Greg Giraldo's Would-Be Gig Becomes Memorial
TMZ has learned ... the comedy club where Greg Giraldo was scheduled to perform this weekend is now putting together plans for a memorial instead, featuring a tribute to the late comedian's life.
The manager at Governor's Comedy Club in Levittown, NY tells TMZ, the memorial is scheduled for Friday at 10:30 PM ... exactly when Greg was supposed to take the stage.
We're told the club will be playing Greg's DVDs on the televisions -- there won't be any admission fee ... and all donations will go to Greg's family.
The manager tells us, "We just want to commemorate his life." As we previously reported, Greg passed away yesterday ... five days after he was hospitalized for an overdose.
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Comedian Greg Giraldo is Dead
Comedian Greg Giraldo died today at the age of 44 -- five days after he was hospitalized for an overdose.
Greg had been hospitalized in New Brunswick, NJ after he overdosed on prescription pills last weekend. A source said the overdose was not a suicide attempt.
TMZ has obtained what is believed to be one of the last photos of Giraldo -- taken at the Stress Factory comedy club in New Brunswick, NJ on Friday September 24 ... the night before he OD'd.
Giraldo was best known for his celebrity roast appearances. He had also been a judge on "Last Comic Standing."
A source close to Greg tells us, "Greg passed away today at the hospital in New Brunswick as a result of an accidental overdose. His family was by his side."
We're told plans are being made for a public memorial service.
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Gilbert Gottfried Roasts Greg Giraldo -- Too Soon?!
Just hours after Greg Giraldo passed away, one of his former Roast-mates -- Gilbert Gottfried -- was already making a joke out of the situation ... but did he go too far?!
Earlier today, Gottfried went to his Twitter page and wrote, "If Greg Giraldo is cremated, will that be the 'Greg Giraldo Roast'?"
We spoke to Gilbert about the tweet ... who told us he has problems expressing his emotions -- but noted, "Greg can't say anything about it now ... I'm not worried about him calling and complaining."
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LFO Singer's Funeral 'Close, Intimate Ceremony'
TMZ has learned ... family and friends of LFO singer Rich Cronin plan on holding a "close, intimate ceremony" after his tragic death earlier this week.
According to Cronin's rep -- the people closest to Rich will hold a wake in his honor on Sunday in Kingston, Massachusetts. The funeral will be held on the following day.
As we first reported, Rich -- who had been battling leukemia -- passed away Wednesday afternoon after suffering a stroke.
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LFO Lead Singer Dies
Rich Cronin from the '90s boy band LFO died today after a long fight with leukemia ... TMZ has learned.
Rich -- who wrote LFO's hit "Summer Girls" in 1999 -- suffered a stroke after a lengthy battle with leukemia, according to his brother. We're told he passed away in a hospital this afternoon.
Cronin was 35.
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'Beetlejuice' Actor Glenn Shadix Dies
Glenn Shadix -- famous for playing Otho the interior decorator in "Beetlejuice" -- died this morning after falling at his home in Alabama ... this according to his sister.
Shadix's sister Susan Gagne told The Birmingham News that the actor was "having mobility problems" and may have fallen out of his wheelchair and "hit his head in the kitchen."
Susan told the BN she believes the blow to the head caused his death.
Glenn -- who famously participated in the iconic "Day-O" dance in the movie -- was 58.
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Robert Schimmel Dies
Comedian Robert Schimmel died last night in a Phoenix hospital from injuries he sustained in a car accident last week. He was 60 years old.
As TMZ first reported, Schimmel was the passenger in a serious car accident after his daughter, who was driving at the time, swerved to avoid an accident. She's still in the hospital, but we're told she'll be ok.
Schimmel is perhaps best known for his work on "The Howard Stern Show."
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Andre the Giant -- Sad Connection in WWE Star's Death
Funeral services for WWE star "Luna" Vachon will take place at Andre the Giant's North Carolina ranch -- where his ashes were spread 17 years ago -- and TMZ has learned, Luna's ashes will be scattered at the same place.
The reason -- we're told Andre was Luna's godfather ... and the two were extremely close.
No word on when the scattering is taking place -- but according to sources, Luna's funeral Mass occurred yesterday ... and a private service is in the works today for friends and family.
As TMZ first reported, Luna was found dead over a week ago in her Florida home ... where investigators discovered crushed oxycodone pills and a snorting straw.
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Family Mourns Tiger -- Shrine Erected
It's been three days since a 2-year-old Maltese named Tiger was killed by Samantha Ronson's bulldog Cadillac -- and now TMZ has learned Tiger's owner has set up a makeshift memorial to honor her fallen pooch.
This shrine has been set up in the owner's apartment -- in the same West Hollywood building where Tiger got into that fateful confrontation with Cadillac early Monday morning.
As for Tiger's alleged killer -- we're told Cadillac is still on the East Coast.
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Ex-WWE Star Luna Pills Found in Death Investigation
TMZ has learned ... investigators claim they discovered crushed oxycodone pills and a snorting straw inside the Florida home of former WWE star Gertrude "Luna" Vachon ... where she was found dead Friday morning.
According to the police report filed by the Pasco County Sheriff's Office -- and obtained by TMZ -- investigators claim they found a box containing Oxycodone in Luna's kitchen ... near a pile of "blue, chalky debris next to a small straw."
Officials also claim they discovered "multiple prescription bottles and miscellaneous unsecured pills" in the master bedroom ... along with a small plate that contained more pill residue and another snorting straw.
According to the report, Luna's mother -- the person who discovered the body -- told cops that Luna "often appeared 'medicated' as she suffered from several wrestling injuries."
Officials tell TMZ an autopsy has been completed -- and an official cause of death should be determined within the next couple of weeks.
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Former WWE Star 'Luna' Dies
Former WWE superstar Gertrude "Luna" Vachon died this morning in Florida. She was 48.
Luna wrestled for the WWE from 1993 to 2000 ... and had gained notoriety as Bam Bam Bigelow's "main squeeze."
So far, no cause of death has been determined.
UPDATE: According to law enforcement sources, Luna's body was discovered by her mother around 10 AM this morning.
We're told authorities currently do not believe there was any foul play involved -- but an autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow.
Story developing ...
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LPGA Golfer's Death Ruled a Suicide
The death of LPGA star Erica Blasberg has officially been ruled as a suicide ... this according to the Clark County Coroner's Office.
According to the coroner, 25-year-old Blasberg was found dead with a plastic bag over her head at her Henderson, Nevada home back on May 9.
Officials ruled that Blasberg's death was caused by asphyxiation -- but the coroner notes that she also had toxic levels of prescription medication in her system ... including headache, cough, pain and anti-anxiety meds.
The Henderson Police Department concluded there was no foul play involved in her death.
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Dr. Frank Ryan's Final Journey
TMZ has learned Dr. Frank Ryan -- plastic surgeon to the stars -- will be laid to rest in Toledo, Ohio ... where he was born and raised.
Sources close to the family tell us the doctor's remains will stay in Malibu for the next couple of days for a private memorial service for the doc's closest friends. Sometime after the service, Dr. Ryan's remains will be transported back to Ohio, where he will be laid to rest.
As we previously reported, Dr. Ryan -- the guy who worked on Heidi Montag -- was killed this past Monday when his Jeep veered off of Pacific Coast Highway and rolled down an embankment.
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TMZ Live: Dr. Ryan, Heidi Montag, and Dr. Laura
We took your questions today on everything -- including the Dr. Frank Ryan crash photos, Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt's divorce becoming final on Valentine's Day 2011, and Dr. Laura quitting radio after dropping the n-bomb on air.
Plus: The newest (alleged) jerkoff to be targeted by Gloria Allred.
Candlelight Vigil Planned for Dr. Frank Ryan
TMZ has learned ... Dr. Frank Ryan's family, friends and staff are coming together to organize a candlelight vigil for the Hollywood surgeon tonight in Malibu.
The event will take place at 7:30 PM at Zuma Beach -- located at 30000 Pacific Coast Highway ... roughly 12 miles from the spot on PCH where Dr. Ryan lost control of his jeep yesterday and crashed down into an embankment.
We're told friends and family wanted the vigil at that particular spot because, "Dr. Ryan LOVED that area ... and it is close to his ranch."
We're told the event is open to "anyone who knew him."
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Dr. Frank Ryan -- Famous Plastic Surgeon Dies
TMZ has learned ... Dr. Frank Ryan -- a prominent Beverly Hills plastic surgeon to the stars, famous for Heidi Montag's extreme makeover, is dead ... killed in a car crash.
According to law enforcement, Dr. Ryan's Jeep went over the side of Pacific Coast Highway yesterday at around 4:30 PM. The Jeep landed on rocks and lifeguards initially tried to help Ryan, to no avail.
Ryan, who was 50, was trapped in the vehicle and had major head injuries. The Ventura County Fire Department tried hoisting Ryan using a helicopter, but the attempt was called off. Ryan was pronounced dead at the scene.
Minutes before the crash, Ryan Tweeted, "After 25 years of driving by, I finally hiked to the top of the giant sand dune on the pch west of Malibu. Much harder than it looks! Whew!"
Ryan's last Tweet before he died, "Border collie jill surveying the view from atop the sand dune." Ryan posted the picture below with his Tweet. Law enforcement tells us the dog was injured but survived.
Among Ryan's patients -- Gene Simmons, Shauna Sand, Vince Neil and Adrianne Curry.
Dr. Ryan appeared on numerous TV shows and even performed plastic surgery on the air.
UPDATE: TMZ just received a statement from Janice Dickinson's rep saying, "Janice is deeply, deeply anguished! She is stunned and wants the world to know what a genius Dr. Ryan was."
The rep adds, "He was a friend and my love goes out to his mother and the rest of the family."
UPDATE: According to the CHP, Ryan's 1995 Jeep Wrangler veered off the roadway and overturned down a rocky embankment toward the ocean, coming to rest on its roof. Ryan was pronounced dead by paramedics. Law enforcement sources tell us Ryan's dog was found in the ocean and seriously injured. The dog was taken to a local veterinary hospital.