By Marisa Laudadio
1:00pm PST, Nov 21, 2023
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Join Wonderwall.com as we look back at all the bold-faced names we’ve lost this year so far…
Former first lady Rosalynn Carter died at her home in Georgia on Nov. 19 — two days after her family announced she’d entered hospice care and six months after her family revealed that she’d been diagnosed with dementia. She was 96.
The mental health advocate married former U.S. President Jimmy Carter in 1946 and served as first lady from 1977 to 1981. They shared four children.
The 39th POTUS has been in hospice care since February.
Keep reading for more stars we lost this year…
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Actress and theater director Suzanne Shepherd “passed away peacefully in her home in New York City in the early morning hours” of Nov. 17, her agent confirmed to USA Today.
Suzanne was best known for her work as Mary DeAngelis — the mother of Edie Falco’s Carmela Soprano — on HBO’s “The Sopranos” from 2000 to 2007 and for playing the mother of Lorraine Bracco’s Karen in another mob drama — the 1990 film “Goodfellas.”
Suzanne was 89.
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Brandi Mallory — who found fame on season 4 of the ABC series “Extreme Weight Loss” in 2014 while losing 151 pounds — is dead at 40.
The reality star, who worked as a makeup artist, passed away on Nov. 8 in Stone Mountain, Georgia, the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed to People magazine. Her cause of death was not publicly disclosed.
However, new details about her unexpected and sudden passing emerged after TMZ obtained the police report: Brandi’s car was seen in a strip mall parking lot early on Nov. 9 — a local deli owner told police he saw a female inside who appeared to be asleep. When the car remained there later that day, it became clear something had happened to the driver.
According to the police report, cops reviewed surveillance footage that showed Brandi pulling into the parking lot the evening of Nov. 8 just before 6 p.m. She got out to pick up an order from a nearby Chipotle and returned to her car. Police noted there was no sign of foul play and that her cause of death remains under investigation.
MORE: Stars we lost too soon
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Former professional hockey player Nic Kerdiles — who was previously engaged to “Chrisley Knows Best” star Savannah Chrisley — died on Sept. 23 from injuries he sustained when he crashed his motorcycle into a BMW in Nashville. The NHL alum, who in recent years worked as a real estate agent, was 29.
After the news broke, Savannah — who got engaged to Nic in 2019 but split from him in 2020 — took to her Instagram Story to say goodbye: “Heaven gained the most beautiful angel today. … I miss you and I love you. I’ll forever save our last messages of ‘I love you.’ Please send me a sign that you’re OK,” she wrote.
“We loved hard. … And I can’t wait to ride bikes with you along the beaches of heaven one day,” she added.
In November, more details about Nic’s death emerged when his autopsy report was released. TMZ reported that the Nashville medical examiner’s toxicology tests confirmed that there was ethanol in Nic’s bloodstream when he died, estimating his blood alcohol content at about 0.124, which was well over the legal limit.
It also ruled his death accidental, confirming his cause of death as multiple blunt traumatic injuries. Nic suffered multiple broken bones, bruising of the brain and abrasions in the accident.
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Maryanne Trump Barry — a former federal judge and an older sibling of former President Donald Trump — is dead at 86, The New York Times reported on Nov. 13. According to The Times, she passed away at her New York City home on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The newspaper’s sources did not confirm a cause of death but reported that police were called to her residence early on Nov. 13.
She’s seen here with her brother at a casino opening in 1990.
In 1983, Maryanne, a Republican, was appointed to the District Court in New Jersey by President Ronald Reagan. A decade later, she was appointed to the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit by President Bill Clinton. She retired in 2019 amid the paper’s investigation into tax schemes employed by the Trump family during the ’90s to increase their inherited wealth.
Maryanne also made headlines after niece Mary Trump released recordings taped in 2018 and 2019 in which the former judge criticized her famous brother. “His godd***** tweet and the lying — oh, my God,” she said in one, adding, “I’m talking too freely, but, you know. The change of stories. The lack of preparation. The lying.” She also said of her brother, “All he wants to do is appeal to his base. He has no principles. None,” adding, “It’s the phoniness and this cruelty. Donald is cruel” and “You can’t trust him.”
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Bobby Knight — the polarizing college basketball coach who was as famous for his tantrums and outbursts as he was for his impressive wins — passed away on Nov. 1 at his home in Indiana. The Hall of Fame coach who led the Indiana Hoosiers to three national titles was 83.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share that Coach Bob Knight passed away at his home in Bloomington surrounded by his family,” read a statement on his website. “We are grateful for all the thoughts and prayers, and appreciate the continued respect for our privacy as Coach requested a private family gathering, which is being honored.” (See how the stars publicly mourned the basketball legend here.)
ESPN reported that the mercurial coach had been in poor health for several years and was hospitalized with an illness in April. His cause of death has not been shared publicly.
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On Oct. 5, the family of Chicago Bears icon Dick Butkus — one of the best middle linebackers to ever play in the NFL — announced that the Pro Football Hall of Famer “died peacefully in his sleep overnight at home in Malibu, California.”
He was 80.
“Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history,” Bears chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. “He was Chicago’s son. He exuded what our great city is about and, not coincidentally, what [late Bears owner and founder] George Halas looks for in a player: toughness, smarts, instincts, passion and leadership.”
“He refused to accept anything less than the best from himself, or from his teammates,” the statement continued. “His contributions to the game he loved will live forever and we are grateful he was able to be at our home opener this year to be celebrated one last time by his many fans.”
In November, CBS Sports learned more about what happened after obtaining the star’s death certificate from the Los Angeles Department of Public Health: He passed away as a result of a “cerebrovascular accident,” or stroke. Secondary causes listed included atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat), high cholesterol and atherosclerosis (thickened or hardened arteries). The document also revealed that Butkus underwent coronary bypass surgery in 2001.
See what stars, fellow athletes and more famous fans had to say about Dick here.
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Former child star Evan Ellingson — who was best known for his work as the lead in the 2009 movie “My Sister’s Keeper” and as Kyle Harmon, a recurring character on “SCI: Miami” for three years — is dead at 35. He had not appeared on screen in a decade.
Deadline reported that Evan was found dead on Nov. 5 at a home in Fontana, California, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner’s office.
The actor’s father, Michael, told TMZ that Evan died at a sober-living home, and though he’d struggled with drugs in the past, he’d recently been doing better and that his family was shocked by his sudden passing.
“My Sister’s Keeper” co-star Abigail Breslin took to Instagram to mourn and honor Evan — who played her big brother in the project — calling him “a kind, funny and extremely talented human being” and “a genuinely thoughtful person who cared so much about turning in the best performance, which he accomplished.”
Added Abigail, “Some of his scenes in MSK still give me chills. He was also silly, funny, a prankster, a lover of Red Bull (I hated the smell of Red Bull ) and he was energetic and the life of the party. I didn’t keep in touch a lot with him after the film, but he always stayed in my mind as a wonderful and sweet soul, one I am grateful to have crossed paths with. My prayers and condolences are with his family at this difficult time.
“Evan, I know Heaven will welcome you with open arms. Your time on this earth may have been, devastatingly, short. Your humor, exuberance, kindness and bright light will linger forever. Sending you peace on your journey to the great beyond and who knows… maybe one day, I’ll meet you in Montana. Xx, abster,” she concluded her post, adding, “Side note: the details of Evan’s passing have not yet been released. I ask you to kindly not speculate on the details out of respect for his family including his daughter.”
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Peter White — the actor who originated the role of Alan McCarthy in the groundbreaking off-Broadway play “The Boys in the Band,” then starred in the 1970 film of the same name — is dead at 86.
Peter — who also notably starred on the daytime drama “All My Children” as Lincoln Tyler — passed away on Nov. 1 at his home in Los Angeles following a battle with melanoma, former “All My Children” co-star Kathleen Noone told The Hollywood Reporter.
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“Friends” star Matthew Perry is dead at 54.
TMZ reported that, according to law enforcement sources, the actor was discovered in his hot tub at his home in the Los Angeles area on Oct. 28. He appeared to have drowned.
Sources told the webloid that first responders arrived after receiving a call about a potential cardiac arrest. TMZ further reported that sometime that morning, Matthew played pickleball, returned home and then sent his assistant on an errand. When the assistant returned to the house, he found the actor unresponsive and called 911.
TMZ added that first responders did not find any illegal drugs at the scene, but — according to law enforcement sources — there were prescription drugs at the star’s home including antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication and a drug used to treat COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office completed an autopsy but results are pending as authorities await a toxicology report, which can take weeks or even months.
Matthew’s shocking and tragic death came almost a year after he published his memoir, “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing,” in which he laid bare his decades-long struggle with addiction including 15 rehab stints.
See the final photos taken of Matthew weeks before his shocking death here…
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Tyler Christopher, the soap opera star best known for his work on “General Hospital” for two decades and, more recently, on “Days of Our Lives” — is dead at 50.
The Daytime Emmy-winning actor passed away on Oct. 30 “following a cardiac event in his San Diego apartment,” “General Hospital” co-star Maurice Benard announced on Instagram.
“Tyler was a truly talented individual that lit up the screen in every scene he performed and relished bringing joy to his loyal fans through his acting. Tyler was a sweet soul and wonderful friend to all of those who knew him. Tyler was an advocate for better mental health and substance use treatment who openly spoke about his struggles with bipolar depression and alcohol. We are beyond devastated by the loss of our dear friend and pray for his children and his father,” Maurice added.
Tyler was previously married to actress Eva Longoria in the early 2000s and to ESPN reporter Brienne Pedigo — with whom he had two children — from 2008 to 2021.
Read how several stars publicly mourned Tyler here.
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Actor Richard Moll — who was best known for his work as Bull the bailiff on the ’80s and ’90s sitcom “Night Court” — died at his home in Big Bear Lake, California, on Oct. 26.
The 6-foot-8 star was 80.
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Richard Roundtree — the actor best known for his starring roles in the “Shaft” movies beginning in the 1970s and the TV series “Roots” — died at his Los Angeles home on Oct. 24. He was 81.
“Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men,” longtime manager Patrick McMinn said in a statement. “The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated.” Hollywood stars and fans also publicly mourned the late actor.
The trailblazing star — one of Hollywood’s first Black action heroes — had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer two months earlier, his manager told The New York Times.
He also underwent a mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993 and became an advocate for men with the disease. “I’m not embarrassed,” he told People magazine after sharing his health battle publicly. “Breast cancer is unusual in men, yes, but you have to be a man to get through this — damn right.”
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Suzanne Somers — who was best known for her work on TV shows including “Three’s Company” and “Step By Step” as well as her Thighmaster commercials — died on Oct. 15 after a decades-long battle with breast cancer. She would have turned 77 the next day.
“Suzanne Somers passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of October 15th. She survived an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years,” her rep told People magazine in a statement on behalf of Suzanne’s family. “Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan [Hamel], her son Bruce [Somers], and her immediate family. Her family was gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday on October 16th. Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life, and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly.”
On Oct. 26, The Blast reported that Suzanne’s death certificate confirmed her cause of death: breast cancer with metastasis to the brain, with other underlying conditions — including hypertension and hydrocephalus, which is the buildup of fluid deep within the brain (a condition she battled for more than a year) — noted as contributing factors.
In July, Suzanne confirmed that her breast cancer — which was originally diagnosed in 2000 — had come back again following previous recurrences. “I have been living with cancer since my 20s. And every time that little f***** pops up, I continue to bat it back. I do my best not to let this insidious disease control me,” she told “Entertainment Tonight” in a statement at the time. “It’s a recurrence of my breast cancer. Like any cancer patient, when you get that dreaded, ‘It’s back,’ you get a pit in your stomach. Then I put on my battle gear and go to war. This is [a] familiar battleground for me and I’m very tough.” She survived for another two months.
A slew of Hollywood stars took to social media to remember the iconic actress after her shocking death.
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Lara Parker — the actress best known for her work as witch Angelique on the gothic ABC soap opera “Dark Shadows” — died in her sleep at her home in Los Angeles’s Topanga Canyon on Oct. 12, daughter Caitlin told The Hollywood Reporter.
The star — who later worked as a teacher, earned a second master’s degree in creative writing and wrote four novels based on the show — was 84.
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Burt Young — the former real-life boxer who went on to play Rocky Balboa’s brother-in-law Paulie in the “Rocky” franchise — passed away in Los Angeles on Oct. 8, his daughter told The New York Times, which noted that his cause of death is currently unknown. He was 83.
The former Marine launched his acting career in the late ’60s. He went on to appear in “M*A*S*H,” “Little House on the Prairie,” “Chinatown” and “Serpico.” But it was his role in “Rocky” — for which he scored an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor — that made him a star.
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Mark Goddard — the actor best known as Jupiter 2 pilot Major Don West on the 1960s CBS show “Lost in Space” – died in hospice care in Hingham, Massachusetts, of pulmonary fibrosis on Oct. 10, his family confirmed. He was 87.
The actor — who later appeared in projects including the TV Western series “Johnny Ringo,” ABC’s “The Detectives,” the Liza Minnelli Broadway musical “The Act,” the disco movie “Roller Boogie” and soap operas including “General Hospital” and more — later completed college, earned a master’s degree and taught special education for more than two decades.
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Emmy winner and three-time Oscar nominee Piper Laurie is dead at 91.
Her manager confirmed the sad news to Variety on Oct. 14, calling the star — who’d been unwell for some time, though her cause of death was not shared publicly — “one of the most remarkable and versatile actresses of her day, a brilliant and creative mind, and a glorious human being.”
Piper earned Academy Award nods for her work in “The Hustler” opposite Paul Newman, in “Carrie” as the mother of Sissy Spacek’s title character, and in “Children of a Lesser God” as the mother of Marlee Matlin’s character. She also scored nine Emmy nods (and one win) during her long career on television, which included memorable roles in projects including the original “Twin Peaks.”
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Former “Food Network” star Michael Chiarello died on Oct. 7 after suffering an allergic reaction.
The celebrity chef — who hosted “Easy Entertaining With Michael Chiarello” for 10 seasons and also made appearances on hit Food Network series like “Top Chef” and “Chopped” — was 61.
His company, Gruppo Chiarello, announced the sad news on Oct. 8, revealing he had an acute allergic reaction that led to anaphylactic shock.
Their statement read in part, “We deeply mourn the loss of our beloved patriarch Michael. His culinary brilliance, boundless creativity, and unwavering commitment to family were at the core of his being. He brought people together through the joy of shared meals, fostering lasting memories around the table.”
Days after his death was announced, a Gruppo Chiarello rep told People magazine that questions remained. “The doctors don’t know what caused the allergic reaction and neither does the family,” the rep shared. “They may never know.”
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TV’s first Lois Lane — Phyllis Coates — died of natural causes at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, California, on Oct. 11, daughter Laura Press told The Hollywood Reporter. The actress was 96.
After playing the reporter opposite Man of Steel George Reeves (pictured) in 1951’s “Superman and the Mole Men,” she was Lois for a season on television’s “Adventures of Superman.” Phyllis also appeared in notable projects including “Girls in Prison” and “I Was a Teenage Frankenstein.”
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Rudolph Isley — a founding member of music group The Isley Brothers — “died peacefully in his sleep” on Oct. 11 in Illinois, daughter Elaine confirmed to People magazine. The “It’s Your Thing” Grammy winner (right) was 84.
“He died at his home with his devoted wife Elaine by his side. They had been married for 68 years,” his daughter added. “Rudolph was a deeply religious man who loved Jesus.”
Added brother and bandmate Ronald Isley in a statement, “There are no words to express my feelings and the love I have for my brother. Our family will miss him. But I know he’s in a better place.”
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English director and screenwriter Terence Davies “died peacefully at home after a short illness” on Oct. 7, his family announced on his Instagram account.
The BAFTA Award nominee’s acclaimed projects included “The Deep Blue Sea” starring Rachel Weisz, “A Quiet Passion” starring Cynthia Nixon, “House of Mirth” starring Gillian Anderson and the autobiographical “Distant Voices, Still Lives” and “The Long Day Closes.”
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Retired MLB star Tim Wakefield — the famed Boston Red Sox knuckleball pitcher who helped the baseball team win its first World Series in 86 years — died from brain cancer on Florida’s Space Coast on Oct. 1. He was 57.
According to a report in Tim’s local newspaper, Florida Today, his diagnosis came just two weeks before his death — and on the heels of learning wife Stacy has pancreatic cancer.
“Tim’s kindness and indomitable spirit were as legendary as his knuckleball,” Red Sox owner John Henry said in a statement. “He not only captivated us on the field but was the rare athlete whose legacy extended beyond the record books to the countless lives he touched with his warmth and genuine spirit.
“He had a remarkable ability to uplift, inspire, and connect with others in a way that showed us the true definition of greatness. He embodied the very best of what it means to be a member of the Boston Red Sox and his loss is felt deeply by all of us.”
See what former teammates, stars and famous admirers had to say about Tim’s passing here.
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Dianne Feinstein — the oldest member of the United States Senate — passed away in the early morning hours of Sept. 29 in her Washington, D.C., home just hours after casting what would be her her final vote on Sept. 28. She was 90.
The Democrat, who was elected to the Senate in 1992, forged a legacy as a vocal advocate of gun control measures and was a politician known for trying to find common ground with Republicans.
She had the longest tenure of any woman in the chamber and was also California’s longest serving senator.
See what notable names had to say about her death here.
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Just a few months after retiring from “Dancing With the Stars” in late 2022 — where he served as the head judge since the show’s debut in 2005 — Len Goodman passed away surrounded by his family three days shy of his 79th birthday.
The former ballroom dancer died on April 22 in hospice care in Kent, England. In October, Daily Express US reported his cause of death: Len passed away after prostate cancer spread to his bones.
Len also served as the head judge on the BBC dance series “Strictly Come Dancing,” which is the British version of “DWTS.”
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Actor David McCallum died of natural causes at New York City’s New York Presbyterian Hospital on Sept. 25, CBS announced. The three-time Emmy nominee “passed away peacefully” while “surrounded by family,” a network statement noted. He was 90.
The Scottish star — who made his feature film debut in the late ’50s — portrayed medical examiner Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard on the CBS series “NCIS” for 20 years.
Decades earlier, he shot into the spotlight playing Illya Kuryakin on “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” TV show.
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Michael Gambon — the prolific and BAFTA-winning British-Irish actor best known for his work as the wizard Albus Dumbledore in the final six “Harry Potter” movies — is dead at 82.
“We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon,” his family said in a statement on Sept. 28. “Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia.”
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On Sept. 16, soap opera journalist Michael Fairman broke the news that daytime drama star Billy Miller died the previous day — two days before what would have been his 44th birthday.
Billy’s management team later released a statement confirming the sad news and revealing that the three-time Daytime Emmy winner “was struggling with manic depression when he died.” It was later confirmed that he died by suicide.
The “Suits” actor’s mother, Patricia Miller, released a statement to Soap Opera Digest mourning her son. “I want to personally thank the many fans and personal friends for the overwhelming amount of love, prayers and condolences sent to me and my family on the devastating death of my beautiful son BJ — Billy Miller,” she wrote.
“He fought a long hard valiant battle with bipolar depression for years. He did everything he could to control the disease. He loved his family, his friends and his fans but in the end the disease won the fight and he surrendered his life,” she continued. “The other causes of death being told are not true. I wish they were but they just aren’t. We all loved him so much and are desperately trying to deal with our loss. I will have nothing further to say. Thanks for the love and support.”
Billy made his soap opera debut on “All My Children” in 2007. He then starred on “The Young and the Restless” and “General Hospital.” He also had stints on “Ray Donovan,” “Suits” and, most recently, Apple TV+’s “Truth Be Told.”
If you or someone you know is considering suicide or in crisis, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support.
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“Dream Weaver” and “Love is Alive” singer Gary Wright is dead at 80. Son Justin Wright confirmed to TMZ that the music star died on Sept. 4 at his home in Palos Verdes Estates, California, after a years-long battle with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
Gary is also known for working with late Beatles member George Harrison and serving as the keyboardist on George’s album “All Things Must Pass.” He’ll also be remembered as one of the first mainstream artists to introduce the synthesizer in pop music, TMZ reported.
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Country music singer-songwriter Charlie Robison — who was best known for his Top 40 hit “I Want You Bad” and his work as a judge on “Nashville Star” — died on Sept. 10 at a San Antonio, Texas, hospital after suffering cardiac arrest and other complications, according to a family representative.
The music star — who was once famously married to The Chicks musician Emily Strayer (née Erwin) — was 59.
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Angus Cloud — who starred as drug dealer Fezco “Fez” O’Neill on HBO’s “Euphoria” — died at his family’s home in Oakland, California, on July 31. He was 25.
Nearly two months later on Sept. 21, 2023, his cause of death was revealed: A report from the Alameda County Coroner, as reported by TMZ, revealed that the young star died from an accidental overdose — he suffered acute intoxication from a combination of drugs that included fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and benzodiazepine.
In the wake of Angus’s passing, his family issued a statement mourning the actor: “It is with the heaviest heart that we had to say goodbye to an incredible human today,” they began. “As an artist, a friend, a brother and a son, Angus was special to all of us in so many ways. Last week he buried his father and intensely struggled with this loss. The only comfort we have is knowing Angus is now reunited with his dad, who was his best friend. Angus was open about his battle with mental health and we hope that his passing can be a reminder to others that they are not alone and should not fight this on their own in silence. We hope the world remembers him for his humor, laughter and love for everyone. We ask for privacy at this time as we are still processing this devastating loss.”
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Smash Mouth singer Steve Harwell is dead at 56. The Grammy nominee — who came to fame in the ’90s when his band released hits including “All Star,” which gained even more popularity when it was featured in “Shrek” — “passed peacefully and comfortably” on Sept. 4 surrounded by family and friends at his home in Boise, Idaho, the band’s manager, Robert Hayes, confirmed in a statement.
Steve’s cause of death was acute liver failure, his manager confirmed. The rocker, who announced his retirement a few years earlier, was in hospice care at the time of his passing after being given only days to live. Smash Mouth’s manager previously told TMZ that Steve had been struggling with alcohol abuse throughout his life and was recently hospitalized as he reached the final stage of liver failure.
Friends, colleagues and more took to social media to mourn Steve — read what they had to say here.
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Jimmy Buffett, the legendary singer-songwriter who turned his laid-back beach lifestyle into a billion-dollar empire, is dead at 76. “Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” his rep announced in a statement. “He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
Jimmy died following a four-year battle with Merkel cell skin cancer. He was diagnosed with the rare, aggressive cancer in 2019.
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Hersha Parady — the actress best known for her performance as schoolteacher Alice Garvey on “Little House on the Prairie” — died at son Jonathan Peverall’s home in Norfolk, Virginia, on Aug. 23, People magazine reported. The star, who suffered from a brain tumor known as meningioma before she passed, was 78.
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Mohamed Al-Fayed — the U.K.-based, Egypt-born businessman who once owned London’s famed Harrods department store — is dead at 94, the BBC confirmed on Sept. 1.
The billionaire business magnate, who also previously owned the Hotel Ritz Paris and England’s Fulham soccer team, made headlines for decades as he questioned the circumstances of eldest son Dodi Al Fayed’s death alongside Princess Diana in a Paris car crash on Aug. 31, 1997.
A statement from his family confirmed that he “passed away peacefully of old age on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023” — nearly 26 years to the day that Dodi and Diana were killed.
Al Jazeera Egypt reported that the businessman was buried on Sept. 1 following Friday prayers after a service at Regent’s Park Mosque in London.
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Longtime “The Price is Right” host Bob Barker passed away at 99. On Aug. 26, his publicist, Roger Neal, announced the news, confirming that the game show legend and animal rights advocate died at his Hollywood Hills home. “It is with profound sadness that we announce that the World’s Greatest MC who ever lived, Bob Barker, has left us,” Bob’s rep told People magazine in a statement.
Less than two weeks later, TMZ and People magazine obtained a copy of his death certificate, which revealed for the first time publicly that the famed game show host had Alzheimer’s disease, which the document said he’d had for “years.” It was named as his cause of death. High blood pressure, hypothyroidism and high cholesterol were listed as “other significant conditions” that contributed to the animal rights advocate’s passing.
The 19-time Daytime Emmy winner was the host of “The Price is Right” for 35 years until his retirement back in 2007.
In the days following the game show icon’s death, TMZ reported on what will happen to his estate. (Bob did not have children.) According to the star’s rep, the bulk of Bob’s assets will go to more than 40 different animal rights organizations and military nonprofits including the DonkeyLand Rescue in Riverside, California, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, a bird conservatory and the United Activists for Animal Rights charity, which is led by the late host’s longtime girlfriend, Nancy Burnet.
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Jack Sonni — who was best known for his work as a guitarist with Dire Straits — died on Aug. 30, Entertainment Weekly confirmed. Jack, who was an active member of the band Dire Straits Legacy, which is a band made up of musicians who’ve recorded and toured with Dire Straits, was 68.
“Our beloved Jack has left a void in our heart and soul… we will miss you so much, you are forever with us,” the group shared on Facebook as they announced his passing.
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Arleen Sorkin — the original voice of the DC Comics character Harley Quinn and a star on the soap opera “Days of Our Lives” — died on Aug. 24 at 67, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed.
Her death came after a long battle with multiple sclerosis, a rep for her husband, television producer and screenwriter Christopher Lloyd, confirmed to Entertainment Weekly.
“We will always remember our dear Arleen for her immense generosity of spirit,” her family said in a statement. “Talented, yes, and dogged, too, as evidenced by her tenacious, decades-long fight with a terrible disease. But more than that, she was a loving presence in the lives of her two boys, Eli and Owen; her mother, Joyce; her brothers, Robert and Arthur; and the countless other children, old and young, whom she took under her beautiful wing over the years.
“It’s a sad day for us, but a joyous one, too,” her family added, “knowing how many people today are summoning her memory and smiling.”
“Star Wars” legend Mark Hamill, who voiced the Joker opposite Arleen, mourned his co-star, writing on social media, “Devastated to learn we’ve lost the brilliant Arleen Sorkin. Not just a wonderful talent, but a truly wonderful person. I’m grateful not only to have worked with her, but to have been her friend. Sending my heartfelt condolences to her family & loved ones.”
DC Studios head James Gunn also honored the actress, writing on Instagram, “Rest in Peace, Arleen Sorkin, the incredibly talented original voice of Harley Quinn, who helped to create the character so many of us love. Love to her family and friends.”
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English rock and blues guitarist Bernie Marsden — a solo artist who’d already played with bands including UFO and Paice Ashton Lord when he joined the glam-metal band Whitesnake in 1978 — died on Aug. 24.
“Bernie died peacefully on Thursday evening with his wife, Fran, and daughters, Charlotte and Olivia, by his side. Bernie never lost his passion for music, writing and recording new songs until the end,” his family announced in a statement on Instagram.
Whitesnake frontman David Coverdale took to social media to mourn his former bandmate, writing, “I’ve just woken up to the awful news that my old friend & former Snake Bernie Marsden has passed. My sincere thoughts & prayers to his beloved family, friends & fans. A genuinely funny, gifted man, whom I was honored to know & share a stage with.”
Bernie, who co-wrote several of Whitesnake’s hits including “Here I Go Again,” “She’s a Woman,” and “Fool for Your Loving,” was 72. He left the band in 1981 and later briefly rejoined for a festival performance.
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WWE Hall of Famer and professional wrestling innovator Terry Funk died on Aug. 23 at 79. Because of his notoriety in the ring, Terry — who was mourned by fellow wrestling stars and celebrity fans alike — landed roles in Hollywood films, too, starring in “Road House,” “Over The Top” and “The Ringer,” among others. He also performed stunts in several of the “Rambo” films.
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On Aug. 24, former WWE Champion Windham Rotunda — who’s better known by his stage name, Bray Wyatt — died at 26.
People magazine and TMZ confirmed that his cause of death was a heart attack and that the wrestler — who was mourned by colleagues and celebrity fans — had seen a doctor earlier in the day for an ongoing heart condition before he passed away after telling his partner he was going to take a nap.
According to TMZ, family members told authorities the star had COVID in March 2023 and developed heart complications that led to a “weak lower part of his heart.” The outlet further reported that he was not wearing a doctor-recommended heart defibrillator at the time of his death. The device was found inside his car, which was parked outside his home.
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On Aug. 19, a representative for actor Ron Cephas Jones released a statement to People magazine announcing that the “This Is Us” alum had recently died following a battle with “a long-standing pulmonary issue.” He was 66. “Throughout the course of his career, his warmth, beauty, generosity, kindness and heart were felt by anyone who had the good fortune of knowing him,” the statement read in part.
In 2020, Ron — who had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — underwent a double lung transplant at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. He spent two months recovering at the hospital. During an interview with Entertainment Weekly two years later, he described himself as “a walking miracle.”
Ron won two Emmys for his work as William Hill on “This Is Us.” (He scored four Emmy nominations total between 2017 and 2020.) He also starred on “Truth Be Told” and, in recent years, had stints on “Law & Order: Organized Crime,” “Luke Cage” and “Mr. Robot.”
When his daughter, “Blindspotting” and “Hamilton” star Jasmine Cephas Jones, won an Emmy in 2020 for her work on the short-form series “#freerayshawn,” it was the first time ever that a father-daughter duo took home Emmys in the same year.
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Fashion model-turned-actress Shelley Smith, who rose to fame in the ’70s and early ’80s, died on Aug. 8 at Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital in Los Angeles. The Hollywood Reporter reported that she had been in a coma following a cardiac arrest three days earlier. The talented beauty starred on “The Associates” and “For Love and Honor” and was a notable celebrity guest on popular game shows including “Super Password,” “Body Language” and “$10,000 Pyramid.” After retiring from acting, she earned a master’s degree in psychology and founded the Egg Donor Program, later Hatch Fertility, to help infertile couples. She was 70.
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Robbie Robertson died in Los Angeles on Aug. 9 following a long illness, his management confirmed to Variety. The music icon, who was Bob Dylan’s guitarist in the ’60s and ’70s and co-founded music group The Band in the early ’70s — was 80. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee also notably worked with filmmaker Martin Scorsese as a film soundtrack producer and composer over the decades, contributing to major projects including “The Last Waltz,” “Raging Bull,” “Casino,” “The Departed,” “The Wolf of Wall Street,” “The Irishman” and “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
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Former child actor Austin Majors — who scored his breakout role playing Theo Sipowicz, the son of Detective Andy Sipowicz on ABC’s “NYPD Blue” beginning in 1999 — is dead at 27. TMZ reported that the actor (real name: Austin Setmajer-Raglin) — who also appeared on shows including “ER,” “NCIS,” “According to Jim,” “Desperate Housewives” and “How I Met Your Mother” — passed on away on Feb. 11 while staying at a homeless housing facility in Los Angeles. Six months later in August 2023, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s office confirmed that Austin’s cause of death was fentanyl toxicity and ruled that his death was accidental.
Following his passing, Austin’s grieving family issued a statement calling the Young Artist Award winner “a loving, artistic, brilliant and kind human being,” adding that Austin “took great joy and pride in his acting career. He was an active Eagle Scout and graduated salutatorian in high school. He went on to graduate from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts with a passion of directing and music producing.” His family continued, “Austin’s younger sister, Kali, says her fondest memories with Austin were growing up on set with him, volunteering at events with Kids With a Cause and backpacking together. Austin was the kind of son, brother, grandson and nephew that made us proud and we will miss him deeply forever.”
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Model-turned-photographer Bryan Randall — Sandra Bullock’s long-term boyfriend — passed away on Aug. 5 after a secret three-year battle with ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. He was 57.
“It is with great sadness that we share that on Aug. 5, Bryan Randall passed away peacefully after a three-year battle with ALS,” his family shared in a statement to People magazine. “Bryan chose early to keep his journey with ALS private and those of us who cared for him did our best to honor his request.” The statement continued, “We are immensely grateful to the tireless doctors who navigated the landscape of this illness with us and to the astounding nurses who became our roommates, often sacrificing their own families to be with ours. At this time we ask for privacy to grieve and to come to terms with the impossibility of saying goodbye to Bryan.” The statement was signed, “His Loving Family.”
Sandra’s sister, pastry chef and cookbook author Gesine Bullock-Prado, took to Instagram to honor Bryan and praise her sibling. “I’m convinced that Bry has found the best fishing spot in heaven and is already casting his lure into rushing rivers teaming with salmon,” Gesine captioned a photo of Bryan. “ALS is a cruel disease but there is some comfort in knowing he had the best of caretakers in my amazing sister and the band of nurses she assembled who helped her look after him in their home. Rest in peace, Bryan. In lieu of flowers, please donate to ALS Association and Massachusetts General Hospital…”
Bryan and Sandra’s ultra-private relationship began in early 2015 after he photographed her son Louis’s birthday party. Bryan had an adult daughter, Skylar, from a previous relationship and was helping Sandra raise her two children, Louis and Laila. On a 2021 episode of “Red Table Talk,” the Oscar winner called him “the love of my life,” adding, “We share two beautiful children — three children, [including Bryan’s] older daughter. It’s the best thing ever.”
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Emmy-nominated actor Mark Margolis — who played Hector “Tio” Salamanca, a former drug kingpin left unable to speak or walk after suffering a stroke, on “Breaking Bad” who then reprised the character on “Better Call Saul” — is dead at 83. The performer died on Aug. 3 at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City following a short illness, his son Morgan Margolis, the CEO of Knitting Factory Entertainment, confirmed to People magazine.
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Former child star Marc Gilpin — who starred in “Jaws II” alongside Roy Scheider (pictured) and later left Hollywood to become a software engineer — died in Dallas on July 29 after battling glioblastoma, an aggressive type of brain cancer, his older sister, “Frasier” actress Peri Gilpin, told The Hollywood Reporter. The actor — who also appeared on “CHiPs,” “Fantasy Island” and “Silver Spoons” and acted alongside River Phoenix in 1985’s “Surviving” — was 56.
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Paul Reubens — who was best known for bringing the iconic character Pee-wee Herman to life — passed away on July 30 at 70 following a private battle with cancer. His rep shared the sad news on July 31. “Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness,” read the statement. “Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.”
The star of the film “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” and the TV series “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” himself wrote a statement that was released following his death. “Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,” he said. “I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”
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Betty Ann Bruno — a former child star who played a munchkin in “The Wizard of Oz” then became an Emmy-winning investigative TV reporter who worked for KTVU-Channel 2 in San Francisco for more than two decades — died on July 30, her family confirmed to Fox News Digital. The actress and journalist, who wrote the 2020 book “The Munchkin Diary: My Personal Yellow Brick Road,” was 91. Her youngest son, Steve Bruno, told Fox New Digital that Betty Ann’s sudden death came as a shock because she was so healthy for her age. He explained that the passionate hula instructor, who created the dance organization Hula Mai in Sonoma, California, had just performed, then “she got a headache. My stepdad drove her to the emergency room. She collapsed in the lobby and died,” Steve shared, adding that his mother “lived a pretty amazing life.”
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Actress Inga Swenson — who earned Emmy nominations for her work as Gretchen the German cook on TV’s “Benson” and Tony Award nods for her work on Broadway — died on July 23, with husband Lowell Harris at her side, at a board and care facility in Los Angeles following a decline in her health in recent months, TMZ reported. The trained lyrical soprano, who also notably appeared on TV’s “Soap,” the movies “Advise and Consent” and “The Miracle Worker,” and the Broadway musicals “110 in the Shade” and “Baker Street,” was 90.
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Randy Meisner — a founding member of the Eagles who was the rock band’s original bass player as well as a vocalist — died at a Los Angeles hospital on July 26 from complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, the band announced on its website. He was 77.
“As the original bass player for the pioneering country-rock group, Poco, Randy was at the forefront of the musical revolution that began in Los Angeles, in the late 1960s,” the band said in a statement. “In 1971, Randy, along with Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Bernie Leadon, formed the Eagles and contributed to the band’s albums ‘Eagles,’ ‘Desperado,’ ‘On The Border,’ ‘One of These Nights,’ and ‘Hotel California.’ He was inducted with the Eagles into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.”
“Randy was an integral part of the Eagles and instrumental in the early success of the band. His vocal range was astonishing, as is evident on his signature ballad, ‘Take It to the Limit,'” the Eagles continued in their website post. “Prior to Poco, he was bassist and vocalist with Rick Nelson’s Stone Canyon Band.”
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On July 26, The Irish Times announced that famed singer Sinead O’Connor was dead at 56. “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinead. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time,” her family said in a statement to RTE and the BBC.
One day later, Scotland Yard confirmed that “Police were called at 11.18am on Wednesday, July 26 to reports of an unresponsive woman at a residential address in the SE24 area [of London]. Officers attended. A 56-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Next of kin have been notified. The death is not being treated as suspicious. A file will be prepared for the Coroner.” Further reports indicated an autopsy would be conducted, with results expected to take “several weeks,” according to authorities. Sinead had just moved to London weeks earlier.
The sad news came 18 months after she lost son Shane in January 2022 after the 17-year-old, the third of her four children, went missing. In one of the “Nothing Compares 2 U” singer’s final tweets, which she posted on July 17, she wrote, #lostmy17yrOldSonToSuicidein2022. Been living as undead night creature since. He was the love of my life, the lamp of my soul. We were one soul in two halves. He was the only person who ever loved me unconditionally. I am lost in the bardo without him.”
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Carlin Glynn — the Tony-winning star of the original Broadway production of “The Best Little W****house in Texas” who will also be remembered as the mother of Molly Ringwald’s character in “Sixteen Candles” — died at her New York home on July 13 following a battle with lung cancer and dementia. Carlin — who’s the mother of actress Mary Stuart Masterson — was 83.
“My mother, Carlin Glynn Masterson, passed away. I was with her. I will always be grateful for those last moments, no matter how hard,” Mary wrote on Instagram. “Death is like birth in the oddest way. From my first breath to her last. This thread is as fragile as it is strong. She was the most graceful clumsy person you would ever meet. Strong, smart, silly, intuitive, kind, generous, passionate and a deep listener. She was devoted to my father and to the enormous circle of students and collaborators who were considered her chosen family.”
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Pamela Blair — the Broadway actress who originated the role of “Val” in “A Chorus Line” — died at her home in Phoenix on July 23 following a lengthy illness, Deadline reported. The Daytime Emmy nominee — who also appeared on shows including “All My Children,” “Ryan’s Hope,” “Loving,” “Another World” and “Sabrina The Teenage Witch” and in movies like “Mighty Aphrodite,” “Annie” and “21 Grams” — was 73.
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Julian Sands — the British actor known for his work in movies including “A Room With a View,” “The Killing Fields,” “Leaving Las Vegas” and “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” — is dead at 65. The actor went hiking in Southern California’s Mt. Baldy area on Jan. 13 and went missing during a snowstorm. Severe weather hampered the search efforts at the time of his disappearance — and in June 2023, human remains later confirmed to be his were discovered.
Four weeks later on July 24, 2023, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department coroner issued a statement on the actor’s cause of death. “The cause is Undetermined due to the condition of the body and the fact that no other factors were discovered during the coroner’s investigation, this is common when dealing with cases of this type,” a spokesperson for the coroner’s office said. “This is the final determination.”
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Josephine Chaplin — the third of eight children born to Hollywood legend Charlie Chaplin and wife Oona O’Neill — died in Paris on July 13, her family announced. The actress — who began her on-screen career in her father’s 1952 film “Limelight” and later appeared in projects including “The Canterbury Tales,” “Escape to the Sun,” “Shadowman,” “Jack the Ripper” and the TV miniseries “Hemingway” — was 74.
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Tony Bennett — a 19-time Grammy winner whose career spanned eight decades — died in New York City on July 21. He was 96. In 2021, his wife, Susan Bennett, publicly revealed that the “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” singer — whom Frank Sinatra once called the greatest popular singer in the world — had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016. His last public performance was in 2021 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
His family took to facebook to share more on his final days. “Tony left us today but he was still singing the other day at his piano and his last song was ‘Because of You,’ his first #1 hit,” they wrote, adding, “Tony, because of you we have your songs in our heart forever.”
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Actress Andrea Evans — best known for her work on popular soap operas — died at her home in Pasadena, California, on July 9 after a breast cancer battle, casting director Don Carroll told The Hollywood Reporter. She was 66. The Daytime Emmy nominee rose to fame as teenager Tina Lord on “One Life to Live.” She notably also played Rebecca Hotchkiss on “Passions,” Patty Williams on “The Young and the Restless” and Tawny Moore on “The Bold and the Beautiful” during her lengthy career.
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Actor Nick Benedict — who earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for his work as Phil Brent, one of Erica Kane’s husbands, on “All My Children” in the 1970s — died on his 76th birthday. The news was announced by Jake’s Steakhouse in Tehachapi, California, where Nick’s widow, Ginger, works. “Nick Benedict’s birthday was July 14. He went to be with the Lord this day. Please pray for Ginger,” the restaurant wrote on Facebook, adding a link for a GoFundMe page that was established for the couple shortly before the actor’s death.
The GoFundMe page revealed that Nick — who also starred in other soap operas including “The Young and the Restless” as Victor’s enemy Michael Scott and “Days of Our Lives” as Curtis Reed — had emergency spinal cord surgery on July 2 and shortly after began hospice care as he was paralyzed from the neck down. Nick’s other acting credits include roles on “The Dukes of Hazzard,” “The Fall Guy” and “Knots Landing.”
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Actress and music star Jane Birkin — the Britain-born beauty who rose to fame in France in the ’60s, romanced and made music with Serge Gainsbourg for years and inspired a namesake Hermes handbag — died in Paris on July 16. She was 76. The French Ministry of Culture, which confirmed her death, branded her a “timeless Francophone icon,” with culture minister Rima Abdul Malak saying in a tweet, “The most French of Britons is gone. Jane B was mischief, impertinent elegance, the never-outdated emblem of an entire era, a murmuring voice that remains our idol.”
A statement released by her manager on behalf of her daughters, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Lou Doillon, on July 19 revealed more details about her final days and referenced her long battle with leukemia and the stroke she suffered a few years before her death. “Jane Birkin passed away after 16 years of a fierce battle with illness. Since her stroke in September 2021, her family and wonderful caregivers had been by her side day and night. For a few days, she had been walking again, and was motivated by rescheduling her Olympia performance,” the statement read. “The first evening [she spent] alone [without her caregivers] turned out to be her last. She had decided it.” The statement further confirmed the star died of natural causes.
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The late Elvis Presley’s only child, daughter Lisa Marie Presley, died on Jan. 12, 2023, after suffering cardiac arrest. According to TMZ, she was found unresponsive in her Calabasas, California, home by a housekeeper. Ex-husband Danny Keough performed CPR until paramedics arrived and regained a pulse before transporting her to a local hospital, where she was placed in a coma before ultimately passing away. “It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us. She was the most passionate strong and loving woman I have ever known. We ask for privacy as we try to deal with this profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers,” her mother, Priscilla Presley, said in a statement. Lisa Marie passed just two days after attending the Golden Globes (seen here) to celebrate the nominations of the Baz Luhrmann film based on her father’s life, “Elvis.”
Six months later on July 13, 2023, the Los Angeles County Coroner confirmed her cause of death: An L.A. Medical Examiner document obtained by TMZ listed sequelae (which means a condition that’s the consequence of a previous disease or injury) of small bowel obstruction. Soon after, more information was released, specifying that Lisa Marie had a strangulated small bowel caused by adhesions that developed after bariatric surgery she’d had years earlier. The medical examiner’s report further noted that Lisa Marie was prescribed opioids following a cosmetic procedure she’d undergone a few months before her death. It said she had a history of “overmedicating” and forgetting she’d taken her meds, which sometimes led her to take them again. The report further noted Lisa Marie had a history of drug and alcohol abuse.
Toxicology report findings showed therapeutic levels of Oxycodone in Lisa Marie’s blood as well as a second opioid, Buprenorphine, which is used to treat opioid overuse. TMZ further explained that “opioids can cause constipation, which can lead to bowel obstruction, which was the cause of her death.” Tests also found traces of the antipsychotic drug Quetiapine.
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On July 8, Time Out New York theater critic Adam Feldman announced that Jeffrey Carlson — a Broadway actor who was also known for his work on the soap opera “All My Children” — was dead. “RIP Jeffrey Carlson, 48, exposed-nerve star of Broadway (Billy in The Goat, Marilyn in Taboo) and TV (the groundbreaking trans character Zoe on All My Children). A powerful actor and a painful loss,” the critic tweeted. A cause of death was not publicly shared.
Jeffrey, a Juilliard graduate, made history when he played one of the first transgender characters on daytime television in 2006 and 2007. His character first appeared as a male-presenting musician with the stage name Zarf who later came out as a trans lesbian named Zoe, which Entertainment Weekly reported marked the first time a daytime serial had chronicled the coming-out story of a transgender character.
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Actress Betta St. John passed away on June 23 from natural causes in an assisted living facility in England, her son, TV producer Roger Grant, told The Hollywood Reporter. The star — who got her start as a child actress in “Destry Rides Again” opposite Marlene Dietrich and went on to appear with Cary Grant in “Dream Wife” and in two “Tarzan” movies as well as horro films and other projects — was 93.
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Adam Rich — the former child star who’s best known as Nicholas Bradford, the youngest son on the ’70s and ’80s ABC show “Eight Is Enough” — passed away at his home at 54 on Jan. 7. A law enforcement source told TMZ that foul play was not suspected.
On June 25, the Los Angeles County Medical-Examiner Coroner’s office confirmed that an autopsy determined the actor died from the effects of fentanyl and that his death was accidental.
Adam also appeared on shows including “Code Red,” “The Six Million Dollar Man,” “The Love Boat,” “Fantasy Island,” “CHiPs,” “Silver Spoons” and more. One of his last performances was in David Spade’s 2003 comedic movie “Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star.”
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Pop star CoCo Lee is dead at 48. The Hong Kong-born singer-songwriter — whose song “A Love Before Time” from the lauded movie “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” was nominated for best original song at the 2001 Academy Awards — passed away on July 5. “With great sadness, we are here [to] break the most devastating news: CoCo had been suffering from depression for a few years but her condition deteriorated drastically over the last few months,” sisters Carol and Nancy Lee shared in a statement on social media. “Although CoCo sought professional help and did her best to fight depression, sadly that demon inside of her took the better of her. On 2 July, she [attempted] suicide at home and was sent to the hospital. Despite the best efforts of the hospital team to rescue and treat her from her coma, she finally passed away on 5 July.”
CoCo, who had a hit pop song in America, “Do You Want My Love,” also notably voiced Mulan in the Mandarin version of the Disney film and sang the Mandarin version of the movie’s theme song, “Reflection.” She also acted in movies including “Master of Everything” and “No Tobacco.”
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Alan Arkin — who took home an Academy Award for his performance in “Little Miss Sunshine” — died on June 29. The four-time Oscar nominee and seven-time Emmy nominee was 89. “Our father was a uniquely talented force of nature, both as an artist and a man,” his sons said in a statement. Hollywood co-stars, friends and admirers also mourned the acclaimed character actor, with his “The Kominsky Method” co-star Michael Douglas sharing, “Today we lost a wonderful actor whose intelligence, sense of comedy and consummate professionalism over the past 70 years has left an indelible mark on our industry. My experience of working with Alan were some of my most memorable. He will be deeply missed. Sincere condolences to his wife, Suzanne, and his family.”
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Pat Robertson — who founded the Christian Broadcasting Network and hosted “The 700 Club” for years — died at his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on June 8, his network confirmed. He was 93. The controversy-sparking evangelical broadcaster ran for president in 1988 and, through his Christian Coalition, helped make religion central to Republican Party politics, The AP reported.
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Paxton Whitehead — the Tony-nominated English actor who appeared on Broadway 17 times over five decades as well as in movies including Rodney Dangerfield’s “Back to School” — died at a hospital in Arlington, Virginia, on June 16. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed. The star, who also notably played Rachel’s Bloomingdale’s boss, Mr. Waltham, on “Friends” and neighbor Hal Conway on “Mad About You,” was 85.
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Glenda Jackson — the English actress who won two Oscars (for “Women in Love” and “A Touch of Class” in the ’80s), three Emmys and a Tony Award and served as a member of Parliament in Britain’s Labour Party in her native U.K. — is dead at 87. Her agent, Lionel Larner, confirmed her death on June 15, telling People magazine in a statement, “Glenda Jackson, two-time Academy Award-winning actress and politician, died peacefully at her home in Blackheath, London this morning after a brief illness with her family at her side.” On a personal note, he added, “Today we lost one of the world’s greatest actresses and I have lost a best friend of over 50 years.” She took a break from acting and entered politics from 1992 to 2015 then returned to acting, winning more awards in her 80s.
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“Hair” and “Everwood” actor Treat Williams was killed in a motorcycle accident on June 12 in Dorset, Vermont. He was 71.”He was killed this afternoon. He was making a left or a right [and] a car cut him off,” his agent, Barry McPherson, told People magazine. “I’m just devastated. He was the nicest guy. He was so talented. He was an actor’s actor. Filmmakers loved him. He’s been the heart of Hollywood since the late 1970s…”
TMZ reported that according to authorities, the driver of a Honda Element SUV turned left into a parking lot and collided with Treat, who was thrown from his motorcycle. The actor, who police confirmed was wearing a helmet, was airlifted to New York’s Albany Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
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The Unabomber is dead at 81. On June 10, the Federal Bureau of Prisons announced that Ted Kaczynski — who was serving a life sentence for killing three people and injuring 23 with a series of homemade bombs he made between 1978 and 1995 — was found dead in his cell at Federal Medical Center Butner, a prison in North Carolina. Life-saving measures were undertaken after he was discovered unresponsive and he was rushed to a hospital by ambulance but was pronounced dead there, TMZ reported. The New York Times, citing three people familiar with the situation, reported that he died by suicide.
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Actor and comedian Mike Batayeh died on June 1 at his home in Michigan, TMZ reported. He was 52. The star, whose credits include appearances on show like “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “The Bernie Mac Show,” “The Shield,” “Boy Meets World” and “CSI: Miami,” is perhaps best known for playing Markowski, the manager of Lavandería Brillante on AMC’s “Breaking Bad” in 2011 and 2012. Mike’s family told the New York Post that he died in his sleep of a heart attack. On June 12, a representative for the Washtenaw County Medical Examiner’s Office told the Post the cause of death was “asphyxia hanging”; no other details were shared.
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The Iron Sheik — the Greco-Roman wrestler and Olympian from Iran who shot to fame in the 1980s as a professional wrestler in America — died on June 7. The former WWF World Heavyweight champion (real name: Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri), who was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, was 81. Fellow wrestlers and celebrity fans took to social media to mourn the entertainer — see their reactions here — who decades ago earned fans thanks to his rivalry with Hulk Hogan and in more recent years became a popular Twitter follow.
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On June 5, Variety and other outlets confirmed that Anna Shay — one of the fabulously wealthy stars of the Netflix reality show “Bling Empire” — had died. “It saddens our hearts to announce that Anna Shay, a loving mother, grandmother, charismatic star, and our brightest ray of sunshine, has passed away at the early age of 62 from a stroke,” the family of the star — an heiress to her global defense contractor father’s fortune — said in a statement. “Anna taught us many life lessons on how not to take life too seriously and to enjoy the finer things. Her impact on our lives will be forever missed but never forgotten.”
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Acting veteran John Beasley — a former railroad worker who started acting later in life and built a resumé that included roles in movies and TV shows like “Rudy,” “The Apostle,” “Everwood,” “The Soul Man,” “The Sum of All Fears,” “Brewster Place” and “The Mighty Ducks” — is dead at 79. The actor, who was set to make his Broadway debut in 2023 in “The Notebook,” passed away on May 30 after being hospitalized in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, where he was having liver tests done before he took an unexpected turn for the worst, son Tyrone told The Hollywood Reporter. Son Michael honored John, writing in a Facebook post, “I lost my best friend today. They say you shouldn’t ever meet your heroes because they don’t turn out to be who you thought they were. That is so wrong. My hero was my father. Thank you for everything.”
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Iconic singer Tina Turner — the voice behind epic hits like “River Deep — Mountain High,” “What’s Love Got to Do With It?,” “Private Dancer,” “Proud Mary,” “The Best” and more — died at her home in Küsnacht, Switzerland, on May 24. She was 83. According to a statement from her rep, the artist known as the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll passed away “after a long illness.” The eight-time Grammy winner had suffered a stroke in recent years and faced intestinal cancer as well as kidney disease that required a transplant, media outlets have reported.
The singer born Anna Mae Bullock, who shot to fame in the ’60s, staged one of the greatest comebacks of all time in the ’80s after escaping an abusive marriage to bandmate Ike Turner, which was chronicled in the Oscar-nominated 1993 film “What’s Love Got to Do with It.”
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Jim Brown — one of the greatest NFL players of all time who also forged a career as an actor as well as a civil rights advocate — died at his Los Angeles home with his wife, Monique, by his side, on May 18. He was 87. Reports indicate he died of natural causes.
The Cleveland Browns fullback, who appeared in more than 30 movies including “Any Given Sunday,” “The Dirty Dozen,” “Mars Attacks!,” “He Got Game,” and “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka,” also made headlines for multiple allegations of domestic violence over the years, which tarnished his legacy, though he denied the allegations in every case. “I’m no angel,” he told The Plain Dealer in 1970, as reported by Cleveland.com. However, he added, “I’ve never been convicted. I’ve just been harassed. I’ve been hit so much I don’t sting any more.” Acknowledging the controversies, he continued, “I take it and look my accuser in the eye. I don’t look at my shoes when I talk to anybody. I know what I am. I only have to live with myself.”
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Beloved soap opera star Jacklyn Zeman — the Daytime Emmy-nominated actress who played nurse Bobbie Spencer on “General Hospital” for decades — is dead at 70, Frank Valentini, the daytime drama’s executive producer, announced on Twitter on May 10. Her family later told ABC News she passed away after a short battle with cancer.
“On behalf of our @GeneralHospital family, I am heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved @JackieZeman. Just like her character, the legendary Bobbie Spencer, she was a bright light and true professional that brought so much positive energy with her to work,” he said. “Jackie will be greatly missed, but her positive spirit will always live on with our cast and crew. We send our heartfelt sympathy to her loved ones, friends, and family, especially her daughters Cassidy and Lacey. #GH,” he added.
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WWE Hall of Famer “Superstar” Billy Graham died on May 17, with his wife and daughter by his side, after being taken off life support, TMZ Sports reported. He was 79. His wife had shared days earlier that the famed wrestler — who mentored stars including Hulk Hogan, Scott Steiner, Ric Flair and Jesse Ventura — had spent three weeks in the ICU dealing with multiple health issues. TMZ reported that he’d been suffering from congestive heart failure, diabetes, hearing loss, a significant infection in his ears and skull and failing kidneys. “WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer ‘Superstar’ Billy Graham has passed away,” the organization said in a statement. “A former WWE Champion, Graham’s flashy fashion style, over-the-top interviews and bodybuilder physique created the archetype for a generation of Superstars that followed in his footsteps.”
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Songwriter and music producer Kyle Jacobs, the husband of singer Kellie Pickler — the country music star who came to fame on season 5 of “American Idol” in 2006 — died at home on Feb. 17 of an apparent suicide. He was 49.
Nearly three months later, an autopsy report from Tennessee’s Davidson County Medical Examiner, which was obtained by Taste of Country, confirmed that Kyle died from an “intraoral shotgun wound.” The report confirmed he did not have any drugs in his system at the time of his passing and that he had a history of “pseudoseizures, gastrointestinal bleeding, elevated enzymes and chronic alcohol use.” Kyle — who penned tunes for everyone from Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw and his wife to Kelly Clarkson, Wynonna Judd and Trace Adkins — was married to Kellie for 12 years.
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Grammy-nominated musician Gordon Lightfoot — who gave the world songs like “Early Mornin’ Rain,” “For Lovin’ Me” and “Sundown” — died on May 1 at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto of natural causes, his publicist confirmed. The Songwriters Hall of Fame member was 84.
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Famed controversy-loving talk show host Jerry Springer died at his home in the Chicago area on April 27, TMZ reported. He was 79. The former politician — who served as Cincinnati’s mayor in the ’70s and led the pop culture phenomenon “The Jerry Springer Show” for 27 years — passed away after a “brief illness,” a family spokesperson said. TMZ reported Jerry had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just a few months earlier. The webloid further reported that Jerry, who’d been hosting a folk music show on a Cincinnati radio station, rapidly declined about a month before his death.
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Iconic singer and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte died on April 25 from congestive heart failure at his home in New York. He was 96. His career took off in the ’50s with the hit “Day-O (Banana Boat Song)” and the album “Calypso.” In the ’70s, the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award winner starred in a slew of movies like “Island in the Sun” and “Uptown Saturday Night.” Harry’s last public appearance came in December 2021 when he was honored with the National Order of the Legion of Honour from the French government.
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On April 22, Tony Award-winning comedian Barry Humphries — the creator behind the Dame Edna persona — died in Sydney in his native Australia from complications during hip surgery following a fall he suffered in February, his family confirmed. He was 89. “He was completely himself until the very end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique wit and generosity of spirit,” his loved ones said in a statement. “With over 70 years on the stage, he was an entertainer to his core, touring up until the last year of his life and planning more shows that will sadly never be.”
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Musician Lasse Wellander — the longtime guitarist for Swedish music stars ABBA — died on April 7 after a short battle with cancer. “It is with indescribable sadness that we have to announce that our beloved Lasse has fallen asleep. Lasse recently fell ill in what turned out to be spread cancer and early on Good Friday he passed away, surrounded by his loved ones,” a statement posted on the guitarist’s Facebook page in Swedish two days later read. “You were an amazing musician and humble as few, but above all you were a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather. Kind, safe, caring and loving … and so much more, that cannot be described in words. A hub in our lives, and it’s unbelievable that we now have to live on without you.”
ABBA also shared a statement mourning Lasse — who started playing with them in the ’70s — writing, “Lasse was a dear friend, a fun guy and a superb guitarist. The importance of his creative input in the recording studio as well as his rock solid guitar work on stage was immense,” the band’s members said. “We mourn his tragic and premature death and remember the kind words, the sense of humor, the smiling face, the musical brilliance of the man who played such an integral role in the ABBA story. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.”
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On April 9, “The Goldbergs” actor Sam Lerner announced that his uncle, Oscar-nominated actor Michael Lerner — who was best known for his performances in “Barton Fink,” “Elf” and “Godzilla” — was dead at 81. “We lost a legend last night,” Sam captioned, in part, a series of photos of the late actor on Instagram. “It’s hard to put into words how brilliant my uncle Michael was, and how influential he was to me. His stories always inspired me and made me fall in love with acting. He was the coolest, most confident, talented guy, and the fact that he was my blood will always make me feel special.”
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Less than two months after the 1990s and 2000s pop group S Club 7 announced they were reuniting for a tour to mark 25 years since their formation, one of its members died: Paul Cattermole was found deceased in his home in Dorset, England, U.K. media reports confirmed. He was 46. His “Never Had a Dream Come True” bandmates issued a statement mourning the singer, writing, “We are truly devastated by the passing of our brother Paul. There are no words to describe the deep sadness and loss we all feel. We were so lucky to have had him in our lives and are thankful for the amazing memories we have. He will be so deeply missed by each and every one of us. We ask that you respect the privacy of his family and of the band at this time.” The BBC reported that the group further shared that “while the cause of death is currently unknown, Dorset Police has confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances.”
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Lance Reddick was found dead in his home in the Los Angeles area on March 17. The American actor — who starred in the “John Wick” franchise and had lengthy stints on “The Wire,” “Fringe” and “Bosch” — was 60. He was in the midst of an international press tour for “John Wick: Chapter 4,” which hit theaters on March 24, and had television appearances scheduled for that week. It’s unclear why he wasn’t on hand during the film’s New York City premiere on March 15. (He took to Instagram to share a video of himself at home with his dogs.) Law enforcement sources told TMZ that his cause of death wasn’t immediately clear, though it appeared he died of natural causes.
On April 6, TMZ reported that Lance’s death certificate confirmed his immediate cause of death was ischemic heart disease as well as atherosclerotic coronary artery disease.
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Brian “Brizz” Gillis — a co-founder and one of the original members of the ’90s boy band LFO — is dead at 47, bandmate Brad Fischetti announced on Instagram on March 30. Variety confirmed that Brian passed away on March 29; a cause of death was not publicly shared. Brad is now the only surviving member of the group that came to fame with the hit 1999 song “Summer Girls.” LFO singer Rich Cronin died in 2010 at 36 following a leukemia battle and singer Devin Lima, who replaced Brian in the late ’90s, died in 2018 at 41 from adrenal cancer.
“The first two chapters of the LFO story lost a main character yesterday,” Brad wrote, in part, in a lengthy message on Instagram. “Brian ‘Brizz’ Gillis passed away. I don’t have details and it wouldn’t be my place to share them if I did. I am really struggling to process this tragic loss. I’ve said it before and I will continue to say it; the LFO Story is a tragedy. If you know what I’ve been doing, you know I’m trying to bring light into the darkness. Trying find redemption in pain and suffering. Trying to honor the legacy.” He concluded with this message: “I know that soon or maybe already, Brizz will be greeted by Rich and Devin. And I hope that together, they will make some sweet sounds. I would really like that. Rest east bro. Rest easy.”
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Robert Blake — the actor famed for his work in projects like the movie “In Cold Blood” and TV’s “Baretta” — died from heart disease at 89 on March 9 at his home in Los Angeles. In his later years, Robert became infamous for being tried for the 2001 murder of wife Bonny Lee Bakley. He was acquitted of murder in his criminal trial but found liable for wrongful death in a civil trial.
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Oscar- and Tony-nominated “Fiddler on the Roof” star Chaim Topol — who also notably starred in the James Bond movie “For Your Eyes Only” and the sci-fi movie “Flash Gordon” — died in Tel Aviv on March 9 at 87 following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Israel’s President Isaac Herzog confirmed the sad news, describing Chaim as a “gifted actor who conquered many stages in Israel and overseas, filled the cinema screens with his presence and especially entered deep into our hearts.” Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu further acknowledged Chaim’s death, saying his “contribution to Israeli culture will continue to exist for generations.”
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Gary Rossington — the last surviving original member of Lynyrd Skynyrd — died on March 5 at 71. The guitarist and songwriter survived the 1977 plane crash that killed four members of the band and played with the “Sweet Home Alabama” group until this year. “It is with our deepest sympathy and sadness that we have to advise that we lost our brother, friend, family member, songwriter and guitarist Gary Rossington, today,” the band wrote on their Facebook page. “Gary is now with his Skynyrd brothers and family in heaven and playing it pretty, like he always does.”
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On March 3 — nearly two weeks after Tom Sizemore suffered a brain aneurysm that left him in a coma — the lauded but troubled actor “passed away peacefully in his sleep” at a hospital in the Los Angeles area. He was 61. “His brother Paul and [his 17-year-old twin sons] Jayden and Jagger were at his side,” his manager said in a statement released to multiple media outlets. In late February, TMZ reported that Tom’s family had been warned that the end was near. They reportedly coordinated with doctors to lay out an end-of-life plan for the actor, who scored a Golden Globe nomination for his work in “Witness Protection” in 2000. He also appeared in “Saving Private Ryan,” “Black Hawk Down,” “Pearl Harbor” and “Heat.” The troubled star — who had stints on the reality shows “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew” and “Sober House” — struggled with addiction issues for years.
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Jansen Panettiere — the younger brother of “Heroes” and “Nashville” actress Hayden Panettiere — is dead at 28. The actor, who appeared in projects including “Even Stevens,” “Major Crimes,” “Tiger Cruise,” “Racing Stripes” and “The Walking Dead,” passed away on Feb. 19 in New York. Citing a police report, TMZ reported that when Jansen missed a meeting, a friend went to his apartment and called 911 after finding the actor sitting upright in a chair, unresponsive.
On Feb. 27, Jansen’s family publicly shared his cause of death in a statement to ABC News, writing, “Though it offers little solace, the Medical Examiner reported Jansen’s sudden passing was due to cardiomegaly (enlarged heart), coupled with aortic valve complications.”
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Six-time Emmy nominee Barbara Bosson — who was best known for her work as Fay Furillo on the hits ’80s police drama “Hill Street Blues” — died in Los Angeles on Feb. 18. She was 83. Son Jesse Bochco — one of her two children with famed writer-producer Steven Bochco, her late former husband, confirmed the news, writing on Instagram of his mother, “More spirit and zest than you could shake a stick at. When she loved you, you felt it without a doubt. If she didn’t, you may well have also known that too. Forever in our hearts. I love you Mama.”
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Actor, comedian and author Richard Belzer — who was best known for his work on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and “Homicide: Life On the Street” — died on Feb. 19 at his home in Bozouls in southwest France, his longtime friend, writer Bill Scheft, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. “He had lots of health issues, and his last words were, ‘F*** you, motherf*****,'” Bill said. Richard was 78.
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Raquel Welch — the bombshell beauty who became a pin-up after wearing a fur bikini in 1966’s camp classic “One Million Years B.C.” and later won a Golden Globe Award for her performance in 1973’s “The Three Musketeers” — died at 82 on Feb. 15. The actress “passed away peacefully early this morning after a brief illness,” manager Steve Sauer told People magazine, adding, “Her career spanned over 50 years starring in over 30 films and 50 television series and appearances. The Golden Globe winner, in more recent years, was involved in a very successful line of wigs. Raquel leaves behind her two children, son Damon Welch and her daughter Tahnee Welch.”
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Burt Bacharach — the eight-time Grammy-winning songwriter, producer, movie soundtrack maestro and sometime singer — died at his home in Los Angeles on Feb. 8. He was 94. The Broadway composer and three-time Oscar winner gave the world dozens of hit songs including “Do You Know the Way to San Jose,” “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” “Say a Little Prayer,” “Alfie,” “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” and many, many more. He was married four times during his long life including, notably, to actress Angie Dickinson and lyricist Carole Bayer Sager.
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Charles Kimbrough — who starred as anchorman Jim Dial on the hit sitcom “Murphy Brown” — died at 86 on Jan. 11. His son, John Kimbrough, shared the news with The New York Times on Feb. 5. The actor’s talent agency confirmed he died in a Culver City, California, hospital of natural causes. Charles returned to the role that made him a star — and for which he scored an Emmy nomination in 1990 — for three episodes of the 2018 “Murphy Brown” reboot. He also appeared in “The Wedding Planner,” voiced one of the gargoyles in Disney’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” cartoon and earned raves for his work on Broadway — he scored a Tony nomination for his work in Stephen Sondheim’s “Company” and later starred in the original Broadway production of Sondheim’s “Sunday in the Park with George.” He was married to “Company” co-star and “Alice” actress Beth Howland from 2002 until her death in 2015.
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Charlie Thomas — a member of The Drifters for more than 60 years — is dead at 85, his friend, fellow musician Peter Lemongello Jr., confirmed on Instagram on Jan. 31. Charlie, who featured on The Drifters’ hits including “This Magic Moment,” “Up on the Roof,” “Save the Last Dance for Me” and “On Broadway,” among others, passed away at 85 from complications of liver cancer. “I am completely devastated and shattered after losing my best friend of so many years, Charlie Thomas, the last original recording member of The Legendary Drifters,” Peter wrote on Instagram. “Charlie was with the group longer and on more hit records than any other member in history. His accomplishments were recognized when he was 1 of just 7 members of The Drifters to be inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. I have so many fond memories that we have spent together through much of my life growing up, that I will cherish forever.”
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“A Christmas Story,” “Harry and the Hendersons” and “Magnolia” actress Melinda Dillon — a Broadway star in her early 20s who earned a Tony Award nod for her work in “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” — died on Jan. 9 at 83. The news of her death emerged nearly a month later. Melinda suffered a mental breakdown in her 20s, The New York Times reported, and returned to acting in her late 30s, earning two Oscar nominations for her work in “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “Absence of Malice.”
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Spanish fashion designer Paco Rabanne died on Feb. 3. “The House of Paco Rabanne wishes to honor our visionary designer and founder who passed away today at the age of 88,” his label announced on Instagram. “Among the most seminal fashion figures of the 20th century, his legacy will remain a constant source of inspiration. We are grateful to Monsieur Rabanne for establishing our avant-garde heritage and defining a future of limitless possibilities.” The designer, who was born Francisco Rabaneda Cuervo, was known for his Space Age aesthetic, with Jane Fonda notably wearing his work in her 1968 film “Barbarella.”
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Cindy Williams — who starred as Shirley Feeney on the beloved late ’70s and early ’80s sitcom “Laverne & Shirley” — died at her home in Los Angeles on Jan. 25 following a brief illness, her two children told the Associated Press in a statement. She was 75. “The passing of our kind, hilarious mother, Cindy Williams, has brought us insurmountable sadness that could never truly be expressed. Knowing and loving her has been our joy and privilege. She was one of a kind, beautiful, generous and possessed a brilliant sense of humor and a glittering spirit that everyone loved,” Zak and Emily Hudson said. (Their father, singer Bill Hudson of the Hudson Brothers, fathered actors Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson with first wife Goldie Hawn before marrying Cindy in 1982. They divorced in 2000.) Cindy also appeared in George Lucas’s 1973 classic “American Graffiti.”
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Lisa Loring — the original Wednesday Addams actress, who starred on the sitcom “The Addams Family” in the 1960s — is dead at 64. She “passed away on [Jan. 28] surrounded by her family,” agent Chris Carbaugh told CNN, adding that Lisa “brought to life one of the most iconic characters in Hollywood history that is still celebrated today” and “loved sharing her memories and meeting all her fans across the world.” Lisa’s friend Laurie Jacobson shared more details on Facebook, telling friends and fans that the former child star had “suffered a massive stroke brought on by smoking and high blood pressure” and “had been on life support for 3 days” when her family “made the difficult decision to remove it.” Added Laurie, “She is embedded in the tapestry that is pop culture and in our hearts always as Wednesday Addams. Beautiful, kind, a loving mother, Lisa’s legacy in the world of entertainment is huge. And the legacy for her family and friends — a wealth of humor, affection and love will long play in our memories. RIP, Lisa.”
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On Jan. 29, actress Annie Wersching — who’s best known for her work on “24,” “Bosch,” “Timeless” and “Star Trek: Picard” — died of cancer after being diagnosed in 2020, Deadline reported. The mother of three was 45. “There is a cavernous hole in the soul of this family today,” grieving husband Stephen Full told Deadline of Annie, who also did motion capture and voice work in the classic PlayStation video game “The Last of Us.” “But she left us the tools to fill it. She found wonder in the simplest moment. She didn’t require music to dance. She taught us not to wait for adventure to find you. ‘Go find it. It’s everywhere.’ And find it we shall.” He continued, “As I drove our boys, the true loves of her life, down the winding driveway and street, she would yell BYE! until we were out of earshot and into the world. I can still hear it ringing. Bye, my Buddie. ‘I love you, little family…'”
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Musician and songwriter Tom Verlaine — who fronted Television, one of the most influential bands to come out of the punk scene centered around New York City’s CBGD club, died in NYC on Jan. 28 “after a brief illness,” Jesse Paris Smith — the daughter of musician Patti Smith, Tom’s former love interest and occasional collaborator — confirmed to The New York Times. The guitarist was 73.
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Lance Kerwin — who’s best known for his starring roles in 1970s projects like “James at 16” and “Salem’s Lot” — died on Jan. 24, his daughter Savanah announced on Facebook. He was 62. “We appreciate all the kind words, memories, and prayers that have been shared,” she wrote in part, adding that her dad “loved each and every one of you.”
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Male model Jeremy Ruehlemann — who posed and walked for designers and brands including Christian Siriano, John Varvatos, Superdry, Perry Ellis and more and appeared in publications like GQ and Playhouse Magazine — passed away on Jan. 21 from an accidental drug overdose, father Achim Ruehlemann told DailyMail.com. “There was no desire to end his life, this was accidental,” he said, adding that Jeremy had struggled with a Percocet addiction for years and had previously been to rehab. “Obviously, he had some issues with drug addiction, but he was very happy. He loved life. He was very vibrant, a wonderful soul and a very giving guy,” his father added.
Fashion designer Christian mourned his friend on Instagram, writing alongside photos of Jeremy, “To lose a friend who was such a beautiful soul is just really hard. This is for Jeremy, the most beautiful man that gave so much love to everyone he met no matter what. He was one of my muses and he always will be. He inspired me and I will love him forever. I’m sending all my love to his family and friends who lost someone so special. I know we will meet again one day but right now I just want to hug him. Rest well J we all love you so much! Send love to his family today please.”
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On Jan. 19, Variety confirmed that music legend David Crosby — who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice, with both the Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash (which was later Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young) — was dead at 81. “It is with great sadness after a long illness, that our beloved David (Croz) Crosby has passed away. He was lovingly surrounded by his wife and soulmate Jan and son Django,” his wife said in a statement. “Although he is no longer here with us, his humanity and kind soul will continue to guide and inspire us. His legacy will continue to live on through his legendary music. Peace, love, and harmony to all who knew David and those he touched. We will miss him dearly. At this time, we respectfully and kindly ask for privacy as we grieve and try to deal with our profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers.”
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On Jan. 16, Italy’s Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano announced the death of screen legend Gina Lollobrigida, who passed away at 95 at her home in Rome. Her grandnephew, Italian Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida, also tweeted news of her death, calling the bombshell “one of the brightest stars of Italian cinematography and culture.” A former painter and sculptor, Gina became a beauty queen and model before trying acting, shooting to fame in Europe before American audiences fell for her charms in movies like “Beat the Devil” co-starring Humphrey Bogart, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” alongside Anthony Quinn and “Solomon and Sheba” opposite Yul Brynner. She later embarked on a new career as a photojournalist and filmmaker herself.
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Influential British musician Jeff Beck — who was widely considered one of the best guitarists of all time — died of bacterial meningitis at a hospital near his home in Surrey, England, on Jan. 10, his family announced in a statement. He was 78. Jeff won eight Grammys during his long career, which began in the ’60s, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice — once as a member of the band the Yardbirds in 1992 and again as a solo artist in 2009.
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Tatjana Patitz — one of the top supermodels of the ’80s and ’90s — died at 56 on Jan. 11, Vogue announced. Her agent confirmed to CNN that the German Estonian beauty, who famously appeared in pop star George Michael’s iconic “Freedom! ’90” music video alongside fashion peers Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington, died after a battle with breast cancer. Anna Wintour, the chief content officer of Condé Nast and global editorial director of Vogue, mourned the model, remembering her as “always the European symbol of chic … She was far less visible than her peers — more mysterious, more grown-up, more unattainable — and that had its own appeal.”
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Constantine II — the last king of Greece who took the throne in 1964 and ruled until the monarchy was abolished in 1973 — died on Jan. 10 at 82 of a stroke at Hygeia Hospital in Athens, reports confirmed. The royal — an Olympic gold medal winner in sailing who lived in exile for decades — was the nephew of Britain’s late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and the godfather of Britain’s Prince William.
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Character actor Earl Boen — who was perhaps best known for his work as Dr. Peter Silberman in the “Terminator” franchise — died in Hawaii on Jan. 5, a family member confirmed to TMZ. Earl, who also acted in movies like “Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult” and “Nutty Professor II: The Klumps” — was 81.
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Walter Cunningham — the last surviving astronaut from the 1968 Apollo 7 mission — died at 90 on Jan. 3 in Houston, NASA confirmed. Apollo 7 was the first manned flight of the Apollo program. It marked a return to human spaceflight following the fire that killed three Apollo 1 astronauts in 1967.
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On New Year’s Day, Fred White — the drummer for Earth, Wind & Fire — passed away, brother and bandmate Verdine White announced. Fred — a Rock and roll Hall of Fame member who played on eight Earth, Wind & Fire albums — was 67. “He joins our brothers Maurice, Monte and Ronald in heaven and is now drumming with the angels! Child protégé, member of the EWF ORIGINAL 9, with gold records at the young age of 16 years old! He was brother number 4 in the family lineup,” Verdine wrote on Instagram, adding, “But more than that at home and beyond he was the wonderful bro that was always entertaining and delightfully mischievous! And we could always count on him to make a seemingly bad situation more light hearted! He will live in our hearts forever, rest in power beloved Freddie!! We thank you all for your love, blessings and support at this time. Soar high baby bro, we love you to the shining [stars] and back!”
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Action sports legend Ken Block — the founder of DC Shoes and Hoonigan Racing — died in a snowmobile accident near his Park City, Utah, home on Jan. 2. The five-time X Games medal winner, who was also a popular social media personality, was 55. According to the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office, Ken was making his way up a steep slope when his snowmobile fell back on top of him. “Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and a husband,” his racing company said in a statement. “He will be incredibly missed.”
