TV

The late DeForest Kelley, who played Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy on "Star Trek," will be joining his costar Nichelle Nichols' ashes in a unique way ... as they both go to deep space.

A sample of DeForest's DNA will be onboard United Launch Alliance's aptly-named "Vulcan" rocket with Nichelle's remains as it launches into space later this year ... creating a once-in-a-lifetime reunion mission.

The announcement comes on the 56th anniversary of the OG TV series' first episode ... also known as "Star Trek Day." Charles M. Chafer, co-founder of Celestis, says, “No mission to deep space would be complete without a ship’s doctor.”

DeForest, who's best known for his role as the wisecracking Dr. Bones, died of stomach cancer back in 1999, but a close family friend and caregiver named Kris Smith tells TMZ she had kept a lock of his hair all this time. She donated it to Celestis so her friend could take one final "journey into interstellar space."

She adds, "I think De would have loved to 'go hopping galaxies' again with cast and crew mates."

DeForest and Nichelle won't be alone ... as we reported, the remains of 'ST' creator Gene Roddenberry, along with actors James Doohan ("Scotty") and Majel Barrett Roddenberry ("Nurse Chapel") will all be aboard when they're launched into an orbit around the sun.

The Celestis Enterprise Flight is set to boldly go well beyond the Earth-Moon system, traveling between 150 million and 300 million kilometers into deep space.

Susan Sarandon's progressive activism isn't preventing her from bonding with folks on the other side of the aisle on her new TV show, "Monarch" -- which she sees as a sign of hope for the country.

The Oscar winner's going full country and western for the new FOX drama, and she told us on "TMZ Live" the music's helped bring the all-star cast together.

Susan admits she knew little about the genre before taking the role as Dottie Cantrell Roman ... the queen of country and matriarch of the show's main family.

The role has her rubbing elbows with real life country music stars, and she told us her politics never got in the way of folks welcoming her with open arms.

For the record, Susan says she no longer considers herself a Democrat. Instead, she's an independent who simply stands up for what she feels is right.

That approach, combined with a healthy dose of respect, is why Susan says she's really hit it off with her new TV husband, co-star Trace Adkins. Yes, he's a Republican, but as she explained it ... "There's hope if we just talk to each other in calm ways."

Hey, it's working for them, America!

Susan tells us, she has more in common with Trace than not, and she believes this is the case for most people in the nation.

Politics aside, she says "Monarch" is really just a great family drama with lots of real country hits -- 'cause the plan is to release many of the songs as radio singles.

The Fitzmagic has officially run out -- recently retired NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick tells TMZ Sports he's really done playing football for good ... even if a team in need comes calling.

39-year-old Fitzpatrick decided to walk away from the game earlier this offseason ... ending his career after 17 years in the league.

Of course, there's a history of guys retiring before getting the itch to come back -- we're looking at you, Favre and TB12 -- but Ryan says that's not the case for him.

"I'm retired," Fitzpatrick told us at the Empire State Building this week. "It's official. I'm done."

The journeyman signal-caller says that's going to stay his final answer even if there's demand for a fresh arm on a roster ... claiming his body wouldn't be too happy if he took any more hits.

"I don't know if my hip would be willing to and I'm comfortable what I'm doing right now."

So, what's he doing now?? Fitzpatrick will still be near the game as a TV analyst for Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime Video this season ... and he says he's going to give it all he's got in front of the camera.

"There's still a lot of work and preparation that goes into talking about football," Ryan said. "It's more of the mental side of it than all the physical and recovery. I don't get hit anymore which is nice."

Johnny Depp's attorney, Camille Vasquez, has another star she's representing in court -- though the case has nothing to do with Amber Heard -- or a sour relationship, for that matter.

Camille and attorney Steve Cook from Brown Rudnick LLP are set to rep actress Q'orianka Kilcher, who's made a name for herself on the hit show "Yellowstone."

Kilcher was recently charged with worker's compensation insurance fraud by the State of California and has hired Camille and Steve to help her fight. We're told both attorneys will appear before a judge on her behalf Wednesday in Los Angeles.

As we reported -- Kilcher was hit with two counts of workers' comp insurance fraud earlier this year after an investigation by the California Dept. of Insurance. Officials say they found evidence that she'd improperly collected over $90,000 in disability benefits.

CDOI claims she was raking in thousands over the course of 2 years, stemming from a neck injury she reported suffering back in 2018 while filming "Dora and the Lost City of Gold" ... but officials claim she continued collecting disability benefits even while filming "Yellowstone" episodes in 2019.

A source close to Kilcher tells us she didn't do anything wrong, and the accident left her really messed up, leaving her 10% disabled for the rest of her life.

This collection, CDOI claims, continued until 2021 ... and now, she's up against felony charges. Camille and co. say their client is innocent and plan to vigorously defend Kilcher.

Camille and Steve tell us ... "We are determined to defend Ms. Kilcher in this important case which examines the inherent flaws in the disability compensation system. Ms. Kilcher is a well-respected and pioneering actress in Hollywood and we intend to clear her name."

Considering the success Brown Rudnick recently had with JD, you gotta figure Kilcher is gonna get the very best defense possible.

Sherri Shepherd is set to take over Wendy Williams' TV spot in less than a week's time ... and she'll do it armed with some "amazing" advice from Oprah Winfrey.

We got Sherri Tuesday in rainy NYC, and she told us the "Oracle" -- aka Oprah -- gave her some wise words about how to conduct herself as she launches her own self-titled talk show.

O basically said the key is putting out good vibes, and Sherri must be following that advice already ... because folks were chanting her name as she stepped onto the street.

There's no doubt she's taking Oprah's words to heart -- after all, she made a pretty divine comparison. Just check out the video.

As we reported, "Sherri" is movin' into Wendy's old stomping grounds at Chelsea Studios -- promotion was underway last week, with a big poster going up where one for Wendy's show used to be.

Barton Fitzpatrick was held up at gunpoint this weekend in a scary scene that could've turned deadly ... this according to law enforcement.

Chicago PD sources tell us ... the actor, who's most famous for playing Reg on "The Chi," was the victim of an armed robbery early Sunday morning in Chicago.

We're told Barton was a passenger in a car when someone slid into the back seat out of nowhere ... brandishing a handgun. Our sources say the robber demanded the car, but he ended up bailing on the plan.

Instead, we're told the assailant fled the scene with some of Barton's belongings ... a chain was taken, and possibly other items as well.

Thankfully, no injuries were reported ... but no arrests have been made. Cops are on the hunt.

Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions played host to a special visitor at practice last week -- Eminem himself -- and Jared Goff completely fanboyed at the sight of the real Slim Shady!

NFL Films captured it all on their "Hard Knocks" cameras ... showing the rapper joking around on the sidelines of the team's workout, all while Detroit's star QB was in awe.

Goff could be heard on the camera's mics saying to his teammates, "You see Slim over there? Shady? He might be on my list of, like, 'Holy s***!'"

Em appeared to be having a great time ... and even sarcastically said one of Goff's deep balls was "almost" as good as his.

At one point, Eminem -- who famously grew up in Detroit -- even said he'd suit up for the Lions if they needed him.

"I’ll lace up whenever," Eminem said. "Like, I’ll go to every game. I’ll stand on the sideline and if you guys need to put me, put me in."

"Any position I’m good. Actually, any position I’m great."

This isn't the first time Em showed the Lions some love and vice versa ... in 2018, Marshall Mathers was named the team's honorary captain and helped with the coin toss on Monday Night Football.

"Smash" actress Megan Hilty and her family have been left in an unimaginable situation after her sister, brother-in-law and their child all died in a plane crash.

Lauren Hilty, Ross Mickel and their child Remy, were 3 of the 9 passengers onboard a floatplane that went down Sunday into Puget Sound near Whidbey Island in Washington ... about 30 miles from Seattle. Lauren was pregnant at the time of the crash.

Ross' family shared their heartbreak, telling King 5, "We are deeply saddened and beyond devastated at the loss of our beloved Ross Mickel, Lauren Hilty, Remy and their unborn baby boy, Luca. Our collective grief is unimaginable."

Ross owned Ross Andrew Wineries ... starting up the business in 1999. The Washington State Wine Commission responded to the news, saying "Ross had an incredible impact on the Washington wine community and he will be greatly missed."

An extensive search immediately went underway for the other missing passengers and pilot, but was suspended Monday ... only one body has been recovered so far.

"BMF" star Lil Meech is off the hook in his grand theft case over a $250K Richard Mille watch ... we're told it was tossed after the accusers decided they were done pursuing it.

A rep for the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office tells TMZ Hip Hop ... cops conducted an investigation after a few jewelers complained about missing pieces ... but investigators were eventually told the jewelers got their merch back.

That wouldn't automatically end the case if the stuff was initially stolen, but prosecutors decided to drop the case.

Meech's attorney, Howard Srebnick, called the case "a misunderstanding that was amicably resolved."

Meech then took to Instagram to celebrate ... along with a bold message to his haters.

TMZ popped the lid off the story back in May ... Meech was accused by Miami's Haimov Jewelers of running off with a $250K RM after flipping an $80K Rolex.

With the case behind him, the time is nearing for Meech and the crew to begin filming season 2 of "BMF."

Production sources told TMZ Hip Hop Meech and "Power Book II: Ghost" Michael Rainey Jr. almost came to blows during 50 Cent's Tycoon Weekend.

"Naked and Afraid" contestant Melanie Rauscher accidentally died from sucking in a lethal amount of compressed air used in cleaning products, this according to her autopsy report.

35-year-old Melanie was found dead near cans of dust cleaner in Prescott, AZ, on July 17. The report, obtained from the Yavapai County Medical Examiner, says that Melanie inhaled the toxic propellant, leaving her unresponsive.

Her official cause of death was listed as difluoroethane toxicity, which is commonly known as "huffing" among young adults looking for a quick and cheap way to get high. The report noted that drugs and alcohol did not play a role in her death.

As we reported, Melanie was dog-sitting at a residence whose owners returned home from vacation to find her deceased on the bed in the guest room.

It's as reliable as Labor Day itself ... the Malibu Chili Cook-Off draws tons of celebs, and this year was no exception ... even in exceptional heat.

It's part food, part carnival, part gawking at celebs who never fail to show.

Mel Gibson was there with GF Rosalind Ross and son Lars. Madeline Banks from "Outerbanks" showed up with BF Jackson Guthy and some pals.

Brian Austin Green was all about the chili with GF Shana Burgess and their kid, who was secured in a backpack strapped to Brian's chest. Journey, the son he shares with Megan Fox, was also there.

And there's more. Adam Brody and Leighton Meester were front and center with their daughter.

And the Mayor of Malibu -- we just kinda made that up but it fits -- Jamie Foxx was also present. You may recall, we got Tank out this week and he felt Jamie's the one who could save R&B.

Jamie was smart ... no carnival food for him. He took the short drive to Nobu afterward.

It didn't take long for NFL receiver Kalil Pimpleton -- one of the stars of "Hard Knocks" -- to find new work with the New York Giants ... and he tells TMZ Sports he can't wait to join his new team and hit the ground running.

The 23-year-old former Central Michigan standout's experience with the Detroit Lions was one of the main storylines of this season of the HBO series ... but when it came time to cut the roster down to 53 players, Pimpleton was one of many who were cut at the end of training camp.

We spoke with the fan favorite about the Lions going in a different direction ... and he says he remained positive throughout the situation.

Kalil says he quickly switched his focus to the next opportunity ... and as it turns out, that came after a workout with the G-Men on Thursday.

Kalil says his dream remains the same -- he wants to be on a 53-man roster in the NFL ... but until then, he will do whatever it takes to help his teammates with his role on the practice squad.

Pimpleton tells us he believes "Hard Knocks" helped put a spotlight on his character and work ethic ... which led to his fresh start in NY.

Joey Badass is looking get his acting career up to the level of his rap game -- especially after his first movie role was in an Oscar-winner -- so now he's got his eye on a biopic.

In a new interview with Revolt, the Pro Era rapper boldly expressed his wish to play late MC Big L, who died in 1999.

Joey says aside from various people telling him how much he favors the Harlem rapper, he hopes to bring more visibility to Big L’s story.

We spoke with Brian Shafton, a partner at RBC Records, which owns several masters to Big L’s music, and he thinks Joey would literally crush it.

Brian also agrees the film would be huge for Big L’s legacy, especially in these streaming times.

Joey’s 2020 film “Two Distant Strangers” -- a big Netflix hit -- took home the Oscar for Best Short Live Action, so the audience potential is definitely there. Brian says the only potential problem is that Big L’s songs are riddled with so many samples ... it would be near impossible to license all the tracks for a film.

In the meantime, Joey's busy honing his acting craft with a steady role on 50 Cent's "Power Book III: Raising Kanan" -- and on the music side, he just wrapped his "2000" tour.

Just a hunch, but a Big L biopic without his music probably wouldn’t fly with fans.

Jane Fonda has a lot of people rooting for her, after just revealing she's been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

The 84-year-old Hollywood legend made the announcement Friday, saying she's already started chemo treatments, and that she feels very lucky, as it's treatable and about 80% of people diagnosed survive.

In true and incredible Jane fashion, she also took a moment to bring awareness on the importance of health care and as an advocate for it to be affordable to everyone, saying, "Almost every family in America has had to deal with cancer at one time or another and far too many don’t have access to the quality health care I am receiving and this is not right."

Jane says she'll be doing chemo for 6 months, and is handling the treatments quite well ... letting everyone know she won't let the diagnosis interfere with her climate activism.

She says, "We also need to be talking much more not just about cures but about causes so we can eliminate them. For example, people need to know that fossil fuels cause cancer. So do pesticides, many of which are fossil fuel-based, like mine."

Continuing, "We’re living through the most consequential time in human history because what we do or don’t do right now will determine what kind of future there will be and I will not allow cancer to keep me from doing all I can, using every tool in my toolbox and that very much includes continuing to build this Fire Drill Fridays community and finding new ways to use our collective strength to make change."

She finishes with a call to action, "The midterms are looming, and they are beyond consequential so you can count on me to be right there together with you as we grow our army of climate champions."

Noah Schnapp is making a real splash at his ivy league school ... the "Stranger Things" star took a leap into a swimming pool as his fellow-classmates went nuts.

If you haven't heard, 17-year-old Noah is currently enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania and recently moved into one of the dorms on campus to begin his freshman year. He's reportedly a business major.

Anyway, last Saturday, Noah went to a nearby frat party at the Bamboo Bar, a small saloon with a pool filled with discarded cigarette butts and beer cans. The bar is also a restaurant, so there was likely no age requirement to enter. At night, you have to be 18+ to enter, and at least 21 to drink.

We're told the pool has been a fixture at the bar for years, but the staff doesn't like it when customers dive into the dirty water, so they escort out anyone who does.

That didn't seem to phase Noah, check the video, obtained by TMZ, showing him do a 3-count before jumping off the edge of the bridge as mostly everyone claps and shouts his name.

From our vantage point, you can't actually see Noah hit the water below, but, we're told, that's exactly where he ended up. Unclear if the staff let him stick around after that.

It's the dawning of a new era in the talk show world ... because promotion has begun for Sherri Shepherd's new daytime talk show, which is moving into the exact spot where "The Wendy Williams Show" once stood.

A huge poster for "Sherri" went up in NYC Thursday ... right outside Chelsea Studios, where Wendy shot her daytime program -- and where Sherri's show will film.

Not only is Sherri movin' into the same studio, but a billboard for Wendy's show used to be in that EXACT same spot.

Production sources tell TMZ ... the studio redesign's coming along pretty well ... with the set displaying bright, cheery colors, including light blue and yellow tones to reflect Sherri's personality, similar to the look from the poster.

We're told the show is pretty much booked well into the Fall, and our sources say viewers can expect some of Sherri's famous celeb pals to come through during the premiere week.

One person who won't be watching the new show is Wendy, she made that clear to Fat Joe in an interview a few weeks back, saying, "I like her, but I won’t be watching her because I know what she’s gonna be doing and that’s really not my thing. Um, you know? You know what I’m saying?"

As we reported, Sherri got Wendy's spot back in February after becoming a permanent guest host for her talk show ... following the decline in Wendy's health. Sherri announced her big gig while filling in.