Celebrities We’ve Lost In 2024

It’s hard to imagine Hollywood without its brightest stars, but, sadly, as time goes on and they continue to age, we find ourselves mourning their loss. While it can be upsetting to think we’ll never again get to see them in a new film or television series, there’s also the opportunity to celebrate their careers and the lasting legacies they left behind.

The following are the celebrities we’ve lost thus far in 2024.

Bob Cole

Legendary sports broadcaster Bob Cole died on April 24, 2024, at the age of 90. One of the most popular hockey announcers in Canadian history, the former Hockey Night in Canada voice is said to have passed in St. John’s, Newfoundland, surrounded by his family.

Speaking with CBC News, Cole’s daughter, Megan Cole, said her father was healthy “up until the very end,” adding, “Thank you for decades of love for his work, love of Newfoundland and love of hockey.”

With a career that spanned half a century, Cole’s voice was arguably one of the most recognizable in Canadian sports. He began commentating on hockey games in the 1960s, with him teaming up with the televised version of CBC’s Hockey Night In Canada back in 1973. The sportscaster remained with the broadcaster until 2019, when he voiced his last NHL game – the Toronto Maple Leafs versus the Montreal Canadiens.

Outside of Hockey Night In Canada, Cole also worked with CBC on its Olympic Games coverage, and prior to entering broadcasting was a skilled curler, appearing in the Brier on two occasions.

Mike Pinder

Mike Pinder, the last surviving original member of British rock band the Moody Blues, passed away on April 24, 2024, at the age of 82. In a post published to Facebook, bandmate John Lodge shared the news, saying, “He passed peacefully. His final days were filled with music, encircled by the love of his family.”

In 1966, Pinder co-founded the Moody Blues with Denny Laine, Graeme Edge, Ray Thomas and Clint Warwick. Their breakout single, a cover of Bessie Banks’ “Go Now,” saw them gain recognition in both the United Kingdom and the United States, and it took just a year for the group to release their debut album, The Magnificent Moodies.

Following the Moody Blues’ hiatus in 1974, Pinder moved to California, where he released a solo album, The Promise. He later went on to work as a consultant at Atari, while working on music on the side.

Terry Carter

Terry Carter passed away on April 23, 2024, at the age of 95. The actor’s death was confirmed to The New York Times by his son, Miguel Carter DeCoste, who revealed his father had passed at his home in Midtown Manhattan, New York.

With an acting career that spanned decades, Carter got his start performing in on- and off-Broadway stage productions, with one show, Mrs. Patterson, affording him the opportunity to star alongside actress Eartha Kitt. His first major television role was with the popular CBS sitcom The Phil Silvers Show (1955-59), in which he portrayed the character of Pvt. Sugie Sugarman. He was also known for portraying Colonel Tigh in the original iteration of Battlestar Galactica (1978-79).

Outside of acting, Carter worked as a newscaster, appearing on WBZ-TV Boston on weekends from 1965-68. He also worked with the federal government via his production company, Meta/4 Productions, which focused on creating “industrial and educational presentations.”

Robert MacNeil

Robert “Robin” MacNeil passed away on April 12, 2024, at the age of 93. The storied anchor of PBS NewsHour died of natural causes at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, according to his daughter, Alison MacNeil.

PBS NewsHour senior correspondent and former anchor Judy Woodruff discussed her sadness over MacNeil’s death, writing in a statement, “I am so deeply saddened at the loss of a precious friend. One of the greatest honors of my life was working with Robin MacNeil and being part of the way he and Jim Lehrer changed television news. He was brilliant and urbane, but always with a delightful sense of irony.

“I’m so grateful to have spoken with him in January on his birthday, when that iconic, deep Canadian baritone voice sounded exactly as it had when he last anchored the NewsHour almost 30 years ago.”

Anyone who watched PBS NewsHour from 1975-95 will immediately recall MacNeil’s deep voice and dedication to uncovering the truth behind the stories he covered. Prior to joining the network, he’d worked with Reuters, ITV, NBC News and BBC News, and he covered the likes of US President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, the Watergate Scandal and the 9/11 attacks. His dedication to news reporting served as an inspiration for many who are in the business today.

Roberto Cavalli

Roberto Cavilli died on April 12, 2024, at the age of 83. According to Deadline, the famed fashion designer died at his home in Florence, Italy of an “unspecified illness.”

His passing was confirmed by his fashion house, which wrote on Instagram, “A life lived with love. It is with great sadness that today we say our final goodbyes to our founder Roberto Cavalli. From humble beginnings in Florence, Roberto succeeded in becoming a globally recognized name loved and respected by all.

“Naturally talented and creative, Roberto believed that everyone can discover and nurture the artist within themselves. Roberto Cavalli’s legacy will live on via his creativity, his love of nature and via his family who he cherished.”

Born in Italy during the Second World War, Cavalli developed his printing skills from a young age, eventually going on to create and patent a printing process for leather material. Before long, he was catching the attention of other fashion designers, who, by the 1990s, were unable to ignore his keen eye, as by then he’d debuted the first pairs of sand-blasted and stretch jeans, which are still popular to this day.

However, what defined Cavilli’s designs was his lack of fear when it came to animal prints, with him partial to a good pattern.

Eleanor Coppola

Eleanor Coppola passed away on April 12, 2024, at the age of 87. The director and wife of Francis Ford Coppola is said to have died surrounded by her family, at her home in Rutherford, California. No cause of death was given.

Coppola met her husband while working as an assistant art director on the set of Dementia 13 (1963). The pair wed shortly after she found out she was pregnant, and they went on to have three children together: Gian-Carlo, Sophia and Roman. They stayed together up until her passing.

With a career that spanned decades, Coppola is likely best known for her behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of the popular 1979 Vietnam War film, Apocalypse Now. The feature, titled Hearts of Darkness: A filmmaker’s Apocalypse, it covered the difficulties faced throughout the production. Released in 1991, the documentary received critical acclaim.

OJ Simpson

OJ Simpson passed away on April 10, 2024, at the age of 76. The former NFL player and double murder defendant’s death was announced by his family on X, who wrote, “On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren.” His attorney also confirmed the news to TMZ.

A former player with the San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills, Simpson’s accomplishments on the football field were largely overshadowed by his arrest for the double stabbing murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown, and her friend, Ronald Goldman in 1994. He was ultimately found not-guilty of the slayings, but was arrested and convicted in 2008 on 12 counts of robbery and kidnapping a pair of sports memorabilia dealers.

Prior to his trial, Simpson captivated television audiences by going on a low-speed car chase across several California freeways on the eve of his turning himself in on the murder charges. According to sources, between 95 and 110 million people tuned in.

Peter Higgs

Nobel Prize winner Peter Higgs passed away on April 8, 2024, at the age of 94. The physicist’s death was announced by the University of Edinburgh, where he was an emeritus professor. According to the school, he died following a brief illness.

The Associated Press reports University Vice Chancellor Peter Mathieson as saying Higgs was “a remarkable individual – a truly gifted scientist whose vision and imagination have enriched our knowledge of the world that surrounds us. His pioneering work has motivated thousands of scientists, and his legacy will continue to inspire many more for generations to come.”

Higgs is best known for discovering the “God Particle” – the Higgs boson – in the 1960s, with it officially being confirmed to exist 50 years after the fact via the use of the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland. At the time, the physicist told the media, “It’s very nice to be right sometimes,” and, as a result, he received the Nobel Prize for physics in 2013.

C.J. Snare

C.J. Snare, the co-founder of rock band FireHouse, died on April 5, 2024, at the age of 64. Speaking with TMZ, his daughter, Heather, revealed the musician’s passing was the result of cardiac arrest following a lengthy cancer battle.

In a statement, his bandmates in FireHouse wrote, “Today is a sad day for Rock N Roll. It is with great sorrow we are letting the world know we lost our brother: CJ Snare, the rock and roll warrior, lead vocalist, and a founding member of FireHouse.”

Beginning his professional music career with Maxx Warrior, Snare is best known for his work with FireHouse, which he fronted. The band’s debut album was released in 1990, and it was followed by seven others, with the last hitting airwaves in 2011. The recipients of the Favorite New Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Artist award at the 1992 American Music Awards, they were particularly successful in Asia.

Adrian Schiller

Adrian Schiller passed away on April 3, 2024, at the age of 60. The British actor’s death was announced by his talent agency, Scott Marshall Partners, which wrote in a statement that his passing was “sudden and unexpected,” and that “he has died far too soon, and we, his family and close friends are devastated by the loss.”

Beginning his on-screen career on an episode of the British police procedural Prime Suspect (1991-2006), Schiller appeared alongside some of Britain’s finest actors. While he was best known for his roles in Victoria (2016-19) and The Last Kingdom (2015-22), his resume also included Disney’s live-action production of Beauty and the Beast (2017), Black Earth Rising (2018) and Genius (2017-present), among others.

His last feature was Dog Days, in which he appeared as the character Jarvis Bucker. The project is currently in post-production.

Joe Flaherty

Comedy genius Joe Flaherty died on April 1, 2024, at the age of 82. Speaking with the Canadian Press, his daughter, Gudrun Flaherty, revealed the actor had passed following “a brief illness.”

When it comes to comedy, there are few names as recognizable as Flaherty’s. From 1976-84, he starred on Second City Television, better known as SCTV, a Canadian television series that also helped launch the careers of the likes of Rick Moranis, Eugene Levy, John Candy, Harold Ramis and Catherine O’Hara. The comedian, in particular, was known for his characterizations, portraying a host of big-names, including Kirk Douglas and Gregory Peck.

Following SCTV, Flaherty continued to act on both television and the big screen. He had minor roles, such as the Western Union Man in Back to the Future Part II (1989) and Donald in Happy Gilmore (1996), as well as larger parts, including the roles of Fred Edison on Manic Mansion (1990-93), Stuart Hefilfinger on Police Academy: The Series (1997-98), and Harold Weir on the teen series Freaks and Geeks (1999-2000).

Barbara Rush

Barbara Rush passed away on March 31, 2024, at the age of 97. The famed actress’ death was announced by her daughter, FOX News senior correspondent Claudia Cowan, who said in a statement, “My wonderful mother passed away peacefully at 5:28 this evening. I was with her this morning and know she was waiting for me to return home safely to transition.

“It’s fitting she chose to leave on Easter as it was one of her favorite holidays and now, of course, Easter will have a deeper significance for me and my family,” she concluded.

Born in January 1927, Rush got her start on stage, before signing with Paramount Pictures. She made her silver screen debut in The Goldbergs (1950) and, four years later, won the Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer – Female for her role as Ellen Fields in It Came From Outer Space (1953).

Her part in the science fiction film helped launch her career, with her going on to star alongside the likes of Dean Martin and the Rat Pack and Paul Newman. Outside of movies, Rush also appeared on television, securing roles in All My Children (1970-2011) and 7th Heaven (1996-2007). Her final production was the 2017 short film Bleeding Hearts, in which she portrayed the character of Barbara Irons.

Louis Gossett, Jr.

Louis Gossett, Jr. passed away on March 29, 2024, at the age of 87. The Academy Award-winning actor’s death was announced to the Associated Press by his cousin, Neal L. Gossett, who declined to provide a cause of death.

Best known for being the first African-American man to win the Oscar for Best Support Actor for his role as Gunnery Sgt. Emil Foley in An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), Gossett’s impressive acting career spanned decades. He shared the screen with the likes of Sidney Poitier, LeVar Burton and John Amos, and helped pave the way for other Black actors to shine on screen and on stage.

Among Gossett’s other notable releases were the ABC miniseries Roots (1971); Backstairs at the White House (1974); Palmerston, U.S.A. (1981) and The Deep (1987). In the years prior to his death, he appeared in Watchmen (2019), The Book of Negroes (2015), The Color Purple (2023) and The Dependables (2014).

Joe Lieberman

Former US Senator and vice presidential nominee Joe Lieberman died on March 27, 2024, at the age of 82. According to reports, the politician suffered a fall on the evening of March 26 and passed the following day.

Serving four terms in the Senate, representing Connecticut, he became the first Jewish politician to feature on a presidential ticket when he was selected by Al Gore to be his running mate in the 2000 election. The former vice president commented on Lieberman’s death, saying in a statement, “It was an honor to stand side-by-side with him on the campaign trail. I’ll remain forever grateful for his tireless efforts to build a better future for America.”

Spending the majority of his career with the Democrats, Lieberman butted heads with his party members of various issues – most notably the Iraq War, which he supported – and wound up being a centrist in the latter part of his time in politics. When he retired in 2013, he acknowledged his controversial stances on several topics, but noted that his duty was to America as a whole, not his political party.

Chris Cross

Chris Cross, the bassist of New Wave group Ultravox, died on March 25, 2024, at the age of 71. The musician’s passing was shared be bandmate Midge Ure, who published the following to the band’s Instagram:

“Chris Allen. We worked together, we played together, made music and directed videos together. We were instant friends as well as Ultravox comrades. Even after years apart we managed to pick up where we left off like the years in between never existed. You were the glue that held the band together. You were the logic in the madness and the madness in our lives. It was great to know and grow with you. You are loved and missed old friend.”

Playing in other bands before the precursor to Ultravox, Tiger Lily, Cross remained with the group through to its hiatus in the late 1980s and its reunion in the late noughties. Despite the group’s less-than-successful start, the bassist kept his faith that they would be successful, even when other band members opted to leave for greener horizons. His trust and Ure’s arrival ultimately led to Ultravox’s charting Vienna album, which was released in 1980.

Fritz Wepper

German actor Fritz Wepper died on March 25, 2024, at the age of 82. His passing was announced in the German newspaper Bild by his wife, Susanne Kellerman, who said he’d long been suffering from an undisclosed illness.

While he might not have been widely known to English audiences, Wepper was a mainstay on German television, appearing in the popular series, Derrick (1974-98). He also secured roles in Mord in bester Gesellschaft (2007), For Heaven’s Sake (2004-21) and Der Kommissar (1969-76).

While he received acclaimed for these roles, Wepper was likely best known for portraying Fritz Wendel in Cabaret (1972), which also featured Elizabeth Taylor, Michael York and Helmut Griem.

Jean-Paul Vignon

Jean-Paul Vignon passed away on March 22, 2024, at the age of 89. The French actor and singer’s death was reported to be the result of a battle with liver cancer.

With a career spanning six decades, Vignon was a well-known voice in the entertainment industry, even if viewers weren’t aware it was him they were listening to. His most notable voiceover role was the 2009 film, 500 Days of Summer, with him also acting as one of Robin Hood’s Merry Men in the 2001 Dreamworks film, Shrek.

Vignon got his start as a cabaret singer in France. He later moved to the United States, where he worked alongside some of the industry’s biggest names, including Édith Piaf, Liza Minnelli, Ed Sullivan and Woody Allen. It wasn’t long before he’d recorded what became his debut album, and he secured his first on-screen role in 1968’s The Devil’s Brigade.

Ron Harper

Ron Harper passed away of natural causes on March 21, 2024, at the age of 91. His death was confirmed by his daughter, who spoke with The Hollywood Reporter.

Studying acting following high school, Harper took some time off to serve in the US Navy, before trying his hand at Hollywood. He had a tough go at it at the beginning, but eventually landed a guest spot on the NBC American Western series, Tales of Wells Fargo (1957-62). This got him an in with the network, and he appeared in several more series over the course of his career.

Harper was probably best known for his appearances in various soap operas, including Generations (1989-91), Loving (1983-95) and Capitol (1982-87). Another notable role of his was Col. Alan Virdon in the television adaptation of Planet of the Apes (1974).

Vernor Vinge

Vernor Vinge passed away on March 20, 2024, at the age of 79. The sci-fi author’s death was announced by fellow author and friend David Brin, who wrote on Facebook, “A titan in the literary genre that explores a limitless range of potential destinies, Vernor enthralled millions with tales of plausible tomorrows, made all the more vivid by his polymath masteries of language, drama, characters, and the implications of science.”

Vinge was one of the pioneers of the science fiction genre, being among the first authors to describe the concept of “cyberspace” in his writings. He published his first short story, Apartness, in 1965, and went on to release many more short-form works and books in the subsequent decades. Several – Rainbows End, Fast Times at Fairmont High, A Fire Upon the Deep, A Deepness in the Sky and The Cookie Monster – even won Hugo Awards.

Outside of writing, Vinge was also a professor, teaching computer science and mathematics at San Diego State University. He was particularly adept at the latter, earning his PhD in the subject from the University of California, San Diego in 1971.

M. Emmet Walsh

M. Emmet Walsh passed away on March 19, 2024, at the age of 88. His death was confirmed by his manager, Sandy Joseph, who confirmed he passed of a cardiac arrest in St. Albans, Vermont, just days before his 89th birthday.

Walsh may not have often played the leading role, but his face was instantly recognizable to any fan of film and television. With over 220 credits to his name, the actor was known in his later years for playing the stereotypical cranky old man – think of the 2004 holiday film, Christmas with the Kranks.

Among his other notable credits were Knives Out (2019), The Iron Giant (1999), Blade Runner (1982) and William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet (1996).

Jennifer Leak

Jennifer Leak died on March 18, 2024, at the age of 76. Her death was reported by The East-Hampton Star, which shared in an obituary that her passing came following a seven-year battle with a rare neurological disease known as progressive supranuclear palsy.

Born in Cardiff and eventually landing in Canada, Leak got her start at just 17 years old when she appeared in a pilot episode for a Canadian series. This later prompted her to relocate to Los Angeles, where she soon found herself sharing the screen with Lucille Ball and Jane Fonda in the original version of Yours, Mine and Ours (1968).

As with several stars from the era, Leak eventually transition into soap operas, appearing in many throughout her career: Another World (1964-99), Guiding Light (1952-2009), and The Young and the Restless (1973-present). She was last seen on-screen when she portrayed the character of Dr. Hennessey in two episodes of Loving (1983-95) in 1992.

Steve Harley

Cockney Rebel frontman Steve Harley died on March 17, 2024, at the age of 73. The musician’s passing was the result of cancer, with his family saying he “passed away peacefully at home.” In December 2023, Harley had revealed on his website that he was battling “a nasty” cancer diagnosis.

Harley was first introduced to poetry and popular music while in the hospital for polio, with him learning of the works of Bob Dylan, T.S. Eliot and D.H. Lawrence. Trained in classical violin, he began to perform at open-mic nights at local clubs, and he eventually went on to form Cockney Rebel in 1972, with John Crocker, Nick Jones, Paul Jeffreys and Stuart Elliott.

The band had several big hits, the most famous being “Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me).” In 1977, Harley embarked on a solo career, and he continued to perform up until his cancer diagnosis in 2023.

Beth Peters

Beth Peters passed away on March 14, 2024, at the age of 92. The actress reportedly died in central Florida following a brief illness.

Peters began acting when she was just a teenager and she secured her first role on Broadway in 1955 as an extra on the production of Inherit the Wind. While still continuing to act in theater, she also crossed over into television, with her most famous role being Mrs. Whitaker on eight episodes of the popular soap opera, General Hospital (1963-present). Her other credits include Quantum Leap (1989-93) and Highway to Heaven (1984-89).

Peters is survived by her son, Sean Williams, and her two stepdaughters, Monica Lange and Barbara Davison.

Robyn Bernard

Robyn Bernard passed away on March 12, 2024, at the age of 64. Her death was announced by the Riverside County Sheriff in California, which said in a press release that the actress’ body was found in an “open field behind business 1800 block of S. San Jacinto.” A cause of death wasn’t revealed, as officials are still investigating the circumstances, but PEOPLE was told foul play isn’t suspected.

Beginning her career as a gospel sister alongside her sister, Bernard secured her first acting role in 1981 with the film, Diva. After some other minor roles, the actress landed the part she was most famous for: Terry Brock on General Hospital (1963-present). She portrayed the character for 145 episodes and exited the long-running soap opera in 1990.

Following her final appearance in Voices from the High School (2002), Bernard retired from Hollywood. She was living in San Jacinto at the time of her death.

David Mixner

Famed LGBTQ+ activist David Mixner died on March 11, 2024, at the age of 77. According to The New York Times, which spoke with his friend, Steven Guy, Mixner’s passing was the result of complications from Long COVID.

Mixner first got his start in activism during the Civil Rights Movement. A high school student at the time, he’d send money to Martin Luther King, Jr., despite his parents’ wishes. By the time he was attending Arizona State University, he was organizing protests against the Vietnam War, after which he got involved in politics.

Following Vietnam, Mixner continued his work, speaking out against anti-LGBTQ+ legistlation, such as California’s Proposition 6, and the proliferation of nuclear weapons. His influence continued to grow as time went on, with several presidents persuaded by his words and actions.

Bo$$

Bo$$, real name Lichelle Laws, passed away on March 11, 2024, at the age of 54. The news was announced by fellow rapper Bun B, who wrote in a statement, “Rest in peace my big sis Lichelle Laws AKA Boss. One of the best female MCs and a dear friend.”

After moving to Los Angeles, California, following her high school graduation, Laws was noticed by DJ Quik, who put her on one of his tracks with rapper AMG. The feature caught the eye of Def Jams co-founder Russell Simmons, who signed her to the label, making Laws the company’s first female rapper.

By the late 1990s, Laws was struggling with kidney issues, with it announced in ’99 that she was in the middle of kidney failure. She didn’t let her diagnosis prevent her from making music, however, and she continued to record with Def Jam whenever she was feeling up to it. Sadly, her condition progressed to the point that, by 2011, she was in need of a kidney transplant.

Malachy McCourt

Malachy McCourt, actor and brother of famed author Frank McCourt, passed away on March 11, 2024, at the age of 92. His death was confirmed by his wife, Diana, to The New York Times, with her saying her husband had suffered from various ailments in the years leading up to his passing, including several forms of cancer, a heart condition and muscular degeneration.

McCourt entered hospice in the summer of 2022, but lived longer than medical professionals expected, leading to his release that November. He subsequently returned to hosting his radio show, telling The New York Times at one point, “Every day I wake up at 91, I am happy without a coffin over my head.”

Growing up in Limerick, Ireland, he acted on theater, television and in film, with his most notable releases being The Molly Maguires (1970), All My Children (1970-2013), Oz (1997-2003) and Brewster’s Millions (1985). Like his brother, he was also interested in writing, publishing two memoirs throughout his life, A Monk Swimming and Singing My Him Song.

Outside of writing and acting, McCourt also tried his hand at politics. In 2006, he ran to become the governor of New York as a candidate for the Green Party, but lost to now-disgraced Democratic candidate Eliot Spitzer.

Eric Carmen

Former Raspberries frontman Eric Carmen died in March 2024, at the age of 74. News of his passing was revealed by his wife, Amy, who released a statement on the musician’s official website, which read:

“It is with tremendous sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Eric Carmen. Our sweet, loving, and talented Eric passed away in his sleep over the weekend. It brought him great joy to know, that for the last decades, his music touched so many and will be his lasting legacy. Please respect the family’s privacy as we mourn our enormous loss.”

Carmen was best known as the former frontman, guitarist and keyboardist of the pop-rock band, the Raspberries. Following the group’s breakup in 1975, he pursued a solo career, with his first two singles becoming hits. He released six solo albums over the course of his career, along with four compilations.

Karl Wallinger

Karl Wallinger, the frontman of World Party, passed away on March 10, 2024, at the age of 66. Word of his death was announced by his publicist, who didn’t provide a cause or location.

Wallinger was a multi-instrumentalist who got his start as a keyboardist with Pax. He rose to prominence as a member of the British-Irish folk-rock act the Waterboys, alongside Mike Scott. Both musicians had big ambitions, prompting the former’s departure from the band in 1985 and the creation of World Party. Active from 1986-2015, the group saw continued popularity across the United Kingdom.

In 2001, Wallinger suffered an aneurysm, which forced him to take a five-year hiatus from music, as he was unable to speak.

Steve Lawrence

Steve Lawrence passed away on March 7, 2024, at the age of 88. Susan DuBow, a spokesperson for him and his wife, Eydie Gormé, told the media that the famed singer and comedian died from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.

Lawrence was best known for the stage act he had with Gormé, with the pair once regulars on various talk shows and across the Las Vegas strip. He got his start on Steve Allen’s late-night show in New York, along with Gormé and singer Andy Williams, with the WNBC-TV feature becoming the first iteration of The Tonight Show, which continues to air to this day.

Across his decades-long career, Lawrence appeared on television, on the Broadway stage, on the music charts and in nightclubs across the United States. A well-rounded performer, he received a host of commendations, including two Emmy Awards and a GRAMMY.

Eleanor Collins

Famed Canadian jazz singer Eleanor Collins died on March 3, 2024, at the age of 104. The legendary musician reportedly passed away at a hospital in Surrey, British Columbia, according to The Washington Post.

Collins, known as Canada’s “First Lady of Jazz,” broke barriers when she arrived on the music scene in the late 1930s. She and her band performed on CBC Radio throughout the 1940s, and following a brief retirement toward the end of the decade reemerged on stage. She then segued into television, with her role on Bamboula: A Day in the West Indies signaling the first time Canada put an interracial cast on the small screen.

The musician’s smooth jazz voice made her a favorite among touring circles, but outside of her singing career, she was also a civil rights advocate. In 2014, she was added to the Order of Canada for “pioneering achievements as a jazz vocalist, and for breaking down barriers and fostering race relations in the mid-20th Century.”

Chris Mortensen

Longtime ESPN journalist and analyst Chris Mortensen died on March 3, 2024, at the age of 72. A cause of death has yet to be revealed, but it’s known that he’d been battling throat cancer in recent years, having been diagnosed in 2016.

In a statement shared to X (formerly Twitter), Jimmy Pitaro, the chairman of ESPN, wrote, “Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hard-working teammate. He covered NFL with extraordinary skill and passion, and was at the top of his field for decades. He will truly be missed by colleagues and fans, and our hearts and thoughts are with his loved ones.”

Mortensen was a true fan of the NFL, covering the sport for nearly four decades, 32 years of which were spent with ESPN. He was known for his skilled and knowledgeable analysis of the sport and, despite undergoing treatment for cancer, was the first reporter to cover Peyton Manning’s retirement in 2016.

Mortensen himself announced his retirement in 2023, following the NFL draft, saying he wanted to “focus on my health, family and faith.”

Jim Beard

Jim Beard, a keyboardist, producer and composer best known for his work with Steely Dan, died on March 2, 2024, at the age of 63. According to a representative, the musician passed away at a New York hospital from complications of a sudden illness.

Interested in music from an early age, Beard embarked on his first overseas tour when he was just 16, with the American Youth Jazz Orchestra. After studying jazz and classical piano at Indiana University, he moved to New York, where he performed with the Mahavishnu Orchestra and began producing recordings for several musical artists.

As aforementioned, Beard is best known for his work with Steely Dan. However, he collaborated with a wide variety of acts, such as John Mayer, Bob Berg, Kenny Garrett and Christopher Botti. He was nominated for seven Grammys, winning one, and in his spare time taught at various post-secondary institutions.

Mark Dodson

Mark Dodson passed away on March 2, 2024, at the age of 64. According to TMZ, the voice actor died of a heart attack in his sleep while in Evansville, Indiana for Horror Con.

News of his death was shared by his talent agency, Stellar Appearances, which wrote in a statement, “Mark worked on dozens of movies, video games, commercials and advertisements adding his unique voice and sound to each character and script he touched. Mark truly loved his fans and enjoyed meeting them at conventions around the world. Mark was honored to be inducted into dozens of chapters of the Star Wars 501st Legions over the past several decades.”

Dodson was one of the most renowned voice actors of the 1980s, with his most famous roles being Salacious Crumb in 1983’s Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi and Mogwai in the Gremlins film franchise. He also lent his voice to many other Star Wars productions, and those with a keen ear likely recognized his voiceovers in television commercials and video games.

Akira Toriyama

Akira Toriyama, the creator of the famed Japanese manga and anime franchise Dragon Ball, died on March 1, 2024, at the age of 68. A post published on Dragon Ball‘s official site revealed his passing was caused by an acute subdural hematoma, a condition characterized by blood pooling between the surface of the brain and the skull.

A renowned individual in the world of manga and character design, Toriyama first came to the public’s attention with the release of Dr. Slump, a serialized manga that appeared in Weekly Shōnen Jump between 1980-84. He followed this up with Dragon Ball, which went on to become one of the most popular manga – and, subsequently, anime – releases ever, achieving both domestic and international acclaim.

Following Dragon Ball‘s success, Toriyama opted to explore other projects, before returning to the franchise in the 2010s. Outside of manga, he had a lifelong passion for motorcycles and cars, an interest he inherited from his father.

Brian Mulroney

Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney passed away on February 29, 2024, at the age of 84. The politician died in hospital after falling at his home in Palm Beach, Florida, with his passing coming under a year after it was announced he had undergone treatment for prostate cancer.

Mulroney is considered one of the greatest prime minister’s in Canadian history, leading the Progressive Conservatives to a sweeping victory in the 1984 election. He served two terms, with him having record-low support at the time of his exit. The dramatic shift in public approval came as a result of his approach to reform measures.

Despite his divisive politics, those who worked with Mulroney over his political career spoke out regarding the sadness they feel about his loss, with former prime minister and opponent Jean Chretien saying in a statement, “I was an opponent of him all my political career, but in politics, opposition is opposition. It’s like playing hockey. You can fight on the ice and have a beer together after that. And we had a lot of things in common.”

Virgil

Michael Jones, better known by his moniker Virgil, died on February 28, 2024, at the age of 61. News of his passing was revealed by his family, with the wrestler having suffered from several issues in recent years, including two strokes, dementia and a colon cancer diagnosis.

After playing football in college, Virgil transitioned into wrestling and entered the ring under the likes of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, today WWE) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). He spent eight years in the former and was best known for being Ted DiBiase’s personal assistant and bodyguard.

Following his retirement from the sport, Virgil went on to teach math at a high school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, while still attending conventions across the United States.

Michael Culver

Michael Culver passed away on February 27, 2024, at the age of 85. His agency, Alliance Agents, shared the news a few weeks after his death, writing in a statement, “We are very sad to confirm the passing of our friend and client Michael Culver.” The agency added that it was “an honor to have represented Michael for the last decade and to have taken him to some of the best Star Wars events in the UK and Europe.”

Culver is probably best known for portraying Captain Needa in Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980), with his most notable scene in the film beig when Darth Vader chokes him to death with the force. His other acting credits included a host of productions, such as Crossplot (1969), The First Churchills (1969), Squadron (1982) and The House of Elliot (1991-94).

Largely stepping away from acting in the 2000s, Culver moved his focus to political activism, speaking out against the Iraq War.

Richard Lewis

Comedian and actor Richard Lewis passed away on February 27, 2024, at the age of 76. According to reports, he died at his home in Los Angeles after suffering a heart attack. Last year, Lewis announced he’d been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, saying it was diagnosed following a brain scan and that he was “under a doctor’s care and everything is cool.”

A class clown growing up, Lewis always had a knack for comedy. He began performing stand-up in the early 1970s and was soon being compared to the likes of George Carlin and Richard Belzer. By the 1980s, he was a staple in the industry, known for freely discussing topics most others considered taboo.

Along with his stand-up career, Lewis also brought his comedy chops to the big and small screens. He portrayed Prince John in 1993’s Robin Hood: Men in Tights, and had regular guest spots on various late-night shows. He also portrayed himself on Larry David’s series, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and even appeared in the final season in 2024, despite having retired from the industry following his diagnosis.

Ole Anderson

Famed wrestler Ole Anderson passed away on February 26, 2024, at the age of 81. His passing was confirmed by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), which didn’t provide a cause of death.

Anderson is best known as one of the founders of The Four Horsemen, which originally consisted of the late wrestler, Ric Flair, Tully Blanchard and Arn Anderson. Speaking about his friend’s passing, Flair wrote, “I Will Be Grateful Forever For You Giving Me The Opportunity To Become Who I Am Today. We Didn’t Always Agree With Each Other, But The Honest To God Truth Is You & Gene Started Me. Rest In Peace My Friend!”

Beginning his wrestling career in the 1960s with the American Wrestling Association (AWA), Anderson experienced considerable success, rising through the ranks of the sport and going up against some of the most iconic wrestlers of his time. He retired in the mid-1990s, but kept a toe in wrestling, albeit while rubbing some the wrong way.

Thomas Kingston

Thomas Kingston, the husband of Lady Gabriella Windsor, was found dead in an outbuilding at his parents’ house in the Cotswolds on February 25, 2024. The 45-year-old’s death has since been the subject of an inquest, which has revealed the financier died from a “catastrophic head wound” that was self-inflicted. A gun was found near his body.

A statement released on behalf of his wife and family said, “It is with the deepest sorrow that we announce the death of Thomas Kingston, our beloved husband, son and brother. Tom was an exceptional man who lit up the lives of all who knew him. His death has come as a great shock to the whole family, and we ask you to respect our privacy as we mourn his passing.”

Kingston was a director at Devonport Capital and had served as a former hostage negotiator in Iraq. He and Lady Gabriella wed in 2019 at a ceremony at St. George Chapel in Windsor. The nuptials were attended by many members of the British Royal Family, including Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip.

Charles Dierkop

Charles Dierkop died on February 25, 2024, at the age of 87. According to Deadline, his passing occurred a Sherman Oaks Hospital in California and was the result of both a heart attack and pneumonia.

After serving with the US Marine Corps, Dierkop used the benefits afforded to him under the GI Bill to attend the American Foundation of Dramatic Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which led to his foray into film and television. His first role was uncredited, but saw him star alongside Paul Newman in The Hustler (1961), with the two appearing together in two other films.

Dierkop’s resume features a range of big-name and popular productions. On the big screen, fans were able to see him act in the likes of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), The Sting (1973) and Blood Red (1989), while his television screen credits included The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (1964-68), Star Trek (1966-69), Bonanza (1959-63) and Gunsmoke (1952-61).

Peetah Morgan

Peetah Morgan, the lead singer of the reggae band Morgan Heritage, passed away on February 25, 2024, at the age of 46. A cause of death wasn’t disclosed in the announcement of his passing, which Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holmes called a “colossal loss” for the country and the reggae genre as a whole.

Morgan Heritage was formed in 1994 by the children of famed musician Denroy Morgan and quickly became a big name in the reggae scene. Throughout their career, which continues to this day, the group has recorded and released 19 albums, including original releases, live albums and several compilations.

Outside of Morgan Heritage, Morgan released solo music, which included the album, T.U.T. (The Undeniable Truth).

Kenneth Mitchell

Kenneth Mitchell passed away on February 24, 2024, at the age of 49. His death was announced via his official Instagram account, with the post detailing his five-year struggle with ALS.

“For five and a half years, Ken faced a series of awful challenges from ALS. And in truest Ken fashion, he managed to rise above each one with grace and commitment, to living a full and joyous life in each moment,” the post read. “He lived by the principals that each day is a gift and we never walk alone.”

Mitchell was diagnosed with ALS in 2018 and had been confined to a wheelchair since ’19. Appearing in Star Trek: Discovery (2017-present) at the time of his diagnosis, his wheelchair was incorporated into the show, with the storyline stating the device was a hover chair that allowed his character, Kol, to move around after he began exhibiting symptoms of a genetic disorder. It was reported in 2021 that the actor had lost the ability to speak.

Prior to his diagnosis, Mitchell was a common face on television and in film, appearing in the likes of Nancy Drew (2019-23), Switched at Birth (2011-17), Ghost Whisperer (2005-10), Jericho (2006-08) and Captain Marvel (2019).

Lynda Gravátt

Lynda Gravátt passed away on February 23, 2024, at the age of 77. Her death was confirmed by the National Black Theatre, which did not disclose a cause of death.

A renowned theater actor, Gravátt got her start on Broadway at just four years old with a role in The King and I. As she got older, she continued to secure many coveted spots on the stage, going on to grace the likes of Carnegie Hall. Throughout her career, she secured roles in such plays as The House That Will Not Stand, Crowns and The Old Settler.

Gravátt also lent her acting chops to the small screen, securing guest spots on a number of popular television shows, including East New York (2022-23), Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999-present), and Sex and the City (1998-2004).

Chris Gauthier

Chris Gauthier died on February 23, 2024, at the age of 48. The actor’s passing was announced by TMZ, which reported that he died following a brief and sudden illness.

Gauthier was a well-known face on television, with his most recognizable roles being William Smee on Once Upon a Time (2011-18), Winslow Schlott on Smallville (2001-11) and Vincent in Eureka (2006-12). He also had guest appearances on the likes of A Series of Unfortunate Events (2017-19), Harper’s Island (2009) and Supernatural (2005-20).

The actor also delved a bit into film, appearing in a handful of productions, including 40 Days and 40 Nights (2002), Freddy vs. Jason (2004) and The Butterfly Effect 2 (2006).

Golden Richards

Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Golden Richards passed away on February 23, 2024, at the age 73. His death was the result of congestive heart failure and followed years of prescription drug abuse and health issues that plagued his post-sports life.

A life-long athlete, Richards was involved in basketball, football, and track and field growing up. While attending Brigham Young University (BYU), he played for the Cougars and later was a member of the Rainbow Warriors upon transferring to the University of Hawaii.

Richards was drafted to the Cowboys in 1973 and was named the team’s starting wide receiver the following year. He helped the team secure the win at Super Bowl XII during the 1977 season and later went on to play with the Chicago Bears. While he joined the Denver Broncos, an injury prevented him from playing a game with the team.

Jackie Loughery

Jackie Loughery, the first ever Miss USA pageant winner, died on February 23, 2024, at the age of 93. Her death was announced by the Miss USA organization, which wrote in a statement:

“It is with great sorrow that we share the news of Jackie Loughery’s passing, a pioneer who made history as the First Ever Miss USA in 1952. Jackie Loughery will always be remembered as a trailblazer in the world of beauty pageants. Her grace, poise, and intelligence captivated audiences and paved the way for future generations of women to shine on the stage.”

Loughery’s pageant success began in 1949, when she was named Miss Rockaway Point. Three years later, before winning the title of Miss USA, she was named Miss New York USA. Following her Miss USA win, she went on to represent the United States in the Miss Universe pageant, coming in ninth.

John Savident

John Savident passed away on February 21, 2024, at the age of 86. The Coronation Street (1960-present) star’s death was announced by his agent, who wrote in a statement:

“We are sad to announce the death of the actor John Savident who died on Wednesday 21 February. He was a much-loved husband and father of two and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”

Savident was best known for portraying Fred Elliot on the British soap opera Coronation Street. That being said, his resume spans multiple productions, affording him recognition across the United Kingdom and abroad. His other credits included A Summer Story (1988), Doctor Who (1963-89) and Loch Ness (1996), among many others.

Pamela Salem

Pamela Salem died on February 21, 2024, at the age of 80. According to her agent, Maddie Burdett Coutts, the James Bond actor passed at her home in Florida. No cause of death was revealed.

Salem was best known for portraying Miss Moneypenny in the Never Say Never Again (1983), starring Sean Connery and Klaus Maria Brandauer. Her other film credits included The First Great Train Robbery (1978) and April’s Shower (2003), while her foray into television included parts on Doctor Who (1963-89), All Creatures Great and Small (1978-90) and Into the Labyrinth (1981-82).

In 1983, Salem married fellow actor Michael O’Hagan, and the pair remained together until he died in 2017.

Stuart Organ

Stuart Organ passed away during the week of February 18, 2024, at the age of 72. The actor’s death was announced on February 23 by his representatives, who told the media that he “died peacefully at home after a short illness.”

Organ was best known for portraying Peter Robson on the long-running children’s television series, Granger Hill (1978-2008). However, his career had begun earlier, with him securing roles in Doctor Who (1963-89) and the soap opera Brookside (1982-2003). Outside of this, he had one-off roles on the likes of Holby City (1999-2022), Casualty (1986-present) and This Life (1996-2007), among many other shows.

Outside of television, Organ also appeared in a handful of films and theater productions, the latest being Corpse in 2007, where he portrayed the character of Major Powell.

Roni Stoneman

Roni Stoneman, known as the “First Lady of the Banjo,” died on February 22, 2024, at the age of 85. No cause of death was given. Writing on Instagram, Robert’s Western World said:

“Robert’s is saddened to learn of the passing of Roni Stoneman. Born Veronica Loretta to Ernest and Hattie Stoneman, ‘Roni’ was destined to make music. Learning banjo at a young age, Roni joined the family business as a picker for the Stonemans. Known as the ‘First Lady of Banjo,’ she would go on to pursue a solo career before entering our hearts and homes as a cast member of Hee Haw.

“Roni’s portrayal of Ida Lee kept us laughing every week and became one of the iconic characters on the show. Charm, humor and true musical talent, Roni Stoneman will be missed. Thank you for the memories.”

A talented musician, Stoneman is best known as a regular cast member of the Hee Haw (1969-93), a country music variety show that also starred the likes of Roy Acuff, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Charlie McCoy and Louis Marshall “Grandpa” Jones. She was also the daughter of famed country musician Ernest Stoneman and was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in 2021.

Micheline Presle

Micheline Presle died on February 21, 2024, at the age of 101. According to reports, the French actor’s passing occurred at the National House of Artists in Nogent-sur-Marne, France, with her son-in-law, Olivier Bomsel, saying a private funeral would be held.

With a career that began in the 1930s, Presle was a mainstay of French cinema. Her first role came in 1937 with La Fessée, with her portrayal of Marthe Grangier in Devil in the Flesh (1947) garnering the actor attention from Hollywood. Signing with 20th Century Fox in 1950, she spent over a decade starring in English-language movies, before returning to France in the mid-1960s.

Active in film until 2014, Presle’s legacy will live on. She was predeceased by her daughter, director Tonie Marshall, who passed away in 2020.

Paul D’Amato

Paul D’Amato passed away on February 19, 2024, at the age of 75. According to the actor’s longtime partner, Marina Re, he had been battling progressive supranuclear palsy, which is described as being similar to Parkinson’s disease.

Best known for portraying Tim “Dr. Hook” McCracken in the 1977 sports comedy Slap Shot, D’Amato’s acting career spanned decades. Among his other acting credits were the Vietnam War-era film The Deer Hunter (1978), starring Robert De Niro, and Suspect (1987).

Outside of acting, D’Amato was a skilled hockey player, and he was able to show off his abilities in Slap Shot. He was also a keen skier and, as of 2019, had been working as a boot fitter at a Vermont ski shop.

Robert Reid

Robert Reid died on February 19, 2024, at the age of 68. According to the Houston Chronicle, the famed basketball player passed after a battle with cancer. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta said, “It is with great sorrow that my family and I received the news of the passing of Rockets legend, Robert Reid. I have had the privilege of knowing Robert for over 40 years, and his presence always brought joy and positivity to any room he entered.

“I will never forget watching the Rockets teams he was a part of in the ’80s compete in the Finals and the love he had for the game. My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Diana, and all those who held him dear. Robert’s absence will be deeply felt, and he will be fondly remembered.”

Playing 13 seasons with the National Basketball Association (NBA) and also hitting the court with the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), Reid was a member of the Houston Rockets, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Charlotte Hornets, the Tulsa Fast Breakers, the Portland Trail Blazers and the Tri-City Chinook. He also served as a coach throughout the 1990s and 2000s.

Ewen MacIntosh

Ewen MacIntosh passed away on February 19, 2024, at the age of 50. His death was confirmed by his talent agency, which wrote in a statement, “With great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved comedy genius Ewen MacIntosh. His family thank all who supported him, especially Willow Green Care Home.”

No cause of death was revealed.

MacIntosh is best known for portraying Keith Bishop on the British version of The Office (2001-03), created by comedian Ricky Gervais, who wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that the actor was “an absolute original.” Outside of the hit comedy series, MacIntosh also appeared in the likes of Miranda (2009-15) and Little Britain (2003-06).

Tony Ganios

Tony Ganios died on February 18, 2024, at the age of 64. According to reports, the actor’s passing was the result of a heart attack, which he suffered after undergoing surgery at a hospital in New York.

Best known for appearing in the 1979 film, The Wanderers, Ganios was known throughout the 1980s for his roles in several coming-of-age features, such as the Porky’s franchise. He also had a stint on television, securing guest roles on the likes of Wiseguy (1987-90), The Equalizer (1985-89) and Scarecrow and Mrs. King (1983-87).

Ganios semi-retired from acting in 1993, with his last credited role being that year’s Rising Sun, which starred Sean Connery and Wesley Snipes.

Alexei Navalny

While not a celebrity in the traditional sense, it would be wrong to not include Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny on our list, as his passing on February 16, 2024, signals a big shift in the country’s politics. His death was announced by Russia’s federal prison service, and the news was met with outcry from Western powers, who have placed the blame solely on the Kremlin.

“On February 16, 2024, in Penal Colony No. 3, the convict Alexei Navalny felt unwell after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness, according to representatives of the department,” the statement read. “Medical personnel from the institution arrived promptly, and an ambulance crew was called.

“All necessary resuscitation measures were carried out, but unfortunately, they did not yield positive results. The emergency medical team pronounced the convict dead. The cause of death is being investigated,” it concluded.

Navalny had been imprisoned since 2021, when he returned to Russia after undergoing treatment for a poison attack in 2020. In December 2023, he was transferred to a prison near the Arctic Circle, where he remained until he died. He had long been a major critic of the Kremlin and Putin, often calling out corruption within Russia’s government.

Anne Whitfield

Anne Whitfield died on February 15, 2024, at the age of 85. According to Deadline, the actor’s passing occurred at a hospital in Yakima, Washington, after she experienced an “unexpected accident” while walking in her neighborhood.

Whitfield got her start at the young age of seven, when she recorded an advertisement for radio. That same year, she became a cast member on the radio soap opera One Man’s Family, which was just the first of several radio shows she appeared in. Before long, she was taking to the stage, acting in theatrical productions and, before long, film and television.

The majority of fans will recognize Whitfield for her role as Susan Waverly in the Bing Crosby holiday film, White Christmas (1950). She also secured guest roles on the likes of Bonanza (1959-73), Gunsmoke (1952-61) and Rawhide (1959-65).

Bob Edwards

Bob Edwards passed away on February 10, 2023, at the age of 76. His death was announced by his wife, NPR journalist Windsor Johnston, who wrote in a statement shared on Facebook:

“The world of broadcasting has lost a behemoth. Bob was an absolute master at his skill and left an indelible mark on the field of journalism. He was a stickler for even the tiniest of details and lived by the philosophy that ‘less is more.’ He helped pave the way for the younger generation of journalists who continue to make NPR what it is today.”

A familiar voice on NPR and SiriusXM, Edwards became known to the wider radio-listening world as the co-host of All Things Considered, with Susan Stamberg. In 1979, he moved on to Morning Edition, which he anchored until 2004. He followed this with his popular SiriusXM series, The Bob Edwards Show, which also led to a compilation show on weekends. He remained on satellite radio until 2014, the same year he was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame.

Mojo Nixon

Famed radio DJ and MTV mainstay Mojo Nixon died on February 7, 2024, at the age of 66. According to a statement released by his family, the cause of death was a “cardiac event” while aboard the Outlaw Country Cruise. At the time, the ship was docked in Puerto Rico.

Born Neill Kirby McMillan Jr., Nixon got his start in music in the 1980s. He and his frequent collaborator, Skid Roper, appeared in several promotional skits for MTV, before he moved into DJ’ing in the 1990s. Starting at KGB-FM in San Diego, California and WEBN-FM in Cincinnati, Ohio, he eventually found his way to Sirius XM, hosting a program on the Outlaw Country channel.

In 2022, a film about Nixon’s life, titled The Mojo Manifesto: The Life and Times of Mojo Nixon, premiered at SXSW.

Henry Fambrough

Henry Fambrough passed away on February 7, 2024, at the age of 85. According to reports, the cause of death was natural causes.

Fambrough was best known for being the lead singer of the famed Michigan-based R&B group, the Spinners. Formed in 1954, the quintet – Fambrough, C.P. Spencer, Pervis Jackson, Billy Henderson and Bobby Smith – signed to Motown Records in 1961. While in their heyday in the early-to-mid 1970s, they released several popular singles, including “I Don’t Want to Lose You.”

As of 2013, Fambrough was the last surviving original member of the Spinners. In 2023, they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Toby Keith

Country music legend Toby Keith passed away on February 6, 2024, at the age of 62. His death was announced by his family on X (formerly Twitter), who said “he fought his fight with grace and courage” after being diagnosed with stomach cancer. Keith shared his diagnosis with the public in 2022, having been diagnosed in the fall of 2021.

Throughout his career, Keith released 19 studio albums, which spawned such hits as “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” and “Red Solo Cup.” His last, Peso in My Pocket, was released in 2021 and peaked at 25 on the US Top Country Albums chart. That same year, Keith received the National Medal of Arts, alongside fellow country musician Rick Skaggs.

Outside of music, Keith was known for his work with Little Kids Rock, which aims to bring music education to lower-income schools, and Ally’s House, a non-profit that helps children diagnosed with cancer.

Ian Lavender

Ian Lavender died on February 2, 2024, at the age of 77. His passing was announced on X (formerly Twitter) by the official Dad’s Army Radio Show account, which said, “We are deeply saddened to hear the passing of the wonderful Ian Lavender. In what truly marks the end of an era, Ian was the last surviving member of the Dad’s Army main cast. His wonderful performance as Private Frank Pike will live on for decades to come.”

After attending theater school in Bristol, Lavender secured his first television role in 1968’s Half Hour Story: Flowers at my Feet. That same year, at just 22 years old, he was cast in Dad’s Army (1968-77), becoming one of the most recognizable characters on the BBC series.

Outside of Dad’s Army, Lavender appeared in several films and TV shows, including Eastenders (1985-present), portraying Derek Harkinson, and Three For All (1975).

Carl Weathers

Acclaimed actor and former football player Carl Weathers passed away on February 1, 2024, at the age of 76. A statement from his family says he “died peacefully in his sleep,” without revealing a cause of death. It was later reported that Weathers died from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, caused by a build-up of plaque on the artery walls. The actor had been dealing with heart disease for several years prior to his passing.

Several actors have spoken about Weathers’ legacy, including his Rocky co-star Sylvester Stallone, who said in a video posted to Instagram, “I never could have accomplished what we did with Rocky without him. He was absolutely brilliant. His voice, his size, his power, his athletic ability, but more importantly, his heart, his soul. It’s a horrible loss.”

Weathers began his career in football, going on to play professionally with the National Football League (NFL) in 1970 as an undrafted free agent with the Oakland Raiders. He played for four years, before retiring to pursue acting. It wasn’t long after when he secured the role of Apollo Creed in Rocky (1976), going on to portray the character in subsequent films.

Among Weathers’ other notable roles are Combat Carl in Toy Story 4 (2019), Derick “Chubbs” Peterson in Happy Gilmore (1996), Adam Beaudreaux in Street Justice (1991-93), Police Chief Hampton Forbes in In the Heat of the Night (1988-95) and Greef Karga in The Mandalorian (2019-present).

Chita Rivera

Famed Broadway performer Chita Rivera passed away on January 30, 2024, at the age of 91. Her death was confirmed by her rep, Merle Frimark, and her daughter, Lisa Mordente, who revealed she died in New York following “a brief illness.”

Rivera debuted as a dancer in the 1950 production of Guys and Dolls, after which she continued to perform on stage, as well as on television and in film. On Broadway, she portrayed the original characters of Velma Kelly in Chicago, Anita from West Side Story and the titular character in Kiss of the Spider Woman. For her performances, she received 10 Tony nominations, winning two.

In 2002, Rivera was named a Kennedy Center Honoree, and, seven years later, US President Barack Obama presented her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, both accolades honoring her contributions to the theater industry.

Hinton Battle

Hinton Battle died on January 29, 2024, at the age of 67. His passing was confirmed by actor and choreographer Debbie Allen, who did not reveal a cause of death. Allen wrote on Instagram:

“Today I honor Hinton Battle, my dear friend who left us to dance and sing in God’s Ensemble last night. He fought this battle to live and be creative impacting audiences and young people across the globe. Let us always hold him high in our hearts and in our mind’s eye and forever speak his name.”

A regular face on Broadway, Battle was best known for portraying the Scarecrow in the original production of The Wiz. This role, which doubled as his big-stage debut, led to other productions, such as Dreamgirls, Ragtime, Chicago and Sophisticated Ladies. He also spent time on-screen, appearing in 15 film and television productions, including Quantum Leap (1989-93) and Touched by an Angel (1994-2003).

For his work on stage, Battle received two Tony Awards.

Sandra Milo

Italian actor Sandra Milo passed away on January 29, 2024, at the age of 90. Her death was announced by her daughters, who said she died in her sleep in Rome. Upon hearing word of her passing, Italian Deputy Culture Minister Lucia Borgonzoni said Italy had lost a “protagonist of Italian cinema … a great, talented artist with an overwhelming charisma.”

Milo’s film debut occurred in 1955, with the release of The Bachelor. Her first major release came just four years later with Roberto Rossellini’s General della Rovere (1959), whom she teamed up with again in 1961 for Vanina Vanini. In 1965, she appeared in Federico Fellini’s Juliet of the Spirits, later recounting their 17-year love affair in the book, Caro Federico.

After briefly retiring for a few years in 1968, Milo made her return to film, appearing in productions up until 2021. She also made several appearances on television, including reality TV.

Herbert Coward

Herbert Coward tragically passed away on January 24, 2024, following a car crash. According to TMZ, the accident, which killed the 85-year-old, his friend and his pets, occurred in Hollywood County, North Carolina while he was leaving an appointment. His silver Nissan was struck by a car that was trying to avoid him.

The other driver, a 16-year-old, was taken to hospital and released. No charges were laid, as the North Carolina Highway Patrol determined a crime hadn’t been committed and that the accident was as it appeared: an accident. Neither Coward nor his friend were wearing seatbelts.

Coward was best known for his portrayal of the “Toothless Man” in the 1972 thriller Deliverance, which starred Jon Voight and Burt Reynolds. Coward’s character, in particular, gained a cult following, with many fans continuing to quote his lines to this day.

Melanie

Melanie Anne Safka-Schekeryk, professionally known as Melanie, died on January 23, 2024, at the age of 76. The musician’s death was shared by her publicity firm and her three children, who wrote on Facebook:

“We are heartbroken, but want to thank each and every one of you for the affection you have for our Mother, and to tell you that she loved all of you so much! She was one of the most talented, strong and passionate women of the era and every word she wrote, every note she sang reflected that. Our world is much dimmer, the colors of a dreary, rainy Tennessee pale with her absence today, but we know that she is still here, smiling down on all of us, on all of you, from the stars.”

Melanie launched onto the music scene in the 1970s, releasing several hits during the decades, including “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain),” “Brand New Key” and a cover of the Rolling Stones’ “Ruby Tuesday.” Just prior to her breaking out, she’d landed a coveted spot on stage at Woodstock, becoming just one of three solo female artists to perform at the iconic festival.

She went on to have a decades-spanning career, with it appearing as though she never slowed down. At the time of her death, Melanie was working on a new album, which would have been her 32nd release.

Charles Osgood

Famed American television host and journalist Charles Osgood passed away on January 23, 2024, at the age of 91. His death was announced by CBS, which revealed he died at his home in New Jersey and that the cause was dementia.

Osgood was a staple of American news and radio for decades, having spent 45 years of his career with CBS. After serving with the US Army Band, he found full-time work with station WGMS, before moving to the ABC Radio Network. He subsequently landed a position with CBS Radio and went on to host the morning commentary show, The Osgood File.

In 1971, Osgood joined CBS News and made the jump from radio to television. After serving as an anchor on CBS Sunday Night News and CBS Morning News, he eventually became the host of CBS Sunday Morning, a position he held until 2016, when he handed over the anchor’s chair to Jane Pauley.

Gary Graham

Gary Graham died on January 22, 2024, at the age of 73. His ex-wife, fellow actor Susan Lavelle, announced the news on Facebook, with it later revealed his passing, which occurred in Spokane, Washington, was the result of cardiac arrest.

Graham’s acting career spanned decades, with his first role coming in 1976, in an episode of The Quest. His first movie role was in the 1979 neo-noir crime thriller, Hardcore. He continued to guest star on television and secure minor film roles in the years after, with him finally securing the lead part of Detective Matthew “Matt” Sikes in Alien Nation (1989-90).

Space-themed series appeared to be Graham’s bread and butter, with him not only starring in Alien Nation spin-offs, but also landing roles in M.A.N.T.I.S. (1994-97) and the Star Trek franchise.

Dexter Scott King

Dexter Scott King, the son of Martin Luther and Coretta Scott King, died on January 22, 2024, at the age of 62. His passing came after a long battle with prostate cancer, with his wife saying he died peacefully in his sleep at their home in Malibu, California. His older brother, Martin Luther King III, asked the public for their prayers while they come to terms with their loss.

King was just seven years old when his father was assassinated. In his adult years, he served as the chairman of the King Center, and while he and his siblings tried to work together to keep their father’s legacy alive, they didn’t always agree. He also sparked headlines when he declared that James Earl Ray, the man who pleaded guilty to the murder of MLK, was innocent, a decision he came to after meeting with him in prison.

Outside of his work with his family, King also wrote a memoir, which was published in 2003, and appeared in a handful of Hollywood productions.

Anne Edwards

Anne Edwards, known as “The Queen of Biography,” died on January 20, 2024, at the age of 96. According to her daughter, the famed writer’s passing was the result of lung cancer.

Edwards was a prolific writer who wrote countless biographies, as well as novels, children’s books and two memoirs. Among her most famous biographies were those about Katharine Hepburn, Princess Diana, Judy Garland, Ronald Reagan and Vivien Leigh. Her book about Reagan, titled Early Reagan: The Rise to Power, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.

Outside of the literary world, Edwards was known for her screenwriting.

Norman Jewison

Canadian-born director Norman Jewison died on January 20, 2024, at the age of 94. According to publicist Jeff Sanderson, he died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Los Angeles, California.

Jewison was known for his ability to bring difficult topics to the mainstream through his films, with his work receiving acclaim the world over. He was thrice nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director, with him receiving seven total nominations throughout his career. He was also nominated for three Golden Globes and a Primetime Emmy, and he received a BAFTA.

Among Jewison’s most notable releases were Fiddler on the Roof (1971), Moonstruck (1987), The Thomas Crown Affair (1968), Jesus Christ Superstar (1973) and In the Heat of the Night (1967). He founded the Canadian Film Centre in 1988, which works to support the Canadian film industry.

David Gail

David Gail’s sister, Katie Colmenares, revealed on January 20, 2024, that her brother had passed away. While she didn’t specify the cause of the 58-year-old’s passing (TMZ reports it’s being investigated as a possible overdose), she did write, “I will hold you so tight every day in my heart you gorgeous loving amazing fierce human being. Missing you every second of every day forever there will never be another.”

While Gail is best known for portraying Shannon Doherty’s fiancé in the 1990s series Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990-2000), he also portrayed Dr. Joe Scanlon on Port Charles (1997-2003), the spin-off of the long-running daytime soap opera, General Hospital (1963-present). Between 1999-2000, he appeared in 216 episodes of the series.

Outside of these two roles, Gail’s credits included Eddie Barlett on Robin’s Hoods (1994-95), Danny Burke on The Round Table (1992) and Dean Collins in Savannah (1996-97). His last project was the video game, Blacksad: Under the Skin, in 2019.

David Emge

David Emge, best known for portraying Stephen “Flyboy” Andrews in 1978’s Dawn of the Dead, died on January 20, 2024, at the age of 77. His passing was announced by the Evansville Courier & Press, which didn’t provide a cause.

Prior to briefly entering the entertainment industry, Emge was working as a chef in New York. It was during this time that he met George Romero, who cast him in Dawn of the Dead. He was cast in two other films – Basket Case 2 (1990) and Hellmaster (1992) –  but it was Andrews and the famous image of the character with blood dripping from his mouth that came to define him.

Dawn of the Dead spawned four sequels, with the original being the most popular. Shaun of the Dead‘s Simon Pegg later credited Emge’s portrayal of Andrews as one of the inspirations behind the spoof film, writing in his 2011 memoir, “I would stare at the image of David Emge’s zombified flyboy character. The film became something of an obsession for me.”

Marlena Shaw

Marlena Shaw passed away on January 19, 2024, at the age of 81. The American jazz singer’s death was announced on Facebook by her daughter, Marla, who said in the video, “It’s with a very heavy heart for myself and my family I announce that our beloved mother, your beloved artist and icon Marlena Shaw has passed away today at 12:03. She went very peacefully, and she went listening to some of her favorite songs.”

Shaw was one of the most recognizable voices of jazz and R&B, with her single, “California Soul,” becoming one of the defining songs of the late 1960s. She began her career performing in jazz clubs and eventually secured a gig at a Playboy Club in Chicago. From there, she signed a record deal and began releasing music for the wider world to hear.

Along with “California Soul,” notable tracks released by Shaw include “Look at Me, Look at You (We’re Flying),” “Touch Me in the Morning” and “Yu-Ma / Go Away Little Boy.”

Mary Weiss

Mary Weiss, the lead singer of the 1960s girl group the Shangri-Las, passed away on January 19, 2024, at the age of 75. Her death was confirmed by Miriam Linna, founder of Norton Records, who didn’t disclose the cause.

The Shangri-Las were a teenage girl group that formed in 1963. After performing in school shows, they signed a record deal. The next year, their first big hit, “Remember (Walking in the Sand),” was released, skyrocketing them into fame and forcing most of the girls to drop out of high school, as they were unable to balance their lessons with the requirements that came with their fame.

Despite performing alongside the likes of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, the Shangri-Las only performed together as a group until 1968, with the odd reunion over the subsequent decades. After fame, Weiss became the manager of a furniture store and, in 2007, released her one and only solo record, Dangerous Game. It was the first time she’d sung in 20 years.

William O’Connell

William O’Connell died on January 15, 2024, at the age of 94. His passing was confirmed to Deadline by a close friend, who only revealed that it occurred at the actor’s home in Sherman Oaks, California.

O’Connell was a regular in the entertainment industry for decades and was best known as a frequent collaborator of fellow actor Clint Eastwood. The pair first worked together on the 1969 film, Paint Your Wagon, and went on to collaborate on such projects as High Plains Drifter (1973) and The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976).

Outside of his work with Eastwood, O’Connell made appearances on the likes of Star Trek, Petticoat Junction (1963-70) and Rawhide (1959-65), among many other television series.

Joyce Randolph

Joyce Randolph died on January 13, 2024, at the age of 99. Speaking with TMZ, her son, Randy, said the famed vintage television actor died in her sleep and had been suffering from the effects of old age, leading to her entering hospice prior to her passing. She was also unable to walk.

After moving to New York City in 1943 to pursue acting, Randolph landed various Broadway, commercial and television roles. It was her portrayal of a character in a TV advertisement that caught the attention of Jackie Gleason, who, in 1951, asked her if she would like a guest role on his variety show. This ultimately led to her casting as Trixie Norton on The Honeymooners (1955-56), which she starred in alongside Art Carney.

Following The Honeymooners and The Jackie Gleason Show (1949-70), Randolph largely left TV, with the odd appearance over the decades. Her last credit was as a dog walker in Everything’s Jake (2000).

Alec Musser

Alec Musser, best known for his role in the daytime soap opera All My Children (1970-2011), passed away on January 12, 2024, at the age of 50. News of his death was confirmed by his fiancée, Page Press, on Instagram. While a cause of death wasn’t initially revealed, it’s since been reported that Musser died of a self-inflicted shotgun wound to the chest.

Musser got his start in modeling, before appearing on the SOAPnet reality television show, I Wanna Be a Soap Star (2004-07). After winning the competition, he secured the role of Del Henry on All My Children, taking over for Winsor Harmon. While initially only slated to appear on the series for 13 weeks, the network liked Musser so much that they extended his contract, and he portrayed Henry for two years.

Outside of All My Children, Musser had a few other minor roles, including “Guy in the Water Park” in the 2010 film, Grown Ups. His co-star in the movie, Adam Sandler, shared his condolences over the actor’s death, writing on Instagram, “I loved this guy. Cannot believe he is gone. Such a wonderful, funny good man. Thinking of Alec Musser and his family and sending all my love. A true great sweetheart of a person.”

Bill Hayes

Famed soap opera star Bill Hayes passed away on January 12, 2024, at the age of 98. Days of Our Lives (1965-2022) executive producer Ken Corday discussed the actor’s death in a statement, writing, “I have known Bill for most of my life and he embodied the heart and soul of Days of Our Lives. Although we are grieving and will miss him, Bill’s indelible legacy will live on in our hearts and the stories we tell, both on and off the screen.”

After serving with the US Navy Air Corps during the Second World War, Hayes entered Hollywood with a singing position on Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca’s variety series, Your Show of Shows (1950-54). While he segued into acting, appearing in 1952’s Stop, You’re Killing Me, he kept active in the music industry, going on to record several chart-topping songs.

Over the course of several decades, Hayes portrayed the character of Doug Williams on and off on Days of Our Lives – until he was allegedly killed off in 2004. As it turns out, Williams was found alive on a tropical island and returned home to be with his wife, such are the extravagant storylines on soap operas.

Lynne Marta

Lynne Marta passed away on January 11, 2024, at the age of 78. The actor, best known for her roles in Footloose (1984) and Joe Kidd (1972), died following a battle with brain cancer, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Marta got her start in 1966, with a guest appearance on an episode of Gidget (1965-66). After becoming a regular on Love, American Style (1969-74) and The Lloyd Thaxton Show (1961-68), along with securing several guest roles on shows, she managed to segue into film, with her first big-screen part being Venery Ann Cloyd in Red Sky at Morning (1971).

As aforementioned, Marta’s most famous roles were as Elma in Joe Kidd, starring Clint Eastwood and Robert Duvall, and Lulu Warnicker in Footloose, alongside Kevin Bacon.

Peter Crombie

Peter Crombie passed away on January 10, 2024, at the age of 71. The actor’s death was the result of an intestinal illness.

Writing on social media, his ex-wife, Nadine Kijner, said, “It is with great shock and extreme sadness that I share my Ex-husband died this morning. Thank you for so many wonderful memories and being such a good man. Fly free into the Un-boundless source of light, Peter. May you be greeted with love by your parents, and Oliver. So so many people loved you because you were a kind, giving, caring and creative Soul.”

Crombie was best known for portraying “Crazy” Joe Davola for a few episodes in the long-running sitcom, Seinfeld (1989-98), but had a resume spanning decades. He had roles in such big-name films as Natural Born Killers (1994), Born of the Fourth of July (1989) and Seven (1995), and appeared in a variety of television shows, including NYPD Blue (1993-2005), L.A. Law (1986-94) and Diagnosis: Murder (1993-2001).

James Kottak

James Kottak, best known as the drummer for German hard rock band Scorpions, died on January 9, 2024, at the age of 61. The news was confirmed to TMZ by the musician’s daughter, Tobi, who didn’t disclose a cause of death.

On Facebook, the current members of Scorpions paid tribute to Kottak. “Very sad news … our dear friend and Drummer for 20 years James Kottak has passed at the age of 61,” they wrote. “James was a wonderful human being, a great musician and loving family man … he was our “Brother from another Mother” and will be truly missed. … Rock‘n Roll Forever RIP James.”

Prior to joining Scorpions in 1996, Kottak played the drums in several bands, including Kingdom Come, Buster Brown and Wild Horses. He even had his own, Kottak (formerly known as KrunK). He played with Scorpions until 2016, when he reportedly left the band and was replaced by Mötorhead’s Mikkey Dee. He rejoined in 2018 and was still a member at the time of his passing.

Adan Canto

Mexican actor and singer Adan Canto passed away on January 8, 2024, at the age of 42. According to Deadline, he died following a private battle with appendiceal cancer. In a statement, his reps said, “Adan had a depth of spirit that few truly knew. Those who glimpsed it were changed forever. He will be greatly missed by so many.”

Growing up along the Mexican-American border, Canto got his start in entertainment at an early age, with his mother suggesting he take up singing when he was just seven years old. He left home in his mid-teens to pursue music full-time, eventually winding up in San Antonio, Texas, where he found moderate success, before moving to Mexico City, where he performed for five years.

Before long, Canto found himself appearing in Mexican commercials, before making the jump into acting in the early 2010s. His first role on American television came in 2013, with him securing the role of Paul Torres on The Following (2013-15). Following this, he portrayed Sunspot in the film, X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), before seeing increased success on TV. This ultimately led to recurring and main roles in such series as Designated Survivor (2016-19) and The Cleaning Lady (2022-present).

Sarah Rice

Sarah Rice died on January 6, 2024, at the age of 68. Her passing was announced by her friend and fellow stage actor Rebecca Caine, who wrote on Instagram that the Broadway performer’s death came after a battle with cancer. “May you be greeted by every animal you ever loved on the other side and may green finch and linnet birds sing you to your rest,” Caine wrote.

Rice is best known for starring as Johanna Barker in the original 1979 Broadway production of Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, alongside Angela Lansbury and Len Cariou. Prior to this, she’d pursued ballet and featured in several Off-Broadway productions, including Hand On to Your Ribbons and The Fanaticks.

Following Sweeney Todd, Rice performed with several opera companies, and even performed songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera live in Montreal. She was also active in New York City’s cabaret scene.

David Soul

David Soul passed away on January 4, 2024, at the age of 80. According to his wife, Helen Snell, the actor died “after a valiant battle for life in the loving company of family,” adding, “He shared many extraordinary gifts in the world as actor, singer, storyteller, creative artist and dear friend. His smile, laughter and passion for life will be remembered by the many whose lives he has touched.”

Soul had a flare for acting from a young age, founding the Firehouse Theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota, before moving to New York City. His on-screen debut came with a short appearance on The Merv Griffin Show (1962-86), and his first major role was Joshua Bolt on the ABC Western series, Here Come the Brides (1968-70).

As his star continued to grow, Soul secured the role he’d become synonymous with, Sgt. Kenneth Richard “Hutch” Hutchinson on Starsky & Hutch (1975-79), alongside Paul Michael Glaser. Outside of acting, he pursued his love for music, releasing five studio and seven compilation albums over his life.

Christian Oliver

Christian Oliver’s tragic and untimely death occurred on January 4, 2024. The 51-year-old actor, along with his two daughters, were killed when the private four-seater plane they were passengers on crashed off the coast of Bequia, in the Caribbean. The pilot, Robert Sachs, also lost his life in the incident. Officials are still investigating the crash, but told the media that the aircraft experienced “unspecified difficulties moments into the flight.”

The German actor got his start in the Saved By the Bell (1989-93) spin-off, Saved By the Bell: The New Class (1993-2000). He later moved into film, with his credits including Valkyrie (2008), alongside Tom Cruise, and The Three Musketeers (2011). He also recently appeared in Amazon Prime’s series, Hunters (2020-23).

Outside of live-action, Oliver also lent his voice to the Call of Duty and Medal of Honor video game series.

Glynis Johns

One of Hollywood’s most enduring actors, Glynis Johns, passed away on January 4, 2024, at the age of 100. News of her death was shared by her longtime manager, Mitch Clem, who told CNN Johns died peacefully at the assisted living home where she’d been living for several years.

While best known for playing the character of Winnifred Banks in the 1964 Disney classic Mary Poppins, Johns had a career that spanned decades and saw her star alongside some of the industry’s brightest. She got her start on stage in 1923, when she was just three weeks old, and throughout her childhood appeared in several plays. Her screen debut came 15 years later, starring in a film adaptation of the 1936 Winifred Holtby novel, South Riding.

By the 1950s, Johns had begun to properly establish herself as a competent and sought-after actor in Hollywood, with Disney, in particular, becoming enamored with her. On top of Mary Poppins, she also secured roles in The Sword and the Rose (1953) and Rob Roy: The Highland Rogue (1953), both of which co-starred Richard Todd.

For her over 60 film roles and many more television and theater stints, Johns was the recipient of a Tony Award, as well as Oscar, Golden Globe and Lawrence Olivier Award nominations.

Harry Johnson

Television actor Harry Johnson died on January 2, 2024, at the age of 81. Speaking with Deadline, his wife, Christine Johnson, revealed that his passing, which occurred in Los Angeles, California, came after a long illness.

Getting his start in Hollywood under the name “Chip Johnson,” the actor made guest appearances on several television shows, including the original run of Battlestar Galactica (1978-79), M*A*S*H (1972-83), Melrose Place (1992-99) and Dynasty (1981-89).

Later in his career, he was featured in the Harry & Louise commercials that ran from 1993-94, created by the Health Insurance Association of America (HIAA) in response to US President Bill Clinton’s health care plan and Congressional reforms.

Younger audiences will recognize Johnson for his minor role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003), as well as voiceovers for Dick Wolf’s massive Law & Order and Chicago franchises.

Frank Ryan

Famed National Football League (NFL) quarterback Frank Ryan passed away on January 1, 2024, at the age of 87. According to his family and the Cleveland Browns, the retired sportsman’s death came after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease, which was exacerbated by chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain condition that likely resulted from his football career.

After playing the sport in high school, Ryan was recruited by college football coaches and even professional teams. However, he wanted to pursue his education and thus declined a spot with the Los Angeles Rams after being selected by the team in the 1958 NFL Draft. He later changed his mind and joined the Rams, opting to study during the off-season.

After his time with the Rams, Ryan joined the Cleveland Browns as a backup quarterback. He remained with the team until 1969, during which time he helped them win the ’64 NFL Championship Game against the Baltimore Colts. After a short stint with the Washington Commanders (formerly Redskins) he continued to pursue his educational aspirations, serving on the faculty at Case Western Reserve University.

Mickey Cottrell

One of Hollywood’s biggest champions of indie films, Mickey Cottrell, died on January 1, 2024, at the age of 79. The actor and PR executive’s passing was confirmed by his sister, Suzie Cottrell-Smith, who told Deadline that it occurred at the Motion Picture & Television Fund in Woodland Hills and follows a battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Born in 1944, Cottrell pursued acting in Minnesota, before moving to California to try his hand at making it big in Hollywood. He found work as a publicist and wound up launching a PR firm with Doug Lindemann, Cottrell and Lindemann Associates, in 1982. While he could have championed larger films, Cottrell chose to promote indie releases, the most notable being Keep the Lights On (2012) and Ballets Russes (2005).

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While a publicist, Cottrell never let his love for acting fall to the wayside. He appeared in several productions over the decades, including Ed Wood (1994), directed by Tim Burton; My Own Private Idaho (1991), alongside River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves; and Hellraiser: Bloodline (1996). As if all that wasn’t enough, Cottrell also produced a handful of films.