Dustin Diamond NASCAR Sponsor Wraps Car for Him 'Get Well Soon' Message!!!
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Dustin Diamond's got some pretty cool friends ... 'cause when one of them wanted to wish him well in his recovery from cancer the friend said screw Hallmark ... opting instead to plaster the message on NASCAR driver Josh Bilicki's car.
Dan Block, the president of Insurance King, is honoring his close friend and the "Saved by the Bell" star by giving Bilicki's car a new wrap that'll pay homage to the classic TV show while wishing Dustin get well soon.
We're told the car hasn't been wrapped yet, but TMZ's obtained a rendering of what the stock car will look like when it's done ... and you see the show's font and logo. The rear bumper also displays Dustin's mug ... with the words "Saved by the King" plastered on the hood. In case you didn't know ... Dustin stars in several Insurance King commercials.
In one of the commercials, Dustin speeds past a cop who pulls him over and writes him a ticket. When the cop asks how he can afford car insurance with so many speeding tickets, Screech Powers hits 'em with "C'mon. I'm saved by the king." Boom.
Block tells us the car will debut in time for the NASCAR Cup Series later this year.
As we reported ... Dustin's suspicion became a cruel reality when he found out he had stage 4 cancer. He's currently getting his first round of chemotherapy. The diagnosis came after he first discovered a lump on his throat.
BTW, it's not the first time Bilicki's car has gotten a new wrap to pay tribute. Back in October, the car was turned into a replica of a police cruiser ... and they did a pretty damn good job.
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Mossimo Giannulli Let Me Finish Prison Bid From Home ... Fears COVID-19 Exposure
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Mossimo Giannulli wants to finish off his prison sentence from the comfort of his own crib ... and he says it's all due to how the pandemic is impacting his time behind bars.
Lori Loughlin's husband says he's already spent 56 days in solitary at California's FCI Lompoc as a result of the prison's COVID quarantine procedures, and he’s now asking a judge to let him spend the rest of his 5-month sentence in home confinement ... according to new legal docs.
As we reported ... Mossimo surrendered Nov. 19 to serve his prison sentence for the college bribery scandal. He shaved his head for the occasion, giving himself more of a tough-guy look.
In the docs, obtained by TMZ, Mossimo claims his time in solitary is making his incarceration way more extreme than it should be and warrants an alternative option of home confinement.
He says being confined to a small cell 24/7, with only three 20-minute breaks per week, is taking a mental, physical and emotional toll.
Lori's already home after serving almost 2 months behind bars, and Mossimo claims he won't be bringing COVID back with him if he's sprung early -- he says he's tested negative at least 10 times.
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Dustin Diamond Diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer ... Undergoing Chemo
"Saved by the Bell" star Dustin Diamond's suspicion is now a scary reality -- he has stage 4 cancer, and has already started treatment to fight it.
According to the actor's rep ... Diamond has cancer throughout his body, he's currently getting his first round of chemotherapy. We're told he first discovered a lump in his throat, which led to the diagnosis.
The rep says Dustin is also experiencing pain from having shingles.
We broke the story ... Diamond, best known as Screech from the '90s sitcom, was hospitalized this past weekend in Florida after feeling pain all over his body and a general sense of unease.
We were told there was major concern it was cancer due to the fact his mom died of breast cancer, and unfortunately, that turned out to be the case.
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Joanne Rogers Mister Rogers' Widow Dies at 92
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Joanne Rogers -- widow of legendary children's TV host, Fred Rogers -- has died ... according to the family's production company.
Fred Rogers Productions says it's deeply saddened by Joanne's passing, adding ... "The loving partner of Fred Rogers for more than 50 years, she continued their shared commitment to supporting children and families after his death as chair of the board of Fred Rogers Productions."
The company says ... "Joanne was a brilliant and accomplished musician, a wonderful advocate for the arts, and a dear friend to everyone in our organization."
Joanne was married to Fred for 50 years, as he became famous for "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," and helped carry on his legacy of kindness and caring after he died of stomach cancer in 2003.
During election season, Joanne made headlines for publicly supporting Joe Biden, describing herself as a "very big Biden fan" and saying ... "I think we all need somebody like Biden who can give us little pats on the back."
One of #Pittsburgh’s favorite neighbors.
— City of Pittsburgh (@Pittsburgh) January 14, 2021 @Pittsburgh
Joanne & Fred forever changed our city. Thank you for your dedication to @FredRogersPro, @wqed, our children, & our community. pic.twitter.com/5Umt981RwG
Like her husband, she's hailed as a hero in their hometown of Pittsburgh, and the city paid tribute to her Thursday, calling her one of its "favorite neighbors" and thanking her for her dedication to its community and its children.
Joanne is survived by her 2 sons, James and John. She was 92.
RIP
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Trevor Noah My Daily Show for Minka ... $27.5 Million Bel-Air Mansion!!!
Trevor Noah's stepping up his game in a big way with his new digs ... as things with Minka Kelly are apparently kicking up a notch as well.
'The Daily Show' host has upgraded mansions in super swanky Bel-Air, dropping $27.5 million on an 11,000 sq. ft masterpiece of a hillside home ... and he closed the deal late in 2020.
His huge buy seems to be part of a trend for Noah -- he purchased another mansion in Bel-Air in 2019 for $20.5 mil ... but turned around and sold it last summer for $21.7 mil.
Apparently, he's got a thing for showplaces in the area, and his newest one is inspired by Japanese aesthetics and spans 3 stories ... on a sprawling estate overlooking a scenic backyard and infinity pool.
Noah bought the 6-bed, 11-bath home from L.A. architect Mark Rios. Along with a spacious room and an abundance of natural light ... the mansion comes with an office, library, elevator, gym, spa, steam room, game room and a movie theater leading to a rooftop terrace.
It's the perfect spot for a rich young bachelor, but even better for a hot Hollywood couple ... like Minka and him. Word is Trevor's real estate transaction was made with their future in mind ... and she might be moving her stuff in soon.
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'Survivor' Contestant Angie Jakusz Dead at 40
Angie Jakusz, a former 'Survivor' contestant, has died after battling cancer.
Angie died Friday in the New Orleans area, and while we don't know her exact cause of death yet ... a recent GoFundMe page in her name says she'd been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
Her fellow contestants playfully gave her the nickname, "No Fun Angie," when she appeared on the competition show's tenth season, "Survivor: Palau." She competed for the Ulong tribe.
Angie made a little history on the show ... she was voted out on Day 12 after becoming the first contestant to lose a revote in tribal council. Fans also got to see her on the 'Survivor' 10-year anniversary party in 2010.
She was born and raised in Waukesha, Wisconsin ... but eventually settled in New Orleans where she was an artist, and a bartender in the French Quarter.
Angie is survived by her husband, Steven Calandra, her parents, brother, niece and nephew. She was 40.
RIP
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Sarah Jessica Parker No Samantha, No Problem ... We've Still Got the City!!!
Sarah Jessica Parker says the "Sex and The City" reboot isn't looking for a 4th character to replace Kim Cattrall ... instead, the show's taking advantage of all the city has to offer.
SJP says replacing Kim, who played Samantha Jones in the original series, isn't as black and white as bringing in a new main character ... telling Adam Glyn the show plans to have NYC make it a party of four.
As you know ... Kim's made it crystal clear she's not down for reboots, revivals or anything else.
The way Sarah explains it ... there will be lots of interesting and exciting new characters sprinkled in. The Big Apple's a big town, after all.
'Sex and The City' is getting revived on HBO Max, under the new title, "And Just Like That," and Sarah says they're still a ways away from shooting ... sounds like they're waiting to see what happens with the COVID-19 vaccine before getting in front of cameras.
It's really interesting to see Sarah talk about the show's return ... and she also reveals what she's looking forward to most.
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'Saved by the Bell' Star Dustin Diamond Hospitalized ... Likely Battling Cancer
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Dustin Diamond of "Saved By the Bell" has been hospitalized -- and cancer seems to be the likely prognosis ... TMZ has learned.
Dustin's team tells us he was hospitalized in Florida this past weekend after feeling pain all over his body and a general sense of unease. We're told he was taken to the hospital, where docs are running a number of tests to figure out what exactly is wrong with him.
Our sources say his medical team is concerned it's cancer, and they're conducting a biopsy to get answers. We're told Dustin's family has a history of cancer -- his mother died of breast cancer -- but it's unclear what kind of cancer they suspect in his case.
Dustin is most famous for playing Screech on 4 seasons of 'SBTB.'
Interestingly, he wasn't recast for the reboot of the show on Peacock -- seems like he and his former castmates have drifted since they wrapped shooting in '92.
We talked to Dustin a while back about why he wasn't signed on for the new iteration -- he didn't know why, but made his case for why Screech ought to be resurrected. Sadly, since the show's launched there's no sign of him.
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Aaron Rodgers I'm Guest Hosting 'Jeopardy!' ... Trebek Was My Idol
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Forget first downs ... Aaron Rodgers is all about Daily Doubles now -- 'cause the NFL star just revealed he's going to be a celeb guest host for an upcoming "Jeopardy!" episode!
The Green Bay Packers QB made the announcement on Pat McAfee's show Tuesday ... saying it's a hell of an honor for him since Alex Trebek was one of his childhood heroes.
BREAKING NEWS: @AaronRodgers12 is going to guest host Jeopardy #PatMcAfeeShowLIVE pic.twitter.com/u03VFDVRvO
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 12, 2021 @PatMcAfeeShow
"One of my idols growing up was Alex Trebek," Rodgers said ... "They're doing some guest hosting spots and it's going to be released here pretty soon, but I have the opportunity to do one of those."
Of course, Rodgers is no stranger to the "Jeopardy!" spotlight ... he famously competed on a celebrity episode way back in 2015 -- and won the whole thing!
Hilariously, Aaron reflected on his '15 cardigan before making the hosting announcement, telling McAfee, "My wardrobe outfit wasn't the greatest choice."
Unclear when Rodgers will make his next "Jeopardy!" appearance -- after all, his Packers are expected to make a deep run in the postseason this year ... but we'll all have our popcorn ready when it's time!
By the way, Ken Jennings was the first celeb fill-in this week ... and he crushed it Monday night -- giving an emotional tribute to Alex before beginning the game.
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BET's 'Let's Stay Together' Star Bert Belasco Died from Aortic Aneurysm ... Caused by Cardiovascular Disease
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Bert Belasco -- famous from BET's "Let's Stay Together" -- died suddenly after suffering an aortic aneurysm that likely stemmed from high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
According to his death certificate ... Bert's immediate cause of death is listed as hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. That's medical speak for high blood pressure and hardening and narrowing of the arteries that restricts blood flow.
However, his family says the coroner told them it was an aortic aneurysm -- a bulge in the artery that carries blood from the heart through the chest and torso -- that killed him.
Bert's death certificate says he'll be cremated.
As you know ... Dr. Dre is currently in ICU after suffering an aneurysm a week ago. His was a brain aneurysm and he was much luckier than Bert, because half the people who suffer a brain aneurysm do not survive, and the mortality rate is even higher with cardiovascular aneurysms.
TMZ broke the story ... Bert's father, Bert Sr., told us his son's body was found back in November in a hotel room in Richmond, VA. He was there to start on a project for a new movie. Bert's GF couldn't get a hold of him and she eventually asked hotel staff to check on him.
There's also this ... Bert's alma mater, Southern Illinois University, plans to launch The Bert Belasco Scholarship and Award Fund and The Bert Belasco Theater Award, which will be awarded to an incoming African-American or minority student and a graduating student actor, respectively.
The school's also naming its under-renovation rehearsal/dance studio The Bert Belasco Studio in his honor.
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Jake on 'Pinwheel' 'Memba Him?!
East Coast actor George James is best known for playing Jake in the wind-powered boarding house filled with wacky puppets and good vibes on the iconic '80s children's television show "Pinwheel."
While George James shared the small screen with some plush puppets including Aurelia, Plus and Minus, Ebenezer T. Squint, Molly O'Mole, Luigi O'Brien and many more ... he also was cast alongside other actors like Lindanell Rivera and C.C. Loveheart as the mime, Coco ... and of course Dale Engel and Betty Rozek as Smitty and Sal.
James went on to act on "The Dukes of Hazzard" and "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka."
More 'Memba Thems!
'Jeopardy!' Ken Jennings Honors Alex Trebek ... First Show without Him
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For the first time in more than 8,000 episodes, someone other than Alex Trebek is hosting "Jeopardy!" ... so the new guy made sure to pay a fitting tribute to the late TV legend.
Ken Jennings kicked off his stint as interim host of the famous game show by honoring the man who made it famous ... saying Alex was pretty much perfect at what he did for more than 36 years.
Jennings pointed to Trebek's intelligence, charm and grace as reasons why he will never be replaced ... but told the audience the best way to honor him is "by playing the game he loved."
Jennings will be hosting throughout January to help the show out while it looks for a permanent replacement. Ken's obviously known as the greatest "Jeopardy!" contestant of all time, but when it comes to his hosting chops ... he's previously made it clear, "There will only ever be one Alex Trebek."
"Jeopardy!" paid its final respects to the beloved host last week with a 90-second video tribute thanking him for his 37 seasons of service, since he began the gig in 1984. The highlight montage played during the airing of the last episode Trebek taped.
1/8/21
In Trebek's heartbreaking final sign-off, he thanked viewers for watching and said he'd see them again next week. Sadly, Alex died 10 days later without filming another episode.
Trebek died in November at the age of 80 after a long battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
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'Shark Tank' TMZ Alum Dax Lands Mark Cuban Deal ... Sports Trophy Market is Ours!!!
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Mark Cuban is sinking more than half a mil into a fantasy football trophies company called TrophySmack, and one of TMZ's former staffers is reaping the benefits!
Dax Holt was back with us for "TMZ Live" Monday to explain how he and his TrophySmack partner, Matt Walsh, managed to hook Cuban on the most recent episode of "Shark Tank."
He tells us the trophy market was coming up short in terms of creative trophies to satisfy the smack-talking demands of modern-day fantasy football fans ... so they stepped up.
Dax and Matt decided to go on "Shark Tank" in hopes of landing enough financial backing to expand beyond fantasy sports ... and ol' frosty tips (as he was known on "TMZ on TV") says they caught the perfect fish.
Cuban didn't make it easy on them -- putting all the pressure on the TrophySmack founders to make a VERY quick decision on his offer to invest. From Dax's perspective ... it wasn't too hard of a call to opt for Mark and his $600k investment.
As for the fact, they were backed into dissing Lori Greiner ... Dax says that's more on Cuban than them.
Either way, Dax and Matt might want to whip up a custom trophy for Cuban right away that says welcome aboard ... something like "TrophySmack's #1 Stakeholder."
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Tanya Roberts Ashes Will Be Spread In Beloved Hiking Spot with Her Dogs
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Tanya Roberts' longtime partner is planning a celebration of her life, but before that, he plans to honor her in an L.A. location near and dear to her heart.
Lance O'Brien tells TMZ ... the late model and actress is going to be cremated, and he's going to spread her ashes in the hills behind their home in Laurel Canyon, where she used to hike regularly with her dogs.
Lance says Tanya would go on a 4-mile hike with her 2 beloved pooches 5 times a week, and he adds ... they're very much missing their mom.
Tanya's partner tells us it's been an incredibly difficult week, but he's trying to work out plans with her family and friends for a memorial service, or some other way to pay tribute to her.
We broke the story ... the actress best known for "That '70s Show" and "Charlie's Angels" died Monday night, potentially from a UTI that spread to her kidneys and liver.
News of her death was bizarrely announced prematurely a day earlier though, the result of what seemed to be a major miscommunication between Lance and Tanya's rep after Lance visited her at the hospital Sunday night.
The way he described it ... she was unresponsive on a ventilator, but he thought she woke up when he arrived in her room.
Lance says the hospital staff told him it was just a reflex, and then her eyes closed and she was out. He left her room thinking she had died ... until the hospital called Monday morning to say she was still hanging on.
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Pokémon 1st Edition Set Catch 'Em All ... For $750k!!!
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Listen up Pokémon fans, you've got a clear path to feel like Togekiss -- the happiest Pokémon ever -- 'cause a 1999 Pokémon first edition complete set's about to hit the auction block.
The folks over at Goldin Auctions will soon auction off this 103-Pokémon card set that's in mint condition and expected to fetch upwards of $750,000. The collection includes the highly sought-after Charizard card.
Each card is gemstone certified. Goldin says while the cards have rounded corners, the Professional Sports Authenticator has given it a Gem Mint 10 grading ... meaning they're virtually perfect cards.
The fact that the set expected to earn three-quarters of a mil is pretty impressive ... since nearly 30 billion Pokémon cards have been traded since the craze started.
Some of the other cards in the set include Alakazam, the cute Blastoise, Chansey, Mewtwo and Poliwrath. That might sound like gibberish to some of you, but trust us ... that's badass.
BTW, it also has 72 Devolution Spray cards! 😲
The auction opens Monday with a minimum bid of $125k. If that $750k mark sounds far-fetched, think about this -- just last month, Goldin Auctions sold a pristine Charizard for nearly $400k.
Logan Paul also recently bought a Charizard card for $150k ... in cash.
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Viral Sign Language Interpreter Celebs Propel Huge Career Boost ... After Gig With D.C. Mayor
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The sign language interpreter who went viral for his good looks is finding work easier to come by now ... thanks to celebs like Halle Berry.
Billy Sanders, now affectionately known as #ASLbae after signing for Mayor Muriel Bowser during the riots, tells TMZ ... he's getting tons of job requests -- double his normal workload -- with inquiries pouring in from all over the country and even overseas.
I can’t with y’all. 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/P3RDbyEeuw
— Halle Berry (@halleberry) January 8, 2021 @halleberry
Billy says he's tickled by all the attention he's getting from Halle and a bunch of popular TikTokers ... and he hopes the spotlight shining on him encourages more minorities to pursue careers as ASL interpreters.
I think he was the interpreter for the Kirk Franklin concert I went to in Dec. pic.twitter.com/E4L2PGQLbm
— Christina Henderson (@chenderson) February 29, 2020 @chenderson
Before his newfound fame, Billy was already pretty popular on the music scene ... working concerts with go-go bands and Kirk Franklin before the pandemic. Now he's getting hit up by hospitals, urgent care centers, non-profits, major conferences and even mental health facilities .. all of whom want a piece of Billy!
While Billy's physical appearance is behind his viral fame, he says his job is more than just looking good on camera ... and he wants to help young, Black men major in ASL in college.