RIP

Heavy D was planning a huge comeback just before his death -- and those plans included a new music video.

Carl Thomas, who sang on Heavy D's latest album, tells TMZ, he was in touch with Heavy two weeks ago ... and Heavy told him he was weeks away from shooting a music video for their song, "Still Missing You." Thomas said Heavy had a director in place and had picked a location for the shoot.

Sources close to Heavy D tell us it was all part of the singer's comeback plan. We're told he released his new album on September 27 because it coincided with the BET Music Awards ... and he was hoping the performance would put him back on the map.

As we first reported, Heavy D passed away on Tuesday after collapsing outside his Beverly Hills home. He was 44.

Heavy D will be laid to rest at a very private funeral ceremony in New York next Friday -- and TMZ has learned only a select number of the rapper's famous friends have been invited to attend.

We're told Heavy's family has organized a public viewing on Thursday -- and anyone who wants to pay tribute to the hip hop legend is encouraged to show up.

But the following day, the burial service is V.I.P. only -- and the invite list only includes close members of Heavy's family and dear friends, such as Diddy, Mary J. Blige, a few of the Wayans brothers ... and others.

We're told Eddie F and G-Whiz -- former members of Heavy D and the Boyz -- are also on the invite list.

TMZ broke the story, Heavy D passed away on Tuesday at his home in Beverly Hills. He was 44-years-old.

Heavy D hadn't given up on his health before his death -- TMZ has learned, the rapper was serious about battling his weight up to the very end ... running nearly everyday, and frequenting several L.A. gyms.

One of his most recent trainers -- a guy named Tony, who helped Heavy D lose 150 pounds in 2008 -- tells TMZ, D stopped in to Ultra Body Fitness in West Hollywood 3 months before his death ... and began to re-strategize his training program.

Tony tells us, the rapper looked like he hadn't worked out in a while and wanted to get active again.

At that point, sources close to Heavy D tell us, the rapper embarked on a daily running regimen and frequented several other nearby gyms to diversify his exercise experience -- incorporating everything from hiking to boxing.

At his peak, Tony tells us, Heavy worked out 6-7 days a week.

When he died, we're told everyone at Ultra Body Fitness was shocked -- and the members even erected a small memorial in Heavy's honor (below).

Bil Keane, the man behind the iconic comic strip "Family Circus" died yesterday ... he was 89.

"Family Circus" has been in circulation for more than 50 years and is currently featured in roughly 1,500 newspapers. The single panel strip centers around the antics of four young kids, Billy, Dolly, Jeffy, baby PJ and their parents.

Keane was working right up to the end ... his final "Family Circus" comic is dated October 26th.

Heavy D weighed 344 pounds at the time of his death yesterday ... law enforcement tells TMZ.

Officials recorded Heavy's height and weight as part of their investigation into his sudden and unexpected passing. We're told the rapper measured in at 6'4".

Heavy famously lost 135 pounds back in 2003 -- but insisted the decision to drop the weight was in an effort to get acting roles ... and wasn't health related.

An autopsy is scheduled to begin this morning.

TMZ broke the story ... Heavy D died yesterday after collapsing outside of his Beverly Hills condo.

5:12 PM: An associate of Heavy D's just told us the rapper had pneumonia.

4:28 PM: Law enforcement tell TMZ ... Heavy D had just returned from shopping and walked up some stairs when he began having trouble breathing. Adam Mills, a designer who was in the building and knew Heavy D, found him leaning against a railing and clearly in distress. Adam tells us he cradled Heavy D in his lap as others called 911. Adam says Heavy D was conscious and said to him, "I can't breathe, I can't breathe." When paramedics took Heavy D to the hospital he had a pulse. People in the building are saying he died of a heart attack, but we have not been able to confirm that. Law enforcement sources tell us ... no foul play was involved and so far they only know the cause of death was "medical."

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Rap legend Heavy D -- one of the most influential rappers of the '90s -- died earlier today ... TMZ has learned.

Heavy D -- real name Dwight Arrington Myers -- was rushed to an L.A. hospital around noon today ... and was pronounced dead at the hospital at 1 PM. He was 44 years old.

We've learned a 911 call was placed from Heavy's Beverly Hills home around 11:25 AM to report an unconscious male on the walkway .

When help arrived, we're told Heavy D was conscious and speaking -- and was transported to a nearby hospital.

He died a short time later.

Cops are investigating the death -- and so far, there are no obvious signs of foul play. Police are currently at the home.

Heavy D had several massive hits -- including "Now That We Found Love." He also wrote and performed the theme song for "In Living Color" ... and appeared as an actor in the movie "Life."

Heavy just performed at the Michael Jackson Tribute Concert in Wales on October 8. He sang "Jam" with La Toya Jackson -- and rocked it (video below).

Eddie F -- one of the founding members of Heavy D & the Boyz -- issued a heartfelt statement about his longtime friend ... saying, "We were only young kids out of high school when we got into the game just wanting to make fun music filled with love and excitement."

"We always had so much fun as a group. I cherish all the happy times we had together while unknowingly helping to build the movement and legacy we call Uptown Records" ... adding, "I love you Hev and we all will miss you so much."

It's the last time we spoke to Heavy D before his death -- a mere 2 months ago -- and the guy was as awesome as ever ... discussing his new album, his stint on Broadway, and even his blossoming acting career.

D shot a scene for "Law and Order: SVU" in September (below) -- and he had big plans to do more acting work afterwards.

TMZ had the honor and privilege of shooting Heavy D on several occasions throughout the years -- and there were always 3 constants -- ALWAYS friendly, ALWAYS funny and ALWAYS smiling.

La Toya Jackson tells TMZ she was shocked to learn about the death of her dear friend Heavy D -- especially because they just performed together last month.

"This is very shocking and a tragic loss," La Toya said ... adding, "I just performed with Heavy D at the Forever Michael tribute concert and he was a friend to Michael and a friend to me."

Heavy and La Toya rocked out to "Jam" during the October 8th show in Wales -- and Heavy seemed perfectly fine.

La Toya continued, "We have lost a great person and terrific performer, my prayers and condolences go out to his family and fans.

The celebrity tributes are pouring in -- TMZ just spoke with Chuck D ... who told us, "I am sitting here stunned and shocked about this ... I can’t believe it. [Heavy] was a hip hop god ... this is a sad tragedy to hear."

Chuck continued, "He will always be remembered and I'm thankful for him for what he's done for hip hop culture."

Martin Lawrence -- who appeared with Heavy D in "Life" -- tells TMZ, "Heavy D was a talented performer and one of the nicest and most genuine people I have ever met. I was to happy to have known him, my prayers are with his family. God Bless him”

Mike Tyson has issued a statement about the death of boxing icon Joe Frazier -- calling Joe's passing a "sad day" ... but saying we should "honor him by celebrating his accomplishments."

Tyson went to Twitter ... and wrote, "Frazier and Ali were quintessential, the apex of pedigree fighting in which each man would not give an inch until they were dead. Their era was competitive fighting at the highest level."

"Smokin" Joe Frazier died this evening after battling liver cancer ... according to the boxing legend's agent.

The former heavyweight champ was diagnosed just last month with liver cancer.

Darren Prince tells TMZ Frazier passed away at home in Philadelphia just over an hour ago. He was surrounded by his family.

Joe fought Muhammad Ali three times in the 70s ... defeating him in '71. Their last battle was the legendary "Thrilla in Manilla."

Joe Frazier was 67 years old.

CBS icon Andy Rooney -- who was with the network for nearly 60 years -- died yesterday ... reps at CBS confirm.

Rooney had been hospitalized last month for "serious complications" following minor surgery.

Details of Rooney's condition had not been released.

"60 Minutes" executive producer Jeff Fager released a statement saying, "It's a sad day for everybody here at CBS News ... it's hard to imagine not having Andy around. He loved his life and he lived it on his own terms. We will miss him very much."

Rooney last appeared on "60 Minutes" on October 2 -- in which he marveled at the weight of his new laptop computer ... saying, "It weights less than 3 pounds ... I lose that much getting mad waiting to get on the plane through security at the airport."

The wife of deceased actor Wyatt Knight -- who played Tommy Turner in the "Porky's" movies -- confirms the actor took his own life ... telling TMZ he wanted to escape the "physical and emotional pain" caused by intense cancer treatments.

TMZ broke the story ... Wyatt's body was discovered on October 26 in Maui -- and cops believe the death was a suicide.

Now, Wyatt's wife Silvina Knight tells us, it's true -- Wyatt recently overcame a battle with cancer but the radiation therapy "left him in both physical and emotional pain."

Silvina adds, "He was tired of the pain and after much contemplation, chose to end his life in a beautiful and a serene place."

It's unclear if Silvina was aware of Wyatt's alleged suicide plot before he died -- but she claims, "His Family and friends are devastated. "

"Wyatt was an incredibly talented, intelligent and loving person with an amazing spirit. He is free and at peace."

Cory Smoot -- a founding member of the legendary speed metal band GWAR -- was found dead today while the band was traveling on its current tour.

Cory played guitar and was best known by his stage name, Flattus Maximus. He was found dead as the band was traveling from Minneapolis to Edmonton, Canada for an upcoming show according to a rep for the band.

GWAR lead singer David Brockie says in a statement, "There is no word as to the cause of death and the members of GWAR are completely shocked and devastated that this has occurred."

Among GWAR's biggest fans back in the 90's ... Beavis and Butt-head.

Wyatt Knight -- who played Tommy Turner in the "Porky's" movies -- was found dead in Maui last week ... and TMZ has learned cops believe his death was a suicide

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Knight's body was discovered on October 26 in an isolated area near a home where he had been staying.

We're told an autopsy has been performed on the body, but the results have not yet been released.

Knight was 56 years old at the time of his death.

Wyatt's wife tells TMZ, the actor killed himself to escape post-cancer pain. Click here to read.

Leonard Stone -- the guy who played Violet Beauregarde's dad in the 1971 classic, "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" died yesterday after a bout with cancer ... a rep for the actor tells TMZ.

Family members tell us Stone -- who famously delivered the line, "Violet, you're turning VIOLET!" -- loved being an actor and would often recite lines from the movie anytime people asked him to.

Stone also appeared on "Wheel of Fortune" back in 2000 ... winning $4,250 in cash and a trip to Bermuda.

He was 87.

"Police Academy" star and NFL legend Bubba Smith died from taking too many diet pills ... this according to the L.A. County Coroner.

The Coroner just released the actor's causes of death -- the first of which was "acute phentermine intoxication." Phentermine is the generic name for a weight loss medication.

According to the Coroner, other conditions that may have contributed to Bubba's death include heart disease and hypertension.