Peggy McCay, Beloved Days of Our Lives Star, Dead at 90

Peggy McCay, a veteran actress best known for her long-running role on Days of Our Lives, passed away on Sunday from natural causes.

She was 90 years old.

The very sad news about this soap opera icon was shared on Facebook by her co-star and close friend, Deidre Hall.

Wrote Hall as confirmation:

Our dearest Peggy McCay has left us. She was a friend, an activist and a real scrapper!! I remember meeting her at the bedside of a dear, very ill friend.

I backed her up as she ferociously took on doctors and nurses to make sure he had the very best care. She fought that hard for all her causes. Passionate and tireless. 

And how she loved being “Caroline”!!

Indeed, McCay portrayed the character of Caroline Brady for 35 years.

McCay originated the role of Vanessa Dale on the CBS soap opera Love of Life in 1951 and appeared on that program for four years.

However, it was her portrayal of family matriarch Brady on Days of Our Lives for which she is best known. By far.

McCay joined the cast in 1983 and was nominated four times for a Daytime Emmy for the role, most recently in 2016.

Her final episode on the series aired on August 24, 2016.

“I just heard the news that #PeggyMccay has passed,” Tweeted Jen Lilley, one of many actresses who paid tribute on social media today.

“She was like a real grandmother to me, a mentor, a great source of encouragement, and she was so hilariously fierce. You are deeply missed Peggy!”

Co-star Thaao Penghlis described McCay as “always a classy lady” and added as part of his full statement:

Peggy McCay cared about her craft, her fellow actors and the Life of Days. She reigned well in this most pressured profession of Daytime.”

McCay won a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a drama series for The Trials of Rosie O’Neill.

She also earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for a guest role as Mrs. Carruthers on Cagney & Lacey.

The well-respected star’s other TV credits include:

• Maverick


• The Andy Griffith Show


• Perry Mason


• Gunsmoke


• L.A. Law


• Cold Case 


• Lou Grant

Wrote Sal Stowers on Twitter:

“Peggy McCay was such a beautiful and tender woman. Her Presence was truly special to be around. Very honored to have shared precious time with her.

“Fly with the angels Ms. McCay.”

We join these individuals and all the others who have expressed their remorse over McCay’s passing.

She was a wonderful actress.

May she rest in peace.

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Fatima Ali, Beloved Top Chef Star, Reveals Terminal Cancer Diagnosis

Fatima Ali is in need of your prayers.

The former Top Chef contestant, whose personality made her into a fan favorite on Season 15, has penned a powerful and emotional essay.

In it, Ali reveals that she has cancer — and will almost certainly be dead in a year.

“The cancer cells my doctors believed had vanished are back with a vengeance in my left hip and femur bone,” wrote the 29-year old on Tuesday wrote in a post published by Bon Appétit’s Healthyish.

In heartbreaking detail, she proceeded to give fans her diagnosis:

“My oncologist has told me that I have a year to live, with or without the new chemotherapy regimen.

“I was looking forward to being 30, flirty and thriving. Guess I have to step it up on the flirting. I have no time to lose.”

We have no idea how Ali, or anyone in her situation, can joke at a time like this.

It’s the epitome of bravery.

“It’s funny, isn’t it?” continued the beloved reality star.

“When we think we have all the time in the world to live, we forget to indulge in the experiences of living.

“When that choice is yanked away from us, that’s when we scramble to feel.

“I am desperate to overload my senses in the coming months, making reservations at the world’s best restaurants, reaching out to past lovers and friends, and smothering my family, giving them the time that I so selfishly guarded before.”

That’s what the song and the saying says, right?

To live like you are dying?

It really is tragic that only those actually dying typically have this kind of perspective.

Ali finished in seventh place on Top Chef.

In late 2017, she was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, which is a type of bone and soft tissue cancer.

The aspiring chef underwent numerous rounds of chemotherapy prior to having the tumor in her left shoulder surgically removed.

This is a photo of Ali and Padma Lakshmi in the hospital from January of 2018.

She announced in February that she was cancer-free, yet started suffering complications after completing her final found of chemotherapy in August.

“I’ve spent more time in sterile hospital rooms in the past year than I have in my own apartment,” Ali wrote in her essay.

“This has become my new home, and the staff a part of my family…

“Everyone’s amazed that I’m taking it so well. But when you hit rock bottom, there really is no place to go but up.”

Ali doesn’t know how much time she has left for sure, but she plans to spend the final months of her life doing what she loves best: visiting new restaurants in New York City.

“I was always deathly afraid of being average in any way,” she concluded. “And now I desperately wish to have a simple, uneventful life.”

God bless her.

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Claire Wineland Dies; Beloved YouTube Star Was 21

Claire Wineland, famous YouTuber and inspiration to countless others living with cystic fibrosis, has passed away at 21 years old.

Last week, she underwent a lung transplant. The transplant itself was successful.

A post from her foundation explains what happened, and Claire’s own final Instagram post from the day she died tells you exactly who she was as a person.

The Claire’s Place Foundation Facebook page broke the difficult, heartbreaking news.

“Last night at 6:00pm,” the page begins. “Claire Wineland our inspirational founder passed away.”

“She was not in any pain,” the post confirms. “And the medical staff said it was the most peaceful passing they had ever witnessed.”

“She was surrounded by love and with her mother Melissa Yeager and father John Wineland;” the post continues. “They saw her into this world for her first breath and were with her for her last.”

“She suffered a massive stroke on August 26th after a successful double lung transplant,” the post shares. “The stroke was caused by a blood clot.”

The post reveals: “After a week of intensive care and various life saving procedures, it became clear that it was Claire’s time to go.”

“Yesterday, Claire’s family and a few very close friends came to say their final farewells and offer their support to the family,” the Facebook post offers.

The post continues: “In Claire fashion, she is an organ donor.”

Some families have a hard time grappling with organ donation. Fortunately, Claire’s did not.

“Claire’s remarkable family were so happy for the other families that were now getting the calls that the organ they had long been waiting for was now available for transplant,” the post explains.

After all, the post reminds Claire’s fans and followers, “they had been on the receiving end of that call just one short week ago.”

“We know Claire was loved all over the world,” the post continues.

The post affirms: “Your prayers, support, and encouraging words have been a huge source of strength for her and her family.”

“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” the post expresses. “For your massive amazing out pouring of love.”

Claire was a thoughtful, intelligent, and friendly person. She shared some final words of her own.

On August 26, the same day that she passed away, Claire took to Instagram to make a post before going into surgery.

“So grateful for everything this month,” Claire wrote. “I’m grateful for all the people who donated to help me get through transplant.”

“I’m grateful for the doctors that’ll be scooping out these lungs and giving me some more life to work with,” she wrote. “I’m grateful for the chance to keep being a person.”

“I’m grateful for my own head and for all the weird things in it,” Claire said. “I’m just really overwhelmingly grateful for all of this.”

Claire concluded what would be her final Instagram post: “There is no passionate rant to be had here I am just happy and thought I would let you all know.”

This is so tragic. It’s one thing to know, intellectually, that Claire was only 21. Somehow, her age becomes much more real when you realize that she was born in 1997.

Claire was intelligent and creative and well-read.

If you really want to hurt your own feelings — and maybe you feel that you owe it to her — check out her YouTube or even just her Instagram.

She will never again get to share her thoughts and experiences with her countless fans, or with her loved ones.

Rest in peace, Claire. Our hearts go out to her family and friends at this time.

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Craig Zadan Dies; Beloved TV Producer Was 69

Craig Zadan, a television producer who had been in the news over the past few years for helming NBC’s popular string of live musicals has passed away due to complications from shoulder replacement surgery.

He was 69 years old.

Under their Storyline Entertainment banner (recently renamed Zadan/Meron Productions), Zadan and Neil Meron were responsible for the film versions of Chicago and Hairspray, along with five musical programs for the aforementioned network.

Most recently, they worked to bring Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert to the small screen.

This producing tandem was also behind the the drama Smash and produced a trio of Oscar telecasts.

In confirming the sad news, NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt released the following statement on Monday night:

It is with profound sadness that I am announcing the passing of my dear friend and colleague Craig Zadan, who died of complications following shoulder replacement surgery.

On behalf of his life partner, Elwood Hopkins, and his producing partner, Neil Meron, we are stunned that the man behind so many incredible film, theatre, and television productions – several of them joyous musicals – was taken away so suddenly.

Craig’s distinguished career as a passionate and consummate producer is eclipsed only by his genuine love for the thousands of actors, directors, writers, musicians, designers, and technicians he worked with over the years.

His absence will be felt in our hearts and throughout our business.

On Broadway, Zadan producers revivals of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Promises, Promises.

Along with Meron over the years, his collection includes:

Six Academy Awards, five Golden Globes, 17 Emmy Awards, two Peabody Awards, a Grammy Award, six GLAAD Awards, four NAACP Image Awards and two Tony Awards.

The tragic news was met with shock and sadness from those in the entertainment community who either worked with Zadan or had grown to know him well.

“RIP to our friend Craig. He produced Jesus Christ Superstar with us and also produced the Oscars when Common and I sang “Glory” in front of a replica of the Pettus Bridge,” Tweeted John Legendm adding:

“A wonderful producer and a lovely man,” Legend wrote on Twitter.

“Added Kristin Chenoweth, who is pictured above with the producers:

“Annie, The Music Man, Promises, Hairspray… Craig, you were there with me from the beginning. This is a true loss not only for me, but for the world.

“Rest in peace, sweetheart.”

As far as we can tell, Zadan was not married and did not leave behind any children.

But his work and his influence will continue to be felt for years to come.

May he rest in peace.

View Slideshow: Celebrities Who Died in 2018: In Memoriam

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Jesse Camp, Beloved MTV VJ, Reported Missing

In 1998, Jesse Camp — whose real name is Josiah Camp — won a reality contest to become an MTV VJ.

Even after he left TRL, he was able to use that platform of MTV fame to launch his music career.

He would go on to make an array of friends, including some big-name celebrities.

Well, those friends — and his countless fans — are worried, now. And so is his family.

Jesse has been reported missing and police are searching for him and hoping to find him alive and safe.

1. Jesse Camp is missing

On July 19, Jesse Camp — whose real name is Josiah — was reported missing by his sister, Marisha Camp.

2. The police are involved

The Riverside Police Department in California was able to confirm that they have an open missing person’s case on him.

3. He had been keeping in touch with his mother

Alarm bells within the family went off when he failed to make his weekly call to his mother.

4. She hasn’t heard from him since July 11 or 12

So it sounds like he has been missing since several days before July 19.

5. He has been an avid Instagram user

But that social media page has not been updated since May 21.

6. His friends are concerned

And a report that may relate to his disappearance has sent a chill down the spines of his loved ones.

View Slideshow
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Vinnie Paul Dies; Beloved Drummer Was 54

Vinne Paul, a veteran musician in the heavy metal music industry and a founding member of the band Pantera, died this week from unknown causes.

He was 54 years old.

The drummer’s death was announced by Pantera on Saturday via Twitter, as the group simply posted the following message:

Vinnie Paul Abbott aka Vinnie Paul has passed away.

Paul is best known for his work as the drummer in the bands Pantera and Hellyeah. No further details are available at this time.

The family requests you please respect their privacy during this time.

Paul helped create Pantera in the 1980s, along with his brother, guitarist “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott. Their father a famous country and western songwriter and producer named Jerry Abbott.

The group enjoyed mainstream success with second lead singer Phil Anselmo.

Throughout its career, Pantera earned four Grammy nominations and charted nine albums on the Billboard 200, including its 1994 album Far Beyond Driven, which debuted atop the chart at the time of its release.

After Pantera split up, the Abbott siblings formed Damageplan in 2003.

However, the band was performing in December 2004 when Dimebag Darrell was shot and killed onstage during a concert in Columbus, Ohio.

Since 2006, Paul was the drummer for Hellyeah, a heavy metal band that included Mudvayne vocalist Chad Gray and  Nothingface guitarist Tom Maxwell.

In the wake of Paul’s passing, some major names in the music business have shared their condolences on social media.

Alice Cooper Tweeted the following:

“Terribly saddened by the news of Vinnie Paul’s passing.

“Vinnie was a beloved fixture in the rock and metal communities and we will miss seeing him out on the road. His impact on heavy music is immeasurable. Rest In Peace Vinnie, condolences to your family, friends and fans.”

And then there was this from Slash:

“Tragic news about Vinnie Paul today.

“He was one of the warmest people I knew. A truly good & fun friend. We’re going to miss you more than you could possibly have known. RIP buddy.”

And this from Bret Michaels:

“Vinnie – You will be missed! You were an amazing human being & we had many great times together. A toast to you my friend, my prayers are with you!”

And this from Dave Mustaine of Megadeth:

“I just woke up in Belgium to the news that my friend Vinnie Paul has passed away. Another metal hero taken too soon. Say hello to Daryl for me.

“Rest In Peace, my dear friend.”

“Gutted to hear about the nicest guy in metal passing. Vinnie Paul showed us nothing but love. We’ll miss you Vinnie,” Papa Roach also wrote in response.

As we said above, we do not know how Paul died right now or even on which day.

We’ll update this story with more information and news as it breaks,

May Vinnie Paul rest in peace.

View Slideshow: Celebrities Who Died in 2018: In Memoriam

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Lil Lonnie, Beloved Mississippi Rapper, Shot and Killed

Lil Lonnie, a fan favorite in his native state of Mississippi, was one of two people fatally shot in while driving in Jackson on Sunday night.

He was 22 years old.

The artist, whose real name was Lonnie Montrel Taylor, was in his vehicle along with an unidentified female passenger around 10:30 p.m. yesterday.

According to news station WAPT, the Jackson State University student was shot from the rear multiple times, which caused his SUV to swerve and crash into a house.

The female passenger remained unharmed, while Taylor was pronounced dead at the scene.

As of this writing, Jackson Police Department has been unable to find a suspect or a motive for the killing.

The artist rose to local game in 2015 due to the release of the track “Colors.”

He later earned the the top-downloaded mixtape spot on LiveMixtapes with “They Know What’s Goin’ On” that same year.

Elsewhere, the single “Special” has garnered over 2.4 million views on the Worldstarhiphop YouTube channel.

In a December 2017 interview with ThisIs50, Lil Lonnie talked about advice he got from 50 Cent, telling listeners his goal of buying his family a home with his first “mega-check.”

In Lonnie’s view, that day was coming up in the near future, too.

“Career-wise everything has been going [well], so I took that advice and I ran with it,” he said of what 50 Cent told him, adding just four months ago:

“Keep the ground consistent, keep moving around, make my face a presence everywhere.”

During this same interview, Lonnie was asked who he signed with to put a billboard up in Jackson, with the interviewer actually asking whether he was selling drugs.

“I don’t do none of that,” Taylor replied. “I’ve got morals that I stand by.”

Just hours before he was fatally shot, Lil Lonnie wrote as a caption on Instagram:

no going back….you know imma keep it coming.

In light of this tragedy, some major names in hip hop have expressed their condolences via social media:

LL Cool J: Rest in power  Lil Lonnie..  may your music live on….  may the almighty lift up and bless your family..

Juicy J: RIP Lil Lonnie  he was so talented. prayers up.

Tha Joker: Woke up to terrible news for the city and state as a whole. Prayers up for the family and team of @_LilLonnie_ #RIP.

Finally, and tragically, in this December interview, Lil Lonnie said the following:

“I want to be the next icon people look up to.

“I want to motivate others around from where I’m from because not too many get the recognition I do, and I just want to bring that impact to where I’m from and help people out.

“I’m willing to open the door to everybody.”

May he rest inpeace.

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Verne Troyer Dies; Beloved Austin Powers Actor Was 49

Sad news out of Hollywood today, as multiple media outlets have now confirmed that actor Verne Troyer has passed away.

He was just 49 years old.

Troyer’s cause of his death is unknown at this time.

Best known for his role as Mini-Me in the Austin Powers series of films, Troyer suffered a number of personal setbacks in the wake of his meteoric rise to fame.

Earlier this month, Troyer was hospitalized after police were told that he was drunk and exhibiting suicidal behavior.

Doctors reportedly treated him for alcohol poisoning upon his arrival.

There’s no word yet on whether Troyer’s death was in any way tied to his most recent struggles.

Beginning his career as a stunt double in the 1994 film Baby’s Day Out, Troyer eventually amassed almost 60 film and television credits over the course of his decades in Hollywood.

But it was his role in 1999’s Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged for which the actor will best be remembered.

Hamming it up as a diminutive clone of Mike Meyers’ Dr. Evil, Troyer became a fan favorite and an overnight sensation.

Troyer went on to work with Meyers on two additional films, including Austin Powers in Goldmember, and he even made a brief cameo in the first Harry Potter film.

Sadly, the 2000s saw a steep decline in both the actor’s career and personal life.

He continued to find work in Hollywood, but now it was mostly bit parts in small-budget comedies and degrading appearances on reality TV shows.

In 2015, Troyer married actress Brittney Powell, with whom he appeared on an episode of ABC’s Celebrity Wife Swap.

Troyer also appeared on such short-lived reality shows as Celebrity Juice and The Surreal Life.

Born with a condition known as achondroplasia dwarfism, Troyer says he was never treated differently as a child, but later revealed that his condition had often made his adult life tremendously difficult.

He is survived by Powell and a stepson named Tyson.

Our thoughts go out to Troyer’s family and friends at this difficult time.

View Slideshow: Celebrities Who Died in 2018: In Memoriam

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Who Is the Most Beloved Duggar? Fans Think They"ve Figured It Out!

We all like to think our parents don’t have a favorite child, but get a few drinks in any mom or dad, and you can probably coax them into admitting that they hold one of their offspring in slightly higher esteem than the rest.

Unfortunately, no one in the Duggar clan drinks, so fans had to resort to more labor-intensive methods in order to determine which of Jim Bob and Michelle’s 19 children reigns supreme.

According to an informal scoring system devised by fans and based on the family’s social media posts, a clear favorite has emerged in recent months.

And the outcome of the contest might surprise those who follow the Duggars closely.

It seems Jinger is unofficially the most favored Duggar among Duggars, this according to the number of times she appears on the family’s Instagram and Facebook pages.

Jinger is not only the number one subject on her the official Duggar Facebook account, she also enjoys the distinction of having the most photos on her siblings’ Instagrams.

That may come as something of a surprise to those who are familiar with the reputation as “the rebel Duggar” that Jinger has gained over the course of the past year.

Jinger was the first woman to wear pants in her family, the first female of her generation to move away from Arkansas, and the first to wait more than a year after her wedding to get pregnant.

Of course, living in Laredo, Texas – 750 miles away from the rest of her family in Tontitown, Arkansas – might ironically give Jinger an unfair advantage.

On top of that, Jinger fancies herself a photographer, which means she’s the most likely to pose for a selfie with her siblings, who then post the pics on their social media pages.

But maybe there’s more to it than that.

Maybe Jinger’s rebellious spirit really has made her the most beloved among her siblings.

Maybe the other Duggars are always competing for her attention or just long to bask in the presence of the first woman to finally say no to Jim Bob.

After all, that would go a long way to explaining why Jill and Jessa started wearing pants shortly after their younger sister blazed that trail.

Whatever the case, you can bet there will be a mad dash down to Laredo once Jinger welcomes her first child.

Watch Counting On online for more on reality TV’s most controversial family.

View Slideshow: Jinger Duggar: Secrets & Scandals of the Family Rebel!

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Harry Anderson Dies; Beloved Night Court Star Was 65

Harry Anderson, the three-time Emmy Award nominee who anchored former NBC sitcom Night Court and who was also a well-known and respected magician, died on Monday morning.

He was 65 years old.

This very sad piece of news was confirmed to TMZ by Anderson’s son, Dashiell, who says his father passed away at his home in North Carolina.

It is believed that Anderson died of natural causes.

At the time of this writing, no foul play is suspected.

He was found at his residence by local police officers.

Anderson is best known to television fans for his role as Judge Harry Stone on Night Court, a series that ran from 1984 through 1992.

During its heyday, the sitcom was part of NBC’s early “Must See TV” Thursday lineup, which also included The Cosby Show, Family Ties and Cheers.

At one point, Anderson was nominated three years in a row for portraying the judge who ruled over a quirky Manhattan court.

Anderson also appeared on Cheers (as Harry the Hat for a six-episode run) and starred in his own sitcom, “Dave’s World,” which ran from 1993 to 1997.

The hilarious actor kept a lower profile later in life, although you may recognize him from appearances he made on such programs as 30 Rock, Son of the Beach and Comedy Bang! Bang!.

What separated Anderson from many of his peers was the fact that he was actually an accomplished magician.

This was a trait woven into the character of Stone, along with one that Anderson took advantage of in another professional capacity:

He opened a magic shop in the French Quarter of New Orleans and also had a nightclub in the French Quarter called Oswald’s Speakeasy.

Anderson also made a dozen appearances on The Tonight Show to flaunt his impressive array of skills and tricks in this area.

As this news spreads around the Internet, expect plenty of tributes and messages to come pouring in.

Judd Apatow, for instance, has already Tweeted the following:

“I interviewed Harry Anderson when I was 15 years old and he was so kind, and frank and hilarious. The interview is in my book Sick In The Head.

“He was a one of a kind talent who made millions so happy.”

Anderson is survived by two children and his wife, Elizabeth Morgan.

May he rest in peace.

View Slideshow: Celebrities Who Died in 2018: In Memoriam

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Seo Minwoo, Beloved K-Pop Singer, Found Dead at Hom

Tragedy has once again struck the Korean pop music scene.

Seo Minwoo, a member of beloved boy band 100%, was found dead inside his home on March 25, according to a statement by the group’s label, TOP Media.

He was 33 years old.

No official cause of death has been announced by the coroner.

However, this label says Minwoo went into cardiac arrest prior to passing away.

“His family, the 100% members, and the TOP Media artists and staff members are all grief-stricken and in mourning from the unexpected, sad news,” TOP Media wrote on their website in Korean.

This same statement added that Minwoo’s funeral “will be held quietly according to the will of the family.”

Elsewhere, the artist’s now-former bandmate, Changbum, paid tribute to the late musician on Instagram Monday.

“I hope you are comfortable in the sky,” reads the translated caption, which accompanies a photo of Seo and which concludes as follows:

“I want you to be a bright star and shine on this world.”

The boy band made its debut in 2012.

Two years later, Minwoo (who was actually an actor before he was a singer) took a break from music in order to complete his two-year mandatory military service.

Pretty admirable, right?

As you can see below, there’s been an outpouring of sadness, shock and support on social media in the wake of this tragic news.

“Seo Minwoo is my life mentor. He gave up everything for 100% and perfection,” Tweeted one fan, adding:

“Words are not enough to describe how great of a person he is. How lovely, caring and talented he is. Seo Minwoo, my king… I love you.

And another:

“Seo Minwoo, you were, and still are, so inspirational to me. You were so funny, talented, handsome, sweet, caring, I could go on forever.

“You did so much for 100% and I’m so thankful they had you as their leader. I will never forget you and I will forever love you!”

The group has current shows scheduled for April 21 and April 30.

It’s unclear at the moment whether they will keep these as planned.

This is the second death to rock the K-Pop world in the last few months.

As previously reported in December, Kim Jong-hyun (better known by the stage name Jonghyun) of the group SHINee was discovered in his apartment in Seoul and pronounced dead at a hospital.

He was only 27 years old and is believed to have committed suicide.

No such thoughts are associated with Seo Minwoo, however.

Our thoughts go out to his family members, friends and loved ones.

May he rest in peace.

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