TV

"Jeopardy!" awkwardly fired up its new season Monday with short-lived host Mike Richards ... and it's evident from watching the clip -- the editors hacked away the opening pleasantries.

You gotta imagine ... when the episode was shot and Richards was expected to begin a long run as Alex Trebek's replacement, he had some words for the audience ... we're guessing something to the effect of, "I'm honored to have this job" ... something like that.

There was no such pronouncement ... Mike got right down to business. There's an odd shot of announcer Johnny Gilbert, and it looks like he was used for the edit ... hacking out any flowery intro that followed.

Before Mike came out, there was a tribute to Alex. His family was on hand as the show unveiled a plaque, dedicating the stage to the longtime, beloved host who passed last year.

As you know for Richards, he lasted a week before giving up the hosting gig in the wake of some old social media posts that didn't sit well with Sony. A short time later he gave up his Executive Producer job as well after the staff groused about him.

The Met Gala is back after a year off due to COVID, and it looks like the stars were chomping at the bit to put on their best suits and dresses in a return to normalcy.

This year's hosts include Keke Palmer, Billie Eilish, Amanda Gorman, Timothee Chalamet and Naomi Osaka -- and they've already arrived in with their own getups ... which were eye-popping and extravagant.

Some of the stars expected to show include Rihanna, J Lo, Kim K, Emily Ratajkowski, Camila Cabello, Lupita N'yongo, Beyonce, Addison Rae and more. This year's theme is "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion" -- so we'll see wears to rep that.

We know what you're thinking ... what about the Delta variant? There are strict protocols in place to help mitigate that -- including requirements for proof of vaccination prior to showing up, not to mention a negative COVID test as well. Masks indoors are also required.

Remember -- last year's Met Gala got scrapped altogether due to the pandemic ... so, it's been a year-plus since folks have been able to flex their fashion muscles anew.

Oregon born artist Kim Rhodes was in her 30s when she landed the role of the melodic matriarch Casey Martin -- who had double duty as the mother to the twin boys and was also the Boston Tipton Hotel's lounge singer -- on the early 2000s Disney Channel sitcom, "The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody" and the 2008 follow-up "The Suite Life On Deck."

KR shared the small screen with some top-notch talent including Ashley Tisdale as the sweets-slanging, Maddie Fitzpatrick, Brenda Song as the hotel heir, London Tipton ... and of course, Dylan and Cole Sprouse as her adorable sons Zack and Cody Martin.

Andre Royo -- one of Michael K. Williams' co-stars on "The Wire" -- says the entire 'Wire' family is feeling the loss ... but he's encouraging people to keep spreading the late actor's positivity.

Andre -- who played the drug addict and informant "Bubbles" on the popular HBO series -- was out in NYC Friday when he reflected on Michael's life ... saying he was someone who cared about everybody.

Royo tells us Williams' death was a stunner, but he hopes people will rally together to keep his name alive, remember his work, and shine his light ... because his former co-star was a great person, and clearly left a major impact.

As we reported ... Williams -- who played the beloved character Omar on "The Wire" before going on to star on several other hit shows -- was found dead Monday of an apparent overdose in his Brooklyn apartment.

Art Metrano -- the stand-up comedian known for his role in the "Police Academy" sequels -- has died of natural causes ... according to his family.

Art's son, Harry, tells TMZ ... his father passed at his home Wednesday in Aventura, Florida. Harry says he didn't just lose his dad, but also his best friend and mentor. He adds ... "He was and will always be the toughest man I know. I have never met someone who has overcome more adversities than him."

Metrano's career began in the '60s but skyrocketed in the '70s thanks to his performance on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," in which he performed as The Great Metrano ... a hilarious magic act spoof.

From there, the Brooklyn native began working nightclubs all over the country and performing on famous variety shows like "The Dean Martin Show" and "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In."

He made it to the big screen in 1972's "The Heartbreak Kid" and played DaVinci in Mel Brooks' "History of the World: Part I," and would go on to star as Uncle Rico on "Joanie Loves Chachi."

A couple years later, Art landed perhaps his most famous role in the second and third "Police Academy" films ... as the boss, Ernie Mauser.

Sadly, at the height of his career in 1989, Metrano suffered a severe spinal injury that left him paralyzed. However, he made a remarkable recovery and turned his triumph over adversity into a one-man stage show, "Metrano’s Accidental Comedy" ... in which he emerged from a wheelchair to take a few steps.

Art continued acting until 2001, with his more recent credits including "Party of Five," "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" and "Chicago Hope."

Metrano was 84.

Monica Lewinsky and Linda Tripp's relationship is under a microscope in Ryan Murphy's 'Impeachment' series -- and the journalist who first got the real-life story says there's no way to soft-pedal how Monica was stabbed in the back.

Author and journalist Michael Isikoff joined us Thursday to recount his 1997 meetings with Tripp ... which led to him uncovering the fact an independent counsel was investigating Bill Clinton's affair with the then-22-year-old White House intern. He said it was clear to him Linda was betraying Monica's confidence ... something he calls "indefensible."

Those of you alive back then will recall Tripp secretly recorded her conversations with Monica about Clinton -- and now a whole new generation will see those meetings play out in "Impeachment: American Crime Story."

Isikoff says Monica, who's a producer on 'Impeachment,' deserves the opportunity to tell the scandal from her perspective. As he puts it, Linda's treatment of Monica was "dicey" from an ethical standpoint.

Speaking of ethics, Isikoff -- who wrote the book, "Uncovering Clinton: A Reporter's Story" -- also told us why he turned down Tripp's offer to steal Monica's infamous blue dress and hand it over to him.

Of course, Tripp eventually turned over the dress, with Clinton's semen stain on it, to independent counsel Ken Starr, along with her recordings of Monica.

Canadian-born artist Yanic Truesdale is best known for playing the crotchety concierge Michel Gerard -- who graced the Independence Inn with his French finesse and deranged dietary drama -- on The WB's classic American dramedy "Gilmore Girls."

Yanic Truesdale shared the small screen with a cool cast of characters including Melissa McCarthy as the bossy business partner and buddy, Sookie St. James, Lauren Graham as the hotel owner and mother, Lorelai Gilmore, Keiko Agena as Stars Hollow High student and BFF, Lane Kim ... and of course Alexis Bledel as the daughter, Rory Gilmore.

"You come at the king, you best not miss."

Baltimore Orioles announcer Kevin Brown had an awesome tribute to the late Michael K. Williams on Tuesday ... by reciting one of the actor's most iconic lines while making a home run call.

Of course, MKW's Omar Little from "The Wire" is widely considered one of the best characters in TV history ... with plenty of classic dialogue that has lived on long after the show ended in 2008.

Since the hit drama was set and shot in Baltimore, Brown let out one of his favorite Omar phrases after O's outfielder, Austin Hays, hit a dinger in the bottom of the third inning ... and the moment will give you chills.

Brown also tweeted about Williams' tragic death on Monday ... saying, "'The Wire' is one of the things that's made me fall in love with Baltimore."

"It was my saving grace during the first few months of COVID last year. And, nobody on-screen could match Omar's presence."

"The best performance on the best narrative TV show of my lifetime. I'm gutted."'

FYI -- Hays is in the middle of a hot streak ... he's had a hit in 14 straight games.

Williams was a huge sports fan himself ... and was often spotted at New York Knicks games over the years.

Akon is mourning the loss of his good friend Michael K. Williams, and says he's the latest example of how the "facade of success" can send celebrities into a tailspin.

We got the artist Tuesday at Petrossian in L.A., and he said although he was close to Michael, they hadn't seen each other since the pandemic.

Akon has an interesting take, saying the rich and famous go through more issues than the poor. As he says, "More money, more problems."

He also talks about how the pandemic has masked real mental health struggles ... literally with masks that hide emotions.

Akon feels strongly, drugs and alcohol never solve difficult issues ... they send people down a dark path that, in Michael's case, ends in tragedy.

"So you’re Patrick Mahomes??"

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs' son, Aaiden had a priceless reaction to meeting star quarterback Dak Prescott ... by mistaking him for Patrick Mahomes!!

The whole interaction was absolutely adorable ... and thankfully, it was captured on the finale of HBO's "Hard Knocks" Tuesday night.

4-year-old Aaiden -- who refers to Dak as his "favorite quarterback in my whole entire world" -- was wearing a #4 jersey at an ice cream shop with his pops when none other than Prescott walks in the door.

And, Aaiden's reaction is incredible.

"So, you’re Patrick Mahomes??" he asked.

Dak played it off like a champ -- saying, "You think I’m Patrick Mahomes still?? Whose jersey is this??" he said as the whole room cracked up.

Aaiden then corrected himself ... and then said, "Good to see you."

Despite the confusion, Dak still hooked Aaiden up with some awesome keepsakes ... including 2(!!) jerseys -- one to wear and one to frame.

The best part -- Dak played along with Aaiden ... signing one of the jerseys as, "Not Patrick Mahomes" to prevent further mistaken identity!!

Of course, this isn't the first time Aaiden's made the mix-up ... in a previous episode, he thought his #4 jersey was actually a nod to Mahomes (also adorable).

Bob Odenkirk's back to his usual self ... he's hilarious and back to work!!!

The "Better Call Saul" star just revealed he's back on the set a little over a month after suffering a heart attack while filming in New Mexico. He said, "So happy to be here and living this specific life surrounded by such good people."

Then, a little self-deprecating humor: "BTW this is makeup pro Cheri Montesanto making me not ugly for shooting!" 😅

We broke the story ... Bob collapsed while filming on the set of his show back in July. He was rushed to the hospital and later learned the emergency was a "heart-related" incident.

Bob later said he had actually suffered "a small heart attack." He said he would be okay thanks to the doctors who knew how to fix the blockage without surgery. He had said he would take a beat to recover and be back soon.

It was scary for a while. Remember, he was not conscious during his initial hours in an Albuquerque hospital before he eventually woke up. His good pal and "Breaking Bad" star Bryan Cranston was among the many celebs who asked fans to send good thoughts and prayers Bob's way.

Michael K. Williams' name will live on in the form of a law aiming to reduce mass incarceration ... if a Brooklyn politician has her way.

New York State Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn -- who reps Michael's home neighborhood of East Flatbush -- tells TMZ ... she and her team are working with the ACLU to propose a bill in his honor that would help lower the state's prison population.

We're told the bill will specifically focus on the youth and Black and Latino individuals who make up a disproportionate amount of inmates -- something that was very important to the actor, who was the ACLU ambassador for ending mass incarceration.

Hermelyn adds that she plans to meet with Michael's family about the bill when the timing is right ... fully understanding that they're recovering from a tragic loss right now.

There's more being done to remember "The Wire" star -- Hermelyn says prior to his death, Michael was working with her husband, Edu, and actor Jamie Hector (Marlo on "The Wire") on a back-to-school event where supplies will be distributed to Flatbush kids and parents.

The event is on Sept. 12, and we're told this will now be an annual event in remembrance of Michael.

Hermelyn tells us in light of Michael's passing, and in honor of him, she will continue to fight for arts and cultural programming funds in East Flatbush, and also for at-risk youth across the state.

Big Ed's had to go through some tumultuous times on reality TV to get there, but it looks like it's all worth it -- he's engaged to his girlfriend, Liz.

The former "90 Day Fiance" star and his GF were out at a nightclub last week in Santa Barbara, CA ... and Liz was flaunting a big rock on her wedding ring finger.

We're told they confirmed with folks there that they were getting married, and Big Ed was introducing Liz to people as his "beautiful fiancee."

If you aren't familiar ... Ed and Rose were the surprise breakout couple of '90 Day Fiance' in early 2020, but his controversial treatment of her ended with a breakup and an eventual apology from him.

Then, Big Ed met Liz and the 2 were featured on "90 Day: The Single Life" ... but their volatile relationship also ended with a split. They've clearly reconciled since then though ... and are getting hitched.

Mel C is here to tell us what we really, really want -- and that would be ... that she's joining "Dancing With the Stars," so things are sure to get sporty!

The Spice Girls singer was spotted wearing a visor on her way to the ABC Studios lot Tuesday to get ready for some two-steppin' for the upcoming 30th season of 'DWTS.'

She's a great addition to a lineup that's full of celebs from this day and age, and even before. As we've reported, Mel's joining the likes of "90210" star Brian Austin Green, NBA star Iman Shumpert and his wife, Teyana Taylor ... as well as Lori Loughlin's daughter, Olivia Jade, and even 'RHOA' star Kenya Moore -- just to name a few.

Of course, JoJo Siwa is also gonna be busting a move -- and she'll be doing it with a female pro partner, the first time that's been attempted during the series' tenure.

As for MC here -- she's actually the third Spice Girls member to be featured on the hit show. Mel B did it first back in 2007 -- placing 2nd alongside Maksim Chmerkovskiy -- and then Baby Spice (Emma Bunton) beamed in with some words of encouragement a couple years ago.

John Feal gets choked up just thinking about the upcoming 20th anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks ... because 9/11 survivors and first responders are still dying in droves.

John, who lost his foot working as a demolition supervisor at Ground Zero, joined us on "TMZ Live" Tuesday and got emotional thinking about how he'll mark the anniversary come Saturday.

For years now, John's stood shoulder to shoulder with Jon Stewart as they battled with Congress to fund medical benefits for first responders through 2090 -- so naturally, he says he'll take time to remember all the 9/11 victims and also the first responders who continue to die as a result of contaminants they were exposed to in lower Manhattan.

He also knows he'll have to fake a few smiles for TV cameras, but says mostly it will be a lot of hugging and crying.

It's no wonder he's already shedding tears ... John's efforts as an advocate got Congress to pass the WTC 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund, and he created one of the first 9/11 responders memorials. Now, he's got a new documentary coming out Thursday on Discovery+, "No Responders Left Behind."

Michael K. Williams' death of an apparent drug overdose has triggered a criminal investigation ... because law enforcement sources tell TMZ cops are trying to locate the drug dealer.

Our law enforcement sources say NYPD detectives are conducting an investigation into the origin of the narcotics cops found at the site of the actor's death over the weekend ... which we're told are believed to be heroin-based.

As we reported ... Michael was found dead in his Brooklyn apartment, and authorities found drug paraphernalia. An official autopsy has yet to be conducted ... but we're told drugs seem to be at play. A toxicology report should provide answers, but that could be weeks away.

A relative found Michael after not hearing from him for a few days ... and once he was discovered, a swarm of NY officials descended on his Brooklyn high-rise.

Michael, of course, had a prolific career ... and might perhaps be best known for his award-winning role as Omar in "The Wire." He also starred in "Boardwalk Empire," "12 Years a Slave" and "Lovecraft County." He was working up until recently ... with a few projects in the can, and a handful of others released in the past year or so.

He was 54.