Let's Remember....
Death is a part of life. A sad part—but a part nonetheless. And in 2024, we sadly lost a number of celebrities, many beloved to fans for decades. We remember them here...
Quincy Jones
November 3, 2024 (91)
To call Quincy Jones a legendary music producer is almost underselling the man's genius and influence. From Michael Jackson's best albums (including the Thriller album, of course), to "We Are the World" to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air television show. Jones really did do it all—and did it so well.
Canadian Film Centre, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Shelley Duvall
July 11, 2024 (75)
The talented actress who played Wendy Torrance in The Shining passed away from complications of diabetes. Her partner Dan Gilroy told The Hollywood Reporter, "My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley".
PBS-Public Broadcasting System, Wikimedia Commons
Bobby Allison
November 9, 2024 (86)
Bobby Allison raced in the NASCAR Cup Series from 1961 to 1988 and is one of the winningest drivers in NASCAR Cup Series history. He was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2011.
Virginia Office of the Governor, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Donald Sutherland
June 20, 2024 (88)
His son Kiefer wrote about his late father: "With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away. I personally think one of the most important actors in the history of film. Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more…"
Frantogian, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Richard Simmons
July 13, 2024 (76)
To quote Simmons' publicist Tom Estey: "The world has truly lost an angel".
Bonnie Schiffman, Wikimedia Commons
Jocelyn Wildenstein
December 31, 2024 (84)
Swiss socialite Jocelyn Wildenstein might be best known for her extensive plastic surgeries (including a multi-million dollar surgery to have her eyes made to look more cat-like).
Jimmy Carter
December 29, 2024 (100)
The oldest living President passed away just a few days before the new year. To quote his son Chip's words following the passing of his father:
"My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love...My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs....The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs".
Department of Defense, Wikimedia Commons
Carl Weathers
February 2, 2024 (76)
The man who played Apollo Creed in the Rocky movies "died peacefully in his sleep" on February 1, 2024.
Youngjim, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Maggie Smith
September 27, 2024 (89)
Although she came to many people's attention for her role as Violet Crawley in the British period drama Downton Abbey in the 2010s, her acclaimed acting career dates all the way back to the 1950s. A statement from her sons following her passing read: "It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September".
Paul Bamba
December 27, 2024 (39)
Champion boxer Paul Bamba won the WBA Gold Cruiserweight title on December 21st—just six days before his sad passing. His manager Ne-Yo confirmed the news in an Instagram post:
"It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of beloved son, brother, friend and boxing champion Paul Bamba, whose light and love touched countless lives".
Paul Bamba : Forever a Champion, TELLI SWIFT
Dabney Coleman
May 16, 2024 (92)
Coleman's daughter Quincy made this statement following her father's passing: "My father crafted his time here on Earth with a curious mind, a generous heart and a soul on fire with passion, desire and humor that tickled the funny bone of humanity. As he lived, he moved through this final act of his life with elegance, excellence and mastery".
Aaron Rapoport, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Gena Rowlands
August 14, 2024 (94)
Richard Brody of The New Yorker called Gena Rowlands, "The most important and original movie actor of the past half century-plus..." Her passing came about a month after her son Nick Cassavetes announced that his mother (who he directed in 2004’s The Notebook) had been living with Alzheimer's for the past five years.
20th Century Fox, Wikimedia Commons
Geoffrey Deuel
December 22, 2024 (81)
Best known for playing Dave Campbell on The Young & the Restless from 1973 to 1977 and Billy the Kid in the 1970 film Chisum—Geoffrey Deuel passed away on December 22nd. "God took my 'knight in shining armor' gently," wrote his wife Jacqueline on Facebook.
Jacvicsel, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Greg Gumbel
December 27, 2024 (78)
One of the most iconic voices in the history of sports broadcasting, Gumbel did it all—from the Super Bowl to the Olympics. He lost his battle with cancer in December of 2024. In a statement from his wife and daughter:
"Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace, and positivity. He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten".
Toby Keith
February 5, 2024 (62)
It was over a year ago that country music lost one of its most beloved artists, when Toby Keith passed away at the age of 62. He'd been diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2021.
Spc. Aaron Rosencrans, Wikimedia Commons
Sophie Hediger
23 December 2024 (26)
Olympic Swiss snowboarder Sophie Hediger passed away at the young age of 26 when she was caught in an avalanche on a black diamond run at Arosa Lenzerheide. She and a few others were on the slope even though it had been closed due to avalanche risks.
Millo Moravski/Agence Zoom, Getty Images
Jill Jacobson
December 8, 2024 (70)
Actress Jill Jacobson's acting career began in the late 70s and covered over 40 years in the business, starring in everything from Falcon Crest and Days of Our Lives to guest appearances in multiple Star Trek series.
"We are incredibly sad to say goodbye to our beautiful, soulful, hysterically funny, elegantly raunchy client, Jill Jacobson".—said her manager.
Dr Ruth Westheimer
July 12, 2024 (96)
The 96-year-old therapist and pop culture icon "was restful when she passed away. Her son and daughter were with her and holding her hand at that moment".
Harald Bischoff, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Chuck Woolery
November 23, 2024 (83)
He was the original host of Wheel of Fortune—but Chuck Woolery is best known to most anyone who was around in the 80s and 90s as the host of Love Connection.
Robert Rasmussen, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Michael Cole
December 10, 2024 (84)
Michael Cole—the actor best known for his role as Pete Cochran in the 1960s police drama The Mod Squad—passed away "surrounded by his loved ones after living a full and vibrant life".
ABC Television, Wikimedia Commons
José De La Torre
December 5, 2024 (37)
Spanish actor José de la Torre revealed back in June of 2024 that he was suffering from a serious illness. In December, Torre lost his fight with that illness and passed away at the age of 37. He was best known to North American audiences for playing Iván in the Netflix series Toy Boy.
Colin Petersen
November 18, 2024 (78)
While he left the band in 1969, big music fans will know that Peterson was the original drummer of the Bee Gees. "He enriched our lives and bound our group with love, care and respect. Not sure how we can go on without his glowing smile and deep friendship. We love you Col. Rest in Peace".—said an announcement on the Best of the Bee Gees Facebook page the day of his passing.
Tony Todd
November 6, 2024 (69)
His name might not be on the tip of anyone's tongues, but having appeared in over 100 films, the odds are you'd know him if you saw him. Especially if you are a horror movie fan as Todd was the titular Candyman in the classic horror franchise.
Super Festivals, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Paul Di'Anno
October 21, 2024 (66)
Iron Maiden's lead vocalist from 1978 to 1981, Di'Anno passed away in October of 2024.
"Despite being troubled by severe health issues in recent years that restricted him to performing in a wheelchair," read the statement from his record label, "Paul continued to entertain his fans around the world, racking up well over 100 shows since 2023".
Markus Felix, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Michael Newman
October 20, 2024 (67)
Michael Newman was a lifeguard and retired firefighter—but he was best known to billions around the world for his role as Michael "Newmie" Newman on the international hit series Baywatch.
Michael Tullberg, Getty Images
Fernando Valenzuela
October 22, 2024 (63)
If you were a baseball fan in 1981, there is no way you could ever forget the phenomenon that was Fernando Valenzuela's first season as a starting pitcher with the LA Dodgers. Fernandomania took over the Major Leagues and Valenzuela was an All Star for six straight years.
Tony Barnard, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Shannen Doherty
July 13, 2024 (53)
The Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed star "lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease," confirmed Doherty's publicist following the actress's passing in July of 2024. "The devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie".
Thebry260, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Mitzi Gaynor
October 17, 2024 (93)
Born Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber, Mitzo Gaynor was one of the oldest surviving actors of Hollywood's Golden Age.
CBS Television, Wikimedia Commons
John Amos
August 21, 2024 (84)
From Good Times to Roots to Coming to America—actor John Amos' career spanned decades. He passed away of congestive heart failure last August.
U.S. National Archives, Wikimedia Commons
Johnny Wactor
May 25, 2024 (37)
Known to soap opera fans everywhere as Brando Corbin on General Hospital, Wactor was walking a co-worker back to her car after finishing up a bartending shift when he saw three men trying to steal the catalytic converter off his car. According to his mother, Wactor didn't try to stop them, but he was shot anyway.
Jason Federici, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Morgan Spurlock
May 23, 2024 (53)
The Super Size Me director passed away in 2024 due to complications with cancer. His brother's statement about Spurlock's passing: "It was a sad day, as we said goodbye to my brother Morgan. Morgan gave so much through his art, ideas and generosity. The world has lost a true creative genius and a special man. I am so proud to have worked together with him".
Steve Jurvetson, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Kenneth Mitchell
February 24, 2024 (49)
Known for his roles on Star Trek: Discovery and as Eric Green on Jericho, actor Kenneth Mitchell was diagnosed with ALS five years prior to his passing in 2024.
Richard Lewis
February 27, 2024 (76)
The statement to People magazine read: "Comedian/Actor Richard Lewis passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles last night after suffering a heart attack. His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for all the love, friendship and support and asks for privacy at this time".
AllinLewis, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Dexter Scott King
January 22, 2024 (62)
The youngest son of Dr Martin Luther King Jr lost his battle with prostate cancer in 2024. Said his wife: "He transitioned peacefully in his sleep at home with me in Malibu... He gave it everything and battled this terrible disease until the end. As with all the challenges in his life, he faced this hurdle with bravery and might".
Ralph Alswang, Wikimedia Commons
Grayson Murray
May 25, 2024 (30)
On May 26, 2024 Murray's parents confirmed that their son had taken his own life: "We have so many questions that have no answers. But one. Was Grayson loved? The answer is yes. By us, his brother Cameron, his sister Erica, all of his extended family, by his friends, by his fellow players and – it seems – by many of you who are reading this. He was loved and he will be missed".
Andy Paley
November 20, 2024 (73)
Paley had a vast and varied career. He produced albums for Brian Wilson and wrote songs for The Ren & Stimpy Show and SpongeBob SquarePants, to name just a few.
Barbara Taylor Bradford
24 November 2024 (91)
Best-selling novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford wrote over 40 novels, sold over 90 million copies, and was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
Dominique Brown
December 5, 2024 (34)
Brown was a popular influencer known for her love of Disney theme parks and collecting. She sadly passed away at the young age of 34 after having an allergic reaction to some food she ate at an event (after being told by the staff that it didn't contain the ingredient to which she was allergic).
Disney Influencer Dominique Brown Dead at 34, Inside Edition
Liam Payne
October 16, 2024 (31)
There was probably no death in 2024 that shocked the world more than that of former One Direction member Liam Payne. At age 31, he seemingly had his whole life ahead of him and the sky was the limit for the talented singer. Payne passed away after falling from the third-floor balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
You might also like:
Remembering Gene Hackman's Best Performances
Remembering Michelle Trachtenberg's Best Performances
Movies That Make Me Cry Every Single Time. How About You?
Sources: 1
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
_(cropped).jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
