Celebrity Death

Lauren Chapin -- who played the youngest child, Kathy “Kitten” Anderson, on the beloved 1950s TV show "Father Knows Best" -- has died.

Her son, Matthew Chapin, announced the news on social media Tuesday evening, writing ... "After a long hard fought battle over the past 5 years, the time has come. My mother Lauren Chapin passed away from her battle with cancer tonight."

Lauren kicked off her acting career with an uncredited role in 1954's "A Star Is Born" starring Judy Garland, as well as the CBS series "Lux Video Theatre" before being cast as the precocious Kitten in 'FKB.'

Martin Short's daughter, Katherine, has taken her own life ... TMZ has learned.

The 42-year-old died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound ... law enforcement sources tell TMZ.

LAPD and the fire department responded to her Hollywood Hills home Monday, shortly after 6:40 PM PT, where she was found deceased.

A representative tells TMZ ... "It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short. The Short family is devastated by this loss, and asks for privacy at this time. Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world."

The death of Robert Carradine has shocked Hollywood ... but TMZ has learned there was a troubling sign on his final film project, according to one of his most recent colleagues.

Connie Lamothe, director of "The Driver" -- AKA "Driving into Darkness" -- tells TMZ … she's shocked and devastated about "Bobby's" death … but she knew there was something wrong when he went MIA from her film prior to the table read this week.

Everything was finally back on track and moving along well after the project got derailed by the pandemic … but then in January, Connie tells us Robert went radio silent. Producers had no idea where he was or what was going on. They were worried ... but a friend who is also in the cast knew of his struggles with mental health. So, they decided to give him some space ... and hoped he would return.

Tributes are flooding in for Robert Carradine ... and his "Lizzie McGuire" TV wife Hallie Todd is remembering him as family, not just a costar.

Hallie shared a heartbreaking IG photo of them together and revealed their bond went way beyond set life ... saying over 25 years their families became inseparable ... celebrating birthdays, graduations, Halloweens and Thanksgivings side by side.

Hallie called him brave, strong, kind, with a wicked sense of humor -- adding Robert and his family were "probably my most treasured personal gift" from working on "Lizzie McGuire."

Robert Carradine -- the actor best known for his roles in "Lizzie McGuire," "Revenge of the Nerds," and "The Long Riders" -- has died, taking his own life after a nearly two-decade battle with bipolar disorder.

In a statement to Deadline, Carradine's family called him a "beacon of light" in a world that can feel dark, and described his struggle with mental illness as "valiant." They said they hope his journey helps shine a light on the stigma surrounding bipolar disorder and asked for privacy as they grieve.

Robert's older brother Keith Carradine said the family wants people to understand there is "no shame" in the illness that ultimately "got the best of him." He remembered Robert as profoundly gifted, funny, wise and accepting, adding they will celebrate both his life and his strength in fighting the disorder for so many years.

Robert Carradine's daughter says her dad was a lover, not a fighter ... and, the whole world could learn a lesson by trying to follow his example, she writes in a heartfelt tribute to her dad.

Ever Carradine shared her thoughts on social media Monday night after her family announced Robert took his own life following a decades-long battle with bipolar disorder.

Ever shares the little things her father did that meant the world to her ... from always driving her to the airport, to raving over her homemade salad dressing, Ever remembers her father as someone who always wanted to be there for the ones he loved.

Hilary Duff is mourning the loss of her TV dad following the tragic death of Robert Carradine.

Duff, who played his onscreen daughter in "Lizzie McGuire," shared an emotional Instagram tribute Monday night after Carradine's family confirmed he died, taking his own life following a nearly two-decade battle with Bipolar Disorder.

"This one hurts," Duff wrote. "It's really hard to face this reality about an old friend. There was so much warmth in the McGuire family and I always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents. I'll be forever grateful for that. I'm deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering. My heart aches for him, his family and everyone who loved him."

Eric Dane's GoFundMe is being questioned by some cynics ... but its purpose is more than needed, TMZ is told.

Here's the deal ... the beloved "Grey's Anatomy" star died last week at the age of 53 ... and shortly after, a GoFundMe began to benefit his two teenage daughters. But, as happened when James Van Der Beek passed -- some questioned why a Hollywood actor would need the cash.

A source close to the family tells TMZ … Eric faced substantial medical bills during his battle with ALS -- and the fund was started by friends to help his children … no one has to donate. So far, more than $355K has been raised.

Nick Reiner has pleaded not guilty in connection with the murder of his parents Rob and Michele Reiner.

Nick smirked at the audience as he walked into the courtroom. The 32-year-old was arrested December 15 and charged with first-degree murder the next day. The charges include a special circumstances allegation, which puts the death sentence on the table if prosecutors choose to pursue capital punishment.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman addressed the media afterward Nick's arraignment, saying, the case is on track, and they're waiting for the coroner's report.

As you know ... Rob, 78, and his wife Michele, 68, were found stabbed to death inside their Brentwood home Sunday, December 14.

Tributes continue to pour in across the NFL world after the tragic passing of Rondale Moore Saturday in Indiana ... with former and current teammates, and even players who never took a snap with Moore taking time to remember the 25-year-old.

"Can't even begin to fathom or process this," J.J. Watt -- who played with Moore for two seasons in Arizona -- said. "Way too soon. Way too special. So much left to give. Rest in peace, Rondale."

Both Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Marquise Brown said they had just spoken with Rondale recently, who was, police said, found within a garage with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police.

Rapper Luci4 -- best known for his viral hit "BodyPartz" -- has died at 23.

The L.A. County Medical Examiner confirms Luci4 -- born James Dear -- passed away, though his cause of death is still unknown. His grandparents tell TMZ he died February 22, sometime at a friend’s house in Los Angeles.

They say they don’t know what happened yet -- but they’re suspicious. According to them, his wallet was completely emptied, and they had recently warned him about the people he’d been spending time with as his fame started taking off.

Maxi Shield, the Australian drag performer best known for being a standout contestant on "RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under," has died.

The news of her death was announced by fellow drag queen and friend, Vanity, who said in part via Instagram ... "We are all mourning the loss of an incredible icon, friend, and our beloved sister. Thank you for the laughs, the cackles, and the magic you brought into our lives."

It's not clear when Maxi -- born Kristopher Elliot -- died, and a cause was also not disclosed by Vanity, but Maxi announced last fall she'd been diagnosed with throat cancer.

The WNBA world is mourning the sudden loss of former star center Kara Braxton, a two-time champion and one of the league’s fiercest paint presences, who died at the age of 43.

The league confirmed the heartbreaking news Sunday, sending condolences to her family, friends and former teammates.

The Cobb County Police Department confirms to TMZ Sports that Braxton was involved in a fatal car crash on Saturday on I-285 -- when her 2023 Ford Mustang Mach E collided with a concrete median wall.

Eric Dane's fans and friends have reacted to his death with a massive outpouring of support in the form of thousands of dollars for his family.

A GoFundMe set up to support his widow Rebecca Gayheart and their two daughters -- Billie and Georgina, who are both teenagers -- has raked in more than $200K at the time of publishing ... and is continuing to climb.

The GoFundMe has a stated goal of $250K ... which it seems well on its way to eclipsing.

Eric Dane's wife Rebecca Gayheart is focusing on the good times with her late husband ... sharing smiling photos of him and their girls.

The actress and model posted a series of photos of Eric with their children, Billie and Georgina -- who are both teenagers now -- in which all three are grinning widely.

Rebecca herself only appears in one ... though we imagine she was playing camerawoman to capture these other memorable moments.

Eric Dane's girlfriend -- Janell Shirtcliff -- is breaking her silence on the late actor's death, posting an emotional photo dump to her Instagram from their time spent together.

Janell took to Instagram Saturday morning to share a flurry of photos ... showing the two holding hands, laughing, and posing for memorable moments.

One photo of Eric seemingly getting a tattoo, smiling and giving off that joyful attitude he will forever be remembered by.

Dane and Shirtcliff made waves with their red carpet debut in 2025 at the "Countdown" premiere ... but have stayed under the radar ever since, even though they’ve been reportedly together for years.