Sidney Poitier Death Certificate Released ... Heart Failure, Prostate Cancer Killed Actor

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Beloved actor Sidney Poitier died from a combination of heart failure, Alzheimer's dementia and prostate cancer ... according to his death certificate.

According to the document, obtained by TMZ, the 94-year-old Hollywood icon died at home in Beverly Hills. The certificate lists his occupation as an actor with an astonishing 76 years of experience in the field.

As you know by now ... Poitier was the first Black man in Hollywood to take home an Oscar for best actor -- opening the door for progress as far as how Black people are portrayed on the big screen.

He had many groundbreaking roles in the '60s, including 3 legendary films all released in 1967 -- “To Sir, With Love,” “In the Heat of the Night” and “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner."

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While his death prompted hundreds of tributes from Hollywood celebs, one of the most touching came from his daughter, Sydney Poitier, who wrote ... "My grief is because I lost my dad, but it is also because the world lost so much goodness."

Scottish singer Lulu -- who co-starred with Sidney and sang the theme song for "To Sir, With Love" -- also reflected on working with the icon.

Lulu told TMZ ... Sidney was "my friend, my teacher, my inspiration"... she says he empowered those around him and led by example.

'Jeopardy!' CNN's Laura Coates Says Show Snubbed Her ... Even Though Alex Wanted Her to Replace Him

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"Jeopardy!" ignored the recommendations of Alex Trebek when it came to picking a new host, and one of the people he picked is now talking about it.

CNN's Laura Coates was someone Alex thought was up to the task. TMZ interviewed Alex for an episode of "OBJECTified" back in 2018, and he said, referring to Coates, "There is an attorney, Laura Coates, she's African American and she appears on some of the cable news shows from time to time. Very bright, very personable."

Well, Coates appeared on 'Tamron Hall' and said she was thrilled beyond words, and decided to make her own luck by calling the show and putting her name in the hat. She says, "I asked for the opportunity. I was told 'no.'"

And, Alex had a second pick ... Alex Faust, the L.A. Kings play-by-play announcer. He too, was not invited to try out.

As for Laura, she was thrilled to hear Alex picked her, saying, "I thought, 'My God. This person that I have watched my whole life really, even knows my name let alone thinks that I would be worthy enough to fill his shoes which frankly can't be filled.'"

She also said she reached out to Alex when he was bravely fighting pancreatic cancer.

As you know, the show has had huge problems finding a replacement. Mike Richards was quickly booted, and now there are temps hosting this season ... Mayim Bialik and Ken Jennings. Word is Mayim is the favorite to get the permanent nod.

Betty White One of Her Last Photos ... Taken Days Before Death

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Betty White was all smiles just days before she died, as seen in a newly revealed photo ... one of the last ones to document her life, in fact.

The late actress' assistant took to Facebook Monday with a post in honor of what would've been Betty's 100th birthday, and she threw up the pic of Betty she says was snapped 11 days before BW passed away on NYE.

The caption reads, "Hello Everyone! It’s Kiersten. Betty’s Assistant. On this special day, I wanted to share this photo of Betty. It was taken on 12/20/21."

Kiersten adds, "I believe it’s one of the last photos of her. She was radiant and beautiful and as happy as ever. Thanks to all of you who are doing kind things today and every day to make the world a better place ❤️"

If her date is correct, that would mean this was captured just a few days before Betty suffered a stroke, which is what ultimately led to her death nearly a week later, per the L.A. County Medical Examiner.

It's a pretty insightful snapshot if you think about it, as it seems to be one of the final times Betty appeared on camera. Funny enough, the very next day ... Betty is said to have filmed a little thank-you for fans as part of the new movie 'Betty White: A Celebration.'

The flick, which hits theaters on Monday, is a highlight reel of her life -- and the director, Steven Boettcher, said Betty recorded her message 10 days before passing on the 31st.

Just like here, she seemed to be in great spirits for the shoot. RIP

Trisha Yearwood Raises $24k in 15 Min. for Pet Charity And #BettyWhiteChallenge

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Betty White's 100th birthday is here, and even though she's gone ... people are still honoring her by supporting animal charities -- but Trisha Yearwood's effort went over the top, as she raised a boatload of cash in record time.

The country star hopped on TalkShopLive Monday to contribute to the #BettyWhiteChallenge -- the movement calling on folks to donate to animal shelters and other pet charities ... causes that were near and dear to Betty.

During the 15-minute-plus webcast, TY made a massive impact ... raising more than $24k for an animal charity called Dottie's Yard. Unclear what her final figure will be, because donations were still pouring in toward the end of Trisha's time.

She was joined by her 2 rescue dogs ... who were very well-behaved. Trisha also talked a lot about Betty's life and love for pooches, explaining why she felt compelled to hop on the bandwagon.

BTW, on top of whatever donations come in from TalkShopLive ... we're told Trish is throwing in $10,000 of her own dough, which is awesome!!! Ya gotta imagine that would put a smile on Betty's face, and there's still time to donate to a charity near you.

Floyd Mayweather Emotional Birthday Message ... To Late GF Josie Harris

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"Heavenly Happy Birthday Josie! 🕊 There’s not a day I don’t think about you"

That's Floyd Mayweather reflecting on the birthday of his late, longtime-girlfriend and mother of his 3 children, Josie Harris, who would've turned 42 years old today.

Harris was tragically found dead at her Valencia, CA home back in March 2020.

Emergency responders received a call around 9:30 PM for a woman, Josie, who was found unresponsive in her car. Unfortunately, medics weren't able to save Harris ... and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Foul play was not involved.

Tragic news for the Mayweather family.

Floyd and Josie dated for around 15 years ... reportedly from about 1990 to 2005. They have 3 kids together ... Kouran, Zion, and Jirah Mayweather.

And, even though almost 2 years have passed, it's obvious Floyd -- not typically one to show emotion -- is still having a tough time dealing with the loss.

Mayweather went to Instagram and posted a photo of the mausoleum where Harris was laid to rest.

The stone is marked with a "Happy Birthday" decoration ... and a bouquet of flowers.

RIP

Prince Estate's Value Settled ... IRS & Administrator Agree, Worth $156M

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Prince and everything in his orbit at the time of his death is worth a pretty penny -- at least according to Uncle Sam, who's finally settled on a price tag ... and it's in the 9 digits.

The IRS has come to terms with the administrator of Prince's estate, Comerica Bank & Trust, after years of fighting about what exactly the late artist's pot of assets should be valued at ... and the figure they all landed at stands at $156.4 million -- per the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

This number is one that Prince's heirs -- surviving siblings and/or their families -- have also agreed to, BTW ... and not just that, but the Minnesota Dept. of Revenue also signed off.

Of course, $156M is helluva lot more than what Comerica had initially estimated the estate to be worth ... just $82.3 million, which the IRS pushed back on with ferocity in court -- as they argued it oughta be priced north of $160 mil, a figure that would've made taxes due back to them upon distribution balloon into the tens of millions.

In the end ... it appears the IRS was more right than wrong on their numbers, at least on the face of things. And, indeed, the taxes the estate has to pay out will be significant.

With that said, Comerica reportedly filed docs last week acknowledging the settlement was "fair and reasonable," but also insisted they would've prevailed at a would-be trial if the family wanted to press the issue ... but it seems they wanted this to be over and done with.

As part of the agreement, the IRS has dropped its request for a $6.4 million accuracy penalty. Now, once taxes are paid, the rest of the dough can be divvied out among the remaining parties of interest ... thus putting an end to a long and winding saga.

'16 & Pregnant' Star Jordan Cashmyer Dead at 26

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Jordan Cashmyer, who starred in "16 & Pregnant," has died ... TMZ has learned.

Although the medical examiner has confirmed her death with TMZ, no cause or manner of death was provided.

Jordan and her boyfriend, Derek Taylor and daughter Evie were on the show back in 2014. Their situation was desperate ... they were homeless as she was about to give birth. Jordan's family did not approve of her relationship with Derek and essentially disowned her.

Their struggle did not end when the cameras stopped rolling.

Jordan and Derek broke up after the show, but they were not able to properly care for their daughter. Jordan's dad and stepmom stepped in and shared guardianship with him for a time.

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JORDAN'S 2014 EPISODE

Jordan signed away her custody rights to Derek's mom back in 2015, on a temporary basis. She was struggling with mental health issues, addiction and had suicidal thoughts.

By 2017, Jordan was working at a strip club and ended up getting arrested for drug possession.

It's a really sad story. Jordan was 26. RIP

Bob Saget Family History of Heart Attacks ... Affected Dad, Three Uncles

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Bob Saget wouldn't be the first one in his immediate family to die from a heart attack ... it's what killed 3 of his uncles.

In Bob's book, "Dirty Daddy: The Chronicles of a Family Man Turned Filthy Comedian," he references that 3 of his uncles died from a heart attack between the ages of 37 and 41.

When Bob was 8, his Uncle Ozzie died at 40 from a heart attack while chasing some kids down the block after they stole a tire.

Tragedy struck again the following year ... Bob lost his Uncle Manny to a double heart attack.

Then, when Bob was 15, he says his Uncle Sammy died at 37 of a heart attack suffered while playing tennis.

Bob also notes his own dad suffered a massive heart attack when he was a kid ... then had another heart attack just 6 months later.

Bob's family history of heart attacks may be significant ... TMZ broke the story, the operating theory is that Bob died in his Orlando hotel room of either a heart attack or a stroke, although the official cause of death won't be determined for weeks.

Bob Saget Funeral Draws Hundreds ... Including Cast of 'Full House'

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Bob Saget was a reservoir of goodwill, and it showed Friday at his funeral, where so many people wanted to attend that the cemetery staff had to bring out folding chairs to handle the overflow.

As we reported, Bob's funeral is being held at Mt. Sinai Memorial Park Cemetery in the Hollywood Hills. We were told earlier today the service would be small -- around 50 people -- but turns out it's way bigger. At least 300 people were there to pay their respects.

The pallbearers were John Mayer, John Stamos, Norman Lear, Dave Coulier, Jeff Ross, Ted Sarandos and Steve Hale.

Others who turned out ... Jodie Sweetin, Candace Cameron Bure, Dave Chappelle, Kathy Griffin, Chris Rock, Seth Green, Judd Apatow, among many more.

Of course, Bob's family was there, along with so many friends whose lives Bob touched.

There was a gaggle of expensive cars outside the chapel, and the photos paint a picture of grief in the wake of Bob's death.

TMZ broke the story ... Bob died Sunday, and we're told the operating theory is that he died of either a heart attack or a stroke.

Bob Saget Funeral Today in Small Ceremony

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Bob Saget will be laid to rest Friday ... and his family and some of his closest friends will be on hand ... TMZ has learned.

The service and burial will be held at Mt. Sinai Memorial Park Cemetery in L.A. We're told it will be a small service, with only family and close friends.

We're told there will be a reception at Jeff Franklin's house ... Jeff is the creator of "Full House."

Bob was Jewish and in the Jewish religion a service and burial quickly follows death.

We're told there will be a larger memorial to follow, though a date has not been picked.

TMZ broke the story ... Bob died last Sunday in his room at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Orlando, Florida. Signs point to a heart attack or stroke, though the official cause of death will not be known for several months.

'Bachelorette' Contestant Clint Arlis Dead at 34

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Clint Arlis, one of the contestants on Season 11 of "The Bachelorette," has died.

Clint's sister, Taylor, broke the news ... "It is with great sadness, to tell you that my family has lost my best friend and older brother Clint on the morning of January 11th. Please respect our family's privacy as we try to cope with this great loss."

Taylor did not provide information on the cause of death. She said they'll be sharing details on the service.

The 34-year-old had his own slogan on the show -- "Villians gotta vill."

Nick Viall competed against Clint on the show and reminisced, calling Clint "very kind," adding, "Just heard about the passing of Clint Arlis. I got a chance to get to know Clint a little after our time on Kaitlyn's season and I always enjoy [our] time and conversations."

Clint was an architectural engineer. He lived in Chicago.

Clint was 34.

RIP

Dave Chappelle Regrets Not Texting Bob Saget Back ... You Just Never Know

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Dave Chappelle was super close to Bob Saget, but something happened just before Bob died that is both regretful for Dave and, as he says, a lesson to everyone about life.

Dave was performing Thursday night in WeHo at the Peppermint Club and told the crowd how Bob had texted him shortly before he died, but Dave never returned the text. He says he was busy, and therein lies the lesson ... you just never know what life holds so act accordingly.

Chappelle was not only a friend of Bob's, he was always there for him when Bob was holding fundraising events for Scleroderma. As you know, Bob's sister died of the disease when she was 47. It tore Bob apart, and he vowed to be a champion in finding a cure ... and that he was.

Then Dave talked about his comedy in 2022 and addressed the criticism over his last Netflix comedy special, which enraged some in the LGBTQ+ community. He said ... "2022, the new me is not going to do any of those transphobic bigoted jokes."

And then it turned ...  "I'm gonna tell you something else, I am not in battle with the transgender community that's ridiculous. I do not blame the Ls, the Gs, The Bs or the Ts ... blame the Jews! Somebody else's fault. Marching for the Netflix."

Dave Chappelle, everybody!

Bob Saget I'll Fight Scleroderma 'Even When I'm Gone' ... Made Vow in Final TV Interview

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Bob Saget made a promise to honor his deceased sister just a few weeks before his own death ... and what he said in his final TV interview now feels somewhat eerie.

Bob spoke to his friend, and "CBS Mornings" correspondent, Dr. Jon LaPook a few weeks ago about coping with the loss of his sister, Gay, who was killed by a rare skin disease called scleroderma when she was just 47 years old.

During the interview he had a very poignant description of the moment she passed -- which he somehow managed to punctuate with humor -- and then he added, "I can't watch what happened to my sister happen to more people."

Bob said, "My sister should not be dead. And that's one of the things that's kept me doing this ... will keep me doing this until I'm gone. I'll do it when I'm gone."

Bob's been a champion for the Scleroderma Research Foundation ever since Gay's death in 1994, which was the main reason he sat down with CBS. He said awareness is key in the search for a cure.

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And, he was very serious about helping others battling the disease. As we reported, Bob reached out to the family of Sophie Anne Seaman, a 9-year-old girl who was diagnosed 2 years ago. The family told TMZ ... Bob became their lifeline, and also told them he'd keep fighting until there's a cure.

In a way, Bob really is keeping up the battle. More than 1,200 people have donated to the Scleroderma Research Foundation, and even more are learning about the terrible disease as they see more stories about Bob's enormous charitable efforts.

John Mayer & Jeff Ross Pick Up Bob Saget's Car From Airport ... Keep Hand On His Shoulder

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John Mayer and Jeff Ross's trek through L.A. traffic to pickup Bob Saget's car got one of them a keepsake of their dearly departed friend. And, no ... we don't mean Bob's car.

The singer and comedian shared what was clearly a pretty emotional mission for them ... going to LAX to pick up the Prius Bob had left parked at the airport when he flew out of town.

In the video, they reveal how much they had to pay to get the car out of the parking structure -- it wasn't cheap -- but Jeff stepped up to cover the tab, and John explained it was all about getting the receipt.

Jeff admitted he wants to hold onto it as a memory of Bob. John went even deeper, saying it's a way to keep his hand on Bob's shoulder, now that they'll never see each other again.

TMZ broke the story ... Bob was found dead in an Orlando hotel room Sunday, apparently dying in his sleep without suffering.

His good friends are clearly still shaken by the loss, but Jeff did have a few jokes during the car ride to lighten the mood -- he is the Roastmaster, after all.

John was a little more philosophical ... sharing his theories on why people loved Bob so much, and why his death is creating such a wave of emotion for so many friends and fans.

Comedian Mike Young Bob Saget was 'Best Person' I Opened For in 12 Yrs ... Can't Wait to Honor Him

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GREAT COMEDIAN, GREATER PERSON

Bob Saget spent 12 years touring and collaborating with Mike Young ... and now the comedian's opening up about what Bob taught him, and how he plans to pay tribute to him on stage.

Mike was at LAX when he told us ... there's a good reason we've been hearing such glowing things about Bob. Mike says it's not one of those things where people speak kindly because someone's passed ... he makes it clear, Bob was the "real deal."

The comedian backed that up by dishing some details from his years on the road, opening up for Bob -- explaining he was such a nice guy, he'd seen him invite hecklers backstage afterward if he thought he'd hurt their feelings with jokes during the show.

You can tell how much Mike misses his friend and mentor ... he told us how Bob took him under his wing and showed him the ropes in comedy. They'd met for the first time on the set of "Entourage," instantly clicked and Mike started opening for almost all of Bob's standup gigs.

Unfortunately, Mike says he wasn't with Bob for his final show in Jacksonville -- he was scheduled to join him for a show in Palm Beach, kicking off a 20-city tour.

Although Bob won't be with him anymore, Mike assured us he has a lot more to say about his friend, and he can't wait to share countless funny memories with audiences when he gets back on the road.

Bob Saget Privately Helped Child with Scleroderma ... Donations to Find Cure Pouring In

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Bob Saget very privately turned a personal tragedy in his life into a mission to spare others similar grief ...  and a 9-year-old girl named Sophie Anne and her parents are forever grateful.

Sophie Anne is afflicted with Scleroderma, a group of rare diseases that involve the hardening of the skin and connective tissues. It's a disease that took the life of Bob's sister, Gay, who died in 1994 at age 47.

Bob became a tireless advocate and fundraiser for the Scleroderma Research Foundation, but we found out he also reached out to families suffering from the illness to offer comfort and support.

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Bob found out about Sophie Anne roughly 2 years ago, after she was diagnosed.  Her parents, Martha and Jeff Seaman, tell us they felt they were in the middle of the ocean without any lifeline, when suddenly, Bob came into their lives.

Bob sent the little girl personalized videos, always with comfort and hope ... "We are going to find a cure, sending lots of love."

Bob knew how the disease affects an entire family, so he offered support to Sophie Anne's sister with a school paper. The paper she chose to write, "Bob Saget: My Everyday Hero." We're told Bob was incredibly patient and candid about his life ... spending more than 30 minutes with her on the phone.

It didn't stop there. Just a few months ago, Bob invited Sophie Anne's parents to his show in North Carolina. He comped their tickets, meals and brought them backstage after his show.

The Scleroderma Research Foundation is benefiting from the massive goodwill embodied in Bob. More than 1,200 people have donated a total of more than $80,000. And, people are learning about the disease because of Bob's good work.

There are many other examples of Bob's kindness, but this one really stands out.