Reposted by Ashley SpencerRobert @pradlin.bsky.social · 08/05/2026I hope they offer this context next to the video, playing on repeat, in the Louvre. 042
Reposted by Ashley SpencerM. Kaspar @archomath.net · 08/05/2026If you see an oral history of tom holland's umbrella lip sync battle performance, you must share an oral history of tom holland's umbrella lip sync battle performance 04017
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 07/05/2026It exists! I interviewed backup dancers, producers, the costume designer, the song’s producers who granted the rights, and so many more who were involved: web.archive.org/web/20240227...web.archive.orgAn oral history of Tom Holland's sensational 'Lip Sync Battle' performanceThe producers, choreographers, and dancers behind the "Umbrella" and "Singin' in the Rain" mashup explain how it came to be. 321431515
Reposted by Ashley SpencerHeyRatty @heyratty.bsky.social · 01/03/2026Matthew Lillard, a Fan Favorite, Still Has to Hustle for Work — After a period of joblessness when he had to sell his home and cars, the #Scream7 actor’s career is booming — whether Quentin Tarantino likes it or not www.nytimes.com/2026/02/28/m... by @ashleyspencer.bsky.socialnytimes.comMatthew Lillard, a Fan Favorite, Still Has to Hustle for Work 052
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 12/01/2026Lizzie McGuire premiered 25(!) years ago today. Over the last few years, I've talked to a lot of the cast, crew and Disney executives about why that show was so special and how it helped reshape Disney Channel into a 2000s powerhouse. ⬇️ 283
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 10/01/2026I interviewed Emily Henry, Tom Blyth, and Emily Bader about the People We Meet on Vacation movie changes and the merits of romance for the @nytimes. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/m...nytimes.comUnpacking ‘People We Meet on Vacation’ With Emily Henry and the Stars 064
Reposted by Ashley SpencerThe New York Times @nytimes.com · 06/12/2025Josh Hutcherson found instant success as a child actor. But after his “Hunger Games” fame, it felt like it almost all went away. “From age 23 or 24 to almost 30, I wasn’t getting the kinds of roles that I wanted or cast in the things I was auditioning for. It was a brutal few years.” trib.al/DGUjhkJ 141497
Reposted by Ashley SpencerLisa Fung @lisafung.bsky.social · 24/11/2025‘When you lose someone important early on, it reaffirms the fact that life is so fleeting. You owe it to yourself to find your passion and to pursue it.’ This is a lovely read by @ashleyspencer.bsky.social on Robert Irwin www.nytimes.com/2025/11/23/s...nytimes.comRobert Irwin Is Actually That Nice 121
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 29/10/2025Met up with character actor William Fichtner for lattes and a long chat about his illustrious, scene-stealing career that includes Heat, Contact, Armageddon, The Dark Knight, Prison Break and about 100 other things. NYT gift link: www.nytimes.com/2025/10/29/a...nytimes.comWilliam Fichtner Really Is That Guy 2155
Reposted by Ashley SpencerHeyRatty @heyratty.bsky.social · 29/10/2025William Fichtner Really Is That Guy www.nytimes.com/2025/10/29/a... by @ashleyspencer.bsky.socialnytimes.comWilliam Fichtner Really Is That Guy 022
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 27/10/2025It’s been 30 years since “Casper” and “Now and Then,” so I got brunch with Devon Sawa to reminisce and find out what his life was like then and now for The New York Times, ft. additional insights from Christina Ricci and more.nytimes.comThis ’90s Teen Star Has Come a Long Way 040
Reposted by Ashley SpencerBoardwalk Times @boardwalktimes.bsky.social · 15/08/2025🚨🎙️NEW POD ALERT🎙️🚨 Zach talks to @ashleyspencer.bsky.social, author of DISNEY HIGH. • Writing DISNEY HIGH 📘 • The evolution of Disney Channel 📺 • The stars of the era 🌟 • Top 4 DCOM's 📽️ • Growing up near Walt Disney World 🏰 • And so much more! 💫 boardwalktimes.net/the-zach-per... 021
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 09/08/2025What happens when a teen heartthrob grows up? I interviewed Chad Michael Murray for The New York Times to find out. He opened up about being a “not-nice guy” in his 20s, fame and his experiences on projects like “Gilmore Girls,” “Freaky Friday” and “One Tree Hill.” www.nytimes.com/2025/08/08/m... 052
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 31/07/2025Christopher McDonald embraces his “Happy Gilmore” alter ego, but Shooter McGavin’s popularity belies a half-century career and a storied life beyond the golf course. My NYT profile ft. additional insights from Adam Sandler, Jean Smart and more: www.nytimes.com/2025/07/30/m...nytimes.comChristopher McDonald Is Shooter McGavin. And a Whole Lot More. 151
Reposted by Ashley SpencerThe New York Times @nytimes.com · 30/07/2025In “Happy Gilmore 2," Christopher Mcdonald has officially reprised the role of Shooter McGavin. “It’s the gift that keeps on giving,” McDonald said in an interview with The New York Times. Read the full interview. nyti.ms/4moffAz 6933
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 14/07/2025A once-again relevant tidbit from my 2021 deep dive on The Rosie O’Donnell Show. www.vulture.com/article/the-... 030
Reposted by Ashley SpencerMaira Garcia @mairalg.bsky.social · 17/06/2025I really enjoyed editing this profile of Kevin Williamson by @ashleyspencer.bsky.social. The creator of "Dawson's Creek" and "Scream" is channeling his family's story into the new Netflix series "The Waterfront" that's loosely based on his father. www.latimes.com/entertainmen...latimes.comIn 'The Waterfront,' 'Dawson's Creek' creator Kevin Williamson returns to his gritty rootsThe main characters in Kevin Williamson's Netflix series are a multigenerational cast of adults whose lives are glossier and grittier than what audiences remember from the 'Dawson’s' gang. 152
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 17/06/2025I profiled Kevin Williamson, looking at the semi-autobiographical projects that have punctuated his career, from “Dawson’s Creek” to “The Waterfront.” Ft. insights from James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Melissa Benoist, Topher Grace & more for the @latimes. www.latimes.com/entertainmen... 022
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 30/05/2025I interviewed Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks about their new whodunnit series, The Better Sister, and fighting to take control in Hollywood, for the L.A. Times. www.latimes.com/entertainmen...latimes.comElizabeth Banks and Jessica Biel on ‘The Better Sister’ finale and taking controlThe co-stars and executive producers of Prime Video's 'The Better Sister' discuss making the limited series and the decades of experience in Hollywood that led them to it. 012
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 21/05/2025Step aside, Moana, Elsa and Simba. In recent years, Stitch has quietly become one of Disney’s most popular — and most merchandised — characters. I reported on Stitch mania for The New York Times. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2025/05/21/m...nytimes.com‘Lilo & Stitch’: How a Fuzzy Blue Alien Became a Disney Cash Cow 142
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 23/03/2025“When I think about her, I think about how much I want to be alive.” That’s how Cate Blanchett described Uzo Aduba to me for this @latimes.com profile of the 3x Emmy winner/star of Netflix’s new Shondaland series “The Residence.” Online now and in print today. www.latimes.com/entertainmen...latimes.comUzo Aduba dons a detective's cape in 'The Residence'Uzo Aduba stars as an eccentric, bird-watching sleuth in Netflix's new murder-mystery comedy, a role that feels revolutionary to the actor. 010
Reposted by Ashley SpencerDaniel Ford @writersbone.com · 11/03/2025Episode 700: Magical With a Side of Chaos With @ashleyspencer.bsky.social Listen: www.writersbone.com/podcastsarch... 042
Reposted by Ashley SpencerMichael Lobel @mlobelart.bsky.social · 11/03/2025Since folks are celebrating Bluesky's longer video capabilities with this particular clip, I'd highly recommend you read @ashleyspencer.bsky.social's glorious & delightful oral history of Tom Holland's "Lip Sync Battle" performance www.businessinsider.com/tom-holland-...businessinsider.comAn oral history of Tom Holland's sensational 'Lip Sync Battle' performanceThe producers, choreographers, and dancers behind the "Umbrella" and "Singin' in the Rain" mashup explain how it came to be. 16721
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 08/03/2025Huge DISNEY HIGH ebook sale today at all ebook retailers for only $2.99! If you haven’t read my book yet, now’s your chance to do so for mere pennies 💕 us.macmillan.com/books/978125... 020
Reposted by Ashley SpencerDaniel Ford @writersbone.com · 07/03/2025Thanks to Eskor David Johnson for a fun discussion this week about his book Pay As You Go. We hit Episode 700 next Tuesday! We'll be chatting with @ashleyspencer.bsky.social about her book Disney High. Subscribe and tune in: apple.co/3XMnpcc 021
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 27/02/2025Wrote a little bit about Michelle Trachtenberg's singular, special work in Harriet the Spy that inspired a generation of writers (including me). ashleyspencer.substack.com/p/in-michell...ashleyspencer.substack.comIn Michelle Trachtenberg's 'Harriet,' Millennials Saw ThemselvesAs Harriet the Spy, 10-year-old Michelle Trachtenberg inspired a generation to become writers, journalists, and passionate observers of the world. 031
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 17/02/2025I fear Debbie Downer in 2025 is just all of us now. #SNL50 0153
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 12/02/2025This actually sounds like a genius idea (and smart career move for Taylor Lautner). variety.com/2025/tv/news... 020
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 09/02/2025My most boomer complaint is the joy of watching Super Bowl ads used to come from an element of surprise. They lose value when they’re pre-announced and plastered in full on the internet. I want to be shocked by that celeb cameo! Aghast at that collab! Weeping at that baby horse! 040
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 27/01/202530 years of BEFORE SUNRISE today 💕 Here’s a gift link to the oral history I did for its 25th anniversary. Still one of my favorites. www.nytimes.com/2020/01/22/m...nytimes.com‘Before Sunrise’: The Making of an Indie Classic (Gift Article)On a tiny budget and at the mercy of Viennese trains and Ferris wheels, Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke managed to create ’90s movie magic. 042
Reposted by Ashley SpencerKat Tenbarge @kattenbarge.bsky.social · 29/12/2024It helped that I was so enthralled reading @ashleyspencer.bsky.social’s book Disney High 1341
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 21/12/2024Gift link to the in-depth NYT story on the Blake Lively / Justin Baldoni saga, which is worth a read: www.nytimes.com/2024/12/21/b...nytimes.comBlake Lively, Justin Baldoni and a Smear Campaign After ‘It Ends With Us’ (Gift Article)Private messages detail an alleged campaign to tarnish Blake Lively after she accused Justin Baldoni of misconduct on the set of “It Ends With Us.” 061
Reposted by Ashley SpencerJannae @heyitsjannae.bsky.social · 19/12/2024This was one of my favorite books of 2024!!! Loved that Lalaine narrated the audiobook. My book club does a book gift exchange every year, and I’ll be bringing this one!! 111
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 19/12/2024I wrote a book about cable TV, child stardom, the business of being Disney, and an era when the High School Musical soundtrack outsold Beyoncé and The Beatles. It’s called DISNEY HIGH and it makes an excellent holiday gift! The cover even sparkles for a dash of festive flair. 197
Reposted by Ashley SpencerDaniel Ford @writersbone.com · 08/12/2024Disney High orientation this morning with @ashleyspencer.bsky.social. If you’re in the holiday book-buying mood: us.macmillan.com/books/978125... 131
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 28/11/2024Still dreaming about living in the Miracle on 34th Street (1994) apartment and watching the parade through those giant bay windows. 050
Reposted by Ashley SpencerRichard Rushfield @richardrushfield.bsky.social · 27/11/2024Here it is. When youve had enough DC-talk, here's the people who cover the world upstream from politics - the reporters and critics on the Hollywood beat in one lovely starter pack go.bsky.app/J1GQ3Ny 125713
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 21/11/2024Wicked opens and The Sex Lives of College Girls returns today. An abundance of Thursday riches about the complexities of college roommate friendships. 021
Reposted by Ashley SpencerJustin LaLiberty @jlalibs.bsky.social · 16/11/2024There are currently only 22 films streaming on Netflix made before 1980 and not a single one made before 1960, with the oldest film on the platform currently being PSYCHO. I know I’m a broken record but: buy physical media, support your local library, etc etc 285223114553
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 13/11/2024Hot Frosty viewers: I interviewed Dustin Milligan for The New York Times, where he opened up about the challenges of playing the titular snowman and how Lacey Chabert supported him through the shoot. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2024/11/08/m... 0122
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 12/11/2024Some fun news: DISNEY HIGH is a nominee in the Goodreads Choice Awards! My humble tome about Disney Channel history managed to make the nonfiction shortlist with works by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Amy Tan, and John Grisham. Please vote to send it to the finals! www.goodreads.com/choiceawards...goodreads.comOpening Round: Vote for the Readers' Favorite Nonfiction of 2024!Discover the Readers' Favorite Nonfiction in the 2024 Goodreads Choice Awards. 000
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 11/11/2024Hi! I’m a culture journalist whose work appears in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Vanity Fair & more. My first book DISNEY HIGH: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of Disney Channel’s Tween Empire just came out from St. Martin’s Press & I’d love if you’d check it out! bit.ly/DisneyHigh 0134
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 10/11/2024If you need a distraction today: My feature on this year’s (relatively) spicy Christmas romances is in print in the Sunday NYT! 110
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 09/11/2024Loved every minute of HERETIC. Vibes meet the moment. Sophie Thatcher is such a star, and Hugh Grant has perfected his charming villain schtick. 010
Reposted by Ashley Spencer Cat Babushka (Mon) @monanaliza.bsky.social · 08/11/2024Excellent, excellent, excellent. Will watch 011
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 08/11/2024All I have to offer this week is a dive into the suddenly steamy-ish world of Netflix and Lifetime Christmas romances. Perhaps reading the phrase “holiday coitus” in The New York Times will make you smile. www.nytimes.com/2024/11/08/m...nytimes.comNetflix and Lifetime Christmas Movies Strip Down With ‘Hot Frosty’ and MoreWith “Hot Frosty,” “The Merry Gentlemen” and “A Carpenter Christmas Romance,” holiday fare is headed in a shirtless new direction. 180
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 12/02/2024Thrilled to announce my book DISNEY HIGH: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of Disney Channel's Tween Empire will be out from St. Martin’s Press on 9/24/24! And you can preorder your copy right now! bit.ly/DisneyHigh 042
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 24/11/2023“Wish” director Fawn Veerasunthorn’s origin story might be even more inspiring than those of the heroines in her Disney films. I sat down with her at Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank to learn more.nytimes.comDisney Rejected Her a Few Times. The ‘Wish’ Director Just Kept Trying.After she was finally hired by the studio, Fawn Veerasunthorn worked her way up the ranks, and has applied that lesson of perseverance to her new film. 030
Ashley Spencer @ashleyspencer.bsky.social · 10/08/2023Disney struggled to find a way to continue its High School Musical franchise for years before Tim Federle pitched his bold new take. Four seasons later, the final season of the wonderfully meta HSMTMTS is out on Disney+, and my interview with the showrunner is in @nytimes.com.nytimes.comThe ‘High School Musical’ Series Is Over. Tim Federle Takes a Bow.After four seasons and the making of a superstar, the Disney+ series comes to an end. Its creator and showrunner unpacked the series and its finale. 000