On Jan. 16, McGee died in his sleep, a family spokesperson told Reuters . Leachman began her seven-decade career as a Miss America contestant in 1946 followed by. The versatile actress was known best for her comedic work, especially on TV ("The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Malcolm and the Middle") and in Mel Brooks movies ("High Anxiety," and the memorable Frau Blcher in "Young Frankenstein"). He was an actor, known for Monster's Ball (2001). He directed Black List, C.R.A.Z.Y., The Young Victoria, Wild, Dallas Buyers Club, Los Locos, Loser Love and Caf de Flore. Draper's muscles landed him a job as a t.v. Sally Ann Howes, the child actor who rose to fame in the cult film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, died in her sleep on Dec. 19. This Grammy-nominated producer died due to a sudden accident in Athens, Greece. Here, we honor the celebrities who died in 2021: their legacies, their careers, and their impact. Joan Didion was born on December 5, 1934 in Sacramento, California, USA. Scottish DJ, musician, and musical producer died at the young age of 34 on January 30. He is widely recognized as one of the most skilled drummers of all time. The year 2021 took away several celebrities from us. That is most prevalent in one of his final best-known performances voicing the character of Carl in the Pixar classic, "Up. Lasorda died on January 7 due to a cardiac arrest. Lionel started as a boy actor with the RSC but there was little money in it., When his father died his agent suggested that they switch to light entertainment where there was more money, For a while he Jan Shutan is best remembered as Lieutenant Mira Romaine, an officer on the starship Enterprise, whose mind is invaded by non-corporeal life forms in Star Trek: The Lights of Zetar (1969). J.A.E. "For 63 years and across the platforms of radio, television, and digital media, Larry's many thousands of interviews, awards, and global acclaim stand as a testament to his unique and lasting talent as a broadcaster," read the statement in a tweet from his handle the day of his death. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, celebrity lawyer Raoul Felder told the Associated Press. White died on December 31 at her home in Los Angeles due tocomplications of a stroke she had six days prior. Fearlessly. Celebrities who died in 2021 Jason Guerrasio Updated Betty White. He was previously married to Amanda, Sue and Carol. Aside from this iconic role, her face might also be familiar for her many TV commercials. In June it was revealed that the cause of death was an accidental overdose. Over the decades she won the National Book Award, the American Academy of Arts & Letters Gold Medal in Criticism and Belles Letters, the National Medal of Arts and Humanities, and the PEN Center USA's Lifetime Achievement Award. After wowing audiences on the Broadway stage in the mid-1960s (earning a Tony nomination along the way), Clarence Williams III found mainstream stardom playing Linc Hayes in the hit TV series "The Mod Squad," which ran from 1968 to 1973. Themsie Times was born in 1951 in Gqeberha [formerly Port Elizabeth], South Africa. Roberts died on January 4 due to complications from a urinary tract infection. This is a list of deaths of notable people, organised by year. Celebrities who died in 2021. He was previously married to Karlyn Kuper and Patricia Ann Gundy. In the 1990s, he showed a different side of his talents, talk show host, when he did "The Charles Grodin Show" on CNBC. He was previously married to Trudy Moss and Barbara Gelman. He was first diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and then said in 2019 that he was, at the time, cancer-free. He was an actor, known for West Side Story (1961), Enchanted (2007) and Ravagers (1979). Celebrities Who Died in 2021 Vol. She died on June 11, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. No cause was given. "Cloris was insanely talented," Brooks tweeted following her death. ", More recently he was nominated in the upcoming Emmys for the 2020 HBO series "Lovecraft Country.". "Even though Betty was about to be 100, I thought she would live forever," Jeff Witjas, White's longtime agent and friend, told People magazine at the time of her death. His parents were emigrants who hailed from an area near Casale Monferrato, a region noted for its viticulture, in Piedmont, Italy. Camera_department | Slim 400: Savage (2018) and The Life and Death of Vincent Slim 400 Cochran. Jerry Douglas was born on November 12, 1932 in Chelsea, Massachusetts, USA. "Thank you, Scolari, for every chat between set ups, every hug onscreen and off and every 'Oh, Jeez.' (1963) and Beat-Club (1965). It also helped that the work was adapted into a popular 1994 movie starring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt as ageless vampires gallivanting around the world for centuries. He differed from other comedians, Joanna Cameron (born Patricia Kara Cameron) was an American actress and model, whose relatively brief acting career lasted from 1969 to 1980. He was also nominated for an Oscar for his performance in 2007's "Into the Wild. He was previously married to Kym Douglas and Arlene Martel. In a statement on the Gulpilil's passing, South Australian Premier Steven Marshall called the actor a "once-in-a-generation artist who shaped the history of Australian film and Aboriginal representation on screen.". His legend will live on forever.". Mick Rock was born on November 21, 1948 in Hammersmith, London, England, UK. ", "Words cannot express the sadness we feel," Asner's official Twitter account read following his death. Vicki attended the University of Nebraska for one year before detouring to Hollywood, California. John Bowman was born on September 28, 1957 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Many famous and beloved stars passed away, leaving behind grieving fans and loved ones. Rapper DMX (born Earl Simmons) moved a generation thanks to the pain and anguish he put into all his songs. Doug MacLeod was born on October 13, 1959 in Greensborough, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. and took home five Emmys over his career. He had kept it private from his fans. Williams died on June 4 due to colon cancer. God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. But her work spans decades and also includes starring opposite Clint Eastwood in the 1971 thriller "Play Misty for Me" and voicing a character in the popular 1990s series "Dinosaurs. The bassist, along with lead guitarist Billy Gibbons, were known best for sporting long beards and stetson hats. ", "To say Art will be missed dearly would be an understatement," LaFleur's wife Shelley told USA Today in a statement. The father of actor Robert Downey Jr., at five-years-old he made his screen debut in his father's 1970 movie "Pound" alongside his sister, Allyson, who was 7 at the time. "With a kiss on your head- Goodnight dad. Nominated for a Grammy, his songs like "Get at Me Dog" and "X Gon' Give It to Ya" made him a major fixture in the gritty 1990s rap scene. The London-born Leicester-bred son of Barbadian parents who came to Britain in the 1950s, actor, writer, poet and storyteller Victor Richards has been perfectly positioned throughout his life to observe and commentate on the trials and tribulations, joys and sorrows of British West Indian culture Henry chose to help aspiring actors improve their craft, instead of continuing with his movie career. She was an actress and director, known for As the World Turns (1956), Guiding Light (1952) and Gotham the Series (2009). And before movies, Donner made his mark in television, having directed the iconic "Twilight Zone" episode "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet," which featured William Shatner convinced a monster is on the wing of the airplane. She died on December 31, 2021 in Los Angeles, USA. The actor died on April 11 following a "long, courageous" battle with colon cancer, according to his agent. "A huge personality while also an extremely private person, Dennis was the alto saxophone player, flutist, percussionist, as well as master of ceremonies at the band's shows.". Reese Witherspoon, who starred in "Big Little Lies" and Valle's 2014 movie "Wild" wrote on Twitter about the director's death: "My heart is broken. Known as the godfather of Black cinema, if it wasn't for the work of Melvin Van Peebles there would be no "Shaft" or any of the other legendary work from the Blaxploitation movement and beyond. Her character was James Michael Tyler was born in Mississippi. Howes' death was confirmed by her nephew . "As she kissed Anne goodbye, her younger sister Karen said, 'What a ride you took us on, kid.' "Hammerin' Hank" had a 21-season Major League Baseball career, most of that time with the Milwaukee (and later Atlanta) Braves. And now he's awaken from the fame long live shock G Aka Humpty Hump and Rest In Peace my Brotha Greg Jacobs!!!". She was previously married to Dr. Eugene Richard Auger and Dr. James Rudolf Silber. The Rocky Horror Picture Show. I love you.". My friend. Asner died on August 29, no cause was given. But his two most memorable was his debut feature role in the movie "Deliverance" as Bobby, and playing Otis, Lex Luthor's sidekick in 1978's "Superman. While her legacy will live on through her body of work, she will also be remembered by many for her wit, class and overall joie de vivre.". Williams' acting was always a standout regardless the size of the role thanks to his deep voice and scar that went across his face. Most notably on television, he played Johnny Soprano in flashback scenes in "The Sopranos." Flynt died of heart failure on February 10. LaFleur died on November 17 after battling Parkinson's for 10 years. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. He was previously married to Virginia Jo Fields. He was an actor, known for Jesus Henry Christ (2011), The Taming of the Shrew (1988) and The Comedy of Errors (1989). Recently, he also played Fred Goldman, the father of Ronald Goldman in the FX mini-series, "The People v. O.J. Shock G died on April 22, found dead in a hotel room in Tampa, according to his father. Dustin Diamond . Valle died suddenly in his cabin outside Quebec City, Canada on December 26, according to the Associated Press. Aykroyd joined in show in 1979 after a stint with "SCTV." biceps. She was previously married to John Clark. It resulted in Hill and the rest of his bandmates being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. Always in our hearts. "An original member of Kool & the Gang, Dennis was known as the quintessential cool cat in the group, loved for his hip clothes and hats, and his laid-back demeanor," read the statement of his passing on the band's official Facebook page. He was married to Chantal Harvey Evans was born on January 7, 1941 in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. The artist died on November 26 at his home in Roxbury, Connecticut. ", She won eight Emmy awards and a Grammy for a spoken word recording of her best-selling autobiography, "If You Ask Me. Best known for her starring roles as Candy Pruitt in Here Come the Jason Hitch was previously married to Cassia Tavares. In a career that spanned more than 70 years, Cicely Tyson made her mark in every form of entertainment medium having won three Emmy awards, a Tony, honorary Oscar, and Peabody Award. She was previously married to John Borland. The smart and talented actress and playwright Linda Carlson was born in Minnesota of Swedish ancestry. "I'm heartbroken to announce that after a heroic battle with cancer, the beautiful and mighty woman that is Helen McCrory has died peacefully at home, surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family," her husband, actor Damian Lewis tweeted following her death. He was an actor, known for The Young and the Restless (1973), JFK (1991) and Good Guys Wear Black (1978). On it, King spoke to the most prominent figures of the time, including celebrities and presidents. Additionally, we lost . "My heart breaks in one beat, while celebrating her life in the next," Tyler Perry wrote in a statement on the loss of Tyson on his Instagram. His show, "Sunday in the Park with George," won the 1985 Pulitzer Prize for drama. ", That then followed with Emmy nominations for his roles in the 2015 movie "Bessie," the 2016 limited series "The Night Of," and the 2019 limited series "When They See Us. "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh," the palace said in a statement obtained by Insider. Made for $50,000 from a loan Van Peebles got from Bill Cosby when the studios passed on it, Van Peebles starred, directed, wrote, edited, composed the music, and shot it over 19 days. He was an actor, known for Contract on Cherry Street (1977), The Clay Cole Show (1959) and Upbeat (1964). He died on December 26, 2021 in Cape Town, South Dick Carson was born on June 4, 1929 in Clarinda, Iowa, USA. "We, along with legions of ZZ Top fans around the world, will miss your steadfast presence, your good nature, and enduring commitment to providing that monumental bottom to the 'Top,' " the band wrote on its Facebook. Sondheim was one of the most treasured composers-lyricists that ever graced Broadway. "DMX was a brilliant artist and an inspiration to millions around the world," Def Jam Records, the record label where DMX recorded some of his biggest hits, wrote in a statement following his death. She was lead singer of a female rock band in NYC in 1970, the Margo Lewis Explosion. The comedic legend was best-known for roles on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "The Golden Girls," and, in recent years, "Hot in Cleveland. The year took a lot from us, as the pandemic continued and the number of people who died from COVID in the US alone surpassed 800,000 in December. The trailblazer wowed audiences with his 1971 movie "Sweetback's Baadasssss Song." His wife, Thessa Sinahon, announced Kotto's passing in a Facebook post. He was a prominent founding member of both ACT UP and Queer Nation. ", Born in Spokane, Washington, and grew up in Caldwell, Idaho. Garson died on September 21, the cause of death was pancreatic cancer. 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 representative for the couple told Insider. He was previously married to Barbara Jean Kalil . No cause was given. Clark never acted again in a major film, but continued on as musician playing in a number of Chicago bands. A travel influencer and vlogger who traveled with Brian Laundrie since 2019, the pair traveled the country together, with Petito . He was also Emmy nominated for the comedy series "Newhart. Hollywood mourned the loss of icons such as Betty White and John Madden in the final days of 2021 and unfortunately, 2022 also . ", Siravo's tough guy roles found him doing work in everything from the stage, to Brian DePalma's "Carlito's Way" (marking his movie debut), and playing Tony Soprano's dad in "The Sopranos. The veteran actor was beloved in the industry for his work on movies, TV, and the stage. A master at deadpan humor, Charles Grodin became a comedy fixture in the 1980s and 1990s for roles in "The Great Muppet Caper," "Midnight Run," and "Beethoven. Pickett was best known for his roles as Detective David Harper on "General Hospital" and as Frank Scanlon on its spinoff, "Port Charles." He died on December 12, 2021 Mimi Cozzens enjoyed a well-rounded career on stage, screen and television in a career that has stretched for more than four decades.She was born Mildred Gloria Cozzens in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in Glendale, Queens. She was previously married to Bobby Rogers. Tyson starred in several of his movies. She was an actress, known for Dangerous Ground (1997), Stander (2003) and African Express (1990). Alec Monteath was born in 1941 in Doune, Perthshire, Scotland, UK. "I believe Tommy Lasorda had no boundaries," former Dodgers pitcher Orel Hershiser told the Los Angeles Times when learning of his passing. And Wright's singing of Oscar-winning song "Under the Sea" and nominated "Kiss the Girl" helped make the movie into an instant classic. Hello. This iconic actor was known best for his Emmy-winning performance as Lou Grant on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show.". He would go on to star in several more of his dad's films before becoming a global star in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and other blockbusters. Nia Vardalos, the writer and star of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," paid tribute to Constantine on Twitter upon hearing of his death. (2009), Two Cubes Pls (2013) and Ssshhhh Koi Hai (2001). He died on December 14, 2021 in Florida, USA. ", Grodin was also known for writing a number of plays and books. ZZ Top had a number of hits starting in the early 70s, including "Sharp Dressed Man" and "Legs.". The cause of death was not made public. He's most known for his "Larry King Live" show on CNN that ran from 1985 to 2010 and is the network's most-watched and longest-running show of all time. Hill was a longtime member of legendary rock band ZZ Top. (2006) and Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977). He was previously married to Dorothy J. Pearl. Basil Hoffman was an American character actor, known for his work, often in classic films, with distinguished film directors including Peter Bogdanovich, Mario Monicelli, Richard Benjamin, Carl Reiner (twice), Peter Medak (five times) and Alan J. Pakula (twice); Academy Award winners Ethan and Joel Jo-Carroll Dennison was born on December 16, 1923 in Florence, Arizona, USA. Dean Robert Stockwell grew up in North Hollywood, the son of Broadway performers Harry Stockwell and Elizabeth "Betty" Stockwell (ne Veronica). She had a varied career on stage and screen, but became perhaps best known to viewers as TV station boss Bev Dutton in Newhart (1982). He was an actor and producer, known for Dios los cra (1977), El arracadas (1978) and La ley del monte (1976). Hank Aaron, Bob Dole, Cicely Tyson, John Madden: Remembering notables who died in 2021 David Colton Special to USA TODAY Social influencers, for good or sometimes bad, have been with us long. His work is responsible for five Tony Award for best musical, and six of which won for best original score. With a passion of the game unlike any others, Madden was a unique ambassador of the game of football thanks to his exuberant bravado and simple explanations to elements of the game that can be very complex. But his talents went beyond music, as his performance as a drug dealer trying to get to kingpin level in 1998's "Belly" put him at cult icon status. His last concert with the band took place in Miami on August 30, 2019. The hall of fame Major League Baseball manager is known best for leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to two World Series championships. A post shared by Mario Van Peebles (@mariovanpeebles), The Emmy-winning actress was known best for her memorable roles in "Arrested Development" and "Archer" later in her career. Reuven Bar-Yotam was born on December 15, 1935. She is irreplaceable, and will be greatly missed.". He was previously married to Eleanor Cristino. He was an actor, known for Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989), Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985) and Wedding Crashers (2005). Desmond Tutu was born on October 7, 1931 in Klerksdorp, Union of South Africa [now South Africa]. She was an actress, known for Videodrome (1983), Urban Legend (1998) and Funeral Home (1980). Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles, The Life and Death of Vincent Slim 400 Cochran, NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Madden died on December 28, no cause was given. He died on November 11, 2021 in Bradenton, Florida, USA. on channel KHJ-TV Los Angeles. "34 years ago almost to the day we had a wild idea we can be a hip-hop band and take on the world through it all," wrote Digital Underground co-founder Jimi "Chopmaster J" Dright in tribute to Shock G on Instagram. Malone. "He left a legacy larger than his personality and while his absence is a void that can never be filled, his warmth will always be felt. Song like "I'm a Believer," "Last Train to Clarksville," and "Daydream Beliver" made Nesmith and the group the first big American boy band. Learn about 829 historical figures, notable people and celebrities who died in 2021 like , Charlie Watts and John Madden. He also created the HBO shows Big Little Lies and Sharp Objects. He died on December 24, 2021 in Englewood, New Jersey, USA. She is considered to be one of the most beautiful actresses to have graced the screen during the postwar period. "The world knew him as Gunther (the seventh 'Friend'), from the hit series 'Friends,' but Michael's loved ones knew him as an actor, musician, cancer-awareness advocate, and loving husband," Toni Benson, Tyler's manager, wrote in a statement provided to AP. "The only mercy it exhibited was its sharp and swift execution. Sadly, these famous people who died in 2021 will remain in our memories. No cause of death was given. Rush will forever be the greatest of all-time.". After receiving his MFA in acting from UCLA, he quickly entered the business and grabbed roles in top shows of the 1980s like "China Beach," "Perry Mason," and "Matlock.". Archive Photos/Movie Pix via Getty Images, Stan Moore/Leigh Weiner/Walt Disney Television/Getty, Clarence Willaims III in "The Mod Squad. She was signed by a disco label in the late Wakefield Poole was born on February 24, 1936 in Salisbury, North Carolina, USA. At the age of four, she moved with her parents and older sister Mary-Jo to Edmonds, Washington, where her younger sister Molly was later born. Peter Scolari. Slim 400 was born in 1988 in Germany. Ruth Prins was born on October 20, 1920 in Sioux City, Iowa, USA. Writer | Focused on a lady's man (Van Peebles) who turns into a hero in the neighborhood after he goes on the run following an encounter with white police officers, the movie went on to earn over $15 million and proved to Hollywood that Black-focused stories could be profitable. "She called me son. Roy Orbison 2. He died in November 2021 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Edge died on November 11, no cause was given. He died on December 28, 2021 in Santa Monica, California, USA. Thomas founded Kool & the Gang in 1964 alongside several teenage friends, including brothers Robert "Kool" and Ronald "Khalis" Bell, Robert "Spike" Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown, and Ricky West. Before comedy clubs existed, Sahl began performing at the hungry i music club in San Francisco in the early 1950s. Amanda Edwards/WireImage/Getty We say goodbye to the famous people that touched our lives. Holbrook died at his home in Beverly Hills on January 23. People featured on this list, include actresses, lyricists & songwriters, political leaders and athletes who died in 2021. He was previously married to Nomalizo Leah Shenxane. He produced Bernard Holley was an English actor who worked consistently in television and theatre for more than 40 years.His television appearances included Z Cars (for 3 years) Doctor Who, Elizabeth R, Now and Then, Birds of a Feather (two series), Carry on Laughing, Ahead of the Class, Keeping up Appearances Keith Dinicol was born on August 12, 1952 in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada.