Grapevine: George Michael died ‘peacefully’

George Michael’s partner: Singer died ‘peacefully’

News of British pop star George Micheal’s death broke late Christmas Day. The Grammy Award-winning superstar, 53, died of heart failure at his home. His longtime boyfriend, Fadi Fawaz, told The Daily Telegraph that he found him “just gone, lying peacefully in bed.” “We were supposed to be going for Christmas lunch,” he said. “Everything had been very complicated recently, but George was looking forward to Christmas, and so was I,” Fawaz told the Telegraph. “Now everything is ruined. I want people to remember him the way he was — a beautiful person.”

David Černya guest artist for 2017 Dirty Show

Czech sculptor David Černy will be the special guest artist at the 18th annual Dirty Show. The erotic and alternative art event, Feb. 10-18, will be Černy’s first visit to Detroit. The 49-year-old artist is best known for his controversial sculptures, which can be seen around Prague. In 1991 he gained notoriety for painting a Soviet tank in a war memorial pink.

‘Everyone Hates Chris’ actor died

Actor and comedian Ricky Harris died Monday of a heart attack at age 54. He was best known for his movie roles in “Heat” and “Poetic Justice,” and was also on the television show “Everyone Hates Chris.” Several rappers paid their respects on social media Monday, including Snoop Dogg, Warren G. and Chuck D. “The world is a little less funny today,” tweeted Ice Cube.

Also ...

■TMZ has obtained a copy of GaryShandling’s autopsy report, which reveals that the late comedian died from a blood clot that traveled from his leg into his lungs. The cause of death is listed as both “natural” and an “accident.” Shandling, who died on March 24, had Xanax, oxycodone and hydrocodone in his system. He was taking the opiates for pain related to dental surgery.

■An apparent hack of the Sony Music Twitter account, a Britney Spears death hoax caused waves Monday. The since-deleted tweets said “RIP @britneyspears #RIPBritney 1981-2016” and “Britney Spears is dead by accident! We will tell you more soon #RIPBritney.” The pop star’s manager confirmed to CNN that she’s fine.

Compiled by Melody Baetens

mbaetens@detroitnews.com

Wednesday’s birthdays

Stan Lee, 94

Maggie Smith, 82

Denzel Washington, 62

Seth Meyers, 43

Joe Manganiello, 40

John Legend, 38