All the Stars We’ve Lost in 2023

Tom Wilkinson

Oscar-nominated actor Tom Wilkinson has tragically passed away at the age of 75. Known for his performances in The Full Monty and Shakespeare in Love, many both in and out of the industry have mourned his passing. EW shared the statement given by the family, which said: “It is with great sadness that the family of Tom Wilkinson announce that he died suddenly at home on December 30. His wife and family were with him. The family asks for privacy at this time.”

He is survived by his wife Diana Hardcastle and his two daughters.

Lee Sun-kyun

Parasite star Lee Sun-kyun was tragically found dead on December 27 at 48 years old.

The actor, who was under police investigation on suspicion of illegal drug use death, is believed to have died by suicide. He denied the allegations against him.

In addition to his role in the Oscar-winning movie, Lee was a known face on Korean television. Lee is survived by his wife, two sons and siblings.

Bobbie Jean Carter

Nick and the late Aaron Carter’s older sister Bobbie Jean Carter was found dead in her Tampa home on December 23.

“I am in shock from learning of the sudden death of my daughter, Bobbie Jean, and I will need time to process the terrible reality of this happening for the third time,” her mother, Jane, said in a statement, referring to the deaths of son Aaron and daughter Leslie Carter who died in 2012.

“However deeply a parent feels the loss of a child, the suffering of a young child at the loss of a parent must be much greater,” Jane added, asking for prayers for her “precious 8-year-old granddaughter, Bella, who previously lost her father and is now also left without her mother.”

Casey Kramer

Actress Casey Kramer, who is the daughter of director Stanley Kramer, passed away in her Chicago home on December 24.

Tom Smothers

Tom Smothers, the older half of sibling comedy duo the Smothers Brothers died on December 26 after a brief battle with cancer. He was 86 years old.

“Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner,” his brother, Dick, 84, said in a statement. “I am forever grateful to have spent a lifetime together with him, on and off stage, for over 60 years. Our relationship was like a good marriage — the longer we were together, the more we loved and respected one another. We were truly blessed.”

Jack Axelrod

Beloved actor, Jack Axelrod, known for his roles in General Hospital, Grey’s Anatomy, My Name Is Earl, and Modern Family, has passed away at 93 of natural causes.

Colin Burgess

AC/DC’s original drummer Colin Burgess passed away at the age of 77, and the band confirmed the announcement via social media. Per NBC, they said: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Colin Burgess. He was our first drummer and a very respected musician. Happy memories, rock in peace Colin.”

Andre Braugher

Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Homicide: Life on Street star Andre Braugher sadly passed away on Dec. 11 after a brief illness, Variety reports. The Emmy-winning actor was 61 years old. 

Braugher is survived by his wife Ami Brabson and three children, Michael, Isaiah and John.

Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell

Tragically, former reality TV star Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell (pictured in the middle) passed away at the age of 29 after battling stage 4 adrenal carcinoma. She is survived by her two children, her sisters, and her mother June “Mama” Shannon.

Ryan O’Neal

Oscar-nominated actor Ryan O’Neal passed away on Dec 8, 2023 at the age of 82. He was most well-known for his roles in Love Story (1970), Paper Moon (1973), The Driver (1978), and his recurring role on Bones. He is survived by his four children.

Keisha Nash

Actress and producer Keisha Nash tragically passed away at age 51. Her daughter True Whitaker, who she shares with ex-husband Forest Whitaker, announced the news on her Instagram story, writing: “Goodbye mommy. I love you 4ever and beyond.”

“The most beautiful woman in the world… thank you for teaching me every single thing I know,” she continued. “I’ll see you in my dreams and I’ll feel you in my heart.”

Whitaker and Nash were married from 1996 until 2021 and had two children together, True, 25, and Sonnet, 27. Nash was also a mother to a daughter named Autumn from a previous relationship.

Benjamin Zephaniah

Peaky Blinders actor Benjamin Zephaniah died on December 7 at age 65. The actor who played Jeremiah Jesus on the hit show was diagnosed with a brain tumor eight weeks before his death.  

Andrea Fay Friedman

Life Goes On star Andrea Fay Friedman passed away at age 53 due to Alzheimer’s, her father told the New York Times. Friedman was one of the first actors with Down Syndrome to be featured on TV. Her father told the Times that she was originally cast to appear in just one episode, but, “She did such a great job that they made her a regular on the show.” 

Norman Lear

Famed television producer Norman Lear passed away at 101 years old. Lear was behind hit shows like All in the Family, Maude, The Jefferson’s and more.

“Norman lived a life of curiosity, tenacity, and empathy,” his family said in a statement after his death. “He deeply loved our country and spent a lifetime helping to preserve its founding ideals of justice and equality for all. He began his career in the earliest days of live television and discovered a passion for writing about the real lives of Americans, not a glossy ideal.”

Sandra Day O’Connor

Former Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to sit on the Supreme Court, died due to “complications related to advanced dementia,” as was reported on December 1.

O’Connor was considered a moderate conservative who was often the swing vote on highly-debated issues. 

Shane MacGowan

Shane MacGowan, the lead vocalist for the Anglo-Irish Celtic punk band The Pogues, died on Nov. 30. He was 65 years old.

“It is with the deepest sorrow and heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Shane MacGowan,” his family said in a joint statement shared on The Pogues’ Twitter. “Prayers and the last rites were read which gave comfort to his family,” the statement continued. “He is survived by his wife Victoria, his sister Siobhan and his father, Maurice, family and a large cirlce of friends.” 

Henry Kissinger

Former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger passed away on Nov. 29 at age 100, Reuters reports. Kissinger, who was a German-born Jewish refugee, is largely known for being the National Security Adviser under President Nixon during the Cold War. 

Frances Sternhagen

Actress Frances Sternhagen, who starred in movies like Misery and shows like Sex and the City, passed away on Nov. 27. She was 93 years old. 

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that our dear mother, actress Frances Sternhagen, died peacefully of natural causes in New Rochelle, NY, on November 27th, 2023 at the age of 93,” her family said in a statement obtained by CNN. “She is survived by her 6 children, 9 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. A celebration of her remarkable career and life is planned for mid January, near her 94th birthday. We continue to be inspired by her love and life.” May she rest in peace.

Rosalynn Carter

Former US First Lady, mental health advocate, and beloved wife to Jimmy Carter, Rosalynn Carter, has passed away. After her dementia diagnosis, she was taken to hospice care, and died two days later. She was 96. She is survived by their four children, their grandchildren and great-children.

Donald Trump’s Sister Maryanne Trump Barry

Former president Donald Trump’s older sister, Maryanne Trump Barry, has passed away. The former senior judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals was found in her Fifth Avenue apartment at about 4 a.m., sources told ABC News. She was 86 years old. 

Matthew Perry

Beloved actor Matthew Perry suddenly passed away at the young age of 54 after an apparent drowning on Oct 28, 2023. He was most well-known for his role of Chandler Bing on Friends, but is also known for his roles in 17 Again, The Whole Nine Yards, and The Odd Couple. 

Richard Roundtree

The groundbreaking and beloved actor Richard Roundtree, who we all adored as the iconic character Shaft, has sadly passed away at the age of 81 from pancreatic cancer. His longtime manager told ABCNews that he passed away with his family, specifically his five children, by his side.

Burt Young

Oscar-nominated actor and Rocky star Burt Young passed away on Oct 8. He was 83. 

“Burt was an actor of tremendous emotional range. He could make you cry and he could scare you to death,” Young’s manager, Lynda Bensky, said in a statement to People. “But the real pathos that I experienced was the poignancy of his soul. That’s where it came from.”

Young is survived by his daughter, his brother, and a grandson.

Suzanne Somers

Tragically, on Oct 15, the day before her 77th birthday, Suzanne Somers passed away after her 50-year-long battle with cancer. She was known for her roles in She’s the Sheriff, Three’s Company, and her own show The Suzanne Show.

She is survived by her husband Alan Hamel, her son Bruce Jr, and her granddaughters Camelia, Violet and Daisy Hamel-Buffa.

Michael Chiarello

Chef and former Food Network star Michael Chiarello passed away on Oct 7 after receiving treatment for “an acute allergic reaction that led to anaphylactic shock.” He was 61 years old. 

“We deeply mourn the loss of our beloved patriarch Michael,” Chiarello’s family said in a statement to Business Wire. “His culinary brilliance, boundless creativity, and unwavering commitment to family were at the core of his being. He brought people together through the joy of shared meals, fostering lasting memories around the table.”

“As we navigate this profound loss, we hold dear the moments we cherished with him, both in his kitchens and in our hearts,” the touching statement continued. “His legacy will forever live on in the love he poured into every dish and the passion he instilled in all of us to savor life’s flavors.”

David McCallum

NCIS star David McCallum passed away on Sept 25 from natural causes, Entertainment Weekly reported. He was 90 years old.

McCallum is survived by his wife Katherine, his four children and his eight grandchildren.

Michael Gambon

The Irish actor who is best known for playing Dumbledore in six Harry Potter movies died at age 82, according to Variety. His death was announced on September 28.

“We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon,” his family said in a statement. “Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia.”

Gambon joined the Harry Potter cast in the third installment of the series after the death of Richard Harris who previous played the role of the Hogwarts headmaster.

Jimmy Buffett

The beloved “Margaritaville” singer Jimmy Buffett has passed away at age 76, and both his website and social media confirmed it with a statement reading: “Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs. He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”

Mohamed Al-Fayed

Princess Diana’s partner Dodo Al-Fayed’s father Mohamed Al-Fayed has passed away at age 94. He was a billionaire businessman who owned businesses such as Hôtel Ritz Paris and Harrods, to name a few.

Bob Barker

Animal rights activist and legendary host Bob Barker has died at the age of 99, per DailyMail. The Emmy winner was the most well-known and beloved show Price Is Right, which he hosted from 1972 til his retirement in 2007 (but continued to make appearances now and then until 2017)! 

Alexandra Paul

Olympic figure skater Alexandra Paul suddenly passed away at the young age of 31 in a tragic car crash on Aug 22, per DailyMail. She is survived by her husband Mitchell Islam and their son Charlie, who survived the pile-up.

Bray Wyatt

WWE wrestler Bray Wyatt, whose real name was Windham Rotunda, died unexpectedly at the age of 36, per CNN.

Ron Cephas Jones

This Is Us actor Ron Cephas Jones tragically passed away at age 66, due to a “long-standing pulmonary issue,” per People. The Emmy-winning actor had 46 acting credits under his belt, and was also nominated for a Tony. 

Carol Duvall

Carol Duvall, the iconic television personality known as the “Queen of Crafts,” has sadly left this world at the age of 97, People reports. The news of her passing on July 31, 2023, has left a void in the hearts of craft enthusiasts worldwide.

Born in 1926, Duvall’s passion for creativity and artistry guided her throughout her illustrious career. She became a household name through her popular arts and crafts show, The Carol Duvall Show, which aired on HGTV and the DIY Network. Her warm and engaging presence, coupled with her expert crafting skills, touched the lives of countless viewers.

Angus Cloud

The family of Cloud, who played Fez is Euphoria, revealed on July 31 that the actor passed away in his family’s Oakland home after burying his father a week earlier. He was just 25 years old.

“Angus was open about his battle with mental health and we hope that his passing can be a reminder to others that they are not alone and should not fight this on their own in silence,” a statement read according to TMZ.

Paul Reubens

The man behind the iconic Pee-Wee Herman character sadly passed away on July 30 at the age of 70 after a battle with cancer. A statement on his Instagram reads, “Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.” 

Sinead O’Connor

The songstress who captured people’s hearts with the hit song “Nothing Compares 2 U” Sinead O’Connor has suddenly passed away at age 56 on July 26, 2023. She later changed her name to Shuhada’ Sadaqat, and per DailyMail, suffered a long battle with mental health struggles. This comes 18 months after her son passed away.

Josephine Gardin-Chaplin

Sadly, Charlie Chaplin’s daughter Josephine Gardin-Chaplin has passed away at age 74. She was known for her roles in Doctor Francoise Gailland, Chicken In Vinegar, and Red Nights, and is survived by her three children.

Tony Bennett

Legendary pop and jazz singer Tony Bennett passed away on July 21, Variety reports. He was 96. 

The singer, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016, continued to perform for years after his initial diagnosis. 

Jane Birkin

Legendary old Hollywood actress and singer Jane Birkin has suddenly passed away at the age of 76 on July 16, 2023, per CNN.

Alan Arkin

Prolific actor Alan Arkin passed away at the age of 89, People confirmed on June 30. The actor had a decades-long career that included roles in films and TV. In 2007, he won the Oscar for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role for his work in Little Miss Sunshine. He was also nominated in the same category for the film Argo in 2013, and received two previous nominations for Best Actor in a Leading Role for The Heart is a Lonely Hunter and The Russians Are Coming The Russians Are Coming. 

“Our father was a uniquely talented force of nature, both as an artist and a man,” Arkin’s sons Anthony, Matthew, and Adam shared in a statement. “A loving husband, father, grand and great grandfather, he was adored and will be deeply missed.”

Julian Sands

Roughly six months after he went missing, Julian Sands remains were found in San Bernardino, per Deadline. The actor was best known for his performances in the Oscar-winning film adaptation of A Room with a View, The Killing Fields, Leaving Las Vegas, and more. When the actor first went missing in January, his family expressed their sincere gratitude to search teams, saying in a statement, “We are deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support,” per ABC News. 

Treat Williams

Everwood alum Treat Williams tragically and suddenly passed away at the age of 71, after being involved in a motorcycle accident. His agent Barry McPherson confirmed the news to People, saying, “He was killed this afternoon. He was making a left or a right [and] a car cut him off. I’m just devastated. He was the nicest guy. He was so talented.”

Anna Shay

Bling Empire star Anna Shay has passed away at age 62, People confirms. “It saddens our hearts to announce that Anna Shay, a loving mother, grandmother, charismatic star, and our brightest ray of sunshine, has passed away at the early age of 62 from a stroke,” her family said in a statement. “Anna taught us many life lessons on how not to take life too seriously and to enjoy the finer things. Her impact on our lives will be forever missed but never forgotten.”

Barry Newman

Barry Newman, the Emmy-nominated actor renowned for his roles in Vanishing Point and Petrocelli, has passed away at the age of 92. In June, his wife Angela revealed he died on May 11 due to natural causes at NewYork-Presbyterian Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Newman’s portrayal of Kowalski in Vanishing Point and the eponymous lawyer in Petrocelli earned him critical acclaim and award nominations. With a career spanning Broadway, film, and television, he made notable appearances in works such as The Limey and Daylight.

Despite facing vocal cord cancer in 2009, Newman persevered in his craft and recently starred in the independent film Finding Hannah. He leaves behind his wife, Angela, and a legacy of memorable performances.

Samantha Weinstein

Actress Samantha Weinstein, known for her work in movies like Jesus Henry Christ and the 2013 Carrie reboot, passed away on May 14 at the age of 28 after a two-and-a-half year battle with ovarian cancer. 

“After two and a half years of cancer treatment, and a lifetime of jet setting around the world,” read a caption of a May 15 Instagram post featuring Weinstein floating in the cosmos. “Voicing a plethora of cartoon animals, making music, and knowing more about life than most people ever will, she is off on her next adventure.”

Tina Turner

Tina Turner, the Queen of Rock’n Roll known for her powerful performances and gritty vocals, passed away at her home in Küsnacht, Switzerland. The music legend and role model, aged 83, succumbed to a long illness.

Born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939, in Nutbush, Tennessee, Turner gained fame in the late 1960s as the lead singer of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. Despite enduring physical and emotional abuse from her husband Ike Turner, she made an extraordinary comeback in the 1980s. Turner achieved immense success with hits like “What’s Love Got To Do With it,” “Private Dancer,” and “The Best,” selling over 180 million albums, winning 12 Grammy Awards, and captivating audiences with sold-out stadium tours worldwide.

Ray Stevenson

Actor Ray Stevenson, known for his roles in films such as King Arthur, Punisher, RRR, Thor, and the upcoming Star Wars series Ahsoka, passed away on Sunday at the age of 58. No cause of death has been released, Variety reports.

Born in 1964 in Northern Ireland, Stevenson first began his acting career in theater before transitioning to film. He was best known for his role as Volstagg in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films Thor and Thor: The Dark World. He also starred as Titus Pullo in the HBO/BBC series Rome and Frank Castle/The Punisher in Punisher: War Zone.

Ray Stevenson is survived by his wife Ruth Gemmell and their two children Lili and Isaac.

Andy Rourke

Andy Rourke, the bassist of the Smiths, has passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 59 years old. 

“Andy will always be remembered,” the Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr wrote on Instagram, “as a kind and beautiful soul by everyone who knew him, and as a supremely gifted musician by people who love music.”

Heather Armstrong

Heather Armstrong, the mommy blogger behind the website “Dooce,” has passed away at the age of 44. Armstrong began blogging in 2001 and quickly gained a large following, becoming one of the pioneers of the medium. Her blog, “Dooce,” chronicled her life as a mother and quickly became one of the most popular blogs on the internet. Armstrong’s writing was known for its honesty and humor, and she was praised for her willingness to share her struggles with mental health and other personal issues.

Jackie Zeman

Actress Jackie Zeman, best known for her role as nurse Bobbie Spencer on the long-running soap opera General Hospital, has died at the age of 70. Her career in television spanned over five decades, with appearances on other shows such as One Life to Live and The Bold and the Beautiful.

General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini praised Zeman’s impact on the show and the industry, saying, “Jackie’s contribution to General Hospital and the world of daytime television is immeasurable. Her talent, energy, and spirit will be greatly missed, but her legacy will live on forever.” Zeman’s cause of death was not immediately announced.

Tori Bowie

Tori Bowie, the Olympic sprinter who won three medals for Team USA at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, passed away at the age of 32. Her management company announced her passing on May 3 without disclosing a cause of death. 

“USATF is deeply saddened by the passing of Tori Bowie, a three-time Olympic medalist and two-time world champion,” USA Track and Field CEO Max Siegel said in a statement. “A talented athlete, her impact on the sport is immeasurable, and she will be greatly missed.”

Gordon Lightfoot

Legendary Canadian Gordon Lightfoot passed away from “natural causes” at age 84. The news was shared by Lightfoot’s publicist Victoria Lord on his official Facebook page. “He is survived by his wife Kim Hasse, six children– Fred, Ingrid, Eric, Galen, Miles and Meredith, as well as several grandchildren,” the post detailed.

Jerry Springer

Jerry Springer, longtime ‘The Jerry Springer Show’ host and former mayor of Cincinnati, passed away on April 27 at the age of 79. A family spokesperson revealed to TMZ Springer’s passing while he was battling a “brief illness.”

Harry Belafonte

Harry Belafonte, a history-making singer, actor and a longtime advocate of the civil rights movement, died on Tuesday, April 25, at his home. He was 96. 

Len Goodman

Former Dancing With the Stars judge Len Goodman passed away on April 22 after battling with bone cancer. “It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78,” Goodman’s manager Jackie Gill told BBC. “A much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him.”

MoonBin

K-Pop singer MoonBin, from the band ASTRO, was found dead in his home on April 19. “It appears that Moonbin took his own life,” local police said in a statement published by Yonhap News, per People.

Lance Reddick

Lance Reddick, an actor famous for his roles in The Wire, Fringe, and the John Wick franchise passed away of natural causes on Friday, March 17, Variety reported. The star, who was recently doing press for the upcoming sequel John Wick: Chapter 4, was only 60 years old.

Tom Sizemore

On February 18, 2023, Tom Sizemore tragically suffered a brain aneurysm and was quickly hospitalized. On March 3, he died at the age of 61 after being put off life support. Sizemore was known for his supporting roles in classics like Heat, Saving Private Ryan, Black Hawk Down, and Pearl Harbor.

He is survived by his twin sons Jagger and Jayden.

Lisa Loring

The original Wednesday Addams, Lisa Loring has passed away at the age of 66 on Jan 28, 2023, from a sudden stroke. The horror icon also appeared in a variety of films like Blood Frenzy, Iced, and more.

Raquel Welch

TMZ broke the news on Feb 15 that the iconic Raquel Welch has passed away at the age of 82, after suffering an unknown, brief illness. Welch is not only known as a fashion icon and sex symbol, but for her roles in The Three Musketeers, Hannie Caulder, Fathom, and more.

Burt Bacharach

Legendary songwriter, composer and music producer Burt Bacharach passed away on Feb 8 due to natural causes, per Variety. He was 94 years old. The three-time Oscar winner, was the person behind many beloved songs today including “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” “Walk On By,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” and many others. Bacharach is survived by his wife Jane and his three children.

Annie Wersching

Annie Wersching, an actress known for her roles in 24, Bosch and Timeless, died on Jan 29 at 45 years old. Per Deadline, her husband, actor Stephen Full, issued a statement confirming her passing. “There is a cavernous hole in the soul of this family today. But she left us the tools to fill it,” the touching statement read. “She found wonder in the simplest moment. She didn’t require music to dance. She taught us not to wait for adventure to find you. ‘Go find it. It’s everywhere.’ And find it we shall.” Wersching is survived by Full and their children Freddie, Ozzie and Archie.

David Crosby

Folk-rock legend David Crosby, a founding member of The Byrds and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, died on Jan 18 at age 81. The news was confirmed by his family to The New York Times, no further details were provided.

Lisa Marie Presley

Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of the late King of Rock and Roll Elvis, passed away suddenly on Jan 12 at age 54. The news broke after she was hospitalized following an apparent cardiac arrest. “Priscilla Presley and the Presley family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Lisa Marie,” her mom Priscilla Presley said in a statement to CNN. “They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time.” Lisa Marie is survived by her mother and her three daughters Riley, 33, Finley and Harper, both 14. 

Tatjana Patitz

One of the original “supermodels” of the ’80s and ’90s, Tatjana Patitz passed away on Jan 11 at just 56 years old. “She is survived by her son, her sister, and her parents. We are all devastated by her passing,” her agent shared in a statement to People. “She was compassionate soul, kind and generous of heart and an avid advocate of animal rights. One of the major causes she supported was the conservation of wild horses.” Per People, Patitz passed away after a battle with breast cancer. 

Jeff Beck

Legendary guitarist and Grammy winner Jeff Beck passed away on Jan 11 at 78 years old. “On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing,” his family wrote in a statement on Instagram. “After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday. His family ask for privacy while they process this tremendous loss.”