International Entertainment

Sherri Shepherd makes history with new role

Sherri Shepherd is the first woman ever to be cast as the Genie in Disney’s Aladdin.

The 58-year-old talk-show host is heading to Broadway in the iconic role popularised by Robin Williams in the studio’s 1992 animated classic, and she’ll be making theatre history in New York City this October. Disney’s production, which has been running for 11 years, will debut a new cast next month with Shepherd taking on the beloved character.

As reported by Entertainment Weekly, this means she will be the first woman to play the role in any of Disney’s 11 stage adaptations around the world.

The former View host said in a statement: “Joining Aladdin on Broadway is an absolute dream come true — and an incredible honour.

“The Genie is such an iconic character, and I’m beyond excited to bring my own energy, humour, heart, and a little bit of magic to this role.”

Shepherd said that she wants audiences to “see themselves in this Genie”, and she hopes they will “leave the theatre feeling so much joy and inspired to believe in the impossible”.

She is following in the footsteps of James Monroe Iglehart, Major Attaway, Michael James Scott, and Caleb A. Barnett, while Williams and Will Smith played Genie on the big screen for Disney.

Shepherd added: “I’m ready to rub the lamp, unleash some magic, and have the time of my life on Broadway.”

Over the summer, Shepherd landed a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for her eponymous talk show, months after it was cancelled. She is in the running for Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host, competing with the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Tamron Hall, Jennifer Hudson, and The View’s Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin and Ana Navarro.

The comedian first fronted her own show in September 2022, but Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury recently confirmed the series had been canned back in February.

She later told viewers: “I want to be clear: I’m not ready to throw in the towel on this show just yet. I’m not. I’m not.

“We’re gonna be airing episodes all through the fall. And we’re going to continue to fight to keep this show alive in some way, shape or form.”

Kendall Jenner named drink ambassador

Kendall Jenner has become a global ambassador for a “calming drinks brand”.

The 30-year-old model has been announced as a new global ambassador for TRIP, the “world’s leading calming drinks brand”.

Jenner explained: “I’ve been obsessed with TRIP for a while — the product is incredible, and I’ve always loved how elevated and intentional the brand feels.

“It’s my favourite way to stay grounded and present in my daily routine — it tastes great and makes me feel amazing.”

TRIP was founded in 2019 by the husband-and-wife team of Olivia Ferdi and Daniel Khoury, and Jenner has relished the experience of working with them.

The brunette beauty shared: “When I met Liv and Dan, I instantly connected with what they’re building.

“I love their vision for the brand and their mission to help more people find calm in their everyday lives. I’m so excited to be part of their journey.”

Olivia is also delighted to be working with Jenner.

She said: “Kendall perfectly embodies the way we think about calm today — not stepping away from a full life, but finding moments within it to reset, feel present and be your best authentic self. She truly connects with our mission.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with her, and now launching our brand new campaign together.”

Meanwhile, a source recently claimed that Jenner is “figuring things out naturally” with actor Jacob Elordi, who she is dating.

The model – who has previously dated celebrities including Bad Bunny, Ben Simmons and Devin Booker – and Elordi were seen on a tropical getaway in Hawaii earlier in the year. But they’re determined to take things slowly while they decide where they stand with each other.

An insider told People: “They’re not trying to turn this into some big public thing. They enjoy spending time together in more private settings.”