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Nearly 70 Years Later: Patty McCormack Revisits Her Oscar-Nominated ‘Evil Child’ Role That Redefined Horror

The Bad Seed star looks back on the 1956 thriller that terrified generations — and reveals how an eight-year-old girl helped shape modern horror forever.

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Patty McCormack reflects on her Oscar-nominated Bad Seed role nearly 70 years later
Patty McCormack, star of the 1956 classic The Bad Seed, reflects on the chilling performance that changed horror history.

Few performances have left a mark on Hollywood horror quite like Patty McCormack’s chilling turn as the deceptively angelic Rhoda Penmark in The Bad Seed (1956 film). Long before slasher icons like Freddy Krueger or Jason Voorhees haunted the screen, McCormack’s quietly sociopathic schoolgirl set the template for the “evil child” archetype that would inspire classics such as The Omen, Children of the Corn, and Orphan.

This year, at 80, McCormack joined The Hollywood Reporter’s podcast It Happened in Hollywood to revisit her Oscar-nominated breakout performance — and to reflect on what it meant to embody evil before she’d even reached her teens.

The Broadway Beginning That Started It All

In 1954, The Bad Seed began as a Broadway stage adaptation of William March’s psychological horror novel. The play’s director, Reginald Denham, guided McCormack through the role with a simple but powerful instruction: “No matter what, you’re always right.”

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“He told me that no matter what, I was always right,” McCormack recalled on the podcast. “If you think about that when you watch it, you can see I have no patience for the adults’ opinions when they don’t coincide with my own.”

When legendary filmmaker Mervyn LeRoy — best known for producing The Wizard of Oz — saw the play, he knew he’d found something extraordinary. He brought most of the original cast, including McCormack and Nancy Kelly, to Hollywood for the 1956 film adaptation.

Child Stardom and the Gift of Fear

For a child barely old enough to ride a bike, McCormack’s on-screen presence was unnervingly mature. Yet, behind the scenes, LeRoy ensured she stayed grounded. “He bought me off immediately,” McCormack laughed. “He gave me a red bicycle to ride around Warner Bros. — so I could get rid of some of my kid energy and explore the lot.”

Patty McCormack reflects on her Oscar-nominated Bad Seed role nearly 70 years later


Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, making her one of the youngest nominees in history.

Decades Later: Reconciling with Rhoda

Despite her early success, McCormack admits she distanced herself from the role for years. “For a long time, The Bad Seed wasn’t something I liked talking about,” she confessed. “It was considered a past achievement — and back then, there was that awful expression, ‘has-been.’

Time, however, has changed her perspective. The film’s legacy has grown exponentially, now studied by horror historians and directors alike. Filmmakers such as William Friedkin (The Exorcist) and Richard Donner (The Omen) have cited it as an influence in blending psychological realism with the supernatural.

“I didn’t focus on gore,” McCormack said. “I focused on being selfish and kind of chilly.”

Her nuanced portrayal of child evil remains unmatched — unsettling precisely because of how ordinary Rhoda seems.

The Enduring Horror Legacy

The Bad Seed became more than a mid-century shocker; it paved the way for an entire subgenre. Its success redefined how filmmakers viewed children in horror, proving innocence could be terrifying.

Film critics at outlets like The Guardian and IndieWire still cite McCormack’s performance as “the origin of the creepy child trope.”

Modern reimaginings — including The Bad Seed Returns (produced by Rob Lowe and starring Mckenna Grace) — continue to credit McCormack’s original interpretation for shaping their tone.

A Lifetime in Acting

Beyond The Bad Seed, McCormack built a steady career spanning film, stage, and television. She portrayed Pat Nixon in Ron Howard’s Frost/Nixon (2008) and appeared in series such as Hart to Hart and The Sopranos. Even in her eighties, she continues to act, appearing at film retrospectives and horror conventions where fans celebrate her enduring influence.

“You have to be old enough where it doesn’t matter,” she said with a smile. “Now I can just enjoy it.”

Closing Thoughts

Seven decades later, The Bad Seed remains a haunting study in innocence turned sinister — and Patty McCormack stands as proof that great performances never age.

For a generation of horror fans, Rhoda Penmark isn’t just the girl with the perfect braids and the unsettling smile. She’s the reason horror dared to look closer at the monster within.

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How Fatherhood Gave Miguel His Smile Back — “I Found Hope Again”

The Grammy-winning R&B star opens up about the quiet transformation that came with becoming a father — how it reshaped his outlook, deepened his art, and taught him to smile again.

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Miguel Opens Up About Fatherhood, Hope, and Finding His Smile Again
Singer Miguel shares a heartwarming moment with his son on his first birthday, symbolizing how fatherhood reignited his joy and purpose.

A Softer Chapter for the Soulful Star

For years, Miguel, the Grammy Award-winning singer behind hits like Adorn and Sure Thing, was known for his effortless blend of soul, sensuality, and swagger. But behind the scenes, he was on a personal journey — one that would change him forever.

In 2025, Miguel surprised fans when he revealed on Instagram that he and filmmaker Margaret Zhang had quietly welcomed their first child. The announcement came with a tender video celebrating their baby’s first birthday — and a message that melted hearts across the internet:

“Our baby turned 1 today! Papá wrote you a song — hope it always reminds you of how loved you are.”

That moment, simple yet powerful, marked the start of a new Miguel — a man rediscovering himself through the lens of fatherhood.

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“Fatherhood Changed Everything for Me”

In an emotional interview shared with People Magazine, Miguel explained how becoming a father gave him clarity and peace after years of creative chaos.

“Becoming a father changed everything for me,” he said. “I found hope again. I found my smile.”

That smile — one fans saw flash on stage for years — had dimmed during a period of artistic and emotional exhaustion. Now, Miguel says fatherhood brought him back to life, teaching him patience, humility, and gratitude.

He even admitted to Yahoo! Entertainment that he’s “not a perfect person,” but becoming a parent made him embrace his flaws. “It’s made me more human,” he shared.

A New Muse — His Son and the Music of Joy

Fatherhood didn’t just reshape Miguel’s life — it redefined his art. His latest album, CAOS, reflects a balance between turbulence and tenderness, with lyrics touching on renewal, vulnerability, and rebirth.

“Every song feels like a conversation with myself,” he told Rolling Stone last month. “But now, it’s also a conversation with my son — a message about who I hope to be for him.”

Even fans noticed the shift — the once brooding R&B icon now writes about warmth and stability. His melodies still shimmer with desire, but now there’s a maturity in his tone — less rebellion, more reflection.

Miguel, who once explored themes of identity and independence, now celebrates connection and continuity. “I’ve realized,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “that love isn’t something you chase. It’s something you nurture.”

Miguel Opens Up About Fatherhood, Hope, and Finding His Smile Again


Finding Balance in an Unbalanced World

Like many new parents, Miguel admits that balancing music, fame, and family isn’t easy. His partner Margaret Zhang — also an accomplished creative director and editor — has been his pillar of support.

Together, the couple manages to blend their creative energies while maintaining privacy. “We create space for family, even when life moves fast,” Miguel said. “It’s the only way to stay grounded.”

Friends and collaborators like J. Cole and Alicia Keys have publicly praised Miguel’s evolution, calling it “inspiring” and “refreshing.”“He’s glowing,” one insider shared. “You can hear it in his voice — there’s joy again.”

The Return of Miguel’s Smile

In the end, what makes Miguel’s story special isn’t just fatherhood — it’s rediscovery. His journey isn’t about perfection or reinvention, but about presence. About learning that the real stage isn’t under the spotlight; it’s in the quiet moments — bedtime songs, first steps, shared laughter.

“I’m just trying to be the man my son thinks I am,” he wrote on X.

And perhaps that’s what makes this chapter of Miguel’s life so beautiful. It’s raw, real, and filled with hope — the kind that brings back not only a smile but a reason to keep singing.

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From Cannibal to God — The Legendary Journey of Anthony Hopkins Through His Most Iconic Roles

From terrifying audiences as Hannibal Lecter to commanding Asgard as Odin, Sir Anthony Hopkins has redefined acting mastery across genres for more than six decades.

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Anthony Hopkins’ Most Iconic Movie Roles — From The Silence of the Lambs to Thor
Sir Anthony Hopkins during a red-carpet premiere, reflecting the power and grace that define his six-decade Hollywood legacy.

A Career That Transcends Generations

Few actors embody such range, depth, and emotional intelligence as Anthony Hopkins. Born in Port Talbot, Wales in 1937, Hopkins’ artistic journey spans over 60 years — a timeline marked by unforgettable transformations. Whether he’s terrifying audiences, moving them to tears, or inspiring awe, Hopkins has built a cinematic legacy that feels both timeless and transcendent.

His colleagues often describe him as a “complete artist” — an actor who can shift from monstrous to divine within a single decade.

Hannibal Lecter — The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

When Hopkins first appeared as Dr. Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs, the world witnessed one of cinema’s most chilling villains. With just 16 minutes of screen time, Hopkins crafted a performance that earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor and permanently redefined the psychological thriller genre.

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“A census taker once tried to test me…” — that line alone became cultural shorthand for intelligent menace.

Hopkins’ Lecter wasn’t just frightening — he was magnetic. His calm precision and eerie politeness still haunt audiences three decades later.

Stevens — The Remains of the Day (1993)

Just two years later, Hopkins gave a masterclass in restraint as Stevens, the emotionally suppressed butler in The Remains of the Day. Opposite Emma Thompson, he delivered a heartbreakingly subtle performance that earned another Oscar nomination.

It remains a reminder that Hopkins doesn’t need violence or grandeur to command attention — silence and heartbreak are his most powerful tools.

Richard Nixon — Nixon (1995)

In Oliver Stone’s Nixon, Hopkins took on one of America’s most complex leaders — Richard Nixon — with astonishing nuance. Without caricature or mimicry, he captured the contradictions of power: paranoia, vulnerability, and brilliance.

Anthony Hopkins’ Most Iconic Movie Roles — From The Silence of the Lambs to Thor


Film critics hailed it as “transformative,” noting that Hopkins once again disappeared into the psychology of a man divided between ambition and guilt.

Don Diego de la Vega — The Mask of Zorro (1998)

In The Mask of Zorro, Hopkins swapped psychological depth for swashbuckling charisma. As the aging mentor to Antonio Banderas’ young hero, he combined wisdom, gravitas, and playful humor.

The film reminded audiences that even after years of prestige roles, Hopkins could still wield a sword and steal scenes with charm and precision.

Odin — Marvel’s Thor Trilogy (2011–2017)

When the Marvel Cinematic Universe came calling, Hopkins answered in the role of Odin — the all-father of Asgard — in Thor, Thor: The Dark World, and Thor: Ragnarok.

Standing beside younger stars like Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston, Hopkins’ regal presence gave emotional gravity to Marvel’s mythic universe. Even as a god, he played Odin with tenderness — equal parts power and paternal wisdom.

“A wise king never seeks out war… but he must always be ready for it.”

That line, like so many of Hopkins’ performances, resonated far beyond the screen.

6. Pope Benedict XVI — The Two Popes (2019)

In The Two Popes, Hopkins delivered one of his most introspective late-career performances as Pope Benedict XVI opposite Jonathan Pryce. Their theological debates, rich with tension and empathy, showcased Hopkins’ ability to humanize figures of immense power.

It earned him yet another Academy Award nomination and cemented his place as one of cinema’s most enduring talents.

Anthony Hopkins’ Most Iconic Movie Roles — From The Silence of the Lambs to Thor


Anthony’s Late-Career Renaissance — The Father (2020)

In The Father, Hopkins gave what many consider his finest performance. Portraying an elderly man descending into dementia, he shattered hearts worldwide — winning his second Oscar at age 83.

The role was deeply personal, a raw and unflinching portrayal of fragility and confusion. Hopkins later shared on X:

“Life is both cruel and beautiful. Acting helps me understand that balance.”

A Master Still Evolving

Even after 60 years, Hopkins refuses to slow down. He continues painting, composing music, and performing — driven not by fame but by curiosity.

His approach to acting remains Zen-like: “Don’t act. Just be.”

And that’s the essence of Sir Anthony Hopkins — not a performer chasing the spotlight, but a soul seeking truth in every role, from cannibal to king, from pope to father.

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“Former WWE Star Mike Rotunda Placed in Hospice Care — Family and Wrestling World Offer Prayers”

WWE legend Mike Rotunda, best known as IRS, has been moved to hospice care at 67, sparking an outpouring of love and prayers from fellow wrestlers and fans.

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WWE Legend Mike Rotunda Placed in Hospice Care: Family and Fans Send Prayers
Former WWE legend Mike Rotunda, known as IRS, is currently under hospice care as fans and fellow wrestlers send prayers and support.

The professional wrestling world is rallying around Mike Rotunda , the beloved former WWE star famously known as Irwin R. Schyster (IRS), after news broke that the 67-year-old has been placed in hospice care.

The revelation came from Rotunda’s brother-in-law and wrestling icon Barry Windham , who shared the difficult update during an interview with journalist Bill Apter.

“It’s kinda tough right now. Mike is in hospice right now,” Windham said, his voice filled with emotion. “He was just a good boy. He was such a good person, never got in trouble his whole life. He’s a good boy.”

Rotunda’s health decline has not been publicly detailed, but the announcement has deeply affected the wrestling community. Soon after the news broke, former WWE legend Leilani Kai took to X (formerly Twitter) to share her heartbreak.

“It breaks my heart to share that my friend Mike Rotunda has been placed under hospice care,” she wrote. “This photo was from earlier this year — a moment I’ll treasure. Please keep Mike and the Rotunda family in your prayers. We love you, Mike.”

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A Storied Wrestling Legacy

Mike Rotunda’s career in professional wrestling spans decades, and his impact on the industry is undeniable. He made his debut in the early 1980s, performing for organizations such as World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW).

Rotunda was best known for his IRS persona — a smug, rule-enforcing taxman who famously demanded his opponents pay their “fair share.” His in-ring persona was both entertaining and iconic, making him a memorable heel character during the golden era of wrestling.

As part of the U.S. Express tag team alongside Barry Windham, Rotunda captured the WWF Tag Team Championship twice. The duo’s chemistry, combined with their American pride theme, made them fan favorites during the mid-1980s.

Later, Rotunda teamed up with Ted DiBiase to form the infamous Money Inc., a villainous tag team that went on to win the WWF Tag Team Titles three times. Together, they embodied the greed and arrogance that made for classic wrestling storytelling.


A Wrestling Family Through Generations

Beyond his own accomplishments, Mike Rotunda’s legacy extends through his children. He is the father of the late Bray Wyatt , whose untimely death in 2023 devastated the wrestling community, and Bo Dallas , who continues to wrestle professionally.

Rotunda was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2024, a fitting tribute to his long-standing contributions to sports entertainment.


Fans and Friends React Worldwide

The news of Rotunda’s condition quickly went viral, with fans across platforms like X and Instagram expressing their sorrow and support. Hashtags such as #PrayForRotunda and #IRSForever began trending, reflecting how deeply his work and personality touched millions.

Fellow wrestlers, including Mick Foley and Kevin Nash , also posted heartfelt messages. “Mike was one of the most genuine guys backstage,” Foley wrote. “A true professional who always put others first.”

As of now, Rotunda’s family has not issued a formal statement on his health, but they have requested privacy and continued prayers from fans.

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A Legacy Beyond the Ring

Mike Rotunda’s career is a testament to old-school wrestling grit — a generation defined by storytelling, charisma, and respect for the sport. Whether as a rule-following tax collector or a loving father, Rotunda’s name is etched into wrestling history.

For fans who grew up watching him in the 1980s and 1990s, he represents an era where every character, every feud, and every promo mattered. As he battles this latest fight, the wrestling world stands united — remembering not just the IRS gimmick, but the man behind it: Mike Rotunda, the mentor, the father, and the gentleman of the squared circle.

For more Update http://www.dailyglobaldiary.com

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