Andrea Evans Soap Star Dead at 66

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Andrea Evans, the longtime actress who starred in multiple soap operas over the years, has died.

Andrea passed away Sunday from cancer, according to casting director Don Carroll. It's unclear what sort of cancer she was battling, or when she'd been diagnosed.

She is, perhaps, most famous for playing Tina Lord on "One Life to Live" -- she started on that series way back in the late '70s, and had a memorable run through the '80s ... and even popping back during the early 2010s with recurring appearances.

She'd gone on to star in a lot of other soaps, including the iconic ones ... like "The Bold and the Beautiful" -- she appeared in 152 episodes -- and "The Young and the Restless" ... which had her on 19 different times.

Andrea also did a significant amount of work on "Passions" -- which featured her in a whopping 627 episodes -- portraying Rebecca Hotchkiss. Evans had starred in other shows as well ... like "DeVanity," "The Bay," "Out of Control," "CHiPs," and more.

She'd also been in a handful of movies -- so a well-rounded showbiz career.

AE actually retreated from the limelight for several years as a result of a scary stalking situation ... so, the fact she had such a prodigious career is impressive.

Andrea was 66.

RIP

Maria Menounos Posts Pic Of Cancer Surgery Scars ... Blessed & Smiling!!!

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Maria Menounos is proving her pancreatic cancer battle isn't keeping her down ... going online to show off her surgery scars, which she says actually make her smile.

The entertainment reporter and host shared the revealing pic Sunday night, showing 4 healing scars across her stomach -- saying her surgery earlier this year is something she's extremely grateful for ... sending love and thanks to everyone that helped her along the way.

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She adds, "Now I see the scars that I sunscreen up carefully to protect and I smile." And, as you can imagine, she was met a lot of praise in the comments.

You'll recall, Maria announced her stage 2 pancreatic cancer diagnosis in January, but said last week that her doctors missed her tumor during an initial exam -- resulting in it doubling in size in only 2 months.

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Maria said on the “Not Skinny But Not Fat” podcast she's since learned an MRI could've spotted the growth ... but is still remaining hopeful as she looks into how docs missed the lump.

Regardless, Maria's remaining positive about her health struggles -- and with a baby girl on the way with her husband Keven Undergaro, she's now got a few reasons to keep smiling.

Honey Boo Boo Dad Goes MIA Before Scheduled Rehab at Lamar Odom's Facility

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Honey Boo Boo's dad was supposed to check in for some much-needed help to combat his prescription pill addiction at a rehab owned by Lamar Odom, but he's since gone MIA ... TMZ has learned.

Sources close to Lamar tell us Sugar Bear was scheduled to fly into Kansas Thursday night and begin treatment with Odom Recovery Group at the Gold Bridge Treatment Center for his serious issues. However, we're told he never got on that flight ... and he's giving the Odom group radio silence.

Our sources say Lamar and co. believe SB simply got cold feet, because first he told them he couldn't attend the rehab because of work, then said he couldn't go because he was in the hospital for another health issue.

We're told Lamar's team isn't giving up on Sugar Bear, and hope he'll change his mind on getting help -- but he's not been responsive in their efforts to get in touch.

As we reported ... Lamar purchased 3 rehab centers in California earlier this year, and he's built on that foundation ever since.

Bam Margera is one celeb Lamar's worked tirelessly to get into treatment ... but the former "Jackass" star left one of Lamar's facilities only a few days after checking in.

Ariana Madix Feelin' Happy After 'Scandoval' Saga ... 'DWTS' On The Horizon

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Ariana Madix says she's certainly in a better place now than a few months ago when it comes to Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss ... but that doesn't mean she can totally move on.

We got the "Vanderpump Rules" star leaving her soon-to-open sandwich shop, Something About Her, in West Hollywood Friday -- she admits she's feeling a lot happier now compared to how tense things were for her earlier this year.

As we reported, Ariana's joining the "Dancing with the Stars" cast for its upcoming season, and we chatted with her about that gig, too ... and she tells us she's gettin' her stretches in to prep ahead of the September premiere.

We also bring up a wild hypothetical -- asking her what she'd do if Tom or Ariana get on the competition series as well ... but she's got her doubts the show producers would even think to put her through that kind of ordeal.

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ARIANA ON SET

Remember, "Vanderpump Rules" started filming its 11th season at the end of last month, with Ariana shooting a scene with her sandwich shop co-owner Katie Maloney.

Tom confirmed he's back in front of the cameras this week -- but any sign Raquel is officially back on the series has yet to be seen, although her team and Bravo have been chatting about a new contract.

Tom Sandoval I'm Back On 'Vanderpump' ... Been Filming This Week!!!

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BACK IN THE SWING OF THINGS

Tom Sandoval says he's officially back in the "Vanderpump Rules" game after shooting his other series -- and while he's assuring fans it's going to be another "interesting" season, he's coy about Raquel Leviss' role in it.

TS confirmed his return to the reality show Thursday, after dropping off some flowers for Lisa Vanderpump at the now-closed restaurant PUMP in WeHo -- a gesture he says was well-timed, considering his boss and biz partner's popularity.

While he admits the cameras are on him for season 11, he dummied up when asked about the status of his relationship with Raquel ... except to note the show will be just as interesting as ever.

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TMZ broke the story, Tom was shockingly missing from the 'VPR' gang when cameras started rolling last month ... and we learned it's because he was overseas shooting the latest season of FOX's "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test."

Unclear how well Tom did, but the show focuses on celebs going through brutal challenges and tough living conditions -- basically, a good warm up for what he'll be going through on 'VPR' as the 'Scandoval' fallout continues into the next season.

BTW, Raquel and Bravo started negotiations to bring her back on the show after season 11 began filming ... and Lisa told us that's one deal she won't be involved with closing.

Ariana Madix Puttin' On Her Dancing Shoes ... Joins 'DWTS' Cast

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Ariana Madix is riding the 'Scandoval' wave into another big branding move, but this one's gonna require lots of stretching -- she's officially busting some ballroom moves for "Dancing with the Stars."

Ariana and Derek Hough, one of the judges on the long-running competition series, made the big announcement Friday on "Good Morning America" ... saying the 'DWTS' crew will be "going mad" for Madix on season 32.

DH said she'll be saying "goodbye to the drama and hello to the dance floor" -- before they both broke into a fun little shimmy together in Ariana's new sandwich shop, Something About Her.

Ariana and Derek were spotted hanging out together Wednesday, and it looks like that's when they recorded today's 'DWTS' announcement ... since they're wearing identical outfits.

ICYMI, Derek -- who's taking over for the late Len Goodman -- teased Ariana taking the stage earlier this week, telling folks to guess who is joining the new batch of contestants ... making the mystery message while inside Ariana and Katie Maloney's shop.

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ARIANA ON SET

As we reported, Ariana was spotted with the 'VPR' cameras last week when the crew started filming ... shooting a scene with Katie while shopping at a thrift store for their eatery.

Lisa Vanderpump PUMP Restaurant Gone, But Not Dead ... Moving Staff to TomTom

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Lisa Vanderpump's iconic West Hollywood restaurant PUMP's doors are closed, but that doesn't mean the brand is done, according to Lisa ... who's filling us in on what's next.

Lisa tells TMZ ... she's not shelving the PUMP brand, and fans of the longtime hot spot could see it in a new location at some point in the future.

She says she's taking some of her longtime PUMP staff -- bartenders, the chef, and others -- over to TomTom, which she co-owns with Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz.

LV says she loves her crew and is thrilled to have them move just 3 doors down to TomTom. What's more, we're told some of the popular menu items from PUMP are coming over, too ... although it's unclear which ones will make the final cut.

BTW, Lisa says all of the bougie PUMP furniture will go to a warehouse she uses for personal belongings ... because none of it fits the decor at TomTom.

As we reported, the WeHo landmark restaurant started getting the ol' teardown on Tuesday, the day before its official closing date.

The building was PACKED over the holiday weekend as the "Vanderpump Rules" crew filmed a farewell scene.

Honey Boo Boo's Dad To Check Into Lamar's Rehab Facility ... Prescription Drug Addiction

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Mike "Sugar Bear" Thompson is seeking help for an addiction ... and he's turning to one of Lamar Odom's rehab centers for treatment.

Sources close to Sugar Bear tell TMZ ... he reached out to Lamar over the weekend about going to one of his treatment centers, and on Thursday evening he will check into a facility in Kansas to focus on his recovery.

We're told Honey Boo Boo's dad is hooked on prescription drugs he started taking as part of his diabetes treatments, and he also has severe depression and anxiety.

Our sources say Sugar Bear first met Lamar last summer through their manager, and they've since established a friendship, which led him to start rehab at the Gold Bridge Treatment Center in Louisburg -- part of the Odom Recovery Group.

We're told Sugar Bear hasn't had a relationship with Honey Boo Boo for more than a year now, and he was noticeably absent from her graduation. It's unclear if their estrangement is tied to his addiction.

Our sources say Sugar Bear is still hoping he can mend fences with his daughter once he's completed his rehab stint.

As we reported, Sugar Bear underwent an astonishing makeover last year following a cancer scare, but since then he's hit a rough patch -- we're told his most recent girlfriend broke up with him a month ago, and he hasn't been handling it well.

Hopefully, rehab helps him turn things around.

NeNe Leakes I Reached Out To Kim Zolciak ... Divorce Ain't Easy!!!

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BLAME IT ON PRODUCTION

NeNe Leakes and Kim Zolciak were once sworn enemies, but the two have changed their tune ... now acting as a support system for each other during really tough times.

NeNe was out shopping on Rodeo Drive in Bev Hills and told us she'd recently reached out to her fellow "Real Housewives of Atlanta" star in the midst of her messy divorce with Kroy Biermann.

NeNe tells us while the two chatted, it's still hard to tell exactly how Kim's doing behind the scenes -- every divorce is hard, especially with kids involved.

Fans of the show know NeNe and Kim haven't always seen eye to eye, but NeNe tells us Kim reached out to her during one of her low points when her husband Gregg died in 2021, so it felt right to reciprocate the love.

We've broken a bunch of stories about the huge mess between Kim and Kroy ever since she filed for divorce in May. Since then, there's been a big fight over custody of their kids, with both sides waging war ... Kroy's asking for sole legal and physical.

Kim called the police last month, -- claiming Kroy threatened to file a kidnapping report on a family friend who took their kid to a rodeo. Clearly, there's no sign of things easing up.

BTW, we didn't just talk Kim with NeNe ... asking if she'd ever consider a return to 'RHOA.' She, naturally, threw a little shade at the show's ratings before revealing one thing that MIGHT make her consider a return ... check out the clip to find out!

Lisa Vanderpump Work Crews Tear Down Restaurant ... Ahead of Closing Date

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Lisa Vanderpump's self-named restaurant in L.A. is finally shuttering -- and it seems like the work crews are getting a jump on tearing it down before the official close date.

TMZ has obtained photos taken Tuesday which show PUMP pretty damn empty and abandoned ... albeit for some dudes who were busy throwing crap into a moving truck -- including some pieces of a gate that once lined the outside of the establishment.

As you can see, there's a lot being done ahead of Wednesday ... which is the day LV has said PUMP is closing its doors for good. Clearly, no one is dining there on the 4th.

Remember, the place was absolutely packed just a couple days ago ... which seems to have been the last time PUMP would serve anybody. The "Vanderpump Rules" cast and crew were there as well, and yes -- cameras were rolling to capture one last hurrah at the joint.

It's the end of an era for sure -- Lisa opened this place more than a decade ago amid her successful stint on 'Real Housewives' ... which went so well, she got her own show out of it.

When it comes to why PUMP is closing at all -- good old-fashioned cold-blooded capitalism, which Lisa and her husband, Ken Todd, were on the receiving end of year after year. Of course, we're talking about increasing rent prices ... which were tipping into a million bucks.

Lisa and co. have been waving people to their other restaurants in town ... including SUR and TomTom -- which she co-owns with Sandoval and Schwartz. Here's hoping you got your fill while you could ... 'cause PUMP's gone, baby. No more orders here, unfortunately.

Happy times, good memories. 🫡

PUMP Packin' em in Like Sardines ... 2 Days Before Closing

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Reality star Lisa Vanderpump's West Hollywood restaurant Pump is closing its doors in 2 days, and LOTS of folks want to bid it farewell!

Lisa's super popular joint is packed to the gills, with people 3 deep at the bar. She wisely used the moment to film a scene with Tom Schwartz for Season 11 of "VPR."

As for why it's closing, as someone once famously said, THE RENT IS TOO DAMN HIGH!

Fear not for Lisa and Ken ... they're opening 2 splashy restaurants soon in Vegas. L&K are true restaurant moguls, with 37 under their belt and counting.

It's gonna be lit the next 2 days, so show up and maybe you'll get in!

Claudia Jordan 'Wheel' Has Enough $$$ For Ryan and Vanna To Be Happy ... Don't Pressure Him To Give Up Any Salary

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Claudia Jordan says there's plenty of money to go around on "Wheel of Fortune" to pay both incoming host Ryan Seacrest and mainstay Vanna White what they deserve ... and Ryan shouldn't have to give up salary to keep Vanna.

The TV and radio host tells TMZ ... she's not in the camp of people online who are calling for Ryan to take less money so the game show can pay Vanna what she's demanding.

Claudia says it's not like a pro sports team trying to stay under a salary cap ... she says there's tons of advertising money pouring in, and 'Wheel' has plenty in its coffers.

TMZ broke the story ... Vanna is fighting with Sony for a huge raise after only making $3 million a year for the last 18 years ... she wants half of Pat Sajak's current $15 million paycheck, or else.

Claudia's well-versed in the game show biz ... she was on "Deal or No Deal" and she says women like Vanna are just as important to the shows as guys like Pat and Ryan.

Claudia sees an opportunity here for Vanna to cash in and make up for being underpaid for all those years ... and she's got some advice for her as well.

'1000-LB Sisters' Tammy Slaton Husband Caleb Willingham Dead At 40

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UPDATE

10:41 AM PT -- Tammy just released a statement regarding Caleb's passing, writing, "I am devastated to share the news of my husband’s passing. He was my best friend and I loved him dearly.

UPDATE

"When I met Caleb he became my guardian angel and now he really is watching over me. Our families appreciate everyone’s sympathy and ask that you respect our privacy at this time."

Caleb Willingham, best known as the husband of "1000-Lb. Sisters" star Tammy Slaton, has died.

His stepmom, Shirley Willingham, confirmed the sad news to TMZ ... but couldn’t provide further details or a cause of death.

As you might know, Caleb -- nicknamed "Killa K" or "Double K," was an infrequent, yet much-beloved character on the reality show alongside Tammy chronicling their constant battle with weight. In 2022, the two met at a rehab facility in Ohio, where they underwent treatment for obesity and they tied the knot that same year.

Weeks later, Slaton told People mag, "Our wedding day was perfect, there was so much love in the room. I literally married my best friend."

But The Sun reported the couple split in May because Caleb was not following his diet, and Tammy was reportedly getting set to file for divorce.

Caleb was 40.

RIP

Originally Published -- 6:05 AM PT

Amanda Bynes Checks Out of Mental Health Facility ... Recovery Plan in Place

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Amanda Bynes continues to battle her mental health problems, but there's some good news ... she's now out of a psychiatric facility with a plan in place for her to stay healthy and safe.

Sources with direct knowledge tell us ... Amanda checked out of a mental health facility late Friday, nearly two weeks after she was admitted. Both Amanda and her medical team felt she's made the right steps toward getting back to living independently.

Obviously, Bynes isn't totally in the clear -- as her mental health is an ongoing battle -- but there's now a plan in place to make sure she does everything to get her illness in check.

For starters, our sources say she'll start outpatient care ... with a medical professional checking in daily.

We're told Amanda will also be monitored to make sure she's taking her daily meds and continues to stay in a good headspace.

TMZ broke the story, Amanda called LAPD June 17 to report she was in distress and felt she could do herself harm. Officers responded with a mental health specialist who determined Amanda needed to be placed on a psych hold ... where she remained until Friday.

Of course, the incident is just one in a long history for Bynes ... but the important thing is she's been able to self-identify when she's in trouble.

As we first reported, Amanda was seen walking near DTLA without clothes earlier this year, flagging down a car and calling 911 to get some help. She was placed on a mental health hold back then as well ... and it lasted for several weeks.

The hope this time around ... Amanda and her doctors can keep her on track to living a healthy and independent life.

Lisa Vanderpump Raquel's Contract Negotiations??? Don't Ask Me!!!

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Lisa Vanderpump's not getting into the middle of the contract negotiations going on between Raquel Leviss and Bravo ... at least not publicly.

We got Lisa at TomTom Restaurant & Bar in West Hollywood, and we asked her where things stand between Raquel and the network ... and the whole conversation played out in front of the TMZ Celebrity Tour!!!

Lisa was very chatty about the final days of her flagship eatery, Pump Restaurant Lounge, but she playfully tried to leave once our photog asked her about Raquel's contract discussions and 'VPR' filming a new season.

TMZ broke the story ... Raquel and Bravo recently started negotiating her new deal, but the clock is ticking because "Vanderpump Rules" is already filming the new season, fresh off her cheating scandal with Tom Sandoval.

While Lisa is mum on dollar demands and contract details, she says a return date is squarely up to Raquel, who we've been told is getting close to leaving the mental health facility she's called home for more than 2 months.

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ARIANA ON SET

Lisa says it's also going to be up to the other 'VPR' stars on how they welcome Raquel back into the fold after the Scandoval ... pointing out, they clearly all do their own thing already and don't necessarily listen to her.

'VPR' had just finished shooting at the restaurant when we got Lisa ... and she's also responding to former cast member Jax Taylor, who recently slammed her role on the show.

Raquel Leviss Finally Negotiating to Return to 'Vanderpump Rules'

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"Vanderpump Rules" is already shooting Season 11, but the person who is the centerpiece of all the drama -- Raquel Leviss -- just began negotiating with Bravo this week, and there are complications in sealing the deal ... TMZ has learned.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Bravo, production and Raquel's team began talking about a new contract just 3 days ago. We don't know the specifics of what was discussed, but it's standard operating procedure in the entertainment biz to make salary item #1.

Whatever terms they have already discussed, it appears none were deal-breakers, because the negotiations are continuing.

Now the problems.

Our sources say Bravo did not want to even begin negotiations while Raquel was getting treatment in the mental health facility she's called home for more than 2 months.

The reality -- if Bravo jumps the gun, makes a deal and brings her back too early, they could face legal peril if she backslides.

So, you ask ... why did they begin negotiating THIS week? The answer -- because our sources say, Raquel will leave the facility "soon." That gives production the green light to start the negotiations.

Now here's the practical problem ... the longer 'VPR' rolls cameras, the harder it's gonna be to integrate Raquel into the storylines. No one wants to pressure her to come back too early, but they want a show with lots of drama. A source connected to the show tells us ... production is ready when she is ready.

Stay tuned ...