Longtime character actress Helen Siff, who filled small roles in dozens of films and shows throughout her multi-decade career, has died.
The performer's Thursday, Dec. 18 death was announced by her family, who told The Hollywood Reporter she'd died from complications from a surgery for a "long, painful illness."
Siff was born in Woodmere, New York, in 1937, and she began acting professionally nearly 40 years later, when she appeared in a commercial for Subaru in 1976.
She went on to play small roles in numerous films throughout the 1980s, including "The Karate Kid" and "Big Top Pee-Wee."
Siff continued well into the 2000s, filling parts in movies like "Hail, Caesar!" and "You Don't Mess With The Zohan."
Siff also appeared in scores of television shows, including "Will & Grace," "Modern Family," and "Curb Your Enthusiasm," as well as various stage productions.
Her family said she had the ability to make "even the smallest part memorable." She's survived by two sisters, five of her children, and seven grandchildren.
12:58 PM PT -- A rep for Electronic Arts tells TMZ ... "This is an unimaginable loss, and our hearts are with Vince’s family, his loved ones, and all those touched by his work. Vince’s influence on the video game industry was profound and far-reaching. A friend, colleague, leader and visionary creator, his work helped shape modern interactive entertainment and inspired millions of players and developers around the world. His legacy will continue to shape how games are made and how players connect for generations to come."
"Call of Duty" video game creator Vincent Zampella reportedly died in a car wreck on a mountainous stretch of highway near Los Angeles this weekend.
The California Highway Patrol says the single-car crash was reported around 12:45 PM Sunday afternoon near mile marker 62 on the Angeles Crest Highway in Altadena.
Two people were involved in the crash, according to the CHP, with one of the victims pronounced dead at the scene. NBC Los Angeles was the first to report that person was Vincent.
The video game developer was reportedly driving the car and was heading south when the car veered off the road and struck a concrete barrier ... igniting a fire.
Vincent was reportedly stuck inside the driver's seat as the car burned ... the passenger was ejected and later died at a hospital. No word on the passenger's identity.
Donovan Joshua Leigh Metayer survived the horrific 2018 Parkland school mass shooting ... but he took his own life recently after a long battle with schizophrenia, according to his sister.
Nancy Metayer Bowen posted a tribute to Donovan on Facebook, revealing her brother died by suicide on December 15 after struggling with schizophrenia for 7 years.
Donovan was diagnosed with the brain disorder after Nikolas Cruz, 17, went on a rampage at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on February 14, 2018. Cruz, wielding an AR-15-style rifle, shot to death 17 students and staff members and injured 18 others. Donovan was a senior at Marjorie Stoneman at the time of the shooting ... and managed to make it out of the school alive.
11:11 AM PT -- TMZ has obtained the dispatch audio in connection to James's death.
James Ransone’s wife is speaking out for the first time following his tragic death ... paying homage to her late husband in an emotional tribute on social media.
Jamie McPhee took to Instagram to share a throwback photo of her and James smiling with their arms wrapped around one another, with James resting his hand on her baby bump. The couple share two children together.
In her caption, Jamie writes ... "I told you I have loved you 1000 times before and I know I will love you again. You told me - I need to be more like you and you need to be more like me - and you were so right."
She continues ... "Thank you for giving me the greatest gifts - you, Jack and Violet. We are forever."
Chris Rea, who maintained a multi-decade career as a singer and songwriter, has died.
A spokesperson for the performer's family told BBC News he died Monday in a hospital after a "short illness." His family -- including his wife Joan and daughters Josephine and Julia -- was at his side when he died.
Rea was born in Middlesbrough, England, in 1951, one of seven children raised by an Irish mother and an Italian father who owned an ice cream factory and cafes.
He began his musical career at an early age, and he joined several bands before his first single, "So Much Love," debuted in 1974. He released his debut album, "Whatever Happened To Benny Santini?", four years later.
Rea's first major hit, "Fool (If You Think It’s Over)," was released the same year, and it ended up reaching the number 12 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Rea received a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist the following year.
Rea released several albums throughout the 1980s, and his most enduring hit, "Driving Home for Christmas," debuted in 1986.
The musician was also a noted fan of motorsports and took part in the 1993 British Touring Car Championship, reports The Guardian.
Rob Reiner and Michele Reiner Singer's loved ones are relying on one another in the aftermath of their tragic deaths ... gathering just one week after their tragic deaths.
Rob's sister Annie's house was buzzing with activity Sunday ... as Rob's younger brother Lucas also arrived to the house.
Annie was spotted out on the street ... speaking to someone in a car while wearing an all-black sweater and matching pants. Despite the difficult circumstances, she put on a brave face and fave a wave to guests.
James Ransone -- an actor best known for his role in the hit show "The Wire" -- has died by suicide, according to the Los Angeles Medical Examiner ... TMZ has learned.
TMZ has independently confirmed the star passed away Friday ... and the M.E.'s website lists the manner of death as suicide by hanging. We've also learned the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a call to a residence, where officers completed a death investigation report and no foul play was suspected.
Ransone started appearing in small roles in the early 2000s ... grabbing parts in the TV shows "Ed" and "Third Watch" ... before landing his breakout part in "The Wire."
During its final episode of the year, "Saturday Night Live" paused to pay tribute to late producer Rob Reiner ... flashing a title card with an old photo of Rob before the show's "goodnight" segment.
Reiner hosted SNL’s third episode back in 1975 during the show’s early days ... and unlike hosts George Carlin and Paul Simon at the time, he fully joined in the sketches ... helping set the style that would forever define the series.
As we reported, the couple's daughter, Romy, is the one who discovered Rob and Michele's bodies and called 911. She told police her brother Nick was "dangerous" and should be considered a suspect.
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Nick was arrested about 6 hours after police responded to the call. He's currently held on suicide watch at Men's Central Jail in L.A. without bond and awaits his January 7th hearing.
We broke the news Friday -- he was diagnosed with schizophrenia, and changes to his meds made him "erratic and dangerous" before he allegedly killed his parents.
Zeidler passed away from cancer on Friday, the actor confirmed to People ... and, her online obituary states she passed away at a hospital in Edgewood, Kentucky surrounded by loved ones.
In a statement to People, Clooney said, "My sister, Ada, was my hero. She faced down cancer with courage and humor. I’ve never met anyone so brave. Amal and I will miss her terribly."
Investigators are still looking into the plane crash that claimed NASCAR legend Greg Biffle's life ... and, new video shows them looking for clues in the wreckage.
The National Transportation Safety Board released video of agents combing through the debris ... taking photos of the plane and looking in the woods surrounding the crash area.
The plane's a wreck ... broken into pieces both large and small and burned to a crisp in places. It's unclear what investigators might be able to glean from the crash site.
Lamarr Wilson, a beloved tech influencer, unexpectedly died last month when he committed suicide.
Wilson, known by millions of fans as the "Tech Lifestyle Entertainer,” took his own life by asphyxiation, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner reports. He died at a residence on Friday, Nov. 21, with his family confirming the sad news on Facebook on Dec. 13.
The content creator made a name for himself in the tech lifestyle space, joyfully unboxing and reviewing phones, computers, gaming systems and more for more than 3 million followers across his YouTube, Instagram and TikTok pages.
Mike Campbell -- former Seattle Mariners pitcher and 1st-round draft pick -- has died.
The team announced the sad news on social media, saying ... "We are saddened by the passing of Seattle native and former Mariners pitcher Mike Campbell. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones." He reportedly died Monday at his home in Kirkland, Washington. His cause of death is still pending.
Campbell made his major-league debut in 1987 after the Mariners brought him on as their No. 1 draft pick. He pitched for them for parts of the next 3 seasons, but was then traded to the Montreal Expos as part of the deal to bring on Hall of Famer Randy Johnson to the team.
The plane carrying NASCAR great Greg Biffle, his family, and friends impacted trees, approach lights, and an airport fence, leaving a 1,800-foot trail of wreckage, and tragically killing everyone on board ... the National Transportation Safety Board announced.
The NTSB, which arrived on the scene Thursday night, held a press briefing this afternoon, just over 24 hours after the crash ... as details surrounding the 10-minute flight, and fatal crash, come into focus.
Nick Reiner was diagnosed with schizophrenia, and in the weeks leading up to the murder of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, the meds he was taking made him "erratic and dangerous" ... TMZ has learned.
Two sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Nick was under the care of a psychiatrist for mental illness. We're told in the month before the murders, Nick's behavior had gotten "alarming."
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He had recently received care at a Los Angeles-based rehab facility that specializes in mental illness and substance abuse. We're told the facility charges $70,000 a month ... and lots of rich, powerful parents send their troubled kids there.
Our sources say 3 to 4 weeks before the murders, doctors changed his meds and he became even more erratic. Our sources say doctors were trying to adjust the medications so Nick stabilized, but it wasn't working.
JB Smoove is reflecting on Rob Reiner's life and work ... saying they’d been planning to link up for a while, but now JB's left with a meetup that never happened, and a moment he’ll always regret.
TMZ caught up with JB at LAX Thursday, and he tells us Rob had veganism on the brain and was planning to hit him up for advice ... but sadly, that conversation never got the chance to happen in person.
You gotta catch the clip -- JB also reflects on how Rob basically saved "Seinfeld," which of course led to the later success of "Curb Your Enthusiasm." And JB reminds us about those rare moments we miss when we let our day-to-day busy lives get in the way of deeper connections.
