Celebrity Death

"Riverdale" star KJ Apa -- who played Luke Perry's son on the show -- has broken his silence on the "Beverly Hills, 90210" star's death.

Apa posted a photo of Perry on a boat with the caption, "Rest in Love bro" Thursday night. The photo and message were the first we've heard from Apa since Perry's death on Monday.

Perry played Fred Andrews on the popular CW show ... Apa starred as Archie Andrews, Fred's son. Apa is among the countless other casts from the show to pay tribute to the late actor -- along with the writers and execs, who have dedicated the rest of the show's run to Perry

TMZ broke the story ... Perry died Monday at a hospital in Los Angeles surrounded by family, friends and loved ones. He suffered a massive stroke last Wednesday at his home and was rushed to the hospital where his condition never improved.

"Riverdale" paid tribute to Perry Wednesday night with a message at the end of the episode.

Perry was 52.

RIP

9:50 AM PT -- Luke's "Riverdale" costar, Camila Mendes, has also shared a touching tribute, saying ... "he took care of us all. an authentic man who took pleasure in offering us his guidance and wisdom. his presence was healing; he had the ability to make you feel comfortable and at ease within seconds of seeing him."

She added ... "we lost a dear friend. my heart hurts for his family and anybody who had the pleasure of knowing him. rest in peace, luke. although you’re no longer around to wrap me in the warmth of your hug, i can still remember what it felt like. whenever i think of you, i will remember that feeling."

9:15 AM PT -- Another one of Luke's former '90210' costars, Tiffani Thiessen, has shared a tribute to him as well. She says he welcomed her with open arms when she joined the well-established show, took her under his wing and made her feel like part of his TV family.

Tiffani adds ... "He was sincere, sweet, warm, kind, professional and funny as all heck. And most of all, the definition of a gentleman. Luke, our world has a hole in it now that you aren’t here. But heaven definitely gained you as an angel."

Jason Priestley just broke his silence on the passing of Luke Perry ... with a touching tribute to his late friend and former costar.

The "Beverly Hills, 90210" star penned an emotional tribute on Instagram Thursday ... saying Luke was taken from this world far too soon. He wrote, "It's taken me a couple of days to figure out how to write this ... My dear friend of 29 years, Luke Perry, was one of those truly special people who really cared."

He added, "Luke was not only a star, he was an incredibly bright light that was extinguished far too soon... and that is why I, and so many others, are in so much pain today... if you had the good fortune to know Luke, or to have ever crossed his path, I know you are sad today as well."

Jason's thoughtful tribute came a few days after Luke died from a massive stroke he'd suffered 5 days earlier. Their characters -- Brandon Walsh and Dylan McKay -- were close friends on the '90s teen drama, and that friendship continued offscreen.

Jason's tribute comes on the heels of "Riverdale" also honoring Luke after resuming production. Wednesday night's episode -- the first to air since Luke's passing -- closed with an "In Memoriam" tribute.

As you know ... "Riverdale" has dedicated the rest of the show to Luke, who played Archie's dad on the hit CW series. The show's executive producer referred to Luke as "Our heart, always."

Jason echoed that sentiment ... "The candle that burns twice as bright only burns for half as long.... you burned oh, so brightly Luke... Goodnight Sweet Prince."

Luke Perry's son just broke his silence on his father's recent passing, reflecting on their time together and promising to carry on his legacy ... while understandably admitting his heart's broken.

Jack Perry just shared a photo from one of his wrestling matches on Instagram Wednesday, in which his dad's proudly watching in the background.

Jack, who wrestles under the name "Jungle Boy," thanked his father for supporting him and inspiring him ... in a heartfelt tribute to his father.

Jack says, "I've learned so much from you, and my heart is broken thinking about everything you won't be here for. I'll miss you every day that I walk this earth."

TMZ broke the story ... Luke died Monday after suffering a massive stroke at his Los Angeles home last week. His reps says Jack was among the family, friends and loved ones at his side when he passed.

Jack adds he's going to do everything he can to make his father proud and carry on his legacy.

Luke Perry's daughter has broken her silence on her father's passing by thanking everyone and, understandably ... admitting she's at a loss about what to do next.

Sophie Perry shared a sweet photo with her dad on Instagram Tuesday, in which the 2 are smiling while standing in a pasture with some horses. She also touched on the tragic week that befell her family.

She says ... "A lot has happened in this past week for me. Everything is happening so fast. I made it back from Malawi just in time to be here with my family."

Sophie adds she's received an overwhelming amount of love, support and heartfelt messages, and while she can't respond to all of them ... she wants everyone to know she's extremely grateful.

As for dealing with her dad's death, Luke's daughter says she's not sure how to handle the situation because ... "it’s something you aren’t ever given a lesson on how to handle, especially when it’s all happening in the public eye."

We broke the story ... Perry died Monday after being unable to recover from a massive stroke he suffered last week. He was 52.

RIP

Johnny Rotten's devastated by the death of Prodigy frontman Keith Flint ... and now he's on a mission to personally help other musicians battling suicidal thoughts.

The Sex Pistols legendary frontman was heading into Monday night's premiere of the "Punk" docuseries at Hollywood's SIR Studios ... and he was clearly broken up over Flint taking his own life. Johnny tells us The Prodigy singer was a good friend, but he believes he was "left alone" and "destroyed."

The iconic punk rocker says he's troubled by what he thinks is a sad new trend -- rockers not looking after each other. Johnny has a loving message to others who are hurting, though ... come talk to him.

As we reported ... Flint was found dead Monday in his home outside London, and his bandmates say he died as a result of suicide.

Johnny's taking it pretty hard.

Penelope Cruz stepped out for her runway debut looking like she fell outta heaven -- totally angelic in white during the show, which was also a tribute to late designer Karl Lagerfeld.

Penelope joined the career models at the Grand Palais to showcase Chanel's AW19 Collection and to close out Paris Fashion Week. Penelope -- who's been the face of Chanel since 2018 -- rocked the runway with wedge boots and layers of ruffles.

She also held a white rose to Lagerfeld -- her friend and Chanel's creative director-- who died last month.

Check out the pics ... Cara Delevingne and Cindy Crawford's daughter, Kaia Gerber, also walked a pretty awesome runway.

Luke Perry might have been on the fence, initially, about doing a "Beverly Hills, 90210" reboot -- but he was clear about his love for his old pals, and his admiration for the man who made them famous.

TMZ obtained this footage from a Riverdale Convention in Chicago last April, where Luke was fielding questions from the crowd. A woman asked him if he would ever play Dylan McKay again for a '90210' reunion.

Check out his answer ... Luke seemed to relish the idea of getting back with the '90210' gang, but definitely had mixed emotions because it would be without the show's executive producer ... Aaron Spelling.

Remember, Tori's dad -- the TV legend behind "Charlie's Angels," "Dynasty" and "The Love Boat" -- executively produced '90210' from its 1990 start until it ended in 2000.

In a sad coincidence, Aaron died in 2006 ... a few days after suffering a stroke.

TMZ broke the story ... Luke suffered a massive stroke the same day a '90210' reboot was announced. He died Monday in the hospital, surrounded by his family.

Although Luke hadn't signed on to be a full-time part of the new '90210' project -- due to scheduling conflicts with his "Riverdale" gig -- we're told he hoped to make guest appearances.

Pro wrestling legend King Kong Bundy -- who famously battled Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania 2 -- has died, WWE confirms. He was 61.

Details surrounding Bundy's death are unclear. We're working on it.

Bundy was a monster in the ring -- billed at 6'4", 458 pounds -- he mauled opponents and usually made the refs count to 5 instead of 3 ... just to prove his dominance.

He made his WWF debut in 1985 -- while managed by the "Mouth of the South," Jimmy Hart. He became so popular, so fast, Vince McMahon smartly booked him to take on Hulk Hogan in a steel cage match at Wrestlemania 2 in 1986.

Bundy lost the match, but became an even BIGGER star. In fact, he booked national commercials and even had cameos on huge shows like "Married with Children," "Weird Science" and "Boy Meets World."

Bundy left WWE (then WWF) in the late '80s ... but returned in 1994 as part of The Million Dollar Corporation and picked up right where he left off, destroying people.

The wrestling world is already paying tribute to Bundy -- real name, Christopher Pallies.

Hulk Hogan issued a statement saying, "Overwhelmed by King Kong Bundy’s passing, only great memories,R.I.P. big man until we meet again."

Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake tweeted, "OMG can’t hardly believe my friend Chris Pallies aka King Kong Bundy has passed away."

"Very sad news he was a kind soul. Rest In Peace Brother until we meet again."

Mick Foley said, "Hate to hear about the passing of King Kong Bundy. He was so cool to me when I walked in that @WWE dressing room as an absolute nobody in 1986."

Story developing ...

3:09 PM PT -- Lili Reinhart, who plays Betty on "Riverdale," just said on social media, "I'm finding it hard to grasp that he will no longer be around to give long hugs and share his wisdom and kindness with all of us." Lili followed with another tweet saying, "I just can't believe it."

10:43 AM PT -- "Riverdale" execs tell TMZ, "Luke was everything you would hope he would be: an incredibly caring, consummate professional with a giant heart, and a true friend to all."

They continue, "A father figure and mentor to the show's young cast, Luke was incredibly generous, and he infused the set with love and kindness. Our thoughts are with Luke's family during this most difficult time."

We're told they've shut down the set for today.

Luke Perry -- the TV icon and heartthrob who rose to fame on "Beverly Hills, 90210" -- has died after suffering a massive stroke ... TMZ has learned.

Luke passed away Monday morning at St. Joseph's Hospital in Burbank. According to his rep, Luke was surrounded by his children Jack and Sophie, fiance Wendy Madison Bauer, ex-wife Minnie Sharp, mother Ann Bennett, step-father Steve Bennett, brother Tom Perry, sister Amy Coder, and other close family and friends.

As we first reported, he was rushed to the hospital last Wednesday morning after suffering the stroke while at his Sherman Oaks, CA home. According to the emergency dispatch audio -- obtained by TMZ -- paramedics received a call for a stroke at the residence. We're told when EMTs arrived, he was responsive and talking ... but his condition deteriorated.

His reps said doctors had sedated Luke, hoping to give his brain a fighting chance to recover from the trauma of the stroke ... but apparently, the damage was too extensive.

Born in Mansfield, Ohio ... Luke had a prolific acting career on TV and in movies -- getting his start in the early '80s -- and became a household name on '90210.' After that, his career exploded. Most recently he's had a starring role as Archie's dad on CW's hit show, "Riverdale."

He also filmed a role in Quentin Tarantino's upcoming Charles Manson movie, "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood."

On '90210,' Luke starred as high school stud Dylan McKay for 10 seasons. He also had prominent roles on shows like "Another World," "Oz," "Jeremiah," "Windfall," "John from Cincinnati," and "Body of Proof."

A reboot of '90210' was just announced on Wednesday with the bulk of the original cast, but Luke had not signed on to be a regular on the series. We're told he was down to do a few guest spots, but couldn't commit to more than that due to his "Riverdale" schedule. Perry's '90210' costars Shannen Doherty and Ian Ziering posted messages of support for their friend shortly after his hospitalization.

Prodigy frontman Keith Flint was found dead Monday in his home outside London ... and his bandmates say he took his own life.

Police were making a welfare check at Keith's home in Essex, England when they found his body. Police will only say there's no reason to suspect foul play -- however, Prodigy founder Liam Howlett says it was suicide. He posted, "I can't believe I'm saying this but our brother Keith took his own life over the weekend. I'm shell shocked, f**kin angry, confused and heart broken."

Prodigy shot to international fame in the '90s with hits like "Firestarter," "Breathe" and the controversial "Smack My Bitch Up."

Some of their songs and music videos were banned by the BBC, but their music -- blending dance, electronic and punk sounds -- was extremely popular in Hollywood.

The band's music has been featured in TV shows and movies like, "Kick-Ass," 'Always Sunny in Philadelphia' and "The Sopranos."

Flint himself once said, "We were dangerous and exciting!"

Keith was 49.

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."