celebrity kids

Before this cake lovin' cutie was boogying the night away with his tasteful tunes, he was just another birthday baby scarfing down sweets in Harlem, New York City.

This hungry kid found his beat back in the 1990s when he released his first album titled after himself through Jive Records. Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, he brought the world together by DJing fun music sets streamed through Instagram Live ... and proving he's anything but mean.

Because this talented producer and musician has had such a successful career, he is being honored at the 52nd NAACP Image Awards this weekend.

Houston Tumlin, who starred as a child actor 15 years ago in 'Talladega Nights,' has taken his own life.

Houston shot himself in the head inside his home in Pelham, Alabama around 4:30 PM Tuesday ... Shelby County Coroner Lina Evans tells TMZ.

We're told Houston's girlfriend was inside the home at the time of his suicide ... and so far, no note has been found.

Houston is best known for playing the foul-mouthed, 10-year-old Walker Bobby, son of Will Ferrell's character Ricky Bobby, in the 2006 comedy, "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby."

His character had a ton of memorable moments and lines in 'Talladega Nights' ... like the famous dinner scene opposite Grayson Russell as Texas Ranger Bobby.

The hit movie is Houston's only acting credit ... and as recently as 2015 he was reportedly serving in the Army's 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell. He also worked other jobs, like repairing telephone lines.

Houston was only 28.

RIP

Before this cute cowgirl was showing off her superpower acting chops, she was just another sweet smiling girl growing up in Sacramento, California.

This blonde beauty has been on the big screen for almost two decades ... making her debut in a Disney Channel original movie about racing when she was just 13 years old. Her rise to fame only kept growing with her versatile roles in comedy, action, and even drama -- a talented performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Now, this marvelous star is fighting villains in the Avengers universe.

Well, that was fast! One minute Claudia Conway's on to the next round on 'American Idol,' and the next she's cut loose, but at least Katy Perry was nice about it.

Kellyanne Conway's 16-year-old was eliminated Monday night ... less than 24 hours after she squeaked by in the opening night of Hollywood week and shared some screen time with her politico mom.

This time, Claudia was on the chopping block for a duet round with another contestant -- Hannah Everhart -- in which they double-teamed Harry Styles' 'Sign of the Times.' The judges thought Everhart held her own, but not so much for CC.

When it was time to give the teenager the tough news, Katy played the bad guy and she offered Claudia some advice she could apply to singing ... and maybe her tumultuous life at home.

Check it out -- KP tells Claudia that she's just coming to life ... which is true, Claudia's super young and she's already out here making 'Idol' debuts and pretty much has TikTok in the palm of her hand.

Katy also applauded Claudia for taking control of her life -- seemingly a tip of the hat to her ongoing feuds with Kellyanne -- and even invited her back. For her part, Claudia was gracious in defeat.

No on-camera sign of Kellyanne here to embrace her child again, but they seemed to be smoothing things out while Claudia was on 'Idol.'

When the "Fast & Furious" franchise revs up its engines again for the 9th installment, you might notice a familiar, but much younger-looking face ... because it's Vin Diesel's kid!!!

Vin's 10-year-old son, Vincent Sinclair, will be making his big-screen debut this summer in 'F&F9' ... as the younger version of Vin's character, Dominic Toretto.

According to docs, obtained by TMZ ... lil Vin's playing the role of Younger Dom and actually filmed his scenes way back in late 2019 when he was a budding 9-year-old Thespian.

It's unclear how much screen time Vin's boy will get, but his minor's contract says he got paid a daily rate of $1,005. Not bad take-home for a kid who, let's be honest, probably woulda done it for a pack of gum.

BTW -- there was a flashback to a younger Dominic already in 'Furious 7,' but the character was played by an actor named Alex McGee.

Before this peelin’ pipsqueak was the star of his own live talk show, he was just another hungry boy eating a banana in St. Louis, Missouri.

This striped sweetheart is best known as a popular television personality who has interviewed many celebrities ... including a majority of the 'Real Housewives' cast, as well as, helped audiences ring in the New Year and even recently became a father to a baby boy of his own back in February 2019.

For all the success this charming host has had, his colleagues cheer him on and shout 'Bravo!'

Before this toothless tot was making audiences laugh with her appearances on HBO, she was just another sweetheart smiling and repping a pink turtleneck for the camera in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

This cute kid is best known for her hilarious role as a best friend in an HBO original series starring a multi-hyphenate entertainer -- who originally got her start with a web series titled "Awkward Black Girl". Her comedy doesn't stop there ... just last year she premiered her first stand-up special on the same network, introducing audiences to her life growing up in Nigeria.

Chrissy Teigen says singers, rappers and actors still care about award shows, because something's gotta boost their self-esteem -- besides all the fan adulation and millions of dollars, of course.

Yes, Chrissy was her usual humorous self Tuesday afternoon on her way outta Il Pastaio in Bev Hills ... where, in light of The Weeknd's beef-turned-boycott of the Grammys, we asked if celebs are starting to care less about taking home trophies.

Chrissy's answer is a resounding YES ... and she breaks down her theory, telling us why her husband John Legend -- who just won his 12th Grammy -- is a shining example of what awards mean to celebs ... despite his laid back celebration Sunday night.

She even took a joking (we think) shot at John, who she proudly points out is the only VEGOT winner -- yet was still bummed about an Oscar snub this year.

Just watch the clip ... she explains the VEGOT thing. Eat your hearts out Whoopi Goldberg and Mel Brooks!

Tragic news from Keyshawn Johnson ... the former NFL star receiver just announced his oldest daughter, Maia, has passed away. She was 25 years old.

"It is with incredible sadness that I have to share the news about the passing of my beautiful Daughter Maia," Johnson said Monday.

"Maia, as my first born child, has been the joy of my, and her Mother Shikiri’s, life."

Maia was Johnson's first child with Shikiri Hightower, whom he was married to from 1998-2002. They also had a son, Keyshawn Jr., in 1998. Johnson also has two children with his current wife, Jennifer Conrad.

Johnson added ... "She came into our lives just as we were both coming of age as adults and has been a constant beloved presence for both of us."

"We are heartbroken and devastated by her loss. Shikiri, Maia’s siblings, our family and me appreciate your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time."

No cause of death has been revealed publicly at this point.

Several of Keyshawn's current and former ESPN colleagues have shared their condolences following the announcement ... including Louis Riddick and Jemele Hill.

"I am so very sorry Keshawn." Riddick said on Twitter. "That is devastating and heartbreaking to hear. From my family to yours...our deepest and most sincere condolences brother.

Hill added ... "So very sorry for your loss."

RIP

Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez reaching a breaking point came as a total shock to their kids -- and that's one major reason the couple's together right now in the Dominican Republic trying to patch things up.

Sources close to the couple tell TMZ ... neither of them expected news to break on Friday about their split, and as a result, they didn't have time to prepare their 4 children ... who've all grown very close.

We're told J Lo's 13-year-old twins, Emme and Max, and A-Rod's teenage daughters, 16-year-old Natasha and 12-year-old Ella, were all devastated by the discussions the modern family had on Friday of a possible break up. As one source put it, "There were many tears."

As we first told you ... people close to the couple acknowledged things were "bad" between J Lo and A-Rod that day -- but on Saturday morning they told us "We are working through some things," and there was no third party involved in their issues.

We're told the kids weighed heavily in the long conversation Alex and Jen had Friday night.

The fact is, both families have blended as one, enjoying holidays and vacations together and all the other fun stuff kids do, so there's a lot at stake.

TMZ broke the story ... Alex fueled up the jet and flew to the D.R. to be with Jennifer, who's been down there shooting a movie. They'd been apart for about 2 weeks, but on Monday morning Alex posted video from their oceanfront pad, tagged J Lo and said he was moving "onward" and "upward" in the new week.

Before this baby with bangs was one of the most famous supermodels of her day, she was just another smirking sweetie growing up in DeKalb, Illinois.

This little lady made her mark on the modeling industry by gracing the covers of numerous fashion magazines and even posing for Playboy twice -- once in 1988 and a second time ten years later. This beautiful bombshell didn't shy away from the big screen either ... she has made a few debuts showing off some acting skills.

Now, this celebrity is married with two children of her own.

The Univ. of Arizona didn't make the Big Dance, but here's a solid dose of positivity from star center Christian Koloko ... who tells TMZ Sports the Wildcats will be back and better than ever next season!!!

Oh yeah, AND he says fellow Sierra Canyon HS product LeBron James Jr. should come play college ball in Tuscon, too!!

We spoke with the 7'1" sophomore about the 'Cats missing the NCAA tournament in 2021 ... and while it may sting now, Koloko says his guys are gonna work like crazy to get back in March Madness next season.

"We're thinking about the team," Koloko tells us. "We gotta come back next year and be stronger and have a chance to make it in the tournament next year."

FYI -- the Wildcats went 17-9 this season ... missing the cut alongside powerhouse programs like Duke and Kansas.

On top of the disappointing season, head coach Sean Miller is battling the NCAA over alleged recruitment violations ... but Koloko says the team isn't considering it a distraction.

"We just put it behind the back and we just try to play basketball and do what we love."

As for Bronny, Koloko -- who also played high school hoops at Sierra Canyon in CA -- says the kid is for sure an NBA talent and should strongly consider following his path to Arizona when the time comes in 2023.

Claudia Jordan says the Royal Family will continue to be labeled exactly what it claims it isn't -- racist -- until Archie gets the same respect as other royal babies.

Claudia -- who co-starred with Meghan Markle on "Deal or No Deal" -- tells TMZ ... if Queen Elizabeth wants to patch things up with Prince Harry and Meghan, the Royals need to prove the monarchy is inclusive.

She believes the best way to do that ... is to give Archie the title of prince and the private security that comes with that.

Claudia says Archie not only deserves security but NEEDS it ... citing rabid British media and fans that can be "stalker-ish."

While current British monarchy rules dictate only Prince William's firstborn -- George -- gets the title of Prince, that rule can be broken by the Queen. In fact, she did just that for Wills and Kate's other kids ... Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Claudia does acknowledge the Royals made sure there was a strong Black presence at Meghan and Harry's wedding, which at least made it seem the monarchy was down to become more modern and inclusive.

She now questions how genuine that was ... on the heels of Harry and Meghan's claim one or more family members were concerned Archie's skin might be too dark when he was born.

Before this garbage pail kid was rising to the top of television's favorite actors, she was just another super soaker sitting in a tub in Miami, Florida.

This little lifesaver got her start in acting in the movie industry by starring in the sequels to a psychological thriller trilogy that first premiered in 2000. Now, she has made headlines with her lead role in one of the most binged Netflix series to date.

Last month, she just took home the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Miniseries for her strategic play in front of the camera.

'Pioneer Woman' Ree Drummond's nephew is hospitalized in critical condition after an accident at the family's Oklahoma ranch, where her relatives were battling a fire.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol tells TMZ ... Ree's 21-year-old nephew, Caleb Drummond, was involved in a head-on collision Wednesday, and the force of the crash sent his body flying 70 feet away.

OHP says Caleb was driving a fire truck when he crashed head-on into another fire truck driven by Ree's husband, Ladd Drummond. When they collided there was low visibility due to high winds on a dirt road, and we're told Caleb was not wearing a seatbelt.

He's been transported to a Tulsa medical center, where he's in critical condition with head, arm and leg injuries as well as internal bleeding.

Before this cool kid was taking a ride to the top of the music charts, he was just another pipsqueak posing for the camera in Austin, Texas.

This model man became well-known when he released one of the most popular R&B songs to date ... this hot track still remains on the US Billboard Top 100 All-Time chart. This multi-faceted star has also made debuts in acting -- such as on the big screen alongside Adam Sandler and on a comedic parody series.

You might know him by his single stage name, but he was born Cornell Iral Haynes Jr.