New Bedford has always had reason to be famous: a center of American history, home to the greatest novel ever writtensome of the the best seafood you’ll find anywhereA very large tea kettle. But in 2024, the region has experienced several successes which have further highlighted our little corner of the globe.
Last year, local heroes were honored and local hot spots were featured on television screens. A New Bedford native quit at the height of her powers, and another South Coast native returned home to rediscover the essence of home.
Here are seven stories from 2024 that captured New Bedford’s fame in pop culture:
New Bedford honors Tavares
New Bedford Honors Grammy-Winning R&B Singer Tavares by giving their name to a street in January, with Tiny Tavares on hand. The five Cape Verdean brothers were staples of the ’70s soul and disco scene, singing the Bee Gees’ “Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel” and “More Than a Woman,” included on the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack. Arthur “Pooch” Tavares lived to see this honor and died a few months later. in April.
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Dancing in the street:New Bedford Honors Iconic Music Group Tavares with Tavares Brothers’ Way
‘The Holdovers,’ Filmed Locally, Wins Film Awards
Fairhaven High School and the New Bedford Wamsutta Club were on the big screen in 2023’s “The Holdovers,” Alexander Payne’s Christmas comedy-drama. The film was awarded at the 2024 Golden Globes, where actors Paul Giamatti and Da’Vine Joy Randolph received awards. It was subsequently nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, where Randolph again won Best Supporting Actress.
“The remains”:The film, shot in New Bedford and Fairhaven, won two Golden Globes. Here’s who won.
Actress Téa Leoni stops for a baking class
New Bedford The Baker received a surprise visit from Hollywood star Téa Leoni, who appeared in “Bad Boys”, “Jurassic Park III” and “Only Murders in the Building” and starred in “Madam Secretary”. Leoni’s craving for chocolate croissants and cinnamon rolls led her to head to the kitchen for some quick baking tips.
Working in the kitchen:The ‘Madam Secretary’ star visits the Baker in New Bedford. Here’s what happened.
The Mattapoisett Estate in a Netflix TV Show Starring Nicole Kidman
Another local spot was seen on screen when Mattapoisett’s Winbury Estate was the focus of the Netflix series “The Perfect Couple.” Starring Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber and Dakota Fanning, the series was filmed at the extravagant 5,700 square foot estate for several scenes.
Does this place look familiar?The Netflix TV series filmed in Mattapoisett is now streaming.
Emeril Lagasse captures the essence of the South Coast
Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse is perhaps the South Coast’s biggest success story – and earlier this year he made a triumphant return home. Looking for inspiration for a new Portuguese restaurant, Lagasse visited some of his favorite restaurants in Fall River, New Bedford and beyond. The South Coast flavor has made its way to New Orleans, where his 34 Restaurant & Bar opened in October.
“Hometown Hero”:Emeril Lagasse makes surprise stops on the South Coast. Here’s why he was here.
Samantha Irvin dazzles at WrestleMania 40, then quits
Samantha Irvin, a New Bedford native, singer, entertainer and professional wrestling fan, received widespread praise as the ring announcer for WWE’s “Raw” this year. Legendary Announcer Michael (“Let’s Get Ready to Rumble”) Buffer excited about Irvin’s work as WrestleMania 40 MC in Aprilparticularly his emotional appeal to Cody Rhodes as the undisputed Universal Champion. A few months later, Irvin thanked everyone at WWE, but announced that she was withdrawing from the concert, leading to widespread – and still unresolved – speculation about what she will do next.
Mic drop:New Bedford’s Samantha Irvin is leaving WWE Raw as ring announcer. Where will she go next?
“A man with a lot of power”:How SouthCoast pizzerias handled a visit from Dave Portnoy
Dave Portnoy brings one-bite reviews to New Bedford
While New Bedford is known for its good food, it is also known for its good everyday meals. The nation’s foremost authority on pizza, Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports, makes unannounced visits to the region to taste some pies – and make some new friends. His reviews of several pizzerias in the South Coast region have racked up views on YouTube.