Here's the Scoop...

I just can't believe it... Gene Wilder has passed away. Sorry I'm just getting to this now, but I didn't find out until early this morning.

From The Producers and Blazing Saddles to Young Frankenstein and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Wilder was an amazing comic genius.

Young Frankenstein has always been my favorite comedy. I think I'll watch it tonight to remember a great comic talent and let his humor be the bright spot on a sad day.

Thank you for all of the laughs, Dr. Frankenstein! Sorry, Frankenstein.

Be Well,
Steve

Comments? Questions? Nooz? Email Steve



************************
Beloved and iconic funnyman Gene Wilder dies at 83
Gene Wilder, the zany, wild-haired and soft-spoken comedian who appeared in nearly 30 films and several stand-up routines, died at his Connecticut home Monday at the age of 83.

Wilder, born as Jerome Silberman in 1933, died as the result of Alzheimer's Disease at his home in Stamford, his family said.

"We understand for all the emotional and physical challenges this situation presented we have been among the lucky ones," nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman said in a statement. "This illness-pirate, unlike in so many cases, never stole his ability to recognize those that were closest to him, nor took command of his central-gentle-life affirming core personality."

According to family members, Wilder had been ill for an undisclosed period of time but opted to keep his condition private.

"The decision to wait until this time to disclose his condition wasn't vanity, but more so that the countless young children that would smile or call out to him 'there's Willy Wonka,' would not have to be then exposed to an adult referencing illness or trouble and causing delight to travel to worry, disappointment or confusion," Walker-Pearlman added. "He simply couldn't bear the idea of one less smile in the world."

Wilder became known for his mild-mannered and unassuming performances in several cult films, including Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, Stir Crazy and Silver Streak -- and paired up four times onscreen with fellow comedian Richard Pryor, successfully, as a counter balance to his brash and flamboyant characters.

Fellow funnyman and film director Mel Brooks, who collaborated multiple times with Wilder, expressed his sadness upon hearing the news Monday.

"One of the truly great talents of our time. He blessed every film we did with his magic and he blessed me with his friendship," Brooks said.

He is best known by most, however, for his energetic and vibrant portrayal of the title character in 1971's Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory -- a quirky and irreverent British adaptation of the famous children's book by Roald Dahl.

"Sad day," Rain Pryor, Richard's comedienne daughter, said on Twitter on Monday.

"He was always able to make us smile, and that is no small feat. Rest with the stars," Star Trek actor George Takei tweeted.

He breathed life & joy into everything he touched. Rest in peace, Gene Wilder. pic.twitter.com/r7ufUDbyMq- 20th Century Fox (@20thcenturyfox) August 29, 2016

"2016 has been painful so far," actor Zach Braff added, referring to other unexpected deaths this year, including superstar musician Prince.

"He breathed life and joy into everything he touched. Rest in peace," the 20th Century Fox Film Corporation said in a tweet.

Wilder, who married four times, is survived by his wife of 25 years, Karen Boyer.

"He continued to enjoy art, music, and kissing with his leading lady of the last twenty-five years, Karen," Walker-Pearlman wrote. "He danced down a church aisle at a wedding as parent of the groom and ring bearer, held countless afternoon movie western marathons and delighted in the company of beloved ones."


Spice Girls: Mel B, Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell reunite
Spice Girls fans were delighted to see Mel B, Emma Bunton and Geri Halliwell reunite over the weekend.

The trio of singers enjoyed a girls' night Friday and shared clips from the get-together on Instagram.

"Hanging with my girls yipppppeeee #girlpower #wichesofeastwick @emmaleebunton @therealgerihalliwell," Mel B captioned a gif.

"On a Friday night all you need is tea, cake, wine and friendship! #girlpower," Bunton added to a clip on her own account.

The mini-reunion follows months of speculation about a 20th anniversary celebration. Mel B, Bunton and Halliwell had teased a reunion in July that would mark the 20th anniversary of the Spice Girls' debut album Spice.

"We have the best fans in the whole entire world. You've stood by us for twenty years and we want to say a big thank you. We've had our ups and downs, but you've always been there," the trio said at the time.

"We want to celebrate and have a party. And when we do, you're all invited!" they revealed. "Happy 20th birthday to all our fans. We hope to tell you you soon what you want, what you really really want..."

Mel B, Bunton and Halliwell previously got together in May to record new music in London. Spice Girls members Victoria Beckham and Mel C have kept quiet about their potential involvement with a reunion.



LOOSE LIPS:
"It's easy to fall in love when you're young, right? And then you start to realize those feelings of love and stuff, passion, love, lust, sometimes they come very quickly, but they can also leave quickly."
--Scott Eastwood, on why he hasn't settled down yet, to GQ Australia


??? Guess Who ???
Which member of the DC Comics movie universe teased the arrival of a major DC Comics villain?


Jennifer Lopez surprises ex-husband Marc Anthony in concert
Jennifer Lopez surprised ex-husband Marc Anthony at his concert Saturday in New York.

The 47-year-old singer joined Anthony onstage during his show at Radio City Music Hall to perform their Spanish-language song "No Me Ames."

"Always fun sharing the stage w this one... @marcanthony #NoMeAmes #radiocitymusichall #familia," Lopez captioned a picture of herself with the performer on Instagram

The "I Luh Ya Papi" singer later reunited with Anthony backstage to pose for a family photo with their two children, 8-year-old twins Emme and Max. Anthony's wife, Shannon De Lima, joined the foursome for the snapshot.

"#MiGente, thank you to the fans and @jlo for a wonderful concert. #AllAboutFamily backstage last night at @radiocitymusichall #ThePrivateCollection #Tour2016," Anthony wrote.

Lopez and Anthony split in 2011 after nearly seven years of marriage and finalized their divorce in 2014. Lopez called the split "the biggest disappointment of [her] life" in an interview with People and Entertainment Weekly in March.

"It was devastating and awful," she admitted. "I think both Marc and I thought at the time we would be together for the next 40 years until we die."

Lopez has since had an on-again, off-again relationship with Casper Smart but reportedly split from the dancer last week. She last released the album A.K.A. in 2014, while Anthony debuted 3.0 in 2013.


??? Guess Who ???
Which member of the DC Comics movie universe teased the arrival of a major DC Comics villain?

Batman himself, Ben Affleck, has teased the upcoming cinematic appearance of major DC Comics villain Deathstroke on social media.

In a cryptic video posted Monday on Twitter, the highly-skilled assassin for hire is shown starring menacingly at the camera sporting his signature blue and orange armor.

While its unclear where the footage originates from, The Wrap, citing sources close to the project, have reported that Deathstroke will indeed be the main villain in Affleck's upcoming Batman solo film which he is directing and preparing alongside famed comic book writer Geoff Johns.

Deathstroke, aka Slade Wilson, and also nicknamed The Terminator, was created by Marv Wolfman and George Perez in 1980. Known for taking on the Teen Titans and hunting down heroes for the right price, Deathstroke possesses incredible strength, reflexes, a brilliant tactical mind and the ability to regenerate.

The fan-favorite character has appeared in numerous comics, animated shows like Cartoon Network's hit Teen Titans series, video games and most recently was portrayed by actor Manu Bennett on Arrow.

Affleck's standalone Batman film currently has no release date but the actor will appear as The Dark Knight in Justice League alongside Henry Cavill (Superman), Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), Ezra Miller (The Flash), Jason Momoa (Aquaman) and Ray Fisher (Cyborg) when it opens in theaters Nov. 17, 2017.