2020 was a year of enormous grief. So many loved ones have been lost to the COVID-19 pandemic and its ripple effects across the world, and celebrities were in no way immune, mourning the loss of Nick Cordero, John Prine, Carol Sutton, and more in 2020. With each passing has come new grief, but also a new opportunity to celebrate that person’s life and impact, from family members to friends. With Larry King’s recent 2021 death, hundreds of thousands of viewers have written about the influence he had on them watching him on TV over the years — and so have his two sons, who talk about the influence of their loving, obsessive dad.
“We are heartbroken over our father’s death, and together with our extended family mourn his passing,” they wrote. “The world knew Larry King as a great broadcaster and interviewer, but to us he was ‘dad.’ He was the man who lovingly obsessed over our daily schedules and our well-being, and who took such immense pride in our accomplishments — large, small, or imagined.”
There will be more celebrity deaths in 2021, and many will be painful, as these public figures can loom even larger in our hearts than we realize. But we should take heart in the outpouring of love that comes after such a blow and the sense of community that arises from a moment of shared grief. Stars are just like us in that they live, die, and hope to make an impact. Often, it’s not until their passing that the extent to which they’ve succeeded becomes clear.
Read on for all the stars we’ve lost so far in 2021.
A version of this article was originally published January 2021.
Betty White
TV legend and The Golden Girls star Betty White has died in her home at age 99 on Dec. 31, 2021, law enforcement sources tell TMZ. The star was just a few weeks shy of her 100th birthday, and shared advice a day before her passing with Fox News on how she maintains her zest for life: “I’ve always been a cockeyed optimist,” she said. “I got it from my mom. I’m gonna stick with it.”
Jean-Marc Vallée
Jean-Marc Vallée, the famed Canadian filmmaker and producer, sadly passed away at the age of 58. Vallée was best known for his work on HBO projects like Sharp Objects and Big Little Lies, directing the mini series starring Amy Adams and the first season of the HBO drama to great critical acclaim. Vallée also directed films like Wild, Dallas Buyers Club, and The Young Victoria. In 2014, he earned an Oscar nomination for Best Achievement in Film Editing for his work on Dallas Buyers Club.
Joan Didion
Legendary author and essayist Joan Didion has passed away at age 87. Her publisher confirmed the news to major media outlets, writing, per CNN: “We are deeply saddened to report that Joan Didion died earlier this morning at her home in New York due to complications from Parkinson’s disease.”
Sally Ann Howes
Sally Ann Howes, the venerated actress of stage and screen, passed away at the age of 91, per The Hollywood Reporter. Of her many roles, Howes was known for her performance as Truly Scrumptious in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. She also starred in Broadway performances of My Fair Lady (replacing Julie Andrews), Brigadoon, and What Makes Sammy Run.
Bob Dole
Bob Dole, a longtime Republican and 1996 presidential nominee, passed away on December 5 at the age of 98. “Bob was an American statesman like few in our history. A war hero and among the greatest of the Greatest Generation. And to me, he was also a friend whom I could look to for trusted guidance, or a humorous line at just the right moment to settle frayed nerves,” President Joe Biden said of the late politician, per CNN.
“I will miss my friend. But I am grateful for the times we shared, and for the friendship Jill and I and our family have built with Liddy and the entire Dole family.”
Virgil Abloh
Famed fashion designer and Louis Vuitton artistic director Virgil Abloh has passed away at age 41 from a rare cancer he’d battled in private for several years. “We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend,” his family’s statement read on Instagram. “He is survived by his loving wife Shannon Abloh, his children Lowe Abloh and Grey Abloh, his sister Edwina Abloh, his parents Nee and Eunice Abloh, and numerous dear friends and colleagues.”
Stephen Sondheim
Legendary lyricist-composer Stephen Sondheim passed away at age 91 in his home in Connecticut on Nov. 26, 2021. Creator of musicals like Sweeney Todd, West Side Story, Company, Into the Woods, and many more, Sondheim is survived by husband Jeffrey Romley, and his influence on the modern musical is present in every facet of Broadway as it exists today.
Heath Freeman
Bones star Heath Freeman has passed away at age 41, Fox News confirmed on Nov. 16, 2021 via a statement from his family. “We are truly devastated at the loss of our beloved Heath Freeman,” the statement read. “A brilliant human being with an intense and soulful spirit, he leaves us with an indelible imprint in our hearts. His life was filled with deep loyalty, affection, and generosity towards his family and friends, and an extraordinary zest for life.”
Dean Stockwell
Venerated actor Dean Stockwell passed away at the age of 85 on November 7, 2021, per Deadline. The actor had a 70-year career that featured roles in film, TV, and on stage. Stockwell was nominated for an Oscar in 1989 for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his role in Married to the Mob.
During his career, Stockwell was nominated for four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role in Quantum Leap.
James Michael Tyler
James Michael Tyler passed away at his Los Angeles home on October 24, 2021, at the age of 59, according to CNN. The late actor, who was best known for his performance as Gunther on the sitcom Friends, had been battling prostate cancer. Once news of his death became public, members of the Friends cast shared heartfelt tributes on social media.
Peter Scolari
On October 22, 2021, actor Peter Scolari passed away after a two-year battle with cancer, per CNN. The actor rose to fame on Bosom Buddies, and went on to win an Emmy Award in 2016 for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his work on the HBO series Girls.
Willie Garson
Willi Garson’s adopted son, Nathen, announced the passing of his father at the age of 57 in an emotional post on Instagram. “Rest In Peace and I’m so glad you got to share all your adventures with me and were able to accomplish so much,” his son wrote.
“I’m so proud of you. I will always love you, but I think it’s time for you to go on an adventure of your own.” Garson was best known for his roles on NYPD Blue, White Collar, and Sex and The City.
Sarah Dash
Sarah Dash passed away at the age of 76 years old after a towering career in the musi industry. She was a co-founder of the group Labelle and popularized the hit song “Lady Marmalade.” Patti LaBelle mourned Dash on Twitter.
“Sarah Dash was an awesomely talented, beautiful and loving soul who blessed my life and the lives of so many others in more ways than I can say. And I could always count on her to have my back! That’s who Sarah was … a loyal friend and a voice for those who didn’t have one.”
Richard Buckley
Richard Buckley, a fashion editor and the husband of designer Tom Ford, passed away at the age of 72. “It is with great sadness that Tom Ford announces the death of his beloved husband of 35 years, Richard Buckley,” Ford’s representatives shared in a statement to CNN Style.
“Richard passed away peacefully at their home in Los Angeles last night with Tom and their son Jack by his side. He died of natural causes after a prolonged illness.”
Norm Macdonald
Norm Macdonald, a beloved cast member of Saturday Night Live, past away at the age of 61 years old following a nine-year battle with cancer, his management firm Brillstein Entertainment confirmed to Deadline.
“He was most proud of his comedy,” Macdonald’s producing partner and friend Lori Jo Hoekstra said in a statement. “He never wanted the diagnosis to affect the way the audience or any of his loved ones saw him. Norm was a pure comic. He once wrote that ‘a joke should catch someone by surprise, it should never pander.’ He certainly never pandered. Norm will be missed terribly.”
Macdonald appeared on SNL from 1993-1999. After leaving the sketch comedy series, he appeared in such shows like The Middle, Girlboss, and films like Funny People and Grown Ups.
Michael Constantine
Actor Michael Constantine passed away on August 31 at the age of 94, per Entertainment Tonight. Constantine was best known for his role in the 2002 romantic comedy My Big Fat Greek Wedding. He reprised his role for the 2016 sequel. In the late ’60s and early ’70s, Constantine starred in the comedy series Room 22, for which he earned the Emmy award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in Comedy.
Michael K. Williams
Michael K. Williams, best known for his roles on The Wire, Lovecraft Country and Boardwalk Empire, has died at the age of 54 on September 6, 2021. He was found dead in his living room in his Brooklyn penthouse apartment after friends and family had not heard from him in several days. While the cause of death is still being determined, drug paraphernalia was found in the home, according to the New York Post, and an overdose is suspected.
“It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Emmy-nominated actor Michael Kenneth Williams,” his PR rep Marianna Shafran told The Hollywood Reporter. “They ask for your privacy while grieving this unsurmountable loss.”
Gregg Leakes
Gregg Leakes, husband of Real Housewives of Atlanta star NeNe Leakes, passed away at age 66 from colon cancer on September 1, 2021. Leakes was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2018. “Today the Leakes family is in deep pain with a broken heart. After a long battle with cancer, Gregg Leakes has passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by all of his children, very close loved ones and wife NeNe Leakes,” a statement shared with CNN read.
NeNe and Gregg married in 1997 but divorced in 2011. By 2013, they remarried and remained together until Gregg’s death.
Charlie Watts
Charlie Watts, the famed drummer of the rock band the Rolling Stones, passed away at the age of 80 on August 24, 2021. A statement from the band and Watts’ spokesperson described the musician as “a cherished husband, father and grandfather and also a member of the Rolling Stones one of the greatest drummers of his generation,” per Variety.
In 1989, Watts and the members of the Rolling Stones were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His incredible skills on the drums completely stood out on some of the band’s most well known songs. He’s survived by his wife Shirley Ann Shepherd and daughter Seraphina Watts.
Ed Asner
Ed Asner, the venerated five-time Emmy winner, passed away at the age of 91 on August 29, 2021, per CNN. Asner was a beloved TV star, who graced such shows as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Rich Man, Poor Man, Modern Family, and even lent his voice to the 2009 animated film Up.
Markie Post
Markie Post passed away on August 7, 2021, per Deadline. The Night Court star died at the age of 70 following her battle with cancer. Over the course of her decades-long career, Post played characters that became absolute fan favorites of sitcoms and more.
She appeared in over 150 episodes of the TV series Night Court between 1984 to 1992. She also appeared in films like There’s Something About Mary and in the Netflix series Santa Clarita Diet.
Olympia Dukakis
Academy Award-winning actress Olympia Dukakis passed away at the age of 89 on Saturday, May 1, after “many months of failing health,” according to her brother, who shared the news of the star’s death on Facebook.
Dukakis won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Moonstruck, in which she played Cher’s mother; she also starred in the beloved film Steel Magnolias.
Alma Wahlberg
Alma Wahlberg, star of family reality series Wahlburgers, has passed away at age 78 after suffering from dementia. Sons Donnie Wahlberg and Mark Wahlberg both weighed in with their sentiments on Instagram. “My angel. Rest in peace,” Mark wrote. “It’s time to rest peacefully, mom,” Donnie wrote in his tribute. “I love you, miss you, thank you and will celebrate you, today and always.”
Alma was a mom to nine kids with late husband Donald Wahlberg: Arthur, Paul, Jim, Robert, Donnie, Mark, Michelle, Debbie and Tracey Wahlberg. She’s survived by all but Debbie Wahlberg, who passed away at age 43 in 2003.
DMX
Rapper DMX has passed away at age 50, his family has confirmed. The star suffered a heart attack and was taken to the hospital on April 2, after which he entered a non-responsive state. On April 9, his family released this statement: “We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at 50-years-old at White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days.”
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh has passed away at age 99. The royal family confirmed his passing with this statement: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss. Further announcements will be made in due course.”
Jessica Walter
Jessica Walter has passed away at age 80. The Emmy-winning actress and beloved TV star died in her sleep in her New York City apartment after a long career that included unforgettable turns as Lucille Bluth in Arrested Development, Malory Archer in Archer, and the lead in Clint Eastwood’s Play Misty For Me.
Christopher Plummer
Actor Christopher Plummer passed away at age 91 on Feb. 5, 2021. He died peacefully at his home in Connecticut with his wife of over 50 years, Elaine Taylor, by his side. Most known for his roles in The Sound of Music and Beginners, for which he won an Oscar, Plummer recently charmed us in Knives Out, a Rian Johnson who-dunnit that became a star vehicle for Ana de Armas.
“Chris was an extraordinary man who deeply loved and respected his profession with great old fashion manners, self-deprecating humor and the music of words,” his manager Lou Pitt said in a statement to Deadline. “He was a national treasure who deeply relished his Canadian roots. Through his art and humanity, he touched all of our hearts and his legendary life will endure for all generations to come. He will forever be with us.”
Hal Holbrook
Hal Holbrook, most known for his one-man show as author Mark Twain, which he kept up for over 60 years, passed away at age 95 on Jan. 23, 2021. The Emmy and Tony-award winning actor had starred in classics like All The President’s Men and Magnum Force and enjoyed a long career on the stage and silver screen too, but it was Mark Twain Tonight for which he’ll never be forgotten.
Dustin Diamond
Saved By the Bell star Dustin Diamond has died at age 44 after being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer TMZ reports. Diamond received his diagnosis in Jan. 2020 and had just completed his first round of chemotherapy. His girlfriend was by his side when he passed.
Cicely Tyson
The legendary Cicely Tyson has passed away at age 96, just a few days after memoir Just As I Am was released. Tyson broke boundaries for Black actresses everywhere with her determination to not take on roles that were demeaning to Black women or reduced them to stereotypes, and proving that she could have massive Broadway, film, and TV success outside of that path. From star turns on Miss Jane Pittman, Sounder, How to Get Away With Murder, Roots, and so much more, Tyson was a towering inspiration to so many who could not envision themselves in the public eye until she came along. Viola Davis, Michelle and Barack Obama, Shonda Rhimes, and many more have already expressed their grief.
Cloris Leachman
Actress Cloris Leachman, known for her roles in The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Last Picture Show, has died at the age of 94. Leachman passed away at her California home with her daughter by her side, TMZ reports.
Larry King
Beloved TV host and celebrity interviewer Larry King passed away at age 87 on Jan. 23, 2021 after being hospitalized earlier that month with COVID-19. King is survived by children Larry Jr., Chance, and Cannon, who paid a sweet tribute to their dad’s memory in wake of the news.
Hank Aaron
Legendary baseball player Hank Aaron died of natural causes at age 86 on Jan. 22, 2021. Widely considered one of the best baseball players who ever lived, Aaron was also a noted civil rights activist and battled against the same inequality and injustice to which he’d been subjected his entire career.
Tanya Roberts
Former Bond girl and That ’70s Show star Tanya Roberts passed away on Jan. 5, 2021 at age 65 from sepsis caused by an untreated UTI. Her death was originally reported on Jan. 4 by partner Lance O’Brien, who then found out while doing an Inside Edition interview that he had mistakenly believed her to be dead and she was still alive. She passed away that night.
Leave a Comment