James Van Der Beek's wife Kimberly mourns Eric Dane with throwback photo: 'Will miss our guys'

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty

Entertainment Weekly Rebecca Gayheart, Eric Dane, Kimberly Van Der Beek and James Van Der Beek with Billie and Georgia Dane at the 2017 Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in 2017 Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty

James Van Der Beek's wife is paying tribute to another recently departed TV star.

Kimberly Van Der Beek shared a photo of herself and the lateDawson's Creekactor alongsideEric DaneandRebecca Gayheart's family on her Instagram Stories on Saturday. The post came two days after Dane died from ALS, and 10 days afterJames Van Der Beek diedfollowing his colorectal cancer diagnosis.

"RIP @realericdane,"Kimberly wrote in her post, as she sent warm wishes to Dane's wife and caretaker. "We love you @rebeccagayheartdane."

She continued, "Will miss our guys laughing at Christmas parties together."

James Van Der Beek, Kimberly Van Der Beek, Rebecca Gayheart, and Eric Dane arrive at the 13th annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball on June 7, 2014, in Los Angeles Amanda Edwards/WireImage

Amanda Edwards/WireImage

Dane and James Van Der Beek never shared the screen together. Though Gayheart and theVarsity Bluesstar both guest starred onUgly Bettyin 2007, they did not appear in the same episode.

Danerevealed he had been diagnosed with ALSin April 2025. His familyannounced his deathon Thursday.

"With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world," his family said in a statement. "Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always."

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James Van Der Beekannounced his colorectal cancer diagnosisin November 2024. His wife confirmed his death on Feb. 11.

"Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace," she wrote on Instagram. "There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."

Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart with their daughters Billie and Georgia Rebecca Gayheart/Instagram 

Rebecca Gayheart/Instagram

Dane and Gayheart married in 2004, and the couple welcomed daughters Billie and Georgia in 2010 and 2011, respectively. TheJawbreakeractressfiled for divorce in 2018, citing irreconcilable differences, but laterfiled to have the divorce dismissedin March 2025, just a few weeks before Dane publicized his diagnosis.

The Van Der Beeks wed in 2010 and had six children together: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.

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Friends of both late actorslaunched GoFundMe campaignsto support their respective families after their deaths. At the time of writing,Van Der Beek's campaignhas raised $2.7 million (includinga $25,000 donationfrom Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw), andDane'shas received $215,000 (including a $27,000 donation fromEuphoriacreator Sam Levinson and his wife, Ashley).

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James Van Der Beek's wife Kimberly mourns Eric Dane with throwback photo: 'Will miss our guys'

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty James Van Der Beek's wife is paying tribute to another recently depar...
Roseanne Barr Dances on a Table in New Video, Reveals Podcast Return Date

Roseanne Barr, the controversial actress known for her starring role in the classicsitcomRoseannethat started in 1988, had fans talking with her latest social media update as Barr showed off her dance moves on top of acoffeetable.

Parade

The 73-year-old looked a little unrecognizable in the clip, rocking short, light-colored hair, a sparkling statement choker necklace, dangling earrings, a black long-sleeved shirt, and black velvet overalls.

These days, Barr has been switching up her look with the help of wigs, although she usually goes for a bright blonde look of some variety. But the latest video appeared to show Barr with her natural hair during a casual moment with some loved ones.

In the video, Barr stood on top of a coffee table in polka-dot socks, dancing to the song "Fight the Power, Part 1" by The Isley Brothers. The clip appeared to be taken at someone's house, while little kids, likely Barr's grandchildren, could be heard playing in the background.

Barr used the video as a way to announce that her podcast was coming back soon, writing in the caption, "How it feels to be right all the time. #roseannebarrpodcast coming back thisFriday!"

Fans cheered Barr on, writing things like, "You are timeless Roseanne," "I love youso much Roseannethank youfor this," and "A female of many talents, Go Rosanne."

Another replied, "Good to know I'm not the only one that dances around just because I feel like it."

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Some complimented Barr's look, saying, "You are look amazing! The hair, the overalls and that necklace is gorgeous!" and "K!ller moves and looking amazing! Love the Darker eyeliner and the whole [ensemble]!"

Related:Roseanne Barr Fans Call Her a "Legend" After Fiery Statement About Spinoff

On Friday, Feb. 20, Barr returned with a new episode ofThe Roseanne Barr Podcast, the first since lateNovember2025. The actress shared more details about the episodeon social media as it dropped, writing, "After a long hiatus, Roseanne Barr is back behind the mic — and this time, she's bringing receipts."

"Joined only by herson,Jake, Roseanne dives headfirst into the headlines, the cultural chaos, and the predictions everyone mocked… until they came true. It's raw. It's funny. It's defiant. And it's classic Roseanne — unfiltered, unapologetic, and sharper than ever," the description went on.

Barr first started the podcast in 2023, and the latest episode is the show's 125th episode to date.

Related: Sitcom 'Legend' John Goodman Turns Heads During Sharp Appearance to Light Up the Empire State Building

This story was originally published byParadeon Feb 22, 2026, where it first appeared in theNewssection. Add Parade as aPreferred Source by clicking here.

Roseanne Barr Dances on a Table in New Video, Reveals Podcast Return Date

Roseanne Barr, the controversial actress known for her starring role in the classicsitcomRoseannethat started in 1988, h...
Where Is the Cast of

Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection

People 'What I Like About You' cast Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection

What I Like About Youran for four seasons on The WB from September 2002 to March 2006 — and was recently added to Netflix, nearly 20 years after it went off the air.

TheAmanda Bynes-led comedy centered around Bynes' impulsive Holly Tyler, who moved in with her uptight sister, Valerie Tyler, played byJennie Garth.

As the siblings took on New York City, they met the cast of characters who helped make up the fun, light-hearted sitcom, which was chock-full of early 2000s nostalgia, fashion and laughs.

In addition to Bynes and Garth, see what the stars of the teen sitcom are up to now.

Amanda Bynes as Holly Tyler

Amanda Bynes The WB/Andrew Eccles; Amanda Bynes/Instagram

The WB/Andrew Eccles; Amanda Bynes/Instagram

What I Like About Youwas one of Bynes' first projects outside of her extensive work on Nickelodeon.

She firstrose to fame on the network at just 10 years old, joining the cast of the kids' sketch comedy showAll Thatin 1996.

As a teenager, she then took her talents to the big screen, starring in 2006'sShe's the Manand 2007'sHairspray, a role which earned her her first Screen Actors Guild Award nomination.

Bynesultimately quit actingin 2010 after struggling with substance abuse, mental health and legal troubles. After stepping away from the spotlight, she spent the next decadein and out of mental health facilities.

In 2013, Bynes'parents, Lynn and Rick Bynes, were granted a conservatorship of the actress, which lasted for nine years until it was finally terminated in March 2022.

The actress, who has dabbled in fashion over the years, launched a podcast calledAmanda Bynes & Paul Sieminski: The Podcastin December 2023. However, she announced that it was put on "pause" after just one episode.

Amanda announced on April 15, 2025, that she created an account on OnlyFans to further connect with her fanbase.

"I'm only doing fans to chat with my fans through dm's. I won't be posting any sleazy content. Excited to join," she wrote on her Instagram Stories.

Jennie Garth as Valerie Tyler

Jennie Garth Netflix; Jesse Grant/Getty

Netflix; Jesse Grant/Getty

Since portraying Holly Taylor inWhat I Like About You, Garth has continued to have steady work.

In 2007, theBeverly Hills, 90210alum was paired with Derek Hough on season 5 ofDancing with the Starsand reached the semi-finals before being eliminated.

In 2012, she starred in her own reality show,Jennie Garth: A Little Bit Country,on CMT. She's also been in projects like90210, BH90210, American Dad!andRobot Chicken.

Garth was married to musician Daniel B. Clark from 1994 to 1996. She wed her second husband, Peter Facinelli, on Jan, 20, 2001, after meeting on the set of the movieAn Unfinished Affair.

In March 2012, Facinelli filed for divorce, and it was finalized in June 2013. She and theTwilight star share three children.

Garth began dating actor David Abrams in the fall of 2014. The pair got engaged in April 2015 and married in July of that same year. While the pair separated in 2017 and filed for divorce one year later, Abrams filed a petition to dismiss the divorce proceedings in February 2019.

In 2020, the actress began a podcast titled9021OMGwithBeverly Hills, 90210costar Tori Spelling. In 2024, she expanded her podcasting endeavors, launching her soloI Choose Mepodcast.

In 2002, Garth wasdiagnosed with a mitral valve prolapse and a leaky heart valve, but she didn't reveal the diagnosis until 2009, stating that it would require monitoring for the rest of her life.

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Wesley Jonathan as Gary Thorpe

Wesley Jonathan Netflix; Dia Dipasupil/Getty

Netflix; Dia Dipasupil/Getty

Wesley Jonathan gained fame for his role inCity Guysbefore joining the cast ofWhat I Like About You,playing Holly's best friend, Gary Thorpe.

After the show ended, Jonathan starred on TV shows likeThe LeBrons, The Soul ManandMonogamy.He also starred in movies likeRoll Bounce, Love Will Keep Us TogetherandWhitney.

Jonathan is still acting to this day, with his last appearance being in the TV seriesMind Your Business.

Jonathan is married to Tamara Mitchell and has a daughter, Faye, who they welcomed on Aug. 10, 2014.

Leslie Grossman as Lauren

Leslie Grossman Netflix; JC Olivera/Variety via Getty

Netflix; JC Olivera/Variety via Getty

Since starring onWhat I Like About You, Leslie Grossman has consistently worked in film and television, working closely with writer and creator Ryan Murphy.

Grossman has starred onNip/Tuck, Charmed and CSI: Crime Scene Investigationand guest-starred on various television shows over the years, such asMelissa and JoeyandThe Good Place.

In 2017, she joined season 7 ofAmerican Horror Storyand was promoted to series regular for season 8, appearing in every season since.

In 2024, she appeared in the Netflix biographical crime drama seriesMonsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.

The actress was married to Jon Bronson for over 20 years until he filed for divorce in 2020. The pair share one daughter.

Grossman and Sascha Pen gotengagedin August 2024 and privately eloped in July 2025. She and the film producercelebrated their marriageduring an intimate event with friends and family on New Year's Eve.

Allison Munn as Tina Haven

Allison Munn Netflix; Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage

Netflix; Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage

Allison Munn joined season 2 of the show as Holly Tyler's best friend, Tina Haven.

Munn, who had a recurring role onThat 70s Show,then joined theCarpoolersonceWhat I Like About Youended.

From 2009 to 2012, she appeared on 20 episodes ofOne Tree Hill,and then from 2014 to 2018, she starred on the Nickelodeon sitcomNicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn.

Her most recent role was voicing various characters onFamily Guyin 2025.

Munn began dating her childhood friend, actor Scott Holroyd, in 2004. They got engaged in December 2006 and married in November 2007. They share two children.

Nick Zano as Vince

Nick Zano Netflix; Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty

Netflix; Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty

Nick Zano played Vince, who joined the show in season 2 and stayed as a main cast member until the end.

After the show, Zano had consistent film and TV work, starring in movies likeFinal Destination, Beverly Hills Chihuahuaand10 Years.He also starred in TV shows like2 Broke Girls, 90210andHappy Endings.He is most known for his role as Nate Heywood and Citizen Steel in DC'sLegends of Tomorrow,also playing the same character onArrow.

From 2011 to 2014, Zano dated his2 Broke Girlscostar Kat Dennings. After that, he began a long-term relationship with actress Leah Renee Cudmore. They have a son and a daughter.

Read the original article onPeople

Where Is the Cast of “What I Like About You” Now? See What Happened to the Stars 20 Years After the Sitcom Was Canceled

Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection What I Like About Youran for four seasons on The WB from September 2...
Ghislaine Maxwell fights release of more Epstein documents, calling disclosure law unconstitutional

NEW YORK (AP) — Lawyers for imprisoned British socialiteGhislaine Maxwellare fighting the requested release of 90,000 pages related to disgraced financierJeffrey Epsteinand Maxwell, saying a law used to force the public release of millions of documents is unconstitutional.

Associated Press

The lawyers filed papers late Friday in Manhattan federal court to try to block the release of documents from a since-settled civil defamation lawsuit brought a decade ago by the lateEpstein victim Virginia Giuffreagainst Maxwell. The Justice Department recently asked a judge to lift secrecy requirements on the files.

Maxwell's attorneys said the Justice Department obtained the documents — otherwise subject to secrecy orders — improperly during its criminal probe of Maxwell. They said the documents include transcripts of over 30 depositions and private information regarding financial and sexual matters related to Maxwell and others.

Some records from the year-long exchange of evidence in the lawsuit battle were already released publicly in response to a federal appeals court order.

Maxwell's lawyers say a law Congress passed in December to force the release of millions of Epstein-related documents violates the Constitution's separation of powers doctrine.

"Congress cannot, by statute, strip this Court of the power or relieve it of the responsibility to protect its files from misuse. To do so violates the separation of powers," wrote the lawyers, Laura Menninger and Jeffrey Pagliuca about theEpstein Files Transparency Act.

"Under the Constitution's separation of powers, neither Congress nor the Executive Branch may intrude on the judicial power. That power includes the power to definitively and finally resolve cases and disputes," the lawyers added.

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The release of Epstein-related documents from criminal probes that began weeks ago has resulted in new revelations about Epstein's decades-long sexual abuse of women and teenage girls. Some victims have complained that their names and personal information were revealed in documents while the names of their abusers were blacked out.

Members of Congress have complained that only about half of existing documents, many with redactions, have been made public even as Justice Department officials have said everything has been released, except for some files that can't be made public until a judge gives the go-ahead.

Giuffre said Epstein had trafficked her to other men, including the formerPrince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. She sued Mountbatten-Windsor in 2021, claiming that they had sex when she was 17.

Hedenied her claimsand the two settled the lawsuit in 2022. Days ago, hewas arrested and held in custodyfor nearly 11 hours on suspicion of misconduct in having shared confidential trade information with Epstein.

Ina memoirpublished after she killed herself last year, Giuffre wrote that prosecutors told her they didn't include her in the sex trafficking prosecution of Maxwell because they didn't want her allegations to distract the jury.

Maxwell, 64, was convicted in December 2021 and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Epstein took his own life in a federal lockup in August 2019 as he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges. Maxwell wasmoved from a federal prisonin Florida to a low-security prison camp in Texas last summer after she participated in two days of interviews with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

Two weeks ago, she declined to answer questions from House Oversight Committee lawmakers in a deposition conducted in a a video call to her federal prison camp, though she indicated through a statement from her lawyer that she was "prepared to speak fully and honestly" if granted clemency.

The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Saturday.

Ghislaine Maxwell fights release of more Epstein documents, calling disclosure law unconstitutional

NEW YORK (AP) — Lawyers for imprisoned British socialiteGhislaine Maxwellare fighting the requested release of 90,000 pa...

Robert Voets/CBS

People Christian Hubicki on Survivor 50 Robert Voets/CBS

NEED TO KNOW

  • Christian Hubicki is back for Survivor's all-star 50th season

  • The robotics professor welcomed his first child just weeks before leaving for filming, and he doesn't plan to share the news with his fellow cast members

  • "I have to make this mean something for him," he tells PEOPLE

Christian Hubicki is startingSurvivor's 50th season with a secret.

The robotics professor at Florida State University, who won over fans as the "ultimate David" on the show's David vs. Goliath-themed season that aired in 2018, welcomed a baby boy with his wife, Emily, about six weeks before going to Fiji to filmSurvivor's milestone season.

"It can be tough, but he's a secret that I have right here," patting his heart as he speaks with PEOPLE on location in Fiji just beforeSurvivorbegan filming season 50 in June. "He's my reminder, one, not to mess it up, but number two, it's just something I have to fight for that people don't know I have."

When asked if he had any plans to share his news with fellow cast members, Christian replies, "Not anytime soon, that's for sure."

Christian Hubicki with his now wife, Emily, on 'Survivor: David vs. Goliath' during the loved ones visit CBS via Getty

CBS via Getty

Ahead of leaving to film, Christian says he recorded himself reading baby books and got a bed that moves to soothe babies for better sleep.

"But it's not a replacement for being there to help," he adds. "I have to make this mean something for him."

Christian talked about becoming a father on an August 2025 episode ofRob Has a Podcast, saying, "It's wonderful. I love it. And it really forced me, finally, to have a set schedule in my life. It really adds a lot of structure and also tears down a lot of structure to your life. Things that you planned on doing at a particular time, it's like, 'Nope, nope, nope. Baby needs attention.' "

Christian Hubick on Survivor 50 Robert Voets/CBS

Robert Voets/CBS

He added that he's enjoying experiencing all the "firsts," including his son's first bath.

"I was always afraid, like, 'What's he gonna respond to the bath?' Like, you know, being in the water, and he came out, and he had this adorable little face as if he just experienced something beautiful for the first time," Christian said on the podcast. "And I'm like, 'Oh, I'll never forget that.' "

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"And my photo roll has never been longer on my camera, that's for sure," he added.

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.

Christian Hubicki on 'Survivor: David vs. Goliath' CBS via Getty 

CBS via Getty

Christian was a standout on the 37th season ofSurvivor, memorably solving a puzzle in record time during the premiere episode (turns out, he developed an algorithm for solving slide puzzles as an undergrad) and winning an endurance-based immunity challenge that lasted five and a half hours (during which, Christian rambled about everything from exoskeleton research to reuben sandwiches).

However, he was also targeted as a major threat — something Christian credits partially to Mike White, the creator ofThe White Lotuson HBO, with whom he competed alongside in David vs. Goliath and is also back for season 50.

"Mike White understood that this is a story first, and that the story of my season was David vs. Goliath," Christian tells PEOPLE. "He said, 'Christian is the ultimate David. If you let him get to the end, he will slay Goliath and win.' Very simple story. Everyone bought it."

Christian Hubicki at the finale of 'Survivor: David vs. Goliath' Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty

Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty

This time around, Christian is taking that philosophy with him — but making it work in his favor.

"You could callSurvivora social game. I like to think of it as a political game. You could talk about it as a game of votes, as a game of relationships, all these things. Those are all true, but incomplete," he says. "Survivoris narrative warfare. It's a war for the best story."

Survivor's 50th season premieres on Wednesday, Feb. 25, on CBS.

People Survivor's 50 special edition Robert Voets/CBS via Getty

Robert Voets/CBS via Getty

Celebrate 50 seasons ofSurvivorwith a newspecial edition of PEOPLE, featuring exclusive interviews with Jeff Probst and the milestone season's cast as well as a nostalgic look back at the show's history, fan favorite players and more.

Read the original article onPeople

“Survivor 50”'s Christian Hubicki Plans on Hiding That He Became a Father 6 Weeks Before Filming Began (Exclusive)

Robert Voets/CBS NEED TO KNOW Christian Hubicki is back for Survivor 's all-star 50th season The roboti...
'Jailhouse Rock' Songwriter Mike Stoller Reveals His Favorite Memory Working with Elvis Presley (Exclusive)

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

People From left: Mike Stoller and Elvis Presley in 1957 Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

  • In February, Mike Stoller attended the Los Angeles premiere of EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert

  • Director Baz Luhrmann, John Stamos, Austin Butler, Bob Odenkirk, Tallulah Willis and Scout Willis were also present

  • During the event, the 92-year-old songwriter and producer talked to PEOPLE about his favorite memory of working with Elvis Presley

Iconic songwriter and producer Mike Stoller remains closely tied to one of music's most enduring legacies. During the Los Angeles premiere ofEPiC: Elvis Presley in Concerton Feb. 18, 2026, the 92-year-old paused to reflect on the artist who helped define a generation.

Having worked withElvis Presleyduring some of his most productive studio years, Stoller witnessed firsthand the singer's discipline and drive. "He had great strength, had great stamina, and he could keep going and going," Stoller tells PEOPLE exclusively.

As one half of the influential songwriting and producing partnership with the late Jerry Leiber, Stoller helped craft some of Presley's most memorable recordings. The duo wrote 1957's "Jailhouse Rock" and 1952's "Hound Dog," two songs that became central to Presley's catalog and helped solidify his mainstream appeal.

From left: songwriters and producers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller in 1959 David Attie/Getty

David Attie/Getty

Beyond their work with Presley, Leiber and Stoller also penned Ben E. King's iconic "Stand By Me," a 1961 track that continues to resonate with audiences and is still covered by artists across genres today.

While speaking to PEOPLE, Stoller revealed that one of his favorite memories with Presley comes from the recording session for "Jailhouse Rock." In April 1957, he and Leiber stepped in to guide the session and quickly found their rhythm with the King of Rock 'n' Roll.

"We were working on 'Jailhouse Rock' and we got it going and we got to take nine," Stoller recalls. "At take nine, we said, 'Oh, Elvis, absolutely.' He said, 'No, no. I can do it better.' We got up to take 38 or something. He said, 'Well, let me hear that take you guys liked.' We played take nine and he said, 'You're right. That's a good one.' "

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The moment, Stoller suggests, captured Presley's perfectionism. Even when those in the control room were satisfied, Presley pushed himself through dozens of takes before ultimately agreeing with his collaborators.

Mike Stoller in Hollywood, Calif. on Feb. 18, 2026 Kevin Winter/Getty

Kevin Winter/Getty

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.

EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concertspotlighted the next chapter in preserving Presley's story for modern audiences. The 2025 documentary is directed by Baz Luhrmann and serves as a follow-up to his 2022biographical film,Elvis. The evening underscored how Presley's story continues to evolve onscreen decades after his passing.

For Stoller, the event promptedmemories of seeing Presley, who died at age 42 in 1977, live onstageduring his Las Vegas residency at the International Hotel in 1969. Although the that defining chapter of Presley's career was marked by elaborate staging and a larger-than-life presentation, Stoller still remembers the unforgettable personal touches.

"I saw him a few times [in Vegas]. I hadn't worked with him for a while. But I brought my wife out to meet [Presley] and he said, 'Mighty glad to meet you, ma'am,' " Stoller tells PEOPLE. "But it was interesting. He was also doing a take on himself in the Vegas situation. But I knew him before that. Worked with him earlier. In a way, it was almost fun to see him do a take on himself."

Read the original article onPeople

‘Jailhouse Rock’ Songwriter Mike Stoller Reveals His Favorite Memory Working with Elvis Presley (Exclusive)

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty NEED TO KNOW In February, Mike Stoller attended the Los Angeles premiere of EPi...
Backstreet Boys' Pre-Show Ritual Has Changed Over the Years, Now They Stretch and 'Pray' They Don't Get Hurt (Exclusive)

John Parra/Getty Images for iHeartRadio

People Backstreet Boys: (L-R) Howie Dorough, AJ McLean, Kevin Richardson, Nick Carter and Brian Littrell John Parra/Getty Images for iHeartRadio

NEED TO KNOW

  • The Backstreet Boys were formed in the early '90s and tell PEOPLE their pre-show ritual looks different from what it did 30 years ago

  • When talking to PEOPLE, the band says that they all stretch before their shows

  • "90% of the show is full-out dancing. So we gotta be as limber as we can be," McLean says

TheBackstreet Boysare back, and they're doing a few things differently than before.

The band — composed ofAJ McLean,Kevin Richardson,Howie Dorough,Nick Carter, andBrian Littrell— tells PEOPLE they've added a few things to their pre-show ritual during their residency at Las Vegas' Sphere that they didn't do when they were younger, mainly, "stretching."

"I think everybody's different. I know for me personally, I try to just have a complete quiet stretch, I do a quick little meditation and I've got some weights that I'll do a little bit of weightlifting and stretching and whatnot," McLean, 48, shares.

Backstreet Boys Scott Dudelson/Getty

Scott Dudelson/Getty

"For a long stretch there, I would look at all of us in the dressing room, and maybe one of us might be stretching, but for the most part, we weren't," he adds. "Now I'm pretty sure we're all stretching before a show, before vocal warmups. About 90% of the show is full-out dancing. So we gotta be as limber as we can be."

While they've always prayed before their performances, even that looks a little different now.

"We pray that we don't fall, we pray we don't break an ankle, we get the lyrics, pray we don't pop [an] Achilles heel," Carter, 46, says.

No matter what, McLean notes that they make sure to have a moment together before stepping on stage.

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"We've always had a circle up, whether it's just us five or it's us and our crew, our management, families, our close-knit team. No matter what, us five circle up, that's something we do unified," McLean shares.

The band has changed a lot since they formed in 1993, and they are the first to admit it.

"I sounded like Mickey Mouse back then. I just had a very different voice," Carter shares. "I was younger, so all of our voices have matured. I think the 30-something years, how many shows that we've done, how many albums we've put out... I mean, it's just a natural progression of getting a little bit better. So I think maybe a better version of ourselves."

Dorough, 52, adds that they "maybe have an extra wrinkle or two as well."

"Well, a little bit more back pain, but aside from that, yes," McLean responds.

Backstreet Boys' T-Mobile commercial T-Mobile

Recently, the Backstreet Boys teamed up with comedian Druski and musicianMGKfor aT-Mobile adat this year'sSuper Bowl LX, for which they reworked the lyrics to their song "I Want It That Way."

"You don't take moments like this for granted. We've been fortunate to perform all over the world, and coming together in Times Square to shoot a Super Bowl commercial with T-Mobile was a pretty surreal experience," Richardson, 54, tells PEOPLE. "Seeing the response from the fans and feeling that love year after year is a beautiful thing."

Read the original article onPeople

Backstreet Boys' Pre-Show Ritual Has Changed Over the Years, Now They Stretch and 'Pray' They Don't Get Hurt (Exclusive)

John Parra/Getty Images for iHeartRadio NEED TO KNOW The Backstreet Boys were formed in the early '90s ...

 

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