Celebrities who died in 2021 Jason Guerrasio Updated Betty White. Limbaugh would be a major voice in Trump's run for the presidency. He was first diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and then said in 2019 that he was, at the time, cancer-free. He was a producer, known for Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (1993), BeetleBorgs (1996) and Power Rangers Turbo (1997). 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.". She died on November 6, 2021 in Seattle, Washington, USA. His legend will live on forever.". The year 2021 was a sad year for celebrity deaths. 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. Of Irish and English extraction, she was one of two daughters born to Amit Mistry was born in 1974 in India. This list includes people like Larry King, Cicely Tyson, Christopher Plummer, Tanya Roberts, Phil Spector and many more. Instead, he let his music do the talking. He was previously married to Nancy Van Rijn. Tell us what you think about this feature. Joe Siracusa was born on February 3, 1922 in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Larry Gelman was born on November 3, 1930 in Brooklyn, New York, USA. He was an actor, known for Take the High Road (1980), The Omega Factor (1979) and Witch Wood (1964). He died on September 15, 2021 in Bath, England, UK. Dean Robert Stockwell grew up in North Hollywood, the son of Broadway performers Harry Stockwell and Elizabeth "Betty" Stockwell (ne Veronica). Bettie Page 3. "She loved her fans, and I don't think she realized how much she meant to them.". His work is responsible for five Tony Award for best musical, and six of which won for best original score. He was previously married to Juanita Wair Jackson. His vaudevillian father was a replacement Curly in the original production of "Oklahoma!". He earned an Emmy for being one of the writers on the 1977 "Paul Simon Special.". He was an editor, known for G.I. Then there are the non-franchises that are also memorable: horror classic "The Omen," the Bill Murray-starrer "Scrooged," and the hit Western "Maverick.". On Oct. 29, 2021, Turner Sports broadcaster Ernie Johnson took to Instagram to share that he and wife Cheryl's son Michael Johnson one of four children they adopted had died at 33. Mario Van Peebles described his father's legacy and the final moments of his life in this Instagram post. She was an actress, known for Videodrome (1983), Urban Legend (1998) and Funeral Home (1980). Made for $50,000 from a loan Van Peebles got from Bill Cosby when the studios passed on it, Van Peebles starred, directed, wrote, edited, composed the music, and shot it over 19 days. Sadly, the comedy icon - who starred in 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show,' 'Golden Girls' and more -. ", "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. He died on November 14, 2021 in Austin, Texas, USA. The guitarist for the iconic 1960s pop band The Monkees, Nesmith was recognizable for being the tallest of the foursome and often sporting a wool cap. Peter Scolari. Williams' acting was always a standout regardless the size of the role thanks to his deep voice and scar that went across his face. Song like "I'm a Believer," "Last Train to Clarksville," and "Daydream Beliver" made Nesmith and the group the first big American boy band. No cause was given. Madden died on December 28, no cause was given. 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. "SNL" announced his passing on the November 20th episode of the show by showing the short film he starred in titled "The Java Junkie." Nominated for a Grammy, his songs like "Get at Me Dog" and "X Gon' Give It to Ya" made him a major fixture in the gritty 1990s rap scene. He was also Emmy nominated for the comedy series "Newhart. ", Visit Insider's homepage for more stories, announced on his radio show on February 17, during his time on "Saturday Night Live. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. His last concert with the band took place in Miami on August 30, 2019. Dustin Diamond . He was previously married to Sigrid Insull and Marycarolyn Linda Elizabeth "MiMi" Hawkins. Lionel and his sister Joyce's father, a barber encouraged their interest in dancing and theatre. Clark is known best for playing the brash drummer Freddy "Spazzy McGee" Jones in the 2003 Richard Linklater movie "School of Rock," starring Jack Black. 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). Aaron would end his career with 755 home runs (a record that would hold until Barry Bonds surpassed it in 2007). She was a writer, known for A Star Is Born (2018), A Star Is Born (1976) and Up Close & Personal (1996). He was an actor, known for West Side Story (1961), Enchanted (2007) and Ravagers (1979). I love you.". 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. She was an actress, known for Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012) and Sundance Directors Lab (2009). "He was diagnosed with this brutal, relentless form of malignant cancer only three weeks ago. His most recognizable role was playing Babe Ruth in 1993 classic "The Sandlot. Slim 400 was born in 1988 in Germany. Fearlessly. He died on December 14, Wanda Rogers was born on August 9, 1943 in Eloise, Michigan, USA. Stockwell is known best for playing Admiral "Al" Calavicci in the hit sci-fi TV series "Quantum Leap" in the early 1990s. Williams was reportedly found dead in his Brooklyn, New York City apartment on September 6, according to the New York Post. Stan Lee 4. He was a director, known for The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), David Bowie: John, I'm Only Dancing (1972) and David Bowie: The Jean Genie (1972). The trailblazer wowed audiences with his 1971 movie "Sweetback's Baadasssss Song." Actor | "He was a national treasure who deeply relished his Canadian roots. This is a list of deaths of notable people, organised by year. And Wright's singing of Oscar-winning song "Under the Sea" and nominated "Kiss the Girl" helped make the movie into an instant classic. 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." She died on December 25, 2021 in the John Madden was born on April 10, 1936 in Austin, Minnesota, USA. Walter died in her sleep at her home in New York City on March 24, according to Bowman. Photo Credit: Wikipedia. Leachman began her seven-decade career as a Miss America contestant in 1946 followed by. Kotto died on March 15 near Manila in the Philippines. She's most known for her Oscar-nominated performance in the 1972 drama "Sounder," her Emmy-winning role as Ophelia Harkness in "How to Get Away with Murder," and her countless stage performances. David Fox was an acclaimed Canadian actor. Betty White, Michael K. Williams, Norm Macdonald, Cicely Tyson, and DMX died this year. 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. The versatile actor was also a mainstay in many films, such as "Little Manhattan," "There's Something About Mary," and "Groundhog Day.". Covid-19's second wave also took away several known faces. Lester Fisher was born on February 24, 1921 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. He died on November 21, 2021 in the USA. He died on February 8, 2021 in Los Angeles, California, USA. "She called me son. ", Director David Lynch cast him in his 1984 adaptation of "Dune," and later chose him to played Ben in 1986's "Blue Velvet," in which he performs a memorable lip-synch of Roy Orbison's "In Dreams.". Donner died on July 5, was confirmed to Deadline by his wife and business manager Lauren Schuler Donner No cause of death has been revealed. 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. With Asner's loud roar of a voice and stocky stature, he spent his career playing a wide range of characters that were often intimidating but over time would prove he had a kind center. He was married to Chantal Harvey Evans was born on January 7, 1941 in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. He won a Tony in 1966 for his one-man stage show, "Mark Twain Tonight!" Prince Philip, the husband to Queen Elizabeth II, became the longest-serving British consort in history. He was previously married to Emma. As the anchor of Weekend Update from 1994 to 1997, he was taken off as anchor during the O.J. Doris Day 5. The younger brother of fellow actor/stunt man Joe Robinson, Doug was born Douglas Bowbank Robinson in central Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1930. The show starred the actors as two friends who disguise themselves as women to live in the only apartment building they can afford: an all-female building. He rarely talks about his movie career, Graeme Edge was born on March 30, 1941 in Rocester, Staffordshire, England, UK. He had been battling COVID-19 in the hospital for over a week before his death, but on February 13 it was announced that the cause of death was sepsis and two underlying conditions. He died on November 9, 2021 in Brentwood, Los Angeles, Gavan O'Herlihy was born on July 29, 1951 in Los Angeles, California, USA. He was also a decent tenor whose voice was used for the part of Larry Sellers was a Native American actor and stuntman of Osage and Cherokee descent and an adopted member of the Lakota nation. Williams followed up "The Wire" with delivering another memorable performance playing racketeer Chalky White in another acclaimed HBO series, "Boardwalk Empire. He was an actor, known for Contract on Cherry Street (1977), The Clay Cole Show (1959) and Upbeat (1964). Then in 1988 the "John Madden Football" video game was born and has now become such a phenomenon it's simply known as just "Madden. His parents were emigrants who hailed from an area near Casale Monferrato, a region noted for its viticulture, in Piedmont, Italy. ", Constantine won an Emmy in 1970 for his role as principal Seymour Kaufman in the ABC series "Room 222.". Doug MacLeod was born on October 13, 1959 in Greensborough, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. He was an actor, known for Never Say Never Again (1983), The Descent: Part 2 (2009) and Willow (1988). Vicki attended the University of Nebraska for one year before detouring to Hollywood, California. 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. The hall of fame player hit his 715th career home run in 1974, breaking the record Babe Ruth held for close to 33 years. He later became 'Willio' of the comedic singing group Willio & Phillio. Rush will forever be the greatest of all-time.". But he had a slew of memorable roles on the small and big screen. ", Siravo mainly found work in theater, where he was part of Tony Award-winning productions of "Oslo" and "The Light in the Piazza." He died on November 18, 2021 in Victoria, British Columbia, Actor | He died on October 13, 2021 in New Sarpy, Louisiana, USA. 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. King died on January 23. But his two most memorable was his debut feature role in the movie "Deliverance" as Bobby, and playing Otis, Lex Luthor's sidekick in 1978's "Superman. Phil Spector (Dec. 26, 1939-Jan. 17, 2021) (Nick Ut - Pool via Getty Images) Spector was considered a musical genius when it came to producing records, including "You've Lost That Lovin'. Scottish DJ, musician, and musical producer died at the young age of 34 on January 30. Macdonald died on September 14 from cancer, which he had been battling for close to a decade, according to his longtime producing partner Lori Jo Hoekstra. "In the late 1960s we became the group that Graeme always wanted it to be, and he was called upon to be a poet as well as a drummer," Hayward continued. DMX died on April 9, a week after having a heart attack at his home in New York. His song "Send In the Clowns" from "A Little Night Music" won song of the year at the Grammys in 1975. He was an actor, known for Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989), Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985) and Wedding Crashers (2005). Mac Miller He died on December 24, 2021 in Englewood, New Jersey, USA. Val studied acting under the renowned Ralph Carmichael was born on May 27, 1927 in Quincy, Illinois, USA. ", White played the gullible Rose Nylund on "Golden Girls.". Some of the most notable deaths included actors James Gandolfini, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Robin Williams. The Rocky Horror Picture Show. He was an actor, known for The Young and the Restless (1973), JFK (1991) and Good Guys Wear Black (1978). He was an actor, known for The Replacements (2000), Little Giants (1994) and Arli$$ (1996). He was previously married to Amanda, Sue and Carol. She died on December 9, 2021 in Mexico City, Mexico. Recently, he also played Fred Goldman, the father of Ronald Goldman in the FX mini-series, "The People v. O.J. Camera_department | He was an actor and writer, known for You Don't Mess with the Zohan (2008), Salomonico (1972) and Masada (1981). He was a writer and producer, known for Martin (1992), The Show (1996) and Saturday Night Live (1975). Celebrities who died in 2021. Lists of deaths by year. He was an actor, known for Laverne & Shirley (1976), Dreamgirls (2006) and A League of Their Own (1992). In Memoriam: Notable people who died in 2021 + Betty White, 99 Beloved comedic actress Betty White's decadeslong career spanned generations. She blazed so brightly. Born in Saint Joseph's Hospital in downtown Houston, Texas, Scott Page-Pagter was born on February 13, 1957 in the USA. A travel influencer and vlogger who traveled with Brian Laundrie since 2019, the pair traveled the country together, with Petito . She was previously married to John Gregory Dunne. Downey Sr. died on July 7 after years battling Parkinson's disease. He died on May 26 after being hit by a car while biking, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Additionally, we lost . de Klerk was born on March 18, 1936 in Johannesburg, South Africa. "To think that she lived for 96 years and I got to be a part of the last 16 brings me great joy," he continued. Among those who have died in the past 12 months were some well-known figures, including Virgil Abloh and Michael K. Williams. "My heart breaks in one beat, while celebrating her life in the next," Tyler Perry wrote in a statement on the loss of Tyson on his Instagram. Lisa Brown was born on August 2, 1954 in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. He died on December 4, 2021 in Nashville Jonshel Alexander was born on February 26, 1999 in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. He died on November 17, 2021 in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. The actor died on April 11 following a "long, courageous" battle with colon cancer, according to his agent. Father and son also costarred in movies not directed by Downey Sr., including 1988's "Johnny Be Good" and 1994's "Hail Caesar.". "On a daily basis there were no boundaries to something positive, something about winning, that he could do.". He would go on to star in several more of his dad's films before becoming a global star in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and other blockbusters. In 2021, Hollywood lost dozens of accomplished performers who've entertained audiences for years: legendary composer Stephen Sondheim, award-winning actress Cicely Tyson, rapper DMX, actress and. Weeks before his death he announced he was withdrawing for the band's upcoming US tour. David Lasley's prolific career as a singer/songwriter spans more than 30 years. He is presently teaching acting at the University of Saskatchewan, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Sadly, these famous people who died in 2021 will remain in our memories. His other credits include "Changing Lanes," starring Ben Affleck and Samuel L. Jackson; "Venus," which earned Peter O'Toole an Oscar nomination; "Morning Glory," starring Harrison Ford, Rachel McAdams, and Diane Keaton; and "My Cousin Rachel" starring Rachel Weisz. Joe (1985), The Transformers (1984) and Dungeons & Dragons (1983). "We all know him as the Hall of Fame coach of the Oakland Raiders and broadcaster who worked for every major network, but more than anything, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.". She was an actress and director, known for As the World Turns (1956), Guiding Light (1952) and Gotham the Series (2009). Philip died on April 9, according to Buckingham Palace. 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. Edge died on November 11, no cause was given. Aykroyd joined in show in 1979 after a stint with "SCTV." 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. Tylerpassed away on October 24 from prostate cancer. The thick glasses with fake big nose turned the Humpty character into rap's first comedic icon. He died on November 6, 2021 in Spokane, Washington, USA. 24 Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding was just 39 when she died in September 2021 Credit: PA Which celebrities died in 2021? Williams began his career as a backup dancer for artists like George Michael and Madonna. They couldn't stay away from each other for long. Sophie. He was previously married to Elizabeth Dole and Phyllis Eloise Holden. He's most known for his "Larry King Live" show on CNN that ran from 1985 to 2010 and is the network's most-watched and longest-running show of all time. ", She won eight Emmy awards and a Grammy for a spoken word recording of her best-selling autobiography, "If You Ask Me. She is primarily remembered for portraying the superheroine Isis/Andrea Thomas in the short-lived series "The Secrets of Isis" (1975-1976). ", "On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our condolences to Virginia, Mike, Joe and their families," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell following Madden's passing. She died on December 31, 2021 in Los Angeles, USA. Known in the music world as a producer who worked alongside everyone from the Beatles to the Ronettes, Spector was known later in life for being convicted of murder. Nesmith died of natural causes on December 10. She was previously married to Bobby Rogers. He was a writer and producer, known for Spies Like Us (1985), Nothing But Trouble (1991) and My Stepmother Is an Alien (1988). ", Born in Spokane, Washington, and grew up in Caldwell, Idaho. Scolari, a revered actor of the stage and screen, died on October 22 at age 66 after a two-year battle with cancer. Larry King 1933 -2021 Veteran television and radio personality Larry King died Jan. 23. The song "Sooner or Later (I Always Get My Man)" for the 1991 film "Dick Tracy," won him an Academy Award. ", 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. I will surely miss him," Chiba's manager Timothy Beal told Insider. 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. Eddie Mekka was born on June 14, 1952 in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA. Legendary Japanese actor Shinichi "Sonny" Chiba was known best for playing the lead in numerous martial arts movies through the 1970s. He was a producer and actor, known for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour (1988), Gallagher: An Uncensored Evening (1980) and Gallagher: Two Real (1981). "Thank you, Scolari, for every chat between set ups, every hug onscreen and off and every 'Oh, Jeez.' At seventeen, she entered show biz as a dancer at the Copacabana and thereafter won several beauty contests, including "Miss American Legion," "Miss Miami Beach", and "Miss Fire Fighter". "We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members, and close friends is respected at this difficult time.". He was voted one of the 9 Breakout Talents from the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival for his performance as Luke opposite Zoey Deutch in Flower (2017). Here, we honor the celebrities who died in 2021: their legacies, their careers, and their impact. Garson co-starred as con man Mozzie on USA Network's "White Collar," from 2009 to 2014. He is known for Hell Ride (2008), Murderers' Row (1966) and Automan (1983). He was also nominated for an Oscar for his performance in 2007's "Into the Wild. Garson died on September 21, the cause of death was pancreatic cancer. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, celebrity lawyer Raoul Felder told the Associated Press. Hank Aaron, 87 Hank Aaron. Known as the godfather of Black cinema, if it wasn't for the work of Melvin Van Peebles there would be no "Shaft" or any of the other legendary work from the Blaxploitation movement and beyond. Before comedy clubs existed, Sahl began performing at the hungry i music club in San Francisco in the early 1950s. Sondheim was one of the most treasured composers-lyricists that ever graced Broadway. Rice died on December 11 of complications from a stroke, according to her son. Valle died suddenly in his cabin outside Quebec City, Canada on December 26, according to the Associated Press. He was previously married to Caroline Grant. Gwyneth Guthrie was born on April 28, 1937 in Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland, UK. As the drummer of The Rolling Stones, he didn't have the flash of its frontman Mick Jagger or the flamboyance of its lead guitarist Keith Richards, instead Watts kept in the background often staying quiet when the band had to do press. Unsurprisingly, one of his first paying jobs was as a Phil Lonergan was an actor, known for Black Widow (2021), The Fifth Element (1997) and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991). He also had the story credit alongside his brother in the 1991 comedy "Nothing But Trouble.". Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse. Flynt died of heart failure on February 10. She died on November 9, 2021 in Scotland, UK. 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. He was previously married to Dorothy J. Pearl. Singer Whitney Houston also died in early 2021, as did singer Prince. ", "It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of my beloved mom Jessica," Walter's daughter, Brooke Bowman, told Deadline. In that time, it managed to spread rapidly throughout his system," the statement continued. Larry Gelman Actor | Dreamscape on channel KHJ-TV Los Angeles. She was previously married to John Borland. She was previously married to Russell Stoneham and Phil Silvers. This two-time Tony Award-nominated actor did everything from play Dizzy Gillespie in Clint Eastwood's 1988 "Bird" to being the purple grapes character in a series of Fruit of the Loom underwear commercials, but he'll forever be remembered as the voice of Sebastian the Crab in the Disney classic "The Little Mermaid.". "He was a great friend humble, caring and friendly man. 559. Williams died on June 4 due to colon cancer. "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.". He died on January 16 of natural causes according to California state prison officials inside the San Joaquin General Hospital. The latter, who was her faithful companion for nearly 14 years, died in January 2021. We say goodbye to the famous people that touched our lives. King was regarded as one of the great interviewers of his generation, honing his. Rapper DMX (born Earl Simmons) moved a generation thanks to the pain and anguish he put into all his songs. 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. He was previously married to Abbie. Writer | 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. Over the decades she won the National Book Award, the American Academy of Arts & Letters Gold Medal in Criticism and Belles Letters, the National Medal of Arts and Humanities, and the PEN Center USA's Lifetime Achievement Award.