Stars We Lost In 2021

In memoriam…

Betty White

(January 17, 1922 – Friday, January 31, 2021)

(c) FayesVision/WENN

According to TMZ, legendary actress Betty White has sadly passed away in her home on Friday at the age of 99. Her agent and close friend Jeff Witjas confirmed the unfortunate news in a statement to People, expressing: “Even though Betty was about to be 100, I thought she would live forever. I will miss her terribly and so will the animal world that she loved so much. I don’t think Betty ever feared passing because she always wanted to be with her most beloved husband Allen Ludden. She believed she would be with him again.” White’s death comes weeks before she would have celebrated her 100th birthday. The Emmy winner just opened up to the publication about how she was feeling about the major milestone, saying: “I’m so lucky to be in such good health and feel so good at this age. It’s amazing.” So sad… As you may know, Betty had the longest-running career for any entertainer in the business before her death – starring in multiple shows over the past eight decades. She got her start in radio in the 1940s before joining Al Jarvis’ daily variety show Hollywood on Television in 1949, which she later hosted. In 1952, White landed her first big part in the series Life With Elizabeth, on which she starred as the titular role for three years. Her breakout comedic role happened in 1973 when she joined the cast of The Mary Tyler Moore Show in the early 70s, later winning two Emmys for her character Sue Ann. In the following years, she went on to her short-lived sitcom The Betty White Show, appeared in sketches on the Carol Burnett Show and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, had a recurring role on Mama’s Family, and so many other series and films credits. But fans largely know her for time on The Golden Girls, playing the lovable Rose Nyland. She told CNN in February 2017 of the iconic show: “Golden Girls was a big breakthrough. A situation comedy about old women? What is that? I think it changed a lot of the thinking and opened the way for a lot of older women.” White continued to work in the business over the years, even starring in the series Hot in Cleveland back in 2010. Her co-star Valerie Bertinelli honored her friend, tweeting on Friday: “Rest in Peace, sweet Betty. My God, how bright heaven must be right now.”

Tiffini Hale

(July 30, 1975 – December 25, 2021)

Actress Tiffini Hale, who starred on The All New Mickey Mouse Club from 1989 to 1995, passed away at 46 years old. According to her former co-stars, she suffered a cardiac arrest in early December that left her in a coma. She died on Christmas Day. Aside from Mickey Mouse Club, Tiffini was also a member of the Disney Channel pop group The Party, which often appeared on the show.

Jean-Marc Vallée

(March 9, 1963 – December 25, 2021)

Big Little Lies director Jean-Marc Vallée was found dead on December 26, though he is believed to have died on Christmas Day. According to his representative who spoke with People, the 58-year-old died of a heart attack and was found at his Quebec City cabin. The C.R.A.Z.Y. screenwriter was known for his directorial work on Dallas Buyers Club, Wild, and Sharp Objects, projects that earned him critical acclaim, such as an Oscar nomination in 2014 for editing in Dallas Buyers Club.

Jason Hitch

(DOB Unknown – December 14, 2021)

90 Day Fiancé star Jason Hitch sadly passed away from COVID-19 complications on December 14. The 45-year-old was not vaccinated and he did not have any other preexisting medical conditions. Jason’s sister broke the news to TMZ, explaining that the reality personality was surrounded by family in the ICU of a Florida hospital at the time of his death. Hitch starred in Season 2 of the TLC series. He married Cassia Taraves in 2014. They split in 2017, at which time Hitch was charged with domestic battery. According to Us Weekly, the charges were dropped and the couple attempted to get back together the next year, though it did not work. They officially divorced in October 2018. Jason was not currently working on the reality show; instead, he was a lieutenant in the Army reserves in Florida, where he was “a true and honest shooter, a great officer and leader to his men,” according to family.

Michael Nesmith

(December 30, 1942 – December 10, 2021)

Michael Nesmith of the pop-rock group The Monkees died of natural causes on December 10. He was 78. According to his family, the singer passed away in his home surrounded by loved ones. Just last month, the musician completed a farewell tour with the last surviving member of The Monkees, Micky Dolenz. Nesmith, Dolenz, Peter Tork, and Davy Jone first formed the group as a fictional band in a sitcom about four teens who wanted to find the same success as The Beatles. It worked, and the music grew more popular than the TV show. The Grammy winner left the band in 1970 to focus on other parts of his career, including film and TV aspirations.

Demaryius Thomas

(December 25, 1987 – December 9, 2021)

Former Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas was found dead in his Roswell, Georgia home on December 9 after suffering a health crisis while in the shower. He was just 33. According to cops who spoke with TMZ Sports, they received a call “in reference to a cardiac arrest.” By the time they arrived, Demaryius was “not conscious,” “not breathing,” and was already showing signs of rigor mortis. Autopsy results have yet to be released, but family members did disclose that the athlete had been experiencing seizures during the last year. Thomas retired from the sport in June. He was originally drafted to the Broncos in 2010, and also briefly played for the Houston Texans and Jets.

virgil Abloh

(September 30, 1980 – November 28, 2021)

American fashion designer Virgil Abloh sadly passed away on November 28. The 41-year-old had been battling cardiac angiosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Since 2018, the high-profile designer worked as the artistic director of Louis Vuitton‘s menswear collection. He was also the founder of Off-White. He has been remembered by dozens of celebrities, including Kanye West, Drake, and Kim Kardashian.

Eddie Mekka

(June 14, 1952 – November 27, 2021)

Laverne & Shirley star Eddie Mekka died at 69 on November 27. His death was announced on an official Facebook fan page, though no cause of death was revealed. He passed away “peacefully” in his Newhall, California home. The Massachusetts native was an accomplished actor who starred in The Big Ragu, A League of Their Own, Blansky’s Beauties, and The Young and the Restless. He also shined on stage, appearing in Broadway’s The Lieutenant, which earned him a Tony nomination in 1975.

Stephen Sondheim

(March 22, 1930 – November 26, 2021)

Broadway icon Stephen Sondheim passed away at 91 on November 26. According to media reports, the groundbreaking lyricist and composer died peacefully in his Connecticut home after spending Thanksgiving with his family the day before. Sondheim is considered a musical theater legend for writing the music and lyrics for many beloved shows, including West Side Story, Into The Woods, Sweeney Todd, and Gypsy. He won eight Tony Awards throughout his impressive career and was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008. He also earned eight Grammy Awards and an Oscar for Best Original Song. Hundreds of celebrities and fans have taken to social media to mourn the tremendous loss, making it clear that his legacy will live on forever.

Young Dolph

(July 27, 1985 – November 17, 2021)

Rapper Young Dolph was shot and killed in a drive-by incident in Memphis, Tennessee on November 17. The shooting took place outside of Makeda’s Cookies, which the musician, born Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., frequently visited. He was pronounced dead on the scene when police arrived. The King of Memphis performer was well known in his hometown, often donating money and food to people in the community. As an independent artist, the father of two earned three top 10 albums on the Billboard 200 chart, with his seventh album Rich Slave climbing to No. 4. He even redid all his album covers during the COVID-19 pandemic to include masks in hopes of encouraging safety precautions.

Jerry Douglas

(November 12, 1932 – November 9, 2021)

The Young and the Restless star Jerry Douglas passed away after a brief illness on November 9. He was 89 years old. Douglas was most famous for his soap opera role as John Abbott on Y&R and even made appearances as Abbott’s ghost after his character’s death in 2006. His last performance on the CBS drama was in 2016. The Massachusetts native had a successful career that spanned nearly 100 other productions, including JFK, Mommie Dearest, Blast of Silence, and Avalanche. He was also a screenwriter and playwright. Jerry leaves behind his wife Kym, three children, and two grandchildren.

Samantha Rabinowitz

(DOB Unknown – November 7, 2021)

Samantha Rabinowitz, a YouTuber known by her account name “Here For The Tea,” passed “peacefully in her sleep” on November 7, according to her sister, Lisa Greenspoon. Her cause of death has not been confirmed at this time. She was believed to be in her 20s or 30s, though an exact age is unclear. Samantha kept her life incredibly private while growing a large following on social media, where she posted updates about drama among YouTube’s biggest creators. Just a week before her death, she revealed on Twitter that she had “received some devastating news,” but she passed away before she had the chance to elaborate more. Rabinowitz has been remembered fondly by many celebrities and fans.

Dean Stockwell

(March 5, 1936 – November 7, 2021)

Quantum Leap star Dean Stockwell passed away peacefully at home due to natural causes on November 7, according to a representative for the family. He was 85. The Oscar– and Emmy-nominated actor was known for his work in stage, film, and TV productions spanning more than 70 years. The North Hollywood native’s most notable credits were for the controversial 1948 movie The Boy with the Green Hair, Dune (1984), Married to the Mob, and Blue Velvet. After retiring from acting in 2015, he began making and exhibiting art around the US under his full name, Robert Dean Stockwell. He leaves behind his wife Joy Stockwell and their two children, Austin and Sophie.

James Michael Tyler

(May 28, 1962 – October 24, 2021)

James Michael Tyler, most beloved for playing fan-favorite character Gunther on Friends, died at 59 years old after a stage 4 prostate cancer battle. James first revealed his diagnosis during an interview with Today in 2018. He underwent treatment, but his condition worsened over time. Aside from the NBC sitcom, Tyler was known for his roles in Scrubs, Keeping Up with the Downs, and most recently, The Gesture and The Word.

Mark Howard

(DOB Unknown — October 2021)

Captain Mark Howard, star of Below Deck Mediterranean, died sometime between October 22-27 at his home in Florida. He was 65. According to police reports obtained by TMZ, his wife Susan was away the week of his death. When she returned home, she discovered Mark dead upstairs, covered in boxes that had apparently fallen and laid up against a shelf. It’s unclear if an investigation is currently ongoing or if this was considered an accident/medical incident. Howard made a name for himself in the first 13 episodes of the Bravo reality TV series. The Michigan native had almost 30 years of experience with boats and was a well-respected leader who was hands-on with his crew members.

Peter Scolari

(September 12, 1955 – October 22, 2021)

Peter Scolari, an acclaimed stage and screen actor, died of cancer at 66 years old. His management company Wright Entertainment confirmed the sad news after his two-year battle with the illness ended. With a successful career on Broadway, the performer transitioned to television alongside Tom Hanks in the ABC comedy Bosom Buddies in 1980. He then went on to star in eight seasons of the sitcom Newhart, as well as Honey, I Shrunk The Kids: The TV Show (which he also helped produce and direct). In 2016, Peter won an Emmy for playing Lena Dunham’s father on the HBO series Girls. The New York native leaves behind his wife Tracy Shayne and four children, Nicholas, Joseph, Keaton, and Cali.

Halyna Hutchins

(April 10, 1979 – October 21, 2021)

Ukrainian cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot to death on the set of the Alec Baldwin western Rust. She was just 42. During the October 21 tragedy, Alec’s prop gun fired a live round, killing Halyna and injuring director Joel Souza. The incident is still under investigation. Halyna was a rising star in the industry who worked on Archenemy, The Mad Hatter, and Darlin’, just to name a few of her accomplishments. She leaves behind her husband Matthew and their 9-year-old son Andros.

Tommy DeBarge

(September 6, 1957 – October 21, 2021)

Tommy DeBarge, one of the co-founders of the R&B band Switch, passed away after a “lengthy illness,” according to his brother El DeBarge. TMZ learned the bassist had a long battle with kidney and liver disease and fought COVID-19 earlier in the year. He was hospitalized a few weeks before his death before ultimately passing away at 64 years old. Tommy rose to fame in the mid ’70s with songs There’ll Never Be, I Call Your Name, and Love Over & Over Again. He eventually left Switch to mentor his younger siblings in the musical group DeBarge.

JoAnna Cameron

(September 20, 1948 – October 15, 2021)

The star of the DC Comics TV series The Secrets of Isis, JoAnna Cameron, sadly passed away in Hawaii after suffering complications from a stroke. She was 73. Born in Colorado, Cameron appeared in a then-record-breaking 105 TV commercials, according to Extra TV, before she landed her first feature film, How To Commit Marriage, in 1969. She gained mainstream fame for starring in a few episodes of the medical drama Marcus Welby, M.D. in the early ‘70s before appearing on Shazam! (1974), Isis, and The Amazing Spider-Man. She also dabbled in directing and worked in home health care and hotel marketing after retiring from acting, according to her IMDb page.

Willie Garson

(February 20, 1964 – September 21, 2021)

Willie Garson, beloved Sex and the City alum (who played Carrie Bradshaw’s gay best friend Stanford Blatch), tragically died following a secret battle with cancer. He was just 57 years old. Aside from SATC, the actor was famous for his role on White Collar; he also appeared on Big Mouth, Monk, CSI, Boy Meets World, The X-Files, and in many more films and TV shows. He spent his last days filming the highly anticipated HBO Max series And Just Like That…, as well. Garson leaves behind a 20-year-old son, Nathen, as well as many friends and co-stars who have paid tribute to him online.

Norm Macdonald

(October 17, 1959 – September 14, 2021)

Comedy legend Norm Macdonald passed away after a secret 9-year battle against cancer. He was 61 years old. Most famous for his time on Saturday Night Live, the performer also starred in Billy Madison, Dirty Work, and The Norm Show throughout his impressive career. The Canadian stand-up was remembered fondly by many fans and comedians on social media following his death, including most major late-night TV hosts, making it clear that his legacy will live on.

Ben Best

(September 11, 1974 – September 12, 2021)

Co-creator and star of HBO’s Eastbound & Down, Ben Best, died the day before his birthday at 46 years old. No cause of death has been revealed at this time, but the news was confirmed by the show’s production company Rough House Pictures. They remembered him as “a hell of a friend and a creative force.” Best worked alongside writing partners Jody Hill and Danny McBride for much of his career, including on the comedy The Foot Fist Way. He also penned Your Highness starring McBride, James Franco, and Natalie Portman. As a performer, he appeared in Superbad, What Happens in Vegas, Observe and Report, and Land of the Lost.

Michael K. Williams

(November 22, 1966 – September 6, 2021)

Michael K. Williams was found dead of a suspected heroin overdose in his Brooklyn penthouse on September 6. The accomplished actor, just 54 years old, was best known for his roles in The Wire, Boardwalk Empire, and most recently Lovecraft Country (for which he earned a Best Supporting Actor Emmy nomination). He was discovered by his nephew before authorities arrived on the scene. No foul play was suspected. The New York native had been open about his battle with drugs for years, especially while working on the hit HBO drama in the early 2000s. He was remembered fondly by fans and Hollywood stars on social media.

Ed Asner

(November 15, 1929 – August 29, 2021)

The Mary Tyler Moore Show alum Ed Asner sadly passed away at 91 years old. He was surrounded by his family in Los Angeles, according to his publicist Charles Sherman. The seven-time Emmy-winning actor made a name for himself as newsman Lou Grant on the CBS sitcom before starring as the same character on its spin-off series Lou Grant. This made him one of the only people to play the same character in both a comedy and drama series. Very cool! The former president of the Screen Actors Guild would go on to star in Up, Elf, and over 400 other movies and TV shows. He was also an accomplished author who penned several books, including most recently The Grouchy Historian. He leaves behind four children.

Matthew Mindler

(DOB Unknown – August 28, 2021)

Matthew Mindler, a child actor known for his role in Our Idiot Brother alongside Paul Rudd, was found dead after being reported missing. The 19-year-old was a freshman at Millersville University. A search began after he failed to answer his phone or show up for classes. He was ultimately found nearby campus, though the exact location was not disclosed. According to TMZ, the Lancaster County Coroner’s Office shared that the student died by suicide. The specific cause of death is still pending toxicology results.

Charlie Watts

(June 2, 1941 – August 24, 2021)

Charlie Watts, the beloved drummer for The Rolling Stones, sadly passed away at 80 years old. No information on his cause of death was revealed, but his publicist did share that he died surrounded by family in London. Earlier in the year, the musician announced he would not tour with the rock band in 2021 because of health issues. He was one of the group’s longest-lasting and most vital members, joining in 1963.

Sonny Chiba

(January 22, 1939 – August 19, 2021)

Japanese actor Sonny Chiba, born Shinichi Chiba, passed away due to COVID-19 complications. He was 82. According to local outlets, his cause of death was pneumonia, which came weeks into the star’s in-hospital coronavirus battle. The performer is best known for his role in Quentin Tarantino‘s Kill Bill series. He also starred in The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift and Battle Royale II: Requiem, among many other films.

Una Stubbs

(May 1, 1937 – August 12, 2021)

Una Stubbs, who played Mrs. Hudson in Sherlock alongside Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, passed away at 84 years old after suffering from an undisclosed illness for several months. According to her agent Rebecca Blond, who spoke to BBC News, she was surrounded by her family and died at home in Edinburgh. The beloved star was also known for her roles in Worzel Gummidge, Till Death Us Do Part, and Summer Holiday. The theater enthusiast was remembered as a “wickedly funny, elegant, stylish, graceful, gracious and kind and constant friend” by her agent.

Trevor Moore

(April 4, 1980 – August 6, 2021)

Comedian and writer Trevor Moore, known for his sketch comedy show The Whitest Kids U Know, passed away suddenly in early August at 41 years old. His wife Aimee Carlson told Variety he died in an accident, but did not provide more details. The storyteller was also well known for creating Disney Channel’s choose-your-own-adventure series Just Roll With It. He was remembered as “an incredible talent” by Comedy Central, where he hosted the Trevor Moore Talk Show. He leaves behind his wife of 11 years and 3-year-old son August. So sad…

Joey Jordison

(April 26, 1975 – July 26, 2021)

Joey Jordison, the original drummer and founding member of the heavy metal band Slipknot, passed away at just 46 years old. According to his family, the musician died in his sleep in late July. The cause of death was not revealed. Jordison was one of the nine founding members of the popular band which was formed in 1995. He left in 2013 for “personal reasons,” but insisted he had not quit, later alleging he was fired via email. At the time, he was also diagnosed with acute transverse myelitis, a neurological condition that affected the use of his legs. He went on to found the Murderdolls as well as launch many other metal projects.

Biz Markie

(April 8, 1964 – July 16, 2021)

Rapper Biz Markie, best known for his song Just A Friend, died at 57 years old. The beatboxer, born Marcel Theo Hall, had been sick for months, according to his manager Jenni D. Izumi, but his cause of death was not revealed. Rumors of his premature passing spread on Twitter while the musician was in the hospital in early July, with many fans reflecting on the impactful movie appearances and performances the New York native grew famous for, including a scene in Men in Black II with Will Smith.

Charlie Robinson

(November 9, 1945 – July 11, 2021)

Prolific actor Charlie Robinson passed away at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in mid-July following cancer complications. The performer was 75. According to his manager, Charlie died after suffering cardiac arrest with multisystem organ failures due to septic shock and metastatic adenocarcinoma. He was best known for playing the clerk on NBC’s Night Court as well as for starring roles in Buffalo Bill, Cannon, and most recently Mom, to name a few. The Texan had an impressive career appearing in over 125 films and TV shows!

Robert Downey Sr.

(June 24, 1936 – July 7, 2021)

Indie filmmaker Robert Downey Sr. died at 84 years old after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease in early July. The New York native was most known for his racially conscious satire of the ad industry, Putney Swope. As an actor, he also starred in Boogie Nights and Magnolia, among other notable credits. His son, Robert Downey Jr., remembered his namesake as “a saint” while paying tribute to him on social media.

Ned Beatty

(July 6, 1937 – June 13, 2021)

Ned Beatty, an acclaimed character actor, died of natural causes in his Los Angeles home, according to his daughter Blossom Beatty. He was 83. Throughout his impressive career, Beatty starred in over 160 films and television shows. He was best known for his roles in Deliverance, Superman (1978), and Toy Story 3. He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards in 1977 for his appearance in Network. He leaves behind his fourth wife, Sandra Johnson, and 8 children.

ALEX DRAGOMIR

(DOB Unknown – June 10, 2021)

Popular YouTube star Alex Dragomir, AKA “Sir Kipsta,” died following complications of a heart operation on June 10. He was just 17. The Manchester United fan, who shared his love for soccer online, had been struggling from heart failure. He opened up about his personal life in candid videos and on Twitter after a friend encouraged him to be honest with his followers. In doing so, he grew a loyal support system that “kept him going,” according to his sister.

Dakota Skye

(April 17, 1994 – June 9, 2021)

Adult film star Dakota Skye, born Lauren Kaye Scott, was found dead in her Los Angeles motorhome by her husband on June 9. No cause of death has been revealed, but the 27-year-old was suffering from online hate (stemming from backlash after she posed for a topless photo in front of a George Floyd mural) as well as other “personal struggles.” She was remembered fondly by colleagues and friends as a “fun” and “beautiful human.”

Ernie Lively

(January 29, 1947 – June 3, 2021)

Ernie Lively, Blake Lively’s father and a professional actor in his own right, passed away due to cardiac complications at 74 years old. He was best known for playing his daughter’s dad in Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, as well as for roles in The Dukes of Hazzard, The X-Files, The West Wing, That ‘70s Show, and in films The Beverly Hillbillies, Passenger 57, and Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot — among many other notable credits! In 2013, the Turner & Hooch alum made history as the first person to undergo retrograde gene therapy for the heart. He leaves behind his wife of 42 years, Elaine, as well as five kids.

SAMUEL E. WRIGHT

(November 20, 1946 – May 24, 2021)

Samuel E. Wright, the original voice of Sebastian the crab from The Little Mermaid, passed away at 74 years old. His hometown of Montgomery, New York delivered the sad news on Facebook, calling the performer an “inspiration” who lived life with “PURE JOY.” No information on his death was provided. While his voice is most known for the Oscar-winning 1989 Disney film, Wright was also famous for roles on Enos, All My Children, and The Cosby Show. He led a similarly impressive career on the stage, being the first person to portray Mufasa in the Tony-winning Broadway production of The Lion King (among other notable shows). His legacy will surely live on in the voices of his beloved characters.

MARK YORK

(November 27, 1965 – May 19, 2021)

Mark York, a 55-year-old actor best known for his role on The Office, died of an “unexpected illness” on May 19. It was not reported to be coronavirus, though little information is known. He passed away in Miami, Ohio, with family remembering him for his “outgoing, uplifting, positive attitude and personality.” Despite being paraplegic since 1988, the performer made a name for himself within the entertainment industry, most beloved for his role as Billy Merchant on the documentary-style sitcom. York was also known for appearances in CSI: NY and Fighting Words. Co-stars Rainn Wilson and Jenna Fischer, along with many avid fans, paid tribute to him on social media.

PAUL MOONEY

(August 4, 1941 – May 19, 2021)

Beloved comedian, actor, and writer Paul Mooney died at his home in Oakland, California after suffering a heart attack. He was 79.

The trailblazing funny man served as the head writer on The Richard Pryor Show and co-wrote some of Richard Pryor’s material on several of his comedy albums and Saturday Night Live sketches. Mooney also wrote for Sanford and Son, Good Times, In Living Color, Pryor’s Place, The Larry Sanders Show, Chappelle’s Show, and BET’s reality TV parody Real Husbands of Hollywood.

CHARLES GRODIN

(April 21, 1935 – May 18, 2021)

Charles Grodin, an accomplished actor best known for his role in the comedy Beethoven, died at 86. According to his son who spoke with TMZ, the performer’s health had deteriorated due to a battle with bone marrow cancer. There are no plans for a funeral, though family asked for donations to be made to a charity in Grodin’s honor. The Emmy-winning screenwriter first gained fame in the 1962 Broadway show Tchin-Tchin, before directing two productions of his own. He also starred alongside Robert De Niro in Midnight Run and was the original lead of The Heartbreak Kid (which Ben Stiller remade in 2007). While he never won any accolades for his acting, Charles remained a fan favorite among viewers.

COLT BRENNAN

(August 16, 1983 – May 11, 2021)

Colt Brennan, a former NFL quarterback and notable college football player for University of Hawaii, tragically passed away at 37 years old. It remains unclear what exactly happened, but according to reports, the athlete was found unconscious “a few days” prior to his death in a So Cal rehab facility. Brennan’s father Terry told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser his son “was doing so well” but “these guys [at the rehab facility] were no-nonsense guys. It just got away from him.” Colt passed with his family by his side listening to Bob Marley. So sad…

SHOCK G

(August 25, 1963 – April 22, 2021)

Shock G (born Greg Jacobs), co-founder of the legendary hip-hop group Digital Underground, was found dead in a Tampa, Florida hotel room. His father confirmed the sad news to TMZ, though a cause of death was not revealed. The musician was just 57 years old. Throughout his impressive career, in which his group was best known for their hit The Humpty Dance, Shock G also collaborated as a producer with Prince, Dr. Dre, and Tupac Shakur. He was remembered by equally high-profile celebs like Ice Cube, MC Hammer, Questlove, and Viola Davis, who thanked him for “the joy you gave me” through music.

HELEN MCCRORY

(August 17, 1968 – April 16, 2021)

Harry Potter and Peaky Blinders star Helen McCrory died at 52 years old following a “heroic battle with cancer.” Her husband Damian Lewis announced the sad news via a statement shared to social media. The English actress was widely popular for portraying Narcissa Malfoy in the Harry Potter film series and was remembered by J.K. Rowling as a “wonderful woman.” The performer also had a lengthy career in theatre, appearing in more than 25 productions beginning in the 1990s. Some credits include hits like MacBeth and Pride and Prejudice. For her work, Helen won many awards, including accolades from the London Film Critics Circle, the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards, the Critics’ Circle Theater Awards.

BERNIE MADOFF

(April 29, 1938 – April 14, 2021)

Ponzi schemer Bernie Madoff died in prison at 82 years old. As a former chairman of the Nasdaq stock market, the financial guru swindled millions of dollars from the rich and poor through a fake investment advisory company. The corrupt businessman was exposed in 2008 and plead guilty to fraud. The former Wall Street financier was sentenced to 150 years in prison. Last year, his lawyer attempted to have him released from jail early due to the coronavirus, claiming he was suffering from chronic medical conditions including end-stage renal disease. The attempt did not work. Bernie passed away at the Federal Medical Center in Butner, North Carolina.

ADAM PERKINS

(March 17, 1997 – April 11, 2021)

Vine star Adam Perkins, who rocketed to fame alongside his twin brother Patrick in a duo known as “packie” on the once-popular app, passed away at just 24 years old. His cause of death was not revealed. While most likely remembered for his “Welcome to Chili’s” vine, the creative was also a budding musician and model. In his honor, his latest album Latch Relay will be available on vinyl as the first release of Plas Teg Records, a new label “that will seek to fulfill his musical destiny that was so tragically cut short.”

JOSEPH SIRAVO

(February 12, 1957 – April 11, 2021)

The Sopranos alum Joseph Siravo died at age 64 after battling cancer. His daughter Allegra Okarmus shared the news on Instagram, saying she was by his side when he died “peacefully” in “his beloved Treehouse.” The creative, best known for playing Tony Soprano’s ruthless father in the HBO show’s 1960s flashbacks, was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in 2017 and colon cancer in 2019. Aside from his many TV and film credits (including most recently ABC’s For Life and Amazon’s The Report), the Washington DC born performer was a Broadway veteran. Joseph starred in over 2,000 shows of Jersey Boys during the musical’s first US tour. He was also cast in Tony-winning productions Oslo and The Light in the Piazza. He was remembered by many friends and co-stars as “wonderful,” “talented,” “lovely,” and “one hell of an actor.”

WALTER OLKEWICZ

(May 14, 1948 – April 6, 2021)

Twin Peaks actor Walter Olkewicz died at age 72 following 20 years worth of heath struggles. His son Zak recalled that a series of knee surgeries left the performer with infections that caused him to be bedridden for the last stretch of his life. Aside from his beloved portrayal of Jacques in Twin Peaks, the creative was known for his roles in Who’s the Boss?, Night Court, and as Nick the Cable Guy on Seinfeld. He also played Private Hinshaw in Steven Spielberg‘s 1941, among many other film and TV credits.

PAUL RITTER

(December 20, 1966 – April 5, 2021)

British actor Paul Ritter died at 54 years old due to a brain tumor. He was best known for his work in HBO’s Chernobyl, the James Bond film Quantum of Solace, and for playing wizard Eldred Worple in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. His agent Jonty Brook announced the sad news, describing Ritter as “fiercely intelligent, kind and very funny.” He leaves behind his wife Polly and sons Frank and Noah, all who were by his side at the time of death. The Tony-nominated performer was also beloved for portraying Martin Goodman in six seasons of the sitcom Friday Night Dinner. 

QUINDON TARVER

(August 4, 1982 – April 2, 2021)

Child star Quindon Tarver, who was best known for his appearance in Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet, died in a car crash at just 38 years old. The singer gained famed as a kid performing in Madonna’s Like A Prayer music video. He went on to sing powerful renditions of Prince’s When Doves Cry and Rozalla’s Everybody’s Free for the Shakespeare film’s soundtrack. Fans of American Idol may also remember the musician from Season 2 and 7. As he grew older, the Texan used his platform to address sexual abuse within the music industry, as well as his past with drug addiction and a 2012 suicide attempt.

APRIL THE GIRAFFE

(April 18, 2000 – April 2, 2021)

Viral sensation April The Giraffe (above, left) from Animal Adventure Park in New York died following a worsening condition of arthritis. Beloved by the world for her heavily documented pregnancies and births which were live-streamed on YouTube, April was euthanized at 20 years old. She arrived to the zoo in 2015 (completing owner Jordan Patch’s desire to have a 16-foot-friend at the park within its first five years). The internet famous animal spent her “golden years” helping to educate and connect millions virtually. Patch says April will be remembered for how, “in her own special way, [she] changed the world.”

LINDA TORRES

(March 29, 1954 – April 1, 2021)

Linda Torres, a Big Ang and Mob Wives mainstay, died of “double pneumonia COVID” at 67 years old, according to her friend Janine Detore. The TV personality was diagnosed with the virus nine weeks prior to her death, after recovering from breast cancer surgery. She was taken to Staten Island University Hospital in New York after she developed a fever. Her friends and family found it ironic that she passed on April Fool’s Day and Holy Thursday considering she “always had that good sense of humor.” Off screen, Linda worked as a school bus driver for developmentally disabled kids for over twenty years.

BEVERLY CLEARY

(April 12, 1916 – March 25, 2021)

Beloved children’s book author Beverly Cleary passed away at 104 years old. Best known for stories following bratty Ramona Quimby and her teen sister Beezus, as well as the adventures of Henry Huggins and his pup Ribsy, the legendary writer died in Carmel, CA where she lived since the ‘60s. She is credited for changing the children’s literature landscape, offering kids an opportunity to feel represented in books without ever being talked down to. Her birthday, April 12, is celebrated around the world as “Drop Everything and Read Day.” With over 85 million copies of her work sold globally, the impact of Beverly’s stories will live on for a long time to come.

CRAIG “MUMS” GRANT

(December 18, 1968 – March 24, 2021)

Craig “muMs” Grant, most recognized for his role as Arnold “Poet” Jackson on HBO‘s Oz, died at 52 years old. No cause of death was revealed. The actor and writer was in the midst of filming Starz‘ Hightown in Wilmington, North Carolina at the time of his death, and was expected to return to Atlanta shortly after to finish a role on BET’s All the Queen’s Men. Fans may also remember the New York-born creative from Spike Lee‘s She’s Gotta Have It, Chapelle’s Show, The Sopranos, Luke Cage, and Steven Soderbergh‘s Side Effects. The prolific performer was even in talks to stage a one-man show this summer. So sad…

Jessica Walter

(January 31, 1941 – March 24, 2021)

Emmy-winning actress Jessica Walter passed away at 80 years old. The stage and screen actress, whose career spanned six decades, died in her sleep at home in New York City, according to her daughter. The New York native gained early fame from a standout turn in Clint Eastwood’s directorial debut, Play Misty for Me, then found a new audience years later as Lucille Bluth, the matriarch of the dysfunctional family in the cult comedy series Arrested development. After the news of her passing broke, Walter’s Arrested co-stars paid tribute, with Jason Bateman describing her as “one of a kind” and David Cross calling her “an absolutely brilliant actress and amazing talent.”

HOUSTON TUMLIN

(December 27, 1992 – March 23, 2021)

Houston Tumlin, beloved for his role as Will Ferrell’s 10-year-old son in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, passed away at 28 years old. According to TMZ, the actor died by suicide in his Pelham, Alabama home. His girlfriend, Charity Robertson, was reportedly inside the house at the time of his death. He more recently served in the Army’s 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell. He also worked other jobs throughout his lifetime, such as a telephone line repairman. Talladega was the child star’s only acting credit, and a very memorable one at that!

GEORGE SEGAL

(February 13, 1934 – March 23, 2021)

Prolific actor best known for his role as the Jewish patriarch on ABC’s The Goldbergs, George Segal, died from complications of a bypass surgery. He was 87 years old. Born in New York, Segal quickly became one of Hollywood’s finest performers, receiving an Oscar nomination in 1967 for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Adam F. Goldberg, the producer of George’s current hit comedy series, remembered his friend as “a kid at heart with a magical spark.” He will be dearly missed…

YAPHET KOTTO

(November 15, 1939 – March 14, 2021)

Actor Yaphet Kotto, best known for his role as a James Bond villain in Live and Let Die, passed away at 81 years old. His wife of 24 years, Tessie Sinahon, broke the sad news on Facebook, writing, “you played a villain on some of your movies but for me you’re a real hero and to a lot of people also.” The Hollywood legend began his career at just 16 in the world of theatre. He quickly racked up nearly 100 credits in TV series, films, and video games, including starring in Alien, NBC‘s Homicide: Life on the Street, and Hawaii Five-O. Yaphet also dabbled in screenwriting, directing, and producing throughout his impressive career. He is survived by Tessie and their six children.

LOU OTTENS

(June 21, 1926 – March 6, 2021)

Lou Ottens, the Dutch engineer who invented the cassette tape and CD, died at 94 years old in his home in Duizel, a small village in The Netherlands. Lou began his career at Phillips in 1952 where he quickly became the head of the company’s product development department. Within a year, he and his team created the first ever portable tape recorder. After selling millions of those, he created the cassette tape when finding himself “annoyed with the clunky, user-nonfriendly reel to reel system.” Over 100 billion units of his product were bought worldwide. Ottens continued to revolutionize the audio industry as we know it by developing the CD, selling that to Sony-Phillips and doubling sales. Humble as ever, he insisted both groundbreaking inventions were a team effort and that he had “no ‘pride dial.’” His one regret? That he didn’t invent the Walkman! Lou’s legacy will truly never be forgotten!

JAHMIL FRENCH

(July 29, 1991 — March 1, 2021)

Jahmil French, who was best known for playing the character Dave Turner on the hit Canadian TV series Degrassi, passed away on Monday, March 1, 2021. He was just 29 years old. A cause of death was not publicly reported at the time of his passing. According to a statement first released by his agent, French will be remembered “for his passion for the arts, his commitment to his craft, and his vibrant personality.” Such a sad, sudden death…

LANCE WALDROUP

(November 3, 1990 – February 25, 2021)

Lance Waldroup, a star of Discovery’s docuseries Moonshiners, passed away at home in North Carolina on February 25, 2021. The 30-year-old’s cause of death was not revealed, but the family announced his passing was “unexpected.” The distiller appeared in over 50 episodes of the hit show between 2012 and 2019. He “was always looking to take his flavorful recipes of ‘shine to new heights,” according to the network. Lance exited the reality series in 2019 to care for his mother who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. May he rest in peace…

FRED SEGAL

(1933 — February 25, 2021)

Fred Segal, the LA-based fashion retailer best known for his ivy-covered celebrity hot spot in West Hollywood (and prominently featured in Clueless), died at 87 from complications of a stroke at a Santa Monica hospital. The fashion icon had previously recovered from a stroke in 2014. Credited for shaping LA fashion culture as well as launching dozens of designer careers, Segal worked with clients such as The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Diana Ross, The Jackson 5, and Angelina Jolie. He opened his first store in 1961 where he sold denim jeans, flannel, and velvet pieces, but he believed his incredible success was in large part due to his brutal honesty with customers and ability to allow high-profile creatives the chance to mingle in store and at the adjoined restaurant. He is survived by his wife, Tina, five children, and two stepchildren.

SEAN KENNEDY

(June 24, 1985 – February 23, 2021)

I Killed The Prom Queen bassist Sean Kennedy died at just 35 years old on February 23, 2021. The Australian metal band musician performed with the group for over a decade, including on acclaimed albums When Goodbye Means Forever… and Music for the Recently Deceased, which topped at number 27 on the ARIA Charts. With a global fanbase, Kennedy saw even greater success with Deez Nuts, his most recent band that included multiple members of I Killed The Prom Queen (which split in 2013). No cause of death was announced, but Michael Crafter, the lead vocalist of I Killed The Prom Queen, paid tribute to the late musician by getting an “SK” tattoo and remembering their rise to fame together on Instagram.

PRINCE MARKIE DEE

(February 19, 1968 – February 18, 2021)

Prince Markie Dee (born Mark Anthony Morales) of the hip hop trio The Fat Boys died February 18, 2021, just one day before his 53rd birthday. The sudden death was caused by congestive heart failure after “distressing” health issues, such as waking up with swollen hands and feet that led him to the hospital. The Fat Boys were known for fun, light-hearted rap music that hoped to bring some levity to a genre often saturated with heavy subject matter. After the group split in the early ‘90s, Markie produced hits for Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, and Destiny’s Child. He also appeared in a few TV series, including Miami Vice. The performer was supposedly hoping to continue acting with the help of friend LL Cool J. May he rest in peace knowing his music will bring joy to listeners for years to come.

RUSH LIMBAUGH

(January 12, 1951 – February 17, 2021)

Abrasive right-wing talk radio show host Rush Limbaugh died at his home in Palm Beach, Florida at the age of 70 following lung cancer complications. His wife, Kathryn, made the announcement live on The Rush Limbaugh Show, which spanned decades and amassed millions of daily listeners. Beginning in the ’80s, fans tuned in to hear Limbaugh’s weekday, highly conservative three-hour debate, during which he often coined terms such as “feminazis” (women who defended abortion rights), “compassion fascists” (advocates for people experiencing homelessness), and “tree-hugging wackos” (environmentalists). It is now the highest-rated talk radio show in the US and airs on nearly 600 radio stations nationwide. Rush’s political call-in show was a first of its kind and huge success that likely saved AM radio altogether, but not without striking controversies with many in the way he treated marginalized communities and sensitive social issues. While he did give a voice to many Americans who may have felt alienated with their political opinions, especially at his peak in the ’90s, critics have pointed out how his impact affected many other communities for the worse. US Capitol Attack influencer Donald Trump awarded the radio tycoon the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2020.

LARRY FLINT

(November 1, 1942 – February 10, 2021)

Larry Flynt, the publisher behind Hustler magazine, died at home in Los Angeles from heart failure on February 10, 2021, according to TMZ. At 78 years old, the Kentucky-born media mogul often found himself in legal troubles chronicled in the 1996 Oscar-nominated film The People Vs. Larry Flynt. After suffering an assassination attempt in 1978 that left him paralyzed from the waist down, Larry was known for his gold-plated, velvet-lined wheel chair. As an outspoken politician, the pornographer ran for presidency in 1984 and Governor of California in the 2003 recall election, but was unsuccessful in both campaigns. He leaves behind six children and a massive porn empire.

mary wilson

(March 6, 1944 – February 8, 2021)

Mary Wilson, a member of the legendary trio The Supremes (which also included Diana Ross and the late Florence Ballard), died at her home in Nevada on February 8, 2021. No cause of death was revealed by her publicist Jay Schwartz. The singer was 76 and in the midst of celebrating the group’s 60th anniversary from signing with Motown Records. Her musical career will be remembered for defining Motown sound and style as we know it today. With popular songs such as Where Did Our Love Go?, Come See About Me, and Stop! In The Name Of Love, Mary’s impact will remain ever-present as her voice blasts through speakers just as enthusiastically now as it did in the group’s prime.

LEON SPINKS

(July 11, 1953 – February 5, 2021)

Leon Spinks, the professional boxer who beat Muhammad Ali in a historic upset for the world heavyweight championship title in 1978, died at age 67. Known for his big, toothy grin and his proclamation following his victory against Ali (“I’m not the greatest. Just the latest”), Leon went on to dabble in wrestling and martial arts. As a former Marine, he won a gold metal at the 1976 Olympics as a light heavyweight. The athlete had been fighting prostate and other cancers for the last five years. His wife, Brenda Glur Spinks, was by his side when he passed. 

CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER

(December 13, 1929— February 5, 2021)

The Sound of Music’s Christopher Plummer died peacefully at home in Connecticut surrounded by his family on February 5, 2021. He was 91. Best known for his time as Baron von Trapp in the musical drama, the Canadian actor later won an Oscar for Beginners (as well as was nominated for All the Money in the World and The Last Station). At the time of his win, he was the oldest person to receive an Academy Award. Through his nearly 70-year-long career spanning film, TV, and Broadway, the performer won two Emmys and two Tony awards (as well as numerous other critical acclaims). His friend and manager of 46 years, Lou Pitt, remembered him as “a national treasure” who “will forever be with us.”

DUSTIN DIAMOND

(January 7, 1977 – February 1, 2021)

Dustin Diamond, best known for his portrayal of Samuel “Screech” Powers on Saved By The Bell, died at the age of 44. The shocking news came just two weeks after he had been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. Following a brief stint of chemotherapy, the performer passed away while being transferred from the hospital to his friend’s home in Florida. Throughout his career, the Celebrity Big Brother alum became known for having a bad reputation and falling victim to the effects of childhood fame. After releasing a scathing tell-all memoir, Behind The Bell, about his time filming the hit sitcom, the actor fell out of touch with his castmates who vehemently disagreed with his take on the life changing experience. Growing a strong desire to “be a normal guy” in his later years, Diamond was hoping to settle down with his girlfriend of over a year and remain out of the public eye. His legacy will surely live on…

SOPHIE XEON

(September 17, 1986 – January 30, 2021)

Ground-breaking Grammy-nominated musician and avant-garde pop music producer Sophie died after accidentally slipping and falling while trying to watch the full moon from her roof in Athens, Greece on January 30, 2021. Only 34-years-old at the time of her death, the transgender artist had already made an impressive name for herself within the music industry. Most notably, Sophie collaborated with Madonna (on her hit Bitch I’m Madonna), Charlie XCX, Kim Petras, and many more. By 2013, her debut single Nothing More To Say and second release Bipp rocketed Sophie to fame. Her first full-length album was received well by critics and earned the Glasgow born and raised artist a Grammy nomination for Best Dance/Electronic Album in 2018. Sophie was remembered by her manager as “an icon of liberation.”

CICELY TYSON

(December 19, 1924 – January 28, 2021)

Screen legend Cicely Tyson died on January 28, 2021. The 96-year-old was a pioneering actress who turned a small role in 1957’s Twelve Angry Men into a lifetime of success in nearly 100 movies and TV shows, including The Help and How To Get Away With Murder. The Hollywood A-lister purposely refused to participate in any blaxploitation movies that were poplar in the late 60s and never took roles she felt were demeaning to Black women. Nominated for an Oscar in 1973 for the drama Sounder, she received an Honorary Oscar in 2018. Her memoir Just as I Am was published two days prior to her passing.

CLORIS LEACHMAN

(April 30, 1926 – January 27, 2021)

Cloris Leachman was an iconic actress and comedienne with a career that spanned seven decades and saw her become a beloved figure for several generations of television and movie-goers. Along with Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Leachman holds the honor of being the most-nominated and most-awarded actress in Emmy history, and she also won an Oscar, a BAFTA, a Daytime Emmy, and a Golden Globe during her career. Born in Iowa and educated at Northwestern University, she was best-known for her role on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, her movie appearances in films like Spanglish, and in the more recent TV comedy Raising Hope. A true legend on screen, Leachman passed away at 94 years old on January 27, 2021.

LARRY KING

(November 19, 1933 – January 23, 2021)

Legendary TV host, radio personality, and on-air interviewer extraordinaire Larry King passed away in the early morning hours of January 23, 2021. He was 87 years old at the time of his death, and though the cause of his death wasn’t immediately announced, he had been battling COVID-19 in a Los Angeles-area hospital in recent weeks. Immediately after his passing, the longtime CNN and Ora TV on-air journalist and TV personality was memorialized by thousands of people online and across the media — celebrities, athletes, politicians, entertainers, and common folk — all of whom were profoundly affected by King’s memorable decades-long career on television and radio.

HAL HOLBROOK

(February 17, 1925 – January 23, 2021)

Hal Holbrook, a critically acclaimed actor best known for his portrayal of Mark Twain in the self-directed play Mark Twain Tonight! (which was adapted for TV in 1967), died at the age of 95. With over 2,200 performances of the one-man show over decades and across countries, Holbrook made a name for himself within the industry, performing until his retirement from the production in 2017. As a Tony and four time Emmy award winner, Hal was best known for playing historical figures in both film and TV due to his natural gravitas. Notably, he also guest starred in hit series such as The Sopranos, The West Wing, Bones, Grey’s Anatomy, and Hawaii Five-0. In the late 80s, the Cleveland, Ohio born performer directed four episodes of the sitcom Designing Women. No cause of death was revealed, but his assistant shared with the NYT Holbrook passed in his Beverly Hills home.

HANK AARON

(February 5, 1934 – January 22, 2021)

Legendary baseball player Hank Aaron died on Friday, January 22, 2021. The Baseball Hall of Famer was best known as “Hammerin’ Hank” during his career, in light of his then-record home run totals which, at the time, were the first and only to surpass Babe Ruth. Aaron suffered through racist fan reactions while chasing that home run record near the end of his decades-long career, but he admirably maintained his stellar athletic achievements and stayed as professional as he could be throughout the whole ordeal. His legacy as one of the greatest men to ever play Major League Baseball is one that will last forever.

BABY CEO

(October 22, 2000 – January 20, 2021)

Rapper Baby CEO died at age 20 on January 20, 2021. The musician’s brother suggested CEO had been victim to an overnight shooting, tweeting a FOX13 Memphis article about the incident. Born Jonathon Brown, CEO rocketed to fame as a 14-year-old after a “disturbing video” went viral. Many disliked his explicit lyrics about drugs, gangs, and aspirations of fame, yet that didn’t stop him from accumulating nearly 80K YouTube subscribers during his career. While making a name for himself, hip-hop star Fredo Santana took CEO under his wing, and he was quickly known as Santana’s protégé. According to social media, the rapper had just become a father.

Randy Parton

(December 15, 1953 – January 21, 2021)

Randy Parton, the younger brother of music legend Dolly Parton, died at just 67 years old after facing cancer. The 75-year-old country icon broke the sad news on her Facebook page, writing that Randy is “shining in heaven now” and that the family’s faith has helped them process the tragic loss. Aside from playing for his sister’s band and having his own Dollywood show, Randy also wrote a few Top 40 hits, including Hold Me Like You Never Had Me and Shot Full of Love.

MIRA FURLAN

(September 7, 1955 – January 20, 2021)

Beloved Croatian actress and singer Mira Furlan, best known for her roles on sci-fi series Lost and Babylon 5, passed away due to an unknown cause January 20, 2021. Mira’s family confirmed her death by sharing a heartfelt quote by the performer on Twitter. She was just 65, but “for some time now… [her] heath was failing.” Screenwriter J. Michael Straczynski uploaded his own tribute to his former colleague, reflecting on her past as a member of a theater touring group which performed across her home country of Yugoslavia during a civil war. When asked about this risky decision, Furlan responded: “Yes, they could have killed me. So what? Art should have no borders.”

HARRY BRANT

(?? 1996 – January 17, 2021)

The son of supermodel Stephanie Seymour and publishing tycoon Peter Brant, 24-year-old Harry Brant died on January 17, 2021, due to an “accidental prescription drug overdose,” according to a statement the family gave to the New York Times. Tragically, the younger Brant had been just days away from entering a rehab facility to beat the addiction and get clean at the time of his death. In his short life, Harry was known for his own modeling work, following the footsteps of his mother, along with notable work alongside big bro Peter Brant Jr. on a gender-fluid makeup line for MAC Cosmetics.

PHIL SPECTOR

(December 26, 1939 – January 16, 2021)

A longtime music producer and musician, Phil Spector made a name for himself with his “Wall of Sound” music production technique, beginning in the 1960s. He went on to produce hundreds of well-received singles and albums, and worked very closely with Ike & Tina Turner and The Beatles, in particular. He was eventually inducted into both the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame, in 1989 as a non-performer, and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, in 1997. In 2003, he shot and killed actress Lana Clarkson at his mansion in Alhambra, California in what he claimed at the time had been an accident. Eventually, in 2009, he was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 19 years to life in the California state prison system. He died in prison, reportedly from COVID-19 complications, early in 2021.

JOANNE ROGERS

(1928 – January 14, 2021)

Fred Rogers‘ widow, Joanne worked for decades to help preserve and promote his legacy and career works, having been married to the iconic children’s TV personality for fifty years of her life. Joanne, who outlived Fred, was 92 years old when she died on January 14, 2021. Fred had previously died in 2003, at 74 years old, due to stomach cancer. He and Joanne had met in college and were sweethearts their entire lives together. In her own life, Joanne was an accomplished musician and a patron of the arts — and her legacy as Fred’s other half and beyond will be revered for a long time to come.

PETER MARK RICHMAN

(April 16, 1927 – January 14, 2021)

Peter Mark Richman, credited on screen for many years simply as Mark Richman, was a prolific American actor who worked in Hollywood for decades. In all, Richman (pictured here with his wife, Helen, at an event in 2011) appeared in about 30 films and more than 130 different television series from the beginning of his career in the 1950s, all the way through his retirement in 2011. A versatile actor, he appeared on soap operas like Santa Barbara and Dynasty, and also did work on everything from Hawaii Five-0 to Three’s Company. Interestingly, Richman was also a licensed pharmacist in two states, having learned the trade in his earlier years before really committing to a career in Hollywood. He passed of natural causes in Woodland Hills, California on January 14 at the age of 93.

SIEGFRIED FISCHBACHER

(June 13, 1939 – January 13, 2021)

Siegfried Fischbacher, of the famous Las Vegas magician act Siegfried & Roy, died from pancreatic cancer in his home in Nevada. The performer was 81 years old. His longtime professional and romantic partner, Roy Horn, sadly died just months prior in 2020 at 75 years old after suffering complications of coronavirus. The German natives were famous on the Strip for illusion acts that drew in sold out crowds six days a week. Featuring 20 tigers and lions within their magic acts, the state’s Governor Steve Sisolak credited them for shining “a bright spotlight on Las Vegas’s entertainment industry to the world,” and called Siegfried “a ‘Master of the Impossible.’” The couple was also incredibly passionate about protecting rare animals, specifically helping to save white tigers and white lions from extinction.

JOHN REILLY

(November 11, 1934 – January 9, 2021)

John Reilly was a well-respected actor on several major television and film projects for several decades before his death on January 9, 2021. According to his daughter, Caitlin, his passing was due to a heart attack. He was 86 years old. He was best known for his runs on soap operas, including General Hospital, Sunset Beach, and Passions, in which he often played controversial, dark, or otherwise villainous characters with great talent. He also enjoyed a recurring role on the legendary nighttime soap opera Dallas during the 1980s. Reilly also appeared in many major feature films, including The Main Event, and Gorp.

ED BRUCE

(December 29, 1939 – January 8, 2021)

Ed Bruce died at 81 years old in Clarksville, Tennessee on January 8, 2021, after a long career as an American country music singer, songwriter, and sometimes actor. He was best known in his life for writing the 1975 hit song Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys, and later performing the 1982 country number one hit You’re The Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had. During that time, his peak in national popularity, Bruce also appeared and co-starred on the hit television series Bret Maverick alongside longtime acting great James Garner, running from 1981 through the end of the 1982 season.

MARION RAMSEY

(May 10, 1947 – January 7, 2021)

Born in Philadelphia, Marion Ramsey started her acting career on stage, working for years in off-Broadway productions in New York City and building her reputation. After her television debut in a guest role on The Jeffersons, Ramsey starred in Cos, and later got her worldwide big break when she played Officer Laverne Hooks in the popular Police Academy films. She guest starred and appeared on quite a few other shows over the years, as well, and even was a noted singer and songwriter who often lent her voice to charitable causes. She died on January 7, 2021, after a short illness, according to media reports.

DEEZER D

(March 12, 1965 – January 7, 2021)

Actor Deezer D (born Dearon Thompson) died at age 55 on January 7, 2021. Best known for his portrayal of Malik McGrath in nearly 200 episodes of the hit medical drama ER, Deezer was found unresponsive in his Los Angeles home, according to TMZ. His brother, Marshawn, suspected he had suffered a heart attack given a previous issues that resulted in a 2009 heart surgery. The performer was a devoted Christian and also known for his motivational speeches and involvement in underground hip hop communities. Other notable appearances included his roles in Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion and Bringing Down the House. ER producer Neal Baer remembered him as, “a very sweet, kind man.”

TOMMY LASORDA

(September 22, 1927 – January 7, 2021)

Legendary longtime Los Angeles Dodgers manager and coach Tommy Lasorda died on January 7, 2021. The Italian-American was one of the greatest managers in MLB history, and led the Dodgers to become World Series champions in both 1984, and in 1988 — the latter a particularly memorable win over the Oakland Athletics. Lasorda managed for 20 years in total, and was later elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame for his impactful work, success on the field, and larger-than-life personality that helped grow the game nationwide.

Sending our love and condolences out to all the family members, friends, and other loved ones of those we lost this year.

Rest in peace…

[Image via FayesVision/WENN & Young Dolph/Instagram & TODAY/YouTube]