Mookie Betts Sends Message To Injured Little Leaguer ... 'We Are Praying For You!!!'

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MESSAGE FROM MOOKIE
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11:28 AM PT -- Awesome gesture from MLB superstar Mookie Betts ... the Dodgers outfielder sent a video message to Oliverson -- saying in it, "We are praying for you!"

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Betts is Easton's favorite player ... and in another update from the family on Wednesday, they said the 12-year-old was alert enough to appreciate the well wishes from the Big Leaguer.

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"[His father] showed him the video this morning," the family said in a statement, "and he started to cry."

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ROAD TO RECOVERY
Instagram / @miraclesfortank
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The family said Easton also woke up long enough to drink water and eat vanilla pudding. The Utah pitcher/outfielder also was able to say his name and his age, the family said.

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Oliverson's father, according to the family, added that he wanted to "emphasize that while Easton is making TREMENDOUS progress, he still has a very long road ahead."

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"We are asking for you to continue to send prayers," the family continued. "We know that Easton is capable, but with his prayer army behind him -- he can be unstoppable!"

The 12-year-old who suffered severe injuries in a fall from his bunk bed at the Little League World Series is showing encouraging signs of recovery ... with his family announcing Tuesday night his breathing tube is now out.

Easton Oliverson -- who pitches and plays the outfield for the Snow Canyon Little League team -- is still in a hospital bed and still being monitored, but the family called the removal of the breathing tube "a big step."

Oliverson's family also said he received results from an MRI scan that "came out very promising."

"Easton keeps proving himself to be the fighter we have always known he is!!" the Oliverson family said in a statement. "The prayers are working! Please keep them coming. We love you all!🤍"

Oliverson was initially injured on Sunday night -- shortly after he and his Little League teammates made it to Williamsport, Penn. for this week's World Series.

His uncle, Spencer Beck, told TMZ Sports Easton was sleeping on the top of a bunk bed when he suddenly fell out and hit his head. He suffered, among other injuries, a fractured skull -- and required emergency surgery.

The family has set up a Venmo account, @MiraclesForTank, to help cover his medical expenses.

His team, meanwhile, has said it will still play in its LLWS-opening game later this week.

Originally Published -- 6:04 AM PT

Anne Heche Desperate 911 Call from Crash Scene ... Someone is Trapped

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FRANTIC 911 AUDIO

Anne Heche was trapped in her vehicle as fire quickly spread and onlookers worked desperately to get her out ... and the panic plays out in the 911 call from the scene.

The caller -- who appears to be a neighbor of the home Anne crashed into -- tells the dispatcher Anne's car went through the home "very fast." At first, it doesn't appear the caller is aware of the fact Anne is trapped in the car, but you can hear people yelling in the background making it clear that someone is in trouble.

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The call gets much more desperate when smoke starts to surround the vehicle -- and the caller works to get a water hose to the crash scene.

You can start to hear sirens in the background as the caller states the smoke is getting really black and fire breaks out ... and there's more shouting in the background about someone being trapped.

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TMZ broke the story, it was August 5 when Anne crashed into the home -- an event that put her in a coma and eventually killed her. Law enforcement sources told us the actress had cocaine and possibly fentanyl in her system at the time of the crash.

Anne was declared brain dead Friday and taken off life support on Sunday, a medical team worked to harvest some of her organs for donation.

Little League World Series Player In Coma After Fall From Bunk Bed ... 'We're All Praying For Him'

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8:51 AM PT -- In a statement released Tuesday morning, Oliverson's family said the baseball player is showing positive signs of recovery.

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"Just 36 hours ago, Easton was 30 minutes from passing away," the family said. "Now 36 hours later, he has a team of Trauma 1 doctors who are in absolute awe of his tremendous progress."

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"One of his doctors said that everything they have hoped Easton to be able to do in the last 12 hours, he has done and more."

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The family is asking for continued prayers.

A 12-year-old baseball player gearing up to compete in this week's Little League World Series in Pennsylvania is now fighting for his life -- after he fell from a bunk bed at the Williamsport venue's dormitory complex over the weekend.

Easton Oliverson -- who pitches and plays outfield for the Snow Canyon Little League team that's making its first-ever LLWS appearance this month -- sustained a fractured skull in the incident Sunday night, according to his uncle, Spencer Beck.

Beck tells TMZ Sports ... Oliverson was sleeping on the top bunk, when he suddenly fell out of the bed and hit his head. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery.

Beck tells us Oliverson, who's earned the nickname "Tank," is currently in a medically induced coma -- though he and the rest of the family are optimistic the boy will make a recovery.

"He's a really good kid, very loving," Beck said. "Full of smiles. Just a fun, fun kid -- so we're all praying for him."

Little League officials released a statement Monday regarding Oliverson's condition ... saying, "At the request of his family, Little League International encourages all to join us in keeping the Snow Canyon Little League player and his family in our thoughts and prayers, as we wish for a full and complete recovery."

"Little League International will continue to use all available resources, including those provided by UPMC in North Central Pa., through the Player Wellness Center, to support the player, his family, and his coaches and teammates, as we navigate this unfortunate situation."

Oliverson's team, meanwhile, said it will still compete in its first game of the World Series in Williamsport on Friday -- writing in a statement that Oliverson's father, who's a coach on the squad, wanted them to continue onward in the tournament.

"While our hearts are heavy," the team said in the statement, "we are committed as a team to have an opportunity to take part in something that is only dreamt about by others."

Beck tells us the family has set up a Venmo account for Oliverson -- @MiraclesForTank -- to help with medical expenses.

Originally Published -- 7:37 AM PT

Deion Sanders Gifted Fake Toes For Birthday ... 'Y'all Got Jokes'

Deion Sanders is feeling "complete" on his 55th birthday ... 'cause the NFL legend hilariously got hooked up with some new fake toes to replace the appendages he had amputated this year!!

The Jackson State football HC got the gag gift from his pal, Sam, on Monday ... and shared the whole gift-giving on his Instagram story.

The Hall of Famer was chilling in the JSU facility when Sam handed over some massive rubber feet ... which featured veins to make 'em look real.

Sanders -- who had two toes cut off earlier this year -- didn't get pissed about the personal jab ... instead, he laughed it off and said, "I like that!!

"Y'all got jokes!! Thank you. I really feel complete now."

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Barstool Sports

But, Sam better watch his back ... Sanders clapped back, "I'mma kick some butt today, starting off with you Sam."

As for the color of the feet -- Sam says Deion had previously joked he wanted two white prosthetic toes ... so he figured he'd do his part.

As we previously reported, Sanders had to get surgery on his left foot due to a longtime injury he suffered during his 14-year NFL career.

He got the procedure done last fall, but suffered complications and had to go under the knife eight more times ... including removing two toes in March.

Sanders has been in good spirits since -- from dancing to working out and celebrating his 55th birthday on Aug. 9.

Happy (belated) bday, Primetime!

Anne Heche Crash Scene Video From Inside Home ... Looks Like a War Zone

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COMPLETELY DESTROYED
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New video from the scene of Anne Heche's fiery car crash shows a house in shambles ... it looks like a bomb went off inside the home where Anne's car barreled through.

TMZ obtained this footage from the Los Angeles home Anne smashed into with her Mini Cooper, and you see firefighters examining the charred remnants, trying to piece together what happened.

After looking at the video, it's incredible the woman living in the home, Lynne Mishele, was not killed when Anne came plowing through.

We're told Lynne had just walked into another room to do some chores when the house was suddenly the scene of a scary crash ... and the area Lynne was in, fortunately, did not collapse or immediately catch fire, unlike other parts of her home.

While Lynne survived, we're told she's having a hard time dealing with the fallout ... suffering from physical and mental injuries.

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Lynne has attorney Shawn Holley on her side to help with next steps, like handling insurance claims and helping pick up the pieces of her life.

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REMEMBERING ANNE

Holley tells TMZ ... "I am only here to help Lynne go through the process of dealing with insurance companies so that she can start rebuilding her life. This was never about lawsuits or making money. She has lost everything and is so appreciative of all the love and support she has received."

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We broke the story ... Anne was behind the wheel in a horrific car crash August 5 when she drove into a home, igniting a blaze. Anne was very badly burned in the accident and lost consciousness shortly after, never came out. She was declared brain dead Friday and taken off life support Sunday evening.

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Lynne says she's devastated by Anne's death and her heart goes out to the actress' family, summing up the entire situation as tragic.

Ezra Miller Getting Help for 'Complex Mental Health Issues'

Ezra Miller is finally addressing what many have believed were significant mental health issues ... this after months of erratic behavior and run-ins with the law.

The 'Flash' star apologized Monday for their bizarre antics and confirmed they're getting help for some significant problems.

Ezra says, “Having recently gone through a time of intense crisis, I now understand that I am suffering complex mental health issues and have begun ongoing treatment."

Ezra goes on, “I want to apologize to everyone that I have alarmed and upset with my past behavior. I am committed to doing the necessary work to get back to a healthy, safe and productive stage in my life.”

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THE CHAOTIC ARREST
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Ezra has had a mountain of legal troubles of late ... getting arrested several times in Hawaii and Vermont.

Ezra's latest brush with law enforcement came just last week when they were accused of burglarizing a Stamford, VT, home, from which they allegedly swiped several bottles of booze.

And, back in April 2020 ... Ezra was seen on a viral video CHOKING a woman at a bar in Reykjavik, Iceland ... Ezra was not charged for that incident. Ezra's also been accused of keeping an 18-year-old away from their own family, and bringing them around the country.

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Ezra was busted in Hawaii back in March after getting into it with bar patrons, and then with cops during transport to jail.

For the past couple of months, Ezra's team of agents and close friends has been trying to get the actor back on track, but nothing seemed to work.

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MENTAL HEALTH STRUGGLES
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Warner Bros., the studio producing the $200 million 'Flash' movie scheduled for release next June, has reportedly been encouraging Ezra to get help.

It now seems Ezra is listening. Fingers crossed.

Jill Biden Tests Positive For COVID ... Weeks After Husband Contracts It

First Lady Jill Biden has tested positive for COVID ... catching the virus just a couple of weeks after her husband caught it.

Her Communications Director released a statement Tuesday, saying she developed "cold-like symptoms" Monday evening, hours after originally testing negative during her normal cadence.

It continues, "She tested negative again on a rapid antigen test, but a PCR test came back positive."

First Lady Biden is double-vaxxed and got boosted twice -- she's also been prescribed some Paxlovid, a pill that was granted an emergency use authorization by the FDA to combat the virus.

She'll remain isolated at a spot in South Carolina until she tests negative 2 consecutive times -- she was spotted riding a bike along the beach with President Biden Sunday while on vacation in SC.

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As you know, this comes on the heels of President Biden testing positive, then negative, then positive again ... when he was isolated he assured everyone he was feeling just fine, with his German Shepherd loyally by his side.

Ryan Garcia Defends AB Calling Off Figueroa Fight ... 'You Got My Support'

Ryan Garcia is coming to the defense of Adrien Broner -- who pulled out of his scheduled bout with Omar Figueroa Jr. citing mental health issues -- applauding the former champ for the decision, despite how fans may react.

"Love you AB, i know it’s not easy to step back and take time from the ring, but no doubt taking this time you will come back healthier and stronger," Garcia wrote on Twitter.

"Focusing on your mental health is not weakness it’s strength. You got my support #MentalHealthAwareness" he added.

Of course, Garcia has publicly dealt with mental health issues himself. In February, Garcia revealed he was battling depression, even admitting things got so bad, "I wanted to kill myself at one point."

Like Broner this week, Ryan withdrew from his fight with Javier Fortuna in April (they eventually fought in July -- Ryan won via KO in 6th Rd.).

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DEEP IN IT
Boxing Live with Dan Canobbio

As we reported yesterday, 33-year-old Broner called off his bout against Figueroa on Aug. 20 in Hollywood, FL. ... saying he's not in the right frame of mind to compete.

"Man, I'm going thru a lot at this moment in my life but I ain't go give up I set some more goals and UI ain't stopping until I finish what I started but sorry to say this but I'm not fighting #August20th," Broner wrote.

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Broner also said, "I need to make some changes for the better instead of worrying about other people feelings and pleasing them when In all reality I have nothing to prove to nobody" ... adding he needed to overcome this obstacle before he risked his life inside the squared circle.

32-year-old Figueroa, however, wasn't buying AB's reasoning for withdrawing at the last minute ... and ripped the 34-4-1 fighter, challenging him to prove he's seeking help, and not pulling out for other reasons (OF accuses AB of not being in shape).

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"Not saying you DON'T suffer from mental health issues as WE CAN ALL tell you do, just don't use it as an excuse now after you've been undisciplined and not taking this fight/training camp seriously," Figueroa wrote on social media.

"If it really IS mental health, PLEASE SHOW US THE PROOF THAT YOU WENT AND SOUGHT PROFESSIONAL HELP," Omar added.

Sadly ... this isn't the first time Broner and Figueroa were set to clash. In 2018, it was Figueroa who pulled out of their scheduled fight ... due to an injury.

Omar will be fighting Sergey Lipinets (16-2-1) in place of Broner.

Adrien Broner I'm Going Through Mental Health Issues ... Figueroa Calls B.S.

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3:38 PM PT -- Omar's new opponent has been announced -- it's Sergey Lipinets, who is 16-2-1.

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11:32 AM PT -- Broner's opponent is responding to his reason for pulling out of the fight ... and he's not buying it.

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"What really passes (sic) me off is that now this mf wants to use #MentalHealth as a fkn excuse," Figueroa -- who has been diagnosed with depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD -- said minutes ago in a tweet. "That I have 'a problem' w because that's BS! You don't get to cry #MentalHealth now, mf!"

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Omar says he believes Broner's real excuse is he didn't prepare for the fight ... and calls for the boxer to provide proof he's seeking professional help for his mental health.

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"You don't get to undermine mine and countless other's (sic) journey and struggles w #MentalHealth because of your undisciplined/childish dumb ass!"

Adrien Broner hasn't fought in a year-and-a-half -- a streak that was supposed to come to an end this Saturday -- but the 4-weight class world champ just announced he's struggling with his mental health, and is pulling out of the fight.

33-year-old Broner was scheduled to box 32-year-old Omar Figueroa Jr. on August 20 at the Hard Rock in Hollywood, FL. ... but early Monday morning, AB let the world know the fight's off.

"Man, I'm going thru a lot at this moment in my life but I ain't go give up I set some more goals and UI ain't stopping until I finish what I started but sorry to say this but I'm not fighting #August20th," Broner wrote.

Just hours before AB made the announcement, he was still promoting his Showtime fight on Instagram. But, early Monday morning, he decided to announce he was pulling out because he wasn't feeling full-strength ... and the boxing ring isn't a place for play.

"Sorry to all my fans but #MentalHealth is real and I’m not about to play inside the ring I’ve watched a lot of people die playing with they boxing career and that is something I won’t do just pray for me I love the sport of boxing to much to not give my all and I feel Like I came up short before because my mind wasn’t 100%," Adrien wrote.

Broner says he needs to change some stuff in his life before he takes another boxing match.

"I need to make some changes for the better instead of worrying about other people feelings and pleasing them when In all reality I have nothing to prove to nobody," AB wrote, adding, "I have to step back and overcome this obstacle before I go put my life on the line inside the square circle again I know I’m far from being finished with the sport SEE YALL SOON #Respectfully❤️ 🆎"

Unfortunately, this is the 2nd time AB and Figueroa -- a former lightweight champ with only 2 losses -- were supposed to fight ... before the bout was canceled. In 2018, Omar was forced to pull out with an injury.

As for Saturday's event ... we're told execs are working on finding a new opponent for Figueroa Jr., and with just a few days to work with, there's a good chance it'll be another fighter from the card.

Originally Published -- 7:41 AM PT

Capri Sun Thousands of Pouches Recalled ... Possible Cleaning Solution Contamination

Capri Sun is working overtime to recall thousands of the popular juice pouches for possible contamination.

Kraft Heinz -- which manufactures the child-centric drink -- has issued an official recall of 5,760 cases of Capri Sun that they say might be contaminated with a cleaning solution used at one of their production plants, which could've gotten into the product.

According to KH ... the problematic batch in question is tied to their Wild Cherry flavor, and it's hard to tell where exactly the possibly contaminated cases might've gone.

Reports of consumers complaining about the taste supposedly prompted an investigation, so Kraft is pumping the brakes, and telling their customers to refrain from poking into any of the cherry Capri Suns for a bit, while they try to wrangle 'em in.

Kraft says *if* cleaning solution did make it in, it was totally inadvertent.

Customers can return any problematic cases to point of purchase for refunds.

Denise Dowse 'Insecure,' '90210' Star Denise Dowse Dead at 64

Denise Dowse, one of the stars of some iconic shows including "Insecure" and "Beverly Hills 90210" has died.

Denise lost her fight with viral meningitis Saturday and died at age 64. She had been in a coma for a week ... this after the disease caused inflammation in the membranes that encased her brain and spinal cord.

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Her sister, Tracey said, "It is with a very heavy heart that I inform everyone that my sister, Denise Dowse has gone forward to meet our family in eternal life."

Denise played Vice Principal Yvonne Teasley for a decade on the OG "90210" ... and that is just one of many credits. She played Dr. Rhonda Pine on "Insecure" from 2017-2020. And there were more iconic shows in which she starred ... "Coach Carter," "Grey's Anatomy" and also appeared on "Good Trouble," "Rocket Power" and "The Guardian."

She was a staple in the 90s, appearing on "The X-Files," "Criminal Minds," "Bones," "House," "Monk," "Law and Order," "Charmed," "The Bernie Mac Show, "Moesha," "Sister, Sister" "Gilmore Girls," "Seinfeld," "ER," "Full House" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."

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Denise was 64. RIP

Carlos Santana Oye Como Va ... I'm Good After Scary Collapse

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Carlos Santana looks like a man ready to rock out ... he's smiling and looking good after his scary collapse on stage ... and is continuing his tour.

We got the legendary guitarist at the Four Seasons in Downtown NYC ahead of his Friday show in Connecticut ... and he was moving around perfectly fine, showing no lasting effects from his recent medical episode.

It's pretty funny ... when our photog told him how good he looked, he brushed off the compliment by saying it was "a reflection of your light!"

Remember ... Santana was performing July 5 in Michigan when he went down, sending staffers and stage hands scurrying to his side.

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The 75-year-old was rushed to a hospital for treatment, with his team saying he was suffering from heat exhaustion and dehydration.

The health scare forced Santana to hit pause on his Miraculous Supernatural 2022 Tour, postponing 6 shows, but now he's back on the road.

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FEELIN' BETTER

No word if a black magic woman is behind Santana's recovery.

Serena Williams Childhood Coach Not Surprised By Retirement ... 'Happy For Her'

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Rick Macci -- the iconic coach who helped Serena Williams become a household name -- says he's happy the tennis superstar is walking away from the sport on her own terms ... telling TMZ Sports he's not surprised by her decision.

Of course, the former player and coach played an important role in shaping both Serena and Venus' careers ... teaching the sisters in their youth as they became the best sister duo in the world.

We spoke with Macci about Serena's recent retirement announcement ... and he says he wasn't shocked by the news.

"It doesn't surprise me," Macci said. "Listen, she's doing this on her terms. She has a lot of things going on. I'm just happy for her because she's making the decision and she's doing it on her terms."

"It's not an injury, she's not hanging on too long or anything like that, but what I really like it's gonna end at the U.S. Open. That's where she won her first Grand Slam and people in New York love it. I think it's gonna be a must-see TV and knowing Serena, she's gonna go out with a bang.

Macci says he understands Serena's mindset -- and if she can't commit 100% to her craft on the court, then it's time to walk away.

The Williams sisters' coach sent a special message for Serena ... saying, "You're doing it on your terms. Most of all, you're happy and that's the most important thing."

"You've influenced so many people's lives, you have no idea. Not just people playing tennis and to me, I think your greatest act is yet to come."

Anne Heche Dead at 53

UPDATE

11:46 AM PT -- A rep for Anne's family tells TMZ ... "We have lost a bright light, a kind and most joyful soul, a loving mother, and a loyal friend. Anne will be deeply missed but she lives on through her beautiful sons, her iconic body of work, and her passionate advocacy. Her bravery for always standing in her truth, spreading her message of love and acceptance, will continue to have a lasting impact."

Anne Heche has died from injuries she suffered last Friday after driving her car through a Los Angeles home ... her rep tells TMZ Anne is "brain dead" and under California law that is the definition of death.

The rep adds life support machines are keeping Anne's heart beating for the purpose of preserving her organs for donations, however, the rep made it clear ... Anne has no brain function.

The actress died Friday at an L.A.-area hospital ... she was rushed there in a coma, in critical condition and never regained consciousness. We're told she suffered a severe anoxic brain injury -- complete oxygen deprivation to the brain.

Anne had a long and successful career in Hollywood, getting her start playing Vicky Hudson and Marley Love in the soap, "Another World," winning a Daytime Emmy.

When Anne moved over to the big screen, she landed roles in some huge movies ... including "Donnie Brasco," "Volcano," "I Know What You Did Last Summer," "Six Days Seven Nights," "Return to Paradise," the "Psycho" remake and "Wag the Dog."

Anne also starred in a number of TV shows, like "Men in Trees," "Hung," "Aftermath" and "The Brave" ... and she also did voice work for the animated TV series "The Legend of Korra."

During the first year of the pandemic, Anne was a contestant on "Dancing with the Stars."

Anne famously dated Ellen DeGeneres back in the day ... starting in 1997 until their highly-publicized split in August 2000 ... she ended up marrying cameraman Coleman Laffoon, whom she met on Ellen's stand-up comedy tour.

Heche had a child with Laffoon, but their marriage ended in divorce. Her next relationship was with her "Men in Trees" costar, James Tupper, with whom she had her second child. They split in 2018 after 10 years together.

TMZ broke the story ... LAPD sources say Anne was under the influence of cocaine and possibly fentanyl on Aug. 5 when she committed at least 2 hit-and-runs before crashing through a home and causing a fire.

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Anne sustained significant injuries in the crash, including severe burns and lung damage.

Anne was 53.

RIP

Originally Published -- 11:19 AM PT

Shaq Breaks His Chair during Podcast ... 'I Broke The Damn Chair'

File under: Big man problems.

Shaquille O'Neal proved his size is no match for furniture ... 'cause the Big Aristotle broke his chair while giving relationship advice to women, and the viral moment was caught on video!!

The hilarious mishap happened on an episode of Shaq's "The Big Podcast" -- when O'Neal and his co-host, Nischelle Turner, were talking about what leads people to ghost each other ... when disaster struck!

Shaq offered his response ... leaning back and stretching then suddenly, you hear a crack and a look of concern on the face of the gentle giant.

"I broke the chair, I broke the damn chair," O'Neal said to Turner, who was in awe at what she just witnessed.

50-year-old Shaq -- who stands over 7 feet tall and weighs over 300 pounds -- laughed about the blunder. However, O'Neal knew the jokes would fly once the Internet saw the footage.

O'Neal admittedly struggled with his weight during the pandemic ... but the big fella has been making strides to get back on the right track, including exploring options like going vegan.

Despite the gaffe ... Shaq was a good sport about it, but, man, what a scare!! 😅

Author Salman Rushdie Attacked On Stage Stabbed in Neck

UPDATE

9:41 AM PT -- A spokesperson for the NY State police tells TMZ Rushdie was stabbed in the neck, he also suffered a minor head injury His condition is not yet known.

Novelist Salman Rushdie, who has received death threats for years because of his work, was just attacked and possibly stabbed during an event.

The author, who was formerly married to "Top Chef" host Padma Lakshmi, was set to give a speech Friday at the Chautauqua Institution in New York. Reports say Rushdie was on stage, when someone jumped up and struck him multiple times. Reports say Rushdie was stabbed during the incident.

His current condition is unknown, but the attacker has reportedly been taken into custody.

Rushdie's novel, "The Satanic Verses," sparked tons of controversy in the 80's ... with the book getting banned from Iran for being deemed blasphemous, as it had references that mocked the Prophet Muhammad and Islamic culture as a whole.

In 1989, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khomeini called on Muslims to kill the Indian-born writer and his publishers because of what he wrote.

Originally Published -- 9:05 AM PT