From Broadway’s bright lights to Hollywood’s silver screen, 2024 marked the final curtain call for luminaries who defined entertainment, politics, and culture. The world bid farewell to legendary figures whose collective impact spans decades through their extraordinary contributions.
Join us as we pay tribute to celebrities who passed away this year, remembering their indelible impact on the world.
Shannen Doherty (April 12, 1971–July 13, 2024)
Although Shannen Doherty is best known for playing Brenda Walsh in the ’90s, the Beverly Hills 90210 (1990-2000) star was quite the household name long before for her roles as Jenny Wilder in Little House on the Prairie (1974-1983), the sassy Maggie Malene in Girls Just Want to Have Fun (1985), and powerful witch Prue Halliwell in Charmed (1998-2006). Doherty died at the age of 53 in 2024 after a long battle with breast cancer.
Richard Simmons (July 12, 1948–July 13, 2024)
The energetic fitness guru, known for his Sweatin’ to the Oldies workouts, passed away in Los Angeles at 76. Richard Simmons’ enthusiastic personality and comedic timing made him a cultural icon of the ’80s and ’90s.
Bob Newhart (September 5, 1929–July 18, 2024)
The beloved comedian and actor Bob Newhart, known for his titular sitcom The Bob Newhart Show (1972-1978), Newhart (1982-1990), and most notably as Professor Proton in The Big Bang Theory (2013-2018) and Young Sheldon (2017-2020), passed away at 94. His deadpan delivery and perfect timing made him a comedy legend. It is no wonder that he served as a fill-in host for Johnny Carson a total of 87 times on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962-1992).
Benji Gregory (May 26, 1978–June 13, 2024)
The former child actor, best known for his role as Brian Tanner on the 1980s sitcom ALF (1986-1990), was found dead at 46 in his car in Peoria, Arizona, along with his service dog. His tragic death is suspected to be due to heatstroke. According to his family, Gregory struggled with depression and a sleep disorder that kept him awake for days, and that may likely be the reason he fell asleep in his car on that fateful day.
John Mayall (November 29, 1933–July 22, 2024)
The influential blues and rock singer and multi-instrumentalist died at 90. Considered the Godfather of British Blues, John Mayall’s impact on rock music is immeasurable. Dedicated to his craft, Mayall was an active musician until his death.
Donald Sutherland (July 17, 1935–June 20, 2024)
Prolific Canadian actor Donald Sutherland, who has had a career spanning over six decades, passed away at 88 after a long illness. From his roles as an army convict in The Dirty Dozen (1967), a pot-smoking failed novelist in Animal House (1978), a grief-stricken father and husband in Ordinary People (1980), a quick-witted art dealer in Six Degrees of Separation (1993), a weary but doting father in Pride & Prejudice (2005), to the ruthless dictator in The Hunger Games (2012-2015), his versatility was unmatched.
Willie Mays (May 6, 1931–June 18, 2024)
Willie Mays, the Hall of Fame center fielder regarded as one of baseball’s all-time greats, died at 93. The 24-time All-Star, fondly known as the Say Hey Kid, was famous on the field as an all-rounder with an infectious personality, making him an icon.
Shifty Shellshock (August 23, 1974–June 24, 2024)
Seth Brooks Binzer, who went by the stage name Shifty Shellshock, died at 49 after a long battle with substance abuse. Shellshock was the lead singer of the rap rock band Crazy Town, best known for their hit single Butterfly (2000). His struggles with addiction were public knowledge; he even made appearances on the reality TV show Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew (2008-2012) and Sober House (2009-2010) in an attempt to overcome his addiction.
Johnny Wactor (August 31, 1986–May 25, 2024)
The actor, best known for his role as Brando Corbin in General Hospital (1963-Present), was tragically shot and killed at age 37 during an attempted catalytic converter theft in Los Angeles. Wactor died while shielding a female co-worker from the gunfire. Johnny made appearances in shows like Westworld (2016-2022), Criminal Minds (2005-2020, 2022-Present), and Station 19 (2018-2024). The soap star community mourned his loss at the 2024 Daytime Emmys, remembering him as a kind, genuine, and talented performer.
Chita Rivera (January 23, 1933–January 30, 2024)
The trailblazing Broadway icon and winner of two Tony Awards died at 91 after succumbing to a brief illness. Chita Rivera’s career spanned seven decades, and she is best known for her electric performances in Broadway musicals like West Side Story (1957), Chicago (1975), and Kiss of the Spider Woman (1993). She was nominated for the Tony Awards 10 times and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.
Dickey Betts (December 12, 1943–April 18, 2024)
Dickey Betts, the founding member of The Allman Brothers Band and writer of the hit single Ramblin’ Man (1973), passed away at 80. He succumbed to a combination of cancer and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) while at his residence in Florida. Betts, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame back in 1995, will be remembered for his melodic guitar playing, which was hugely influential, so much so that he was ranked #58 on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time list.
Shelley Duvall (July 7, 1949–March 15, 2024)
The actress known for her quirky roles in The Shining (1980), Popeye (1980), and 3 Women (1977) died at 74. Shelley Alexis Duvall collaborated frequently with director Robert Altman and won Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival for 3 Women. Duvall also produced children’s television programs in the 1980s, including Faerie Tale Theatre.
Steve Lawrence (July 8, 1935–March 7, 2024)
The beloved singer, actor, and comedian Steve Lawrence passed away at 88. His death was attributed to complications arising from Alzheimer’s disease. Although Steve was known for his solo work, his partnership with his wife, Eydie Gormé, also gained them significant popularity. The duo, known as Steve and Eydie (1954-2009), performed together for over 50 years until Eydie’s retirement in 2009. Lawrence’s velvety voice and charm made him a favorite on stage and screen.
Richard Lewis (June 29, 1947–February 27, 2024)
The pioneering stand-up comedian and actor Richard Lewis, known for his self-deprecating and neurotic humor, died at 76 after succumbing to a heart attack. He rose to fame in the 1980s with his angst-ridden comedy specials on HBO. A frequent presence on late-night TV and Curb Your Enthusiasm (1999-2024), his comedy was as insightful as it was hilarious.
James Earl Jones (January 17, 1931– September 9, 2024)
Legendary actor James Earl Jones, known for his distinctive and instantly recognizable baritone voice, passed away at 93 in his Dutchess County home on September 9. Known for voicing Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise and Mufasa in The Lion King (1994), Jones was also a distinguished stage actor, winning Tony Awards for The Great White Hope (1968) and Fences (1987). His commanding presence and unforgettable voice graced both stage and screen for over six decades, earning him the rare EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony) status as an honorary recipient.
Roberto Cavalli (November 15, 1940–April 12, 2024)
Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli, known for his bold animal prints and exotic patterns, died on April 12 at the age of 83 in Florence after a long illness. Cavalli revolutionized fashion with his sandblasted jeans technique in the 1970s and built a global luxury empire. His flamboyant designs were favored by celebrities worldwide, and his creative vision influenced fashion for over five decades.
Tony Todd (December 4, 1954–November 6, 2024)
Versatile actor Tony Todd, renowned for his haunting portrayal of Candyman in the horror film series Candyman (1992-2021), passed away at age 69 in his California home from stomach cancer. Standing at 6’5”, Todd’s commanding presence and uncommon voice made him a horror icon, but his range extended far beyond, including memorable roles in Platoon (1986), The Rock (1996), and multiple characters across several Star Trek series as well as lending his voice for many video games from the Sci-fi franchise. His dedication to his craft and contribution to genre films has earned him a special place in cinema history.
Quincy Jones (March 14, 1933–November 3, 2024)
The legendary music producer, composer, and arranger Quincy Jones died of pancreatic cancer at age 91 in his Bel Air home. With 28 Grammy Awards and more than 80 nominations, he shaped modern music through collaborations with artists like Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and Ray Charles. His production work on Thriller (1982) and We Are the World (1985) remains among the landmark achievements in music history. His numerous accolades include an Emmy Award for his musical composition for Roots (1977), based on Alex Haley’s novel.
Liam Payne (August 29, 1993 – October 16, 2024)
The One Direction star tragically died at 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. The singer traveled to Argentina to renew his O Visa and attend Niall Horan’s live concert. Toxicology reports revealed a lethal combination of prescription medications, cocaine, and alcohol in his system. Payne had been open about his struggles with mental health and addiction in recent years. His death came just months after his single Teardrop, leaving behind a legacy of chart-topping hits both with One Direction and as a solo artist.
Jimmy Carter (October 1, 1924 – December 29, 2024)
The 39th President of the United States died at the age of 100 in Plains, Georgia, after entering hospice care earlier in the year. His post-presidency humanitarian work through the Carter Center, dedication to Habitat for Humanity, and diplomatic efforts earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Carter was the longest-living president in U.S. history, and his commitment to human rights and peace initiatives redefined expectations for former presidents’ roles after leaving office.