Tag Archives: actor

Brad Bufanda Commits Suicide; Veronica Mars Star Was 34

Brad Bufanda, an actor likely best known for his role on Veronica, committed suicide on Monday, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office has confirmed. He was 34 years old. According to multiple sources, the tragic incident took place early in the morning on November 1. Bufanda’s body was discovered around 12:40 a.m. after he “jumped from a building,” this same spokesperson has told People Magazine, adding; “[An] autopsy is done and it has been ruled an suicide.” The cause of death, as one might sadly expect in this circumstance, was “sustained traumatic injuries.” A pedestrian walking along South Fuller Avenue reportedly came upon Bufanda and called the police. Paramedics were then dispatched to the scene, but it was too late; the actor was already dead. Bufanda had a recurring role on the first two seasons of Veronica Mars, a beloved series on The CW that starred Kristen Bell and which was eventually turned into a movie. He portrayed Felix Toombs on the dark comedy, a member of a biker gang. Bufanda had also appeared on Malcom in the Middle, CSI: Miami, and the 2004 movie A Cinderella Story. His most recent listed credit on IMDB is for a role in the upcoming movie Stan the Man. Said Bufanda’s manager Kirsten Solem in response to the awful news: “We are completely devastated for he was an extremely talented young actor and wonderful, caring human being. “He was reviving his career, having just completed two movies, and we are shocked and saddened by his passing. “The family would appreciate privacy at this difficult time.”  According to TMZ, Bufanda did leave a suicide note near the scene of his death. It is unknown at this time just what the note said. Percy Daggs III‏ and Francis Capra both starred opposite Bufanda on Veronica Mars and both are now mourning this loss. “I’m heartbroken to hear of Brad Bufanda’s passing,” wrote Veronica Mars creator Rob Thomas on Twitter, adding: “He did great work on Veronica Mars. My heart goes out to his family. The actor moved to Los Angeles from Southern California to pursue a full-time film career after graduating high school in 2001. He had actually thought about pursuing a career in professional basketball until an injury ended those dreams. We send our condolences to the family members, friends and loved ones of Brad Bufanda. May he rest in peace. View Slideshow: Celebrities Who Died in 2017: In Memoriam

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Brad Bufanda Commits Suicide; Veronica Mars Star Was 34

Robert Guillaume Dies; Benson & The Lion King Actor Was 89

Sad news out of Hollywood today, as Emmy-winning actor Robert Guillaume has passed away at the age of 89. Reports of Guillaume’s death were confirmed this afternoon by his wife of 31 years, Donna Guillaume. You may not be familiar with Guillaume’s name, but if you’re a film and television fan, you’ve almost certainly encountered and enchanted by his work. For seven seasons, Guillaume portrayed the title character on the ABC sitcom Benson , a spinoff of the popular series Soap , on which he also starred. His work on the two shows earned Guillaume a pair of Emmys. While Benson may be the role fans most commonly associate with Guillaume, the Broadway alum went on to produce decades of acclaimed work on both stage and screen after his signature series came to an end. Almost as well known for his rich baritone voice as he was for his comic timing, Benson was nominated for a Tony for his work in a 1977 production of Guys and Dolls . Guillaume later became the first African-American actor to play the title role in The Phanton of the Opera . To younger fans, he’s perhaps best known as the voice of Rafiki in the 1994 Disney animated classic The Lion King . Throughout the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s, Guillaume remained a television staple appearing in guest roles on such popular series as Good Times , The Jeffersons , Sanford and Son , Saved By The Bell: The College Years,   The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and A Different World . In his later years, Guillaume appeared in Tim Burton’s Big Fish , and was a regular on the short-lived, but critically-acclaimed Aaron Sorkin sitcom Sports Night. After suffering a stroke in 1999, Guillaume returned to Sports Night , and his slight speech impairment and reliance upon a cane were written into the show in a memorable story arc. The actor was widely applauded by health advocacy groups for his honest and courageous portrayal of life after a stroke. All told, Guillaume racked up nearly 100 screen credits over the course of his 50-year career. He is survived by his wife and four children. View Slideshow: Celebrities Who Died in 2017: In Memoriam

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Robert Guillaume Dies; Benson & The Lion King Actor Was 89

Mark Salling Attempted Suicide Before Plea Bargain: Report

According to multiple new reports, Mark Salling slit his wrists and tried to kill himself prior to striking a plea bargain in his child pornography case. The incident allegedly took place in the bedroom of Salling’s Los Angeles home on August 22, both TMZ and The Mirror write. The disgraced ex-Glee star cut both his wrists and quickly “freaked out,” an insider says, explaining that Salling yelled for his roommate almost immediately upon realizing what he had done. The roommate rushed in, found Salling covered in blood and called 911. Paramedics then rushed to the scene, placed the actor in an ambulance and took him to the hospital. TMZ reports that Salling was taken for psychiatric evaluation after this suicide attempt – and, days later, was transported to a rehab facility for psychological issues. It’s unclear if he was officially diagnosed with any official condition or ailment. But if you’re wondering why Salling is almost always wearing long sleeves, even in California, it’s because he has scars on his arms from this cutting. Earlier this month, Salling reached a plea deal on charges that stemmed from police finding over 50,000 images of child porn and erotica on his personal computer. The actor, best known for playing Noah Puckerman for years on the aforementioned Fox comedy, faces four to seven years in prison for this crime. He has also agreed to make restitution, in the amount of $50,000 per victim, although it’s unknown at this time just how many victims are actually included among Salling’s heinous misdeeds. A judge has not yet handed down a sentence. As part of Salling’s eventual release, however, he will be registered as a sex offender. Moreover, he will not be allowed to live within view of any school yards, parks, public swimming pools, playgrounds, video arcades, or any other places that are regularly visited by people under the age of 18. TMZ, meanwhile, says it has spoken to Salling’s attorney and he denied this suicide story. However, he did not say which details were incorrect, adding: “Mark is physically fine and Mark is spending his time atoning and working on himself.” He very clearly has a lot to work on. View Slideshow: 21 Celebrities You Probably Want to Keep Away From Your Children

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Mark Salling Attempted Suicide Before Plea Bargain: Report

Ben Affleck: Blasting Harvey Weinstein, Staying Sober (Report)

Over the past two weeks, there’s been a good deal of speculation about Ben Affleck’s sobriety . To bring you up to speed, Affleck checked into rehab back in March to seek treatment for an alcohol addiction he’d been battling on and off for over a decade. Over the summer, however, Ben appeared to relapse and was spotted drinking with girlfriend Lindsay Shookus on multiple occasions. Now, sources say Affleck is in outpatient therapy for further treatment, and is once again intent on staying sober. Shookus is a producer for Saturday Night Live, and sources close to the couple tell People magazine that Ben was on hand at 30 Rockefeller Center to support Lindsay over the weekend. Witnesses note, however, that the Oscar winner was not on hand for the weekly after-party, likely as a result of his efforts to abstain from drinking. So our congratulations go out to Ben for two reasons today: Not only does he appear to be recommitted to his own sobriety, he also his position of power to condemn the repugnant actions of disgraced mogul Harvey Weinstein. As you’ve no doubt heard, Weinstein stands accused of sexually assaulting numerous women over the course of the past thirty years. Weinstein was instrumental in the production and distribution of Good Will Hunting , the film that made household names of Affleck and friend Matt Damon. But despite his longstanding ties to Weinstein, Affleck castigated the disgraced 64-year-old in a scathing social media post: “I am saddened and angry that a man who I worked with used his position of power to intimidate, sexually harass and manipulate many women over decades,” Affleck wrote. “The additional allegations of assault that I read this morning made me sick. This is completely unacceptable, and I find myself asking what I can do to make sure this doesn’t happen to others,” the actor continued. It’s been rumored that Affleck’s statement was a response to a tweet from one of Weinstein’s alleged victims, actress Rose McGowan, who urged Ben and his brother Casey to speak out against their friend and former mentor. We may never know for certain if McGowan played a role in convincing Ben to speak out, but the important thing is that Affleck took a stand against Weinstein’s vile behavior. It’s been a rough year for Ben, what with a high-profile divorce, public struggle with addiction, and rumors of career difficulties. But he certainly seems focused on ending 2017 on a high note, and for that, we applaud him. View Slideshow: 25 Celebrities Who Have Been to Rehab

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Ben Affleck: Blasting Harvey Weinstein, Staying Sober (Report)

Terry Crews: I Was Sexually Assaulted, Too

Over the past several days, Hollywood has been rocked by an ever-growing scandal centered around Harvey Weinstein . The long-time movie producer was revealed by The New York Times last week to be a serial sexual harasser, as the newspaper revealed eight past instances in which Weinstein paid off alleged victims in exchange for the silence. Since then, Weinstein has basically admitted to many of the charges… issued a bizarre apology … been fired by the company he helped build… … and been accused of rape by seven different women . It’s an ugly, ugly, UGLY situation. However, if any silver lining can come out of this controversy, it’s the exposure of sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry and how so many women have disgusting stories to tell. Numerous actresses have been coming forward of late with statements about their own sordid past with Weinstein and/or with some other high-powered male who put them in an awkward (at best) circumstance. Enough of this behavior is enough – and perhaps this bombshell of a report will help curb such gross behavior. But Terry Crews wants the public to know that women aren’t the only victims. He was once groped by a Hollywood executive. “This whole thing with Harvey Weinstein is giving me PTSD. Why? Because this kind of thing happened to ME,” the Brooklyn 99 star wrote as the first of many Tweets outlining what happened to him. We’ll just let the actor take it from here. We’ll let Crews tell his own awful story… My wife n I were at a Hollywood function last year n a high level Hollywood executive came over 2 me and groped my privates. (2/cont.) Jumping back I said What are you doing?! My wife saw everything n we looked at him like he was crazy. He just grinned like a jerk. (3/cont.)  I was going to kick his ass right then— but I thought twice about how the whole thing would appear. (4/cont.) “240 lbs. Black Man stomps out Hollywood Honcho” would be the headline the next day. (5/cont.) Only I probably wouldn’t have been able to read it because I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN JAIL. So we left. (6/cont.) That night and the next day I love what I do. But it’s a shame and the height of disappointment when someone tries to takes advantage of that. (12/cont.)I talked to everyone I knew that worked with him about what happened. (7/cont.) He called me the next day with an apology but never really explained why he did what he did. (8/cont.) I decided not 2 take it further becuz I didn’t want 2b ostracized— par 4 the course when the predator has power n influence. (9/cont.) I let it go. And I understand why many women who this happens to let it go. (10/cont.) Who’s going 2 believe you? ( few) What r the repercussions?(many) Do u want 2 work again? (Yes) R you prepared 2b ostracized?(No)(11/cont.) I love what I do. But it’s a shame and the height of disappointment when someone tries to takes advantage of that. (12/cont.) He knows who he is. But sumtimes Uhav2 wait & compare notes w/ others who’ve been victimized in order 2gain a position of strength. (13cont) I understand and empathize with those who have remained silent. But Harvey Weinstein is not the only perpetrator. (14/cont.) Hollywood is not the only business we’re this happens, and to the casualties of this behavior— you are not alone. (15/cont.) Hopefully, me coming forward with my story will deter a predator and encourage someone who feels hopeless. (16/end) Wow. We admire Terry Crews for coming out with this story. Bravo, sir.

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Terry Crews: I Was Sexually Assaulted, Too

Got Bars? ‘NYPD Officer’ Goes In On “For The P” Challenge [Video]

Okay, so this isn’t a real officer of the law…which is probably a good thing, since we’re pretty sure nothing like this is allowed in-uniform . This actor/comedian took a break from shooting something or other to throw his hat in the “For The P***y” challenge. He even threw in something resembling a milly rock at the end. Did he kill it or nah? Getty

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Got Bars? ‘NYPD Officer’ Goes In On “For The P” Challenge [Video]

Rain, Gabe and Bird Brown: Alaskan Bush People Stars Slammed By Fans For This Pic!

Alaskan Bush People is reportedly going to resume filming in a few weeks, even as Ami Brown’s battle with cancer continues. But as many fans as the series has, the show does have its detractor. Some call the show “fake.” Others … seem to just hate members of the Brown family and look for any opportunity to give them a hard time. This time, haters are roasting three of the Brown children over a single photo of the trio out shopping turned up. (Not this photo — this one’s from back in March) Rain Brown often gets hate because she’s on social media. Rain, Gabe, and Bird seem to have an especially close bond among the Brown siblings, because they often go out and about together. This time, the three of them went to Target in Santa Monica. (The audacity!) Well, the photo got shared by Alaskan Bush People: Exposed, and  Are you ready to see the photo that had everyone up-in-arms and roasting these three like it’s an aggressively unfunny episode of Fashion Police ? Here it is: It just looks like three people in a Target. But the commenters don’t see it that way: “What the heck is going on with Gabe?? Maybe he’s depressed cause he looks terrible!” That’s an awful thing to say! “What is up with Gabe’s hair? I wonder if he is aware he’s wearing an undershirt.” His hair is his hair. Also, tank tops are just shirts unless you’re going to, like, a wedding. They’re in Target. “Could someone please dress Bird… she is a fashion disaster.” She can put whatever fabrics over her flesh prison that she likes. “Gabe please do something with your hair you look like you need a good wash I know you live in the wilderness but you can still be clean.” He doesn’t even look dirty. His hair is just super curly, folks. “Now that your [sic] not in the woods Bird, please go to a dentist and have your tooth fixed.” You can’t even see her teeth in this pic. “Does gabe own a shirt.” Again, a tank top is a shirt. One commenter started off sounding complimentary … but their comment was the grossest of all. “Rain got her hair styled and hi-lighted when they moved to CA, as well as a modern wardrobe. She was actually looking like jail bait.” Just so that we’re clear, there’s no such thing as “jailbait” … that’s a term used to blame minors for the gross adults who sexualize them. Rain Brown dresses like a teenage girl. A reminder: Alaskan Bush People : Exposed is not a fan-site. Like, it sort of is … in that it can be a great source of information for fans … but it’s about “exposing” the family and therefore there are going to be a lot of haters. Obviously. There were also some complimentary comments. “Thanks for sharing your picture [of] the kids they all look good.” And, obviously, Ami Brown’s serious health issues are at the forefront of people’s minds. “Love the picture. Love the family.Love the show. Hope Ami is doing better. GOD BLESS all of you always.” Others took things a step further and tried to defend the Brown children from the hateful comments. “Talk about cyber bullying. Y’all all should be ashamed of yourself. Hope y’all don’t have kids & have to explain to them what your trying to do then tell them to do the opposite.” Well … this isn’t cyberbullying. But it is super, super rude and you’d have a hard time justifying your behavior if it weren’t for the relative anonymity of the internet. One of the people griping about their appearances was apparently offended that some people didn’t like the critical comments. “Good grief people! They cannot SEE your comments!! This is NOT a fan group! Do you not READ what a group is about before you join it?? What does the group name say??” Well, since haters don’t hesitate to post nasty things in stars’ social media comments — which many of them do see — we don’t see why people can’t post a few nice comments in other places. Especially on a site frequented by so many genuine fans.

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Rain, Gabe and Bird Brown: Alaskan Bush People Stars Slammed By Fans For This Pic!

Sterling K. Brown Played Off Stage at Emmys, Finishes Acceptance Speech in Press Room

This Is Us star Sterling K. Brown was named Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series at the 2017 Emmys on Sunday night, a great honor. The actor – who won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie in 2016 for The People vs. O.J. Simpson – had a lot to say. Too much to say, if you ask producers … Sterling K. Brown Played Off During Emmy Speech Brown, upon receiving the award, paid tribute to his fellow nominees during his acceptance speech, saying he was a fan of all of them: “Before anything like this happened for your boy, I was a fan first, last and always a fan. So to my fellow nominees, I’m a fan. I love y’all.” The 41-year-old was humbled by the list of people who won this same honor – some of the most iconic actors and TV characters ever. “This joint right here, like Walter White held this joint here. Dick Whitman held this joint. I may have lost some of y’all but you know, Google it.” “And 19 years ago Detective Frank Pembleton held this joint, as impeccably played by Andre Braugher,” he said of the Homicide star. “I want to thank my cast,” he went on, pivoting back to the present, “Milo [Ventimiglia], Mandy [Moore], Justin [Hartley], Chrissy [Metz].” “You are the best white TV family that a brother has ever had. Better than Mr. Drummond, better than the white folks that raised Webster.” Sterling K. Brown Full Acceptance Speech Unfortunately he wasn’t finished by the time the music came on and his microphone was eventually turned down. Double ouch. This was met with boos by the audience, and justifiably so, but afterwards, in the press room, Brown got to finish his speech. The first question he received there was from a reporter who asked if he wanted to, and Brown thankfully obliged (see above): “I wanted to thank our writers. A show doesn’t get seven acting nominations without some impeccable, beautiful, thoughtful writing.” “You guys are our life’s blood, so I want to thank you so much. To our producers and directors, in particular, John Requa, Glenn Ficarra.” “And the crazy cool Ken Olin. I thank you for your guidance and friendship. And I wanted to thank Dan Fogelman.”  “He is the Hebrew hammer with which our house was built. He makes me laugh and cry in equal parts and keeps me coming back for more.” “And in his own little small special way. He’s not trying to make America great again, he’s trying to make it the best that it’s ever been.” “I love him for taking me on this journey. And to my wife, I can’t believe they cut me off before I got to thank my wife, Ryan Michelle Bathe.” “You’re everything. You make my life worth living. You gave me two of the most beautiful things that God has ever put on this planet.” “My sons Andrew Jason Sterling Brown and Amaré Michael Ryan Christian Brown. Your daddy loves you with the strength of a thousand suns.” “I’ll see you Monday after work.” View Slideshow: Emmy Awards Fashion: Who Dressed Best? The actor faced stiff competition in the category as he was up against both fan favorites and screen legends, which wasn’t lost on him. Brown’s costar Milo Ventimiglia also earned a nod, while Kevin Spacey (House of Cards) and Anthony Hopkins (Westworld) were nominated. The Americans’ Matthew Rhys, Better Call Saul‘s Bob Odenkirk and Ray Donovan‘s Liev Schreiber rounded out the impressive category.  Quite a win!

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Sterling K. Brown Played Off Stage at Emmys, Finishes Acceptance Speech in Press Room

In Living Color: Keenan Ivory Wayans And Jamie Foxx Reunite At Daughters’ NYFW Show

(Andrew Toth/Getty Images for Sherri Hill) The Daughters Of Keenan Ivory Wayans, Jamie Foxx And Russell Simmons Are All Grown Up Papas, we hope you got your shotguns ready… Jamie Foxx and Keenan Ivory Wayans were on hand to support their daughters Corinne and Nala who were models in the Sherry Hill NYFW SS18 fashion show at Gotham Hill yesterday. Both girls are bangers right? (Andrew Toth/Getty Images for Sherri Hill) Looks like they enjoyed hanging out together too. Love when ladies support each other. Splash News Kimora Lee Simmons and Russell Simmons’ oldest daughter Ming Lee was also photographed out and about during NYFW. Robert O’neil / Splash News They weren’t spotted together but the paps also captured Kimora on the go Check out more photos of the ladies when you continue

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In Living Color: Keenan Ivory Wayans And Jamie Foxx Reunite At Daughters’ NYFW Show

EXCLUSIVE: LL Cool J Opens Up About His Marriage For Oprah’s Master Class

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Source: Jeff Vespa / Getty Actor, husband, dad and hip-hop legend  LL Cool J   discusses his career and personal life in a candid interview for Oprah’s Master Class. In the interview, he talks about how learning to forgive built the framework of his life. The 49-year-old even opens up about the rocky points in his marriage that ultimately made them stronger. You can catch the full episode Saturday, September 9th at 10pm on OWN. Watch a sneak peek below: RELATED LINKS LL Cool BAE Honored With A Star On Hollywood’s Walk Of Fame Happy Birthday LL Cool J: 10 Times The Rapper Made Us Swoon  

EXCLUSIVE: LL Cool J Opens Up About His Marriage For Oprah’s Master Class