RIP

Nolan Gould is looking over his shoulder on the set of "Modern Family" ... because he's got a sneaking suspicion his character, Luke, could be going six feet under!

We got Nolan at Matsuhisa in Bev Hills ... and he spills the beans on the significant character producers are killing off. Get ready for a plot twist, and keep in mind -- they've already shot the scene.

A crew member on the set of Tom Hanks' upcoming Mr. Rogers movie died after suffering a heart attack and falling off a balcony.

James Emswiller, who won an Emmy in 2015, was taking a smoke break when the coronary struck as he stood on the second-story balcony.

Hanks was on set Thursday night in Lebanon, PA when Emswiller fell ... during the filming of "You Are My Friend," the Fred Rogers biopic.

James was alone on the deck when other crew members heard what sounded like someone falling from the balcony.

After James hit the ground, a nurse on set tried assisting ... apparently to no avail. By the time EMTs arrived, Emswiller was in full cardiac arrest.

James was taken to UPMC Mercy Hospital and was pronounced dead 3 hours later.

Emswiller won an Emmy for Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Limited Series for HBO production of "Bessie."

James was 61.

Deven Davis -- wife of Korn singer Jonathan Davis -- died from the combined effects of 5 different types of drugs ... TMZ has learned.

According to new legal docs obtained by TMZ .... an autopsy revealed Deven had cocaine, heroin, clonazepam (a sedative used to treat seizures or anxiety), topiramate (nerve pain medication) and fluoxetine (used to treat depression) in her system when she died.

The docs say she was found dead in Bakersfield, California ... and her cause of death has been ruled accidental.

We broke the story ... Deven died in August around the same time Jonathan filed a request for a domestic violence restraining order against his estranged wife, claiming she had major drug issues. Deven had been living in a sober home, but went AWOL about a week before her death.

The Korn frontman later revealed she had been sick for nearly a decade ... and blamed mental illness and addiction for her death.

The 2 were married in 2004, but Jonathan filed for divorce from her in 2016. They had 2 sons together.

Verne Troyer's death has officially been ruled a suicide ... TMZ has confirmed.

The L.A. County Coroner's Office released an autopsy report Wednesday saying the 'Austin Powers' star died of "sequelae of alcohol intoxication" ... basically alcohol abuse. Shortly after his death, the Coroner's Office "deferred" Verne's cause of death ... pending an investigation. The Coroner's Office has now determined alcohol abuse is what killed the actor.

As we reported ... Verne struggled with alcoholism for years and had been to rehab many times. In early April, Verne had been rushed to a hospital after cops got a call that he was suicidal. We were told he was being treated for alcohol poisoning because his BAC was triple the .08 limit.

He'd been on life support ever since -- but, as TMZ first reported, he died a few weeks later. He was 49.

Margot Robbie's blowing up, particularly around her belly ... but only to play the tragic role of Sharon Tate.

Margot was rocking a prosthetic baby bump Tuesday while filming scenes for Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" -- set, of course, in 1969. Note the classic cars behind her for the scene.

Margot's transformation into Sharon is uncanny ... and the sight of her "pregnant" is a stark reminder of Charles Manson's brutality. Sharon was 8 1/2 months pregnant with Roman Polanski's son the night the Manson family members murdered her.

Sharon's sister, Debra, told us she's thrilled with the casting, and thinks Margo will fill the role in spectacular fashion. It certainly looks like she's nailing it.

Hard to imagine, but Brad and Leo might be getting upstaged.

Aretha Franklin was honored at the 2018 American Music Awards with a star-studded performance of the Queen of Soul's timeless gospel classics ... with Gladys Knight leading the way.

Gladys, a friend of the late singer, started the tribute with a beautiful rendition of "Amazing Grace" ... bringing the audience to its feet one last time at the end of the 3-hour award show.

Gladys introduced Donnie McClurkin, and he energized the room by singing "Climbing Higher Mountains."

A gospel choir came onstage for CeCe Winans' performance of "Mary Don't You Weep" ... and people were dancing in the aisles by the time Ledisi launched into "How I Got Over."

The memorial performance ended with gospel duo Mary Mary singing a traditional gospel, "Old Landmark."

Aretha died August 16 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 76.

George Taliaferro -- known as the "Jackie Robinson of Football" after becoming the 1st black player drafted by an NFL team -- died Monday ... his alma mater, Indiana University, confirmed.

He was 91 years old.

Taliaferro was a superstar at IU back in the late 1940s ... playing running back, quarterback and punter -- and garnering All-American honors three times.

When he left the school in 1949, the Chicago Bears picked him in the 13th round ... becoming the first-ever black man to be drafted into the league.

Taliaferro made three Pro Bowls in 1951, 1952 and 1953 ... and finished his career with 1,300 receiving yards, more than 2,000 rushing yards and 1,633 passing yards.

"All of us at Indiana University are deeply saddened by the passing of George Taliaferro," IU said in a statement.

"The 'Jackie Robinson of football,' he went on to become the first African-American player to be drafted by the National Football League, where he excelled at a remarkable seven positions and earned Pro Bowl honors in three of his six seasons."

"A man of enormous talent, courage and determination that helped him shatter racial barriers and earn a special place in the annals of our state and its flagship public university."

Scott Wilson -- a veteran actor with more than 50 movie credits, but best known recently for his role as Hershel Greene on "The Walking Dead" -- has died ... TMZ has learned.

Scott's rep, Dominic Mancini, tells us he died due to complications from leukemia. Mancini says Wilson was "a national treasure, a calm voice, and a gentle spirit to everyone who came in contact with him." We're told he passed away peacefully at his home in L.A.

It was recently revealed by 'TWD' showrunner Angela Kang at the show's panel at New York Comic-Con that Scott -- along with former stars Sonequa Martin-Green and Jon Bernthal -- would be returning for the upcoming ninth season, which premieres Sunday.

Wilson's Hollywood career began in 1967 when he landed a role in the classic film, "In the Heat of the Night." He went on to star in "In Cold Blood" and appear in several other legendary movies like "The Great Gatsby" and "Dead Man Walking."

Scott earned a Golden Globe nom for Best Supporting Actor for playing Capt. Billy Cupshaw in the 1980 film, "The Ninth Configuration."

In more recent years, Wilson starred in the movie "Pearl Harbor" and had a recurring role on 'CSI' ... but became a fan favorite playing the lovable Hershel on AMC's smash hit 'Walking Dead' series.

Hershel's death on the show is remembered one of the most shocking and heart-breaking for TV viewers.

Scott was 76.

Michael Jackson fans could soon be moonwalking to a whole lotta new songs -- at least that's the hope -- 'cause the late singer's estate is renewing it's logo for tons of merch, and the hope among fans is that it could be the prequel to a possible release of new tunes!!!

According to docs obtained by TMZ ... Michael's merch firm, Triumph International, recently filed renewal paperwork for its logo -- an interlocking MJ with a crown on top -- so they can continue to splash it over phone accessories, merch, CD cases and ... music recordings!

It's got us thinking ... is the King Of Pop's estate preparing to open MJ's music vault? Because that would be so, so awesome! Sadly, our sources say no new music is being released because the vault is empty.

Audrey Wells -- the writer of "Under the Tuscan Sun," "A Dog's Purpose" and the just-released film "The Hate U Give" -- has died ... according to her reps.

Wells died Thursday after a long battle with cancer. Her husband, Brian, released a statement saying, "Over the last five and half years, Audrey fought valiantly against her illness and she died surrounded by love. Even during her fight, she never stopped living, working or traveling, and she never lost her joy, wonder and optimism."

She's survived by her husband and her daughter Tatiana.

Audrey's career as a writer in Hollywood began in 1996, when she penned "The Truth About Cats & Dogs." She went on to write the screenplay for "George of the Jungle" the following year, before writing and directing "Guinevere" in 1999.

She was also the director of 'Tuscan Sun.'

Her latest movie, "The Hate You Give," is a drama tackling racial tension and police violence in America. It opened Friday in limited release.

Audrey was 58.

"The Bachelor" contestant Cristy Caserta -- who was only 38 -- died unexpectedly Thursday after suffering an apparent seizure ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us ... Caserta was attending a class at a school in Sunrise, FL when she suddenly fell forward at the desk where she was sitting. Her alarmed classmates immediately called 911.

We're told Cristy went into cardiac arrest as emergency responders arrived and administered CPR. She was transported to nearby Westside Regional Medical Center where they continued efforts to save her, but she was pronounced dead.

Cops say they do not suspect foul play and no drugs were found on Caserta -- it appears she died as a result of the sudden seizure. An autopsy will be performed Friday to determine the official cause of death.

Cristy appeared on Season 15 of "The Bachelor" ... the one fans know as Brad Womack's second shot at finding love. She was sent home the first week.

Suge Knight gave everyone in court -- including his victim's family members -- something to remember him by ... one last steely glare as he was officially sentenced to 28 years in prison.

The ex-music mogul was in the L.A. courtroom Thursday morning to hear Terry Carter's family read their victims impact statements. Suge sat quietly through the hearing, but when it was all said and done ... the judge gave him a few instructions and then it was time to say goodbye.

Before he was walked out in shackles, Suge turned to the gallery and stared for an uncomfortable number of seconds ... and then he was gone.

Knight will be held in L.A. County Jail until he's transported to a state prison. We don't know yet which one he'll be calling home.

TMZ broke the story ... Suge struck a plea deal last month with prosecutors, agreeing to a 28-year prison sentence, while getting credit for time served. Due to prison overcrowding, he could be out in a little more than 10 years.

11:01 AM PT -- Fuller's brother called 911 after the RB collapsed to the ground and told the operator it appeared he was having a seizure.

The caller said Fuller had "passed out" -- though it's unclear if he was conscious at that point.

C.J.'s brother and other family members desperately tried to help Fuller -- following the operator's instructions -- and begged for an ambulance to be sent over quickly.

8:20 AM PT -- A source extremely close to Fuller tells us the football star had gone to physical therapy to rehab his knee in the hours before his death ... and it was clear something was wrong.

We're told Fuller tore his ACL playing in a flag football game roughly 2 weeks ago and had surgery to repair the injury at the end of September.

Fuller went to physical therapy for the first time on Wednesday (10/3) as part of his recovery and completed a full session without issue.

When he arrived back to his home, we're told he "went to the ground" and asked for water -- clearly feeling something was wrong.

People close to C.J. called for an ambulance and he was rushed to a nearby hospital. He was pronounced dead a short time later.

There are rumblings Fuller's death was a direct result of complications from the knee surgery -- but we're told that hasn't been determined yet.

We spoke with the coroner who told us a death investigation is underway.

7:58 AM PT -- We spoke with the Pickens County coroner who tells us there is death investigation underway but she notes, "Nothing suspicious."

Ex-Clemson running back C.J. Fuller -- a key player on Clemson's 2016 National Championship team -- has died, the school has confirmed.

He was only 22 years old.

The cause of Fuller's death is unclear. We're working on gathering information.

Fuller played in 43 games for the Tigers -- and proved to be a talented and capable back on the field. Off the field, Fuller had issues ... he was arrested back in March for allegedly robbing someone at gunpoint in South Carolina.

Clemon's coach Dabo Swinney issued a statement saying, "Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with C.J.'s family."

"I've known C.J. a long time and watched him grow up through the Easley rec leagues [in South Carolina] all the way through Easley High School. I'm proud of what he accomplished as a Clemson Tiger, most of all his accomplishment of being a Clemson graduate."

"Our deepest condolences and the thoughts of our program are with his family this evening. May he rest in peace."

Fuller's former Clemson teammate Shaq Lawson (who now plays for the Buffalo Bills) also commented on social media ... saying, "My brother I am hurting right now."'

"Somebody wake me up from this nightmare. My brother was supposed to come see me tomorrow. I love you bruh until we meet again."

8:50 PM PT -- A spokesperson for Lil Peep's family denies Jones having any connection to the rapper.

6:57 PM PT -- In a joint statement to TMZ from Matt Miller (Wicca Phase Manager), Tom Chiari (Run For Cover Records) and Adam Mcillwee (Wicca Phase Springs Eternal) we're told "Michael Jones is not and has never been a member of Gothboiclique. Any statements to the contrary are 100% false."

Lil Peep's death was not a wake-up call to at least one of his fans, according to cops who arrested the guy for giving a young woman a fatal dose of drugs ... shortly after Peep's funeral.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the DEA, assisted by NYPD, arrested and charged Michael Jones Wednesday for distributing heroin and fentanyl. We're told the drugs resulted in the death of a woman named Diana Haikova.

Jones, who was part of Peep's group called Goth Boi Clique, was ID'd in a newly unsealed federal indictment.

Law enforcement sources say Jones and many other friends of Peep were in Long Island for his funeral on December 2, 2017. They partied in Manhattan for 3 days to honor their friend and on Dec. 5 we're told Mike met Diana -- who wasn't a member of the crew -- at a hotel party ... then allegedly gave her heroin and fentanyl back at her apartment.

Cops say she was found dead at her place a couple days later, and they believe Jones was the one who supplied the drugs. We're told an indictment against him also claims he distributed heroin a couple months later.

As you'll recall ... Peep died after overdosing on Xanax and fentanyl. Many other drugs were discovered in his system as well. He was only 21.

Mac Miller's life will be celebrated with a gigantic show in Los Angeles featuring some of music's biggest acts who also happened to be the rapper's biggest friends.

An announcement for "Mac Miller: A Celebration of Life" just dropped ... and names on the ticket include Travis Scott, SZA, Chance The Rapper, John Mayer, Schoolboy Q, Ty Dolla $ign, Miguel and many, many more.

Proceeds from the show will benefit The Mac Miller Circles Fund and will go down Halloween night at The Greek Theatre.

Mac's mom, Karen, made the announcement for the show, saying, "Thank you to all the artists, friends and partners for helping to bring this all to fruition .. in honor of wonderful Malcolm .. who is in all of our hearts."

Mac died at his home in Los Angeles September 7 of an apparent drug overdose.

Burt Reynolds fans and car enthusiasts alike paid their respects to the late '"Smokey and the Bandit" star ... by rolling up in the classic ride he made famous.

Thousands of people attended Long Island's Motor Mania car show Saturday at Eisenhower Park, which featured a ceremonial parade of 100 Pontiac Firebird Trans Ams to honor Reynolds and his iconic 1977 film. It's called the "100-Trans Am Salute."

Several of the drivers also paid homage to Burt by going all out and dressing like the Bandit ... and rocking a stache. It's probably time to retire the Rebel flag license plates though.

The memorial was organized by the car show's host, Butch Yamali.

As we reported ... Burt's personal car collection hit the auction block at the Mandalay Bay Saturday, including a 1978 recreation of the iconic Pontiac in "Smokey and the Bandit."