The Stars We Lost in 2022

We take a look back at the celebrities who have died this year.

Veteran news reporter Barbara Walters died in late December. She was 93. Walters was a trailblazer for women in the news, becoming the first female anchor on an evening news program in 1976 when she was promoted to ABC News. It was there she launched the iconic Barbara Walters Specials and The 10 Most Fascinating People. Over the course of her 50-plus year career in television journalism, Walters interviewed every president and first lady from Richard and Pat Nixon to Barack and Michelle Obama, world leaders, entertainers and more. She also co-created The View and co-hosted the groundbreaking talk show from 1997 to 2014. Known for her incisive questions and tear-inducing interviews, Walter broke numerous glass ceilings and pathed the way for hundreds of female reporters to follow in her footsteps. 

British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood died Dec. 29, according to CNN. She was 82. Known as "the High Priestess of Punk," Westwood rose to prominence as one of the visual architects of the punk rock style, along with her then-partner Malcolm McLaren, the manager of the Sex Pistols. She launched her eponymous clothing line in 1981. In the film and television world, she's best known for designing Carrie Bradshaw's wedding dress in the Sex and the City movie. 

Soccer icon Pelé died Dec. 29 in from cancer complications, according to the New York Times. He was 82. One of the most globally significant athletes of the 20th century, Pelé led Brazil to three World Cup titles and helped popularize soccer in America, spending three years playing for the New York Cosmos in the 1970s. He is considered one of if not the greatest soccer player of all time, scoring 1283 goals in 1367 games, including 77 goals for the Brazilian national team, and innovating an influential, fluid style of play.  

General Hospital star Sonya Eddy died on Dec. 19. She was 55. Eddy's friend Octavia Spencer shared the news on Instagram. "The world lost another creative angel," Spencer wrote. "Her legions of General Hospital fans will miss her." A cause of death has not been shared.

Since 2006, Eddy — who was a licensed vocational nurse — starred as Epiphany Johnson in the soap opera General Hospital. She also portrayed Tammy in Those Who Can't, and her other credits include The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey, Seinfeld, Home Improvement, and Joan of Arcadia.

Stephen 'tWitch' Boss died on Dec. 14. He was 40. His wife Allison Holker Boss confirmed his passing to People in a statement. "It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us," Allison wrote. "Stephen lit up every room he stepped into. He valued family, friends and community above all else and leading with love and light was everything to him." People reported that Boss died by suicide.

Boss' first television appearances included competing in MTV's The Wade Robson Project in 2003 and in CBS' relaunched Star Search. He participated in So You Think You Can Dance in 2008 and was the runner-up of Season 4. Boss also performed as an All-Star in later seasons, and became a judge earlier this year. Besides his career in dance, Boss was known for being a DJ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show where he also served as a co-executive producer.

Composer Angelo Badalamenti died Dec. 11 of natural causes, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 85. Badalamenti was best known for his collaborations with director David Lynch. He composed the scores for many of Lynch's film and television projects, including Blue Velvet, Twin Peaks, and Mulholland Drive. He also composed scores for films including Secretary, Auto Focus, and Cabin Fever, as well as the theme for the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona. 

Actress Kirstie Alley died of cancer Dec. 5 at the age of 71. The announcement was made on social media by her children. "As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother," the statement read in part. 

Alley was best known for her Emmy-winning role on the NBC sitcom Cheers, in which she played bar manager Rebecca Howe. She also starred in Veronica's Closet, the Look Who's Talking films, Seasons 12 and 15 of Dancing with the Stars, and the British version of Celebrity Big Brother.

Sesame Street star Bob McGrath died on Dec. 4 at age 90. His family shared the news on the actor's Facebook page. "Our father Bob McGrath, passed away today. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family," they wrote.

McGrath is best remembered for starring as Bob Johnson in Sesame Street. He played the human character in the long-running show from 1969 to 2016, and continued to participate in other projects connected to the franchise. McGrath performed many of the series' most iconic numbers, including "People in Your Neighborhood." 

Fleetwood Mac vocalist and keyboardist Christine McVie died on Nov. 30. She was 79. The artist died following a short illness, according to Deadline, and her family shared about the passing in a statement. "She was in the company of her family," it read. "We would like everyone to keep Christine in their hearts and remember the life of an incredible human being, and revered musician who was loved universally."

The band Fleetwood Mac — which McVie joined in 1970 — posted a statement on social media. "There are no words to describe our sadness at the passing of Christine McVie. She was truly one-of-a-kind, special and talented beyond measure," they said. "She was the best musician anyone could have in their band and the best friend anyone could have in their life."

While McVie was a member of Fleetwood Mac, the band had multiple tracks reach the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10, and four albums hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 — Rumours, Fleetwood Mac, Mirage, and 
The Dance. McVie also released music as a solo artist throughout her career. In 1998, she and the members of Fleetwood Mac were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Singer and actor Irene Cara died on Nov. 25. She was 63. Her publicist Judith A. Moose shared the news on social media. Cara became an icon in the 80s for her performance as Coco Hernandez in Fame, the musical film about students at the High School of Performing Arts in New York City. She recorded the song's title track "Fame," which would become one of her three top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 — the others being "Flashdance…What a Feeling" and "Breakdance." Cara co-wrote "Flashdance…What a Feeling" for the film "Flashdance," and won both an Academy Award and a Grammy Award for the track. 

Original Power Rangers star Jason David Frank died on Nov. 19. He was 49. Frank's representative confirmed his passing to People. "Please respect the privacy of his family and friends during this horrible time as we come to terms with the loss of such a wonderful human being," they said. "He loved his family, friends and fans very much." A cause of death was not shared.

Frank was best known for playing Tommy Oliver, originally the Green Ranger and later the White Ranger, in the 1990s series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. He starred as the character in a number of the franchise's other titles including Power Rangers Zeo, Power Rangers Turbo, Power Rangers Super Megaforce. Frank was also a professional mixed martial artist and fought in multiple bouts.

Supernatural actor Nicki Aycox died on Nov. 16. She was 47. Aycox's sister-in-law Susan Raab Ceklosky shared her passing in a Facebook post. "My beautiful, smart, fierce, incredibly talented, and loving sister-in-law, Nicki Aycox Raab, passed away yesterday with my brother, Matt Raab, by her side," Ceklosky wrote. "Nicki and Matt had a wonderful life together in California. She was definitely a fighter and everyone who knew her loved her." 

Aycox starred as the antagonist Meg Masters in Supernatural from 2006 to 2008. Earlier in her career, she appeared in shows including Providence, Ed, and Over There. The actor also starred in a number of films. Her credits include Perfect Stranger, The X-Files: I Want to Believe, and The Girl on the Train.

Actor John Aniston, father of Jennifer Aniston, died on Nov. 11. He was 89. Jennifer shared the news in an Instagram post. "Sweet papa…⁣ John Anthony Aniston ⁣You were one of the most beautiful humans I ever knew," the actress wrote. "I am so grateful that you went soaring into the heavens in peace - and without pain." 

John was best known for his role as Victor Kiriakis on NBC's Days of Our Lives, which he began playing in July of 1985. He received a nomination for the 2017 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his performance. The actor's other television credits include Search for Tomorrow, Gilmore Girls, and The West Wing.

"I'll love you till the end of time," Jennifer Aniston wrote in her post. "Don't forget to visit."

Kevin Conroy, the longtime voice of Batman in animated series, died on Nov. 10. He was 66. The actor passed after "a short battle with cancer," according to The Hollywood Reporter. Conroy started voicing Bruce Wayne in Batman: The Animated Series, which ran from 1992 to 1996. He continued to voice the character in dozens of television and film projects in the years after, including The New Batman Adventures, Justice League, and Batman: The Killing Joke. "His iconic performance of Batman will forever stand among the greatest portrayals of the Dark Knight in any medium," Warner Bros. Animation said in a statement to Deadline.

English actor Leslie Phillips died on Nov. 7. He was 98. The star's agent confirmed to BBC that he passed peacefully in his sleep. Phillips voiced the Sorting Hat in the Harry Potter films from 2001 to 2011. He was also known for starring in the Carry On movies, including Carry On Nurse, Carry On Teacher, and Carry on Constable. Outside of film, Phillips was a familiar voice on the radio through his role in the sitcom series The Navy Lark, which ran from 1959 to 1977.

Singer and rapper Aaron Carter was found dead in his Lancaster, California home on Saturday, Nov. 5. He was 34. The younger brother of Backstreet Boys' Nick Carter, Aaron found fame of his own in the late '90s with a cover of Stangeloves' "I Want Candy" and the seminal hit "Aaron's Party (Come and Get It)." The singer transitioned to more of a hip-hop sound in the late 2010s. Carter also dabbled in acting, appearing on 7th Heaven and the 2005 film Pop Star. He most recently appeared in an episode of Angie Tribeca in 2016. Carter is survived by his son, Prince. 

Migos rapper Takeoff died on Nov. 1. He was 28. The artist, named Kirshnik Khari Ball, died after a shooting outside a Houston bowling alley, according to The Hollywood Reporter. A Migos representative confirmed his death to the AP. Takeoff formed hip hop trio Migos along with his uncle Quavo and his first cousin once removed Offset. The group has released multiple hits that ranked in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, and their albums Culture and Culture II topped the Billboard 200 album chart. Migos also received a Best Rap Album Grammy nomination for Culture, and a Best Rap Performance nomination for the viral hit "Bad and Boujee" featuring Lil Uzi Vert.

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jerry Lee Lewis died on Oct. 28 at his home in Memphis, Tenn., per Deadline. He was 87. A Grammy winner, Lewis was a famed performer, known for his electric stage presence and remarkable keyboard skills. While the "Great Balls of Fire" crooner was known as a founder of modern rock 'n' roll, Lewis' work spans multiple genres, including country, gospel, and jazz. 

The singer was admired by millions, but his career was not absent of scandal and controversy. The revelation that he married his 13-year-old cousin in 1957 halted a 71-date U.K. tour, and Lewis saw his charting success dwindle for years afterward. In 1976, Lewis was famously arrested for drunkenly driving through the gates of Graceland and waving a loaded gun around before Elvis Presley, who was a friend of Lewis', had him arrested. His fourth wife, Jaren Elizabeth Gunn Pate, drowned in a friend's swimming pool just weeks before the couple's divorce was to be finalized, and Lewis' fifth wife, Shawn Stephens, was found dead in their Memphis home. Allegations that Lewis may have been involved in Stephens' death were never verified.  

Lewis is survived by his seventh wife, Judith Coghlan Lewis, and his children Jerry Lee Lewis III, Ronnie Lewis, Phoebe Lewis, and Lori Lancaster.

Actor Leslie Jordan died Oct. 24 in a car accident due to a suspected medical emergency, according to Variety. He was 67. He appeared in dozens of films and TV shows over the course of his 30+ year career, and was best known for his performances on Will & Grace, American Horror Story, and the '90s sitcom Hearts Afire, winning an Emmy for Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his performance on the former. He was a series regular on the sitcom Call Me Kat at the time of his death. The diminutive actor was also famous for his entertaining Instagram presence, where he had 5.8 million followers. He was also a singer, releasing a gospel album in 2021; a writer and performer of several one-man stage shows, including My Trip Down the Pink Carpet; and a devoted advocate for LGBTQ equality. In 2021, he published a memoir, How Y'All Doing?: Misadventures and Mischief from a Life Well Lived. 

Robbie Coltrane, the actor who played Hagrid in the Harry Potter films, died on Oct. 14. He was 72. Deadline reported that Coltrane died in a hospital near his home in Larbert, Scotland, and that the actor was in "ill health" the last two years. Coltrane is best known for portraying the gamekeeper Hagrid in the Harry Potter franchise, beginning with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in 2001. Before the project, he starred in television shows including Cracker, in which Coltrane's performance as criminal psychologist Dr. Edward "Fitz" Fitzgerald won him three BAFTA awards. 

Actress Angela Lansbury died on Oct. 11 at age 96. News of her death was announced by her family, who said in a statement, "The children of Dame Angela Lansbury are sad to announce that their mother died peacefully in her sleep at home in Los Angeles at 1:30 a.m. today, Tuesday, October 11, 2022, just five days shy of her 97th birthday." Lansbury had a decades-long career, establishing herself as a star of Hollywood's Golden Age and a Broadway icon, and later gained millions of fans during her 12 years playing Jessica Fletcher on the crime drama series Murder, She Wrote. A decorated performer on stage and screen, Lansbury was nominated for a Grammy for her voice work on Beauty and the Beast, and her performance in Murder, She Wrote landed her 12 consecutive Emmy nominations. Over the span of her career, she won five Tony Awards, six Golden Globes, and an Honorary Academy Award.

Trailblazing country music icon Loretta Lynn died on Oct. 4 at age 90. Her family shared the news with The Associated Press in a statement: "Our precious mom, Loretta Lynn, passed away peacefully this morning, October 4th, in her sleep at home in her beloved ranch in Hurricane Mills." Across her seven-decade career, the singer-songwriter wrote candidly about women's issues and pushed the bounds of country music. Her autobiographical "Coal Miner's Daughter" was a hit song in 1970, and later was the title of the 1980 movie based on Lynn's life. Sissy Spacek starred as Lynn in the Michael Aptek-directed film.

Sacheen Littlefeather died on Oct. 2. She was 75. The activist was most known for her appearance at the 1973 Academy Awards, at which she rejected Marlon Brando's Best Actor award on his behalf. Brando had won for his performance in The Godfather, and boycotted the Oscars ceremony to protest against Hollywood's depiction of Native Americans and to call attention to the Wounded Knee occupation. "He very regretfully cannot accept this very generous award," Littlefeather had said upon taking the stage. "And the reasons for this being are the treatment of American Indians today by the film industry." 

Earlier this year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences apologized to Littlefeather for the abuse she experienced following her speech. "As you stood on the Oscars stage in 1973 to not accept the Oscar on behalf of Marlon Brando, in recognition of the misrepresentation and mistreatment of Native American people by the film industry, you made a powerful statement that continues to remind us of the necessity of respect and the importance of human dignity," the Academy's president David Rubin wrote.

Rapper Coolio died Sept. 28. He was 59. Coolio's manager Jarez Posey confirmed his death to The New York Times and said that Coolio died at a friend's house— no cause of death was shared. Born Artis Leon Ivey Jr, the artist is best known for his 1995 hit single "Gangsta's Paradise." The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks, and in 1996 Coolio received the Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance for the track. Throughout his career, Coolio released 6 studio albums and made television appearances including in Celebrity Big Brother and Ultimate Big Brother.

R&B singer Jesse Powell died on Sept. 13. He was 51. His sister, Tamara Powell, shared the news in an Instagram post. "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother and uncle Jesse Powell," she wrote. "Jesse loved music and he especially loved his fans who supported him throughout his career." No cause of death was given. The Grammy-nominated artist was best known for his song "You," which reached No. 10 on Billboard's Hot 100 in 1999 and peaked at No. 2. on the R&B chart. To date, the song has garnered 13 million Spotify streams. 

Jean-Luc Godard died on Sept. 13. He was 91. The Associated Press reported Godard died in his home in Switzerland, and that assisted suicide was the cause of death. Godard was a trailblazing director who was a key figure in the French New Wave. Often referred to as an "enfant terrible" of the movement, he pushed filmmaking boundaries with projects ranging from his 1960 debut feature Breathless — which won the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the Berlin Film Festival — to his 2014 3D movie Goodbye to Language. The director was known for boldly tackling provocative subjects like war and politics. His other notable films include The Little Soldier, Les Carabiniers, and Masculine-Feminine. 

Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch in British history, died on Thursday, Sept. 8. She was 96. It was announced that the queen was under "medical supervision" earlier in the day before the official Royal Family Twitter account confirmed the monarch had passed away at the crown's Balmoral castle in Scotland. Queen Elizabeth took the throne in 1952 and served for over 70 years which included the Cold War, the Falklands War, the 1980s recession, Brexit, and more. Fifteen British Prime Ministers served under her rule. Queen Elizabeth's life and reign have been dramatized in multiple projects over the years. Helen Mirren won an Oscar for playing her in 2006's The Queen. Both Claire Foy and Olivia Colman won Emmys for playing the monarch at different stages in the queen's reign for Netflix's The Crown. Queen Elizabeth II is succeeded by her eldest son, King Charles III. 

Charlbi Dean died on Aug. 29. She was 32. Dean died at a hospital in New York City after an "unexpected sudden illness," according to The Hollywood Reporter. Dean most recently starred in Triangle of Sadness, Ruben Östlund's film that won the Palme d'Or at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival. Before the movie, Dean was best known for her role as Syonide in the CW's superhero series Black Lightning. Her other film credits include Spud, Blood in the Water, and Porthole.  

Wolfgang Petersen died on Aug. 12 at the age of 81. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Petersen died of pancreatic cancer in his home in Brentwood, Los Angeles. 

The acclaimed German director was behind films such as Das Boot, In the Line of Fire, Air Force One, The Perfect Storm, and Troy. Das Boot, the 1981 anti-war movie Petersen wrote and directed, was nominated for six Academy Awards including two for Petersen himself: Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. Petersen later directed Hollywood hits including In the Line of Fire starring Clint Eastwood, and Air Force One which starred Harrison Ford, Gary Oldman, and Glenn Close.

Actress Anne Heche died on August 12 due to injuries sustained after a severe car crash a week prior. She was 53. "Today we lost a bright light, a kind and most joyful soul, a loving mother, and a loyal friend," a rep for the star told People in a statement on behalf of the Heche family. The actress appeared in several hits of the '80s and '90s, including the soap opera Another World and the films Volcano, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and the 1998 remake of Psycho, in which she took on the iconic role first played by Janet Leigh in the original Alfred Hitchcock thriller. She was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for the ABC series Men in Trees, which ran for two seasons on the network. Heche was also nominated for a Tony Award for her work in the play Twentieth Century alongside Alec Baldwin. Her most recent credits include the OWN legal drama All Rise and the upcoming HBO Max series The Idol. 

Singer and actress Dame Olivia Newton-John died on Aug. 8 in California, her husband John Easterling announced via Facebook. She was 73. Newton-John became a household name in the late '70s when she played Sandy in the film adaptation of the musical Grease, opposite John Travolta. The pair scored a No. 1 hit with "You're the One That I Want," the movie's iconic closing number. Newton-John also achieved chart success with her solo hit singles like "Physical" and "Have You Never Been Mellow." The actress was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 and announced in 2017, more than 20 years after going into remission, that the disease had returned, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The family requested on Facebook that donations be made to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, which raises money for breast cancer research, in lieu of flowers. 

Magnum P.I. actor Roger E. Mosley died on Aug. 7. He was 83. Mosley died in Los Angeles after being injured in a car accident three days earlier, his daughter told The Hollywood Reporter. Ch-a Mosley posted the news on Facebook. "He was surrounded by family as he transcended peacefully," she wrote. "We could never mourn such an amazing man. He would HATE any crying done in his name. It is time to celebrate the legacy he left for us all." 

For eight seasons, Mosley starred as helicopter pilot Theodore "T.C." Calvin in the original Magnum P.I. The actor was also known for starring in Blaxploitation films including The Mack, Hit Man, and Darktown Strutters.

Vin Scully, the Hall of Fame broadcaster who was the voice of the Los Angeles Dodgers for 67 years, died on Aug. 2. He was 94. Scully died at his home in Los Angeles, and ESPN reported that no cause of death was shared. "We have lost an icon," Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten said in the statement. "He was a giant of a man, not only as a broadcaster, but as a humanitarian. He loved people. He loved life. He loved baseball and the Dodgers. And he loved his family." Scully called the play-by-play for the Dodgers between 1950 and 2016 — when he retired at the age of 88. The sportscaster was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982, and in 2016 was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

NBA icon Bill Russell died on July 31. He was 88. A statement was posted on his official Twitter account: "Bill Russell, the most prolific winner in American sports history, passed away peacefully today at age 88, with his wife, Jeannine, by his side." In his 13 years on the Boston Celtics, Russell brought the team to the NBA Finals 12 times and won the championship 11 of those times. He was an activist, a five-time NBA MVP, 12-time NBA All-Star, and was inducted to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1975.

Pat Carroll died on July 30. The actor, best known for voicing Ursula in The Little Mermaid, was 95. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Carroll died of pneumonia at her home in Cape Cod, Mass. In a career that spanned seven decades, Carroll's credits included The Danny Thomas Show, Too Close for Comfort, and Caesar's Hour — for which she received an Emmy Award. For her work on the one-woman show Gertrude Stein, Gertrude Stein, Gertrude Stein, Carroll won a Grammy in 1980 for Best Spoken Word, Documentary, or Drama. She was also a Broadway mainstay, earning a Tony Award nomination for her role in Catch a Star! in 1955.

Trailblazing Star Trek actor Nichelle Nichols died on July 30. She was 89. Her son Kyle Johnson posted about Nichols' death on her official Facebook page. "Last night, my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and passed away," he wrote. "Her light however, like the ancient galaxies now being seen for the first time, will remain for us and future generations to enjoy, learn from, and draw inspiration."

Nichols' role as Lt. Nyota Uhura in the Star Trek franchise was groundbreaking for Black representation in U.S. media. She starred in the original television series that aired from 1966 to 1969 before portraying the same character in Star Trek's first six films. Outside of her acting career, Nichols worked with NASA to recruit more women and minorities to become astronauts.

Actor Bernard Cribbins died on July 28. He was 93. "His career spanned seven decades with such diverse work ranging from films like The Railway Children and the Carry On series, hit 60's song Right Said Fred a notorious guest on Fawlty Towers and narrating The Wombles," Cribbins' agent confirmed his death to Deadline in a statement. The actor is also remembered for appearing in Doctor Who as Wilfred Mott, the grandfather of Catherine Tate's Donna Noble. 

Leave It to Beaver actor Tony Dow died on July 27. He was 77. Dow's passing was shared on his official Facebook page. "We have received confirmation from Christopher, Tony's son, that Tony passed away earlier this morning, with his loving family at his side to see him through this journey," the statement read. "We know that the world is collectively saddened by the loss of this incredible man." Dow was best known for portraying Wally Cleaver in the sitcom Leave It to Beaver that ran from 1957 to 1963. 

Actor Paul Sorvino died on July 25. He was 83. The actor's publicist announced his death on behalf of Sorvino's wife Dee Dee Sorvino, according to Deadline. "There will never be another Paul Sorvino, he was the love of my life, and one of the greatest performers to ever grace the screen and stage," Dee Dee Sorvino said. Paul Sorvino was best known for his performance as Paulie Cicero in Martin Scorsese's crime film Goodfellas. He also starred as Sergeant Phil Cerreta in Law & Order. 

The actor's daughter, Mira Sorvino, posted about his passing on Twitter. "My father the great Paul Sorvino has passed," she wrote. "My heart is rent asunder- a life of love and joy and wisdom with him is over. He was the most wonderful father."

Actor David Warner died on July 24 at the age of 80. Warner died from a cancer-related illness, his family told BBC. "Over the past 18 months he approached his diagnosis with a characteristic grace and dignity," they said. 

Among Warner's most memorable performances are his roles in The Omen, Time After Time, and Time Bandits. The actor also played the villain Ed Dillinger in 1982's Tron, and starred as different characters in Star Trek movies. In his decades-long career, Warner received a BAFTA nomination for his performance in 1966's Morgan — A Suitable Case for Treatment and won an Emmy Award for his role in ABC's miniseries Masada.

Emmy-nominated actor Taurean Blacque died on July 21. He was 82. Blacque died in Atlanta following "a brief illness," according to Deadline. The actor is best known for playing Detective Neal Washington in NBC's Hill Street Blues, for which he received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 1982. His acting credits also include Sanford and Son, Taxi, and Good Times.

Stand-up comedian, actor, and writer Jak Knight died by suicide July 14, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 28.

Knight was a rising comedy star who co-created and starred on the Peacock sitcom Bust Down, playing Jak, an eccentric employee at an Indiana casino, alongside co-creators Langston Kerman, Chris Redd, and Sam Jay. He also wrote for Pause with Sam Jay, black-ish, and Big Mouth, also providing the voice of middle school student DeVon on the latter show. 

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "988" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.

Ivana Trump, ex-wife of Donald Trump, died on July 14. She was 73. In a statement, the Trump family described her as "an incredible woman — a force in business, a world-class athlete, a radiant beauty, and caring mother and friend." Ivana was married to Donald Trump between 1977 and 1992 and played a major role in building his real-estate empire. She was the vice president of interior design for the Trump Organization, and also served as a manager of the Plaza Hotel. 

Ivana appeared in film and television, including a cameo in 1996's The First Wives Club. That same year, her novel For Love Alone was made into a TV movie. Ivana also competed on the British version of Celebrity Big Brother in 2010. 

The Sopranos star Tony Sirico died on Friday, July 8 at the age of 79. 

Sirico's acting career spanned more than 40 years and included appearances in Goodfellas and numerous Woody Allen films, but he is best known for playing Paulie "Walnuts" Gualtieri, a capo under Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) on the classic HBO mafia drama for all six seasons of the series' run. Sirico's performance as the eccentric mobster is one of the show's most memorable. He brought much of his own life experience to the role — as a young man, he served time in prison, and he shared many of Paulie's mannerisms, including his fastidiousness about his hair. 

Sirico's Sopranos co-star Michael Imperioli posted the news on Instagram with a touching tribute saying in part, "Tony was like no one else: he was as tough, as loyal and as big hearted as anyone i've ever known. I was at his side through so much: through good times and bad. But mostly good. And we had a lot of laughs. We found a groove as Christopher and Paulie and I am proud to say I did a lot of my best and most fun work with my dear pal Tony. I will miss him forever. He is truly irreplaceable."

The Godfather star James Caan died on July 6. He was 82. His family posted about Caan's passing on Twitter: "It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy on the evening of July 6," they wrote. "The family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time."

Caan is best known for his Oscar-nominated performance in The Godfather, in which he portrayed Sonny Corleone, the eldest son of Marlon Brando's Vito Corleone. Caan's other notable works include Brian's Song — for which he received an Emmy nomination, The Gambler, Thief, and Misery.

ER and Nash Bridges actor Mary Mara died on June 26. She was 61. According to a report from the New York State Police, Mara was found in the St. Lawrence River in Cape Vincent and the preliminary investigation suggests she drowned while swimming. Her manager confirmed her death to Variety. Mara was best known for her roles as Inspector Bryn Carson in Nash Bridges and as the patient Loretta Sweet in ER. Mara's credits also included Law & Order, NYPD Blue, and Dexter.

Philip Baker Hall died on June 12. He was 90. The actor's wife, Holly Wolfle Hall, said he died in Glendale, California, according to AP. Over the course of his over five-decade career, Hall starred in both leading and supporting roles across film and television. Hall was especially known for his association with director Paul Thomas Anderson. He appeared in Anderson's short film Cigarettes & Coffee before playing lead character Sydney in the director's feature debut Hard Eight. He later starred in Anderson's acclaimed films Boogie Nights in 1997 and Magnolia in 1999. The actor is also known for guest-starring on Seinfeld as Joe Bookman, the detective determined to locate an overdue library book. 

Goodfellas star Ray Liotta died on May 26. He was 67. Deadline reported that Liotta passed in his sleep in the Dominican Republic, where he was shooting his new film Dangerous Waters. The actor was best known for his role as Henry Hill in Goodfellas, Martin Scorsese's acclaimed 1990 crime film. Liotta, whose Hollywood career spanned four decades, also starred in films like Field of Dreams, Killing Them Softly, Marriage Story, and The Many Saints of Newark. He earned a Golden Globe nomination for playing Ray Sinclair in Something Wild. 

Marnie Schulenburg, best known for her roles in the soap operas As the World Turns and One Life to Live, died on May 18. She was 37. The cause of death was a complication from breast cancer, according to Variety. She died in a hospital in Bloomfield, New Jersey.

Schulenburg portrayed Alison Stewart in As the World Turns from 2007 to 2010, and received an Emmy nomination for her performance in that final year. In One Life to Live, the actor played Jo Sullivan. Her credits also include Royal Pains, Blue Bloods, and, most recently, City on a Hill. 

Oscar-winning musician Vangelis died on May 17. He was 79. According to The Guardian, Vangelis died in a hospital in France. The Greek composer won the Academy Award for Best Original Score for the 1981 film Chariots of Fire. The soundtrack album stayed at the top of the Billboard 200 for four weeks, and its lead track "Titles" topped the Billboard Hot 100 for the week of May 8, 1982. Vangelis also scored movies including Blade Runner, Blade Runner 2049, and Alexander.

Actor Fred Ward died on May 8. He was 79. Ward's publicist announced the news and did not share details about the cause of death, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The star is perhaps best known for his role as repairman Earl Bassett in the 1990 horror comedy Tremors. But his extensive film credits also include Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins, where Ward portrayed the titular character, The Right Stuff, and The Player.

Actor Mike Hagerty died on May 5. He was 67. Bridget Everett, who starred alongside Hagerty in the 2022 comedy Somebody Somewhere, shared the news on Instagram. "With great sadness, the family of Michael G. Hagerty announced his death yesterday in Los Angeles," she wrote. "A beloved character actor, his love of his hometown of Chicago and his family were the cornerstones of his life."

Hagerty played building superintendent Mr. Treeger in Friends. His acting credits also include Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

Country music star Naomi Judd died on April 30. She was 76. In a statement to the Associated Press, Judd's daughters Wynonna and Ashley wrote, "Today we sisters experienced a tragedy. We lost our beautiful mother to the disease of mental illness." 

Naomi Judd formed the Grammy-winning duo The Judds with her daughter Wynonna in 1983. They were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on May 1, one day after Judd's passing. In a career that spanned almost three decades, The Judds released 14 songs that hit No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs. Judd was also an actress and starred in projects including The Killing Game and A Holiday Romance. 

Actress and author Joanna Barnes died on April 29. She was 87. Barnes played Gloria Upson in 1958's Auntie Mame, a performance that landed her a Golden Globe nomination for New Star of the Year. She is best remembered for her role as gold digger Vicky Robinson in 1961's The Parent Trap, starring Hayley Mills. Barnes also appeared in the 1998 remake, playing Vicki Blake, the mother of Elaine Hendrix's gold-digging Meredith Blake, in a nod to the original film.

Jim Hartz died on April 17 at 82. His wife Alexandra said Hartz died from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at a hospital in Virginia, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The news anchor co-hosted The Today Show with Barbara Walters in the 1970s for two years. He also spent a decade covering local news in New York at WNBC, and was known for reporting on multiple space missions and the Apollo launches. 

Tony Award-winning actor and Mad Men star Robert Morse died April 20. He was 90. Writer and producer Larry Karaszewski, who collaborated with Morse on The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, shared the news of his death on Twitter. "A huge talent and a beautiful spirit," he wrote. "Sending love to his son Charlie & daughter Allyn."

Morse won his first Tony Award for his performance in the 1961 Broadway production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. In 1967, he starred in its film adaptation. The actor won his second Tony Award in 1990 for his performance as Truman Capote in Tru, then won an Emmy for reprising the role in a filmed production of the play. Morse is also beloved for his performance as Bertram Cooper in AMC's Mad Men, a role he played for seven seasons between 2007 and 2015. 

Actress Liz Sheridan died in New York City on April 15. She was 93. Sheridan was most known for playing Jerry's mom, Helen, on Seinfeld. The actress also played Raquel Ochmonek in the series ALF, and her other TV credits included Life with Louie, Murder She Wrote, and Hill Street Blues, among others. 

Stand-up comedian and actor Gilbert Gottfried died on April 12. He was 67. His family announced the news and said that Gottfried passed away after a long illness. "In addition to being the most iconic voice in comedy, Gilbert was a wonderful husband, brother, friend and father to his two young children," the family's statement reads. "Although today is a sad day for all of us, please keep laughing as loud as possible in Gilbert's honor."

Besides his decades-long career in comedy, Gottfried was a prolific voice actor and is best known for voicing Iago in Disney's Aladdin. 

1960s teen icon Bobby Rydell died of pneumonia at the age of 79 on April 5, Variety reported. The actor was most known for starring opposite Ann-Margaret in the 1963 film Bye Bye Birdie. His other TV credits included The Jack Benny Show and The Facts of Life. Rydell was a definitive teen icon in the '60s, so much so that the high school in the musical Grease, Rydell High, was named after him. 

British star June Brown, best known for her role as Dot Cotton in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, died on April 3. Brown was 95. The BBC confirmed her death to People with a statement from the actress' family: "We are deeply saddened to announce our beloved mother, June, passed away very peacefully at her home in Surrey on Sunday evening." For more than three decades, Brown starred as the iconic Dot Cotton and appeared in 2,884 episodes between 1985 and 2020. She received a BAFTA TV Award nomination for Best Actress for her performance in 2009, and has also won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Soap Awards. 

Actress Estelle Harris died on April 2 due to natural causes, per Deadline. She was 93.  Harris was perhaps best known for playing George's (Jason Alexander) mother Estelle on Seinfeld. Younger audiences will better recognize her as the voice of Ms. Potato Head in the Toy Story movie franchise. 

"It is with the greatest remorse and sadness to announce that Estelle Harris has passed on this evening at 6:25pm," her son Glen Harris told Deadline. "Her kindness, passion, sensitivity, humor, empathy and love were practically unrivaled, and she will be terribly missed by all those who knew her."

Tom Parker, singer of the British-Irish boy band The Wanted, died on March 30. He was 33. The artist was diagnosed with a grade four glioblastoma tumor in October 2020, and had shared publicly about his battle with brain cancer. His wife Kelsey Hardwick posted the news on Instagram: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm Tom passed away peacefully earlier today with all of his family by his side," she wrote. "Our hearts are broken, Tom was the centre of our world and we can't imagine life without his infectious smile and energetic presence." 

Parker joined The Wanted when the group formed in 2009. The band's singles "Glad You Came" and "Chasing the Sun" peaked at No. 3 and No. 50 on the Billboard Hot 100, according to the chart owning magazine.

Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins died March 25 at the age of 50. His death was announced on the band's official social media. In the statement, the band said, "His musical spirit and infectious laughter will live on with all of us forever. Our hearts go out to his wife, children, and family." Hawkins died while the band was on tour in South America and was preparing to play a festival in Bogota, Colombia. Prior to joining Foo Fighters in 1997, Hawkins was the drummer for Alanis Morissette. He has been with Foo Fighters for 25 years. The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. 

Madeleine Albright, the first female U.S. Secretary of State, died on March 23. She was 84. "The cause was cancer," her family said in a statement. "She was surrounded by family and friends. We have lost a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend." Albright served as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations from 1993 to 1997 during President Bill Clinton's administration. She was then confirmed as the first female Secretary of State in 1997 and pushed for the expansion of NATO. In 2012, Albright received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country's highest civilian honor. 

Braxton Family Values star and singer Traci Braxton died at age 50 on March 12. She died of esophageal cancer, according to The New York Times. Her sister Toni posted on Instagram about the news: "It is with the utmost regret that we inform you of the passing of our sister, Traci. Needless to say, she was a bright light, a wonderful daughter, an amazing sister, a loving mother, wife, grandmother, and a respected performer."

Along with her sisters Toni, Towanda, Trina, Tamar, and their mother Evelyn, Braxton starred in the reality series Braxton Family Values which aired for seven seasons between 2011 and 2020. The star also had a musical career, and released her solo debut album Crash & Burn in 2014. 

Oscar-winning actor William Hurt died on March 13. He was 71. His son Will told The Hollywood Reporter that Hurt died at his home in Portland, Oregon and did not share details about the cause of death. Hurt received three Best Actor Oscar nominations between 1985 and 1987 for his performances in Kiss of the Spider Woman — for which he won the award, Children of a Lesser God, and Broadcast News. He was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 2005 thriller A History of Violence. In addition to receiving accolades in film, Hurt had a prolific career in television and earned Emmy and Golden Globes nominations for his performance as Daniel Purcell in Damages.

In her 2009 memoir I'll Scream Later, Marlee Matlin alleged that Hurt had abused and raped her when they were in a relationship. Hurt released a statement after the book was published saying that he had apologized.

Sesame Street icon Emilio Delgado died on March 10 two years after being diagnosed with blood cancer multiple myeloma, according to Deadline. He was 81. Delgado played Luis, a Sesame Street fix-it man for over five decades. "His warmth and humor invited children to share a friendship that has echoed through generations. At the forefront of representation, Emilio proudly laid claim to the 'record for the longest-running role for a Mexican-American in a TV series.' We are so grateful he shared his talents with us and with the world," the Sesame Workshop said in a statement to Deadline. 

Conrad Janis, the actor best known for his role in Mork & Mindy, died March 1 in Los Angeles. He was 94. His death was confirmed by his business manager to The New York Times. Janis' signature TV role was Fred McConnell, the father of Pam Dawber's Mindy, in the ABC sitcom Mork & Mindy. This show was one chapter of an acting career that spanned decades, in which Janis earned more than 100 film, television, and Broadway credits. His other screen work included a recurring role on Frasier and performances in movies like The Cable Guy. Janis was also a seasoned jazz trombonist and performed in the group Beverly Hills Unlisted Jazz Band. Born to art gallerists, Janis was a familiar name in New York's art world and co-owned the Sidney Janis Gallery, launched by his parents.

Mitchell Ryan, the actor best known for his roles in Dark Shadows, Dharma & Greg, and Lethal Weapon, died on March 4. He passed away from congestive heart failure in his home in Los Angeles, per The Hollywood Reporter. He was 88. Ryan originated the role of ex-con Burke Devlin in the '60s gothic soap opera Dark Shadows. His co-star Kathryn Leigh Scott wrote on Facebook, "He was a great gift in my life. I cherish my warm memories of his beautiful soul."

Ryan also played Edward Montgomery, the father of Thomas Gibson's Greg, on ABC's Dharma & Greg. On the big screen, the actor starred as General Peter McAllister in the buddy cop movie Lethal Weapon. His other movie performances included Grosse Pointe Blank, Electra Glide in Blue, and Winter People.

Tim Considine, who rose to popularity in the '50s and '60s, died on March 3, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 81. The actor first got his start in The New Adventures of Spin and Marty, followed by playing Frank Hardy of The Hardy Boys fame in The Hardy Boys: The Mystery of the Applegate Treasure and The Hardy Boys: The Mystery of the Ghost Farm. Considine is perhaps most known for playing Mike Douglas on ABC's My Three Sons from 1960-1965. 

Actor, comedian, and singer Johnny Brown died March 2 at 84. His daughter Sharon Catherine Brown posted, "Our family is devastated... Beyond heartbroken." The actor is best known for his role as building superintendent Nathan Bookman in the '70s CBS sitcom Good Times. Before this project, Brown was a regular cast member on NBC's sketch comedy series Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In. He also had a musical career, releasing songs including "Walkin', Talkin', Kissin' Doll" in 1961 and "You're Too Much in Love With Yourself" in 1968.

Alan Ladd Jr., the movie studio executive who saved Star Wars from being shut down by Fox Studios in the '70s, died March 2. He was 84. His daughter Amanda Ladd-Jones confirmed the news on Facebook. Ladd Jr. won his only Oscar for producing Mel Gibson's Braveheart in 1996, but his resume contains 14 Best Picture nominees, including Young Frankenstein, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Moonstruck. He also greenlit some of the most important female-starring movies of the 20th century, like Norma Rae, Alien, and Thelma & Louise. 

Actress Farrah Forke died of cancer on Feb. 25, according to Variety. She was 54. Forke was best known for playing Alex Lambert in Seasons 4 through 5 of the NBC sitcom Wings. She also appeared as lawyer Mayson Drake in Season 2 of Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. Her acting resume includes stints on Party of Five and Mr. Rhodes, as well as voicing Big Barda in the animated series Batman Beyond and Justice League Unlimited. 

Ned Eisenberg, best known for his role as defense attorney Roger Kressler in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, died on Feb. 27. He was 65. His wife, the actress Patricia Dunnock, said in a statement, "As Ned would say, he was attacked by two very rare assassins — cholangiocarcinoma and ocular melanoma. Over the course of two years, he bravely fought the cancers in private while continuing to work in show business to ensure that his medical coverage paid for himself and his family."

Eisenberg portrayed the character of Kressler in Law & Order: SVU between 1999 and 2019, across 24 episodes. The actor's credits also include the short-lived early '90s NBC sitcom The Fanelli Boys, as well as films like Million Dollar Baby and Flags of Our Fathers. His recent TV appearances included Mare of Easttown and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Eisenberg had a career in theater, too, and performed on Broadway in shows ranging from 2000's The Green Bird to 2017's Six Degrees of Separation.

Character actor Ralph Ahn, who recurred on New Girl as the group's mostly silent friend Tran, died Feb. 26. He was 95. The Korean American Federation of Los Angeles confirmed the news. Ahn appeared in seven episodes of the Fox sitcom, mostly guiding Jake Johnson's character Nick through various crises with his facial expressions and actions. Johnson wrote on Instagram in a post memorializing the actor, "RIP. So much fun to work with. He gave so much with literally no lines. I loved when he was on set. I was always expecting to somehow work with him again. Condolences to his family/friends."

Sally Kellerman died at the age of 84 on Feb. 24. Her publicist Alan Eichler confirmed the news, per Variety. Kellerman was most known for her role as Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan in the Robert Altman M*A*S*H feature film. She was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Academy Award for the dark comedy, which was the only feature made in the M*A*S*H universe. Kellerman's other notable credits include Serial, You Can't Hurry Love, Bonanza, and The Young and the Restless. She was nominated for a Daytime Emmy in 2015 for the latter role. She is survived by her two children Jack and Claire. 

Lindsey Pearlman, an actress best known for her recurring roles on General Hospital and the one season of Chicago Justice, was found dead in Los Angeles on Feb. 18 after being reported missing for five days. She was 43. The LAPD posted the confirmation of Pearlman's death on the morning of Feb. 18 after putting out a missing person's notice on Feb. 13. Pearlman's acting credits also included stints on Empire, American Housewife, and Netflix's Selena: The Series. 

Ghostbusters director Ivan Reitman died Feb. 12. He was 75. Along with Ghostbusters, Reitman also directed classic comedies Stripes, Twins, Junior, and more. He produced the 1978 classic Animal House, as well as two beloved cult favorite comedies of the 2000s, Old School and EuroTrip. "Our family is grieving the unexpected loss of a husband, father, and grandfather who taught us to always seek the magic in life," his children, Jason, Caroline, and Catherine Reitman, said in a statement to the Associated Press. "We take comfort that his work as a filmmaker brought laughter and happiness to countless others around the world. While we mourn privately, we hope those who knew him through his films will remember him always."

Cheslie Kryst, former Miss USA and a correspondent for Extra, died Jan. 30. Her death is being investigated as a suicide. She was 30 years old. In addition to her role as an entertainment news correspondent, Kryst was an attorney. "Cheslie embodied love and served others, whether through her work as an attorney fighting for social justice, as Miss USA and as a host on Extra," her family shared in a statement. "But most importantly, as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor and colleague — we know her impact will live on."

Actor Howard Hesseman died Jan. 29 due to complications from colon surgery. He was 81. Hesseman is best known for his role as the disco-hating DJ "Dr. Johnny Fever" on the 1978-1982 sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, for which he received two Emmy nominations and became a countercultural icon. His decades-long career in television also included roles like high school teacher Charlie Moore in Head of the Class and the original One Day at a Time's Sam Royer, who married Bonnie Franklin's Ann Romano. Hesseman is survived by his wife, actress Caroline Ducrocq. 

His manager Robbie Kass said in a statement, per Deadline, "He was a groundbreaking talent & life long friend and long time client, whose kindness and generosity was equaled by his influence and admiration to generations of actors and improvisational comedy throughout the world."

Emmy-winning comedian Louie Anderson died on Jan. 21. He was 68. Deadline reported that Anderson passed away in Las Vegas, after he was hospitalized earlier in the week for treatment of diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Anderson starred as Christine Baskets in Baskets, for which he received three consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series — and won in 2016. He was also an icon in stand-up. After making his network debut on The Tonight Show in 1984, Anderson proceeded to host a number of stand-up specials in the decades that followed. The most recent one was 2018's Louie Anderson: Big Underwear. Anderson was also a game show host and hosted Family Feud from 1999 to 2002.

Rock star Meat Loaf died on Jan. 20. He was 74. "Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight surrounded by his wife Deborah, daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends," said a statement posted on Meat Loaf's Facebook page. Born Marvin Lee Aday, the Grammy-winning artist was a giant in the rock industry and sold more than 100 million records worldwide throughout his career, which spanned six decades. The first album from his Bat Out of Hell trilogy, released in 1977, continues to be one of the best-selling albums of all time. In addition to his achievements in music, Meat Loaf was a prolific actor and starred in dozens of shows and films, including The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Fight Club.

French actor Gaspard Ulliel died Jan. 19 after a skiing accident, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP). He was 37. The actor was skiing in the Savoie region on Jan. 18 when he collided with another skier on the slopes, suffering a traumatic brain injury. 

Ulliel is best known in the United States for his role in Peter Webber's 2007 film Hannibal Rising. He also appears in Marvel's new series Moon Knight, opposite Oscar Isaac. Ulliel is one of the most well known actors in France. He won two César Awards for his work in 2016's It's Only the End of the World and 2004's A Very Long Engagement. The actor is survived by his 6-year-old son, Orso, and his girlfriend Gaelle Petri. 

Fashion pioneer André Leon Talley died at a hospital in White Plains, New York on Jan. 18. He was 73, and reportedly died of a heart attack. Talley was formerly the news director at Vogue before becoming the magazine's editor-at-large from 1988 to 2013, and leaves an indelible legacy in the fashion industry. He was one of the only Black editors in the room for much of his six-decades-long career and advocated for the inclusion of Black voices. In his 2020 memoir The Chiffon Trenches, Talley recounted instances of racism he faced in his early career and offered an inside look at his ascent to the upper echelons of the fashion world. Talley had also described his sexuality as "fluid," and is an important figure in the LGBTQ community. The icon was a judge on America's Next Top Model from 2010 to 2011, and in 2017 a part of his life was chronicled in the documentary The Gospel According to André. 

Ronnie Spector, lead singer of the '60s girl group The Ronettes, died on Wednesday, Jan. 12 of cancer. She was 78. "Ronnie lived her life with a twinkle in her eye, a spunky attitude, a wicked sense of humor, and a smile on her face," her family said in a statement to Rolling Stone. 

Spector, her elder sister Estelle Bennett, and their cousin Nedra Talley started singing together when they were teenagers but became the seminal girl group known as The Ronettes in 1963 when they signed with Phil Spector's record label Philles Records. That same year the group released "Be My Baby," a smash hit that peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The group's other hits include "Walkin' in the Rain," "Baby, I Love You," and "(The Best Part of) Breakin' Up." Spector was in a tumultuous marriage with Phil Spector from 1968 until 1972, when she escaped their mansion with the help of her mother. She documented the rollercoaster relationship in her memoir, Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts, and Madness, or My Life as a Fabulous Ronette. Spector and The Ronettes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. 

Full House star Bob Saget was found dead in an Orlando-area hotel room on Jan. 9. He was 65. The Orange County sheriff's department confirmed his death, which was first reported by TMZ. Saget had performed a stand-up comedy show in Ponte Verda Beach, Florida, on Jan. 8.

Saget is most popularly known for playing family patriarch Danny Tanner on the ABC sitcom Full House from 1987-1995. He reprised the role for Netflix's Full House revival, Fuller House in 2016. Saget also hosted America's Funniest Home Videos from 1987 until 2007. The actor and comedian's other notable TV credits include voicing the narrator on How I Met Your Mother, Matt Stewart on Raising Dad, and a stint as himself on the HBO satire series Entourage. He also competed on Season 4 of The Masked Singer as Squiggly Monster. While Saget's tenure as Danny Tanner made him one of the most lovable sitcom dads of all time, he was famous for having an oppositely raunchy on-stage persona for his stand-up comedy. Saget was known for his warm personality both on and off-screen. 

Renowned actor, activist, and director Sidney Poitier died Jan. 6. He was 94 years old. With a career spanning more than 50 years across stage, film, and television, the Bahamian American Poitier helped break the color barrier for Black actors by choosing to play complex characters that didn't adhere to racial stereotypes. His memorable works include the groundbreaking 1967 comedy Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, the 1959 stage production of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun, and 1967's In The Heat Of The Night. His legacy was solidified in 1964 when he became the first Black actor and first Bahamian man to win the Oscar for Best Actor for his work in the drama Lilies of the Field. He previously broke ground in 1959 as the first African American to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor when he received a nod for his role in The Defiant Ones. Poitier was recognized with an honorary Oscar for his outstanding contributions to American cinema in 2002. Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.

Film director Peter Bogdanovich died Jan. 6 of natural causes. He was 82. After starting out as a film journalist, Bogdanovich was best known for his breakout film, 1971's coming-of-age drama The Last Picture Show, which was nominated for eight Academy Awards including Best Picture and was added to the National Film Registry in 1998. He quickly followed up with two more hit films: 1972's What's Up, Doc?, which was his biggest commercial success, and 1973's Paper Moon, which famously netted a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for 10-year-old Tatum O'Neal. His directing career took an equally rapid downturn after that, and he only made one more hit movie, 1985's Mask. He transitioned from primarily being a director back to writing about film, becoming a leading author and commentator on film history, and to acting, most notably in a recurring role on The Sopranos as Elliot Kupferberg, Dr. Jennifer Melfi's (Lorraine Bracco) therapist, who notoriously drank from a big water bottle that belonged to Bogdanovich himself. In 2018, he executive-produced the completion of his directorial idol Orson Welles' unfinished final film, The Other Side of the Wind, which he acted in when it was filmed in the '70s. Bogdanovich was also known for his iconic fashion sense — silk ascot scarves were his signature — and his headline-generating personal life, which included a public affair with Cybill Shepherd that ended his first marriage, and the 1980 murder of his then-girlfriend, model Dorothy Stratten, by her estranged husband, a tragedy Bogdanovich wrote a book about in 1984 called The Killing of a Unicorn: Dorothy Stratten 1960-1980.