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The Wayans family patriarch, Howell Wayans, has died ... and his children are paying tribute.

Marlon Wayans confirmed the sad news Saturday with a touching post. He threw up a pic of him and Howell together, with the latter kissing his son on the head. MW writes, "Legend. When i was a child I asked my Dad what did you want to be when grew up? He simply said 'I wanted to be a man' I said 'not a lawyer? A doctor? An actor?' He said 'just a man.'"

He continued to explain how Howell told not everyone grows up to be a man, elaborating on what it takes to become that ... including owning up to one's responsibilities and taking care of one's family. Marlon says that convo with Howell made him aspire to be just that.

Marlon had more to say about the passing of his father, adding ... "Thank you Pop for being an example of a Man to all your boys. I pray all young black boys can grow up to be a Man like you. Baby boy loves you. And if ever i need you i know exactly where to find you… in my Bible that now sits by bed. Rest well. Kiss Ma for me. Tell her her babies miss her."

Omar Epps, a famous actor friend of the family, also sent condolences ... and praised Howell as a second father figure in his life, who took him under his wing as one of his own.

Howell raised 10 of his children in NYC alongside his late wife, Elvira, who died three years ago. That includes several who went on to be incredibly successful in showbiz ... Marlon, Shawn, Damon, Kim and Keenen. Just about all of the siblings have touched entertainment in one way or another ... and have all enjoyed successful careers in their own right.

Howell has been described by his loved ones as a disciplinarian and a hard worker who instilled core tenets and values in all of his kids. He was supportive of their aspirations for comedy, acting and writing ... and it clearly paid off, as the Wayans are a household name.

He's survived by his children and many grandchildren. Howell was 86.

RIP

Gwyneth Paltrow's attorney was getting superstar treatment after his big victory in court this week ... and even Katie Couric was taking notice of his Clark Kent-like appearance.

Paltrow's lawyer, James Egan, was being compared to the bespectacled heartthrob protagonist, better known as Superman, by Couric and many others on social media.

As you know, Egan scored a major win for Paltrow in her civil case against retired optometrist Terry Sanderson after their 2016 ski collision in Deer Valley, Utah. A jury voted in favor of the actress and awarded her $1, as well as full reimbursement of her legal expenses. Both parties sued each other over the ski crash.

Couric, the former "Today" host, took to Instagram to reveal she had the hots for Egan. She wrote, “He’s cute,” accompanied by a photo of Egan wearing his Clark Kent glasses.

Her company, Katie Couric Media, also posted a dramatic reaction to Egan's handsome looks: “Good GOD.” But it wasn't clear if Couric had made the remark or one of her workers.

Fashion columnist Evan Ross Katz was also enamored by Egan, sharing a picture of the lawyer on Instagram with the caption: "Gwyneth's attorney James Egan? I think we should have that conversation."

After the trial, Extra's Billy Bush asked Egan how he felt about his fans falling head over heels for him. Egan responded, "I have heard that. It's weird." He added that he was headed home for quality time with his one-year-old son.

Social media users called Egan “law daddy,”  “hottie” and “smoke show." One person asked, “Can he be held against me in a court of law?” Another said: “I’d let him ski directly into my effing back.”

"Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves" star Sophia Lillis says it was a dream come true to be a part of the tabletop game-based movie ... because she's been rollin' d20s for quite a few years now.

We got the actress Thursday at LAX -- hours before her new movie with Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, and Regé-Jean Page opened wide in theaters -- and she told us there wasn't a whole lotta prep for her role because she's pretty well-versed in the RPG.

Sophia says she was part of a D&D club back in high school, so casting her was a perfect fit. That being said, she says the cast did play together ahead of shooting, and despite her experience ... she says one of her costars took the crown.

We also talked to her about the categories people often lump D&D players into, and she believes the movie will broaden that view ... even for those who've never played a D&D campaign.

Jeremy Renner says he'd go through his horrific snowplow accident experience again, if it meant saving his family ... getting emotional while opening up for the first time about the January 1, near-fatal accident.

The "Hawkeye" actor is laying it all out there in a trailer for his April 6 interview with Diane Sawyer ... saying without a doubt his frightening ordeal is something he'd tackle again, explaining how the plow was coming straight for his nephew -- who also tells his story.

Jeremy's nephew says he believed his uncle was dead when he first saw him, lying in a pool of blood coming from his head. Diane goes on to list the shocking number of injuries J.R. suffered, with the actor saying he had no clue how he'd look coming out of all this.

He also starts to shed a few tears, recalling the time he told his family he was sorry in sign language.

BTW, Jeremy's in incredible shape just a few months after the freak accident -- the teaser also highlights his strong determination to get back on his feet as fast as possible.

As we reported, Jeremy was attempting to stop the Snowcat from hitting his nephew, but the emergency brake wasn't engaged according to the redacted police report ... resulting in the vehicle sliding and running him over.

Jonah Hill was in no chatty mood Tuesday night -- beelining it to his car after dinner ... and ignoring questions about Kanye West.

The actor was in the middle of a brisk walk as he left dinner at Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica, exiting by himself ... and getting ready to drive away by himself, but photogs were waiting for him outside and ready to flash and talk.

Check it out .... Jonah wasn't having any of it. The dude tells one of the paps to clear the way so he can get to his ride, and then he was asked about Ye.

The photog asked the obvious ... how do you feel about changing KW's POV on Jews -- something the controversial artist said this past weekend on social media. Remember, he insultingly attributed JH's performance in '21 Jump Street' for making him Jew-friendly again.

It would appear Jonah might agree with just about everyone else on the issue ... namely, it's utterly ridiculous -- and not even worthy of a discussion. That's what we can glean, anyway.

We will say this ... Jonah seemed to be somewhat in a good mood -- flashing a big smile as he left Giorgio, which is encouraging. As you may have heard ... the guy's been going through some mental health stuff lately.

Ben Affleck is clearing the air on what he says is a widely held misconception -- that he's totally miserable most of the time ... even when he's pretty damn happy.

Ben was on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" Tuesday to promote his new movie "Air," and the guys chatted about a number of things, including Ben's RBF ... y'know the thing he went viral for at this year's Grammys. You'll recall, he looked very unamused as his wife Jennifer Lopez danced alongside him.

Now, Ben cleaned it up a bit for Kimmel, instead of "resting bitch face" ... he said, "I have a very unhappy-looking resting face."

The guys joked Ben's face played a key role during a Christmas party Ben and Jen threw. They'd invited Jimmy and his wife, but as JK put it, "It did seem like you weren't quite as psyched about the party as everybody else".

Ben then tried to address the issue once and for all ... by showing a range of emotions on his face.

Amused and content looks a lot more like pissed off and I'd rather die than be here.

Hey, he's admitting it, but BA says don't blame him ... "That's how God made me, you don't have to punish me for it!"

Of course, Ben and JLo recently attended the "Air" premiere ... and the two looked happy as ever together, as they locked lips and took photos.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are like a couple of clams ... looking happy as can be at the premiere and after-party of his brand new flick.

The 2 were having a blast Monday night at the world premiere of Ben's new movie, "Air" ... and, of course, the couple was holding court on their way into L.A.'s Regency Village Theater.

They even gave fans what they came for ... sharing a few kisses and chattin' it up with the photogs snapping pics. They might have been acting like they were the only 2 there, but they weren't -- Ben's costars Jason Bateman and Viola Davis were also there to kick off the film.

J Lo and her man were still giving honeymoon vibes at the after-party where they cozied up on a couch. You can see the meme now, can't ya? "Find someone who looks at you the way Ben looks at Jen."

Ben also delivered a speech at Monday night's event ... giving his buddy and costar Matt Damon top billing as he called him the "biggest joy of my professional life."

Don't worry his wife got some attention too, telling her, "You’re fabulous, you’re amazing, you’re wonderful, good, kind, magnificent and I love you.”

Ben directed "Air," and produced it with Matt ... the movie's about the Nike sales team's efforts to strike a deal with an NBA rookie named Michael Jordan.

Robert Downey Jr. fans now have a shot at an interesting piece of history from Jon Favreau's Walk of Fame ceremony ... cause a guy is selling what he claims is Iron Man's chewed-up gum!!!

The gum is currently up for sale on eBay and it has a starting bid of $55,000. According to the listing, the seller attended the ceremony where actor/producer and "Iron Man" director Jon Favreau was added to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Iron Man himself, RDJ, was on hand for the big event ... and created a moment by taking chewed gum out of his mouth and sticking on Jon's shiny new star. Downey joked it was "just to make it official."

The seller claims he was able to snag the gum, right where RDJ left it. Now, it's apparently up for grabs "in the same condition" he got it 😬

We know what you're thinking ... how in the hell's he gonna authenticate???

Well, the seller is super confident it's the real deal, and says the buyer can even test the gum for RDJ's DNA. Good luck getting Robert to provide a sample for comparison, though.

If used celeb gum is your thing, bidding ends Friday! Also ... ew.

2 lovers have officially become 1 with the help of a famous drug-sniffing black bear -- and we've got the wedding day photos so you can bear witness to the special occasion.

TMZ broke the story, Kentucky natives Alexandra and Armando were set to say "I Do" Monday at the KY for KY Fun Mall in Lexington ... and these pics from inside the venue show Cocaine Bear makin' quite the impression as the ceremony kicks off.

C.B. even dressed up for the monumental occasion -- swapping out his raccoon-skin headwear for a top hat ... classy move, Pablo Escobear!

As we reported, the owner of the museum where the stuffed bear resides was all for the unorthodox ceremony -- telling Roadside America, "As long as you feel that the person marrying you -- like Cocaine Bear -- has the authority, then that marriage can be binding here in Kentucky."

BTW -- looks like the flick of the same name was gettin' some promotion on the big day ... as you know, the 2023 movie is loosely based on that exact bear that died in 1985 after ingesting a BUNCH of cocaine dropped from a plane piloted by convicted drug smuggler Andrew Thornton.

Nicolas Cage is set to portray Count Dracula in a new horror-comedy flick that's coming out next month -- but it seems he might still be in character in the Big Apple ... take a looksy.

The legendary actor hit the town in NYC Sunday, where an eyewitness tells us he was dropped off at MUJI SoHo -- a Japanese department store - on Broadway ... where he cruised in to buy a few things, and then popped right back out to meet his waiting SUV.

Check out the 'fit that Nic was rocking as he was heading out ... dude's in a classic black suit with shades -- complete with a pair of high-heeled boots that'd make Prince blush.

It's nothing too out of the ordinary for NC -- who's always stylin' and profilin', and was doing exactly that as he touched down at JFK Saturday with his family. However ... considering his movie, 'Renfield,' is coming out in a few short weeks (where he plays the most famous vamp of all) ... it kinda makes ya wonder if he was intentionally telegraphing goth-y vibes here.

If nothing else ... it's just Nic Cage being Nic Cage, and certainly giving off big Nic Cage energy. BTW, the dude's having yet another resurgence online ... thanks to Pedro Pascal.

A clip from their 2022 film, 'The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent,' is all the rage on TikTok these days ... marking a new way Nic's broken through in pop culture, again.

Jeremy Renner's recovery from his snowplow accident continues to go well -- so much so, in fact, that the guy is already walking again ... albeit, with a little help from technology.

The actor posted a video Sunday that shows him strutting his stuff in an anti-gravity treadmill. The reason we know that -- besides just looking at it -- is 'cause JR himself alludes to the fact that he's only using a certain percentage of his body weight as he works his legs.

Watch ... it sounds like he's getting quite a bit of assistance, but it's encouraging to see he's up and moving like this -- especially since the incident went down just a couple months ago.

Jeremy also has had a great caption that further elaborates on how he's doing. He writes, "I now have to find OTHER things to occupy my time so my body can recover from my will."

In other words, he wants to rehab harder than his body might allow at times -- but the fact he's going hard is, frankly, par for the course for him. The dude's a workhorse, and you can clearly see he wants to get back to normal ASAP ... and hopefully will be soon.

Again, it's remarkable how far along he's come since January ... when he was crushed by a massive machine that nearly killed him. Remember, he broke over 30 bones and needed major surgery. Since then, however, he's been on the grind ... documenting his journey as well.

Ray Liotta's Facebook account is no longer posting celeb death hoaxes and sending out weird links to fake news ... at least that's what his team's hoping, but seems like the mystery hacker isn't giving up that easily.

Here's the deal ... the late actor's Facebook account started posting a ton of strange things last week, like death hoaxes, news links and fake stories about Ellen DeGeneres, Bruce Willis, and Arnold Schwarzenegger -- all of which confused and alarmed fans who followed the late "Goodfellas" star.

Late this week, a rep for Ray's team told TMZ they'd finally resolved the issue by reaching out to Facebook and working with them to address the problem.

Or, so they thought. Shortly after we were told the account was secured ... another bizarre post -- for Ray's page, at least -- went up promoting a porn scene. It has since been removed.

We've reached out regarding the porn post, but no word back yet.

While his team told us they believed the account was back in good hands ... that doesn't seem to be the case.

The troubling part is it seems a mystery as to who's been hacking his page and how these posts keep ending up on his feed. All the old phony posts have been deleted, but it's clear someone is still using his account with ill intentions.

Despite the scary security breach, Ray's camp says Mark Zuckerberg's company has been "an amazing partner in resolving the issue."

As you know, Ray died in his sleep last May, when the 67-year-old was filming a movie in the Dominican Republic.

Lady Gaga is ready for her closeup in the DCU -- she was on set this weekend for the new 'Joker 2' movie ... and she's looking pretty clownish as Mr. J's right-hand girl.

The singer and a ton of extras were on hand Saturday morning in NYC, where director Todd Phillips and co. were shooting a scene for the forthcoming sequel to 2019's 'Joker.' As you may have heard by now, Gaga signed on to portray Harley Quinn ... and here she is.

Indeed ... LG could be seen in her full costume and makeup as the Clown Prince of Gotham's famed love interest, and in these shots -- she's coming down some courthouse steps amid what appears to be a massive (staged) protest ... with "Gotham City" cops everywhere.

From the looks of it ... Gaga's Harley is very much like Joaquin Phoenix's Joker -- namely, quite realistic and not so cartoon-y ... unlike other depictions of the characters in DC films.

Of course, with Gaga's version of HQ now out ... the comparisons between her take and Margot Robbie's iteration are going to start flying in film circles. MR has been playing Harley Quinn for a while now (3 films, actually) ... and her portrayal has been well-received.

Based on what we can glean from these photos (and this vibe), however, something tells us Gaga's Harley might, perhaps, be a little darker ... and maybe even a little less giggly.

Time will tell ... we'll just have to wait and see when the flick comes out in Oct. 2024.

BTW, one last observation ... the very many background actors working today appear to have had their grievances heard when it comes to bathroom breaks. As we reported ... a lot of the extras were pissed they were having to work long hours without getting a chance to whizz.

Peep all the porta potties lining the streets ... as the actors walk by. There's more than enough stalls for everyone to empty their bladders ... and one guy even exercised his right!

There's a bear-y special ceremony on deck in Kentucky ... where the real animal inspiration behind the "Cocaine Bear" movie script is set to officiate a wedding.

Here's the deal ... a museum in Lexington, KY is the current home of the infamous Cocaine Bear, a 175-pound black bear that died from a cocaine overdose way back in 1985, and a Kentucky couple chose him to pronounce them husband and wife.

The wedding's going down Monday at the Kentucky for Kentucky Fun Mall, where the Cocaine Bear will preside over and affirm the union of Alexandra and Armando.

Also known as Pablo Escobear, the black bear infamously stumbled upon 40 containers of cocaine in Georgia's Chattahoochee National Forest. The drugs were dropped from a plane piloted by convicted drug smuggler Andrew Thornton ... and the museum says the retired medical examiner who performed the bear's necropsy told them the bear's stomach was packed to the brim with cocaine when it died.

Cocaine Bear was stuffed by a taxidermist and it changed hands over the years, going from Georgia to Tennessee to Nevada before ending up in a Kentucky museum, where it's now a huge tourist attraction.

The museum's cofounder, Griffin VanMeter, was recently quoted in Roadside America saying, "As long as you feel that the person marrying you -- like Cocaine Bear -- has the authority, then that marriage can be binding here in Kentucky" ... and one couple took him seriously.

Michael Bay seems to have just gone through a little déjà vu when it comes to shady dudes rolling up to a rich person's crib incognito -- at least that's what his staff told cops.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ .... one of Bay's employees told cops two men buzzed Mike's intercom at his L.A. area home Monday, telling the worker who answered they were city officials there to check the water meters, but something felt off to Bay's staffer.

First of all, the men arrived in a white van with New York plates, which didn't make sense if they were working for the city. Second, Bay's employee noticed one of the alleged city employee's uniforms looked off -- with his stomach exposed.

Pair that with the fact the men appeared to be scoping the place out, looking all over ... so Bay's employee decided to call the cops.

Our sources say the staffer didn't give them access to the property ... so the dudes scrammed.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... cops showed up and investigated it as an attempted trespass ... but it's actually being viewed as something more serious ... namely, would-be burglars scoping out a target. We're told detectives are on the case.

No word on whether Michael himself was home ... but if he had been, he probably could've seen this one from a mile away. Remember, he did something similar in "Bad Boys II."

Austin Butler's 'Elvis' movie went 0 for 8 at the Oscars -- and while it's unclear if the King himself is feeling down, we do know things have gone south (of the border) for him.

The actor was hanging in Cabo San Lucas with his GF, Kaia Gerber, last week -- photographed lounging poolside at their fancy hotel. They were in swimwear -- both looking smoking hot, no doubt -- but there doesn't seem to be too much heartbreak.

AB and Kaia looked fairly neutral as they took in the sunshine ... with just a little bit of PDA.

After a bit of R&R, Austin and Kaia hopped on a golf cart and rolled on over to another part of the resort ... paps snapped the model leaning her head on her boo thang's shoulder as he handled steering duties.

While we're sure Austin/Kaia are enjoying themselves, ya gotta imagine the guy is somewhat bummed about getting iced out of any statuette glory for the most important award show of his life. He had a lot of buzz and momentum behind him ... but so did Brendan Fraser.

Of course, the latter ended up taking home gold for his role in 'The Whale' ... and as we all saw, 'EEAAO,' swept just about everything else -- clearing the deck on all the big categories.