'Impractical Jokers' Joe Gatto Leaving Group ... Split with Wife, Focus on Kids
Joe Gatto, who stars in truTV's "Impractical Jokers," is leaving the group ... and it's all because of family issues.
Joe, who also was a founding member of The Tenderloins, revealed he and his wife have separated and his focus now is on co-parenting their kids.
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Gatto said, “Sorry in advance for the long and more-serious-than-usual note below, I just wanted to let you all know that I will no longer be involved with ‘Impractical Jokers."
He went on ... “Alongside my friends, I’ve devoted a decade of my life to building this franchise and couldn’t be prouder of what has been accomplished. However, due to some issues in my personal life, I have to step away. Bessy and I have decided to amicably part ways, so now I need to focus on being the best father and co-parent to our two incredible kids.”
Joe was in high school when he and some buddies formed The Tenderloins back in '99. "Impractical Jokers" has been on the air for 10 years.
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As for "Impractical Jokers," the other cast members say they will continue with the show.
Remaining members Murray, Quinn and Vulcano said, "While we are saddened to see him go, we want to keep making people laugh, keep our relationship working with the members of our team that we consider family. With the support of our fans, we’ll get back to making a new chapter of ‘Impractical Jokers’ in January.”
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Kardashians XMAS Party Small But Super Fancy
Who says you never get dressed up for your family?
The Kardashians had a scaled-back holiday this year -- with Omicron and such -- but it didn't stop them from dressing to the 9's in an impressive show of glitter.
As we reported, Kris Jenner scaled back her XMAS Eve party, and now we have the pics to show it was both elaborate and intimate.
Christmas trappings are everywhere, and the photos show that as life goes on, people blend families in all sorts of ways.
There are photos, of course, of Kim, Khloe, Kourtney and Kendall. But, then there are pics of Travis with his kids and Kourtney with one of her kids (the boys were nowhere to be seen, at least in the pics).
Kim's still deep into Balenciaga. As you know, Kanye inspired it and she connected with it. BTW, Ye wasn't at the party.
There was even a Santa present ... Kourtney nuzzled up to Mr. Claus.
Looks like a fun night. Who needs a crowd?
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'CHEER' STAR JERRY HARRIS Season 2 Tackles Child Porn Arrest
Former Navarro College cheerleader Jerry Harris' child pornography case is getting addressed in the upcoming season of the Netflix docuseries that made him famous.
The streaming giant just dropped the trailer for the upcoming second season of the super popular "Cheer" ... and it shows the school's cheer team coach, Monica Aldama, referencing Jerry's arrest.
In the clip released Tuesday, Aldama says ... "I can't even process it" ... and one of Jerry's former teammates adds, "Everyone just felt lost."
As we reported ... Jerry was the breakout star of "Cheer" season 1, but he was arrested for child pornography back in Sept. 2020 in Illinois, casting a dark cloud over the hit series.
Remember ... the feds hit Jerry with 2 charges and he's also being sued by 2 of his alleged victims.
"Cheer" director and executive producer Greg Whiteley says the new season, which debuts Jan. 12, will "tackle extremely difficult moments" as it centers around "the impact of COVID-19 and criminal charges against one of Navarro's former team members."
We reached out to Jerry's camp ... so far, no word back.
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Jason Oppenheim Selling Above Sunset for $8M
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One of the biggest names in L.A. real estate is back at it, but this time it's personal because Jason Oppenheim is selling his Hollywood Hills home for $7.9mil ... TMZ has learned.
The "Selling Sunset" star markets luxurious homes ... and this 4 bedroom, 5,000-sq-ft pad is consistent with his M.O.
The home has some pretty impressive features, including 13-ft ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows sliding glass doors, lots of space and a ton of natural light.
As you see in the photos, the yard is an entertainer's dream ... with a fireplace, pool with a set of floating steps smack in the middle, a massage room, a sauna, a built-in BBQ, and a TV viewing area.
Whoever's the next new kid on the block will enjoy not one, but 2 master suites.
The home sits high above the Sunset Strip ... looking down on Jason's now-famous offices.
As you know, Jason upgraded to another sick home late last year and it was a plot point on season 4 of the Netflix show.
Oh, and BTW -- if you don't have $8 mil sitting around to buy this place, but are still rich enough to pay thousands in rent ... you can lease this baby for a cool $65k/month!
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Kardashian/Jenner Low-Key Xmas Eve, Thanks to COVID ... No Party This Year
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The annual Kardashian/Jenner Christmas Eve party will be scaled way back for the second year in a row thanks to COVID-19 ... but that doesn't mean the fam won't be able to do a little celebrating themselves.
Sources with direct knowledge tell us ... Kris and the family made the decision to hold off on the elaborate bash the family has become known for over the years due to the alarming rise of COVID cases in the area, and all over the country for that matter.
Our sources say Kris will still get her daughters and grandkids together on Christmas Eve, but that's it ... nothing over the top.
Parties in the past have seen huge celeb guests, like J Lo, Paris Hilton, Dave Chappelle, Chrissy Teigen, Toni Braxton, Babyface, Kanye (of course) and even performances by John Legend and Sia.
The big question, of course, is if Kim's new dude, Pete Davidson, will spend part of the Christmas holiday with her. We're told Pete's headed back to NYC to spend time with immediate family. But he's been bouncing back and forth between coasts, so ya never know.
TMZ broke the story, Kim and Pete were spotted grabbing breakfast at the Bev Hills Hotel earlier in the week before Pete cruised around the city in Kim's tricked-out Rolls.
Kanye's still got a Christmas stocking at the home he and Kim once shared -- where she lives with the kids and without him -- but it's a safe bet they'll all spend Christmas Day together as a family.
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Mike Rowe Just When I Thought I Was Out Reboots 'Dirty Jobs' Series
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Mike Rowe says he's delighted to relaunch "Dirty Jobs" series after a 10-year hiatus ... this time, he plans to take on pandemic-related jobs.
The TV host joined us on "TMZ Live" and talked about the journey to the show's triumphant return.
The series made a comeback earlier this year for a limited run, and Mike says over the last year he got hundreds of letters from loyal fans imploring him to reboot the series.
So why now? Mike's simple answer -- COVID. During the lockdown, essential workers became headline news ... the relaunch seemed like a good idea to remind people of the kinds of essential jobs that make life work, especially during the pandemic.
Now get this ... Mike also rightfully gloated about his side hustle -- singing! His song, "Santa's Gotta Dirty Job" with Country music singer John Rich was released in early December ... and boy, it was a hit!
No, really ... the song hit #1 for a week on Country Music charts, #1 on iTunes for 4 days -- and even took the top spot on the Billboard digital song sales chart.
As for profits, John and Mike are splitting it even steven and giving all of the proceeds to non-profit orgs.
The series premieres on Jan 2 ... but you can tune in to "TMZ Live" today for the full interview.
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Josh Altman 'Selling Sunset' Can't Compete ... We Do Way Bigger Deals!!!
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Josh Altman says there's no competition between 'Million Dollar Listing' and "Selling Sunset" ... but it's not the nice gesture it might sound like at first glance.
The 'MDL' star joined us on "TMZ Live" Thursday and we asked him if there's any competitive fire between his group and the folks on 'SS' ... because we know how fiery L.A. realtors can be.
Josh ripped a page outta Jay-Z's playbook, telling us the 'Sunset' folk aren't even in the same conversation as his show, because the 'Million Dollar' team's doing way bigger deals than anyone over at Oppenheim.
While Josh brags about the massive dollar figures over on his side -- and there are some really BIG numbers -- he does give the Netflix show some credit, but mostly for fashion.
He's got a new spinoff, "Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles: Josh and Josh" premiering tonight on Bravo. It costars his frenemy-turned-BFF Josh Flagg, and while there's been plenty of friction between them -- Altman acknowledges 'Sunset' might have 'em beat in the drama department, but NOT if you're talking bottom lines on a sales ledger.
The funny thing is Josh told us, "I'm not trying to start a fight" with that other cast.
We'll see if the "Selling Sunset" crew agrees with that sentiment.
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'RHOBH' Back To Work ... Lisa, Erika & Garcelle Out Of Quarantine
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"The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" are getting some familiar faces back in front of cameras ... now that a trio of cast members finished their COVID-19 quarantines.
Production sources tell TMZ ... Lisa Rinna, Erika Jayne and Garcelle Beauvais are shooting scenes again after testing negative for the virus following a COVID scare, with all 3 women shooting scenes earlier this week.
TMZ broke the story ... 'RHOBH' production came to a screeching halt this month when Lisa, Erika and Garcelle tested positive for the virus ... and the shutdown lasted several days.
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The good news ... we're told all 3 tested negative, opening the door for a production restart, we're told there will be a quick holiday break, and then production will kick back up.
The cast members weren't the only ones battling the virus ... as we first told you, Housewives honcho Andy Cohen is fresh off a 10-day quarantine after his second battle with COVID.
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The return to production also brings new cast members into the fold ... Bravo announced Tuesday 2 new women are joining the franchise, full-time housewife Sanela Diana Jenkins and friend of the cast -- who's also Will Smith's ex-wife -- Sheree Zampino.
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William Shatner Beam Me Up, Scotty ... 'Cause This Driving Thing Ain't Workin'
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William Shatner seems to have a safer trip flying in a humongous spaceship than he does driving a car on planet Earth -- evidenced in the fact he got into a wreck cruising the streets of L.A.
Captain Kirk was involved in an accident Tuesday in Studio City, which actually looked pretty bad ... from the damage done, anyway. WS was driving his black Mercedes SUV, while the other driver was in an Acura sedan.
Unclear exactly how the two vehicles ended up as crumpled as they were -- but as you can see ... the woman's front end is pretty smashed up, with her left wheel at a weird angle.
Luckily, neither Bill nor the woman appeared to be injured ... and the 90-year-old actor was quickly on his feet and over with the woman making sure she was okay, while he made some calls and kicked debris off the side of the road.
Cops were called to the scene, made sure both drivers swapped info ... and thankfully no one was taken to the hospital.
Remember, it was back in October when Cpt. Kirk made history as the oldest person to go to space onboard Jeff Bezo's Blue Origin spaceship ... maybe it's better to stick to the friendly skies.
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'90 Day Fiance' Jason Hitch Sister Urges People to Get Vaccinated ... Following His Tragic Death
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Jason Hitch's death has shocked "90 Day Fiance" fans and his family members, who want something positive to come out of their loss ... and that's convincing doubters to wake up and get the COVID-19 jab.
Jason's sister, Shannon Speagle, tells TMZ ... she's beyond devastated following her brother's tragic death from the coronavirus. She says he wasn't vaccinated and wants Jason to be a cautionary tale for others.
The way she sees it, Jason dying should highlight the importance of getting vaccinated and taking every preventative measure you can against COVID, even if you think you're healthy.
Shannon, who's vaccinated, says she'd argue with Jason about getting the vaccine ... as he was an anti-vaxxer -- at least for COVID -- and sent her misinformation about the vaccine not being effective.
She says her brother -- who was on season 2 of '90 Day' and married to Cássia Tavares -- just figured he was a healthy 45-year-old man, and if he did get COVID, he was certain he'd be fine ... like the majority of people.
During their final convo, Shannon urged him to get vaccinated because he was planning to visit her and her children. She says Jason ultimately refused, and didn't visit them.
Here's the really sad part ... when Jason got COVID, Shannon says she didn't want to call him because she thought it'd come off as her rubbing it in his face. It wasn't until Jason was hospitalized that she understood the severity of his condition, and flew out to see him.
By the time she flew out to see him, she says he was sedated and on a ventilator, and it was the worst sight she had ever seen. She was by his bedside when he passed away last week.
Shannon says it's the worst "I told you so" imaginable. Politics and frustrations aside, Shannon loved her brother deeply ... and doesn't want anyone else to experience what she and her family are going through.
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Andy Cohen Done with 10-Day Quarantine ... After 2nd Fight with COVID-19
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The cast members of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" weren't the only ones at Bravo fighting COVID, honcho Andy Cohen had the illness as well, and just finished his 10-day quarantine ... TMZ has learned.
Sources with direct knowledge tell us Cohen tested positive for COVID -- his second bout with the disease -- two weeks ago. We're told Andy quarantined at home, and has since tested negative.
Our sources say Andy was fully vaccinated, helping to reduce his symptoms.
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It was in March of last year when Andy first had COVID, posting, "After a few days of self-quarantine, and not feeling great, I have tested positive for Coronavirus. As much as I felt like I could push through whatever I was feeling to do #WWHL from home, we’re putting a pin in that for now so I can focus on getting better..."
Fortunately, it's another healthy outcome for Andy this time around, too.
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'SNL' COVID Decimated Show Goes On ... Paul Rudd Gets Hanks, Fey Assists
Thanks a lot, COVID ... poor Paul Rudd's feeling "extremely disappointed" his 5th time hosting 'SNL' turned into a patched-together show with almost none of the regular cast, and 2 big guests.
As we reported ... multiple 'SNL' staffers had tested positive, and Lorne Michaels decided to pull the live audience and most of the cast. Tom Hanks and Tina Fey opened the show, explaining most of that, and then did what they were really there to do ... induct Paul into the 5-timers club.
Tom Hanks and Tina Fey welcome Paul Rudd to the Five-Timers Club! pic.twitter.com/tidzhofdtx
— Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) December 19, 2021 @nbcsnl
Kenan Thompson brought out Paul's 5-timers robe ... but joked Rudd was really only hosting 4 and a half times.
Most of the show was a best of previous holiday episodes with a few fresh pre-recorded videos from earlier in the week. Tina stuck around to do Weekend Update with Michael Che. She immediately addressed Jost’s absence saying, “It’s not what you think. He’s getting some work done.”
Fey and Che didn't even sit behind the usual update desk ... and instead sat on the main stage, delivering their jokes to Kenan, Tom and Paul.
Che had the night's most timely joke when he did a news item about the judge in Louisiana who was caught on video saying the N-word -- saying it's "the kind of story that makes me wonder, why are me and Kenan the only cast members here?”
As we'd told you ... even musical guest Charli XCX was scratched hours before the broadcast due to the scaled-down production -- but she did appear in one of the pre-recorded bits.
The show DID go on, but felt more like the at-home episodes 'SNL' pulled off during quarantine.
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Angela Simmons I'm Not Going to Be ATL Housewife ... Despite 'RHOA' Speculation
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Angela Simmons is NOT joining the cast of "Real Housewives of Atlanta" -- despite some signs pointing to her shooting scenes for the reality show ... TMZ has learned.
Our production sources tell us reports of Angela coming onboard 'RHOA' and getting in front of cameras to film are simply not true.
While Angela popped up at Marlo Hampton's party at Le'Archive in Atlanta, which was crawling with 'RHOA' stars, we're told she wasn't there to shoot scenes for the new season.
Growing up Hip Hop star, Angela Simmons is a supposed friend to the show on the upcoming season.She was also present at Marlo’s Le’Archive event last week!🔥🍑 #RHOA pic.twitter.com/fvUMvpVLZO
— THE RHOA TEA🍑☕️ (@RHOATEA) November 6, 2021 @RHOATEA
Still, her coincidental appearance led to wild speculation she was joining the cast.
Sources close to Angela tell TMZ ... she moved from New York City to Atlanta, but it's not because of 'RHOA' and she's still working on her other reality shows -- "Growing Up Hip Hop" and "Just Angela."
So, she's out ... but we're told the cast for the upcoming 14th 'RHOA' season will include Kandi Burruss, Kenya Moore, Drew Sidora, Sheree Whitfield, Marlo and Sanya Richards-Ross.
We're told Monyetta Shaw recently started filming with the women, however, her role on the series is unclear, and the show is still in production.
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'SNL' No Live Audience Tonight Due to Omi ... Charlie Out Too
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2:23 PM PT -- Charli XCX is out of tonight's performance, saying the limited crew will bar her from taking the stage.
— Charli (@charli_xcx) December 18, 2021 @charli_xcx
Sounds like she'll be back, but not for a while. Bummer ...
The Omicron variant is all over the Big Apple, and a new spike in cases has got everyone spooked -- including the folks over at 'SNL' ... who will go without a live audience tonight.
"Saturday Night Live" honchos made the announcement Saturday, just hours before showtime ... with Paul Rudd slated to step in as host, and Charli XCX as musical guest. There were rumors they may nix the show entirely, but they met somewhere in the middle.
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The official 'SNL' IG page posted a new message, which reads ... "Due to the recent spike in the Omicron variant and out of an abundance of caution, there will be no live audience for tonight's taping of 'Saturday Night Live' and the show will have limited cast and crew."
The statement goes on to say their show continues to follow all government safety protocols, with rigorous testing in place.
PAUL RUDD.
— Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) December 18, 2021 @nbcsnl
CHARLI XCX.
TONIGHTTTTTTT pic.twitter.com/hqnW39kumU
The limited cast and crew line is curious in the wake of a report claiming 4 'SNL' members actually caught the 'rona -- which a production source confirms to TMZ. There were also rumblings that 3 others called in sick out of fear, but we're told that's not accurate.
In any case, it's clear they're working without at least a handful of people tonight -- at this point, it's unclear who's out sick ... or if Paul or Charli are expected to show at this point.
Paul Rudd! Charli XCX!
— Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) December 14, 2021 @nbcsnl
Our last episode of 2021!
THIS SATURDAY pic.twitter.com/x05pP9eMzW
PR was featured in a promo they just put up earlier today, so presumably ... he might still be available. Of course, it's a huge deal -- as this is the last show of the year before they go on a little hiatus ... so it'll be interesting to see how they handle the last-minute changes.
We've reached out to a rep for 'SNL' ... so far, no word back.
Originally Published -- 1:07 PM PT
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'Bob's Burgers' Star Jay Johnston Reportedly Benched ... Over Alleged Capitol Riot Cameo
"Bob's Burgers" is going to be without Jimmy Pesto for a while -- or at least without the guy who's been voicing him for years now ... and it's all because of the Jan. 6 attacks.
Actor Jay Johnston -- who's portrayed Pesto, Bob's fast food archrival, since 2011 -- has reportedly been "banned" from playing the character in recent months ... and won't be participating in the animated series for the foreseeable future ... this per The Daily Beast.
The #FBI is still seeking information on people who took part in the violence at the U.S. Capitol on January 6. If you know this individual, visit https://t.co/iL7sD5efWD. Refer to photo 247 in your tip. pic.twitter.com/CetMHzU190
— FBI (@FBI) March 4, 2021 @FBI
Citing sources familiar with the matter, TDB reports Johnston is persona non grata as it relates to anything "Bob's Burgers" -- and it's apparently because he's believed to have attended the Capitol riots, and is allegedly one of the faces seen in one of the FBI's posts.
We should note ... Johnston has NOT been arrested or charged in connection to the riot at this point, but The Daily Beast cites tweets from people who've worked with JJ in the past, who say they believe it's him in the photo. Some of those people also claim to have knowledge that Jay was actually there that day as well.
In video and photo still posted by the FBI, this person -- who some clearly believe is, in fact, Jay -- can be seen joining the mob outside the capitol steps, filming all the chaos. Eventually, it appears they make it inside the building as well ... and later throws on a face mask. Unclear what, if anything, they may have done once they breached the doors.
FOX had no comment on the matter, and neither did Disney. Disney owns the studio that produces/distributes "Bob's Burgers," and FOX carries it on their airwaves.
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Dorothy Wang Starring In 'Bling Empire' Spin-Off ... Filming in The Big Apple
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Dorothy Wang is making the jump from one rich reality show to another ... and one coast to another -- she's starring in a new Netflix show that's a spin-off of the popular "Bling Empire."
Production sources tell TMZ ... the spinoff will be set in New York City, but will still focus on Dorothy's lavish lifestyle ... just in a new setting. Big Apple retailers gotta be licking their chops!
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We're told filming is starting in early January, and Dorothy will be joined on screen by some of her super-rich friends.
As you know ... the OG "Bling Empire" follows a group of wildly wealthy Asian and Asian-American celebs in Los Angeles, including Dorothy's close friend Christine Chiu.
Dorothy has a history with this sort of TV show ... she famously starred on all 4 seasons of E!'s "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills."
Now, she's bringing her rich kid spending wildly brand to Manhattan. So, basically ... Rodeo Drive's loss is 5th Avenue's gain!!!