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Erin Michele Soto Rises Through Her Trauma to Return to Her Hit TV Series

Erin Michele Soto Rises Through Her Trauma to Return to Her Hit TV Series

Audiences know Erin Michele Soto from her work in the miniseries Shirley and Shelly and the TV series Studio City, the smash hit and Emmy – winning drama.


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Around the world audiences see stars on red carpets, TV and movie screens; and often never consider the challenges these performers face to live their dreams.  

So many people recognize a star’s good looks, their talent, the laughs and tears from the characters they portray. But the audience doesn’t really get to know the person behind that work.  Today Erin is sharing a deeper look into her journey. 

Erin Michele Soto Reveals Her Bright and Her Dark

Recently we had a chance to sit down with Erin Michele Soto and she revealed the brightest and the darkest moments of her story and the excitement yet to come.

Erin Michele Soto Pushes Through Her Trauma to Return to Her Hit TV Series

Erin Michele Soto

Like so many, Erin moved to Southern California with big Hollywood dreams. But she did not become the struggling cliche.  She had the talent and good fortune to quickly find work as an actress and as a dancer.  

Tragedy on a Celeb-Filled Dance Floor

Erin Michele Soto’s grace on the dance floor quickly brought her attention.  She found A-list work immediately in Modern, Ballet, Jazz dance genres. Stars of the stage, small screen and silver screen all demanded her time, attention and help.

Erin Michele Soto Rises Above Her Trauma to Return to Her Hit TV Series

Then as her star was rising, suddenly it all crashed down.  Literally.  One day in the middle of dancing, Erin fell, hit her eye and the trauma from the fall punctured her brain.

The next moments created a chronic ailment that took Erin over a year for her to recover.  The glitz and glamour lifestyle was replaced with being bed-ridden and living a small, dark, lonely  life.

Hearing Soto reflect back today, there’s still a pain in her eyes and her voice.  But a growing strength and courage in her soul.

Was her journey hard?  Yes.  Painful?  Yes.  Encouraging?  No. 

But, Erin wasn’t done yet.

Ironically, her body really thought she was finished.  She rarely left the house.  She couldn’t socialize with friends.  She forgot how to do the smallest tasks constantly, things like closing her house door; she would routinely black out as she walked through her neighborhood.

The things most people find common, this talented star was suddenly struggling to complete.

“No One Can See My Pain”

Even worse, her mind was playing tricks on her.  

This normally proud, healthy, optimistic person was suddenly having thoughts of self-harm.  It was a dark time.  The good news is, she knew better.  Luckily, she never acted on those dark, harmful thoughts.

Your Village Supports Your Recovery Journey

To meet Erin is to fall in love with her.  Her energy, her spirit, her intelligence, her motivation.  Luckily, even in her darkest moments after her trauma, Erin’s community rallied to cheer her on and find ways to help her while she struggled to live daily life.  She bravely chose to get professional mental help which also supported her and returned her closer to light and happiness.

She learned to over-power her own thoughts and regain positivity.  She now meditates daily and credits that mental strength with her return to courage and creativity.

“I used my imagination

to get back into the world”

Back on Set

Just over a year after her life-changing trauma, Erin was itching to get back to performing.  The injury focused her true passions in using her voice in acting.  Performing, acting, dancing.  But she was dealing with a very foreign feeling: insecurity.  Could she remember her dialogue?  Could her body move as gracefully as it used to?  Would she feel as comfortable acting as she did before?

As a performer, Erin had to “learn to walk” again.

Erin was eager to return and try.  She chose a small, local theater in SoCal’s modest San Fernando Valley.  

“To her surprise, relief and excitement,

all of her worries went away.”  

To her surprise, relief and excitement, all of her worries went away.  Her mind and body cooperated and she had a blast performing again in front of huge crowds.

“If something brings you joy,

push through your fears”

Today, Erin is busier than ever.  She’s currently working on projects for both stage and screen, taking meetings as an actress for both tv and film.

She credits her friends, family, health professionals and community with helping her overcome her dark moments.  Her continued meditation keeps her mind clear and strong.

As a performer, she’s excited to be in front of an audience – whether you’re watching her in-person on stage, on your television or on the big screen.

With confidence, motivation, discipline and support from your community, everyone can rebound from their challenges and return to what they love.  Erin Michele Soto is a brilliant and inspiring example of this.

Follow Erin Michele Soto on her social media at:

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialErinMicheleSoto

https://www.instagram.com/erinmichelesoto

https://twitter.com/erinmichelesoto

 

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Drink like a Movie Star: Clarendelle, Domaine Clarence Dillon Return as Official Wine Partner of 97th Oscars

Drink like a Movie Star: Clarendelle & Domaine Clarence Dillon Return as Official Wine Partner of 97th Oscars

Clarendelle & Domaine Clarence Dillon Return as Official Wine Partner of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and Exclusive Wines Poured at the 97th Oscars Ceremony

Clarendelle and the family company Domaine Clarence Dillon announce the brand’s return as the official wine partner of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

Wine for the Academy

The Academy Awards, renowned for their glamour and celebration of cinematic excellence, also feature a notable emphasis on fine wines during their events. A substantial amount of wine is served to accommodate the numerous attendees. For instance, during the 90th Academy Awards, over 2,400 bottles of wine were provided, equating to approximately 14,000 glasses.

Annually, the Academy hosts several official events where wine is prominently featured. The most notable of these is the Governors Ball, the official post-ceremony celebration, where distinguished wines and champagnes are served to winners, nominees, and guests. In addition to the main ceremony and the Governors Ball, there are various pre-show receptions and ancillary gatherings throughout the awards season, each offering curated wine selections to complement the festivities.

These events underscore the Academy’s commitment to providing a luxurious and celebratory atmosphere, with fine wines playing a central role in the experience.

For the third consecutive year, the prestigious family-owned wine company will exclusively pour exceptional red and white wines at the 97th Oscars® ceremony.

This partnership bridges the world of fine wine and film, elevating the Oscars experience for Hollywood’s biggest stars.

In addition to delighting guests at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood, Clarendelle and Domaine Clarence Dillon wines will be served at the iconic Governors Ball after the Oscars ceremony and the Official Oscars® Watch Party at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. This year, Governors Ball attendees can enjoy a glass of our elegant and contemporary wines while winners have their Oscar® statuettes engraved. The wines will also be perfectly complemented with a legendary gastronomic menu crafted by Wolfgang Puck Catering for an unforgettable evening.

“Before joining the family business, I began my career as a screenwriter, so to have the opportunity to partner with the Oscars for the third consecutive year is truly an honor,” said President and CEO of Domaine Clarence DillonPrince Robert of Luxembourg. “This collaboration is a natural extension of my family’s longstanding commitment and deep connection to film and the arts.”

Domaine Clarence Dillon will introduce two new wines for the star-studded events:

  • La Clarté de Haut-Brion 2021: A sought-after white wine of rare delicacy with only 1,000 cases produced annually, La Clarté brings together the qualities of a fine white Bordeaux wine with fresh citrus and white flower aromas, followed by a crisp and refreshing finish of lemony brightness.
  • Le Clarence de Haut-Brion 2015: Château Haut-Brion became the first Bordeaux vineyard to be named after its terroir, making the estate the first luxury brand in the world. The exquisite red Le Clarence de Haut-Brion 2015 is similar in style and elegance to its elder and encompasses all unique attributes of a fine wine with an attractive profile – smooth yet powerful, tasty and full-bodied, with notes of ripe fruit leaving an impression of freshness and volume, without heaviness.

Among the returning wine favorites are:

  • Clarendelle Bordeaux White 2023: A refined and elegant wine, offering bright citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit, balanced by the smooth sweetness of pear and lychee.
  • Clarendelle Bordeaux Red 2016: A wine with fruity aromas of red fruit and blackcurrant alongside floral overtones balanced by great tannic power and delicious velvety texture.
  • Clarendelle Amberwine 2021: A complex, well-concentrated and modern sweet wine distinguished by its freshness and harmonious balance of floral fruit and acidity with a smooth finish.

Founded in 1935, Domaine Clarence Dillon is a family-owned group renowned for its prestigious Bordeaux estates, including Château Haut-Brion, Château La Mission Haut-Brion, and Château Quintus. Under the leadership of Prince Robert of Luxembourg, the company has earned a global reputation for excellence in winemaking, joining Primum Familiae Vini, an international association of some of the world’s finest wine producing families. Domaine Clarence Dillon has long been a supporter of the arts, with Prince Robert’s background and screenwriting playing an essential role in merging the worlds of wine and cinema by bringing Clarendelle and Domaine Clarence Dillon to the biggest night in Hollywood.

For more information, follow on Instagram @clarendelle @chateauhautbrion_ @chateaulamissionhautbrion  @chateauquintus  @leclarenceparis.

Philly Orders The White Lotus Season 3 with Patrick Schwarzenegger Sipping Ketel One Family Made Vodka and Tanqueray Gin

‘Sip into The White Lotus’ with Patrick Schwarzenegger for Season 3 with Ketel One Family Made Vodka and Tanqueray Gin

Ketel One Family Made Vodka, one of the bestselling and top trending vodkas (Drinks International, 2025), and Tanqueray Gin, the seven-time winner of the bartenders’ choice of gin (Drinks International, 2023), have long been at the forefront of cocktail culture, consistently shaping and elevating the craft with their unwavering dedication to quality and innovation.

The Cocktail Culture of The White Lotus: Sipping in Style

HBO’s The White Lotus isn’t just known for its biting satire and stunning backdrops—it’s also quietly shaped the world of cocktail culture. Set against the luxurious resorts of Hawaii and Sicily, the show’s characters are often seen clutching artfully crafted drinks, turning simple sips into statements about wealth, indulgence, and escapism. In Season 1, tropical classics like the Mai Tai and Pineapple Daiquiri make frequent appearances, aligning with the show’s Hawaiian setting and nodding to the tiki cocktail revival. These vibrant, rum-based drinks not only complement the scenery but also subtly underscore themes of paradise lost.

Season 2 shifts to Sicily, and with it comes a more European drinking aesthetic. Think Aperol Spritzes, Negronis, and chilled white wines, evoking la dolce vita while masking the tension simmering beneath the surface. The show’s cocktail choices aren’t just background props—they reflect character dynamics and mood. For example, Tanya’s over-the-top drink orders often mirror her chaotic, lavish lifestyle.

Since its debut, The White Lotus has inspired bartenders and fans alike to recreate its signature drinks, blending TV-inspired nostalgia with real-world cocktail trends. Whether it’s a Mai Tai or a Spritz, every glass tells a story.

In an exciting collaboration with Max and HBO, the two iconic brands invite fans of The White Lotus to experience the timeless elegance and charm that define both the series and their curated cocktail creations.

In anticipation of the series returning on February 16, on Max and HBO, Ketel One Vodka and Tanqueray Gin introduce, ‘Sip into The White Lotus,’ a dynamic, multifaceted collaboration which includes series-inspired cocktails, Thailand destination giveaway, immersive events and engaging content.

“Our partnership with Max and HBO’s hit series The White Lotus is a perfect blend of luxury and sophistication.  The show’s exploration of timeless hospitality aligns perfectly with the craftsmanship behind Ketel One Vodka and Tanqueray Gin, both of which are synonymous with the highest standards of quality,” said Julie Yufe, Senior Vice President of Vodka, Gin and Rum at DIAGEO North America. “The show is a cultural phenomenon, creating its own universe of intrigue and vibrancy. As consumers increasingly value experiences, we’ve been intentional about crafting fan-centric moments where our brands can create memorable occasions with every sip.”

Inspired by the show’s luxurious destinations, the partnership with Max and HBO kicks off with an original short film starring actor and entrepreneur Patrick Schwarzenegger, who whisks viewers away to a dreamy Thai escape. As Patrick mixes The White Lotus Vesper Martini—crafted with Ketel One Vodka and Tanqueray Gin to embody the captivating elegance fans expect from the show—he invites viewers to immerse themselves in the world of The White Lotus, exploring its story, characters, and the lavish setting of the highly anticipated new season.

“Being part of the cast of The White Lotus has been an incredible journey, and I’m excited to partner with Ketel One Vodka and Tanqueray gin to bring fans closer to the unforgettable moments of season three,” said Schwarzenegger. “Just like these iconic spirits, The White Lotus is all about storytelling and savoring every experience. I can’t wait to watch the new season unfold while toasting The White Lotus Vesper Martini with friends and family.”

To toast to season three of HBO’s The White Lotus, Ketel One Vodka and Tanqueray Gin have crafted exclusive cocktails inspired by the season’s stunning Thailand setting: The White Lotus Vesper Martini and The White Lotus Punch.

The White Lotus Vesper Martini is an elegant twist on the traditional cocktail, featuring Ketel One Vodka and Tanqueray London Dry Gin as its smooth, classic base. It delivers a refined, refreshing tasting sip with a sophisticated balance of dry and fruity notes. A French white wine aperitif adds crispness, while lychee liqueur imparts a delicate floral sweetness. The White Lotus Punch strikes a perfect balance between tart and tropical, making it the ideal cocktail for any getaway. With a vibrant blend of Ketel One Vodka and Tanqueray London Dry Gin, it showcases tropical flavors of pineapple, mango, and lime. The gin lends a hint of herbal complexity, while the tropical fruits provide sweet, juicy depth.

The unique creations tap into a feeling of luxury familiar to a White Lotus guest while reimagining how fans can enjoy cocktails with a modern twist. Featured in The White Lotus limited-edition cocktail kits, these perfect accessories for viewing parties include everything needed to craft season three-inspired drinks at home. Fans 21+ can purchase the kits at https://www.cocktailcourier.com/pages/the-white-lotus-cocktails.

The White Lotus Punch

¾ oz. Ketel One Vodka

½ oz. Tanqueray London Dry Gin

1 oz. lime juice

¾ oz. mango syrup

2 oz. pineapple juice

 

Combine all ingredients into a highball glass

filled with crushed ice and stir. Garnish with

a pineapple wedge and serve. 

The White Lotus Vesper Martini

¾ oz. Ketel One Vodka

½ oz. Tanqueray London Dry Gin

¼ oz. French white wine aperitif

1 bar spoon or teaspoon lychee liqueur

1 bar spoon or teaspoon butterfly pea tea

 

Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled

with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass

and garnish with a lychee. 

 

 

Thanksgiving in Philly: perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s… [Find Recipe Inside]

This Thanksgiving in NYC, the perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s brioche.  As in St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing

No Thanksgiving spread is complete without a hearty stuffing. While add-ins are a matter of preference, choosing the right bread is crucial. One underrated choice is eggy, rich brioche – and with St Pierre Bakery, you don’t need to go to France to get it.

Thanks to its butter and egg content, St Pierre’s Brioche Loaf provides the perfect balance of crisp toastiness while remaining soft and creamy inside, while its lightly sweet flavor adds a decadent quality that can still lean savory. Attached below is an approachable recipe for stuffing allowing for all the craveable crunch for the whole family with minimal effort required.

St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing

By @BrandiMilloy

Ingredients

1 loaf St. Pierre Brioche Bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 medium onion, diced

3/4 cup celery, diced

3/4 cup carrots, diced

1 cup mushrooms, diced

2 large eggs

1 tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped

3 sprigs fresh thyme, just the leaves

1 tbsp. fresh sage, chopped

1 small apple (granny smith works well), peeled and diced

Salt and pepper

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Cut brioche bread into 1” cubes and bake for about 10-15 minutes until toasted.

  2. Meanwhile, into a pot over medium high heat add butter until melted. Add onion, celery and carrots and cook until everything starts to soften, about 7 minutes.  Add mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes longer.  Remove from heat and set aside.

  3. Into a bowl whisk together the eggs, herbs, apples, mushrooms, and salt and pepper. Add your cooked vegetables and mix to combine.

  4. Pour mixture on top of toasted bread and stir to combine. Bake stuffing for about 45 minutes. If your stuffing starts to get too brown, cover until finished baking. Enjoy!

As America’s favorite brioche brand, St Pierre’s products are widely available via grocery stores nationwide as well as Walmart.

About the Author
Joe Wehinger (nicknamed Joe Winger) has written for over 20 years about the business of lifestyle and entertainment. Joe is an entertainment producer, media entrepreneur, public speaker, and C-level consultant who owns businesses in entertainment, lifestyle, tourism and publishing. He is an award-winning filmmaker, published author, member of the Directors Guild of America, International Food Travel Wine Authors Association, WSET Level 2 Wine student, WSET Level 2 Cocktail student, member of the LA Wine Writers. Email to: Joe@FlavRReport.com

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