Shelley Duvall Passed at Age 75
Shelley Duvall went down in horror history for her iconic role as Wendy Torrance in Stanley Kubrick’s movie adaptation of ‘The Shining’ back in 1980. She sadly passed away in 2024, aged 75, leaving behind a legacy of incredible movies, which includes ‘Popeye’, ‘The Portrait of a Lady’, ‘Annie Hall’ and ‘3 Women’. For the latter, she won Best Actress at the 1977 Cannes Film Festival. She was inducted into the Texas Film Hall of Fame in 2020.
Duvall’s death was announced on July 11 by her partner, Dan Gilroy. It was reported that she passed away peacefully in her sleep. The cause was later revealed to be complications from diabetes.
Chita Rivera Passed at Age 91
Chita Rivera was a trailblazing Latina Broadway actress and singer. She debuted on Broadway as a dancer in ‘Guys and Dolls’, then went on to originate several famous musical roles: Anita in ‘West Side Story’, Velma Kelly in ‘Chicago’ and Aurora in ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’. Rivera received many accolades for her phenomenal stage performances, including two Tony Awards out of ten nominations. In 2009, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Rivera passed away on January 30. Her daughter, Lisa Mordente, announced her death, the cause of which was a brief illness. Rivera passed away in New York, where she lived before her death.
Carl Weathers Passed at Age 76
Carl Weathers had a long and diverse acting career before he passed away in 2024 at age 76. His most notable screen roles include playing Adonis Creed alongside Sylvester Stallone in the first four movies of the ‘Rocky’ franchise, Colonel Al Dillon in ‘Predator’ and voicing Combat Carl in the ‘Toy Story’ franchise. His last works include ‘Toy Story 4’ and ‘The Mandalorian’, the latter of which earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama.
Weathers passed away peacefully at his home on February 2 after battling atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. His death was announced by his family. In August, he received a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
James Earl Jones Passed at Age 93
James Earl Jones had one of the most recognizable voices in cinematic history. The legendary actor, who famously voiced Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy and Mufasa in Disney’s 1994 movie ‘The Lion King, died this year at age 93. Before becoming an actor, Earl Jones served in the Korean War. In 2011, he became one of the few actors to achieve the legendary EGOT status after receiving an Academy Honorary Award for his remarkable career.
Earl Jones passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on September 9. He left behind a wife, a son, and a cinematic legacy that will certainly not be forgotten any time soon.
Glynis Johns Passed at Age 100
Glynis Johns was a talented and well-decorated British actress who appeared in over 50 movies and 30 television shows. She played Mrs. Banks in Disney’s most successful live-action movie, ‘Mary Poppins’, in 1964, lending her voice to one of its best-known songs ‘Sister Suffragette’. She won a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award in 1973 and was honored in the Disney Hall of Fame in 1998. She married four times but had only one child, a son with her first husband.
Johns passed away peacefully at age 100 in a care home in Los Angeles. As well as being a beloved actress, she was also a beloved grandmother and great-grandmother. She died of natural causes.
Paul D’Amato Passed at Age 76
Paul D’Amato was an actor with many impressive movie credits. His first on-screen role came in 1973 when he had an uncredited role in the Clint Eastwood-led movie, ‘Magnum Force’. In the years that followed, he took several roles in notable films, including ‘The Deer Hunter’, ‘Heaven’s Gate’ and ‘Suspect’. He was most known for playing Dr. Hook, the lead antagonist in ‘Slap Shot’, in 1977, a role he got partially due to his ice hockey experience.
D’Amato passed away on February 19 in his home state, Massachusetts, after a four-year battle with progressive supranuclear palsy. His fiancee, Marina Re, confirmed his death and praised his strength and compassion.
Shannen Doherty Passed at Age 53
Shannen Doherty made her name in several wildly successful television shows, as well as enjoying cinematic success. She began acting back in 1982 when she was just 11 years old, landing a recurring role in ‘Little House on the Prairie’. However, her breakout came in 1990 when she was cast as Brenda Walsh in ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’. 1998 marked another iconic year for Doherty when she was cast as Prue Halliwell in the series ‘Charmed’.
Doherty sadly passed away at the young age of 53 after battling breast cancer. She was surrounded by family, friends, and her beloved pet dog. Her publicist announced her death on July 14.
Tony Bennett Passed at Age 96
Despite his incredible age, Tony Bennett’s death still came as a shock to music fans across the world. Before he retired in 2021, Bennett had a long and successful career in the music industry. He was particularly known for his jazz singing, which included his signature song ‘I Left My Heart in San Francisco’. In the twenty-first century, he received acclaim for his collaborations with popular artist Lady Gaga. He received numerous accolades for his work, including 20 Grammy Awards.
Bennett passed away at his home in New York City after battling Alzheimer’s disease for seven years. His wife, Susan Benedetto, revealed that he loved music and singing right up until he died.
Lori and George Schappell Passed at Age 62
Lori and George Schappell were the world’s oldest conjoined twins. Despite spending the first 24 years of their lives in assisted living facilities, they lived independently from 1988 to 2024. George performed as a country music singer, with Lori coordinating her shifts in a hospital laundry around his performances. Lori was also a skilled bowler. When George came out as a trans man in 2007, they became the first-ever set of conjoined twins with different gender identities.
The Schappell twins passed away at age 62 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital. Their cause of death has not been disclosed. The twins leave behind an astounding physical legacy.
Quincy Jones Passed at Age 91
Quincy Jones was an iconic music producer who was even named one of the most influential jazz musicians of the twentieth century. Some of his biggest successes include producing three of Michael Jackson’s albums, ‘Off the Wall’, ‘Thriller’, and ‘Bad’, as well as film scores for titles including ‘In Cold Blood’, ‘The Italian Job’, and ‘Roots’. Some of his other prolific collaborations include the all-star concert song ‘We Are the World’ and Lesley Gore’s single ‘It’s My Party’.
Jones passed away on November 3 at his home in Los Angeles. He sadly lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. Jones is survived by his seven children and his legendary status in the music industry.
Maggie Smith Passed at Age 89
Dame Maggie Smith was a face that almost anybody would recognize. Though younger fans of the actress know her best as Professor McGonagall in the ‘Harry Potter’ film franchise and Violet Crawley in ‘Downton Abbey’, Smith’s career extends much further back. She began acting on stage and became one of the most famous theater performers, particularly for her work in Shakespeare productions. She won two Academy Awards, four Emmys, three Golden Globes, and a Tony Award.
Smith passed away peacefully on September 27, as announced by her two sons, Chris and Toby. She was surrounded by family and friends. Millions of people paid their respects upon learning of her death.
Bill Hayes Passed at Age 98
Bill Hayes was one of the most famous faces on American television thanks to his role as Doug Williams on the soap opera ‘Days of Our Lives’. He originated the role in 1970 and made recurring appearances right up until 2024 when his last appearance was broadcast posthumously. Before becoming a well-known television actor, Hayes had a successful music career in the 1940s and 50s. In 1955, he released the chart-topping hit ‘The Ballad of Davy Crockett’.
Hayes passed away from natural causes on January 12 with his family by his side. He is survived by a loving wife, fellow ‘Days of Our Lives’ alum Susan Seaforth Hayes, and their five children.
Donald Sutherland Passed at Age 88
Donald Sutherland was an incredible actor with fans of all ages, thanks to his intriguing filmography. In fact, he was considered to be one of the best actors never nominated for an Academy Award, though he received the Honorary Academy Award in 2017. He got his breakout in the dark comedy M*A*S*H in 1970 and went on to star in many successful movies, including ‘The Dirty Dozen’, ‘Ordinary People’, ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and the ‘Hunger Games’ franchise.
Sutherland was being cared for at a Miami hospice at the time of his death in 2024. He passed away from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and his death was announced by his son, Kiefer Sutherland.
Toby Keith Passed at Age 62
Toby Keith was an American country singer whose distinctive voice made him one of country music’s most legendary artists. Some of his biggest hits include ‘Red Solo Cup’, ‘Should’ve Been a Cowboy’, and ‘As Good as I Once Was’. In 2003, he released the single ‘Beer for My Horses’ with fellow country legend Willie Nelson. Keith was famously patriotic, and upon learning of his death, all US and Oklahoma flags on Oklahoma state property were flown at half-staff.
Keith fought stomach cancer for years before sadly losing the battle on February 5. He leaves behind his wife, Tricia Lucas, and their three children. Many country artists, including Dolly Parton, paid tribute.
Liam Payne Passed at Age 31
Liam Payne captured millions of hearts worldwide as a member of one of the most successful boy bands of all time, One Direction. After auditioning for the 2010 series of The X Factor (UK) as a soloist, Payne, who was then only 16, was put into the band with Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson. The band toured the world and achieved immense fame. After disbanding in 2016, Payne began a solo career.
Payne passed away on October 16 after a tragic accident in a Buenos Aires hotel. His untimely passing shocked both fans and fellow celebrities. He leaves behind one son, Bear, shared with ex-partner Cheryl.
Esta TerBlanche Passed at Age 51
Esta TerBlanche was a beautiful actress best known for her role as the troublemaking princess Gillian Andrassy on the soap opera ‘All My Children’. As well as her work in both American and South African television programs, she took great roles in plays, including ‘Pygmalion’, ‘The Glass Menagerie’ and ‘Ten Times Worse on Friday’. TerBlanche was incredibly versatile; she also worked as a television presenter and opened a spa.
TerBlanche passed away at age 51 on July 19. Her death was reported to be of natural causes, and no other information has since been released. She was remembered as kind, loving, and giving.
Richard Simmons Passed at Age 76
Richard Simmons was known for his wonderful personality, which aided him greatly in his work as a famous fitness instructor. He shared weight-loss programs with the world through ‘The Richard Simmons Show’ and an aerobics video series titled ‘Sweatin’ to the Oldies’. He became obese as a child, so dedicated himself to sharing healthy weight-loss techniques with the world. His high-energy personality and passion made him a world-known fitness instructor.
Simmons passed away at his home on July 13 and was discovered by his housekeeper. On October 5, a memorial mass was held to honor Simmons at the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans.
Joan Benedict Steiger Passed at Age 96
Joan Benedict Steiger had a long life and an almost equally long career in the arts, having first performed on stage at the Brooklyn Academy of Music at just seven years old. She studied acting as she grew up and went on to collect several outstanding stage credits, such as ‘The Octette Bridge Club’, ‘The Traveling Lady’ and ‘The Mind with the Dirty Man’. She also landed recognizable recurring roles on daytime dramas such as ‘General Hospital’ and ‘Capitol’.
Benedict Steiger passed away at age 96 on June 24 after suffering a stroke. She was cared for at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Her passing was announced by a family spokesperson.
O. J. Simpson Passed at Age 76
O.J. Simpson is one of the most notorious public faces of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. He was a former NFL player better known for his 1995 trial and controversial acquittal after the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman. Robert Kardashian was one of the attorneys who represented Simpson. When ‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians’ launched in 2007, Simpson became infamous in pop culture due to the family’s association with him.
Simpson was diagnosed with cancer in 2023 and passed away on April 10, 2024. Reactions to his death were mixed, especially as his murder trial overshadowed all of his previous sporting achievements.
Alec Musser Passed at Age 50
Alec Musser was a familiar face on daytime television, most prominently playing the role of Del Henry on ‘All My Children’ between 2005 and 2007. He got the role after appearing in and winning the second series of ‘I Wanna Be a Soap Star’ in 2004. Musser was also signed as a model by Silver Model Management and had a small role in the 2010 movie ‘Grown Ups’ as an attractive stranger.
Musser tragically died by suicide at his home on January 12. His older brother paid tribute to him, as did his fiancee Paige Press and several past co-stars, including Salma Hayek and Adam Sandler.
Gena Rowlands Passed at Age 94
Gena Rowlands was an acting legend with a career that spanned seven decades and included plenty of unforgettable performances. She collaborated with her first husband, John Cassavetes, on ten movies, including ‘A Child is Waiting’, ‘Tempest’, ‘A Woman Under the Influence’ and ‘Gloria’, with the latter two earning her nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actress. She also appeared in ‘The Notebook’, which was directed by her and Cassavettes’ son.
Rowlands’ cause of death was not announced, though her family had previously shared that the actress was diagnosed with dementia. She is survived by her husband, Robert Forrest, and three children, Nick, Zoe and Alexandra.
Bob Newhart Passed at Age 94
Bob Newhart was one of the most beloved American national treasures. As a comedian-turned-actor, Newhart understood the entertainment industry and had an incredibly rewarding career as a result. He became known for his deadpan, stammering comedic delivery. In 1960, his album of monologues, ‘The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart’, earned him two Grammy Awards. In 1972, he starred as a psychologist on ‘The Bob Newhart Show’, and in 1982, he portrayed an innkeeper on a series called ‘Newhart’.
Newhart died at his home on July 18 from complications brought on by several illnesses. President Joe Biden paid tribute to him, as did many celebrities, including Conan O’Brien, Mark Hamill, and Jamie Lee Curtis.
Bill Cobbs Passed at Age 90
Bill Cobbs had an incredible career before his death at age 90. He appeared in more than 200 films, with some of his best-known works including ‘The Bodyguard’, in which he played Whitney Houston’s manager, and ‘Night at the Museum’ and its sequel, in which he portrayed a security guard. Cobbs made guest appearances in popular television series, such as ‘The Sopranos’ and ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’. In 2020, he won a Daytime Emmy Award for his role in ‘Dino Dana’.
Cobbs’ publicist announced that the actor had died at his California home on June 25. Cobbs had no spouse or children but was fondly remembered as a brother, uncle, partner, and friend.
Iris Apfel Passed at Age 102
Iris Apfel was an icon in every sense of the world. She was a fashion icon and interior designer who wore bright, eye-catching outfits and signature oversized glasses. She had over 2 million followers on Instagram and was known for her huge personality. Apfel and her husband Carl ran a business together and supplied textiles to the White House throughout nine presidencies. At age 97, IMG signed her as a model.
Apfel died of natural causes at her Florida home at the incredible age of 102. She leaves behind a successful career in business that spanned many decades and is remembered for her iconic fashion.
Charlie Colin Passed at Age 57
Charlie Colin was a founding member of the band Train who played guitar and sang backing vocals on popular tracks alongside other original members Pat Monahan, Rob Hotchkiss, Scott Underwood, and Jimmy Stafford. The lead single from the band’s 2001 album ‘Drops of Jupiter’ won two Grammy Awards. Colin left the band in 2003 and went on to play in several other bands, including Days of the New and The Side Deal.
Colin tragically passed away at a friend’s home in Brussels after slipping over in the shower. His sister confirmed his death. Current members of Train paid tribute to Colin and remembered his influence.
Marla Adams Passed at Age 85
Marla Adams was known for playing strong women and certainly enjoyed a successful career herself, too. She appeared on several daytime soap operas, including ‘Days of Our Lives’, ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ and ‘Capitol’. Adams’ most famous soap opera role was in ‘The Young and the Restless’ as the Abbott family matriarch, Dina. She played the role from 1983-2020 and received a Daytime Emmy Award for her work in 2021.
Adams sadly battled cancer and passed away on April 25 at the age of 85. She had two children and two grandchildren. The stars of ‘The Young and the Restless’ paid tribute to her.
David Soul Passed at Age 80
David Soul had a diverse film and television career that spanned more than 50 years, as well as success in the music industry. He was best known for playing the latter half of the titular duo ‘Starsky & Hutch’ alongside Paul Michael Glaser from 1975 to 1979. Another prominent early role he played was as Officer John Davis in the Magnum Force. Soul was married six times and had six children, including singer-songwriter China Soul.
Soul passed away in a hospital in London on January 4 after battling cancer and COPD for years. His wife, Helen Snell, remembered him as a beloved husband, father, and grandfather who fought valiantly until the end.
David Gail Passed at Age 58
David Gail rose to prominence on ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ in 1991, portraying Stuart Carson, the fiance of Shannen Doherty’s character. A year later, he landed a main role in the American soap opera ‘The Round Table’. Further big television roles came in 1994 when he played Eddie Bartlett in ‘Robin’s Hoods’ and in 1996 when he played Dean Collins in ‘Savannah’. Though his movie roles were fewer, he did some interesting work.
Gail passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest that caused a brain injury. He was placed on life support and passed a few days later, on January 16. His death was announced by his publicist.
Phil Donahue Passed at Age 88
Phil Donahue was best known for his popular talk show ‘The Phil Donahue Show’, which ran for 29 years from 1967 to 1996. It was revolutionary at the time because it was the first show to include audience participation. Donahue liked to focus on important yet divisive issues, such as abortion, civil rights, and war. Many called him the ‘king of daytime talk’, and Oprah Winfrey credited him with making it possible for her to launch a talk show.
Donahue passed away at his home in New York City on August 18. A spokesperson for his family confirmed that it was a peaceful death after a bout of prolonged illness, with family members present.
Bernard Hill Passed at Age 79
Bernard Hill is an actor anybody would recognize, thanks to his performances in highly acclaimed blockbusters. He famously played King Théoden in two of the ‘The Lord of the Rings’ movies and Captain Edward Smith in ‘Titanic’. Before achieving international fame, Hill was known in the UK for appearing in several BBC Television Shakespeare productions. He also portrayed several Shakespearean characters on stage in theater productions like ‘Twelfth Night’ and ‘Macbeth’.
Hill passed away in the UK on May 5 at age 79. A tribute was held for Hill at Liverpool Comic Con, with many former co-stars, including Elijah Wood and Billy Boyd, remembering him fondly.
Charles Osgood Passed at Age 91
Charles Osgood had a genuine passion for creating connections, a quality that made him one of the best-known journalists. He was the primary host of ‘CBS Sunday Morning’ between 1994 and 2016, as well as host of ‘The Osgood File’ from 1971 to 2017. Millions of people spent every Sunday morning listening to Osgood’s voice, drawn in by his wit and his passion for creating meaningful connections through his work.
Osgood passed away on January 23 from complications of dementia. His family announced his death, and CBS News Sunday Morning dedicated its full broadcast five days later to celebrate Osgood’s life.
Eduardo Xol Passed at Age 58
Eduardo Xol was a massively diverse talent, working as an actor, singer, designer, television personality, and social activist throughout his career. Most people would recognize him as a designer on ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’. Early in his career, he worked in music and television, producing songs and videos. Then, he transitioned to design work after joining ‘Extreme Makeover’ and published a book called ‘Home Sense’ in 2007. He also did lots of charity work.
Xol passed away on September 20 after being attacked and killed. A man was arrested and charged with his murder, and many people who knew Xol expressed their grief and heartbreak at his tragic death.
Tito Jackson Passed at Age 70
Tito Jackson has one of the most famous surnames in the music industry, and it will continue to live on despite his death in 2024. He was one of the founding members of the Jackson 5 alongside his four brothers, Jackie, Marlon, Jermaine, and Michael. The band had a huge following and great discography, with popular songs like ‘ABC’, ‘I Want You Back’ and ‘Ms. Jackson’. In 2003, Tito began a career as a soloist and was nominated for three Grammys.
Jackson suffered a heart attack during a road trip in New Mexico on September 15 and sadly passed away. His son, Siggy, confirmed his death, and Jackson was honored and remembered for his musical contributions.
James Darren Passed at Age 88
James Darren was one of the originators of the surfer craze thanks to his distinctive role as Moondoggie in the 1959 beach-based comedy ‘Gidget’ and its sequels. He also sang the title track and other songs in the movie. In fact, Darren’s singing and the film were so popular that he then released several pop songs, including ‘Goodbye Cruel World’. He went on to star in other great films, including ‘The Gene Krupa Story’ and ‘All the Young Men’.
Darren died of congestive heart failure in his sleep, passing away on September 2. He was being cared for at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He leaves behind his wife, Evy Norlund, and three children.
Chad McQueen Passed at Age 63
Chad McQueen was the ultimate daredevil who made a name for himself as a race car driver and martial artist. McQueen had an enthusiasm for racing dirt bikes as a child, and he turned this into a successful racing career. He finished fourth in the SCCA Runoffs in 2004 and developed the company McQueen Racing. His martial arts status was utilized in ‘The Karate Kid’ and its sequel when he played the character Dutch.
McQueen passed away at age 63 from organ failure brought on by complications from an accident he’d had years before. He died at his home on September 11 and is survived by his three children.
Tony Lo Bianco Passed at Age 87
Tony Lo Bianco had an iconic role in William Friedkin’s 1971 action thriller ‘The French Connection’. He played mobster Sal Boca and received critical praise for his performance. He also landed starring roles in other crime films, such as ‘The Honeymoon Killers’ and ‘The Seven-Ups’. Lo Bianco also showcased his talents on the stage, appearing in the 1983 Broadway Revival of ‘A View From the Bridge’, for which he received a Tony nomination.
Lo Bianco passed away at his home in Poolesville, Maryland, after battling prostate cancer. His death was announced by his wife, Alyse Muldoon, and many fans of the actor paid their respects.
Joyce Randolph Passed at Age 99
Joyce Randolph was best known for portraying the character Trixie Norton on both ‘The Jackie Gleason Show’ and the sitcom ‘The Honeymooners’. In 1951, Jackie Gleason saw her in a commercial and cast her as Trixie, helping her rise to prominence. However, despite her significant role on ‘The Jackie Gleason Show’, Randolph was typecast and found it difficult to find other roles. So, she performed in musicals, shot commercials, and made television appearances.
Randolph passed away at 99 at her home in Manhattan on January 13. She was the last surviving cast member of ‘The Honeymooners’ and died of natural causes. She is survived by her son.
Teri Garr Passed at Age 79
Teri Garr lent her talents to movies and television series of all kinds of genres, so she’s a face almost everyone will recognize from one work or another. She played several comedic roles in the 1970s and 80s, though her most acclaimed performance was in the 1982 film ‘Tootsie’, for which she received an Academy Award nomination. She also featured in ‘Young Frankenstein’, ‘Let It Ride’ and ‘Dumb and Dumber’, as well as playing Phoebe’s mom in ‘Friends’.
Garr passed away in her Los Angeles home on October 29. She had suffered from multiple sclerosis since 2002 and died from complications in 2024. She was comfortable and surrounded by her family.
Benji Gregory Passed at Age 46
Benji Gregory rose to fame when he was very young as a child actor on the NBC sitcom ALF. He’d been appearing in commercials since he was a baby, so Gregory was primed for a career in the entertainment industry. Throughout the years, he appeared in episodes for television series, including ‘The A-Team’, ‘Punky Brewster’ and ‘The Twilight Zone’. He also voiced Edgar in the adventure animation ‘Once Upon a Forest’, which was his final movie role.
Gregory sadly passed away too soon at age 46 on June 13. His cause of death was determined to be hepatic cirrhosis and heat exposure. His family remembered him as a beloved son, brother, and uncle.
Chance Perdomo Passed at Age 27
Chance Perdomo was an actor who appeared in several television series and movies that were popular with the younger generation. He rose to fame after receiving a nomination for a British Academy Television Award for his work in ‘Killed by My Debt’, then went on to star in the series ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ and the ‘After’ movie franchise. He also portrayed Andre Anderson in ‘Gen V’, the 2023 spin-off series of ‘The Boys’.
Perdomo’s passing was extremely shocking, given his young age. He died after sustaining injuries from a motorcycle accident. Both fans and producers of ‘Gen V’ mourned the tragic loss of Perdomo.