TV

Cathy Silvers -- best known for playing Jenny Piccalo on "Happy Days" -- had a painful day biking and hiking SoCal mountains ... ending up with broken bones and a helicopter rescue.

The actress tells TMZ ... she and her new BF were mountain biking through the canyons in Santa Clarita, north of L.A., when they decided to do a little rock climbing as well. Pretty adventurous date!

Unfortunately, as they were making their descent on Sunday, Cathy says she heard a loud crack in her leg and was unable to walk. We're told her BF had to carry her downhill for about an hour -- while she was in shock -- before he could finally call 911.

Once search and rescue was notified, we're told it took another couple hours to locate Cathy because they were at altitude, and eventually a helicopter had to be dispatched to find her and transport her to a hospital. She says her pain was almost unbearable during the hours long ordeal.

At the hospital, doctors put her leg in a cast -- turns out she broke 2 bones. Cathy thanks the L.A. County Sheriff Search and Rescue team and Fire Department for saving her ... along with her heroic BF.

By the way ... this was only their second date! Cathy says he's a lock for a third.

Jussie Smollett says the truth will set him free -- literally -- as he ramps up for a second round of fighting criminal charges in Chicago.

The ex-"Empire" star was leaving LAX Tuesday when a photog ran into him and asked to see how he's holding up. His lawyer says he's a tough cookie, but Jussie laughs it off -- it's pretty clear he's going through it, and seems to think at least that much should be obvious.

Of course ... we're talking about Jussie getting re-charged for allegedly lying to cops about the hate crime he claims was perpetrated against him by MAGA-hat wearing thugs -- this after the State Attorney's Office dropped the original 16 charges against him almost a year ago.

He's pled not guilty again, and his legal team has filed a motion for the case to be dismissed over double jeopardy -- which basically means you can't prosecute someone over the same offenses twice. Jussie and his lawyer talk about that, plus other possible defenses.

The photog asks point-blank ... which is it gonna be, JS -- telling 'em you didn't do it, or hope double jeopardy saves ya? Watch ... Jussie says there's only one thing he can count on.

Dustin Diamond's pleading his case to the makers of the "Saved by the Bell" reboot, saying his character is synonymous with the show ... and he hopes his former castmates band together to make it happen.

The man who played Screech in every episode of the popular teen sitcom and its spin-offs isn't shy about letting us know that fact ... and he believes it's a major reason why he should be included in the reboot, which will star alums Mario Lopez and Elizabeth Berkley.

It's unclear what other former cast members might make an appearance -- both Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Tiffani Thiessen have yet to confirm a return -- but Diamond's pretty clear he's not one of them ... at least not yet.

Dustin -- who's made headlines the past several years for his criminal case and other unpleasant reasons -- suggests his snubbing is like that idiom about cutting off one's nose ... or something like that. Basically, he thinks it's unfair ... and the wrong move.

Screech also believes everyone involved in the OG 'SBTB' should show some solidarity and demand all the staples -- Zack Morris, Kelly Kapowski, etc. -- be brought back for the reboot ... otherwise, it's missing something.

He even has an idea of what Screech's storyline should be, and we gotta say ... it makes sense. Zoinks!

The monster is back in Jesse James' garage ... he's returning to reality TV after a 14-year hiatus with a reboot of his hit show.

Jesse is coming back to Discovery Channel with a brand new season of "Monster Garage" ... and he's coming in hot too. We're told the garage will be filled with upgrades, including some cutting-edge technology ... and a renewed passion for creating mind-blowing vehicles.

In the 14 years since "Monster Garage" ended, Jesse's been traveling the world, expanding his skill set in forging and blacksmith work -- learning from some of the best in the biz -- and now he's ready to unleash his new talents.

The first run of "Monster Garage" went like this -- Jesse and his 5-person team would modify vehicles into multi-tasking machines. For instance, there was a PT Cruiser that doubled as a wood chipper, a school bus that turned into a pontoon boat, and a police car that could morph into a donut shop.

It was cool stuff back then, but now Jesse says he's excited to step back into the garage to push the limits even more by showing what his team can do when they refuse to quit.

The reboot premieres later this year ... get ya popcorn ready!!!

Heather Elizabeth Parkhurst -- an actress who's appeared in "Alpha Dog" and "Beverly Hills Cop III" -- is finding a new home for one of her pit bulls that damn near ripped her arm off.

TMZ broke the story ... Heather ended up in the hospital with some very gruesome injuries after her pit bulls turned on each other, mauling her arm and hand in the process.

Heather's fiance, Mark Nason, tells TMZ ... they've decided it's best to get the younger dog, 9-month old Shorty, out of the house and under a new roof.

Heather and Mark have already reached out to three different organizations ... Vanderpump Dogs, the Blair Foundation and Pit Bulls for Parolees ... to see if they will take in Shorty.

While Shorty is fresh off a violent episode ... we're told the orgs say it's not an issue and they're willing to work with the pup. Heather and Mark haven't picked a landing spot yet -- they're still figuring out what's best for Shorty.

Heather and Mark, two huge pit bull advocates, are getting rid of Shorty for two reasons ... the dog barks a lot and it's not ideal for their apartment, and they're worried another fight could break out between their two pit bulls.

Massachusetts-native Kathleen "Kathy" Coleman was only 12 years old when she gained fame for her role as the young time-hopping survivalist, Holly Marshall -- who dodges grumpy Tyrannosaurs and befriends dopey Brontosaurs -- in the thrilling '70s sci-fi series, "Land Of The Lost."

Kathy Coleman was cast in the prehistoric show with some other throwback actors including Wesley Eure as the big brother and protector Will Marshall, Spencer Milligan as the less-than present father Rick Mitchell, Ron Harper as the uncle Jack Marshall ... and of course Phillip Paley as the furry little friend, Cha-Ka.

B. Smith, a groundbreaking model, restaurant owner and lifestyle guru, died Saturday night ... according to her husband.

Dan Gasby announced her death, saying, "It is with great sadness that my daughter Dana and I announce the passing of my wife, Barbara Elaine Smith." He says she passed peacefully at 10:50 PM Saturday at their home on Long Island after having battled Alzheimer's Disease for several years.

B. started her career in the 1960s as a model who was signed to Wilhelmina modeling agency. In 1976, she became the first black woman featured on a cover of Mademoiselle.

She went on to open 3 of her popular B. Smith restaurants in New York City, on Long Island and also in Washington, D.C.

B. landed her own cooking and lifestyle show in 1997 when "B. Smith with Style" debuted.

She and Dan married in 1992 and she became a stepmother to his daughter from a previous relationship.

B. was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease in 2013. You might recall, Dan faced some criticism in 2018 when he went public with the fact he had a girlfriend who was living with him and helping care for his ailing wife.

Dan thanked the hospice caregivers who "helped us make B. comfortable in her final days." He added, "Heaven is shining even brighter now that it is graced with B.'s dazzling and unforgettable smile."

B. was 70.

Wendy Williams hit the town Friday night with what appears to be her new boyfriend.

Williams grabbed dinner in New York City at Aroma Trattoria with Big Will, aka Willdaboss. He's a jeweler in the Big Apple and he gave everyone a big hint the other day, after Wendy went on her show and said she had a new man.

Wendy said on the show her man bought her 2 pieces of jewelry from which to choose and she picked a diamond, heart-shaped necklace. Good selection.

Willdaboss then seemingly connected the dots by posting her video talking about a new boyfriend on his social media.

Wendy posted a pic Saturday of her and Willdaboss snuggling together.

Well, it seems Wendy's fear will not materialize. You'll recall, last month she vowed, "I won't let my coochie rot!!!"

Dr. Phil has his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame now, and he's using the momentous occasion to thank some, and stick it to others ... including his own father!!!

The famed TV doctor was honored Friday by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, not only for all the years starring on his daytime talk show ... but for the many other hats in entertainment he wears, as well.

Dr. Phil says he obviously didn't get all this success by himself -- he specifically thanked his wife of nearly 44 years, Robin, numerous times -- and wished he could share the star with many others. Ya gotta see it though, 'cause of course he said it in a way only Phil could.

It wouldn't be a Dr. Phil speech, though, if he didn't share a story. This one was a shout-out to people who doubted him along the way, and he didn't hesitate to call out his dad. It's a mic drop moment, for sure.

The ceremony also featured speeches by Tyler Perry and country singer Ronnie Dunn. Tyler dropped a pretty solid joke ... as his most famous character.

Chris Tavarez, the actor from the Disney Channel hit "K.C. Undercover," is going to jail for several months for an alleged domestic violence incident, and that's after striking a plea deal.

According to the LA Superior Court ... the 27-year-old pled no contest to 1 count of felony domestic violence with a prior conviction. He's been sentenced to a suspended 5-year prison sentence but will only serve 300 days in county jail. He's also getting credit for 153 days already served.

That leaves him with a little less than 150 days behind bars. Tavares will also have to take a 52-week class on domestic violence awareness, and complete one year of an outpatient alcohol program.

TMZ broke the story ... Tavarez was busted back in November after allegedly flying into a rage during a fight with his GF, who suffered a concussion. As we reported, he had a prior conviction for a June 2017 spousal battery case .... so, it was a near certainty he'd get a jail sentence this time around.

Tavarez is best known for playing Darien on 'K.C.' ... which starred Zendaya.

Forget elephants and donkeys, David Letterman says our choice for President could come down to this ... do we want a wealthy man who eats like a pig, or one who eats like a bird?!?

We got Letterman Thursday in Los Angeles after lunch at Canter's Deli, and our guy asks which presidential candidate is more fun to have dinner with, Donald Trump or Michael Bloomberg???

Dave knows both men well, and he tells us why Trump and Bloomberg are at opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to the dinner table.

Sorry Mike, Letterman says you're coming up short as far as appetites go. You've seen Bloomberg eat ice cream, right?!?

It's pretty funny ... Letterman launches into one of his classic bits when we try to grill him about the candidate with the gift of gab ... but he's definitely down for our table talk.

One thing both sides can agree on ... hors d'oeuvres don't belong near a toilet!!!

"Good Times" star Ja'Net DuBois appeared in good spirits -- and more importantly, healthy -- just a couple weeks before suddenly dying.

We got this photo of Ja'Net posing with "Good Times" costars Jimmie Walker, Johnny Brown, Bern Nadette Stanis and Ralph Carter -- all 5 of whom showed up together on Feb. 1 at the Los Angeles Marriott at the Burbank Airport for a scheduled meet and greet with fans.

The group talked with longtime viewers, took photos and signed autographs. As you can see, Ja'Net seemed perfectly fine with the rest of the TV stars. In good enough health, anyway, to walk around and pose for at least a couple shots -- if not more.

Just a little more than 2 weeks later, she was found unresponsive at her Glendale, CA home -- where her family says she died in her sleep unexpectedly. We're told there were no known ailments or illnesses she was battling prior to her passing ... it just happened.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Ja'Net died of natural causes, plain and simple. The fact she was up and smiling just days earlier makes her loss all the more tragic.  It's interesting ... we're told there will be NO autopsy, despite the puzzling nature of her death.

As you might know, she had a hand in some iconic shows besides "Good Times" -- serving as the gorgeous voice that greeted viewers in the opening song, "Movin' On Up," on "The Jeffersons," as well as voicing Mrs. Avery on "The PJs" for all 43 episodes.

She was 74.

RIP

Gareth Pursehouse -- the man accused of murdering Drew Carey's ex fiancee, Dr. Amie Harwick -- has been arrested again and charged with her murder.

Pursehouse was re-arrested Wednesday on a no bail warrant and was charged with one count each of murder and first-degree residential burglary with the special circumstance allegation of lying in wait ... according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney.

Gareth is facing the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole, if convicted. The D.A. says no decision has been made on whether to seek capital punishment.

We broke the story ... Amie was murdered this weekend after cops say Pursehouse attacked her, causing her to fall from a third-story balcony in the Hollywood Hills.

Amie and Gareth dated years ago and as we reported ... Harwick filed for 2 restraining orders against him in 2011 and 2012, claiming he attacked her multiple times and even threw her out of a vehicle on the side of the freeway.

Pursehouse was initially arrested for murder Saturday afternoon, but he bonded out of jail Tuesday night after being held on a $2 million bail.

Now, Pursehouse is back in custody and the D.A. says on Thursday he will be arraigned.

Kyle Long says now that his playing days are over ... he's ready to be an NFL commentator -- and he tells TMZ Sports he thinks he can be like Tony Romo for football "simpletons!"

"I think I can speak more Layman's terms," Long says. "He's really an AP-level teacher."

Don't get it twisted ... Long's actually complimenting Romo -- saying the ex-Dallas Cowboys QB is way smarter than him!!

But Kyle, who just retired from the Chicago Bears last month and is out in L.A. this week trying out with various networks, says he's hoping his offensive line mind can provide a different perspective in the studio/booth.

"I speak to the simpletons," Long said with a laugh.

Of course, Kyle is one of the most entertaining follows on Twitter ... so there's a lot of potential there -- and Long says he's actually been learning a thing or two by watching Tony!

What's interesting ... his dad Howie Long has been doing the "NFL on FOX" thing for years -- and if another network signs Kyle, it could be Long vs. Long in the battle for NFL ratings!

As for his resume, NOT TOO SHABBY -- Kyle was a 1st round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft and spent his entire 6-year career with the Chicago Bears, making the Pro Bowl 3 times.

Ja'Net DuBois -- one of the main characters on "Good Times" -- died Monday ... TMZ has learned.

Ja'Net played the Evans family's sassy neighbor Willona Woods on the classic '70s TV series. Her family tells us ... Ja'Net died unexpectedly in her sleep overnight at her home in Glendale, CA.

We're told Ja'Net hadn't complained of any specific ailments recently, and appeared to be in good health to those around her. She even attended a fan event in Hollywood a couple weeks ago.

Ja'Net might be most famous for "Good Times," but she also composed and sang the theme song, "Movin' On Up," for "The Jeffersons" -- so, she should also be remembered for her voice.

She appeared in tons of movies over the years, including "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka", "Tropic Thunder" and "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle."

Ja'Net's acting career began on Broadway, where she was cast in a number of plays including "Golden Boy" with Sammy Davis Jr. and Louis Gossett Jr. -- plus "A Raisin In The Sun."

She also won two Emmy awards for her voice-over work on "The PJs."

Ja'Net is survived by her 3 children.

Veteran character actress Esther Scott -- who's been in countless movies and shows over the years -- has died.

A member of Esther's family tells TMZ ... Esther suffered an apparent heart attack last Tuesday at her Santa Monica home, and was later found unconscious and taken to a hospital. We're told she remained hospitalized for a few more days before eventually passing on Friday.

She was surrounded by family and loved ones at the time she died. Her sister, Shaun, tells us, "She loved what she did. She would get stopped on the street often and people would recognize her -- but they didn't know her name. Hopefully now people will remember her name, her work and the contributions she gave to the entertainment industry."

Esther had a massive resume, having appeared in at least 73 films and shows dating back to the '80s. She's perhaps most well known for her role as Bridget, one of Nat Turner's relatives, in 2016's 'Birth of a Nation.' Esther's been in several other projects, however.

She's also been the voice Shodu in the 'Star Wars' animated spin-off, "Ewoks" -- and had a memorably hilarious scene in "Boyz n the Hood." She played the grandmother of a girl who hooked up with Tre, Cuba Gooding Jr.'s character.

Her resume is crazy impressive, with roles on "Encino Man," "Beverly Hills, 90210," "Full House," "The Wayans Bros.," "Martin," "Nash Bridges," "Melrose Place," "ER" and "The King of Queens" ... just to name a few.

Esther was 66.