Dustin Diamond Dead at 44 From Stage 4 Lung Cancer
-
Exclusive
- 1.1M shares
Dustin Diamond -- best known for playing the lovable Samuel "Screech" Powers on the hit NBC sitcom, "Saved by the Bell" -- has died ... TMZ has learned.
A rep for Dustin tells us he died Monday morning. His condition had greatly declined since last week, and he was taken off of breathing machines in an attempt to get him to hospice care. His GF was by his side when he passed away, and we're told he did not suffer.
Dustin's death comes just a couple weeks after completing his first round of chemo after he was diagnosed with stage 4 small cell carcinoma ... which is commonly referred to as lung cancer. We were told the cancer started somewhere in Dustin's body and metastasized in his lungs.
He was initially hospitalized in Florida in January after feeling pain all over his body and a general sense of unease. Unfortunately for the kid star ... it turned out to be cancer.
Dustin, of course, is famous for playing Screech on four seasons of "Saved by the Bell" as Zack Morris' (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) nerdy sidekick who struggled to get any of Lisa Turtle's (Lark Voorhies) love and affection.
After the kids graduated from Bayside HS ... the show got a short-lived spinoff with "Saved by the Bell: The College Years." There was also "Saved by the Bell: The New Class" ... in which Dustin appeared as Screech from season 2 to 7 as Mr. Belding's assistant.
Dustin wasn't recast for the reboot of the show on Peacock. Back in January 2020, we talked to him about why he wasn't signed on for the new project. The short answer ... he didn't know why but argued for Screech's reprisal.
Dustin would appear in tons of other roles ... including as the groom in 98 Degrees' music video for their 1999 hit track, "I Do (Cherish You)." He also appeared in 2 episodes of "The Wonder Years." He became infamous for directing his own sex tape in 2006 but later admitted to Oprah Winfrey it wasn't him ... but a stunt double.
He also appeared in tons of reality shows ... including "Celebrity Boxing 2" and "Celebrity Fit Club" where he didn't make too many friends after becoming confrontational with numerous cast members.
There were other stunts too that pivoted his career from a beloved child actor to a controversial celebrity. Like when Dustin was supposed to fight the so-called angry bagel guy, Chris Morgan, before CM pulled out of the fight.
But, through it all ... Dustin got tons of love from fans and friends alike, including Insurance King president and CEO Dan Block, who wrapped NASCAR driver Josh Bilicki's car in Dustin's honor.
Dustin's team says they're aware his name is not necessarily the most reputable due to his history of mishaps, but they want the public to understand "he was not intentionally malevolent."
His team adds that he went through a great deal of turmoil in his life, but he was always "a humorous and high-spirited individual whose greatest passion was to make others laugh."
Dustin was 44.
RIP
related articles
Terry Crews' Teen Son 'Side Hustle' Pays Big Time $15k Per Episode!!!
-
Exclusive
- 2K shares
Terry Crews' son, Isaiah doesn't need a side hustle ... because he's getting paid a small fortune for his role in "Side Hustle."
The 15-year-old actor is off to a strong start in the family business after landing a recurring role on the Nickelodeon series, "Side Hustle." According to his minors contract, obtained by TMZ, Isaiah is banking $15k per episode in the first season alone.
Looks like season one has 10 episodes ... which should net him a cool $150k. And, get this ... he'll see significant increases per episode if the show's a hit and gets picked up for new seasons ... he could earn nearly $20k an episode by season 6.
This isn't Isaiah's first role in Hollywood. He appeared as himself in his pops' short-lived reality show "The Family Crews" a little over 10 years ago. He's probably used to the cameras ... what with his father being a huge Hollywood star and all.
Lemonade stands ... gone the way of the dinosaurs for kids these days looking to earn big bucks.
related articles
Actor Jason Lewis Sorry I Shot Rice Balls Around Feral Cats ... But They're Crapping in My Yard!!!
-
Exclusive Details
- 2.4K shares
"Sex and the City" star Jason Lewis got into a heated argument with his neighbor after the actor was caught firing a weapon to scare some feral cats away, but the gun wasn't loaded with bullets.
Jason was clearly upset over cats that were abandoned after one of his neighbors died this past September. Another neighbor has been feeding the felines every day, but according to the neighbor, Jason was pissed off because the cats were pooping in his yard.
The neighbor apparently caught Jason shooting in the vicinity of the strays, and that triggered a heated argument.
Jason explained he was shooting grains of rice in the direction of the cats, not to hurt them but rather to show them he means business. That did not sit well with the neighbor.
Jason, who also appeared in "90210" and "Charmed," told the neighbor he didn't aim for the cats but rather shot in their general direction to scare them. The neighbor says it's undermining her efforts to get the cats to trust her so she can find them new homes.
Jason tells TMZ, "Everyone who knows me knows my love of animals. I've tried for months to work with a person who is coming into the neighborhood and feeding a large group of feral cats in an effort to relocate them as they have been filling the yards with fleas and waste."
Jason goes on ... "I made the wrong choice in shooting rice into the dirt (not toward the cats) to spook with the noise and scare them away. To fellow animal lovers that I disappointed, I'm sorry."
related articles
Bill Maher Let's Celebrate Biden's Woke Dogs!!!
Bill Maher did not disappoint Friday night, offering up a bunch of reasons why Champ and Major are the wokest dogs on Pennsylvania Ave.
The 'Real Time' host hilariously ticked off reasons why the Bidens' pooches sit on the progressive side of things.
For instance ... Major only smells asses that are gluten-free, and Champ's a German Shepherd but identifies as a Dobie.
As you know by now, there's Major news at 1600 because it now has the first rescue dog ever at the White House.
Speaking of ... Champ and Major were much quicker to make themselves at home than a previous White House occupant ... so says B.M.
The dogs have already made their presence known ... they were barking up a storm outside the Oval Monday as Biden signed an order reversing Trump's ban on transgender people serving in the military.
We salute you, Major and Champ!!!
related articles
'Wipeout' Contestant Died From Heart Attack ... After Completing Course
-
Exclusive
- 1.6K shares
We've learned the cause of death for the 'Wipeout' contestant who collapsed shortly after completing the obstacle course, and it underscores the hidden dangers of extreme sport game shows.
The contestant, 38-year-old Michael Paredes, died from a heart attack which was brought on by coronary artery disease ... according to the Los Angeles County Coroner.
The autopsy report, obtained by TMZ, notes Paredes was running an obstacle course built over a body of water when he fell down into the depths. He swam to the edge of the water but was unable to pull himself out, and when he was eventually pulled out he was placed in a wheelchair.
Paredes leaned side-to-side in the wheelchair and went into cardiopulmonary arrest. He was resuscitated before being rushed to a hospital, the report says.
The contestant died about 24 hours after being hospitalized. The autopsy reveals extensive blockage in his coronary arteries. The right coronary artery had up to 90% stenosis -- narrowing or restriction -- and the other coronary arteries had issues as well. An acute case of pneumonia is also mentioned as a secondary factor.
When we broke the story back in November, production sources told us 'Wipeout' contestants underwent medical exams before participating ... and the autopsy notes Paredes had no reported medical history.
It's pretty scary to think ... the guy may have been walking around with no clue he had serious coronary artery disease ... something doctors say is all too common.
related articles
Wendy Williams I'm Pumped About My Movie!!! But I Hope My Ex Isn't 😏
-
Exclusive
- 2.6K shares
Wendy Williams is beaming about Lifetime's movie and documentary covering her life and career, and not only because they're helping her get revenge on her ex-husband.
The talk show host joined "TMZ Live" Friday and in true Wendy fashion was not afraid to throw equal amounts of shade -- for Kevin Hunter -- and praise ... for the cast of her biopic.
Wendy tells us she developed a friendship with Ciera Payton -- the actress playing her in "Wendy Williams: The Movie" -- and says she really put her all into the role. Same goes for Morocco Omari -- who Wendy says she hand-picked to play Kevin.
As you know ... Kevin and Wendy were together for more than 20 years, have a son together and worked together, but things ended very bitterly. Actually, as she explained, it was bitter long before the end.
"Wendy Williams: The Movie" and the companion documentary, "Wendy Williams: What a Mess!" premiere Saturday night on Lifetime -- and yes ... she'll be watching.
More importantly, Wendy -- who's executive producer on both projects -- hopes someone else is watching. Check out her chat with us ... classic Wendy.
related articles
Jon Stewart Get Me on Twitter ... Wall St. is Screwing Redditors!!!
Jon Stewart's so pissed about the Robinhood controversy, he's doing something he's never done before ... all to stand up for the little guy against Wall Street big wigs.
The comedian and host fired off his very first tweet Thursday night to say "This is bulls**t" that Robinhood blocked the Reddit investor group in the GameStop-Wall Street beef.
Stewart joined Twitter -- @jon_actual -- specifically to share his take on the hottest story in the country ... saying the subReddit WallStreetBets isn't cheating at all. As Jon put it, "They're joining a party Wall Street insiders have been enjoying for years."
As you've heard, the trading app Robinhood blocked investors Thursday from buying stocks in failing companies like GameStop, AMC, Nokia and BlackBerry ... after investments from WallStreetBets helped them surge astronomically.
Robinhood was immediately blasted for the move, which was seen as protecting Wall Street's established hedge fund managers and screwing everyday folks. Friday morning, it reopened "limited buys" and of course ... GameStop stock is surging again.
Jon made it clear the Redditors are simply beating Wall Street at its own game. He said, "Don't shut them down ... maybe sue them for copyright infringement instead!!!"
You can tell fans have missed the ex "Daily Show" host -- he's already got over 700k followers -- and he promised, "to only use this app in a sporadic and ineffective manner."
Jon's no stranger to fighting the good fight ... from testifying on Capitol Hill on behalf of 9/11 victims to ripping Congress over the mistreatment of veterans.
related articles
Cloris Leachman Dead at 94
-
Exclusive
- 561.9K shares
Cloris Leachman -- the incredibly talented and hilarious actress and comedian, who starred in some of the biggest movies and TV shows ever -- has died ... TMZ has learned.
Leachman passed away of natural causes Tuesday night at her home in Encinitas, California, with her daughter, Dinah, by her side ... this according to her son.
He tells us ... "She had the best life beginning to end that you could wish for someone." He adds that she was at peace, and "she left everyone with a lot of love."
Cloris' career in showbiz began shortly after she competed in the 1946 Miss America Pageant, when she made her debut on the 'Actors Studio' TV series.
After years of landing small roles on television, Leachman had her breakthrough playing the landlady, Phyllis, on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" in the '70s ... which led to her own spin-off.
She won 2 Emmys for the role, and a Golden Globe for Best TV Actress for "Phyllis."
In film, Cloris is best known for 2 movies she made during the same time period -- "The Last Picture Show" in 1971, for which she won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress ... and 1974's "Young Frankenstein."
She'd go on to star in another popular Mel Brooks' film in 1981, "History of the World, Part I."
But, that's not all -- she was also racking up Emmys for "A Brand New Life" and "Cher" in the '70s, "The Woman Who Willed a Miracle" in the '80s, "Promised Land" in the '90s ... and most recently, "Malcolm in the Middle."
With 22 Emmy noms, she's the most nominated actress in history, and her 8 wins is the most of all time ... tied with Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
Her other notable roles spanning over 7 decades include "The Twilight Zone," "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "WUSA," "Yesterday," "Spanglish," "Raising Hope" and the "Mad About You" reboot.
Cloris also voiced characters on several projects, including 'The Croods' films and "Bob's Burgers."
When we last saw her in 2017, she joked about her faux feud with Betty White, and accepted a duel ... on the dance floor.
Cloris was 94.
RIP
related articles
Michael Strahan Tests Positive for COVID-19
-
Exclusive
- 14.7K shares
Michael Strahan has tested positive for COVID-19 ... TMZ has learned.
Sources connected to the "Good Morning America" host and NFL Hall of Famer tell us he is currently quarantining ... which is why he's been absent from 'GMA' all week.
Football fans also noticed he only appeared remotely for his other gig on "FOX NFL Sunday" during the NFC Championship -- that's because Michael was already taking precautions.
We're told he found out on Saturday he'd been exposed at some point last week, and immediately started quarantining. Our sources say he's planning to appear on 'GMA' Thursday, remotely, to discuss his diagnosis. He's not currently experiencing any severe symptoms.
There's also this ... we've learned Strahan's daughters came into contact with him AFTER he'd been exposed -- so they're getting tested. So is their mother, Jean, with whom they live most of the time. We're told they haven't gotten their results yet.
It's unclear how much he'll be working for now. We've seen other anchors work from home while quarantining -- CNN's Chris Cuomo comes to mind.
'GMA' has been through this already ... you'll recall Michael's co-host George Stephanopoulos caught the 'rona last year.
related articles
Pamela Anderson I Married My Bodyguard ... Fell In Love In Lockdown
-
Breaking News
- 9.1K shares
Pamela Anderson tied the knot -- for the fifth time -- and this time she said "I Do" to her bodyguard.
The actress and her muscle, Dan Hayhurst, got married Christmas Eve in a private ceremony at Pamela's Vancouver Island home in Canada ... according to the Daily Mail.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
Pamela says she fell in love with Dan during coronavirus lockdown, when they were together 24/7, so they got hitched over the holidays.
The ceremony, reportedly in the backyard of a home Pam originally bought for her grandparents, was super small ... no bridesmaids, no groomsmen, no family or friends, just a local pastor and a witness.
Hey, when ya fall in love and get married during a pandemic lockdown, it's hard to invite a lot of people to a wedding in the middle of said pandemic. Pamela says both of their families gave their blessings, as did their friends.
As we said, Pamela's done this 5 times now with 4 different grooms ... and that's not even counting last January when she said "I Do" to movie mogul Jon Peters before breaking up 12 days later having never filed legal docs to become mister and missus.
Dan joins Tommy Lee, Kid Rock and Rick Salomon (twice) as Pamela's other halves.
Congrats!!!
related articles
Amanda Gorman Spills Inauguration Tea!!! Michelle Told Barack to Stop Doing This ...
We're getting some behind-the-scenes from President Biden's Inauguration courtesy of Amanda Gorman ... who got some scoop on what was going down between the Obamas.
The poet laureate -- who went viral on Inauguration Day for her rousing piece, 'The Hill We Climb' -- dished to Ellen DeGeneres about being in the company of some huge names on that stage.
Amanda says her mom might've been a little more star-struck than she was ... especially for J Lo and A-Rod. But, as far as hanging with former Presidents and First Ladies, it's clear Amanda's a vet.
Anyway, check out what Amanda says Barack was doing behind the lectern that apparently ticked off Michelle enough for her to say something about it ... multiple times.
It's hilarious, and very relevant for the times. Let's just say Michelle was concerned about the former President's COVID-safety.
Amanda says Michelle had to rein him in, but the more telling thing here is how close Amanda was to the action and how tight she is with the Obamas.
Harvard folks ... they stick together!
related articles
Gabe Duncan on 'Good Luck Charlie' 'Memba Him?!
Southern California local Bradley Steven Perry was only 12 years old when shot to stardom after he landed the role of the mischievous middle child Gabe Duncan -- who liked to annoy the neighbors and play pranks on his huge household -- on the family-friendly Disney Channel sitcom "Good Luck Charlie."
Bradley Steven Perry shared the small screen with some cool child actors including Bridgit Mendler as the older sister, Teddy Duncan, Jason Dolley as the big bro, PJ Duncan ... and of course Mia Talerico as the title character in the show, Charlie Duncan.
More 'Memba Thems!
COVID Vaccine Hollywood Elite Cutting Lines ... By Any Means Necessary
The rich and powerful are skipping to the front of the line to get the COVID-19 vaccine ... and Hollywood's elite are going to great lengths to get the shots.
Tinseltown's titans are using every trick in the book to get vaccinated ... private and boutique physicians, concierge health services, private flights to Florida for vaccine tourism ... and those are just the legal avenues, according to Variety.
In Beverly Hills, Dr. Robert Huizenga claims his practice is getting offered five-figure bribes from folks desperate to get the shots, including power players in the entertainment industry. The doc also told Variety people are trying to skip the vaccine lines by dubiously getting hired in the healthcare industry.
There's also allegations of big-time hospital donors trying to twist arms for early access to vaccines, and wealthy clients pressuring concierge docs to find the hookup.
The mad dash for vaccines in California are partly a result of the state's slow rollout and eligibility requirements ... to get a shot, you need to work in healthcare or be at least 65 years old.
Still, a few celebs are getting shots just like everyone else toiling on the waiting lists, with no funny business involved. 73-year-old Arnold Schwarzenegger waited in line at Dodger Stadium's mass vaccination site, while 78-year-old Harrison Ford reportedly booked his own appointment last week and waited in line for 2 1/2 hours at an LA-area community college.
Some of the loopholes are closing ... Florida's cracking down on vaccine tourism, with people now being required to show proof of residency to get a shot. However, the rich and powerful are now said to be pulling the same stunts in Hawaii.
We've told you about some of these issues before ... like COVID vaccines going to non-priority people, even though it was actually a good thing for L.A.
But, as one top Hollywood exec put it to Variety ... "It's 'The Hunger Games' out there."
related articles
Matthew Perry Unloads Malibu Pad for $13.1 Million!!!
-
Exclusive
- 503 shares
It's hard to put a price on paradise but Matthew Perry's done just that ... after selling his beachfront Malibu pad.
The "Friends" star has unloaded his 4-bedroom, 3.5 bathroom house for a cool $13.1 million ... and about a decade after he bought the property in an off-market sale for $12 million. It's easy to see how Matthew made tons of friends with this crib ... it's a beaut.
The 5,500-square-foot contemporary house -- sitting on one of the most coveted streets, Malibu Road -- offering picturesque views of the blue Pacific and immediate access to it. But there's tons to keep you entertained in this loft-style house.
There's also an outdoor spa and a state of the art movie theater that seats up to 10 guests in deep-cushioned sofas. You can enjoy some of the best sunsets from practically every room thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows ... and a sick wrap-around deck.
"Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles" star Josh Flagg of Josh Flagg Estates and his husband, Bobby Boyd, also of Josh Flagg Estates, repped Perry.
related articles
Stephanie McMahon 'Very Hopeful' Ronda Rousey Returns To WWE
-
Exclusive
- 2.6K shares
Ronda Rousey hasn't wrestled since mid-2019, but Stephanie McMahon says WWE's "doors are absolutely open" ... and the company's "very hopeful" the former Raw champ will come back.
TMZ Sports spoke to McMahon -- WWE's Chief Brand Officer -- about Rousey's future with the wrestling powerhouse.
"Ronda's been very public that she’d like to start her own family," McMahon tells us.
"Once she does that, our doors are absolutely open, our arms are open, we are very hopeful that Ronda will come back home to WWE."
Rousey joined WWE back in 2018, and immediately started kickin' ass and takin' names ... beating Alexa Bliss for the Monday Night Raw title at SummerSlam in August 2018.
She was champ for nearly 8 months.
But, Rousey -- who's reportedly under contract until mid-2021 -- walked away from the squared circle ... announcing she was taking an "impregnation vacation" in April 2019.
After leaving, Ronda said she loved WWE and the other Superstars, but slammed WWE fans ... calling them "f***ing ungrateful."
Bottom line -- it's obvious the McMahon family and WWE really want Rousey back ... question is, will she return??
related articles
Ed Helms Selling His Cherry Honda Hog
-
Exclusive
- 258 shares
Long before he was known to the world as toothless, butt-whipped Stu in "The Hangover" ... Ed Helms drove this Honda motorcycle to auditions, and he's finally parting ways with it.
The actor/comedian is selling his 1976 Honda CB750F motorcycle ... and while the price is pretty modest at a mere $4,800, the bike does have tons of sentimental value. The new owner should know ... it's the bike he used to drive to his auditions when he lived in NYC.
He had it shipped to L.A. when he moved. Pays to have a bike ... to zoom in and out of traffic on the 101 and 405.
The bike has 13,591 miles and it's in cherry condition. It was stored at Atlantis Motor Garage in L.A. for some time now. We're told he decided to take it out of storage, spruce it up some and sell it.
As all Ed Helms fans know by now ... he gained notoriety when he appeared as a correspondent on 'The Daily Show' before slowly becoming a household name on "The Office." But, his role as Stu in the 'Hangover' trilogy is where he made his mark ... and the rest is history.