Carrie Fisher, 'Star Wars'' Princess Leia, dies at 60

TMZ EXCLUSIVE

Carrie Fisher's last film will not be compromised as a result of her death ... TMZ has learned.
An official from Lucasfilm tells us Carrie was "absolutely wrapped" for "Star Wars: Episode VIII."
The official added it's too early to tell how Carrie's passing will impact future installments of the franchise.

Fisher plays General Leia Organa in 'VIII.' The movie's official Twitter account said they wrapped back in July.

By Sandra Gonzalez, CNN
Actress Carrie Fisher, whose grit and wit made "Star Wars'" Princess Leia an iconic and beloved figure to millions of moviegoers, died Tuesday in Los Angeles. She was 60.

 

Her death was confirmed in a statement issued by the publicist for Billie Lourd, Fisher's daughter.

 

"It is with a very deep sadness that Billie Lourd confirms that her beloved mother Carrie Fisher passed away at 8:55 this morning," Simon Halls said.

 

Fisher's death came four days after she suffered a cardiac event on a flight from London to Los Angeles, according to a source familiar with the situation. 

'The family business'

The actress and advocate, who got her start in Hollywood as a seductive teen in the 1975 film "Shampoo," was the daughter of screen legend Debbie Reynolds and singer Eddie Fisher.

 

But her biggest break as an actress came just a few years after she dropped out of high school to appear alongside her mother on Broadway.

 

She beat out the likes of Jodie Foster and Amy Irving for the part of Leia in George Lucas' original 1977 "Star Wars." Her tough-as-nails princess was strong and independent -- and the role positioned Fisher in the decades that followed as something of a feminist icon.

 

The film became a blockbuster -- Box Office Mojo ranks it as the second highest-grossing movie of all time after adjusting for inflation, behind "Gone With the Wind" -- and turned Fisher into an overnight star.

 

"I was trained in celebrity, so I did the only thing I knew," Fisher once told Rolling Stone. "I went into the family business."

 

Fisher went on to appear in 1980's "The Empire Strikes Back" and 1983's "Return of the Jedi." She drew almost as much attention for Leia's hair and wardrobe as she did for her performances in the movies. Her character wore her brown hair in two enormous swirly buns over her ears, and donned a revealing metal bikini as Jabba the Hutt's captive in "Return of the Jedi." 

Celebrity tributes

Tributes poured out Tuesday from her fellow members of the "Star Wars" universe.

 

"Carrie was one-of-a-kind...brilliant, original," co-star Harrison Ford said in a statement. " Funny and emotionally fearless. She lived her life, bravely...My thoughts are with her daughter Billie, her mother Debbie, her brother Todd, and her many friends. We will all miss her."

 

Skywalker Ranch spokeswoman Connie Wethington issued this statement from "Star Wars" creator George Lucas: "Carrie and I have been friends most of our adult lives. She was extremely smart; a talented actress, writer and comedienne with a very colorful personality that everyone loved. In Star Wars she was our great and powerful princess - feisty, wise and full of hope in a role that was more difficult than most people might think."

 

Co-star Mark Hamill tweeted: "No words #Devastated." 

 

"I'm deeply saddened at the news of Carrie's passing. She was a dear friend, whom I greatly respected and admired. The force is dark today!" tweeted another co-star, Billy Dee Williams.

 

Actor Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca in the "Star Wars" movies, said, "There are no words for this loss. Carrie was the brightest light in every room she entered. I will miss her dearly."

'Hurt my feelings'

Fisher became a star alongside Hamill and onscreen love interest Ford, with whom she eventually revealed she'd been romantically involved for a brief time while filming the first "Star Wars" movie.

Her sudden fame overwhelmed her at times.

 

"Forty-three years ago, George Lucas ruined my life," she wrote in her book, "Wishful Drinking." 

 

"And I mean that in the nicest possible way."

 

Fisher wrote about not loving the exposure that came with success -- or Leia's characteristic hairstyle, which she called "idiotic."

 

"I weighed about 105 at the time, but to be fair, I carried about fifty of those pounds in my face! So you know what a good idea would be? Give me a hairstyle that further widens my already wide face," she wrote with trademark sarcasm.

 

After "Star Wars" Fisher had memorable supporting roles as a vengeful ex in "The Blues Brothers" and as a supportive pal to Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal in "When Harry Met Sally." Meryl Streep played a Fisher-like character in "Postcards From the Edge," based on Fisher's own semi-autobiographical novel about life as a recovering addict.

 

She published multiple books, including a memoir, "The Princess Diarist." Fisher also was known around Hollywood as a script doctor, having worked on such films as "The Wedding Singer" and "Sister Act."

 

Nearly four decades after the first "Star Wars," the actress reprised her most iconic role in 2015's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." She also was digitally recreated to appear briefly as a young Leia in the current "Star Wars" spinoff, "Rogue One."

 

Fisher fired back at fans who mocked her for having aged since her last appearance in a "Star Wars" movie, tweeting, "Please stop debating about whether OR not I aged well. Unfortunately it hurts all 3 of my feelings."

 

Most recently, Fisher was in London filming the latest season of Amazon's "Catastrophe" and promoting "The Princess Diarist."

Talked about struggles

Fisher spoke openly about her struggles with alcoholism and bipolar disorder. She also was an advocate for mental health awareness and treatment.

 

"There are a couple of reasons why I take comfort in being able to put all this in my own vernacular and present it to you," she wrote in "Wishful Drinking," after detailing her diagnosis and an overdose incident. "For one thing, because then I'm not completely alone with it. And for another, it gives me a sense of being in control of the craziness."

 

She also spoke knowingly about the life of a celebrity. In a 2009 interview with CNN, Fisher said she was reluctant to enter the entertainment business because she saw what it did to her parents.

 

"Their bright, white, hot star of celebrity was slowly dimming and fading and cooling. It scared me. I saw what it did to them. It hurt them," she said.

 

People mistake celebrity for acceptance or love and believe they can maintain some "fantastic level" of fame forever, but that isn't the case, she said. Seeing what the effect that reality had on her parents led her to believe that "celebrity is just obscurity biding its time," Fisher told CNN.

Family says thanks

Fisher is survived by her daughter, "Scream Queens" actress Billie Lourd, whose father is talent agent Brian Lourd. Her mother, brother Todd Fisher, and half-sisters Tricia Leigh Fisher and Joely Fisher also survive her.

 

Fisher was married to singer-songwriter Paul Simon for less than a year from 1983-84.

 

Fisher's representative, Nicole Perez-Krueger, issued this statement from Billie Lourd: "She was loved by the world and she will be missed profoundly. Our entire family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers."

 

Debbie Reynolds posted on Facebook: "Thank you to everyone who has embraced the gifts and talents of my beloved and amazing daughter. I am grateful for your thoughts and prayers that are now guiding her to her next stop. Love Carries Mother"

 

Fisher's death is the latest devastating loss to the Hollywood community, which has seen a number of legends pass away in 2016.

 

She was, you could say, a force.

 

CNN's Ralph Ellis, Brandon Griggs and Eliott McLaughlin contributed to this story.

 

Alan Thicke Dead at 69

TMZ-
TV icon Alan Thicke has died ... TMZ has learned.

We're told Alan had a heart attack while he was playing hockey with his 19-year-old son, Carter. He was transported to Providence St. Joseph's Medical Center around noon Tuesday, and pronounced dead there.

Law enforcement sources tell us ... a company that recovers organs was contacted, so some of Thicke's organs could be donated.

He's survived by his 3 sons -- Robin, Brennan and Carter ... and his wife, Tanya.

Alan played hockey regularly at a rink in Burbank. We're told he and Carter were on the ice around 11 AM when he started having chest pain, then got nauseous and vomited. The ambulance picked him up around 11:30 and took him to the hospital.

Alan also hosted game shows, talk shows, and wrote several famous TV show theme songs for "Diff'rent Strokes," "Wheel of Fortune" as well as "The Facts of Life."

He was 69.

CNN-

(CNN)The role of psychiatrist and father Jason Seaver on "Growing Pains" was the best gig Alan Thicke almost didn't get.

The TV star recounted the story of his casting on the sitcom in a 2011 interview.

When ABC sought out to fill roles on "Growing Pains" in the early 1980s, he explained, the network first looked at a few emerging young actors. Thicke was one. Another? Bruce Willis.

 

"So I guess there would've been a chance that I would have been in 'Moonlighting' and Bruce Willis would have been [the family's] dad," he said.

 

In hindsight, it's hard to imagine anyone other than Thicke, who died Tuesday, in Jason Seaver's shoes. 

 

Seaver debuted as it was becoming more common to see men on TV breaking gender norms. On the show, the mild-mannered dad worked from home so his wife could return to her demanding job as a reporter.

 

"Growing Pains" premiered in 1985, a year after "Who's the Boss" and "Charles in Charge," two shows in which male characters filled domestic roles previously only portrayed by female characters. TV was finally catching up with the real world.

 

Jason Seaver was hands-on at home. He was even a father figure to Luke (Leonardo DiCaprio), a troubled and semi-homeless teen who spent a lot of time at the Seavers' house.

 

When son Mike (Kirk Cameron) came home after curfew and revealed to his father that he'd turned down cocaine at a party, his dad expressed not anger but pride. And when Luke poured out the contents of the Seavers' liquor cabinet because he was afraid drinking would cause them to act like his alcoholic stepfather, the Seavers didn't reprimand the young boy -- they invited him to live with them.

 

And when his wife considered turning down a once-in-a-lifetime career opportunity in Washington, D.C., Jason told her the job was too good to refuse. 

 

The series ended with the family packing up their home and moving to the nation's capital.

 

Jason Seaver was a TV dad for a new generation who also ranked among the all-time greats -- the Mike Bradys, the Ward Cleavers and the Steven Keatons.

 

It wasn't just his advice, his understanding tone or his cheesy jokes. It was that he cared enough to be there for all of it -- rain or shine.

 

There are few "Growing Pains" fans who won't fondly remember "sharin' the laughter and love" with Thicke.

Gary Glasberg, 'NCIS' Showrunner, Dies at 50

Getty Images

by Lesley Goldberg

The beloved executive producer on the most watched show in the world passed away in his sleep Wednesday.  
Gary Glasberg, the well-loved showrunner on CBS' NCIS, died suddenly Wednesday in Los Angeles. He was 50.


Glasberg, a married father of two, was juggling showrunning duties on both the 14th season of NCIS — the most watched show in the world — and its third-year spinoff, NCIS: New Orleans. In May, he signed a new three-year overall deal with NCIS producers CBS Television Studios that would have kept him at the helm of both shows through 2019.

Under Glasberg's oversight, NCIS finished the 2015-16 broadcast season as the most watched broadcast drama for the seventh straight year. The drama averaged 20.2 million total viewers, with its season 13 finale drawing an impressive 18 million — without DVR. The flagship series, starring Mark Harmon, has already been renewed for next season. What's more, Scott Bakula-led spinoff NCIS: New Orleans ranked as the third-most-watched drama last season with an average of 14.8 million total viewers.


Glasberg joined NCIS in 2009 and took over as showrunner in 2011. He has appeared on THR's annual Power Showrunners list every year since. The news comes a week after both NCIS and NCIS: New Orleans returned for their new seasons on CBS. It's unclear at this time who will take over as showrunner given Glasberg's sudden passing or if production on either show will be impacted.

Glasberg, born in New York City, started his writing career with comic books and animated series including Rugrats and Duckman before turning to dramatic procedurals including Crossing Jordan, The $treet, The Evidence, Bones, Shark and The Mentalist.

Glasberg is survived by his wife of 20 years, TV producer and screenwriter Mimi Schmir (with whom he worked on Shark), and their two sons, Dash and Eli. He is also survived by his father, Edwin Glasberg, and sister Mindy Glasberg. A memorial service is being planned for later in October. The family has requested privacy at this time.

"Gary was our rock, our cheerleader, our team captain. He inspired us with his leadership, his creative instincts and keen insight. NCIS will not be the same without him, and each of us will miss his smiling face and unwavering humor, which lifted us every day," the cast and crew of NCIS said in a statement.

Added CBS Entertainment president Glenn Geller: "Today is an overwhelmingly sad day for NCIS, CBS and anyone who was blessed to spend time with Gary Glasberg. We have lost a cherished friend, gifted creative voice, respected leader and, most memorably, someone whose warmth and kindness was felt by all around him. Our heartfelt thoughts and sympathies go out to his wife, Mimi, his two sons and all his family and friends."

Said CBS Television Studios president David Stapf: "We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend and colleague Gary Glasberg. He epitomized the word mensch and brought kindness, integrity and class to everything he did. His remarkable talent as a writer and producer was only matched by his ability to connect with people. Gary was a beloved member of our family and we are so honored that he called CBS his home for so many years. Our hearts go out to his wife, Mimi, two sons, his entire family and all those who loved him."

California Enacts Law Requiring IMDb to Remove Actor Ages on Request

by Ryan Parker , Jonathan Handel

“On behalf of everyone in the industry who has struggled with age discrimination, whose opportunities to showcase their talent may have been blocked, I want to thank Gov. Brown and the bill’s author, Assemblymember Ian Calderon," says SAG-AFTRA’s Gabrielle Carteris.

California Gov. Jerry Brown on Saturday signed legislation that requires certain entertainment sites, such as IMDb, to remove – or not post in the first place – an actor’s age or birthday upon request. 

The law, which becomes effective January 1, applies to entertainment database sites that allow paid subscribers to post resumes, headshots or other information for prospective employers. Only a paying subscriber can make a removal or non-publication request. Although the legislation may be most critical for actors, it applies to all entertainment job categories.

“Even though it is against both federal and state law, age discrimination persists in the entertainment industry,” Majority Leader Ian Calderon, D-Whittier, said in a statement. “AB 1687 provides the necessary tools to remove age information from online profiles on employment referral websites to help prevent this type of discrimination.”

“Gov. Jerry Brown today stood with thousands of film and television professionals and concerned Californians who urged him to sign AB 1687, a California law that will help prevent age discrimination in film and television casting and hiring,” said SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris.

The union and others lobbied for the legislation, an effort begun under the aegis of then-SAG-AFTRA president Ken Howard, who died in March. His successor, Carteris, testified in front of a State Senate committee, and in August,  wrote of her support for the law in a guest column for The Hollywood Reporter. 

“It is time to stop the ageism that permeates Hollywood’s casting process,” Carteris wrote. “This problem exists for all performers, but most distinctly for women. Performers create characters and often employ illusion to do so. That’s acting.”

She added, “Many actors have endured age discrimination of some sort throughout their careers. Those isolated, individual cases have now morphed into the almost-automatic age discrimination made possible by the online casting services. The information is put front and center before those making the decisions about whom to audition and whom to hire.”

The technology community opposed the law, saying it was a violation of free speech. 

“We are disappointed that AB 1687 was signed into law today,” said Internet Association spokesman Noah Theran. “We remain concerned with the bill and the precedent it will set of suppressing factual information on the internet.”

Michael Beckerman, the association’s president and CEO, also wrote in August for THR, about his opposition to the law.

“Requiring the removal of factually accurate age information across websites suppresses free speech,” Beckerman wrote. “This is not a question of preventing salacious rumors; rather it is about the right to present basic facts that live in the public domain. Displaying such information isn’t a form of discrimination, and internet companies should not be punished for how people use public data.”

Some sites used by the entertainment industry may not be covered by the new statute.

Although the limitation to paid subscribes may leave some sites outside the law’s coverage – possibly including Gracenote’s popular Studio System – an actor who has been observing the process said that’s not a major deficiency.

“The focus of this legislation is on a practical solution to a real world problem,” said the performer, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “The Studio System is not presently a major source of this problem. Professional performers most affected by this are very likely to be subscribers to IMDb Pro and this legislation provides a desperately needed tool to those people.”

The actor added, “It may not be a panacea, but it will provide significant relief to the working actors most impacted by age discrimination. This is relief that could have been voluntarily provided years ago, but which ultimately required the use of the legislative process to achieve. But make no mistake – the impact of this law will be huge.

On another front, some observers have suggested First Amendment concerns, and the new law, like any statute that regulates speech or expression, may be subject to a Constitutional challenge. But Calderon said the limitation to subscribers will help insulate the new law.

“Requiring websites to remove all age information from profiles would seem to run afoul of the First Amendment restrictions on the regulation of commercial speech,” Calderon said in a statement to THR. “Limiting the bill to only subscribers makes it clear that the bill advances an important government interest – that of reducing age discrimination in a manner that is substantially related to that interest and no more extensive than necessary to achieve that interest.”

IMDb and Gracenote did not respond to requests for comment.

Calderon added that the law was more for actors and actresses not as well known as big stars.

“While age information for Hollywood’s biggest stars is readily available from other online sources, this bill is aimed at protecting lesser known actors and actresses competing for smaller roles,” Calderon said in the release. “These actors should not be excluded from auditioning simply based on their age.”

“On behalf of everyone in the industry who has struggled with age discrimination, whose opportunities to showcase their talent may have been blocked, I want to thank Gov. Brown and the bill’s author, Assemblymember Ian Calderon, and all the California lawmakers who were instrumental in this effort,” Carteris added.

The union president also cited California Federation of Labor President Art Pulaski, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Congressmen Ted Lieu and Brad Sherman, the Teamsters, WGA West, the Association of Talent Agents, the AARP of California, and “the thousands of SAG-AFTRA members who sent letters, faxes and emails” in support of thelegislation.

The bill passed both houses of the California Legislature overwhelmingly, records indicate.

Plane Crash on Tom Cruise Film Set Leaves 2 Dead

  David Fisher/REX 

by Anna Marie de la Fuente

A plane crash during the shoot of Tom Cruise’s movie “Mena” killed two and seriously injured a third person on Friday night in Medellin, Colombia.

Cruise, a trained pilot, was not on the plane. The two people killed were identified as American film pilot Alan David Purwin and Colombian Carlos Berl. Another American pilot, Jimmy Lee Garland, was severely injured and hospitalized in Medellin.

Purwin was founder and president of Los Angeles-based Helinet Technologies, which provides aerial surveillance technology to law enforcement and government agencies. He’s worked on such films as 

“Transformers,” “Pearl Harbor” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.”

Purwin was recently featured in Variety‘s Artisans video series in a segment about aerial photography. Purwin spoke of his efforts to “de-risk” as much as possible when working in dangerous conditions.

Local authorities believe that bad weather caused the twin-engine Aerostar to crash against the Alto de la Clarita mountain.

The Universal Pictures drama directed by Doug Liman has been shooting in Colombia since late August. Cruise plays Barry Seal, the American pilot who worked for Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar before he became a spy for the Drug Enforcement Agency. The film also stars Jesse Plemons, Domhnall Gleeson, Sarah Wright and Caleb Landry Jones.

“An aircraft carrying crew members crashed while returning to Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport in Medellin following production wrap on the film ‘Mena’ resulting in two fatalities,” a Universal spokesperson said in a statement. “Further details are not available at this time. On behalf of the production, our hearts and prayers go out to the crew members and their families at this difficult time.”

“Mena” was the first international production to tap the film incentives offered by Medellin, which offers cash rebates of up to 15%.

Filed Under:

• Alan Purwin
• Mena
• Tom Cruise

NFL Legend Frank Gifford Passes Away at 84

by Hasani Gittens

Pro Football Hall of Famer and veteran sports journalist Frank Gifford has died in Connecticut, his family announced on Sunday. He was 84.


In a statement, his family said:

It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and friend, Frank Gifford. Frank died suddenly this beautiful Sunday morning of natural causes at his Connecticut home. We rejoice in the extraordinary life he was privileged to live, and we feel grateful and blessed to have been loved by such an amazing human being. We ask that our privacy be respected at this difficult time and we thank you for your prayers.

Born in Santa Monica in 1930, Gifford attended the University of Southern California on a football scholarship and went pro after being selected 11th overall in the first round of the 1952 draft.


Gifford played with the New York Giants his entire NFL career, from 1952 to 1964, with several visits to the Pro-Bowl. In 1956 he was league MVP and led the team to a championship (before it was called "The Super Bowl").

Deeply grateful to all 4 ur outpouring of grace. We r steadfast in our faith & finding comfort in knowing where Frank is. Phillippians 4:13.

— Kathie Lee Gifford (@KathieLGifford) August 9, 2015

The Giants used Gifford at running back, defensive back, wide receiver and on special teams. He went to the Pro Bowl at three different positions. His 5,434 yards receiving were a Giants record for 39 years, until Amani Toomer surpassed him in 2003. His jersey number, 16, was retired by the team in 2000.

"Frank Gifford was an icon of the game, both as a Hall of Fame player for the Giants and Hall of Fame broadcaster for CBS and ABC," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said. "Frank's talent and charisma on the field and on the air were important elements in the growth and popularity of the modern NFL."

After his playing career ended, he became a sports commentator, first for CBS and then as a co-host of Monday Night Football from 1971 to 1985.

When he wasn't on the field, Gifford tried to put his movie-star good looks to use in Hollywood, appearing in about a dozen films, most notably the 1959 submarine movie "Up Periscope."


He married Kathie Lee Epstein, current TODAY show host, on October 18, 1986.


On Twitter Sunday afternoon, Kathie Lee posted: "Deeply grateful to all 4 ur outpouring of grace. We r steadfast in our faith & finding comfort in knowing where Frank is. Phillippians 4:13."
 
That verse states, "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."

Beloved Television Actress Valerie Harper Has Fallen Into a Coma After Numerous Cancer Diagnoses

By Lawrence Actress Valerie Harper, who you may remember from her iconic role as Rhoda Morgenstern on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “Rhoda,” has fallen into a coma after being found unconscious backstage at a theater in Maine.

The 75-year-old actress was performing a rendition of the musical “Nice Work If You Can Get It” at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Oqunquit, Maine.

Harper has suffered numerous cancer diagnoses in recent years, including a recent diagnosis of terminal brain cancer in 2013.

There have been discrepancies in reports about her condition, with some media outlets reporting that she had been discharged from the hospital, when she was just transferred to a larger facility for further treatment.

Harper spoke to People in May about her ongoing health struggles:

“I’m ready to go. Maybe that’s the secret. That I’m absolutely – I don’t want to, my God, I want to live to be 102. But I am not banking on anything, really, because we shouldn’t.”
“We don’t know what’s around the corner. I think you just take each day and get the best out of it and do what you can and have fun.”

She has been extremely candid about her health and mortality in recent years. She famously said:

“I really want Americans, and all of us, to be less afraid of death, and know that it’s a passage, but that – don’t go to the funeral before the day of the funeral.”

And:

“We’re all terminal; none of us are getting out of this alive.”

Beginning her career as a Broadway dancer, Harper later won three consecutive Emmy Awards for her performance as Rhoda Morgenstern on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” In her later years she returned to her first love, the stage.

There’s been no official word from the Harper family on her condition.
We wish you well, Valerie.

Image credit: Getty / Frederick M. Brown

George Coe, Original 'SNL' Cast Member, Dead at 86

George Coe, an original 'Saturday Night Live' cast member and longtime actor and voiceover artist with over 50 years of credits, passed away at 86
 John M. Heller/Getty

By Daniel Kreps
George Coe, an original Saturday Night Live cast member and longtime actor and voiceover artist with over 50 years of credits, passed away Saturday in Santa Monica, California after battling a long illness, Variety reports. He was 86. Coe was featured among the other "Not Ready For Prime Time Players" when Saturday Night Live debuted on October 11, 1975.

While Coe appeared on other episodes during SNL's first season, he was only credited as a featured cast member on the debut, where he was listed alongside Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd and Gilda Radner. At 46 years old, Coe, who was hired because NBC wanted an older presence to balance out all the young, then-unknown talent, was also the oldest member of the cast to ever join the show until 47-year-old Leslie Jones edged him out in 2014.

While Coe did not return for SNL's second season, he enjoyed a lengthy acting career that boasted notable roles in films and television shows like 1979's Kramer Vs. Kramer, 1987's Max Headroom, 1987's Blind Date and a pair of appearances on Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Coe was also an accomplished voiceover actor, providing his voice to a wide array of works like Celebrity Deathmatch, Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Most recently, Coe voiced Sterling Archer's under-appreciated, much-abused butler Woodhouse on the FX series Archer for six seasons. "One of the loveliest & most talented men I have ever known," comedian Aisha Tyler, who voices Lana Kane on Archer, tweeted about her co-star.

In Norm Macdonald's Twitter monologue offering a behind-the-scenes look at the SNL40 special, he revealed that Rolling Stone's 141 SNL Cast Members Ranked list provided some needling among the crew backstage. "'As long as I beat George Coe,' I said, making a fine joke," Macdonald tweeted. 

"Again the truth was a finer joke. Coe had easily outranked me. And on it went."

LAPD trying to determine whether there was foul play in death of Andrew Getty

LAPD Cmdr. Andrew Smith, left, talks with Capt. William Hayes at the entrance to Montcalm Avenue in the Hollywood Hills, where the body of Andrew Getty was found. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

By Matt Hamilton, Kate Mather, Javier Panzar and Richard Winton  

Los Angeles police investigating the death of Andrew Getty, an heir to the Getty oil fortune, are still trying to determine whether foul play was involved.

A law enforcement source told The Times Getty was found naked from the waist down in the bathroom of his Hollywood Hills estate Tuesday and appeared to suffer from some type of blunt force trauma. It's unclear whether the injury was caused by a fall or something else.

LAPD Cmdr. Andrew Smith, a department spokesman, cautioned it was still “very, very early in the investigation” but said that based on initial observations, “this does not appear immediately to be a criminal act.”

The death appeared to be natural or an accident, said Ed Winter, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County coroner's office. Investigators had not yet determined a time of death, Winter said.

Ann and Gordon Getty confirmed their son’s death in a statement, which asked for privacy during an “extremely difficult time.” Police and coroner’s officials have yet to release the name of the man whose body was found Tuesday afternoon at the Montcalm Avenue home. 

Coroner’s and investigators remained on scene late Tuesday, waiting for a search warrant that would allow detectives to enter the home and look for any evidence.

The source, who spoke on the condition of annoymity because the case was on going, caution it could take some type for police and the medical examiner to determine whether foul play was involved.

The LAPD’s elite robbery-homicide detectives are handling the case because of the high-profile nature.

Police were called to Getty's compound, located at the end of a narrow, leafy street, at 2:18 p.m., said Cmdr. Andrew Smith.

A woman who was present at the time of the death was escorted from the residence by police for questioning, Smith said. She is cooperating with investigators, Smith said.

Just two weeks ago, Getty had sought a restraining order against a woman, according to court records. His attorney declined to comment.

Andrew Getty, 47, was the grandson of oil baron J. Paul Getty and part of the Getty trust.
He is one of four sons of Ann and Gordon P. Getty, one of J. Paul Getty's three sons.

Gordon Getty has a net worth of $2.1 billion, according to Forbes magazine.

Getty’s death is the latest misfortune to befall the wealthy family, which has seen its fair share of illnesses, addictions, early deaths and eccentricities.

J. Paul Getty's fifth son -- the only child he had with his fifth wife -- died of a brain tumor in 1958 at age 12.

In 1973, J. Paul Getty III, the 16-year-old grandson of J. Paul Getty, was kidnapped and held for ransom for more than five months. He was released after the family, which had been sent the boy's severed right ear, paid the abductors $2.8 million.

Gordon Getty in 1999 confirmed that he had a second family living in Los Angeles, news that came to light after the three daughters born of another woman filed court documents requesting that their last name be changed to "Getty."

The news that the well-known music lover had a second family -- while remaining married to his current wife -- became tabloid fodder, but it was something of an open secret among elite social circles.

The home where Getty was found dead had a storied history. The 70-year-old villa, which he purchased in 1996, was previously owned by three-time Oscar-winning film composer Miklos Rozsa.

Harrison Ford released from hospital following plane crash

BY Elizabeth Vanmetre 
Harrison Ford has reportedly been released from the hospital following his plane crash on March 5.

The actor, 72, was seen driving in Los Angeles on Saturday, a source tells People.

Ford was rushed to UCLA Medical Center with critical injuries after he crashed a vintage plane on a southern California golf course following a loss of engine power.

"There was a lot of blood on his face and his body, and none of us had gloves to take care of this person. We were just doing our best to make sure he was all right," Dr. Sanjay Khurana, a doctor who happened to be on the scene, said.

The "Star Wars" actor was left with broken bones, which reportedly required him to have surgery.

Film director Randall Miller is jailed after ‘Midnight Rider’ ruling

By Iain Alexander

‘Midnight Rider’ director Randall Miller will serve time in prison following a ruling by Georgia’s Superior Court over the death of Sarah Jones.

Miller pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and criminal trespass as part of a plea deal Monday. The director will spend 2 years in jail followed by 8 years of probation.

Miller is also banned from directing any motion pictures for 10 years.

Executive Producer Jay Sedrish was also sentenced to 10 years of probation and is banned from working in any supervisory roles on film productions for a decade.

Miller is the first crew member on ‘Midnight Rider’ to be sentenced to jail, and the announcement comes after a long legal battle following the tragic on-set death of Sarah Jones, who was run over by a freight train while shooting a scene for the movie.

Miller will also have to carry out 15 days of community service (360 hours) as part of his sentence and pay a $25,000 fine.

It was only recently that a crew member was killed in the pre-production of Martin Scorcese’s latest film, while renowned fitness guru Greg Plitt was killed after being hit by a train in LA.

Before this year’s Oscars, film crews around the world held a minute of silence to remember Sarah Jones, and to remind others how important it is for them to follow correct safety protocols.

On-set safety has been a top priority since Sarah Jones’ death, but with a string of high profile incidents in the past few months resulting in crew casualties, the film industry still has to do more to minimize risks and educate people on best practices.

Johnny Depp Injured In Australia; ‘Pirates’ Captain Headed Back To U.S. For Surgery

By Eric Eisenberg
This past weekend was evidently not the greatest one for the production of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. As we reported earlier today, the film was first interrupted when a man wearing pirate regalia came on to the set waving a knife around, and now reports are coming in saying that Johnny Depp has injured his hand to the extent that it will require surgery.

Unfortunately, we not only are lacking any details regarding exactly what happened to the star, but there is also conflicting information out on the web as to exactly where the injury occurred. Variety's article about the matter says that Johnny Depp was not working at the time of the incident, but The Hollywood Reporter says that he was on set at the time. The movie is currently filming on Australia's Gold Coast, and has been doing so for the last few weeks.

The good news in all of this is that it doesn't look like Johnny Depp's injury is going to throw the Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales off of its schedule. The actor will be flying back to the United States to get surgery on his hand, but the production will continue to shoot and work around Depp's absence by working on other material. Disney has no plans to change the feature's release date, which isn't too surprising given that the film is still more than two years away from hitting theaters.

Obviously, things could be a lot worse. Many of you will remember the long stretch of time last summer when Harrison Ford's on-set injury caused the production of Star Wars: The Force Awakens to not only morph its schedule, but actually go on hiatus for a couple of weeks. Of course, even that much more severe case didn't cause the studio to react and change plans, and that particular film is still on schedule to come out on December 17th.

 In Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, directed by Espen Sandberg and Joachim Ronning, Johnny Depp returns as Captain Jack Sparrow, though this new sequel once again finds him facing off against a brand new antagonist. Javier Bardem will be playing the role of Captain Salazar, an old nemesis of Captain Jack's who wants to see the death of every single pirate at sea. In order to survive a terrible on-slaught, the only option Captain Jack has is to try and find the legendary Trident of Poseidon, which would allow him full power over the seas. In addition to Depp, the feature will also see the return of Geoffrey Rush, Kevin R. McNally, and Stephen Graham, and feature franchise newcomers Kaya Scodelario, Brenton Thwaites, and Golshifteh Farahani.
 

Harrison Ford Plane Crashes ... Actor Seriously Injured!

BY TMZ STAFF 

EXCLUSIVE

A small plane piloted by Harrison Ford has crash-landed at an L.A. golf course ... but we're told the actor has survived. 

TMZ has learned ... Ford was piloting what appears to be a vintage 2-seater fighter plane Thursday ... when something went wrong and he crashed into Penmar golf course in Venice, CA.  

We're told Ford suffered multiple gashes to his head and was bleeding. Two doctors who happened to be at the golf course rushed over to treat the actor. 

Emergency personnel arrived to the scene a short time later. Ford was transported to a nearby hospital. 

72-year-old Ford is a longtime aviator -- piloting planes and helicopters -- and has crashed multiple times in the past. 

Story developing ...

CNN Acquires Doc 'Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me'

by THR Staff
photo's by Ray Tharaldson
all rights reserved 2015

CNN has picked up domestic broadcast rights to Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
 
The cable channel plans to premiere the PCH Films documentary in June and air it again in November. The film was directed by James Keach and produced by Trevor Albert and Keach.

 


"We look forward to having the Campbells’ brave story — unfortunately familiar to too many American families — on CNN," said Albert. "This partnership will guarantee that millions of people will have the opportunity to see our movie and understand just how important it is to both raise awareness — and find an end — to Alzheimer’s disease."

The film was nominated for an Oscar for best original song for "I'm Not Gonna Miss You," which will be performed at Sunday's ceremony by Tim McGraw. 

"Eli Lilly and Company has been committed to advancing Alzheimer’s research and treatment for over 25 years,” said CNN ad sales executive vp Katrina Cukaj. "Through this thoughtful partnership, we are proud to align our efforts around this powerful film."

The deal was negotiated by CNN's Courtney Sexton and Stacey Wolf, and by Lisa Callif of Donaldson+Callif for the filmmakers.

 photo's by Ray Tharaldson

all rights reserved 2015

BRIAN WILLIAMS OUT FOR 6 MONTHS

From: "Deborah Turness (NBCUniversal)"
Date: Tue, Feb 10, 2015 at 4:48 PM -0800
Subject: Brian Williams
To: "@NBC Uni NBC News All"

All,

We have decided today to suspend Brian Williams as Managing Editor and Anchor of NBC Nightly News for six months. The suspension will be without pay and is effective immediately. We let Brian know of our decision earlier today. Lester Holt will continue to substitute Anchor the NBC Nightly News.

Our review, which is being led by Richard Esposito working closely with NBCUniversal General Counsel Kim Harris, is ongoing, but I think it is important to take you through our thought process in coming to this decision.

While on Nightly News on Friday, January 30, 2015, Brian misrepresented events which occurred while he was covering the Iraq War in 2003. It then became clear that on other occasions Brian had done the same while telling that story in other venues. This was wrong and completely inappropriate for someone in Brian’s position.

In addition, we have concerns about comments that occurred outside NBC News while Brian was talking about his experiences in the field.

As Managing Editor and Anchor of Nightly News, Brian has a responsibility to be truthful and to uphold the high standards of the news division at all times.

Steve Burke, Pat Fili and I came to this decision together. We felt it would have been wrong to disregard the good work Brian has done and the special relationship he has forged with our viewers over 22 years. Millions of Americans have turned to him every day, and he has been an important and well-respected part of our organization.

As I’m sure you understand, this was a very hard decision. Certainly there will be those who disagree. But we believe this suspension is the appropriate and proportionate action.

This has been a difficult time. But NBC News is bigger than this moment. You work so hard and dedicate yourselves each and every day to the important work of bringing trusted, credible news to our audience. Because of you, your loyalty, your dedication, NBC News is an organization we can – and should - all be proud of. We will get through this together.

Steve Burke asked me to share the following message.

“This has been a painful period for all concerned and we appreciate your patience while we gathered the available facts. By his actions, Brian has jeopardized the trust millions of Americans place in NBC News. His actions are inexcusable and this suspension is severe and appropriate. Brian’s life’s work is delivering the news. I know Brian loves his country, NBC News and his colleagues. He deserves a second chance and we are rooting for him. Brian has shared his deep remorse with me and he is committed to winning back everyone’s trust.”



Deborah

Jon Stewart to sign off 'Daily Show'

It is the end of a fake-news era.

By Brian Stelter and Frank Pallotta

Jon Stewart, whose wit defined "The Daily Show" for more than 15 years, will sign off the iconic Comedy Central program later this year. 

"In my heart I know it is time for someone else to have that opportunity," he said on Tuesday night's show as his studio audience gasped.

Members of the audience yelled "we love you Jon" as he expressed his appreciation for the show's staff and called hosting it "the honor of my professional life."

It isn't clear when Stewart will sign off; his contract expires in September, but he may leave as soon as July, or as late as December, he said.

In a farewell statement, Michelle Ganeless, the president of the channel, called Stewart "a comic genius, generous with his time and talent," and said the host "will always be a part of the Comedy Central family."
 
Speculation about potential successors started immediately. "The Daily Show" is Comedy Central's single most important brand, and it's not going anywhere.

Ganeless said the show "has become a cultural touchstone for millions of fans and an unparalleled platform for political comedy that will endure for years to come."

But it will not be the same. Stewart replaced Craig Kilborn as the host of the 11 p.m. ET news satire in 1999 and made the show his own. It is strange to imagine anyone else sitting in his chair.

So Tuesday's announcement was met with a mix of shock and even sadness as many on social media braced for a satirical future without Stewart. Twitter said there were more than 130,000 tweets sent about Stewart's departure between 6:30 and 8 p.m. ET, when the news initially spread.

"Shocked & sad to see the man who gave me my big break on @TheDailyShow is ready to hang it up," tweeted actor Josh Gad. "Can't wait to see what's next!"

Others observed that TV wasn't just losing a late-night comedy host, but also a sharp-eyed media critic, a man who regularly challenged and mocked news outlets like CNN.

"No way to put a figure on his value to [Comedy Central]," tweeted former New York Times TV reporter Bill Carter. "He literally put that network on [the] map personally. Truly irreplaceable."
And he helped the careers of a whole universe of other comedians, as well.

Over the years Stewart influenced the worlds of news and comedy with his wickedly funny monologues and probing interviews, and he sometimes showed that the two worlds aren't as far apart as they might seem.

Stewart was often credited with educating his fan base -- which includes many millennials -- about the news, even if only unintentionally.

A 2006 study proposed something called "The Daily Show Effect," where Stewart's humor has a positive effect on political participation.

Under Stewart's leadership, "The Daily Show" won 20 Emmys, making it one of the most acclaimed shows on TV.

 

Jon Stewart stokes Brian Williams controversy

When Stewart signed his most recent contract, it came as a surprise to some observers, given his long tenure at the program and his publicly expressed interest in trying other things. He recently directed his first feature film.

In a series of interviews to promote his film, "Rosewater," in November, Stewart acknowledged that he had been contemplating his future.

When a New York magazine reporter asked whether the 2016 presidential election might motivate Stewart to stay at "The Daily Show," Stewart said yes.

But he added, "Part of the thing to remember is this is not the only process by which you can work material, and sometimes it's more important to step back and reconfigure a conversation than continue the same conversation because you know how to do it."

On Tuesday night's show, Stewart said he doesn't "have any specific plans" -- perhaps pre-empting inevitable questions about his future.

He also acknowledged that he's been eyeing other work, saying, "This show doesn't deserve an even slightly restless host and neither do you."

Stewart also thanked his bosses at Comedy Central, which is owned by Viacom, and remarked that "17 years is the longest I have ever, in my life, held a job, by ... 16 years and five months."

Stewart's announcement came two months after his longtime late-night companion on the channel, Stephen Colbert, ended the "Colbert Report." Colbert will take over CBS's "The Late Show" this fall.

Colbert's successor Larry Wilmore started a new program, "The Nightly Show," that now follows "The Daily Show."