a new smoothie featuring MALK’s Almond milk, in Los Angeles. ✪ Bradley Cooper and Gigi Hadid, breakfasting at the Corner Bar, in NYC. ✪ The Sculpt Society founder Megan Roup, partnering with Astral tequila to bring the “Good Energy Movement” to Dallas. ✪ Kygo, toasting with Tequila Don Julio 1942 backstage at the Palm Tree Music Festival, in Aspen. ✪ Rachel Zoe, showing off her Tylenol Rapid Release Gels, on Instagram Stories. ✪ Brody Jenner, dining at Sushi by Bou Chelsea with Richie Romero before their joint DJ set at SINS at Sapphire 60, in NYC. ✪ Bo Derek, stopping by the Women’s Image Awards at the Saban Theatre, in Beverly Hills.…

Hot WINE Pair your next meat or pasta dish with a glass of Louis M. Martini 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The delicious red wine offers rich aromas of torn mint, black plum, dark cherry and black licorice. Cheers! Available on Reserve Bar. Hot SCENT Scent the air in your abode with Carrière Frères. The La Rose aime la Menthe is the latest to join the assortment of botanical-influenced scented candles and diffusers, each a blend of spearmint and floral to help promote an overall calming feeling. $49, carrierefreres.com Hot BEAUTY LAUNCH Luxury fashion house Prada just launched Prada Beauty — and you’re going to want to get your hands on it! The exciting release includes Prada Skin, a line of nourishing formulas including a smoothing day-and-night cream, a multipurpose…

Less than a year into marriage, Chris Evans and Alba Baptista are eager to board the baby train. “Building a family is absolutely something I want,” Chris, 42, said about becoming a pop. He’s been working on making that wish a reality since wedding Alba, 26, in September. “They’re trying for baby No. 1!” a source reveals. “Chris is already in his 40s, so he’s super anxious to start a family, and Alba adores children. She loves her career but admits that had she not been an actress, she would have done something that involved children.” The source adds that the duo already spend a lot of time hanging with other parents — including close friends Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky, who have three kids; and John Krasinski and Emily…

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SUPER-7 CHALLENGE Answer all seven questions — and use the circled letters to unscramble the Super-7 Challenge solution. Answers below. 1 What film actor originated Donald Glover’s role on the TV version of Mr. & Mrs. Smith. 2 What state is the Jason Bateman/Laura Linney-starring Ozark set in? 3 John Goodman is the patriarch of this Righteous family. 4 What is Jay’s relation to Haley and Alex on Modern Family? 5 The title character’s job on The Good Wife spinoff Elsbeth. 6 Guy Fieri hosts Diners, Drive-Ins and … 7 What sport does Danny McBride’s Kenny Powers play on Eastbound & Down? SUPER-7 CHALLENGE Name the band whose song Baby Blue played during the final scene of Breaking Bad. ANSWERS 1) BRAD PITT (B R) 2) MISSOURI (I) 3) GEMSTONES (N)…