By Jessica Wedemeyer
6:16am PDT, Aug 3, 2018
Former WWE wrestler Brian Christopher Lawler died of an apparent suicide at age 46
Former WWE wrestler Brian Christopher Lawler — the son of wrestling legend Jerry Lawler — was pronounced dead at a medical center in Memphis, Tennessee, on July 29. He was 46 years old. Lawler, who was known as Grandmaster Sexay and wrestled with the tag team Too Cool, hanged himself in a jail cell, where he'd been held for about three weeks following a DUI arrest.
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Alex Trebek hints that he'll retire from "Jeopardy!" in 2020, suggests successors
On the July 29 episode of the Fox News Channel's "OBJECTified," Alex Trebek told host Harvey Levin that there's "a little less" than a 50/50 chance that he'll stay with "Jeopardy!" — which he's hosted since 1984 — when his contract expires in 2020. He also offered up his suggestions for potential successors: Los Angeles Kings play-by-play commentator Alex Faust and attorney Laura Coates, a former assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.
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"American Chopper" star Paul Teutul Sr. reportedly lunged at an attorney during a hearing
"American Chopper" star Paul Teutul Sr. had to be removed from court after he "lunged" at an attorney during a mediation session as part of his dispute with JTM Motorsports in United States Bankruptcy Court in New York on July 31. (The company claims that he stiffed them over work they did on his Corvette.) A source told Page Six that Teutul became agitated, yelled, "F— you, I want my car!" and then "basically leaned over the table and lunged" at a female lawyer. "He never touched the other attorney, but she requested that he be restrained and three court officers came upstairs," said the source. "He had to be removed by three security officers. They didn't handcuff him though." Teutul's rep confirmed that "heated words" were exchanged, saying "that's why people go to court because they disagree on an issue." As for security being called, "Never happened," said the rep.
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FOX developing "24" prequel series tracking Jack Bauer's origins
Deadline reported on July 30 that FOX is developing a "24" prequel tracking Jack Bauer's origins. Kiefer Sutherland portrayed the CTU Agent for eight seasons between 2001 and 2010 and returned to the role for a 12-episode 2014 revival. Another installment in the franchise, "24: Legacy" starring Corey Hawkins, aired in 2017. According to Deadline, FOX is also developing a legal thriller set within the "24" universe.
Andrew Lincoln reveals why he's leaving "The Walking Dead"
During an interview with EW Radio, Andrew Lincoln opened up about why he's leaving "The Walking Dead" during the upcoming ninth season, which debuts on Oct. 7. "I have two young children, and I live in a different country, and they become less portable as they get older," said the actor, who's portrayed Rick Grimes on the AMC series since 2010. "It was that simple. It was time for me to come home," he added. (Lincoln and his family live in England, while "The Walking Dead" shoots in Georgia for more than half the year.)
"The Bachelorette" castoff Colton Underwood responds to virgin-shaming
Colton Underwood, who competed for Becca Kufrin's heart on Season 14 of "The Bachelorette," opened up about being virgin-shamed after revealing on the reality TV show that he's never slept with anyone before because he hasn't found "the right heart" yet. "[It's] the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life," the 26 year old told Chris Harrison on ABC's "The Men Tell All" special, which aired on July 30. "Getting cheap shots thrown at me … that hurts," he said. "I feel like people think I'm less of a man because of that and that's the hardest thing for me to hear." Added the former football player, "It's sort of sad that it is viewed as baggage or a red flag or skeletons in a closet. … Hopefully it is something that is respected so I can continue to speak my truth." After the special aired, Underwood took to Instagram to share more of his thoughts: "If I have to continue to take cheap shots about my virginity- which is only a small part of who I am- so that others like me can feel comfortable & relate-Bring it on!" he wrote. "While I didn't plan on breaking down or speaking about my virginity on tonight's episode, it is clearly something that I struggle talking about. When I heard the comments made by some of the other guys it triggered a response from me that was unexpected. While I respect their opinions, I'm not here to prove a point, say I'm better than anyone else or gain sympathy. It is what it is… my virginity shouldn't have to be defended or used to describe me as a person."
Julie Chen addresses allegations against CBS exec husband Les Moonves on "The Talk"
On the July 30 episode of "The Talk," Julie Chen briefly addressed the sexual misconduct allegations lobbed against her husband, CBS CEO Les Moonves, in an extensive New Yorker exposé. "Some of you may be aware of what has been going on in my life for the past few days," she said. "I have issued the one and only statement I will ever make on this topic on Twitter. And I will stand by that statement today, tomorrow, forever." On July 27, the "Big Brother" host tweeted, "I have known my husband, Leslie Moonves, since the late '90s, and I have been married to him for almost 14 years. Leslie is a good man and a loving father, devoted husband and inspiring corporate leader. He has always been a kind, decent and moral human being. I fully support my husband and stand behind him and his statement."
"Hell's Kitchen" contestant Jessica Vogel dead at 34
Jessica Vogel, who competed on Season 12 of "Hell's Kitchen" in 2014, died at age 34 in New Jersey on July 30. The chef's fiancé, John Michael Keyser, told NorthJersey.com that "her heart gave out" while she was being treated at a local hospital for colitis, a disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. "We were planning to open a restaurant together," he said. "My heart is breaking."
Kim Kardashian West defends Donald Trump: "I have nothing bad to say"
Kim Kardashian West opened up about Kanye West's friendship with Donald Trump during a July 30 appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" When the late-night host asked if her husband still likes the president, she responded, "Yeah. I think he really, um, yeah." She then said that she doesn't engage in political debates with her hubby because she "respects" his opinions. "He doesn't necessarily agree with the policies," Kim said. "[Kanye] likes his, um, kind of just his personality and how he made it to be president when everyone really underestimated him. … He's not political, so he doesn't really dig deep into what's going on. And I always knew that. And I always know what he meant." Added the mother of three, "But I have nothing bad to say about the president because he's done something amazing." She also said that while she "doesn't agree with everything" Trump does, she's "focused" on the favor he did for her and doesn't want to "dig deep" on everything else. (In early June, after meeting with Kim about prison reform, Trump pardoned Alice Marie Johnson, a 62-year-old grandmother who spent more than 20 years of a life sentence in prison for a first-time drug offense.)
CNN readying final season of Anthony Bourdain's "Parts Unknown"
CNN will air a final seven-episode season of "Parts Unknown" in the fall, a spokesperson for the network told the Los Angeles Times. The network has one completed episode, in which the show's late host, Anthony Bourdain — who killed himself while filming the series in France in June — tours Kenya with CNN host W. Kamau Bell. It'll be the only episode to feature his signature narration. The next four episodes will reportedly rely on footage that's already been captured of Bourdain on location in Spain, Indonesia, Manhattan's Lower East Side and an area of Texas close to the U.S. border with Mexico, as well as narration from crew members, directors and producers who were also on-site. The penultimate episode will feature interviews with the cast and crew, outtakes and behind-the-scenes footage and will center around the making of the show, and the series finale will focus on Bourdain's legacy and impact on the world.
