RIP

Ariana Madix looked exhausted Saturday leaving LAX ... emotionally drained after losing her close friend Ali Rafiq.

The Vanderpump Rules star kept her shades on as she made her way through the terminal in a brown sweatshirt and matching pants.

She arrived back in L.A. the same day she paid tribute to Rafiq, sharing a photo of them on Instagram.

"I keep wanting to text you. It feels like this can't even be real. We were just planning your trip to LA. Talking about our futures and all the things we were looking forward to,' she wrote, before ticking off the things she missed about her late friend.

While the two were obviously close, Madix actually met Rafiq through her ex, Tom Sandoval. The duo were childhood besties, and Tom also shared a post in remembrance.

Madix's life has been full of change recently, starting with the end of her nine-year relationship with Sandoval after discovering he cheated on her with her close friend, Raquel Leviss.

She's dealt with the fallout from the breakup for the last two months and even seemed to be putting the drama in her rearview by firing up a new relationship with fitness coach Daniel Wai.

Johnny Depp knows this is a pivotal moment in his career, and a real chance to get back his A-list Hollywood status ... so, that's exactly why he's focusing on the important stuff to get his mind right.

Sources connected to the actor tell us his recent stop at the Cannes Film Festival -- where he premiered his movie "Jeanne du Barry" -- was different from years before. We're told, back in the day, Johnny would've attended every after-party and stayed up late.

Our sources say after Tuesday's premiere, he made the decision to head back to his room early to make sure he got enough rest and to prepare for another day of media interviews.

We're told Johnny's experienced "an evolution in terms of prioritizing his health and rest" while also really picking things up with his work.

After Cannes, Depp flew to London to do Jeff Beck's tribute show with Eric Clapton and several other guitar greats -- and then he's hitting the road with his band Hollywood Vampires.

From there, he'll jump right into directing duties on "Modi," starring Al Pacino.

Depp's certainly been welcomed back by his adoring fans, and even corporations -- remember that new $20 million deal with Dior -- so it's no surprise he wants to strike while the iron's hot and capitalize on all the positive attention.

As for Amber Heard, she's hightailed it to Spain where she lives a much more quiet life with her kiddo.

A spine-chilling new report says Bryan Kohberger broke into a woman's home before the Idaho murders went down ... acting as some sort of creepy crawler, moving her stuff around in an attempt to make her fear for her life.

The bizarre claims came out in the latest episode of NBC's "Dateline," saying Kohberger became friends with a girl at Washington State University, where he was enrolled, just months before the fatal Univ. of Idaho stabbings -- and allegedly snuck into her place and moved her belongings in order to make her feel uneasy in her own home.

The terrifying tactic allegedly worked, because "Dateline" says she asked him to help set up security cameras as a result ... something he could have later checked on remotely after learning her WiFi password.

Former FBI profiler Greg Cooper says this wasn't a friend helping another friend with security detail -- saying he "orchestrated it so that she would come to him and that he would be able to help her. It is another level of power and domination and control over another person.”

For those unaware, the new report comes on the heels of Kohberger's recent indictment regarding the November deaths of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, and Xana Kernodle.

New body cam footage showed Kohberger at WSU about a month before the murders ... but he appeared cool-headed and respectful as he talked his way out of a ticket.

Jim Brown, arguably the greatest football player of all time, has died at the age of 87, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

"It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my husband, Jim Brown," Monique Brown tells us. "He passed away peacefully last night at our L.A. home. To the world he was an activist, actor and football star."

"To our family, he was a loving and wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Our hearts are broken."

We're told Jim hadn't been doing well ... and was recently visited by several of his close friends including Marshall Faulk, Eric Dickerson and Flavor Flav.

Brown, a first-round pick in 1957 (6th overall), went on to win 3 NFL MVP awards. Jim was named to 8 First Team All-Pro teams over the course of his incredible career. He led the NFL in rushing 8 times, and rushing touchdowns, 5. He won a championship in 1964.

Aside from his prowess on the football field, Brown was also a legendary lacrosse player at Syracuse, where he earned All-American honors.

After his athletic career, Jim went on to star as a Hollywood actor ... in films like "The Dirty Dozen" and "Any Given Sunday."

In addition to his incredible athleticism and talent on the big screen, Jim was also one of the most prominent voices on the civil rights scene.

Brown held the Cleveland Summit in June 1967, in support of Muhammad Ali, who refused to serve in the Vietnam War.

Brown was joined by Bill Russell and Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), and others.

The Cleveland Browns released a statement on Friday ... saying, "Legend. Leader. Activist. Visionary."

"It's impossible to describe the profound love and gratitude we feel for having the opportunity to be a small piece of Jim’s incredible life and legacy. We mourn his passing, but celebrate the indelible light he brought to the world."

"Our hearts are with Jim’s family, loved ones, and all those he impacted along the way."

Brown, whose #32 was retired by the Browns, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971 ... and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1995. He's also a member of the Lacrosse HOF.

Pro Football Hall of Fame president Jim Porter also spoke on Brown's passing ... saying, "When Jim Brown’s name was announced in a room, other Hall of Famers stood and applauded him."

"His persona has stood the test of time -- a fearless and dominant football player. Jim will always be remembered as one of pro football’s greatest individuals."

Brown was last seen out in public during Super Bowl weekend ... appearing at the NFL Honors ceremony, where Emmitt Smith and Barry Sanders announced the league's annual rushing trophy would be named in his honor.

Flav shared a picture with Brown from that night in his tribute to the legend ... saying, "Today, I lost my mentor and hero. RIP Jim Brown. My deepest sympathies to your wife, Monique and your entire family."

LeBron James also shared a touching post in Brown's honor ... saying, "We lost a hero today. Rest in Paradise to the legend Jim Brown."

"I hope every Black athlete takes the time to educate themselves about this incredible man and what he did to change all of our lives. We all stand on your shoulders Jim Brown."

Brown's life off the field was not without controversy -- he was arrested over numerous allegations of violence against women spanning several decades. He was charged with rape, sexual battery and assault in 1985, although the case was later dismissed.

Brown was also busted for smashing the windows of his wife's car in 1999 ... and served three months behind bars after skipping mandatory domestic violence counseling.

R.I.P.

We discussed Jim Brown's legacy in a recent episode of the Last Days Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

Tragic news ... Micky Geller -- a waterskiing star who helped the Univ. of Louisiana-Lafayette win a national championship last year -- has died at just 18 years old.

A cause of death was not revealed ... but according to Geller's loved ones, the Ragin Cajuns athlete passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on May 6.

"With his full throttle approach to life, Micky experienced more in his 18 years than many ever will," his family and friends wrote in Geller's obituary. "However, he was just cracking the surface of the possibilities that lay ahead."

Geller began his athletics career at a young age in gymnastics ... before he moved onto rock climbing and then waterskiing -- where he excelled.

According to ULL, which mourned his death in a social media post on Thursday, Geller was ranked sixth in the world in the U21 jump as a junior water skier.

"His friends and family remain in the thoughts, hearts and prayers of many at the University," the school said.

Geller also participated for Canada's junior national waterski team .... and in a Facebook post earlier this week, Water Ski Canada said it will remember him for "his amazing work ethic, unending passion, humour, athleticism, and charisma."

ULL flew its flags at half mast on Thursday to honor Micky. A funeral service was held for him on Thursday in Ottawa as well.

"Our boy will be remembered for his empathy, passion, strength, fearlessness, drive, discipline and limitless potential," his family wrote in his obituary.

Andy Rourke, the bass guitarist for the iconic British rock band, The Smiths, has died.

His bandmate, Johnny Marr, made the announcement Friday on Twitter, revealing that Rourke had been fighting pancreatic cancer before his passing.

Marr said, "Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans."

After joining The Smiths in the '80s, Rourke was featured on the group's four studio records, including "Meat Is Murder" and "Strangeways, Here We Come."

With Rourke on bass, Marr on lead guitar, Mike Joyce on drums and Morrissey on vocals, the foursome created a pioneering sound that still has an influence on music today. Some of their most classic tunes were "This Charming Man" and "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out."

During his time with The Smiths, Rourke struggled with heroin addiction and was arrested for possessing the drug in 1986. He even got kicked out of the band at one point, but he returned two weeks later.

In 1987, The Smiths broke up, but Rourke went on to produce several singles with Morrissey and to record music with Sinéad O’Connor and The Pretenders. He also sued Morrissey and Marr for an equal share of The Smith's earnings and royalties, but later settled for just over $103,000.

Rourke was 59.

Paul Walker's brother says there are no surprise appearances from him in the final chapter (allegedly) of the 'Fast and Furious' franchise ... but he's happy another family member is getting her shine.

We got Cody Walker Thursday right after Ludacris got his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame -- and we asked him about the new "Fast X" movie, and Paul's daughter Meadow Walker appearing in it.

First off ... while Cody says there are no secret cameos from him in "Fast X", he acknowledges there's always been talk of it, and doesn't completely shut the door.

Fact is, it wouldn't be much of a secret if he told us!

As far as possible CGI scenes of Paul's character, Brian O'Conner ... Cody says he's not involved in those decisions. He does tell us Paul is referenced in it, as you'd expect.

As we reported, Meadow does have a small role in "Fast X" ... and she says it's a blessing to be able to honor her father's legacy.

Cody tells us he's stoked and it makes total sense his niece is taking the torch from her father for her first appearance in a 'Fast' flick.

The new movie is in theaters this week and is expected to make a ton of money at the box office ... which is no surprise to Cody. He tells us why Paul would have been pleasantly surprised at the franchise's direction since starring in the OG film back in the day.

Cody's still big on the car scene -- just as Paul was -- his FuelFest will be at Irwindale Speedway, outside L.A., on June 3 ... and he says the accompanying car show will showcase the top custom exotic cars from around the globe.

Add live music, drag races, and drifting and ya got the perfect party for diehard "FF" fans.

Cody sounds like he's fine with not joining the franchise, preferring to leave the acting up to his niece.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin is sharing his fond memories of "Superstar" Billy Graham and the huge impact he had on professional wrestling ... after the WWE Hall of Famer passed away on Wednesday.

"I watched his career very intently," Austin told TMZ Sports this week. "He started becoming so entertaining with his promos that the crowd was starting to like him, which is what happened to me."

"He was great. He was all about the showmanship of it and the physique, and he was a different vibe and a helluva promo. He influenced a whole lot of people."

Billy died Wednesday with his wife, Valerie, and their daughter by his side ... after battling "very serious health issues" that left him hospitalized in the ICU for three weeks.

Despite now being gone, it's clear Graham will not be forgotten ... fellow Superstars like Ric Flair, X-Pac, and Bubba Ray Dudley have all expressed condolences after his death.

The "White Men Can't Jump" remake -- starring Jack Harlow -- will pay tribute to Lance Reddick by dedicating the upcoming film to the late actor, following his sudden death.

TMZ Sports is told ... the film, a remake of the original 1992 flick, featuring Reddick in one of the leading roles, will receive an on-screen dedication ... after the actor passed away in March due to heart disease.

Reddick, best known for his work on HBO's The Wire and the John Wick movie franchise, plays a character named "Benji."

Of course, Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson starred in the OG White Men Can't Jump in 1992, and became an instant classic.

Charles “Calmatic” Kidd II, the Grammy-award-winning director of the remake, recently raved about working with Reddick while talking to the LA Times.

"As director, it was weird because I’m so used to giving actors notes. But for [Lance], I was like, “Man, I don’t have any notes. That was damn near perfect.” So I think what I learned from him was the importance of prep."

"I feel like when he came onto the set, he was just so prepared and knew exactly what to do and knew all the nuances of his character that he just knocked [it] out the park the first time. I don’t think we realize how good we had it for him to be a part of this film."

Harlow also recently opened during the movie's premiere about what it was like working with Lance, saying it "was an absolute pleasure to be around" him.

Reddick was 60 years old.

Priscilla Presley may have settled her dispute over Lisa Marie's trust for millions of dollars, but she lost out on one of her big asks  ... being buried next to "The King" -- this according to sources with direct knowledge.

Our sources say ... while Priscilla and her granddaughter, Riley Keough, battled over Lisa Marie's trust ... Priscilla wanted something other than money ... a burial spot next to her ex-husband, Elvis Presley.

Elvis is buried at Graceland, his legendary Memphis estate, flanked by the gravesites of his mother and father. Thus the issue ... if Priscilla were to be buried next to Elvis, who moves?

We're told Priscilla's request was a non-starter, and she backed down without much discussion.

While Priscilla may not know her final resting place, she still walked away with an impressive settlement. We're told she will get millions in return for dropping her claims over who controls Lisa's trust, which includes the Graceland mansion and a stake in Elvis Presley Enterprises.

Priscilla tells TMZ ... "Although I don't plan on going anywhere anytime soon. It is my family's and my wish for me to be laid to rest with my daughter and the love of my life when that time comes. We appreciate the love from all of the fans."

The WWE Universe is mourning the loss of "Superstar" Billy Graham ... who passed away on Wednesday, with tributes honoring the life and legacy of the late great WWE legend.

"Nature Boy" Ric Flair, whom Graham mentored, was among the first to give the Hall of Famer his flowers, thanking him for all he did for his career.

Graham also mentored Jesse Ventura, who too remembered his friend ... "There wouldn't be a Jesse 'The Body' Ventura without the in-ring success and trailblazing showmanship of Superstar Billy Graham."

"One of my proudest wrestling memories was having the honor of being inducted into the same WWE Hall of Fame class as Graham. Rest In Power Superstar."

Paul Heyman credited Billy with being the wrestler who made Vince McMahon realize WWWF/WWF/WWE performers were more than just professional wrestlers, but also superstars, too.

"A most heartfelt RIP to the man of the hour, the man with the power, too sweet to be sour!" Heyman tweeted.

Other WWE legends, including Iron Sheik, Bully Ray aka Bubba Ray Dudley, Sgt. Slaughter and X-Pac also reflected on the former bodybuilder's life.

As we reported on Wednesday, Billy's family told us he died after being taken off life support with his daughter and wife, Valerie, by his side.

Billy's health had been in steady decline -- he was suffering from congestive heart failure, diabetes, hearing loss, and a significant infection in his ears and skull.

Billy was inducted into WWE's Hall of Fame in 2004.

He was 79.

WWE Hall of Famer "Superstar" Billy Graham has died ... TMZ Sports has confirmed.

Billy's family tells us he died Wednesday after being taken off life support. We're told Billy's wife and daughter were by his side when he passed.

As we reported ... Billy's wife Valerie announced Monday he had been in the ICU for three weeks as a result of various health issues. She said doctors wanted to take Billy off life support Monday night, but she initially refused.

Known for his prowess as a wrestler and a bodybuilder, Billy rose to fame back in the day wrestling for the American Wrestling Association and later the World Wrestling Federation.

Billy mentored big-time wrestlers like Hulk Hogan, Scott Steiner, Ric Flair and Jesse Ventura ... and in 2004 the WWE inducted Billy into its Hall of Fame.

Billy's recent health issues took a toll on his body ... his family says he lost 45 pounds while suffering from congestive heart failure, diabetes, hearing loss, and a significant infection in his ears and skull.

We're also told his kidneys were failing.

Tributes are now pouring in from across the wrestling world ... with Ric tweeting, "THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR INFLUENCE On My Career!"

Billy was 79.

The family of the alleged shoplifter shot and killed by a Walgreens security guard adamantly disagrees with the San Francisco D.A. ... believing the guard should be charged with first-degree murder.

John Burris, attorney for Banko Brown's family, tells TMZ ... Michael Earl-Wayne Anthony should be facing murder after last month's incident, or at the very least, manslaughter.

Burris, who famously repped Tupac and Rodney King in civil suits against police, says with District Attorney Brooke Jenkins so far declining to charge Anthony at all ... the family's overall goal is to get him charged with something in hopes of getting some level of accountability.

The Brown family just wants Anthony to stand trial, because, in their eyes, he should be convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

The SF Walgreens is currently shut down following protests, but the family's hoping it will reconsider having armed security guards ... something they're not even sure was necessary in the first place.

As we reported, the D.A. released surveillance footage, police reports, and witness accounts earlier this week -- all in an attempt to defend her decision to not charge Anthony. Jenkins claims Anthony fired in self-defense, but many folks still aren't convinced, especially after seeing the video.

Zac Gallen is used to doing a pretty good Randy Johnson impression on the mound ... but on Wednesday, he imitated The Big Unit in a way no pitcher ever wants to -- by killing a bird with a pitch.

The Diamondbacks ace threw the unfortunate toss as he and other Arizona players were warming up before their afternoon game against the A's in Oakland.

You can see in video captured by a camera stationed in the Coliseum's outfield ... as Gallen rocketed what appeared to be a curveball to his catcher -- he inadvertently struck a bird that was flying nearby.

The footage shows the feathered foe immediately crumpled to the grass after being hit -- and according to Bally Sports Arizona, it did not survive.

The BSA broadcast also reported Gallen felt pretty crummy over it all afterward.

Of course, Zac is far from the first Arizona player to kill a bird with a throw ... you'll recall, back in 2001, Johnson destroyed a dove with a fastball in a spring training game.

Like Zac, Randy didn't find much amusement in the moment at all.

Fans wanting to pay their respects to Pelé will now be greeted by an epic memorial ... the soccer legend's tomb in Brazil has just opened to the public -- and it's lavish.

The shrine -- which is located inside the world's tallest cemetery in Santos, Brazil -- features a golden casket, turf on the floor ... and even life-sized statues at the entrance of the room.

On the ceiling, there's a painting of the sky ... and on the walls, there are images of thousands of fans cheering.

In total, the monument occupies roughly 2,000 square feet of space.

Fans can visit the tomb by signing a form on the Ecumenical Memorial Cemetery's website ... but only a select, lucky few will get in -- at the moment, only 60 visitors are allowed per day.

Pelé's son, Edson, was emotional at the unveiling of the tomb on Monday ... telling reporters he was thrilled with the memorial.

"It has the essence of what he was," he said.

Pelé -- a three-time World Cup winner -- passed away on Dec. 29 at 82 years old ... and tributes for the legendary footballer have poured in from all over the globe nearly every day since.

In fact, his name was just added to the Portuguese dictionary ... recognizing "that or someone who is out of the ordinary."

A clip of Jerry Springer has gone viral on Twitter, showing him reading a last will and testament with a bunch of juicy details ... and some fans think it's the real deal, but it turns out to be more fiction than fact.

The vid shows Jerry in a Zoom call, divvying up his assets to his children ... more specifically, leaving a good portion to 2 Black kids he had out of wedlock -- of course, this is in no way rooted in reality.

It's actually a pandemic-era virtual play called, "Blood Money." Jerry made a cameo in the production, which was featured in "REFRAMED 2020: A Festival of New Plays on Social Justice," presented by Tulane University ... the school where he once was a student.

It's a pretty interesting piece, but gullible folks online took it and ran ... with one saying, "Only Jerry Springer could go out like this."

Another person said Jerry "wrote" the best episode of his drama-filled reality show yet.

As if the evidence against this being legit wasn't enough, a source connected to Jerry tells us this obviously isn't real, adding he only had one daughter throughout his life.

You'll recall, Jerry was laid to rest earlier this month in a Chicago suburb ... after dying from pancreatic cancer.