TV

Michael Armand Hammer, the father of Armie Hammer and business titan, has died ... TMZ has learned.

Michael passed away Sunday, sources connected to the family tell TMZ. We're told he had been quite ill for some time, battling cancer.

The American businessman worked at an investment banking firm in NYC ... before getting involved with Occidental Petroleum, the company his grandfather, Armand Hammer, helmed for years.

Michael moved Occidental's HQ to Los Angeles in the '80s ... becoming VP of the company and landing a seat on the Board of Directors.

Over the years, Michael reigned over Hammer Productions, the Armand Hammer Foundation, Hammer Galleries, and the Hammer International Foundation.

Michael and then-wife Dru Ann Mobley gave birth to Armie in 1986, and Armie's brother, Viktor, 2 years later.

As you know, the Hammer family was heavily featured in the docuseries, "House of Hammer."

The family has a mausoleum in the Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park, where Armand and a number of other family members were laid to rest.

Michael is survived by his wife, Misty, as well as Armie and Viktor.

He was 67.

The entire 'Power Rangers' fandom is reeling over the death of star Jason David Frank, and we've learned about the sequence of events in the hours leading up to his suicide.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Jason and his wife, Tammie, checked into a Texas hotel Friday. We're told the two -- who are in the middle of a divorce -- got separate rooms, but at some point the estranged couple got into an argument in Tammie's room. We're told staffers were called to calm things down, and peace was restored.

Our law enforcement sources say at some point either late Friday night or early Saturday morning, the two got into another argument and Jason locked Tammie out of his room.

Our sources say Tammie was apparently concerned for his safety and called the cops around 5 AM Saturday morning. When officers couldn't make contact with Jason, we're told hotel management let them in and they discovered the actor hanged himself in the bathroom.

TMZ broke the story of the 49-year-old's death ... we're told Jason died by suicide.

Jason is survived by his 4 kids. His rep told us, "He loved his family, friends and fans very much. He will truly be missed."

The show "Chrisley Knows Best" is up in the air following Todd and Julie getting their lengthy prison sentences ... but we're told the network already has some new episodes in the bag that will air next year.

Sources tell TMZ ... no official word has come from NBCUniversal on the future of the show yet, despite reports Monday of the show getting the axe.

We're told a handful of episodes were shot prior to the trial and will air sometime next year. The crew didn't film at all during the trial, which started back in May.

Our sources say it would obviously be very challenging to continue filming the project with both of them behind bars ... but no word yet on if the series is getting 86'd.

As we reported, the judge gave Todd 12 years in prison after his conviction for bank fraud and tax evasion, while Julie was sentenced to 7. They both will also have 16 months of probation.

You'll recall, they were found guilty on a slew of federal charges back in June, and they were holed up in their Nashville mansion on house arrest as they awaited sentencing.

Brooke Shields says Barbara Walters put her in an uncomfortable position during an interview 41 years ago -- when Brooke was still a minor -- and it sticks with her to this day.

The actress and model recalled the 1981 interview she did with Walters ... when Shields was fresh off of a famous Calvin Klein ad campaign. On Tuesday, she told her story on "The Drew Barrymore Show," saying BW grilled her in an inappropriate manner.

Brooke, who was 15 at the time, recalls Walters fishing for a sound bite by asking for her measurements on the spot and to stand up ... making Brooke feel like Walters was comparing herself to the teen idol.

In hindsight, Brooke says she felt it wasn't right at the time -- but says she played along and did as she was told. Since then, she says she's learned how to say no and stand up for herself.

Walters and Shields seem to have made peace in more recent years -- they've posed for a lot of photos together, and always looked happy. Shields also said she doesn't hold anything against Walters now, and respects her career and legacy.

Walters is far from the only legacy broadcaster who's come under scrutiny of late for old sit-downs ... Britney Spears called out Diane Sawyer not too long ago for an interview in the 2000s that she felt was out of bounds too.

Sinbad suffered a life-changing stroke 2 years ago ... and in the first update since his medical emergency, the star's family says he's got a long road ahead of him on the way to recovery.

The family put out a lengthy release Monday, saying Sinbad was in the hospital for 9 months before his July release. They say he's still "fighting for every inch," and his limbs that were said to be "dead" are coming back to life. They say he's taking all the steps he can to learn how to walk again.

Sinbad's family says the survival rate from a stroke like his is around 30% ... but they're celebrating him beating those odds. His family also says they're looking for some help in the process ... noting the costs of his therapy have "far exceeded" what insurance covers.

They say it's taken a financial toll on them, and they've set up a website for anyone looking to contribute in any way they can.

As we reported, the comedian was recovering from a stroke in November of 2020 ... with his family saying they were "faithful and optimistic that he will bring laughter into our hearts soon."

Jay Leno has been released from the hospital after suffering severe burns following a gasoline garage accident -- and you can already tell how badly he was hurt.

The "You Bet Your Life" host posed for a photo taken and posted by the Grossman Burn Center, where JL has been receiving treatment for the past nine days. In it, he seems to be in good spirits alongside the facility staff ... but there's noticeable scarring on his face and hands.

Still, he's well enough to have been discharged ... and GBC says they're encouraged by his recovery. In a statement, the burn center says Jay will receive follow-up care at their outpatient facility, this after receiving burns throughout his upper, including on his chest.

They add, "Jay would like to let everyone know how thankful he is for the care he received, and is very appreciative of all of the well wishes. He is looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with his family and friends and wishes everyone a wonderful holiday."

In addition to being placed in a hyperbaric chamber, JL is said to have undergone surgical excision and skin grafting ... removing unhealthy tissue and allowing the wounds to heal.

Remember ... this is all started while Jay was working on one of his vehicles in his Burbank garage. While trying to unclog a fuel line on a 1907 White Steam Car, he was sprayed with gasoline which erupted into flames. Jay's friend, who was present, saved his life.

Cheryl Burke is hanging up her boogie shoes on "Dancing With the Stars" -- and while she'd love a seat at the judge's table ... it doesn't sound like that's gonna happen, at least for now.

The longtime pro dancer and 'DWTS' staple -- who's been a recurring contestant for 26 seasons, and won twice -- announced Sunday she wouldn't be competing on the reality competition show anymore, saying it was time to retire and move on to new horizons.

In a lengthy IG post, Cheryl explained Monday night's finale episode would be her last dance performance on 'Dancing,' and added a heartfelt thank you to the production as a whole.

She writes, "This show has been my 2nd family since I was 21 years old. The cast, crew & fans have seen me through my highest highs & some of my lowest lows, & I honestly don’t know who I would be today without them. I also know that it is time for me to begin the next phase of my career, although dance will always be a part of me."

CB adds, "I am excited about the idea of evolving, about being challenged in new ways, having the ability to expand my commitment to mental health advocacy, focusing on my new found love for podcasting, & I’m ready to face the uncertainty (though it’s scary as sh**) of what the future holds - I do have a few things up my sleeves though, so don’t worry."

The official 'DWTS' Twitter page wished her well amid the news, calling her an icon. That's nice, but Cheryl was brutally honest about why she's exiting in follow-up interviews.

Cheryl told Variety that she actually wanted the empty judge's chair being vacated by mainstay Len Goodman -- who announced last week he was retiring as well. She says she's been vocal about this for years now, and has apparently expressed it to upper management ... but to no avail, it seems. Instead, it looks like ABC and co. are letting her walk away.

Jason David Frank -- one of the original "Power Rangers" -- has died ... TMZ has learned.

The actor and mixed martial artist died in Texas, according to his rep Justine Hunt. Sources with direct knowledge tell us his death was the result of suicide.

JDF is best known as Tommy Oliver from the original run of the "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" franchise, dating back to the kids series' debut in 1993 ... when he was introduced as one of six crime/monster-fighting superheroes, masked head to toe with kung-fu skills.

Fans will remember ... he started out as the Green Ranger in Season 1, introduced at first as an enemy of the Power Rangers -- only to do a 180 and become good. After his powers start to deteriorate, however, he's turned into the White Ranger ... and tapped as the new leader of the group. Frank starred as one of the leads for 3 seasons, totaling 123 episodes.

Frank went on to reprise his role as Tommy in several adaptions of 'Power Rangers' -- including 'Wild Force,' 'Turbo,' 'Zeo,' 'Dino Thunder,' 'Megaforce,' 'Ninja Steel,' 'HyperForce,' and more. He's been a Red Ranger, a Black Ranger and a Green Ranger anew. JDF is a fan favorite Power Ranger ... which is why he's returned to the franchise time and again.

His onscreen fighting abilities translated into the real world ... Frank was a professionally trained MMA brawler, who was well-versed in everything from Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and others. He fought professionally for a time from 2008 to 2010.

He's survived by his four children.

Jason's rep Justine tells TMZ  ... "Please respect the privacy of his family and friends during this horrible time as we come to terms with the loss of such a wonderful human being. He loved his family, friends and fans very much. He will truly be missed."

Frank was 49.

RIP

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'Real Housewives' star Lisa Rinna says she'd be down to have anyone on the reality show with her, Kathy Hilton included ... this coming after Kathy said she's not comin' back unless Lisa is out.

We got Lisa leaving Jayde's Market in Bev Hills ... and Kathy's ultimatum doesn't seem to bother her -- saying there isn't a soul she can't work with.

Unclear if Lisa's actually coming back ... mums the word on whether she'll make a return.

As we reported, Kathy called Lisa and Erika Jayne "bullies" after they went ham on her, calling her out for bad-mouthing the cast, including her sister, Kyle Richards. The explosive reunion episodes showed in living color the toll it all took on the siblings.

Bill Maher put a bow on the 20th season of "Real Time" with words of hope ... how 'bout Dem midterms!!!

Bill is blown away by the election ... if you followed him, he thought it would be a deathblow to democracy, but it was the opposite. As he said, Donald Trump may get credit for putting up a slate of whackos who were so scary ... voters opened their eyes and rejected them in force.

Now B.M. isn't suggesting America is out of the woods ... paraphrasing Mark Twain, he said "Reports of our death were slightly exaggerated." Nevertheless, Bill tipped his hat to voters, who helped us revert to some semblance of sanity.

He then leaned into one of his mantras ... reject the extremes on both sides, noting they account for only around 7% of us, yet they get 90% of the media's attention. And how 'bout this -- 90% of all tweets are courtesy of only 10% of users. As he says, if we let them control our country, it's like letting the crying baby fly the plane.

Bill ends with sage advice for both sides ... start compromising, especially on the extremes.  His examples are hilarious.

Tim Allen just got done visiting Jay Leno in the hospital ... and he says his close friend's face isn't going to be disfigured by severe burns suffered in a car fire.

Tim saw Jay at the Grossman Burn Center in West Hills, CA Thursday and talked to the paparazzi on his way out ... telling photogs Jay is feeling better after suffering deep burns to his face, hands and chest.

Jay seems to be in good spirits in the hospital, despite undergoing treatment in a hyperbaric chamber for his burns ... Tim says Jay was happy and they cracked some jokes. Hey, laughter is the best medicine, right?

TMZ broke the story ... Jay got burned bad over the weekend when a car erupted into flames while he was working on fixing a clogged fuel line on his 1907 White Steam Car in his Burbank garage.

Jay's not shying away from cars despite the incident ... Tim says he brought JL some car magazines to pour over during his recovery.

Jeffrey Dahmer's father is admitting he ignored a ton of warning signs about his killer son's behavior, but it's the why -- which he shared with Dr. Phil -- that will likely piss off the public.

Lionel Dahmer got candid with the daytime TV host during his 3-day special on the Dahmer case ... and Phil asked him if, in retrospect, he feels he should've seen the evil coming. His response is pretty chilling.

He recalled Dahmer between the ages of 11-14, and said his son used to roam around country roads where they lived to collect the remains of various animals that had been killed ... and then he'd take them home in garbage bags.

Lionel says there were all kinds of dead animals from foxes to small dogs, but he claims it wasn't until Dahmer's trial he found out his son would explore the animals' insides and feel them up.

It's interesting he's claiming he didn't know, because the Netflix series depicts Lionel as sharing that gory experience with his son in their basement.

Now, you'd think the collecting of the carcasses would be enough of a "red flag," but he says he simply didn't dig any deeper into Dahmer's behavior because he had friends who did the "same thing."

As you'd imagine, that explanation didn't sit right with survivors, who told Dr. Phil ... Lionel's ignorance about his son is complete BS.

Roslyn Singleton, known for her appearances on "America's Got Talent" and "The Ellen Degeneres Show," has died ... following her battle with brain cancer.

Roslyn recently "earned her wings," according to her husband Ray, who confirmed she passed on Wednesday. He says she died "peacefully sleeping right at home where she wanted to be."

Ray adds, "This road ahead is going to be INCREDIBLY long & difficult! She taught us all SOMETHING…She’s where we’re all trying to get one day so no need to be sad! Now we celebrate her legacy, her impact, her story & HER SPIRIT!"

Roslyn first hit viral stardom about 2 years ago ... after Ray uploaded a clip of himself singing to her before she went into surgery for her brain cancer.

She went on to appear on Ellen's show in 2020 -- telling the talk show host she's been fighting cancer since 2013, and was in remission for 6 years before another brain tumor was discovered.

Ray went on to audition for 'AGT' the next year ... bringing the audience to tears when Roslyn joined him on stage to tell their story. She told the judges she had "never heard [Ray] sing so good."

Roslyn and Ray were featured in the docuseries, "Black Love" earlier this year -- which further highlighted their story as a couple.

Roslyn is survived by her husband, Ray.

She was 39.

Ellen Pompeo is officially bidding farewell to "Grey's Anatomy" ... the series lead just said goodbye after reports of her leaving the long-running drama.

Ellen made the announcement Thursday on social media, saying she's "eternally grateful and humbled by the love and support," she's received the last 19 seasons playing Meredith Grey on the ABC show.

In her goodbye post, Ellen naturally thanked the fans and said they are the ones who made her run on 'Grey's' so fun and iconic.

As fans of the show already know, a teaser for the upcoming "Grey's Anatomy" midseason premier shows Ellen's character saying her goodbyes to her fellow doctors as she moves away from Seattle and heads to Boston. There were also earlier reports of Ellen scaling back her role to only 8 episodes on the current season 19, and she's so far appeared in 7 episodes.

Ellen's appeared in over 400 episodes during a long run on the series, and while there were recent rumors she might reunite with former 'Grey's' costar Patrick Dempsey on a new show, Patrick shot the reports down.

Jay Leno is on to a new stage of his recovery after his horrifying car fire accident -- he's undergoing treatment in a hyperbaric chamber for his burns.

As you can see, the procedure requires Jay to lie down on his back in a tube-like chamber ... with his arms and hands bandaged up.

The treatment helps with swelling and increases blood flow with good oxygenation to the burns on Jay's arms, shoulders, neck and face. Dr. Peter Grossman of the Grossman Burn Center told Inside Edition the process will also decrease bacteria around the injuries.

TMZ broke the story, JL suffered second and third-degree burns when a car erupted into flames while working on his 1907 White Steam Car in his Burbank garage, fixing a clogged fuel line.

Earlier this week, Grossman said Jay had already had one surgery to repair his skin, and would undergo another one at some point this week.

Most importantly, he said Jay was expected to make a full recovery.

Dr. Grossman said the patient remains in good condition and is up and moving ... even finding time to make a few jokes and pass out cookies to other patients.

As far as the scars, Doc says they will most likely be visible in the foreseeable future, but the hope is they won't remain apparent.

He has high hopes for Jay's healing journey ... saying he thinks the comedian could be back to work in no more than a couple months.

Pete Davidson's gonna mess around and get himself an NBA contract, 'cause no one rebounds like this guy ... who now looks pretty official with Emily Ratajkowski.

Pete and the model/actress suffered a case of new couple interruptus Wednesday night in NYC, but they persevered ... and these images are now the first hard evidence of dating rumors that started this week.

Their hookup adventure started with Pete -- ever the gentleman -- driving to Em's West Village apartment to pick her up, but when paparazzi started snapping pics ... he bolted. Guess he was still trying to keep it on the DL.

Not to worry, they had a backup plan. Emily -- dressed ultra-casual in sweats and a midriff-baring top -- ordered a rideshare, which took her to a Brooklyn rendezvous with Pete.

She bolted into a building, and they greeted each other with a long, warm hug and a smile. It's unclear if the meeting point was Pete's place, but he reportedly bought a pad in Brooklyn earlier this year.

Anywho ... Pete had been out of the dating game since breaking up with Kim Kardashian in August -- but our boy's clearly back, and in a big way!

Emily filed for divorce in September, ending her 4-and-half-year marriage to Sebastian Bear-McClard ... the father of her 1-year-old son Sylvester Apollo.

Reps for Em and Pete have been silent about the dating buzz, but now we can all see for ourselves.