Lizzo & Jack Black 'Star Wars' Cameos ... Seen as Last Straw by Fan Boys 😳
It seems some 'Star Wars' diehards can't deal with Lizzo and Jack Black's cameos on 'The Mandalorian' ... 'cause they're calling their appearances the death of the franchise. Yeesh ...
Here's the deal ... the 2 A-listers popped up on last week's episode of the hit Disney+ show, and it ruffled some feathers in the 'Star Wars' fanbase. Some thought the series, and the IP as a whole, had jumped the shark ... and that the magic of 'SW' was over and done with.
That sentiment came to a fever pitch this weekend with one dude's now-viral tweet ... which has spurred a lot of discourse about who, exactly, 'Star Wars' was made for in its original iteration ... and what it's come to represent now. Check out how this fella put it.
The Twitter user writes, "#StarWars isn't for us nerds anymore. We who respect the lore & would be in tears after being cast in one of the movies or shows. Star Wars is now for the popular kids who giggled & high-fived the bullies for stuffing you in your locker."
He adds with some doom and gloom, "It's crashing and #Disney deserves it." Jesus, dude!
The fanboy's thoughts were quite divisive on the bird app, with many responding to his tweet with confusion and shock. Basically, they feel like he's overreacting -- and that 'Star Wars' can (and should) be for everyone ... not just the locker-dwellers from the '70s and '80s.
While many tried shutting this guy down/laughing him off, there's a lot of folks who actually agree with him -- claiming Disney's just out for big names and brands ... and that 'Star Wars' has devolved into a soulless money grab. The Mouse House is definitely out for cash, no doubt, but ya gotta figure they have the best intentions with hires like Lizzo and JB.
Of course, the opinion of an OG goes a long way too ... Billy Dee Williams weighed in on this, and he's cool with Jack and Liz being in the family. That's gotta count for something.
In a galaxy far, far away ... outrage doesn't exist. Not here, though, unfortunately.
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Amanda Bynes Remains in Mental Hospital ... Outpatient Treatment Once She's Out
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It's been nearly 3 weeks since Amanda Bynes was first admitted to a mental health hospital, and while her release date is still undetermined ... those around her are already formulating a plan to make sure she stays on the right path.
Sources close to the actress tell us both Amanda and the medical staff have been taking her stay week by week. We're told she's not being forced to stay at the facility but doesn't quite feel ready to leave yet. When she is, though, she'll enroll in an outpatient mental health treatment program.
Our sources say because Amanda is no longer under a conservatorship -- which ended in 2022 after 9 years -- she can make her own medical decisions.
Amanda has worked with the medical staff to ensure she's supported when she gets out, and an outpatient program will keep her on track ... meeting with doctors and specialists.
While we're told reports that Amanda's parents have been by her side through the hospital stay are not true ... our sources say her parents do still support her in any way they can.
TMZ broke the story -- Bynes was found naked and wandering L.A. streets early in the morning last month. She flagged down a vehicle and called 911 to report she was having a psychotic episode and needed help. She was admitted to the hospital on a psych hold, and has remained there since then.
While there's no set date for her release, we're told there's hope she'll be well enough to get out in the next week ... though nothing's certain yet.
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Heather Graham No Regrets Not Having Kids ... I Feel Free & Fulfilled
Heather Graham says she's A-OK with the fact that she doesn't have children ... something she feels like most women haven't been able to say up until recently.
The star dished her thoughts on the subject to People, telling them ... "I think we all have different paths. You just have to embrace the one that you're on. If, somehow, I had had kids, I'm sure that would've been cool."
She adds, "But at the moment, not having kids, I do feel free. And I get a lot of sleep. That is pretty great."
HG also had this to say about the notion of being able to own the fact one might not want little ones, especially as a woman ... "I do feel like as a woman, culturally, you're not allowed to say, 'I didn't want to have kids. Because it's like, what's wrong with you?'"
She finishes her thought by saying, "I think as a man it's like, oh yeah, cool, you didn't want to have kids. Now, women are getting more free to just make their own choices."
Graham says she believes if she was meant to have kids, she would've. Instead, she focuses on film/TV projects, which she says she views as her "little kids." She finishes by saying she's fulfilled with her life and happy with the journey she's chosen as an actress in Hollywood.
Heather's never been married, but has been in relationships with the likes of James Woods, Heath Ledger, Adam Ant and Israeli screenwriter Yaniv Raz -- whom she dated for 7 years.
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Aaron Rodgers Trade Speculation Hits Fever Pitch ... After Jets GM Spills The Beans On Stage
Green Bay Packers superstar QB Aaron Rodgers seems to be one step closer to getting his wish of playing football in The Big Apple.
New York Jets General Manager Joe Douglas pretty much confirmed on Friday night that Rodgers would be wearing his team's Gang Green uniform, although no timeline was given for the potential trade.
Douglas made the announcement during a public appearance on stage with CBS NFL analyst and WFAN radio host Boomer Esiason, causing the crowd to go wild.
Check out video capturing the moment in which Esiason asked if Rodgers was going to join Gang Green, and Douglas bluntly replied, "He's gonna be here."
As we reported, The Packers and Jets have been haggling over a fair price for Rodgers during trade talks. Several weeks ago, Rodgers went on "The Pat McAfee Show" to say that he wanted out of Green Bay so he could move to Florham Park, New Jersey -- the site of the Jets Training Center.
Rodgers told McAfee, "My intention is to play for the New York Jets," but he also indicated he's gotten interest from other NFL teams.
He continued, "I haven't been holding anything up at this point. It's been compensation that the Packers are trying to get for me, and kinda digging their heels in."
Stay tuned.
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Celebrity Careers Risen Straight From The Dead!
It's Easter weekend, so it feels fitting to take a look at some actors that had their careers rise from the dead after going through a bit of a dry spell -- what a miracle!
We all know about Brendan Fraser and Ke Huy Quan's recent renaissance periods ... but do you remember Winona Ryder's fall from grace, only to get picked back up as Joyce from "Stranger Things?"
And, who could forget Mickey Rourke's tumultuous ride, going from acting to boxing -- only to end up taking home awards years later for his iconic role in "The Wrestler" ... a movie that made some parallels to his own life.
Of course, there was also child star Neil Patrick Harris, desperately looking to shake the Doogie Howser vibes and become something bigger ... or Natasha Lyonne's step back from the spotlight, only to return as a triple threat.
These megastars had their careers seriously resurrected in a bunch of different ways -- and that's something worth praisin'!
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Celebunny Ears ... What's Hoppinin'?!
Who knew Hollywood could breed such cute and fluffy bunnies?! Well, the proof lies here in these precious pics, and since tomorrow is Easter, go on with your bunny-self and scavenge through our celebratory bunny ear photos!
Singing sensations Mariah Carey and Celine Dion dressed to impress in their ear accessories ... Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Anne Peltz Beckham are eggstremely cute in matching ears, and Reese Witherspoon served up a "who wore them better" ... between herself and her pup!
These stars are always "ear" for your entertainment! Check out our gallery and get down and festive with these Celebunnies!
Fluffy AF!
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William H. Macy Neighbor Files Massive, $600k Lawsuit ... You Slaughtered My Trees and Now I'm a Wreck!!!
William H. Macy has rocked his neighbor's world by massacring his trees ... so much so he's suffering great emotional distress and now the neighbor wants more than half a mil to make things right.
Pierce Brown lives next door to Macy, and while Pierce was on vacay, people who were working on Macy's property butchered trees that were squarely on Brown's land ... this according to a lawsuit filed by Brown.
Mr. Brown says the damage was devastating ... not only has it obliterated his privacy, presumably turning his house into a duck on a platter for all to see, but he says it's compromised the hillside ... a huge problem for folks who live in the hills of Hollywood.
Brown says after he got over the shock, he went and spoke with Macy, who acknowledge the misdeeds of his workers.
As for why Mr. Brown is suing Macy for $600k ... let us count the ways -- damage to the trees, loss of privacy, destabilization of the hillside, loss of property value, loss of use and enjoyment of the property and an increase in noise. But wait, there's more -- emotional distress, irritation, annoyance and discomfort.
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Michael K. Williams Nephew Reacts to Heroin Dealer's Guilty Plea ... Hope He Finds God In Prison
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Michael K. Williams' family is trying to move on from the trauma they've endured since his overdose, and his nephew says that process includes hoping the heroin dealer who sold the fatal batch to Michael finds help behind bars.
The late 'Wire' star's nephew, Dominic Dupont, tells TMZ ... the dealer's going to need God and everything that comes with believing in a higher power to make it through a lengthy prison sentence.
As we reported ... 39-year-old Irvin Cartagena pled guilty Wednesday to one count of conspiring to distribute drugs in connection to Michael's fatal 2021 overdose ... cutting a plea deal in exchange for a prison term between five and 40 years.
Dominic found his famous uncle dead from an overdose in the actor's Brooklyn apartment, and he watched Wednesday as Cartagena entered his plea.
He says Cartagena is likely to spend decades in a cage because of poor choices, and hopes he uses the time to get himself together.
For Dominic, justice in Michael's death is complicated. He says he's an advocate for justice -- just as his uncle was -- but adds, "People have to be held accountable and responsible for the decisions they make."
Michael's nephew says Wednesday's court proceedings amounted to a sad day for the family ... and there are no winners in this situation because nothing will bring back Michael.
Moving forward, Dominic says society needs to do a better job helping people dealing with addiction, as well as finding successful ways to reduce the influx of drugs on America's streets.
He says folks dealing with substance abuse need help so they don't end up like the countless others who've died from fentanyl, as Michael did.
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Billy Dee Williams Lizzo, Jack Black In 'Mando' Is Great ... All About the Biz!!!
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Lizzo and Jack Black's cameos in the latest episode of "The Mandalorian" is a casting choice 'Star Wars' icon Billy Dee Williams can get behind -- and he gives us his thoughts as to why the team picked them for the series.
ICYMI, spoilers -- Lizzo and Jack can be found in Episode 6 of the Disney+ series' third season ... appearing in a scene as the queen and king of Plazir-15. And, of course, people went nuts.
Lizzo and Jack Black in the latest episode of #TheMandalorian. pic.twitter.com/VTGPcaNttY
— Geeks of Color (@GeeksOfColor) April 6, 2023 @GeeksOfColor
Billy tells us he's backing the choice wholeheartedly -- pointing out how franchises are always coming up with new ways to grab a younger audience.
He sees it as good business and understands what the crew was thinking with Lizzo and Jack, even if die-hard fans of the series are the ones marking it as a dumb move.
It's debatable, but some online think the two just aren't believable in the 'Star Wars' universe ... because of how recognizable they are. The franchise has had a slew of cameos in the past, but some fans seem to have had enough -- looks like Billy sure hasn't.
BTW -- Christopher Lloyd also popped up in the same episode, but people weren't as concerned with an unscheduled visit from Doc.
As for Billy, we're told he's dropping his memoir next year called "What Have We Here? Portraits of A Life." The book, published by Knopf, is hitting U.S. and UK shelves, and fans can start preordering in May.
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(Meagan) Good Friday Check Out This Superstar!
It's Good Friday, and one thing we didn't give up for Lent was these killer snapshots of Meagan Good -- so take a look at the actress in all her glory!
The "Think Like a Man" and "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" star has been in the game since the early '90s ... and this collection of pics is giving some seriously good vibes!
Meagan might be known for living in the city as Camille Parks on Amazon's "Harlem," but she really loves soaking in the sun at the beach -- like she's doin' in this hot shot.
And, when she isn't stomping the yard, Meagan's posin' for the camera in her green workout fit. Watch out for those geese, though!
FYI -- Meagan's received multiple nominations for the NAACP Image Award, as well as some Teen Choice Awards and an MTV Movie Award. A good Friday, indeed ... all we need next is a miracle!
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'The Wire' Star Lance Reddick Cause of Death Revealed ... Died from Heart & Artery Disease
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Lance Reddick's cause of death has been revealed as heart disease ... according to the late actor's death certificate.
The document, obtained by TMZ, lists Reddick's immediate cause of death as Ischemic Heart Disease as well as Atherosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease. The death cert also states Reddick was to be cremated.
TMZ broke the story ... Reddick, best known for his role in "The Wire" and the 'John Wick' movie franchise, was found dead at his Studio City home on March 17. At the time, law enforcement sources said his death appeared to be of natural causes.
We know Lance's wife, Stephanie, was the one who dialed 911 after finding him collapsed in the backyard.
Just before he died, Lance was doing a press tour for the "John Wick: Chapter 4" film ... and he even had an appearance scheduled on Kelly Clarkson's show for the week after he passed away.
Lance posted a selfie video just days before his sudden death at home with his pups, raising questions as to why he wasn't attending the 'Wick 4' premiere in New York City.
Lance's castmates honored him by wearing blue ribbons to the movie's premiere in Los Angeles, and Keanu Reeves shared some touching words about his friend.
Outside of 'John Wick,' Lance was also famous for his work in HBO's "The Wire" where he played Baltimore Police Department officer Cedrick Daniels in all 5 seasons of the show.
Throughout his career he racked up a ton of credits including shows like "Fringe," "Bosch," "Oz" and "Lost" ... he also appeared in films such as "Angel Has Fallen" and "Godzilla Vs. Kong."
Lance was 60.
RIP
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Jeremy Renner I Feared I'd Just be a Brain and Spine ... ... After Snowplow Accident
Jeremy Renner's incredible recovery has him in high spirits, but just after his horrific snowplow accident, he worried he would live his life as a shell of a human being.
Jeremy tells his emotional story of coming back from the edge of life to a point where he is mobile again ... with the help of a walker.
He worried in the days following the accident he would live the rest of his life as a brain and a spine, but not much else.
The "Avengers" star teared up as he spoke with Diane Sawyer about the pain he suffered and how he felt so sorry that his family was suffering as well. Jeremy was on the verge of tears as he told Diane he told his family he was sorry in sign language.
He looks amazing ... it defies what he went through. Jeremy is looking forward and says he refuses to be haunted by the accident that almost took his life.
He still has a ways to go, but all signs point to a return to normal life, which has gotta include acting.
March 2023
Diane's special airs Thursday night on ABC.
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Michael K. Williams Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty ... In Overdose Death Case
The man whom prosecutors claim caused Michael K. Williams' death by giving him dirty drugs has pled guilty in a plea deal ... and could see serious prison time.
39-year-old Irvin Cartagena pleaded guilty Wednesday in NYC to one count of conspiring to distribute drugs in connection to the late actor's fatal overdose from 2021. He now faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison ... and could even see as many as 40.
Cartagena was facing additional charges and potentially life in prison ... but ultimately pled guilty to just one.
Federal prosecutors slammed Cartagena after securing the guilty plea -- as well as others who were arrested -- by saying the sale of fentanyl-laced heroin brazenly happened in broad daylight ... and that Cartagena and co. were preying on victims like Williams in Brooklyn.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams also claimed that the dealers continued to peddle drugs on the streets without a second thought ... even after Williams died. A second defendant who was also arrested and charged last year reportedly pled guilty too.
As we reported ... Williams' body was found in his home, and his official cause of death ended up being an accidental overdose. His passing came as a shock to Hollywood. The actor was mostly known for his portrayal of Omar Little on "The Wire" -- but his work went well beyond that, and he was acclaimed for his craft. He had publicly battled drug addiction.
Cartagena is scheduled to be sentenced in August.
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Soccer Journalist Grant Wahl Honored In New 'Ted Lasso' Episode ... 4 Months After Death
Ready to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026? Start planning your viewing schedule on FOX One now. Start your free trial today.
The Wahl family was clearly touched by the "Ted Lasso" tribute ... Grant's wife, Celine Gounder went to social media to thank the cast.
"It ain't no use to sit and wonder why, babe... Thank you, @jasonsudeikis, @brendanhunting, @brettgoldstein. This episode means so much to me and my family."
Soccer journalist Grant Wahl was honored with a few touching tributes in the newest episode of "Ted Lasso" -- nearly four months after he died while covering the World Cup in Qatar.
The show, which follows Ted Lasso's fictional journey from American football coach to successful European soccer coach, paid tribute to Wahl by having one of its main characters hold a copy of Grant's book, "The Beckham Experiment."
In the scene, Coach Beard -- played by star actor Brendan Hunt -- carries the Wahl-penned literature in the palm of his hand ... making sure its perfectly placed so cameras can see its full title.
Wahl's name was also included in the show's closing credits.
An incredibly well done tribute to Grant Wahl, #TedLasso. pic.twitter.com/9SM5ZMCDXN
— Kelsey Price (@KPkelsey) April 5, 2023 @KPkelsey
As you may know, Wahl and Jason Sudeikis, who plays Lasso in the show, were close friends, with each holding a connection to the Kansas City area. In fact, Sudeikis actually appeared on Wahl's podcast with Hunt before his death.
Wahl had also written a blog in October 2022 just before his passing, detailing a trip to Richmond, England -- which, of course, is the home to the show's fictional AFC Richmond squad.
Wahl said in his blog that Hunt had brought him to The Prince's Head -- the real-life bar in the show -- where they shared a beer outside.
As we reported, Wahl died in December after suffering a medical emergency inside a press box at the World Cup. His wife, Dr. Celine Gounder, later revealed a ruptured aortic aneurysm was what killed him.
He was just 49 years old.
Originally Published -- 10:28 AM PT
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Sherri Shepherd Jill Biden Should Apologize To LSU ... Stop Pandering For Iowa Votes!!!
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Jill Biden needs to apologize to the LSU women's hoops team ASAP ... so says Sherri Shepherd, who tells TMZ Sports the first lady should have never invited Iowa to come along with the champion Tigers for a celebration at the White House.
The television personality made her feelings loud and clear to us about the issue while out in New York City this week ... explaining she thinks Biden only handed out the invite in an effort to earn future votes for Joe Biden.
"You never invite the losing team to the White House," Shepherd said after Jill had opened the White House doors to both LSU and Iowa following their championship game on Sunday night.
"I know you want Iowa to vote for your husband, but stop it!" she added. "Stop it, Dr. Biden."
The topic has been extremely polarizing ever since Jill revealed she'd like to host both teams ... with LSU star Angel Reese laughing off the notion -- and even later saying she's now considering not going for a White House celebration over it all.
"I just know if the roles were reversed, it wouldn't be the same," Reese said on 'I Am Athlete.' "If we were to lose, we would not be getting invited to the White House."
Shepherd clearly believes Reese has every right to be peeved ... agreeing with the Tigers forward and saying, "If it was the other way around, it would never be this situation."
Of course, Biden's Press Secretary tried to apologize for FLOTUS following the backlash ... saying Jill was simply trying to applaud "how far women have advanced in sports since the passing of Title IX" and "the historic game and all women athletes."
Caitlin Clark shares on OTL that she doesn't want to go to the White House despite Jill Biden's stated interest in hosting her and the Iowa team.
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 4, 2023 @awfulannouncing
"I don't think runner-ups usually go to the White House. I think LSU should you know enjoy that moment for them" pic.twitter.com/3SDePqXUll
For their part, Iowa said it never received a formal invitation from the Bidens ... and its star guard, Caitlin Clark, seemed to say she wouldn't want to go even if the invite had come.
"I don't think runner-ups usually go to the White House," Clark said earlier this week. "I think LSU should, you know, enjoy that moment for them."
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Jeremy Renner Wrote Last Words to Family on Phone ... After Snowplow Accident
Jeremy Renner says he was writing his final words to his loved ones after getting crushed by a snowplow earlier this year -- again confirming the guy thought he was going to die.
Jeremy got super emotional, telling Diane Sawyer dying alone would have been a horrendous way to leave this earth, and was incredibly thankful to his nephew for being there ... ironically, it was his nephew who Jeremy was trying to save that terrible day.
Then, he gets choked up ... saying that he was actually writing notes on his phone, which he intended to be his last sentiments to his family. Jeremy clearly believed he was at death's doorstep ... in fact, he was.
Fortunately, he survived ... getting airlifted to a hospital and undergoing extensive surgery. As you know, Jeremy suffered terrible injuries -- broken bones, ruptured organs ... the works.
ABC released an earlier clip, where Jeremy said he'd do it all over again, to save his beloved nephew..
His recovery has been miraculous ... and he almost looks like he's back to 100% -- a testament to his will and tenacity following a near-life-ending experience. Fact is, he still has a ways to go.
Jeremy will get into all of it and more in Thursday's ABC special.