Celebrity Death

Katherine Helmond -- best known for her roles on "Who's the Boss?" and "Soap" -- has died.

The Tony-award winning actress died February 23 at her home following complications with Alzheimer's Disease ... according to her talent agency, APA.

Katherine first gained stardom playing the ditzy matriarch, Jessica Tate, on the '70s sitcom "Soap" ... starring alongside Billy Crystal and Robert Guillaume. She earned 4 Emmy nominations for that role.

She also earned 2 Emmy nominations for her role as the vivacious and provocative Mona Robinson on "Who's the Boss?"

Katherine was also no stranger to shining on Broadway. She earned a Tony Award for Best Supporting or Featured Actress for playing Margaret in the "The Great God Brown."

Katherine introduced herself to younger audiences in the late '90s playing Doris Sherman on "Coach" ... and later as Patricia Heaton's mother in the hit series, "Everybody Loves Raymond." She also lent her voice to Lizzie in Disney's "Cars." She most recently had a role on HBO's "True Blood."

She's survived by her husband of 57 years, David Christian.

T.I.'s older sister, Precious Harris, had an asthma attack on the road, which led to her crashing her vehicle and, ultimately, losing her life.

According to the Atlanta PD traffic accident report -- obtained by TMZ -- T.I.'s grandniece, Kairi Chapman, was riding passenger with Precious behind the wheel when Precious suffered an asthma attack. They were in T.I.'s 2013 Dodge Avenger.

Kairi went on to tell cops that Precious passed out and veered into a telephone pole. The responding officer says Precious was unconscious when he arrived, noting she was breathing ... but beginning to foam at the mouth. Paramedics eventually arrived and took her to a hospital.

Cops say Kairi was treated by EMS after complaining of chest pains, but was later released. The report says both the front driver's side and front passenger side airbags were deployed.

TMZ broke the story ... Precious died Friday after just over a week in the ICU and on life support. T.I. and his wife, Tiny, shut down production of their show, 'Friends & Family Hustle,' as soon as they heard about the accident.

Her daughter wrote, "From my bestfriend on earth to My beautiful angel in heaven. I love you so much. I’m so heartbroken but the way you looked so @ peace this past week has confirmed that you are resting... no more asthma attacks... damn but baby I am going to miss you."

T.I. also commented on his sister's death, saying ... "We Love You Dearly Baby Girl...."

Precious was 66. RIP

Aretha Franklin's death was sad news for everyone except maybe one person -- the person who allegedly swiped nearly $200k from her bank account months before she died.

As we reported ... the "Queen of Soul" had assets stolen before she died in August 2018, and police in Michigan launched an investigation into someone pilfering her funds.

Oakland County prosecutors tell TMZ ... Aretha actually filed a police report in June 2018 claiming someone stole checks and managed to transfer $178k from her account. Investigators were able to ID a person of interest ... but not until after Franklin died.

We're told that's a big problem for the case, because prosecutors say they don't have enough evidence to file charges against someone on just the police report ... additional testimony from a witness to the crime and/or the alleged victim is needed.

The prosecutors tell us they weren't able to get crucial testimony from Aretha while she was alive, so they lack the evidence to confirm how the checks were accessed or whether she willingly gave the person of interest the dough.

We're told it's possible additional evidence could surface, but for now ... the case is on ice.

As we reported ... Aretha's estate is dealing with other financial issues too, including the IRS hounding her over back taxes and lawyers trying to collect on unpaid bills.

TMZ has the audio of Pete Davidson skillfully handling a heckler who tried to jab at the comedian's personal life by yelling out Mac Miller's name at a highly inappropriate time.

The 'SNL' star was performing Monday night at the South Orange Performing Arts Center in New Jersey when he started the setup for a joke, saying ... "My friend died in my apartment."

That's when some tool in the audience yelled, "Mac Miller?"

Listen to the audio ... Pete immediately stopped everything and urged the crowd to point out the "f***face" so security could remove him. He refused to continue the show until the guy was tossed ... which he did once the audience dimed him out.

As you know ... Mac died of an accidental drug overdose in September, and he previously dated Ariana Grande. She later got engaged to Pete. Her grief over Mac was part of the reason she and Pete split.

Davidson made sure the heckler got his money back -- because he said he didn't want it -- and reeled the crowd back in ... with a Dane Cook joke.

Well played.

Chris Cornell's widow is speaking out about the opioid crisis in America and sharing her firsthand knowledge about the impact addiction has on families.

Vicky Cornell was on Capitol Hill Monday to share her personal story of her husband's tragic death. She told the Bipartisan Heroin and Opioid Task Force ... "The part that hurts most is Chris’ death was not inevitable, there were no demons that took over. Chris had a brain disease and a doctor who unfortunately, like many, was not properly trained or educated on addiction."

She also emphasized the need to address overprescribing of addictive Rx meds.

Vicky added ... "We must integrate addiction treatment into our health care system -- no more false narratives about the need to hit rock bottom, no more secret societies, no more shame -- we must educate health care providers on how to treat addiction and best support recovery."

As you know, Chris died by suicide in May 2017 in a Detroit hotel room following a concert. The Medical Examiner said he had a variety of drugs in his system, including a sedative, barbiturates and Ativan.

Vicky blamed his doctor for prescribing a recovering addict a drug to relieve pain without close supervision ... which she believes led to a relapse.

Her mission is to stop similar situations for recovering addicts ... and she hopes Congress listened.

Beverley Owen -- the actress who originally played Marilyn in "The Munsters" -- has died.

Beverley's daughter, Polly Stone, tells TMZ ... the actress died on February 21 after battling ovarian cancer. Beverley was surrounded by friends and family at her home in Vermont. We're told Beverley was diagnosed in January 2017 and had kept it private.

Fellow cast member Butch Patrick, who played little Eddie Munster on the show, shared the news on Facebook. He said, "Beautiful Beverley Owen has left us. What a sweet soul. I had the biggest crush on her. RIP Bev and thanks for your 13 memorable Marilyn Munster episodes."

Beverley left the role after just one season to marry producer Jon Stone. They were married for nearly a decade and have two daughters. Pat Priest took over for Beverley and starred as Marilyn for the remainder of the series.

Beverley's first TV gig was in "As the World Turns" back in 1956. She then appeared on other shows, including "The Doctors," "Kraft Mystery Theater," "Wagon Train," "The Virginian," "Another World" and "Bullet for a Badman" before earning stardom on "The Munsters."

Stand-up comedian Brody Stevens was found dead Friday after an apparent suicide at his home in Los Angeles.

Law enforcement sources confirm to TMZ ... Brody was found hanging in his home Friday afternoon, shortly after 1 PM.

Brody -- who co-created his own Comedy Central series, "Brody Stevens: Enjoy It!" with his friend Zach Galifianakis -- had struggled with mental health issues in the past. He was hospitalized in 2011 after suffering a bipolar episode.

He was a mainstay at huge comedy events like the Montreal and Vancouver Comedy Festivals -- and just 2 days ago he was at the Festival of Friendship in Burbank.

Later that night he did a set -- which appears to have been his last -- at the famed Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip.

Brody also had several roles in movies, such as "The Hangover" and "The Hangover II."

He was also an avid baseball fan. He pitched in college at Arizona State University until he suffered an elbow injury.

Reps for Brody tell us, "Brody was an inspiring voice who was a friend to many in the comedy community. He pushed creative boundaries and his passion for his work and his love of baseball were contagious. He was beloved by many and will be greatly missed."

We had a lot of fun run-ins with Brody over the years -- he always turned it on for our camera guys.

However, the last time we saw him, in 2018, we had a serious conversation with him about Kanye West and mental health.

Brody was 48.

T.I.'s older sister, Precious Harris, has died ... according to her daughter.

Precious died Friday, just over a week after getting in a super serious car accident in Atlanta. Her daughter shared a tribute to her mom, saying ... "From my bestfriend on earth to My beautiful angel in heaven."

She added ... "I love you so much. I’m so heartbroken but the way you looked so @ peace this past week has confirmed that you are resting... no more asthma attacks... damn but baby I am going to miss you."

Sources close to the family tell us Precious has been on life support since the accident and was never responsive.

We're told Tip and Tiny are devastated. T.I. was incredibly close to his sister, and so was Tiny. Tip shared a message, too, saying ... "We Love You Dearly Baby Girl...."

As we told you, T.I. and Tiny shut down production of 'Friends & Family Hustle' last week, after learning Precious was involved in a wreck earlier that morning.

It's unclear what led to the car crash, but here's what we know ... sources say Precious hit a pole, which triggered an asthma attack. Precious -- who often appeared on the show -- was taken to a hospital and placed in ICU.

For Precious' 66th birthday bash last May, Tiny gave her a shout-out and said, "I hope you know how much u mean to me. Always been my road dawg. Love u much! Hope you enjoyed your day!!"

Clark Gable's grandson -- Clark Gable III -- has died in Texas ... according to his family.

TMZ has learned the legendary actor's grandson -- an actor himself, as well as a TV host -- was found unresponsive in his bed by his fiance Friday morning. We're told he was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The cause of death is unclear.

A family member tells us Clark was in Dallas for filming. We're told he had no prior health conditions.

Gable was best known as the host of the reality show "Cheaters" from season 13 to 14.

The famous grandson made headlines in 2011 when he was arrested for shining a laser pointer at an LAPD helicopter. He pled guilty and was sentenced to 10 days in jail.

He also survived being stabbed in the ribs in 2009 by a fellow partygoer in L.A.

Gable III's survived by his parents, John Clark Gable and Tracy Yarro, his sister Kayley and his daugther, Shore.

He was 30.

RIP

Peter Tork -- the lovable member of the pop band, The Monkees -- died Thursday after a decade-long battle with tongue cancer.

Peter's sister reportedly confirmed the musician's death but did not reveal where he passed or the cause. The Monkees singer was diagnosed in 2009 with a rare cancer ... adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Tork was known as the wise-cracking, self-described "dummy" of the made-for-TV music group ... who played bass guitar and keyboard.

His biggest claim to fame, musically, might be the piano intro on the group's mega hit, "Daydream Believer."

He also contributed on vocals, singing the lead on tracks like "Long Title: Do I Have to Do This All Over Again?"

Peter was also the oldest member of the group, at 24, when "The Monkees" show first aired on NBC in 1966 ... and instantly became a sensation thanks to the trail blazed by Beatlemania.

Tork left the group after its huge success in the late '60s and tried to make it on his own as a solo artist, but returned to The Monkees in the mid-'80s for major reunion tours.

Peter's survived by his wife, Pamela, and his 3 kids -- 2 daughters and a son.

Vinny Vella -- who starred in "Casino" and several other gangster movies -- has died after battling cancer.

His rep posted a message late Wednesday night, saying ... "We are saddened to report that Vinny Vella has passed and I'm sure that no one is more saddened than himself. Vinny loved life from his family to his friends and fans he was easily one of the funniest, endearing actors to have ever graced the screen."

Vinny's son, Vinny Vella Jr., tells us his father had liver cancer.

Vinny, who has 74 acting credits to his name, memorably played deli owner/mobster Artie Piscano alongside Robert De Niro in "Casino." He also acted with De Niro in "Analyze That."

He had smaller roles in other films like "Donnie Brasco," "Kissing Jessica Stein," "Kill the Irishman," "Mambo Cafe," "This Thing of Ours" and "Find Me Guilty."

Vinny's rep added, he was "Arguably the fastest on the draw, king of the comebacks. His verbal jousting was legendary but many know Vinny for his favorite saying - 'Who's better than you?' Well Vinny, I think we all can agree on the answer to that, it was you, it always was you! We miss you my boy!"

His son also commented, saying ... "RIP to my father. I love you so much and I’m so heart broken. You are no longer in pain- no more suffering pops. I love you."

He's survived by his son and his wife, Margaret.

WWE legend X-Pac understands why people are upset Chyna is going into the WWE Hall of Fame as a part of D-Generation X ... and not individually ... but he insists it's still a VICTORY for her.

"I totally understand where they're coming from," Sean Waltman tells TMZ Sports ... "Of course, she deserves to go in by herself."

But, Waltman -- who was engaged to Chyna in real life in 2003 -- says the WWE only has a limited number of people they can induct each year, and he believes they're doing the best they can.

WWE announced on Monday the main members of DX (as a group) will be included in the H.O.F. class of 2019. Meaning, Chyna will be enshrined with Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Road Dogg, Billy Gunn and, of course, X-Pac.

But, a swell of wrestling fans feel Chyna was such an important figure in WWE -- the first and only female Intercontinental champ -- that she shouldn't have to share the honor with anyone.

X-Pac says he understands the frustration -- but says Chyna would still be thrilled with the honor.

"I hope that the people who think this about her are still grateful that she's going in, because this is a win and sometimes we should take the win."

As for himself, X-Pac says he's grateful to be included -- and can't wait to get the gang back together!!!

Dodgers legend Don Newcombe -- one of the most important black athletes in MLB history -- died Tuesday morning after battling an undisclosed "lengthy illness," the Dodgers confirmed. He was 92.

Newcombe started off as a star pitcher in the Negro Leagues -- before making his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1949.

Once in the Big Leagues, Don was a STUD -- racking up 17 wins while leading MLB in shutouts. He also pitched 32 consecutive scoreless innings. He also won Rookie of the Year.

Along with Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella and Larry Doby, Newcombe was among the first 4 black players to make the All-Star game. He was named an All Star 3 more times during his career.

"Don Newcombe's presence and life established him as a role model for major leaguers across the country," Dodgers president Stan Kasten said in a statement.

"He was a constant presence at Dodger Stadium and players always gravitated to him for his endless advice and leadership. The Dodgers mean everything to him and we are all fortunate he was part of our lives."

The Dodgers consider him one of the greatest pitchers in team history -- and for good reason.

He won the National League MVP and Cy Young in 1956 ... the same year he led the league in wins. He also led MLB in strikeouts in 1951.

Newcombe took a hiatus from pro baseball in 1952 and 1953 to serve in the Korean War.

In 2013, he talked about his service to USA Today saying, "I served my country. I was going to fight for my country and my flag if I was asked. I didn't dodge bullets, but I'm proud of my contribution."

Back in 2010, Barack Obama credited Newcombe -- along with Jackie Robinson -- with helping to change America for the better.

"I would not be here if it were not for Jackie and it were not for Don Newcombe," Obama said.

12:47 PM PT -- TLC is also mourning the loss of Sean, stating, "TLC expresses its deepest sympathies to Sean's friends and family at this difficult time."

They also released a clip of Sean from last summer -- when the show caught up with him a couple years after his episode aired in 2016 -- at the time he was coping with the loss of his mother.

Sean Milliken -- who starred on TLC's "My 600-lb Life" -- is dead ... TMZ has confirmed.

His father, Matt, announced the sad news on Facebook ... saying Sean passed away Sunday in a hospital due to complications from an infection. He added, "Sunday he was having problems with his breathing, they were able to resuscitate him and a short time later his heart stopped."

Sean, who reached a weight as high as 900 pounds, was on the show for only one episode in 2016. He became bedridden during his senior year of high school -- when he was already at least 400 lbs -- after suffering a debilitating leg injury.

The same year he appeared on the reality show, he told People he was planning on moving to Houston to see if he could qualify for weight loss surgery. He reportedly lived on his own in Texas prior to his death, but it's unclear if he ever went under the knife.

Sean was 29. RIP

2/19 -- Charo just released a statement confirming "the love of my life killed himself." She said, "There are no words to describe what we are feeling now. In recent years, his health began to decline and he developed a rare and horrible skin disease called Bullous Pemphigoid." The condition causes chronic blistering of the skin.

She added, "He also became very depressed. That, along with the many medications he needed to take, became too much for him, and he ended his suffering."

Charo also urged fans if they knew of anyone suffering from depression or illness to hold them close, and insisted suicide is not the answer.

Singer and actress Charo's husband of more than 40 years is dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound ... TMZ has learned.

Kjell Rasten shot himself Monday afternoon around 2 PM in the Beverly Hills home where he and '70s icon Charo lived ... according to law enforcement sources. We're told Charo was home at the time and someone in the house called 911.

Police and paramedics responded, and Rasten was transported to a hospital, but they were unable to save him. We're told he was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Rasten was a TV producer in the '70s and '80s. He and Charo married in 1978, and had one child together ... actor and producer Shel Rasten.

Charo and Kjell, along with their son, appeared on a 2015 episode of the ABC show, "Celebrity Wife Swap." They swapped with Charo's old "Love Boat" co-star, Jill Whelan.

Kjell was 79 years old.

RIP

The fashion world is mourning after legendary designer Karl Lagerfeld's death Tuesday in Paris.

Lagerfeld died in a Parisian hospital ... according to Chanel, where he served as creative director. He was reportedly admitted on Monday night. No cause of death has been released, but there'd been a buzz about his health since he missed 2 Chanel shows last month.

He'd appeared on the runway at the end of every Chanel event since joining the fashion house in 1983. At the close of one of the January shows in Paris, the announcer wished Karl a quick recovery.

German-born Lagerfeld, who previously worked for Fendi, was the toast of the fashion world for decades ... commonly seen rocking his trademark shades at Chanel shows.

He worked closely with modeling legends like Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer and Stella Tennant.

More recently, he'd brought the likes of Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, Cara Delevingne, and Keira Knightley into the fold at Chanel.

Kim Kardashian reacted to his death, thanking the icon for her first fashion photo shoot.

Lagerfeld is survived by his beloved cat, Choupette, which he'd had since 2011. He famously said he would marry his pet, if it were legal.

He was 85.