Iconic People Who Recently Passed Away

Anne Heche has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry since the 1990s. She received an Emmy Award nomination for her role in Gracie’s Choice and a Tony Award nomination for her performance in Twentieth Century. Despite her thriving career, she was also known for her relationship with Ellen DeGeneres. Tragically, Heche died in a car accident on August 5, leaving behind a long list of memorable performances.

The world lost a true legend on December 29th with the passing of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé. Regarded as the greatest soccer player of all time, Pelé’s amazing play and his role in winning three World Cups for Brazil solidified his place in the sport’s history. Throughout the late 1960s, Pelé was a household name, with his fame reaching new heights thanks to his humanitarian work, TV and film appearances, and endorsement deals.

The entertainment world lost a true icon with the passing of Gilbert Gottfried on April 12, 2022. Known for his grating, distinctive voice, Gottfried rose to fame as a stand-up comedian in New York at just 15 years old. He later became a cast member on Saturday Night Live and went on to voice iconic characters such as the sarcastic parrot Iago in Disney’s Aladdin and characters in SpongeBob Squarepants and Family Guy. 

Hollywood has lost a legend with the passing of John Aniston, star of Days of Our Lives. Aniston was a master of his craft, bringing to life the character of Victor Kiriakis on the long-running soap opera for 36 years! He was honored with the 2022 Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to him by his daughter Jennifer Aniston, which took place less than six months before his passing.

With her comedic skills and stunning looks, actress Kirstie Alley was one of the biggest stars of the 80s. From her memorable role as Rebecca Howe on Cheers to her award-winning performance in Look Who’s Talking, Alley had a long career in Hollywood. She earned numerous accolades and nominations, including an Emmy and a Golden Globe. However, after a lengthy private struggle with cancer, she passed away at the age of 71.

Julee Cruise, the singer-songwriter behind the haunting hit “Falling,” left a lasting impression on the world of music and television with her memorable work on David Lynch’s series Twin Peaks. With her stunning voice and performances, Cruise became a staple of the cult classic show and its soundtrack, appearing several times as a roadhouse singer. Sadly, her husband revealed that she passed away from suicide on June 9, 2022.

Actress Louise Fletcher has had an impressive career, winning the Best Actress Oscar for her iconic portrayal of Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. She was known for being a versatile actress who left an indelible mark on the industry with her stunning performance in Exorcist II: The Heretic and Cruel Intentions. Though she had battled breast cancer twice by the time she was 80,  the exact cause of her death was not disclosed.

With a voice that could not be ignored, Irene Cara made her mark in the entertainment industry in the 80s. From her role as Coco Hernandez in the musical movie Fame to singing its iconic theme song, Cara’s talent was undeniable. Her chart-topping performance in Flashdance was a standout hit and earned her a Grammy and an Oscar. Sadly, on November 25, the world lost a true talent as Cara passed away at 63.

One of America’s most beloved comedians, Louie Anderson, rose to fame after appearing on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in 1984. This marked the start of a series of TV appearances, comedy specials, and film roles, including the classic films Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Coming to America. His many accomplishments collected him plenty of fans along the way. However, the last few years of his life weren’t as easy as his family wished.

Comedic actor Mike Hagerty passed away on April 29, leaving behind a memorable legacy in Hollywood. Known for his comedic timing and mustache, Hagerty first rose to prominence in the 1987 comedy Overboard. Throughout his career, he appeared in various movies and TV shows, including Cheers, Friends, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Despite his lovely and warm demeanor on-screen, the last months of his life were quite the opposite, full of much grim.

Another tragic loss of 2022, the iconic rapper Collio passed away at just 59 years young. His hit song “Gangsta’s Paradise” remains a classic and instantly transports you to one of the most memorable tracks of the 90s. He was a true innovator, and his music helped shape the genre. He died so suddenly when a friend found him in the bathroom unconscious. His friends continuously performed CPR, but he was unresponsive.

Fred Ward was a talented character actor who captured the hearts of audiences with his tough-guy swagger and piercing eyes. His career spanned several decades and included memorable roles in films such as Escape from Alcatraz, The Right Stuff, and Tremors. With his impressive acting range and ability to bring depth to any character he played, Ward was a staple in Hollywood. However, news of his passing was shocking as people tried to figure out the cause.

The world has lost a truly funny woman with the passing of Estelle Harris. With a career spanning decades in Hollywood, Harris is best known for her unforgettable portrayal of George Costanza’s overbearing mother on the hit TV show Seinfeld. Her high-pitched voice and comedic timing made the show a classic! Despite having and beating cancer in 2013, her career didn’t slow down. It wasn’t until this past year that she passed away.

Sacheen Littlefeather is iconic for her bold move at the 1973 Oscars. When Marlon Brando won best actor for The Godfather, Littlefeather walked the stage to read his statement declining the award in protest of Hollywood’s portrayal of Native Americans. The actress and activist dedicated her life to Native American issues and will be celebrated for her bravery at the Oscars. Littlefeather passed away on October 2, leaving a legacy of activism and courage.

The fashion industry mourns the loss of the legendary Vivienne Westwood, who passed away on December 29th at 81. A trailblazer in the world of punk fashion, Westwood rose to fame in the 1970s; the Sex Pistols were the first to wear her designs! Her designs were worn by Dita Von Teese, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Princess Eugenie, among many others. So how did the icon so suddenly pass?

The entertainment world was shocked and saddened by the death of Jason David Frank, the famous Green and White Ranger from the hit TV series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Known for his karate moves and being an eighth-degree black belt, Frank’s character was a fan favorite for over 100 episodes. Despite his celebrity status, he had struggled with mental health issues and depression. Unfortunately, these feelings all took over one night.

Ray Liotta was one of Hollywood’s most iconic tough guys. The New Jersey-born actor was known for his sinister laugh and unmistakable accent, which made him a fan favorite for over four decades. He went on to achieve true stardom in the 1990 classic Goodfellas. However, he was working on his latest film Dangerous Waters and filming in the Dominican Republic when suddenly things took a turn for the worst.

The entertainment world was saddened by the news of the sudden death of Stephen “tWitch” Boss, the talented DJ and dancer who became known for his time on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Millions of fans around the world loved his upbeat personality and infectious smile. Unfortunately, that same warmth and radiance he made others feel, he didn’t feel himself. He ultimately took his own life, leaving a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and fans.

Traci Braxton was a beloved member of the famous Braxton family and a rising star in her own right. Known for her role in the hit reality series Braxton Family Values, Traci was a talented singer, actress, and reality star who entertained millions with her larger-than-life personality. Her second and last album, On Earth, was released in 2018. Sadly, Traci passed away in March at the age of 50 after a courageous year-long battle with esophageal cancer.

Ivana Marie Trump had quite a life and career. She was a socialite, fashion designer, and of course, former wife to Donald Trump. Her high-profile marriage to the former US president definitely catapulted her into the limelight, and she helped him build a real estate empire. In very unfortunate news, it was revealed that she fell off of her staircase and was severely injured from the accident, passing away shortly after.

The entertainment industry has lost a true icon with the passing of the legendary actor Philip Seymour Hall. With his distinct sad-puppy-dog look and gravelly voice, Hall left a lasting impression on audiences for decades. He had over 100 credits to his name. Although he had many memorable roles, Hall’s appearance on Seinfeld will forever be a highlight of his career. Sadly, he passed away in June at 90 years old.

Legendary British actor Robbie Coltrane was known for captivating performances that left a lasting impression on audiences. He rose to fame in the 1990s with his role in Cracker. Of course, no one could forget his character Hagrid and commanding presence in Harry Potter. Sadly, it was revealed that his passing could be attributed to multiple infections and sepsis, ultimately leading to organ failure, which is truly a devastating way to go.

Tony Dow, best known for his role as Wally Cleaver in the beloved TV series Leave it to Beaver, passed away at 77. Before his acting career took off, Dow was a Junior Olympics diving champion and landed the role of Wally through a chance audition. He became a household name during the golden age of television and had many other roles in shows like General Hospital and Love, American Style.

Legendary comedienne and voice actress Pat Carroll has passed away at 95. She won an Emmy for her role in the variety series Caesar’s Hour in 1957. However, she is most remembered for her voice work, particularly as Ursula, the sea witch in Disney’s classic The Little Mermaid. Her comedic skills and perky personality made her a beloved name in comedy. But her death still came as a shock despite being 95 years old.

Best known for her role as Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan in Robert Altman’s MASH, Sally Kellerman’s stunning looks and unique voice made her a standout in any performance. With a career spanning over 60 years, Sally graced the screens of film and television, earning an Oscar nomination and leaving a lasting impact on audiences. Kellerman’s talent shone through in each role she played. Sadly, she passed away after a five-year battle with dementia.

A true legend was lost with the passing of Peter Bogdanovich on January 6. The critic-turned-filmmaker was known for his distinct filmmaking style and eye for talent. Bogdanovich’s works, including The Last Picture Show and Paper Moon, are timeless masterpieces. Despite later setbacks, including the tragic death of his girlfriend, Dorothy Stratten, in 1980, Bogdanovich remained a staple in Hollywood. He suffered from Parkison’s disease much later in life, which took his life.

Pharoah Sanders was a musical legend who left a lasting impact on the world of jazz. Born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, Sanders’ musical roots were influenced by church hymnals. As he journeyed to California and later New York, he expanded his musical horizons and became known for his unique blend of jazz, R&B, and avant-garde styles, later coined “spiritual jazz.” He released his final album and passed away less than a year later.

The music world lost the incredible keyboardist and singer Christine McVie, who passed away in November 2022. Her bluesy vocals and signature keyboard skills played a significant role in the iconic sound of Fleetwood Mac. McVie was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Fleetwood Mac in 1998 and is undoubtedly a revered musician. Sadly, her family announced her death on social media, revealing she passed away peacefully after a brief illness.

The talented and versatile actor, James Caan, is known as one of the greats of Hollywood. He captured audiences with his raw and powerful performance as Sonny Corleone in The Godfather and received an Oscar nomination for the role. Caan’s talent was not limited to film and television, as he also made a mark on the stage, receiving critical acclaim for his Broadway performances! Unfortunately, he suffered from congestive heart failure. 

Julie Powell became known in the food world and the rest of Hollywood for her popular blog based on Julia Child’s cookbook. Her experience writing this blog was soon turned into a movie, Julie & Julia, featuring powerhouses like Amy Adams and Meryl Streep. This shot her into the spotlight, and she soon became a trailblazer in food writing. However, it didn’t last very long, as she tragically died before she reached 50. 

Angela Lansbury’s death is heartbreaking, but her legendary career will live on. Lansbury was a true Hollywood legend, from her Tony-winning stage performances to her Oscar-nominated roles on the big screen. Of course, Lansbury is best known for her role in the hit series Murder, She Wrote. The show eventually made her a household name! She was recognized for her contributions to the industry with a Tony for lifetime achievement before she passed.

Leslie Jordan, the award-winning actor, and comedian, has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. From his performances on Will & Grace and Ugly Betty, Jordan’s versatility was unmatched. He rose to social media fame during the COVID-19 pandemic with his hilarious and heartwarming videos on Instagram that offered a glimpse into his life as a Southern gay man. However, he tragically passed away after crashing into a building in Hollywood.

The music industry has lost one of its true pioneers with the passing of Betty Davis. The legendary funk singer was a trailblazer in the 1960s and 1970s with her soulful and innovative sound. Despite her success, Betty disappeared from the music scene in the mid-1970s, only to reemerge as a cult figure in recent years with the release of a documentary about her life and music, only to pass away a few years later.

The music world was rocked by the sudden passing of country music legend Naomi Judd, who, alongside her daughter Wynonna, formed the iconic duo The Judds. The mother-daughter pair, known for their harmonious voices and heartwarming ballads, captured the hearts of fans worldwide with their chart-topping hits. Her family shared that Naomi was battling PTSD and bipolar disorder, and days before being abducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, she committed suicide.

Olivia Newton-John, the legendary singer, actress, and cancer advocate, was most known for her role in Grease. With her vibrant voice and effervescent personality, she successfully released 26 studio albums and amassed a string of hit singles! Despite her fantastic career, she was diagnosed with cancer three times and was eventually overcome by the horrible sickness. She advocated for breast cancer screenings and left millions praising her career and inspiring spirit.

Loretta Lynn was a country star who sadly left behind a legacy of music. Her music was deeply rooted in her life experiences and reflected the struggles and triumphs of working-class people in America. She paved the way for women in country music and was a trailblazer in the industry,  breaking barriers and inspiring many other female country artists. She lived a full life and died of old age while fast asleep.

Her whimsical depictions of big-eyed children and animals captured the hearts of many and became synonymous with the pop-art movement of the mid-20th century. Despite her husband’s attempts to take credit, Margaret’s talent and style were soon recognized by art lovers and collectors alike. Her paintings can be found in galleries and museums worldwide. However, just this past year, she was unfortunately found dead in her home at 94 years old.

Sidney Poitier was not only a fantastic actor but an advocate for civil rights in the 1960s. In 1963 he made history by winning an Oscar for his role in Lilies of the Field and being the first Black actor to do so. He even received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 from President Barack Obama. He had a life full of outstanding achievements but sadly suffered from several ailments near the end of his life.

An absolute legend of the music world, Ronnie Spector was once the lead singer of The Ronettes. As a young woman, she headlines for major musicians like The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and even The Beatles! She was rightfully inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! A few years ago, she released a solo album, but after unfortunately dealing with a spout of cancer, it was too hard to overcome.

Scott Hall, the wrestler who became known for his Razor Ramon character, passed away at only 63. He never reached quite the success he wanted after an incident in which he shot someone he claimed was attacking him. Later in life, he had hip replacement surgery followed by three heart attacks. This traumatic incident was too much for his body, and he landed him on life support; he tragically didn’t make it.