We’re remembering all the great stars we have lost in 2024.
In 2023, we had to say goodbye to some legendary stars. From losing TV presenter Jerry Springer, iconic singers Tina Turner and Tony Bennett, and Oscar-winning actor Alan Arkin to Dancing With the Stars’ very own Len Goodman, 2023 was quite a devastating year in celebrity passings.
And while we hope 2024 brings fewer losses than the previous years, we know saying goodbye to some celebrities is only natural as time goes on. In 2024, we have seen the loss of legendary stars like trailblazing Broadway legend Chita Rivera and hilarious comedic actor Richard Lewis.
Lewis’ death was a particularly emotional moment for other A-listers including childhood friend Larry David’s whose moving statement still brings tears to our eyes: “Richard and I were born three days apart in the same hospital and for most of my life he’s been like a brother to me,” David said in a statement. “He had that rare combination of being the funniest person and also the sweetest. But today he made me sob and for that I’ll never forgive him.”
From Christian Oliver to Chita Rivera, check out all the stars who have passed away this year below.
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Sian Scale
Beloved model Sian Scale has tragically passed away at the young age of 28, after a battle with cancer. She was known for appearing in Vanity Fair, as well as fashion houses such as Marc Jacobs, Burberry and Chanel.
“She was determined and strong and had such grace in navigating the most difficult year of her life with such acceptance, optimism and vulnerability,” her family said in a statement obtained by NYPost. “Sian was very generous, loving, kind, fun, adventurous and modest”.
Bernard Hill
Bernard Hill, best known for his role as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic, has passed away at 79, his agent confirmed to BBC. He started acting in 1974, and has been in over 130 credits, and nabbed two BAFTA nominations. Along with being a decorated actor, he is survived by his fiancée Alison and son Gabriel.
Mandisa
Former American Idol contestant and Grammy-winning Christian singer Mandisa was found dead in her Nashville home on Thursday, April 18. She was 47.
“We can confirm that yesterday Mandisa was found in her home deceased,” her representative confirmed to local outlet The Tennessean. “At this time we do not know the cause of death or any further details. We ask for your prayers for her family and close-knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time.”
Mandisa Lynn Hundley appeared on season 5 of American Idol and went on to have a successful career making contemporary Christian music, even winning a Grammy for her 2013 album, Overcomer.
Legendary fashion designer Roberto Cavalli has died. He was 83 years old.
His fashion brand, named after himself, announced the news on Instagram. “It is with great sadness that today we say our final goodbyes to our founder Robert Cavalli,” the statement reads. “From humble beginnings in Florence, Roberto succeeded in becoming a globally recognised name loved and respected by all.”
“Naturally talented and creative, Roberto believed that everyone can discover and nurture the artist within themselves,” the post continues. “Roberto Cavalli’s legacy will live on via his creativity, his love of nature and via his family who he cherished.”
In the caption, Fausto Puglisi, the brand’s creative director, said his goodbye to Cavalli. “Dear Roberto, you may not be physically here with us anymore but I know I will feel your spirit with me always,” he wrote. “It is the greatest honour of my career to work under your legacy and to create for the brand you founded with such vision and style.”
O.J. Simpson
Controversial football star O.J. Simpson died on April 10 at age 76 after a battle with cancer, according to a statement shared by his family.
“On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace,” a post on Simpson’s social media account read.
Simpson is survived by two children from his first marriage to Marguerite L. Whitley and two from his marriage to Nicole Brown.
Simpson’s successful football career has long been overshadowed by his 1994 arrest following the murders of Brown and her friend, Ron Goldman. The Hall of Fame football player was accused, tried and ultimately acquitted of the murders.
In 2008, he was convicted of felony armed robbery and kidnapping after forcing men to return memorabilia he claimed they stole from him. He was released from prison in 2017 and kept a low-profile since.
Cole Brings Plenty
1923 actor Cole Brings Plenty has passed away at the age of 27.
His father confirmed the news of his passing, after he was found dead in a wooden area. “I am deeply saddened to confirm that my son, Cole, has been found and is no longer with us,” his father said on Instagram. “We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone for the prayers and positive thoughts you sent for Cole.”
He added, “We would also like to thank everyone who came to walk beside us as we searched for my son and provided the resources we needed to expand our search areas. I learned this week how many people knew the goodness in Cole’s heart and loved him.”
Chance Perdomo
Chance Perdomo, star of Gen V and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, has passed away at the young age of 27, after a motorcycle accident.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Chance Perdomo’s untimely passing as a result of a motorcycle accident,” a representative said to Variety. “Authorities have advised that no other individuals were involved. His passion for the arts and insatiable appetite for life was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth will carry on in those who he loved dearest.”
Louis Gossett Jr.
Louis Gossett Jr., who made history as the first Black man to win a Supporting Actor Oscar in 1983 for his role in An Officer and a Gentleman, has passed away. He was 87 years old.
“It is with our heartfelt regret to confirm our beloved father passed away this morning,” his family said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “We would like to thank everyone for their condolences at this time. Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
Steve Harley
The frontman of the British rock band Cockney Rebel, Steve Harley, passed away at the age of 73. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. One of his daughters released a statement after he passed from cancer, saying, He “passed away peacefully at home. We know he will be desperately missed by people all over the world.”
Eric Carmen
Musician Eric Carmen, known for his songs “Hungry Eyes” and “All By Myself,” died on March 12. He was 74.
“It is with tremendous sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Eric Carmen,” his wife Amy Carmen wrote in a statement. “Our sweet, loving and talented Eric passed away in his sleep, over the weekend.”
“It brought him great joy to know, that for decades, his music touched so many and will be his lasting legacy,” the statement continued. “Please respect the family’s privacy as we mourn our enormous loss.”
Steve Lawrence
Singer Steve Lawrence passed away on March 7, per The Hollywood Reporter. He was 88.
The “Pretty Blue Eyes” singer died in Los Angeles following complications from Alzheimer’s disease, publicist Susan DuBow announced.
Iris Apfel
Fashion icon Iris Apfel has passed away at the age of 102. The interior designer, fashion designer, and icon was known for her colorful looks, fashion collections, and her iconic crushing of ageism.
Anne Whitfield
White Christmas actress Anne Whitfield has sadly passed away at the age of 85. In early Feb, Whitfield died after “suffering an unexpected accident while on a walk in her neighborhood,” per ENews via Yahoo, but her family was able to say goodbye.
She is survived by her children Julie Stevens, Evan Schiller and Allison Phillips, and seven grandchildren.
She was most well-known for her roles in White Christmas, Tick, Tick, Tick, and Annie Get Your Gun.
Richard Lewis
Actor Richard Lewis, known for his work in Curb Your Enthusiasm, died on Feb. 28, Variety reported. He was 76.
While further details on his passing were not provided, Lewis was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and announced his retirement from stand-up comedy in April of 2023.
Thomas Kingston
Thomas Kingston, the husband of Lady Gabriella Kingston, died on Feb. 25. He was 45.
“It is with the deepest sorrow that we announce the death of Thomas Kingston, our beloved husband, son and brother,” his family said in a statement at the time, per Us Weekly. “Tom was an exceptional man who lit up the lives of all who knew him. His death has come as a great shock to the whole family and we ask you to respect our privacy as we mourn his passing.”
Upon further investigation into his passing, his death was ruled a suicide, per The Telegraph.
Kenneth Mitchell
Kenneth Mitchell, known for his work in Star Trek: Discovery, sadly passed away on Feb. 24 following a 5 ½-year battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease, per NBC. He was 49 years old.
“For five and a half years Ken faced a series of awful challenges from ALS,” his family wrote in a statement on Instagram. “And in truest Ken fashion, he managed to rise above each one with grace and commitment to living a full and joyous life in each moment.”
“Ken is forever grateful for the massive amounts of love and endless support he received from his community along this journey,” the statement continued. “Especially the courage, resilience and strength displayed from his extraordinary wife, family and friends.”
Mitchell is survived by his wife Susan and their children Lilah and Kallum.
Chris Gauthier
Chris Gauthier, an actor known for his roles in Once Upon a Time and Eureka, passed away on Feb. 23, CNN reports. He was 48.
“We can confirm that our friend and client, Chris Gauthier, passed away on Friday morning, February 23, at the age of 48 after a brief illness,” the actor’s representatives shared with the outlet. “As a beloved character actor, Chris shared his talents with so many of us both on television and in film. His loss is felt not just by his fans but by those of us who were lucky enough to know him more personally. On behalf of his family, we ask for privacy during this time so that they are able to grieve properly.”
Gauthier is survived by his wife Erin and his two sons, Ben and Sebastian.
Toby Keith
Country music singer-songwriter Toby Keith died on Feb. 5 after a battle with stomach cancer, his family revealed in a statement the following morning. He was 62.
“He fought his fight with grace and courage,” the statement read, according to AP News. He was diagnosed in 2022.
Don Murray
Actor Don Murray, who earned an Oscar nomination for his role in Bus Stop alongside Marilyn Monroe, died on Feb. 2 at age 94.
Wayne Kramer
Singer Wayne Kramer, founding member of The MC5, died Feb. 2 at age 75.
According to a post on his official Instagram, “he passed away peacefully today from pancreatic cancer. He will be remembered for starting a revolution in music, culture, and kindness.”
Carl Weathers
Carl Weathers, an actor known for his roles in Rocky, Happy Gilmore and The Mandalorian, passed away on Feb. 1. He was 76 years old.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” his family said in a statement to Page Six. “He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024.”
“Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life,” the statement continued. “Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations.”
“He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend,” the statement concluded. The late actor is survived by his ex-wife and their two sons.
Chita Rivera
Trailblazing Broadway legend Chita Rivera died on Jan. 30 in New York City after a brief illness, according to Good Morning America.
The 91-year-old Latina was born Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero in Washington D.C. Across her career she amassed 10 Tony nominations, winning twice.
Rivera originated the roles of Anita in West Side Story, Rose Alvarez in Bye Bye Birdie and Velma Kelly in Chicago.
Adan Canto
It was reported on January 9 that actor Adan Canto, known for his role in The Cleaning Lady and Designated Survivor, passed away following a battle with appendiceal cancer, per The Wrap. He was 42.
“Adan had a depth of spirit that few truly knew. Those who glimpsed it were changed forever,” Canto’s reps at UTA, Entertainment360 and Viewpoint said in a statement to the outlet. “He will be greatly missed by so many.”
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Adan Canto,” Fox Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television said in a statement to the outlet. “A wonderful actor and dear friend, we were honored to have him as part of the Warner Bros. Television and Fox Entertainment families since his U.S. debut in The Following more than a decade ago.”
“Most recently, he lit up the screen in The Cleaning Lady with a powerful performance that showcased his artistry, range, depth and vulnerability,” the statement continued. “This is an unfathomable loss, and we grieve alongside his wife Stephanie, their children and loved ones. We will miss Adan dearly.”
Canto and his wife, Stephanie Ann Canto, shared kids Roman Alder, 3, and Eve Josephine, 1. Our hearts go out to his family at this time.
James Kottak
James Kottak, the longtime drummer for the rock band Scorpions, passed away on Jan. 9 at the age of 61.
“Very sad news … our dear friend and Drummer for 20 years James Kottak has passed at the age of 61,” the band wrote in a Facebook post alongside a black-and-white photo of Kottak. “James was a wonderful human being , a great musician and loving family man … he was our Brother from another Mother and will be truly missed . … Rock ‘n Roll Forever. RIP James.”
Christian Oliver
Christian Oliver, an actor known for his roles in Speed Racer, Wrong Turn and Valkyrie, died on Jan. 4 along with his two daughters after their small plane crashed into the sea off a Caribbean island, per Deadline. Oliver was 51 while his kids, Madita and Annik, were 12 and 10, respectively.
The pilot of the plane, Robert Sachs, also passed away.
“Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced difficulties and nose-dived into the ocean,” the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force said in a statement, per the outlet. “Fishermen and divers from Paget Farm went to the scene of the incident in their boats to render assistance.”
All four bodies have been recovered. The crash is currently under investigation.
David Soul
David Soul, who played the original Hutch in the series Starsky & Hutch, passed away on Jan. 4. He was 80 years old.
According to his wife, Helen Snell, the actor died following “a valiant battle for life in the loving company of family,” BBC reports.
“He shared many extraordinary gifts in the world as actor, singer, storyteller, creative artist and dear friend,” she continued. “His smile, laughter and passion for life will be remembered by the many whose lives he has touched.”
Glynis Johns
Actress Glynis Johns, who was known for her roles in Mary Poppins, The Sundowners and A Little Night Music, passed away on Jan. 4 due to natural causes, her manager told The Hollywood Reporter. Johns was 100 years old.
