What a year it's been. From births (Wyatt Kutcher) to deaths (Joan Rivers), from hookups (Miley Cyrus and Patrick Schwarzenegger) to breakups (Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin), the previous 12 months proved that Hollywood is as unpredictable as it gets. In no particular order, E! News revists and recaps the 45 biggest stories of 2014.
DEATHS
Robin Williams
The Mork & Mindy star committed suicide by hanging on Aug. 11 at age 63.
Joan Rivers
The host of E!'s Fashion Police died of cerebral hypoxia on Sept. 4 at age 81.
Diem Brown
The MTV reality star passed away after a nine-year cancer battle on Nov. 14 at age 34.
Philip Seymour Hoffman
The Capote actor died of combined drug intoxication on Feb. 2 at age 46.
Shirley Temple
The child star died due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on Feb. 10 at age 85.
SCANDALS
Bill Cosby
After Hannibal Buress called Cosby a "rapist" in an October stand-up set, more than 15 women came forward to allege that the comedian had previously sexually assaulted them. Cosby's reps have repeatedly denied the claims.
Woody Allen
In February, Dylan Farrow repeated allegations that Allen had sexually abused her inside their Connecticut summer home when she was a child. Allen again once denied the allegations, which were first made during a custody dispute with Mia Farrow in the '90s, calling them "untrue and disgraceful." Dylan, however, stood by her story.
Stephen Collins
The New York City Police Department began investigating Collins in October after an audio tape leaked to the media revealed a male voice—purported to be that of the 7th Heaven star—admitting to past sexual abuse of a minor. A Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson said Collins had been investigated by the department in 2012 after receiving a claim from 40 years earlier regarding sexual abuse. However, the LAPD said its investigation did not allow them to "substantiate the allegation."
Donald Sterling
In April, the Los Angeles Clippers owner was banned from the NBA for life and fined $2.5 million by the league after private recordings of him making racist comments were made public. When asked about the recordings in an interview with CNN's Anderson Cooper, Donald said, "I'm not a racist," and admitted that he'd made a "terrible mistake" and hoped "to apologize." In May, his wife, Shelly Sterling, reached an agreement to sell the team for $2 billion to Steve Ballmer; Donald contested the sale in court. The NBA Board of Governors approved the sale of the Clippers to Ballmer in August.
Ray Rice
After punching his fiancée in the face, which knocked her unconscious, the Baltimore Ravens running back was arrested (and indicted) for third-degree aggravated assault in February. TMZ eventually released videos of the encounter, and Rice's contract was terminated on Sept. 8. He appealed his indefinite suspension by the NFL in Federal Court and won; the incident spurred the NFL to change its policies regarding abuse. "Domestic violence is a real issue in society," Rice said on NBC's Today in December.
SURPRISES
Lindsay Lohan
In Touch published Lohan's "sex list" in March, featuring the names of 36 men she alleged bedded. Many of the men denied sleeping with the actress, and in an episode of OWN's Lindsay, she tearfully admitted that the dossier was written while she was in rehab. "It's step No. 5 or step No. 8," Lohan said, referring to the 12 steps followed by Alcoholics Anonymous. "It's your sexual inventory. That was in my Betty Ford book." The star called the tabloid's decision to publish the least "disrespectful," adding, "The fact that that happened was not only humiliating, but just mean. It was mean-spirited for someone to do that."
James Franco
After performing in Of Mice and Men on Broadway in April, Franco took a selfie with a 17-year-old fan and told her to contact him later that night via Instagram. The teen did, and the two exchanged several flirty messages—which were later published online. "I'm embarrassed," Franco later said on Live! With Kelly and Michael. "Social media is tricky," he said, adding, "I used bad judgment. I learned my lesson."
Solange Knowles
Beyoncé's sister attacked her brother-in-law Jay Z after leaving a Met Gala afterparty at the Boom Boom Room in New York City in May. TMZ went on to publish a video of the violent outburst, prompting the family to release a joint statement. "Jay and Solange each assume their share of responsibility for what has occurred," it read. "They both acknowledge their role in this private matter that has played out in the public. They both have apologized to each other and we have moved forward as a united family."
Shia LaBeouf
During the Berlin Film Festival in February, LaBeouf abruptly walked out of the Nymphomaniac press conference. At night, he wore a paper bag over his head to declare that he was "not famous anymore." Two days later, staged aperformance in L.A. titled #IAMSORRY. In June, he was arrested after disrupting a Broadway show, and at one point, he spit on a police officer. LaBeouf eventually apologized on national TV and felt he'd mellowed, explaining, "Running is big in my life...It's become like my salvation."
Selena Gomez
Unbeknownst to her fans, the "Come & Get It" singer checked into an Arizona rehab facility in January. In fact, it wasn't until February that Gomez's decision to seek help was made public. "I lost sight of who I was," she later explained. "I listened to opinions of people and I tried to change who I am because I thought others would accept me for it. And I realized I don't know how to be anything but myself."
LEGAL AND PERSONAL TROUBLES
Teresa Giudice
In October, the Real Housewives of New Jersey star was sentenced to 15 months in prison after pleading guilty to tax fraud. Her husband, Joe Giudice, will begin his 41-month prison sentence upon her release. Teresa must surrender herself by Jan. 5.
Justin Bieber
The pop star was arrested in January after Miami police officers saw him driving a yellow Lamborghini in a race against a red Ferrari in a residential area. Bieber failed a field sobriety test and was charged with DUI, reckless driving and resisting arrest. The singer made a plea deal in August, which stipulated that he must complete 12-hour anger management courses and agree to make a $50,000 charitable donation.
Tracy Morgan
In June, the 30 Rock star was a passenger on a limo bus that was rear-ended by a Walmart truck on the New Jersey Turnpike. The crash killed James McNair, while Morgan and his other friends were injured. The comedian was treated for broken ribs, a broken nose and a broken leg, in addition to a "severe brain injury." In July, Morgan and three others filed suit against the retailer. Walmart responded two months later by placing partial blame on the passengers, arguing that the injuries sustained were "caused, in whole or in part, by [their] failure to properly wear an appropriate available seat belt restraint device."
Sarah Hyland
In October, a judge granted the Modern Family star's request for a permanent restraining order against actor Matthew Prokop, whom she dated for nearly five years. Prokop was told to stay 100 yards away from Hyland and her home, as well as from her dog, Barkley Bixby. Hyland's former boyfriend was also ordered to avoid her workplace and told he was not permitted to own or possess a gun or ammunition. Per court documents obtained by E! News, Hyland said her ex "relentlessly bombarded me with vile, threatening and emotionally disturbing texts and voice mails including his own suicide threats" after the breakup. She also alleged that he pinned her against a car and repeatedly called her the c-word while choking her. "His grip was so tight that I could not breathe or speak. I was scared and in fear for my life."
Michael Phelps
The Olympian was arrested and charged with DUI, excessive speeding and crossing double lane lines in September. "I understand the severity of my actions and take full responsibility," he said in a statement. "I know these words may not mean much right now but I am deeply sorry to everyone I have let down." It was Phelps' second DUI arrest, and shortly afterward, he entered a six-week, in-patient program. USA Swimming suspended him for six months, forcing him to withdraw from 2015's world championships.
JENNIFER LAWRENCE
In August, the actress was one of dozens of celebrities—the majority of whom were female—whose privacy was violated after private photos were stolen and distributed online. The FBI launched an investigation into who stole the naked pictures. Lawrence and actress Gabrielle Union both called the incident a "sex crime."
WEDDINGS
Amal Alamuddin and George Clooney
The Oscar de la Renta-clad human rights lawyer married the Giorgio Armani-clad actor on Sept. 27 at the Aman Canal Grande luxury resort in Venice, Italy. Guests included Ellen Barkin, Emily Blunt, Cindy Crawford, Matt Damon, Rande Gerber, Richard Kind, John Krasinski and Bill Murray, among others.
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West
After a whirlwind week in Paris, pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr. presided over the ceremony in Venice, Italy. The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star (in Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci) exchanged vows with the rapper in front of family and friends. The highlight: West's 45-minute reception toast about the incredible power of Kimye.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt
After eight years and six children, the Mr. & Mrs. Smith co-stars made things official when they tied the knot on Aug. 23 in front of 20 people. It took place at the family's French estate, Château Miraval. Jolie wore an Atelier Versace dress and a veil featuring her children's doodles. Maddox and Pax walked their mom down the aisle; Zahara and Vivienne dropped petals; and Shiloh and Knox served as ring bearers.
Lauren Conrad and William Tell
The fashion designer and former Hills star married the law school graduate in California on Sept. 13. The ceremony and reception were apple-themed (a nod to Tell's namesake) and the bride wore two dresses.
Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard
At long last, the 19 Kids and Counting star could kiss the man of her dreams! After committing themselves before God in June, Duggar and Dillard smooched for the very first time in front of an audience of 1,000+ people, including over 100 Duggar immediate family members who traveled from around the country to attend.
BREAKUPS
Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin
Paltrow and Coldplay singer "consciously uncoupled" via Paltrow's Goop blog in March. They continued to spent time together—and not just for the kids. "We are...and always will be a family," the two said.
Paula Patton and Robin Thicke
Married nine years, the high school sweetheart separated on Feb. 24. "We will always love each other and be best friends however we have mutually decided to separate at this time," the exes promised. Patton filed for divorce in October.
Kate Hudson and Matthew Bellamy
After a four-year engagement, "Kate and Matt have been separated for some time now," the movie star's rep said in December. "Despite this, they remain very close friends and committed co-parents."
Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas
In June, Griffith filed for divorce from Banderas after 18 years of marriage. The actors met in 1995 on the set of Two Much, while were married to other people. The exes have a teenage daughter, Stella.
Hilary Duff and Mike Comrie
The singer and retired hockey player amicably separated on Jan. 10. "They remain best friends and will continue to be in each other's lives," her rep said. "They are dedicated to loving and parenting their amazing son."
HOOKUPS
Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Martin
In June, after the actress split with boyfriend of four years Nicholas Hoult, she started seeing the consciously uncoupled musician. By late October, however, Lawrence and Martin had called it quits.
Miley Cyrus and Patrick Schwarzenegger
Liam Hemsworth is a distant memory! The formerly engaged pop star was first romantically linked to Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver's son in November. Since then, they've traveled to Miami and become more comfortable packing on the PDA.
Nikki Reed and Ian Somerhalder
After breaking up with husband Paul McDonald, the Twilight star sunk her teeth into The Vampire Diaries actor. Dating since July, they bonded over their love of animals—and they've rescued a few, too.
Michelle Rodriguez and Zac Efron
Fast and Furious, indeed! The actors' romance ended as quickly as it began. When Rodriguez and Efron called it quits in August following a two-month PDA parade, a source told E! News, "It was never that serious. No one ever really thought of them as together, just more of summer fling and nothing serious."
Ariana Grande and Big Sean
Grande was linked to Naya Rivera's former fiancé for months before confirming the coupling in October.
TALK SHOW SHAKE-UPS
Jimmy Fallon
After a successful run on The Late Show, Fallon succeeded Jay Leno as host of The Tonight Show on Feb. 17. He's a hit online, too! His lip sync battle with Emma Stone was viewed 37 million times on YouTube.
David Letterman
In April, the longest-serving late-night talk show host in television history announced he would retire in 2015; Stephen Colbert was hired to replace him. Letterman's final Late Show episode will air on May 20.
Craig Ferguson
Ferguson announced in April that he planned to leave The Late Late Show on Dec. 19. James Corden, co-creator, co-writer and star of the hit BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey, will begin hosting on March 9, 2015.
Chelsea Handler
After seven seasons, E!'s Chelsea Lately ended on Aug. 26. Dozens of celebrities paid tribute to Handler, including 50 Cent, Jennifer Aniston, Sandra Bullock, Miley Cyrus, Gwyneth Paltrow and LeAnn Rimes.
Whoopi Goldberg
Barbara Walters retired from The View in May, and over the summer, Jenny McCarthy and Sherri Shepherd left the morning talk show. Goldberg was the sole co-host to remain on the show when it was announced that Rosie O'Donnell would return. Rosie Perez and Nicolle Wallace rounded out the panel.
HOLLYWOOD BABY BOOM
Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling
The Place Beyond the Pines co-stars managed to keep Mendes' pregnancy a secret until she was seven months along. The actors welcomed a daughter, Esmeralda Amada, on Sept. 12 in Santa Monica, Calif.
Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen
Sources confirmed that Bilson was pregnant in April. The Jumper co-stars welcomed Briar Rose on Oct. 29. "Both mother and baby are healthy and doing well," the Hart of Dixie star's rep said in a statement.
Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher
E! News exclusively revealed in February that the former That '70s Show co-stars were engaged. The next month, E! News also broke the news that Kunis was pregnant. Wyatt Isabelle was born on Oct. 1.
Zoe Saldana and Marco Perego
The actress' pregnancy was revealed in July—and E! News broke the news that they were expecting twins!
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds
The actress announced her pregnancy via her lifestyle and e-commerce site, Preserve, in September.