We all have people in our lives that we look up to as idols. The artists, actors, athletes, and public figures that inspire us and even shape us have such pivotal roles in our development as human beings. Even if you just greatly appreciated the music, art, or performances of certain figures, it is heartbreaking when they pass. This grief is made even worse when an icon is taken from us too soon. Let us now honor and celebrate some of the most shocking and mournful celebrity deaths.
The Celebrities That Left Us Tragically Early
Kobe Bryant
The “Black Mamba”, better known as Kobe Brant, is a basketball legend that enjoyed twenty sensational seasons during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers. He played shooting guard and achieved a five-time NBA championship win. He was awarded that all-star award 18 times. Sadly, his life and that of Gianna, his daughter, would be taken during a catastrophic helicopter crash while they were traveling to a basketball match. He will always be remembered as a leading figure in the sport.
Kobe Bryant
Juice WRLD
Better known as Juice WRLD, Jarad Anthony Higgins was a Chicago-born rapper. He created the popular song Lucid Dreams, which currently has around one billion plays on the music streaming platform Spotify. Thanks to the song, Juice WRLD would become a part of Grade A Productions under Lil Bibby, as well as Interscope Productions. Jarad’s life was taken during a flight where he swallowed a large number of mysterious pills. He would pass away mid-flight on the way to Chicago, Illinois.
Juice WRLD
Cameron Boyce
The sweet-faced actor Cameron Boyce starred alongside Shia LeBeouf in the film Eagle Eye. He was also Adam Sandler’s on-screen son in the hilariously silly family comedy films, Grown Ups 1 and 2. Cameron was also a big part of the Disney Channel’s acting group. He was in Gamer’s Guide to Pretty Much Everything, Jessie, and so on. Cameron suffered from epilepsy, which would sadly lead to his death. He was going to live an incredible life.
Cameron Boyce
Rocky Johnson
Many professional wrestling fans consider Rocky Johnson to be the initial athlete to have coined the phrase and the first man to make wrestling what it is known as today. The Canadian gentleman first took to the ring in 1964. He was well-established within the National Wrestling Alliance, within which he won various titles. Along with his partner, he conquered the 1983 World Tag Team Championship. Johnson would later succumb to a pulmonary embolism. The man initially thought that he had the fly and refused to get medical attention in January 2020
Rocky Johnson
Rip Torn
The hilariously talented Rip Torn was a sensational voice actor that spent six decades working hard to make people smile and laugh. The most notable role in his old age was that of Patches O’Houlihan in the crazily funny sports comedy, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story alongside Vince Vaughn. Torn was also part of The Larry Sanders Show and the Men in Black films. Alzheimer’s would eventually take control of Torn’s health and he passed away at 88 years old.
Rip Torn
Neil Peart
Rush fans severely mourned the loss of Neil Peart, who was the frontline drummer and lyricist for the spectacular band. In 1983, Pear was inducted into the Modern Drummer Poll Hall of Fame, becoming the youngest person in the category. He was undoubtedly a fantastic drummer, but beyond the instrument, he was also a superbly well-rounded musician and songwriter. He also wrote some books. Peart would succumb to the effects of glioblastoma, which is a horrific form of cancer that attacks the spinal cord or brain. Peart was 67 years old.
Neil Peart
Chuy Bravo
The Mexican-American actor called Chuy Bravo was raised in Jesus Melgoza. He would become Chelsea Handler’s sidekick on her show, Chelsea Lately. Chuy then migrated to San Fernando Valley in California during the 90s. Here he took up a career in acting and in 2007 enjoyed his big break as a member of Pirates of the Caribbean’s cast. Chuy would found the Los Angeles Bravo Academy. He was a delightful man who had a huge heart and a big smile.
Chuy Bravo
Stephanie Sherk
The Canadian-born Stephanie Sherk would leave her home in Ontario to pursue a career in modeling in the United States. She would also flourish as an actress and producer, beyond her magnificent modeling career. She was a big part of the CSI: Cyber cast. Big Date, Valentine’s Day, and Crash Landing were some of her other major accomplishments in acting. She was phenomenally beautiful and kindhearted. Sherk would take her own life on April 20, 2019.
Stephanie Sherk
Beth Chapman
What would Dog the Bounty Hunter have been without his wife, Beth Chapman? Together, the two would take on all manner of petty criminals and some more serious varieties of thugs on their infamous show. The pair would tie the knot in 2016. Their marriage would only last three years, sadly, as Beth developed a severe kind of cancer that was lead to her falling into a coma before passing away in under a week’s time.
Beth Chapman
Ashley Massaro
The WWE mourned the loss of Ashley Massaro, who was a major contributor to the wrestling organization’s performances as a professional wrestler. She was also a TV host, radio presenter, and was even a member of the Survivor: China contestant pool. While many wrestlers would make the move from SmackDown to Raw, Ashley was the first to do so. Massaro would take her own life in 2019 after having done her best to bear her depression.
Ashley Massaro
Danny Aiello
The masterful actor Danny Aiello was recognized as one of the greatest American actors of Italian descent. He was mostly known as a character actor in mobster films like The Godfather Part II and Once Upon a Time in America. His other great films included Do the Right Thing, for which he was nominated the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Aiello would pass unexpectedly after he became infected while being treated in hospital for an illness.
Danny Aiello
John Witherspoon
People would often refer to John Witherspoon just by his surname. He was an actor that mostly appeared in television shows such as The Boondocks. He was also in Wayans Bros., a show by Tracy Morgan. He was the father in the Friday films alongside Ice Cube. He had been acting for many years, from the year 1965, when Witherspoon sadly suffered a heart attack on October 29, 2019. He was in his Sherman Oaks, California home.
John Witherspoon
Regis Philbin
Regis Philbin was one of America’s most beloved game show and talk show hosts and television presenters in general. He was born on August 25, 1931, and would go on to work on countless different television shows and projects. Upon passing, this touching statement was released: “His family and friends are forever grateful for the time we got to spend with him – for his warmth, his legendary sense of humor, and his singular ability to make every day into something worth talking about.”
Regis Philbin
Grant Imahara
Myth Busters fans were devastated when Grant Imahara died on July 12, 2020. The intelligent and charismatic Imahara was a major contributor to the Myth Busters team’s efforts, has helped to expose some of the silliest ideas that humans feared. He was only 49 years old when a brain aneurysm developed in his brain. Imahara became a valued member of one of the Discovery Channel’s most popular shows during its third season. He clearly loved what he did.
Grant Imahara
Naya Rivera
The beautiful and passionate Naya Rivera was a part of the musical sitcom Glee’s cast. She and her family were having a wonderful time at Lake Piru when Rivera mysteriously vanished while she and her son were on a boat. Five days later, her body was found, and her cause of death was confirmed to have been drowning. Apparently, Rivera called for help prior to her death. As terrible as Rivera’s death must have been, we cannot imagine what her son went through.
Naya Rivera
Kelly Preston
The famous actress Kelly Preston had been battling cancer for two years. On July 12, 2020, Kelly’s body finally stopped struggling and she passed away at the age of 57. Preston was married to John Travolta and acted in films like What A Girl Wants, Jerry Maguire, and For Love of the Game. She was a beautiful and vivacious woman and a fantastic actress. She will always be remembered by her friends, family, and many fans.
Kelly Preston
Carl Reiner
Carl Reiner was an actor, writer, and director that enjoyed sixty long years of hard work and success. Reiner would pass away on June 29, 2020, from natural causes. He is a true legend of television, theater, and film. He was awarded a plethora of awards and was beloved by many. He managed to keep contributing to media in general well beyond his old age and retirement. He will be remembered by countless people as a giant of entertainment.
Carl Reiner
Mary Pat Gleason
Mary Pat Gleason was 70 years old when she passed away on a fine morning on June 2, 2020 day. While many younger folks might not recognize who she is, Gleason was a graceful and charismatic actress. She was a part of the popular 80s sitcom Saved by the Bell where she played Madame Oeuf. She was also in the racy series Sex and the City where she played Lucille. She was at an AA meeting when she was struck by a fatal brain aneurism.
Mary Pat Gleason
Fred Willard
Fred Willard is a legend in comedy circles and was a fantastic actor in many films and television shows. He was born on September 18, 1933. He was lucky enough to pass away from old age on May 15, 2020. Fred inspired so many people with his eccentric and sweet comedy acting and effort. His more recent roles included parts in major sitcoms like How I Met Your Mother and Modern Family. The comedy will not be the same without you, Fred!
Fred Willard
Jerry Stiller
Jerry Stiller was another comedy giant that was a big part of countless television series and films. He was also the father to Ben Stiller, and you can be sure that the actor would not be who he is today without Jerry as a father. Jerry acted alongside his son in the hilarious comedy film, Zoolander. Ben was obviously heartbroken when his father passed, as was his widowed wife, Anne. Anne and Jerry were married for 62 years at the time of his passing from natural causes.
Jerry Stiller
Little Richard
Modern rockers owe much to Little Richard, who was one of Rock ‘n Roll’s pioneers. While many younger generations of rock fans might not even know who he is, Little Richard was responsible for helping the genre as a whole take off and evolve into what it is known as today. He was a highly energetic and bombastic individual who wrote songs like Long Tall Sally and Tutti Frutti. Richard succumbed to a long fight with bone cancer.
Little Richard
Sam Lloyd
It was on a tragic day in April 2020, that Sam Lloyd’s life came to a heartbreaking end after an unending battle with lung cancer. Sam Lloyd was a comedy actor that was best known for his role as Ted in the medical sitcom, Scrubs. Many fans of the show saw his contributions to the sitcom as the highlights. Lloyd was also well regarded by his fellow Scrubs cast members and Zach Braff shared a lovely and touching tribute on his Twitter account.
Sam Lloyd
Howard Finkel
We now take a look at another professional wrestling legend called Howard Finkel. He was a part of the Hall of Fame and when he finished his professional career as a wrestler he became an announcer with the World Wrestling Federation. Finkel would suffer a major stroke in 2018. His mental and physical health would then never recover and he would suffer greatly as a result. Howard’s iconic, rumbling voice would raise the excitement of wrestling fans as he welcomed the big names in the WWF and WWE.
Howard Finkel
Shirley Douglas
Kiefer Sutherland indeed had a wonderfully talented and accomplished mother who was a big actress herself. She passed away on April 5, 2020, due to the effects of pneumonia. One of her most notable performances was as Mrs. Starch in Stanley Kubrick’s provocative film, Lolita. Douglas was also in David Cronenberg’s horrifying masterpiece, Dead Ringers. Douglas would be recognized for her performance in the television movie, Shadow Lake, with a Gemini Award. We are sure Kiefer misses her greatly.
Shirley Douglas
Bill Withers
Bill Withers is a legend to every age group, even if many of the younger folks might not realize it. If you do not know the name, then you definitely know the song, Ain’t No Sunshine! His other great songs included Use Me and Lean on Me. The songwriter and singer made some invaluable contributions to American music. He would pass away on March 20, 2020, from cardiovascular disease. We miss his energetic personality and an incredible laugh.
Bill Withers
Kenny Rogers
The legendary Kenny Rogers is a big name in the music industry. He was 81 years old when he passed away recently. It was a peaceful passing, thankfully, from natural causes. He was surrounded by his loved ones and hospice workers. As much as the family would love to have had the proper sendoff that Rogers deserved, this was sadly impossible due to the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Hopefully, when the restrictions ease up, Rogers can get the public commemoration that he deserved.
Kenny Rogers
Max von Sydow
Famous actor Max von Sydow said goodbye to the world on March 8, 2020, in Provence, France. He was a leading actor of the 20th and 21st centuries. He played the stoic and fearless priest in The Exorcist and had a part in the leading Game of Thrones series. He was a Swedish actor who moved to America to pursue an even more illustrious role in Hollywood. His many parts were sensationally well played out and he always delivered deep and convincing performances.
Max Von Sydow
James Lipton
James Lipton lived to the ripe old age of 93 before passing from the effects of bladder cancer. His show, Inside the Actor Studio, was a well-regarded concept where celebrities of every walk of life would sit down and discuss their acting methods and life stories. He was Pace University’s Actors Studio Drama School dean emeritus and was famous for his stylish and articulate way of speaking. He was a true authority in the acting world in general.
James Lipton
Esther Scott
Esther Scott was a famous actress from Los Angeles who was most famous for her roles in films like The Birth of a Nation (the 2016 film, not the early 20th century KKK one) and Boyz n the Hood. She was a character actress that would generally play strict mother figures. She was 66 years old when a heart attack took her life. She was a pivotal member of her community and worked hard to uplift those around her.
Esther Scott
Kirk Douglas
It was with heavy hearts that Kirk Douglas’s family members, particularly his brothers, announced that Kirk had passed. He lived to the incredible old age of 103. Michael Douglas wrote a touching tribute for his older brother where he commended the many roles that Kirk played in the world. He was not only a legend of Hollywood’s golden age, but a committed humanitarian that did much to progress American justice. We are sure that the Douglas brothers miss him dearly.
Kirk Douglas
John Singleton
John Singleton was a director who is best known for Boyz n the Hood, with the 1991 crime drama having propelled him into true fame and success. Singleton made significant strides as the initial African American to receive the Best Director nomination at the Academy Awards. He was also the youngest person to be considered for this Oscar when he was aged 24. Beyond Boyz n the Hood, Singleton also directed Shaft, 2 Fast 2 Furious, and Poetic Justice, among many other films.
John Singleton
Sue Lyon
At the tender age of 13, Sue Lyon was already well into her modeling career. Lyon would star in Stanley Kubrick’s controversial film, Lolita, a role for which she won a Golden Globe. Lyon was one of the more famous great beauties of the golden age of Hollywood. Her other films included Tony Rome, The Night of the Iguana, Evil Knievel, and 7 Women. Lyon was classy, soft-spoken, and had dazzling blue eyes and platinum blonde hair.
Sue Lyon
Silvio Horta
The American producer and screenwriter was an accomplished television giant whose works include the hilarious and successful television sitcom, Ugly Betty. He did so much good work for Latin and Latin-American actors and actresses that his passing was a shocking loss to the community at large. When Horta won a Golden Globe for Ugly Betty in the Best Comedy Series category, Horta’s speech described how his main character was an immigrant, as were so many other people living in America, and they had all managed to achieve The American Dream.
Silvio Horta
Elizabeth Wurtzel
The renowned journalist and writer from America, Elizabeth Wurtzel, was a big name in the mental health and substance abuse treatment industry. She published various best-selling novels, such as Prozac Nation, which was an iconic and brutally honest look at depression, addiction, and her personal life. Elizabeth is considered to be Generation X’s voice. It was in 2020 that Wurtzel was taken by breast cancer and further complications. She was only 52 years old, sadly.
Elizabeth Wurtzel
Buck Henry
The magnificent Buck Henty was a multi-talented writer, actor, and director that co-wrote amazing films like The Graduate, Henry, and What’s Up, Doc. Henry hosted SNL in 1976 and 1980 with a total appearance of ten times. He also made cameos in 30 Rock, Will & Grace, and Hot in Cleveland. Henry would sadly suffer a heart attack in 2020 in Los Angeles when he was 89 years old. Hollywood lost an incredibly intelligent and soulful member that day.
Buck Henry
Alexis Eddy
Did you ever happen to watch Are You the One? on MTV? It was a reality show that Alexis Eddy was a feature of. Her noticeable drug abuse would sway audiences against her, and the vicious comments began pouring in. She was called a washed-out reality star that was forcing herself on audiences that did not care about her any longer. Eddy lived a sad life, clearly, and she would lose her life in 2020 while she was at her home from a heart attack.
Alexis Eddy
Ed Byrnes
Edward Byrne Breitenberger, better known as Ed Byrnes, was a member of the old-school Hollywood acting world that was a part of 77 Sunset Strip. He was in Grease and became a major heartthrob as he would go on to host called Vince Fontaine. Ed would father Logan, who would go on to be a KUSI-TV news anchor in San Diego, California. At the moment, Logan is still employed within the Byrnes group. Ed will be missed.
Ed Byrnes
Emily Hartridge
TV presenter and YouTuber Emily Hartridge in Britain. Emily took to vlogging in 2012 with Ten Reasons Why, which dealt with mental health issues, relationship advice, relationships, sex, and love. She was a popular internet personality with many avid followers that took her advice to hear. Emily would die in a tragic truck accident in South West London while driving an e-scooter in July 2019. Emily happened to be the initial individual to have been reported as dead from an e-scooter collision.
Emily Hartridge
Kevin Fret
As far as trap artists of Latin descent go, Kevin Fret is considered the pioneer of the genre. Fret was incredibly popular and was considered a standout artist of his generation and, further, challenged modern gender and sexuality norms. He was bold and confident in his self and wanted others that did not fit into the traditional bubble to break out, too. Fret would shockingly be murdered while he was on his way on a motorcycle, having been fatally shot.
Kevin Fret
Scott Patric
Project Runway All-Stars would not have been the same without Scott Patric, whose makeup artistry provided much of the glamorous looks for the show. He would sadly be struck by a fatal heart attack while he was asleep. He was only 53 years old. Patric worked with all manner of fabulous and famous individuals and his makeup work was considered artful and tasteful. He was also an incredibly warm and approachable person, as described by those that knew him.
Scott Patric
Stan Kirsch
Kirsch was already dealing with pressures and successes of fame when he was only four years old. The young man appeared in Riders at the Sky and General Hospital, soap operas that came out in the early 90s. Stan was loved by those around him as a youngster, and he was also in the epic fantasy series, Highlander: The Series, where he played Richie Ryan. Other notable shows that Kirsch appeared in were JAG, Friends, and Family Law.
Stan Kirsch
Norma Michaels
Norma Michaels featured in The King of Queens where she played Josephine. Hollywood was the place that Michaels would call home for about six decades. She was also a part of the Jack Benny Show. Michaels was part of the casts of many leading television shows, like Everybody Loves Raymond, Modern Family, and Highway to Heaven. She was also in films like Easy A and Wedding Crashers. She was a warm and benevolent soul who loved everyone that she came across.
Norma Michaels
Chadwick Boseman
It was during a sudden and heartbreaking public announcement that Boseman revealed that he was severely ill with colon cancer, a disease that his wife would later reveal he had been battling for four years. As inspiring and revolutionary as the Marvel Extended Universe epic Black Panther was, audiences had no idea what Boseman was truly fighting. The rest of the cast then put in extra effort to support the hero. Boseman was taken far too soon.
Chadwick Boseman
Diana Rigg
Oleanna Tyrell was one of the highlights of Game of Thrones, played by the wonderfully catty Diana Rigg. She made the fantasy character a force to be reckoned with and took the show to a new level of entertainment. Rigg would pass in 2020 from cancer, and her daughter would admit that she had the disease in March of that year. Rigg was 84 years old when she passed. According to Rigg’s daughter, “She spent her last months joyfully reflecting on her extraordinary life, full of love, laughter, and a great pride in her profession.”
Diana Rigg
Alex Trebek
The wonderful game show Jeopardy was made a truly entertaining affair by none other than Alex Trebek, the most acclaimed host of the show. According to the memoir written by Trebek, “I’d like to be remembered first of all as a good and loving husband and father, and also as a decent man who did his best to help people perform at their best. I’ll be perfectly content if that’s how my story ends: sitting on the swing with the woman I love, my wonderful children nearby.”
Alex Trebek
Derek Fowlds
Derek Fowlds was a British actor that starred in all manner of incredible television shows. His career spanned four decades that were filled with countless films and series, such as The Basil Brush Show and Yes Minister. In 2020, the actor died in February of that year from the effects of pneumonia and heart failure. While some of the younger English television fans might not know Fowlds too well, he was incredibly well-loved by the older ones.
Derek Fowlds
Harry Hains
Harry Hains was a musician, actor, and model that hailed from Australia. He was a standout member of the American Horror Story cast, as well as The OA. Hains would lead a troubled life that was plagued by substance addiction and mental health issues, which he struggled with horribly. In 2020, Hains would pass away at the tragically young age of 27. Jane Balder, Hains’ mother, would lament how such a talented young man would have such a brief time on this Earth.
Harry Hains
MF Doom
As far as legends of the music industry go, MF Doom was a truly essential member of the rap and hip-hop genres. The real name Daniel Dumile, the British-American rapper and producer was a phenomenally successful and iconic figure in the underground music world. He would always don a skull-like metallic mask in public and took on the persona of a supervillain. MF Doom would sadly pass away in October 2020 from unannounced causes. Dumile was an enigmatic but no less influential character.
MF Doom
Dawn Wells
The 1959 Miss Nevada crown was taken by Dawn Wells. In 1960, Wells would then enter the Atlantic City beauty pageant to represent Nevada. She then would go on to enter Hollywood, where she became part of The Roaring 20s within ABC’s portfolio, and The New Interns, the movie. Later, she would become a part of other leading series, like 77 Sunset Strip, Bonanza, The Joey Bishop Show, Cheyenne, and Maverick. Gilligan Island was grateful to have her join the cast as Mary Ann.
Dawn Wells
Joe Clark
Paterson Eastside High School was headed by Joe Louis Clark, who was once the school’s principal. He did an incredible amount of good work for various schools within America, where he was finally recognized for his incredible dedication. Have you seen Lean on Me with Morgan Freeman? The 1989 drama was largely inspired by Clark’s efforts. In December 2020, Clark would pass away while in the care of his family members in his Florida home.
Joe Clark
Phil Niekro
Phil Niekro was a baseball payer that would be inducted in 1997 into the MLB Hall of Fame. Knuckle was his nickname and he managed to perform amazingly in Major League Baseball within 24 seasons. Niekro finally ended his battle with cancer in December 2020. He was 81 when he silently and calmly slipped away while sleeping. Niekro was rousingly honored by the Atlanta Braves following his passing for his incredible athletic accomplishments and winning personality.
Phil Niekro
Tony Rice
Tony Rice was born David Rice and would go n to become a bluegrass musician and guitarist. His acoustic guitar music was exceptional and considered to be heavenly and he would quickly become an American hero. He would play in many different styles, from jazz to country music. The International Bluegrass Hall of Fame inducted Rice in 2013. On Christmas Day, 2020, Rice would sadly be taken away from us at the relatively early age of 69.
Tony Rice
Brodie Lee
Brodie Lee was born Jonathan Huber that would grow up to become a professional wrestler in America. He was a major part of the WWE ensemble between 2012 and 2019. He would also enjoy working as an actor, too. Lee would lose his life in 2020, a day after Tony Rice, coincidentally, on December 26th. His surviving wife, Amanda Huber, would release his death statement. A lung-related issue would lead to his death at the young age of 41 years.
Brodie Lee
Rebecca Luker
The American recording artist, actress, and singer called Rebecca Luker had a phenomenal soprano voice that was worthy of any opera or stage. Broadway was where Luker would perform for much of her life. She would be nominated by all manner of awards, including Drama Desk Awards, Outer Critics Circle Awards, and Tony Awards. Luker was just 59 years old when she died on December 23rd, 2020. It seems that December 2020 was a terrible month for celebrities…
Rebecca Luker
Jeremy Bulloch
Jeremy Bulloch was an incredibly successful actor whose career spanned more than sixty years. He was only 5-years-old when he began singing and acting, according to close friends of the family, and he would already have an impressive number of Disney film appearances by the time he was 10 years old. He was also in the Star Wars films. Bulloch would tragically also pass away on December 17th, 2020. OK, we are starting to feel spooked out by the number of people that died in December 2020!
Jeremy Bulloch
Ann Reinking
The wonderous choreographer, actress, and dancer, Ann Reinking, was an American member of musical theater that was an essential contributor to all manner of productions. She was a part of Sweet Charity’s Goodtime, Coco, Chicago, Over Here! Charley, and Dancin’. Reinking was deservingly awarded for her invaluable contributions to the art. Those that were privileged enough to have seen her on stage would understand why. Dahrla King, who was her sister-in-law, would confirm that Ann had passed in December 2020, at the age of 71.
Ann Reinking
John Le Carre
John Le Carre was born David John Moore Cornwell and go on to become one of the most famous authors of modern times. He not only provided all manner of thrilling reads, but he also provided the content for all manner of television shows and films. They include The Little Drummer Girl, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, The Constant Gardener, and A Most Wanted Man, both for the British Security Service (MI5) and the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6). Le Carre was 89 years old when he finally succumbed to pneumonia on December 12th, 2020.
John Le Carre
Charley Pride
Charley Pride was an incredibly talented gentleman that had all manner of unexpected skills that would lead to an incredibly diverse career. He was a professional baseball player, guitarist, and singer. He would reach incredible levels of fame when he became a performer in the 1970s with best-selling outcomes. His main genre happened to be country music, and he topped the charts more than fifty times with top-10 hits. Pride sadly was taken by the COVID-19 virus.
Charley Pride
Carol Sutton
What didn’t Carol Sutton do, you may wonder after hearing all about her incredible accomplishments! She was in theatre, film, and television. She was a part of incredible drama films like Monster’s Ball, Steel Magnolia, and Ray. Sutton would be awarded a New Orleans Lifetime Achievement Award. Sutton would sadly be one of many celebrities that would be taken by COVID-19, with Sutton battling its symptoms for a month. She will always be remembered for her incredible work.
Carol Sutton
Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister
The American actor called Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister would wrestle from time to time, too! Fans of the Friday film franchise would best remember him as Deebo from the 1995 comedy-drama. Lister enjoyed a short but fruitful time with the WWF, where he was matched against Hulk Hogan in 1995. He would also appear on WCW in 1996. Lister would sadly be announced as having passed in December 2020 shortly after contracting COVID-19. He was only 62 years old.
Tommy Tiny Lister
Jason Slater
The American musician, producer, and songwriter called Jason Slater was most famous for his time with the rock band called Third Eye Blind. He was the backup vocalist and bassist for the group. He would not remain with Third Eye Blind for long, however, as he would leave shortly before the group’s initial demo was recorded. Slater would go on to work with other big bands, however. He would pass away in December 2020 from liver failure.
Jason Slater
Arnie Robinson Jr.
The incredible American athlete called Arnie Paul Robinson Jr. was an Olympian champion that would attend the 1976 Olympics. There he dominated long jump and ended up winning the gold medal. This was not the initial gold award that Robinson won, however, having also secured a gold medal during the Pan American Games in 1971 and a bronze medal during the Olympics of 1971. Robinson Jr. would end up contracting COVID-19, which resulted in his death just seven days later in November 2020.
Arnie Robinson Jr
Natalie Desselle Reid
Reid was an incredible actress that was in films like Madea’s Big Happy Family and B.A.P.S. She was also in Eve, the popular sitcom on television. Reid suffered from colon cancer for many years and would be taken away from us as 2020 was drawing to a close. She is survived by her three children and husband. Many celebrities honored Reid after her passing, such as Halle Berry. Many people were devastated to hear of Reid’s passing.
Natalie Desselle Reid
David Prowse
David Prowse had an essential part in Star Wars, even if we never saw his face. Fans of the space opera franchise know that Prowse was the man inside Darth Vader’s spooky costume and was the masterful swordfighter that swished the villain’s lightsaber around so deftly. Prowse was incredibly tall and powerfully built, being perfect to play one of the most iconic bad guys in cinema history. He was also in films like Clockwork Orange and Doctor Who.
David Prowse
Diego Maradona
Football as a sport lost one of its biggest heroes when Diego Maradona passed away, as did Argentinians lose one of their most beloved icons. Maradona was a soccer player that received the title after an incredible stunt at the World Cup of 1986 with a goal that resulted in him being said to possess the “Hand of God”. Maradona is largely considered to be the best player in the sport by professionals and fans alike. In November 2020, Maradona passed away from a heart attack.
Diego Maradona
Leanza Cornet
The Miss America in 1993 was Leanza Cornet. She was intelligent and gorgeous and was revered by both beauty pageant fans and the wider public. She would sadly suffer a fatal head injury before being rushed to hospital. It was there that she lost her life on October 28th, 2020. The Miss America Organization did its best to commend the late beauty queen with a heartfelt Facebook post. She was a radiant and talented woman that had so much left to give.
Leanza Cornet
Kenzo Takada
Kenzo Takada, of the Kenzo fashion brand fame, was a designer that would be considered as one of the fashion world’s most talented and capable designers. When he graduated from the Bunka Fashion College in Tokyo, he was among the initial males to ever do so. His brand is extensive and includes skincare products, perfume, and clothes. He would pass at 81 years old from COVID-19 symptoms on October 4th, 2020. His mark on the fashion industry is a timeless one.
Kenzo Takada
Nicholas Parsons
The British actor, television broadcaster, and radio host, Nicholas Parsons, was perhaps better regarded for the latter two occupations than as an actor. He would appear in Just a Minute for many years as the host of the leading game show. He would work for more than sixty years at entertaining people. Parsons’ death was not shocking, given that he was 97 at the time that he contracted an illness, but it was no less sad.
Nicholas Parsons
Terry Jones
He might have been a poet, comedian, writer, and presenter, but Terry Jones will be best remembered for his invaluable part in the Monty Python troupe. He coined one of the most famous lines in the many films that the funny man produced, in Monty Python’s Life of Brian where he played the main character’s mother. Terry would play various roles during this film. Jones would sadly pass away after a long time spent struggling with dementia.
Terry Jones
Derek Acorah
It is rare that a spiritual medium achieves the kind of fame, success, and popular appreciation that Derek Acorah did. He would lead his spooky television series called Most Haunted, where took audiences on tours of supposedly haunted places. He was also famous for having made various predictions on a show called Predictions with Derek Acorah. Further, he was also a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother. Acorah would sadly die from a short illness at 69 years old.
Derek Acorah
Sean Connery
The Scottish actor called Sir Sean Connery would be the perfect actor to bring James Bond to life in the initial movie based on the novels. Connery would go on to play James Bond between 1962 and 1983 a total of seven times! Connery was best known for his deep voice and thick Scottish accent, as well as his gruff and often rude behavior. He would pass in October 2020. His son would make it official that he had been sick for a period.
Sean Connery
Dame Barbara Windsor
It was on December 11th that Dame Barbara Windsor died. She was 83 years old. She was a leading member of the East Enders soap drama and Peggy Mitchell in Carry On. Windsor would develop Alzheimer’s in her old age. Windsor was recognized as an advocate for the LGBT+ community. She was honored by Boris Johnson upon passing as a supporter of vulnerable people and an essentially hilarious individual that brightened up people’s lives with her cheeky brand of humor.
Dame Barbara Windsor
Jessica Campbell
Jessica Campbell lived a short but highly successful life where she was employed for a short time in medicine as well as an actress. She died on December 29 when she was only 39 years old. Tammy Metzler was the film that she was best recognized for where she played the titular role alongside Matthew Broderick and Reese Witherspoon. While Campbell’s cause of death was never disclosed, she was sorely mourned by those that loved and admired her.
Jessica Campbell
Phyllis McGuire
The McGuire Sisters were an incredible band that consisted of Christine, Phyllis, and Dorothy McGuire. Phyllis would be the last of the sisters to pass away on December 29 from old age. The McGuire Sisters might not be very well known by today’s pop fans, but they were a force to be reckoned with during the 50s and 60s. Phyllis would spell the doom for her and her sisters’ time on stage when she was revealed to be dating Sam Giancana, an infamous mobster of the time.
Phyllis McGuire
Adolfo ‘Shabba-Doo’ Quiñones
Adolfo ‘Shabba-Doo’ Quiñones danced like a superstar and acted really well, too. He starred in Breakin’, the cult film. We might never know how Adolfo died, given that the cause of his death was never released. He was a member of All Night Long’s music video’s cast. He then broke into cinema. He was also in Xanadu, Lambada, and Tango & Cash. If you have never heard of any of these films then you might be too young to mourn the passing of this magnificent man.
Adolfo Shabba Doo Quinones
Michael Alig
You might not have mourned Michael Alig when he died, but you cannot deny that he was a big personality. He ruled the clubbing roost during the 90s as the infamous head of the “Club Kids” scene. Alig is widely recognized to have pioneered the wilder side of New York City’s nightlife. Andre “Angel” Melendez would die at the brutal hands of Alig, who would slaughter Angel in cold blood. The rather underwhelming 2003 film, Party Monster, covered the events.
Michael Alig
Leslie West
Woodstock saw plenty of phenomenal performances, with Leslie West being one of the famous individuals to appear at the hippie festivals. His band, Mountain, which he co-founded, would take to the Woodstock stage. He worked with big names like Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan and Bo Diddley. West would also star in Family Honor, a film that he made his acting debut in. He was also in The Money Pit, all while taking a break from Mountain.
Leslie West
John ‘Ecstasy’ Fletcher
John ‘Ecstasy’ Fletcher was the creator of Whodini, a revolutionary hip-hop outfit that helped shape the genre into what it is today. Along with Jalil Hutchins, Fletcher formed the groundbreaking group that would, in time, see DJ Grandmaster Dee become a part of. Whodini is cited by many for having established hip-hop. Songs like Five Minutes of Funk and Friends would be essential influences on later artists in the genre. Fletcher died when he was 56 years old for unknown reasons.
John Ecstasy Fletcher
K.T. Oslin
K.T. Oslin was a country artist that broke through the glass ceiling in the music industry in 1988 when she won the Song of the Year Grammy Award. She was on television and in films and starred in Poisoned by Love alongside Harry Hamlin in 1993. In 2018 she was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame after her 2014 inclusion into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame. She passed away at the age of 78 from pneumonia caused by COVID-19.
KT Oslin
Lin Qi
Lin Qi was producing a future Netflix series when he was allegedly poisoned and succumbed to the toxins’ effects. Qi was on the verge of turning 40 when he died. He worked with the showrunners of Game of Thrones and was an executive producer on a Liu Cixin novel adapted streaming series. He was the CEO of Yoozoo Games, too. Lin Qi was supposedly poisoned by a colleague who allegedly dropped some fatal substances in Qi’s last cup of tea.
Lin Qi
David Lander
The cast of Laverne & Shirley was joined by David Lander, who played Squiggy the greaser in the 1970s. Lander would suffer from multiple sclerosis for many years before passing away at 73 years old. Highway to Heaven, Happy Days, Head of the Class, The Love Boat, Twin Peaks, and Married… With Children were all shows that Lander was a part of. He would make a cameo appearance as Squiggy during a memorable Saturday Night Live episode.
David Lander
Hugh Keays-Byrne
Mad Max would not have been half as entertaining as a film if it had not been for Hugh Keays-Byrne and his terrifying role as the villain. He would make a comeback to the franchise in the modern reboot of the post-apocalypse blockbuster in Mad Max: Fury Road. He was in many other epic films, such as The Blood of Heroes, The Man from Hong Kong, and Moby Dick. He passed without trouble while asleep at the age of 73.
Hugh Keays Byrne
Daria Nicolodi
Daria Nicolodi was a screenwriter and actress that began her career with television. She would partner with Dario Argento through films like Opera, Tenebrae, Inferno, and Deep Red. Nicolodi would also co-write the horror classic Suspiria along with Dario Argento. She was the mother of Asia Argento, who was born to Nicolodi and Argento. Nicolodi passed away at the age of 70. Suspiria was one of the most influential and creative horror films of our time.
Daria Nicolodi
Hal Ketchum
Hal Ketchum was a successful country singer that managed to feature in Billboard’s Hot Country Songs 17 times with his magical singles. He wrote songs like Hearts Are Gonna Roll, Small Town Saturday Night, and many others. Past the Point of Rescue was his most profitable album, which was released in 1991. Ketchum died when he was 67 years old and suffered from dementia for many years before that. He was a soulful and gentleman.
Hal Ketchum
Joe Luna
Joe El Cholo was born Joe Luna but would take up the former name when he became a standup comedian. He was a firm favorite of many Los Angeles clubs, such as Improv Theatre and Ice House. Luna would cover his experience of the dreaded COVID-19 virus shortly after contacting it and sadly died shortly after. It really is shocking to see how many celebrities passed away due to COVID-19 and the virus’s related complications.
Joe Luna
Ben Watkins
This is a seriously heartbreaking loss that broke the hearts of many MasterChef Junior fans. Ben Watkins was a talented young chef that participated in the competition for kids in its sixth season. Watkins was just 3 years old when he developed a passion for cooking. The young man would develop a rare and aggressive kind of cancer that would soon take his life when he was 14. It was a 3-year-long battle for Watkins.
Ben Watkins
Bert Belasco
Bert Belasco was an actor that was mainly known for his work with the Black Entertainment Channel. He was in Let’s Stay Together and various television shows like NCIS: New Orleans, Justified, Key & Peele, and Superstore. He also made a few appearances in I’m Dying Up Here and House. Belasco was found dead in a Virginia hotel room while he was gearing up for a film in production. He was a cheerful young man that left us far too soon.
Bert Belasco
Eddie Hassell
This actor was a part of Surface and The Kids Are All Right. He was also in Bones, Devious Maids, Studio 60, Sunset Strip, and a number of other great series. Hassell had a prolific career in television and was a fantastic part of every series that he worked on. He was also in the film Jobs directed by Ashton Kutcher, albeit with a tiny role. He was later murdered while outside the apartment of his girlfriend. He was only 30 years old.
Eddie Hassell
Carol Arthur
She was born Carol Arata and would later take on the name Carol Arthur as her stage name. She was a major member of Mel Brooks’ movies. She would star in legendary films like Blazing Saddles, where she played the wife of Dom DeLuise. Arthur struggled with Alzheimer’s disease for 11 long and difficult years. She would eventually find peace at the age of 85 on November 11, 2020. Her contributions to the golden age of Hollywood will never be forgotten.
Carol Arthur
Dame Olivia de Havilland
Olivia Mary de Havilland was the name that Dame Olivia Mary de Havilland was born with. She was an actress in America of British descent. She began acting all the way back in 1935 and would continue to do so until the year 1988. She would be a part of 49 incredible movies and is widely considered to be one of the golden era of Hollywood’s finest actresses. She passed away in July 2020, being the oldest person to ever have been awarded an Academy Award. You might know of her younger sister, Joan Fontaine, who was also in cinema in the acting game.
Dame Olivia De Havilland
Peter Green
Fleetwood Mac would not have come to be without Peter Green, who put his heart and soul into creating the band. He was a British blues and rock musician who would later create his personal group, Peter Green’s Splinter Group. The band performed at the B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in New York. Green’s death was declared on July 25, 2020, on a particularly sad Saturday. He was 73 years old and the statement was released by his family.
Peter Green
Ian Holm
This fantastic actor enjoyed a long and fruitful career that lasted across the 20th and 21st centuries. Ian Holm starred in many fantastic films, but his most beloved performance was probably as the whimsical Bilbo Baggins in the Lord of the Rings. He was also in Chariots of Fire. Holm would pass away in a hospital at the age of 88, among his loved ones and caregiver. Holm suffered from Parkinson’s disease, which would eventually cause the illness that took his life.
Ian Holm