Movies

6/29/2026 11:04 AM PT -- Daveigh Chase's official cause of death has been revealed ... and the former child star died from AIDS ... TMZ has confirmed.

Daveigh Chase -- the former child actress -- is dead ... TMZ has learned.

The actress' boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, tells TMZ ... Daveigh died Tuesday from meningitis and an infection in her blood, which caused her to have septic issues and led to her body shutting down.

We're told Daveigh had been admitted to a hospital in Los Angeles earlier this month because of malnutrition.

Robert De Niro's 14-year-old daughter, Helen Hightower DeNiro, scored a role in a major film made by the director of the upcoming fourth film in the 'Meet the Parents' franchise, TMZ has learned.

TMZ obtained the contract Helen's parents, Robert and his ex-wife Grace Hightower, executed on her behalf on August 14, 2025.

The paperwork listed the film as being tentatively titled "Lazarus," which may be a code name during production.

American actor and model Kofi Siriboe was 23 years old when he played Malik in the 2017 comedy-drama "Girls Trip." His character, a young hot hunk, is part of a memorable comedic (and risqué) scene involving Jada Pinkett Smith’s character, Lisa.

Kofi also shared the big screen with Tiffany Haddish, Regina Hall, and Queen Latifah.

Anna Faris is revealing a behind-the-scenes "Scary Movie" bombshell ... Keenen Ivory Wayans once asked her to walk away from the franchise.

The actress shared the surprising story in a new interview with Variety ... shedding fresh light on one of the most infamous shakeups in comedy movie history -- the Wayans family's exit from the blockbuster horror-spoof series they created. The revelation comes as the newly released "Scary Movie" flick brings renewed attention to the franchise.

According to Faris, Wayans personally called her in 2002 after he and his brothers were pushed out following "Scary Movie 2." She says he asked her not to return for "Scary Movie 3" -- putting her in a difficult position because she deeply respected him and understood how hurt he was by the situation.

Hollywood is entering a whole new era ... because the U.S. Justice Department has officially approved Paramount Skydance's massive $111 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.

The decision, announced Friday, clears the way for Paramount Skydance to combine forces with the media giant behind CNN, Warner Bros. Pictures and HBO Max ... creating one of the most powerful entertainment companies on the planet.

According to Politico, Justice Department officials concluded the deal didn't pose a threat to competition and opted not to challenge the blockbuster merger.

Tyrese Gibson and Cody Walker couldn't race off fast enough when we asked about the possible return of Paul Walker's character in the 11th installment of the 'Fast & Furious' Franchise, "Fast Forever."

We caught up with them at the In-N-Out near Universal Studios Thursday ahead of this year's FeulFest ... which they'll be cohosting at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa this weekend.

Tyrese fesses up to jumping the gun earlier this year when he announced at the FuelFest in West Palm Beach that they had officially raised $1 million for Paul Walker's nonprofit Reach Out WorldWide. However, he confirms they are going to hit the milestone this weekend.

We started to ask Cody about the potential return of his brother's character, Brian O'Conner, to the 'Fast' franchise ... but Tyrese immediately swoops in.

Even Taylor Swift can still get starstruck, it seems ... fangirling over Tom Hanks on the "Toy Story 5" red carpet and getting him to sign a VHS copy of the OG "Toy Story."

Check out the pics from this meeting of Hollywood heavyweights at Tuesday's movie premiere ... Taylor looks to be in awe as Tom put his John Hancock on the VHS cover.

Taylor and Tom aren't the only famous faces in the frame ... Joan Cusack's standing to Tom's left while Tim Allen stands to his right.

Greta Lee and Conan O'Brien -- newcomers to the Pixar franchise -- also had a front-row seat to the action.

'Scary Movie' star Anna Faris says a joke she liked about Melania Trump was cut from the film ... which had some folks wondering if politics were in play amid a major Hollywood merger ... but TMZ is told that's NOT the case.

Here's the deal ... Anna said in a recent interview there was a moment in the new 'Scary Movie' where her character mocked Melania's “Be Best” initiative to combat cyberbullying.

Production sources tell TMZ ... the Melania joke was among several filmmakers cut in post-production for pacing ... and it's as simple and routine as that.

Actor Anthony Guidera -- known for his roles in "The Godfather Part III" and "Species" -- has died after his heart suddenly stopped, TMZ confirmed.

His wife, Valarie, tells TMZ ... on May 11, the couple was in the living room of their Southern California home when Anthony collapsed, and his heart stopped beating.

Valarie said Anthony was rushed to the hospital, where he was put on life support for 3 weeks. Doctors then took him off life support, per his prior directive, so he could be brought him home for a natural death.

American actress Chelsea Field was 30 years old when she played the smoking hot warrior Teela -- opposite Billy Barty as the interdimensional locksmith Gwildor -- in the 1987 film "Masters of the Universe." 

Field also hit the big screen with Dolph Lundgren, Frank Langella, and Courtney Cox.

Are Anna Faris' looks over the years SCARY-hot?!

Here's a 23-year-old Anna in her breakout role as Cindy Campbell, spoofing "Scream" in the 2000 comedy hit "Scary Movie" (left).

And twenty-six years later, Faris is stepping back into Cindy's shoes for the sixth "Scary Movie" -- this time with a new blonde 'do (right).

We know this role cemented her status as a comedy queen, but the question here is:

Good Genes or Good Docs?!

Actor Patrick Godfrey -- best known for portraying Leonardo da Vinci in the 1998 film "Ever After: A Cinderella Story" starring Drew Barrymore -- has died.

Patrick passed "peacefully at home surrounded by his family" on Thursday, his talent agency announced in a statement. They added ... "Paddy was an exceptionally talented actor and a remarkable individual, and we will miss him greatly."

A cause of death was not revealed.

Patrick enjoyed a prolific career spanning nearly 70 years, which included roles in period dramas, novel adaptations, musicals, and more. Some of his notable projects aside from 'Ever After' include 1986's "A Room with a View," 1993's "The Remains of the Day," 2002's "The Count of Monte Cristo," and 2012's "Les Misérables."

He also scored TV roles in popular shows including "Doctor Who" and "Inspector Morse."

Patrick was 93.

James Handy was in dozens of films and TV shows over his decades-long career ... and he was committed to one more project before he was brutally slain this week at his girlfriend's home ... but it sounds like fans will never see his last work.

Heidi Anderson-Swan, writer and producer of the film "Kickback, V" tells TMZ ... James was one of the sweetest people she's met in Hollywood -- he helped her a few times on projects when she was breaking into the industry -- and she had to have him in her film.

Sadly, their final project -- a comedy about nerds learning martial arts, teaching their hard-nosed karate sensei a few life lessons in return -- won't ever see the light of day.

Heidi says the film was stalled in pre-production due to numerous issues, including finances.

Mom life looks good on Amber Heard ... the actress was snapped out and about on a bike ride with her daughter, Oonagh Paige, over in Europe.

Check out the photo ... the "Aquaman" actress looked like she was having a great time biking through Madrid, making memories with her 5-year-old on a beautiful Friday in the heart of Spain.

Amber looked cute and cool for the outing, cruising through the city in a tank top and khaki-style skirt while sporting a pair of sunglasses on top of her head.

She clearly loves being a mom and getting quality time with her kids ... earlier this year, she was all smiles while walking with them around Madrid.

Aubrey Plaza swooped into NYC on Thursday for the premiere of her new movie, "The Accompanist," but it was her baby bump that was the feature attraction.

The actress hit the red carpet Thursday evening at Manhattan's SVA Theater -- and proudly posed for paparazzi pics while cradling her protruding belly.

Check out the red-carpet photos ... Aubrey is modeling for the photogs in her loose-fitting outfit before she's joined by her "Accompanist" costar, Susan Sarandon.

Rare sighting for the teenage son Anna Faris shares with her ex-husband Chris Pratt ... Anna brought Jack Pratt to the "Scary Movie" premiere ... and they looked super cute together.

Check out these pics from Wednesday night's global premiere at the Paramount Theatre in Los Angeles ... where Anna and her 13-year-old son posed together for the cameras.

We hardly ever see Jack out in public like this ... the teenage celebuspawn rarely attends Hollywood events with either of his movie star parents.