It’s never easy to say goodbye. Scroll down to see Us Weekly’s tribute to the celebrities who died in 2019.
Ric Ocasek
The frontman for The Cars died at the age of 75 on September 15. According to NBC 4, police received a call at about 4 p.m. for an unconscious male at a Manhattan townhouse. Ocasek was pronounced dead at the scene. The New York Post’s Page Six reported that he was found by his estranged wife, Paulina Porizkova. The model announced their split in May 2018 after 28 years of marriage. Ocasek, who was married three times, had six sons, two from each of his marriages.
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Eddie Money
The singer, known for hits such as “Take Me Home Tonight” and “Two Tickets to Paradise,” died at age 70 on September 13. Money and his wife, Laurie, revealed in August that he had stage 4 esophageal cancer. The Grammy nominee’s family issued a statement on the day of his death. “The Money Family regrets to announce that Eddie passed away peacefully early this morning. It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our loving husband and father,” the statement read, per Variety. “We cannot imagine our world without him. We are grateful that he will live on forever through his music.”
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Chris March
The Project Runway season 4 star died after suffering a heart attack on September 5. He was 56. He was previously placed in a medically induced coma after he fell and hit his head at his home in June 2017. After several weeks he woke up to learn that he was paralyzed from the knees down in both legs, as well as his right arm.
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Kylie Rae Harris
The 30-year-old “Twenty Years From Now” singer died in New Mexico in a three-vehicle crash on September 4.
“We are heartbroken to confirm that Kylie Rae Harris passed away in a car accident last night,” Harris’ publicist said in a statement. “Everyone that knew Kylie knew how much she loved her family and, beyond that, how much she loved music. The best tribute to her unmatched enthusiasm for both is to spread as much love as you can today, and listen to music that fully inspires you.”
She is survived by her 6-year-old daughter.
Credit: Courtesy Kylie Rae Harris/Instagram
Peter Lindbergh
The legendary photographer died on September 3 at age 74. Duchess Meghan, Rihanna and Cindy Crawford were among the celebrities who penned heartfelt tributes in Lindbergh’s honor after the news of his death was confirmed in a post on his official Instagram page.
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Joana Sainz Garcia
The Spanish singer died at age 30 in September while performing on stage in a music festival in Las Berlanas, Spain. Sainz Garcia was struck and killed after a pyrotechnics explosion hit her in the stomach while she was singing and dancing alongside the Super Hollywood Orchestra group.
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Haley Smith
The American Idol alum died at age 26 in August following a motorcycle incident, a spokesperson for the Millinocket Police Department confirmed to Us Weekly. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene at Medway Road in Millinocket, Maine.
Valerie Harper
The Mary Tyler Moore Show star died at age 80 on August 30. Her cause of death was not known when the news broke. However, she suffered numerous health setbacks following a 2009 lung cancer diagnosis and a 2013 leptomeningeal carcinomatosis diagnosis.
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Peter Fonda
The Easy Rider star died at his Los Angeles home on August 16 at age 79. “The official cause of death was respiratory failure due to lung cancer,” his rep said in a statement to Us Weekly.
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- Toni Morrison
The Nobel Prize winner died on August 5 at the age of 88. Morrison’s family confirmed her passing in a statement to Princeton University.
“It is with profound sadness we share that, following a short illness, our adored mother and grandmother, Toni Morrison, passed away peacefully last night surrounded by family and friends,” the statement read. ”She was an extremely devoted mother, grandmother, and aunt who reveled in being with her family and friends. The consummate writer who treasured the written word, whether her own, her students or others, she read voraciously and was most at home when writing. Although her passing represents a tremendous loss, we are grateful she had a long, well-lived life.”
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Saoirse Kennedy Hill
The 22-year-old granddaughter of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy was pronounced dead at Cape Cod Hospital in Massachusetts on August 1 after suffering an apparent overdose at her family’s compound. “Our hearts are shattered by the loss of our beloved Saoirse,” the Kennedy family said in a statement to The New York Times. “Her life was filled with hope, promise and love.”
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Hal Prince
The Broadway producer died at age 91 in Reykjavik, Iceland, on July 31 after battling what his publicist described to the Associated Press as “a brief illness.” Prince worked on shows including The Phantom of the Opera, Cabaret and Sweeney Todd. He won a whopping 21 Tony Awards throughout his career.
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Russi Taylor
The actress best known for voicing Minnie Mouse died in Glendale, California, on July 26, at the age of 75. “Minnie Mouse lost her voice with the passing of Russi Taylor,” Walt Disney Company chairman and chief executive officer Bob Eiger said in a statement. “For more than 30 years, Minnie and Russi worked together to entertain millions around the world — a partnership that made Minnie a global icon and Russi a Disney Legend beloved by fans everywhere.”
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Gabe Khouth
The Once Upon a Time actor died on July 23 at age 46 after he appeared to suffer a cardiac arrest while riding a motorcycle in Canada.
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Rutger Hauer
The Blade Runner actor died at age 75 on July 19 at his home in the Netherlands after a short illness, his agent Steve Kenis confirmed at the time. Hauer is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ineke ten Cate, and his daughter, Aysha Hauer, from a previous marriage.
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John Paul Stevens
The retired United States Supreme Court justice died at age 99, ABC News reported on July 16. He served on the court from 1975 to 2010.
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Karl Shiels
The Peaky Blinders and Batman Begins star died suddenly at age 47 on July 14. His agent said in a statement that she was “deeply shocked and saddened” about the news.
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Charles Levin
The Seinfeld alum was found dead at age 70 in Oregon on July 13. The actor, who also had roles on Night Court and NYPD Blue, had been reported missing by his son a week prior.
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Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker
The boxing legend died at age 55 on July 14 after a car struck and killed him in Virginia Beach. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the accident. Whitaker won championship belts in four weight classes during his 17-year professional career, in addition to winning an Olympic gold medal.
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Emily Hartridge
The YouTube personality died at age 35 on July 12 after her electric scooter was involved in an accident with a truck in London.
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Stephanie Niznik
The Everwood alum reportedly died in Encino, California, on June 23 at age 52. Her cause of death was unknown when the news broke on July 12.
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Denise Nickerson
The actress best known for playing Violet Beauregarde in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory died at age 52 on July 10. She had been in poor health since suffering a massive stroke in June 2018.
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Rip Torn
The celebrated actor died at age 88 in his Lakeville, Connecticut, home, on July 9 with his wife, Amy Wright, and daughters Angelica Page and Katie Torn beside him. The Oscar-nominated star won his first Primetime Emmy Award in 1996 for his role as Artie on The Larry Sanders Show. He also appeared in various films, such as Dodgeball and Men in Black, and television shows, including 30 Rock and Will & Grace, during his decades-long career.
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H. Ross Perot
The billionaire business magnate died at age 89 on July 9 at his home in Dallas, surrounded by family members. He ran for president twice during his life, in 1992 and again in 1996. Both campaigns were considered to be the strongest in U.S. history by an independent or third party candidate.
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Cameron Boyce
The Jessie alum died on July 6 at age 20. “It is with a profoundly heavy heart that we report that this morning we lost Cameron. He passed away in his sleep due to a seizure which was a result of an ongoing medical condition for which he was being treated,” a spokesperson for Boyce’s family said in a statement at the time. “The world is now undoubtedly without one of its brightest lights, but his spirit will live on through the kindness and compassion of all who knew and loved him. We are utterly heartbroken and ask for privacy during this immensely difficult time as we grieve the loss of our precious son and brother.”
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Lee Iacocca
The automobile executive died at age 94 on July 2. He was best known for putting the Mustang in Ford’s lineup in the 1960s and reviving Chrysler 20 years later. He famously starred in several TV ads with his signature tagline: “If you can find a better car, buy it!”
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Beth Chapman
The Dog the Bounty Hunter star lost her two-year-long battle with throat and lung cancer on June 26. She was 51. Beth’s husband, Dog “The Bounty Hunter” Chapman, confirmed the news via Twitter. “It’s 5:32 in Hawaii, this is the time she would wake up to go hike Koko Head mountain,” he wrote. “Only today, she hiked the stairway to heaven. We all love you, Beth. See you on the other side.”
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Philippe Zdar
The French DJ, Cassius member and music producer died on June 19 at age 52 after accidentally falling through a window of a Paris building. Calvin Harris and David Guetta were among the musicians who took to social media to pay their respects.
Bernie McGee
The Seeking Sister Wife star died at the age of 41 after suffering a heart attack and heat stroke while riding his bicycle on June 15, 2019. “Our hearts go out to the McGee family following the loss of husband and father Bernie McGee,” TLC said in a statement. McGee and wife Paige Mcgee, whose polyamorous relationship was documented on the show, shared four children.
Gloria Vanderbilt
The fashion designer, actress and author died at age 95 on June 17, her son Anderson Cooper confirmed. The CNN correspondent shared the news in an emotional on-air eulogy at the time and revealed his mother died from stomach cancer. “Gloria Vanderbilt was an extraordinary woman, who loved life, and lived it on her own terms. She was a painter, a writer and designer but also a remarkable mother, wife, and friend,” Cooper said. “She was 95 years old, but ask anyone close to her, and they’d tell you: She was the youngest person they knew — the coolest and most modern.”
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Mary Duggar
The grandmother from Counting On died on June 9 at the age of 73. “She is greatly loved and will be missed so very much!” the Duggar family said in a statement on Facebook. “She lived a tremendous life as a follower of Christ, a wife, a devoted mother, a loving mother-in-law, and a much-loved grandmother. Proverbs 31:10-31 describes the virtuous woman, indeed she personified these beautiful verses with her life. We deeply appreciate your prayers for our family and all who loved Mary during this time.”
Dennis Day
The original member of The Mickey Mouse Club was found dead at age 76 in early April in his Phoenix, Oregon, home. He had been reported missing in July 2018 by his husband, Ernie Caswell.
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Dr. John
The famed New Orleans singer and piano player (born Mac Rebennack) died at age 77 on June 6. His family said in a statement to the Associated Press that he suffered a heart attack.
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Carmine Caridi
The Godfather star died at age 85 on May 29. His rep told TMZ that the actor had been hospitalized since April 25 after suffering a fall. He received treatment for back injuries but later developed pneumonia. According to Caridi’s manager, he “passed peacefully, surrounded by friends and family.”
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Bart Starr
The legendary Green Bay Packers quarterback died at age 85 in Birmingham, Alabama, on May 26. The two-time Super Bowl champion had been in poor health since suffering two strokes and a heart attack in 2014. “A champion on and off the field, Bart epitomized class and was beloved by generations of Packers fans,” team president Mark Murphy said in a statement.
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Daniel Wright
The Biggest Loser contestant from seasons 7 and 8 died at the age of 30 on May 26, nearly two years after being diagnosed with leukemia.
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Niki Lauda
The Formula One legend died on May 20 at the age of 70. He won world titles in 1975, 1977 and 1984. A crash during the German Grand Prix in 1976 left Lauda with serious burns, but he returned to racing weeks later. He retired in 1985 before becoming an aviation entrepreneur.
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Tim Conway
The Carol Burnett Show alum died in Los Angeles on Tuesday, May 14, “following a long illness,” his rep confirmed to Us Weekly. He was 85.
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Jenna Hawkins Welch
Laura Bush’s mom died at age 99 on May 10. The former first lady shared the news in an Instagram post at the time. “This Mother’s Day, I’m remembering my mother, who passed away at the age of 99 on Friday morning. Jenna Hawkins Welch was a true daughter of West Texas who loved her family, books, and nature,” she wrote. “My memories of reading with her and stargazing under the Midland sky are reminders of the passions that she nurtured in me. Our family is grateful for her long and wonderful life. We miss her dearly.”
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Doris Day
The legendary actress and singer died at age 97 on May 13 after “contracting a serious case of pneumonia,” according to a statement released by her animal foundation. She was best known for her roles in Pillow Talk (1959) and That Touch of Mink (1962), in addition to singing “Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera)” in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1956 movie The Man Who Knew Too Much.
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Elsa Patton
Elsa Patton, who appeared on The Real Housewives of Miami alongside her daughter Marysol Patton, died at the age of 84 according to a statement released by her family on May 12. “Our beloved Elsa Patton (AKA Mama Elsa) passed away over Mother’s Day weekend after a long illness,” the statement read. “She was surrounded by her family and close friends. Elsa was predeceased by her husband of 50 years Donald Patton who passed away last February of 2018. She is survived by her two children, Marysol Patton and Thomas Anthony Jones, her daughter in law Svetlana, and her grandson Hunter.”
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Peggy Lipton
The Twin Peaks alum died from cancer at age 72 on May 11, according to her daughters, Rashida and Kidada Jones. “We are heartbroken that our beloved mother passed away from cancer today. She made her journey peacefully with her daughters and nieces by her side,” they said in a statement to USA Today at the time. “We feel so lucky for every moment we spent with her.”
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Pua Magasiva
The Power Rangers actor died at age 38 on May 11. “We are all absolutely devastated at the tragic news regarding Pua Magasiva,” his production company wrote on Instagram at the time. “Pua was a much loved member of the South Pacific Pictures’ family for many years and our hearts and thoughts go out to Pua’s family at this time.”
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Cesar Barron a.k.a Silver King
The former WCW wrestler died of a heart attack at age 51 on May 11. He collapsed in the ring during a wrestling match in London and was pronounced dead after being taken to a local hospital.
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Troy Shafer
The Nashville Flipped alum died unexpectedly in late April. “The DIY Network family is sorry to hear about the passing of Troy Dean Shafer, a dedicated, driven entrepreneur and restoration expert who was admired by everyone who worked on the series Nashville Flipped,” his former network said in a statement to Us Weekly, days after his passing. “We continue to extend our deepest condolences to Troy’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
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Max Azria
The fashion designer died on May 6 at the age of 70, according to a statement to WWD by his company BCBGMAXAZRIA. “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Max Azria,” the statement read. “Max was a true visionary, who defined the Contemporary Fashion category. BCBG stands for Bon Chic, Bon Genre or ‘good style, good attitude,’ which reflects the legacy of the man himself, one we are committed to preserving in his honor. Our deepest condolences to the Azria family.”
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Peter Mayhew
The man who portrayed the legendary Star Wars character of Chewbacca in both the original and new trilogy, passed away on April 30, 2019, at the age of 74. His family released a statement via Twitter on May 2: “The family of Peter Mayhew, with deep love and sadness, regrets to share the news that Peter has passed away,” the statement read. “He left us the evening of April 30, 2019 with his family by his side in his North Texas home. Mayhew is survived by his wife, Angie Mayhew, and their three children.
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John Singleton
The Boyz n the Hood director died at 51 on April 29, 2019, after suffering a stroke nearly two weeks prior that reportedly left him in a coma, according to CNN. “We are sad to relay that John Singleton has died,” his family said in a statement to Us Weekly. “John passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family and friends. We want to thank the amazing doctors at Cedars-Sinai Hospital for their expert care and kindness and we again want thank all of John’s fans, friends and colleagues for all of the love and support they showed him during this difficult time.”
Earlier in the day, the family announced that they had made the decision to take the screenwriter off life support: “It is with heavy hearts we announce that our beloved son, father and friend, John Daniel Singleton will be taken off life support today,” the spokesperson told Us. “This was an agonizing decision, one that our family made, over a number of days, with the careful counsel of John’s doctors.”
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Larry ‘Flash’ Jenkins
The Ferris Bueller’s Day Off star died at the age of 63 on April 25 after suffering a heart attack. He also had roles in Fletch and EDtv. He is survived by his son, Jeffrey.
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Stefanie Sherk
The actress’ husband, Demián Bichir, announced her death in an emotional Instagram tribute on April 24. “Dear friends, On behalf of the Sherk and the Bichir Nájera families, it is with inconceivable pain that I announce that on April 20, 2019, our dearest Stefanie Sherk, my beloved and loving wife, passed away peacefully,” he wrote. “It has been the saddest and toughest time of our lives and we don’t know how much time it will take for us to overcome this pain. Stefanie’s beautiful, angelical and talented presence will be immensely missed. We will hold Stefanie in our hearts forever. We thank everybody beforehand for their prayers and we respectfully ask for your understanding so we may grieve in peace and privacy in these incredibly difficult times. It is our sincerest hope that our beautiful Stefanie, my angel and love of my life, will rest in eternal peace.”
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Ken Kercheval
The Dallas star, who played Cliff Barnes for 14 seasons on the soap opera and later reprised his role in the revival, died on April 21 at age 83, The Daily Clintonian reported. Details surrounding his death, including its cause, were unknown when the news broke.
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Lorraine Warren
Paranormal investigator Lorraine Warren, whose paranormal investigations with late husband Ed Warren served as the inspiration for the Conjuring and Amityville Horror film series, died at the age of 92 on April 18. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, who portrayed the couple in the Conjuring series, both paid tribute to the late medium on social media. Wrote Farmiga: “I was so blessed to have known her and am honored to portray her.”
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Mya-Lecia Naylor
The British child actress, who starred in Cloud Atlas, Millie Inbetween and Almost Never, died at age 16 on April 7 after collapsing. Her cause of death was unknown when news of her death broke on April 17.
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Georgia Engel
The five-time Emmy nominee best known for her roles on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Everybody Loves Raymond died on April 12 at the age of 70. Her cause of death was undetermined because Engel, who was a Christian Scientist, did not consult doctors, her friend and executor John Quilty told The New York Times. “Georgia was one of a kind and the absolute best,” her Mary Tyler Moore Show costar Betty White said in a statement.
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Soni Methu
The former host of CNN’s Inside Africa died on April 11 at age 34, after she collapsed suddenly in Kenya. The journalist’s cause of death was unknown.
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Ian Cognito
The British comedian died onstage during a standup performance on April 11. BBC News reported that he went silent for five minutes while audience members believed the incident to be part of his act. Paramedics were called, and the 60-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.
Tania Mallet
The British model, actress and cousin of Helen Mirren died at age 77. The official James Bond Twitter account announced the news on March 31, writing, “We are very sorry to hear that Tania Mallet who played Tilly Masterson in Goldfinger has passed away. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.”
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Nipsey Hussle
The rapper was shot and killed outside of his L.A. store on March 31. The Grammy-nominated star, whose real name is Ermias Davidson Asghedom, was 33. He is survived by his two children and girlfriend Lauren London.
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Agnés Varda
The French movie director’s family confirmed her passing in a statement that read, “The filmmaker and artist Agnés Varda died from a cancer at her home in the night of March 29, 2019, surrounded by her family and friends.” She was 90 years old. Ava DuVernay, the director of Selma, honored the Academy Honorary Award recipient on social media shortly after her passing. “Last year at Cannes, Agnès Varda invited me to breakfast. She spoke of how she was in the last year of her life. About choices. And change,” DuVernay captioned a selfie on Twitter. “I told her what she meant to me. She held my hand as I did. Merci, Agnes. For your films. For your passion. For your light. It shines on.”
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Justin Carter
The country singer died on March 17 after a gun that was being used as a prop on the set of his music video accidentally fired. The 35-year-old is survived by his two daughters, Dixie and Kaylee.
Dick Dale
The musician, “the King of the Surf Guitar,” died on Sunday, March 17, at age 81. His bassist Sam Bolle confirmed the news. No cause of death was revealed, but Dale did suffer from health issues in recent years. He’s best known for songs including “Surf Beat,” “Ghost Riders in the Sky” and “Jungle Fever.”
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Tom Hatten
The former Popeye Show host died at age 92 on March 16, according to Los Angeles’ KTLA, where Hatten served as a host from 1952 into the ’00s. No additional information was released about his death at the time.
Mike Thalassitis
The Love Island star died at age 26 on March 15. He was found dead at his home in Essex, England, according to Fox News.
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Félicité Tomlinson
Louis Tomlinson’s sister died at age 18 on March 13. TMZ reported that the fashion designer suffered a heart attack in her London apartment. Tomlinson’s mother, Johannah Deakin, succumbed to leukemia in December 2016. Félicité is survived by siblings Lottie, Daisy, Phoebe, Ernest and Doris.
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Jim Raman
The Amazing Race alum died at age 42 on March 11. He was found dead at his South Carolina home after police responded. His cause of death has not been made public. The orthodontist competed on season 25 of the CBS reality series alongside wife Misti Raman. The couple shared two children, Lexi and Jimmy.
Jed Allan
The soap star best known for his roles on Santa Barbara, General Hospital and Days of Our Lives as well as for playing Steve Sanders’ father on Beverly Hills, 90210, died on March 9 at the age of 84. “So sorry to post the very sad news of my fathers passing tonight,” his son Rick Brown wrote on Facebook. “He died peacefully and was surrounded by his family and loved so much by us and so many others.” Ian Ziering paid tribute to his TV dad, sharing a photo on Instagram and writing, “So sad to hear we’ve lost another 90210 castmate. I had the pleasure of working with Jed Allan from 94 to 99. He played Rush Sanders, Steve’s father. Such a great guy to work with, he will be missed.” Allan’s death comes less than a week after the death of 90210 star Luke Perry at the age of 52 after suffering a massive stroke.
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Lotte van der Zee
The former Miss Teenager Universe died on March 6 at the age of 20, two weeks after having a heart attack on her birthday while on vacation with her parents. The Dutch model’s parents, Bert van der Zee and Eugeniek van der Zee van het Hul, confirmed her passing in an emotional post on her Instagram account. “Our pearl, our everything passed away on Wednesday evening March 6th at 22:47. It is incredibly surreal that our dearly beloved Lotte is not around us anymore. Our hearts are truly broken.” On February 23, her parents posted about their daughter being hospitalized, writing, “Two days ago, during our holiday in Westendorf – Austria, Lotte started to feel unwell throughout the course of the afternoon. A feeling that swiftly escalated in sudden cardiac arrest. She was helped to the nearest hospital where she got into a coma and is since then kept a sleep under intensive supervision of the doctors in order to monitor her health.” In an update on March 2, they posted a photo showing them clasping Lotte’s hand and added that she had been transferred to a hospital in Munich, but her “situation is unfortunately unchanged.” They thanked their daughter’s fans for their messages, writing, “Even though the feeling of powerlessness made us think that we were in this alone at first we were able to draw a massive amount of strength from all your loving support.” Lotte was crowned Miss Teenager Universe in 2017.
Credit: Courtesy of Lotte Van Der Zee/Instagram
Jan-Michael Vincent
While news of Vincent’s death didn’t break until March 2019, he died on February 10 after suffering cardiac arrest while he was receiving treatment in a North Carolina hospital. The Airwolf alum was 74.
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King Kong Bundy
The pro wrestler (real name Christopher Alan Pallies) died at the age of 61 on March 4. He broke into the WWE in the 1980s, finding success at the first WrestleMania and challenging Hulk Hogan the following year. He left the company in the late ‘80s but returned in 1994 as part of the Million Dollar Corporation. He was known by fans as the “walking condominium” due to his 6-foot-4 stature and weight of 458 pounds.
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Luke Perry
The Riverdale actor died at the age of 52 after suffering a massive stroke at his home in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood of Los Angeles in February 2019, his rep confirmed to Us Weekly. It was initially reported that Perry was placed into a medically induced coma following the medical emergency, but his rep denied those reports and told Us, “Mr. Perry is currently under observation at the hospital.”
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Keith Flint
The Prodigy frontman died by suicide at age 49, according to a statement from the band on March 4. “The news is true , I can’t believe I’m saying this but our brother Keith took his own life over the weekend,” an Instagram post by bandmate Liam Howlett read. “I’m shell shocked , f–kin angry , confused and heart broken ….. r.i.p brother.”
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Janice Freeman
The former Voice contestant died at age 33 from an apparent blood clot on March 2. Miley Cyrus reflected on the reality star in an emotional post at the time. “Thank you @janicefreeman.. for everything. This represents you perfectly,” Cyrus penned alongside a photo of a rainbow.
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Nathaniel Taylor
The Sanford and Son star died on February 27 at age 80. His son Kaedi Taylor told The Associated Press that Taylor died of a heart attack at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles.
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Andre Previn
The composer died at his home on February 28 at 89 years old. Previn, who was known for scoring dozens of movies, such as My Fair Lady, won four Oscars during his career.
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Katherine Helmond
The Emmy-nominated actress, who was known for her role as Mona on Who’s the Boss?, died from complications due to Alzheimer’s at her home in Los Angeles on February 23. She was 89.
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Lisa Sheridan
The Halt and Catch Fire actress died at her New Orleans home on February 25. She was 44. Sheridan attended Carnegie Mellon School of Drama in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and also appeared in CSI:NY, The Mentalist and Without a Trace.
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Stanley Donen
The Singin’ in the Rain and Funny Face director and former choreographer died of a heart attack at age 94 on February 21. One of his sons, Mark Donen, confirmed the news to the Chicago Tribune.
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Brody Stevens
The stand-up comedian died at age 48 on February 22 from an apparent suicide by hanging. In addition to his oddball comedy routines, he appeared in films such as The Hangover and Due Date as well as the HBO series Brody Stevens: Enjoy It!
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Peter Tork
Peter Tork, who rose to stardom as a member of the Monkees, died at the age of 77 after a long battle with cancer. “It is with beyond-heavy and broken hearts that we share the devastating news that our friend, mentor, teacher, and amazing soul, Peter Tork, has passed from this world,” read a statement on his Facebook page on February 21. “We ask for your kindness and understanding in allowing us to grieve this huge loss privately.”
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Karl Lagerfeld
The legendary fashion designer died on February 19 at the age of 85. The German native, who began his career assisting Pierre Balmain in Paris in 1955, served as artistic director of European luxury houses Chanel and Fendi until his death and will be remembered as one of the most prolific sartorial influencers of the 20th and 21st centuries.
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Lee Radziwill
The style icon passed away on February 15 at the age of 85. She was best known for being a socialite, as well as late former First Lady Jackie Kennedy’s younger sister. She was also mother-in-law to The Real Housewives of New York City star Carole Radziwill.
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Albert Finney
The five-time Oscar-nominated actor died at the age of 82. His family confirmed his passing in a statement to Us on February 8: “Albert Finney, aged 82, passed away peacefully after a short illness with those closest to him by his side. The family request privacy at this sad time.”
Kristoff St. John
The Young and the Restless star was found dead in his home in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles on Sunday, February 3, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to Us Weekly. St. John was 52 years old. The actor’s death came five years after his son, Julian St. John, whom he shared with ex-wife Mia St. John, committed suicide in a mental health facility in Long Beach, California.
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Dick Miller
The Gremlins actor died at age 90 on January 30. Miller worked as an actor for over six decades and also served in the United States Navy.
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Louisa Moritz
The One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest actress died of natural causes in her Los Angeles home at age 72 on January 4. Moritz was also known for her work in Love, American Style, Match Game, M*A*S*H and The Incredible Hulk.
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James Ingram
The Grammy-winning singer died at age 66 on January 29. His creative partner and friend, Debbie Allen, confirmed the news on social media. “I have lost my dearest friend and creative partner James Ingram to the Celestial Choir,” she wrote. “He will always be cherished, loved and remembered for his genius, his love of family and his humanity. I am blessed to have been so close. We will forever speak his name.” According to TMZ, he reportedly died from a form of brain cancer.
Fatima Ali
The Top Chef alum died on Friday, January 25, after a lengthy battle with terminal cancer. She was 29. Fellow Top Chef contestant Bruce Kalman paid tribute to his late friend with an emotional Instagram post on the day of her death. “It’s with a heavy heart we say goodbye to Fatima Ali today, as she has lost her battle with cancer,” he wrote along with a photo of Ali in her hospital bed. “I will miss you Fati, and you will be in my heart forever. I’ll always remember the great times we had, especially our interview during the tailgating episode discussing football, stadiums, and Taylor Swift. Much love, Bruce #f—kcancer #cheffati #topchef #friends #family #itsnotfair.”
Kaye Ballard
The Mothers-in-Law star died at age 93 on January 21 at her home in Rancho Mirage, California, after a battle with kidney cancer. Throughout her career, the actress, comedian and singer appeared in several Broadway musicals, TV shows including The Doris Day Show and What a Dummy, and movies such as The Girl Most Likely, Cinderella (1957) and Freaky Friday (1976).
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Kevin Barnett
United Talent Agency confirmed the comedian’s death on January 22. Barnett, who wrote the 2016 movie The Do-Over and co-created the Fox comedy Rel, was 32 years old.
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John Coughlin
The champion American figure skater, who was recently suspended from the sport, passed away on January 19. “My wonderful strong, amazingly compassionate brother John Coughlin took his own life earlier today. I have no words. I love you John…” his sister, Angela Laune, wrote on Facebook.
Carol Channing
The legendary Broadway actress died from natural causes at age 97 on January 15. She was best known for her roles in Hello, Dolly! and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. “Saying goodbye is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do, but I know that when I feel those uncontrollable urges to laugh at everything and/or nothing at all, it will be because she is with me, tickling my funny bone,” her publicist and friend, B. Harlan Boll, said in a statement to Us.
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Jo Andres
Steve Buscemi’s wife of more than 30 years died at age 65, RadarOnline reported on January 11. A cause of death had not been released when news of her passing broke. The couple shared one son, Lucian, whom they welcomed in 1990.
Shirley Boone
The actress and assistant director passed away on January 11 at the age of 84 after suffering from congestive heart failure. Boone, who appeared on an episode of Captain Nice in 1967, was surrounded by her family, including husband Pat and all four of her daughters — including “You Light Up My Life” singer Debby Boone — at the time of her passing. “My sweet wife of 65 years is in the arms of the Lord now,” Pat said of the news.
Bob Einstein
The Curb Your Enthusiasm actor died on January 2 amid a battle with cancer. He was 76 years old.
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Daryl Dragon
Dragon, one half of the duo Captain and Tennille, died of renal failure on January 2. The singer, who was 76 years old, was in hospice care, according to his publicist.
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Gene Okerlund
The WWE announcer, known by fans as “Mean Gene,” died at the age of 76 on January 2.
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