Ben Stein braved the outdoors Friday to make a trek to the market ... and the image is gripping.
Ben's 75, so he's in the high-risk group. He looked frail as he hit up Pavillions supermarket in Los Angeles ... with an assist from a nurse.
The "Ferris Bueller" teacher walked slowly as he entered the store ... without protective gear.
It's a snapshot that tells a story of the frightening times we're in, where going to the grocery store becomes a scary proposition.
BTW ... in case you didn't know, Ben's had a storied career, from speechwriter for Presidents Nixon and Ford, to starring in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," and "Win Ben Stein's Money."
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilsonare no longer castaways ... the couple's back in L.A. and they could not look happier.
Tom and Rita were spotted in their Range Rover on Friday moments after landing at Van Nuys Airport. The couple grinned ear-to-ear ... and it's easy to see why after spending more than 2 weeks in self-isolation after testing positive for the coronavirus.
Just a few days ago, Tom and Rita gave the world a health update and said they were feeling much better. Tom also took the opportunity to remind everyone that sheltering at home is an incredibly effective tool to combat the fast-spreading COVID-19.
As we reported ... Tom and Rita were in Australia filming an Elvis Presley movie when they contracted the disease. They were the first A-listers to test positive for coronavirus.
At the time, Tom's reps told us he and Rita got tested for the deadly virus after feeling like they had a cold. They also felt extra tired and had some body aches. Rita also had some chills that came and went, as well as, slight fevers.
Shortly before their diagnosis, Tom and Rita were spotted touring the famous Bondi Beach in Australia. It was quite possibly the last time they were out before being forced into quarantine.
Now that they're back in California, they'll also have to comply with "shelter at home" orders -- but guessing they'd prefer being cooped up on their home turf rather than a hotel down under.
Meghan Markle's officially back in Hollywood ... she's making her Disney debut nearly a year after Prince Harry lobbied the Mouse House's head honcho.
Disney announced Thursday it's releasing a new movie "narrated by Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex." Yup, that's how Disney's marketing Meghan. She'll narrate "Disneynature's Elephant." Natalie Portman's also narrating "Dolphin Reef." The films drop April 3 on Disney Plus.
Two new movies, two unforgettable journeys. Start streaming Disneynature’s Elephant, narrated by Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, and Disneynature’s Dolphin Reef, narrated by Natalie Portman, on April 3, only on #DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/N0yW0e7Lv6
Gotta give Prince Harry the assist on this one ... 'cause you'll recall there was a July 2019 video that started resurfacing in January, just days after Harry and Meghan announced the bombshell that they're stepping down as Royals.
In the video, you can see Harry chit-chatting with the former head of Disney, Bob Iger, at the "Lion King" premiere in London. You can hear Harry say, "You know she does voice-overs?" Iger responds with surprise, "Oh really? Ah ..."
You can hear Iger say he didn't know that before Harry responds Meghan is "really interested." Moments later, you clearly hear someone say, "We'd love to try." Well, looks like Harry's bidding worked.
It's unclear how much Meghan's getting paid for this gig. But, one thing we know ... she agreed to do voice-over work for Disney in return for a donation to a charity she supports ... Elephants Without Borders.
Idris Elba contracting the coronavirus meant several members of his movie crew had to quarantine like he did, but they're pissed about how producers handled the crisis.
As we reported, Idris revealed Monday he tested positive for COVID-19, but actually went into isolation on March 13 when he discovered he'd been in contact with someone who had the virus -- possibly Justin Trudeau's wife -- during a March 4 event in London.
The bigger problem, though -- the actor spent the next several days after that event in Sante Fe, New Mexico rehearsing with his costars and crew members for the upcoming Netflix flick, "The Harder They Fall."
So, if Idris really did contract it in London ... he would've unwittingly exposed some people on set. Sources close to production tell TMZ ... filming was halted last Friday, and the crew was told it was due to growing fears over the pandemic. We're told there was no mention Idris was getting tested.
As for why they're concerned -- we're told Idris had some direct contact with members of the stunt team during rehearsals ... part of which took place in a small cabin.
Yet, our sources say nobody was informed them Idris tested positive until the actor revealed it himself on March 16.
That same day, we're told some of the crew traveled home -- possibly exposing even more people -- but other crew members chose to stay and self-quarantine ... and they're still there. Idris is also still self-quarantining at a house on location, while the crew remains at a hotel in Santa Fe.
No one's peeved about the housing situation ... it's more the lack of communication about potential risks following the news about Idris' positive test.
We're told, as of Friday, no one who worked on the film has been tested, and many people feel more should be done to protect them or give them some peace of mind.
Of course, the shortage of COVID-19 tests has been a major issue nationwide, but if that's the case ... our sources say production or higher-ups at Netflix should be conveying that, but so far they've been silent.
We reached out to a rep for "The Harder They Fall," who told us they can't comment on the issue. No word back from Netflix.
Netflix is stepping up for its crews -- and others -- during the pandemic by creating a $100 million fund to provide relief to production staff suddenly forced into unemployment.
The streaming giant made the generous announcement Friday as signs grew of a global recession due to the coronavirus crisis. Netflix says, "Most of the fund will go towards support for the hardest hit workers on our own productions around the world."
The company went on to say, "We're in the process of working out exactly what this means, production by production. This is in addition to the two weeks pay we've already committed to the crew and cast on productions we were forced to suspend last week."
The fund will help non-Netflix workers too ... as the company said $15 million of the dough will go to third parties and non-profits providing emergency relief to out-of-work cast and crew in the countries where their productions are shot.
Several other relief funds, including SAG-AFTRA Covid-19 Disaster Fund and the Motion Picture and Television Fund will each get $1 mil from Netflix.
Netflix is also working with other regions where it has a big production presence -- Europe, Latin America and Asia -- to create a similar support fund.
The massive fund comes as the U.S. government tries to hammer out a trillion dollar relief bill for out of work Americans.
The company added, "What’s happening is unprecedented. We are only as strong as the people we work with and Netflix is fortunate to be able to help those hardest hit in our industry through this challenging time."
Hollywood's movie theater and valet workers are in major crisis mode now that their job opportunities have completely dried up.
We're told it's been especially devastating to valet companies that have contracts with high-end restaurants because with restaurants closed for in-seating service ... that means valet attendants have no cars to park.
Those valet companies also work Hollywood's private events ... and those ain't happening either with the federal guideline of keeping gatherings under 10 people.
Hourly wage staffers at movie theaters are screwed too. Companies like AMC, the largest theater chain in the U.S., announced Tuesday it's closing all of its 630 locations for 6 to 12 weeks. Ditto for the Regal chain's 532 theaters.
According to Variety, somewhere around 120,000 entertainment industry staff and crew jobs have already been lost, seemingly with no end in sight. The movie theater industry has reportedly requested a bailout from Congress to help theaters and their 150,000 employees.
Eric Robertslikes being stuck at home amid the coronavirus pandemic, but there's one thing he's struggling to replace ... his morning gym routine!!!
The veteran actor joined us Monday on "TMZ Live" from the comfort of his own home, where's he's holed up for the next several weeks. Professionally, this is horrible timing for Eric ... we asked him about movie theaters shuttering within days of his new flick coming out.
"Inside The Rain" opened in theaters last week, and Eric told us it ain't great seeing empty theaters after pouring his blood, sweat and tears into a film.
The entertainment shutdown is also impacting his family because his stepson, singer Keaton Simons, was supposed to play Stagecoach. Obviously, that ain't happening until October.
Eric says all of his pending projects -- he has several dozen hanging in the balance -- are on hold for at least the next 2 months. In the meanwhile, he's settling in at home, and actually enjoying the break.
He says he's treating it like a staycation, but the toughest adjustment has been NOT going to the gym every morning. They've all been forced to close their doors in California.
Still, Eric gets it, and says he's being extra careful because he's a granddad.
One of James Bond's lovely ladies on-screen has come out in real-life to say she has coronavirus -- this just weeks after the latest flick was put on ice over it.
Actress Olga Kurylenko made the announcement Sunday, taking to Instagram to notify her fans of her current condition as well as the symptoms she's experiencing. She writes, "Locked up at home after having tested positive for Coronavirus."
Olga adds, "I’ve actually been ill for almost a week now. Fever and fatigue are my main symptoms. Take care of yourself and do take this seriously!" She went on to translate her message to Russian -- OK was born in the Ukraine, but has French citizenship as well.
In her IG post, you can see Olga snapped a pic from behind a glass window ... showing she's in isolation and presumed self-quarantine. Unclear where this was shot from, but her primary residence is said to be in France, which is under heavy restrictions right now as a nation -- very similar to much of the U.S. ... but not quite as bad as Italy yet.
If you've forgotten, Olga played Camille in 2008's "Quantum of Solace" opposite Daniel Craig -- the so-so sequel to 'Casino Royale' which rebooted the franchise in a big way. She was also in the 2013 film, “Oblivion,” with Tom Cruise ... and has been in several American flicks on top of those too.
Olga's announcement comes less than two weeks after MGM put the release of the new Bond movie, "No Time to Die," on hold as the world gets a grip on the coronavirus situation. It was originally slated to come out in April ... now, it's been pushed back to November. It's supposed to be Craig's last turn as Bond -- Lea Seydoux and Ana de Armas have been cast as the latest Bond girls.
Kurylenko is just the latest celebrity to announce a positive test for the novel coronavirus -- a handful of pro athletes have tested positive, and notably ... so has Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson.
11:13 AM PT -- 3/15 -- According to Deadline, MGM is putting 'Samaritan' production on a minimum 2 week hiatus out of precaution surrounding the coronavirs. Apparently, Saturday's shoot was the final day of filming before the break, and it was just for a pick-up shot.
Sylvester Stallone's new movie is doing what a lot of other productions and production companies have halted almost immediately ... continuing to film amid the coronavirus.
The movie star was down in Atlanta Saturday, where he was filming on set for his upcoming sci-fi flick, 'Samaritan,' in full costume and makeup. What's crazy about that ... it appears COVID-19 was on the brain of several others working as well, based on their attire.
Check it out ... there's a woman wearing a face mask who was working on Sly's wardrobe. Not just that, but there was a guy in a freakin' hazmat suit doing what we're told was apparent cleaning on set too. Meanwhile, Stallone was out there unprotected.
Sly hasn't been careless about the virus either -- he was just spotted out here in L.A. last weekend wearing latex gloves while doing some shopping. He's well aware of the risks.
It begs the question ... with so many other movies these days halting production out of an abundance of caution, why is Sly's flick moving forward? Especially, when the staffers on the ground are CLEARLY worried and actively taking steps to ward off coronavirus???
The answer remains unclear -- it could be a decision coming down from the head studios producing this movie -- MGM and Balboa Productions (Stallone's company) -- or it could be a decision from some bigwig behind the scenes. Maybe even SS himself ... who knows?
What's even crazier is that Atlanta is no stranger to coronavirus -- there've been at least a few dozen confirmed cases in and around the area. Georgia's governor even declared a public health emergency recently, so it would appear the virus is running rampant there too.
MGM, Universal and Bond producers, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, announced today that after careful consideration and thorough evaluation of the global theatrical marketplace, the release of NO TIME TO DIE will be postponed until November 2020. pic.twitter.com/a9h1RP5OKd
Another curious thing here ... MGM just pulled the plug on the new Bond movie, 'No Time to Die,' because of coronavirus. So why are they moving forward with this?
Whatever the case ... here's hoping Sylvester's taking the necessary precautions. Be safe out there, bud.
Ben Affleck's new movie production won't even get off the ground -- before anyone could yell action, the coronavirus pandemic is postponing the shoot.
Here's the deal ... Ben's set to star in Robert Rodriguez's upcoming action thriller, "Hypnotic," but they're already behind schedule due to the outbreak. Solstice Studios tells TMZ ... Robert was scheduled to start filming in L.A. at the end of April, but they've already decided to hit the pause button.
A rep tells us, "We will be taking a temporary hiatus to take necessary precautions to ensure the health of our cast and crew."
As you know, large gatherings around the country are being canceled or postponed to prevent the rapid spread of COVID-19, and it's affecting production for all kinds of entertainment -- movies, television, concerts and sports.
The movie sounds pretty interesting ... Ben plays a detective investigating a string of high-end heists who gets roped into a scandal, sees his daughter go missing and uncovers a secret government program. The budget is reportedly in the neighborhood of $60 to $80 million.
Ben's enjoying life between films though ... playing the role of Instagram boyfriend with his "Deep Water" costar,Ana de Armas, down in Costa Rica. Hiatus only means more time with his very hot new boo ... so he probably ain't complaining too much.
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson -- who were filming an Elvis Presley movie down in Australia -- have just tested positive for the coronavirus ... TMZ has confirmed.
Tom's reps tell us he and Rita got tested for the deadly virus after feeling like they had a cold -- he says they felt extra tired and had some body aches -- and the results came back positive.
According to Tom, Rita also had some chills that came and went, as well as slight fevers.
Now, Tom says he will follow protocols put in place by medical officials and the rest of his family will also be tested for the virus. Tom says he will be observed and isolated for as long as required for public health and safety.
Jussie Smollet's alleged "attackers" Abel and Ola Osundairo are showing off their acting skills in a new sketch that's supposed to be comedic ... but really just looks weird as hell.
Our sources tell us, Abel and Ola recently shot the sketch as a way to showcase their acting chops and get back into the industry. We're told it's entitled "50 Shades of Black" ... but, no, it has nothing to do with the alleged racist attack on Jussie.
It's about the brothers having a good time with some lady friends -- who, as you can see in pics from the set, are scantily clad or simply naked with dark body paint. They planned to cut loose with the women, but apparently end up getting drugged.
Think 'Fifty Shades' meets "Hustlers."
Remember, Abel and Ola were extras on "Empire" and that's how they met Jussie. But, ever since they called him out -- alleging he hired them to pull off a phony attack -- they've had a hard time scoring gigs.
We can't vouch for how funny their new sketch will turn out, but it certainly LOOKS titillating. We're told the finished product will be released on YouTube and IG in the spring.
Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight is a fan of classic American muscle cars, it seems, 'cause his Batmobile looks like it rolled straight out of a 1960's Detroit factory ... with custom touches, of course.
Director Matt Reeves just posted a few photos from the set of his forthcoming "The Batman" -- with RP in the suit, but more importantly ... showing off his sweet new ride. From a bird's-eye view, it kinda looks like a souped-up Chevy Camaro or maybe a Dodge from the late 60s.
You can see the top of it, and there are also shots from the rear and side ... putting the full body on display. Don't get us wrong, it looks cool and all -- but at the same time feels not-so-Batman-y???
It's like Bruce Wayne became a gearhead all of a sudden.
Reeves' flick is supposed to chronicle Batsy in his early years -- so it's reasonable to assume he's a young dude who likes sweet rides like this now but will eventually get a little more sophisticated in B'mobile taste.
"Inside the Actors Studio" host and veteran TV writer James Lipton has died ... TMZ has learned.
Lipton passed away peacefully Monday morning at his New York City home. His wife, Kedakai Turner, tells TMZ James had been battling bladder cancer. She adds, "There are so many James Lipton stories but I’m sure he would like to be remembered as someone who loved what he did and had tremendous respect for all the people he worked with."
The man had a storied career in and around television and film. Of course, he served as the Dean Emeritus of the Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University in NYC for several years. And, he was responsible for spearheading his famous talk show, "Inside the Actors Studio" -- James interviewed actors, big and small, to pick their brains about the craft.
It was filmed in front of a live audience full of student actors, some of whom got a chance to ask questions from time to time. He started the show in 1994 and finally retired in 2018 after 22 seasons. The program continues to this day, however, with other hosts.
Lipton has interviewed stars like Ben Affleck, Halle Berry, Jeff Bridges, Morgan Freeman, Ian McKellen, Eddie Murphy, Faye Dunaway, Robert Duvall, Ron Howard, Anthony Hopkins, Jim Carrey, Al Pacino, Gwyneth Paltrow, Willem Dafoe, Brad Pitt, Henry Winkler, Betty White, Naomi Watts, Chris Rock, Whoopi Goldberg, Hugh Grant and on and on and on.
One of Lipton's more memorable guests was Bradley Cooper, who was once an Actors Studio student, and asked a pretty good question to Sean Penn about revisiting a character he'd played before. He asked that in 1999 and returned as the interviewed guest in 2011.
Lipton said it was one of his favorite interviews because it was so emotional and great to see one of his students make it big. He appeared on more than 250 episodes.
He had other claims to fame as well -- perhaps most notably, his many TV head writing credits on shows like "Capitol," "Return to Peyton Place," "The Doctors," "The Best of Everything," "Another World" and several TV specials he contributed to as a writer.
JL also had regular appearances as an actor on "Arrested Development," playing Warden Stefan Gentles ... the bumbling lawman who aspired to be a big shot screenwriter and was kinda obsessed with the Bluth family.
His other acting credits included roles on "Bewitched," "Guiding Light," "The Goldbergs," "Cold Squad," "You Are There," and even offering up his voice talents to the Disney movie "Bolt." Lipton also went down in 'SNL' history for Will Ferrell's regular spoof portrayal, which was a staple character on the show in the 2000s.
We last got him on camera in 2015 talking about any possible snubs he might have received over the years. Turns out, no one ever turned him down for 'ITAS.' Go figure.
Marilyn Monroe's time behind-the-scenes of the 1953 film, "Niagara," was captured by a photographer, and his huge set of photographic negatives is up for grabs ... but it won't come cheap.
The pics -- 227 total, 198 of which depict Marilyn -- were snapped by Canadian journalist and photog Jock Carroll in 1952, while she was preparing for her first top billing as Rose Loomis in the noir thriller.
The set of photos is mostly comprised of black-and-white negatives but includes some color positive transparencies. And, along with shots of Monroe, there are several of the sets, scenery and of course ... Niagara Falls.
The negatives could become much more than just a collector's item too ... because they include the copyright to the images. Carroll signed the rights over to his son before he died, and the son will grant them to the buyer.
This means the highest bidder at the auction will have the right to print and even sell copies from the negatives, which could lead to big bucks. Commercial use requires permission from Monroe's estate, however.
Regardless, whoever ultimately gets their hands on the MM pics will have to drop a lot of cash ... the folks at RR Auction say they're expected to haul in around $50,000.
The coronavirus is slowing just about every industry due to increased fears of a worldwide outbreak, but foreign moviemakers are pushing ahead in America ... full steam.
TMZ spoke with multiple film commission offices, from coast-to-coast in the U.S., and all were on the same page about how they're handling overseas productions/companies from countries like China and S. Korea. Despite hot zones in both places -- and others in Europe and the Middle East -- we were told it's no problemo for any of them to shoot on American soil.
We asked the L.A., NYC and New Orleans offices if coronavirus is making 'em think twice about issuing permits to some of these companies and/or films, and they all said they haven't changed policies. At least, not yet.
Worth noting, Georgia is home to countless film productions too -- and we've reached out to its Department of Economic Development, but haven't heard back.
Of course, Uncle Sam hasn't issued a blanket flying ban from countries heavily affected by coronavirus, even though some major airlines have partially halted travel ... something President Trump touted Wednesday evening.