Norm Macdonald Dead at 61

Norm Macdonald -- a veteran comedian, actor, writer and producer famous for 'SNL' and more -- has died.

According to his team, Macdonald passed away Tuesday after a multi-year, private battle with cancer that he kept hidden from the public, fighting the disease behind the scenes for nine years.

His longtime producing partner, Lori Jo Hoekstra, says ... "He was most proud of his comedy. He never wanted the diagnosis to affect the way the audience or any of his loved ones saw him. Norm was a pure comic. He once wrote that ‘a joke should catch someone by surprise, it should never pander.’ He certainly never pandered. Norm will be missed terribly."

The revelation is absolutely stunning ... as Macdonald was a household name in comedy, and has been for decades. He's perhaps most famous for being one of the OG 'Weekend Update' co-hosts on 'Saturday Night Live' -- among many other TV shows and movies over the years.

He starred on 'SNL' from '93 to '98 ... what many consider the glory years of the sketch comedy series. Like many other comedians, 'Saturday' gave Norm his jumpstart -- and his career only skyrocketed from there.

Norm went on to star in (and make a number of memorable cameos) in famous flicks like 'Billy Madison,' 'Dirty Work,' 'Dr. Doolittle,' 'Screwed,' 'Deuce Bigalow,' 'Man on the Moon' ... and several other Sandler flicks. He also had his own sitcom, "Norm" ... plus his own talk show at varying points. Speaking of late-night, Norm was a regular guest for David Letterman, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Fallon, Larry King, Jay Leno, Howard Stern ... and many other iconic hosts.

His TV resume is just as impressive -- he starred in (and wrote for) 'Roseanne,' 'My Name is Earl,' 'The Drew Carey Show,' 'Family Guy,' 'The Fairly Odd Parents,' 'The Orville,' 'The Middle,' 'Sunnyside,' 'A Minute with Stan Hooper,' and many, many others.

11/2/18
LAST TIME WE SAW HIM ...
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Norm was infamous for his edgy humor -- which, of late, was clashing with modern-day sentiments ... including PC/cancel culture. In fact, the last time we saw him -- just a few years ago -- he was telling us that he couldn't really be funny anymore because of political correctness.

Keep in mind, Norm famously claimed NBC exec Don Ohlmeyer got him yanked him off 'Weekend Update' in 1997 because he kept slamming Ohlmeyer's pal O.J. Simpson with jokes about the double murders.

The guy was still hitting stages even in the past year ... he was doing standup at the Improv, talking coronavirus -- and despite him battling cancer right then and there, he still looked sharp ... maintaining the same witty humor he'd always had.

Norm is survived by his son, Dylan. He was just 61.

RIP

Kevin Hart & Mark Wahlberg Crew Member Suffers Horrific Fall on Netflix Set

A crew member working on the set of an upcoming Kevin Hart and Mark Wahlberg Netflix film suffered a horrific fall, with injuries so serious, paramedics were forced to use a defibrillator to get a heartbeat back.

LAFD sources tell TMZ, paramedics got a call for a "long fall" at Sunset Gower Studios just after 7 AM. A fire dept. source told us, a 38-year-old male fell from a catwalk about 60-80 feet in the air and did not appear to have been wearing a safety device ... he had fractures to his legs and arms. A production source says the fall was around 30 feet.

Our fire dept. sources say when paramedics arrived, the man didn't have a pulse and on-set medical workers were performing CPR. LAFD first responders used a defibrillator multiple times to get a heartbeat. A fire dept. official tells TMZ, when they arrived his condition was "grave" but after they got a heartbeat it was upgraded to "critical."

The patient was rushed to a nearby hospital, and a production source tells us at the time of this post, the person is being treated. We do not know his current condition.

The circumstances leading up to the accident are unclear. We do know the crew member was working on the production of the movie, "Me Time."

We've reached out to Sunset Gower Studios for comment ... so far, no word back.

Story developing ...

Kim K, Bieber, MGK Balenciaga's Met Gala After-Party Takes Over NYC!!!

BALENCIAGA BASH
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The Met Gala's the time of the year when celebrities dress up like royalty and whisk past their subjects to party the night together in elite fashion ... and this year did not disappoint.

Kim Kardashian showed up to the Balenciaga bash in a superhero-looking outfit Monday night at Cathedrale Restaurant in NYC. It's a Balenciaga getup that seems inspired by Kanye. We got her stepping out of her SUV looking like the lead in Marvel's next blockbuster.

Justin and Hailey Bieber followed. The Biebs is the poster boy for Balenciaga, so it kinda makes sense he hosted the party.

Machine Gun Kelly showed up in a black jacket with roses on his shoulders, and GF Megan Fox looked her typical amazing self in a red dress.

Winnie Harlow made her way inside, all the while smiling. Chance the Rapper wore his signature hat with the #3 ... the 3 reps his third mix tape -- "Coloring Book." Chance left for Rihanna's party at Davide, where he handed out Benjamin to the homeless.

Amanda Bynes Conservatorship Continues For At least 1.5 More Years

Amanda Bynes isn't walking the same path as Britney Spears ... a judge just signed off on her conservatorship remaining in place for at least another year and change.

The former child star had a status hearing in her conservatorship case this week -- and the judge scheduled the next status hearing for March 8, 2023 ... so it looks like Amanda's case will continue until at least then, unless something changes.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the conservatorship must file its next update by January 2023. Amanda's mother serves as her conservator.

Amanda was placed under the conservatorship in 2013 after a string of bizarre episodes -- including a disturbing store surveillance video -- that revealed her mental health struggles.

Since then, she's been relatively low-key ... staying out of the spotlight and pursuing other things outside of acting, like a design career via the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. She's also gotten engaged and dabbled in rap music too.

Amid all that ... her conservatorship has remained in place to look out for her well-being.

Met Gala 2021 Stars Arrive, High Fashion is Back!!!

The Met Gala is back after a year off due to COVID, and it looks like the stars were chomping at the bit to put on their best suits and dresses in a return to normalcy.

This year's hosts include Keke Palmer, Billie Eilish, Amanda Gorman, Timothee Chalamet and Naomi Osaka -- and they've already arrived in with their own getups ... which were eye-popping and extravagant.

Some of the stars expected to show include Rihanna, J Lo, Kim K, Emily Ratajkowski, Camila Cabello, Lupita N'yongo, Beyonce, Addison Rae and more. This year's theme is "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion" -- so we'll see wears to rep that.

We know what you're thinking ... what about the Delta variant? There are strict protocols in place to help mitigate that -- including requirements for proof of vaccination prior to showing up, not to mention a negative COVID test as well. Masks indoors are also required.

Remember -- last year's Met Gala got scrapped altogether due to the pandemic ... so, it's been a year-plus since folks have been able to flex their fashion muscles anew.

Some of the stars have already started to arrive ... we'll keep adding pics as we see 'em!

Kate Hudson Engaged to BF Danny Fujikawa

Kate Hudson is engaged for the third time in her life -- saying yes to marrying her longtime boyfriend and baby daddy Danny Fujikawa ... and she did it with a great view too.

The actress announced her engagement Monday with a post showing Danny and her smooching on a cliff overlooking a beach. She's flashing the ring in the pic (no middle finger, a la Britney though), and they're both all smiles as DF snaps the shot.

Kate captioned it, "Let's go!" while adding a bunch of wedding-themed emojis for good measure.

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The couple has been together for nearly 5 years now -- first linking in December 2016, and then going on to have a kid together ... their daughter, Rani, who's turning 3 this year.

Kate and Danny had known each other for years before they got involved romantically. He's the stepbrother of her best friend, and Kate knew his family well too. Dan's an actor, musician and the co-owner of his own record label, Lightwave.

This appears to be his first go at fiancedom -- but it's Kate's third time with a rock on her finger. She was engaged (and eventually married) to Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson in the early 2000s, and then got engaged to Muse frontman Matt Bellamy ... but called things off before ever walking down the aisle. She has kids with both of those guys too.

Congrats!

Kaley Cuoco Shows Support for Estranged Hubby ... Drops IG Hearts on His Pic

Kaley Cuoco and her ex, Karl Cook, insist their pending divorce is anger and animosity-free ... and she's proving it with a pretty affectionate Instagram comment.

"The Flight Attendant" star offered some public support of her estranged hubby -- who's a professional equestrian -- on a post by Traverse City Horse Shows announcing Karl won a pair of tournament events Sunday in Michigan.

Kaley commented both heart and raised hand emojis ... signaling she's still rooting for him despite their split.

As we told you ... Cuoco filed for divorce from Cook earlier this month after 3 years of marriage. The ex-couple announced the decision was made after realizing they were going in opposite directions in life, but maintain they have an "immense amount of respect and consideration for one another."

8/8/21
LOCKED HANDS FOR LIFTOFF
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In related news ... fans are speculating that Kaley's getting close to Pete Davidson, her costar in the upcoming rom-com, "Meet Cute." The 2 were together last month at Six Flags in New Jersey, but at the time there was no indication her marriage was on the rocks.

What a difference a few weeks makes.

Jeff Bridges My Cancer's in Remission ... And I Kicked COVID-19!!!

Jeff Bridges has some great news for his fans -- the dude's cancer has all but disappeared ... and not just that, he's on the upswing after a nasty bout of COVID too.

The legendary actor provided the update Monday, posting a handwritten note -- in his own cursive handwriting, no less -- telling people the enormous mass that came along with his lymphoma last year has shrunk down to the size of a "marble."

That's pretty incredible ... considering it was 9 inches by 12 inches in size at one point, according to him. He also says he's in remission, which is the best possible result when battling an aggressive cancer.

There's another health twist we hadn't heard about until just now ... apparently, JB was also fighting the coronavirus earlier this year. He says he likely caught it at the facility where he's been getting chemo, but after feeling like crap for a bit ... he kicked it.

Jeff notes he's fully vaccinated, and says he's heard the jab can help long hauler COVID recipients ... which he attributes to his speedy recovery.

Best of all for Jeff, he says he was able to walk his daughter, Hayley, down the aisle at her recent wedding -- something he wasn't sure he could do, because he's been on oxygen. The proud dad said he even danced with her ... without his O2 tank.

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Jeff also says he's been able to resume some on-camera work as well, including on a TV series he's in called "The Old Man" -- a clip of which he linked to show how good it's looking.

Ben Affleck Puff, Puff, Passing Thru the Bronx ... Super Chatty as J Lo Shows Him Around!!!

That's 'My Girl'
TMZ.com
UPDATE

5:23 PM PT -- Ben Affleck was in a super chummy mood Sunday while out and about in his GF's home borough -- because he was actually interacting with fans ... something he hardly ever does.

UPDATE

TMZ got a hold of more video showing Ben going out for yet another smoke break while Jen was inside of Lit Bar doing her book thing. Sure enough, they'd drawn a noticing crowd ... but instead of cower away -- BA stepped up for a friendly chat, which proved hilarious.

UPDATE

Check out the clip -- you can see Ben chopping it up with these adoring onlookers, who were definitely star struck ... but who also kept their wits about them as they showered compliments onto the guy. Ben, of course, was gracious ... and pretty responsive.

UPDATE

We're told there was a bachelorette party next door, and that these ladies actually tried inviting Ben to the shindig -- but he duly noted, sorry ... "my girl" is inside, and I'm stuck.

UPDATE

He didn't say exactly that, but the sentiment was there -- seems these folks understand and then some. Let's hear it for the Bronx's MVP of the day!

UPDATE

3:59 PM PT -- Source close to J Lo tells TMZ … Jennifer and Ben went to a Latina-owned bookstore, Lit Bar, not far from where Jennifer grew up. She was there as part of her new mission-driven platform, Limitless Labs, to shine a light on Latina entrepreneurs and graduates of Goldman Sachs' 10,000 Small Business Program in time for National Hispanic Heritage Month.

UPDATE
UPDATE

We're also told Ben Affleck was proudly taping Jennifer when she talked about how important it was for her to be there in the community with all the entrepreneurs and David Solomon and Dina Powell from Goldman Sachs. Turns out ... Ben also spent time with the entrepreneurs and actually bought an armful of books.

UPDATE
UPDATE

Good BF move, for sure.

Benny from the block
TMZ.com

Jennifer Lopez took Ben Affleck back to where it all started -- namely, the block that gave her her nickname ... and the dude seemed to make himself right at home by lighting up.

Bennifer returned to J Lo's stomping grounds Sunday -- this after spending the past few days in Italy, where they brought their love fest to the red carpet and beyond. Now, it was the Bronx's turn to get a look at the Hollywood power couple ... and they weren't shy.

Eyewitnesses spotted Ben and Jen touring the latter's birthplace borough, swinging by a place called Lit Bar in what we're told appeared to be a small biz tour -- with J Lo popping in to show love. BA was tagging along ... and apparently needed a smoke break between stops.

Check out this video TMZ obtained of Benny puffing on a cigarette and waving to fans who noticed him. He inhaled quickly, because he was back inside in no time -- but the cat was outta the bag ... because when they exited ... there was a swarm of people with phones out.

Like we said ... they weren't trying to hide their presence -- and you can tell as much by their body language. Jen was giving hand waves and Ben even cracked a smile.

Ya gotta think Ben will bring his boo to his own hometown soon -- Cambridge ain't that far from NYC ... and Bennifer appear to be on the move.

Beantown, here we come???

Originally Published -- 1:04 PM PT

J Lo A Little D&G in Venice ... Dolce and Gondola

Jennifer Lopez knows how to travel in style ... even when she precariously boards a tiny boat!

J Lo was decked out in D&G head to toe as she jumped on a gondola in Venice, Italy, during the Venice International Film Festival. It's part of a fashion shoot that took about an hour and a half.

Jen and Ben have been pretty much inseparable during the trip ... gotta say, both looking amazing as they took in the festival and some sightseeing.

After the shoot, J Lo went back to their hotel, after which she and Ben headed for the airport.

Ben and Jen have been on a world tour, during which they have displayed PDA on multiple continents.

Ben will be heading to Austin soon, to shoot a movie. TMZ broke the story, he rented a luxury condo for the movie shoot and even though it's temporary, he's upgrading the pad. We're told J Lo will be spending a fair amount of time with BF during production.

Ben has also been front and center during at least one of J Lo's projects ... even interacting with the crew during the shoot, so they're not only seriously dating ... they're already involved in each other's business.

Ben and Jen have been looking for insanely expensive estates in the L.A. area. So, yeah, it's serious.

Ashton Kutcher Tapped as 'CGD' Guest ... Met with Chant, 'Take a Shower!!!'

Ashton Kutcher was invited to an ESPN set this weekend to share his thoughts on college football -- but all he got in return from the crowd was some harsh advice on his hygiene.

The actor got tapped by the network to be the guest prediction picker ahead of Saturday's slate of games, especially the big Iowa matchup later today between Iowa State and the University of Iowa -- with the latter being Ashton's alma mater.

As soon as AK touched down by jet and was revealed as the big surprise for the broadcast, he got torched by the college crowd that were standing by at Jack Trice Stadium.

They were chanting "Take a shower!" pretty damn loudly ... which the mics on set were picking up and broadcasting while Ashton was being intro'd. Doesn't seem like he heard it right then and there, but don't sweat ... the Cyclone fans had another go at it.

Not too long after, Ashton eventually plopped down on his chair for the pre-game panel ... where he was talking football and charities of his -- and there, too, the "Take a Shower!" chant picked up again. This time, it was way closer ... and Ashton probably heard.

He didn't flinch ... acting as if it didn't bother him. And, who knows ... maybe it doesn't. The guy already made fun of himself over the whole bathing fiasco earlier this summer.

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ICYMI ... Ashton and Mila Kunis revealed back in July that they didn't really wash their kids daily, and only threw 'em in the shower as they saw fit, or if they saw noticeable dirt. It sparked a huge debate about kids and cleanliness -- but the Kutchers took it in stride.

Looks like that whole stench is following Ashton here well into September. Pee-yew!!!

Steve-O 'Jackass Forever' Release Pushed ... But Not Due to Bam Drama

BAFFLED BY BAM
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Steve-O is literally LOL over Bam Margera's lawsuit against 'Jackass' producers, and says the legal battle has nothing to do with why the new movie's release has been delayed.

We got Steve-O at LAX and asked him why "Jackass Forever" is now dropping on February 4, 2022 ... instead of the originally planned date this October. Fans have been speculating it's because of Bam's pending lawsuit against Johnny Knoxville, the 'Jackass' team and Paramount Pictures.

5/23/21
HELP FROM THE GREEN QUEEN
@bam__margera / Instagram

The studio has said it's due to the rising COVID cases, but conspiracy-loving fans online called BS, and kept pushing the Bam theory. Well, Steve-O's doubling down on the company line, and his reaction to Bam's lawsuit might finally convince fans.

He couldn't hold back, and laughed off the case. In fact, he has just one word to describe it. As we reported ... Bam sued, saying he was forced to sign an agreement he claims amounted to psychological torture.

Steve-O had previously said the reason Bam's not in the fourth installment of the 'Jackass' franchise is that he couldn't stay sober. But now ... a lawsuit? Steve-O's baffled, to say the least.

For the record, Paramount didn't only delay 'Jackass' ... it also pushed back the new 'Top Gun' and 'Mission Impossible' flicks, citing the public's waning comfort with hitting up movie theaters.

Ben & Jen We Look Good on Each Other ... Especially in Venice!!!

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are reminding everyone they know how to dress to impress -- which is good, because all eyes were on them for their big public event debut.

Ya gotta see Ben and Jen together Friday at the 78th Venice International Film Festival ... it's the first time since they reunited that they're attending a showbiz event together, and they're looking absolutely stunning.

Ben's going with a classic look in a tuxedo and J Lo is clearly loving his look ... notice the way she's beaming as she looks into his eyes with his arm wrapped around her.

No pressure, but Ben kinda had to bring it, fashion-wise ... with J Lo rocking a plunging white dress and showing off her toned legs.

As you know ... Bennifer 2.0 took their lovefest to the famous film festival this week after PDA tour stops all across Italy and the U.S. ... but this is the first time we've really seen them glammed up together.

Bottom line ... this is one beautiful couple 😍.

Kate Beckinsale Rushed to the Hospital in Vegas

Kate Beckinsale has been rushed to the hospital in Las Vegas.

Sources connected to Kate tell TMZ ... the 'Underworld' star has been staying at The Signature at MGM Grand while in town to shoot the film, "Prisoner's Daughter." We're told around 10:30 AM Friday morning, her back went out and it was bad enough that she was rushed to a nearby hospital by ambulance.

We're told at the time of this posting Kate is still in the ER. Her condition is unclear ... we're told this is all happening in real-time.

Kate posted a photo on social media Thursday from Vegas ... we're told she's been there about a week shooting the movie.

Beckinsale became a Hollywood starlet in the late '90s after starring in "Brokedown Palace," but really broke out the next couple years with roles in "Pearl Harbor" and "Serendipity."

She went on to star in "Van Helsing" and landed a leading lady role soon after with the 'Underworld' franchise.

More recently, she's made headlines for her divorce from Len Wiseman and subsequent relationship with Pete Davidson ... though they split after dating for only a few months.

Ben Affleck & J Lo Texas Two-Stepping in New Pad... While He Shoots Movie

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez have a new home in a new city where they can plan to have their PDA-filled rendezvous ... and it's deep in the heart of Texas.

OK, it's a temporary home, but sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... Ben is about to start filming a new movie in Austin, and he's renting a luxury condo there for the duration of the shoot.

Naturally, J Lo will be spending time there with her BF, but our sources say she won't be there full time -- woman's got a life and career of her own, after all. We're told crews are already rushing to prepare the condo, bringing in furniture and setting up appliances.

Ben's upcoming project in ATX is called "Hypnotic," and he's playing a detective investigating a mystery that involves a secret government program, and his missing daughter.

We've seen Ben and Jen all over Los Angeles hunting for her new pad.

She's looked at some gems, including an $85 million estate last month ... but still hasn't pulled the trigger just yet. Whatever time they spend together down in Texas could be seen as a dry run for living together in the not-so-distant future. Just sayin' ...

For now, though, Austinites will have a familiar sight ... more folks from California.

Machine Gun Kelly Sued You Pushed Me ... Parking Attendant Claims Elder Abuse!!!

Machine Gun Kelly's just been sued for allegedly traumatizing a "sensitive, soft-spoken" parking lot attendant ... one who claims the rapper committed elder abuse by pushing him, but it's a really odd accusation.

John Martin Tilli filed legal docs in L.A. court alleging MGK became aggressive toward him and pushed him after he asked the rapper if he had a permit to film his and Mod Sun's movie "Good Mourning With A U" in a Studio City parking lot back on August 23.

In docs, obtained by TMZ, Tilli says he showed up to work that morning and was in charge of opening the gate to let bank branch employees into the lot. He claims he parked his car where Kelly's crew was filming, and they asked him to move his car because he was in the shot.

Tilli claims he asked MGK if he had a permit to film there before finding out from the bank branch the rapper did not have permission. Tilli claims he informed MGK's crew and asked them to leave.

That's when, according to Tilli, Kelly and his production crew and staff became aggressive. He claims they approached him and eventually surrounded him.

Tilli, who describes himself as "a very sensitive, soft-spoken, gentle, quiet person," claims MGK pushed him from the front and production crew and/or staff pushed from behind.

What's more ... Tilli claims they yelled in a threatening manner and shook him up so badly "he literally appeared as if he was going to cry through the day.” He's suing for assault, battery, negligence and elder abuse -- but that last allegation is strange, because Tilli is only 49 years old.

We've reached out to Kelly's camp, so far no word back. But, as we first reported, sources close to MGK vehemently deny anything physical went down. We were told MGK yelled at Tilli, but didn't make contact with him.

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