Entertainment
‘RHOA’ alum and Kim Zolciak’s ex was 68
Lee “Big Poppa” Najjar, the real estate investor famously known as the mystery benefactor on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, has died at the age of 68.
His death was confirmed on Tuesday by his daughter, Katelin, who shared a touching tribute on her Instagram Story featuring a video of the pair dancing in a car.
While a specific cause of death for the businessman has not yet been made public, he leaves behind his wife, Kimberly, and their four children, Katelin, Jeremy, Jared, and Jamen.
Najjar became a central figure in reality television history during the first season of RHOA in 2008, though his face was never actually shown on screen at the time.
Kim Zolciak, one of the show’s original breakout stars, famously kept his identity a secret, referring to him only by the nickname “Big Poppa.”
He was well-known to viewers as the man who funded Zolciak’s extravagant lifestyle, providing the financial backing for her luxury cars and designer wardrobe while they navigated a complicated, on-again, off-again romance.
Their relationship was the subject of much debate among the Atlanta housewives, particularly because Najjar was still legally married to his wife while dating Zolciak, though the reality star maintained they were estranged.
Before the Season 1 reunion, Zolciak revealed that they had been engaged and described him as a great person who was wonderful to her daughters.
She admitted at the time that she was crazy about him and that he remained a significant part of her daily life, even as they struggled to move their relationship forward.
The couple eventually split for good in 2009 after Zolciak referred to him as the love of her life but acknowledged it was time to move on.
She later moved on to marry Kroy Biermann in 2011, a relationship that ended in a high-profile separation in 2023.
Despite the years that have passed since his time in the Bravo spotlight, Najjar remains a legendary figure for long-time fans of the franchise.
His daughter’s tribute, set to the track Dancing in the Sky, marks a quiet end for a man whose presence once loomed so large over the world of reality TV.
Entertainment
Prince Harry sets ‘non-negotiable’ condition for Meghan in UK plans
Prince Harry appears to be confident in his efforts as he believes there a major opportunity opening up for them in the UK, as King Charles continues his State Visit in the US.
The Duke of Sussex, who is slated to return to the UK for the upcoming Birmingham Invictus Games, is making sure that his wife is on-board the new plan of action, insiders revealed.
Harry has “totally banking on as he’s assured his father that they’ll be bringing Archie and Lili to finally enjoy some quality time with him”, sources told Closer. However, they noted that Meghan is “still in two minds” about travelling back to UK after all these years.
However, Harry argues that if he is going to make a return to the royal fold, it has to be with Meghan otherwise it would look “pretty odd”. He insists that this is a “non-negotiable” part of the plan even if Meghan is not willing to live in Britain or immerse herself in it fully. She can travel more frequently but she would have to be standing by his side.
The sources added that for Harry it makes “perfect sense” to find a property close to Windsor which they can use as “crash pad” whenever they are in town and it would eventually be something they Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet can inherit.
It would allow the Sussex children to grow close to their British heritage and their royal relatives, further strengthening their ties with the monarchy.
Meghan has “plenty of conditions that need to be met” before she’s fully signed off on the trip, but Harry has taken a clear stance about her presence and support for UK plans.
It remains to be seen how this pans out as the reconciliation process with King Charles has been put on pause.
Entertainment
King Charles makes surprising Prince William comment during US speech
King Charles remembered Prince William in quite an unexpected way during the State Dinner speech.
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Entertainment
Antonio Banderas meets up with ‘lifelong friend’, ex Melanie Griffith
Antonio Banderas has shared a heartwarming family photo from a Los Angeles reunion with ex-wife Melanie Griffith and their daughter Stella, and his caption said everything about how the former couple have chosen to handle life after divorce.
The actor, 65, posted the snap on Instagram on Monday, 27 April, showing himself beaming alongside Stella, 29, Griffith, 68, and Stella’s husband Alex Gruszynski.
Banderas leaned into his daughter as she threw her head back laughing, while Griffith and Stella held hands and Gruszynski rested his head on Griffith’s shoulder.
“A lovely and fun moment yesterday in Los Angeles with my son-in-law Alex, my daughter Stella, and my ex-wife and lifelong friend, Melanie,” Banderas wrote in his caption.
The warmth in the post reflects a dynamic Banderas has spoken about openly for years.
In 2018, he told PEOPLE: “Even if we are divorced, she is my family and I will love her until the day I die. We have been in contact all these years and we managed to do a separation that is very elegant.”
He added at the time that keeping things harmonious for their children was always the priority.
“Our kids are enjoying that and that is very important for both of us. Our kids are priority No. 1.”
Griffith, for her part, has also spoken warmly about staying close with the men she has loved. “I love them with all my heart,” she said in 2020.
Banderas and Griffith first encountered each other at the 1989 Oscars and reconnected on the set of Two Much in 1995.
They married the following year and welcomed Stella before Griffith filed for divorce in 2014, citing irreconcilable differences.
The divorce was finalised in 2015. Banderas has remained close not only with Griffith but also with her daughter Dakota Johnson, whom she shares with ex-husband Don Johnson.
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