• 'Sons of Anarchy' creator blasts AMC over 'Walking Dead' showrunner exit

    AMC

    Chandler Riggs as Carl Grimes in "The Walking Dead."

    By Lesley Goldberg, The Hollywood Reporter

    Former "Shield" writers/exec producers Kurt Sutter and Shawn Ryan took to Twitter on Friday to voice their support for friend and former colleague Glen Mazzara after the showrunner parted ways with AMC's "The Walking Dead."

    AMC on Friday announced that its ratings juggernaut "The Walking Dead" would return for a fourth season -- and without Mazzara, who became the second showrunner to exit the zombie drama in as many years.

    STORY: AMC renews "The Walking Dead" for fourth season; showrunner Glen Mazzara departing

    "Both parties acknowledge that there is a difference of opinion about where the show should go moving forward and conclude that it is best to part ways," AMC said in a statement. "This decision is amicable, and Glen will remain on for postproduction on season 3B as showrunner and executive producer." (Filming on season three already has concluded, with the second half of episodes set to return to AMC in February.)

    "Sons of Anarchy" creator Sutter took to Twitter late Friday to voice his support for Mazzara and blast AMC -- which has a history of rocky relationships with its showrunners.

    "AMC is run by small-minded, bottom-line thinkers who have no appreciation or gratitude for the effort of its creative personnel," Sutter wrote. "Time and time again we see events like what happened today with Glen Mazzara. They continue to disrespect writers, s--- on their audience and bury their network. Mazzara took the work-in-progress that was 'Walking Dead' and turned it into a viable TV show with a future. Without him, that future is dim. Showrunners are not development executives, we're not cookie-cutter d------- that you plug into a preexisting model. 'TWD' will suffer. Even zombies need consistency. 'Mad Men' and 'Breaking Bad' will be gone soon. So will AMC. I hope their f------ stock takes a dive and the shareholders line up (AMC president and CEO Josh) Sapan, (AMC parent Cablevision founder Charles) Dolan and (AMC president and GM Charlie) Collier and s--- in their open hands."

    PHOTOS: "The Walking Dead's" most shocking deaths

    Sutter's comments come more than a year after the showrunner quit Twitter following his vocal support for former "Walking Dead" showrunner Frank Darabont, whom Mazzara replaced. Sutter, in August 2011, wrote: "No one else wants to f------ say it, but the greed of 'Mad Men' is killing the other two best shows on TV -- 'Breaking Bad' and 'Walking Dead,'" added Sutter, referring to AMC's then-protracted negotiations with "Mad Men" creator Matthew Weiner and "Breaking Bad" showrunner Vince Gilligan.

    Ryan, meanwhile, broke a holiday-timed Twitter silence to express his concern about whether Mazzara's departure would hurt AMC in the long run.

    "Breaking my Twitter silence to comment: AMC, WTF?" Ryan wrote.

    "Common knowledge that AMC cut Breaking Bad shorter than it should have been. Now you have creative differences w/ biggest hit's savior?" he added.


    "With FX, Showtime, HBO, Starz, Cinemax, A&E, TNT and others to sell to, it's a real question now why good show runners should sell to AMC?" he concluded before returning to Twitter silence.

    "Banshee" and "House" EP GregYaitanes also voiced support for Mazzara, writing: "Yo. @AMC_TV what are you doing with@WalkingDead_AMC by canning another great voice???"

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  • 'Sons of Anarchy' star who allegedly killed landlady was not on drugs

    Matt Carr / Getty Images file

    Actor Johnny Lewis in 2011.

    By Natalie Finn, Eonline

    A few questions pertaining to Johnny Lewis' death have been answered -- but the real circumstances surrounding his September death remain a mystery.

    The 28-year-old 'Sons of Anarchy' actor died of traumatic injuries sustained in what can only be ruled an accidental fall due to lack of evidence that he jumped or was pushed, according to the official autopsy report released Thursday and obtained by E! News.

    Lewis is suspected of killing his landlady before falling to his death from the roof of his residence -- a plunge that, in the opinion of the lead investigator, occurred when he attempted to flee the scene.

    Former advisor: Lewis was struggling with mental illness

    "He appears to have jumped from an elevated terrace to the driveway while attempting to flee the scene. During the approximately 15-foot drop he apparently lost his balance or struck an object," wrote investigator Jerry McKibben. "This caused him to land so his head impacted the concrete driveway."

    McKibben noted that there was a possibility Lewis was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but, while he was deemed ineligible for tissue donation due to recent drug use, the autopsy turned up no drugs of any kind in his system.

    "Decedent died of a fall," wrote L.A. County Senior Deputy Medical Examiner James K. Ribe. "We do not have definitive evidence that the decedent intended to kill himself. We also do not at this time have any evidence that he was pushed. Therefore, the manner of his death is accidental."

    Lewis was cremated and buried at sea off the coast of San Diego last month.

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  • Jane's Addiction's Dave Navarro to guest star on 'Sons of Anarchy'

    Imeh Akpanudosen / Getty Images

    Dave Navarro is set to guest on "SoA."

    By Rebecca Ford, The Hollywood Reporter

    "Sons of Anarchy" is adding another tattooed badass to its family. Rocker Dave Navarro will guest star on FX’s hit drama "Sons of Anarchy," The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.

    Photos from THR: Kurt Sutter and Katey Sagal on set of 'SoA'

    Navarro’s character will be a Biz Lats gang member who is tied to “companionator” Nero Padilla (Jimmy Smits), as Entertainment Weekly first reported.

    Additionally, Navarro’s band, Jane’s Addiction, will do a cover of “Sympathy for the Devil” for the season-five finale.

    Photos from THR: 'SoA's' 10 most dramatic deaths


    It’s been a stellar season for guest stars on "Sons of Anarchy." Ashley Tisdale appeared as a prostitute for two episodes this season, and "Community’s" Joel McHale will play a con man in an upcoming arc.

    Additionally, as a fun surprise to fans of creator Kurt Sutter’s previous work, "The Shield," Walton Goggins appeared as a transvestite escort in last week’s episode, participating in a little S&M and blackmail.

    "Sons of Anarchy" airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on FX.

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  • 'Sons of Anarchy' actor is cremated and buried at sea

    By Natalie Finn, E! Online

    Actor Johnny Lewis has been cremated.

    Johnny Lewis is finally at peace. The "Sons of Anarchy" actor, who died in a plunge from the roof of the building where he had been renting a room and is suspected of killing the landlady just prior to his own death, was cremated and buried at sea last week. 

    According to his death certificate, obtained Tuesday by E! News, Lewis' ashes were dispersed off the coast of San Diego. Further details, such as who accompanied the 28-year-old's remains to their final resting place, were not available. 

    More from E: Everything we know about the late Johnny Lewis 

    But while the Los Angeles Department of Public Health has released the certificate, the medical cause of the troubled actor's death remains deferred, however, pending the result of toxicology tests conducted at autopsy. 

    More from E: View the death certificate 


    Authorities have also yet to rule on whether Lewis' death was an accident or not, and manner of death remains checked off as "pending investigation." 

    More form E: Johnny Lewis' memorable roles 

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  • 'Sons of Anarchy' actor Johnny Lewis attacked other neighbors before his death

    Mike Cassese / REUTERS

    Johnny Lewis in 2011.

    By Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter

    Descriptions of fierce attacks are among new details coming out about the late "Sons of Anarchy" actor Johnny Lewis.

    Lewis was found dead in a Los Feliz driveway Wednesday, after allegedly killing his 81-year-old landlady, Catherine Davis. He is also believed to have fought with three people in the backyard of a nearby residence before ultimately falling to his death from the roof of Davis’ house.

    STORY: "Sons of Anarchy" star Johnny Lewis disappearing from Scientology websites

    According to one of Davis' neighbors, Lewis introduced himself as “John” on Wednesday and said he was new to the neighborhood, the LA Times reports. Lewis left, but returned shortly and attacked a painter working in the man’s backyard. The man, who wished to remain anonymous, said he came to the painter’s aid after his wife saw the attack unfold and screamed for help.

    The man, his wife, and the painter all struggled with Lewis, who did not seem to feel pain. The neighbor said hitting Lewis was like “hitting him with a fly swatter.”

    The three eventually made it inside, and held the door shut while Lewis attempted to get in. Lewis eventually departed, and when police arrived, they found him dead in the driveway next door.

    STORY: Johnny Lewis death: Lawyer says "Sons of Anarchy" actor was "delusional"

    The description of the attack echoes an account of a Jan. 3 incident. According to records, Lewis broke into a Northridge town home and attacked two men with an empty bottle after they asked him to leave.

    "My brother-in-law hit him in the head many times," the man said. "He didn't even blink."


    Lewis, whose lawyer said was "delusional," is known to have run afoul of the law several other times this year. On Feb. 10, he was arrested for allegedly striking a man outside of a yogurt shop, and on Feb. 18 he was taken into custody after a woman said he attempted to break into her Santa Monica home.

    PHOTOS: Hollywood's notable deaths of 2012

    After being released on bail, Lewis was taken into custody again on May 23 for failing to appear in court, and later ordered to complete 30 days of rehab for mental health and substance abuse issues. After completing treatment at Ridgeview Ranch in Altadena, Calif., he was placed on probation.

    But Lewis was once again in custody at some point after this for unknown reasons, and was released from county jail just five days before his death.

    Lewis appeared in 26 episodes of "Sons of Anarchy" as an aspiring member of the California motorcycle club. His credits also include nine episodes of "The O.C." and roles in the films "The Runaways" and "Lovely Molly."

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  • Former ‘Lost’ stars: Where they are on TV today


    By Sharon Knolle, TODAY contributor

    Our favorite actors from "Lost" are popping up everywhere in prime time this fall, including Terry O'Quinn (John Locke) as a devilish building owner in "666 Park Avenue," Jorge Garcia (Hurley) as a fairy-tale giant on "Once Upon a Time" and Harold Perrineau (Michael) as the most ruthless villain "Sons of Anarchy" -- or any other show -- has ever seen.

    Here's when and where to find 14 "Lost" alumni in their new series:

    Slideshow: Former 'Lost' stars: Where they are on TV

    Bob D'amico / AP

    Launch slideshow

     Which former "Lost" star has the best new show? Share your picks on our Facebook page!

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  • 'Sons of Anarchy' actor dies in fall, is suspect in landlady's death

    Matt Carr / Getty Images file

    Johnny Lewis

    By Associated Press

    Court records show "Sons of Anarchy" actor Johnny Lewis was released from jail a week before being found dead in his driveway after police say he apparently killed his landlady.

    Los Angeles police said Thursday that the 28-year-old Lewis is the only suspect in the death of 81-year-old Catherine Davis, who was discovered slain inside the hillside home in Los Feliz.

    Authorities say they are investigating Davis' death and that it appears she was beaten. They say the actor died Wednesday after climbing atop the home and either jumping or falling to the ground.

    Lewis played Kip "Half-Sack" Epps in the FX show.

    David Livingston / Getty Images

    Actor Johnny Lewis was found dead at this Los Angeles house after apparently falling from the roof of the building he lived in. He is also a suspect in the death of a woman who is thought to have been his landlord and was found dead inside the house.

    Lewis pleaded no contest to assault with a deadly weapon and attempted burglary in separate cases this year, according to records.

    He enrolled in a drug, alcohol and psychiatric treatment program over the summer, the records show.

    Lewis was released from county jail Sept. 21.

    As a condition of his probation in both cases, he was ordered not to use narcotics.

    Lewis' attorney Jonathan Mandel said Thursday he was "surprised" and "baffled" by the deaths.


    Mandel declined to immediately comment on Lewis's criminal history or possible drug problems pending consideration of client confidentiality requirements. 

    Before Lewis was discovered Wednesday morning, neighbors reported hearing a woman screaming in the home, said Los Angeles Police Cmdr. Andrew Smith.

    Neighbors also told authorities that a man had jumped a fence, assaulted a painter and homeowner next door and jumped back.

    It's unclear whether drugs or alcohol were involved, but police are investigating that possibility based on the circumstances of the crime, Smith said.

    Lewis had a career spanning more than a decade, mainly in small roles. He played Ricky in the 2007 movie "AVPR: Aliens vs Predator — Requiem" and was Dennis 'Chili' Childress for two seasons on TV's "The O.C."

    His role in "Sons of Anarchy" came in 2008 and 2009. 

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  • Emmy oversights: No 'Community'? No Katey Sagal? No Ed Helms?

    Ed Helms ("The Office), Katey Sagal ("Sons of Anarchy") and Joel McHale ("Community") were among the many stars who didn't make the cut for the 2012 Emmy nominations

    By Ree Hines, TODAY contributor

    It happens every year. Just moments after the annual list of primetime Emmy nominations goes public, the grumbling begins. It seems the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the body behind TV’s biggest awards bash, will never get it right as far as some viewers are concerned.

    And well, those viewers have a point.

    Sure, the Emmys have long honored easy favorites, like “Mad Men” and “Modern Family." And heck, the old guard even made room for newbies, including “Girls,” this time around. But where’s the love for the habitually overlooked offerings? “Community” fans may be used to seeing their favorite show snubbed, but that doesn’t make it right.

    There’s no shortage of such snubs in the 2012 Emmy nod list. In addition the annual “Community” omission, the Outstanding Comedy Series category alone lacked expected spots for “New Girl,” Louie” and “Parks and Recreation.”

    It wasn’t any better for comedy’s leading stars either. Despite critical praise for their work last season, Ed Helms (“The Office), Joel McHale ("Community"), Johnny Galecki (“The Big Bang Theory”), Laura Dern (“Enlightened”) and Laura Linney (“The Big C”) didn't make the final cut.


    While  the Outstanding Drama Series nominations were pretty much as expected -- with the notable omissions of “The Good Wife” and "The Walking Dead" -- for the drama talent, it was more of the same. Katey Sagal (“Sons of Anarchy”), Kyra Sedgwick (“The Closer”) and Mireille Enos (“The Killing”) were no-shows on the nom list. And the spot assumed to be a shoo-in for “House” star Hugh Laurie, in honor of his work on the long-running show’s final season, went to another Hugh instead -- Hugh Bonneville, who plays the Earl of Grantham on “Downton Abbey."

    There’s no pleasing everyone, but this year’s lacking Emmy nominations list is sure to leave TV fans talking.

    Which primetime Emmys snub is the worst? Tell us your picks for obvious oversights on our Facebook page.

     

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