TV

Gene Hackman once spoke about his fear of dying in a haunting interview that’s now resurfaced ... just a day after he, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and their dog were found dead at their New Mexico home.

In a 2004 chat with Larry King, Gene admitted he didn’t fear much -- but dying definitely freaked him out ... adding it’s the kind of thing that hits you when you get up there in age.

Gene, who was 74 at the time, said his fear of dying wasn’t just about him -- he wanted to make sure his wife and family were taken care of, too.

Who says women can’t break the glass ceiling? Gayle King's smashing through and heading straight to the stars, 'cause she's joining a bunch of trailblazing women making their way into space.

Gayle just announced she’s part of the historic all-woman crew for Blue Origin’s next flight to the edge of space -- set to launch this spring.

Gayle explained she initially turned it down, but she admits that if the crew nailed the mission and she wasn’t there, she’d be kicking herself. Now, she’s gonna be along for the ride!

Gene Hackman was rarely seen in public leading up to his tragic death, and the last sighting of him and his late wife shows them enjoying each other's company.

Gene and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were spotted nearly a year ago at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in New Mexico. During their outing on March 28, 2024 at the Albuquerque restaurant,  Gene is seen holding his wife's arm for support.

At the time, Gene had recently turned 94 and was holding onto a walking cane as the couple stepped out of the restaurant. Gene was keeping his look casual with a vest, cap and sunglasses, while Betsy wore a patterned shirt.

Gene Hackman is being mourned by Hollywood following the unexpected news of the deaths of the actor and his wife of 34 years, Betsy Arakawa.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the pair were found deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on Wednesday -- reportedly after a neighbor called in for a wellness check.

It's no secret the Oscar winner had an immense impact on the film industry, having a prolific five-decade career before he retired in 2004. The stars are feeling the heartbreaking loss and taking to social media to share their sorrows and fond memories of the big-screen legend.

10:55 AM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Michelle Trachtenberg’s body may have rejected the liver transplant she received within the last year, causing complications. We're told Michelle's mother found her.

Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in "Gossip Girl" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," has died.

Police sources confirmed the shocking news to TMZ, though the exact cause of her death remains unclear. We're told police and paramedics responded to a call for a woman in cardiac arrest, and found Michelle unresponsive. She was pronounced dead on the scene.

A separate source tells us the actress had received a liver transplant recently ... meaning within the last year. At this point, police reportedly believe she died of natural causes.

We're told Michelle was out with friends Thursday night of last week at Sartiano's in NYC.

In recent months, she had posted photos where fans felt she appeared gaunt and frail.

Blake Lively's remembering her former costar Michelle Trachtenberg ... saying she always gave 200% effort and she always stood up for what she believed in.

The actress took to Instagram just hours after it was announced that Michelle had passed to pay homage to the star ... sharing a photo of their first day meeting and talking about her former "Gossip Girl" costar.

Blake says she brought an electricity to every room she walked into ... always living life to the fullest -- laughing hard at jokes, taking on authority head-on when she saw injustice and added she was proud to be an actor even when the industry can be difficult.

Loni Love's side-eying MSNBC's recent personnel decisions ... claiming they look a little suspicious -- and possibly even racially motivated.

We caught up with the comedian and talk show host in Los Angeles Tuesday ... and, we asked her if she had any thoughts about MSNBC anchor Joy Reid leaving the liberal media outlet.

Loni says she's outraged, not only for Joy, but all people of color who have been affected by the cable channel's recent staffing choices.

Jay Leno is responding to Monica Lewinsky’s claims that he went especially hard on her after her affair with Bill Clinton hit the headlines in the '90s.

Sources close to Jay tell TMZ he didn’t target Monica personally back then -- he says she was just an easy punchline and fair game, since she was everywhere in the news at the time.

Addressing Monica's claims from Tuesday's "Call Her Daddy" interview with Alex Cooper, sources say Jay wouldn’t call it unfair -- she was often the butt of the jokes, but no one was out to get her personally. It's just that, in comedy, sometimes people get hurt.

Teddi Mellencamp says doctors removed more tumors from her brain than originally expected ... a big win -- though she admits it's just the beginning.

The reality star put out a health update on her Instagram story Wednesday ... saying she was grateful for all the doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals who helped make her surgery and recovery process successful.

Mellencamp says she wants to be transparent about her health journey ... and, she says she actually had four tumors removed by surgeons -- more than she originally expected.

Sylvester Stallone's not just the "Tulsa King" ... he's the king of giving too -- 'cause an experience with Sly and a couple luxury sportscars donated by a local dealer made a heavyweight stack of cash for a great cause.

The veteran Hollywood actor partnered with Nick Dossa of Vegas Auto Gallery -- a luxury dealership in the city -- to donate some high-priced items for the Power of Love Gala.

Dossa donated two cars -- the 2024 Lotus Emira -- to the auction ... a high-performance sports car that retails for close to six figures. While he originally planned to donate just one car, the bidding got so competitive he felt compelled to give one to each of the top two bidders.

Michelle Trachtenberg was a wonderful person who died much too young ... so says her "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" costar.

We spoke with James Marsters -- a veteran actor who played punk vampire Spike in 97 episodes of the hit TV show -- and, he says his heart is heavy today because of the loss of Michelle.

Marsters says the world has "lost a beautiful soul" and remembers Michelle as being "fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person."

Michelle Trachtenberg’s untimely death at 39 has sent shockwaves through her fans and colleagues -- and her former "Gossip Girl" costar Ed Westwick has posted a tribute to the star.

In a heartfelt post on his IG Story Wednesday, Ed shared a pic of Michelle as Georgina Sparks from the popular teen drama series ... captioning it, "So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg."

He added "sending prayers" with the prayer hand and a white heart emoji.

Sarper Güven says a guy having a huge body count is great for a relationship ... 'cause no woman on Earth can tempt him away from his partner Shekinah Garner.

We caught up with the "90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way" stars Tuesday ... and, we had to ask all about Sarper's claim that he's slept with 2,500 women -- and if Shekinah would recommend dating a dude who has slept with that many ladies.

Garner -- who defended her man's colorful past in an interview with us last year -- says it all depends on where the guy's at in their single journey ... 'cause if they're in the throes of the promiscuity, it's best to stay clear.

Matthew Perry's final days were flooded with ketamine -- 27 doses in the three days before his tragic death in October 2023, a bombshell new documentary has revealed.

Peacock's "Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy" was released Tuesday, with U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada -- who led the investigation -- pointing fingers at the people who allegedly supplied Perry with the powerful anesthetic.

According to Estrada, these weren't just medical professionals -- they were opportunists who "should have known much better."

Sha'Vi Lewis, a reality star featured on "Project Runway" died on Monday ... TMZ has confirmed.

Sha'Vi's sister, Akira tells TMZ ... "We are in a state of disbelief as we come to the reality that our star has been caste into eternity. As the days move forward we will continue to wrap our minds around a future without your presence."

She adds of her brother, who starred on Season 18 of the Bravo show ... "While the world is just catching on to the name Sha'vi we knew he was and is great! Continue to pray as we mourn the loss of our loved one, Franklin Shavi Lewis Frierson Jr."

Bravo is facing a new lawsuit over "Below Deck Sailing Yacht" star Gary King … a former makeup artist from the show is now suing the network and the reality star over an alleged sexual assault.

TMZ has obtained the docs -- Samantha Suarez says Gary tried to pressure her into sleeping with him when she was instructed to bring him a snack to his hotel room in 2022 ... claiming when she tried to leave, the drunken star grabbed her, restraining her upper body and arms.

Suarez says she genuinely feared she was about to be raped and tried fighting him off. But she claims he slammed the door shut with both hands and his full weight, blocking her way out.