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Robert Downey Sr. -- whose credits included filmmaking, directing, writing, acting and fathering Robert Downey Jr. -- has died at the age of 85.

Sr. died in his sleep at home in NYC Wednesday after a battle with Parkinson's Disease, according to his wife, who spoke to the NY Daily News.

Downey Sr.'s career started back in the '60s with directing and writing smaller projects before moving on to big-budget films in the '70s with "Greaser's Palace." He also appeared in "Boogie Nights," "Magnolia," and other films.

Sr. fathered two children with actress Elsie Ann Ford -- Allyson and Downey Jr. -- but the couple divorced in 1975. He went on to marry two more times ... Laura Ernst, who died in 1994, and 4 years later he married Rosemary Rogers, whom he remained with until his death.

Sr.'s most recent film, "Rittenhouse Square," wrapped in 2005 about the everyday happenings in a park in Philadelphia.

Robert Downey Jr. has not yet commented publicly on his dad's passing.

Robert Downey Sr. was 85.

RIP

The police officer who allegedly deleted a witness video -- while his body cam was rolling, no less -- is now facing a lawsuit over the incident.

The Philly cop -- ID'd in the suit as Officer Burnett -- just got slapped with a lawsuit by Jacob Giddings ... the guy who claims his footage was scrubbed back in March while Burnett was trying to take him into custody on an arrest warrant.

According to the suit, obtained by TMZ, Giddings says he was pumping gas when Burnett ran his tags, identifying Giddings as someone who had a warrant out for his arrest. While Giddings was in his vehicle, he says Burnett approached him from outside ... asking him to step out of the vehicle without an explanation.

Things allegedly escalated from there. Giddings claims Burnett began trying to forcibly remove him from the car. BTW, Giddings says he had begun recording with his phone at this point ... feeling uneasy about the whole thing.

After a lot of tussling -- and the arrival of a 2nd officer -- Giddings says he surrendered, and was cuffed and put into the back of a squad car.

Giddings says Burnett then proceeded to search his car and found the phone that had been recording. Giddings makes a bombshell claim -- he says Burnett ran over his phone, with Giddings' own vehicle, in an attempt to destroy the evidence!

Giddings claims that after realizing the phone was STILL recording and not destroyed at all, Burnett then took it upon himself to delete the video -- only to play dumb when asked by Giddings if it was still on there. He's suing for assault, battery, excessive force and illegal search and seizure.

Of course, Giddings says Burnett's own body-cam was rolling during what Giddings says was the moment he tried getting rid of evidence ... and Giddings insists it's the smoking gun that proves his case.

A Nashville man is lucky to be alive after a firework was thrown inside his convertible, and then blew up in his face ... quite literally.

20-year-old Colin Kirby was heading home Sunday night in downtown Nashville ride with the top down on his BMW, when suddenly an Infiniti pulled up next to him at a stop light. Someone inside rolled down a window and chucked a lit explosive into the car.

It was all recorded too, BTW ... Kirby's buddy was tailing him from behind, and his dashcam captured the insane, and explosive, encounter.

The firework went off right near Kirby's head -- causing minor burns and a temporary loss of hearing, but nothing more serious beyond that. It also torched the inside of Kirby's whip ... and the aftermath photos look pretty bad.

"Girl you look good once you vax that thang up, you handsome young brother once you vax that thang up" ... yes that's Juvenile remixing his famous song for the COVID-19 vaccine.

The New Orleans rapper just dropped a vaccine remix to his 1999 classic, "Back That Thang Up" ... teaming up with Mannie Fresh and Mia X to give folks yet another reason to get their shots.

Juvenile's even got a music video for "Vax That Thang Up" as part of a collab with the dating app BLK, pushing vaccines as the safest way to have sex in the pandemic.

"Dating in real life, you need to vax that thang up, feeling freaky all night you need to vax that thang up" ... well said, Juvenile.

The music vid's fun, the message is great and the remix flows perfectly ... so bravo to all involved.

For his part, Juvenile says he wanted to do something positive for his community and to show how much he cares about protecting not only himself but also his family.

Bill Cosby is jumping right back into showbiz now that he's out of prison -- not shockingly, he's working on a docuseries about himself, but more surprising is the fact he's plotting a return to standup comedy.

Cosby's rep, Andrew Wyatt, tells TMZ ... the comedian, at 83 years old, wants to hit the road and tell jokes, and his camp's contacted several promoters and comedy clubs who they say are open to the idea.

Despite widespread backlash and outrage over his prison release, Wyatt confidently claims ... "The world wants to see Mr. Cosby."

We're also told Cosby is working on a 5-part docuseries covering his life, legacy, trial and prison experience -- and he'll be sitting down soon to do his interview for the project.

So far, we're told producers of the series have shot interviews with Cosby's family, friends and other celebs.

As you know ... Cosby was released from prison last week after Pennsylvania's high court overturned his sexual assault conviction.

A potential comedy tour isn't the only thing catching Cosby's eye ... we're told he also wants to go around the country making appearances in prisons, schools and neighborhoods, talking to folks about being better citizens and curbing violence.

Cosby's rep says the inspiration for a speaking tour draws from Cosby's own experiences behind bars, where he heard moving stories from other inmates, like a father and son serving time together.

Cosby is also writing a book with novelist Frederick Williams, focusing on Cosby's criminal case and prison experience.

As we first told you, Cosby could still earn thousands in public appearances after his release from prison, similar to O.J. Simpson.

Former President Donald Trump apparently thought that despite being responsible for millions of deaths during WWII -- including several million in the Holocaust -- Adolf Hilter's hits are overlooked in history ... this according to a new book, which details the wild claim.

The alleged story is told in WSJ reporter Michael Bender's new book, "Frankly, We Did Win This Election: The Inside Story of How Trump Lost." Bender claims the Hitler anecdote was told to Trump's ex-Chief of Staff, Gen. John F. Kelly.

According to an excerpt obtained by The Guardian ... Bender's book claims Trump was on a visit to Europe in 2018 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI -- and at some point during the trip ... he turned to Kelly and allegedly said, "Well, Hitler did a lot of good things." Kelly was reportedly gobsmacked, as you can imagine.

The veteran military man pushed back, reportedly telling Trump he was wrong, but DT cited Germany's economic recovery under Hitler. Gen. Kelly pushed back further, reminding Trump who was on the good and bad side of history, while also drawing a line from point A to point B when it came to Hitler's ascent and, ultimately, his atrocities.

Kelly's also allegedly said ... "You cannot ever say anything supportive of Adolf Hitler. You just can't." Indeed, truer words haven't been spoken.

Matt Mauser -- who lost his wife in the helicopter crash that also killed Kobe and Gigi Bryant -- gave an emotional audition for "America's Got Talent" on Tuesday ... and the performance is incredibly moving.

The 51-year-old shared his tragic story with judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara and Howie Mandel ... before singing a rendition of "Against All Odds" by Phil Collins.

Mauser -- who met Christina at a bar in 2004 -- broke down his final memories of his wife ... saying she kissed him goodbye and said "I love you" before the fatal helicopter ride in Jan. 2020.

Mauser got teared up before performing the cover ... as he brought his 3 children on stage.

Not only is his story powerful, but Mauser has some serious pipes ... giving it his all.

After completing the audition, Mauser got a standing ovation from the judges and the audience ... and there may not have been a dry eye in the house.

Mandel applauded Mauser for being able to move an entire room full of strangers ... with each judge giving him a resounding "yes" to move on to the next round.

Darnella Frazier, the teenager whose video of George Floyd being killed went viral, has been left shaken by a death at the hands of police once more -- but this time, it's personal.

The teen's uncle -- 40-year-old Leneal Frazier -- was struck in his car by an oncoming Minneapolis Police squad car early Tuesday morning as the cops were pursuing an armed robbery suspect ... an impact that ended up killing him, and seriously hurting the officer.

Leneal was not involved in the chase whatsoever -- he was simply making his way to his girlfriend's house through what some are saying was a residential area. According to reports, the cop car changed lanes heading northbound, hitting Leneal at an intersection.

Darnella's mother confirmed to local media that it was her brother who was killed -- and Darnella herself took to FB to share the tragic news with a devastating post.

She writes, "I honestly can’t believe I’m making this post right now...I’m so hurt...nothing feels real. I woke up to the most horrible news. MINNEAPOLIS police Killed my uncle MY uncle... Another black man lost his life in the hands of the police! I asked my mom several times “he died??”. I couldn’t accept what I was hearing and still can’t."

Darnella went on to describe how she was still processing Leneal's death, and how she was filled with sadness, adding this as well ... "Minneapolis police has cost my whole family a big loss...today has been a day full of heartbreak and sadness ... It’s not fair how the police can just go around killing people." She's also angrily questioning why cops were engaged in a high speed chase on residential roads.

Of course, Darnella's famous for being one of the few who recorded Floyd's murder under Derek Chauvin's knee last May. Her now-viral video was central to Chauvin's conviction, and also earned her several commendations, including one from the Pulitzer folks.

As we've reported ... observing Floyd's death emotionally scarred Darnella, so losing her uncle in another police-involved incident seems like textbook PTSD.

Suzzanne Douglas -- best known as the matriarch in the WB sitcom "The Parent 'Hood" and who recently appeared in the Netflix series "When They See Us" -- has died, TMZ has confirmed.

The veteran actress' husband tells TMZ ... Suzzanne died Wednesday at her home in Martha's Vineyard from complications of cancer. Her husband said, "Her energy and creativity will be missed by all."

Suzzanne's cousin Angie Tee posted a heartwarming tribute to her on Facebook. Angie said, "She warmed our hearts on movie screens and television sets all over the world."

She added, "I can remember growing up, there weren't very many black actresses who had starring roles but there was my cousin with the lead role in "Tap" starring alongside great dancers such as Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis Jr."

Angie said Suzzanne "also performed with Angela Bassett and Whoopi Goldberg in 'How Stella Got Her Groove Back.' 'The Inkwell,' 'Jason's Lyric' and so much more the list goes on. The world will miss your talent but your soul will live on forever Rest in Paradise my beautiful cousin Suzzane you will be missed RIP."

Suzzanne starred as Jerri Peterson opposite Robert Townsend on "The Parent 'Hood" ... which ran from 1995 to 1999 on the WB.

She earned an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture in 1989 for her lead role in "Tap."

Rihanna had another unwanted visitor swing by her pad, and this one might have her thinking about digging a moat.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... cops were called to one of Rihanna's L.A.-area homes last week after getting a call reporting a trespasser on the grounds pretty early in the morning -- around 7 AM or so.

Our sources say cops arrived with lights and sirens, but when they showed up to the crib, they were notified the alleged perp was long gone. We're told Rihanna's security informed cops the guy was seen hopping over one of her perimeter walls, but clearly didn't stay too long. The police took a report and are investigating.

RiRi is no stranger to unwanted visitors showing up to her homes -- she's had quite a few run-ins over the years ... enough that her security responds in a flash, and alerts police almost instantly.

Tyreek Hill's Super Bowl bling is no longer the most impressive ice in his household ... 'cause he tells TMZ Sports the massive ring he got his fiancee dwarves his Chiefs treasure!!!

The NFL superstar broke it all down for us just two days after his longtime GF, Keeta Vaccaro, agreed to marry him ... explaining he put in SERIOUS effort to make sure his future wife's ring finger shined brighter than his.

"She's definitely got the most diamonds, man" the 27-year-old wide receiver said. "We made sure of that, you know what I'm saying?!"

Added Keeta, "I love it. Honestly. It's perfect!"

Hill dropped down to one knee with the ring at a 4th of July party on Sunday ... and Keeta (whose brother is NFL star Kenny Vaccaro) says she was shocked to see him pop the question in that way.

Keeta says she and Tyreek planned the whole party -- though she had no idea Hill's secret intention behind the bash was to propose!!

"It was perfect, you know?" Tyreek told us. "I had her thinking the whole time like she was planning the whole party and she was in contact with the event planner and I was going behind her back and talking to him like, 'Hey, we're going to do this and that. Just go with it.'"

The two say they don't have a date yet for the wedding ... but Tyreek says he's been in touch with Patrick Mahomes to make sure the QB's upcoming wedding day doesn't fall on the same date.

California actor Khamani Griffin was only 5 years old when he got his first taste of fame after he was cast as the adorable Robert "Bobby" James Jr. -- who goes back and forth between his divorced parents -- in the 2003 family sitcom "All of Us."

Griffin was cast alongside Duane Martin as the hard-working father, Robert James Sr., Elise Neal as the fiancee, Tia Jewel and LisaRaye McCoy as the loving mom, Neesee James.

The same year that Khamani starred in The CW television show he also made his big-screen debut as Ben in "Daddy Day Care" opposite Eddie Murphy.

The Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck reunion tour is making a brand new stop ... this time they're hanging at her place in the Hamptons with her kids.

J Lo and Ben -- now fully rekindled -- were out and about Tuesday, with Ben behind the wheel while they drove around New York's summer vacation hot spot.

In addition to driving Ms. Lopez, BA looked very comfy in potential-future-stepdad mode as the couple took Jen's daughter, Emme, out for a shopping excursion.

East Coast Bennifer's picking up where they left off right before the July 4 holiday ... remember, we last saw them out together Friday at Universal Studios theme park in Hollywood.

J Lo's got a pad mansion in the Hamptons, and as we reported ... her ex, Alex Rodriguez, is renting a $200,000 a month pad about a mile down the road from Jennifer's crib.

Chris Brown's dog viciously mauled a woman on his property, and then he attempted to cover it up when 911 was called ... at least according to the former housekeeper who's suing him.

The housekeeper, suing as a Jane Doe, claims Chris is responsible for injuries she suffered when his Caucasian Shepherd Ovcharka, Hades, attacked her back in December while she was working at his Tarzana home.

In the docs, obtained by TMZ, the woman says she was emptying the trash somewhere outside, when out of nowhere ... the massive canine appeared and began tearing into her skin -- allegedly ripping chunks of flesh off her face, arms and body and leaving her a bloody mess.

It's a brutal account -- one her sister also detailed in a separate lawsuit she filed a few months ago -- but that's not even the weirdest part of her story. The alleged victim claims that even though Chris and co. were home, no one came out to help her -- despite her cries.

She alleges once the attack was over ... she was literally lying in a pool of her own blood -- when Chris came upon her, and then started directing his team to snatch up the pooches and scram before the cops and paramedics came.

Eventually, she says the 911 cavalry showed and rushed her off in an ambulance. She claims that later, the authorities attempted to get to the bottom of what happened, but she says Chris was evasive and misleading ... allegedly telling cops he didn't know what happened, or who took the dogs. In the suit, she claims Hades was euthanized, weeks later, by the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office Animal Shelter after finding the dog to be dangerous.

It's unclear why the dog was in Humboldt ... a Northern California county, several hours away from Chris' home.

The anonymous housekeeper goes on to say she had to undergo extensive surgery to save her life -- and that the injuries she sustained have permanently scarred her. Her husband is also suing for loss of the ability to have the love and companionship of his wife.

George Lopez's Chingon Kitchen turned into George Lopez's Car Crash Kitchen ... when a pickup truck smashed into the comedian's restaurant, leaving behind a huge mess!!!

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... a driver ran a stop sign Tuesday outside The Brews Hall in Torrance, CA, hitting another car, causing it to spin out of control and sending it crashing into George's joint.

We're told the drivers of the 2 cars were injured, as well as a passenger and a pedestrian ... all 4 were taken to a local hospital with moderate injuries. No one inside the restaurant was hurt.

As you can see, there's lots of broken glass, busted frames and smashed-up storage racks from where the car crashed into the front entrance, making for a pretty big cleanup job.

Sha'Carri Richardson's Olympic dreams are officially crushed following her failed drug test ... 'cause U.S. Track & Field officials left the fastest woman in America off the 4 x 100m squad.

... this despite the fact that her 30-day suspension will end BEFORE the relay race is scheduled to begin.

Of course, 21-year-old Richardson recently tested positive for marijuana after the Olympic Trials last month ... and accepted the 1-month ban.

Despite a ton of outrage (weed is still illegal?), USOC officials stood by the punishment.

But, not all hope was lost ... Sha'Carri was going to miss the 100-meter race, but still could've been included on the 4 x 100-meter relay team.

That is until today when track officials announced Richardson would be left off the team ... meaning she will NOT be running in a single race at the Tokyo games.

As for the test she flunked ... Richardson says she recently found out her biological mother died, and she used marijuana as a way to cope with the stress and pressure.

For what it's worth, use of recreational pot is legal in Oregon -- where the trials were run.

USATF released a statement on the decision Tuesday afternoon ... saying it's "incredibly sympathetic" towards Richardson's situation ... but it would be "detrimental to the integrity" of the organization to bend the rules a week before the Games.

"All USATF athletes are equally aware of and must adhere to the current anti-doping code, and our credibility as the National Governing Body would be lost if rules were only enforced under certain circumstances," the statement read.

USATF praised Richardson for owning up to her actions and agrees that the World Anti-Doping Agency's guidelines need a makeover ... but until then, athletes gotta play by the rules.