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 goodbyes than the previous years, we know saying goodbye to some celebrities is only natural as time goes on. And, while this year has barely started, we have already heard of some celebrities who passed away this year.
From Christian Oliver to Toby Keith, check out all the stars who have passed away this year below.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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