Celebrity Death

The Vermont man who crashed into Treat Williams -- resulting in the beloved actor's death -- is pleading guilty to a reduced charge, and, as a result, he will not go to prison.

Ryan Koss pled guilty on Friday to negligent driving with death resulting. Koss was turning into a parking lot last June when he collided with Treat, who was riding his motorcycle. Although he was wearing a helmet, and was airlifted to a hospital for treatment, Treat did not survive his injuries.

In exchange for his plea, Koss is getting a one-year deferred sentence, probation and his license is revoked for a year. In addition, he'll have to complete a community restorative justice program for the misdemeanor charge.

Prosecutors say Koss has fully cooperated, and been accountable for the tragedy from the start, and even called Treat's wife from the scene of the accident to tell her what had happened.

During Friday's hearing, he said, “I’m here to apologize and take responsibility for this tragic accident.” Interestingly, Treat's family was not interested in pressing charges or seeing Koss do time.

Treat's son, Gill, was in court and told Koss, “I do forgive you, and I hope that you forgive yourself." Treat's wife, Pam, expressed a similar sentiment in a statement that was read in court ... but she added, “Our lives will never be the same, our family has been torn apart and there is a huge hole that can’t possibly be filled."

Koss had originally been facing up to 15 years in prison ... as he'd been charged with gross negligent operation with death resulting, a felony. He pled not guilty to that charge, before copping a plea for the reduced misdemeanor charge.

Wolfgang Van Halen is breaking his silence after David Lee Roth attacked him in an angry viral rant 2 months ago ... firing back with some shots of his own.

In a new interview with a local radio station out of Atlanta, the late Eddie Van Halen's son says he's been born into the family drama and feels like David's targeting him now since his dad is no longer alive ... and the guy still seems to have gripes he wants to get off his chest.

Back in January, David Lee Roth erupted on Wolfgang in a bizarre YouTube video, suggesting the only reason WVH was the Van Halen bassist was through nepotism, and accusing Wolfgang of complaining David wasn't paying him enough attention on stage.

DLR said, "This f***ing kid, he's complaining the entire tour like I'm not paying enough attention to him on stage. Like Santa Claus coming down the chimney and popping out on Christmas with nobody paying attention."

Wolfgang now says he's honored David thinks about him enough to make a YouTube video about him ... adding DLR is full of crap for suggesting he wrote Eddie's solos and came up with Eddie's famous Frankenstein guitar.

David also accused Wolfgang of trying to teach him a lesson by getting two of his female guests kicked out of a show at the Hollywood Bowl ... but Wolfgang says folks should take everything David says with a grain of salt.

Akira Toriyama, el artista que creó "Dragon Ball" y otras series icónicas de manga, ha fallecido.

Su compañía, Bird Studio, confirmó la triste noticia el jueves, anunciando que el legendario ilustrador y escritor falleció el 1 de marzo como resultado de un hematoma subdural agudo, que es cuando la sangre se acumula entre el cerebro y el cráneo.

No hay información sobre dónde murió exactamente, o en qué circunstancias específicas, pero suena como que hay asuntos pendientes. La compañía escribió: "Nuestro profundo pesar es que él todavía tenía varios proyectos a mitad de creación con gran entusiasmo. Además, le quedaban muchas cosas por realizar".

Bird Studio añadió: "Sin embargo, le ha dejado muchos títulos de manga y obras de arte a este mundo. Gracias al apoyo de tantas personas de todo el mundo, ha podido continuar con sus actividades creativas durante más de 45 años. Esperamos que el único mundo de creación de Akira Toriyama siga siendo amado por todos durante mucho tiempo."

La empresa de Toriyama continuó diciendo que ya se ha celebrado un servicio funerario y que solo asistieron unos pocos familiares y seres queridos. La organización también dice que los regalos de condolencias son apreciados, pero no serán aceptados en su nombre. Además, pidieron privacidad.

En cuanto a un funeral público, la compañía dice que no están seguros si sucederá por el momento.

Esto solo habla del enorme impacto que Akira tuvo en Japón, pero también en todo el mundo. Su original serie de cómics "Dragon Ball" de los años 80 no solo dio lugar a múltiples series de televisión de anime -que se han convertido en series idolatradas y muy populares a lo largo de los años-, sino que también en una montaña de productos y objetos de colección que los fans de todas las edades siguen disfrutando hasta hoy.

Aunque "Dragon Ball" fue el logro que lo llevó a la fama, y el mérito de sus numerosos spinoffs, Toriyama también inició otras series de manga como "Dr. Slump", "Cowa!", "Kajika" y "Sand Land", entre otras. Es famoso por su estilo visual único, que influyó en innumerables mangas y series de anime posteriores: un pionero en todos los sentidos.

Tenía 68 años.

Akira Toriyama -- the artist who created "Dragon Ball" and other iconic manga series -- has died.

His company, Bird Studio, confirmed the sad news Thursday -- announcing the legendary illustrator and writer passed away on March 1 as a result of acute subdural hematoma ... which is when blood collects between the brain and the skull.

No word on where exactly he died -- or under what specific circumstances -- but his org was clearly crushed, as it sounds like there is unfinished business of his. They wrote, "It's our deep regret that he still had several works in the middle of creation with great enthusiasm. Also, he would have many more things to achieve."

Bird Studio added, "However, he has left many manga titles and works of art to this world. Thanks to the support of so many people around the world, he has been able to continue his creative activities for over 45 years. We hope that Akira Toriyama's unique world of creation continues to be loved by everyone for a long time to come."

Toriyama's company went on to say that a funeral service was already held, and that only a few relatives and loved ones were in attendance. The org also says that gifts of condolences are appreciated, but will not be accepted on his behalf ... going on to ask for privacy.

In terms of a public memorial ... the company says they're not sure if it'll happen just yet.

This just speaks to the massive impact Akira had in Japan, but also ... around the world. His OG "Dragon Ball" comic series from the '80s spurred not only multiple anime TV shows -- which have become idolized and wildly popular throughout the years -- but a mountain of merch and collectibles that fans of all ages continue to enjoy today.

While his biggest claim to fame is creating "Dragon Ball" -- and getting credit for the many spinoffs as well -- Toriyama started other manga series as well, including "Dr. Slump," "Cowa!," "Kajika," "Sand Land" and others. He's renowned for his unique visual style -- which went on to influence countless other mangas and anime shows thereafter ... a trailblazer in every sense.

He was 68.

Steve Lawrence, la mitad del icónico dúo musical Steve and Eydie, que solía ser telonero de Frank Sinatra y aparecer en un montón de programas de variedades, ha muerto.

Steve falleció el jueves como consecuencia de complicaciones derivadas del Alzheimer, según informó su hijo, David. David hizo pública una declaración tras la muerte de su padre que dice: "Mi padre fue una inspiración para mucha gente. Pero, para mí, solo era un tipo encantador, guapo e histéricamente divertido, que cantaba mucho. A veces solo y a veces con su increíblemente talentosa esposa".

Y añadió: "Tengo mucha suerte de haberlo tenido como padre y estoy muy orgulloso de ser su hijo. Mi esperanza es que sus contribuciones a la industria del entretenimiento sean recordadas por muchos años".

Con su esposa Eydie Gorme, Steve formó parte de uno de los dúos de cantantes más queridos del país en su momento. Steve and Eydie comenzaron en la década de 1950 y actuaron juntos hasta 2009, cuando ella se retiró.

Steve and Eydie cantaron en muchos programas de variedades y late-night shows, como "The Judy Garland Show", "The Julie Andrews Hour", "Night Gallery", "The Danny Kaye Show", "The Tonight Show" y muchos otros.

Él y su esposa también actuaron en clubes nocturnos de Las Vegas y, en la década de 1980, en el Carnegie Hall. Steve fue incluso telonero de Ol' Blue Eyes durante su gira "Diamond Jubilee", así que sí, en aquellos tiempos solía tocar con los mejores.

La canción más exitosa de Steve durante su carrera en solitario fue su sencillo de 1962 "Go Away, Little Girl", que alcanzó el número 1 en las listas de éxitos.

Como actor, obtuvo una nominación al Tony por su trabajo en el musical de Broadway "What Makes Sammy Run?". También protagonizó junto a Eydie el musical "Golden Rainbow".

Steve ganó un Primetime Emmy por un especial de televisión que celebraba a Irving Berlin y tenía un montón de otros créditos de televisión, en programas como "La niñera" y "Hot in Cleveland".

Lawrence tenía 88 años.

Steve Lawrence -- one half of the iconic music duo Steve and Eydie, who used to open for Frank Sinatra and be featured on tons of variety shows -- has died

Steve passed away Thursday as a result of complications from Alzheimer's disease ... this according to his son, David. He released a statement in the aftermath of his father's death -- saying, "My Dad was an inspiration to so many people. But, to me, he was just this charming, handsome, hysterically funny guy who sang a lot. Sometimes alone and sometimes with his insanely talented wife."

He added, "I am so lucky to have had him as a father and so proud to be his son. My hope is that his contributions to the entertainment industry will be remembered for many years to come."

With his wife Eydie Gorme, Steve was part of one of the country's most beloved singing duos way back in the day ... Steve and Eydie got their start in the 1950s and performed together until 2009, when she retired.

Steve and Eydie sang on lots of variety and late-night shows, including "The Judy Garland Show," "The Julie Andrews Hour," "Night Gallery," "The Danny Kaye Show," 'The Tonight Show,' and lots of others.

He and his wife also played Las Vegas nightclubs -- and in the 1980s ... they played sold-out shows at Carnegie Hall as well. Steve even opened for Ol' Blue Eyes during his 'Diamond Jubilee' tour ... so yeah, he used to roll with the best of them in those days.

Steve's biggest hit song from his solo career ... his 1962 single, "Go Away, Little Girl," which hit No. 1 on the charts.

As an actor, Steve earned a Tony nomination for his work in the Broadway musical "What Makes Sammy Run?" He also starred alongside Eydie in another musical, "Golden Rainbow."

Steve won a Primetime Emmy for a TV special celebrating Irving Berlin, and he had a bunch of other TV credits, on shows like "The Nanny" and "Hot in Cleveland."

Lawrence was 88.

La modelo de Playboy y Maxim Masuimi Max murió a causa de una sobredosis accidental de cocaína y fentanilo, según ha podido averiguar TMZ.

La muerte ha sido oficialmente declarada como un accidente más de un mes después de su impactante muerte. Tal como nos comentó la policía previamente, Masuimi, que también era actriz, fue descubierta sin vida en su casa de Las Vegas el 25 de enero.

En ese momento, las autoridades dijeron que no sospechaban de crimen violento, pero se puso en marcha una investigación.

La carrera de la modelo comenzó a principios de la década del 2000 y la llevó a aparecer en varias publicaciones importantes como Playboy, Maxim, Alt Magazine y Bizarre Magazine, entre otras. Aunque Masuimi nunca alcanzó el estatus de estrella de la actuación, en su página de IMDB figuran varios créditos en películas como "Cornman: American Vegetable Hero" y "Giantess Battle Attack".

Incluso actuó junto a Samuel L. Jackson e Ice Cube, después de haber jugado un papel no acreditado en la película de acción de 2005 "xXx: State of the Union". Por si no lo saben, se puede ver a Masuimi en la película como la novia del rapero Xzibit.

Su crédito más reciente fue en 2023 para una película de terror indie, titulada "Protege Moi", en la que interpretó al personaje de Mercel.

Playboy and Maxim model Masuimi Max died from an accidental overdose of cocaine and fentanyl, TMZ has learned.

The death has officially been ruled an accident more than a month after her shocking death. As law enforcement sources previously told TMZ ... Masuimi -- who was also an actress -- was discovered dead in her Las Vegas-area home on January 25.

At the time, authorities said they did not suspect foul play ... but an investigation was set to be conducted.

Masuimi's modeling career began back in the early 2000s and led to appearances in several big publications, including Playboy, Maxim, Alt Magazine, Bizarre Magazine, and others. While Masuimi never rose to A-list status while pursuing an acting career ... she did have several credits on her IMDB page -- including "Cornman: American Vegetable Hero" and "Giantess Battle Attack."

She even acted opposite Samuel L. Jackson and Ice Cube, having played an uncredited role in the 2005 action flick "xXx: State of the Union." ICYMI ... you can see Masuimi in the movie as rapper Xzibit's character's girlfriend.

Her most recent credit was in 2023 for an indie horror movie, titled "Protege Moi" -- in which she played the character Mercel.

NFL reporter Chris Mortensen, who covered football for decades and was one of the most recognizable reporters on TV, is dead.

Chris died Sunday morning according to his longtime employer, ESPN. The cause of death is unclear.

Mortensen was a staple of ESPN's coverage of the NFL for decades ... most famous for his TV segments, dubbed the Mort Report.

Chris was often featured on ESPN's "Sunday NFL Countdown," "SportsCenter" and "Monday Night Football" ... in addition to writing and doing radio hits at ESPN.

Mortensen had to step away from TV in 2016, when he revealed he was battling stage 4 throat cancer. He ultimately returned to work at ESPN, but in September 2023 he retired from the network.

"Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hard-working teammate," ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro says. "He covered the NFL with extraordinary skill and passion, and was at the top of his field for decades. He will truly be missed by colleagues and fans, and our hearts and thoughts are with his loved ones."

Chris was 72.

El reportero de la NFL Chris Mortensen -que cubrió el fútbol americano durante décadas y fue uno de los reporteros más reconocidos de la televisión- ha muerto.

Chris falleció el domingo por la mañana, según informó su antiguo empleador, ESPN. La causa de muerte no está clara.

Mortensen fue un elemento básico de la cobertura de ESPN de la NFL durante décadas, más famoso por sus segmentos de televisión, apodado el Informe Mort.

Chris apareció a menudo en ESPN "Sunday NFL Countdown", "SportsCenter" y "Monday Night Football", además de escribir y hacer éxitos de radio en ESPN.

Mortensen tuvo que alejarse de la televisión en 2016, cuando reveló que estaba luchando contra un cáncer de garganta en fase cuatro. Finalmente, volvió a trabajar en ESPN, pero en septiembre de 2023 se retiró de la cadena.

"Mort era ampliamente respetado como un pionero de la industria y universalmente querido como un compañero de equipo solidario y trabajador", dice el presidente de ESPN, Jimmy Pitaro, y agrega: "Cubrió la NFL con extraordinaria habilidad y pasión, y estuvo en la cima de su campo durante décadas. Sus colegas y aficionados le echarán mucho de menos, y nuestros corazones y pensamientos están con sus seres queridos".

Chris tenía 72 años.

Mark Dodson, the actor who gave voice to some of the little creatures in "Gremlins," has died ... TMZ has learned.

The voice actor also brought to life characters for "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi," "Day of the Dead" and countless video games -- and still made appearances at fan conferences. In fact, Mark's daughter tells TMZ he died while in Evansville, Indiana, to attend Horror Con.

She says Mark had flown to Indiana for the event, and checked into his hotel ... and that's where he suffered a "massive heart attack" while sleeping.

Dodson's first big break in Hollywood came in 1983 -- he was the voice of Salacious Crumb, the little creature with the high-pitched voice that was always seated dangerously close to Jabba the Hut in 'Return of the Jedi.'

And, as it turned out, 'Star Wars' opened the door for another iconic role the next year.

In "Gremlins," Mark was the voice of Mogwai ... and, inadvertently, had kids everywhere -- who saw the movie in 1984 -- imitating his voice.

Mark worked continuously for several decades in film, video games, radio and commercials. As his rep tells us, Mark added "his unique voice and sound to each character and script he touched."

His daughter, Ciara, says Mark "never ceased making me proud" and his legacy will live on through his grandchildren and her.

Mark Dodson, el actor que le dio voz a algunas de las pequeñas criaturas en "Gremlins", ha muerto, TMZ ha indagado.

El actor de doblaje también dio vida a personajes de "Star Wars: El Retorno del Jedi", "El Día de los Muertos" e innumerables videojuegos, y todavía hacía apariciones en conferencias de fans. De hecho, la hija de Mark le dice a TMZ que murió mientras estaba en Evansville, Indiana, para asistir a Horror Con.

Ella dice que Mark había volado a Indiana para el evento y se registró en su hotel, que es donde sufrió un "ataque masivo al corazón" mientras dormía.

La primera gran oportunidad de Dodson en Hollywood llegó en 1983, cuando hizo la voz de Salacious Crumb, la pequeña criatura de voz aguda que siempre estaba sentado peligrosamente cerca de Jabba the Hut en "El Retorno del Jedi".

Al año siguiente, "La guerra de las galaxias" le abrió las puertas a otro papel icónico.

En "Gremlins", Mark fue la voz de Mogwai, y sin querer, hizo que los niños de todo el mundo en 1984 imitaran su voz.

Mark trabajó ininterrumpidamente durante varias décadas en cine, videojuegos, radio y anuncios publicitarios. Como nos dice su representante, Mark añadía "su voz y sonidos únicos a cada personaje y guion que tocaba".

Su hija, Ciara, dijo: "Nunca dejó de hacerme sentir orgullosa" y sé que su legado perdurará a través de sus nietos y su trabajo.

The wife of late actor-comedian Richard Lewis is breaking her silence and giving thanks to his flood of supporters and well-wishers.

Joyce Lapinsky posted a message on X, showing her gratitude to everyone who sent in "loving tributes" after Richard passed away this week at his L.A. home. On Friday, she said Richard would have been "beyond thrilled and so touched, as am I."

Joyce asked Richard's fans who want to make donations in his memory to send their money to the charity, Comedy Gives Back, or another non-profit of their choice.

As we reported ... The "Curb Your Enthusiasm" star died Tuesday night after suffering a heart attack. Music icon Bette Midler was one of the first people to go on social media to celebrate Richard's life and career. This was followed by a stream of other celebs, such as Ben Stiller, Albert Brooks and his 'Curb' costar Larry David.

Last year, Richard announced he was suffering from Parkinson's disease after he retired from doing stand-up comedy. He said his litany of other health issues culminated in his Parkinson's diagnosis and he was managing it all with medication.

Fashion icon Iris Apfel -- famous for her quirky outfits and unique looks -- has died.

The style icon passed away Friday at her home in Palm Beach, Fla ... this according to her reps. An official cause of death wasn't announced -- but the assumption is that she died of old age via natural causes.

A socialite from New York, Iris became a fashion icon in her 80s and 90s ... affectionately calling herself a "geriatric starlet." Iris' style was an eclectic mix ... combining haute couture, vintage hippy-inspired looks, bohemian styles and super bright colors.

Iris was a fixture on the fashion scene, often rubbing elbows with celebs at big-time events ... wearing her trademark circular glasses. She was also ever-present and always relevant ... considered one of the most photographed women in fashion history.

A jack of all trades, Iris was a professor, brand ambassador, interior designer, textile guru and, later in life, a social media star. She was quite accomplished too ... having done White House restoration work for nine presidents in her lifetime -- so yeah, she'd worked a lot.

Iris enjoyed a long and full life ... just yesterday, she celebrated her latest birthday, putting her a couple years over the 100-year mark.

Tommy Hilfiger is remembering Iris as "a world-famous fashion icon because of her incredible talent not only as an artist, but as an influencer."

Hilfiger adds ... "She has had an amazing effect on so many people with her huge heart and magic touch with everyone she meets. She will go down in history as an innovator and a leader in the world of textiles, style and innovation!"

Iris is survived by her caregivers, Jennifer and Juliet, her agent Lori Sale, her lawyer Emerson E. Burns and her friends and family. She was 102.

Richard Lewis, actor de "Curb Your Enthusiasm", ha muerto... TMZ ha confirmado.

El comediante y actor -que protagonizó junto a Larry David el exitoso programa de HBO- falleció el martes por la noche, con Bette Midler siendo una de las primeras personas que lo señaló el miércoles. Ella no dio muchos detalles, simplemente escribió: "En una nota triste, el gran Richard Lewis ha muerto".

Según su representante, murió de un ataque al corazón en su casa de Los Ángeles.

Es un giro impactante para los fans de la querida estrella ya que había estado luchando públicamente con la enfermedad de Parkinson, la cual anunció el año pasado.

En su anuncio, Richard señaló que en realidad había planeado retirarse de la comedia hace unos años debido a una serie de problemas de salud - que culminaron con su diagnóstico de Parkinson. En aquel momento dijo que se encontraba bien y que estaba tomando la medicación adecuada para controlarlo.

Parecía estar relativamente bien de salud a pesar de su diagnóstico de Parkinson. La enfermedad no había llegado a un punto en el que fuera visiblemente un obstáculo para él o su capacidad para actuar, incluido su papel recurrente como su yo ficticio en "CYE". No está claro si el diagnóstico influyó en su fallecimiento.

Richard fue un habitual de la serie desde el principio, interpretando al mejor amigo de Larry, con quien a menudo discutía. Por supuesto, Richard también fue un cómico condecorado.

La última vez que Richard fue visto en público fue junto a su esposa, Joyce Lapinsky. Ella parecía estar ayudándole a caminar, mientras paseaban por Beverly Hills.

Le sobrevive su esposa. Richard tenía 76 años.

Richard Lewis, famous from "Curb Your Enthusiasm," has died ... TMZ has confirmed.

The comedian and actor -- who starred opposite Larry David on his hit HBO show -- passed away Tuesday night ... with Bette Midler being one of the first people who noted it Wednesday. She didn't provide much detail, simply writing, "On a sad note, the great Richard Lewis has died."

According to his rep -- he died from a heart attack at his home in L.A.

It's a shocking turn of events for fans of the beloved 'Curb' star -- as he'd been publicly battling with Parkinson's disease lately ... which he announced he'd been diagnosed with last year.

In his announcement, Richard noted that he'd actually planned on retiring from comedy a few years ago due to a number of health issues -- which all culminated with his Parkinson's diagnosis. He said at the time he was okay and was taking the right medication to manage it.

He appeared relatively okay health-wise despite his Parkinson's diagnosis. The disease hadn't reached a point where it was visibly hindering him or his ability to perform, including his recurring role as his fictional self on 'CYE.' It's unclear if his diagnosis played any part in his passing.

Richard was a regular on the long-running series since the beginning ... playing Larry's best friend, with whom he'd often squabble. Of course, Richard was also a decorated comic.

The last time Richard was seen out in public was actually alongside his wife, Joyce Lapinsky. She appeared to be helping him walk -- as they were out and about in Beverly Hills.

He's survived by his wife. Richard was 76.