2023 Celebrity Deaths: Honoring the Stars We Lost
This year has been a real rollercoaster of emotions, with some of the lowest points represented by the deaths of several big-name celebrities.
These actors, singers, and entertainers left their mark on the world and will be remembered by their adoring fans long after they’re gone.
David Crosby, August 14, 1941 — January 18, 2023, Age 81
Legendary ’60s rocker and founder of two huge bands from that time — the Byrds, and Crosby, Stills & Nash — died in January at the age of 81.
The rocker had recently said he was “too old” to tour but was still recording music when he could. His death shocked the music industry as tributes to him rolled in from both fans and fellow musicians.
Crosby’s family said he died following a “long illness,” while his recording partner Graham Nash later revealed his friend had contracted COVID-19.
Lisa Marie Presley, February 16, 1968 — January 28, 2023, Age 54
The daughter of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s death shocked the nation in the first month of the year. Presley died after going into cardiac arrest on January 28.
“It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us,” Lisa Marie’s mother, Priscilla Presley, said in a statement at the time. “She was the most passionate, strong and loving woman I have ever known.”
It was later found that Presley died of a bowel obstruction as the result of adhesions caused by weight-loss surgery she underwent several years before her passing.
Burt Bacharach, May 12, 1928 — February 8, 2023, Age 94
Legendary songwriter and composer Burt Bacharach died in February at the age of 94. He was best known for composing classic tunes including “I Say A Little Prayer,” “Walk On By,” and “What The World Needs Now Is Love.”
He also helped compose the theme songs for several iconic films, including “What’s New, Pussycat?” “Alfie,” and “Arthur.” During the course of his decades-long career, the songwriter scored 73 Top 40 hits in the United States. He was a six-time Grammy Award winner and three-time Academy Award winner, plus his songs have been recorded by more than 1,000 different artists.
Raquel Welch, September 5, 1940 — February 15, 2023, Age 82
Widely considered to be one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood, Welch was known for appearing in movies like “Fantastic Voyage,” “Hannie Caulder,” “Bedazzled,” and “The Three Musketeers,” for which she won a Golden Globe.
Fans are sure to remember her appearance in “One Million Years B.C.,” where she wore a fur bikini and became a true industry superstar.
Welch died of cardiac arrest in her home following a short illness in February.
Richard Belzer, August 4, 1944 — February 19, 2023, Age 78
“Law & Order: SVU” fans are very familiar with Richard Belzer, a mainstay on the long-running police procedural drama. The actor was famous for playing Detective John Munch.
Belzer’s friend Bill Scheft gave a statement to The Hollywood Reporter following his death, saying, “He had lots of health issues, and his last words were, ‘F*** you, motherf***er.’”
Longtime costar Mariska Hargitay, who played Detective Olivia Benson on the show, shared her thoughts via Instagram after he died. “Goodbye my dear, dear friend. I will miss you, your unique light, and your singular take on this strange world. I feel blessed to have known you and adored you and worked with you, side by side, for so many years. How lucky the angels are to have you. I love you so very much, now and forever.”
Belzer died from complications of unspecified circulatory and respiratory conditions.
Tom Sizemore, November 29, 1961 — March 3, 2023, Age 61
Actor Tom Sizemore died at 61 after he spent several weeks in the hospital following a brain aneurysm following a stroke the previous month.
“It is with great sadness and sorrow I have to announce that actor Thomas Edward Sizemore (‘Tom Sizemore’) aged 61 passed away peacefully in his sleep today at St Joseph’s Hospital Burbank,” Charles Lago, Sizemore’s manager, said at the time. “His Brother Paul and twin boys Jayden and Jagger (17) were at his side.”
His most memorable performances were in “Heat,” “The Relic,” “Devil in a Blue Dress,” and “Witness Protection” before his major roles in “Saving Private Ryan” and “Black Hawk Down.”
Robert Blake, September 18, 1933 — March 9, 2023, Age 89
Actor Robert Blake, famed for starring in the film “In Cold Blood” and later in the TV hit “Baretta,” died in March at the age of 89. Though his role as police detective Tony Baretta earned him an Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a drama series, most entertainment enthusiasts remember him for being charged with the murder of his wife, Bonny Lee Bakley, in 2001.
Blake was acquitted of the crime in 2005 after a complete media circus. Bakley’s children later won a wrongful death lawsuit, meaning Blake was ordered to pay them $30 million.
Harry Belafonte, March 1, 1927 — April 25, 2023, Age 96
Folk singer Harry Belafonte broke through racial barriers to become an international singing superstar. Belafonte immortalized songs such as “Day-O” and “Jamaica Farewell.” In 1960, his special “Tonight With Belafonte” won an Emmy.
He was also a political activist who called former President George W. Bush “the greatest terrorist in the world” in 2006.
Jerry Springer, February 13, 1944 — April 27, 2023, Age 79
The controversial TV personality and former Cincinnati Mayor Jerry Springer was best known for hosting the syndicated talk show “The Jerry Springer Show” for 27 years. On it, guests often appeared to discuss wild topics and frequently got into fights onstage.
Springer died at his home in the Chicago area in April following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Tina Turner, November 26, 1939 — May 24, 2023, Age 83
Iconic singer Tina Turner died in May after multiple health issues over recent years, including intestinal cancer in 2016 and had a kidney transplant in 2017.
Turner’s multi-platinum album “Private Dancer” was released in 1984 and helped solidify her solo career. The album included her hit single “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” which was later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Turner had a career spanning six decades and frequently sold out stadiums while on tour. She also famously insured her legs for $3.2 million. “Sometimes I think I’m as famous for my legs as much as my voice,” she once said.
Treat Williams, December 1, 1951 — June 12, 2023, Age 71
Actor Treat Williams, who made it big in Hollywood starring as George Berger in “Hair” and went on to play dozens of film and TV roles over the decades, died at the age of 71 after a motorcycle crash.
Williams also played Sheriff Tarsy in “Run Hide Fight,” the action film The Daily Wire released in 2021.
Alan Arkin, March 26, 1934 — June 29, 2023, Age 89
Oscar-winning star Alan Arkin died in June at the age of 89 after a successful career in Hollywood and on Broadway. Arkin’s career started to take off after he was cast for the 1963 Broadway comedy “Enter Laughing,” which won him a Tony award.
Over the next several decades, Arkin would appear on both the big and small screen in more than 100 movies and films, including projects like “The Heart is a Lonely Hunter” in 1968 (for which he was nominated for another Oscar), “Catch-22” in 1970, “Edward Scissorhands” in 1990 and “Glengarry Glen Ross” in 1992.
More recently, he had a memorable role in “Little Miss Sunshine” (2006) as the grandfather.
Tony Bennett, August 3, 1926 — July 21, 2023, Age 96
Music industry legend Tony Bennett died in July at the age of 96, just two weeks shy of his 97th birthday. He had previously been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
As one of the preeminent popular singers of the mid-20th century, Bennett said his goal was to create “a hit catalog rather than hit records.” He released more than 70 albums over the course of his decades-long career. One of the best-loved songs in Bennett’s repertoire was the 1962 classic, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.”
His dedication to music earned the singer more than 19 Grammy Awards and worldwide recognition.
Sinéad O’Connor, December 8, 1966 — July 26, 2023, Age 56
Irish singer Sinead O’Connor died after a long mental health struggle just 18 months after her son died by suicide at the age of 17.
The singer, whose cover of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” was named the number one world single in 1990 at the Billboard Music Awards, released ten studio albums throughout her career.
O’Connor said she was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder as well as complex post-traumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder. She also opened up about being the victim of child abuse at the hands of her mother.
The singer’s cause of death was not stated.
Paul Reubens, August 27, 1952 — July 30, 2023, Age 70
Pee-wee Herman actor Paul Reubens died in July following a private six-year battle with cancer.
The news was announced in a statement posted on the late actor’s Instagram account that read, “Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years.”
“I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters,” it said. “I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”
Reubens’ career took off in the 1980s when he starred in Tim Burton’s “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” (1985). The success led the star to reprise his famed Pee-wee Herman character for a children’s TV show called “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse,” which ran on CBS from 1986-1990.
In later years, Reuben was plagued by legal trouble, including indecent exposure and obscenity charges. He was sentenced to probation but continued his acting career.
Bob Barker, December 12, 1923 — August 26, 2023, age 99
Bob Barker, the beloved host of “The Price Is Right” for 35 years, died in August at the age of 99.
Over the course of his decades-long career, the game show host won 19 Emmys, more than any other performer. He retired in 2007 after 50 years in show business, and in 2017 was inducted into The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Hall of Fame.
Though he’s best known for hosting “The Price is Right,” Barker also had cameos in other entertainment projects including the Adam Sandler comedy “Happy Gilmore.” He was a committed animal rights activist and outspoken vegan.
Jimmy Buffet, December 25, 1946 — September 1, 2023, Age 76
Legendary singer Jimmy Buffett died on the first day of September at the age of 76. It was later revealed that the recording artist was diagnosed with skin cancer four years ago that turned into lymphoma.
The singer was known for his hits such as “Margaritaville,” “Cheeseburger In Paradise,” “Come Monday,” and countless other songs over his five-decade-long career. Buffet used his popularity in the music industry to launch a lucrative career in restaurants, bars, merchandise, and more. His net worth at the time of his death was reportedly roughly $1 billion.
“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music, and dogs,” his social media accounts stated at the time of his passing. “He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
David McCallum, September 19, 1933 — September 25, 2023, Age 90
Actor David McCallum, best known to modern audiences for his role as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard on the CBS series “NCIS,” died in September at the age of 90.
Decades before NCIS, McCallum rose to fame in the hit series “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” in the 1960s.
NCIS executive producers Steven D. Binder and David North shared their own public comments about David’s passing.
“For over twenty years, David McCallum endeared himself to audiences around the world playing the wise, quirky, and sometimes enigmatic, Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard,” the producers wrote. “But as much as his fans may have loved him, those who worked side by side with David loved him that much more. He was a scholar and a gentleman, always gracious, a consummate professional, and never one to pass up a joke.”
“From day one, it was an honor to work with him and he never let us down. He was, quite simply, a legend. He was also family and will be deeply missed,” they said.
Michael Gambon, October 19, 1940 — September 27, 2023, Age 82
Beloved “Harry Potter” actor Sir Michael Gambon died in September. The Irish star was best known for portraying Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight “Harry Potter” films.
Gambon was a working actor for more than six decades and was known for his voice’s deep, recognizable tones. He was cast as Dumbledore in the “Harry Potter” movies after the death of Richard Harris in 2002.
The performer also starred in TV, theater, and radio projects. He gravitated toward Shakespearean plays, appearing in “Othello,” “Hamlet,” “Macbeth,” and “Coriolanus.” Gambon also worked on dozens of films, including “Gosford Park,” “The King’s Speech,” and “Paddington.”
The actor was knighted for services to drama in 1998. He also received three Olivier Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and four BAFTA Awards. He retired from acting in 2015.
Suzanne Somers, October 16, 1946 — October 15, 2023, Age 76
“Three’s Company” star Suzanne Somers died in October after a lengthy cancer battle just one day short of what would have been her 77th birthday.
The news of her passing comes just three months after Somers and her family announced that her breast cancer had returned.
“I have been living with cancer since my 20’s. And every time that little f***** pops up, I continue to bat it back. I do my best not to let this insidious disease control me,” Somers said at the time. “It’s a recurrence of my breast cancer. Like any cancer patient, when you get that’s dreaded, ‘It’s back’ you get a pit in your stomach. Then I put on my battle gear and go to war. This is familiar battleground for me and I’m very tough.”
A statement from her family said she died at home surrounded by her family.
Richard Roundtree, July 9, 1942 — October 24, 2023, Age 81
Actor Richard Roundtree died in October at the age of 81 after battling breast cancer and pancreatic cancer.
He was best known for his portrayal of private detective John Shaft in the 1971 film “Shaft” and four of its sequels, “Shaft’s Big Score!” (1972), “Shaft in Africa,” its 2000 sequel, and its 2019 sequel, as well as the television series (1973–1974).
He was also known for his features in several TV series, including “Roots,” “Generations,” and “Desperate Housewives.” Roundtree is considered “the first black action hero” and is credited with the rise of black actors being cast in leading roles.
Matthew Perry, August 19, 1969 — October 28, 2023, Age 54
Actor Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing in the hit ’90s sitcom “Friends,” died in October in his home.
Perry appeared in all 234 episodes of “Friends” over its 10 seasons as one of the six main cast members. He also appeared in numerous other TV shows, including “Growing Pains,” “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “The West Wing,” “Home Free,” “Ally McBeal,” “Scrubs,” and more. He starred in films including “Fools Rush In” (1997), “Almost Heroes” (1998), “Three to Tango” (1999), “The Whole Nine Yards” (2000), “Serving Sara” (2002), “The Whole Ten Yards” (2004), and “17 Again” (2009).
Perry suffered from severe addictions to drugs and alcohol, which he documented in his 2022 memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.”
Perry died of the “acute effects of ketamine,” per the Los Angeles County medical examiner. The drug is used to treat depression.
Norman Lear, July 27, 1922 — December 5, 2023, Age 101
Legendary Hollywood producer Norman Lear, who was responsible for some of the most popular television shows of the 1970s, died in December at the age of 101.
Lear had his first big hit with the sitcom “All In the Family” featuring Archie Bunker (Carroll O’Connor) as the family patriarch of a working-class family. The program soon became the most-watched show in the United States and is regarded by many as one of the best sitcoms ever created.
Other shows credited to Lear include “Sanford and Son,” “Maude” and “The Jeffersons,” which were both spin-offs of “All in the Family,” “One Day at a Time,” and “Good Times.” He also worked on film scripts for popular projects, including writing scripts for “Come Blow Your Horn” (1963); “The Night They Raided Minsky’s” (1968); “The Thief Who Came to Dinner” (1971); “Stand by Me” (1986) and “The Princess Bride” (1987), and “Fried Green Tomatoes” (1991).
The TV producer received many awards over the course of his career, including six Emmys, two Peabody Awards, the National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honors, and the Golden Globe Carol Burnett Award in 2021. He was also a member of the Television Academy Hall of Fame.
What were some of Matthew Perry’s notable TV shows and films?
Us other TV shows and films, including “The Whole Nine Yards,” “17 Again,” and “The Good Wife.”
Perry had a well-documented struggle with substance abuse throughout his life and was an advocate for addiction recovery.
A statement from his publicist said, “The family appreciates the outpouring of support and prayers that have been extended to Matthew from around the world, and respectfully ask for privacy.”
Johnny Depp, June 9, 1963 — October 31, 2023, Age 60
Acclaimed actor Johnny Depp died at the age of 60 in October after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Depp was known for his roles in films such as “Edward Scissorhands,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and “Alice in Wonderland.” He was a beloved actor with a unique presence on screen, often portraying eccentric and captivating characters.
Throughout his career, Depp received numerous accolades, including three Academy Award nominations and a Golden Globe Award.
In addition to his acting career, Depp was also passionate about music and philanthropy.
The deaths of these celebrities in 2023 have left a void in the entertainment industry. Their talents and contributions will be greatly missed by fans and fellow artists alike. It serves as a reminder of the impact these individuals had on our culture and the lasting legacy they leave behind. As we mourn their loss, may we also celebrate the incredible gifts they shared with the world.
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