Reality TV

RuPaul is ready to transform into a new look, although ... this one's gonna require a lot of growth.

The famous drag queen and host of "RuPaul's Drag Race" is now getting his famous mug molded into a Chia Pet ... just like Barack Obama and Bob Ross before him.

Yes, Chia Ru starts out bald -- just like its inspiration -- gone bald, but we're told it'll only take a couple of weeks before it's rocking a full head of very green hair. For best results, give it lots of attitude ... talking to plants helps 'em grow.

The terracotta figurine goes for $24.99 as an exclusive launch on Loot Crate ... and Ru says his Chia Pet is "the perfect metaphor for life -- to grow you must tend to your garden and love yourself."

Well said, Ru.

CBS has heard the calls for more diversity on its hit reality shows ... and it's making a pledge to make it happen.

The network says its unscripted shows -- including the uber-popular "Survivor," "Big Brother" and "Love Island" -- will have casts at least 50 percent Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) beginning with the 2021-22 season.

In addition, CBS vows to commit at least 25 percent of its annual unscripted development budget to projects created or co-created by minorities ... and set a target of 40 percent BIPOC representation in the writers' rooms next year too.

CBS Entertainment Group President & CEO George Cheeks says ... "The reality TV genre is an area that’s especially underrepresented, and needs to be more inclusive across development, casting, production and all phases of storytelling."

Cheeks says the network's diversity pledge is just the first step in discovering new voices for content, and it goes hand-in-hand with a production partnership with the NAACP as well.

As you may know ... CBS has come under fire for racial controversies on its reality programs in recent years, especially with "Big Brother." Houseguests were slammed for making a racially-charged joke about a fellow Asian houseguest in July 2019, and there was an n-word controversy the year before.

Likewise, "Survivor" has taken heat for many years for a lack of diversity among its casts ... and alleged favoritism of white players over minority players.

Larsa Pippen says her falling out with Kim Kardashian and her sisters was at the behest of Kanye West ... who she believes has brainwashed all of them.

Larsa opened up about her relationship with Kim on the "Hollywood Raw Podcast," saying the rift began earlier this year because Kanye didn't trust anyone with Kim ... which led to Larsa and Kim unfollowing each other on social media.

Larsa believes Kanye then got Kourtney and Khloe to turn on her too by making her out to be a bad seed ... even though she says she had nothing but love for all of them.

Larsa says she and Kanye never had any serious altercations either ... but she mentions an alleged incident between Travis Scott and her that could have set off Kanye.

She also claims Kanye used to call her a lot to vent about stuff ... but she eventually got tired of it and blocked his number. Larsa says Kanye didn't like that either.

"Too Hot to Handle" star Bryce Hirschberg has a new hook to impress the ladies -- it's new music to float their boat ... and it was written, recorded and produced on his floating studio.

The reality star tells TMZ he needed to stay productive and creative during quarantine this year, so he came up with his soon-to-be-released single, "Midnight Mystery."

The track was made entirely on his infamous houseboat in Marina del Rey -- living on a boat was his claim to fame on the Netflix dating show -- and it's set for release later this month on Black Friday.

We've obtained a sneak preview of Bryce's musical debut ... and naturally, he's singing about sex, love and relationships. It's not exactly yacht rock, but it's totally on brand for him.

Remember ... Bryce sang a song for one of the babes on "Too Hot to Handle" while wearing a captain's hat.

Alex Trebek -- the revered and beloved "Jeopardy!" host since 1984, whose calm but witty presence was must-see television for millions of Americans -- has died ... TMZ has learned.

A "Jeopardy!" spokesperson tells TMZ, "Jeopardy is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends."

The TV icon had been battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer since announcing the news back in March 2019. He immediately started chemo after the diagnosis but made no plans to retire and continued hosting his game show ... as impressively as ever.

Trebek powered through for a full year -- despite what he called "massive attacks of great depression that made me wonder if it was really worth fighting on" -- because he said he realized giving up on life would be a betrayal to his wife, God and other cancer patients.

He pointed out the odds of surviving a second year with pancreatic cancer were just 7 percent, but he hoped he'd be able to celebrate that milestone too. Sadly, he took a turn for the worse.

Alex continued to host "Jeopardy!" ... recently beginning his 37th season, and earlier this year, he shot the epic 'Greatest of All Time' tournament on prime-time television.

Ken Jennings, who won that 'G.O.A.T.' tournament reacted to Alex's passing, saying, "Alex wasn't just the best ever at what he did. He was also a lovely and deep decent man, and I'm grateful for every minute I got to spend with him."

Ken's competitor James Holzhauer added, "It was one of the great privileges of my life to spend time with this courageous man while he fought the battle of his life. You will never be replaced in our hearts, Alex."

"Jeopardy!" says Alex hosted episodes will air through December 25th. His last day taping in the studio was October 29.

The shows executive producer, Mike Richards, says, "Working beside him for the past year and a half as he heroically continued to host "Jeopardy!" was an incredible honor. His belief in the importance of the show and his willingness to push himself to perform at the highest level was the most inspiring demonstration of courage I have ever seen."

After his initial diagnosis, there were several ups and downs for Alex. In May 2019, he announced his tumors had shrunk more than 50 percent, obviously a great sign of progress, but his numbers declined and he began another round of chemotherapy a few months later. Still, he maintained a positive outlook ... and did a lot of good throughout his ordeal.

His soothing and reassuring voice was on display when he announced having cancer. Trebek -- who was signed to host the show through 2022 -- joked, "Truth told, I have to! Because under the terms of my contract, I have to host 'Jeopardy!' for three more years!"

His commitment to the game show was a two-way street. When Alex took a brief medical leave in 2018 to have surgery for blood clots on his brain after a nasty fall, "Jeopardy!" never aired episodes with a guest host. He also suffered mild heart attacks in 2007 and 2012.

Alex started his career on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in 1961 announcing the news, and quickly gained fame after hosting the high school quiz show, "Reach for the Top."

He introduced himself to U.S. audiences in 1973 when he hosted a new NBC show called "The Wizard of Odds." That would lead to work on a variety of game shows ... including "High Rollers" with his trademark curly hair and classic 'stache and a brief fill-in stint for Chuck Woolery on "Wheel of Fortune."

Then, when the "Jeopardy!" gig -- a revival of the old show -- came up, Alex got the call.

The show gained immense popularity with Alex at the helm ... dominating the evening game show biz along with 'Wheel.'

Alex -- winner of 6 Daytime Emmy Awards for outstanding game show host -- set a Guinness World record in June 2014 for most episodes (6,829) of a game show hosted. Despite his unprecedented and hugely successful run, Alex never viewed himself as a celeb or the "star" of the show. He said as much to Harvey Levin for an episode on "Objectified."

Alex also told Levin he was seriously considering retirement before signing a contract extension. He seemed serious at the time ... naming 2 potential replacements: L.A. Kings announcer Alex Faust and CNN legal analyst Laura Coates.

Important to note ... "Jeopardy!" producers say they are not announcing a new host right now.

Trebek was born on July 22, 1940, in Ontario, Canada. He majored in philosophy at the University of Ottawa but he had serious ambitions about a career on TV. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1998, but not before running the Olympic Torch in 1996 as it made its way to Atlanta.

Alex -- who was named an officer of the Order of Canada in 2017 for his iconic achievements -- married Elaine Kares in 1974 and they divorced in 1981. He married again in 1990 ... this time to Jean Currivan, with whom he had 2 children ... Matthew and Emily.

He was 80.

PETA's making a strong effort to get Doc Antle in the USDA's crosshairs ... filing a complaint and asking the department to investigate him over Lil Pump's recent visit.

The animal rights org fired off a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture formally requesting it investigate the 'Tiger King' star for apparent violations of the Animal Welfare Act at his Myrtle Beach Safari.

In the letter, obtained by TMZ ... Debbie Metzler, associate director of captive animal law enforcement, cited Lil Pump's trip there this week, and a video that shows him make "direct physical contact with a juvenile tiger."

She claims it violates the law requiring that “dangerous animals such as… tigers… or elephants must be under the direct control and supervision of a knowledgeable and experienced animal handler."

Then there's the Lil Pump encounter with the elephant, Bubbles. Metzler calls the stunt exceptionally dangerous because it could have spooked the elephant and triggered the elephant to bolt and potentially injure people. PETA wants the USDA to hold Antle accountable for any and all violations it discovers during its investigation.

As we reported ... Pump and his boys took a trip to South Carolina and had one helluva close encounter with Bubbles. Video shows Pump getting picked up by the elephant's trunk. The rapper damn near fell off before safely landing on his feet.

Jay Cutler needs help -- the ex-NFL quarterback's beloved dog, Bane, has gone missing in Tennessee ... and he's asking everyone in the area to join the search to bring him home.

Bane joined Cutler and Kristin Cavallari's family as a pup in February 2015 -- and was featured on their reality show, "Very Cavallari." He also became a regular on Kristin's IG page.

Jay was particularly close with the German Shepherd -- and when Jay and Kristin broke up earlier this year, he apparently kept Bane at his Tennessee home.

But, Bane is now M.I.A. and Jay is concerned -- posting a call to action on social media to help find his pet.

"Ok Instagram it's time to do some good today," Cutler said. "Bane is missing. 80lb German shepherd. Last seen on Old Hillsboro in Franklin, TN."

"$1000 dollar reward for his return. Let's find him."

There have been issues on Jay's ranch this year -- remember, his chickens were being massacred by a mysterious predator that turned out to be a raccoon.

Jay personally sat watch to protect his chickens -- ya gotta believe he's on the ground searching for Bane too.

Cassie Randolph apparently no longer feels threatened by her ex Colton Underwood ... 'cause she dropped the restraining order against him ... in fact, she's dropped everything.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Cassie dismissed the restraining order with prejudice, meaning she can't refile it.  We're also told the police investigation is being dropped -- per her request.

Colton tells TMZ, "Today Cassie asked the court to dismiss the temporary restraining order against me. The two of us were able to reach a private agreement to address any of Cassie’s concerns. I do not believe Cassie did anything wrong in filing for the restraining orders and also believe she acted in good faith. I appreciate everyone’s respect for privacy regarding this matter."

As we reported ... Cassie filed a police report with the L.A. County Sheriff's Dept. claiming the "Bachelor" star put a tracking device on her car.

Remember, she had made these allegations last month when she filed for a restraining order against Colton. TMZ broke the story ... Cassie claimed her brother found the tracking device taped to the bottom of her car's back bumper. As for why Colton allegedly did that ... Cassie claimed he was trying to track her whereabouts long after they had broken up.

Christina Anstead's marriage to Ant Anstead is officially a flop ... she just filed for divorce.

The "Flip or Flop" star filed divorce papers in an Orange County court after less than 2 years of marriage.

Christina and Ant started dating back in October 2017 and tied the knot in a super-secret wedding at their Newport Beach crib back in December 2018. They have 1 child together ... 1-year-old Hudson London.

As we reported ... Christina and Ant announced back in September they were separating, saying she and Ant "made the difficult decision to separate." She added, "We are grateful for each other and as always, our children will remain our priority."

Ant, who hosts "Wheeler Dealers," is now Christina's second famous ex. Remember, she was previously married to her "Flip or Flop" co-star, Tarek El Moussa, and they enjoyed tons of success together before an extremely public split in 2016. They later divorced in 2018.

It appears Christina and Ant's split is not a tumultuous one. As we first reported ... our sources had said the split wasn't caused by anything scandalous. Plainly put -- they had just grown apart.

Erika Jayne and Tom Girardi's marriage is over ... or at least she wants it to be, 'cause Erika just filed for divorce.

The singer and 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' star filed divorce docs in Los Angeles County this week -- seeking a dissolution of marriage from her powerhouse attorney hubby -- who's more than 30 years her senior.

It's unclear what she's seeking at this point in terms spousal support -- if anything at all -- but we're working on getting more info. It's pretty shocking news considering they've been together for so long now ... the two got hitched in 1999. Last millennium, folks!

They share no children, but probably have a ton of assets between the both of them after all these years -- they're incredibly wealthy.

Erika became a regular 'RHOBH' cast member starting in season 6, and Tom's made several appearances as well.

Farrah Abraham has been flaky at times, but she apparently took her criminal case seriously because she's completed the terms of her probation in a crazy criminal case.

The 'Teen Mom' star is scheduled to complete her 2-year probation Monday in a criminal case stemming from her tirade involving a security guard at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Since her arrest, Farrah's kept her nose clean and completed 12 hours of anger management, 5 days of community labor and paid a $150 fee. Court records show ... Farrah's checklist is done.

TMZ broke the story ... Farrah was arrested back in June 2018 after cops say she got physical with a security guard. At the time, cops had said she hit the guard with her forearm, grabbed his ear and pushed his head as he tried blocking her from reentering the hotel.

But, it got worse ... when cops got there, Farrah was belligerent and repeatedly yelled at cops "Go f*** yourself." Her tone dramatically changed once they hauled her away. She ultimately copped a plea deal and avoided jail time. She was also banned from the Polo Lounge in the Beverly Hills Hotel where the ruckus started. But, now that her probation's done ... that ban's been lifted, according to the L.A. County District Attorney's Office.

We reached out to Farrah about all this, and she tells TMZ ... she's kept out of trouble, and probation or not, she is staying away from problem people. Good call.

Nate Burrell, one of the stars of A&E's docuseries, "60 Days In," has taken his own life.

Nate's sister, Chelsey Walker, tells TMZ, Nate committed suicide Saturday night. She says her brother shot and killed himself out in public in downtown Allegan, Michigan.

Nate posted a long suicide note on Facebook, saying, "This isn't an admission of guilt. I'm just tired, I've been through so much in my life, the pain of my situation now hurts more than I ever imagined. I can't keep going on."

Nate had just turned 33 years old. He had a child on the way with his wife, but it looks like he and his wife split. He wrote, "I can only imagine how bad this would all turn out, all of the legal crap that would ensue after this with custody and everything else. You win! You have promised for weeks, you will ruin my life and I had no idea who I was messing with. You are right, I didn't know who I was messing with."

The show followed Nate and 8 other volunteers who entered jail for 2 months under assumed identities to put a spotlight on the problems behind bars.

Nate's sister said, "Nathan loved his country, loved his family and was a very caring guy. He was just in a bad place. He was very proud of being on '60 Days In,' and he really cherished his time on that show."

Burrell served in the military as a Marine from 2006 to 2010.  He was in the infantry and served 2 tours in Iraq. Nate went on to receive his associate degree in criminal justice and law enforcement in 2014. He was a Fish and Wildlife Officer in Michigan.

Nate was 33.

Kim Kardashian's Halloween costume blew Carole Baskin away ... Carole tells us after seeing Kim dress up like her, she just can't live up to her own image anymore.

As you know, Kim dressed to the nines with her Carole Baskin costume, complete with animal print, a flower crown and her kids dressed as tigers ... and Carole tells us Kim's look is a "beautiful version" of herself.

Kim's best friend, Jonathan Cheban, also dressed as Joe Exotic.

Carole's getting the Halloween treatment for the first time this year ... and she says it's weird to see total strangers wearing flower crowns, cat prints and gaudy jewelry to channel their inner Carole Baskin.

You know you've made it when Kim K is dressing up like you for Halloween and not the other way around!!!

'Tiger King' is a huge hit with costumes this year -- Kelly Ripa dressed as Joe Exotic and Ryan Seacrest went as a tiger -- and Carole says Joe's the perfect icon for Halloween because he represents "pure evil."

Carole also tells us she's been so flattered by all the "clever renditions" of her look, she started a costume contest on her Big Cat Rescue Facebook page. Good luck looking better than Kim!

Huge news for Rob Kardashian -- his ultra-rare Tom Brady football card has been formally graded as "Gem-Mint Condition" ... meaning he'll get top dollar if he chooses to sell!

... and, with some experts saying it could be worth anywhere from $100,000 to $250,000, this is a big deal!

As we previously reported, Rob -- a lowkey trading card enthusiast -- bought a case this week of 2020 Panini Mosaic Choice (hobby) cards ... which usually runs for about $10,000.

Fortunately for him, he pulled the Holy Grail -- a Tom Brady MVP Nebula parallel that's a rare 1-of-1 card that collectors are going crazy over.

The condition of the card is a big deal in the high-level collector community -- in other words, a card that's graded anything less than a perfect 10 could mean the difference of 10s of thousands of dollars on the open market.

Rob, with the help of his pals at The Bullpen card shop in L.A., immediately sent the card over to PSA -- one of the top authentication and grading companies in the industry.

The card was inspected and on Friday, Rob got the good news -- it's a perfect 10, gem-mint condition!

Our sources tell us Rob hasn't decided whether he'll sell the card or keep it in his private collection ... either way, he's a winner.

We've spoken to multiple memorabilia experts -- who all agree it's tough to predict the exact value of the card, but most agree Rob could likely get 6-figures.

Mitch Guttenberg, who owns The Bullpen, put it to us this way:

"It is a first-year Panini NFL Mosaic of the GOAT, Tom Brady in his Pats uniform and it is a 1/1 Nebula which in itself is huge. This significance of having a PSA 10 increases the value at least 5x."

"People can argue all day long what the value is but we won’t know unless Rob decides to sell it. Then we can end the speculation. The amount of attention Rob is bringing to the hobby is fantastic. He is a great dude and his collection just got a lot better."

By the way, Rob pulled some other insane cards out of his box ... landing some cool Tua Tagovailoa autographs and a super rare Justin Herbert card -- which also got a perfect grade Friday!

"Cake Boss" Buddy Valastro is getting back to work just over a month after impaling his hand in a gnarly freak accident ... but he won't be getting his hands dirty.

So here's the deal, Buddy's very first event since the horrific bowling injury is scheduled to go down Friday with Goldbelly CEO Joe Ariel. They're teaming up for an event dubbed Halloween Goldbelly Live! ... where they'll teach, via Zoom, how to make "Frankencakes."

But, sources connected to the event tell TMZ ... the "Cake Boss" will ONLY be instructing and not actually doing any of the decorating or whatever else goes with making the Frankenstein cake kits. We're told someone from Buddy's team will be doing the actual decorating while Buddy mostly oversees the production.

BTW, Buddy's still got a long recovery process. Buddy's returning to the air on November 22 when the Food network airs "Buddy vs. Christmas." If you're wondering ... this special was filmed before his accident. And, speaking of the accident ... TLC will air a 2-hour special on December 23 about the accident with footage captured immediately after the accident.

Just days after the accident, Buddy gave his account of the freak bowling accident. He said his long road to recovery's largely because of severe tendon, nerve and muscle damage to his right hand, which just recently had its third surgery.