Dame Diana Rigg 'GoT' and Bond Star Dead at 82
Dame Diana Rigg -- the legendary actress with epic roles in "Game of Thrones" and the UK's 'Avengers' TV series -- has died.
The British actress rose to prominence in the 1961 TV series, "The Avengers," and became a worldwide phenomenon as a Bond girl in the 1969 Bond film, "On Her Majesty's Secret Service."
For the younger generation ... Dame Diana, of course, earned critical acclaim for her role as Lady Olenna Tyrell in the HBO hit show, "Game of Thrones." Sad to say ... she admitted in 2019 she never watched the show, but that's neither here nor there. Rigg earned an Emmy nomination for her role in 2018.
BTW ... her Bond role was pretty historic. She played Tracey Bond ... James Bond's wife. She was the only Bond girl to ever get him to the altar, never mind the character was killed shortly after the wedding.
In "The Avengers," she played the incredibly desirable Emma Peel and earned an Emmy nomination in 1967 and 1968.
Rigg, who grew up in India after her father accepted a job there, trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and made her acting debut in "The Caucasian Chalk Circle" at the 1957 York Festival. She'd later join the Royal Shakespeare Company and earned several roles but perhaps none more important than as Cordelia in the touring production of "King Lear."
Dame Diana was a highly-respected stage actress ... earning a Tony Award nomination for her role in "Abelard and Heloise." She'd later join the National Theatre Company ... earning a second Tony nomination for her role as Celimene in "The Misanthrope."
She finally won a Tony Award in 1994 for Best Actress for her role in "Medea." That same year, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her work in drama at the 1994 Birthday Honours.
Rigg had already been made a Commander of the order of the British Empire at the 1988 New Year Honours.
Dame Diana was 82.
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'Mighty Ducks' Goalie Smiling Like An All-Star ... Thanks to My Brand New Chompers!!!
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Shaun Weiss -- famous for playing Goldberg in "The Mighty Ducks" -- is looking like a million bucks ... 'cause he's got brand new pearly whites and he's now over 200 days sober!!!
Shaun's friend, Drew Gallagher, tells TMZ ... Shaun received some full dental sponsorship offers from all over the country after we posted Shaun's story about being 170 days sober ... but needing new chompers.
We're told Shaun ultimately decided to go with Dr. Gabe Rosenthal in L.A., who offered a full dental sponsorship valued between $50k-$100k. We're told the entire process takes up to a year ... since he had to get a handful of teeth removed back in July. The teeth were infected ... causing him pain. Shaun got upper implants Tuesday and will get his lower implants in a few weeks, but the improvement has been drastic ... he just can't stop smiling.
As if that wasn't already great news ... Shaun's got more reason to smile since he's officially 265 days (and counting!!!) living a sober life. BTW, Drew had previously started a GoFundMe to help pay for the dental work and Shaun's rehab. Now that the teeth were fixed for free, the money raised will go a long way and help pay the rehab facility plus living expenses and towards getting him a car.
TMZ broke the story ... Shaun's sober living facility in Woodland Hills changed his life, and he's staying clean and attending outpatient meetings 5 days a week. At the time, he was looking much better and happier. But, since our July story, Shaun's looking a lot more like his former self ... and dude couldn't look happier.
Awesome!!!
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Kevin Spacey Sued You Sexually Assaulted Me When I was 14 ... Anthony Rapp, 2nd Accuser Claim
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"Star Trek: Discovery" actor Anthony Rapp is suing Kevin Spacey for an alleged sexual assault ... and now there's another plaintiff making an additional claim.
Rapp filed suit in NYC claiming he met the disgraced actor in 1986 while performing on Broadway in "Precious Sons." Rapp claims Spacey invited him, 14 at the time, to a party at his home on the East Side of Manhattan. Rapp alleges Spacey, without consent, made an unwanted sexual advance and grabbed his buttocks, lifted him onto a bed and laid on his body.
According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, Rapp claims he got scared and ran into the bathroom, and although Spacey tried to persuade him to stay ... he left. Rapp says he suffered psychological injuries, severe emotional distress, humiliation, fright, anger, depression and anxiety.
What's more ... Rapp claims the experience has forced him to step away from his work as an actor and feels he'll be compelled to spend tons of money for medical expenses to recover from the ordeal.
As we reported ... Rapp first made these accusations back in October 2017. Spacey responded by apologizing and coming out as gay.
BTW ... there's another plaintiff in Rapp's lawsuit but he's anonymous. He says he was also 14 and an acting student and alleges he had intercourse and oral sex with Spacey. In the suit, he claims he resisted Spacey's repeated attempts to sodomize him before he was able to flee Spacey's apartment.
Spacey's attorney, Alan Jackson, declined to comment.
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Jelly Belly Founder Starts Wonka-Like Treasure Hunt ... Co. Clarifies Affiliation
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10:08 AM PT -- 9/9 -- Jelly Belly is officially drawing a line in the sand between themselves and David Klein, who's offering up a candy factory as the grand prize for a Wonka-like contest.
The company says, "Due to confusion in the marketplace, Jelly Belly Candy Company would like to take this opportunity to clear up the misconception that it is involved with a contest that purportedly offers a candy factory as its grand prize."
JB goes on to say that the business is family owned and operated, and that Klein simply came up with the name "Jelly Belly" years ago, among other marketing ideas. He hasn't been involved with the company since at least the '80s. Take note, treasure hunters.
The guy who helped invent Jelly Belly jelly beans is going full Gene Wilder in these dark times -- promising to give one lucky person their own candy factory if they play his game.
David Klein has kicked off a Willy Wonka-esque treasure hunt that's open to anyone in these 50 states, and he's got the ultimate grand prize ... a professional shop to churn out treats.
Klein explained some of the parameters of the contest Tuesday on "TMZ Live" where he also said that whoever wins the whole enchilada -- one of his actual operating candy factories -- will also get candy-making lessons in a university setting ... plus, his own expertise in running the biz.
There's one catch ... in order to play, ya gotta pay $50 and you're automatically entered into the ultimate factory lottery. As for the hunt itself, yes, there is a "gold ticket" component involved, and if you find it in your state ... you'll win $5,000 guaranteed.
The details are probably best explained by DK himself from the site he launched just for this new venture.
As for why he's doing it, Dave says it's his way of helping people get their minds off all the turmoil in the country.
Sure, we'll take a little sugar high for now. Why not?!
Originally Published -- 9/8/20 11:37 AM PT
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The White Rabbit in 'The Matrix' 'Memba Her?!
Australian actress Ada Nicodemou is best known for playing the hare-raising hottie, Dujour (also known as The White Rabbit) -- who helps lure Neo from his dark and dingy hacker-home to go out to a rave -- in the epic 1999 action movie, "The Matrix."
Ada Nicodemou was cast alongside an awesome group of actors like Matt Doran as the squeaky programmer, Mouse, Robert Taylor as the butt-kicking sentient, Agent Jones, Carrie-Anne Moss as the gun-totting Trinity, Rowan Witt as the mind-melting prodigy, Spoon Boy ... and of course, Keanu Reeve as the chosen one, Neo.
More 'Memba Thems!
'Guardians' Star Michael Rooker I Got COVID and It Was Real Bad
"Guardians of the Galaxy" star Michael Rooker just revealed his struggle with coronavirus ... and it was real bad.
Rooker, who also stars in "The Walking Dead" and the upcoming "Suicide Squad," says the virus took over his body. He said, almost clinically, "...there ain't a whole heck of a lot one can do externally, to fight off COVID-19 once it has gotten into your body," adding, "And I have to let y'all know it has been quite a battle."
He said he's been isolating in an Airstream during his illness. And, he said he decided not to take "any extra medicines or vitamins or supplements" while he was trying to recover. His reasoning ... "I felt if my immune system was not already prepared for this battle, loading up with all this extra stuff would only do me damage as kidneys and life would have been gravely stressed."
Michael proudly posted his negative test results, saying, "So, just so y’all know the end result of all those daily battles has come to an end," Rooker shared. "My body has won the WAR! Covid put up a pretty good fight... but bottom line, it ended up getting its ass knocked out! buy [sic] my immune system .. 1,2, punch to the head, 2 body shots and a left hook right upper-cut ... "End of story"
Lots of celebs have contracted the virus, including The Rock, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Andy Cohen, Idris Elba, Alyssa Milano, Lena Dunham, Brian Cox, Antonio Banderas, Madonna and Pink.
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Tiffany Haddish I'm Ready To Start My Own Studio ... Tyler Perry's Teaching Me!!!
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Tiffany Haddish wants to be just like Tyler Perry ... because she's ready to start her own production studio!!!
The actress and comedian joined us on "TMZ Live" and we asked her if she's got aspirations to be like Tyler and one day start a movie studio in her name.
Tiffany says she would love to follow Tyler's lead and tells us he's actually been teaching her how to start a studio from scratch. Tiffany's already got a name picked out, and it's pretty catchy and appropriate.
As you know ... Tyler just officially reached billionaire status, thanks in large part to owning Tyler Perry Studios, so his words of wisdom carry serious weight.
Speaking of billionaires, Tiffany tells us she's been hanging with other members of the triple comma club, and picking their brains about business. Smart woman.
It's an interesting and fun conversation ... and Tiffany tells us why the eyes never lie at Dave Chappelle's socially-distanced comedy shows, and why she wants to give her acceptance speech for her Emmy nom for her Netflix special, "Black Mitzvah" another take.
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'The Princess Bride' Cast Reunion Virtual Table Read To Defeat Trump in Wisconsin
The cast of "The Princess Bride" is reuniting, and they're on a mission ... to defeat Donald Trump in the cheese state.
There will be a live stream table read on Sept. 13 and the cast is intact for "A Virtual Princess Bride Reunion" ... Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Chris Sarandon, Mandy Patinkin, Wallace Shawn and Carol Kane. Rob Reiner, who directed the flick, will be the guide and there will be “special guests.”
After the table read, Patton Oswalt will moderate a virtual Q&A with the cast.
The endgame is money, with the message, “Anything you donate will be used to ensure that Trump loses Wisconsin, and thereby the White House."
Wisconsin is a swing state ... one Trump won by the narrowest of margins in 2016.
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Tiffany Haddish I Got COVID-19 ... Breaking It Down With Fauci
Tiffany Haddish is revealing she tested positive for the coronavirus, and she's opening up about her experiences with testing and learning her diagnosis.
Tiffany revealed her diagnosis in a video posted on her YouTube page this week, rehashing her experience with the virus with Dr. Anthony Fauci.
The actress and comedian says she contracted the virus about three months ago, after working on a movie where someone else came down with COVID-19. She says her first test came back negative, but she got tested again when someone else she knew tested positive, and found out she was positive too.
Tiffany says she did not have any symptoms, which is kinda scary in its own right, and says she quarantined with her dogs and taught herself how to do the splits.
It's pretty interesting ... Tiffany says she had the antibodies for the virus months ago, but another recent test revealed she no longer has the antibodies. She says she's been tested 12 times because she's working on different projects.
Dr. Fauci offers some helpful reminders on how to stay safe ... he says people should wear masks, practice social distancing, and boost the immune system with a healthy lifestyle, such as getting good sleep and exercising.
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Katie Holmes Sips Wine, Laughs and Flirts On Date with Chef
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1:57 PM PT -- Katie's mystery man has just been reveled ... the guy is Emilio Vitolo, a chef in New York City.
He's the chef at Emilio's Ballato in SoHo, an old-school Italian restaurant known as a celeb hangout.
Katie Holmes has a new leading man in her life ... or at the very least, she's found a guy she enjoys having a drink with.
More than a year after her split with Jamie Foxx, the actress seems to be happily playing the field again ... she had a date with a mystery man this week in NYC.
Katie and the fella hit up a Mediterranean restaurant called Antique Garage in the SoHo neighborhood Tuesday night, but didn't even need to get grub to have a good time.
We're told the 2 simply ordered a couple glasses of wine, and photos of their date show Katie cracking up laughing, making some flirtatious faces ... and even getting a little touchy-feely.
It's unclear who the guy is ... but clearly he's got some game.
As you'll recall ... Katie and Jamie broke up mid-2019 after about 6 years of dating. They famously kept their relationship very private, and even their split wasn't revealed until Foxx stepped out with recording artist and model, Sela Vave, a couple months later.
Katie's the one stepping out now, though ... get it, girl.
Originally Published -- 12:50 AM PT
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Tyler Perry Building My Own Airport in ATL!!! First Look at MASSIVE Estate
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The awesome estate Tyler Perry's building may soon need its own damn zip code, 'cause it seems he's building his own airport on a property fit for a billionaire!!!
TMZ's obtained photos and video of the 35,000-square-foot mansion he's building on 1,200 acres near Atlanta. As you can see ... there are 2 structures on the property. The much bigger structure is the main house and it's inching closer to becoming a completed project.
They're building an enormous lap pool, as well as a grand entrance to the property. Also, check out the smaller structure that appears to already be completed.
And, Tyler may no longer have a use for a commercial airport, because it looks like he's creating his own runway! Not really sure, because it doesn't look very long. It's only fitting, since Forbes acknowledged Tyler now has billionaire status.
It's incredible ... the entire estate is tucked away in the woods near Atlanta and just far enough away for some peace and privacy. As we first reported back in 2018 ... Tyler had been designing and building it for several years now. Plans included turning some of the land into an organic farm with horses and other animals.
At the time, we were told Tyler wanted his son to appreciate and enjoy the land and the animals, and Tyler's definitely got the space to make that happen. Remember, Tyler's 330-acre studio is also nearby ... so expect him to enjoy the hell out of Perryland.
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Cristiano Ronaldo's GF SLAAAAAAAYS At Venice Film Festival
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Cristiano Ronaldo's longtime GF Georgina Rodriguez turned the Venice Film Festival into her very own fashion show on Thursday ... and yeah, the woman SLAAAAAAAYED.
Yes, that's 7 As ... and they're all necessary.
The soccer superstar's gorgeous lady showed up for the showings of "The Human Voice" and "Quo Vadis, Aida?" at the big event in Italy ... decked out in a light pink gown that was sure to turn heads.
The best part?? SAFETY!!
Georgina even had a matching mask to go with her wardrobe -- after all, the coronavirus is still very much a thing, you know.
Rodriguez and Ronaldo have been living it up together in 2020 ... from a pants-optional quarantine to sailing around on an expensive yacht with their incredibly attractive friends while we all sit back and watch jealously from afar.
Oh, and don't forget the thong'd out underwater video she made the other day.
Georgina is KILLLING!!!
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
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Chadwick Boseman Hometown Already Working On Statue ... to Honor Late Actor
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Chadwick Boseman's hometown is already hard at work on a statue that'll pay tribute to the "Black Panther" star ... but those who want it to replace a Confederate memorial shouldn't hold their breath.
A spokesperson for Mayor Terence Roberts' Office in Anderson, SC tells TMZ ... the city is enthusiastically working on a permanent public tribute to honor the late actor.
We're told the City has already contacted an artist and they're brainstorming ideas on how best to honor the hometown hero who played legendary roles. We're told the statue will include a mix of sculpture with mural and/or art elements.
The spokesperson conceded they don't have plans nailed down but he assured us it'll be suitable for a king. We're told the Mayor's office wants public input, to ensure it does the entire city proud.
A Change.org petition is gaining steam ... after calling for a Chadwick Boseman statue to replace a Confederate memorial currently in front of the city's courthouse. Thing is ... that's not the Mayor's call, because removal of a Confederate monument requires a two-thirds vote from the state legislature.
But, what can move forward ... a fitting tribute in the late star's hometown. As we reported ... Chadwick's sudden death shocked the world following a 4-year, very private battle with colon cancer.
#WakandaForever
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Little Jenny in 'Big Fish' 'Memba Her?!
Child actor Hailey Anne Nelson was only 8 years old when she landed the role of the little shoe-tossing Jenny -- who lives in the picturesque town of Spectre with her father the Mayor -- in Tim Burton's 2003 tall tale "Big Fish."
Hailey Anne Nelson was cast alongside an impressive batch of actors including Missi Pyle as the welcoming Spectre blondie, Mildred, a little Miley Cyrus as the witch-hunting, Ruthie, Helena Bonham Carter as the older version of Jenny and the all-seeing-eyeball Witch ... and of course Ewan McGregor as the big fish himself, Ed Bloom.
More 'Memba Thems!
Taryn Manning I'll Be Perfect Movie 'Karen' To Teach Real 'Karens' to Change
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Taryn Manning is so sick and tired of the Karens of the world ... she's ready to play one in an effort to bring their racist behavior to a screeching halt.
The "Orange Is the New Black" star hopped on "TMZ Live" Wednesday to discuss why she's embracing the villainous role in director Coke Daniels' new film aptly dubbed "Karen White" ... about a racist white woman who terrorizes her new Black neighbors. Yeah, sounds painfully familiar.
Taryn says she actually wants you to hate her in the film, not only because it means she did a great acting job -- but because she's hoping it shows how desperately society needs to change and embrace racial equality.
Coke says his script will dig deep ... in an effort to better understand the psychology behind people who act this way in real life. Don't get it twisted, he's not trying to justify the behavior -- he wants to illustrate how outrageous micro-aggressions can lead to racism and violence.
God knows they've got countless examples to get inspiration for the film, which they'll be shooting this fall. See Manhattan Beach Karen, Drive-Thru Karen, Radio Host Karen or Old Lady Karen. Plenty of research material out there, and Taryn told us she's watching it all, closely.
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Harry and Meghan Duke and Duchess of Netflix ... Sign Production Deal
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have their new calling after quitting their British royal day jobs -- and it's similar to her old one ... they're big-time Hollywood producers!!!
Harry and Meghan announced their new careers Wednesday, 6 months after leaving the royal fam and settling in California, they're going to make content for Netflix.
The Duke and Duchess inked a multiyear deal with the streaming service, and the still-unnamed production company they founded will get a bunch of Netflix dough to make movies, scripted shows, documentaries, docu-series and children's programming.
Forget the royal family, Harry and Meghan have found their own global platform in Tinseltown. Netflix has tons of reach, with 193 million subscribers across the globe.
Harry and Meghan will mostly be working behind the cameras, but they might appear on screen in documentaries. Meghan's also open to voice-over work -- as we know from her Disney project last year -- but she's made it clear she doesn't plan to get back into acting. At least, that's her plan for now.
Unclear how lucrative Harry and Meghan's deal with Netflix is, they're not exactly well-established producers, but the streaming service is known to make it rain on big-name talent.