Paying Tribute to the Celebrities Who Have Died in 2024 (2024)

Paying Tribute to the Celebrities Who Died in 2023

Gena Rowlands

Gena Rowlands, best known for her roles in The Notebook, A Woman Under the Influence, and Gloria, died at age 94 on Aug. 14 surrounded by her family - including her husband Robert and daughter Alexandra - at her Indian Welles, Calif. home. Her son's agent confirmed the news toVariety.

The news came a few months after her son Nick Cassavetes revealed that she had been living with Alzheimer's for the past five years. Cassavetes, who directed his mother in 2004’sThe Notebook. reflected on working with her for the hit Nicholas Sparks adaptation as the film celebrated its 20th anniversary in June.

"I got my mom to play older Allie, and we spent a lot of time talking about Alzheimer's and wanting to be authentic with it, and now, for the last five years, she's hadAlzheimer's," Cassavetes toldEWabout his mother who played the older version ofRachael McAdams’ character in the film. "She's in full dementia. And it's so crazy — we lived it, she acted it, and now it's on us."

Shannen Doherty

Shannen Doherty died at age 53 on Saturday, July 13, after years of living with cancer.

"It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease," Doherty'slongtime publicist Leslie Sloane confirmed in an exclusive statement to PEOPLE on Sunday, July 14.

"The devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie. The family asks for their privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace," Sloane continued.

TheBeverly Hills 90210star wasfirst diagnosedwith breast cancer in 2015.

Richard Simmons

Richard Simmonsdied at age 76 in July, his longtime publicist, Tom Estey, confirmed to PEOPLE. The professional fitness coach died at his Los Angeles home after his birthday.TMZwas first to report the news on Saturday, July 13, citing law enforcement. "The world has truly lost an angel," Estey told PEOPLE of Simmons.

Dr. Ruth Westheimer

Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the sex therapist who became a pop culture phenomenon in the 1980s, died at age 96 on July 12, her publicist Pierre Lehu confirmed to PEOPLE.

"She was restful when she passed away. Her son and daughter were with her and holding her hand at that moment," Lehu said, adding, "It was as peacefully as she could possibly go. She was 96."

He continued of his late friend, "It's amazing, there was stuff still going on in her life [she has a book coming out this fall with Allison Gilbert] and someone wants to make a biopic about her."

Shelley Duvall

The Shiningactress Shelley Duvall died at age 75 on Thursday, July 11, at her home in Blanco, Texas, her partner Dan Gilroy toldThe Hollywood ReporterandVariety.THRandThe New York Timesreported that Duvall died from complications of diabetes.

Gilroy toldTHR, “My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley."

Shifty Shellshock

Shifty Shellshock, the frontman of Crazy Town, died at the age of 49 on June 24. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner shared on itswebsitethat the musician, whose real name is Seth Binzer, died at his Los Angeles home, however, no cause of death was listed.

Donald Sutherland

Donald Sutherland, known forThe Hunger Games and Ordinary People and more films and television roles, died at age 88 on June 20 in Miami after a long illness, CAA’s Missy Davy confirmed with PEOPLE.

His son Kiefer also confirmed the news on X writing, "With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away. I personally think one of the most important actors in the history of film. Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more…"

Johnny Wactor

Actor Johnny Wactor, who played Brando Corbin on General Hospital, died at the age of 37 following a fatal shooting on May 25 in Los Angeles.

The actor's mother Scarlett Wactor confirmed his death to TMZ, revealing that Wactor and a colleague saw three men trying to steal a catalytic converter from his vehicle, and although he did not attempt to stop them, he was shot and subsequently rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Grayson Murray

Professional golfer Grayson Murraydied at the age of 30 in May. His parents later confirmed his cause of death as suicide in astatementreleased through the PGA Tour on May 26.

"We have so many questions that have no answers. But one," Eric and Terry wrote in the statement. "Was Grayson loved? The answer is yes. By us, his brother Cameron, his sister Erica, all of his extended family, by his friends, by his fellow players and – it seems – by many of you who are reading this. He was loved and he will be missed."

Morgan Spurlock

Morgan Spurlock, the filmmaker-star of documentaries like 2004'sSuper Size Me, died on May 23 in New York from complications of cancer. He was 53.

His brother Craig said in a statement, "It was a sad day, as we said goodbye to my brother Morgan. Morgan gave so much through his art, ideas and generosity.The world has lost a true creative genius and a special man. I am so proud to have worked together with him."

Charlie Colin

MusicianCharlie Colin, a founding member of theband Train, died at age 58 in May. TMZwas first to report the news of Colin's death, with his mother telling the outlet he was house-sitting for a friend in Belgium,when he slipped and fell in the shower.

Dabney Coleman

Actor Dabney Coleman died on May 16 at his home in Santa Monica, Calif. He was 92. His daughter confirmed the news in a statement to PEOPLE.

"My father crafted his time here on Earth with a curious mind, a generous heart and a soul on fire with passion, desire and humor that tickled the funny bone of humanity,” Quincy said. “As he lived, he moved through this final act of his life with elegance, excellence and mastery."

"A teacher, a hero and a king, Dabney Coleman is a gift and blessing in life and in death as his spirit will shine through his work, his loved ones and his legacy eternally."

Chance Perdomo

Chance Perdomo, known for his roles on Gen V and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina died at the age of 27 in March as a result of a motorcycle accident. A statement provided to PEOPLE on behalf of Perdomo’s family and representatives read, “His passion for the arts and insatiable appetite for life was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth will carry on in those who he loved dearest.”

Barbara Rush

Actress Barbara Rush, known for roles inIt Came from Outer SpaceandPeyton Place, died on Easter at age 97.

Rush’s death was confirmed by her daughter, Claudia Cowan, in a statement toFox News. "My wonderful mother passed away peacefully at 5:28 this evening. I was with her this morning and know she was waiting for me to return home safely to transition."

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

Jennifer Leak

Jennifer Leak, known for her role in 1968'sYours, Mine and Ours,died on March 18 at her home in Jupiter, Fla. She was 76.The actress was diagnosed with the rare neurological disease progressive supranuclear palsy seven years before her death, as reported byThe East Hampton Star.

Robyn Bernard

General Hospitalactress Robyn Bernard died at age 64 in March. The soap actress was found dead in an "open field behind [a] business" in San Jacinto, California, according to apress releasefrom the Riverside County Sheriff's Office. A spokesperson for the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office tells PEOPLE that foul play was not suspected.

Anne Whitfield

Anne Whitfield, who starred in the holiday classicWhite Christmas, died at age 85 on Feb. 14. She was surrounded by her family at Valley Memorial Hospital in Yakima, Wash. at the time of her death, following an “unexpected accident” during a walk in her neighborhood,according to her obituary.

Toby Keith

Country singerToby Keith, known for hits such as “Red Solo Cup” and “Should Have Been a Cowboy,” died on Feb. 5 after being diagnosed with stomach cancer in fall 2021. He was 62.

"Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on Feb. 5 surrounded by his family," his family shared in a statement. “He fought his fight with grace and courage."

Kenneth Mitchell

Actor Kenneth Mitchell, best known for his roles inStar Trek: Discovery, died at age 49 on Feb. 24, five years after being diagnosed with ALS.

His family confirmed the news in astatementshared on X (formerly Twitter). “With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son and dear friend,” read the post, which was also shared onInstagram.

“Ken was widely known as an actor in many films and television shows. He’s portrayed an Olympic hopeful, an apocalypse survivor, an astronaut, a superhero’s dad, and four unique Star Trekkers,” the statement continued.

Chris Gauthier

Actor Chris Gauthier, known for his roles inOnce Upon a Time,Eureka, andSmallville, died at age 48 on Feb. 23.His manager toldTV Line that he died "suddenly and unexpectedly" following a short illness. The English-born Canadian actor’s death was also confirmed by his agency TriStar Appearances/Event Horizon Talent in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.

"We can confirm that our friend and client, Chris Gauthier, passed away on Friday morning, February 23, at the age of 48 after a brief illness," the statement read. “As a beloved Vancouver-based character actor, Chris shared his talents with so many of us both on television and in film. His loss is felt not just by his fans but by those of us who were lucky enough to know him more personally.On behalf of his family, we do ask for privacy during this time so that they are able to grieve properly.”

Richard Lewis

Richard Lewis, the comedian and actor known for his role onCurb Your Enthusiasm, died at age 76 in February. Lewis' rep Jeff Abraham confirmed the news in a statement to PEOPLE, writing, "Comedian/Actor Richard Lewis passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles last night after suffering a heart attack. His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for all the love, friendship and support and asks for privacy at this time."

Carl Weathers

The actor, known for roles inRocky,PredatorandThe Mandalorian, died at age 76 on Feb. 1. His family confirmed the news in a statement to DeadlineandVariety, saying that he "died peacefully in his sleep."

"We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers," said the family, adding, "Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner and friend."

Christian Oliver

Actor Christian Oliver was killed in a plane crash in January. Oliver, known for films including Speed Racer and The Baby-Sitters Club, was 51. A statement from the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Forcesaid the incident occurred off the island of Bequia. The small single-engine aircraft was traveling from the J.F. Mitchell Airport in Paget Farm to St. Lucia.

Three other passengers were aboard the aircraft, including the actor's two daughters, Madita, 10, and Annik, 12. The pilot was identified as Robert Sachs, who also owned the plane.

Harry Johnson

Harry Johnson, well known for his roles on Battlestar Galactica and Law & Order, died at age 81. The actor died Jan. 3 in Los Angeles after a “long illness,” his wife Christiane confirmed toDeadline.

Angus Mitchell

Angus Mitchell, the only child of hairstylist Paul Mitchell, was found dead in January. He was 53. John Paul DeJoria, co-founder and chairman of John Paul Mitchell Systems, confirmed Angus' sudden death in anemotional social media tribute.

"It is with tremendous sadness that we mourn the sudden passing of Angus Mitchell. As a hairdresser and co-owner of JPMS, Angus had a deep love of family, community, and the beauty industry," DeJoria shared. "Angus had a huge heart that impacted countless people who crossed his path. We are grateful for the time we got with him, though it ended far too soon. During this shocking and difficult time, we kindly request privacy as we navigate this profound loss.”

Angus reportedly died in an apparent drowning in a pool at his Honolulu home, law enforcementsources told TMZ.

Glynis Johns

Glynis Johns, theAcademy Award-nominated actor who costarred withJulie Andrewsin the classic 1964 filmMary Poppinsas Winifred Banks, died at age 100 in January. Her manager, Mitch Clem, toldVarietyJohns died at an assisted living facility in Los Angeles of natural causes.

“Glynis powered her way through life with intelligence, wit, and a love for performance, affecting millions of lives,” Clem said in a statement. “She entered my life early in my career and set a very high bar on how to navigate this industry with grace, class, and truth. Your own truth. Her light shined very brightly for 100 years."

"She had a wit that could stop you in your tracks powered by a heart that loved deeply and purely," he added. "Today is a somber day for Hollywood. Not only do we mourn the passing of our dear Glynis, but we mourn the end of the golden age of Hollywood.”

David Soul

David Soul, best known for playing detective Kenneth "Hutch" Hutchinson on TV'sStarsky & Hutch, died on Jan. 4 at age 80.

His wife of 13 years, Helen Snell, shared the news in a statement with PEOPLE, describing Soul as a "beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother."

The actor "died yesterday after a valiant battle for life in the loving company of family,” the statement read.“He shared many extraordinary gifts in the world as actor, singer, storyteller, creative artist and dear friend. His smile, laughter and passion for life will be remembered by the many whose lives he has touched."

Adan Canto

ActorAdan Canto, best known for his work onThe Cleaning LadyandDesignated Survivor,died at age 42 following a private journey with appendiceal cancer, according toThe Wrap.

"Adan had a depth of spirit that few truly knew. Those who glimpsed it were changed forever," Canto's reps at UTA, Entertainment360 and Viewpoint said, perDeadline. "He will be greatly missed by so many."

Warner Bros. Television and FOX Entertainment also shared a statement in the wake of Canto's death, expressing how they were "heartbroken" to learn of the devastating news.

"A wonderful actor and dear friend, we were honored to have him as part of the Warner Bros. Television and FOX Entertainment families since his U.S. debut inThe Followingmore than a decade ago," the statement read.

"Most recently, he lit up the screen inThe Cleaning Ladywith a powerful performance that showcased his artistry, range, depth and vulnerability," the statement continued. "This is an unfathomable loss, and we grieve alongside his wife Stephanie, their children and loved ones.We will miss Adan dearly."

Alec Musser

In January, actor Alec Musser died at age 50. His fiancée Paige Press announced the news on her Instagram Story, writing, "RIP to the love of my life. I will never stop loving you. My heart is broken."

TheSan Diego County Medical Examiner's Officelater revealed that theAll My Childrenstar died by suicide after an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Musser was found by Press at their home in Del Mar, California. According to a press release, Press knew him to be alive before she went to bed and found him the next morning "slumped forward on the bathroom floor" with a firearm identified as a shotgun nearby.

Dexter Scott King

Dexter Scott King, the youngest son ofDr. Martin Luther King Jr.andCoretta Scott King, died at 62 on Jan. 22.The King Center announced that Dexter died after a "valiant battle with prostate cancer," according to a statement obtained by PEOPLE.

“He transitioned peacefully in his sleep at home with me in Malibu,” his wife of 11 years, Leah Weber King, said in a statement.“He gave it everything and battled this terrible disease until the end. As with all the challenges in his life, he faced this hurdle with bravery and might,” she added.

Gary Graham

Gary Graham, best known for his role inStar Trek: Enterprise, died at 73 on Jan. 22. The actor’s ex-wife, Susan Lavelle, shared the newsin a Facebook post. “It is with deep profound sadness to say that Gary Graham, my ex husband, amazing actor and father of our beautiful only child together, Haylee Graham, has passed away today,” she wrote in the tribute posted early Jan. 23.

Isabelle Thomas

Isabelle Thomas, the wife of Killers of the Flower Moon producer Bradley Thomas, died by suicide at a Los Angeles hotel on Jan. 29, according to authorities. She was 39 years old.

Chita Rivera

The Tony-winning actress died at 91. "It is with immense personal sorrow that I announce the death of the beloved Broadway icon Chita Rivera. My dear friend of over 40 years was 91," shared her rep Merle Frimark in a statement on Jan. 30.

According to a statement released by her daughter Lisa Mordente, Rivera died in New York "after a brief illness."