Stephen Colbert, the renowned late-night TV host, is on the mend following an emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix. The unexpected health scare led to the cancellation of this week’s episodes of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” which airs on CBS.

Colbert humorously addressed his health condition on social media, quipping about his appendix and expressing gratitude towards his family and medical team. “I’m grateful to my doctors for their care and to Evie and the kids for putting up with me,” he posted, adding a light-hearted note about his pancreas now handling all communications for his removed appendix.

A ruptured appendix is a serious medical emergency. It leads to peritonitis, an infection spreading throughout the abdomen, necessitating immediate surgical intervention to remove the appendix and cleanse the abdominal cavity.

The absence of new episodes this week means fans will miss scheduled appearances from notable celebrities, including Jennifer Garner, Patrick Stewart, Barbra Streisand, and others.

Colbert has been a staple of late-night television since taking over “The Late Show” in 2015, following a successful run on Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report” from 2005 to 2014. Fans and colleagues alike are wishing him a speedy recovery as he takes this necessary break for health reasons.

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John Travolta, the renowned actor and qualified pilot, recently shared a harrowing experience of a near-fatal plane incident that eerily resonated with his role in the Disney+ short, ‘The Shepherd.’ Speaking at the London premiere, Travolta recounted a terrifying flight over Washington D.C., where he faced a total electrical failure while piloting a corporate jet.

This real-life ordeal mirrored the struggles of Royal Air Force pilot Freddie Hooke, the protagonist of ‘The Shepherd,’ whose story is based on Frederick Forsyth’s book. Travolta vividly described the moment he thought death was imminent, with no instruments or electrical support and his family onboard. His quick thinking and pilot skills led to an emergency landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, narrowly avoiding a mid-air collision with a Boeing 727.

The incident, which occurred in 1992, was later confirmed by investigators as a grave threat. Travolta’s experience added a personal depth to his portrayal in ‘The Shepherd,’ especially in capturing the despair and fear of a life-threatening situation. His connection to Forsyth’s book and the film project spanned over 30 years, a testament to his passion and commitment to bringing this unique story to the screen.

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In a touching Thanksgiving tribute, Emma Heming Willis shared a throwback photo featuring her husband, Bruce Willis, and their extended family, embodying unity and love in the face of adversity. The picture includes Bruce’s daughters from both marriages—Mabel and Evelyn, whom he shares with Emma, and Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah from his previous marriage to Demi Moore.

As the 68-year-old Hollywood icon battles dementia, his family has become a pillar of support and strength. The snapshot also features Scout’s boyfriend, Jake Miller, and Rumer’s partner, Derek Richard Thomas, suggesting the close-knit bond extending beyond immediate family members. The image captures a moment before the birth of Rumer and Derek’s daughter, Louetta, in April, further highlighting the family’s ongoing journey together.

Emma’s heartfelt caption, “I’m grateful and thankful to know this kind of love,” reflects the deep emotional ties within the Willis family. Meanwhile, Rumer’s recent post, nostalgically reminiscing about her childhood with her father, underscores the poignant reality of Bruce’s health challenges.

Glenn Gordon Caron, creator of “Moonlighting,” Bruce’s breakthrough series, recently shared insights into his condition, revealing a significant decline in language skills and the fading of Bruce’s characteristic zest for life. This news underscores the family’s resolve to cherish and support Bruce, demonstrating the power of love and family unity in the face of life’s toughest challenges.

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In a thrilling development for martial arts cinema, Sony Pictures is set to merge generations with its latest Karate Kid installment, featuring icons Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio. Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, known for his impactful teen dramas, the untitled movie promises to intertwine the narratives of the original franchise.

Launching a global search for the lead role, the film will continue the saga of Chan and Macchio’s influential characters. Scripted by Rob Lieber, details of the storyline remain under wraps, but it’s revealed that the plot will shift to the East Coast, focusing on a Chinese teen finding solace in martial arts.

The Karate Kid series, initiated in 1984 with Macchio as Daniel LaRusso, transformed into a pop culture phenomenon, inspiring several sequels and the popular Netflix series Cobra Kai. The franchise’s revival in 2010, with Chan mentoring Jaden Smith, was yet another hit, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the Karate Kid world.

With a release date set for December 2024 and production slated for spring, this fusion of classic and modern martial arts narratives signals an exciting chapter for fans worldwide. Chan and Macchio’s return to this beloved universe marks a significant moment in the evolution of the Karate Kid legacy.

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Aardman Animations, the British studio synonymous with classic clay animation, is facing a significant challenge that could change its signature style. The studio, famous for its Newplast plasticine used in beloved creations like Wallace & Gromit, finds itself at a crossroads due to the closure of the only Newplast-producing factory in Torquay, England.

Ahead of the factory’s shutdown, Aardman purchased all remaining material, echoing the recent pink paint shortage caused by the Barbie movie. This remaining stock is being utilized for a Wallace & Gromit film set to release in 2024, marking a potential end to an era.

Named after its inventor, schoolteacher Lewis Newplast, this plasticine was cherished for its ease of molding and shape retention. With its depletion, Aardman is now exploring alternatives, including creating its own substitute. However, details of their progress remain undisclosed, with updates expected as the next Wallace & Gromit project nears completion.

Despite this looming uncertainty, the Aardman team remains upbeat, diligently working on “Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget” for Netflix. This sequel features the return of the original film’s characters in a new adventure, set for release on December 15. The studio’s resilience and creativity face a true test as they navigate this transformative period in animation history.

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