The Long Road Home
Bestselling historical novelist Pam Jenoff reflects on writing, family and the journey that changed her life. Thirty years ago, a diplomatic assignment to Krakow, Poland, changed Pam Jenoff’s life forever. Fresh out of graduate school and a stint as Special Assistant to the Secretary of the U.S. Army at the Pentagon, Jenoff joined the U.S. State Department as a consular officer... Read More
Growing Up On Her Own Terms
Wednesday made Jenna Ortega a worldwide star before the age of 20, but she is basing her career more on interesting choices than fame. There is something slightly strange about Jenna Ortega’s relationship with fame. On the one hand, she is now one of the most recognizable young actors in the world, having transformed Wednesday Addams into a global phenomenon and followed the... Read More
Her Boldest Chapter Yet
Anne Hathaway continues to reinvent herself during a busy year that includes three major movie roles while expecting her third child. Anne Hathaway has always been something of a paradox. For an actress whose career spans fairy-tale beginnings, Oscar-winning gravitas and blockbuster spectacle, there remains something distinctly un-Hollywood about her—an openness, a self-awareness... Read More
Finding Her Flow
Former Today anchor Hoda Kotb has no regrets about leaving the hit morning show to dedicate her life to her young children and new career pursuits. When it comes to life lessons, Hoda Kotb is one of America’s most relatable teachers. Over the course of her remarkable career, the beloved former Today show anchor has shown millions of viewers what resilience, authenticity and... Read More
Heart and Soul
Alexandra Breckenridge carries the emotional weight of Netflix’s hit series Virgin River as a woman determined to embrace motherhood. Alexandra Breckenridge as Mel Monroe in episode 6×07 of Virgin River. Courtesy of Netflix As the old standard Ella Fitzgerald song reminds us, “Into each life some rain must fall.” But when it comes to Mel Monroe’s journey to motherhood... Read More
Why Everybody Still Loves Ray Romano
Even as his career takes him in different directions, the show that made him a star 30 years ago continues to resonate with fans of all ages. When stand-up comic Ray Romano was offered his own prime-time sitcom in the summer of 1996, it was a big career step. Not only did he not feel like it was a sure thing—he was terrified. Romano and series creator Phil Rosenthal still remember... Read More
Living in the Moment
The legendary Cher opens up about fame, failure and remaining fearless at age 80. From an early age, Cher’s mother, Georgia Holt, taught her to “lead with her heart” and “do the right thing”—vital life lessons that still guide her today. As the enduring music legend, entertainment icon and Oscar-winning actress celebrates her 80th birthday on May 20, she says that... Read More
The Joy of Julie Andrews
At 90, the famed actress talks books, Broadway and creating a legacy of love When Julie Andrews’ three daughters—Emma, Amy and Joanna—were growing up, one of their favorite ways to spend a lazy afternoon was to curl up beside their mother with a good book. This time-honored family ritual has continued with her nine grandchildren, creating a through line of storytelling... Read More
In Full Bloom
Fresh off a Golden Globe win and an Oscar nomination, Rose Byrne continues to take on interesting roles that allow her to show off her acting range. Rose Byrne / Photo by Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock There is a calm assurance to Rose Byrne these days, the kind that comes not from certainty, but from lived experience. Once positioned as an elegant dramatic presence in films such as... Read More
Blank’s Canvas
Mixed-media artist Law Blank explores the human experience while paying homage to some familiar faces in pop culture. Early into his life, Law Blank whittled his future down to three distinct career choices: astronaut, baseball player, and artist. The first two didn’t quite pan out, but next year he will celebrate 40 years since he started making art. Blank considers himself... Read More
Spreading Cheer
A frequent star of Christmas movies, Lacey Chabert was the natural choice to lead the first-ever collaboration between Hallmark and Disney. Lacey Chabert firmly believes you can never have too much Christmas. In fact, her family now starts celebrating months before the holiday—and keeps the decorations up well into the New Year. In 2025, they didn’t bother waiting at all. “Every... Read More
What’s Good For Business
The business minds behind Shark Tank share their keys to success, motivating others and more. For 17 seasons, a group of self-made entrepreneurs has been holding court on an extremely popular reality TV show that has changed the business landscape. With millions of viewers watching, Shark Tank quickly became a TV hit, inspiring countless inventors, entrepreneurs and dreamers who... Read More
Year in Review 2025
Since most of our daily lives revolve around rushing from one responsibility to the next, it’s often difficult to pause and reflect. The arrival of a new year presents the perfect opportunity to do so, which is why we here at Orlando Family Magazine like to kick off every January by looking back on the previous year. As usual, the past 12 months brought plenty of excitement to... Read More
Father Figure
On his hit series Tulsa King, Sylvester Stallone is captivating viewers while acting as a mentor to his fellow actors, including his own daughter. At this point in his life, Sylvester Stallone could easily rest on his past accomplishments in show business and relax at his home in Beverly Hills. Instead, Tulsa King, his popular streaming series, takes him to the badlands of Tulsa,... Read More
A Familiar Face
Genuine as ever, David James Elliott returns to the spotlight. Photo Credit: Kailey Schwerman / Hallmark No matter if David James Elliott is travelling in Tuscany, Paris, Vancouver or stateside, he is routinely recognized by fans who are eager to share fond memories watching him command the screen as the star of the TV drama JAG. “People who come up to me, more often than not,... Read More
Lessons Learned
Central Florida professionals share their experiences and advice for future generations. Central Florida is known for its variety of successful industries: health care, entertainment, education, connectivity and more. That success is rooted in the diverse experiences that amalgamate in The Sunshine State to form communities that thrive with innumerable vocations. Orlando Family... Read More
The Age of Elegance
Iconic actress Michelle Pfeiffer continues to turn heads with her graceful style, her brave movie roles and her clean fragrance line. Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Shutterstock Michelle Pfeiffer has always had that rare combination: timeless glamour with a quiet strength. From her breakout performance in Scarface to her luminous turn in The Fabulous Baker Boys, her ability to disappear... Read More
Education for the Future
Area colleges and universities sound off about how they’re supporting a modern student body’s social, academic and career goals. Ask any college what their most in-demand majors are today, and you’ll get answers as varied as the niches that Florida’s many four-year colleges fill to launch the individual trajectories of not only in-state students but also those drawn in from... Read More
In a League of Their Own
Meet some of Central Florida’s standout student-athletes who promise to make this winter sports season a memorable one thanks to their talent and determination. Joe Philon, Montverde Academy boys basketball A 6-foot-8 senior forward, Philon is ranked 38th in the nation by ESPN among 2026 prospects and is being recruited by the likes of Florida State, Minnesota and Texas A&M.... Read More
Strange Days Indeed
As her hit series Stranger Things nears its end, young star Millie Bobby Brown reflects on growing up in the public eye and how staying true to herself has helped her prepare for the next phase of her career. Photo by Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock Few young actors have made as indelible a mark on the industry as Millie Bobby Brown. Rising to international fame as Eleven in Netflix’s... Read More
Better With Age
After more than 50 years together, The Doobie Brothers show no signs of slowing down as they celebrate 2025 with a new album, a world tour and another Hall of Fame induction. Credit: Clay Patrick McBride It’s hard to believe that a band with a history dating back more than half a century could be enjoying one of its greatest years yet, but 2025 just might qualify as such for The... Read More
