Features, explainers and long-form stories from across Australia.
Eddie Van Halen wasn’t just a guitar player; he was the human who changed how a generation heard the instrument. When he died on October 6, 2020, the world didn’t just lose a musician—it lost a tinkerer, a father, and a man whose private life was as layered as his solos. Born: January 26, 1955 … Read more
Tom Hanks is one of Hollywood’s most awarded and beloved actors, yet his life is marked by medical challenges, political controversy, and the complexities of a very public career. This article separates verified facts from rumors, covering his Irish ancestry, diabetes diagnosis, Oscar wins, and his messy-but-respectful personal history. Age (as of 2024): 68 · … Read more
There are few stories as startling as watching a familiar face from childhood movies become the subject of a murder conviction. Ryan Grantham, once known for his role in Diary of a Wimpy Kid and a guest spot on Riverdale, pleaded guilty to second‑degree murder in the death of his mother, Barbara Waite. On September … Read more
Anyone who has scrolled through the comments on a Married at First Sight Australia post knows the name Alessandra Rampolla sparks curiosity. The clinical sexologist turned reality TV expert is known for her straight-talking advice and a dramatic weight loss of 60 kilograms (132 pounds). But while her professional life is on display, her personal … Read more
For 28 years, Karl Bushby has been walking. Not a weekend hike, not a cross-country trek—a continuous, unbroken footpath from the tip of South America to the doorstep of his hometown in Hull, England. With just 900 miles to go, he’s about to become the first person to complete a fully unbroken circumnavigation on foot. … Read more
Few TV journalists make a comeback that feels as public as Alex Cullen’s. After a controversial exit from Nine in early 2025, Cullen quietly returned to the Seven Network later that year, taking on dual roles in television and radio. Age: 44 (born 28 November 1980) · Profession: Journalist and TV presenter · Known for: … Read more
Few fictional characters have sparked as much debate about the line between charm and menace as Joe Goldberg. The protagonist of Netflix’s YOU, played by Penn Badgley, has captivated audiences by somehow making stalking and murder feel disturbingly relatable. Across four seasons, his kill count has exceeded 20, yet viewers still wonder: is he a … Read more
John Williamson’s ‘True Blue’ became a national shorthand for authenticity, and his 55-year career in Australian country music is proof that the bush ballad never went out of style. From the Mallee plains to the Tamworth stage, he has spent decades chronicling the Australian landscape and its people. Born: 1 November 1945 · Years active: … Read more
Every now and then, a cricketer arrives who makes you wonder why it took so long. Scott Boland, the Australian fast-medium bowler, answered that question in devastating fashion during the 2021–22 Ashes, taking 6 wickets for 7 runs on Test debut. Age: 35 (born 11 April 1989) · Role: Right-arm fast-medium bowler · Teams: Australia, … Read more
Stuart Townsend’s career is defined by nearly being Aragorn — a casting what-if that overshadows even his actual performances. From playing Lestat in Queen of the Damned to his decade-long relationship with Charlize Theron, the Irish actor’s path took a deliberate turn behind the camera. Born: 15 December 1972 · Nationality: Irish · Occupation: Actor, … Read more