Ashley Spencer
@ashleyspencer.bsky.social
Culture journalist + author of DISNEY HIGH. Words in The New York Times, The Washington Post, L.A. Times, etc. https://linktr.ee/amspen
Pinned
Ashley Spencer
@ashleyspencer.bsky.social
· Nov 11
Hi! I’m a culture journalist whose work appears in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Vanity Fair & more. My first book DISNEY HIGH: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of Disney Channel’s Tween Empire just came out from St. Martin’s Press & I’d love if you’d check it out! bit.ly/DisneyHigh
Reposted by Ashley Spencer
‘When you lose someone important early on, it reaffirms the fact that life is so fleeting. You owe it to yourself to find your passion and to pursue it.’
This is a lovely read by @ashleyspencer.bsky.social on Robert Irwin
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/23/s...
This is a lovely read by @ashleyspencer.bsky.social on Robert Irwin
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/23/s...
Robert Irwin Is Actually That Nice
www.nytimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:04 PM
‘When you lose someone important early on, it reaffirms the fact that life is so fleeting. You owe it to yourself to find your passion and to pursue it.’
This is a lovely read by @ashleyspencer.bsky.social on Robert Irwin
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/23/s...
This is a lovely read by @ashleyspencer.bsky.social on Robert Irwin
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/23/s...
Met up with character actor William Fichtner for lattes and a long chat about his illustrious, scene-stealing career that includes Heat, Contact, Armageddon, The Dark Knight, Prison Break and about 100 other things. NYT gift link: www.nytimes.com/2025/10/29/a...
William Fichtner Really Is That Guy
www.nytimes.com
October 29, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Met up with character actor William Fichtner for lattes and a long chat about his illustrious, scene-stealing career that includes Heat, Contact, Armageddon, The Dark Knight, Prison Break and about 100 other things. NYT gift link: www.nytimes.com/2025/10/29/a...
Reposted by Ashley Spencer
It’s been 30 years since “Casper” and “Now and Then,” so I got brunch with Devon Sawa to reminisce and find out what his life was like then and now for The New York Times, ft. additional insights from Christina Ricci and more.
This ’90s Teen Star Has Come a Long Way
www.nytimes.com
October 27, 2025 at 6:36 PM
It’s been 30 years since “Casper” and “Now and Then,” so I got brunch with Devon Sawa to reminisce and find out what his life was like then and now for The New York Times, ft. additional insights from Christina Ricci and more.
Reposted by Ashley Spencer
🚨🎙️NEW POD ALERT🎙️🚨
Zach talks to @ashleyspencer.bsky.social, author of DISNEY HIGH.
• Writing DISNEY HIGH 📘
• The evolution of Disney Channel 📺
• The stars of the era 🌟
• Top 4 DCOM's 📽️
• Growing up near Walt Disney World 🏰
• And so much more! 💫
boardwalktimes.net/the-zach-per...
Zach talks to @ashleyspencer.bsky.social, author of DISNEY HIGH.
• Writing DISNEY HIGH 📘
• The evolution of Disney Channel 📺
• The stars of the era 🌟
• Top 4 DCOM's 📽️
• Growing up near Walt Disney World 🏰
• And so much more! 💫
boardwalktimes.net/the-zach-per...
August 15, 2025 at 3:57 PM
🚨🎙️NEW POD ALERT🎙️🚨
Zach talks to @ashleyspencer.bsky.social, author of DISNEY HIGH.
• Writing DISNEY HIGH 📘
• The evolution of Disney Channel 📺
• The stars of the era 🌟
• Top 4 DCOM's 📽️
• Growing up near Walt Disney World 🏰
• And so much more! 💫
boardwalktimes.net/the-zach-per...
Zach talks to @ashleyspencer.bsky.social, author of DISNEY HIGH.
• Writing DISNEY HIGH 📘
• The evolution of Disney Channel 📺
• The stars of the era 🌟
• Top 4 DCOM's 📽️
• Growing up near Walt Disney World 🏰
• And so much more! 💫
boardwalktimes.net/the-zach-per...
What happens when a teen heartthrob grows up? I interviewed Chad Michael Murray for The New York Times to find out. He opened up about being a “not-nice guy” in his 20s, fame and his experiences on projects like “Gilmore Girls,” “Freaky Friday” and “One Tree Hill.” www.nytimes.com/2025/08/08/m...
August 9, 2025 at 2:02 PM
What happens when a teen heartthrob grows up? I interviewed Chad Michael Murray for The New York Times to find out. He opened up about being a “not-nice guy” in his 20s, fame and his experiences on projects like “Gilmore Girls,” “Freaky Friday” and “One Tree Hill.” www.nytimes.com/2025/08/08/m...
Christopher McDonald embraces his “Happy Gilmore” alter ego, but Shooter McGavin’s popularity belies a half-century career and a storied life beyond the golf course.
My NYT profile ft. additional insights from Adam Sandler, Jean Smart and more: www.nytimes.com/2025/07/30/m...
My NYT profile ft. additional insights from Adam Sandler, Jean Smart and more: www.nytimes.com/2025/07/30/m...
Christopher McDonald Is Shooter McGavin. And a Whole Lot More.
www.nytimes.com
July 30, 2025 at 11:03 PM
Christopher McDonald embraces his “Happy Gilmore” alter ego, but Shooter McGavin’s popularity belies a half-century career and a storied life beyond the golf course.
My NYT profile ft. additional insights from Adam Sandler, Jean Smart and more: www.nytimes.com/2025/07/30/m...
My NYT profile ft. additional insights from Adam Sandler, Jean Smart and more: www.nytimes.com/2025/07/30/m...
Reposted by Ashley Spencer
In “Happy Gilmore 2," Christopher Mcdonald has officially reprised the role of Shooter McGavin. “It’s the gift that keeps on giving,” McDonald said in an interview with The New York Times. Read the full interview. nyti.ms/4moffAz
July 30, 2025 at 8:34 PM
In “Happy Gilmore 2," Christopher Mcdonald has officially reprised the role of Shooter McGavin. “It’s the gift that keeps on giving,” McDonald said in an interview with The New York Times. Read the full interview. nyti.ms/4moffAz
A once-again relevant tidbit from my 2021 deep dive on The Rosie O’Donnell Show. www.vulture.com/article/the-...
July 14, 2025 at 4:09 PM
A once-again relevant tidbit from my 2021 deep dive on The Rosie O’Donnell Show. www.vulture.com/article/the-...
Reposted by Ashley Spencer
I really enjoyed editing this profile of Kevin Williamson by @ashleyspencer.bsky.social. The creator of "Dawson's Creek" and "Scream" is channeling his family's story into the new Netflix series "The Waterfront" that's loosely based on his father. www.latimes.com/entertainmen...
In 'The Waterfront,' 'Dawson's Creek' creator Kevin Williamson returns to his gritty roots
The main characters in Kevin Williamson's Netflix series are a multigenerational cast of adults whose lives are glossier and grittier than what audiences remember from the 'Dawson’s' gang.
www.latimes.com
June 17, 2025 at 6:02 PM
I really enjoyed editing this profile of Kevin Williamson by @ashleyspencer.bsky.social. The creator of "Dawson's Creek" and "Scream" is channeling his family's story into the new Netflix series "The Waterfront" that's loosely based on his father. www.latimes.com/entertainmen...
I profiled Kevin Williamson, looking at the semi-autobiographical projects that have punctuated his career, from “Dawson’s Creek” to “The Waterfront.” Ft. insights from James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Melissa Benoist, Topher Grace & more for the @latimes. www.latimes.com/entertainmen...
June 17, 2025 at 4:18 PM
I profiled Kevin Williamson, looking at the semi-autobiographical projects that have punctuated his career, from “Dawson’s Creek” to “The Waterfront.” Ft. insights from James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Melissa Benoist, Topher Grace & more for the @latimes. www.latimes.com/entertainmen...
I interviewed Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks about their new whodunnit series, The Better Sister, and fighting to take control in Hollywood, for the L.A. Times. www.latimes.com/entertainmen...
Elizabeth Banks and Jessica Biel on ‘The Better Sister’ finale and taking control
The co-stars and executive producers of Prime Video's 'The Better Sister' discuss making the limited series and the decades of experience in Hollywood that led them to it.
www.latimes.com
May 30, 2025 at 6:51 PM
I interviewed Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks about their new whodunnit series, The Better Sister, and fighting to take control in Hollywood, for the L.A. Times. www.latimes.com/entertainmen...
Step aside, Moana, Elsa and Simba. In recent years, Stitch has quietly become one of Disney’s most popular — and most merchandised — characters. I reported on Stitch mania for The New York Times. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2025/05/21/m...
‘Lilo & Stitch’: How a Fuzzy Blue Alien Became a Disney Cash Cow
www.nytimes.com
May 21, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Step aside, Moana, Elsa and Simba. In recent years, Stitch has quietly become one of Disney’s most popular — and most merchandised — characters. I reported on Stitch mania for The New York Times. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2025/05/21/m...
“When I think about her, I think about how much I want to be alive.”
That’s how Cate Blanchett described Uzo Aduba to me for this @latimes.com profile of the 3x Emmy winner/star of Netflix’s new Shondaland series “The Residence.” Online now and in print today. www.latimes.com/entertainmen...
That’s how Cate Blanchett described Uzo Aduba to me for this @latimes.com profile of the 3x Emmy winner/star of Netflix’s new Shondaland series “The Residence.” Online now and in print today. www.latimes.com/entertainmen...
Uzo Aduba dons a detective's cape in 'The Residence'
Uzo Aduba stars as an eccentric, bird-watching sleuth in Netflix's new murder-mystery comedy, a role that feels revolutionary to the actor.
www.latimes.com
March 23, 2025 at 2:05 PM
“When I think about her, I think about how much I want to be alive.”
That’s how Cate Blanchett described Uzo Aduba to me for this @latimes.com profile of the 3x Emmy winner/star of Netflix’s new Shondaland series “The Residence.” Online now and in print today. www.latimes.com/entertainmen...
That’s how Cate Blanchett described Uzo Aduba to me for this @latimes.com profile of the 3x Emmy winner/star of Netflix’s new Shondaland series “The Residence.” Online now and in print today. www.latimes.com/entertainmen...
Reposted by Ashley Spencer
Episode 700: Magical With a Side of Chaos With @ashleyspencer.bsky.social
Listen: www.writersbone.com/podcastsarch...
Listen: www.writersbone.com/podcastsarch...
March 11, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Episode 700: Magical With a Side of Chaos With @ashleyspencer.bsky.social
Listen: www.writersbone.com/podcastsarch...
Listen: www.writersbone.com/podcastsarch...
Reposted by Ashley Spencer
Since folks are celebrating Bluesky's longer video capabilities with this particular clip, I'd highly recommend you read @ashleyspencer.bsky.social's glorious & delightful oral history of Tom Holland's "Lip Sync Battle" performance www.businessinsider.com/tom-holland-...
March 11, 2025 at 11:27 AM
Since folks are celebrating Bluesky's longer video capabilities with this particular clip, I'd highly recommend you read @ashleyspencer.bsky.social's glorious & delightful oral history of Tom Holland's "Lip Sync Battle" performance www.businessinsider.com/tom-holland-...
Huge DISNEY HIGH ebook sale today at all ebook retailers for only $2.99! If you haven’t read my book yet, now’s your chance to do so for mere pennies 💕 us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
March 8, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Huge DISNEY HIGH ebook sale today at all ebook retailers for only $2.99! If you haven’t read my book yet, now’s your chance to do so for mere pennies 💕 us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
Reposted by Ashley Spencer
Thanks to Eskor David Johnson for a fun discussion this week about his book Pay As You Go.
We hit Episode 700 next Tuesday! We'll be chatting with @ashleyspencer.bsky.social about her book Disney High.
Subscribe and tune in: apple.co/3XMnpcc
We hit Episode 700 next Tuesday! We'll be chatting with @ashleyspencer.bsky.social about her book Disney High.
Subscribe and tune in: apple.co/3XMnpcc
March 7, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Thanks to Eskor David Johnson for a fun discussion this week about his book Pay As You Go.
We hit Episode 700 next Tuesday! We'll be chatting with @ashleyspencer.bsky.social about her book Disney High.
Subscribe and tune in: apple.co/3XMnpcc
We hit Episode 700 next Tuesday! We'll be chatting with @ashleyspencer.bsky.social about her book Disney High.
Subscribe and tune in: apple.co/3XMnpcc
Wrote a little bit about Michelle Trachtenberg's singular, special work in Harriet the Spy that inspired a generation of writers (including me). ashleyspencer.substack.com/p/in-michell...
In Michelle Trachtenberg's 'Harriet,' Millennials Saw Themselves
As Harriet the Spy, 10-year-old Michelle Trachtenberg inspired a generation to become writers, journalists, and passionate observers of the world.
ashleyspencer.substack.com
February 27, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Wrote a little bit about Michelle Trachtenberg's singular, special work in Harriet the Spy that inspired a generation of writers (including me). ashleyspencer.substack.com/p/in-michell...
This actually sounds like a genius idea (and smart career move for Taylor Lautner). variety.com/2025/tv/news...
February 12, 2025 at 8:55 PM
This actually sounds like a genius idea (and smart career move for Taylor Lautner). variety.com/2025/tv/news...
My most boomer complaint is the joy of watching Super Bowl ads used to come from an element of surprise. They lose value when they’re pre-announced and plastered in full on the internet. I want to be shocked by that celeb cameo! Aghast at that collab! Weeping at that baby horse!
February 9, 2025 at 2:07 PM
My most boomer complaint is the joy of watching Super Bowl ads used to come from an element of surprise. They lose value when they’re pre-announced and plastered in full on the internet. I want to be shocked by that celeb cameo! Aghast at that collab! Weeping at that baby horse!
30 years of BEFORE SUNRISE today 💕 Here’s a gift link to the oral history I did for its 25th anniversary. Still one of my favorites. www.nytimes.com/2020/01/22/m...
‘Before Sunrise’: The Making of an Indie Classic (Gift Article)
On a tiny budget and at the mercy of Viennese trains and Ferris wheels, Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke managed to create ’90s movie magic.
www.nytimes.com
January 27, 2025 at 4:16 PM
30 years of BEFORE SUNRISE today 💕 Here’s a gift link to the oral history I did for its 25th anniversary. Still one of my favorites. www.nytimes.com/2020/01/22/m...
Reposted by Ashley Spencer
It helped that I was so enthralled reading @ashleyspencer.bsky.social’s book Disney High
December 29, 2024 at 11:37 PM
It helped that I was so enthralled reading @ashleyspencer.bsky.social’s book Disney High