Always in our hearts. Hollywood mourned the loss of icons such as Betty White and John Madden in the final days of 2021 — and unfortunately, 2022 also came with celebrity deaths that have fans reeling.
The sports world lost a football great in Dan Reeves who passed away on January 1. The 77-year-old Georgia native appeared in nine Super Bowls during his career — winning once as a player and once as an assistant coach.
As one of the winningest coaches in the league’s history, his loss was felt near and far. “The football world lost a heckuva coach and man today in Dan Reeves,” former Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway said in a statement on January 1. “Dan was a winner and I owe a lot to him. My heart goes out to Pam and the entire Reeves family.”
One day later, the Christian music industry lost a beloved musician Jay Weaver. His former Big Daddy Weave bandmate and brother, Mike Weaver, confirmed his passing following COVID-19 complications. Jay was 42.
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“Thank you so much for all your prayers for my brother,” Mike said in a statement on January 2, after Jay was hospitalized with the virus a few days prior. “You have walked with him through a huge fight, and I’m so sorry to bring this news but I’m also excited to celebrate where he is right now. My brother Jay went to be with Jesus just a couple hours ago due to complications due to COVID-19 on top of everything else that he already had going on.”
He continued: “The Lord used [Jay] in such a might way out on the road for so many years … I believe even though COVID may have taken his last breath, Jesus was right there to catch him. My heart’s broke for my family, but we all just really wanted to thank you for walking with us through so much for so long.”
On January 5, the Korean film world mourned the death of a young star in Kim Mi-soo, who passed away at age 29.
“Kim suddenly left us on January 5,” the late performer’s agency, Landscape Entertainment, said in a statement translated by the publication Korea JoongAng Daily. “The bereaved are deep in their sorrow at the sudden sadness. Please refrain from reporting false rumors or speculation so that the family can mourn in peace.”
Scroll down to see Us’ tribute to the celebrities who died in 2022:
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Clarence Gilyard
The Top Gun actor’s death was confirmed on November 29. He was 66. Gilyard was known for his appearances in Die Hard and Walker, Texas Ranger. He later worked as a film and theater professor at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas College of Fine Arts. The dean of the school, Nancy Uscher, confirmed Gilyard’s death in a statement shared via Instagram, writing: “It is with profound sadness that I share this news. His students were deeply inspired by him, as were all who knew him. He had many extraordinary talents and was extremely well-known in the university through his dedication to teaching and his professional accomplishments.”
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Don Anthony St. Claire
The Amazing Race alum, who competed on season 6 with wife Mary Jean St. Claire, died on August 31. He was 87.
According to an online obituary, Don is survived by his wife, four children, 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
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Irene Cara
The Grammy-winning performer died on November 26 at the age of 63.
“It is with profound sadness that on behalf of her family I announce the passing of Irene Cara,” the late Fame star’s publicist, Judith A. Moose, wrote in a Twitter statement. “The Academy Award-winning actress, singer, songwriter and producer passed away in her Florida home. … Irene’s family has requested privacy as they process their grief. She was a beautifully gifted soul whose legacy will live forever through her music and films.”
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Wilko Johnson
The British musician and actor, who portrayed Ser Ilyn Payn on Game of Thrones, died on November 21. “This is the announcement we never wanted to make, & we do so with a very heavy heart: Wilko Johnson has died,” read a statement shared via the Dr. Feelgood guitarist’s Twitter account on November 23. “He passed away at home on Monday 21st November. Thank you for respecting the family’s privacy at this very sad time. RIP Wilko Johnson.”
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Michael Armand Hammer
Armie Hammer’s father died at age 67 after a battle with cancer, multiple outlets reported. The businessman was the grandson of oil magnate Armand Hammer and ran several companies bearing the Hammer name.
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Nicki Aycox
The actress died on November 16, one year after being diagnosed with leukemia. She was 47.
“My beautiful, smart, fierce, incredibly talented and loving sister-in-law, Nicki Aycox Raab, passed away yesterday with my brother, Matt Raab, by her side,” Susan Raab Ceklosky wrote via Facebook. “Nicki and Matt had a wonderful life together in California. She was definitely a fighter and everyone who knew her loved her.
..”
Supernatural creator Eric Kripke also paid tribute to Aycox. “Too young,” he tweeted, referring to the musician, who played Meg Masters in the first and fourth season of The CW series. “She was a delight & delivered lines like honey & venom. I marvel at how she made a simple word like ‘lackluster’ legendary.”
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Jason David Frank
The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers alum died at age 49. His rep, Justine Hunt, confirmed the news of the actor’s passing to TMZ on November 20. “Please respect the privacy of his family and friends during this horrible time as we come to terms with the loss of such a wonderful human being,” she told the outlet. “He loved his family, friends and fans very much. He will truly be missed.”
Frank is survived by two sons and two daughters.
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B. Smyth
The “Twerkoholic Part 2” singer’s brother announced B. Smyth’s death in a heartbreaking video via the R&B artist’s Instagram account on November 17.
“Hello I’m Denzil #BSmyth brother and today regretfully I have to announce that my brother has passed away this morning from respiratory failure after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis,” Denzil wrote in the caption of the emotional clip. “My brother was very excited to see a lot of you create challenges for his latest released single #Twerkoholic part 2 while he was in the ICU, it really brought him a big smile to his face. So on behalf of my brother and my family we want to say thank you to all of you for all of your love & support throughout the years. We ask for privacy during these difficult times. We also want to say thank you for all of your prayers. #RIPBSMYTH Love you bro!
@1trekk.”
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Adrian Dingle
The former NFL player’s family confirmed his sudden passing at age 45 on November 8. They did not specify what caused his death.
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Gallagher
The comedian, known for smashing watermelons in his act, died at age 76 on November 11. His manager told TMZ that the performer died of massive organ failure after suffering multiple heart attacks over the years. He “passed away surrounded by his family in Palm Springs, California,” the rep added to CNN.
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Kevin Conroy
Conroy, who voiced Batman for over 30 years, died on November 10 at age 66 after a battle with cancer. “Kevin was perfection,” Mark Hamill, who voiced The Joker on Batman: The Animated Series alongside Conroy, said in a statement on November 11. “He was one of my favorite people on the planet, and I loved him like a brother. He truly cared for the people around him — his decency shone through everything he did. Every time I saw him or spoke with him, my spirits were elevated.”
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Dan McCafferty
The original vocalist for Nazareth died on November 8. He was 76.
“This is the saddest announcement I ever had to make,” Pete Agnew, the bassist for the hard rock band, shared via Facebook. “Maryann and the family have lost a wonderful loving husband and father, I have lost my best friend and the world has lost one of the greatest singers who ever lived. Too upset to say anything more at this time.”
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Jeff Cook
The Alabama guitarist died on November 7 at the age of 78. The country music band — which Cook helped form — confirmed the instrumentalist’s death via Facebook on November 8.
“Cook enjoyed one of the most successful careers in country music history,” the social media post read in part. “Over 50 years ago, Cook, along with cousins Teddy Gentry and Randy Owen, left Fort Payne to spend the summer playing music in a Myrtle Beach, South Carolina bar called The Bowery. It took Cook, Gentry and Owen six long years of tip jars and word-of-mouth to earn the major label deal they’d been dreaming of. Then, seemingly no time at all to change the face of country music forever. Cook’s iconic guitar licks, unique fiddle style, exceptional vocals and harmony, along with his bandmates, went on to sell 80 million albums and charted 43 No. 1 hits, becoming the biggest group in the history of the country genre.”
While Cook’s cause of death was not revealed, the band’s statement noted that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012. The musician is survived by his wife of 27 years, Lisa Cook, mother Betty Cook, brother David Cook, sister Crystal Cook, father-in-law Jerrial Williams, brother-in-law Randy Williams and his nieces and nephews.
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Aaron Carter
Aaron Carter has died on Saturday, November 5, his rep confirmed to Us Weekly at the time. He was 34. Details were not immediately released about the “I Want Candy” singer’s cause of death.
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Patrick Haggerty
The country crooner died on October 31 at the age of 78. The Lavender Country frontman passed away after suffering a stroke a few weeks prior, his band announced via Instagram. The openly gay musician was best known for releasing the group’s 1973 self-titled album, which became the first gay-themed record in country music history.
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Julie Powell
The food writer, known for her Julia Child blog, died at age 49 on October 26. Her husband, Eric Powell, confirmed the news on November 1, noting that she died of cardiac arrest. Julie was known for the “Julie/Julia Project,” which chronicled her attempt to cook her way through Child’s book Mastering the Art of French Cooking. The blog was eventually adapted into the film Julie & Julia, which starred Amy Adams as Julie and Meryl Streep as Child.
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Cormac Roth
The musician and son of Tim Roth passed away Sunday, October 16, at the age of 25 after battling cancer. “He was a wild and electric ball of energy and his spirit was filled with light and goodness,” his family said in a statement.
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Takeoff
Takeoff, one-third of the rap group Migos, was shot and killed at a bowling alley in Houston, Texas, on November 1. While Quavo was present and uninjured, Offset was not at the get-together, which left two others injured. Takeoff, real name Kirshnik Khari Ball, was 28.
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Lee Ji-Han
The K-pop star died during the crowd surge in Seoul, South Korea, on October 29. The incident — which killed 150 people — occurred during the capital’s Halloween celebration in Itaewon. Ji-Han was 24 at the time of his death.
“We are sad to deliver such news today, but Lee Ji-han has passed away in the crush in Itaewon last night,” the artist’s management company, 935 Entertainment, said in a statement on October 31. “We would like to express our deepest condolences to his family, who are saddened by the sudden tragic news, also to everyone who loved him.”
The agency continued: “Lee Ji-han brightly smiled when greeting us all the time. He had pure and positive energy with great passion for acting. It is very hard to believe that we cannot see him anymore. Please send your warm goodbye to Lee Ji-han. He’ll always be remembered.”
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D.H. Peligro
The Dead Kennedys musician died on October 28 after “an accidental fall” at his home in Los Angeles, according to an Instagram post from the band. He was 63 years old.
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Jerry Lee Lewis
Lewis’ reps confirmed his death on October 28, two days after TMZ erroneously reported the “Great Balls of Fire” singer’s passing. The rock ‘n’ roll pioneer, who earned a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award and was inducted into both the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame and Country Music Hall of Fame, was 87.
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Michael Kopsa
The character actor — who had more than 200 credits to his name, including Smallville, The X-Files and Apollo 18 — died on October 23 at age 66, according to ex-wife Lucia Frangione. The Canada native was battling a brain tumor.
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Leslie Jordan
The beloved Will & Grace alum died on October 24, following a car accident in Los Angeles. He was 67 years old.
“The world is definitely a much darker place today without the love and light of Leslie Jordan,” Jordan’s representative, David Shaul of BRS/Gage Talent Agency, told Us in a statement at the time, adding, “Not only was he a mega talent and joy to work with, but he provided an emotional sanctuary to the nation at one of it’s most difficult times. What he lacked in height he made up for in generosity and greatness as a son, brother, artist, comedian, partner and human being. Knowing that he has left the world at the height of both his professional and personal life is the only solace one can have today.”
The same day, TMZ reported that Jordan “suffered some sort of medical emergency and crashed his BMW into the side of a building.”
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Ron Masak
Just over a week after Lansbury’s death, her Murder, She Wrote costar Ron Masak passed away. Masak, who portrayed Cabot Cove Sheriff Mort Metzger on the fan-favorite series, died on October 20 at the age of 86. His granddaughter Kaylie Defilippis told The Hollywood Reporter that Masak died of “natural causes” at an L.A.-area hospital.
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Mikaben
The Haitian singer, whose real name is Michael Benjamin, died on October 15 after collapsing on stage in the middle of a concert in Paris. According to fan videos of the shocking moment, first responders attempted to resuscitate Mikaben, but he ultimately died following the concert.
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Robbie Coltrane
The Scottish actor, most well-known for playing the beloved Hagrid in the Harry Potter films, died on October 14, his rep told Us Weekly in a statement. He was 72. “He is survived by his sister Annie Rae, his children Spencer and Alice and their mother Rhona Gemmell,” the rep added.
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Willie Spence
The American Idol season 19 runner-up died in a car crash in Tennessee on October 11. He was 23 years old.
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Angela Lansbury
The Murder, She Wrote alum died on October 11 at age 96. “The children of Dame Angela Lansbury are sad to announce that their mother died peacefully in her sleep at home in Los Angeles at 1:30 a.m. today, Tuesday, October 11, 2022, just five days shy of her 97th birthday,” read a statement from her family. “In addition to her three children, Anthony, Deirdre and David, she is survived by three grandchildren, Peter, Katherine and Ian, plus five great-grandchildren and her brother, producer Edgar Lansbury.”
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Eileen Ryan
The actress, whose TV credits included The Twilight Zone, ER, Little House on the Prairie, Ally McBeal and Grey’s Anatomy, died on October 9, one week before her 95th birthday. In addition to appearing in more than 60 series, Ryan had roles in several movies, including Parenthood, The Indian Runner, I Am Sam and Judgment in Berlin.
Ryan shared three sons — Sean Penn, Christopher Penn and Michael Penn — with director Leo Penn. They were married for 41 years until Leo’s death in 1998.
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Aubrey Wilson
The Girls Incarcerated alum died at age 22 on September 30 after years of struggling with substance abuse. Her grandmother Robin Waters confirmed the news on October 10, telling In Touch: “We are devastated. I am a private person, but this is a little different. I want all the people who loved her to find some comfort in the fact that she is at peace. And maybe it could help someone else who is in that position.”
Wilson’s cause of death was not immediately revealed, but Waters said her granddaughter is believed to have died of a fentanyl or heroin overdose.
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Judy Tenuta
The stand-up comedian known as “The Love Goddess” — who starred in two Weird Al Yankovic music videos — died on October 6 from ovarian cancer, her manager, Roger Paul, said in a statement, per the New York Times. Tenuta, who, like Yankovic, was known for her accordion skills, was widely mourned on social media, including by Yankovic, who called her a “dear, dear friend.”
“Earth has truly lost a goddess,” he added
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Sara Lee
The former WWE athlete died on October 6 at the age of 30.
“It is with heavy hearts we wanted to share that our Sara Weston has gone to be with Jesus,” her mother, Terri Lee, wrote via Facebook statement. “We are all in shock and arrangements are not complete. We ask that you respectfully let our family mourn. We all need prayers especially Cory and her children.”
Lee is survived by her husband, Cory Weston, and their three children.
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Jody Miller
The Grammy winner died following complications from Parkinson’s disease, her rep confirmed on October 6. She was 80.
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Loretta Lynn
The groundbreaking country music star died at age 90 on October 4. Her family confirmed the news in a statement to the Associated Press, saying: “Our precious mom, Loretta Lynn, passed away peacefully this morning, October 4th, in her sleep at home in her beloved ranch in Hurricane Mills.” A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
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Sacheen Littlefeather
The Native American civil rights activist, who rejected Marlon Brando’s 1973 Oscar win, died at the age of 75. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the news via Twitter on October 2. (Littlefeather received a formal apology from the organization in June for “unjustified” mistreatment nearly 50 years after the infamous awards show moment.)
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Coolio
The Grammy winner was found dead at a friend’s house in Los Angeles on September 28.
“We are saddened by the loss of our dear friend and client, Coolio, who passed away this afternoon,” a rep for Coolio told Us at the time. “He touched the world with the gift of his talent and will be missed profoundly. Thank you to everyone worldwide who has listened to his music and to everyone who has been reaching out regarding his passing. Please have Coolio’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.”
Coolio’s manager, Jarez Posey, told Rolling Stone following the rapper’s passing that cardiac arrest was the suspected cause of death, adding, “As far as what I know now is that he was at a friend’s house and was in his bathroom.”
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Joan Hotchkis
Best known for her role as Dr. Nancy Cunningham on the ’70s sitcom The Odd Couple, Hotchkis died on September 27. She was 95. Her daughter Paula Chambers confirmed to multiple outlets that the actress’ cause of death was congestive heart failure.
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Robert Cormier
The actor, who played Finn Cotter on Heartland, died at age 33 on Friday, September 23, according to his obituary.
“Robert was an athlete, an actor, and a great brother,” his obituary reads. “He had a passion for helping others and was always looking to achieve more. He enjoyed movie nights with his family, and looked up greatly to his father. He impacted many people throughout his life whether it was family, teammates and friends. Rob’s memory will live on through his passion for art and film; as well as his three sisters who meant the world to him.”
After his death, the Canada native’s sister Stephanie told The Hollywood Reporter that he passed in a hospital in Etobicoke, Ontario, due to injuries sustained in a fall.
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Louise Fletcher
The One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest star, who’s performance as Nurse Ratched earned an Academy Award, died on September 23. She was 88.
Fletcher’s agent, David Schaul, confirmed to Deadline that the actress had passed away in her sleep at her Montdurausse, France, farmhouse. Fletcher is survived by sons John and Andrew, whom she shared with ex-husband Jerry Bick, granddaughter Emilee and sister Roberta Ray.
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Cherry Valentine
George Ward, also known as Cherry Valentine from RuPaul’s Drag Race U.K., died of unspecified causes at the age of 28 in September.
“It is with the most heart-wrenching and deepest sadness to inform you that our George — Cherry Valentine — has tragically passed away,” a statement from the mental health nurse’s family told The Hollywood Reporter following his death. “This will come as a profound shock to most people & we understand there is no easy way for this to be announced. As his family, we are still processing his death and our lives will never be the same.”
The statement continued, “We understand how much he is loved and how many lives he has inspired and touched. All we ask is for your patience and your prayers in this time. We love you Georgie.”
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Jesse Powell
The R&B singer, who was best known for his 1996 hit “It’s You,” died “peacefully in his Los Angeles home” at age 51, his sister Tamara Powell wrote in a statement via Instagram on September 13.
“Jesse loved music and he especially loved his fans who supported him throughout his career. We want you all to know that you meant the world to him,” she added.
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Jean-Luc Godard
The director died at age 91 by assisted suicide in Rolle, Switzerland. Godard’s longtime legal adviser, Patrick Jeanneret, told The New York Times on September 13, that the filmmaker “decided with a great lucidity, as he had all his life, to say, ‘Now, it’s enough.'”
Godard was one of the pioneers for French New Wave cinema in the 1960s, best known for the films Breathless, Contempt and My Life to Live.
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PnB Rock
The “Selfish” artist died after a gunman shot him at Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles in Los Angeles on September 12. The intruder “shot the victim and ran out the side door to a getaway car and then fled the parking lot,” LAPD Captain Kelly Muniz told the Los Angeles Times later that day. The rapper and singer was rushed to the hospital, where he died just before 2 p.m.
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Elias Theodorou
The MMA fighter died at age 34 on September 11 after privately battling stage IV liver cancer, his rep confirmed to mmafighting.com the next day. The middleweight won numerous fights under contract with the UFC and also scored champion titles in regional tournaments. Theodorou was a vocal advocate for the use of medical marijuana in combat sports, becoming the first fighter to receive a therapeutic use exemption for cannabis.
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Queen Elizabeth II
Buckingham Palace confirmed on September 8 that the monarch died at age 96. “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” the palace said in a statement, hours after announcing that she was under medical supervision. “The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
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David A. Arnold
The stand-up comedian and creator of the Nickelodeon show That Girl Lay Lay died at age 54 on September 7.
“David passed away peacefully today in his home and doctors have ruled the cause of death due to natural causes,” his family said in a statement to Variety at the time. “Please keep our family in prayer and respect our privacy at this time as we are all shocked and devastated by this loss.”
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Richard Roat
Roat, a character actor who appeared on many iconic television shows including Seinfeld, Friends, Cheers, Happy Days and The Golden Girls, died on August 5, 2022, at the age of 89. No other details of his death were made public.
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Luke Bell
The country artist was found dead at age 32 on August 29. The “Sometimes” singer’s death was confirmed by his friend Matt Kinman, who was with Bell when he disappeared in Tucson the week prior. The musician “ran off” after Kinman grabbed a bite to eat, according to Saving Country Music.
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Bob LuPone
The Broadway veteran — and brother of Patti LuPone — died on August 27 at age 76 after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer. “The MCC Theater community mourns the loss of our much loved and uniquely inspiring partner, colleague and dear friend, Bob LuPone, who lived fearlessly and with great curiosity, good humor, a boundless passion for connection and a whole lot of heart,” the Off-Broadway company MCC Theater said in a statement. “We will miss him deeply and always.” The Sopranos alum helped found the organization and led the company for nearly 40 years.
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Joe E. Tata
Ian Ziering announced on August 25 that the actor, who played Peach Pit owner Nat on more than 200 episodes of Beverly Hills, 90210, had died at the age of 85. According to Deadline, Tata was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2018.
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Virginia Patton Moss
Moss, who portrayed Harry Bailey’s wife, Ruth Dakin Bailey, in the 1946 holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life, died on August 18, per multiple outlets. She was 97.
Karolyn Grimes, who played young Zuzu in the movie, paid tribute to her late costar via Facebook on August 21, writing, “We have another angel! Virginia Patton Moss. She was 97 years old,” Grimes shared. “She is now with her beloved [late husband] Cruse [Moss]. She will be missed!”
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Leon Vitali
The actor, who had roles in a number of Stanley Kubrick’s films and worked as his assistant before the iconic director’s death, died on Saturday, August 20. He was 74.
The late filmmaker’s official Instagram account paid tribute to Vitali on Sunday, August 21. “These announcements are never easy, but this one has hit us particularly hard this morning,” the message read. “It is with the greatest of sadness that we have to tell you that the talented, loyal & mainstay of a vast number of Kubrick’s films, Leon Vitali, passed away peacefully last night. Our thoughts are with his family and all that knew and loved him.”
The statement concluded, “We will be paying tribute to Leon all day to honour him.”
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Wolfgang Petersen
The Air Force One director died on August 12 at age 81 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. His publicist told The Hollywood Reporter that Petersen died at home in Brentwood, California, with his wife, Maria-Antoinette Borgel, by his side. The German filmmaker was known for directing several classic action films, including Das Boot, In the Line of Fire, The Perfect Storm, Outbreak and Troy. He also wrote and directed the beloved 1984 family film The NeverEnding Story.
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Steve Grimmett
The frontman for heavy metal band Grim Reaper died on August 15. The singer was 62.
His son Russ Grimmett announced the singer’s death on Facebook. “We can’t begin to put into words the current feelings,” he said. “But as dad was so well known the news is starting to reach out earlier than we would have liked. Unfortunately, our dad passed away today and leaves a massive hole in the world and our hearts.”
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Robyn Griggs
The Another World alum died on August 13, per an announcement on her official Facebook page. She’d been fighting cervical cancer for two years. She is survived by husband Mark Wiley.
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Denise Dowse
The Beverly Hills, 90210 alum died at the age of 64 after being hospitalized for meningitis, which left her in a coma.
“I want to take this moment to thank our friends and family for all of the love and prayers. It is with a very heavy heart that I inform everyone that my sister, Denise Dowse, has gone forward to meet our family in eternal life,” the late actress’ sister, Tracey Dowse, wrote via Instagram on August 13. “Denise Yvonne Dowse was the most amazing sister, a consummate, illustrious actress, mentor and director. She was my very best friend and final family member.”
Tracey added in her social media message: “Denise loved all of you. I know that she is watching over us with all the love she has. I ask for privacy and your continued prayers.”
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Teddy Ray
News of the Messyness alum’s death broke on August 12.
“All Def Family, we’re heartbroken and still can’t believe that our brother Teddy Ray has passed away,” All Def Digital, whom Ray frequently collaborated with, wrote via Instagram. “Teddy was the kindest person you could ever meet. He was always smiling. He had a natural ability to make anyone laugh in any situation and his laugh was infectious! To know Teddy was to love him. Teddy is a great one and a legend of All Def. We will miss him everyday but we know he will have Heaven laughing.”
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Anne Heche
The Another World alum died at age 53 on August 12.
“Today we lost a bright light, a kind and most joyful soul, a loving mother, and a loyal friend,” a rep for the actress’ family told Us. “Anne will be deeply missed but she lives on through her beautiful sons, her iconic body of work, and her passionate advocacy. Her bravery for always standing in her truth, spreading her message of love and acceptance, will continue to have a lasting impact.”
Heche’s death came after she was in a car crash earlier that month that left her in a coma.
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Ryan Fellows
The Street Outlaws star died at age 41 while filming a race for the Discovery series on August 7.
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Olivia Newton-John
The Grease star died on August 8 after a 30-year battle with metastatic breast cancer, husband John Easterling confirmed. She was 73.
The Grammy winner is survived by her daughter, singer Chloe Lattanzi, who she shared with ex-husband Matt Lattanzi. The Australian star married Easterling in 2008.
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Roger E. Mosley
The Magnum P.I. actor died on August 7, his daughter Ch-a Mosley confirmed via Facebook. He was 83.
“He was surrounded by family as he transcended peacefully. We could never mourn such an amazing man. He would HATE any crying done in his name,” his daughter wrote. “It is time to celebrate the legacy he left for us all. I love you daddy. You loved me too. My heart is heavy but I am strong. I will care for mommy, your love of almost 60 years. You raised me well and she is in good hands. Rest easy.”
One day prior to his death, Ch-a wrote via social media that her father was recently in a car accident that left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. His cause of death was not announced.
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Clu Gulager
The actor died on August 5 at age 93. His passing was due to natural causes at the Los Angeles home of his son John Gulager and daughter-in-law Diane Goldner, his family confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.
The Oklahoma native was a real-life cowboy on a fam in Oklahoma before pursuing his acting dreams. He starred alongside Ronald Reagan in 1964’s The Killers and played Billy the Kid on NBC’s 1960 series The Tall Man. The actor also appeared in A Day With the Boys in 1961 and The Last Picture Show in 1971. He worked consistently throughout his life, later being directed by his son in four films, including 2005’s Feast and 2012’s Piranha 3DD. His final film was 2019’s Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood, directed by Quentin Tarantino.
He is survived by John and Diane as well as son Tom and Tom’s wife, Zoe, and grandson Clu.
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Vin Scully
It was announced on Tuesday, August 2, via the official Twitter account for the Los Angeles Dodgers that the longtime broadcaster had died at the age of 94.
“He was the voice of the Dodgers, and so much more. He was their conscience, their poet laureate, capturing their beauty and chronicling their glory from Jackie Robinson to Sandy Koufax, Kirk Gibson to Clayton Kershaw,” the team said in a statement at the time. “Vin Scully was the heartbeat of the Dodgers – and in so many ways, the heartbeat of all of Los Angeles.”
In the same statement, Dodger President and CEO Stan Kasten also honored the sportscaster’s legacy.
“We have lost an icon. Vin Scully was one of the greatest voices in all of sports. He was a giant of a man, not only as a broadcaster but as a humanitarian. He loved people. He loved life. He loved baseball and the Dodgers. His voice will always be heard and etched in all our minds forever. I know he’s looking forward to joining the love of his life, Sandi,” the New Jersey native said.
Kasten concluded his tribute by sending thoughts and prayers to “his family during this very difficult time.”
Scully joined Dodgers radio in the 1950 season, when they were still in Brooklyn. The New York native then accompanied the team to Los Angeles, California, in 1959 and stayed until his retirement in 2016. In addition to his time with the Dodgers, he also worked national broadcasts for Major League Baseball, the PGA tour, the NFL and NBC Sports.
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Bill Russell
The former basketball champion “passed away peacefully” on July 31, his family announced via Twitter statement, noting his wife, Jeannine Russell, was at his side.
“We hope each of us can find a new way to act or speak up with Bill’s uncompromising, dignified and always constructive commitment to principle,” the statement, in part, read. “That would be the last, and lasting, win for our beloved #6.”
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Pat Carroll
The voiceover artist, best known as Ursula in The Little Mermaid, died July 30 at age 95. Her daughter Kerry Karsian told The Hollywood Reporter that the Emmy winner’s death was caused by pneumonia. She died at home in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
She had three children with ex-husband Lee Karsian, to whom she was married from 1955 to 1976: daughters Tara and Kerry and son Sean (who died on the same date as his mom 13 years prior). Carroll is survived by Tara, Kerry and granddaughter Evan.
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Nichelle Nichols
The Star Trek actress, known for playing Uhura and her groundbreaking depiction of television’s first interracial kiss, died at age 89 on July 30, her son Kyle Johnson confirmed.
“I regret to inform you that a great light in the firmament no longer shines for us as it has for so many years,” a July 31 post on Nichols’ Facebook page announced. “Last night, my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and passed away. Her light however, like the ancient galaxies now being seen for the first time, will remain for us and future generations to enjoy, learn from, and draw inspiration. Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all.”
The New York Times noted that she died in Silver City, New Mexico, and heart failure was her official cause of death.
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Mary Alice
The A Different World star died in her home on July 27 at the age of 85, Us can confirm.
“RIP Mary Alice…the original Rose Maxson,” Viola Davis wrote, mourning the late Tony Award winner via Instagram. “You were one of the greatest actresses of all time!! Thank you for the work, inspiration and thank you for Rose. Godspeed Queen ❤️❤️❤️.”
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Tony Dow
The Leave It to Beaver star, best known for his role as Wally Cleaver on the iconic 1950s sitcom, died on July 27, Us confirmed. He was 77 years old.
“We know that the world is collectively saddened by the loss of this incredible man. He gave so much to us all and was loved by so many,” read the announcement via his official Facebook page. “One fan said it best — ‘It is rare when there is a person who is so universally loved like Tony.’”
The actor is survived by his wife, Lauren, son Christopher, granddaughter Tyla and other loving relatives.
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Howard ‘Howie’ Kleinberg
The Top Chef season 3 alum died after suffering a heart attack at age 46, his mother told the Miami Herald on July 25.
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Paul Sorvino
The Goodfellas star died on July 25 at age 83, the late actor and director’s wife, Dee Dee Sorvino, said in a statement to Us Weekly.
“Our hearts are broken, there will never be another Paul Sorvino, he was the love of my life and one of the greatest performers to ever grace the screen and stage,” she said.
The Law & Order alum died of natural causes, per his wife, though he had been dealing with health issues in recent years. His publicist Roger Neal revealed Paul died at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, per The Hollywood Reporter.
The critically acclaimed actor is survived by Dee Dee and his three children — Academy Award-winning actress Mira Sorvino, Michael Sorvino and Amanda Sorvino — whom he shared with ex-wife Lorraine Davis.
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David Warner
The Titanic star died on July 24 after battling a cancer-related illness for more than one year. “Over the past 18 months he approached his diagnosis with a characteristic grace and dignity,” his family told the BBC in a statement one day after his death. “He will be missed hugely by us, his family and friends, and remembered as a kindhearted, generous and compassionate man, partner and father, whose legacy of extraordinary work has touched the lives of so many over the years. We are heartbroken.”
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Melanie Rauscher
TMZ reported on July 24 that the Naked and Afraid alum had died nearly one week earlier in Prescott, Arizona. She was 35.
“She was my swamp wife, a best friend, a strong woman, an amazing person and I’ll always cherish our moments together,” show alum Jeremy McCaa paid tribute via Facebook later that month. “You’re gone to soon and taken from us to early. You’ll always be my Mel. I love you and I’ll see you again one day. The world lost an amazing person. Please keep her family and friends in your prayers. See you again my Queen.”
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Shonka Dukureh
The Elvis actress, who portrayed Big Mama Thornton in the 2022 biopic — the artist who originally recorded “Hound Dog” — was found dead in her Nashville apartment less than one month after the film’s June release.
“No foul play is evident in today’s death of actress Shonka Dukureh, 44, who portrayed Big Mama Thornton in this year’s Elvis movie,” the official Metro Nashville PD account tweeted on July 21. “Dukureh, a Fisk [University] graduate, was found dead in the bedroom of her Kothe Way apt that she shared with her 2 young children.”
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Bobby East
The former NASCAR driver died at age 37 after being fatally stabbed at a gas station on July 13.
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Jak Knight
The stand-up comedian died on July 14 at the age of 28, his family confirmed to Today.
Knight had starring roles Peacock’s Bust Down and Netflix’s Big Mouth. He also served as a writer on ABC’s Black-ish.
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Ivana Trump
The Czech-American ex-wife of former president Donald Trump died on July 14 at age 73. Paramedics were called to her Upper East Side home over a report of cardiac arrest, but her official cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Ivana, who shared daughter Ivanka and sons Eric and Don Jr. with Donald, was born Ivana Marie Zelníčková. She married the real estate mogul in 1977 and the two divorced in 1992, although she kept her ex-husband’s surname.
“I am very saddened to inform all of those that loved her, of which there are many, that Ivana Trump has passed away at her home in New York City,” the former president wrote on Truth Social, his social media platform. “She was a wonderful, beautiful, and amazing woman, who led a great and inspirational life.”
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Busi Lurayi
The How to Ruin Christmas star died on July 10. Her agency confirmed her death in a statement from her family. “We are deeply saddened to notify you of the passing of our beloved Busisiwe Lurayi. Busisiwe passed away suddenly and was pronounced dead at her residence on Sunday by medical personnel,” the announcement read. “The reason for her death is still unknown as we await the results of the autopsy report.”
The actress starred in the first installment of the Netflix franchise as the “reluctant bridesmaid” Tumi, who “manages to upset almost everyone” the day before her sister’s wedding before searching for the missing best man, per the official description. Netflix South Africa just recently announced that a third holiday film was in production.
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Tony Sirico
The New York native, best known for playing Tony Soprano’s associate Peter Paul “Paulie Walnuts” Gualtieri on The Sopranos, died on July 8 at the age of 79. “He was as tough, as loyal and as big hearted as anyone I’ve ever known,” his former costar Michael Imperioli wrote via Instagram at the time. “I was at his side through so much: through good times and bad. But mostly good. And we had a lot of laughs. … I will miss him forever. He is truly irreplaceable.” Sirico is survived by his two children.
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Gregory Itzin
The 24 alum, who played President Charles Logan on the FOX series, died on July 8 at the age of 74, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The Emmy nominee is survived by his wife, Judie, their two children and one grandchild.
