The noted jazz pianist, educator, TV and radio host died Dec. 28 at age 89 of heart failure. A longtime fixture on TV, Taylor served as cultural correspondent on CBS News' Sunday Morning and was the first African-American to lead a talk-show band when he was bandleader for The David Frost Show from 1969 to '72.

The Barney Miller star died Dec. 17 at age 65. Landesburg appeared in such films as Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Wild Hogs. His other TV credits include The Rockford Files, Law & Order, The Golden Girls and Head Case.

The son of convicted swindler Bernie Madoff was found hanged in his New York apartment Dec. 10 — two years to the day of his father's arrest in the Ponzi scheme. The 46-year-old and his brother, Andrew, worked for their father and were under investigation in the case, but hadn't faced any criminal charges.

The author and wife of former Democratic presidential nominee John Edwards died Dec. 7 at age 61 after a six-year battle with breast cancer. She posted a message on her Facebook page to thank her supporters a day before her death. "I have been sustained throughout my life by three saving graces — my family, my friends, and a faith in the power of resilience and hope," Edwards wrote. "These graces have carried me through difficult times and they have brought more joy to the good times than I ever could have imagined. The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that."

The Monday Night Football announcer died Dec. 5 at age after suffering a brain hemorrhage and lapsing into a coma. Nicknamed "Dandy," Meredith offered the cornpone counterpoint to Howard Cosell's polysyllabic patter on MNF, making the show a TV phenomenon in the '70s.

The Airplane! and Naked Gun star died Nov. 28 at age 84 after a battle with pneumonia. Though he's best known for his deadpan one-liners, Nielsen started his career in drama, playing villainous types.

The Emmy-winning producer of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, died Nov. 23 at age 41 from a brain aneurysm. Cramsey also worked on xecutive producer on Trading Spaces, True Beauty and School Pride.

The uber-publicist, well-known for her Oscar campaigns, died Nov. 16 at age 64 after being shot several times and crashing her vehicle into a light pole. The investigation is ongoing. At the time of her death, she was working on Sony Pictures' awards campaigns on behalf of The Social Network, Burlesque and Country Strong.

The prolific film producer behind such movies as Serpico, Three Days of the Condor and Blue Velvet died Nov. 11 at age 91. De Laurentiis ushered in the Italian New Wave with Bitter Rice, Nights of Cabiria and La Strada, which won the Oscar for foriegn language film. He received the Academy's Irving G. Thalberg Award in 2001.

Clayburgh died Nov. 5 at age 66 after a 21-year battle with chronic leukemia. A two-time Oscar nominee, Clayburgh personified the '70s feminist movement with her portrayals of strong, independent women in An Unmarried Woman and Starting Over. On TV, she recurred on Ally McBeal and played the Darling family matriarch on Dirty Sexy Money.

The 35-year-old former Bachelorette contestant, who competed on Jillian Harris' season, was found dead in a remote area off a Southern California highway on Nov. 3. His parents said he committed suicide.

The Sopranos star died Oct. 27 at age 46 after a battle with liver cancer. Borino-Quinn, who had no acting experience, was hired for the role of mafia wife Ginny Sacramoni after attending a casting call in 2000. Aside from acting, Borino-Quinn worked at a New Brunswick, N.J., law firm.

The Captain Kangaroo star died Oct. 27 at age 92. Though best known as Mr. Baxter on the CBS children's show, Wall was also a longtime stage manager at the network for a plethora of CBS, CBS News and CBS Sports programs. He semi-retired in 1988, but continued to work as a fill-in stage manager for the CBS Evening News and 60 Minutes until 2009.

The Hawaii Five-O star, who played the original Detective Danny "Danno" Williams, died Oct. 28 of natural causes at age 72. MacArthur, who dropped out of Harvard University to pursue acting, also appeared in the Disney films Swiss Family Robinson and Kidnapped.

The Wheel of Fortune announcer died Oct. 31 at age 78. O'Donnell also lent his voice to American Bandstand, The Joker's Wild, the Emmy Awards, the American Music Awards and the Academy Awards during his career.

The Officer and a Gentleman star was found dead at the age of 53 on Oct. 27 in her Little Rock, Ark., home by her mother. Blount won an Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film as the producer of 2001's The Accountant, in which she and her husband, director-producer Ray McKinnon, co-starred.

The Happy Days star, who played Mr. C — one of TV's ultimate dads — died Oct. 19 at age 83 of heart failure after a battle with lung cancer. Bosley won a Tony for his performance in Fiorello! in 1960 and later co-starred on Murder, She Wrote.

The Leave It to Beaver star, whose picture-perfect June Cleaver was the quintessential TV mom, died Oct. 16 at age 94. Billingsley poked fun at her wholesome image in the 1980 satire Airplane!, playing a passenger who could speak jive.

The Manimal and Falcon Crest star died Oct. 14 at the age of 58 after a four-year battle with bowel cancer. "No one could have fought this disease any harder than he did since being diagnosed four years ago," his wife, Susan George, said. "To me, he was simply the best of everything, and I loved him with all my heart. He will live on in me forever."

The prolific writer and producer died Sept. 30 at age 69 from complications associated with melanoma. During his career, Cannell created and co-created nearly 40 television series, including The Rockford Files, The A-Team, 21 Jump Street and The Commish. In recent years, he wrote books and recurred on Castle.

The 1950s heartthrob and father of Jamie Lee Curtis died Sept. 29 at age 85 from cardiac arrest. Though he banked on his good looks early on, Curtis won acclaim with a string of hits: Sweet Smell of Success, The Defiant Ones — for which he earned an Oscar nomination — and Some Like It Hot.

The comedian and Last Comic Standing judge died Sept. 29, days after being hospitalized for an accidental overdose. The 44-year-old was a regular on The Howard Stern Show and frequently appeared on Comedy Central's roasts.

The Tony-winning and Oscar-nominated director of Bonnie and Clyde died Sept. 28 at age 88 after a long illness. Penn, who got his start on Broadway, directed Anne Bancroft to Tony and Oscar wins for The Miracle Worker.

The 56-year-old film editor, who had worked on every one of Quentin Tarantino's films, was found dead on Sept. 28, a day after she went hiking in the searing Los Angeles heat, which peaked at 113 degrees. Menke earned two Oscar nominations for Pulp Fiction and Inglourious Basterds.

The Titanic star died Sept. 26 at age 100. Stuart, who made more than 40 films in the 1930s, was 87 when she starred in Titanic and remains the oldest person ever to be nominated for an acting Oscar. She lost the supporting actress award to L.A. Confidential's Kim Basinger.

The 1950s pop singer and father of Carrie Fisher died Sept. 22 at age 82 from complications from hip surgery. Fisher created a tabloid scandal when he left wife Debbie Reynolds in 1959 for Elizabeth Taylor, who later left him for Richard Burton.

Gould died Sept. 11 at age 86 after a battle with prostate cancer. A prolific character actor who appeared in more than 300 TV shows, Gould was best known as Rhoda's father, Martin Morgenstern, on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Rhoda, and as Rose's boyfriend, Miles, on The Golden Girls. His film credits include The Sting, Stuart Little and Patch Adams.

McCarthy, who played the doctor trying to save his neighbors in Invasion of the Body Snatchers, died Sept. 11 at age 96. The Golden Globe winner and Oscar nominee also appeared in Gathering of Eagles, The Best Man and Twilight Zone: The Movie.

The LFO frontman, who penned the group's signature hit, "Summer Girls" (aka the "Abercrombie & Fitch song"), died Sept. 8 at age 36. Cronin had been battling myelogenous leukemia since 2005. In recent years, he starred on the 2007 VH1 reality series Mission: Man Band, in which former boy band members tried to hit it big a second time around.

The 60-year-old comedian died Sept. 3 after suffering serious injuries in a car accident. In addition to his foulmouthed stints on Howard Stern's radio show, Schimmel appeared on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, was named one of Comedy Central's 100 Greatest Comics, and had his own stand-up specials on HBO and Showtime.

The longtime CBS News correspondent died Aug. 21 at age 62. A five-time Emmy Award winner, Dow was best known for his work on 48 Hours, to which he contributed since the program's launch in January 1988. He was also a contributor to the critically acclaimed 1986 documentary, 48 Hours on Crack Street, which led to the creation of the weekly news magazine.

The Roots producer died Aug. 10 at age 82 of congestive heart disease and complications of Parkinson's disease. In addition to his work on the acclaimed 1977 miniseries, Wolper directed the Oscar-nominated Race for Space and executive-produced The Hellstrom Chronicle — about the possibility of insects taking over the world — which won the Oscar for best documentary.

The Oscar and Tony winner died Aug. 8 at age 84 after a battle with lung cancer. Neal — who won her Oscar for Hud and the first Tony Award for featured actress in a play for Another Part of the Forest — recovered from three strokes to continue acting. She earned an Oscar nomination for her comeback role in 1968's The Subject Was Roses.

The Nash Bridges star died July 16 at age 70 from cancer. The character actor also starred in the NBC series The Road West in 1966 and in Major League, as the manager of the Cleveland Indians.

The longtime New York Yankees owner who transformed the struggling franchise into a dynasty died July 13 at age 80. Known as "The Boss" for his no-nonsense ways, Steinbrenner famously clashed with general managers and players, but he was not afraid to laugh at himself, allowing Seinfeld to parody him.

The underground comic book writer died July 12 at age 70. His American Splendor series, which followed the writer's everyday life Cleveland as a file clerk at the Veteran's Administration, inspired the 2003 film adaptation of the same name. Paul Giamatti played a fictional version of Pekar in the film.

Neame, who directed The Poseidon Adventure and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, died June 16 at age 99. The Brit earned three Oscar nominations: one for special effects on 1942's One of Our Aircraft Is Missing and two for co-writing Brief Encounter (1945) and Great Expectations (1946).

The basketball pro-turned-humanitarian died June 19 at age 47 from complications from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a rare skin disease. Standing at 7 feet, 7 inches tall, Bol remains the second-tallest player in National Basketball Association history. Following his retirement from basketball, Bol became an activist focused on improving the lives of other Sudan natives.

The country music legend who later became known for his sausage brand died June 13 at age 81. He started the Jimmy Dean Meat Co. in 1969 and sold it to Sara Lee Corp. in 1984.

The youngest member of the hit-making Isley Brothers died June 6 at age 56 from complications of diabetes. Isley retired in 1997 because of his battle with diabetes, which resulted in a double amputation of his legs.

The former UCLA basketball coach died June 4 at the age of 99. During his 27-year tenure, Wooden led the Bruins to 10 NCAA championships and was often referred to as the "Wizard of Westwood," in reference to the university's college town.

The Emmy-winning Golden Girls and Maude star died June 3 at age 76 after suffering a massive stroke. Her death follows those of her Golden Girls co-stars, Estelle Getty and Bea Arthur, leaving Betty White the sole surviving cast member of the hit series.

A two-time Oscar nominee, the Easy Rider star died May 29 from complications of prostate cancer at the age of 74. A frail Hopper made his final public appearance in March to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The former child star died at age 42 on May 28, two days after suffering an intracranial hemorrhage. Coleman found fame at the age of 10 when he landed the role of Arnold Jackson on Diff'rent Strokes, popularizing the catchphrase, "What'choo talkin' 'bout, Willis?"

The Storm Chasers star died May 26 at age 30, weeks after a failed suicide attempt. A November episode of the Discovery series was dedicated in the longtime meteorologist's memory.

The jazz singer, actress and civil rights activist died May 9 at the age of 92. Horne was the first African-American performer to be put under contract by a major movie studio in 1942.

Best known as Nancy Hughes on As the World Turns, Wagner, 91, acted up until her May 1 death. The theater vet holds the Guinness World Record for playing the same role on television for the longest time (54 years).

A Tony and Oscar nominee, Redgrave, who was treated for breast cancer in 2003, died May 2 at age 67. Her death comes one month after the death of her brother, Corin Redgrave, and a year after the death of her niece, Natasha Richardson.

The lead singer of the Box Tops and Big Star died March 17 at age 59 after complaining of health problems earlier in the day. Though best known for "The Letter," his No. 1 hit with the Box Tops, Chilton and his instrospective alternative-pop tunes are credited for inspiring indie acts, including R.E.M. and The Replacements, who paid homage to him with its song "Alex Chilton."

The British actor, who played the scheming Ben Carrington on Dynasty died April 7 at age 64 after a battle with septicemia, a massive bacterial infection of the blood. His death came six days after the death of his Dynasty co-star, John Forsythe.

A member of the Redgrave acting dynasty, the British actor died April 6 at age 70. Redgrave, whose credits include Excalibur and Four Weddings and a Funeral was the brother of Vanessa Redgrave and Lynn Redgrave, who died a month later, and the uncle of the late Natasha Richardson, who died in 2009 after a skiing accident.

The Emmy-winning writer and producer died of a brain aneurysm at age 48, just 11 days before his latest series, Treme, premiered. A former journalist, Mills made his TV writing debut with Homicide: Life on the Street, which was based on a book by his longtime friend, David Simon, the creator of Treme and The Wire. Mills' other credits include The Wire, NYPD Blue and ER.

The 70-year-old Designing Women alum died April 10 of complications airisng from endometrial cancer. The theater vet also starred on the CBS drama Family and earned her first Emmy nomination in 2007 for her seven-episode guest arc on Desperate Housewives.

The Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone star died March 18 at age 85. During its heyday in the mid-'50s, Davy Crockett inspired a national craze for coonskin caps and the hit song "The Ballad of Davy Crockett."

The Gang Starr member and pioneering hip-hop legend who fused jazz and hip-hop died April 19 at age 43 after a yearlong battle with cancer. During his final days, Guru penned a farewell letter to his fans: "I write this with tears in my eyes, not of sorrow but of joy for what a wonderful life I have enjoyed and how many great people I have had the pleasure of meeting."

The 92-year-old, best known as Blake Carrington on Dynasty and the voice of the mysterious Charlie Townsend on Charlie's Angels, died April 2 from complications of pneumonia. Forsythe earned two Golden Globes and three Emmy nominations for his portrayal of the conniving Blake Carrington.

The Sex Pistols manager died April 8 of cancer at age 64. In addition to overseeing the 1970s band, which released one album, Never Mind the Bollocks: Here's the Sex Pistols, McLaren created Bow Wow Wow and also managed the New York Dolls and Adam and the Ants.

Raabe, who played the the Munchkin coroner who proclaimed the Wicked Witch of the East dead in The Wizard of Oz, died April 9 from cardiac arrest at the age of 94. After Oz, Raabe, who grew to 4 1/2 feet tall, toured the country in the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile for 30 years as "Little Oscar, the World's Smallest Chef."

The Hall of Fame football player-turned-commentator-turned actor died of mesothelioma at age 69 on March 11. A member the Los Angeles Rams' defensive line, the Fearsome Fourseome, Olsen became a color commentator on NBC after retiring and later co-starred on Little House on the Prairie as Jonathan Garvey, Michael Landon's sidekick. In 1981, Landon tapped Olsen to headline his own series, Father Murphy.

The Mission: Impossible and Airplane! star died March 14 of natural causes at age 83. In addition to his Golden Globe-winning role on Mission: Impossible, Graves appeared on The Love Boat, 7th Heaven and Cold Case.

Culp, 79, died of a heart attack March 24 after collapsing, or possibly tripping, on the sidewalk. Though he has more than 100 credits to his name, the actor was best known as Kelly Robinson on I Spy, opposite Bill Cosby. The series was the first prime-time show with a black actor in a lead role.

The former teen idol died March 10 at age 38 of an apparent overdose. Haim, who rose to fame alongside Corey Feldman in the '80s, had long suffered with drugs.

The body of the former Growing Pains star was found in Vancouver's Stanley Park on Feb. 25, a week after he was reported missing. Koenig, who suffered from depression, committed suicide, his father, Star Trek alum Walter Koenig, said.

The Knack lead singer who co-wrote the new-wave band's biggest hit, "My Sharona," died Feb. 14 at age 57 after a battle with cancer.

The 40-year-old British fashion designer hanged himself in his home on Feb. 11. Toxicology tests later showed that McQueen tried to overdose on cocaine, sleeping pills and tranquilizers before hanging himself.

The Deadliest Catch star and fishing boat captain died Feb. 9 at age 53 after suffering a stroke during a fishing trip on a vessel named Cornelia Marie at the end of January.

The Emmy-nominated actress, best known as Days of Our Lives matriarch Alice Horton, died Feb. 3 at age 95. Reid portrayed Alice for 42 years, from the soap opera's Nov. 8, 1965 debut until her final appearance on Dec. 26, 2007.

The 27-year-old speed skater-turned-actor died Feb. 1 after crashing his Jeep into two trees in rural Wisconsin. Mentell was best known as attorney Garrett Wells on Boston Legal.

The enigmatic and reclusive Catcher in the Rye author died Jan. 27 at age 91 of natural causes. Weary of the fame following the success of Catcher in 1951, Salinger withdrew from the public eye and spent the last few decades in seclusion at his New Hampshire home.

The 76-year-old actress died Jan. 27 two months ago after suffering a mild heart attack. The Pittsburgh native is most famous for her role as the psychic in Poltergeist.

The All My Children died at age 89 on Jan. 22 of lung disease complicated by pneumonia. Best known as patriarch Palmer Cortlandt on the ABC soap opera, Mitchell portrayed Cortlandt for three decades, most recently appearing on the series' 40th anniversary special on Jan. 5.

The two-time Oscar nominee died Jan. 22 at age 80 after a battle of lung cancer. Simmons shared the screen with many of Hollywood's leading men, including Gregory Peck, Spencer Tracy, Kirk Douglas and Laurence Olivier.

The Survivor: Palau finalist died Jan. 19 at age 37 after a five-year battle with breast cancer. "She was an inspiration," Survivor: Vanautu and Survivor: Micronesia Fans vs. Favorite cast member Eliza Orlins said. "Jenn brought more good to this world in her almost 38 years than most will in a lifetime."

The garage-punk musician was found dead at age 29 at hs home on Jan. 13. The Memphis native recorded with numerous bands, giving him a prolific output of 22 full-length albums and more than 100 releases.

The soul and R&B icon behind such hits as "Love TKO" and "Joy" died Jan. 13 at age 59 from colon cancer. The former Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes lead singer continued to record and perform after a 1982 car accident that left him paralyzed.

The 30-year-old Johnson & Johnson heiress and fiancee of Tila Tequila was found dead Jan. 4. Johnson, who was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes as a child, died of diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition caused by a lack of insulin and high blood sugar.

The Emmy-winning producer and executive behind series such as Batman and thirtysomething died Jan. 2 at age 86 of heart failure.