Movies

Ben Stiller is on Capitol Hill with a stomach full of butterflies ... admitting to us he's nervous to go before lawmakers and testify on the humanitarian crisis in Syria.

We got Ben before he went in front of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Wednesday to try to convince legislators to help out Syrian refugees ... and the actor told us he couldn't help but feel nervous about his big moment.

Ben's the goodwill ambassador for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, and he's pleading with countries who host refugees to help ensure long-term support for displaced people.

This is his first time testifying on Capitol Hill ... so you can understand why Ben's anxious about pleading his case in front of a bunch of Senators.

Well, he has had some experience testifying, but we're guessing his hilarious 'SNL' skit -- playing Michael Cohen testifying on the Hill -- doesn't really compare to the real deal.

Let's just hope he doesn't slip into Cohen mode. Ben did tell us one of his classic roles could come in handy, though, during this testimony.

John Singleton had a plan in place for his death, because TMZ has learned he left a will, and that's a monumental development in what appears to be a family war that erupted while he lay dying in the hospital.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ, John's mother, Shelia Ward, is in possession of the will and it will soon be filed with the probate court. Shelia handled all of John's business affairs, which includes the last will and testament.

As we reported, last week Cleopatra, one of John's 7 children, accused Shelia of trying to corral his assets and squeeze out his kids. Cleopatra launched her attack after Shelia filed legal docs last week to get a temporary conservatorship while John was unable to make decisions. The legal fight ended when John died.

If the 51-year-old, famed director had died without a will, Shelia would get nothing from his reported $35 million estate, because under California law the assets would be divided equally among his 7 children. But, since there's a will, John decides who gets what, and who gets nothing.

Given the business relationship between John and Shelia, it's a safe bet she's the executor of the will, which surely would not please Cleopatra.

It's unclear when John signed the will, but it's not out of the question someone might try and mount a challenge that the will should be invalid because of undue influence or mental incapacity -- this came up after Michael Jackson died. Important to note ... most of these challenges fail.

10:46 AM PT -- The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has declined to prosecute Rick for his April 2 arrest due to lack of sufficient evidence. The investigation into this morning's arrest is still ongoing.

Rick Schroder is in jail after an early morning bust for allegedly striking his girlfriend ... and it's the second time cops have hauled him in for alleged domestic violence.

Cops got a call around 12:43 AM for a domestic incident at the "NYPD Blue" and "Silver Spoons" star's home. When they arrived they spoke to him and his girlfriend -- and shortly after that, Schroder was arrested for felony domestic violence ... according to our law enforcement sources.

The fact he was booked for a felony typically means the victim had visible marks of some kind. We're told Schroder's girlfriend refused medical treatment on the scene.

Turns out, the L.A. County Sheriff's Dept. made almost the exact same arrest 30 days ago. Our sources say Schroder was taken into custody on April 2 ... also for felony domestic violence.

We're told deputies went to his home -- again, a little after midnight -- after he allegedly punched his girlfriend in the face as she tried to leave their home.

Schroder bailed out after that arrest. He is currently in custody for this morning's arrest, and we're told his bail this time is set at $50,000.

We've reached out to Schroder's reps ... no word back yet.

Eddie Murphy is totally down for casting real Africans in his "Coming to America" sequel ... and it sounds like he's got one very funny one in mind.

We got Eddie as he was leaving E Baldi Tuesday in Bev Hills, and asked him about the highly anticipated movie ... which started pre-production last month. Outside of Eddie, Arsenio Hall and Shari Headley (Lisa McDowell) ... little is known about who's co-starring in the film.

Akon, who grew up in Senegal, recently told us Eddie should be hiring real deal African actors for the flick, and we brought that suggestion right to the man himself. Good news for Africans, and GREAT news for Michael Blackson -- Eddie's interested!!!

Unsolicited, Ed dropped the comedian's name, telling us ... "There's one funny African. That Michael Blackson." Pretty sure there are more than one, but we get the point.

Eddie didn't let on whether Michael -- who's from Ghana -- is a done deal for the cast, but it definitely sounds like he's interested.

We called Blackson, and he had no idea. As he put it, "That would be life changing!!! Everyone in the world is gonna watch that movie."

Barack Obama is remembering John Singleton as a trailblazing director who opened doors for filmmakers of color, and showed Hollywood there were stories that needed to be told.

The former President tweeted his condolences to the late director's family on Tuesday and took a moment to remember John's work and everything he did for minority filmmakers.

Obama said, "His seminal work, Boyz n the Hood, remains one of the most searing, loving portrayals of the challenges facing inner-city youth. He opened doors for filmmakers of color to tell powerful stories that have been too often ignored."

As we reported ... John died Monday after being taken off life support following a massive stroke. He was just 51.

John was the first African American nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director ... for "Boyz n the Hood." John was only 23 when he directed the groundbreaking film.

11:21 AM PT -- We've obtained the dispatch audio where police seem to identify the possible suspect as a Hispanic male in shorts and a t-shirt. They identify the reporting person -- possibly Jonze -- was waiting in the middle of the street for cops to arrive.

Director Spike Jonze came face-to-face with a home intruder who was armed with a knife ... setting off an intense standoff with police.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Jonze arrived at his Los Feliz home around 6 AM Tuesday and discovered a man inside. Jonze was able to get out of the house and call the cops. We're told the man was armed with a knife and refused to come out once police arrived.

LAPD and SWAT officers swarmed the home for several hours before the man finally surrendered just before 11 AM.

Our sources say at this time, it does not appear anyone was injured during the standoff. It's unclear how the man got inside Jonze's home or if he has any connection to the director.

Michael Blackson lost a brother when John Singleton suddenly died ... that's how much the famed director meant to him.

We got Michael out Monday night leaving Toca Madera in WeHo and asked him about the "Boyz n the Hood" director's death Monday -- at only 51 -- after suffering a massive stroke. No doubt Michael's devastated by the loss of his friend.

Check out the clip ... he talks about John and his GF, Rayvon, having a baby a year ago, making things even sadder. He tells us how he first met John and the huge plans they had about working together.

Michael also tells us which of John's classics is his favorite flick. Remember, Michael's a comedian ... so that's your first clue.

Jeff Goldblum's trip to Hawaii isn't all sunshine and rainbows ... because he claims he got his belongings straight-up jacked from a hotel locker while he was taking a dip in the ocean.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Jeff filed a police report over the weekend after his personal items were stolen out of a locker at the Outrigger resort in Waikiki, and cops are investigating.

We're told the "Jurassic Park" actor crammed a bunch of his stuff into a locker before diving into the Pacific, and when he came back to shore his stuff was nowhere to be found ... so he called the cops.

As you can see ... Jeff was still dripping wet when he was talking to police on the beach. Talk about a buzz kill after frolicking around in the salt water.

Michael J. Pollard was in his late 20s when he played the tattooed half-wit, C.W. Moss -- who goes from a gas station attendant to a criminal accomplice -- in the classic 1967 biographical film "Bonnie and Clyde."

Michael J. Polland was part of a star-studded cast for the flick with Warren Beatty as Clyde Barrow, Faye Dunaway as Bonnie Parker, Estelle Parsons as Blanche and Gene Hackman as Buck Barrow.

Pollard's performance was so strong amongst the A-list roster, it landed him a nomination for best supporting actor at the 40th Annual Academy Awards back in 1968.

The mother of NFL star DeAndre Hopkins was blinded in a violent attack in 2002 -- but the way she heroically fought to stay alive and continue to raise her family is now the subject of a major Hollywood movie.

Sabrina Greenlee has talked about the incident before ... she was ambushed by a woman who was the girlfriend of a guy Sabrina had only been dating for 3 months. Sabrina had no idea the man was in another relationship.

The attacker threw a dangerous mixture of Red Devil Lye (drain cleaner) and Clorox bleach at Sabrina's face, blinding her immediately ... and almost causing her to suffocate.

But, she fought like hell to recover -- always thinking about her 4 children, including DeAndre, who was only 12 years old at the time of the attack.

After the incident, Sabrina fell into a deep depression and began to abuse alcohol.

But, somehow she managed to battle through it all and became an active and important mother to her kids and a leader in the community.

Now, Hollywood has taken notice -- BRON Studios has partnered up with Good Fear and Kituufu Films to make "Sabrina."

Sam Bailey of HBO's "Brown Girls" is set to direct the flick ... and "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" writer Kristen Buckley is working on the screenplay.

No word on who will play Sabrina on the big screen ... but ya gotta think huge stars would love this kind of inspiring role.

DeAndre is obviously proud of his mom -- and issued a statement saying, "My mom has always put everyone before herself and sacrificed things unimaginable."

"Now it’s time for people to see her true value and learn that giving up is not an option."

Kurt Russell is a huge fan of his latest film ... busting out a super cool piece of swag from the Quentin Tarantino flick he stars in, while hitting up a classic Hollywood haunt for celebs.

We got these pics of Kurt shopping at the Farmers Market at The Grove over the weekend with his grandkids ... no big shocker -- until we got the rear view. He was rocking a jacket with the "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" logo on the back!!

Kurt's one lucky dude ... costarring with Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie in Quentin's 9th film. As a Hollywood vet, he obviously knows the game -- it's NEVER too early to start promoting and pumping up that box office!

The movie -- about Hollywood in the days of Charles Manson murders -- lands on big screens in July, but it's mostly been shrouded in secrecy. Quentin won't even say who Kurt's playing.

It's kinda fitting ... Kurt stopped by Magee's House of Nuts while proudly displaying the jacket. The stand has been a staple at the Farmers Market for decades, and once upon a time, it was beloved by President Eisenhower and The Beatles.

4:01 PM PT -- Ice Cube, who starred in "Boyz n the Hood" just gave us an emotional statement on John's passing, saying, "Thank you John for being my friend, brother and mentor for 30 years. For believing in me when I was unsure of myself. Your passion for telling our stories from our point of view was more than an obsession, it was your mission in life."

Cube continues, "Your love for the black experience was contagious and I would never be the man I am without knowing you. On April 29, 1992 you were on TV warning the world what was to come. I'm sad today, cause on this April 29th who will warn the world what's to come. I love you and miss you already brother."

"Boyz n the Hood" was Cube's first major role in film.

John Singleton, the first African American nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director -- whose decorated career spanned nearly three decades in Hollywood -- has died ... TMZ has learned.

A Singleton family rep says he passed "peacefully, surrounded by his family and friends." The news comes more than a week after the famed director suffered a massive stroke. As we first reported ... John's mom, Shelia Ward, filed legal docs asking the judge to appoint her temporary conservator because he was "unable to properly provide for his personal needs for physical health, food, clothing, or shelter." He had been in a coma in ICU at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in L.A.

The "Boyz n the Hood" director suffered the stroke 12 days ago after returning from Costa Rica and experiencing problems with his legs. He checked himself into Cedars where he suffered a stroke on April 17 in his hospital room.

John directed 9 films ... including "Poetic Justice," "Higher Learning," "Four Brothers" and "2 Fast 2 Furious." He also has several high-profile producer credits to his name ... including the critically acclaimed film "Hustle & Flow." He co-created the FX hit series "Snowfall" and directed episodes of "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story" as well as "Empire" and "Billions."

John's burst to stardom came just 2 years after he graduated from USC. He was only 24 years old when he made his directorial debut ... and the world noticed, earning him an Oscar nomination in 1992 for Best Director. He also earned a nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

He heavily guarded the project from start to finish ... only allowing the 'Breakfast Club' director John Hughes to read his script. Raised in South Central L.A. and coupled with the fact 'Boyz' was set in the same area -- John refused to let anyone else direct his film.

The move paid off ... because in 2002 it was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.

John's family said, "Like many African Americans, Singleton quietly struggled with hypertension. More than 40% of African American men and women have high blood pressure, which also develops earlier in life and is usually more severe. His family wants to share the message with all to please recognize the symptoms by going to Heart.org."

The family also revealed something we didn't know. He kayaked in Marina del Rey every morning. They also said his greatest joy other than making movies was sailing his boat, J's Dream, up and down the Pacific Coast.

The family added, "We who have grown up with John, made movies with him, sailed with John and laughed with John, know the universe of calm and creativity he created for so many. Now in the wake of his death, we must navigate the storm without him. It is, for us, heartbreaking."

John was married only once ... to Ghanaian actress Akosua Gyamama Busia in October 1996. They divorced a year later. He's survived by his mom and 7 children.

John was 51.

RIP

10:10 AM PT -- John's family just released this ... "It is with heavy hearts we announce that our beloved son, father and friend, John Daniel Singleton will be taken off life support today. This was an agonizing decision, one that our family made, over a number of days, with the careful counsel of John's doctors."

The family's statement also reveals John "quietly struggled with hypertensions. More than 40% of African-American men and women have high blood pressure, which also develops earlier in life and is usually more severe."

John's family encouraged his fans to recognize symptoms and visit heart.org for more information.

John Singleton is still alive, contrary to reports Monday morning, but it does not look good.

John's publicist tells us the famed director is alive and on life support at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in L.A. We're told John is still in a medically-induced coma and is non-responsive and not getting better.

TMZ broke the story ... John suffered a stroke at Cedars 12 days ago ... this after checking himself into the hospital because of pain in one of his legs.

The "Boyz n the Hood" director has not responded to treatment and his condition is dire ... after what his mother, Shelia Ward, characterized as a major stroke.

In the middle of all of this, there's a family war over control of John's estate. Shelia has asked a judge to appoint her temporary conservator to handle his business affairs, while one of his daughters, Cleopatra, is trying to block the conservatorship, claiming Shelia is trying to fleece the estate and freeze out his 7 children.

Originally Published -- 6:26 AM PT

Fresh off a date with Klay Thomspon ... actress Eiza Gonzalez was spotted out with Team USA soccer star Jermaine Jones.

Gonzalez -- who's starring in the upcoming "Godzilla vs. Kong" flick -- was spotted at an L.A. movie theater with Jones ... where they were watching "Avengers: Endgame."

We're told it wasn't a date ... Eiza and Jermaine -- who recently separated from his wife -- met that night and were with a group of friends they have in common.

As for Gonzalez, she has been killin' the game for years ... last week she was spotted on a romantic date with NBA star Klay Thompson -- while the Warriors star was in town to play the Clippers.

Before that, she's been connected to stars like Josh Duhamel, Cristiano Ronaldo, Calvin Harris and Liam Hemsworth.

Basically, Eiza likes hanging out with some of the most famous, good-looking dudes on the planet.

#Respect

Chris Evans was gifted with his super human good looks!

Here is a 19-year-old version of the "Captain America: The First Avenger" star casually posing for photos at the My VH-1 Music Awards at The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA back in 2001 (left) and 18 years later ... The now 37-year-old actor who plays Steve Rogers was seen all dressed up, showing off his powerful scruff, at the premiere for the culmination of the epic Avengers films "Avengers: Endgame" at the Los Angeles Convention Center earlier this week (right).

There's no need to shield this Marvel-ous face!

The real question is ...

Zak Bagans is at it again -- his Haunted Museum now has another terrifying piece of furniture ... this one connected to an exorcism and an infamous murder.

The "Ghost Adventures" star has purchased the "Devil's Rocking Chair" -- a chair with ties to famed paranormal investigator Lorraine Warren and the notorious "Devil Made Me Do It" Case -- to display at his museum in Las Vegas.

The story goes like this -- Lorraine and her husband, Ed, helped exorcise a possessed 11-year-old boy named David Glatzel in the early '80s. During his exorcisms, the chair would allegedly rock on its own, levitate, and even vanish and reappear. David and Lorraine also claim to have seen the devil sitting in it.

Witnesses say the final exorcism concluded when the demon fled David's body and entered Arne Cheyenne Johnson, a man who killed his landlord months later during an argument and claimed it was due to his demonic possession.

The Warrens backed him up ... but the judge didn't buy it and he was convicted of first-degree manslaughter. The story's the premise of the 1983 book, "The Devil in Connecticut" and is rumored to be the plot of "The Conjuring 3."

Anyway ... Bagans dropped $67,000 to add the creepy chair -- which still has holy oil stains on it left by Ed Warren -- to his collection.

Zak bought it from Carl Glatzel, David's brother. We're told Carl decided to sell the chair because he's moving and doesn't want to take it with him ... even though it's been in his family since the '50s.

Carl says the family heirloom has mostly been avoided due to its bad juju. He claims those who have been brave or stupid enough to sit in it have paid the price with back pain afterward ... one of his friends even had to have surgery!!!