'Street Outlaws' 'Kentucky' Chris Ellis Dead at 39 ... Apparent Heroin OD
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11:36 AM PT -- Chris died of an apparent heroin overdose … according to the police report. Cops say they were called to his residence on the night of Sept. 9 and found him dead, possibly for “several days.”
The report says Chris was found slumped forward with his head laying on a table with a metal spoon, a liquor bottle, and a syringe nearby. Inside the syringe was a small amount of a dark liquid the officer noted as “consistent with heroin.”
According to the report … Chris’ roommate told cops he last saw him 2 days before he was found dead, and he attempted to check on him several times but his door was closed and locked. The roommate says he contacted 2 mutual friends to come over and get the locked door open, and that’s when they discovered he was deceased.
Cops say the roommate knew Chris had a drinking problem but was unaware of any drug issues, but the 2 friends claimed they knew Chris had both drinking and opiate problems.
Police say there were no signs of foul play.
Christopher Scott Ellis -- a fan favorite on Discovery's "Street Outlaws" known by his nickname "Kentucky" -- has died in Oklahoma City ... TMZ has learned.
The OKC Medical Examiner tells us Chris died on September 9 and the initial autopsy was inconclusive. We're told a toxicology report is pending. According to his obituary, he passed away at his home.
Chris, who hails from -- you guessed it -- Kentucky, was a cast member on the inaugural season of "Street Outlaws" in 2013 but continued to make appearances as a mechanic over the years. He last appeared on a 2018 episode.
"Kentucky" was featured as part of the team at the Midwest Street Cars Automotive in Oklahoma City and coworkers remember him for his hard work and sense of humor.
His family says, "Chris was a dearly-loved brother, son, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him."
Chris is survived by his mother, 3 brothers and 3 sisters.
He was 39.
Originally published -- 10:51 AM PT
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'RHONY' Star Leah McSweeney's Contract Holdout ... Dissed by Bravo Offer
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Leah McSweeney is the new star who became a fan favorite on Season 12 of "The Real Housewives of New York City," but she might be a one-and-done sensation ... unless Bravo ponies up.
Sources close to the show tell TMZ ... Leah is only being offered a "minuscule" pay raise for the upcoming 13th season of 'RHONY' -- which would be her second -- and she feels disrespected.
We're told the breakout 'Housewife' is holding out for an offer she feels is more deserving, considering what she brought to the table in her debut season ... and she won't return until she gets it. The clock is ticking, though -- the new season's supposed to start shooting in a week or 2.
Our sources say McSweeney made $3k per episode last season, which netted her about $60k, and she feels Bravo is trying to underpay her with a similar offer for Season 13.
Interestingly, the holdout comes on the heels of Leah updating her Instagram bio to show powerhouse talent agency, WME, is now repping her.
For those who don't know ... Leah got on the show through her relationship with Tinsley Mortimer, and fans felt she was a refreshing and exciting addition. Getting naked and throwing tiki torches around the pool at Ramona Singer's Hampton's crib will do that for ya!
We reached out to Bravo and McSweeney's reps … so far, no word back.
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'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' Mansion Hits Airbnb for Royal Vacation ... Butler Not Included!!!
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Thirty years after Will Smith looked at his kingdom and sat on his throne as the "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" ... he's giving fans the chance to book the famous mansion on Airbnb.
Big Willie and the vacation rental company are teaming up to rent out a portion of the famous Brentwood mansion that was used as the exterior for the hit NBC sitcom during six incredibly successful seasons in the '90s.
The mansion offers access to what would have been Will's bedroom and bathroom on the show ... along with the poolside lounge area and ritzy dining room. They'll be greeted by bold graffiti art, posh interiors, family portraits and Philly cheesesteaks served on silver platters. Luxury, baby.
Fans will have the chance to lace up with a fresh pair of Air Jordans and shoot baskets in the bedroom. There's also turntables if anyone's down for a DJ Jazzy Jeff session. You can also rummage through Will's closet and throw on a preppy outfit from Bel-Air Academy or get sweaty in Bel-Air Athletics gear. BTW ... Jazzy Jeff will virtually welcome fans to the poolside area should you choose to catch some rays.
Here's the thing ... these bookings are overnight stays and only 5 dates are available. And, if you're outside the L.A. County area, you're outta luck, 'cause it's open only to those residents. Folks trying to book also have to prove they all currently live in the same household to minimize COVID risk. And, don't worry ... the place gets cleaned according to CDC rules.
It's the first time the mansion's opening up its doors for fans looking to create their own memories as the series celebrates its 30th anniversary. So, the good news? It's only $30 for the night to commemorate the 30-year anniversary. Bookings start September 29 and the stays will take place October 2, 5, 8, 11 and 14. Airbnb will also make a donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia to celebrate the royal event.
As we reported ... Will teased the 'Fresh Prince' reunion, which is slated to air on HBO Max sometime around Thanksgiving.
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Netflix's 'Outer Banks' Wearing Our Damn Masks ... Filming Season 2!!!
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Rob Gronkowski is gonna like this ... Netflix's hit show "Outer Banks" is already filming season 2, and that means coronavirus precautions for the cast and crew.
Here's the scene on the 'Outer Banks' set this week, as filming gets rolling on James Island in South Carolina ... the main characters are all in masks, what with the pandemic and all.
You can still make out who everyone is behind their face covering ... Madelyn Cline, who plays Sarah Cameron, and Chase Stokes, who plays John B, are masked up in the car.
And, here's Madison Bailey (Kiara), Jonathan Daviss (Pope) and Rudy Pankow (JJ) walking through a field and keeping their social distance. This is how it's done!
As we reported ... Rob says he's all about that POGUE LIFE, as 'Outer Banks' season 1 became his obsession during the NFL offseason, binge-watching the show in 2 days with his S.I. Swim model girlfriend Camille Kostek.
The ending pissed a lot of folks off, kooks and pogues alike, but maybe people will be happier with the end of season 2.
At least they're filming!!!
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50 Cent 'For Life' Shut Down Over COVID Fears
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50 Cent's show "For Life," he's an executive producer, is shutting down production after issues with coronavirus testing on set ... TMZ has learned.
Reps for Sony Pictures, the studio behind the show, tell TMZ ... production paused Friday as a result of "some inconsistent test results, and out of an abundance of caution."
It's unclear if there are a number of positive results or false positives among the cast and crew, but the inconsistency was enough for execs to pull the plug for now.
"For Life" was shooting in Queens, NY. Our sources say 50 Cent has not been on set, though.
As you know ... productions across the country are slowly returning -- for movies, TV shows and advertisements -- with precautions and COVID-19 testing in place.
Obviously, there are still risks and potential hiccups in the systems.
Story developing ...
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Daymond John Kardashians Can Divide & Conquer ... $o Much on the Table!!!
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The Kardashian/Jenner family's decision to call it quits on "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" means the world is now their oyster ... according to Daymond John, who has some suggestions on how they can take it over.
The "Shark Tank" star joined "TMZ Live" Friday to weigh in on Kris, Kim, Khloe, Kourtney, Kendall, Kylie and co. announcing the end of the popular series that launched them into superstardom, telling us if you thought that was a phenomenon ... you ain't seen nothing yet.
Daymond says this is a huge move and allows the ladies to divide and conquer the media market, and he predicts a global takeover is coming.
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As he points out ... the family now has several separate booming brands, and suggests the TV show may have actually been holding them all back from reaching full potential, business-wise.
The Kardashian clan combined has billions of followers as well, which is why Daymond suggests they could actually launch their own social media platform, or at the very least ... take some of that sweet streaming money.
After all, it's already proven to work for other big names ... the Obamas, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, etc.
Finally, just to show how incredibly far all the girls have come ... Daymond tells us a cool story about when he was responsible for product placement on 'KUWTK' in the early days.
They've all come a loooong way.
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Will Smith Making Peace with Original Aunt Viv!!! Teases 'Fresh Prince' Reuion
Thirty years after the premiere of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," the Banks family's together again with one very surprising inclusion -- Janet Hubert, the OG Aunt Viv is back!!!
Will Smith shared a screen grab of himself and Janet smiling and laughing at each other, which might make ya think hell is about to freeze over ... because that's basically what she said would happen before this reunion could happen.
Hubert, who played Aunt Viv for the first 3 seasons, has repeatedly said she hated Will and blamed him for her firing. In fact, back in 2011, she said, "There will never be a reunion ... as I will never do anything with an a**hole like Will Smith."
Thankfully, somehow, they've buried the hatchet. Will also posted a pic of the rest of the fam gathered to shoot the special -- Alfonso Ribeiro who played Carlton, Tatyana Ali who played Ashley, Karyn Parsons who played Hilary, Joseph Marcell who played Geoffrey Butler the butler, DJ Jazzy Jeff who played Jazz and Daphne Reid who played v.2 of Aunt Vivian.
The only missing cast member was Uncle Phil ... you'll recall James Avery, passed away in 2013.
The 'Fresh Prince' reunion is expected to air on HBO Max sometime around Thanksgiving -- and don't forget about the new 30th Anniversary clothing line, which just launched. Talk about master marketing.
Will's got this teaser thing down pat, 'cause everyone's dying to know how he and Janet squashed their beef.
As they used to say ... stay tuned!
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Carole Baskin Dancing With Myself ... Prepping For 'DWTS' Debut
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Carole Baskin's got the eye of the tiger as she prepares for her big "Dancing with the Stars" debut ... and she's practicing her moves in a way that would make Billy Idol proud.
Sources close to Carole tell TMZ ... she's been dancing with herself in her Los Angeles apartment during her downtime this week as she gets ready for her first 'DWTS' number.
Carole's gearing up for her first dance, which will be to "Eye of the Tiger," but we're told she's not practicing to any specific music ... just the music in her head.
With Carole only getting 3 to 4 hours a day of official 'DWTS' rehearsal, she's taking her work home ... we're told she feels she needs more practice and moved the furniture in her living room to create her own dance floor.
Carole's documenting her progress too ... we're told she's recording her practice dances on her phone so she can look back and see how far she's come.
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Remember ... Carole studied hard and cheaply, before getting on the 'DWTS' set ... picking up her ballroom basics by watching video tutorials on YouTube.
With some rehearsals under her belt, we're told Carole is mostly focusing on dance steps and staying on tempo when she's home alone.
Carole's costume for her first number will have no feathers or fur, and our sources describe the outfit as a "sunset" with a lot of "cattitude" ... whatever that means.
We're told Carole instantly fell in love with the getup ... and she's already asked producers if she will be allowed to keep it or purchase it after the show, but producers haven't indicated a final decision.
And, get this ... our sources say Carole told her family she thought to herself, "I want to be buried in this dress," when she first saw it. Thing is, we're told she plans on being cremated and wouldn't want the dress to burn. How sweet.
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Tiffany 'New York' Pollard I'm Coming Back For One More Chance ... Kiss and Make Up?!?
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"I Love New York" star Tiffany Pollard is coming back to reality TV dating with a bang ... sucking face with Kamal "Chance" Givens on his new show!!!
Tiffany is back in a BIG way on Chance's dating competition reality series, "One Mo' Chance" ... and this time she's the one doing the pursuing.
In this clip from the upcoming season, Tiffany returns and makes out with Chance. It's a big deal ... remember, Chance rose to fame pursuing Tiffany on VH1's "I Love New York" but came up short as the show's runner-up.
My how the tables have turned!!!
As we first told you ... Chance is starring in his own show this fall on the video-on-demand network, Zeus ... and it gives him another shot at love and allows him to share how his life has evolved since finishing second on "I Love New York."
Now he's getting a second chance with Tiffany ... and ya better buckle up for lots of fighting, crying, twerking and, of course, make out sessions!!!
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Danica McKellar Excited for Black 'Wonder Years' ... Winnie Cameo Impossible!!!
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Danica McKellar's still breaking hearts after all these years ... 'cause unless someone invents a time-traveling machine, there's ZERO chance of seeing her in the 'Wonder Years' reboot.
Danica was out Thursday in Studio City grabbing a cup of Joe when she was asked about her involvement in the reboot centered around a middle-class Black family in late-1960s Montgomery, Alabama. Naturally, fans wanna know if Winnie Cooper's making a cameo?!?
The short answer is ... nope. Danica explained why that would be more like 'Mission: Impossible" for her or Kevin to pop up in the reboot.
The new take on 'Wonder Years' -- which originally aired from 1988 to 1993 to critical acclaim -- is being executive produced by Lee Daniels, and the original star, Fred Savage, is also involved.
Danica says she hasn't been asked to come onboard, but revealed how she found out about it. The good news, 'Wonder Years' fans -- Kevin and Winnie are still talking.
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'Big Brother' Houseguests Mock Autistic Ian
12:39 PM PT -- Nicole's comments are hitting her where it hurts ... her wallet. Olay skin care says it will no longer work with her because the brand has zero tolerance for bullying and doesn't support her behavior.
Olay and Nicole worked together in the past, but the brand says they no longer have a business relationship and have no plans for one in the future.
A bunch of 'Big Brother' houseguests don't like being under the same roof as Ian Terry ... simply because he's autistic.
Ian's been pretty outspoken this season about being on the autism spectrum, but now his fellow houseguests, Christmas Abbott, Dani Briones, Nicole Franzel and Memphis Garrett, were caught on the live feeds yukking it up about Ian. They openly, and cruelly, mocked his self-soothing technique -- rocking back and forth during conversations --- and said it turns them off.
Dani was caught on the live feeds saying she can't even look at Ian sometimes because his constant movement stresses her out ... and Nicole agrees.
Christmas and Memphis join in the bullying and make things worse ... Memphis describes Ian as the "red rum" of the house, a reference to "The Shining."
The group shares a big ole laugh when Memphis claims he might have nightmares of Ian standing over his bed, rocking back and forth.
Unfortunately, this kind of bullying has become par for the course on 'Big Brother' -- which has dealt with multiple racist and misogynist issues over the years.
Folks online and BB alum aren't letting these houseguests off the hook, though ... calling them out for their "Mean Girls" like mocking of Ian.
Originally published -- 8:47 AM PT
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'Big Brother' Fans Try Rigging Game From Outside ... CBS Beefing Up Security
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"Big Brother" fans are trying to rig the game by yelling over the show's studio wall to help certain houseguests with outside info ... and now CBS is beefing up security.
Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... several fans have been posting up the last several weeks a stone's throw away from the 'Big Brother' house, using bullhorns to send messages to try and help certain houseguests advance.
Our sources say the fans watch the show and scour the live feeds, so they're aware of cast members' game plans ... and the whole thing is becoming very disruptive.
We're told CBS security and LAPD were initially tasked with keeping an eye out on the fans, but things weren't getting better so CBS recently brought in a private security firm to help.
Our sources say security got into a foot pursuit with a male fan who attempted to scale a studio fence, but the guy ended up getting away after jumping into a getaway car.
BTW ... we're told the folks trying to send messages to houseguests are mostly in their 40s, with no young fans in sight.
With season 22 still in production, our sources say the LAPD is also becoming more visible in the area and keeping a close eye on the area where the fans keep gathering.
We're told there was also a drone scare and a rumor floating around social media that someone was going to hurl a banner over the fence ... but so far the fans on bullhorns are the biggest nuisance.
'BB' has been down this road before ... we're told in past seasons fans resorted to throwing tennis balls inscribed with messages over the fence and onto the studio lot in hopes of reaching contestants.
Don't people have anything better to do?!?
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'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' 30 Years After Premiere ... Time for Fresh New Clothing!!!
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Now, this is a story all about how Will Smith's life got flipped-turned upside down 30 years ago today ... and now "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" is going the fashion route to celebrate that momentous occasion.
All the chillin' out, maxin' and relaxin' all cool began for Will on September 10, 1990, when NBC aired the first episode of what would go on to become a quintessential '90s show.
To commemorate the premiere and the show's cultural impact ... a nostalgic 'Fresh Prince' clothing line -- featuring jackets, tees, sweatshirts, sweatpants, sock, hats, masks and bags -- just launched. It's inspired by Smith and his music partner, DJ Jazzy Jeff.
The "30th Anniversary" collection includes 30 items that either pay homage to Smith’s Philadelphia roots or his Bel-Air experience on the show ... like starring on the Bel-Air Academy basketball team.
Of course, the whole line is also dripping with '90s fashion trends.
The clothing launch comes amid a very exciting few weeks for 'Fresh Prince' fans, as the cast is reuniting to film an HBO Max special to air around Thanksgiving ... and a 2-season order was just picked up for a dramatized reboot of the classic sitcom.
Jazzy Jeff says... "This is really a celebration of a legacy and it’s incredible watching the series evolve into a fashion brand and influence an entirely new generation."
The limited-edition apparel is available now at the newly-launched Fresh Prince Store website.
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'KUWTK' Ending Family Decided It Was Time ... Better Branding On Social Media Accounts
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"Keeping Up with the Kardashians" started as a savvy biz move and it's going out as one too -- the primary reason it's ending is all about extending the family empire.
Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... there are a number of reasons Kim, Kris and co. decided to close this chapter of their lives, but a major one had to do with the Kardashian brand getting way more play on social media outlets and through their personal businesses than on TV.
Fact is, the Kardashians used their series as a platform to plug themselves, their products, their businesses and anything else they saw fit to help them grow. But, as time went on and more people ditched cable TV ... the appeal of staying on the airwaves diminished.
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Frankly, our sources say social media has largely replaced what 'Keeping Up' once provided. And, that's easy to see in the numbers -- each of the Kardashian sisters has millions upon millions of followers, so their reach there far outweighs anyone still tuning in to E!.
Of course, we're told ratings played into the decision too -- yes, the numbers were down, but we're told that's also been chalked up to people watching in different ways these days, including streaming.
Despite reports they pulled the plug over money -- namely, that Kris allegedly sought upwards of $40 mil per season for a handful of more years -- we're told the actual reasons are much less cutthroat. It was just time to move on, and chase opportunities elsewhere.
Kim -- who is not-so-arguably the face of the show -- has also become busy over the years taking care of her kids, businesses and, most recently, privately working through the struggles in her marriage ... which included Kanye's mental health issues.
We're told not one person or incident specifically ended the show.
Speaking of moving on, our sources say the Kardashian clan is planning to stay off-camera for a while and enjoy themselves, while reassessing what might be next for them as a unit.
Keep your eyes peeled ... sounds like they're far from done making a splash in the entertainment world.
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Ryan Seacrest 'KUWTK' Made Fam Big Biz Tycoons ... And Changed TV Forever!!!
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Ryan Seacrest is reflecting on the lasting impact "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" made on reality TV ... and he's amazed by how Kim and co. turned their slice of show business into BIG business.
We got Ryan leaving ABC studios in New York City Wednesday and our camera guy asked what 'KUWTK' meant to entertainment now that the Kardashians are officially pulling the plug on their show next year.
Ryan, the show's creator and executive producer, told us what the show's lasting impact will be on TV -- but he's even more blown away by the fact every family member used it to create their own brands.
Look no further than BILLIONAIRE Kylie Jenner, the youngest of the OGs, to prove Ryan's point.
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As you know ... Kim shouted out Ryan in announcing the end of the road for 'KUWTK,' sending him a big thanks "for believing in us."
Ryan -- who's grown his own empire over the last 14 years -- tells us the feeling is definitely mutual.
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Backstreet Boy AJ McLean 'DWTS' is Totally Different Dancing ... Gotta Reprogram My Brain!!!
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A couple of new "Dancing with the Stars" contestants insist they have no advantage, despite having dance-ish backgrounds, so who do you believe less -- AJ McLean or Johnny Weir???
First up, the Backstreet Boys star, who we got outside the 'DWTS' rehearsal studio in L.A. and asked if his boy band choreography skills give him an immediate edge over the competition. He thinks it might be the exact opposite.
AJ tells us he's been trained to dance one way for 30 years, but now ... it's a whole new ballgame, so he's gotta reprogram. On top of that, the singer says he's been focused on his health and diet to prepare for the challenge ahead ... and so far he's "kicking ass."
As for what music he'll be dancing to on the show, he says some BB hits can definitely be expected ... but rules one of them out.
We also got figure skater Johnny Weir ... who agrees with AJ, telling us 'DWTS' requires a completely different skill set than any of his spinning and twirling on the ice could have prepared him for ... so he's on an even playing field.
Of course, along with skating, costume design is sort of Johnny's thing ... so he might have a leg up on his fellow contestants there. That he can't deny.