'The Wire' Al Brown Dead at 83
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Al Brown -- famous from "The Wire" -- has died ... this according to his loved ones.
The actor's daughter, Jenny, tells TMZ ... Al passed away Friday in Las Vegas as a result of his Alzheimer's battle. She tells us that before he got into acting in the '90s, he was a 29-year-old Air Force vet who served two tours in Vietnam ... so he served honorably.
Jenny also says Al loved fans of his and was happy to stop and chat with anyone who might've recognized him from the show over the years -- noting, he loved his job.
Al will best be remembered for playing Col. Stan Valchek in the hit HBO show from the 2000s. In the series, he was a high-ranking Baltimore PD official, often portrayed as somewhat corrupt ... who'd give the main character cops a hard time in their investigations.
Valchek was a recurring character in all five seasons of "The Wire," but played a major part in Season 2 ... when he was dealing with dock workers who'd gotten mixed up with the Greek mob. His character was portrayed as a proud Polish-American -- a running gag throughout.
Great role, and Brown played it well for years. In addition to his work on HBO ... he also guest starred in other shows like "Rescue Me," "Forensic Files," "Law & Order: SVU," "Commander in Chief," "Maron," "The Hustler" and others.
Al even had a few notable movies in his repertoire ... playing small roles in "The Replacements," "12 Monkeys," "Lay the Favorite," "Red Dragon," "Liberty Heights," and more. He had a knack for playing hardboiled cops and law enforcement types ... and he did 'em justice every time.
He's survived by his children and extended family. Al was 83.
RIP
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Susan Lucci Helping Others with Heart Health After My Scary Situation
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Soap legend Susan Lucci is on a mission to make sure others don't have to go through the same ordeal she did to survive a massive heart blockage.
We got the "All My Children" star out in NYC, where she downloaded us on her upcoming collaboration with the American Heart Association.
You'll recall, Susan underwent emergency surgery back in 2019 after having a 90% heart blockage. That saved her from a massive and likely fatal heart attack.
Now, she calls herself lucky to be alive and points to the "wonderful" doctors who acted fast.
Susan Lucci Survived Massive Heart Blockage with Emergency Procedure
Susan tells us, she was motivated to help others after her medical crisis ... saying she almost ignored it until it was too late, but thankfully she didn't. She says she had no idea her dad's side of the family actually had a history related to her condition.
Her hope is to spread awareness about heart disease and, most importantly, getting tested. As for the signs, she keeps it simple -- pay attention to your family history and changes with your body.
She didn't spill too many deetz on what the collab will look like, but it's clear the project is coming from Susan's heart ... pardon the pun. She says she'll be ready to reveal more in early February, which is American Heart Month.
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Lisa Rinna Here's Why I Left 'RHOBH' 'I F***ing Hated' it!!!
Lisa Rinna didn't just dislike her job ... she "f***ing hated" it!
Lisa just made it clear ... she left "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" not just because of personal tragedy -- the death of her mom -- but because she was the victim of an orchestrated smear campaign against her.
Lisa said she just had it after season 12 ... and a lot centers around her feud with Kathy Hilton ... specifically the blowup in Aspen ... so she told Interview Mag.
Lisa Rinna Announces She's Leaving 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills'
Lisa said, "The story just didn’t get told as two-sidedly as I would’ve liked. It was unfortunate that there weren’t cameras in Aspen. It was something that happened so spontaneously. In the moment, I didn’t think to turn on my voice memos. When somebody’s having a nuclear breakdown, you don’t think, ‘Oh, I should be filming this.’”
Lisa says Kathy was trash-talking her sister Kyle in between filming ... while alcohol was freely flowing.
Interestingly ... Kathy wasn't the principal villain in Lisa's world -- she reserved that for another housewife, saying at least Kathy was brave enough "for showing up to the reunion, because she could have run like Lisa Vanderpump did."
There was talk Lisa left because the $$$ offer was paltry for what she wanted, but it sounds like there was so much bad blood she just threw in the towel. Then again, never say never.
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'RHOC' Heather Dubrow Lisa Rinna's 'RHOBH' Exit Is Good Move ... Take It From Me!!!
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"Real Housewives of Orange County" star Heather Dubrow is behind Lisa Rinna's decision to say goodbye to "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" ... but she ain't too sure it'll be a permanent exit -- speaking from personal experience.
We got Heather leaving Craig's in WeHo Tuesday night ... and while she's got nothin' but good things to say about Lisa and her leave, she's also supporting a call to come back, if she chooses.
Fans of the series remember Heather took a step back from 'RHOC' back in 2017, saying she wanted to spend more time with her family ... only to come back in 2021.
Heather also addresses the rumors she might be makin' the move to 'RHOBH' ... which sounds like it could be in her future -- if the stars align.
As we reported, Lisa announced her Bravo exit last week -- telling People, "This is the longest job I have held in my 35-year career and I am grateful to everyone at Bravo and all those involved in the series. It has been a fun eight-year run and I am excited for what is to come!"
01/06/23
Erika Jayne was singing a tune similar to Heather's ... calling Lisa the greatest 'Housewives' star of all time.
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'Bachelor' Colton Underwood I Love Chris Harrison ... Hope The Dust Has Settled!
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Former 'Bachelor' Colton Underwood is hoping Chris Harrison's past drama, resulting in an abrupt exit from the show, is water under the bridge ... but admits the former host might be doin' better since he left.
We got Colton at LAX Thursday and he's got nothing but love for the guy ... but check out his response when asked about a possible Chris Harrison comeback tour.
Colton's gunning for everyone involved to be at peace -- and hopes the matter's been dealt with and wrapped up behind the curtain.
Chris Harrison Quitting 'Bachelor' Duties for Good Following Racism Controversy
For those unaware, Chris unloaded his thoughts about his exit this week on his new podcast, "The Most Dramatic Podcast Ever" ... saying he was heartbroken and gutted over the situation -- adding, “I was embarrassed. I was mad at myself."
As we reported, Chris was pushed out of the show after defending former 'Bachelor' contestant Rachael Kirkconnell for attending a plantation-themed party while in college.
We got Chris a few months after his leave ... but he seemed to be in better shape about the ordeal -- saying there are no hard feelings over the whole thing.
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'The Last Of Us' Bella Ramsey Comes Out As Gender-Fluid
Bella Ramsey is opening up about how she identifies ... telling the world she's gender-fluid.
The "Last Of Us Star" talked about identity in an interview with The New York Times, saying ... "I guess my gender has always been very fluid. Someone would call me 'she' or 'her' and I wouldn't think about it, but I knew that if someone called me 'he' it was a bit exciting."
While Bella says she would identify as "nonbinary" if given the option, she says she's "very much just a person." She says she doesn't put a lot of weight into pronouns, but doesn't like "being gendered."
Bella's known for playing female characters on HBO series ... she's Ellie in "The Last of Us" and was Lyanna Mormont on "Game of Thrones."
For her work in the movie "Catherine Called Brady," Bella is nominated for the Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Young Performer ... and she says she's happy the award category isn't gender specific.
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Evan Peters Dahmer Victim's Mom Furious Over Golden Globes Win
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The mother of one of Jeffrey Dahmer's victims is pissed Evan Peters won a Golden Globe for portraying the serial killer on Netflix ... she says he should've paid tribute to the victims.
Shirley, the mother of Dahmer victim Tony Hughes, tells TMZ ... Evan should have used his acceptance speech to mention the families who are still suffering from Dahmer's crimes, or to say Hollywood should put an end to telling stories about killers and glorifying them.
Evan won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series for his work playing Jeffrey Dahmer in the Netflix miniseries "Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story" ... and in his acceptance speech, he told the audience he hoped something good would come from his win, and the series.
Shirley's scoffed ... saying nothing good will come from Evan's award for the Netflix series. She says it just adds to the grief for the families of the people Dahmer killed, replaying the tragedy over and over.
Tony's mom also had this to say about Evan's big night ... "There's a lot of sick people around the world, and people winning acting roles from playing killers keeps the obsession going and this makes sick people thrive on the fame."
Also in his speech, Evan mentioned how hard it was to do the Dahmer series ... but Shirley's questioning why he took the role in the first place. She says he shouldn't have played the role out of respect for the families still living with heartbreak from losing loved ones.
Bottom line for Shirley ... "It's a shame that people can take our tragedy and make money. The victims never saw a cent. We go through these emotions every day."
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'House of the Dragon' Milly Alcock Has Tipsy Giggle Fit Over Golden Globes Win & Twitter Loves It!!!
"House of the Dragon" star Milly Alcock takes the trophy at this year's Golden Globes ... not just for her TV show, but also for being the celeb having the most drunken fun onstage!!!
HBO's "Game of Thrones" prequel series took home the award for Best Television Series - Drama Tuesday night ... but as executive producer Miguel Sapochnik delivered his speech, most people's eyes were locked on Milly barely holding it together in the background.
You can see her giggling nonstop, having to hold on to costar Emma D'Arcy ... and giving some pretty wild expressions throughout Miguel's speech.
Twitter had a field day with Milly, with many calling her apparently boozy night "so funny."
Another spot-on description -- "When you don’t expect to win so you get drunk but you actually win and have to get on stage."
For those unaware, Milly plays the young version of Rhaenyra Targaryen in the series, and Emma takes over as the older version of the character after a time jump.
If Milly had been overserved last night ... good for her!!! The Globes have always been known as the Hollywood award show where celebs openly booze it up through the night -- and after a year in time-out (due to a lack of diversity at the Hollywood Foreign Press) -- it needed to come back with a bang.
Milly and Jennifer Coolidge -- who made a profanity-laced, hilarious acceptance speech -- definitely delivered some 🔥 moments!!!
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'Eight is Enough' Star Adam Rich Investigators Eyeing Signs Actor Died of Overdose
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Former child TV star Adam Rich's death was likely the result of an overdose -- at least according to the investigators who've found evidence supporting that theory.
Law enforcement sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... the manager at Adam's L.A. area apartment building found his body while doing a welfare check Saturday after no one had heard from the actor since Jan. 5. We're told he was found in the bathroom.
We're told officers believe Adam had been deceased for a while at that point ... and our sources say there was a white powdery substance found on the scene, which cops believe to be drugs. Based on that, and Adam's past struggles with drugs, investigators are looking at this as a possible OD. As we previously reported, foul play isn't suspected.
Although this is what law enforcement's thinking at the moment, an official cause of death will not be known until they get back autopsy and toxicology results.
We broke the story ... Adam's family caught wind of his passing this weekend. He struggled with drugs for years -- and was even once arrested for allegedly trying to steal pills from a pharmacy. Adam was on the show "Eight is Enough" from '77 to '81. He was 54.
RIP
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Jennifer Coolidge Hilarious, Profanity-Laced Acceptance Speech ... At 2023 Golden Globes
Jennifer Coolidge was very thankful to win a Golden Globe Tuesday night -- so much so, in fact, that she drops a few F-bombs and some other fun words to get her point across.
The actress got onstage to accept her statuette for Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series for her role as Tanya in Season 2 of "The White Lotus" ... and it seems she was the crowd favorite to win, because it sounded like folks in the audience were really happy.
Ditto for JC, who immediately got some laughs after putting the Globe down on the ground ... and then going on a profanity-laced spiel that went left, right and everywhere in between.
At the core of her speech, Jennifer made it clear that she was very grateful to have been given a second lease on life when it comes to her career -- because, for a long time, she says she felt like her time in Hollywood had fizzled out ... only to see it get revived.
You could tell how much the win meant for her ... and it's well-deserved. Her portrayal as Tanya has been a hit on 'WL' for two seasons now, and she's very much been the talk of the town when it comes to awards season. That's how much people loved her character.
Jen ended with a heap of praise on 'White Lotus' creator Mike White ... and a few more expletives for good measure. The music started to play her off, and she got a big applause.
Good to see Jen back in the mix at an elite level -- and we're happy she's getting invited to parties again. She seems like she'd be a hoot at any get-together!
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Golden Globes Jerrod Carmichael I'm Hosting Because I'm Black ... Jokes About HFPA Scandal
Jerrod Carmichael says he's hosting the Golden Globes because he just so happens to be a Black comedian ... making fun of the diversity scandal that tarnished the awards show.
The 80th Golden Globes are underway on NBC live from the Beverly Hilton and Jerrod just gave his opening monologue, where he addressed the massive elephant in the room ... the diversity controversy involving the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which hands out the awards.
Jerrod addressed the topic head-on... refusing to call the HFPA racist, but pointing out there wasn't a Black member in the group until George Floyd died.
Remember ... the Golden Globes did not air last year after NBC called out the HFPA for a lack of diversity within the organization ... and the hosts of the 2021 show, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, took some shots at the HFPA too.
Jerrod then took a seat on the stage steps and told the crowded room of celebs how he was offered the job ... joking that one moment he was making tea at home and the next he was being "invited to be the Black face of an embattled white organization. Life comes at you fast!'"
JC says he called up one of his friends for advice about taking the gig, and when he told her he was being paid $500,000, he got his answer.
All jokes aside ... Jerrod ended by saying he ultimately took the job because he wanted to perform in front of the star-studded audience, and he doesn't really care about the HFPA's controversial past.
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Golden Globes Award Show Prep Underway While Skies Open Up in L.A.
The Golden Globes are back after some big changes ... and Mother Nature is raining on the award show's parade.
With a fierce storm dropping tons of rain on Beverly Hills, preparations for the Golden Globes featured lots of waterproofing ... everything's being covered with plastic until it's time for cameras to roll.
As you can see, crews are wearing ponchos as they set up the red carpet for the 80th Golden Globes, which are going down Tuesday night at The Beverly Hilton hotel.
Everything, and everyone, is under wraps ... and puddles are forming where celebs will soon be making their grand entrances.
The rainy weather for the Golden Globes is from the same winter storm causing havoc all over California ... the area where celebs like Oprah, Ellen DeGeneres, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle live is under an evacuation order.
The Golden Globes are welcoming back a live audience and live broadcast after eschewing those important factors in 2022 ... and despite flash floods, the show must go on.
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CTV Reporter Suffers Scary Medical Emergency Live On Air ... 'I'm Not Feeling Very Well'
3:26 PM PT -- Jessica Robb just released a statement about the incident, saying, "On Sunday night, a very personal and vulnerable moment unfolded as I reported live on air. Since then, it has been shared thousands of times, along with baseless theories about the cause."
She says, "To everyone who has reached out with supportive messages of well wishes and concern, thank you. It's been overwhelming, and while I can't get to all the messages, please know I've seen them and appreciate every single one. I have also received an overwhelming amount of harassment and hatred, tied to false theories about the reason for the incident."
She continues, "While I will not share private medical information publicly, I can say that there is no cause for concern, and that my understanding of my own medical background provides a reasonable explanation for what happened. I can, however, confirm that the situation was in no way related to the COVID-19 vaccine."
A Canadian TV journalist suffered a medical emergency in the middle of her report ... and the scary moment was broadcast live on air.
CTV reporter Jessica Robb was on a live shot Sunday night with anchor Nahreman Issa when Jessica suddenly became unable to get her message out, stumbling over her words and apologizing before appearing to lose her balance.
Before she starts to wabble, Jessica says ... "Sorry, Nahreman, I'm, I'm, I'm not feeling very well right now, and I'm about to just ..." and then the camera cuts away.
Nahreman assured viewers Jessica was not alone in the field and promised the news program would share an update on Jessica's status later on in the broadcast.
CTV Edmonton confirmed Jessica's medical issue in a tweet, but it sounds like she's going to pull through. The station says, "Thanks to everyone who inquired about our reporter who became ill during the 6 PM News. Jessica Robb is feeling better and is now resting."
Originally Published -- 10:28 AM PT
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Bob Saget Wife Kelly Asks Elon to Verify His Twitter Account On 1-Year Death Anniversary
Bob Saget's wife Kelly Rizzo is making sure the world remembers her husband on the anniversary of his death ... sharing a heartfelt tribute and requesting that his legacy lives on with the help of a blue checkmark on Twitter.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
Kelly took to Instagram Monday, posting a series of pics and videos writing, "One Year. Our hearts are so heavy. How could I not have talked to or seen my loving husband in a whole year? The surreal-ness never subsides. I’ve accepted the reality long ago but it still seems unreal when I see photos or videos of him so full of life."
She also tweeted directly at Elon Musk, asking Bob's Twitter account -- with more than 2 million followers -- get verified, writing, "I saw he’s no longer verified? My husband truly loved Twitter. Out of respect for his legacy, can something be done? Thank you kindly."
She continues, "And the only reason I’m addressing this at all is because I know Bob would be very bummed about this. He’d say “hey, if someone goes to see my page and all the jokes I’ve tweeted over the years, how will they know it’s for sure me!?”"
As we reported ... the beloved comedian died January 2022 at The Ritz-Carlton in Orlando after suffering a brain bleed. Investigators believe he possibly struck his head on the hotel headboard before going to sleep, causing the injury that killed him.
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Camille Vasquez Hired as NBC Legal Analyst ... Talks Kohberger Case
Johnny Depp's star lawyer, Camille Vasquez, has a sweet new TV gig ... she's working for NBC as an on-air legal analyst, and on her first day she's tackling the biggest criminal case in the country.
Camille appeared Monday on the "Today" show, where she joined Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie to discuss Bryan Kohberger ... who's been charged for the quadruple murder in Idaho. The 2 cohosts asked her to size it all up, and to weigh in on how strong the state's case is against him, based on what we know so far.
According to CV ... Kohberger has a steep hill to climb, because she says investigators and prosecutors aren't in the habit of revealing all their cards from the get-go. On the contrary, she suggests there might be even more damning evidence beyond what's been revealed so far in the police affidavit ... which includes DNA, cell phone data and eyewitness accounts.
Camille says they probably put just enough in the docs to get probable cause for an arrest, but notes there could be more revealed in court. She also talked about the pros and cons of having the public so engaged in this case ... saying tips could certainly be helpful, but too much sleuthing could also be a red herring.
Pretty solid first outing as a media personality for Camille ... a job that came after 4 major networks were clamoring for her expertise since she won the defamation case for Depp.
She's not going fully Hollywood ... Camille is still a partner at her firm, Brown Rudnick, so she's quite busy these days.
DECEMBER 2022
She's got TV chops, as we found out on "TMZ's Merry Elfin' Christmas" special. Congrats on the new position!
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'Eight is Enough' Star Adam Rich Dead at 54
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Adam Rich, who starred in the enormous hit, "Eight Is Enough" has died ... TMZ has learned.
A family member tells TMZ ... Adam died Saturday at his L.A. area home. The family member would not reveal the cause of death, but a law enforcement source tells TMZ someone came to his home and found him lifeless. The law enforcement source adds ... this was not foul play.
Adam played Nicholas Bradford, the youngest son on "Eight Is Enough." The series ran from 1977-1981.
He had other credits as well, including "Code Red" in 1981 and "Dungeons & Dragons" in 1983.
Adam made VH1's list of the greatest 100 kid stars, coming in at #73.
He retreated from show business in the '80s because he said he did not like the glare of the spotlight or, for that matter, anything celebrity-related.
Adam took up acting at Chatsworth High School in the San Fernando Valley. His drama teacher also taught Kevin Spacey, Val Kilmer and other big actors.
Sadly, Adam had substance abuse issues, which resulted in a 1991 arrest after he smashed a pharmacy window in an effort to obtain drugs. He was bailed out by Dick Van Patten, his TV dad on "Eight Is Enough." He had other legal issues as well.
Adam's mantra -- "Life is for living, and I live my life to the fullest every day."
Adam was 54. RIP