→ Johnston Native FTW

Johnston native, Newport resident and URI grad Mat Franco took home the top prize as winner of America’s Got Talent on Wednesday night. Franco won a million bucks and his own headlining show in Las Vegas (what is with Johnston natives and Las Vegas residencies See: Pauly D.) Franco will perform live at the What Women Want Expo at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick on October 12th. Ironically East Greenwich native Debra Messing’s new show, “The Mysteries of Laura,” premiered immediately following the finale of America’s Got Talent.

→ Miss Rhode Island Has a DILF

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Miss Rhode Island Ivy Depew – who made headlines for fainting at a Miss America preliminary ceremony – recovered just in time for the annual pageant. Though she didn’t win, the Brown University grad’s DAD did take home the title of, “Hottest Dad!” Good for him…weird for her.

 → RI Native Spins the Wheel

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Lincoln native Kristen Marshall was on Wheel of Fortune Monday night. The URI grad is an elementary school teacher in Pawtucket and came in 2nd place!

 → Paz Movie Casts Sons of Anarchy, Game of Thrones Stars

The highly anticipated Vinny Pazienza biopic, “Bleed For This” has cast its lead parts. Miles Teller (Project X, Divergent) will play Paz while Aaron Eckhart will play his trainer. Katey Sagal (Sons of Anarchy, Married with Children) will play Louise Pazienza (Vinny’s mom) and Game of Thrones Star Ciarán Hinds will play Angelo, Paz’s Dad. Shooting begins next month here in Rhode Island at locations like Twin River and Twin Oaks. Verdi Productions is behind the film along with Hollywood heavyweight Martin Scorsese executive producing.

Bekah Berger is the mid-day personality for Hot 106 (Monday-Saturday 10a-2p) and covers entertainment news for Cumulus Media Providence. Spot a celeb? Did a Rhody Native make national news? Drop an entertainment tip to [email protected]

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