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  • Kristin Baxter Recast—Why Fans Still Debate Alexandra Krosney vs. Amanda Fuller Years Later

    Kristin Baxter Recast—Why Fans Still Debate Alexandra Krosney vs. Amanda Fuller Years Later

    Who Was the Better Kristin Baxter on Last Man Standing—Alexandra Krosney or Amanda Fuller?

    It’s a debate that’s quietly simmered among fans of Last Man Standing for years: who portrayed Kristin Baxter better—Alexandra Krosney or Amanda Fuller?

    Last man Standing who was the better Kristen? Alexandra Krosney or Amanda  Fuller? : r/TvShows

    Alexandra Krosney originated the role in Season 1, bringing a youthful, soft-spoken energy to Mike Baxter’s eldest daughter.

    Her version of Kristin was 21 years old, a single mom navigating early adulthood with quiet resilience. Fans appreciated her natural chemistry with Tim Allen and the grounded tone she brought to the show’s family dynamic.

    But after Season 1, ABC made a controversial decision to recast the role.

    Last man Standing who was the better Kristen? Alexandra Krosney or Amanda  Fuller? : r/TvShows

    Enter Amanda Fuller, who took over as Kristin from Season 2 onward. The network cited “creative differences” and an age adjustment as reasons for the switch, wanting to “retool the family dynamic” with a slightly older actress.

    Fuller’s Kristin was more assertive, emotionally layered, and often clashed with her father’s conservative views—adding tension and depth to the show’s political and generational themes.

    The transition wasn’t smooth. Many fans were vocal online, expressing disappointment over Krosney’s departure.

    Last Man Standing Finale Considered Bringing Back Original Mandy & Kristin  Actresses

    Some even directed harsh criticism at Fuller, who later admitted she faced cyberbullying during the early seasons. Yet over time, Fuller earned respect for her portrayal, especially as Kristin’s character evolved—becoming a restaurant manager, marrying Ryan, and raising a second child.

    So, who was better?

    It depends on what you value. Krosney’s Kristin was gentle and relatable, while Fuller’s was fiery and complex. Krosney laid the foundation, but Fuller carried the character through eight more seasons of growth, conflict, and transformation.

    In the end, both actresses brought something unique to the role—and together, they shaped Kristin Baxter into one of the most memorable characters on Last Man Standing.

  • Tim Allen Faces Backlash After Casey Wilson’s Explosive Claims About On-Set Behavior

    Tim Allen Faces Backlash After Casey Wilson’s Explosive Claims About On-Set Behavior

    Tim Allen Faces Backlash After Casey Wilson’s Explosive Claims About On-Set Behavior

    Tim Allen, the longtime star of The Santa Clauses and beloved face of holiday comedy, is under fire after costar Casey Wilson publicly accused him of being “f–king rude” during filming.

    The allegations, shared on Wilson’s podcast Bitch Sesh, have sparked a wave of online debate and cast a shadow over the Disney+ series’ festive image.

    Tim Allen's co-star Casey Wilson says Santa is rude on set

    Wilson, known for her roles in Happy Endings and The Shrink Next Door, described her experience working with Allen as “truly awful”—calling it the “single worst experience” she’s ever had with a costar.

    She recounted a scene in which Allen, dressed as Santa Claus, allegedly refused to make eye contact, dismissed her performance, and abruptly left the set without warning. “He takes his Santa cape, drops it on the floor, and walks out,” Wilson said, adding that crew members scrambled to recover the costume while his stand-in finished the scene.

    Tim Allen Was Such a Bitch' on 'The Santa Clauses' Set, Says Costar Casey  Wilson | Vanity Fair

    The moment that stunned Wilson most came when Allen reportedly complained to a producer—standing just feet away—that she was “stepping on his lines.” The producer, visibly uncomfortable, had to relay the message to Wilson, leaving her shocked by Allen’s lack of direct communication and warmth.

    While Allen has yet to respond publicly to the claims, the story has ignited fierce reactions online.

    Some fans defend the Home Improvement star, citing his decades-long career and reputation for comedic brilliance. Others side with Wilson, praising her honesty and calling out the importance of professionalism on set.

    The controversy has also reignited conversations about celebrity behavior behind the scenes, especially in high-profile productions.

    Tim Allen's co-star Casey Wilson says Santa is rude on set - Los Angeles  Times

    As The Santa Clauses continues its run, the tension between nostalgia and accountability remains front and center.

    Whether Allen chooses to address the allegations or not, one thing is clear: this isn’t just a holiday headline—it’s a moment that’s challenging how fans see one of TV’s most iconic Santas.

  • Celebrating 15 Years of Laughter: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Mike & Molly

    Celebrating 15 Years of Laughter: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Mike & Molly

    Celebrating 15 Years of Laughter: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Mike & Molly

    Can you believe it’s been 15 years since Mike & Molly first hit our screens?

    May be an image of 6 people and text

    As we approach the anniversary of this beloved sitcom, fans everywhere are taking a nostalgic trip behind the scenes to revisit the magic that made the show a standout in television history.

    Premiering in 2010, Mike & Molly followed the sweet and hilarious love story of Mike Biggs (Billy Gardell), a Chicago police officer, and Molly Flynn (Melissa McCarthy), a schoolteacher.

    May be an image of 5 people, lighting and text

    Their chemistry was instant, their banter unforgettable, and their journey—from Overeaters Anonymous to marriage and beyond—was filled with heart, humor, and plenty of family chaos.

    Behind the scenes, the cast and crew created a tight-knit family of their own. From blooper reels to late-night rewrites, the energy on set was electric.

    May be an image of 4 people, blonde hair, hairbrush and hairdryer

    Melissa McCarthy’s breakout comedic timing and Billy Gardell’s grounded charm made every episode shine. Co-stars Reno Wilson, Katy Mixon, and Swoosie Kurtz added layers of hilarity and warmth, turning the Flynn household into one of TV’s most lovable homes.

    May be an image of 3 people and television

    As fans revisit old episodes and cast interviews, one thing becomes clear: Mike & Molly wasn’t just a sitcom—it was a celebration of love, resilience, and finding joy in everyday life. And while rumors of a reunion or reboot continue to swirl, the original series remains a cherished gem that still makes us laugh out loud.

    May be an image of 7 people and text

    So grab a slice of pie, settle into your favorite recliner, and relive the moments that made Mike & Molly unforgettable.

    Happy 15th anniversary to a show that gave us big laughs, big hearts, and one very memorable love story.

  • Reba McEntire’s Emmy Tribute to The Golden Girls Had Everyone Singing—And Crying

    Reba McEntire’s Emmy Tribute to The Golden Girls Had Everyone Singing—And Crying

    Emmys 2025: You’ll Thank Reba McEntire and Little Big Town for This Golden Girls Tribute

    During the 2025 Emmy Awards, Reba McEntire and Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman sang a tribute to honor the legacy of The Golden Girls.

    The 2025 Emmys want to thank the Golden Girls for being a friend.

    In fact, the award show held an onstage tribute to the seven-season sitcom—and its stars Beatrice ArthurBetty WhiteRue McLanahan and Estelle Getty—during the ceremony.

    The Golden Girls' Turns 30: Facts You May Not Know About the Series - ABC  News

    Reba McEntire and Little Big Town‘s Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman took to the stage to perform the series’ theme song, “Thank You For Being a Friend” before the trio presented the category for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (which went to Hacks‘ Hannah Einbinder).

    “Blanche, Dorothy, Sophia and Rose,” Reba said. “Iconic characters who we continue to love 40 years after they first graced our television screens.”

    Kimberly continued, “To the characters and the legends who brought them to laugh, thank you for being our friends.”

    Ahead of the ceremony, during Live From E!: 2025 Emmys, Reba and her fiancé Rex Linn spoke to Zuri Hall about their love for the series.

    “I still am a fan of it,” Reba gushed. “It’s a show that you can watch forever.”

    Rex, meanwhile, added, “If you’re not a fan of The Golden Girls, it would be like not liking puppies. I’m absolutely
    Golden Girls fan.”

    Reba also shared it’s Dorothy, played by Bea, that was the character she related to most. As for why? The 70-year-old quipped, “I think I’m to the point. Blunt. I love her, she’s hysterical.”

    Karen Fairchild, Reba McEntire, and Kimberly Schlapman perform onstage during the 77th Primetime Emmy AwardsKevin Winter/Getty Images

    And when it comes to the Golden Girls theme song, the message about friendship strikes true for Reba after fifty years in the industry.

    “The best thing about this entertainment business, no matter what genre it is, is the friends that you make when you’re going up the ladder,” she said, before joking, “And hopefully those friends will be there if you happen to be going back down the ladder.”

    The Happy’s Place star continued, “But overall, friends are the best thing to collect when you’re in this business.”

    But Golden Girls isn’t the only beloved series getting a spotlight during this year’s Emmy Awards. In addition to the tribute, the ceremony promises reunions from the casts of Grey’s AnatomyGilmore Girls and Law & Order during the broadcast.

  • Here’s When Kelly Clarkson’s Talk Show Return

    Here’s When Kelly Clarkson’s Talk Show Return

    Kelly Clarkson’s Talk Show Return Date for Season 7 Revealed

    Kelly Clarkson’s eponymous daytime talk show is set to return for its seventh season Sept. 29, nearly two months after the death of her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock.

    Kelly Clarkson will be back in the daytime groove.

    The seventh season of her hit daytime talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show will return Sept. 29, according to a press release by NBC, with the New York City-based show beginning production Sept. 8.

    Season seven’s premiere week will be dedicated to highlighting and celebrating the women and men who rescued the campers during the devastating floods in Central Texas in July. What’s more is Kelly’s all-star line-up  guests, including Kate HudsonSterling K. BrownCarrie PrestonAdam ScottBenicio Del ToroJames BluntSydney Sweeney, the Doobie Brothers and more.

    Plus, there’s the return of the American Idol winner’s Kellyoke segment, which sees her performing her own version of some of music’s biggest hits alongside her house band Y’all.

    The new season of The Kelly Clarkson Show comes following a difficult time in the Grammy winner’s persona life.

    Her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock—with whom she shared children River, 11, and Remington, —died Aug. 7, following a battle with melanoma. He was 48.

    Just one day before the former music manager’s death was confirmed, Kelly announced that she would have to cancel the remaining dates of her Studio Sessions Las Vegas residency.

    Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show, season 5Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

    “While I normally keep my personal life private,” the American Idol alum wrote on Instagram Aug. 6, “this past year, my children’s father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them.”

    “I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows,” she added, “and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”

    But as Kelly returns to her show, she’s remaining busy, pulling double duty as she’s once again taking a seat in the red chair as a judge during season 29 of The Voice.

    The “Miss Independent” singer—who judged seasons 14 through 21 and 23—will be joined by fellow returning judges Adam Levine and John Legend for the new series dubbed “The Voice: Battle of Champions” set to premiere in spring of 2026.

    For more shows set to hit TV this fall, keep reading…

  • How Kelly Clarkson’s kids are coping after the loss of dad Brandon Blackstock

    How Kelly Clarkson’s kids are coping after the loss of dad Brandon Blackstock

    How Kelly Clarkson’s kids are coping after the loss of dad Brandon Blackstock

    Country music legend Reba McIntyre gives an update on how her family is doing after her former stepson Brandon Blackstock’s death.

    Kelly Clarkson and children Remington Alexander Blackstock and River Rose Blackstock © Variety via Getty Images

    Amid the excitement of her engagement announcement at the 2025 Emmy Awards, Reba McIntyre also shared an update about how her family is doing since the passing of her stepson, Brandon Blackstock. Reba McEntire and Rex Linn chatted on the red carpet with Entertainment Tonight‘s Cassie DiLaura at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards. The singer opened up about honoring The Golden Girls at the event. Reba and Rex also reacted to Christopher Lloyd and Carol Kane guest-starring on their show, Happy’s Place. And Reba also gave an update on how her family is doing after her former stepson Brandon Blackstock’s death.

    “So Reba, of course we have been keeping you in our thoughts, and your family, the last few weeks I know have been difficult for you guys,” Cassie said. “How are you holding up with the passing of Brandon?”

    “Well we miss him, we miss him every minute,” Reba replied. “The kids are doing well, they’re all bonding together and hanging out with each other, and taking it one day at a time. We know God’s got this. Thank you for asking,” she concluded.

    Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson attend the 25th Annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 12, 2020 in Santa Monica, California© Getty Images
    Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson attend the 25th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards

    Last month, in a statement posted to his management company’s social media on Thursday, August 7, Brandon’s family shared: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” revealing that he had been “bravely” battling cancer for “more than three years.”

    kelly clarkson arm around two children hollywood walk of fame © Getty
    Kelly Clarkson and her two children

    “He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”

    His death comes on the heels of Kelly Clarkson postponing a slate of shows scheduled for August in Las Vegas as part of an ongoing residency.

    Seth Blackstock, Remington Alexander Blackstock, Savannah Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson, River Rose Blackstock, and Brandon Blackstock  arrives at the STX Films World Premiere Of "UglyDolls"  at Regal Cinemas L.A. Live on April 27, 2019 in Los Angeles, California© WireImage
    Seth Blackstock, Remington Alexander Blackstock, Savannah Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson, River Rose Blackstock, and Brandon Blackstock

    In addition to Kelly and their children together, Brandon is also survived by two children from his previous marriage to Melissa Atwell, son Seth and daughter Savannah, who welcomed a child of her own in 2022.

    He is also survived by his mother Elysa Gayle Ritter, 69, and father Narvel Blackstock, 68. Brandon’s former stepmother Reba was married to Narvel from 1989 until 2015.

  • Rory McIlroy’s Text That Hit Niall Horan Right in the Heart

    Rory McIlroy’s Text That Hit Niall Horan Right in the Heart

    Rory McIlroy’s text to One Direction star Niall Horan almost left him in tears

    Former One Direction singer Niall Horan is an avid golfer, and has described the emotional response he had 10 years ago when the iconic Rory McIlroy asked him to be his caddie at the Masters

    Rory McIlroy and Niall Horan at a golf course
    Rory McIlroy asked Niall Horan to be his caddie at the annual Masters Par-3 competition(Image: Getty)

    Musician and former One Direction star Niall Horan joked he nearly burst into tears when Rory McIlroy asked him to carry his bag at the Masters. The Irish singer is renowned for his passion for golf and holds membership at Wentworth, the host of the BMW PGA Championship.

    Competing at the Surrey venue this week, where Horan has participated in Pro-Am events on multiple occasions, has been none other than reigning Masters champion McIlroy.

    The pair have met previously, and during Horan’s peak years with One Direction, a message from McIlroy asking whether he’d serve as the Northern Irishman’s caddie at the Masters’ annual Par-3 contest nearly moved him to tears.

    Speaking on the Fore Play podcast in 2023, Horan revealed details about McIlroy’s request, which arrived almost a decade earlier. Horan said: “He just texted me like a week before. He said do you fancy carrying the bag for the Par-3.

    “I was like, let me start crying. The old Irish thing has this connection. I guess, sure, and we have got a lot of mutual friends beforehand and we knew each other quite well.”

    Sadly for Horan, the experience concluded in relative catastrophe. After serving as McIlroy’s caddie for the majority of the round, he was permitted a shot on the ninth and final hole, but dragged it into the water.

    To compound his troubles, he then dramatically toppled over on the same hole. He told reporters at the time: “My right arm got stuck on my chest and I pulled it across and it wound up in the drink on the very left. Any other day I would have found the green but there’s a lot of pressure out there.

    Rory McIlroy and Niall Horan at the Masters
    Horan was almost brought to tears by McIlroy’s request(Image: Getty)

    “It’s very different,” added a 21-year-old Horan. “I do perform to a lot of people but I’m performing to their parents today. It’s a very different crowd.”

    Horan has returned to the legendary Augusta National numerous times since this mishap, even playing the course occasionally. Earlier this year, speaking before the competition that McIlroy went on to win, Horan revealed his passion for golf and the Masters.

    “When I was very young. Watching Tiger [Woods] win here [at Augusta] multiple times was a big help, Sunday red here at Augusta with those big roars through the TV,” he told The Masters Tournament.

    “Being from Ireland was a big help with some great players with [Paul] McGinley and [Padraig] Harrington. Once you’re in, you’re in,” he continued.

    “I have fortunately played this course on multiple occasions. I have birdied 13 a couple of times, which is exactly what you want to do when you’re down there. When I’m here I don’t really care how I play, but just happy to walk around and take in the history.

    “I always say do you remember when Bubba [Watson] hit that shot from the trees on 10 or Phil [Mickelson] hit that crazy shot from the trees on 13. That never gets old. But there was a moment that was unreal one day. We were coming up No. 8. Me and a friend of mine had hit the second shot left into the trees there.

    “As we were looking and waiting for a group on No. 2 to walk by, we realised it was Jack [Nicklaus]. And he was wearing a yellow shirt. And he was walking down the hill. That was just an amazing moment. The Bear himself.”

  • Reba McEntire Dropped a Bombshell—The Announcement That Left Fans Speechless and Social Media in Chaos

    Reba McEntire Dropped a Bombshell—The Announcement That Left Fans Speechless and Social Media in Chaos

    Reba McEntire and Rex Linn Announce Engagement at 2025 Primetime Emmys

    The country music star and her beau Rex Linn used the platform of the 2025 Emmy Awards to share the good news.

    Reba McEntire on 'The Voice'

    Reba McEntire for ‘The Voice’ Art Streiber/NBC via Getty Image

    Reba McEntire is getting hitched.

    The country music star and her beau Rex Linn used the platform of the 2025 Primetime Emmy Awards to share the good news.

    The happy couple are, of course, co-stars in the NBC sitcom Happy’s Place, in which McEntire plays the titular character Bobbie and Linn portrays the character Emmett.

    McEntire confirmed their engagement during a red carpet interview with E! News when the reporter referred to Linn as the singer’s “fiancé.”

    “We’re having a blast on ‘Happy’s Place’ and so glad to be here tonight,” she responded. In another giveaway, McEntire was spotted wearing a black ring on her left ring finger. A rep for McEntire confirms to Billboard that the couple are now engaged.

    Later, McEntire took the stage at the Ovation Theater at L.A. Live for the Golden Girls 40th anniversary tribute, for which she joined in to sing the theme song, “Thank You for Being a Friend,” alongside Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman. She also presented the Emmy for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series.

    The loved-up pair started dating in 2020, news of which McEntire shared by way of her podcast Learning with Reba McEntire.

    After calling him a “very, very sweetheart of a guy,” McEntire revealed how the affair blossomed during the pandemic. “We’ve been talking during the pandemic,” she explained at the time. “We had dinner with Rex, was it in January? And then February, on it was the Covid pandemic, and we were talking, texting, FaceTime. And that’s a really good way to get to know people.”

    McEntire and Linn go way back, having reportedly met the set of the 1980 TV movie The Gambler.

    The singer, actress and The Voice coach split from her husband of 26 years, Narvel Blackstock, in 2015. Prior to that, she was married to Charlie Battles from 1976 to 1987. Linn has never walked down the aisle.

  • Snoop Dogg Gets Emotional Over Niall Horan’s Sweet Gesture

    Snoop Dogg Gets Emotional Over Niall Horan’s Sweet Gesture

    Snoop Dogg Was So Moved by What Niall Horan Did for This Crying Fan

    The encounter took Snoop Dogg down memory lane.

    Niall Horan has just been crowned the heartthrob of The Voice Season 28.

    Snoop Dogg touched by Niall Horan's sweet moment with tearful fan

    How to Watch

    Watch Season 28 of The Voice on Monday, September 22 at 8/7c on NBC and Peacock.

    During a Coaches’ roundtable discussion released on September 8, Coaches Reba McEntire, Snoop Dogg, Michael Bublé, and Horan took a few minutes to talk all things The Voice. And Horan got one of the best compliments ever from the D-O-double-G himself.

    McEntire kicked off the discussion by posing a simple question to her fellow Coaches: “When was the moment that you guys knew we were all going to be friends?”

    “I think it was the first moment for me,” Snoop confessed. “I’m one of those kind of guys that the spirit gotta connect instantly off the rip, and as soon as I walked into the room, as soon as we sat down next to each other, you could feel it in the air, it’s in the spirit.”

    Horan echoed Snoop’s sentiments, explaining that he felt the friendship “pretty much from straight away.”

    “I never met Snoop before. I obviously worked with Reba before, and I’ve known you for too long,” he said, gesturing toward Bublé. “But I was excited to meet Snoop and work again with you guys.”

    It was a heartfelt moment between the Season 28 Coaches — and that’s when Snoop Dogg gave Horan the compliment of the year.

    “When I said I was coming back to The Voice, my folks were asking like, ‘Who gonna be there with you?’ So when I said Reba and Mike, they already know the chemistry,” he explained.

    “When I said your name — it was like, instant heartthrob,” Snoop told Horan.

    Snoop Dogg was moved by Niall Horan’s interaction with a crying fan

    A split of Snoop Dogg and Niall Horan on The Voice.

    Snoop Dogg appears on The Voice red carpet for Season 26 Episode 19; Niall Horan appears on The Voice Season 24 Episode 8.

    Photo: Griffin Nagel/NBC; Tyler Golden/NBC

    Snoop then told a story about how Horan’s sweet encounter with a fan took him down memory lane.

    “Me and [Horan] were walking the other day,” Snoop said. “All of a sudden, there was a little girl, and she just was crying hard. And [Horan] walked off to the side and gave her the comfort superstars do. And I said, ‘I remember having those moments in 1990.’”

    As it turns out, Bublé had his own heartthrob story, too — although, knowing the jokester, his tale may be slightly more fictional.

    “I was at the grocery store and someone started screaming my name: ‘Michael, Michael, Michael!’” Bublé said. “And I came up to her, I said hi — and she said, ‘Can you get me Niall?’”

    Laughs were had by all, and fans even caught Horan low-key blushing over all the adoration his fellow Coaches were showering him with.

    Things will only get more exciting when The Voice Season 28 kicks off. If the teaser trailer is any indication, it looks like Horan will be put into a hockey-style penalty box at one point. Horan’s infraction? According to Bublé, Horan will pay the price for “looking too good.”

    Mark your calendars: The Voice returns Monday, September 22, with a two-hour premiere episode at 8/7c — only on NBC.

  • Christopher Rich’s Heartfelt Revelation About His Stroke Recovery

    Christopher Rich’s Heartfelt Revelation About His Stroke Recovery

    [HEARTBREAKING] Reba alum Christopher Rich moves Happy Place fans to tears with his heartfelt revelation about his road to recovery after being diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury following a massive stroke

    ‘Reba’ Alum Chris Rich’s Post-Stroke Health Battle in His Words: Traumatic Brain Injury to Recovery

    Reba alum Christopher Rich candidly discussed his road to recovery after being diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury following a massive stroke.

    Rich rose to stardom playing Alexander “Sandy” Cory on Another World in the early ’80s. From there, Rich continued to make memorable appearances on shows such as The Nanny, ER and Murphy Brown before scoring his gig on Reba as Brock.

    Reba made Rich a household name after he played Reba McEntire‘s ex-husband Brock from 2001 to 2007. He went on to appear on Boston Legal, Desperate Housewives and Melissa & Joey before slowing down following a health scare.

    “After my stroke and having a brain injury, it is like I got hit with an atomic bomb. So it all gets traumatized, and it is a hard reset,” he exclusively told Us Weekly in February 2025 before his guest spot on NBC’s Happy’s Place. “After I finally got out of the hospital, I was moving around again. Then I threw a bunch of blood clots and ended up in the hospital with lung embolisms and debris on my heart. After surviving all of that crap, I’m feeling really, really good.”

    He continued: “I lost 50 pounds since the last time I was a regular on television. I just don’t have much of an appetite anymore. But I’m not disappointed by losing weight.”

    Reba Alum Chris Rich Post Stroke Health Battle in His Words
    Andrew Eccles/Fox Television/Courtesy Everett Collection
    Rich was hopeful about his return to Hollywood, adding, “It’s great to be able to be a disabled person and play a disabled person. I’m hoping that when some of this gets out there, that people that I’ve worked with in the past are going to say, ‘OK, let’s bring him back. We can work with him.’”

    Despite having his life changed by the traumatic brain injury, Rich has remained positive about his ongoing recovery — and is making his return to acting. Keep scrolling for everything Rich said about his health scare, life after having a stroke and how he has prioritized his recovery:

    The Initial Health Issue

    Reba Alum Chris Rich Post Stroke Health Battle in His Words
    Christopher Rich, Melissa Peterman and Reba McEntire in ‘Reba.’ Everett Collection
    “I almost didn’t make it to the Easter service at church because I was busy having a massive stroke,” Rich recalled in a 2022 video for a Texas regenerative medicine clinic. “It has been a major struggle but a part of my treatment is coming here to get a stem cell treatment to heal the right side of my brain where the blood clot happened.”

    Rich broke down how the stroke damaged the ride side of his brain, which impaired his ability to walk, talk and use the left side of his body.

    “It destroyed some of my brain so what I have been doing is I’ve been trying to redevelop neural pathways,” he continued at the time. “My left side was completely frozen. I couldn’t walk or use my left arm.”

    Developing a New Lease on Life

    Reba Alum Chris Rich Post Stroke Health Battle in His Words
    Melissa Peterman, Christopher Rich, Reba McEntire and Scarlett Pomers in ‘Reba.’ Greg Schwartz/Fox Television/Courtesy Everett Collection
    After suffering a stroke in 2018, Rich reflected on his health in a promotional video for a medical center, saying, “I actually had some stem cells injected into my shoulder a few days ago, and the pain is down 80 percent. I have more mobility. I’m walking better. I’m still talking like an idiot, but I don’t think that’s ever going to change.”

    Rich admitted he has since looked at his life differently. “When you face a major medical issue, it changes your perspective on life,” he noted. “When you come through it, you begin to enjoy each day a little bit more even with the pain.”

    The actor said his health became a priority, which meant it was “that serious a deal” for him to travel from Los Angeles to Texas to “get the highest quality of treatment.”

    Facing Ups and Downs

    Reba Alum Chris Rich Post Stroke Health Battle in His Words
    Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Celebrity Fight Night
    Rich discussed his mental health in a 2019 video for the Centre for Neuro Skills.

    “After [you] suffer a brain injury, it is like everything has changed in a moment and now you’re in this other place. But there’s hope because this is where — for me — the sun shines,” he explained. “Treat your significant other nicely because you’re gonna be relying on them, and don’t forget to ask other people for help because you can use all the help you can get right now. … You’re at the right place and I’m so sorry that you’re having to do this, but I’m glad you found this place. They will take good care of you. They saved my life.”

    Rich was previously married to the late Nancy Frangione from 1982 to 1996, with whom he shared one adopted daughter. He found love again with Eva Halina Rich and the couple, who share two daughters, got married in 2003. Eva joined Christopher in a video for the medical center where he recalled the aftermath of his “massive stroke.”

    “My wife and I are still working hard to reestablish our relationship because it’s like she’s living with a different person,” he admitted. “I get frustrated with the fact that she doesn’t recognize me as the same guy that is still in here. But she’s like, ‘This is an adjustment.’ I don’t think I’ll ever be exactly what I was before and I hope not because this has been such a learning experience for me.”

    The Initial Year

    Reba Alum Chris Rich Post Stroke Health Battle in His Words
    Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Celebrity Fight Night
    “I went to sleep the night before Easter and when I woke up, I couldn’t walk or really talk coherently. I had a stroke in the middle of the night and then I had complete left side paralysis. There was basically no use of my left arm at all. I couldn’t walk on my own. I was in a wheelchair,” he detailed in 2019. “My voice sounded abnormal to me, and I had a lot of saliva running out of the left side of my mouth.”

    Christopher pointed out that memory was a major issue as well, adding, “I have these dreams at night where I wake up the next morning and I’m completely healed. As much as I want that, some mornings I wake up and I’m trying to stretch out to get moving again, and I realize that I’m doing more than I did yesterday morning.”

    He continued: “I have a terrific life thanks to [the medical center]. Bad stuff happens and you can do the, ‘Why me?’ But it’s there for you to grow. This doesn’t stop you and it isn’t the end of the road. It is the beginning of a different road. I would say that CNS saved my life. It really reintegrated me into that life that’s out there.”

    Stepping Back From Acting to Focus on His Health

    Reba Alum Chris Rich Post Stroke Health Battle in His Words
    Reba McEntire and Chris Rich in ‘Reba.’ Danny Feld/Fox Television/Courtesy Everett Collection
    “If you’re an actor, you can’t just suddenly show up again [after suffering a TBI] and say, ‘I can do this.’ Fortunately, I did find something [new]. I miss acting a little bit but not like I thought I would,” he said in the 2019 video for the Centre for Neuro Skills. “It’s been my main drive through my life but the other thing that I’ve done a lot of is philanthropic work and I really miss that more than I do being an actor.”

    Christopher continued: “I was able to do something that I got involved with a long time ago. It is a green energy program of non-polluting generators, particularly for islands and remote places.”

    Returning to His ‘Reba’ Roots

    Reba Alum Chris Rich Post Stroke Health Battle in His Words
    Reba McEntire, Chris Rich and Rex Linn. Courtesy of Chris Rich/Instagram
    After taking a break from acting, Christopher made a guest appearance on NBC’s Happy’s Place. The role reunited Rich with McEntire and Melissa Peterman, who were his costars on Reba. Christopher played a local tattoo artist on Happy’s Place named Maverick who liked to tease new clients about which hand he would use to tattoo them after suffering a stroke that affected his left side.

    “The crew made it feel like the old Reba set because we were having a blast. They had as much fun as I did and that was really heartwarming for me. It felt like I was back home in a safe place,” he told Us. “I was really well taken care of. It was a blessing. I want to go back so badly.”