Penny Marshall & All the Other Celebrities We’ve Lost in 2018

Penny Marshall

On Dec. 18, TMZ reported that Penny Marshall had died of complications from diabetes at the age of 75.

Marshall was a celebrated actor, comedian and director, perhaps best known for starring on the iconic sitcom Laverne & Shirley. Marshall went behind the camera to direct film favorites like Big, A League of Their Own and Awakenings. 

“Our family is heartbroken over the passing of Penny Marshall. Penny was a tomboy who loved sports, doing puzzles of any kind, drinking milk and Pepsi together and being with her family,” her family said in a statement.

Sondra Locke

On Dec. 13, Variety reported that actor and director Sondra Locke had died at age 74 from breast and bone cancer. Locke was an Oscar-nominated performer, earning a nod for her performance in The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter in 1967, and directed three feature-length films (Ratboy, Impulse and TradingFavors) and a TV movie, Death in Small Doses.

Colin Kroll

On Dec. 16, Variety reported that HQ Trivia and Vine cofounder Colin Kroll was found dead in his apartment of an apparent drug overdose. He was 34.

George H.W. Bush

On Dec. 1, the Washington Post was among the numerous outlets reporting that George H.W. Bush, former president of the United States, had died at age 94 on Nov. 30. The Bush patriarch died seven months after Barabara Bush, his wife of 73 years. 

Per E! News, Bush’s son (and former president, too) George W. Bush released a statement on his father’s death, on behalf of the entire Bush family: “Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro, and I are saddened to announce that after 94 remarkable years, our dear Dad has died. George H.W. Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for. The entire Bush family is deeply grateful for 41’s life and love, for the compassion of those who have cared and prayed for Dad, and for the condolences of our friends and fellow citizens.”

Bernardo Bertolucci

The Guardian reported on Nov. 26 that Italian director Bernardo Bertolucci died at age 77. Bertolucci, who directed films such as Last Tango in Paris, 1900 and The Dreamers, died after a short battle with cancer, as his publicist confirmed to The Guardian.

Vernita Lee

Oprah Winfrey’s mother, Vernita Lee, died on Thanksgiving Day at age 83, according to Entertainment Tonight.

Lee died in her home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, ET confirmed, but a cause of death is still unknown. She is survived by Winfrey, daughter Patricia Amanda Faye Lee and four grandchildren. 

Nicolas Roeg

Prominent director Nicolas Roeg, best known for films like Don’t Look Now (starring Donald Sutherland) and The Man Who Fell to Earth (starring David Bowie) in the 1970s, died at age 90, according to Variety’s report from Nov. 24. 

Devin Lima

On Nov. 21, TMZ was the first to report that Devin Lima, one-third of the ’90s boy band LFO, had died of stage 4 cancer. 

In a statement to Us Weekly on his death, Lima’s mother, Filomena Lima, said, “My son has passed away. His fiancée was living with him and let us know that he passed at 2:45 in the morning. He was struggling for 13 months since his cancer diagnosis. The family is not good.”

Kim Porter

Actress and model Kim Porter was found unresponsive in her home on Nov. 15 and was pronounced dead shortly afterward, according to CNN. She was 47. Porter appeared in various films, including The Brothers, and on TV’s Wicked Wicked Games; however, she may be best known as Sean Combs’ ex-girlfriend. The pair dated intermittently from 1994 to 2007. Porter leaves behind four children: twins Jessie James and D’Lila, 11, son Christian, 20, and Quincy, 27. 

Roy Clark

Roy Clark, country musician and host of the long-running TV series Hee-Haw, died on Nov. 15. He was 85. According to CNN, Clark died of complications from pneumonia at his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Stan Lee

Marvel comics legend Stan Lee died Nov. 12 at age 95, according to a report from Variety. The outlet reported that Lee was rushed to Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles on Nov. 11 for a medical emergency and was declared dead shortly thereafter. Lee was one of the masterminds behind such iconic comics titles as Spider-Man, Fantastic Four and X-Men. As Marvel films made their way to movie screens over the last few decades, so did Lee, making cameos in nearly every Marvel film that’s been made. 

Scott Wilson

In October, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that famed character actor Scott Wilson, whose credits includedThe Walking Dead, Bosch, Netflix’s The OA and 1967’s In the Heat of the Night, had died of cancer at age 76.

Mac Miller

In what may be one of the most heartbreaking and shocking deaths of 2018, 26-year-old rapper Mac Miller reportedly overdosed and died in early September. TMZ reported that the young artist was found in his home in the San Fernando Valley in Califonia on the afternoon of Sept. 7. No statement was released at the time his death was reported. 

Morgana King

The New York Times confirmed that in August, renowned jazz singer Morgana King — who also appeared in films like The Godfather — had died at age 79.

Kofi Annan

In August, UK news outlet The Guardian reported that former United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan had died at the age of 80 from a short, undisclosed illness.

Burt Reynolds

On Sept. 6, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that legendary actor Burt Reynolds had died at age 86 (the cause of his death was not immediately reported). Reynolds built up an impressive résumé from the 1970s onward, appearing in wildly successful films like Smokey and the Bandit, The Longest Yard, Deliverance and Boogie Nights. 

Neil Simon

On Aug. 26, The Hollywood Reporter announced that beloved, prolific 20th-century playwright Neil Simon had died at age 91. Simon, who was the man behind works like The Odd Couple and Barefoot in the Park, died of complications from pneumonia at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan, according to his publicist.

John McCain

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Senator John McCain died on Aug. 25 at age 81. McCain had been diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017, and it was announced on Aug. 24 that hewas discontinuing medical treatment and would be spending time at home with his family. That same day, McCain’s wife, Cindy McCain, tweeted out, “I love my husband with all of my heart. God bless everyone who has cared for my husband along this journey.”

Robin Leach

Beloved TV personality and journalist Robin Leach died on Aug. 23 at age 76, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed. Leach gained worldwide fame as the host of the hit ’80s reality series Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Columnist John Katsilometes confirmed Leach’s passing on Twitter, writing, “Sad to report the death of famed celeb reporter, friend and colleague #RobinLeach @ 1:50 a.m. in #LasVegas. He would have been 77 Wednesday. He suffered a second stroke Monday. He in hospice care. He’d been hospitalized since Nov. 21, after suffering a stroke in Cabo San Lucas.”

Barbara Harris

On Aug. 21, People magazine reported that actor Barbara Harris, who starred in classic films like Robert Altman’s Nashville and Freaky Friday, had died at age 83. She reportedly died of lung cancer at her home in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Aretha Franklin

On Aug. 16, AP News reported that Aretha Franklin (the “Queen of Soul”) had died at age 76, surrounded by loved ones in her Detroit home. The legendary singer had long had advanced pancreatic cancer. 

Charlotte Rae

On Aug. 6, People magazine reported that iconic TV actor Charlotte Rae, best known for her performances on hit ’80s sitcoms The Facts of Life and Diff’rent Strokes, had died at age 92. In 2017, Rae revealed that she had been diagnosed with bone cancer, just seven years after she’d been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Nancy Sinatra Sr.

In late July, The Hollywood Reporter announced that Frank Sinatra’s first wife, Nancy Sinatra Sr., had died at age 101.

Jonathan Gold

Pulitzer Prize-winning L.A. Times food critic Jonathan Gold died unexpectedly at age 57 in late July, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Elmarie Wendel

On July 22, Deadline reported that actor Elmarie Wendel — perhaps best known for her role on 3rdRock From the Sun — had died at age 89.

Roger Perry

Actor Roger Perry, best known for his TV roles on popular midcentury shows like The Munsters and Stark Trek, died in late July at age 85, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Anthony Ray

In late July, The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that actor Anthony Ray, son of famous director Nicholas Ray and who appeared in films like Rebel Without a Cause, had died at age 80.

William Hobbs

The Hollywood Reporter announced on July 20 that fight choreographer and actor William Hobbs, who worked on films like The Avengers, The Count of Monte Cristo and Willow, had died at age 79.

Tab Hunter

The death of 1950s teen heartthrob turned queer icon Tab Hunter was confirmed on July 9 by outlets including The Hollywood Reporter. Hunter, known for roles in films like Damn Yankees, Battle Cry and The Girl He Left Behind, reportedly died of a blood clot that led to a heart attack. This was confirmed by Hunter’s life partner of more than three decades, Allan Glaser.

Harlan Ellison

Variety confirmed in June that prominent sci-fi writer Harlan Ellison had died at age 84. Ellison was best known for his writing on TV series like The Outer Limits, Star Trek and Babylon 5 as well as short stories and novellas.

Craig Turner

On July 3, E! News reported that Tina Turner’s son, Craig Turner (pictured standing at Ike Turner Sr.’s left), died by suicide at his home in Los Angeles. Tina did not release a comment on her son’s death but will reportedly discuss it in an upcoming documentary.

Matt Cappotelli

Deadline reported that former WWE Tough Enough wrestler Matt Cappotelli died in late June, a year after he was diagnosed with cancer. Cappotelli was 38.

Deanna Lund

Actor Deanna Lund, who was famous for her roles in the ’60s and ’70s, including roles on TV shows like Batman and Land of the Giants, died on June 22 at age 81. According to The Hollywood Reporter, she died of pancreatic cancer at her home in Century City, California.

Carlos Lopez Jr.

E! News reported in late June that Operation Repo star Carlos Lopez Jr. had died by suicide. The 35-year-old TV star and Army veteran was reportedly found dead in his apartment. In addition to his work on Operation Repo, Lopez had appeared in films like Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. 

Joe Jackson

Music manager and Jackson family patriarch Joe Jackson, 89, died of cancer on June 27. TMZ first broke the news.  

Grandson Randy Jackson Jr. confirmed the news in a tweet, writing, “RIP to the king that made everything possible! I love you grandpa.”

Another grandson, Taj Jackson, also reacted to Joe’sdeath and some of the coverage it was already getting. He tweeted, in part, “Joe was loved by our ENTIRE family and our hearts are in pain. Let us grieve.”

Richard ‘The Old Man’ Harrison

On June 25, E! News reported that former Pawn Stars series star Richard "The Old Man" Harrison had died at age 77. Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, where Harrison worked, confirmed his death in a Facebook post. "The team at Gold & Silver Pawn and the Pawn Stars family is grieving his loss," part of the posting said. "He will be remembered as the best father, grandfather and great-grandfather you could have by his family and by fans as the sometimes grumpy (always loving, however), often wisecracking, and voice of absolute reason on the History television show Pawn Stars."

Charles Krauthammer

Longtime Washington Post columnist and frequent Fox News pundit Charles Krauthammer died at age 68 on June 21, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The Pulitzer Prize winner revealed on June 8 that, after the removal of a tumor on his abdomen, his cancer had returned and he had only weeks to live. 

Sophie Gradon

Best known for her time on the TV show Love Island, British reality TV star Sophie Gradon was found dead in her home in mid-June. The Northumbrian Police released a statement to BBC News: “At about 8:27 p.m. yesterday (20 June) police attended a property in Medburn, Ponteland, where sadly a 32-year-old woman was found deceased. There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.”

Leon White

On June 18, former WWE wrestler Leon White, who wrestled under the stage name Vader, died at age 63.

“It is with a heavy heart to inform everyone that my father, Leon White, passed away on Monday night (6/18/18) at approximately 7:25pm,” White’s child (who didn’t identify themselves) tweeted from his father’s Twitter account . “Around a month ago my father was diagnosed with a severe case of pneumonia. He fought extremely hard and clinically was making progress. Unfortunately, on Monday night his heart had enough and it was his time.”

Neal Boyd

E! News reported that on June 10, America’s Got Talent Season 3 winner Neal Boyd had died at age 42. Boyd was reportedly dealing with the effects of “heart failure, kidney failure, and… liver disease” shortly before his death. 

On June 26, TMZ reported that Boyd’s mother had found him in his room. Believing Boyd to simply be unconscious, she called 911. Responders attempted to perform CPR to revive him, but to no avail. The cause of Boyd’s death was later confirmed to be heart failure. 

Eunice Gayson

On June 9, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Eunice Gayson, who is now best known for her role in the first-ever James Bond film, 1962’s Dr. No, had died at age 92. Bond franchise producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli issued their condolences in an official statement on Gayson’s passing: “We are so sad to learn that Eunice Gayson, our very first ‘Bond girl,’ who played Sylvia Trench in Dr. No and From Russia With Love, has passed away. Our sincere thoughts are with her family.”

Jackson Odell

Actor Jackson Odell was reported dead on June 10 by Deadline. Odell, 20, was a resident at a sober living home at the time and had been found unresponsive, with no reported signs of foul play. Odell had risen to fame as an actor on shows like The Goldbergs and iCarly.

Anthony Bourdain

CNN confirmed the death of Anthony Bourdain, 61, on early Friday morning, June 8. 

“It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain,” the network said. “His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller. His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter and family at this incredibly difficult time.”

Bourdain was found unresponsive in a hotel room in France after his death by suicide. He leaves behind his 11-year-old daughter, Ariane. 

Alan O’Neill

Sons of Anarchy actor Alan O’Neill died on June 7 at age 47. While no foul play is suspected, the cause of his death has yet to be announced.

Kate Spade

On June 5, it was announced that legendary fashion designer Kate Spade had died at age 55. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Spade was found dead in her New York City apartment. It is believed she may have died by suicide.

Note: If you’re considering suicide or fear you may become suicidal, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at 1.800.273.TALK (8255). If you’re worried about someone you love, visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org. 

Hugh Dane

Variety reported on June 4 that actor Hugh Dane had died at age 75. Dane was perhaps most recognizable as Hank the security guard from beloved mockumentary TV show The Office, but he also racked up credits in film and TV shows like Girl Meets World,Bridesmaids and Little Fockers). 

Blake Painter

The Clatsop County Sheriff’s office confirmed the death of former Deadliest Catch captain Blake Painter, 38, to People. 

The reality star, who appeared on the show in 2006 and 2007, was found in his Oregon home on May 25. Foul play is not suspected, but police are testing substances that were found at the scene of his death.

Elizabeth Sung

Elizabeth Sung, best known for her role as Luan Violen Abbott on The Young and Restless, died on May 22 at the age of 63. Sung also appeared on Hawaii Five-0, The Sopranos, Bones, Curb Your Enthusiasm and more throughout her career.

Clint Walker

Actor Clint Walker, perhaps best known to older generations for his roles in the 1960s and 1970s, including The Dirty Dozen, Cheyenne and The Great Bank Robbery, died on May 22 at age 90 from sudden but unconfirmed causes, according to TMZ.

Tom Wolfe

The New York Times broke the news on May 15 that famed novelist Tom Wolfe, perhaps best known for boundary-breaking novels Bonfire of the Vanities and The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, died at age 87 after he was hospitalized with an infection.

Margot Kidder

Deadline reported on May 14 that Margot Kidder died at age 69. Kidder starred in 1979’s The Amityville Horror and originated the role of Lois Lane in the Warner Bros. Superman film franchise that made Christopher Reeve a household name in the late ’70s and early ’80s. No cause of death was announced.

Paul Junger Witt

Legendary Hollywood producer Paul Junger Witt, who was responsible for bringing projects like Golden Girls and The Dead Poets Society to screens, died in April at age 77, according to Deadline.

Philip d’Antoni

Legendary Hollywood producer Philip d’Antoni (pictured left, with Gene Hackman in 1972), best known for his role in bringing The French Connection to life, died in April at age 89.

Avicii

Swedish DJ Avicii, born Tim Bergling, died unexpectedly at age 28 on April 20 in Oman. He had retired from music in 2016, citing various health-related concerns.

Verne Troyer

Actor Verne Troyer, best known for his performance as Mini-Me in the Austin Powers films, died at age 49 in late April. 

R. Lee Ermey

Actor R. Lee Ermey, most recognizable to fans as one of the central characters in the original Mississippi Burning and Full Metal Jacket, died at age 74 of complications from pneumonia, The Hollywood Reporter stated.

Harry Anderson

On April 16, The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that TV actor Harry Anderson, perhaps best known as Judge Harry T. Stone on the late ’80s comedy Night Court, had died unexpectedly at age 65. 

Milos Forman

Beloved director Milos Forman, known for directing hits like Amadeus and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, died at age 86 over the weekend of April 14, Deadline reported.

Chuck McCann

Veteran voiceover artist and comedian Chuck McCann, whose credits include Knott’s Landing, The Powerpuff Girls, DuckTales and Boston Legal, died on April 8 at age 83. 

Steven Bochco

Steven Bochco, an iconic TV producer and writer who created memorable shows like Hill Street Blues, L.A. Law and NYPD Blue, died in April at age 74.

DuShon Monique Brown

Actor DuShon Monique Brown, perhaps best known for playing Connie on Chicago Fire, died at age 49 on March 23.

Stephen Hawking

Stephen Hawking died at age 76 on March 14. Hawking, widely considered one of the most brilliant minds of the 20th century, was a renowned theoretical physicist and author of A Brief History of Time. His life was also the focus of the acclaimed film The Theory of Everything.

Craig Mack

Craig Mack, a rapper best known for his song “Flava in Ya Ear” and for helping Sean Combs bring Bad Boy Records to prominence in the ’90s, died of natural causes at age 47 at his home in South Carolina.

Hubert de Givenchy

Fashion legend Hubert de Givenchy, friend to a variety of celebrities and the man who built one of the biggest fashion empires in the modern age, died in March at age 91.

Sridevi Kapoor

Sridevi Kapoor, one of the most famous and beloved Bollywood stars, accidentally drowned in her bathtub after losing consciousness and died at age 54. 

Emma Chambers

British actor Emma Chambers, perhaps best remembered for her roles in the romcom Notting Hill and the hit U.K. TV show The Vicar of Dibley, died at 53 of natural causes.

Ensa Cosby

Bill Cosby’s daughter, Ensa Cosby, died at age 44 in late February 2018 following a battle with renal disease.

Rev. Billy Graham

Rev. Billy Graham, noted televangelist and spiritual advisor to a number of presidents in recent history, died in February at age 99.

Prince Henrik of Denmark

Prince Henrik of Denmark died at 83 in February after health-related complications.

Marty Allen

Veteran comedian Marty Allen, who gained fame as part of the comedy duo Allen & Rossi in the ’50s and ’60s, died at age 95 in February.

Reg E. Cathey

Reg. E Cathey, an established actor whose recent credits include House of Cards and Oz, died in February at age 59.

John Gavin

Best known for his role in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, actor John Gavin died in early February at age 86.

Mickey Jones

Maybe best remembered as one of the stars of Home Improvement, Mickey Jones died in February at age 76. 

John Mahoney

John Mahoney, best known for his role on Frasier and the ’80s romance Say Anything, died at age 77 in February.

Louis Zorich

Louis Zorich, who played Paul Reiser's dad on Mad About You, died on Jan. 30 at the age of 93.

Mark Salling

Former Glee star Mark Salling was found dead at the age of 35 near his home in California. He reportedly died by suicide on Jan. 30.

Connie Sawyer

Connie Sawyer, known for her later start in showbiz with roles in Pineapple Express and New Girl, died in January at 105.

Simon Shelton

Simon Shelton, a character actor best remembered as Tinky-Winky on Teletubbies, died in January at age 52.

Dolores O’Riordan

The iconic lead singer of the notable ’90s band The Cranberries, Dolores O’Riordan died unexpectedly at age 46 in January 2018.

Robert Arthur

Best remembered as the music director on The Ed Sullivan Show, Robert Arthur died in January at age 89.

Jerry Van Dyke

Coach actor and comedian Jerry Van Dyke (pictured on the left with brother Dick Van Dyke) died in January of unknown causes.

Bobby Zarin

Fabrics and real estate developer Bobby Zarin (pictured left), who was married to RHONY star Jill Zarin (right), died of cancer-related complications on Jan. 13.

Bradford Dillman

Actor Bradford Dillman, best known for his performances in The Way We Were and Escape From Planet of the Apes, died in January at age 87.

Hugh Wilson

Director Hugh Wilson, whose credits include the Police Academy films and The First Wives Club, died in January at age 74.

Donnelly Rhodes

Actor Donnelly Rhodes (pictured left), best known for his work on Battlestar Galactica and Soap, died of cancer at age 81 in January. 

‘Fast’ Eddie Clarke

Best remembered as a guitarist with ’70s rock band Motörhead, ‘Fast’ Eddie Clarke died in January at age 67 from possible pneumonia-related complications.

Doreen Tracey

Doreen Tracey, one of the original Mickey Mouse Club Mouseketeers, died of pneumonia after a long battle with cancer in January.

John Young

The longest-serving astronaut in NASA history, John Young died in January at age 87 of complications from pneumonia.

Keith Jackson

Sports announcer Keith Jackson (pictured center), most recognizable for his "Whoa, Nellie!" catchphrase, died in January at age 89.

Jessica Falkholt

Australian actor Jessica Falkholt died at age 29 in January. She had survived for weeks in a coma resulting from a car crash that killed three membersof her family.