It’s hard to say what exactly makes donuts so special. Is it the sprinkles? The glaze? The circular shape? The cute li’l hole in the middle? No matter what the reason, we are obsessed with donuts, and chances are you have a buddy obsessing too. Besides loving the taste, the donut connoisseur in your life is also all about the donut aesthetic. So, anything pink, frosted, and sprinkled is definitely going in their wardrobe, pet’s costume, home decor, or even their birthday party. Here are a few delicious gifts to feed anyone’s donut-loving obsession.
We have a serious appreciation for all things creative, like these plus-size Halloween costumes, and we have a hunch you’ll love some of our newest finds, too. Afterward, if you still haven’t decided on which costume to wear this Halloween, gather your group of besties and get their opinion — or, better yet, pick out a group Halloween costume, and you can all dress up together! Here are 40 of the most curve-lovin’ (and seriously hot) plus-size Halloween costumes you’ll find out there this season.
Yandy
Cruella de Vil
Cruella de Vil will always hold a special place among our most-feared villains, right alongside Voldemort and Ursula. After all, she’s going after puppies! But on Halloween, the celebration of the gruesome and morbid, this evilness equates to fabulousness, and we’ll more than forgive you for dressing up like her… just this once.
Walmart
Maleficent
Channel your deepest, darkest powers and channel your inner Maleficent this Halloween. “So you see, the story is not quite as you were told.”
Amazon
Cozy Deer
Wait, so we can look cute *and* be toasty-warm?! We’re sayin’ yes to this fuzzy zip-up.
Yandy
Sexy Stewardess
Get ready for liftoff in this flight attendant costume. If you’re a travel-lover, this is the perfect way to bring your passion into your costume.
Brit + Co
DIY Jessica Rabbit Costume
This has to be the ultimate curvy bombshell character to channel on Halloween. The dress, gloves, hair, and makeup are bold and will definitely put your bangin’ bod front and center. (via Brit + Co)
Amazon
Sexy Kitty
Frisky attitude not included. This plus size Halloween costume might look simple, but it’s anything but basic.
Amazon
Flapper Girl
There’s nothing as fun — and a little dangerous — as the glitz and glamour of the ’20s. Throw on a long string of pearls or do your makeup to look like a ghostly flapper for that extra creative edge.
Brit + Co
DIY Ursula Costume
We’ll always be a sucker for classic Disney costumes. And if you want to give Ursula that extra-special take, you can follow this relatively simple DIY for the costume contest win! (via Brit + Co)
Halloween Costumes
Sea Siren Mermaid
This is — hands down — one of the best mermaid costumes we’ve ever seen. From the form-fitting metallic mermaid “tail” to the bustier top, this is for sure a look to emulate if you want to flaunt your curves.
Yandy
Storybook Alice
Down the rabbit hole you go this Halloween. You never know what’s going to happen when you channel this fairytale classic!
Halloween Costumes
Sea Siren
You had us at gold, sequins, and tulle. Oh, and we’re always down to rule the sea!
Amazon
Beauty And The Beast Belle
We’ll always love our classic Disney princesses, especially this beauty.
Amazon
Minnie Mouse
You don’t need a Mickey to look fly as heck in a retro-inspired Minnie Mouse getup.
Amazon
Empress Divine
One of the best reasons to dress up as an ancient Egyptian is obviously the cat-eye makeup.
Amazon
Goth Red Riding Hood
Pay homage to one of your favorite fairy tales with a sexy twist. Plus, if you haven’t worn a cape before, you truly haven’t lived.
Amazon
Flirty Cop
It may be illegal to impersonate a police officer, but no one ever said a flirty cop was off-limits!
Halloween Costumes
Cinderella Fairy Godmother
We could all use a fairy godmother, albeit notthis scheming one from Shrek. Still, this is a hilarious costume, and we’re definitely eyeing that wand and wig combo.
Amazon
Harley Quinn
We’re impressed with the mismatched thigh-highs and color-coordinated armbands on this plus-size Halloween costume.
Amazon
Cozy Bat Costume
The name of this costume says it all. If you’re in the mood to prioritize comfort, you’ll feel extra-snuggly in this cozy bat costume.
Amazon
Ghostbuster
If you loved the all-female Ghostbusters as much as we did, grab your friends and go as the whole crew. The best part? On Halloween, there will be plenty of monsters to bust, which makes a great conversation-starter!
Amazon
Queen Bee
Everyone at this year's Halloween party will be buzzing about you in this flattering bee costume. You are the queen, after all!
Amazon
Oktoberfest Fraulein
The beer maid costume is always a safe choice. It’s cute and classic, and you get to wear pigtails.
Amazon
Snow White
If you’re going to wear this outfit out on the town, you’ll definitely have at least seven admirers following you wherever you go.
Amazon
Pinup Sailor
Sail the open seas with this cute and comfy sailor costume. This retro getup is all about the accessories!
Yandy
Miss Muerte
Another way to celebrate Halloween is to celebrate the dead. Do it in style with this awesome costume.
Amazon
Cozy Skeleton
If you’re into traditional bones, this comfy number will surely scare the living dead out of you.
Amazon
Grease Pink Lady
This is the perfect Halloween costume for when you don’t really want to dress up. Flats? Check! Awesome jacket to keep you warm? Double check!
Walmart
Supergirl
No one is going to mess with you in this costume, and you just might feel faster than a speeding bullet.
Halloween Costumes
Spanish Senorita
With plenty of sass and a whole lot of ruffles, this costume will have you dancing for joy.
Amazon
Mrs. Incredible
Be your own superhero with this sleek Elastigirl costume. You would look totally incredible in it.
Amazon
Dark Alice
We wouldn’t drink the tea that this Alice serves. While we do love the original blue that Disney’s Alice wears, we are really digging this all-black dress too.
Amazon
Batgirl
Trick-or-treat in the name of justice! Grab Superman and bring him along too, because you two are friends now, remember?
Amazon
Hippie
Keep this Halloween totally tubular by donning this adorable retro dress with go-go boots and a fun '70s eye makeup look!
Amazon
Friday The 13th Miss Voorhees
If you’re team Jason, then you need to buy this sexy number. While we’re not sure who would ultimately win this fight, we’re sure this outfit is already winning our hearts.
Walmart
Justice League Wonder Woman
While Superman is cool and all, we are particularly fond of Wonder Woman. She’s a badass chick that we are ready to represent. Flying an invisible jet doesn’t hurt, either.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.
Gabrielle Union had me hooked the second I saw her in Bring It On, and she's only impressed me more and more since — including her recent birthday post. The mother of four took to Instagram to celebrate her 52nd birthday, breaking the norms of what your 50s should look like. Here's what the actress had to say — and celebrate — on her birthday!
In an Instagram post on October 29, 2024, Gabrielle Union shared a seven-slide homage to her 52nd birthday. The post is a collection of images, videos, and interviews that seem to represent Gabrielle — and how she's feeling — in this year of her life. In the mix of all that? A shot of Gabrielle in an outdoor shower, covering herself with a tiny towel.
It's no secret that Gabrielle is gorgeous, but she's taking any preconceived notions you have about how a 52-year-old woman should look and tossing them out the window. In her caption, the star wrote, "This is 52. This is grown woman sh-t. This is being accountable for mess ups. Being gracious when others mess up. Being open to being wrong and being proud and confident when your are right."
The caption continues, outlining even more of Gabrielle's birthday manifesto. She said, "This is loving passionately and unapologetically. This is clear and firm boundaries. This is sexy. This is audacious. This is fun and full of wild adventures. This is calling a thing a thing and not falling for the Okey Doke and demanding better. This is being alone without being lonely. This is enjoying nature. This is fierce and compassionate motherhood. This is fighting for my people and yours. This is me at 52. Loving ALL of me."
Seeing someone so bravely share their body, despite what others may think is incredibly inspiring. While Gabrielle is obviously a celebrity with access to plenty of products and treatments and other things of that nature, baring it all is still incredibly vulnerable — especially when so many people may act like "women of a certain" age should stay in their lane.
So here's to more women loving their bodies and embracing whatever chapter they're in!
When is Gabrielle Union's birthday?
Gabrielle Union's birthday is October 29, 1972.
How old is Gabrielle Union?
Gabrielle Union is 52 years old. I swear, the older she gets, the more beautiful she becomes!
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Halloween is supposed to be full of spooky surprises, freaky frights, and twisted thrills – but even though we really do love ALL the scary Halloween costumes, we also enjoy killing the disguise game in hilariously original, pun-filled get-ups. This year, consider swapping out that “pretty” look for some much-needed humor to any and every spooky gathering. Scroll on for 85 of the most hysterically ridiculous Halloween costume ideas — guaranteed to help you bring the funny and keep the Halloween party laughing all night long.
Brit + Co
Thing 1 and Thing 2
Get joined at the hip like these iconic Dr. Seuss characters in simple blue wigs and red maxis. “Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting!” (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Wrecking Ball
That’s right; we turned Brit’s belly into Miley’s wrecking ball. Miley's signature face and tongue are optional.(via Brit + Co.)
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Broad City
We give all our "yesses" to Broad City and the two kweens that are comedy geniuses – Abbi and Ilana. If you haven’t seen this episode intro yet, you HAVE to. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Bowie Emojis
It’s officially time to put on your red shoes and dance the blues, baby. (via Brit + Co.)
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Lisa Frank and a Unicorn
Be sure to hit up your local Goodwill store for all the inspo. (via Brit + Co.)
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Sue Surprise
ICYMI, the SNL skitfeatures Kristen Wiig in one of our all-time favorite roles. First, do your homework (AKA watch the clip) and then have a field day with this kooky character. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
The Revenant
This movie is so intense we think it’s worth recreating for years to come. And whether you’re Leo or the ferocious bear, you’re sure to have an epic Halloween holiday. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
The Simple Life
We still can’t get over the fact that these two once had a show where they entered the blue-collar world and worked among the rest of us. Recreate this throwback costume and make sure to bring the ‘tude. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Egg
This punny costume is fun because of the whole “egg” thing but also because it takes a matter of minutes to put together! Just add felt! (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Hipster
Our favorite — but at the same time our least favorite — type of man. (via Brit + Co.)
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LaCroix Boy
We know you want to. (via Brit + Co.)
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Abbi and Ilana from Broad City
From season three’s “Game Over” episode where Abbi competes in the Soulstice Games and Ilana loses her job at Deals! Deals! Deals!, this costume pairing just might be two of the show’s most iconic looks. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Ghostbusters
You’ll never believe it, but the secret behind this funny Halloween costume is Tupperware containers! (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
’80s Andre Agassi and a Tennis Ball
This goofy couple’s costume is really cute, even sans bump. It’s time to win an ace on that contest – match point, y’all. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Forrest Gump and Lieutenant Dan
Channeling your inner Gary Sinise and Tom Hanks for the duo to end all duos. Run, Forrest, run! (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Hocus Pocus
We love this witchy twist! “I put a spell on you, and now you’re mine.” (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Cher and Dionne from Clueless
If you’re totally buggin’ over what costume to wear, why not bring out your inner Cher from this classic ’90s film? Or, whatever. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Pokémon
Pikachu and Ash are always a popular duo during Halloween, so be as creative as possible when dressing up your pets. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Target Lady
Watch and learn in this SNL skit starring Kristen Wiig, who deserves a Halloween character every single year. Hot chicken! (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Netflix + Chill
This is the ultimate couple’s costume that will have all your friends saying 'yassss.' Netflix and chill probably win for hilarious yet kinda sexy slang, and this outfit is so easy to DIY, too. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Throwback Snapchat Filters
These Snapchat filters are easy to DIY with some face paint and perseverance. Learn how to do a puppy, bee, or flower crown filter for the Halloween makeup tutorial win. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Treasure Troll
The key here is getting that wig just right. It’s like backcombing on steroids. The other key? You’ve gotta completely own this look. Like we said, it’s a bold move for anyone to wear what is basically a nude suit, so make sure you have fun with it.(via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Mean Girls
Pay homage to the ultimate Mean Girls movie by dressing up as the clique. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Kristen Wiig as Dooneese
This SNL character wears all kinds of outfits, so find the craziest dress at a thrift store to channel your best Dooneese. The key piece is, of course, the tiny hands! (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Grace and Frankie
So you’ve already tried Cher and Dionne and Thelma and Louise. Next on the list with your BFF: these two sassy women are from our fave Netflix hit, Grace and Frankie. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Real Housewives
Grab a glass of rosé, a Grey Goose with lots and lots of lemons, or even a bottle of skinny margarita mix and work it on Halloween night as a quotable, fearless star of Bravo’s iconic series. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Saved by the Bell
You pretty much have to dress like a cast member of this show at least once in your life. Halloween is nothing if not an excuse to enjoy all of our favorite throwback styles. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Gangnam Style
Remember how this video went crazy viral?! We sure do. And TBH, it doesn’t really ever get old. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Beetlejuice
Eyeballs and serious DIY mask-making skills are required for this monster version of the couple stuck in the attic in one of our favorite spooky flicks. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
David S. Pumpkins and the Skeletons
If you’ve yet to see this SNL‘s skit that this costume is based on, then TBH, you haven’t really lived. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Waldo and Wenda
You can never go wrong with classic picture book characters like these two. But can you pick them out of the party crowd? (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Gay Royalty
Fellow peasants, thou princes have arrived to rule the land and look dang good, too. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Bananas in Pyjamas
Let’s be real — the showBananas in Pyjamasis pretty bizarre. But since we love eating bananas and we love wearing comfy pajamas, it kind of works, right?! (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Dino Duo
Quickly transform you and your bae or bestie into prehistoric creatures with this simple felt DIY, and you’ll be getting your roar on in no time. Be sure to practice that perfect dinosaur walk. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Andy Warhol and Marilyn Monroe Pop Art
We think Marilyn said it best: “Give a girl the right pair of shoes and she’ll conquer the world.” And she’ll conquer the costume contest, while she’s at it. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Operation and Surgeon
Bringing this classic board game to life delivers comfort for the both of you, a hint of sexy, and without a doubt a buzzing nostalgia. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
David Bowie and Prince
These two next-level musicians will always hold a dear place in our hearts. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Daria and Jane
All we have to say is: “You’re standing on my neck.” These two teens were never very impressed, but that somehow made us love and laugh with them even more. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Wisdom Teeth Abbi and Co-Op Ilana
From two different Broad City episodes – but perfect for pairing – this simple and non-basic costume will keep you feeling silly and shouting “yasss queen” to each other all night long. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Carpool Karaoke
Is it just us, or is James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke series one of the greatest gems of the internet? Try it out and pick your funny Halloween costume from any of our favorite guests — like the always groovin’ Justin Timberlake. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Nerd
This fail-safe costume always comes through when you’re in a bind. You might want to bring your Good Grammar Is Sexy tote for carrying all the candy you’re going to score.(via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Sriracha
Now you can dress as everyone’s favorite bottle with a green cap! But also, feel free to think outside the box. Use your imagination to be a “hot mama” if you’re expecting, “hot and bothered” with your BFF, a “hot ticket” if you’re on the prowl or (for your pooch perhaps?) a “hot dog.”(via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Sushi
Yum! Why not grab a few friends and dress up as your favorite roll? Sushi roll, that is. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Uber and Lyft
We turned these two rival transportation companies into a very driven couple. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Step Brothers
This is SUCH a classic. Whether you’re partners, friends, or actual stepbrothers, it’s sheer comedic genius every time. (via Brit + Co.)
Studio DIY
Croquembouche
If you’re not familiar with this type of French wedding cake, it’s made from dozens of tiny cream puffs. So cute *and* delish! (via Studio DIY)
Brit + Co
The Breakfast Club
“So I guess we are who we are for a lot of reasons. And maybe we’ll never know most of them.” (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Twins
Let’s journey back to 1988 when the world accepted the idea that Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito could be… twins? Wait, what? (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Juno
Next, we have everyone’s favorite pregnant teen, Juno! Channel a little bit of attitude and apathy, grab an empty Slurpee cup, and you are well on your way. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Party Animals
Let’s turn the clocks back to an imaginary New Year’s Eve party in the ’50s! (via Brit + Co.)
Studio DIY
Googly Eyes
If you’re looking for something big and dramatic for Halloween photo time, these googly-eye balloons would make for some great party decor and a costume photo prop. (via Studio DIY)
Brit + Co
Dumb and Dumber
“Oh look, frost!” (via Brit + Co.)
Studio DIY
Bowl of Cereal
Since pool floats are in — and pool noodles are out — why not turn ’em into a bowl of Fruit Loops? Re-purposing props are the green goddess’ way of keeping things fresh every Halloween. (via Studio DIY)
Brit + Co
Emoji Couple
Since we’re talking emoji here, here’s another adorable emoji couple costume that is sure to go viral. Plus, it’s really easy, considering you can make this costume using what’s already in your closet. (via Brit + Co.)
Studio DIY
French Fries
This costume is hilarious and, not to mention, it’s a DIY. The fries can be made using upholstery foam. (via Studio DIY)
Brit + Co
Trainwreck
This costume is definitely a potential rock-directly-from-your-closet look. Since this one is a little more understated, it will require you to play the part with your partner throughout the night. Don’t forget to brown bag it! (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
#TheDress
This debate was one that divided families, ended friendships, and made you question your relationship. And now, the optical illusion is a totally wearable and nostalgic Halloween costume. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Pancakes and Syrup
They say that breakfast is indeed the most important meal of the day. Grab your sidekick and rep this very special meal in full stack and sticky syrup form. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Takeout Night
A t-shirt that doubles as a costume? This is every procrastinator’s dream! (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Minions
When in doubt, you can always turn to animated movies for a little funny Halloween costume inspo. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making an adorable homemade Minion costume. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Tight White Pants
No idea why this is hilarious? It’s definitely a deep cut, straight from Jimmy Fallon’s archive on The Tonight Show. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
John Lennon and Yoko Ono
Channel your inner rockstar(s) by becoming these two legends this Halloween. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Gilly and the Teacher
If you haven’t seen the SNL skitfeaturing Kristen Wiig, you’re overdue. “Her name is Gilly and she’s at it again, causing lots of ruckus like a barnyard hen. She’s always making trouble, her hair is like a bubble. Knock, knock, who’s there? It’s Gilly.” (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
The Grand Budapest Hotel
In true Wes Anderson fashion, this movie castis all kinds of quirky-strange, perfect for a funny Halloween costume. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Brawny Man
This is officially the easiest DIY costume ever, but it’s original enough that it still works. The Brawny Man is all kinds of handsome, so prepare to have a little arm candy by your side all night. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Sizzling Bacon
Halloween just might be the only day of the year when wearing this dress would be remotely appropriate. Or, take the opportunity to channel Lady Gaga’s epic meat gown. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co/NBC
Garth and Kat
Thanks to the regular SNL skit, our two favorite songwriters are welcome to crash any of our holiday parties! (via Brit + Co.)
Studio DIY
Raining Men
David, Josh, Leo, George… the gang’s all here! Pick your fave studs and follow along with the instructions for one hunky rainstorm we’d all like to weather. (via Studio DIY)
Brit + Co
Zoya the Destroya and Liberty Belle
You’re destined to have a *knockout* Halloween when you dress up as this dynamic GLOW duo. We’re always in it to win it! (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Denim Horses
Horseheads are a thing, and we happen to have two. So, if you really have no idea what to be this Halloween, just Amazon Prime a pair and get ready to get creepy all night long. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Windblown Man
We’ve all had those bad umbrella days… (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Spice Girls
Though we’re all about bringing back Sporty, Scary, Baby, Posh, and Ginger, go the unexpected route and simply dress up as your favorite spices. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Hawaiian Punch
How ’bout a nice Hawaiian punch? This punny couples costume is part Hula Girl, part Rocky Balboa. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Bun in the Oven
Maternity costumes FTW! Dress your bump up as an actual bun in the oven. (via Brit + Co.)
Brit + Co
Hall and Oates
Yep. We went there. You really do make our dreams come true. (via Brit + Co.)
With these funny Halloween costumes, we've got your next idea waiting.
Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated.
Surprise! Scream Queen Melissa Barrera Actually Doesn’t Care About Halloween — Exclusive
Oct 30, 2024
Melissa Barrera's Your Monster might be the perfect unconventional Halloween movie, but the actress actually isn't a huge fan of the holiday. "I'm not a big Halloween person," she told me at the movie's New York premiereon October 24. "Weirdly, I haven't dressed up for Halloween in a long time."
The movie follows Melissa's Laura, who gets dumped after a cancer scare, then finds out her ex has cast another woman in the musical she helped him develop. The cherry on top? When she returns to her childhood home for recovery, she finds a monster living in her closet. Like Lisa Frankenstein, Heathers, and other cult classics before it, Your Monster provides an outlet for female rage — and while I have no doubt it was satisfying to make, it feels almost as satisfying to watch. And we can thank the women involved!
Dominik Bindl/Getty Images
"I feel so fortunate that I got to work with all of them in one front," Melissa Barrera says of director Caroline Lindy and costars Kayla Foster and Meghann Fahy a few days after the premiere. "They're so talented and so generous and so lovely and it just kind of felt like working with friends." Despite the fact the group already knew each other, Melissa was welcomed with open arms. "It was such a safe space, you know, it was so safe and unjudgmental and truly collaborative and it was all about propping each other up all the time."
"Even behind the scenes, there were a lot of women too," she says before exclaiming, "Women in film! It's great because also, it's about female rage. It's a story about female rage. So it makes sense that it would be women that have been through this, that understand what it's like, that know what Laura is going through to tell this story."
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
I loved seeing Melissa reunite with the cast and crew at the premiere, but this isn't the first time she's formed a bond with a costar. After the release of Scream 6 in 2023, videos of Melissa and her onscreen sister Jenna Ortega laughing during the press tour went viral — and considering how much the moment reminded me of my relationship with my own sister, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to ask about it.
"I was so sick during the whole press," she says. "We were laughing because I would start choking on my cough, so it was hilarious — or I would start laughing and it would make me cough and then I couldn't stop. So yeah, we were laughing a lot during that press run because I was sick as a dog."
Philippe Bossé/Paramount Pictures
But a relationship with Jenna, and laughing, weren't the only things Melissa went viral for last year. After posting about the Palestinian and Israeli conflict, Melissa Barrera was fired from Scream. Jenna Ortega left the franchise a few days later, citing scheduling conflicts with Wednesday season 2. Earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival premiere of Your Monster, Melissa revealed how "grateful" she was for the experience because, in the long, run it helped her "finally figure out who I'm supposed to be." And now that we're at a time of year where people are retrospective, she feels even more grounded in herself — because while others are just now reflecting on the year they've had, she's been reflecting since long before January.
"Everybody's kind of like thinking of like, 'What does the future hold? Like, how do we make it better?' And I have been thinking that for a year," she says. "There's people that have actually been on this journey for way longer, and it's them that we should be thanking for our world not being like over with right now, you know? They're the ones that continue to make changes for the better and to fight for better things for all of us."
"I definitely feel like a changed person. I definitely feel like my priorities are completely different than they were a year ago," she continues. "I see the world through different eyes now, I see people through different eyes. I see the industry through different eyes, and I'm so grateful for that. I'm so grateful for everything that I went through, even though it was really hard, I'm so grateful that I lived it and that I survived it, and that I'm stronger for it. And that I know I have a focus of what I wanna keep doing, not just for me and my career, but like, how can I contribute to the industry and to the world to make it better and safer for everyone?"
Vertical Entertainment
And Your Monster is a beautiful contribution to the industry. I was really struck by the idea of not only confronting your childhood monsters, but befriending them. "I want people to come out of [Your Monster] having had a good time, a good laugh, and just feeling good," she says. "Because I feel like a lot of times you come out of the theater feeling so heavy because movies are so dark [but] that's what Caroline wants with her films. She wants to make movies where people can feel safe in the movie theater."
"Second, I hope that people catch on to the layers of the story and how deep it actually is, and Laura's journey, and the metaphors for how repressed we are," she continues. "And I keep saying women, but it's not necessarily just women, anybody can feel that way. And this idea of befriending the monster in your closet is such a life hack. Imagine not being scared of the thing that scared you in your childhood anymore! Like how liberating and how beautiful to actually fall in love with it and to make peace with it and then be able to go through life fearless like that. I wish that for everyone. So I hope that it makes people think and that they wanna re-watch because there's every time that you watch this movie there, you'll see more of the genius that Caroline injected in like tiny little details."
Vertical Entertainment
And for an actress who went to school for theatre and describes it as her "first love" (not to mention the fact she stunned as Vanessa in 2021's In The Heights), she was more than happy to step back onto the stage...kind of. "It was so fun," she says. "Being able to portray that world so accurately too, we had a lot of actual New York theater people come in and do little one-scene things."
"There are people like [Laura's ex] Jacob out there, there's that nervousness, the tension, the excitement, the anticipation, and it's such a beautiful process," she continues. "I love being able to live vicariously through Laura and live out that dream of the Broadway debut. And I think there's such a stigma against theatre and musicals in film, such, like, a rejection that I don't understand because there used to be a time where every movie was a musical and it was amazing! What happened? But to show another side to it through not full face musical, but a little taste of that in a movie that otherwise is a normal movie, I think for me as a theater nerd, as a musical theater geek, it's great to be able to lure people in and be like, 'Look at this beauty, so cool. Maybe go watch musicals!'"
See Melissa Barrera in Your Monster now! Ready to get in a spooky mood? Check out 42 Spooky Halloween Movies To Stream On Your Next Night In for the ultimate movie marathon.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Celebrity breakups are never fun to hear about (hello, Zoe Kravitz and Channing Tatum 😭), but sometimes they seem to give entertainers a boost of personal and creative inspiration. Case in point — Natalie Portman's divorce has given her an almost femme fatale edge. We last saw her in Lady in the Lake, but she recently stepped out with a new hairstyle that's reframed her face!
What new hairstyle does Natalie Portman have?
Natasha Campos/Getty Images for Netflix and Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
On October 28, Natalie Portman turned heads when she stepped onto the red carpet at the 68th Ballon D'Or Ceremony at Theatre Du Chatelet in Paris. She's traded in the long balayage hair she's been wearing for a shorter dark brown bob that rests slightly below her chin. Though the silk press may be in style, Natalie allowed her curls to shine and seemed to wear eye makeup that mirrors her new hair color.
The actress also shared a pictureof herself next to Aitana Bonmatí and a clearer view of her hairstyle is visible. She didn't mention anything about it, opting to keep the focus on Bonmatí's achievement instead. "Hero 🙌 Congratulations Aitana Bonmatí on your Ballon d’Or award! It was such an honor to be there with you and to celebrate all you’ve done for women’s football." her caption says.
Even if Natalie doesn't care to address this new style, we think it's perfect for her!
When did Natalie Portman announce her divorce from Benjamin Millepied?
Unique Nicole/Getty Images
Prior to getting divorced, sources say Natalie tried her best to reconcile things in her marriage to Benjamin. But, it seems like some things — like infidelity — are hard to move past. "She didn’t give up on [her marriage] lightly. But it became pretty apparent toward the end of last year that her heart had gone out of it," one person told US Weekly. Apparently Natalie started noticing a trend in her ex-husband's behavior prior to his bombshell affair because another source told the outlet that the ballet dancer "would sometimes not return home and was taking work trips that didn’t add up."
This ultimately led Natalie to file for divorce, but it was done "quietly," according to PEOPLE's report in March 2024. Not only that, but the news outlet is reporting that the divorce proceedings are officially over! A source said, "It was initially really tough for her, but her friends rallied around her and helped get her through the worst of it." Natalie's apparently "come out the other side of it stronger and is finding joy in her family, friends and work."
Why did Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied get divorced?
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
Although Natalie Portman didn't 100% address what happened, fans have long speculated that Benjamin's alleged cheating mishap was the cause of their marriage's demise. Page Six reported the couple were struggling to deal with the ballet dancer's romantic interest in the "glamorous young climate activity Camille Étienne." At the time, a source told the outlet Natalie and Benjamin were trying to hold things together. "They have not split and are trying to work things out. Ben is doing everything he can to get Natalie to forgive him. He loves her and their family."
How long were Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied married?
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Natalie Portman and her ex-husband Benjamin Millepied were married for 11 years prior to walking away from "happily ever after," (via People). They also have two children together, Aleph (12) and Amalia (7).
We're always sad when couples breakup, but we love to see that Natalie's moving on with her life and showing that she's willing to embrace something new — like her shorter bob!
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