'Love Is Blind' Danielle Ruhl Files For Divorce From Nick Thompson
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"Love Is Blind" star Danielle Ruhl has filed for divorce from Nick Thompson ... putting an end to their year-long marriage just a few weeks after openly talking about their plans for a family.
The docs, obtained by TMZ, show Danielle filed Monday in Cook County Circuit Court in Illinois. Fans of the show remember Danielle and Nick saying "I Do" at the end of season 2, tying the knot in June of last year.
They were one of the two couples that actually got hitched by the end of the season ... the other being Iyanna McNeely and Jarrette Jones.
Last month, Danielle revealed her and Nick's plans to redo their big day in an interview with Us Weekly ... saying she missed out on a bachelorette party and was hoping to do it big when the time was right.
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She also hinted at growing their fam, saying she can't wait to have kids with Nick, adding they've thought about trying down the line.
BTW ... Iyanna and Jarrette, are also calling it quits -- they posted a joint statement Wednesday, filling fans in on their tough decision.
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'Selling Sunset' Scramble To Find New Villain ... Who Replaces Christine???
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"Selling Sunset" producers are racing to fill the void left by Christine Quinn's departure ... they need a new villain for the show, and they need to figure it out ASAP.
Production sources tell TMZ ... the folks who run the popular Netflix show are scrambling behind the scenes to figure out who is going to step into Christine's place as the bad girl, and they're hopeful holdover Chelsea Lazkani leans into the role in upcoming seasons.
We're told execs approached Chelsea about playing into the villain role once it became clear to producers in June Christine wasn't coming back, leading to conversations with Chelsea about embracing the role Christine played so well.
Our sources say producers understand Chelsea, a British real estate agent who joined the show in season 5, has big shoes to fill here ... but they're hopeful she can step up to the plate.
Other candidates, we're told, include newcomers Bre Tiesi and Nicole Young ... they're joining "Selling Sunset" for the upcoming seasons, and sources say there's a possibility producers will look to one or both to be the next Christine if Chelsea doesn't cut it.
Filming began this week, but we're told it's too soon to know if producers have their villain just yet.
TMZ broke the story ... Christine and the producers reached a mutual decision for her to leave the show and she's moving onto other projects, signing with IMG models.
Jason Oppenheim told our photog Thursday he's not stressed about Christine leaving, saying he has no concerns her exit will hurt the show.
While Jason might not be stressed, it sounds like producers sure are ... and for good reason.
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'Love is Blind ' Shake Chatterjee Producers Begged Me To Come Back ... I Told Them To Kick Rocks!!!
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"Love Is Blind" star Shake Chatterjee tells us he will NOT be on the 'After the Alter' episode ... blasting the reality show as a failed experiment seeking to exploit contestants.
Shake tells TMZ ... he's pissed at how he was portrayed on the hit Netflix reality dating series, and he told producers he wanted nothing to do with the franchise, despite being begged to come back for one last hurrah.
The experience clearly left a bad taste in Shake's mouth ... and he's ripping the hosts, Nick and Vanessa Lachey, for not staying neutral in his case, questioning their motives and explaining why he passed on participating in the upcoming "Love Is Blind: After the Alter."
In "Love Is Blind," contestants date in pods, conversing through speakers while unable to see their date. In order to meet in person, two contestants must first get engaged.
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Shake lets it all out ... telling us he sees the Netflix series as a "failed experiment" primed for a downfall. The guy says it's not how people should find love, and he practices what he preaches, because he met his girlfriend, Emily Wilson in real life. They now live together in Miami and are recording season 2 of the "Life is Blurry Podcast" together as co-hosts.
He also shared his thoughts on Kyle Abrams and his ex-Deepti Vempati getting together after the show... doesn't sound like he is buying it.
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Jason Oppenheim 'Selling Sunset' Just Fine Without Christine Quinn!!!
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Jason Oppenheim is NOT stressing about Christine Quinn leaving "Selling Sunset" ... he says there are no hard feelings and has "zero concerns" about how her exit will affect the show.
We got Jason leaving Equinox Thursday and he was chill about Christine's departure ... at least on the surface.
Jason says he has no doubt that the current cast members will hold it down for season 6 and 7 ... but he was a little cagey about who's gonna stir the pot now that the villain has left the building.
He slyly explained there are 2 new women on 6 and 7, but wouldn't characterize them as villains ... only that they created an "interesting dynamic." He says there's a natural drama that evolved and he insists these are the best seasons of the run.
TMZ broke the story ... Christine and the producers came to a mutual decision that she'd leave the show. As we reported, she's signed with IMG Models.
Christine ruffled lots of feathers prior to her exit. She skipped the show's reunion after claiming she had COVID ... that turned out to be super sketchy, because she was seen shooting a commercial for a video game around the same time.
Jason insists there's no beef between him and Christine and he's even sent her a few texts to compliment her on all her fashion projects.
Jason's good at selling "Selling Sunset" ... for sure!
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Christine Quinn Not Coming Back To 'Selling Sunset'
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Christine Quinn is giving a big thumbs down to returning to "Selling Sunset" ... instead focusing her attention on her other ventures.
Production sources tell TMZ Christine will not be featured in seasons 6 and 7 of the Netflix show, which recently began production. We're told it was a mutual decision between Christine, Netflix and the production company.
Our Christine sources tell us she recently signed with IMG Models, and is already booking modeling and appearance gigs at various fashion events.
Christine is also heavily involved with RealOpen, her brokerage that allows you to buy/sell real estate through crypto currency with her husband Christian.
Christine has definitely had her fair share of drama with "SS" producers and her costars over the last few months, skipping the show's reunion after claiming she tested positive for COVID. TMZ broke the story, Christine was spotted on a commercial shoot just days after allegedly testing positive ... at a time when she should've been in quarantine.
She also bashed the show on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast, saying producers manipulate and intimidate the cast to create more drama. She also claimed the show's executive producer told her "to go fall down the stairs" and "kill" herself after she was honest about a scene from the show during an interview.
We got Christine's now former co-star Emma Hernan outside The Oppenheim Group office Wednesday, and while she isn't calling Christine's leave a win, she admits the show's got a bunch of heavy hitters as it is.
Fans of the show know Christine certainly wasn't there to make friends -- often calling the other girls on the show "thirsty bitches" in the past.
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'Outer Banks' Star Chase Stokes Don't Drink and Drive!!! Following Death Of Stunt Double
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"Outer Banks" star Chase Stokes is making a plea to get folks to stop drinking and driving after his stunt double was tragically killed in a hit-and-run car crash.
We caught up with Chase at LAX Friday, and he opened up about the devastating loss of 22-year-old Alexander 'AJ' Jennings. Chase tells us he's still processing the tragic loss, adding it's been tough on the entire cast.
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TMZ broke the story ... AJ was killed on July 5 in a hit-in-run crash in South Carolina ... where "Outer Banks" was shooting season 3.
'Outer Banks' Stand-In for Chase Stokes Killed in Hit-and-Run Accident
While Chase is completely heartbroken, he hopes this will be a HUGE lesson to other folks on the road. He says he's a big believer in people taking responsibility for their own actions ... saying drinking and driving is a downright stupid decision with real consequences.
The bottom line, he says, don't do it!! This, coming from a guy who knows the pain firsthand ... he says, "we lost a beautiful individual".
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'90 Day Fiancé' Jesse Meester I Didn't Forget About You Joe Exotic!!! ... But Don't Count on a Pardon
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Joe Exotic hopes his friendship with "90-Day Fiancé" alum Jesse Meester will get him sprung from prison with a pardon ... but Jesse's not so sure Joe Biden will grant the Tiger King's wish.
Joe shocked the Internet Monday when he posted a shirtless pic of his "amazing dear friend" Jesse, saying Jesse was going to help get the favor from Biden. Jesse commented on the post, "It’s sad that the backstabbing and lying has become the norm [in] this society. Time to unite and fight back to get you out."
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Jesse, who dated Darcy and Jennifer on the TLC series, says he struck up a friendship with the Tiger King through a fan online, who saw his social media posts supporting Joe and connected them. He then made some friends in The White House a few years back after then-President Trump re-tweeted him and had hope for a pardon for Joe. With Joe Biden now in office, despite what Joe might believe, the pardon seems unlikely.
Jesse now thinks Joe's best shot of getting free is through the legal system ... based on all the new evidence he claims they've received. Jesse's now using his social media to help raise awareness and fundraise for Joe's legal expenses.
Joe's attorney, Autumn Blackledge, tells TMZ ... “Joe is always thankful to have the support of someone who desires to help him and as his attorney, welcome the public support from someone who only has Joe’s best interest in mind.”
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Jason Oppenheim I've Got a New Super Hot Model GF!!!
It looks like Jason Oppenheim is off the market again ... nuzzling what looks like a new GF at a splashy Hollywood event.
The "Selling Sunset" mogul showed up with Marie-Lou Nurk for the premiere of the new Netflix flick, "Day Shift."
And get this ... Jason apparently thinks the relationship is solid enough to put his very tall model/gf on the next season of his show, which starts filming next week.
Jason clearly closed the chapter on his relationship with "Selling Sunset" co-star Chrishell Stause -- the two called it quits after 5 months. She's moved on, and now so has he.
Chrishell's in a serious relationship with G Flip, and she and Jason still get along so all is good.
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Obamas Crash African-American Film Fest ... At Martha's Vineyard
Barack and Michelle Obama made a surprise appearance at a film festival this week -- perhaps not too surprising though ... it was at Martha's Vineyard.
The former First Couple took the stage Friday at the Martha's Vineyard African-American Film Festival -- where they said a few words before a screening of their Netflix doc, "Descendant." As you can see, they were very warmly received ... the crowd seemed shocked they showed.
What a surprise! Former POTUS @BarackObama & former FLOTUS @MichelleObama surprised the audience tonight on day 1 of the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Fest to introduce Netflix’s showing of their new film #DESCENDENT produced by Essie Chambers, Questlove, & Kyle Martin. pic.twitter.com/V3X4M1OqMG
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) August 6, 2022 @TheRevAl
Eventually, they each delivered remarks ... BO talked about the power of telling stories -- Black stories, specifically -- and praised the festival organizers for allowing African-Americans to do just that through their event.
He said, "[I]t's one of the powers of this festival, and the work that the Rances have done is to lift up stories that too often have been lost in the flow of time. Because we believe that everybody's stories matter. Everybody's got a sacred story that motivates us, moves us. It's not just a matter of nostalgia, it powers us into the present and the future."
Variety: Michelle Obama makes a surprise appearance at the screening of #Descendant at #MVAAFF: "What this film shows us is that our stories are the power that makes us seen." https://t.co/HRwAU9CpIm pic.twitter.com/KPW8hC8LMV
— Chris Hastings (@chrisjhastings) August 6, 2022 @chrisjhastings
Michelle hit that point home by noting the older generation should be encouraging their youth to actually talk to their grandparents and great-grandparents -- and take in their history while they still can. She also took some playful shots at IG and TikTok trends in the process.
The audience was feeling what she was saying ... as they were audibly agreed throughout. Pretty cool to see 'em here -- even though they're low-key in MV quite a bit. Of course, they have a summer home there (a mansion actually), so they're no strangers to the area.
BTW, as for what their Netflix-backed doc is actually about ... "Descendant" covers a small Alabama community that has descendants from the Clotilda, one of the last slave ships to have sent over Africans to the States just as it was being outlawed nationally.
Despite history trying to cover up the fact it even existed -- the movie captures the ancestors of those slaves bringing their history to life again ... and taking control of the narrative.
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'CHEER' STAR JERRY HARRIS Prison Life Nothing to Cheer About
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Jerry Harris, star of Netflix's "Cheer," is getting a new routine ... and TMZ has a glimpse into his life in federal lockdown.
Jerry is about a month into his 12-year prison sentence in his child pornography case. He was recently transferred to a federal prison in Oklahoma City, where his daily life will be a huge culture shock.
Jerry's going to need to find a new way to stay active, because the only fitness opportunities are basketball, handball, walking and lifting weights.
Other ways to pass the time include hobby craft programs, board and card games, group discussion, letter writing and TV viewing ... but the inmates don't get to pick what's on the tube.
Jerry's got a new bedtime too ... lights go out at 11:30 PM on weekdays and 1 AM on weekends ... but there's no sleeping in ... he's gotta be dressed and out of his cell by 6 AM.
It's unlikely Jerry will make many friends on the inside ... guys who plead guilty to child porn aren't exactly welcomed by other inmates ... but he can see visitors on weekends and federal holidays.
Jerry's also hanging up the cheer uniform for standard prison garb, which he's got to wear from 6 AM to 4 PM during the week.
'Cheer' Star Jerry Harris Sentenced to 12 Years in Child Pornography Case, Apologizes to Victims
Outside those hours, he can wear clothes purchased through approved channels. Oh and he's getting a new barber too, one of his fellow inmates.
The Netflix money might come in handy ... Jerry can spend up to $360 a month at commissary ... or he can work and make well under 50 cents an hour.
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ANA DE ARMAS Cuban Accent in Marilyn Monroe Pic Defended ... By Marilyn's Estate
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Ana de Armas is getting trashed for her performance in an upcoming Netflix Marilyn Monroe movie because of her Cuban accent, but she's getting critical support from Marilyn's estate ... and they say she hit the mark.
Nick Woodhouse, President and Chief Marketing Officer of Authentic Brands Group, which owns MM's estate, tells TMZ ... "Ana has artfully captured the essence of Marilyn's voice. Marilyn was known for her breathiness, which was actually a tactic taught to her by a speech therapist during her childhood to help her overcome a stutter."
Ana de Armas' Accent Picked Apart in New Marilyn Monroe 'Blonde' Trailer
In other words, the estate thinks the accent is unimportant ... her style of speaking is what people remember and captures the true Marilyn.
As we reported ... lots of folks are griping about Ana's accent after seeing the preview, with some haters saying it's distracting and others wondering if Ana got anything out of 9 months of professional dialect.
Woodhouse goes on to say, "Marilyn has served as a muse and inspiration to fans of all genders, all ethnicities and all walks of life, and her influence will only continue. There are no rules when it comes to how an artist can pay homage to her legacy."
He adds, it's not one size fits all when it comes to interpretations of Marilyn ... Kim Kardashian and Michelle Williams put their own spin on MM, and now it's Anna's turn.
"Blonde" premieres Sept. 28 on Netflix, and accent aside ... there's no debating Ana is a dead ringer for Marilyn.
In the meantime, MM's estate says Marilyn fans should wait until they see the film before passing judgment ... reminding folks, "there is beauty in interpretation."
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Ana de Armas Spanish Accent Picked Apart ... In New Marilyn Trailer
Ana de Armas has gotten buzz over her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in a forthcoming flick -- but some can't get over her in-character voice ... which still leans very Spanish-sounding.
Here's the deal ... ADA is starring in this Netflix movie that's coming out in September called "Blonde," which is an NC-17 depiction of some of Marilyn's life -- albeit through a hyper-stylized lens (it's based on a fictional book exploring MM's struggles, plus rape/abuse, etc.)
Watched by all. Seen by none.
— Netflix (@netflix) July 28, 2022 @netflix
Ana de Armas is Marilyn Monroe in Blonde, premiering September 28. pic.twitter.com/vQHUqsmVGy
We'll get to the graphic content in a bit -- because there's outrage over that too -- but first, we gotta get into people griping about Ana's still-there accent ... which came to light in Netflix's latest trailer for the movie that came out this past week. It's got Twitter in a tizzy.
As you can see (and hear) for yourself, there are still pretty noticeable traces of Ana's native language coming through in her performance. She's from Cuba and came to the States in adulthood ... and pretty much all of her movies thus far feature her natural accent.
i know the movie hasn’t come out yet but Blonde starring Ana de Armas looks stunning and the scenes gives me chills but i know y’all still hear her accent.. like it’s STRONG. i am very surprised they thought she sounded like marilyn because she literally doesn’t. looks ? yes
— aslean janelle (@asleanjflorence) July 28, 2022 @asleanjflorence
The problem here -- at least for bird app users -- is that it feels somewhat distracting, seeing how Marilyn had a typical American accent. Some say Ana not perfecting it for this Oscar-bait role is strange, especially since so many actors these days (international and otherwise) do accent crossover roles all the time, often to rave reviews and much fanfare.
Plus, Ana said early on that she underwent 9 months of professional dialect training for this part -- but now, a handful of people are wondering what she's got to show for it.
let me remind those commenting on ana de armas' accent playing marilyn monroe that we have a long history of american actors botching accents of other nationalities in film and you don't blink twice. you'll survive.
— ginger snaps (@boricuavecna) July 28, 2022 @boricuavecna
Of course, many are defending Ana as well -- saying any criticism of her accent is misplaced and misguided -- and perhaps teetering on xenophobic territory. Some say that there are tons of examples of American actors butchering foreign accents, but no one minds them.
There's also some who feel like the accent isn't make or break -- arguing it shouldn't be the single element that snaps folks out of their suspension of disbelief, especially since we do it all the time for superhero movies. In other words, Film Twitter is divided over this one.
— Netflix (@netflix) July 28, 2022 @netflix
While that debate rages, there's also a convo about this film potentially exploiting Marilyn's story and legacy ... all for the sake of shock value in depicting her suffering tremendously on camera, which many see as gross -- especially with the free reign of an NC-17 rating.
Lots of discussion is being had, but we suppose we'll have to wait and see the final product. 'Blonde' premieres Sept. 28 on Netflix.
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Netflix Sues Barlow & Bear for Musical ... Thou Hath Stolen Our 'Bridgerton!!!'
"Bridgerton" is once again a smash hit, but this time Netflix is pissed ... because it says two musicians ripped off their TV series, turned it into a stage production and turned a huge profit.
The streaming giant is going after the duo Barlow & Bear for "The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical Album Live in Concert" -- a musical production they performed to a sold-out Kennedy Center earlier this week.
In the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, Netflix says the production's opening number, "Tis the Season" is nearly identical to the one they used to introduce the show's main characters and setting. Netflix says Barlow & Bear even ripped off "substantial dialogue verbatim" from the TV show.
According to Netflix, the musicians didn't just steal its intellectual property ... but they also lied about getting permission. In the suit, Netflix includes an advertisement that was posted for the stage production and it includes the text, "BRIDGERTON is a trademark of Netflix used with permission."
Nope. Not according to Netflix, which says it actually "vigorously objected" to Barlow & Bear's use of the show's name, characters and dialogue.
Netflix says the duo has plans to take the musical on the road with a performance in London's iconic Royal Albert Hall -- and they're also selling "Bridgerton" themed merch.
Besides ripping off its TV show, Netflix says Barlow & Bear's pirate operation is competing with its "Bridgerton Experience" ... a 6-city event where fans pay to enjoy an "immersive" night in a ballroom with actors and music inspired by their show.
Netflix wants the court to shut down Barlow & Bear's future productions, and it wants any profits they've already made.
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Zac Efron and Netflix Sued You're Not Down To Earth!!!
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Zac Efron and Netflix are tarnishing a health and wellness brand's good name with their streaming series ... according to a new lawsuit.
The actor and streaming giant are being sued over "Down To Earth With Zac Efron" by a company called Down To Earth Organics, which claims the Netflix travel show is hurting their biz.
According to the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, DTE claims they locked down the rights to "Down To Earth" for media and entertainment purposes well before Zac and Netflix premiered their show.
DTE says the Netflix series, which follows Zac around the globe to find healthy, sustainable ways to live, is trying to create a new "Down To Earth" wellness brand ... and the company says it's hurting their bottom line by confusing customers.
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What's more, DTE says the Netflix series' advice on wellness "has been widely ridiculed" and is pushing "damaging false nutrition claims." ... and they're not fans of Zac using the show to cross-promote Nature Valley snack bars on social media, because DTE says they offer their own healthy snacks with the trademark.
DTE is going after Zac and Netflix for damages ... and they want an injunction prohibiting Zac and Netflix from infringing on their "Down To Earth" trademarks.
We reached out to Zac and Netflix ... so far no word back.
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Dave Chappelle Emmy Nom Spurs Strong Reaction From Trans Community
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Dave Chappelle getting an Emmy nomination for a stand-up special some call transphobic is emboldening the transgender community -- but not so much in the way you might think.
We spoke to Ashlee Marie Preston in L.A. to get her reaction to the comedian getting a Primetime Emmy nod for Netflix's "The Closer" -- which, as you know, was the subject of much controversy last year ... and even spurred Netflix employee walkouts in protest.
Preston -- who isn't a Netflix employee, but still helped organize the walkout -- tells us she and other members of the transgender and queer community have an action plan ... the details of which she's purposely keeping under wraps, but promises we'll see soon as a response.
Give the clip a watch ... it sounds like Ashlee and Co. are about to roll out a campaign or an announcement of sorts that advocates for LGBT-friendly content -- something she says the industry needs more of to help combat the POVs Dave expressed in "Closer," which she considers harmful.
Preston also tells us that instead of focusing on Chappelle ... she encourages anyone who supports their cause to turn their attention to Emmy nominees who help tell their story -- folks like Bowen Yang and others, who are also up for awards this year.
It's also interesting to hear Preston's approach this time around -- rather than being triggered and reacting in haste, she and her colleagues appear to be going about the response much more strategically.
Dave, meanwhile, hasn't said anything about the nom -- he's already on to his next special, which he's currently promoting.
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Chris Evans & Ryan Gosling Raise Over $200K For Kids With Pediatric Cancer Red Carpet Date Fundraiser
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11:59 AM PT -- 7/15 As promised, Lula and Mariah got some one on one time with Chris at Wednesday night's premiere ... snapping a pic with the star on the red carpet.
Chris Evans and Ryan Gosling’s latest sweepstakes is a massive success ... raising over $200k for charity and giving some lucky donors the opportunity of a lifetime.
Sources connected to the fundraising effort tell TMZ Chris and Ryan raised $276,444 for Christopher’s Haven, Inc., ... Evans' charity which offers temporary, low-cost housing for pediatric cancer patients and families while receiving treatment away from home in Boston.
As we've told you, the two actors teamed up with Omaze to help raise money for the org. Those who donated were entered into a drawing for the chance to get flown out to the premiere of their new movie "The Gray Man" for some serious movie star treatment.
We're told the winner selected was Lula H. and her daughter, Mariah, from Columbus, OH.
The two will enjoy an all-expense-paid flight, 4-star hotel stay and will get to join Chris at the red carpet premiere of "The Gray Man" with plenty photo ops with Chris and Ryan -- who both star in the movie.
Ana de Armas and Billy Bob Thornton are also in the flick, which drops July 22 on Netflix.