The Latest Articles by Mary McNamara

Mary McNamara: How did Rihanna pull off her big-reveal heist of the Super Bowl?

A few years back, Rihanna developed something of a reputation as a criminal mastermind. Her light-fingered habit of walking away from clubs, fashion shows and hotels with a wine-glass was documented so many times that talk show host Graham Norton used it as a bit when interviewing her and her…

Los Angeles Times · Feb 13, 2023

Mary McNamara: Pamela Anderson is a bad-ass, wrapped in an enigma inside a bombshell

If you're planning to write a memoir any time soon, you might want to contact a documentary filmmaker first.

Los Angeles Times · Jan 27, 2023

Mary McNamara: It's a blast watching Harry and Meghan beat the press at its own game

Revenge is a dish best served cold, over many courses and paid for by someone else.

Los Angeles Times · Jan 10, 2023

How did we let the Golden Globes back in?

I cannot believe the Golden Globes are back. How did this happen? Last year, a Los Angeles Times investigation revealed the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s gift-expecting, early-access-demanding, pay-to-play approach to its awards and lack of any Black members. Everyone was outraged. Publicists threatened a massive boycott, Tom Cruise said he…

Los Angeles Times · Dec 12, 2022

Let’s break down that ‘White Lotus’ finale: Our biggest surprises, disappointments

The season that launched a thousand theories concluded Sunday night with “Arriverderci,” as “White Lotus” creator Mike White and company bade farewell to Sicily in a supersized 77-minute finale. Neither predicted the ending correctly (not even close), but columnist Mary McNamara and deputy editor Matt Brennan weren’t too ashamed to…

Los Angeles Times · Dec 12, 2022

Mary McNamara: 'Love Actually' is like fruitcake: love it or hate it (and I choose love), it's here to stay

It's that most wonderful time of the year again, when, a full month early, Michael Buble breathes holiday tunes down the neck of every supermarket shopper, the local Christmas tree lot springs from the mulch of the local pumpkin patch and people start getting very heated about "Love Actually."

Los Angeles Times · Dec 1, 2022

Mary McNamara: How 'The Walking Dead' changed the course of the TV revolution

"The Walking Dead" came to an end on Sunday. Though I, like many viewers, stopped watching several seasons ago (OK, pretty much when Glenn died), attention must be paid.

Los Angeles Times · Nov 22, 2022

Mary McNamara: Five years after #MeToo, I am haunted by the stories we could not tell

"Says she was raped by producer."

Los Angeles Times · Nov 11, 2022

Mary McNamara: The best way to watch election night coverage on TV? Don't

Tuesday night was the first election night in recent memory during which I did not park myself in front of a television for hours to watch "the results." Consequently, for the first time in years, I have possession of the pertinent facts — no "red wave," but control of Congress…

Los Angeles Times · Nov 10, 2022

Mary McNamara: Elon Musk's Twitter and the con of online media

Before we get into Elon Musk and his bizarre attempt to drive everyone of any prominence off the website he now owns, let us breathe deeply and remember that most people, celebrated or not, are not on Twitter.

Los Angeles Times · Nov 4, 2022