There was no mistake when the beloved but forlorn accountant Norm Peterson chugged his way into the fictional TV bar "Cheers.""Norm!!!" hollered the regulars in unison, ranging from mail carrier Cliff Clavin to "Mayday" Sam Malone, the former Major League pitcher-turned barkeep.If only former House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, or late Rep. Buz Lukens, R-Ohio, had been as recognizable to George Wendt, the actor who played Norm on the sitcom.REMEMBERING REP. CHARLIE RANGEL AND A VOICEMAIL I'LL NEVER FORGETWendt died last week at age 76. The portly, everyman, "Willy Loman" character Wendt created was one of the most iconic in the history of comedic television. Wendts portrayal of Norm earned him six consecutive Emmy nominations for Best Supporting Actor in a primetime series.But during Boehners first race for Congress in 1990, Wendt inadvertently manufactured a bizarre and permanent connection to the future Speaker of the House.In 1989, Lukens represented Ohios 8th Congressional District. But WSYX-TV in Columbus, Ohio, secretly recorded Lukens at a McDonalds speaking with the mother of a teenage girl. Lukens talked to the woman about getting her a government job. He hoped to keep her quiet about his sexual activities with her daughter.Lukens denied any wrongdoing in public. He was charged and later convicted of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The House Ethics Committee launched an investigation. But Lukens declined to step aside. That teed up a three-way Republican primary between Lukens, the former congressman who represented the district, the late Rep. Tom Kindness, R-Ohio, and Boehner.Boehner was a state legislator at the time. The scandal embroiling Lukens created a rare opportunity to head to Washington.As strange as it seems now, Boehner was the least-known of the three Republican candidates in what turned out to be a brutal primary. But Boehners innate political acumen shone through decades before he would ascend to the Speakers suite.Despite the scandal, Lukens remained popular in the district. He had served as the congressman decades earlier and returned to the House when Kindness ran unsuccessfully for the Senate against late-Sen. John Glenn, D-Ohio, in 1986. So with the Lukens scandal, Kindness wanted his job back. And Boehner hoped to capitalize on the opportunity.BY DAWN'S EARLY LIGHT: BATTLES TRUMP'S 'BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL' WILL FACE IN THE SENATECan you top a name like that? "Congressman Kindness." No wonder it was such a challenge for the upstart, future Speaker with the unpronounceable, Teutonic surname.But Boehner won. And even though he felled Lukens and Kindness, it was not a done deal that Boehner would win the general election.Boehner ran against Democrat Greg Jolivette, the mayor of Hamilton, Ohio, the biggest city in the 8th Congressional District. Jolivette was best known for changing the name of "Hamilton," to "Hamilton!" in the 1980s. He also ran Jollys Drive-Ins in Hamilton. Imagine 1970s hamburger joints where you can order from your car, bedecked in orange.But were talking about "Cheers" here. Not "Happy Days."Wendt was at the height of his popularity during the summer of 1990 as Boehner and Jolivette barreled toward a general election faceoff. So Wendt appeared on late-night TV on "The Arsenio Hall Show."Look him up, kids.Halls syndicated show was never going to beat NBCs "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" in the ratings. But the program scored major headlines in 1992, when future President Bill Clinton played saxophone on the show in an effort to appeal to a younger demographic, which gravitated to Hall rather than Carson.Clintons appearance was a seminal moment in American politics and may have helped him win the election. Certainly the most important political event on Halls show. Wendts appearance proved to be the second-most important.Jolivette was Wendts brother-in-law. He periodically parachuted into Ohios 8th District to campaign for Jolivette and against Boehner. So Hall asked him about Wendts political involvement and Jolivette.Wendt proceeded to essentially libel Boehner on the air. Wendt never mentioned Boehner by name. But Wendt mixed up Lukens and his sex scandal with Boehner. On national TV, no less."The guy hes running against had some problems a while back," said Wendt, referring to Jolivette's opponent, but mixing Boehner up with Lukens. "The guy from the 8th District had some convictions, some felony or a misdemeanor or something. So I think its time for a change. One things for sure, I know, Gregs not going to be a criminal."TRUMP'S 'BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL' FACES CRUCIAL HOURS AS JOHNSON COURTS FREEDOM CAUCUSHall is an Ohio native. But he was apparently not versed in the Lukens scandal even though it was a national story and commanded daily headlines. He didnt inquire further or correct Wendt. After all, this was a late-night comedy and variety show. Not "Meet the Press."A publicist for Hall blamed the issue entirely on Wendt, saying the host has no control over "what (guests are) going to say."Things then turned nasty when Boehners team put out a statement."We, like a lot of viewers, are confused about the conversation last night. We dont know if they were talking about Congressman Lukens problems or perhaps the theft complaint filed with the Hamilton (Ohio) Police against Greg Jolivette," said the Boehner campaign.Jolivettes campaign argued this was an old allegation and it wasnt true. They then demanded that Boehner fire Barry Jackson, Boehners campaign manager. Jackson called the episode "cheap gutter politics."Boehner himself pinned the case of mistaken identity on Wendt. He believed the actor should have been more responsible for what he said on national TV.Boehner didnt fire Jackson. Jackson worked with Boehner for years and later served as his chief of staff when he became House speaker.Wendts gaffe was not fatal for Boehner. Even though there were nearly as many Democrats as Republicans registered in the 8th District in those days, it had elected Republicans for years. And Boehner vanquished Jolivette 61-39 percent in the general election.The rest is history for Boehner.Fast-forward to today. Boehner took to X after the actors death. The former Speaker explained how Wendt was the brother-in-law of his opponent and "went on a late-night TV show and said some tough things."Boehner said that Wendt was "confusing me with someone else. He called later to apologize and we had a great conversation. Raising a glass tonight to the man America will always remember as Norm."Or, as they might say on the show, "Cheers."

Clint Eastwood declared that he has no intention of slowing down as he marks his 95th birthday.In a recent interview with the Austrian newspaper Kurier, the legendary actor and director, who turned 95 on Saturday, revealed that he is in pre-production on a new movie, dispelling rumors that 2024's "Juror #2" would be his final film."Theres no reason why a man cant get better with age," he explained. "And I have much more experience today. Sure, there are directors who lose their touch at a certain age, but Im not one of them."Eastwood launched his acting career in 1954 when he secured a contract with Universal Pictures. He initially struggled to land roles and took on minor parts in movies, including 1955's "Tarantula" and "Revenge of the Creature" before Universal terminated his contract in 1955.CLINT EASTWOOD'S DAUGHTER SAYS 'VERY STRICT' DAD HAD THIS PIECE OF ADVICE GROWING UPThe actor landed his breakthrough role when he was cast as Rowdy Yates in the popular TV western "Rawhide," which aired from 1959 to 1965.Eastwood also found international stardom during the 1960s when he played The Man with No Name a fearless gunfighter whose stoicism masked his brutality. The character appeared in director Sergio Leone's Italian westerns, popularly known as "spaghetti westerns," and included 1964's "A Fistful of Dollars"; 1965's "For a Few Dollars More," and 1966's "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly."In 1967, the three films were released in the United States and became box office hits, establishing Eastwood as a bankable Hollywood star.While continuing to star in Westerns including "The Outlaw Josey Wales" and "Pale Rider," Eastwood made his directorial debut in 1971 when he helmed the critically acclaimed movie "Play Misty For Me." That same year, Eastwood starred as police inspector Harry Callahan in the action-thriller "Dirty Harry." The movie was a critical and commercial success and spawned four sequels.Eastwood received two Academy Awards in 1992, after directing and producing the classic Western "Unforgiven."In 1995, Eastwood co-starred with Meryl Streep in the hit romantic drama "The Bridges of Madison County," based on the novel of the same name. The role marked a departure from his usual tough-guy roles and showcased his versatility as an actor.The California native found further success with the critical and commercial hits "Mystic River" (2003), "Million Dollar Baby" (2004) and "Letters From Iwo Jima" (2006).At age 74, Eastwood became the oldest person ever to win the Academy Award for Best Director for "Million Dollar Baby," which also earned an Oscar for Best Picture.A few of Eastwood's other acclaimed movies include "Gran Torino" (2008) "Invictus" (2009), "J. Edgar" (2011), "American Sniper" (2014), "Sully" (2016), "The Mule" (2018), "Richard Jewell" (2019) and "Cry Macho" (2021).While speaking with Kurier, Eastwood reflected on the secret behind his drive."I always knew that you can get further with a positive attitude to life than with a negative one," he said. "You shouldn't see the glass as half empty. And I had that feeling when I was 25, as an aspiring actor who was contemptuously told by numerous producers that I was a failure. I even heard a little voice inside me back then that said you could do it."LIKE WHAT YOURE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSEastwood also shared his thoughts on the current state of Hollywood movies, decrying the proliferation of sequels, remakes and franchise films."We live in an era of remakes and franchises," he noted. "I've shot sequels three times, but I haven't been interested in that for a long while. My philosophy is: do something new or stay at home."Eastwood, who has been married twice and has had several long-term partners, is father to eight children including daughter Laurie, 69, daughter Kimber, 60, son Kyle, 57, daughter Alison, 53, son Scott, 39, daughter Kathryn, 37, daughter Francesca, 31, and daughter Morgan, 28.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTERDuring his interview with Kurier, Eastwood was asked if his partners had been bothered when he worked with some of Hollywood's most beautiful actresses."The women in my life have always known that I won't leave them just because I flirt with other women," he said. "I am happy with my life. At a certain point, I have always been older than my wives, but I feel just as young as them, at least mentally.""And physically I'm still doing well, so hopefully no one will have to worry about me in this regard for a long time," he added.Eastwood also explained why he believes he has continued to find success after a career spanning seven decades."I didn't repeat myself, I didn't always make the same kind of film, I always tried something new," he said. "A new genre, a different role.""As an actor, I was still under contract with a studio, was in the old system and was therefore forced to learn something new every year," he added. "And that's why I'm going to work while I can still learn something or until I'm really senile."

Just days after President Donald Trump sent a warning to California about letting a transgender athlete compete in the girls' track and field state championship, the state allowed a trans athlete to take two titles against female competitors on Saturday.AB Hernandez, a transgender student athlete for Jurupa Valley High School, took first place in the girls' high jump and triple jump at the state championship on Saturday at Veteran's Memorial Stadium in Clovis, California.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMHernandez also finished in second place in the high jump to Woodrow Wilson High School's Loren Webster, who was the only female to finish ahead of Hernandez in any competition the trans athlete competed in this weekend.Hernandez previously took first place in all three events at the preliminary round on Friday.However, the female competitors who finished behind Hernandez in the events were all bumped up one spot and received the medal they would have earned had the trans athlete not competed.The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) made a series of sweeping rule changes in the days leading up to the event to ensure any females who finished behind a biological male would be appropriately rewarded a medal based on where they placed among female competitors.So during the medal ceremonies for the three events, the female competitors who finished one spot behind Hernandez had to stand next to the trans athlete on the podium.Still, Hernandez's presence in the girls' competition prompted controversy and a heavy protest presence throughout the weekend.Conflicting protests plagued the championship starting on Friday with pro-LGBTQ protesters and pro-female protesters wielding signs, flags and clothing expressing their respective messaging.On Friday, a plane flying a banner that read "No Boys in Girls' Sports!" even passed over the stadium.However, the conflict between the protesters at one point became violent, when an LGBTQ protester allegedly struck local conservative activist Josh Fulfer with a flag pole on Friday. Footage obtained by Fox News Digital shows the LGBTQ protester Ethan Kroll appear to attack Fulfer through a car window, and Kroll subsequently getting arrested.Police records obtained by Fox News Digital show that Kroll, a male, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm, obstructing a public officer and vandalism.Clovis Police Sgt. Chris Hutchison told Fox News Digital no other criminal incidents occurred at or near the track meet Friday night."Our stance is always to allow people to exercise their constitutional right to free speech and protest," Hutchison said. "They have a right to do it in a manner that isn't inciting violence or causing other problems. We don't have room for violence or property damage or anything like that."CALIFORNIA TOWN RALLIES BEHIND TRUMP AS IT HOSTS TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIP AMID TRANS ATHLETE CONTROVERSYBut on Saturday, California Family Council outreach director Sophia Lorey was escorted out of Veteran's Memorial Stadium by CIF officials for passing out "Save Girls' Sports" wristbands with pro-female messaging to spectators. Footage shared by Lorey on social media shows the confrontation between her and the CIF official as Lorey is gestured out of the venue.Lorey told Fox News Digital that she had passed the messages out at previous events without any issues."We handed out half-page fliers at the prelims event and we were not told anything that we couldn't do that," Lorey said.Fox News Digital has reached out to the CIF for comment on Lorey's video.Lorey and local conservative activist Beth Bourne told Fox News Digital that, unlike previous events, a man on a megaphone repeatedly ordered spectators not to make disparaging comments about any competitors, officials or other spectators on Saturday.Lorey organized a press conference at the meet earlier that day where California 2026 gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton spoke in support of protecting girls' sports from trans inclusion.Current Governor Gavin Newsom has been the subject of frequent local and national criticism throughout the track and field postseason for enabling the trans athlete to compete, despite previously admitting on his podcast that he believes males competing in girls' sports was "deeply unfair."Trump singled out Newsom in a Truth Social post on Tuesday when he threatened to cut funding to the state if a trans athlete was allowed to compete in the girls' competition this weekend. But the state did not yield to Trump, and instead simply passed the rule changes to accommodate other female athletes.The U.S. Department of Justice announced an investigation into the state over the issue on Wednesday, and the U.S. Department of Education has been investigating the state over the issue since February.However, California is far from the only state that saw its girls' track and field championships overshadowed by trans athlete controversy.This very same weekend, trans athletes reportedly competed and won state competitions in Maine, Washington, Oregon and Minnesota.Trump signed his "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" executive order on Feb. 5, but many Democratic states have openly defied the order, resulting in multiple controversial situations like the one involving Hernandez across the nation in 2025.Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Just days after President Donald Trump sent a warning to California about letting a transgender athlete compete in the girls' track and field state championship, the state allowed a trans athlete to take two titles against female competitors on Saturday.AB Hernandez, a transgender student athlete for Jurupa Valley High School, took first place in the girls' high jump and triple jump at the state championship on Saturday at Veteran's Memorial Stadium in Clovis, California.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMHernandez also finished in second place in the high jump to Woodrow Wilson High School's Loren Webster, who was the only female to finish ahead of Hernandez in any competition the trans athlete competed in this weekend.Hernandez previously took first place in all three events at the preliminary round on Friday.However, the female competitors who finished behind Hernandez in the events were all bumped up one spot and received the medal they would have earned had the trans athlete not competed.The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) made a series of sweeping rule changes in the days leading up to the event to ensure any females who finished behind a biological male would be appropriately rewarded a medal based on where they placed among female competitors.So during the medal ceremonies for the three events, the female competitors who finished one spot behind Hernandez had to stand next to the trans athlete on the podium.Still, Hernandez's presence in the girls' competition prompted controversy and a heavy protest presence throughout the weekend.Conflicting protests plagued the championship starting on Friday with pro-LGBTQ protesters and pro-female protesters wielding signs, flags and clothing expressing their respective messaging.On Friday, a plane flying a banner that read "No Boys in Girls' Sports!" even passed over the stadium.However, the conflict between the protesters at one point became violent, when an LGBTQ protester allegedly struck local conservative activist Josh Fulfer with a flag pole on Friday. Footage obtained by Fox News Digital shows the LGBTQ protester Ethan Kroll appear to attack Fulfer through a car window, and Kroll subsequently getting arrested.Police records obtained by Fox News Digital show that Kroll, a male, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm, obstructing a public officer and vandalism.Clovis Police Sgt. Chris Hutchison told Fox News Digital no other criminal incidents occurred at or near the track meet Friday night."Our stance is always to allow people to exercise their constitutional right to free speech and protest," Hutchison said. "They have a right to do it in a manner that isn't inciting violence or causing other problems. We don't have room for violence or property damage or anything like that."CALIFORNIA TOWN RALLIES BEHIND TRUMP AS IT HOSTS TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIP AMID TRANS ATHLETE CONTROVERSYBut on Saturday, California Family Council outreach director Sophia Lorey was escorted out of Veteran's Memorial Stadium by CIF officials for passing out "Save Girls' Sports" wristbands with pro-female messaging to spectators. Footage shared by Lorey on social media shows the confrontation between her and the CIF official as Lorey is gestured out of the venue.Lorey told Fox News Digital that she had passed the messages out at previous events without any issues."We handed out half-page fliers at the prelims event and we were not told anything that we couldn't do that," Lorey said.Fox News Digital has reached out to the CIF for comment on Lorey's video.Lorey and local conservative activist Beth Bourne told Fox News Digital that, unlike previous events, a man on a megaphone repeatedly ordered spectators not to make disparaging comments about any competitors, officials or other spectators on Saturday.Lorey organized a press conference at the meet earlier that day where California 2026 gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton spoke in support of protecting girls' sports from trans inclusion.Current Governor Gavin Newsom has been the subject of frequent local and national criticism throughout the track and field postseason for enabling the trans athlete to compete, despite previously admitting on his podcast that he believes males competing in girls' sports was "deeply unfair."Trump singled out Newsom in a Truth Social post on Tuesday when he threatened to cut funding to the state if a trans athlete was allowed to compete in the girls' competition this weekend. But the state did not yield to Trump, and instead simply passed the rule changes to accommodate other female athletes.The U.S. Department of Justice announced an investigation into the state over the issue on Wednesday, and the U.S. Department of Education has been investigating the state over the issue since February.However, California is far from the only state that saw its girls' track and field championships overshadowed by trans athlete controversy.This very same weekend, trans athletes reportedly competed and won state competitions in Maine, Washington, Oregon and Minnesota.Trump signed his "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" executive order on Feb. 5, but many Democratic states have openly defied the order, resulting in multiple controversial situations like the one involving Hernandez across the nation in 2025.Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Hugh Jackman's longtime friend is sharing an update on how the actor is handling his divorce from his ex Deborra-Lee Furness and her recent statement about "betrayal" in their marriage of 30 years.During a Thursday appearance on the Australian radio show "Ben Fordham Live," Gus Warland, who said that he has been Jackman's best friend since they attended kindergarten together in 1973, was asked about the emotional statement that Furness released after she officially filed for divorce from the 56-year-old "X-Men" star earlier this week.In her statement, Furness spoke out about navigating the "breakdown of an almost three-decade marriage" and the "traumatic journey of betrayal," adding that "it's a profound wound that cuts deep."HUGH JACKMAN'S EX SPEAKS OUT ON 'TRAUMATIC JOURNEY OF BETRAYAL' AS SHE FILES FOR DIVORCEThe Australian actress's divorce filing and comments came after the former couple announced their amicable separation after 27 years together in September 2023."Its not just that statement, but just the last couple of years have been difficult," Warland said."No one wants anyone to go through what theyve been through, and, of course, they go through everything publicly because of the type of people and the fame that they have," he continued.HUGH JACKMAN'S CRUSH ON DEBORRA-LEE FURNESS TURNED INTO 27-YEAR ROMANCE; STAR ONCE TALKED HER OUT OF LEAVINGWarland explained that he knows both Jackman and Furness well and they had named him godfather to their first child, Oscar, 25. The Emmy Award winner and Furness are also parents to daughter Ava, 19."One thing that Ive been really strict on, or disciplined on not just for me but a whole lot of other mates that love them both is to let them do what they've had to do," Warland said.The TV and radio personality shared that he had recently visited Jackman, who he refers to as "Jacko.""I was over in New York with Jacko just last month and hes fine," Warland said. "He is going along well. Hes moving on with his life and I hope that Deb does as well.""It's a long, long time that they were together and they've got two beautiful kids together so I just go to the kids and go, what can we do to make sure that they're going to get through this as well as possible."Furness officially filed for divorce from Jackman in New York on Tuesday.According to People, Furness' lawyer also submitted filings related to the duo's settlement, health care coverage and medical child support. The former couple tied the knot in 1996, when Jackman was 27 and Furness was 40.Per the filing, the couple's divorce is uncontested and will only need a judge to sign off.She subsequently released a statement to the Daily Mail in which she said, "My heart and compassion goes out to everyone who has traversed the traumatic journey of betrayal."'Its a profound wound that cuts deep, however, I believe in a higher power and that God/the universe, whatever you relate to as your guidance, is always working FOR us," Furness continued. "This belief has helped me navigate the breakdown of an almost three-decade marriage."LIKE WHAT YOURE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS"Even when we are presented with apparent adversity, it is leading us to our greatest good, our true purpose. It can hurt, but in the long run, returning to yourself and living within your own integrity, values and boundaries is liberation and freedom."Furness said her main take away from her divorce is "that none of this is personal.""We are all on our individual journeys and I believe that the relationships in our lives are not random. We are drawn to people, we invite them in, in order to learn our lessons and to recognize and heal the broken parts of ourselves...I remain grateful," Furness concluded.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTERIn January, Jackman and his former "Music Man" co-star Sutton Foster sparked romance rumors when they were spotted holding hands while going out to dinner in Los Angeles.Jackman played conman Harold Hill while Foster played his love interest Marian Paroo in the Broadway revival of the musical, which ran from February 2022 to January 2023.Foster filed for divorce from her husband, Ted Griffin, in October after 10 years of marriage.Jackman and Furness announced their separation in September 2023 and shared a joint statement with People at the time."We have been blessed to share almost 3 decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage," they said. "Our journey now is shifting, and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth."Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness. We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition in all of our lives.""This is the sole statement either of us will make," the statement, signed "Deb and Hugh Jackman," concluded.

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