Celebrity deaths

THE bodyguard who inspired the Minder TV character Terry McCann has died aged 75, it was revealed last night.

Michael “Danny” Francis was a former boxer and one-time drug dealer.

The Londoner guarded stars including Paul McCartney, Cher and members of Led Zeppelin and Kiss.

McCann — played by the late Dennis Waterman in the 1980s — was based on his combination of brawn and charm.

Millions of ITV viewers loved the fictional bodyguard and his wheeler-dealer boss Arthur Daley — the late George Cole.

Gary Webster, 61, and Lex Shrapnel, 46, later played other minders in reboots of the hit show.

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Waterman wrote of Francis in his autobiography: “If push came to shove, boy could he sort things out.”

Francis is survived by his wife June — who he married in 1970 — and their three children.

The show was set in working-class west London and was largely responsible for introducing the word “minder” into British slang.

Minder brought London’s criminal underworld to millions.

Waterman left the role in 1989 after his seventh series

He even sang the theme tune for the iconic telly show.

BELOVED actor and singer Michael DeLano has died aged 84 after suffering a heart attack.

The popular star who featured in Oceans Eleven tragically passed away in a Las Vegas hospital, his wife said.

DeLano was also known for his roles in Rhoda and Firehouse – starring as singer Johnny Venture in the former.

His wife of 28 years Jean told The Hollywood Reporter that he died on October 20.

Having lived in Vegas since 1992, the charismatic actor was also known for playing a casino manager in the iconic Ocean’s Eleven in 2001.

In ABC’s Firehouse, he played firefighter Sonny Caputo, before the show was axed after just 13 episodes in 1974.

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Playing Venture, he makes a desperate attempt at going out with Rhoda.

He appeared in 11 episodes during seasons three and four in 1976-78.

The star also played Lou Atkins regularly in Supertrain – which aired for nine episodes in 1979.

DeLano was born in Virginia on November 26 1940.

His dad was a pilot in the service, but tragically passed away before DeLano was born.

DeLano, whose real name is Michael Ace Del Fatti, was raised in Philadelphia, and even received fan-mail while he was a regular dancer on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand.

He also served as a paratrooper in the US army.

The rising star then signed with Swan Records as Key Larson in 1960, before recording tunes such as “A Web of Lies” and “A Little Lovin’ Goes a Long, Long Way”.

He later adopted the stage surname DeLano after seeing a blinking neon sign on a hotel with the name, according to his wife.

DeLano burst onto the Hollywood scene after landing an on-stage role in Hair.

He went on to appear in films such as showed up in the films Catlow, and The New Centurions.

The actor then starred in episodes of Adam-12, Kojak, Banacek and Barnaby Jones – before landing on Firehouse.

DeLano is survived by his wife, his daughter Bree, grandsons Michael and Lincoln, and granddaughter Jaxon.

LIAM PAYNE’S family is set for more heartbreak as his ex-fiancée Maya Henry is making a documentary about their relationship and break-up.

It comes just over a year after the One Direction singer tragically died.

American model Maya, who was in a relationship with Liam from 2018 to 2022, is working with HBO and an independent production company to make a film about her time with him.

I am told that contributors are being invited to film in Texas, where Maya was born and raised, with those from overseas being flown over.

A source said: “This documentary is going to be hugely upsetting for Liam’s family, who are struggling with unimaginable loss.

“There is also concern within the industry that it is going to be one-sided.

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“Of course, Liam is not here to give his side of the story or his version of events. It all just feels terribly sad.”

It comes after disgruntled Maya has already penned a fictional book, Looking Forward, rumoured to be based on her tumultuous romance with the star.

Meanwhile, another mole revealed that Maya will also touch upon trolling she received from 1D fans.

An insider said: “The social media comments were vicious and Maya wants to open up about what she went through and the dark side of dating a world-famous pop star.

“‘It wasn’t just the strain of the relationship itself. She also faced relentless trolling from the band’s fanbase, receiving hateful messages almost daily, which made moving on even harder.

“She hopes the documentary will finally give her the chance to share her experiences and tell her side of the story.”

Last month details of Liam’s emotional second album — which he had finished before he died and features a poignant track called Safe In Heaven — were released.

One industry insider explained that the follow-up to his 2019 debut LP1 was the most self-reflective piece of work he had ever done.

On the few occasions I met Liam he was genuinely a lovely bloke, I think his legacy should be treated with respect . . . 

LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE, ZARA

ZARA LARSSON lit up Norway in this bright yellow skirt on Friday night.

The Swedish pop star flaunted her incredible figure on stage as part of her Midnight Sun Tour.

Aside from the tracks on her new album, Zara played her hits Lush Life and Never Forget You.

Next week sees her head to Finland for a couple of gigs before a homecoming night in Sweden.

RONNIE ’N’ ZACH LOVING IT

LOVE Island: All Stars is upon us and I hear two former lotharios are busy pressing their trunks for a villa comeback.

Semi-professional footballer Ronnie Vint is hoping it’s third time lucky as he finds himself single again.

The hunk, who originally appeared in the 2024 summer series and then in this year’s All Stars show, is single again after splitting from Harriett Blackmore.

I’m also told that 2023 contestant Zach Noble is giving love another chance after his relationship with Molly Marsh broke down earlier this year.

A source said: “Love Island: All Stars 2026 is shaping up to be a sizzling cast and bosses have scouted these two rebound hunks keen to find love.

“Both lads were fan favourites, with bags of personality and a decent following on social media.”

Female contestants rumoured to be taking part include Millie Court and Andrada Pop.

I can’t wait to watch the chemistry crackle . . . 

PARTY of the WEEK

THE ZYN Rolling Stone UK Awards at The Roundhouse, North London, on Thursday.

Who was there: Sir Bob Geldof, Danny Dyer, FKA Twigs, Lewis Capaldi and Louise Redknapp.

What we ate: Smoked salmon, lamb and chocolate pears.

What we drank: M&S beer and Rockferne English sparkling wine.

Goodie bag: Percy Pigs.

PIPING HOT, BILLIE

BILLIE PIPER looked a sheer delight as she belatedly celebrated her 43rd birthday in this lacy black dress.

The actress, who turned 43 in September, was partying with pals including Dominic Cooper and Richard Madden at Upstairs At Langan’s in central London.

Billie recently starred as music teacher Isadora Capri in season two of Netflix show Wednesday.

She said: “I’ve always wanted to play a sort of floaty, liberal musician or art teacher.”

IT’S TIME FOR 007 AARON

THREE years ago, I revealed that Aaron Taylor-Johnson was the frontrunner to be the next James Bond.

And now the British actor has given the biggest clue yet that he will be taking over the reins from actor Daniel Craig to be the next 007.

Aaron has been announced as an ambassador for Swiss luxury watchmaker Omega, which is Bond’s favourite timepiece.

Since 1995, the secret agent has worn an Omega Seamaster in every film – with special tribute watches made to honour the character.

Aaron said: “My interest in watches first began with my dad, who introduced me to Omega, if you can believe it.

“He was working class and saved his earnings to purchase an Omega watch.”

In 2022 I revealed that Aaron had completed a top-secret screen test at Pinewood Studios, the home of James Bond movies.

Aaron is currently filming in Dartmoor alongside Lily-Rose Depp for upcoming horror film Werwulf, which is scheduled for release next year.

Sounds like the time is ticking for the next Bond to be formally announced.

OLLY: I WOULD GIVE A BOXING BOUT A SHOT

HIS new album Knees Up is about having a good time with your mates – but Olly Murs has revealed that instead of sinking pints down the pub, he prefers throwing punches in the boxing ring.

Olly has struck up a friendship with super-welterweight champ Sam Gilley and now has a “burning desire” to get fighting fit.

Chatting to Bizarre’s Emily at his album launch in East London on Friday, left, Olly said: “I train twice a week without fail. I love it.

“I wanted to learn how to punch properly and move, and I wanted to learn the fundamentals of boxing. Am I open to a fight? Yes. Whether or not my wife lets me is another question. I just know there is definitely a burning desire for me to get into the ring and give it a shot.”

Olly added: “I think it is something in my blood. I did Who Do You Think You Are? on the BBC and I learned so much about my grandad.

“He was Latvian and came here in the Second World War. He was an amateur boxing champion.”

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Olly, whose eighth album has been inspired by British ska, said it had “reignited my love for music again­”.

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LIAM Payne’s sister has paid an emotional tribute on the anniversary of the late star’s funeral.

Pop star Liam tragically died after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires in October last year.

Ruth posted an emotional tribute to her brother, one year on from his funeral – with an early image of the siblings together.

Alongside the post, Ruth wrote: “A year ago today, the hardest goodbye I’ll ever have, a funeral I should never have had to plan and every day since, I should have never had to live without him.

“Missing him now is part of breathing, it doesn’t get easier, that’s just a lie to make it feel better: Infinite love, infinite loss.”

Ruth’s post comes after she shared another tribute on the one year anniversary of Liam’s death.

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In an open letter to him, a devastated Ruth wrote: “I underestimated grief, woah, did I underestimate it. I am paralysed by it daily.

“I thought I had felt it before but I know the losses before you were just intense sadness, you are the loss of my life, the one person who l will miss at every single occasion in my life.

“I’d taken for granted that my little brother would be there through life. 

“You shouldn’t have died.”

Ruth also revealed she’s been having a recurring nightmare that places her in Liam’s hotel room moments before his death on that fateful night.

She said, in it, Liam “can’t hear me screaming for you, my brain is locked on your last minutes on this earth, the unaccounted minutes, the minutes I will never have the answers to, the minutes that changed everything.”

Such is the loss, Ruth said that the life of the Payne family has been “extinguished” and is “impossible to mend”.

She continued: “You died which is something that happened, but your absence is something that happens to me everyday before I even open my eyes.”

In gut-wrenching paragraphs she details how she’d love to spend just five more minutes with him and the things she would tell him, from catching up on plans, to listening to the birds and swapping jokes.

Liam’s Last Days

By Scarlet Howes

SEPTEMBER 20: Liam and his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, arrive in Argentina for a five-day holiday.

OCTOBER 2: The star goes to see ex-bandmate Niall Horan while he is on tour, telling fans on Snapchat: “It’s been a while since me and Niall have spoken. We’ve got a lot to talk about.”

OCTOBER 12: Kate flies back home to Florida after two weeks away, leaving Liam in Argentina.

She tells her followers on TikTok: “Love South America, but I hate staying in one place for too long and we were supposed to be there for five days, turned into two weeks and I was just like, ‘I need to go home’.”

OCTOBER 13: Liam checks into the CasaSur Palermo Hotel alone three days before he died. He was reportedly asked to leave his previous hotel.

OCTOBER 15: Hours before his death, he spends some time with Aldana Serrano, 31, and Lucila Goitea, 27, who arrived at the hotel at about 11.30am local time and left at 4pm, just one hour before he died.

At about 5pm, Liam is said to have been arguing over money with a mystery woman in the lobby, before falling 45ft and landing in the inner courtyard of the hotel.

Ending her letter to Liam, she asks people to remember that there is a family at the heart of the story who have lost someone very dear to them.

She says: “Whilst I am still on my knees struggling to regain balance since my world burned down and every time I try to take a step, something comes and sets fire to all the progress I thought I had made in my mind, in trying to understand where or why Liam isn’t here helping me through this.

“Everyone only seems interested in the public side of this, some sadly seem more interested in the fame they can gain off this, but on the human side people need to remember when they speak, there is a son without his Dad, parents without their child and I am lost without my brother.

“Love always Liam, in every lifetime.”

Liam died shortly after 5pm on October 16, 2024 when he fell from his hotel balcony.

Liam, who was the dad of seven-year-old Bear, shared a post on Snapchat only minutes before his death and showed him and his girlfriend Kate Cassidy looking into a mirror.

The singer-songwriter was staying at Hotel CasaSur in the neighbourhood of Palermo.

Liam had flown to Argentina with girlfriend Kate Cassidy for a five-day holiday, to see his ex-1D bandmate Niall Horan in concert.

Liam extended the trip but Kate returned home to the US.

It is claimed Liam then turned to drink and drugs.

An autopsy confirmed he died from multiple trauma and internal and external bleeding.

A toxicology report revealed alcohol, cocaine and an antidepressant, which would have left him severely impaired.

Ezequiel David Pereyra — who is awaiting trial for allegedly selling the singer cocaine — recently spoke out for the first time from jail.

Pereyra, 22 — locked up in Marcos Paz jail two hours from the capital — claims hotel bosses turned a blind eye to all of Liam’s drug use in October 2024.

He said: “They had him in an isolated bunker and let him do anything he wanted including drugs in the room, and in public areas of the hotel.

“Bosses said he was making them too much money — triple the money.

“But I think the biggest mistake was not calling an ambulance when Payne passed out in the lobby.

“If the hotel had acted differently Liam could have been saved.

“They lifted him by his arms and legs and carried him to the room via the elevator. He should have been kept where he was and an ambulance called.

“But because that day they had many foreign guests checking in they decided to take him to the room in the condition he was in.

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“After that they called police instead of an ambulance. They made the call only after leaving him in the room alone. By the time they were making the call it was already too late.

“What happened was very sad. Liam’s death was truly tragic and could have been prevented.”

DIANE LADD’s cause of death has been revealed after the Oscar-nominated actress died aged 89.

Her daughter, Laura Dern revealed she had passed away on Monday, November 3 just two months after her husband’s unexpected passing.

Diane’s cause of death has been revealed as acute on chronic hypoxic respiratory failure, according to PEOPLE.

Having obtained the star’s death certificate, the outlet said interstitial lung disease, which she had suffered for years beforehand, was one condition leading to her death.

Esophageal dysmotility was listed as another contributing factor – she was reportedly cremated on November 10.

Ladd’s daughter, the actress Laura Dern, shared the sad news of her death in an emotional statement earlier this month.

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“My amazing hero and my profound gift of a mother, Diane Ladd, passed with me beside her this morning, at her home in Ojai, Ca,” Laura‘s statement began.

“She was the greatest daughter, mother, grandmother, actress, artist and empathetic spirit that only dreams could have seemingly created. 

“We were blessed to have her.

“She is flying with her angels now,” Laura concluded.

The Oscar-nominated actress was 89 years old and appeared to have no plans of slowing down anytime soon, as her last social media post shared her latest project.

In September, the actress posted a promotional photo on Instagram for her new film, The Last Full Measure, which was recently released on various streaming platforms.

Diane also shared a screengrab of one of her scenes in the movie, opposite Christopher Plummer.

She gushed about the production, which was halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and her co-stars, including Peter Fonda, William Hurt, Ed Harris, Samuel L. Jackson, and Sebastian Stan.

Diane also teased a potential career pivot into podcasting, sparking a slew of comments from fans excited for what’s to come for the movie star.

Her death came two months after her husband, Robert Charles Hunter, suddenly passed.

Robert, the former PepsiCo CEO, was 77 when he died in August while visiting his family in Fort Worth, Texas.

He was Diane’s third husband, following her marriage to Laura’s father, Bruce Dern, from 1960 to 1969, and businessman William Shea Jr. from 1973 to 1976.

Diane and Robert’s love story began when they met in Sedona, Arizona, and got married in 1999.

They launched a production company together, though Diane is most known for her showstopping performances in front of the camera.

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The Mississippi native was nominated three times for an Academy Award for her work in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974), Wild at Heart (1990), and Rambling Rose (1991).

Diane is survived by her daughter, Laura, and her two grandchildren, Ellery and Jaya Harper.

BROADWAY star Elizabeth Franz has died at the age of 84, her husband has confirmed.

The Tony Award-winning actress had been diagnosed with cancer.

Her husband Christopher Pelham told The New York Times that she died as a result of the disease and a “severe reaction” she suffered from the treatment.

She died at home on November 4 in Woodbury, Connecticut.

Franz is best known for playing Linda Loman in a 1999 Broadway revival of Arthur Miller’s ‘Death of a Salesman’.

It was this role that earned her a Tony Award and solidified her name among other Broadway greats.

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That production scooped four awards, including the one given to Franz for best featured actress in a play.

She was also nominated for her performances in ‘Brighton Beach Memoirs’, a comedy by Neil Simon in 1983, and in 2002 for her role in Paul Osborn’s ‘Morning’s at Seven’.

As well as her husband, she is also survived by her brother, Joe.

More to follow…

CLETO Escobedo III’s cause of death has been revealed just days after Jimmy Kimmel announced the tragic news.

The Jimmy Kimmel Live! house band leader died at the age of 59 on Tuesday.

Now, his death certificate, seen by TMZ, reveals his cause of death was cardiogenic shock – a condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood around the body.

But it further detailed other underlying health issues that contributed to his death.

It listed Vasodilatory shock (dangerously low blood pressure), disseminated intravascular coagulation (blood clots leading to organ damage) and alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver (advanced liver disease).

Other conditions including sepsis, chronic kidney disease, and pneumonia were also noted as underlying issues.

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CAMERAS OFF

Jimmy Kimmel abruptly cancels a WEEK of shows after devastating tragedy

Jimmy Kimmel confirmed the news of his death in a heartbreaking post on Instagram.

“Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III,” he wrote.

“To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement. Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old.

“The fact that we got to work together every day is a dream neither of us could ever have imagined would come true.

“Cherish your friends and please keep Cleto’s wife, children and parents in your prayers.”

The pair who grew up together in Las Vegas then worked together on Jimmy Kimmel Live! since its launch in 2003.

Now, the television host is honoring his childhood friend and beloved colleague by launching two fundraisers.

“Cleto was always kind and eager to help others,” he wrote on Instagram on Friday.

“As we mourn his loss, we have started two fundraisers to celebrate his life and give back.”

He shared links to one for the UCLA Medical Center where Cleto received “incredible care” in his final days.

The other is to raise money for The Animal Foundation based in Las Vegas to “honor his love of animals”.

Kimmel canceled his shows on Wednesday and Thursday saying the whole team is “devastated”.

Cleto had been absent from the show for a number of months before his death after he became ill.

DAVE Burgess, who was the leader of the band that recorded the popular track Tequila, has died at 90.

Burgess was part of The Champs, which soared to fame in 1958 with the track.

He died on October 19 in Tennessee.

His cause of death hasn’t been revealed.

Tequila spent five weeks as the top-selling chart, beginning in March 1958.

More than one million copies of the instrumental, which won a Grammy for the Best R&B performance in 1959, were sold.

The song defeated tracks such as Harry Belafonte’s Belafonte Sings the Blues, Nat King Cole’s Looking Back, and Perez Prado’s song Patricia.

It even received a gold disc from officials at the Record Industry Association of America.

Burgess, from Los Angeles, worked with Challenge Records during the 1950s, which was founded by the rodeo crooner Gene Autry.

When Chuck Rio, the saxophonist, wrote Tequila, it was initially viewed as a throwaway song.

But, it ended up rising to fame.

Saxophonist Eddie Platt produced a cover in 1958 and it rose to number 20 in the US charts.

The song featured in a scene of the 1985 movie Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.

The character played by Paul Reubens irritated a group of bikers by knocking over their motorcycles.

He then tried to appease them by picking the song on the jukebox.

Reubens’ character then started to dance to it.

Tequila was used as the theme song for Banana Split between 2009 and 2011.

And, it has been adopted into chants for sports stars.

The Tequila tune is sung by Arsenal fans when they chant about the team’s defender, William Saliba.

During his music career, Burgess wrote more than 700 songs.

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THE wife of food influencer Michael Duarte has broken her silence following his death.

Duarte, known as Food With Bear Hands, was shot dead by cops after allegedly waving a knife erratically.

Duarte’s wife, Jess, has spoken out for the first time and told TMZ she’s “struggled” what to do.

She paid a glowing tribute to him on social media.

“I plan to keep his legacy going not only for him, but his family,” she wrote on Instagram.

“He gave everyone every bit of him so it’s my turn to give it back.

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“I’m not quite sure what that looks like yet but hopefully he will lead me on that path.”

Jess claimed she could feel her late husband “moving mountains” as she acknowledged his legion of fans.

“A big thank you to my tribe & Mike’s BBQ community for making me feel like I have an army behind me,” she wrote.

“I’m still struggling with the fact that he is no longer with us but l’m starting to see his purpose was SO much bigger.

“I’m starting to see God work in mysterious ways that l’ve never experienced before and hoping that will bring our family some peace.”

She revealed she’s proud to be Duarte’s wife.

“I will carry that title with honor for the rest of my life. See you on the other side, Daddy,” Jess said as she rounded off the post.

Duarte died just days after the couple celebrated their nine year wedding anniversary.

Texas cops encountered him waving a knife before ordering him to drop it.

Medina County sheriffs claimed the influencer was making threats.

“Duarte charged toward the Deputy while yelling, ‘I’m going to kill you,” they claimed.

Duarte. a dad of one, was treated at the scene then rushed to San Antonio hospital where he tragically died.

A GoFundMe was created following his death and more than $80,000 has been raised.

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KING Charles had a letter hand-delivered to the Osbourne family after heavy metal legend Ozzy’s death.

Widow Sharon revealed she was left touched after the “amazing” monarch wrote to them.

Speaking on The Osbournes podcast with her children, 73-year-old Sharon said: “If he did it for us, you know he does it for many, many, many people.

“Now here’s a man that does know what’s going on in the street with people. Not just politics, not just . . . here’s a man that cares about the environment, animals. He’s got a good heart.

“In the past — Ozzy’s birthday, when Ozzy was sick in hospital with the motorbike accident, he reached out.

“He’s a good, caring man with a good heart, and Ozzy’s, as me, we’re royalists and that’s it.

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“And again, took the time out of his day to write us, have it hand-delivered to us, a note from the King for Ozzy’s passing with his condolences, that says so much.”

Sharon also revealed that she had received a message from US President Donald Trump, adding: “He knows what’s going on in the streets . . . and I can’t say that for our Prime Minister.”

Black Sabbath star Ozzy died of a heart attack on July 22 at the age of 76. A week later, thousands of fans joined a huge parade in tribute to the Prince of Darkness in his home town Birmingham.

Sharon joined mourners along with kids Aimée, Kelly and Jack. They had a private funeral the following day.

Kelly, 41, said she had not seen “an outpouring like that since Princess Diana died”, adding: “It wasn’t just the heavy metal community. It was the entire world.”

CLETO Escobedo III, the saxophonist and leader of the house band on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, has died at age 59.

Host Jimmy Kimmel announced the death Tuesday in a heartfelt Instagram post, calling Escobedo “a great friend, father, son, musician and man.”

Kimmel, 57, wrote: “Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III.

“To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement. Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old.

“The fact that we got to work together every day is a dream neither of us could ever have imagined would come true,” he continued.

Kimmel ended his message with a plea to “cherish your friends” and to keep Escobedo’s family “in your prayers.”

Escobedo had led Jimmy Kimmel Live!’s house band since the show’s debut in 2003, performing alongside Kimmel nightly for more than two decades.

Escobedo’s cause of death has not been released.

He had been quietly absent from the show for months before his death.

Variety reported that Jimmy Kimmel Live! canceled its taping last Thursday due to Escobedo’s condition.

The musician fronted Cleto and the Cletones on the ABC late-night show since its 2003 premiere.

His father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., also plays in the band, which performs during the show’s tapings in Los Angeles.

Before joining Kimmel on television, Escobedo toured with Paula Abdul, Marc Anthony, and Earth, Wind & Fire.

Kimmel and Escobedo’s friendship stretched back decades to their childhood in Las Vegas, where they grew up across the street from each other and stayed close through college and adulthood.

In a 2015 interview with ABC, Kimmel recalled pushing for Escobedo to lead his band.

“Of course I wanted great musicians, but I wanted somebody I had chemistry with,” Kimmel said.

“And there’s nobody in my life I have better chemistry with than him.”

Escobedo once reflected on that loyalty in a 2014 interview with the San Fernando Sun.

He said: “Jimmy is very loyal to his friends.

“He didn’t have to ask me; I would have understood if he had hired some famous guy to be his musical director.

“But he trusted me, and I don’t take it for granted.”

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He added: “For me, as the father of young children, this is the perfect job. I can do other things if I want.

“But I want to stay here as long as they will have me. I will always stay by Jimmy’s side.”

GOLDEN Globe winner Sally Kirkland has died at the age of 84.

The actress was in hospice care and had been battling dementia.

Kirkland starred in hit movies such as Bruce Almighty, The Haunted and The Sting.

Michael Greene, her representative, revealed she took her final breath at 1:50pm PT this morning, as per TMZ.

Kirkland died days after entering hospice care and had battled ill health in recent years.

This year, she fractured bones in her neck, right wrist, and left hip.

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And, she had battled two separate life-threatening infections.

Kirkland was left bruised and injured following a fall while she was in the shower unattended, according to a GoFundMe post from October.

Her acting career spanned more than 60 years.

She won the Best Actress Golden Globe Award and Best Actress Independent Spirit Award in 1988 for her role in Anna.

Kirkland was nominated for the Best Actress in a Leading Role gong in the 1988 Oscars.

She starred as Anita in the movie Bruce Almighty, which was released in 2003.

Kirkland, from New York City, also played Crystal in The Sting – a movie which also featured Paul Newman, Robert Redford, and Robert Shaw.

The actress also made cameo appearances in shows such as Kojak, Starsky and Hutch, and Charlie’s Angels during the 1970s and 1980s.

She appeared in one episode of General Hospital in 1982.

Alongside her role in Anna, she appeared in movies such as Cold Feet, Talking Walls, White Hot, and High Stakes.

Kirkland played Helen Lawson in Valley of the Dolls in 1994, appearing in 65 episodes.

And, she appeared in a 1995 episode of Murder, She Wrote.

Kirkland starred as Tracey Simpson in 31 episodes of the series Days of Our Lives in 1999.

One of her final roles was in the movie Sallywood, where she played herself.

She won a best acting gong at the 2024 Santa Clarita International Film Festival.

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Away from the big screen, Kirkland was named one of Andy Warhol’s 13 Most Beautiful Women in 1964.

She made history in 1968 by becoming the first woman to appear fully naked in the off-Broadway production, Sweet Eros.

LOOSE Women star Ruth Langsford has revealed she gets ‘frightened’ over having ‘senior moments’ after losing her dad to Alzheimer’s.

The 65-year-old beloved television host has opened up about her health fears after her parents were both diagnosed with dementia and her dad died from complications of the disease.

Ruth’s father Dennis sadly died in 2012 from complications from dementia.

The TV star’s mother, Joan, 94, was also diagnosed with the disease. 

Because of the way in which Alzheimer’s is influenced by generics, Ruth has revealed her health fears after experiencing “senior moments”.

Speaking to The Mirror this weekend, Ruth got candid when she said: “All the time, literally all the time, if I ever have a senior moment where I go, ‘what’s her name again?’, somebody that I know quite well, and I have a complete and utter blank, it really frightens me.”

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She added: “I’m 65 now, my dad was officially diagnosed when he was 72.

“But looking back on it, we think he was displaying signs, we just didn’t know what they were – but he was in his late 60s and I’m 65.”

Ruth continued: “Of course I worry about it with both parents having had dementia, but I just think, what will be will be.”

Back in August of this year, Ruth opened up about her mother’s diagnosis and how she and her family found it “doubly hard”.

She told Hello! Magazine: “It’s very upsetting when your loved one is given that diagnosis.

“For my family, we found that doubly hard as my dad had Alzheimer’s, so we knew what was ahead for us and my mum.”

Ruth revealed at the time: “At the moment, mum knows who I am, she always recognises me and is very happy to see me.

“I know that that could change at any time, it did with my dad, and that is heartbreaking.”

Discussing her dad’s death in 2017 in an episode of Loose Women, Ruth said: “I was grieving and losing my dad but my mum was losing the love of her life, the man she married and had children with.

“They had years and years of memories.

“You don’t often hear people talking about that side of it.

“When my dad went into care, my mum was so distraught…

“I’m sorry,” she said, getting emotional and wiping a tear from her eye at the time.

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“You do hope, but you know they probably won’t get better.

“I’m sorry, sometimes I just can’t talk about it. It’s thinking about my mum, that side of it that gets to me.”

RAPPER Young Bleed has tragically died aged 51 after suffering a brain aneurysm.

The star, whose real name was Glenn Clifton Jr, sadly passed away on Saturday, his son confirmed.

He had been rushed to hospital in the days leading up to his death after collapsing in Las Vegas.

Young Bleed rose to fame in the 90s with the hit “How You Do That” and went on to release nine studio albums.

The rap icon’s son, Ty’Gee Ramon Clifton, confirmed the tragic news with an Instagram video captioned: “RIP to the biggest legend I know.”

Addressing fans in the clip, he said: “As of November 1st, my dad gained his wings.

“This is a tough topic for me – not sure how it’s going to go. But I am here to clear up a lot of false narratives.”

He added: “I know with him being a legend worldwide, all lot of people were concerned for him, they wasn’t sure what they heard.

“So I’m here to confirm as his oldest child that he has gained his wings.

“My dad was 51 years out when this happened to him… The My dad didn’t have no real health issues, these are just chapters in life.

“I hope after this video that people that are going through grieving moments find peace in this video.

“My dad like most as you get in [older] in age take had high blood pressure. He would take his medicines… Once he collapsed he did pass from the aneurysm, the bleed to the brain.”

The late rapper’s mother has also set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the cost of medical and funeral expenses. 

She had started the page when he had been hospitalized and admitted it was ‘completely unexpected and has turned our world upside down.’

Young Bleed was born on June 6, 1974, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and his passion for music was sparked at nine-years-old.

He shot to fame in the 90s and worked with fellow rappers C-Loc, Max Minelli, J-Von, and J-Von’s younger brother Chris Hamilton.

They created the group Concentration Camp in 1995 and his song with C-Loc How You Do That was released two years later, seeing him rise within the industry.

The song peaked at No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B and Hip Hop album charts the following year.

LAURA Dern has revealed her mother, Diane Ladd, has died in an emotional statement.

The actress shared the sad news on Monday.

Laura’s statement read, “My amazing hero and my profound gift of a mother, Diane Ladd, passed with me beside her this morning, at her home in Ojai, Ca. 

“She was the greatest daughter, mother, grandmother, actress, artist and empathetic spirit that only dreams could have seemingly created. 

“We were blessed to have her.

“She is flying with her angels now,” Laura concluded.

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The Oscar nominated actress was 89 years old.

Diane appeared to have no plans of slowing down anytime soon, as her last social media post shared her latest project.

In September, the actress posted a picture on Instagram of a promotional photo for her new film, The Last Full Measure, which was recently released on numerous streaming platforms.

Diane also shared a screengrab of one of her scenes in the movie, opposite Christopher Plummer.

She gushed about the production, which was halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and her co-stars, including Peter Fonda, William Hurt, Ed Harris, Samuel L. Jackson, and Sebastian Stan.

Diane also teased a potential career pivot into podcasting, sparking a slew of comments from fans excited for what’s to come for the movie star.

“Looking forward to the movie and podcast! Much love to you!” one person wrote.

“Miss Diane, I cannot wait to hear what your podcast will contain,” said another.

“I’d love to hear your podcast Mrs. Ladd. You’re also one of the greats. Will never forget you in Wild at Heart. ICONIC. love,” boasted a third.

Diane’s death comes two months after her husband, Robert Charles Hunter, tragically passed.

Robert, who was the former PepsiCo CEO, was 77 when he died in August while visiting his family in Fort Worth, Texas.

He was the third husband of Diane’s, following her marriage to Laura’s father Bruce Dern from 1960 to 1969 and businessman William Shea Jr. from 1973 to 1976.

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Diane and Robert’s love story began when they met in Sedona, Arizona, and tied the knot in 1999.

They launched a production company together, though Diane is most known for her showstopping performances in front of the camera.

GRATEFUL Dead singer Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay has sadly died at the age of 78.

The singer, who made a name for herself in the band in the 70s, was also a backup singer for Elvis Presley and Percy Sledge.

The rocker sadly died on Sunday after a lengthy cancer battle.

A statement was released after she died at Alive Hospice in Nashville.

The statement announced her passing reads, “She was a sweet and warmly beautiful spirit, and all those who knew her are united in loss.

“The family requests privacy at this time of grieving.

“In the words of Dead lyricist Robert Hunter, ‘May the four winds blow her safely home’.”

Fans have already flocked to social media to express their sadness over her tragic passing.

One person on X said, “Donna was awesome. Really sad about this.”

Another penned, “Beautiful and powerful voice, there will never be another Donna Jean.”

A third person added, “So sad to learn of the passing of Donna Jean Godchaux.

“Through most of the 1970s, she made her mark on American music as a singer with the Grateful Dead. May she rest in peace.”

And a fourth said, “RIP Donna Jean Thatcher Godchaux-MacKay.

“Helluva singer who worked with the Grateful Dead & Elvis and put up with a sh**load of misogyny. Tough, special lady.”

BELOVED actor Tchéky Karyo has died of cancer at the age of 72.

Karyo was best known for his starring role in the film Nikita, James Bond hit GoldenEye and in the popular BBC series The Missing.

His passing was announced by his wife, actress Valérie Keruzoré, and their two children.

They released a heartbreaking statement saying the French film star had “succumbed to cancer this Friday, October 31”.

Kayro was best known in Britain for his role as TV detective Julien Baptiste in The Missing.

He played Baptise in the eight-part BBC series in 2014 before reprising his role in another eight episodes in 2016.

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Then the BBC launched a spin-off called Baptiste in 2019 centred around Karyo’s character.

At the time, the beloved actor said about the reprisal of the role: “I didn’t expect it, but it’s flattering. This has made me feel young again.”

The creators of Baptise had even teased another season of the mystery thriller earlier this summer.

Earlier on his career Karyo found global success on several top projects.

He played the handler Bob in Luc Besson’s assassin film Nikita in 1990.

Other major roles included Ridley Scott’s historical epic 1492: Conquest of Paradise and the James Bond film GoldenEye.

Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Kayro started out in French cinema in the 1980s.

His first major film role came in crime thriller La Balance in 1982.

His stellar performance even earned him a nomination for the César Award for Best Male Revelation.

One of his most recent roles came in 2023 when he joined forces with the BBC once again for the comedy thriller, Boat Story.

Kayro had 140 roles across his decorated career in both film and TV.

He was also a singer songwriter with two albums being released in 2006 and 2013.