He was first diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and then said in 2019 that he was, at the time, cancer-free. The actress and model is best known for playing Bond girl Stacey Sutton in 1985's "A View to a Kill." Known best as the lovable Central Perk barista Gunther on the hit show "Friends," James Michael Tyler's obsessive behavior over Rachael (Jennifer Aniston) brought laughs to millions. Vicki attended the University of Nebraska for one year before detouring to Hollywood, California. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, Sondheim composed and wrote lyrics for several of Broadway's most original and iconic musicals, including "Company," "Follies," "Sweeney Todd," "Sunday in the Park with George," "Into the Woods," and "Assassins.". Dustin Diamond died on February 1 at age 44 after a. The renowned broadcaster had been on radio or TV since the 1950s speaking to all types of people, and was regarded as one of the best interviewers ever thanks to his friendly style with his subjects. Dustin Diamond . In 2009, he was sentenced to 19 years to life in prison for the murder of actress Lana Clarkson in 2003. ", Through the 1980s he showed up on countless TV shows, including "The Incredible Hulk," "Soap," "Webster," "The A-Team," and "Hill Street Blues. She died on January 7, 2021 in Woodland Hills, California, USA. He is widely recognized as one of the most skilled drummers of all time. Scolari, a revered actor of the stage and screen, died on October 22 at age 66 after a two-year battle with cancer. Dustin did not suffer. Valle quickly became a go-to filmmaker for stars thanks to projects that found Oscar and Emmy acclaim like "Dallas Buyers Club," which earned Matthew McConaughey a best actor Oscar win and the Emmy-winning HBO limited series "Big Little Lies.". show host for "David The Gladiator" show which was on Saturday nights from 8:00-10:00p.m. "As she kissed Anne goodbye, her younger sister Karen said, 'What a ride you took us on, kid.' He died on December 8, 2021 in the USA. He was a music artist and actor, known for Keanu (2016), Step Sisters (2018) and On My Block (2018). His film "Putney Swope," about a Black advertising executive who is accidentally put in charge of a big firm and proceeds to upend the business, was a landmark work of the time and would make Downey a star on the scene. He had kept it private from his fans. She began her television career in the late 1930s and starred in shows from "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "The Golden Girls," to "Hot in Cleveland." He died on December 22, 2021 in Hayward, Wisconsin, USA. "We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members, and close friends is respected at this difficult time.". Celebrities who died in 2021. She had her first screen test offer on her 12th birthday and went on to star in several films before she Georgiade, a Greek-American, quit school in 1948 and joined the United States Army, lying about his age. She was previously married to Russell Stoneham and Phil Silvers. It left Flynt paralyzed with permanent spinal cord damage. Garson was known best for playing talent agent Stanford Blatch, best friend of Sarah Jessica Parker's Carrie Bradshaw, in the HBO series "Sex and the City.". He died on December 14, 2021 in Florida, USA. King died on January 23. His parents were emigrants who hailed from an area near Casale Monferrato, a region noted for its viticulture, in Piedmont, Italy. Beatty had a storied acting career that spanned from the early 1970s to the mid 2000s. "A working actor for over six decades, her greatest pleasure was bringing joy to others through her storytelling both on screen and off. His performances always stood out for his stilled acting, booming voice, and intensity which could spark at a moment's notice. Thomas died on August 7 in New Jersey "peacefully in his sleep," according to the statement by the band. No cause was given. Sadly, the comedy icon - who starred in 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show,' 'Golden Girls' and more -. The Rocky Horror Picture Show. She was previously married to John Clark. He also promoted the false theory that former president Barack Obama was not born in the US, something that Donald Trump also subscribed to before he became president. No cause was given. Limbaugh would be a major voice in Trump's run for the presidency. getty TV's perennial Golden Girl. In addition to a career on the stage and screen, Tommy was a jazz musician who played the trumpet and David "Dave" Draper was a bodybuilding champion noted for his blond hair and 24 inch. He was previously married to Caroline Grant. As the anchor of Weekend Update from 1994 to 1997, he was taken off as anchor during the O.J. Edge died on November 11, no cause was given. He was previously married to Elizabeth Dole and Phyllis Eloise Holden. He died in March 2021 in the UK. She was an actress, known for Dangerous Ground (1997), Stander (2003) and African Express (1990). His wife, Thessa Sinahon, announced Kotto's passing in a Facebook post. But his talents went beyond music, as his performance as a drug dealer trying to get to kingpin level in 1998's "Belly" put him at cult icon status. He died on October 27, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida, USA. Lionel started as a boy actor with the RSC but there was little money in it., When his father died his agent suggested that they switch to light entertainment where there was more money, For a while he Jan Shutan is best remembered as Lieutenant Mira Romaine, an officer on the starship Enterprise, whose mind is invaded by non-corporeal life forms in Star Trek: The Lights of Zetar (1969). The London-born Leicester-bred son of Barbadian parents who came to Britain in the 1950s, actor, writer, poet and storyteller Victor Richards has been perfectly positioned throughout his life to observe and commentate on the trials and tribulations, joys and sorrows of British West Indian culture Henry chose to help aspiring actors improve their craft, instead of continuing with his movie career. Character actor Art LaFleur was born on September 9, 1943 in Gary, Indiana. "His message of triumph over struggle, his search for the light out of darkness, his pursuit of truth and grace brought us closer to our own humanity DMX was nothing less than a giant. She was previously married to Joe Maphis. Coronji Calhoun was born on November 28, 1990 in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. "SNL" announced his passing on the November 20th episode of the show by showing the short film he starred in titled "The Java Junkie." Gabby Petito, 22, was found dead in September 2021. He resides there with his wife Susan and his children. He reprised his role in both films, and had been filming for the network's upcoming revival series "And Just Like That" at the time of this death. He was an actor, known for Dreamscape (1984). On August 2 Pickett death happened suddenly as he was preparing to shoot a scene for the movie "Treasure Valley," Travis Mills, the movie's director, said on the movie's Facebook page. She died on November 6, 2021 in Seattle, Washington, USA. on channel KHJ-TV Los Angeles. He gave us so much laughter and deserves a rest now. Rush will forever be the greatest of all-time.". Doug's film Producer | ", according to his longtime producing partner Lori Jo Hoekstra, complications of a stroke she had six days prior. He was previously married to Nomalizo Leah Shenxane. He followed that with working with his brother on his movies. ", In movies he's best known for are his commanding performances in movies like "Wall Street," "The Firm," and most memorably playing Deep Throat in 1976's "All the President's Men.". He did it with a love of the game and a colorful personality that led to him showing up in several movies and TV shows. Shock G's eye for talent was also realized when he brought on a then unknown Tupac Shakur to be a roadie for the band and then a background singer. People featured on this list, include actresses, lyricists & songwriters, political leaders and athletes who died in 2021. The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. He was a composer, known for Journey Into Amazing Caves (2001), Ready, Steady, Go! Moving to Los Angeles in the late 2000s, she attended UCLA's Professional Producing program and was a graduate of the AFI Conservatory, which in 2019 named her a raising star. He was an actor, known for Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989), Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985) and Wedding Crashers (2005). Peter Scolari. Ruth Prins was born on October 20, 1920 in Sioux City, Iowa, USA. Samuel E. Wright's Trinidadian-accent turned Ariel's cautious sidekick in the 1989 animated movie into one of Disney's most memorable characters from that era of releases. Shock G died on April 22, found dead in a hotel room in Tampa, according to his father. He was an actor and writer, known for Shake Back (2020), J Stone Feat. 24 Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding was just 39 when she died in September 2021 Credit: PA Which celebrities died in 2021? Known for his physically imposing characters, Kotto was a fixture in movie and TV for decades, including roles on the series "Homicide: Life on the Street" and FBI agent Mosely in the beloved comedy "Midnight Run" opposite Robert De Niro. Born in Tasmania and an only child, Gregg was set to take over running the family farm but instead wound up scoring an audition at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Hobart.He had a season with the Melbourne Theatre Company and in 1964, made his television debut in an episode of Bridget Hanley was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Doris (ne Nihlroos) and Lee Hanley. "An original member of Kool & the Gang, Dennis was known as the quintessential cool cat in the group, loved for his hip clothes and hats, and his laid-back demeanor," read the statement of his passing on the band's official Facebook page. Always such a pleasure to have on set. He was an actor and composer, known for Love and a .45 (1994), A West Texas Children's Story (2007) and Breaking Bad (2008). He was previously married to Mara del Refugio Abarca Villaseor. The versatile actor was also a mainstay in many films, such as "Little Manhattan," "There's Something About Mary," and "Groundhog Day.". With nearly 40 novels published, Rice will go down as one of the most popular gothic writers of all time. This list includes people like Larry King, Cicely Tyson, Christopher Plummer, Tanya Roberts, Phil Spector and many more. The trailblazer wowed audiences with his 1971 movie "Sweetback's Baadasssss Song." Sally Anne Howes. He was previously married to Martha Faith Nessel and Juliette Colden. Later in the month the cause of death was ruled to be an accidental drug overdose. "It is with profound sadness, I must share with you directly, that our beloved Rush, my wonderful husband, passed away this morning due to complications from lung cancer," Limbaugh's wife, Kathryn, announced on his radio show on February 17. The latter, who was her faithful companion for nearly 14 years, died in January 2021. However, it was the 1974 movie "The Street Fighter" which led to international acclaim for Chiba. He was a composer and actor, known for The Blob (1958), The Box (2009) and 4D Man (1959). "He was diagnosed with this brutal, relentless form of malignant cancer only three weeks ago. The actor died on April 11 following a "long, courageous" battle with colon cancer, according to his agent. "She called me son. The band was created at the height of The Beatles' popularity and became superstars thanks to being on the hit NBC series "The Monkees" in which Nesmith, along with bandmates Davy Jones, Peter Tork, and Micky Dolenz did silly comedy while performing chart-topping songs. And now he's awaken from the fame long live shock G Aka Humpty Hump and Rest In Peace my Brotha Greg Jacobs!!!". He was previously married to Juanita Wair Jackson. Hank Aaron, 87 Hank Aaron. King was regarded as one of the great interviewers of his generation, honing his. He died on November 27, 2021 in Santa Clarita, Tommy Lane was born Benjamin Thomas Lane in Liberty City, Miami, Florida. He was an actor, known for Our Story Our Voice (2007), 24 Peaces and Jock the Hero Dog (2011). Roy Orbison 2. Wright died on May 24 after a three-year battle with prostate cancer, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Williams' acting was always a standout regardless the size of the role thanks to his deep voice and scar that went across his face. He died on December 28, 2021 in Pleasanton, California, USA. "We are saddened to confirm of Dustin Diamond's passing on Monday, February 1st, 2021 due to carcinoma," Diamond's representative said in a statement provided to Insider. Born in Brooklyn, NY in 1926, he graduated from NYU and started as a janitor at the DuMont Television Network, working his way through at first as a studio assistant, then as a cameraman on "The Honeymooners" and "Captain Video and Rose Lee Maphis was born on December 29, 1922 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. "We will forever be connected to that 'Blues Shuffle in C.' You will be missed greatly, amigo.". Michell died on September 22, his cause of death is unknown. With an unmistakable look he could either play the goon or the kind-hearted uncle, and in his career he played all types of characters. ", "To say Art will be missed dearly would be an understatement," LaFleur's wife Shelley told USA Today in a statement. Phil Margo was born on April 1, 1942 in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA. But her work spans decades and also includes starring opposite Clint Eastwood in the 1971 thriller "Play Misty for Me" and voicing a character in the popular 1990s series "Dinosaurs. "The only mercy it exhibited was its sharp and swift execution. "His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.". Philip died on April 9, according to Buckingham Palace. She was 91. On New Year's Day of 2021, singer and actor George Gerdes died after suffering a brain aneurysm and on New Year's Eve, Golden Girls star Betty White passed away at age 99. A veteran of the stage, television, and movies, McCrory is best known for playing Narcissa Malfoy in the final three "Harry Potter" films. Known best for his straight-faced delivery on any topic regardless how crude or inappropriate, Macdonald forged a comedy career being the guy who would say anything at any time regardless the consequences. ", "She was the sweetest person you'd ever meet and had a huge heart," said her longtime rep Mike Pingel. She was an actress, known for Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012) and Sundance Directors Lab (2009). He was a writer and producer, known for Full Frontal (1993), Dogstar (2006) and Whatever Happened to That Guy? "34 years ago almost to the day we had a wild idea we can be a hip-hop band and take on the world through it all," wrote Digital Underground co-founder Jimi "Chopmaster J" Dright in tribute to Shock G on Instagram. The hall of fame Major League Baseball manager is known best for leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to two World Series championships. He died on October 18, 2021 in Camarillo, California, USA. Actress Cloris Leachman died on Jan. 27, 2021, at age 94, her manager Juliet Green confirmed to Variety. With a passion of the game unlike any others, Madden was a unique ambassador of the game of football thanks to his exuberant bravado and simple explanations to elements of the game that can be very complex. Downey Sr. died on July 7 after years battling Parkinson's disease. Reese Witherspoon, who starred in "Big Little Lies" and Valle's 2014 movie "Wild" wrote on Twitter about the director's death: "My heart is broken. Hollywood mourned the loss of icons such as Betty White and John Madden in the final days of 2021 and unfortunately, 2022 also. He was a director, known for Wheel of Fortune (1983), The Merv Griffin Show (1962) and Get Smart (1965). She was born in Brooklyn on June 29, 1925, as Bernice Kamiat, to an Austrian Jewish father, Benjamin Kamiat, and a mother of Romanian Jewish descent, Flora (Schwartz). He was an actor, known for Take the High Road (1980), The Omega Factor (1979) and Witch Wood (1964). Marilyn McLeod was a composer, known for Soul Plane (2004), Hey Good Looking! "We are deeply saddened to report that Joan Didion died earlier this morning at her home in New York due to complications from Parkinson's disease," Knopf said in a statement shared with New Republic reporter Alex Shephard. At age 11, he moved to Anderson, South Carolina to live with his sister.A Tigers fan, he enrolled at Clemson University and majored Jay Black was born on November 2, 1938 in Astoria, Queens, New York City, New York, USA. We will miss you so much. He later became 'Willio' of the comedic singing group Willio & Phillio. The group's mix of funk and jazz arrangements has become one of the popular, influential, and heavily sampled sounds in contemporary music and has been featured in several film soundtracks, including "Saturday Night Fever," "Rocky," and Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction. Her first novel, "Interview with the Vampire," brought her instant fame and the book itself has become a classic. No cause was given. ", That then followed with Emmy nominations for his roles in the 2015 movie "Bessie," the 2016 limited series "The Night Of," and the 2019 limited series "When They See Us. A post shared by Mario Van Peebles (@mariovanpeebles), The Emmy-winning actress was known best for her memorable roles in "Arrested Development" and "Archer" later in her career. He was an actor, known for Mr. & Mrs. Bridge (1990), National Geographic Explorer (1985) and Murphy Brown (1988). He was an actor, known for The Replacements (2000), Little Giants (1994) and Arli$$ (1996). Lasorda died on January 7 due to a cardiac arrest. "A breaker of records and racial barriers, his remarkable legacy will continue to inspire countless athletes and admirers for generations to come," said former president Jimmy Carter in a statement to the Associated Press, who attended Braves games and called Aaron "a personal hero.". Betty White, Michael K. Williams, Norm Macdonald, Cicely Tyson, and DMX died this year. He died on December 8, 2021 in Inglewood, California, USA. Pete Marovich For The Washington Post via Getty Images. She won an Oscar for her performance as a timid school teacher in 1971's "The Last Picture Show" and her work on television earned her an astounding eight Emmy wins. Sondheim's work also found success beyond Broadway. Bettie Page 3. Most easily identified by his trademark blue wool hat with pompom, Nesmith fashioned a diversified career within music and also in film. Then in 2003 Chiba found wide acclaim when he was cast in Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill" as Hanzo, a sushi owner who is actually master sword maker. White died on December 31 at her home in Los Angeles due tocomplications of a stroke she had six days prior. He died on November 11, 2021 in Bradenton, Florida, USA. 559. The "Gone Girl" and "Cocktail" actor has died after being injured in a hit-and-run accident in New York. The smart and talented actress and playwright Linda Carlson was born in Minnesota of Swedish ancestry. Themsie Times was born in 1951 in Gqeberha [formerly Port Elizabeth], South Africa. He directed Black List, C.R.A.Z.Y., The Young Victoria, Wild, Dallas Buyers Club, Los Locos, Loser Love and Caf de Flore. "A huge personality while also an extremely private person, Dennis was the alto saxophone player, flutist, percussionist, as well as master of ceremonies at the band's shows.". He died on November 27 at his home in Newhall, California, according to his brother Warren Mekjian. We love you Michael.". In memory of the celebrities who have died this year, including Lisa Marie Presley, Timeless actress Annie Wersching and Burt Bacharach By Kelsie Gibson Updated on February 22, 2023 10:14 AM. ", "In her final hours, I sat beside her hospital bed in awe of her accomplishments and her courage, awash in memories of a life that took us from the fog laced hills of the San Francisco Bay Area to the magical streets of New Orleans to the twinkling vistas of Southern California," her son, Christopher, wrote of her passing.