RIP

Michael J. Snyder -- known for being the first franchisee of the Red Robin restaurant chain, who later became CEO -- has died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head ... TMZ has learned.

Yakima County Chief Deputy Coroner Marshall Slight tells us ... Snyder committed suicide with a high-powered gun Sunday in Washington state. We're told he shot himself on a bench in the front yard of his home.

Slight says police responded to a 911 call and found Snyder's body ... no suicide note was left behind.

Michael and his brother became the first Red Robin franchisees in 1979 and went on to open 14 of the burger restaurants in Washington, Colorado and Idaho. Snyder merged his franchise company with the parent company in 2000 ... and took over as CEO and President.

He was ousted in 2005, though, after an internal investigation discovered he had misused funds and charter planes. He reportedly remained the largest individual shareholder of the company.

5:52 PM PT -- President Trump and Melania have arrived to pay their respects.

George H.W. Bush is being honored by Washington, D.C.'s biggest power players -- past and present -- as a week-long memorial gets underway.

The State Funeral for our 41st President was held Monday in the Capitol Rotunda and the attendees included H.W.'s veep Dan Quayle, Dick Cheney, Colin Powell and Speaker of the House Paul Ryan.

His son, 43rd Prez George W. Bush was there and seemed to be choking back his emotions at times.

Current VP Mike Pence, Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan, Brett Kavanaugh, Clarence Thomas and Chief Justice John Roberts also paid their respects.

Monday's ceremony is the start of a week of remembrances for the former Prez, whose body will lie in state until Wednesday -- so there's sure to be a steady stream of dignitaries coming to salute him.

9:58 AM PT -- We've learned Sully is still by the President's side, flying with the casket from Houston to D.C.

A Bush spokesperson tells TMZ ... when Air Force One lands in Washington, Sully will be returned to America's VetDogs and he will miss all of the memorial services to prepare for his next assignment.

We're told Sully will spend the holiday season in New York with America's VetDogs before moving to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center's Facility Dog Program. Sully will work alongside fellow service dogs SGT Dillon and SGT Truman, "To assist with physical and occupational therapy to wounded soldiers and active duty personnel during their journey to recovery."

A rep for Walter Reed tells us ... Sully won't be assigned to an individual veteran on site, and he will be a "roving" dog in the program, providing support, comfort and helping to reduce stress for wounded soldiers and their visitors. Sully will have a handler who will take him home each night.

We're told the Bush family is welcome to visit Sully whenever they want, and the facility would be "honored" if the President's family came to visit.

President George H.W. Bush's loyal companion remained by his side Sunday night -- his service dog, Sully, keeping watch until the very end ... and beyond.

In one of the more moving images since the 41st President's passing Friday night ... Sully was pictured laying in front of Bush's casket in Houston, ahead of its Monday flight to Washington, D.C. The former Prez will lie in state at the Capitol until Wednesday, and Sully will be heading back east as well.

The service dog was assigned to former Prez Bush back in June, and Bush family spokesman Jim McGrath says Sully -- trained by the nonprofit group America's VetDogs -- will be reassigned now.

43rd Prez George W. Bush said, "As much as our family is going to miss this dog, we're comforted to know he'll bring the same joy to his new home, [military hospital] Walter Reed,"

Jeb Bush also saluted Sully ...

Good boy, Sully. Good boy.

Chester Bennington's wife wants another year to get the late singer's estate in order, because she says she's still negotiating child support payments and copyright claims with his ex-wife ... according to new legal docs.

In the docs, obtained by TMZ, Talinda Bennington says she's unable to provide an inventory or appraisal of Chester's estate, and she wants another 12 months to get things figured out.

Talinda is asking for more time because she says she's still hammering out financials with his ex-wife, Samantha Olit, who is seeking money from the estate.

Samantha previously filed a claim with the estate asking for cash for child support he allegedly owed, plus a share in Chester's non-touring merchandising income and other royalty rights to his music.

Chester died by suicide in July 2017 ... and Talinda has full control over the Linkin Park singer's estate.

11:53 AM PT -- Ken's ex-wife, Jackie, tells us he had been battling heart issues for several months, and had stint surgery in October. But she adds, his heart illness continued to worsen in recent weeks, and he'd been in and out of the hospital.

Jackie says their daughter, Jennifer, Ken's partner Susie and herself were all by his side until the end. She adds, Susie had been with Ken for 26 years and encouraged him through his ailment.

Ken's final wishes, we're told, were for people to donate to the Motion Picture Fund -- a retirement community for actors -- in his honor. He had planned to retire there.

Ken Berry, who starred in several classic TV series, including "F Troop" and "Mayberry, R.F.D.," died on Saturday ... according to his ex-wife.

Actress Jackie Joseph-Lawrence announced Ken's passing with a Facebook post Saturday evening.

Ken played Sam Jones -- first on "The Andy Griffith Show" and also on the spin-off, 'Mayberry,' -- but might be most beloved for playing Capt. Parmenter on the Western sitcom "F Troop" from 1965 to 1967.

His costar Larry Storch reacted to the news, saying, "We hope you know how much you were loved. Goodnight Captain."

Ken landed on yet another cult classic TV sitcom in the 80s when he played Vinton Harper, opposite his good friend Vicki Lawrence on "Mama's Family."

He also had memorable guest-starring roles on several TV series like "Small Wonder," "Fantasy Island," "CHiPs," "Little House on the Prairie" and "The Golden Girls."

No cause of death has been released yet.

Ken was 85.

RIP

Congressman Steve Scalise remembers George H.W. Bush as a great leader who continued being so long after his presidency ... even helping out his state in a time of crisis.

We got he GOP House Whip at the Reagan National Airport Saturday and asked him about the passing of the former Prez, who died Friday night in Houston. Steve calls Bush a "warm and gentle man" who was a uniter when the country was going through a tough time.

Scalise also rattles off a list of accomplishments in Bush's life -- including raising relief money after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Representative's home state of Louisiana -- showing the great amount of respect he had for 41.

Finally, Steve tells us it's good for the nation that President Trump will attend Bush's funeral, despite their strained relationship. You may recall ... Trump didn't attend Barbara Bush's funeral in April, saying he didn't want to cause disruptions.

George reportedly wanted POTUS to attend his, though ... and Trump had nothing but kind words for him after his passing.

George Herbert Walker Bush -- whose career in politics spanned more than three decades and culminated as the 41st President of the United States -- has died.

His office says the former Prez passed away Friday at 10:10 PM in Houston. His death comes 7 months after the passing of his wife of 73 years, Barbara Bush.

George Sr. had been in declining health in recent years and was in and out of the hospital several times. He was admitted to the ICU at the Houston Methodist Hospital back in January 2017 due to pneumonia. Barbara was also admitted with her own health issues.

They both recovered and took part in the ceremonial coin toss at Super Bowl 51 together just a few weeks later.

The former President notably sent a letter to then President-elect Donald Trump in January 2017 saying he couldn't make the inauguration due to doctor's orders ... joking it would put him "six feet under" to sit outside in the cold.

Along with being President, Bush also served as the 11th director of the CIA and 43rd Vice President of the U.S. under President Ronald Reagan. Bush was inaugurated as President on January 20, 1989.

Foreign policy -- in particular the Gulf War, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the dissolving of the Soviet Union -- was the centerpiece of Bush's presidency. Among his other accomplishments -- instituting a ban on importing semi-automatic rifles and signing the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act and 1991 Civil Rights Act.

Bush's zinger during his election campaign, "Read my lips: no new taxes," became an unforgettable moment ... something he reneged on during his presidency.

George's father, Prescott, was a U.S. Senator. His oldest son, George W., was the 43rd U.S. President and his son, Jeb, was Governor of Florida.

George H. W. is survived by his 5 children, 17 grandchildren and 8 great grandkids. He also had a daughter, Robin, who died at age 3 from leukemia.

George was 94.

RIP

Casey Kasem's children can have some peace of mind after cops confirmed they had nothing to do with his death, but his widow ... maybe not so much.

As we reported ... police in Washington opened an investigation into Kasem's death last month at the request of his widow, Jean Kasem, who alleged members of the Church of Scientology and Casey's kids conspired to kill the radio icon for his money.

But, Gig Harbor Police concluded the standard of care Casey received from medical personnel at the behest of his children was appropriate, adding ... "There was no evidence of collusion between parties that would construe any part of this incident to be considered a homicide."

Casey's daughter, Julie, tells TMZ the family's grateful to the police for confirming what they already knew ... "That Jean Kasem’s ridiculous allegations are completely unsupported by reality or fact."

Julie adds ... "Jean has once again instigated a baseless investigation, then went on a media blitz to detract from the mountains of evidence we have compiled against her.”

As you know ... Julie and her siblings filed a wrongful death suit against Jean in 2015. They claim she removed their dad from an assisted living facility in California and took him on a 7-day journey, but when they returned, Casey had a massive bedsore that was deeply infected. The kids allege Jean's neglect led to a staph infection, UTI, and sepsis ... all of which killed their father.

There's no joy at the Krusty Krab -- Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of "SpongeBob SquarePants," died Monday after battling ALS.

Stephen first revealed his ALS diagnosis in 2017. He's survived by his wife, Karen, and his son, Clay.

Nickelodeon called him "a beloved friend and long-time creative partner to everyone at Nickelodeon, and our hearts go out to his entire family."

Steve created 'SpongeBob' in the late '90s, but he took a circuitous route to his TV and movie success. Hillenburg started out teaching marine biology in Orange County ... but eventually combined that knowledge of ocean creatures with his artistic talent.

He broke into TV as a director and writer on the Nickelodeon show, "Rocko's Modern Life" -- and then eventually started creating his 'SpongeBob' ... which debuted in 1999.

In addition to the TV series, Steve wrote both hit 'SpongeBob' feature films. The first one grossed more than $140 million.

Variety first reported Hillenburg's death. He was 57.

Enjoy a Krabby Patty today in his name.

Stan Lee, the creator of much of the Marvel Universe, died from heart and respiratory failure ... TMZ has learned.

We obtained Stan's death certificate, and it lists heart failure and respiratory failure as the cause of death. It also says he suffered aspiration pneumonia -- which is when you inhale food, stomach acid or saliva into your lungs. According to the document, 95-year-old Lee died Monday, November 12 at 9:17 AM at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

TMZ broke the story ... an ambulance rushed to Lee's Hollywood Hills home earlier this month, and he was brought to Cedars-Sinai.

The certificate says he was cremated and his ashes returned to his daughter. His occupation was listed as a writer in the publishing business.

Stan was smiling and cheerful Saturday, November 10 during what would be his final sit-down with his protege, comic book writer Roy Thomas.

Stan had been battling several illnesses over the past year, including vision issues and a bout of pneumonia.

Stan launched Marvel in 1961 with the Fantastic Four and the comic book giant went on to spawn Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, X-Men, Black Panther and The Avengers.

Brandon Moore, the man who created the viral "What Are Those" meme, died Sunday and his wife tell TMZ it's a complete mystery what caused it.

Brandon's wife, Noonie, tells us his heart stopped while he was sleeping in their Northern California home. We're told his death was completely unexpected -- he didn't have any previously known health conditions.

Our law enforcement sources say an autopsy was performed and there are no signs of foul play ... or any obvious cause of death. Brandon's family and authorities are now waiting on a toxicology report.

The internet comedian, aka Young Busco, rose to fame in 2015 when he mocked a police officer's shoes as a joke. While his friend was being arrested, Brandon mocked the cop's clunky boots, saying ... "What are those?"

Brandon uploaded the clip and it quickly went viral and became a popular internet meme. The catchphrase appeared in "Black Panther" and was jokingly asked to Michael Jordan during a Q and A session at a basketball camp.

Brandon, a father of 9, was just 31.

DeAndre Hopkins had nothing but love for late Houston Texans owner Bob McNair on Monday ... despite the fact the two clashed hard after McNair's infamous "inmates run the prison" comment.

Remember, while NFL owners held a meeting to find a way to stop the kneeling protests last year ... McNair was quoted as saying, “We can’t have the inmates running the prison.”

Hopkins was reportedly VERY offended by McNair's comment and sat out a full practice in protest.

But, after torching the Tennessee Titans on "Monday Night Football", DeAndre couldn't have been more respectful when talking about McNair in the locker room.

In fact, when asked about the team's decision to give the game ball to Bob's son, Cal McNair, DeAndre explained ..."That was very special. Cal and their family deserve it with everything they've done for this city."

"Everything they've been through ... Bob was at practice. Bob was active, and Cal is the same way. So you got to love those guys."

In addition to giving Cal the game ball after the victory ... the Texans honored Bob with helmet decals and a pregame video tribute.

12:25 PM PT -- Oprah just released a statement on her mom's death, saying, "Thank you all for your kind words and condolences regarding my mother Vernita Lee's passing. It gives our family great comfort knowing she lived a good life and is now at Peace."

Oprah Winfrey's mother has died.

Oprah's niece, Alisha Hayes, posted that Vernita Lee died on Thanksgiving Day. The family just confirmed the death.

Vernita was born in 1935 in segregated Mississippi. She met Vernon Winfrey and they gave birth to Oprah in 1954.

Vernita couldn't raise Oprah because she moved to Milwaukee where she worked as a housemaid.

Oprah was raised early on by her maternal grandmother. When Oprah turned 6, she moved to Milwaukee to live with her mom ... who was a virtual stranger.

Oprah says her relationship with her mom was rocky because of the long separation ... "I was asking the question ... what is a mother? What are you supposed to feel about your mother?"

Oprah was living with her mom when she was molested by her cousin and abused by an uncle.

Vernita had another child in 1963 and gave her up for adoption. Oprah had not met her half-sister Patricia until 2010 and said she was shocked to learn about her long-lost sibling. Oprah paid for her college education.

Vernita had a son, Jeffrey, who died in 1989 from AIDS. Oprah and Jeffrey reportedly had a difficult relationship.

The relationship between Oprah and her mom was eventually repaired. Oprah had Vernita on her talk show in 1990. O's personal stylist gave her a makeover.

There are reports Vernita retired from a hospital dietitian job sometime after she reconnected with O, moved into a luxury condo in Milwaukee and got a stipend from her famous daughter of $5k a month.

Vernita is survived by Oprah and Patricia Amanda Faye Lee and grandchildren Alisha Hayes, Chrishaunda Lee Perez, Aquarius Lofton and Andre Brown, as well as great-grandchildren Jaxon Praise Perez, Chai Theresa Perez, Donovan Hayes and Trinity Hayes.

A private funeral service has already been held. Memorial donations in Vernita's name can be made to Feeding America (feedingamerica.org).

Vernita was 83.

Oscar winner Bernardo Bertolucci -- who directed Marlon Brando in "Last Tango in Paris" -- died Monday at his home in Rome.

Bernardo was surrounded by his family when he passed, according to his office. No cause of death was released.

The Italian director, hailed as one of the country's best ever, made his name with 'Last Tango' in 1972 -- which was banned in several countries, including Italy, for its erotic and brutal sex scenes.

Despite the controversy, Bertolucci and Brando were both nominated for Oscars for the graphic film about a middle-aged man's sexual relationship with a much younger woman.

However, he didn't win an Academy Award until 1988's "The Last Emperor." Bernardo won the Oscars that year for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. His final feature film was "Me and You," a 2012 release in Italy.

He was also awarded lifetime achievement awards at the Cannes and Venice Film Festivals.

Bertolucci was 77.

Faith Evans sang a beautiful rendition of an old hymn during Kim Porter's funeral -- but, sadly, it's one she says she's sung before to honor another member of Diddy's family.

We got Faith Sunday at LAX coming back from Kim's funeral service in Georgia and asked how she was holding up. You can see she's in pain even behind the sunglasses as she tells us she's doing alright following a heartfelt tribute and an emotional ceremony.

Our photog asks why she chose "His Eye is On the Sparrow" as her song of choice to honor Kim, and Faith says she went with something she'd previously performed at Diddy's grandmother's funeral back in the '90s. She also says it's a tune she'd sing to record label execs back in the day ... at Puff's request.

Most importantly, Faith gives us an idea of how Kim left her mark on the world and why so many people were touched by her passing. Sounds like Faith thinks Kim's purpose was more than fulfilled by the way she's remembering her here.

RIP

Diddy delivered a moving, emotional and heartfelt tribute to Kim Porter Saturday at her funeral ... evidence by audio of the eulogy.

The eulogy lasted 15 minutes ... and Diddy toughed it out without breaking down. Diddy talked about how Kim taught him how to love. He revealed ... at the beginning of the year he was dealing with depression and Kim would come over and comfort him, making sure he was okay.

Diddy went on to describe their evolving relationship ... a relationship that produced 3 children and a relationship that was solid from beginning to end.

There were moments so moving the mourners cheered.

Diddy made it clear ... he would always be there for his kids, and he got a big laugh when he talked about how his daughters could confide in him ... confide "everything."