Taylor Swift's Major Holiday Donations and Bowen Yang's SNL Farewell Lead U.S. Entertainment News

Taylor Swift's Generous Holiday Donations

Taylor Swift** donated **$1 million each** to **Feeding America** and the **American Heart Association** this holiday season. The contributions support food banks across the U.S. and heart-health research, honoring her father's recovery from heart surgery.[1]

Swift's album **The Life of a Showgirl** holds the **No. 1 spot** on the **Billboard 200** for a 10th week, marking her as the first woman with four albums achieving this milestone.[1]

Bowen Yang Bids Farewell to SNL

Bowen Yang is exiting Saturday Night Live after seven seasons. His final episode featured a surprise appearance by **Aidy Bryant**, an **Ariana Grande** sing-along, and a **Cher** cameo.[3]

Yang's departure comes amid the show's holiday episodes, with **Colin Jost** also making headlines for a joke swap targeting his wife, **Scarlett Johansson**.[3]

James Ransone's Tragic Passing

Actor **James Ransone**, known for roles in **The Wire** and **It Chapter Two**, died by suicide on **December 19, 2025**, at age 46.[4]

Ransone's breakout role was as dock worker **Ziggy Sobotka** in season two of **The Wire**. His death has prompted discussions on mental health in Hollywood.[4]

Other Notable Music and Entertainment Updates

• Snoop Dogg** headlined the **NFL Christmas Gameday halftime show** on December 25, featuring **Lions vs. Vikings**, streamed live on Netflix.[1]
• **Asake** expressed devastation over the death of fan **Karen Lojore**, 20, killed in a crowd crush at his December 20 concert in Nairobi.[1]
• **Donna Summer** was posthumously inducted into the **Songwriters Hall of Fame**, celebrating her 150 million+ record sales and four No. 1 singles.[1]

Holiday Entertainment Highlights

CBS stars from **NCIS** and **Criminal Minds** participated in holiday charity efforts, becoming "Holiday Heroes" for community causes.[3]

**When Calls the Heart** actor **Chris McNally** announced a baby on the way, delighting fans during the festive season.[3]

**Eric Lloyd**, known from **The Santa Clause**, shared fond memories of working with **Tim Allen** in a nostalgic interview.[3]