Image via Ethan Miller/David Becker/Getty Images Vegas Strip Shooting Leaves 20 Dead And 100 Injured **UPDATE** Police have now released the name of the shooter responsible for what is now the deadliest mass shooting in United States history. 64-year-old Stephen Paddock was gunned down by police after killing 50 and injuring over 200 people, including off-duty police according to CNN . Gun control will be the topic of the week after 20 innocent people’s lives have come to a violent end. 50 people have been reported dead and over 100 are injured after a crazed gunman opened fire at the Mandalay Bay hotel around 10 PM last night during a concert according to DailyMail . The shooter is said to be dead, but the police are actively searching for a woman named Marilou Danley who is described as 4’11” and 111 pounds. Says Las Vegas sheriff Joseph Lombardo: “We have not located her at this time and we are interested in talking to her” Marilou Danley is being sought for questioning re the investigation into the active shooter incident. If seen please call 9-1-1! pic.twitter.com/Z83XvcHejH — LVMPD (@LVMPD) October 2, 2017 The shooting has also put a Las Vegas police officer in critical condition. Prayers up for the families and friends of the dead and injured. This is insane, infuriating and heartbreaking. See more video from the unbelievably terrifying scene on the next page.
Michelle Rounds, the ex-wife of media personality Rosie O’Donnell, has passed away at the age of 46. Though no official cause of death has been announced, TMZ is reporting that Rounds appears to have taken her own life. Rounds had been open about her struggles with mental illness over the years, and tragically, it seems the battle proved fatal. After meeting at an industry event in 2011, Rounds and O’Donnell got married the following year. Their time together was turbulent, marred by frequent fighting and Rounds’ persistent health issues. But there were bright spots, as well. O’Donnell and Rounds welcomed a daughter together in 2013, and Michelle described the months that followed as the happiest in her life. Sadly, it was a period that wouldn’t last. Rounds and O’Donnell separated in 2015 after months of intense fighting. Just months later Rounds attempted suicide by overdosing on prescription painkillers. She was rushed to a hospital, where doctors were able to save her life. Though Rounds moved on to a new and reportedly far less tumultuous relationship, it seems she was never able to escape her demons. After was said to be a period of emotional stability, Rounds reportedly experienced a recurrence of symptoms in recent weeks. O’Donnell issued a statement on her former wife’s death just moments ago: “I am saddened to hear about this terrible tragedy,” O’Donnell wrote. “Mental illness is a very serious issue affecting many families. My thoughts and prayers go out to Michelle’s family, her wife and their child.” They though often fought bitterly during their marriage, O’Donnell and Rounds reportedly worked out an amicable co-parenting relationship after their divorce. Michelle’s mother also released a statement and seems to have implicitly verified that Rounds had taken her own life: “If anyone would like to give to the National Suicide Prevention it would also be greatly appreciated,” wrote Michelle’s mother. “There are so many out there in this world that have demons that they think suicide is the only way out.” Though O’Donnell and Rounds’ marriage was short, the couples’ dramatic fights and outspoken stances on topical issues briefly made Rounds a staple in the tabloid media. As a result, many celebrities and media figures have taken to social media to mourn Michelle’s passing. “Such a devastating loss. Sending so much strength and peace to her loved ones,” Perez Hilton tweeted, along with a link to an article about Rounds’ death. Though she worked as a consultant for most of her adult life, Rounds easy charm and quick wit made her a popular figure in Rosie’s circle of celebrity friends. In a bit of tragic irony, her death comes during Suicide Prevention Month. Rounds is now the latest in a disturbingly long line of celebrity suicides. The steadily-worsening epidemic dates back to Robin Williams’ unexpected passing in 2014. Recent victims such as rock stars Chris Cornell and Chester Bennington have brought new attention to the issue. If you or anyone you know is suffering from thoughts of self-harm, we urge you to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Please don’t delay. Our thoughts go out to Rounds’ family during this tremendously difficult time. View Slideshow: Celebrities Who Died in 2017: In Memoriam
Harry Dean Stanton, a veteran star of the big screen and small screen, died on Friday afternoon at Cedars-Sinai Hospital. He was 91 years old. The actor broke out in the film Paris, Texas and was also famous for roles in Twin Peaks, Big Love, Pretty in Pink and Repo Man. Altogether, the legendary thespian’s career spanned six decades and his final performance will air later this month when the movie Lucky hits theaters. It centers on an atheist who comes to terms with his own mortality. “We lost a legend today with the passing of Harry Dean Stanton,” reads the statement, posted on the film’s official Twitter page. It adds: “Everyone involved with Lucky is deeply saddened by this tremendous loss. “We had always hoped to celebrate this film and Harry’s beautiful performance with Harry himself. “Our hearts go out to all who knew him, all who loved him, and his fans the world over. He will be missed, but his work will live on as long as people watch his films.” On HBO’s Big Love, Stanton portrayed Roman Grant, while he recently appeared as Carl Rodd in the Twin Peaks revival on Showtime. Stanton was already 58 years old when he nabbed his first leading role in the aforementioned Paris, Texas. Written by Sam Shepard, the movie won the Palme d’Ora at the Cannes Film Festival in 1984, catapulting Stanton to the big time in the process. “Stanton has long inhabited the darker corners of American noir, with his lean face and hungry eyes, and here he creates a sad poetry,” wrote famed critic Roger Ebert in response to the performance. In 1986, Stanton found mainstream success when he played Molly Ringwald’s unemployed father in Pretty in Pink. Years later, he portrayed a fiery Paul/Saul in Martin Scorsese’s controversial movie The Last Temptation of Christ, although the actor was among those in the film criticized by many as being miscast. The late star was also good friends (and former roommates) with Jack Nicholson; the two appeared opposite each other in Ride in the Whirlwind. Along with acting, Stanton sang and played rhythm guitar and harmonica in a Tex-Mex band that did weekly gigs at The Mint in Los Angeles. Said Twin Peaks creator David Lynch upon learning of Stanton’s death: “The great Harry Dean Stanton has left us. “There went a great one. There’s nobody like Harry Dean. Everyone loved him. And with good reason. He was a great actor (actually beyond great) — and a great human being — so great to be around him!!! You are really going to be missed Harry Dean!!! “Loads of love to you wherever you are now!!!” Stanton was in the Navy in World War II and fought in the Battle of Okinawa. His agent says that Stanton “is survived by family and friends who loved him. May he rest in peace. View Slideshow: Celebrities Who Died in 2017: In Memoriam
Sad news for horror fans today … Tobe Hooper has passed away. He was 74 years old. The coroner for Los Angeles County has reported that he died yesterday in Sherman Oaks. As of now, the cause of death has not been revealed. If you are a horror fan, you definitely know of all of his many, many contributions to the genre. But for those unaware, Hooper was responsible for bringing us two of the best, most influential scary movies of them all: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and Poltergeist. In addition to directing 1974’s Texas Chain Saw Massacre, he also wrote the screenplay and created the soundtrack. Which means that he is, in fact, solely responsible for delivering that entire terrifying tale — and the franchise that followed. Interestingly enough, Hooper taught at a college before making the film, and he made documentaries on the side. He was out doing some holiday shopping in the early 70s, and he came across a rack of chainsaws for sale. He thought about how much he wanted to leave the store, and how starting up a chainsaw would definitely part the crowd. But instead of firing up a chainsaw in a busy department store, he later pulled together a group of his students and other teachers at the college. And that’s how the movie was created. Seriously. Though there wasn’t much blood at all in the film, Hooper had to fight repeatedly to get it down to a R rating, and it was still banned in several countries. Because, as he so impressively proved, you don’t need gore to completely and thoroughly horrify viewers. Twelve years after introducing the world to those wild Texan cannibals, Hooper directed the sequel, Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2. This movie was very, very different from the first, but still just an absolute gem, proving Hooper’s incredible skill. Which honestly, at that point, didn’t really need proving: eight years after the original Texas Chain Saw Massacre and four years before the sequel, he directed Poltergeist. Which is, of course, also one of the greatest horror movies of all time. He’s directed many other things as well, including a miniseries based on Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot and even a Billy Idol music video. (“Dancing with Myself,” if you were curious.) Hooper is widely regarded to be one of the most influential people when it comes to horror films, and for good reason. And several members of the community are taking the time to pay tribute to him. View Slideshow: Celebrities Who Died in 2017: In Memoriam James Wan, director of Saw and The Conjuring, tweeted “Sad to hear the passing of Tobe Hooper. One of the nicest people. A sweet, gentle soul of a man. Your legacy lives on.” Fellow legend John Carpenter wrote “Tobe Hooper directed THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, a seminal work in horror cinema. He was a kind, decent man and my friend. A sad day.” William Friedkin, director of The Exorcist, said “Tobe Hooper, a kind, warm-hearted man who made the most terrifying film ever. A good friend I will never forget.” RIP, Tobe.
Remember the good old days of Khlomar? Sure, things ended terribly for Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom, and yes, it turned out that things were never actually that great for them, either. Khloe has said that she managed to keep a lot of Lamar’s issues private for longer than we know, and they’ve both been open about how he cheated on her. But still, there was a lot of love between them, and when things were good, they were so good, you know? And that’s why it’s a little surprising that Khloe is reportedly freaking out about the possibility of Lamar writing a tell-all. To back up a little, yes, Lamar has confirmed that he’s working on a book. He told Hollywood Life that the book would be an “autobiography of my life,” and that he’s “looking forward to that.” When asked exactly what would be included in his story, he said “Everything! Everything! Just everything!” “Open about everything, everything that has been going on in my life! About the facts!” He sure seems excited about it, right? And goodness knows he has plenty of material. He could write about his basketball career — several ups and downs there — and his troubled childhood. He could write about his 2015 overdose, how he very nearly died in a brothel . We imagine that information could sell some copies. He could also write about the Kardashians. And that seems to be an issue. According to a source, Khloe’s entire family is “very concerned about this tell-all book,” and they have “reached out to ask him to be respectful.” “Lamar has spoken recklessly about her family in the past,” the source says, so “Khloe fears what major secrets he could reveal.” “While Khloe and the rest of the Kardashians try to live a good life, they are no saints.” … Is that supposed to be a shocker? “Like any family,” the source continues, “they have skeletons in their closet which could seriously hurt their brand if revealed.” Their “brand” was started with a sex tape Kim Kardashian made with Ray J . How much lower could they go? Maybe Lamar knows that he’s usually a pretty sympathetic figure, and he has dirt on Khloe he could twist to his advantage. Or maybe since he used to be so close with Rob Kardashian, he knows some things about him that the family wouldn’t really want to be made public. It’s hard to say exactly what they’re afraid of. It’s also hard to say whether or not Lamar will take it easy on them. For the most part, he’s been nothing but respectful about the entire family — but he’s also been very honest about how upset he’s been about losing Khloe . One thing’s for sure: we’ll be eagerly awaiting the release of any and all book Lamar releases from now until the end of time. View Slideshow: Lamar Odom: A Timeline of Tragedy, Love, Loss … and Redemption?!
Earlier today, we reported the shocking news that Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington has committed suicide . He was just 41 years old. Bennington's musical abilities made him a sought-after collaborator, and his kindness earned him countless friends throughout the industry. Here are some of the most moving reaction to the singer's shocking death: 1. Rob Thomas The Matchbox 20 singer posted the above photo of Bennington, along with the words, “Sonf of the day: NUMB – LINKIN PARK” 2. Vicky Cornell The widow of Chris Cornell paid tribute to Bennington. Chester was a close friend of her husband’s, and his suicide came on what would’ve been Chris’ 53rd birthday. 3. Jimmy Kimmel Like many others, Jimmy Kimmel reflected on Bennington’s kindness. 4. Chance the Rapper Chance is one of many rappers who has expressed a fondness for the way Bennington and his bandmates fused rock and hip hop. 5. Mark McGrath Sugar Ray singer Mark McGrath joined the scores of musicians who paid tribute to both Bennington’s talent and his warmth. 6. Dale Earnhart Jr. Earnhart encouraged anyone who’s experiencing self-harm to seek immediate help. View Slideshow
Just because you are rich and famous, this does not mean you do not suffer. Tragically, the following stars all proved this point to be accurate when they took their own lives. We mourn their passing and we hope they have found the peace in death that they could not find in life… 1. Robin Williams Suffering from depression, Robin Williams hanged himself at the age of 63. 2. Mindy McCready The country artist killed herself with a self-inflicted gunshot wound in 2013, having twice attempted suicide in the past. Her children were already in foster care at the time of her death. 3. Kurt Cobain Kurt Cobain stunned the music world when the Nirvana lead singer killed himself via gunshot at the age of 27. 4. Tony Scott The director of Top Gun and True Romance, among other hits, died from multiple blunt force injuries after leaping off a bridge into the Los Angeles Harbor. He left notes for his friends and family. 5. Jovan Belcher Jovan Belcher, a linebacker on the Kansas City Chiefs at the time, shot his girlfriend dead and then drove to team headquarters where he shot and killed himself in front of his coach and general manager. Horrible stuff. 6. Lucy Gordon The British actress appeared in Spiderman 3 and Serendipity and was sadly found dead in her Paris apartment. She hanged herself. View Slideshow
Another piece of sad news for Hollywood. Stephen Furst, an actor best known for playing Kent “Flounder” Dorfman in Animal House, has passed away. He was only 63 years old. We first heard of his death last night when his sons, Nathan and Griffith Furst, made a touching statement on his Facebook pace. “Actor and comedian Stephen Furst died on June 16, 2017 due to complications from diabetes,” the statement read. “Steve has a long list of earthy accomplishments.” “He was known to the world as a brilliant and prolific actor and filmmaker, but to his family and many dear friends he was also a beloved husband, father and kind friend whose memory will always be a blessing.” “To truly honor him,” they wrote, “do not cry for the loss of Stephen Furst.” “But rather, enjoy memories of all the times he made you snicker, laugh, or even snort to your own embarrassment.” “He intensely believed that laughter is the best therapy, and he would want us to practice that now.” His sons concluded the statement with “If you knew him personally, remember his gift for lighting up a room.” “And no matter who you are, when you think of Steve, instead of being sad, celebrate his life by watching one of his movies or use one of his bits to make someone else laugh — really, really hard.” Sounds like a great way to remember this beloved actor. Though he was known for his role in Animal House, Stephen also had notable parts in shows like Babylon 5 and St. Elsewhere. And who could forget his guest-starring roles on classic shows like The Jeffersons and Newhart? Fans would also point out his roles in National Lampoon’s Class Reunion, Midnight Madness, and The Dream Team. Many of Stephen’s co-stars over the years have taken the time this weekend to remember their friend. Tim Matheson, also from Animal House, tweeted “Ah, Flounder! You f-cked up. You trusted us! But we loved ya, Pal. Rest In Peace.” Bruce Boxleitner of Babylon 5 wrote “I just received news of the passing of another member of our #Babylon5 family. Stephen Furst ‘Vir Cotto,’ RIP, my friend.” “I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of my friend Stephen Furst,” Howie Mandel wrote. “A kind heart, great talent and beautiful human being.” As of now, tributes are still pouring in. It seems like this guy was really, truly loved. And, of course, like he will be very, very missed. Our condolences to his friends and family. View Slideshow: Celebrities Who Died in 2017: In Memoriam
Frank Deford, one of the most prolific and beloved sports writers of all-time died on Sunday in Key West, Florida. He was 78 years old. According to The Washington Post, Deford’s wife has confirmed this sad piece of news, although other details related to the death are unknown at this time. Deford got his start as a Sports Illustrated staff member in 1962 and was serving as a senior editor emeritus for the national publication at the time of his passing. The beloved literary figure also worked with NPR’s Morning Edition for 32 years, having retired earlier this month following his 1,656th NPR commentary. Over the course of a truly memorable career, Deford… … wrote 17 books. … Worked as a contributor on HBO’s “Real Sports” franchise. … And was the editor of the National Sports Daily. He was elected to the Hall of Fame of the National Association of Sportscasters and Sportswriters and has been voted by his peers as the U.S. Sportswriter of the Year six times. In 2013, as pictured below, President Barack Obama presented the writer with the National Humanities Medal. Said the Commander-in-Chief of Deford at the time: “A dedicated writer and storyteller, Mr. Deford has offered a consistent, compelling voice in print and on radio, reaching beyond scores and statistics to reveal the humanity woven into the games we love.” Aside from the work that made him famous across every sports landscape, Deford served as the national chairman of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation after his first daughter, Alex, died of the disease at the age of eight. Not long after Deford’s death was announced, numerous reporters took to Twitter in order to express their condolences. Here is a sampling of what they wrote: Upon leaving NPR this year, Deford said the following: “The wonderful thing about delivering sports commentary on NPR was that because it has such a broad audience, I was able to reach people who otherwise had little or no interest in sport – especially as an important part of our human culture. “Nothing made me happier than to hear from literally hundreds of listeners who would tell me how much the commentaries revealed about a subject they otherwise had never cared much for. “I’ll forever be grateful to NPR that they gave me such extraordinary freedom. … It was 37 years of a fond relationship.” In 2012, Deford became the first person from the world of sports to receive the W.M. Kiplinger Distinguished Contributions to Journalism Award, the National Press Foundation’s highest honor. That same year, he became the first magazine writer to win the Associated Press Sports Editors’ Red Smith Award. Then, in 2013, the University of Kansas presented him with the William Allen White Foundation National Citation for “excellence in journalism.” Dedord is survived by his wife and two grown children. May he rest in peace. View Slideshow: Celebrities Who Died in 2017: In Memoriam
Frank Deford, one of the most prolific and beloved sports writers of all-time died on Sunday in Key West, Florida. He was 78 years old. According to The Washington Post, Deford’s wife has confirmed this sad piece of news, although other details related to the death are unknown at this time. Deford got his start as a Sports Illustrated staff member in 1962 and was serving as a senior editor emeritus for the national publication at the time of his passing. The beloved literary figure also worked with NPR’s Morning Edition for 32 years, having retired earlier this month following his 1,656th NPR commentary. Over the course of a truly memorable career, Deford… … wrote 17 books. … Worked as a contributor on HBO’s “Real Sports” franchise. … And was the editor of the National Sports Daily. He was elected to the Hall of Fame of the National Association of Sportscasters and Sportswriters and has been voted by his peers as the U.S. Sportswriter of the Year six times. In 2013, as pictured below, President Barack Obama presented the writer with the National Humanities Medal. Said the Commander-in-Chief of Deford at the time: “A dedicated writer and storyteller, Mr. Deford has offered a consistent, compelling voice in print and on radio, reaching beyond scores and statistics to reveal the humanity woven into the games we love.” Aside from the work that made him famous across every sports landscape, Deford served as the national chairman of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation after his first daughter, Alex, died of the disease at the age of eight. Not long after Deford’s death was announced, numerous reporters took to Twitter in order to express their condolences. Here is a sampling of what they wrote: Upon leaving NPR this year, Deford said the following: “The wonderful thing about delivering sports commentary on NPR was that because it has such a broad audience, I was able to reach people who otherwise had little or no interest in sport – especially as an important part of our human culture. “Nothing made me happier than to hear from literally hundreds of listeners who would tell me how much the commentaries revealed about a subject they otherwise had never cared much for. “I’ll forever be grateful to NPR that they gave me such extraordinary freedom. … It was 37 years of a fond relationship.” In 2012, Deford became the first person from the world of sports to receive the W.M. Kiplinger Distinguished Contributions to Journalism Award, the National Press Foundation’s highest honor. That same year, he became the first magazine writer to win the Associated Press Sports Editors’ Red Smith Award. Then, in 2013, the University of Kansas presented him with the William Allen White Foundation National Citation for “excellence in journalism.” Dedord is survived by his wife and two grown children. May he rest in peace. View Slideshow: Celebrities Who Died in 2017: In Memoriam
