Stephanie Topacio Long
Verified
As seen in:
BDG,
Bustle,
MSN,
Digital Trends,
Flipboard,
Yahoo,
BioRxiv,
KMOX-AM (St. Louis, MO),
WFUN-FM (St. Louis, MO),
Moviefone,
KPHO-TV (Phoenix, AZ),
HelloBeautiful
and
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Stephanie Topacio Long
'Bridgerton' Showrunner Explains Season 4's Whistledown Change
Spoilers ahead for Bridgerton Season 4. “A very different author” shook up the ton in the final moments of Bridgerton Season 4. Not even book readers were prepared to see a new Lady Whistledown announce herself to society. It marked a major departure from Julia Quinn’s source material, which is just what the Netflix series’ writers wanted. Keeping Fans Guessing Bridgerton stayed true to the book series by having Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) serve as its original Lady Whistledown.
Lindsey Vonn Shares Her "Internal Mental Battle" Post-Olympics Crash
For weeks leading up to the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, Lindsey Vonn’s incredible comeback at age 41 was a feel-good story. However, days before the Winter Games’ opening ceremony on Feb. 6, the alpine skiing legend announced she had badly injured her left knee in a crash, tearing her ACL. She still decided to compete, but she had a horrific accident during the downhill event on Feb. 8, leading what she’s since shared is a grueling road to recovery, both mentally and physically.
Netflix’s ‘Pride & Prejudice’ Teaser Is Full Of Yearning
Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is the gift that keeps on giving. The classic 1813 novel has repeatedly been adapted for screen since the advent of film and television, and now, in the age of streaming, a Netflix version of the timeless love story is coming in the form of a six-part limited series starring Emma Corrin and Jack Lowden. Netflix’s star-studded Pride & Prejudice is billed as “a faithful, classic adaptation” of the beloved tale centered on Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.
Simone Biles & Ilia Malinin Had The Olympics Meetup Fans Wanted
Few people can understand the pressure of being an overwhelming Olympic gold medal favorite, but luckily for figure skater Ilia Malinin, one of them was at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics to show him support. Gymnastics legend Simone Biles attended the Winter Games with her husband, Jonathan Owens, and she was in the arena on Feb. 13, when the self-proclaimed “Quad God” finished in an unexpected eighth place in the men’s singles event.
'Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives' Season 4 Trailer Teases Demi's Return
With The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 4 premiering on March 12, Hulu debuted the official trailer on Feb. 18. The preview ended speculation on whether or not Demi Engemann would return. Her appearance teased a new venture, and, of course, there appears to be more drama in the world of #MomTok. Big Changes The trailer gives a look at the many doors that have opened to the cast of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives since the reality show blew up in 2024.
Why Did 'Tell Me Lies' End After Season 3? Showrunner Explains
Just hours before the final episode of Tell Me Lies Season 3 was set to come out on Feb. 17, showrunner Meaghan Oppenheimer dropped a big announcement. She confirmed the series is officially ending after three seasons, making the Season 3 finale the show’s conclusion. Posting the update on Instagram late on Feb. 16, Oppenheimer explained her “bittersweet” decision to fans.
Eva Mendes Jokes About Ryan Gosling's 'Project Hail Mary' Co-Star
Though usually private, Eva Mendes dishes on life with Ryan Gosling every now and again. She’s been known to open up on Instagram, and she did so again on Feb. 9. Commenting on a post about her partner’s upcoming sci-fi film, Project Hail Mary, she admitted there’s one actor out there who made her “jealous” as Gosling’s co-star. Eva’s Faux Rival JustJared posted a Project Hail Mary poster on Instagram to report on the new Super Bowl trailer, and Mendes happened to see it.
'Bridgerton' Author Julia Quinn Shared Her Take On The Recasting Debate
When it comes to Bridgerton, Julia Quinn literally wrote the book on it. The author serves as a consultant on the Netflix series, giving her some insider insight into many of the topics fans hotly discuss. Ahead of Bridgerton Season 4, Part 2’s release on Feb. 26, she weighed in on an ongoing debate, telling Us Weekly that she doesn’t see a need for two core roles to be recast before the show adapts the last two books in her eight-part series.
Drake Maye’s Wife, Ann Michael, Is A “Baller” Baker
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye isn’t the only member of his household with a following. His wife, Ann Michael, has become famous for her baking videos, including her viral “Bakemas” TikToks throughout the month of December 2025. As Drake gears up for his first Super Bowl on Feb. 8, Ann Michael has been whipping up treats for his Pats teammates and even fans. In his Super Bowl LX opening night press conference on Feb.
Drake Maye’s Wife, Ann Michael, Is A “Baller” Baker
5 hours ago The Board of Trustees for the University of Southern California has unanimously chosen Beong-Soo Kim to become the university’s 13th president. Kim, who had been serving as USC’s interim president since July 1, 2025, will assume the permanent position immediately. He succeeds Carol Folt, who served …
Sam Darnold’s Fiancée, Katie Hoofnagle, Is Key To His Success
It may not be a coincidence that Sam Darnold’s most successful NFL season started roughly a month after getting engaged to his fiancée, Katie Hoofnagle. The Seattle Seahawks quarterback is set to appear as a starter in the Super Bowl for the first time on Feb. 8, and in his opening night press conference on Feb. 2, he credited his partner with helping him keep his peace during the season. “She does a lot for me and she keeps me calm,” Darnold told the media.
Sam Darnold’s Fiancée, Katie Hoofnagle, Is Key To His Success
9 hours ago Following today's update, Apple plans to add support for six new soccer leagues to the next version of the Sports app, MacRumors has discovered. Earlier today, Apple released version 3.7 of the Sports app, introducing support for every PGA and LPGA tournament, with live leaderboards, round-by-round …
Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino Detailed Eye-Popping ‘Jersey Shore’ Pay
From 2009 to 2012, Jersey Shore and Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino were everywhere. The reality show dominated TV and the stars became household names, so they were soon earning paychecks to match their popularity. Appearing on Jason Tartick’s Trading Secrets podcast on Jan. 19, Sorrentino opened up about how much money he made during that time and how it has affected his life. Jersey Shore Paydays The Jersey Shore cast didn’t start out with massive salaries.
When Does 'Ted Lasso' Season 4 Come Out? Here's Apple TV's Update
It pays to believe. The possibility of a Ted Lasso Season 4 premiere in 2026 has become a reality, and we’ve officially entered “coming soon” territory. Apple TV gave an update on the beloved comedy’s release date on Jan. 28, promising a Summer 2026 premiere. Ted Lasso’s Season 4 Return The show’s exact premiere date is still to be announced, but fans finally have a specific window. Apple TV noted that Season 4 is currently in production and shared new first-look photos to tease what’s to come.
Emma Stone Snatched An Oscars Record From The Legendary Meryl Streep
It’s Oscars season again, and the nomination announcements have already made Emma Stone a winner. The actor earned two nods as one of the stars and producers of the dark comedy Bugonia on Jan. 20, officially making her the youngest woman to ever reach seven Academy Awards nominations, per The Hollywood Reporter. She takes the title from the legendary Meryl Streep, who had held the record since 1988 — the year Stone was born.
'Mormon Wives' Jessi Draper Calls Out "Bullying" Post-Plastic Surgery
In an age of greater plastic surgery transparency, there are still plenty of critics. Just ask Jessi Draper (formerly Ngatikaura) of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. The reality TV star was open about getting work done on her face in between seasons of the hit Hulu show in December, and in a Jan. 20 TikTok, she shared that she’s “getting a lot of harassment and bullying” about her current appearance.
Pamela Anderson Shut Down A Theory About Her Liam Neeson Romance
For a brief window of time in mid-2025, Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson were the internet’s favorite “are they, aren’t they” couple. The two actors met on the set of their action comedy The Naked Gun, and their chemistry in the film and on the press tour set hearts aflame. When their relationship didn’t seem to go anywhere, fans speculated it had all been in the name of publicity — a theory Anderson shut down in a clip from her SiriusXM interview with Andy Cohen set to air on Jan. 20.
Simone Biles & Jonathan Owens' Relationship Timeline Is Full Of Sports Success
One of the most athletic celebrity couples out there has to be Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens. She’s a gymnastics legend with 11 Olympic medals and he’s an NFL safety. They’ve balanced their romance with training and competing, supporting one another throughout the highs and lows. Together, they’ve faced challenges like her mental health struggles at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics and triumphs like her comeback and his ongoing 2025-2026 playoffs run.
Does The ‘Emily In Paris’ Season 5 Timeline Actually Make Sense?
If there’s one thing Emily in Paris fans may never agree on, it’s how long the titular character has been in Paris. Even the show’s stars aren’t sure. In December, Lily Collins’ answer to Entertainment Tonight was simply, “I think time is, it’s just a construct. Who cares?” That’s the approach the series’ writers seem to have taken. Throughout Emily in Paris’ five-season run, they’ve seemingly operated within alternative rules of time.
Sadie Sink Gave Her “Hot Take” On Eleven’s ‘Stranger Things’ Fate
Spoilers ahead for Stranger Things Season 5. In the first episode of Netflix’s Stranger Things, a young girl mysteriously appeared in the woods in Hawkins, Indiana. In its poignant series finale nearly a decade later, that same girl, Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), disappeared for good, choosing to stay in the Upside Down as it was destroyed.
Sophie Turner Had An “Identity Crisis” After ‘Game Of Thrones’
Game of Thrones fans weren’t the only ones at a loss after the hit HBO fantasy drama series ended its eight-season run in 2019. For Sophie Turner, who spent her adolescence playing Sansa Stark, it was a challenging transition. In her January cover interview for Porter, the actor described going through “a bit of an identity crisis” afterward. Time To Process Turner landed her Game of Thrones role in 2009, when she was just 13.
‘Emily In Paris’ Fans Spotted A Timeline Error In Season 5
After five seasons (and counting) of Emily in Paris, several hallmarks have emerged. Think: maximalist fashion, love triangles, and a timeline that seems to have little basis in reality. All showed up in Season 5 of the Netflix series, including a chronology error that fans called out on social media. Calendar Confusion The adventures of Emily (Lily Collins) continued when Season 5 premiered on Dec. 18, starting with a multi-episode sojourn in Rome and later a return to Paris.
'Bridgerton' Season 4 Trailer & Photos Tease Steamy Cinderella Story
’Tis the season — Bridgerton season. With the return of the regency romance series just weeks away, Netflix chose Christmas Day to gift fans with the first Bridgerton Season 4 trailer and new photos. And, as always, the preview offered a swoony, steamy look at the story ahead. The Bridgerton Season 4 Trailer The preview picks up after the events of Bridgerton Season 3, during which Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) outed herself as Lady Whistledown.
How Long Has Emily Been In Paris? 'Emily In Paris' Fan Investigates
When Emily in Paris debuted in 2020, it was the vibrant, escapist comedy series fans needed in a year of shutdowns and travel restrictions. Five years later, Season 5 is soon to hit Netflix, and the show has become an annual European getaway for viewers. But as much time as we’ve spent in her world, does anyone really know how long Emily has been in Paris? Breaking Down The Emily In Paris Timeline Emily in Paris fan Sam Geiger did the hard work of investigating the show’s complicated timeline.
Ashley Iaconetti Says Botox Gives Her “A Totally Different Face”
Another day, another celebrity dishing on their cosmetic procedures. Bachelor Nation’s Ashley Iaconetti is the latest to join the growing trend. The newly announced Real Housewives of Rhode Island cast member delved into her use of cosmetic procedures during the Dec.
Serena Williams Felt Insecure About Having A “Different” Body In Tennis
Over the course of her iconic 27-year tennis career, Serena Williams learned to shut out her critics, including the vocal body-shamers. Still, the GOAT battled insecurities, particularly when she was younger. Speaking to Porter for a cover story published on Nov.
Macaulay Culkin’s ‘Home Alone’ Sequel Idea Is Intriguing
Though Macaulay Culkin has been open to recreating Home Alone scenes over the years, he has made just one sequel to the original 1990 classic Christmas movie, 1992’s Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. That’s not because he’s unwilling to reprise his iconic role of Kevin McAllister yet again. In fact, the now-45-year-old actor recently shared his own concept for a Home Alone sequel during his “A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin” tour, per Variety.
Jon M. Chu Explained That Glinda-Boq Moment in ‘Wicked: For Good’
Spoilers for Wicked: For Good ahead. Both parts of Jon M. Chu’s Wicked film adaptation are out following For Good’s theatrical release on Nov. 21, and fans still have questions about what went down in Oz. The ambiguous ending is, of course, a hot topic, but it’s not the only one. Chu has since offered clarity on a loaded moment between Glinda (Ariana Grande) and Boq (Ethan Slater) after his transformation into the Tin Man.
Cynthia Erivo Addressed Ariana Grande's Scary 'Wicked' Fan Encounter
Wicked is a story of friendship, and a beautiful new one emerged from the two-part movie musical. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande formed a special bond that’s been evident ever since they took on their roles as Elphaba and Glinda. Perhaps the clearest example came during a scary moment at the Wicked: For Good premiere in Singapore on Nov. 13, when Erivo’s “instinct” was to protect Grande, as she explained on Today on Nov. 20.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Reece Gave An Update On Their Pay Increase
One of the major storylines in America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Season 2 was the team’s fight for fair pay. Led by squad veterans, the team pushed for higher compensation and was ultimately rewarded with a big raise that would start the following season. The current group is the first to reap the benefits, and DCC Reece Weaver shared a salary update during the Nov. 19 episode of Abby and Matt Howard’s Unplanned podcast.
Stassi Schroeder To Host “Dramatic” ‘Mormon Wives’ Reunion
There’s a lot to revisit after another dramatic season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Luckily, Hulu dropped a teaser on Nov. 18, revealing that the Season 3 reunion is coming on Dec. 4. This time, Vanderpump Villa star Stassi Schroeder will host, taking up the baton from fellow reality TV veteran Nick Viall. Drama For The Holidays Hulu previewed the special episode with a festive spin. “’Tis the season for the most dramatic reunion yet!” reads the video description on YouTube, in part.
Adele Lands 1st Film Role In Tom Ford Movie 'Cry To Heaven'
When Adele announced plans for a “big break” from music in 2024, the singer told German broadcaster ZDF that she wanted to do “other creative things, just for a little while.” Those plans are coming to fruition. Adele is set to make her acting debut in the upcoming Tom Ford film Cry to Heaven, according to Deadline.
'One Tree Hill' Fan Points Out The Show's Use Of Mannequin Extras
There are still secrets to uncover on One Tree Hill. During a recent rewatch, one fan noticed some strange extras in the crowd during a basketball scene and then shared their discovery on social media. It turns out that some of the people cheering on the Tree Hill Ravens weren’t people at all. Meet The Mannequins In an Instagram reel posted on Nov.
Meghan Markle Is Acting Again For The 1st Time Since Her Engagement
Royal life has evolved for Meghan Markle since she married Prince Harry in May 2018, and so, too, has her work. Though the Suits alum gave up acting before becoming the Duchess of Sussex, she is getting in front of the camera again. Multiple outlets report that she has a role in the upcoming Amazon MGM studios film Close Personal Friends.
Brendan Fraser & Rachel Weisz Will Reportedly Return For 'The Mummy 4'
It’s been more than two decades since Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz last fought mummies together, but the duo may soon be back at it. The actors are reportedly in talks to star in another sequel to The Mummy, which would be the fourth movie in the series. They last appeared together in 2001’s The Mummy Returns.
Theresa Called Out Gerry’s Account Of Their ‘Golden Bachelor’ Marriage
The fallout from Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist’s breakup has outlasted the first Golden Bachelor couple’s three-month marriage. Though the two presented a united front when they announced their split in April 2024, they aren’t on the same page anymore. Turner brought their relationship back into the spotlight while promoting his new memoir, Golden Years, and Nist is now publicly disputing his recollections of their time together.
‘The White Lotus’ Season 4 Will Take Place In Multiple Cities
The first mystery of The White Lotus Season 4 may have been solved. As soon as HBO renewed the comedy-drama anthology series in January, it raised the question of where the show would pick up next. Per tradition, The White Lotus has a new setting each season, and the latest will reportedly bring viewers to at least two parts of France. Returning To Europe The White Lotus Season 4 will primarily be set in the French Riviera, according to Variety. Meanwhile, a subplot will take place in Paris.
‘Riverdale’ Stars Reunited At Camila Mendes’ Surprise Engagement Party
Riverdale is gone but not forgotten. The cast of the teen drama spent seven years working on the CW show together, and they’re still showing up for each other. When Camila Mendes recently attended her own surprise engagement party, her former co-stars KJ Apa, Madelaine Petsch, and Lili Reinhart were part of the celebration. An Engagement Party And Reunion Mendes announced her engagement to internet personality Rudy Mancuso on Oct. 25.
Megan Fox Shared A Life Update 7 Months After Having Baby With MGK
Since welcoming her first child with MGK in March, Megan Fox has been keeping a low profile. On Oct. 25, she finally attended her first public event postpartum, attending a sold-out Jennifer’s Body screening put on by the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. There, Fox gave an update on how she’s doing after her daughter’s birth. Megan’s Postpartum Experience The Academy Museum screening included a discussion with Fox and Jennifer’s Body director Karyn Kusama, moderated by Professor Tananarive Due.
Mikaela Shiffrin Is Getting Olympics-Ready With A New Taylor Swift Song
In Bustle’s The Pregame, we ask women athletes about their pregame rituals. What are their must-haves for training? How do they get in the zone? Here, alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin talks about getting ready to risk it all on the slopes. If you ask Mikaela Shiffrin, she’s “generally pretty risk-averse.” She drives the speed limit. And yet, the alpine ski racer regularly whizzes down slopes at 70+ mph. “I can throw myself down a mountain with razor blades on my feet,” the 30-year-old tells Bustle.
Kim Kardashian Opened Up About Being Diagnosed With A Brain Aneurysm
The Kardashians Season 7 is already making huge revelations. Part-way through the premiere episode, a preview clip for the rest of the season showed Kim Kardashian sharing a major health update. The reality star-slash-Skims founder said she was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. Kim’s Condition “There’s, like, a little aneurysm,” Kardashian says in the clip.
Ashley Park Promises “Big” Mindy Moments In ‘Emily In Paris’ Season 5
Big changes are coming to Emily in Paris Season 5 with the Agence Grateau crew setting up shop in Rome. Luckily, Mindy hasn’t been left behind. Ashley Park opened up to Us Weekly about what’s in store for her character and hinted at intriguing growth, professionally and personally. Making Music Season 4 saw Mindy’s Eurovision dreams crushed by none other than her boyfriend Nicolas (Paul Forman), but greater opportunities seem to lie ahead.
The ‘Emily In Paris’ Season 5 Teaser Is Missing 2 Key Elements
With less than two months to go till Emily in Paris Season 5 debuts, Netflix has dropped an official teaser and new episodic photos. The promo materials lean heavily into the big change of the season: Emily’s relocation to Rome. Paris is noticeably absent from the teaser, and so is Emily’s longtime love interest Gabriel. Emily In Rome The one-minute teaser, released on Oct. 22, shows just how enamored Emily (Lily Collins) is with both her new home base and boyfriend.
See The 1st Photos From The ‘Wicked’ TV Special
It’s almost time to hold space for Wicked: One Wonderful Night. Before Wicked: For Good hits theaters on Nov. 21, NBC will release a two-hour musical special led by stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The first-look photos dropped on Oct. 22, teasing “a thrillifying celebration.” Wicked and For Good director Jon M. Chu shared details with Extra after serving as a guest judge on Dancing with the Stars on Oct. 21, and he made it clear the pre-recorded TV event will be one to remember.
Taylor Swift & AJ McLean Bond Over "Elizabeth Taylor"-BSB Mashup
The Life of a Showgirl keeps on giving. After record-breaking success starting on Day 1, Taylor Swift’s latest album isn’t done making headlines. Her track “Elizabeth Taylor” recently inspired a viral pop crossover between her and the Backstreet Boys that led to a bonding moment for her and band member AJ McLean. A Taylor-Approved Remix On Oct.
'Stranger Things' Creators Address Season 5 Theory On Eddie
The Duffer brothers have ruled out one possible Stranger Things Season 5 surprise. Ahead of the show’s final season, creators Matt and Ross Duffer addressed the popular fan theory that fan-favorite character Eddie Munson will return. Though actor Joseph Quinn has teased that he could be back in some capacity, the co-showrunners shut down the idea. RIP, Eddie When Quinn’s Eddie arrived in Season 4, he quickly charmed fans. His run on the show wasn’t meant to last, though.
Serena Williams Just Danced Her Way Into A ‘Bridgerton’ Role
In one of the most viral moments of Super Bowl LIX, Serena Williams crip-walked to Kendrick Lamar’s Drake diss track “Not Like Us.” Now, her dance moves have earned her another high-profile gig. The tennis legend gets to appear on Bridgerton, according to none other than executive producer Shonda Rhimes. Serena’s Bridgerton Audition When you’re known as the GOAT in your sport and a global icon, landing a TV role looks different than it does for the rest of us.
‘Golden Bachelor’s Theresa & Leslie May Have Shaded Gerry With A “Redo” Joke
The Golden Bachelor started out as a novel and wholesome experience for fans when the spinoff began airing in September 2023. It’s since become apparent that there’s no age cutoff for the franchise’s usual petty dramas and shady back-and-forths. Bachelor Nation got a reminder when former lead Gerry Turner made eyebrow-raising comments about his ex-wife, Theresa Nist, while promoting his upcoming memoir, and she seemed to clap back in a TikTok made with second-place finisher Leslie Fhima.
Jennifer Lopez Names The “Best Kisser” Of All Her Past Co-Stars
As one of the rom-com queens of the 2000s, Jennifer Lopez has shared many on-screen smooches with many handsome co-stars. But not all lip-locks are created equal. When Andy Cohen asked about her favorite on-screen kiss during her Oct.
The ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ Sequel Is Officially Happening
After winning viewers’ hearts in 2023, Red, White & Royal Blue’s Alex and Henry are coming back for the next chapter in their love story. Amazon Prime Video officially announced the sequel on Oct. 15, with a video that revealed the film’s title: Red, White & Royal Wedding.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Stephanie
Contact Stephanie, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack