Dan Gordon-Levitt, aka Burning Dan, Passes Away – PHOTOS and VIDEO

Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s brother has passed away at the age of 36. The question of how and why are still unanswered. All that has been confirmed is that Dan Gordon aka Burning Dan passed away. A note on his site confirmed the terrible news.

Burning Dan, we will miss you.
you were a shining light for our entire community
and although I know you would want us to smile, dance, and flow
I’m going to take a few moments to be sad for your passing.
For everyone who has not heard, Dan passed peacefully and unexpectedly Sunday night. In addition to founding and running Flow Temple, Dan was a celebrated poi-oneer who constantly challenged our thoughts on both how the tools could be used, and what good you could bring to the world through your art form.
He was also an incredibly sweet soul.
When we have information on a memorial service, we will pass it on.
Love you Dan.

Joseph also left this message on his Twitter:

My super hero brother @burningdan 1974-2010. Celebrate his life here ~ http://bit.ly/dBTMQ8 because he’s fucking awesome.

Our deepest condolences.

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Images: wenn.com, hitRECord.org

Brittany Murphy’s Cause of Death: Drugs, Foul Play or Natural Causes?

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Brittany Murphy, actress and wife to Simon Monjack, died at age 32 from cardiac arrest yesterday. New details on the tragedy are emerging, while accusations and rumors are flying with everything from drugs to anorexia to her husband coming under suspicion. But how did she really die – was it drugs? Foul Play? Natural causes? Certainly its not ‘natural’ for someone so young and full of life to just pass away, was it? Her family told Los Angeles officials that she was extremely ill in the days before her death. Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter says they will conduct an autopsy today to try to determine what killed her. He says the reported illness could be a contributing factor to her death, but that it will be weeks before a final determination is made. Prescription medications were taken from Murphy’s home and officials say they will contact her personal physician to get a better sense of her medical history. An official cause of death may not be determined for some time, since toxicology tests will be required and could take up to six weeks. Winter says Murphy’s death appears to be from natural causes.

Per PopEater:

Capt. John Kades of the coroner’s office says, “Foul play is not suspected at this time because there were no outward signs of trauma or other injuries,” according to PEOPLE.

TMZ, which first reported that Murphy died after going into full cardiac arrest, has since reported that Murphy was very ill in the hours prior to her death and that she was taking prescription medications for flu-like symptoms she had been experiencing for several days. Sources also told TMZ that Murphy was vomiting before she died Sunday and that several types of prescription drugs were found in the house.

“There were a lot … a lot of prescriptions in the house.” We’re also told authorities did not find illegal drugs in the house, but Murphy was definitely taking various prescription meds.

Murphy collapsed inside the home she shared with husband. Some reports indicate he is the one who found her, while others claim it was her mother Sharon, in the bathroom of her home where there was ‘a significant amount of vomit’ in the room. A neighbor reports seeing the paramedics attempting to revive Murphy, who appeared then to be dead. She was transported to Cedars-Sinai, where she was pronounced dead on arrival at 10:04 a.m. Murphys’ mother also told paramedics that she suffered with Type 2 diabetes, but people connected to the case believe its highly unlikely that contributed to her death. Los Angeles police have opened an investigation into Murphy’s death, with detectives and the coroner’s officials at Murphy and Monjack’s home Sunday afternoon.

In somewhat of a creepy turn, Perez Hilton predicted Brittany’s death in a radio interview earlier this month. When radio host AJ Machado asked Perez if there was another celebrity headed for the same fate as Michael Jackson, Perez reportedly said, “Brittany Murphy maybe.” Did he know something we don’t? Perez has since blogged a warning to Lindsay Lohan and Courtney Love to straighten out their act so they won’t be next – let’s hope he’s not right the next time! But Murphy had said that 2010 was the year she had planned to try for a baby with her husband, although she also somewhat foreshadowed her own death in a statement made in 2003.

Per Bumpshack:

“Everybody has difficult years, but a lot of times the difficult years end up being the greatest years of your whole entire life, if you survive them.”

No matter how ill she was, she was still too young to die. It’s a shame that we had to lose such a talented actress. We wish Murphy’s family and friends all the best during this difficult time. Feel free to leave your condolences below.

Celeb Reacting To Murphy’s Death:

“2day the world lost a little piece of sunshine. My deepest condolences go out 2 Brittany’s family, her husband, & her amazing mother Sharon. See you on the other side kid.” – Ashton Kutcher

“I’m so saddened to hear this news. I loved working with Brittany. She was so talented, so warm and so sweet. I always felt connected to her as we shared a very special experience in our lives together. I feel love in my heart for her-and hope she is at peace.” – Alicia Silverstone

“Brittany was one of the sweetest people you will ever meet. She had the voice of an angel and a genuine heart of gold. I’m very happy to have known and worked with such a special person. My heart goes out to all of her loved ones.” – Donald Faison

“It is a terrible loss for us as actors and to the industry but even greater for her family. My thoughts and prayers are with them.” – Whoopie Goldberg

“My deepest condolences go out to all of Brittany Murphy’s loved ones & may she rest in peace. She was a great talent with a beautiful soul. XO.” - Lindsay Lohan

“Brittany Murphy was an incredible ray of Light to so many people. My prayers are with her family and loved ones.” – Jessica Simpson

“I met [Brittany Murphy] before her star rose. It’s tough to find peace in fame. I wish her peace and happiness in her next lifetime.” – Russell Simmons

“My heart aches having just learned of Brittany Murphy’s death. We were friends time-to-time through the years. I always admired her pure spirit.” – Eliza Dushku

“So sad this is truly a waste. feeling regret we didnt’ do more. i love you so much Brittany and always will.” – Kathy Najimy

“I am beyond words by the loss of Brittany Murphy. I was so blessed to know your grace. My heart goes out to your mama loved ones.” – Soleil Moon Frye

Brittany Murphey Found Dead

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Actress Brittany Murphy went into full cardiac arrest and died this morning in Los Angeles. An emergency call was made about 8am Sunday morning from husband Simon Monjack’s home, the L.A. Fire Department was quoted as saying. She was rushed to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center but pronounced dead on arrival. Her time of death was listed as 10:04 AM.

Sources tell TMZ Brittany Murphy’s mom discovered her unconscious in the shower. We’re told when paramedics arrived, they quickly determined Murphy was in full cardiac arrest and immediately administered CPR.

Murphy was born in Atlanta and began acting as a young teenager in a series of television appearances. Her breakthrough role was in the 1995 hit “Clueless” with Alicia Silverstone, and was well-known for her roles in “8 Mile,” and most recently “Sin City.” Murphy also provided the voice for Luanne Platter in popular animated television series “King of the Hill.” She married British screenwriter Monjack in 2007.

Murphy made headlines earlier this month when her husband had a brief health scare that led him to the hospital. And she reportedly parted ways on bad terms from production of the upcoming movie “The Caller.” Earlier in her career, Murphy was accused of having an eating disorder which some believed was tied to a cocaine habit, but she strongly denied the accusations.

Murphy was only 32 years old. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this time.

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Images Via: WENN.com

Celebrity Reactions to the Death of DJ AM, Adam Goldstein

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Its with heavy hearts that we must announce the passing of another musical artist. Adam Goldstein, more famously known as DJ AM, was found dead in his New York City apartment on Friday afternoon. The cause of death is still unknown at this time but a source claims drug paraphernalia, such as a pipe commonly used to smoke drugs, and prescription drug bottles were found in the apartment next to his body.

Celebrities are taking to their personal Twitter pages to send out their condolences and thoughts about Goldstein.

Per TMZ:

John Mayer: In complete shock.

Lindsay Lohan: i can’t believe this.. i’m in shock. why? why? r.i.p. adam.

Alyssa Milano: May you rest in peace, Adam. You touched many with your light and will be missed like crazy.

Ryan Seacrest: So sad the hear about adam. a very kind and generous guy.

Dr. Drew: I lack the words to describe my feelings.

Ashton Kutcher: much love to my boy AM.

Soliel Moon Frye: Thank you for bringing so much music and inspiration to peoples lives. Rip Dj Am.

Heidi Montag: my thoughts and prayers are with DJ AM’s family and friends.

Shanna Moakler: My deepest condolences for DJ AM, you were a great artist and will be severely missed. My thoughts and Prayers to his family and friends.

A friend reportedly arrived at Adam’s apartment to check on him after not hearing from him for a few days, but got no response after knocking on his door. The friend then called the police, who entered and found his body. He was only 36 years old. His last public appearance was this past Sunday at Citi Field in NYC where he threw out the first pitch at a Mets game. He last updated his personal Twitter on Tuesday with a chilling lyric from the opening line to the famous Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five song “New York, New York.”

Per DJ AM’s Twitter:

“New york, new york. Big city of dreams, but everything in new york aint always what it seems.”

Goldstein had previously been battling drug addiction and even had a show on the MTV network to help out those who were struggling with drugs. He was very popular on the celebrity circuit as he was frequently booked for high profile parties and celebrations. Goldstein was once engaged to Nicole Richie and also dated Mandy Moore on and off for several years. A year ago, he suffered severe burns when the Learjet carrying him and Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker crashed near a runway in South Carolina, killing 4 people, heading to California.

Tonight Goldstein was supposed to be deejaying at Rain in Las Vegas, Nevada. No additional details regarding Adam Goldstein’s death have been revealed, as the story is still developing. Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to his family and friends during this tragic time.

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Images Via: wenn.com

Bea Arthur Passes Away at 86

It is with a heavy heart that we here at Hollywood Dame announce the passing of beloved funny-woman Bea Arthur. Bea passed away Saturday morning at her home is Los Angeles surrounded by her family. She was 86.

If you spend a lot of time here at Hollywood Dame (and you should), then you have no doubt read on my bio page that Bea Arthur is one of my favorite celebrities. She was a comedic genius and one hell of a lady.

Bea’s career as an actress began off Broadway in the 1950’s. It wasn’t until the 1970’s when she earned a guest spot as Edith Bunker’s liberal cousin on the show ‘All in the Family’ that Bea’s television presence became known. She was offered her own show ‘Maude’, which was a spin-off of ‘All in the Family’.

‘Maude’ was a popular show and even earned Bea an Emmy Award in 1977. The show was a comedy, but pushed the envelope with serious and controversial storylines such as Maude’s decision to have an abortion and her husband Walter’s alcoholism.

In the 1980’s Bea joined fellow funny-ladies Rue MacClanahan, Betty White, and the late Estelle Getty on the beloved show ‘The Golden Girls.’ She played substitute teacher, and constantly harassed daughter of Sofia, Dorothy Zbornak. I still remember waiting every Saturday night for “the girls” to come on. It was my favorite show and Bea was by far my favorite character. I still watch ‘The Golden Girls’ religiously today and, though I have seen every episode a dozen or more times, I still manage to laugh at every joke.

When asked once how she felt about being type-cast into roles Bea replied:

“Look — I’m 5-feet-9, I have a deep voice and I have a way with a line. What can I do about it? I can’t stay home waiting for something different. I think it’s a total waste of energy worrying about typecasting.”

That’s why I heart Bea Arthur. She knew who she was and never once attempted to change for anyone.

Jerry Herman, who worked as the composer for Arthur’s Tony Award winning performance in the musical, ‘Mame’, had this to say about Bea via the Associated Press:

“There was no one else like Bea. She would make us laugh during `Mame’ rehearsals with a look or with a word. She didn’t need dialogue. I don’t know if I can say that about any other person I ever worked with.”

That’s simple Jerry: you can’t. No one can. The world is a little less funny today.

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Images Via: IMBD, Wenn

Ron Silver Passes Away

Actor and longtime political activist Ron Silver died Sunday morning, succumbing to a long battle with esophageal cancer after battling the disease for the past two years. He was 62.

Per NY Post:

“Ron Silver died peacefully in his sleep with his family around him this morning,” said Robin Bronk, executive director of the Creative Coalition, which Silver helped create. “He had been fighting esophageal cancer for two years and his family is making arrangements for a private service.”

The actor started the left-leaning Creative Coalition in 1989 but switched to the GOP following the Sept. 11 attacks, speaking at the 2004 Republican National Convention. His “West Wing” character Bruno Gianelli underwent a similar conversion on that TV show. His early credits included “The Mac Davis Show,” “Rhoda” and “The Stockard Channing Show.” Silver is best known for playing legal scholar Alan Dershowitz in 1990′s “Reversal of Fortune,” a movie about the successful appeal of Claus von Bulow’s conviction for putting his socialite wife into a permanent coma. He had also won a Tony Award as a take-no-prisoners Hollywood producer in David Mamet’s “Speed-the-Plow.”

Ron was married to Lynne Miller from the December 1975 untill July 1997. They have two children, a son named Adam who was born in 1979 and a daughter named Alexandra who was born in 1983.

Very sad news. Our condolences go out to his family.

Image Via Wenn