Celebrity Health

Stan Kirsch -- better known as Richie Ryan on the original "Highlander" TV series -- was found dead in his L.A. home.

Law enforcement sources confirm Stan's wife, Kristyn Green, found the actor hanging Saturday afternoon in their bathroom. Paramedics responded, but we're told he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Stan had tons of acting credits, appearing on shows like "JAG," "General Hospital" and "Friends" ... in addition to his 6 seasons on "Highlander" in the mid-90s. However, he was also a renowned acting coach in Los Angeles.

A tribute to Stan on the show's official Facebook page said, "Without Stan Kirsch, Highlander: The Series would have been far less. He brought a sense of humor, kindness and youthful enthusiasm to the character of Richie Ryan for six seasons."

"Glee" star Dot Jones is lucky to be alive ... thanks to her quick-thinking wife, Bridgett, who rushed her to the same doctor who also once saved her life.

Dot tells TMZ ... she recently underwent emergency heart surgery after experiencing a severe burning sensation in her chest area that proved to be a much more serious condition than doctors initially figured.

We're told Dot saw multiple doctors in December after experiencing the burning feeling. She was ultimately diagnosed with bronchial spasms and asthma. But, not long after New Year's, Dot's experience grew exponentially worse while taking down her Christmas decorations.

We're told Bridgett rushed Dot to the hospital, where the same cardiologist who treated and saved Bridgett's life in 2017 following a stroke discovered Dot had what's called a widowmaker heart attack. The name says it all -- they're typically fatal. Dot's condition was pretty severe, with one of her arteries being 99% blocked.

Dr. Oz is throwing down the gauntlet like we've never seen anyone do before -- daring to challenge shredded Mark Wahlberg to a physical fitness competition!!!

The so-called "BreakXit" controversy Dr. Oz started is NOT dying down ... and Monday in NYC he was prepared to go all-out to defend his belief it's time to cancel breakfast.

As you know, we got Mark out this weekend and he shot down the good Doc's theory. Turns out, Oz is taking that personally. He told us, he's reached out to Wahlberg for a sit down to come to some agreement about skipping breakfast.

And, get this ... he's also down for more than just talk the talk. Oz is challenging Wahlberg to a one-legged push-up contest -- and seems supremely confident he can beat the muscle-bound celeb without breakin' a sweat ... especially if Mark's got a bellyful o' breakfast.

Trick Daddy has an explanation for his recent mug shot that's giving some folks a laugh ... he suffers from an incurable disease that really does a number to his appearance.

As we reported ... the rapper was busted for cocaine possession and DUI over the weekend in Miami, leading to this disheveled mug shot. The Internet has been dragging him nonstop ever since.

Sources close to the rapper tell TMZ ... Trick Daddy suffers from lupus and his medical condition is the reason his face and hair look so bad in his mug.

Trick Daddy's got some seriously thick skin .... we're told he doesn't care one bit about "ignorant" people poking fun at him on the Internet, and if they want to make fun of someone with an illness, go right ahead...

TD's not alone ... other celebs diagnosed with lupus include Selena Gomez, Nick Cannon, Lady Gaga, Toni Braxton and Seal.

Mexican wrestler La Parka -- a superstar in Lucha Libre AAA -- died on Saturday ... a little more than 2 months after he suffered a severe injury during an October wrestling match.

La Parka -- aka Jesus Alfonso Escoboza Huerta -- did a leaping dive through the ropes at an opponent in Monterey, Mexico ... but tragically hit his head on a guard rail before falling to the ground.

Escoboza Huerta underwent emergency surgery to save his life ... but the wrestler was reportedly still left paralyzed from the fall.

After battling the injuries for the last several months ... Lucha Libre AAA said Escoboza Huerta was put on assisted breathing Friday after he showed signs of kidney failure.

A day later, the wrestling org. announced Escoboza Huerta passed away after his lungs and kidneys failed. He was 54 years old.

Escoboza Huerta began wrestling in 1987 and wrestled under the "La Parka" moniker for more than 20 years, Lucha Libre AAA said.

He famously won championships in the Triplemanía Cup and Antonio Peña Cup ... in addition to winning the King of Kings event that's annually put on by Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide.

Wrestling superstars Rey Mysterio, Sin Cara and others posted tributes to Escoboza Huerta on social media after learning of his death.

Azriel Clary needs professional help to recover from the alleged abuse and trauma she suffered during her time with R. Kelly ... at least that's her mindset after fleeing his condo.

Sources close to the singer's now ex-GF tell TMZ ... she now feels she was brainwashed, manipulated and mistreated by Kelly. We're told Azriel and her family are searching for qualified counselors and therapists, so she can begin healing ... mentally.

Our sources say Azriel's father is focused on getting his daughter's life back in order as smoothly as possible, but the family understands they can't do it alone.

The 22-year-old alluded to her new perspective on Friday when she said, "I never thought me and victim would ever be in the same sentence because I was too in denial.. but once you realize, you realize."

"The UFC doctor is actually saying he thinks Conor's in the best shape he's ever seen him in."

Dana White says Conor McGregor has been training like such a maniac to face Cowboy Cerrone at UFC 246, even the docs are impressed!

We spoke with the UFC boss about the sport's biggest star returning to the Octagon on Jan. 18 (only available on ESPN+) ... and White says all signs point to the return of the old, dominant McGregor.

"Conor and I have not seen each other face-to-face yet, but we have been texting and I'm hearing that he's in phenomenal shape right now."

"Head seems to be in the right place."

Conor has bulked up for the Cowboy fight -- he fought Khabib at 155 lbs back in Oct. 2018. He'll be at 170 this time around.

But, White is warning fans ... don't count out Cowboy -- a future Hall of Famer who holds the record for most wins in UFC history (23) and most finishes (16).

"I think that the level of disrespect shown to Cowboy Cerrone by the media, a lot of the fans and definitely the sportsbooks in Las Vegas is insanity."

Ethan Suplee proves .... you can actually look BETTER the older you get.

The "Remember the Titans" star has dumped a ton of weight and toned his body in a big way.

Ethan knows a thing or two about weight loss. He's been on what he calls a 20-year journey of weight loss and gain. He's tried diets, most of which have failed, and eventually figured out what works for him. He's chronicled all of this on his podcast, "American Glutton."

Mark Wahlberg begs to differ with Dr. Oz on a subject that has become as controversial as Mexit -- breakfast.

We got Mark Friday in Bev Hills and asked about to TV doc drawing a line in the sand on the first meal of the day, which Oz says is BS. Dr. Oz believes in intermittent fasting -- don't eat after 7 and don't eat breakfast. Oz believes in brunch.

Mark couldn't disagree more ... he clearly believes breakfast provides body fuel, especially for people who work out like him. In fact, he believes in 2 breakfasts a day!!!

Fact is ... there have been recent studies that seem to support Oz's #cancelbreakfast campaign, concluding there is very little if any effect that meal has on the body, weight, resting metabolic rate, cholesterol or blood sugar levels.

And, the fittest guy on the block didn't miss an opportunity to hype F45, an Australian fitness company in which he's invested. It's doing gangbusters ... with more than 1000 locations around the world.

In a showing of conciliation, Mark is forgetting their differences and inviting Oz to train with him. Be careful Dr. Oz ... he's a beast!!!

Here's Colby Covington proving he's okay after having his face broken at UFC 245 ... playing a full basketball game just a little more than 3 weeks after breaking his jaw!

Colby hit up a Lifetime Fitness in Boca Raton, Fla. on Wednesday to get in a little rec-league run ... and while he wasn't exactly Michael Jordan on the court, he looked pretty good considering the injury he suffered on Dec. 14.

Remember, Covington's jaw was broken during his scrap with Kamaru Usman in a super violent welterweight title fight. Due to the injury, the Nevada State Athletic Commission has suspended him from fighting until at least Feb. so he can heal up.

But, Covington looked to be all right on the hardwood this week ... shooting jumpers, getting rebounds, playing defense and mixing it up in the paint.

In fact, one person who saw him play Wednesday tells TMZ Sports Colby didn't look beat up at all ... and other than a small cut near his eye, "he looked fine."

Covington himself told us the ball night went off without a hitch ... saying, "Basketball is great. You don't have to be good or in shape. Just woke. Ask LeBron."

Neil Peart from the band Rush -- one of the greatest drummers in rock history -- died Tuesday after battling cancer ... according to his family.

Peart passed away in Santa Monica. The family says he'd been diagnosed with brain cancer 3 years ago, but hadn't announced it to Rush's legion of fans around the world.

The Canadian rock trio of Rush formed in 1968, but Neil didn't join his bandmates -- bassist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson -- until 1974. All 3 men were known as virtuoso musicians and Neil's solo's are legendary ... in particular his drumming on iconic songs like "Tom Sawyer."

His influence on today's rock musicians can't be overstated. If you, or your parents, were a drummer growing up in the 70s or 80s... you know about the endless hours amateurs spent trying to play like Neil.

Sadly, he announced his retirement from the band in 2015 -- he'd been battling chronic pain related to tendinitis. The following year they announced the band was done touring ... not only because of Neil's health, but Alex was also battling arthritis.

Dr. Oz has a radical New Year's resolution for folks that goes beyond dieting and sounds a little crazy ... he wants to cancel breakfast.

The popular TV doctor is adamant the first meal of the day -- the most important meal of the day according to lore -- is actually a sham created by the advertising industry ... and there's a healthier alternative.

Dr. Oz tells us it's better to wait a few hours until you're actually hungry to eat -- don't just load up in the morning because you think you are supposed to. He suggests brunching daily over breakfast.

As for those who claim they ARE hungry first thing in the AM ... Dr. Oz says you're mistaken -- it's actually just withdrawals because you're a food junkie.

Jillian Michaels stands by her comment about Lizzo's weight, but says don't for a second think she was fat shaming her over her worth as an entertainer ... it was all about her health.

We got the fitness guru Thursday morning in NYC, and she was playing a little defense over her Wednesday interview where she said, "Why are we celebrating [Lizzo's] body? Why does it matter? Why aren't we celebrating her music? 'Cause it isn't gonna be awesome if she gets diabetes."

Lizzo fans came for JM's head immediately, but she says everyone's got it twisted. Jillian told us she's always preached, "Your weight and your size have no bearing or merit on your value, your beauty, your worth, your ability."

Now, health? That's a whole other issue, and Jillian ain't about to back down on that front!

She told us why she believes acting like Lizzo's size isn't opening her up to several serious health risks ... is downright irresponsible. She runs down a few of the dangers the singer could be facing ... again, in Jillian's eyes.

Watch the clip, as a health and fitness expert, Jillian's definitely confident in what she's saying here -- but will Lizzo fans feel good as hell about it?

We highly doubt it.

Brad Pitt opened up about his sobriety in a surprise way ... by crediting Bradley Cooper for helping him get there after his pal presented him an award.

Brad won Best Supporting Actor at the National Board of Review Annual Awards Gala on Wednesday night, and after being handed the award and hugging it out, he praised Bradley in his speech for being a great dad ... and a great friend.

Pitt said Cooper rushed to the event after putting his daughter to bed, called him a sweetheart, then added ... "I got sober because of this guy, and every day has been happier ever since."

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says what's happening in Australia shows the compounding effects of climate change ... and it has young people -- including her -- stressed about their future ... even giving them pause to have children of their own.

We got AOC on Capitol Hill Wednesday night and she touched on Australia's "horrifying" wildfires, telling us, it's just the latest example of climate change becoming an all-out crisis before our eyes.

The Congresswoman says we should all be working toward a remedy for the future, but obviously ... it's more important to younger people who will be living in this world longer. As she points out -- the stakes are higher the younger you are.

AOC adds people her age are anxious about having children due to looming threat of climate change ... and it shouldn't be like that. She says we have to take immediate steps to make the future safe for our kids.

Rae Sremmurd's mother says her son who's been accused of murdering his father and her ex-husband suffers from a mental illness requiring medication ... which she claims he's been off of as of late.

Bernadette Walker tells us her 19-year-old son, Michael Sullivan, deals with Schizoaffective disorder ... which lends to schizophrenia, as well as symptoms including hallucinations, delusions and mood disorders, such as mania and depression.

She says Michael was living with her in Atlanta until this past November, when she says he stopped taking his meds, leading to outbursts of anger that became more frequent. Bernadette tells us Michael eventually went to live with his dad, Floyd, in Mississippi.