Celebrity Deaths in 2023: All the Stars We Lost This Year and Legacies They Left Behind
After a tremendous career as a TV producer, Norman Lear's family announced his death on December 6. "It is with profound sadness and love that we announce the passing of Norman Lear, our beloved husband, father and grandfather," a statement shared to his Instagram page read. "Norman passed away peacefully on December 5, 2023, surrounded by his family as we told stories and sang songs until the very end." The statement continued, "Norman lived a life in awe of the world around him. He marveled at his cup of coffee every morning, the shape of the tree outside his window and the sounds of beautiful music. But it was people — those he just met and those he knew for decades — who kept his mind and heart forever young. As we celebrate his legacy and reflect on the next chapter of life without him, we would like to thank everyone for all the love and support."
Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Champagne Collet
Former first lady Rosalynn Carter's death was announced by The Carter Center on November 19. She was 96 years old. “Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, said in a statement at the time. “She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.”
Mark Wilson/Getty Images
The beloved actor of Friends fame died at the young age of 54 on October 28. According to law enforcement sources who spoke to TMZ, Perry died due to drowning, and was found in his hot tub,
Noam Galai/Getty Images
Actress Suzanne Somers died on October 15, just one day before her 77th birthday. “Suzanne Somers passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of October 15th. She survived an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years,” the actress’ longtime publicist, R. Couri Hay, said in a statement to Closer. “Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband, Alan, her son, Bruce, and her immediate family. Her family was gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday on October 16th. Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life, and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly.”
Emma McIntyre / Stringer
Phyllis Coates, best known for her role as Lois Lane in Adventures of Superman, died at age 96 from natural causes on October 11. "She gave a lot to the industry and her career passed through so many genres," her daughter Laura Press told People in a statement.
Film Favorites/Getty Images
Michael Gambon, known for his role as Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter franchise, died at the age of 82. “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon," a statement shared on September 28 by his family to multiple outlets read. "Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia. Michael was 82."
Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage
Famed "Margaritaville" singer Jimmy Buffett died at the age of 76 on September 1. “Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” a statement on his Instagram read. “He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
Getty
The Price Is Right star Bob Barker died at the age of 99, his rep confirmed in a statement on August 26. The longtime game show host died in his Los Angeles home of natural causes.
Shutterstock
The This is Us actor died at the age of 66 after a battle with a “long-standing pulmonary issue,” his rep confirmed in a statement on August 19. “Throughout the course of his career, his warmth, beauty, generosity, kindness and heart were felt by anyone who had the good fortune of knowing him,” the statement continued. “He began his career at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and his love for the stage was present throughout his entire career, including his recent Tony nominated and Drama Desk Award winning performance for his role in Clyde’s on Broadway.”
Shutterstock
Bryan Randall, the longtime boyfriend of actress Sandra Bullock, died at the age of 57 after battling ALS privately for three years. “It is with great sadness that we share that on August 5, Bryan Randall passed away peacefully after a three-year battle with ALS,” his family shared in a statement tot People on August 7. “Bryan chose early to keep his journey with ALS private and those of us who cared for him did our best to honor his request.” The statement continued: “We are immensely grateful to the tireless doctors who navigated the landscape of this illness with us and to the astounding nurses who became our roommates, often sacrificing their own families to be with ours.”
MEGA
William Friedkin, director of The French Connection and The Exorcist, died at age 87 on August 7, his wife, Sherry Lansing, confirmed. The Academy Award winner shot to fame during the New Hollywood movement in the ‘70s with his many critically acclaimed thrillers.
Reynaud Julien/APS-Medias/ABACA/Shutterstock
Pee-wee Herman actor Paul Reubens died at 70 years old on July 30 after a battle with cancer. His team remembered him fondly in a statement. “Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness,” the statement read. “Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.”
Photo by Jss Images/BEI/Shutterstock
Bill Cunningham, founder of the CESD Talent Agency and original voice behind the Ken doll, died amid the media flurry surrounding Greta Gerwig's Barbie on July 15. The news was confirmed eleven days later, the agency confirmed. Bill was 96 years old.
Courtesy of CESD Talent Agency/Instagram
Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor, who was most known for her 1990 hit “Nothing Compares 2 U,” died at 56 years old on July 26, 2023, multiple outlets reported. Her family shared a statement. “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad,” the statement read. “Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time."
Steve Meddle/Shutterstock
Tony Bennett has died at the age of 96 following his battle with Alzheimer's disease. "Tony Bennett, born Anthony Dominick Benedetto in Astoria, Queens on August 3rd, 1926, has passed away in his hometown of New York City at the age of 96 earlier today," his rep said in a statement. "The beloved singer, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2016, is survived by his wife, Susan Benedetto, his two sons, Danny and Dae Bennett, his daughters Johanna Bennett and Antonia Bennett and 9 grandchildren."
Matt Baron/Shutterstock
Singer and actress Jane Birkin, who was the namesake of the iconic Hermès handbag, died on July 16. The French Culture Ministry confirmed her passing via Twitter, writing, “Her collaborations with the greatest (Serge Gainsbourg, Etienne Daho and Agnès Varda) have made her a timeless French-speaking icon.” Jane was 76 years old.
Shutterstock
The longtime soap opera actress died on July 9 after battling cancer, her rep confirmed to Closer. She was 66 years old. Andrea first made her mark playing Tina Lord on One Life to Live beginning in 1979. She starred in 627 episodes of NBC's soap Passions as Rebecca Hotchkiss from 2000 through 2008. The Daytime Emmy nominee also appeared on CBS' The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless.
Stewart Cook/Shutterstock
Actor Alan Arkin, who was known for his hilarious roles in Little Miss Sunshine, Get Smart and Argo, died at 89 years old, his sons, Adam, Matthew and Anthony, told People on June 30. "Our father was a uniquely talented force of nature, both as an artist and a man,” they told the outlet. “A loving husband, father, grand and great grandfather, he was adored and will be deeply missed."
Hahn Lionel/ABACA/Shutterstock
Glenda Jackson died at the age of 87 on June 15. "Glenda Jackson, two-time Academy Award-winning actress and politician, died peacefully at her home in Blackheath, London this morning after a brief illness with her family at her side,” the Women in Love star’s agent, Lionel Larner, told People. "Today we lost one of the world's greatest actresses and I have lost a best friend of over fifty years."
Shutterstock
Everwood and Hair actor Treat Williams died at 71 following a motorcycle accident on June 12, his agent, Barry McPherson, told People. "He was killed this afternoon,” Barry told the outlet. “He was making a left or a right [and] a car cut him off. I’m just devastated. He was the nicest guy. He was so talented. He was an actor's actor. Filmmakers loved him. He's been the heart of the Hollywood since the late 1970s. He was really proud of his performance this year. He's been so happy with the work that I got him. He's had a balanced career."
MediaPunch/Shutterstock
The veteran actor, best known for his roles on The WB's Everwood and the TV Land comedy The Soul Man, died on May 30 at a hospital in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. He was 79 years old. His son Michael wrote a moving Facebook tribute that read, "I lost my best friend today. They say you shouldn’t ever meet your heroes because they don’t turn out to be who you thought they were. That is so wrong. My hero was my father. Thank you for everything.”
John Photography/Shutterstock
The late “What’s Love Got to Do With It” artist died at 83 years old, Tina’s verified Instagram confirmed on May 24. “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner,” the statement read. “With her music and her boundless passion for life, she enchanted millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow. Today we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music. All our heartfelt compassion goes out to her family. Tina, we will miss you dearly."
BabiradPicture/Shutterstock
General Hospital star Jacklyn Zeman died at the age of 70 . “Just like her character, the legendary Bobbie Spencer, she was a bright light and true professional that brought so much positive energy with her to work,” executive producer Frank Valentini said Wednesday in a statement via Twitter on May 10. “Jackie will be greatly missed, but her positive spirit will always live on with our cast and crew. We send our heartfelt sympathy to her loved ones, friends, and family, especially her daughters Cassidy and Lacey.”
Shutterstock
The talk show host died at his home in Chicago at age 79 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, Closer confirmed. "Jerry’s ability to connect with people was at the heart of his success in everything he tried whether that was politics, broadcasting or just joking with people on the street who wanted a photo or a word,” Jene Galvin, a lifelong friend and spokesman for the family, shared in a statement obtained by Closer. “He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on.”
Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock
Harry Belafonte died at the age of 96 on April 25. His longtime spokesman, Ken Sunshine, told the New York Times that his cause of death was congestive heart failure. In addition to being an accomplished musician, Harry was a respected civil rights activist.
Shutterstock
The Dancing With the Stars judge and famed ballroom dancer died of bone cancer at age 78 on April 22. “It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78,” his manager, Jackie Gill, shared in a statement to BBC. “A much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him.”
Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock
The Script guitarist Mark Sheehan died at the age of 46 on April 14. “Much loved husband, father, brother, band mate and friend Mark Sheehan passed away today in hospital after a brief illness,” a post on the band’s Instagram account read. “The family and group ask fans to respect their privacy at this tragic time.”
Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock
The acclaimed actor, who was best known for playing Cedric Daniels on HBO's The Wire as well as appearing as Charon in the John Wick film franchise, died on March 17 at the age of 60 from natural causes, ?his representative confirmed to Closer. He is survived by his wife Stephanie Reddick and children Yvonne Nicole Reddick and Christopher Reddick. Lance was found dead at his Studio City, California, home and had been in the middle of a promotional tour for John Wick: Chapter 4. Donations can be made to momcares.org in Baltimore, his hometown, in his honor.
NINA PROMMER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Robert Blake, the award-winning actor known for his roles in The Little Rascals, Baretta, In Cold Blood and for the unsolved murder of his second wife Bonny Lee Bakley, died on March 9, according to multiple reports. He was 89 years old. Though he was revered for his impressive acting career, Blake was mired with scandal after his Bakley was found dead on May 4, 2001. The actor faced a charge of murder with special circumstances and two counts of soliciting murder, before being released on bail in March 2003 and later acquitted in March 2005. "Why would I marry her if I was going to kill her?" Blake said of his second wife in 2012. "I could've hired somebody to kill her when she was in Tibet or some place. She drove all over the country. I could've hired somebody to follow her for 10 months and make her disappear so nobody would ever find her, for Christ's sake." He went on to get married for a third time to Pamela Hudak in 2017, but their marriage ended one year later.
Nick Ut/AP/Shutterstock
The longtime Hill Street Blues star died at the age of 83 on February 18, her family revealed. Her cause of death was not revealed. Barbara was nominated for an Emmy Award five times for her role as Fay Furillo in the NBC police drama. She was married to legendary TV show creator Steven Bochco from 1970 through 1997. “More spirit and zest than you could shake a stick at. When she loved you, you felt it without a doubt. If she didn’t, you may well have also known that too,” her son Jesse Bochco wrote in an Instagram post, adding, “Forever in our hearts. I love you Mama.
MEGA
Known for his role as Detective John Munch on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Homicide: Life on the Street, Richard Belzer died on February 19 at age 78, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Kristina Bumphrey/Starpix/Shutterstock
The accomplished songwriter and husband of American Idol star Kellie Pickler died by apparent suicide on February 17. He was 49 years old. Nashville authorities were called to the couple’s home after Kellie woke up from a nap and could not locate her husband. After being unable to open a locked door in the home, Kellie’s assistant called 911. The country musician died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Invision/AP/Shutterstock
Stella Stevens, best known for her roles in The Nutty Professor and Girls! Girls! Girls!, died at age 84 after battling Alzheimer’s, her son, Andrew Stevens, confirmed to Closer. “??Alzheimer's is an insidious disease which affected not only my mother, but my grandmother and great aunt,” he said in a statement. “Hopefully my mother's work will be remembered for her collaborations with some of the entertainment industry's biggest icons.” The Bonanza alum was a grandmother to three kids: Amelia, Aubrey and Samuel Stevens.
Picture Perfect/Shutterstock
The actress, who rose to fame throughout the 1960s and 1970s, died after a “brief illness” on February 15, Closer Weekly confirmed.
Emilio Lari/Shutterstock
The former child actor was best known to the fans of the ABC police drama NYPD Blue, playing Dennis Franz' Detective Andy Sipowicz' son Theo in 48 episodes of the show from 1999 through 2004. Austin's cause of death has been deferred by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office for pending additional investigation. His sister, Kali Raglin, shared a series of photos alongside her brother in a February 13, Instagram post, writing in the caption, "My big brother, Austin, is gone. He died last night," adding, "It’s so surreal to me still. He was only 27 with so much life left to live."
Courtesy of Kali Raglin/Instagram
Cody Longo, known for his role on Days of Our Lives, died on February 10 at just 34 years old, Closer can confirm. His cause of death is not known. The actor's body was found in a residence in Austin, Texas, according to TMZ, who was the first to break the news. “He was an amazing father and the best husband. Our whole world is shattered,” his wife, Stephanie Nicole Clark, told TMZ in Friday, February 10 statement.
Charles Sykes/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
Legendary composer Burt Bacharach died on February 8 at the age of 94 from natural causes, his publicist, Tina Brausam, told The Associated Press. The six-time Grammy winner was the man behind hundreds of pop songs, film scores and collaborations with thousands of musical artists.
James Mccauley/Shutterstock
The America's Got Talent season 6 alum and professional magician died on February 5, after suffering a stroke while working aboard a cruise ship in the Caribbean. He was 52 years old. "I lost my husband yesterday. My kids lost their father. He suffered a stroke while working on a cruise ship in St Kitts and did not make it home to us. We are shattered. Please hold us in your prayers," Scott's wife Jenny shared in an Instagram post.
Courtesy of Scott Alexander/Instagram
Courtesy of Scott Alexander/Instagram
The star of the iconic sitcom Laverne & Shirley died at the age of 75 following a brief illness, Cindy's children, Zak and Emily Hudson, revealed in a statement released on January 30, 2023. “The passing of our kind, hilarious mother, Cindy Williams, has brought us insurmountable sadness that could never truly be expressed,” the statement read. “Knowing and loving her has been our joy and privilege. She was one of a kind, beautiful, generous and possessed a brilliant sense of humor and a glittering spirit that everyone loved.” Cindy played Shirley Feeney opposite Penny Marshall's Laverne DeFazio for eight seasons on the ABC hit, which aired from 1976 through 1983.
Dave Allocca/Starpix/Shutterstock
Lisa Loring, best known for her role as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family sitcom, died on January 28 at age 64 after suffering a stroke. “She went peacefully with both her daughters holding her hands,” her daughter Vanessa Foumberg confirmed to Variety in a statement.
Dave Allocca/Starpix/Shutterstock
The 24 actress died on January 29 after a battle with cancer, Deadline confirmed. She was 45. Her husband, Stephen Full, released a statement saying, "There is a cavernous hole in the soul of this family today. But she left us the tools to fill it. She found wonder in the simplest moment. She didn’t require music to dance. She taught us not to wait for adventure to find you. ‘Go find it. It’s everywhere.’ And find it we shall."
Shutterstock
David Crosby — who founded the Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash — died at 81 years old, his wife confirmed in a statement to Variety on January 19. “It is with great sadness after a long illness, that our beloved David (Croz) Crosby has passed away. He was lovingly surrounded by his wife and soulmate Jan and son Django. Although he is no longer here with us, his humanity and kind soul will continue to guide and inspire us," she shared. "His legacy will continue to live on through his legendary music. Peace, love, and harmony to all who knew David and those he touched. We will miss him dearly. At this time, we respectfully and kindly ask for privacy as we grieve and try to deal with our profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers.”
Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
The daughter of late musician Elvis Presley died at age 54 on January 12, Closer confirmed. News of Lisa Marie's death came hours after she suffered cardiac arrest. “She was the most passionate strong and loving woman I have ever known," Priscilla Presley share in a statement to People. "We ask for privacy as we try to deal with this profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers. At this time there will be no further comment.”
Shutterstock
Sixteen Candles actress Carole Cook died of heart failure at age 98 on January 11, her rep announced in a statement. “On behalf of her husband, Tom Troupe, and the family who was with her at the end, I have been asked to report that the legendary actress of stage and screen (both large and small), Carole Cook, has passed away," the statement read per Today.
Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
Legendary guitarist Jeff Beck – who toured with Johnny Depp in 2022 – died on January 10. He was 78 years old. “It is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing,” his rep told Closer Weekly in a statement. “After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday. His family ask for privacy while they process this tremendous loss.”
KIMMO BRANDT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
One of the OG supermodels, Germany-born Tatjana died at the age of 56, Vogue reported on January 11. No cause of death has been disclosed. She costarred in George Michael's iconic “Freedom ’90” music video, alongside fellow supermodels Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington, and was a familiar face on magazine covers and runways throughout the 1990s.
Willi Schneider/Shutterstock
Eight Is Enough alum Adam Rich died at age 54 on January 7, his publicist, Danny Deraney, confirmed in a statement on Twitter. "Adam was simply a wonderful guy,” Deraney wrote. “He was kind, generous and a warrior in the fight against mental illness. Adam did not have an ounce of ego. He was unselfish and always looked out for those he cared about, which is why many people who grew up with him feel like part of their childhood gone, and sad today. He really was America’s little brother.”
Bei/Shutterstock
Professional rally driver Ken Block died at age 55 on January 2 after he was involved in a snowmobile accident near his Utah home. "It's with deepest regrets that we can confirm that Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident today," his company, Hoonigan Industries, shared in a statement on Instagram. "Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband. He will be incredibly missed."
Tgsphoto/Shutterstock
Fred’s death at age 67 was confirmed in a statement by his brother Verdine on Instagram on January 1. “He will live in our hearts forever,” the bassist wrote, adding, “rest in power beloved Freddie!!”
YouTubeNorman Lear
1 of 50
After a tremendous career as a TV producer, Norman Lear's family announced his death on December 6. "It is with profound sadness and love that we announce the passing of Norman Lear, our beloved husband, father and grandfather," a statement shared to his Instagram page read. "Norman passed away peacefully on December 5, 2023, surrounded by his family as we told stories and sang songs until the very end." The statement continued, "Norman lived a life in awe of the world around him. He marveled at his cup of coffee every morning, the shape of the tree outside his window and the sounds of beautiful music. But it was people — those he just met and those he knew for decades — who kept his mind and heart forever young. As we celebrate his legacy and reflect on the next chapter of life without him, we would like to thank everyone for all the love and support."
Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Champagne ColletGone but not forgotten. Hollywood is mourning the loss of several talented stars who died in 2023. While their deaths shocked the world, their legacy continues to live on through their work, family and fans.
Keep scrolling to remember the stars who died in 2023.