WASHINGTON—The October/November 2024 issue of AARP The Magazine (ATM) gives readers a closer look into the lives of their favorite celebrities and reveals some of the biggest trends of 2024.

Hollywood’s acclaimed actor Samuel L. Jackson graces the cover and discusses how he is growing both personally and professionally in various aspects of his life beyond his successful acting career. The issue’s Upfront series showcases five surprising things about Golden-Globe winning actress Taraji P. Henson – like how first studying electrical engineering led her to find her calling to enroll in drama at Howard University.

Academy Award-winning actress Kathy Bates, at 76, reflects on her career and embracing new roles from her weight loss journey following a diabetes diagnosis. 

Plus: One ATM money pro spends a day thinking of different ways to save money that anyone could try. The result for her? Savings of $4,400 in a single day.

In this issue of AARP The Magazine:

Samuel L. Jackson’s Next Act

Samuel L. Jackson reflects on his extraordinary journey from overcoming adversity in segregated Tennessee to becoming an award-winning actor, sharing how he continues to honor his Gabonese heritage and his support for Morehouse College.  In the interview, he discusses upcoming projects like The Piano Lesson, and highlights the importance of acknowledging his past while embracing new opportunities. Jackson also opens about his evolving commitment to a healthier lifestyle since his breakout role in “Jungle Fever,” including overcoming drug and alcohol addiction, incorporating Pilates into his exercise routine and adopting a diet free of pork and beef.

The A List: 5 Surprising Things About Taraji P. Henson
Award-winning actress Taraji P. Henson reflects on her young adulthood, sharing that she initially enrolled at North Carolina A&T State University to pursue electrical engineering but dropped out to study drama at Howard University. Henson also opens up to ATM about her commitment to mental health, and discusses her testimony on mental illness before the Congressional Black Caucus.

What I Know Now: Kathy Bates
Kathy Bates, an Oscar-winning actress known for her roles in “Misery” and “American Horror Story,” reflects on pivotal moments in her life and career. Bates shares her journey of losing 80 pounds after a diabetes diagnosis, crediting mindful eating and Ozempic for helping her achieve her weight-loss goals. This transformation not only left her healthier and more confident but also gave her the stamina to endure the long hours on set for her new project “Matlock.” She also acknowledges the ongoing struggle with ageism that women face, recognizing that her page has turned, and her roles have changed.

Money Report: How I Saved $4,400 in a Day … and (Maybe) You Can Too
Personal finance pros had a simple question: How much money could you save if you spent one full day trying? The results were eye-opening. From cutting down on bills to negotiation tactics with sales reps, learn the best money-saving tips ATM has to offer – ones, in fact, that could save thousands.

Money Saver: First Came Health Crises, Then the Debt
ATM illustrates the challenges women encounter with debt through the story of Yvette Aviles, who faced financial difficulties after a series of personal setbacks. We outline an advisory plan for Aviles, ultimately equipping her with the right strategies and resources to alleviate her financial burdens.

Tech: Provide Help From Afar
ATM offers tips and easy-to-use tools to help you support loved ones with their computer, TV, and phone issues from afar. With remote access apps, you can troubleshoot devices from anywhere. Plus, some services let you remotely control TVs and phones, making it simple to adjust settings or fix problems, no matter the distance.

# # #

About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.