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Famed ESPN college basketball voice Dick Vitale facing another battle with cancer

Famed ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale isfacing another battle with cancer.

Associated Press

Vitale said Monday that biopsy results had confirmed a diagnosis of melanoma in his lung and liver cavity, which will have him starting immunotherapy. It marks his fifth battle with cancer, which sidelined him from the airwaves for two years before his return shortly before March Madness in 2025.

“I've beaten melanoma,” the 86-year-old Vitale saidin a statement released by ESPN. “I've beaten lymphoma. I've beaten vocal-cord cancer. I've beaten lymph-node cancer. I'm 4 for 4 and I'm fully confident I'm going to make it 5 for 5."

Separate from his ESPN statement, Vitaleposted on social media Mondaythat he had gone through 10 days of testing that included scans, MRIs, bloodwork and a biopsy.

"I obviously did not get the report today that I was hoping for when my oncologist called,” Vitale said, noting he planned on “winning the battle” and adding: “Now at least I know what I face.”

Vitale has made himself a fixture in college basketball, earning the affectionate nickname “Dickie V” with his voice and exuberant style offering a soundtrack to some of the biggest moments in the sport's history. He's inching closer to five decades with ESPN going back to its 1979 launch, armed with a contract through the 2027-28 season as well asthe creation of a basketball event named in his honorthis past season.

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And every step of the way he's quick to tell anyone and everyone how “lucky” he feels to still be working after years of fighting cancer.

That started in 2021 with melanoma, followed by treatments for lymphoma. There were also chemotherapy treatments, radiation for vocal-cord cancer and surgery by summer 2024 to remove cancerous lymph nodes from his neck, while he was unable to speak for a time after the vocal-cord surgery, leaving him having to scribble on eraser-board messages to communicate.

Still, Vitale said in his ESPN statement that he feels “fantastic." And he quickly turned the focus of his statement to his long-running efforts to raise money for pediatric cancer research, notably withnext month’s annual gala in his namethat has raised more than $105 million in its two-decade history.

“At 86 years young, I've lived a hell of a life, and I'm more motivated than ever to raise money for kids battling cancer,” Vitale said, adding that he hopes to raise $12 million with the 21st “Dick Vitale Gala” set for May 1 in Sarasota, Florida.

AP college basketball:https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-pollandhttps://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

Famed ESPN college basketball voice Dick Vitale facing another battle with cancer

Famed ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale isfacing another battle with cancer. Vitale said Monday that biopsy results had confirmed a di...
Dan Levy Shares How 'Early Days' Growing Up with Sister Sarah Inspired His New Show “Big Mistakes” (Exclusive)

Dan Levy spoke with PEOPLE exclusively about how his "early days" growing up with his sister, Sarah Levy, inspired his new show, Big Mistakes

People Dan Levy; Sarah LevyCredit: Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal via Getty; Olivia Wong/FilmMagic

NEED TO KNOW

  • The dark comedy-crime series premiered on Netflix on April 9

  • Dan, who co-created the show with Rachel Sennott, stars as a pastor who, along with his sister, becomes accidentally drawn into an organized crime ring after she steals a diamond necklace from a local store

Dan Levysays his childhood dynamic with sisterSarah Levypartly inspired his new show,Big Mistakes.

While stepping out to the premiere of the Netflix comedy-crime series in New York City on April 6, theSchitt's Creekalum, 42, spoke to PEOPLE exclusively about which of his family members he thinks comes across most in the show.

"I would probably say the early days of me and my sister," he said of Sarah, 39. "We're in a far better place now that we're older and wiser. But drawing on … anyone who has a sibling, I think, will recognize themselves in the show."

Dan Levy and Sarah Levy in Los Angeles on March 30, 2026Credit: Emma McIntyre/Getty

"And it was really about authenticating the experience of that sibling dynamic and just exacerbating all of the bickering in the light of, like, intense criminal activity," he continued. "So my hope is that anyone who comes from a yelling family, anyone who has a sibling, and anyone who's curious about what it is to have a sibling, or to come from a yelling family, will find a place in this show."

Dan co-created the series — which premiered on the streaming platform on April 9 — alongsideRachel Sennott. The show centers on siblings Nicky (Dan), a pastor, and Morgan (Taylor Ortega), a public school teacher, whose lives take an unexpected turn when they end up drawn into a local crime syndicate after Morgan shoplifts a necklace from a pawn shop.

The cast also includesLaurie Metcalf, Boran Kuzum, Jack Innanen, Abby Quinn, Jacob Gutierrez, Mark Ivanir andElizabeth Perkins.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Taylor Ortega and Dan Levy in 'Big Mistakes' on NetflixCredit: Spencer Pazer/Netflix

Reflecting on his return to TV following his six-season run onSchitt's Creek, Dan told PEOPLE, "When I leftSchitt's, I really wanted to make sure that the next thing I did in TV gave me that same sense of inspiration and passion and excitement and love and affection for the people I was working with, and it did."

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He went on to rave about hisBig Mistakescolleagues, saying, "I love these people so much. I'm so proud of this cast and crew. People are working at, like, 110%. All I did was set the table for these people, and they ate."

He added: "So, this is just the cherry on top of a really, really special experience, and I hope we get to tell this story for seasons and seasons and seasons."

Dan Levy at the N.Y.C. premiere of 'Big Mistakes' on April 6, 2026Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty

As theBig Mistakesstory relies on the actors creating a believable — albeit dysfunctional — family dynamic, the cast spent time rehearsing together on camera and bonding off-set, Dan previously told PEOPLE. That bonding included "serious" games of Boggle, complete withBig Mistakesscorecards.

"If you didn't believe the family, then you're not going to believe in the show," Dan explained in an interview ahead of the show's debut. "So it was really important that the cast know each other before the cameras started rolling, and we would play Boggle every opportunity we got, and we bonded through the love of games."

AtBig Mistakes' N.Y.C. premiere, Dan told PEOPLE that his family — including sister Sarah, dadEugene Levyand momDeborah Divine— have already seen the show and count themselves as fans.

"They're already quoting lines from it, and they're very excited to watch it again," he said. "So, that's all I could ask for."

Big Mistakesis now streaming on Netflix.

Read the original article onPeople

Dan Levy Shares How 'Early Days' Growing Up with Sister Sarah Inspired His New Show “Big Mistakes” (Exclusive)

Dan Levy spoke with PEOPLE exclusively about how his "early days" growing up with his sister, Sarah Levy, inspired his new sh...
The 34 best dark comedies of all time

Traditional joke math suggests that tragedy + time = comedy. The 34 films on this list don't follow this formula, though, because dark comedy isn't about making comedy comfortable for everybody — it's about using humor to create comfort for the sometimes niche audience that needs to see it. A film about a grieving family (The Royal Tenenbaums) might seem in poor taste to some; to others, it might be the only thing saving them from their own grief.

Entertainment Weekly

If your coping mechanism for tough times is laughter, then this is the list for you. These 34 comedies streaming across the internet satirize global issues like nuclear war, cultural trends like beauty pageants, and leave no stone unturned in their quest to make life's toughest stuff more emotionally palatable.

Keep reading forEntertainment Weekly's list of the 34 best dark comedies of all time, and remember: It's okay to laugh.

I Love You to Death(1990)

Miriam Margolyes as Joey's Mother and Kevin Kline as Joey Boca in 'I Love You to Death'Credit: TriStar Pictures/Everett

Serve spaghetti (with a killer sauce) for this one, folks, because marinara is the preferred vehicle for poison in this very Italian true-crime romp. Black? Pitch, because it's about, ya know, an actual plot to kill an actual philandering husband (played byKevin Klinein his prime). Based on the wild tale of a real woman (Frances Toto) and her multiple attempts to off her cheating spouse, Tracey Ullman plays the jilted wife with aplomb. Espresso-dark and over the top (with an amazing cast includingKeanu Reevesand River Phoenix), the real story is crazier than fiction, but you won’t find any spoilers here.—Debby Wolfinsohn

Where to watchI Love You to Death: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

Better Off Dead(1985)

John Cusack as Lane Meyer in 'Better Off Dead'Credit: CBS via Getty

So much to love here: a baby-facedJohn Cusack, quotable lines (“I want my two dollars!” “Gee, I’m real sorry your mom blew up, Ricky.” ), random cartoon moments, Curtis Armstrong (Revenge of the Nerds’Booger!) skiing in a top hat, goofball humor (dinner literally crawls off the plate), and because this is a dark comedy, a running "I'm going to kill myself" plotline that feels about as serious as everything else in this film, which is to say, not very. With a director with a name like Savage Steve Holland, what did you expect? Tell the kids this was exactly what growing up in the ‘80s was like.—D.W.

Where to watchBetter Off Dead: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

The War of the Roses(1989)

Kathleen Turner as Barbara Rose, Danny DeVito as Gavin D'Amato, and Michael Douglas as Oliver Rose in 'The War of the Roses'Credit: 20th Century Fox Film Corp./Everett

An extra-dark comedy that veers toward sadism, the film is saved by the chemistry and star power ofKathleen TurnerandMichael Douglas(fresh off theirRomancing the Stoneseries), with an assist from an excellent Danny DeVito. There are no good guys in this divorce, especially when the family estate is involved. Smashing china, falling down the stairs, slugs to the nose, and worse: Even the pets don't escape the wrath of this toxic couple, and watching them go from happy newlyweds to bitter foes feels, at times, genuinely sad. More than bleak, the film's been named “one of the nastiest comedies of all time."—D.W.

Where to watchTheWar of the Roses: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas(1998)

Johnny Depp as Raoul Duke in 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas'Credit: Universal/Everett

This film must be seen to be believed — and for fans of dark comedy, it must be seen. Wickedly hilarious (and just so…wrong) from the get-go, this drug-singed, candy-colored nightmare remains a singularly chaotic vision, a freakish holy trinity/chemical reaction between the minds of Hunter S. Thompson,Johnny Depp, and director-ringleader Terry Gilliam.

The story begins with Depp's voiceover reading Thompson's famous words: "We were somewhere around Barstow on the edge of the desert when the drugs began to take hold." As perfect as Depp's maniacal performance is, he actually serves as the straight man (if you can believe that) next to the half-feral turn Benicio Del Toro conjures up as Thompson's lawyer, stealing the show every time he blinks.—D.W.

Where to watchFear and Loathing in Las Vegas: Amazon Prime Video

Four Lions(2010)

Riz Ahmed as Omar in 'Four Lions'Credit: Midget Entertainment/Everett

A laugh fest about a bunch of suicide bombers? Yes, we thinkFour Lionsmight be the textbook definition of "dark comedy." English filmmaker Chris Morris invites us to laugh at terror, literally, putting the stupidity of these hilariously clueless jihadists front and center.As EW’s critic put it, "These guys are not charming; they’re horrifying in their ignorance, and they cause real damage. But there’s a weird relief to be found in the opportunity to laugh ourselves sick at their expense, if only for an instant."—D.W.

Where to watchFour Lions: Tubi

Ingrid Goes West(2017)

Elizabeth Olsen as Taylor Sloane and Aubrey Plaza as Ingrid Thorburn in 'Ingrid Goes West'Credit: Neon

The sun-drenched black comedyIngrid Goes Westis filled with enough avocado toast, big hats, and selfies to double as an Instagram time capsule. Playing the charmingly unhinged Ingrid, an internet stalker of the highest order,Aubrey Plazadoesn't hit a false note. And neither does her costar, Elizabeth Olsen, playing a breezy L.A. girl personified. Olsen fully inhabits her role as a popular social media influencer and the object of Ingrid's obsession.EW's critic praised the film's"keen sense for the loneliness and inanity of a life lived online," calling it a "clever, corrosive little trick of a movie."—D.W.

Where to watchIngrid Goes West: Tubi

Delicatessen(1991)

Jean-Claude Dreyfus as Clapet, Jacques Mathou as Roger, Rufus as Robert Kube, and Karin Viard as Mademoiselle Plusse in 'Delicatessen'Credit: Miramax/Everett

Bathed in yellow smoke, this quirky French dystopia is a visually stunning collaboration between Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Marc Caro. If you've seen their other work of genius,The City of Lost Children(1995), you already know what you're in for: a living, breathing, beautifully surrealist nightmare. And whileDelicatessenis, without a doubt, dark (the title is inspired by a butcher who uses his carving skills on, gulp, human meat), it's leavened by fantastic performances and a sense of zany, off-kilter silliness happening within a meticulously crafted world.—D.W.

Where to watchDelicatessen: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

A New Leaf(1971)

Walter Matthau as Henry Graham and Elaine May as Henrietta Lowell in 'A New Life'Credit: ullstein bild/ullstein bild via Getty

A New Leafis a showcase for the freakishly talented Elaine May, pulling off a triple threat as the writer, director,andstar. May plays Henrietta, a very rich, very awkward botanist with zero social skills who is targeted by a gold-digging creep (the excellent grump, Mr. Walter Matthau). His plan to marry this adorable nerd, murder her, and take all the cash doesnotgo as planned in the most painful way possible (for the audience, too). Poor, innocent Henrietta falls madly in love with Matthau's character, the first person to shower her with kindness and care. May's sense of physical comedy is on full display here (her three-minute "trying to put on a dress" sequence, for example, is legendary).—D.W.

Where to watchA New Leaf: Pluto TV

Drop Dead Gorgeous(1999)

Ellen Barkin as Annette Atkins, Allison Janney as Loretta, and Kirsten Dunst as Amber Atkins in 'Drop Dead Gorgeous'Credit: New Line Cinema/Everett

Minnesota nice turns into Midwestern murder inDrop Dead Gorgeous, a black comedy mockumentary about a series of attempted assassinations in a small town beauty pageant qualifying competition. Amber Atkins (Kirsten Dunst) is a 17-year-old aspiring journalist who hopes to win the Sarah Rose Cosmetics American Teen Princess Pageant to pay for college. But first, she must survive her hometown pageant, a high ask considering someone is picking off the contestants one by one.

This satire is a dark, funny takedown of small-town values, beauty competitions, and the public’s obsession with young girls. The comedy flopped at the box office, butDrop Dead Gorgeousproved ahead of its time — the movie castAmy Adamsin her first film role — and has since been declared a cult classic. —Ilana Gordon

Where to watchDrop Dead Gorgeous: Tubi

Fargo(1996)

Frances McDormand as Marge Gunderson in 'Fargo'Credit: Gramercy Pictures/Getty

The OG middle America noir is brought to you by theCoen brothers, whose understated style is often imitated but never duplicated. (Now, if we could include Noah Hawley's sublime small-screen spinoff we would, because the film and the FX series both mix humor and violence to create a deliciously dark comedy hot dish.)Fargowas hugely influential, being one of the first times mainstream moviegoers had seen plain-spoken folk at the center of a violent crime story, and the sensation of laughing while covering your eyes in horror (one word: woodchipper) became a core memory for ‘90s film lovers.

Withsuper greatperformances from the likes ofFrances McDormand, William H. Macy, and Steve Buscemi,EW’s critic described the settingas "a landscape so muffled by snow and Scandinavian-bred, low-affect courtesy."—D.W.

Where to watchFargo: HBO Max

The Producers(1967)

Gene Wilder as Leo Bloom and Zero Mostel as Max Bialystock in 'The Producers'Credit: John Springer Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty

For this, his first film, dark comedy hall of famerMel Brookswentbig, deciding that fearlessly taking on the Nazis (and the American public) would be a good introduction. This bold move paid off, cementing his place in cinematic history (and our hearts) forever, but at the time, well, you could say it took some (Space)balls.Yes, Brooks created something so risky — people just didn'tmake fun of Hitlerlike that — that the studio nearly pulled it from circulation. A pitch from Peter Sellers, interestingly enough, is what saved it. Brooks later admitted his M.O. was this: When it comes to real-life horror, sometimes the only logical response is comedy.—D.W.

Where to watchThe Producers: Tubi

The Death of Stalin(2017)

Jason Isaacs as Field Marshal Zhukov in 'The Death of Stalin'Credit: Entertainment One UK

From Armando Iannucci (Veep) comes a different sort of barbed political satire, a historical comedy as black as burnt toast. Set in 1953 after the titular dictator’s passing, the film revels in the chaotic, messy, bumbling power struggle that ensues among figures like Nikita Khrushchev (Steve Buscemi) and Georgy Malenkov (Jeffrey Tambor). If this sounds a bit likeSuccession(created by Iannucci's peer/former co-writer Jesse Armstrong, who worked onThe Thick of ItandIn The Loopwith him), we can only say that great minds think alike. Fun fact: In what may be the greatest compliment of all, the film wascondemned by Russia as anti-Russian propaganda.—D.W.

Where to watchThe Death of Stalin: Hulu

American Psycho(2000)

Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman in 'American Psycho'Credit: Lionsgate/Courtesy Everett Collection

Bret Easton Ellis’ 1991 best-seller looks unrecognizable in Mary Harron’s cinematic adaptation of the controversial novel. StarringChristian Baleas Patrick Bateman, a yuppie investment banker whose only real passions are consumerism, dining out, and committing murder, this black comedy and horror fusion satirizes the mass-consumption and performative lifestyle that was a hallmark of the 1980s culture and economy.

Luckily for viewers, the film version ofAmerican Psychopresents the best aspects of the novel without luxuriating in book Bateman’s fevered misogyny.EW’s critic writesthat the film is elevated by Bale’s interpretation, noting, “He keeps Patrick lurching blindly toward humanity, until we see a self being born in a man who, paradoxically, was too selfish to have one.”—I.G.

Where to watchAmerican Psycho: The Roku Channel

The Lobster(2015)

Jessica Barden as Nosebleed Woman and Colin Farrell as David in 'The Lobster'Credit: Despina Spyrou

Yorgos Lanthimos, quite possiblythereigning dark comedy master of the current era, is never content to stay in the lines. Seemingly on a quest to make a film in each genre, though always through the lens of black comedy,The Lobsterwas his stab at dystopian, absurdist…romance? StarringColin Farrell(looking like a defeated Ned Flanders) andRachel Weisz, the story is set in a "resort" (ok, prison) whose "guests" are all singles tasked with finding life partners. If they fail, they are transformed into an animal (hence the title). But hey, it's notallbad — you get to choose the animal! With a stacked cast (Olivia Colman, John C. Reilly, Léa Seydoux, Ben Whishaw) and a cool (cold?) style, this film is an uncomfortable, surreal, and contentious love-it-or-hate-it kind of ride.—D.W.

Where to watchThe Lobster: HBO Max

Sorry to Bother You(2018)

LaKeith Stanfield as Cassius Green and Tessa Thompson as Detroit in 'Sorry to Bother You'Credit: Annapurna Pictures

EW’s critic praised Boots Riley's genre-defying dark comedy as"the most wonderfully bizarre film of 2018," and with good reason. Following telemarketer Cassius Green (LaKeith Stanfieldin a role he was born to play) down aseriousrabbit hole, this twisted, Oakland-based take onAlice in Wonderlandstarts weird and gets progressively weirder, building to a surreal conclusion you cannot look away from. Not to be outdone, the amazing Tessa Thompson turns in a fantastically free-wheeling performance as Cass' artist girlfriend, Detroit.—D.W.

Where to watchSorry to Bother You: Fandango (to rent)

Groundhog Day(1993)

Bill Murray as Phil Connors and Andie MacDowell as Rita Hanson in 'Groundhog Day'Credit: Columbia Pictures/Getty

Groundhog Dayis an existential miracle disguised as aBill Murraycomedy. What appears to be a bouncy, silly romp about a slightly surreal situation (Murray plays Phil, a weatherman reliving the same day over and over) is, at its core, actually quite deep. With director/co-writerHarold Ramisat the helm, this film asks surprisingly big philosophical questions — How do we get unstuck? What mistakes do we keep repeating? Whatisthe point of life? — without ever hitting us over the head with them.—D.W.

Where to watchGroundhog Day: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

Election(1999)

Matthew Broderick as Jim McCallister and Reese Witherspoon as Tracy Flick in 'Election'Credit: CBS via Getty

If Elle Woods had an evil little sister, she would be Tracy Flick, a frighteningly ambitious girl who blows up a man's life.Reese Witherspoon(then 23, playing a convincing 16)ownsthe role of Flick, a high-intensity creep with perfect posture, chipper enough to cut. The terror in her teacher's eyes (Matthew Broderick, bringing the schlub factor) tells us everything — she's a monster in a sweater set. This one takes place in the heartland (Nebraska), where, similar toFargo, the flat colors and plain-spoken style serve to put the fiery story into high focus. Written and directed by Alexander Payne with his usual self-assured, sunny, satirical edge,Electionis based on the novel of the same name by an author who is no stranger to the dark (comedy) side, Mr.Tom Perotta.—D.W.

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Where to watchElection: Paramount+

Borat Subsequent Moviefilm(2020)

Sacha Baron Cohen as Borat in 'Borat Subsequent Moviefilm'Credit: Amazon Studios

Sacha Baron Cohen’s mustachioed, overly-confident Kazakh is back, baby, in yet another tragicomic wonder. Traveling through the U.S. with his daughter, Tutar (Maria Bakalova),Borat Subsequent Moviefilmis like a reimagined, unscripted version of a bizarro buddy comedy, full of momentssounwieldy they give new meaning to the word "awkward." Some of the most iconic bits include thenow-infamous Rudy Giuliani encounterand the horrifying father-daughter OB-GYN visit.As EW’s critic writes, "His outrageous, uncountable isms — the confident screeds against women and Jews, the casual endorsements of incest or indentured servitude — are of course satirical, and entirely the point."—D.W.

Where to watchBorat Subsequent Moviefilm: Amazon Prime Video

Being John Malkovich(1999)

(Center): Orson Bean as Dr. Lester and Cameron Diaz as Lotte Schwartz in 'Being John Malkovich'Credit: Universal Studios

Pair the dark comedy dream team of Charlie Kaufman (writer) and Spike Jonze (director) with a stellar cast willing to go there (Catherine Keener, Cameron Diaz, John Cusack), and the result is one of the most surreal films ever.Being John Malkovich— a wild gemEW’s critic describesas a "delightfully absurdist, occasionally off-putting masterpiece of existential voyeurism that runs on its own off-brand logic," is a mind-blowing treat. Trying to explain its appeal on paper is almost impossible, but we'll try. One of the plot devices is a portal/tunnel allowing access to the Malkovich brain. Another is a "half-floor" jammed between two normal, full-sized floors. Also, puppets, obsessive love, body-swapping, a rescue chimp, and more puppets. It’s dream-like and claustrophobic in the best way.—D.W.

Where to watchBeing John Malkovich: Amazon Prime Video

In Bruges(2008)

Brendan Gleeson as Ken and Colin Farrell as Ray in 'In Bruges'Credit: Everett Collection

Dark as a cup of Yorkshire Tea,In Bruges, penned by writer/director Martin McDonagh (2022'sThe Banshees of Inisherin) tells the tale of two hit men visiting the Belgian tourist town of Bruges. The decidedlynottouristy reason for their visit? One of them, (Colin Farrell) has accidentally killed a young boy, and the other (Brendan Gleeson) has been ordered to off him. The setting for this settling of scores is the film's third star. Lovely and rich in history, Bruges is famous for its canals, stone bridges, and quaint pubs, painting a charming backdrop for a couple of excellent performances in a film that is quite heavy, but also shockingly funny.—D.W.

Where to watchIn Bruges: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

Beetlejuice(1988)

Michael Keaton as Betelgeuse, Geena Davis as Barbara Maitland, and Alec Baldwin as Adam Maitland in 'Beetlejuice'Credit: Warner Brothers/Everett

With its signature sweet but creepy tone, this Tim Burton film is exhibit A in how scary things (death, the paranormal) can be adorable — and the trick is in the perspective. When the world's nicest couple (Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin) perish and become ghosts, only a certain depressed goth princess named Lydia (Winona Ryder, who else) can see them. Serving as their real-world representative, Lydia defends them against idiots like her parents (nearly "killing" them with a seance) and sleazebag monsters (Michael Keaton's slapstick Beetle-dude). Hilariously funny and at times downright scary, this genre-defying movie is creative both in concept (death is kinda like the DMV?) and in aesthetic (a feast of practical effects, namely a stripped sandworm). There simply isn’t a dull moment.—D.W.

Where to watchBeetlejuice: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

In The Loop(2009)

Mimi Kennedy as Karen Clark and James Gandolfini as Lt. Gen. George Miller in 'In the Loop'Credit: Nicola Dove/IFC Films/Everett

Two words: Armando Iannucci. As fans ofVeepalready know, the man has a serious way with political comedy… the darker, the better. An offshoot of his excellent BBC TV seriesThe Thick of It,In the Loopis like a nastier version ofTheWest Wingafter 100 pots of coffee. The film, featuring Steve Coogan andJames Gandolfini, winningly depicts a bumbling U.S. government running headlong into a Middle East war.As EW’s critic lamented, "In the Loopinvites its audience tothink, and presumes a certain love ofMonty Python. Not to mention an appreciation ofDr. Strangelove.” (See No. 1 on our list.)—D.W.

Where to watchIn the Loop: AMC+

After Hours(1985)

Griffin Dunne as Paul Hackett and Rosanna Arquette as Marcy Franklin in 'After Hours'Credit: Warner Bros.

What would happen ifMartin Scorsesedirected a neo-noir screwball comedy about a corporate yuppie’s ill-fated night in New York City? You’d getAfter Hours, an underrated ‘80s movie featuring some of the decade's brightest talents. Griffin Dunne stars as Paul Hackett, a hapless word processor who attempts to woo a woman he meets in a coffee shop, only to spend the rest of the film paying for it.

Part of a subgenre of Reagan-era films known as the “yuppie nightmare cycle” — similar movies includeDesperately Seeking Susan(1985), Blue Velvet(1986),andFatal Attraction(1987) —After Hoursisn’t as well known asThe King of Comedy(1982), but it should be. InAfter Hours, Scorsese takes the same frantic approach he uses with his crime thrillers to create a fast-moving black comedy. —I.G.

Where to watchAfter Hours: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

The Royal Tenenbaums(2001)

(From left to right): Luke Wilson as Richie Tenenbaum, Gwyneth Paltrow as Margot Tenenbaum, Gene Hackman as Royal Tenenbaum, Grant Rosenmeyer as Ari Tenenbaum (holding Buckley), Ben Stiller as Chas Tenenbaum, Jonah Meyerson as Uzi Tenenbaum, Anjelica Huston as Etheline Tenenbaum, Danny Glover as Henry Sherman, and Kumar Pallana as Pagoda in ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’Credit: James Hamilton/Disney

The Royal Tenenbaumsfeels vintage in the best way, like something unearthed from our collective consciousness. With its beautifully obsessive, antiqued look — from the color palette to the precision-centered cinematography — its blink-and-you'll-miss-it doll house details aren't just there to look pretty. Under the exquisite surface is something quite moving, a grieving family grappling with the kinds of big, swirling, complicated feelings that make life hard and art great.Perhaps EW’s critic said it best: "[T]he Tenenbaum children are precocious and extraordinary, yet not protected from unhappiness by their own gifts."—D.W.

Where to watchThe Royal Tenenbaums: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

Some Like It Hot(1959)

Tony Curtis as Joe and Marilyn Monroe as Sugar in 'Some Like It Hot'Credit: Richard C. Miller/Donaldson Collection/Getty

This whiz-bang, cross-dressingly chaotic flick is as fresh now as it was in 1959 — but hey, writer-director Billy Wilder (1950'sSunset Boulevard) wasn't called a genius for nothing. Two musicians (dynamic duo Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis) go full drag while on the run from the Mob (seeing their distinct takes on "feminine" is just one of the joys here) and hop on a train full of traveling female musicians (an all-woman band complete withMarilyn Monroeplaying the band’s singer and ukulele player).

No wallflowers here; the women are brash, brassy, and refreshingly bold. And while the on-screen action is champagne for the senses, irrepressibly bubbly and bright, its themes are on the serious side, dabbling in desperation, reinvention, and forgiveness. Everyone in this film has got a con (or five), lying and cheating non-stop, but Wilder doesn't pass judgment.—D.W.

Where to watchSome Like It Hot: Tubi

Pink Flamingos(1972)

Danny Mills as Crackers and Divine as Divine in 'Pink Flamingos'Credit: Everett Collection

Predating trash culture, reality TV competitions, true crime obsessions, and evenJackass(see: Divine's dog poop snack),John Waters’ masterpiece of filth is something you have to see to believe (unfortunately, finding it can be a bit of a challenge). PerhapsEW’s critic said it best,in honor of the 25th anniversary, declaring it hilarious, shocking, and scary: "The film has lost none of its danger, its wit, its psychotic exuberance…Pink Flamingosstill stands as the purest, most joyful jolt of outrage in movie history."—D.W.

Pink Flamingosis currently not available to stream.

Network(1976)

Peter Finch as Howard Beale in 'Network'Credit: Everett

Networkis the story of veteran news anchor Howard Beale’s (Peter Finch) on-air mental breakdown, a decline that is exploited by executives at the Union Broadcasting System. Screenwriter Paddy Chayefsky usesNetworkto express the outrage Americans felt over issues like Watergate and the Vietnam War; to paraphrase the film, people were mad as hell, and they weren’t going to take it anymore.

Networkhas been rightfully criticized for its portrayal of Arabs, but the film’s other themes — the rise of reality TV, the media’s exploitation of celebrities, the prioritization of ratings above all else — now seem like prophecies. The acting is also great:EW ranked Peter Finch’s performanceas Howard Beale number 11 on our list of the 30 most memorable Best Actor-winning performances.—I.G.

Where to watchNetwork: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

Harold and Maude(1971)

Bud Cort as Harold and Ruth Gordon as Maude in 'Harold and Maude'Credit: FilmPublicityArchive/United Archives via Getty

An outsider romance peppered with gallows humor and bubbling over with giddy optimism,Harold and Maudeis a life-affirming, weirdly wonderful film about a rich kid with a death wish and his love affair with an exuberant 79-year-old woman. Fans of Wes Anderson will appreciate this for vibes alone, from the sweetCat Stevenssoundtrack to the autumn in New York color palette. A big bomb upon release (perhaps not surprisingly, given the love scene and the numerous over-the-top suicide enactments), it’s now considered a beloved cult classic — and the ideal expression of director Hal Ashby's shaggy, unconventional, open-hearted storytelling.—D.W.

Where to watchHarold and Maude: YouTube

Ruthless People(1986)

Judge Reinhold as Ken Kesller, Bette Midler as Barbara Stone, and Helen Slater as Sandy Kessler in 'Ruthless People'Credit: Buena Vista/Everett

On the lighter end of the dark comedy spectrum,Ruthless Peopleis an utter joy from beginning to end, a mid-80s classic that still sparkles today. Silly? Super, but with a pure heart, and real…you know,feelingsat its core. Danny DeVito plays a scheming, no-good husband whose treatment of his brassy wife (a divineBette Midler) has you rooting for the kidnappers (soft-spoken rays of sunshine, Judge Reinhold and Helen Slater) who snatch her for ransom. Midler's creative, extremely DIY basement "gym" (and her resulting mental and physical glow up!) remains one of the funniest, most unexpectedly heartwarming character transformations of that era.—D.W.

Where to watchRuthless People: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

Adaptation(2002)

Nicolas Cage as Charlie Kaufman and Nicolas Cage as Donald Kaufman in 'Adaptation'Credit: Columbia Pictures

If you're looking for a movie that requires all of your undivided, phone-down attention, let us introduce you toAdaptation.Nicolas Cageis perfectly cast as a tortured, frumpy, socially awkward screenwriter (is there any other kind?) AND said screenwriter's twin brother, whose ham-handed, more commercial attempts at writing pays off infuriatingly well. And that's the whole thing…oh, wait. Did you forget this is a Kaufman joint? Yes, there is a SECOND film nested within the first, starring a little-known actress (Meryl Streep) playing a real-life writer (Susan Orleans) and reenacting her famed, flower-hunting non-fiction tale (The Orchid Thief).—D.W.

Where to watchAdaptation: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

What We Do in the Shadows(2014)

Jemaine Clement as Vladislav in 'What We Do in the Shadows'Credit: The Orchard/Madman Entertainment

The mix of deadpan New Zealand humor and horror is a winning combo in this mockumentary about a vampire clan that later spawned an equally electric FX show of the same name. Birthed from the wryly funny, slightly twisted minds ofJemaine ClementandTaika Waititi,What We Do in the Shadowstakes a fresh approach to its ancient subject matter, applying a blasé, almost bland,Real World-meets-Guffmanapproach to the inherently dramatic vamp lifestyle. Flashes of shocking violence (after all, a guy's gotta eat) present tonal shifts that work brilliantly, while an inherent sweetness (that ending!) keeps things relatable for us soft-hearted humans.—D.W.

Where to watchWhat We Do in the Shadows: Apple TV (to rent)

Heathers(1988)

Winona Ryder as Veronica Sawyer, Kim Walker as Heather Chandler, Lisanne Falk as Heather McNamara, and Shannon Doherty as Heather Duke in 'Heathers'Credit: New World Pictures/Everett

No one did edgy teen comedy, ‘80s style, better than the Winona Ryder–Christian Slaterdream team. And no one ever will again, becauseHeathersis a (wonderfully) problematic time capsule. Is Slater's Jason Dean just a gaslighter in James Dean's clothing? Yes. Are we surprised that a teen suicide satire didn't age well? Nope. But that's what a good dark comedy can do: Make you squirm as you laugh. The dialogue is whip-smart, crackling, and basically unprintable here, so you'll just have to check it out for yourself. (And if the use of red lighting, fire, and smoke doesn't convince you this is a comedy leaning hard into horror, the murders will.)—D.W.

Where to watchHeathers: Amazon Prime Video

Withnail and I(1987)

Richard E. Grant as Withnail and Paul McGann as Marwood in 'Withnail and I'Credit: Cineplex-Odeon Pictures/Everett

This charmingly shaggy, extremely British, incredibly boozy tale, based on writer-director Bruce Robinson’s own experiences, follows the exploits of two unemployed actors (an iconicRichard E. Grantand his patient beyond measure roomie/enabler, Paul McGann) who’ve “gone on holiday by mistake.” The movie gifts us with the most memorably messed-up train wreck in all creation: Grant's Withnail, an indelible, sallow-faced cocktail of pity, pomposity, and gin. A celebration of horrible flats, youthful cluelessness, and wide-eyed (if not idiotic) innocence, the film captures a brief snapshot in the timeline of these men's lives. Like the best dark comedies, its emotional gut-punch (in this case, near the end) isn't sentimental but happens organically, catching you by surprise.—D.W.

Where to watchWithnail and I: HBO Max

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb(1964)

Peter Sellers as Dr. Strangelove in 'Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb'Credit: Everett

As the film that (many would argue) both defined and perfected dark comedy as a form, placingDr. Strangeloveat the top of our list was a no-brainer. Comments fromStanley Kubrickrevealing his inspiration for the film — the threat of nuclear destruction was just too wild to present as anythingbuta comedy — could also serve as a thesis statement for the entire genre. Overflowing with powerhouse performances from Sterling Hayden, George C. Scott, and, of course, Peter Sellers (in no less than three roles: President Muffley, Capt. Lionel Mandrake, and Dr. Strangelove himself), the movie’s humor works because it isn’t apparent to those who inhabit it.

“People trying to be funny are never as funny as people trying to be serious and failing. The laughs have to seem forced on unwilling characters by the logic of events. A man wearing a funny hat is not funny. But a man who doesn’t know he’s wearing a funny hat…ah, now you’ve got something,” Roger Ebertwrote in his 1999 review of the film. “The characters inDr. Strangelovedo not know their hats are funny.”—D.W.

Where to watchDr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

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The 34 best dark comedies of all time

Traditional joke math suggests that tragedy + time = comedy. The 34 films on this list don't follow this formula, though, because d...
1960 Elvis Presley Hit Turned a Future '70s Soul Superstar’s Life Around—You Won’t Believe How

In 1960, a chart-toppingElvis Presleysong did more than dominate the airwaves—it unexpectedly turned the life of one young man around, setting him on the path to becoming a soul legend.

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The King of Rock and Roll released "It's Now or Never." The song was a career-defining hit, released shortly after his tour of service for the United States Army concluded.

The song was written byWally GoldandAaron Schroeder, who based their version on a melody similar to the Italian classic,Eduardo di Capua's "O Sole Mio." According to American Songwriter, Presley heard "There’s No Tomorrow” byTony Martinwhile stationed in Germany, and wanted a song with a similar musical style.

Gold and Schroeder came up with "It's Now or Never." The song would become a worldwide smash, per theElvis History Blog, and reach thepinnacle of Billboard's chartsin August 1960.

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The song did more than become a worldwide hit; it changed the life of a future soul superstar who was spending time in a juvenile detention center for his crimes.American Songwriterreported that, as a young man,Barry Whitespent four months in jail after stealing $30,000 worth of Cadillac tires.

White was midway through his sentence when he heard the Presley hit coming from another cellmate's block. He recounted the moment in his bookLove Unlimited.

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RELATED:Elvis Presley’s Most Scandalous Song Ever

The future soul superstar explained, “I’d heard [the song] before, I don’t know, twenty-five, thirty times. But it never hit me like it did that night. It was, of all people, Elvis Presley!"

"The song? ‘It’s Now Or Never’. It became my personal message, meant only for me. ‘Stop wasting your time, Barry,’ it said. ‘When you get out, you better change your ways. It’s now or never.’ I sat up in my cell bed, and right then, and there took an oath that I would do just that—change my life.”

He concluded, “I knew I was never going back in, that the life I’d known on the street, all of it was history. I was going to change everything, because the night before I’d heard the Voice and the Voice had heard me!”

White stayed true to his promise. He turned his life around and began a career in themusicbusiness, recording some of the best soul songs of a generation.

Barry White would go on to havesix Top 10 Billboard hits. These would include 1975's "You're The First, The Last, My Everything," 1973's "I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little More Baby," 1977's "It's Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next to Me," 1974's "Never Ever Gonna Give Ya Up," and 1975's "What Am I Gonna Do With You."

RELATED:1972 Chart-Buster Elvis Presley Had to Be Convinced to RecordElvis Presley died in 1977 at 42. Barry White died 26 years later in 2003 at 58.

MORE:1972 Elvis Presley Apology Ballad Ranks Among the Decade’s Greatest Love Songs, But a Rival Artist Took it To No. 1

This story was originally published byParadeon Apr 12, 2026, where it first appeared in theNewssection. Add Parade as aPreferred Source by clicking here.

1960 Elvis Presley Hit Turned a Future '70s Soul Superstar’s Life Around—You Won’t Believe How

In 1960, a chart-toppingElvis Presleysong did more than dominate the airwaves—it unexpectedly turned the life of one young man around, ...
See Rare Throwback Photos of Sissy Spacek and Jack Fisk as the Couple Celebrates Their 52nd Wedding Anniversary

Sissy Spacekfound the love of her life early in her career.

People Jack Fisk and Sissy Spack in 1981Credit: Bill Knowland/MediaNews Group/Oakland Tribune via Getty

TheOscar-winning actress met her husband, production designer Jack Fisk, on the set of 1973'sBadlands, in which she starred oppositeMartin Sheen. They tied the knot a year later, on April 12, 1974, and have welcomed twochildren: Schuyler, born in 1982, and Madison, born in 1988.

Their decades-long relationship has been built on collaboration and devotion to their craft, Spacek shared withEsquirein 2022.

"I learned so much from him about the artist's life, and about work, and what it involves, and how much you have to give," she said. "You have to give everything up and be focused when you're working. We've shared that."

On their 52nd anniversary, see rare photos of the happy couple from the early years of their marriage.

Pose for the Portraits

Jack Fisk and Sissy Spacek circa 1970Credit: Art Zelin/Getty

Spacek and Fisk cozied up during a date night at the famous theater district restaurant Sardi's.

Getting Her Flowers

Sissy Spacek and Jack Fisk circa 1970Credit: Art Zelin/Getty

They married in a casual, private ceremony in Santa Monica, California, wearing jeans with their dog as the only witness.

Luxe Tux

Sissy Spacek and Jack Fisk in 1977Credit: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

The couple attended the 1978 Oscars together, where Spacek earned a Best Actress nomination for her work inCarrie.

Concerted Effort

Jack Fisk and Sissy Spacek in 1978Credit: Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

They arrived arm-in-arm at the opening night of Stephen Bishop's gig at The Roxy in Los Angeles.

Thanks to the Academy

Jack Fisk and Sissy Spacek in 1981Credit: Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Fisk was her date to the 1981 Oscars, where she won Best Actress for her performance inCoal Miner's Daughter.

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Ready, Set...

Jack Fisk and Sissy Spacek on set of 1981's 'Raggedy Man'Credit: Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock

Over the years, the husband and wife worked on the same set frequently. Here, Fisk sits with Spacek on the set ofRaggedy Man.

"If I wasn’t working, I helped him out, and if he wasn’t working, he helped me with my research for a role,” Spacek shared in 2012. “We really supported one another and we really understood the business. It was what brought us together.”

'Missing' These Moments

Jack Fisk and Sissy Spacek in 1982Credit: Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Spacek brought her husband as her plus-one to the premiere of her thrillerMissing, which nabbed her another Best Actress nomination at the Oscars.

Look of Love

Sissy Spacek and Jack Fisk in 1983Credit: Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection/Getty

Spacek and Fisk stepped out in Washington, D.C., for a brunch celebrating the Kennedy Center Honors.

Baby on Board

Sissy Spacek, Jack Fisk and Schuyler Fisk in 1986Credit: getty

It was a family affair on the set ofViolets Are Blue, with Fisk in the director's seat and Spacek leading the film. At the world premiere, they brought their then-3-year-old daughter Schuyler.

All Tied Up

Sissy Spacek and Jack Fisk in 1987Credit: Robin Platzer/IMAGES/Getty

Spacek has said of their approach to working together on a film, "The husband and wife were not allowed on the set. The director and the actress dealt with each other as professionals."

Four Fun

Sissy Spacek, Schuyler Fisk, Jack Fisk in 1990Credit: Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Fisk, Spacek, their daughter Schuyler and a guest stopped by a Universal Studios private party in Orlando, Florida.

For Life

Jack Fisk and Sissy Spacek in 1993Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Today, Spacek and her "phenomenal" husband, as she called him inEsquire, still attend industry events together. The two (seen here in 1993)most recently had a date night at the 2026 Oscars, at which he was nominated for Best Production Design forMarty Supreme.

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See Rare Throwback Photos of Sissy Spacek and Jack Fisk as the Couple Celebrates Their 52nd Wedding Anniversary

Sissy Spacekfound the love of her life early in her career. TheOscar-winning actress met her husband, production designer Jack Fi...

 

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