A number of well-known figures from sports, music, movies, and TV were lost after making lasting impacts. As the year ends, it’s important to remember these icons who shaped Hollywood. Keep reading to learn more about the famous celebrities who passed away in 2024.

Shelley Duvall

Shelley Duvall, best known for her iconic role as Wendy Torrance in The Shining (1980), passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 11, 2024, at the age of 75. Her partner, Dan Gilroy, shared the news. The cause of death was later confirmed as complications from diabetes. Duvall’s remarkable career included roles in Popeye, The Portrait of a Lady, Annie Hall, and 3 Women, for which she won Best Actress at the 1977 Cannes Film Festival. She was inducted into the Texas Film Hall of Fame in 2020.

Chita Rivera

Chita Rivera, a groundbreaking Latina Broadway star, passed away in New York on January 30, 2024, following a brief illness. Her daughter, Lisa Mordente, announced her death. Rivera debuted on Broadway in Guys and Dolls as a dancer and went on to originate iconic roles such as Anita in West Side Story, Velma Kelly in Chicago, and Aurora in Kiss of the Spider Woman. Throughout her career, she earned two Tony Awards from ten nominations and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.

Carl Weathers

Carl Weathers, known for his versatile acting career, passed away on February 2, 2024, at age 76, due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. His family announced the news, sharing that he died peacefully at home. Weathers is best remembered for playing Adonis Creed in the first four Rocky films, Colonel Dillon in Predator, and voicing Combat Carl in the Toy Story franchise. His later work included Toy Story 4 and The Mandalorian, which earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor. In August 2024, he was posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones, one of the most iconic voices in cinematic history, passed away on September 9, 2024, at the age of 93. Known for voicing Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy and Mufasa in Disney’s The Lion King (1994), he leaves behind an unforgettable legacy. Before his acting career, Jones served in the Korean War. In 2011, he achieved EGOT status with an Academy Honorary Award for his remarkable contributions to the arts. Surrounded by his family, he passed away peacefully at home, leaving behind a wife, a son.

Glynis Johns

Glynis Johns, the celebrated British actress known for her role as Mrs. Banks in Disney’s Mary Poppins (1964), passed away peacefully at age 100 in a Los Angeles care home. Her performance in the film included the iconic song “Sister Suffragette.” Over her illustrious career, Johns appeared in more than 50 films and 30 television shows and earned a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award in 1973. She was inducted into the Disney Hall of Fame in 1998.

Paul D’Amato

Paul D’Amato, known for his role as Dr. Hook in the 1977 cult classic Slap Shot, passed away on February 19 in Massachusetts after a four-year battle with progressive supranuclear palsy. The actor’s ice hockey background helped land him the role that made him a fan favorite. D’Amato’s career spanned several decades, with appearances in acclaimed films such as The Deer Hunter, Heaven’s Gate, and Suspect. His acting debut came in 1973 with an uncredited role in Clint Eastwood’s Magnum Force. His fiancée, Marina Re, confirmed his passing and remembered him for his strength and compassion.

Shannen Doherty

Shannen Doherty, beloved for her roles in Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed, passed away on July 14 at the age of 53 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She began her acting career at just 11 years old with a recurring role on Little House on the Prairie, but her breakout came in 1990 as Brenda Walsh in 90210. In 1998, she captivated audiences again as Prue Halliwell in Charmed. Surrounded by family, friends, and her beloved dog, Doherty’s passing was announced by her publicist.

Tony Bennett

Tony Bennett, renowned for his smooth jazz voice and timeless hits like I Left My Heart in San Francisco, passed away at his New York City home after a seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s. Despite his advanced age, his death shocked and saddened fans worldwide. Bennett enjoyed a remarkable career spanning decades, earning 20 Grammy Awards and achieving renewed acclaim through his collaborations with Lady Gaga in the 21st century. Even in his final days, his wife, Susan Benedetto, shared that he continued to love music and singing.

Lori and George Schappell

Lori and George Schappell, the world’s oldest conjoined twins, passed away at age 62 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital. Despite spending the first 24 years of their lives in assisted living, they lived independently from 1988 until their deaths in 2024. George, a country music singer, and Lori, a skilled bowler, balanced their careers with everyday life. In 2007, George came out as a trans man, making them the first known conjoined twins with different gender identities. Their cause of death has not been disclosed.

Quincy Jones

Quincy Jones, an iconic music producer and one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century, passed away on November 3 at his home in Los Angeles after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was known for producing three of Michael Jackson’s albums—Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad—as well as film scores for In Cold Blood, The Italian Job, and Roots. His collaborations also include the all-star concert song “We Are the World” and Lesley Gore’s hit “It’s My Party.” Jones is survived by his seven children.

Maggie Smith

Dame Maggie Smith, beloved for her roles as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films and Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey, passed away peacefully on September 27. A renowned stage actress, Smith’s career spanned decades, particularly in Shakespearean productions. She won two Academy Awards, four Emmys, three Golden Globes, and a Tony Award. Smith’s death was announced by her sons, Chris and Toby, and she was surrounded by family and friends. Her passing was mourned by millions worldwide.

Bill Hayes

Bill Hayes, best known for his role as Doug Williams on Days of Our Lives, passed away on January 12 from natural causes. He originated the role in 1970 and continued making appearances until his final posthumous broadcast in 2024. Before his acting career, Hayes was a successful musician, with his 1955 hit “The Ballad of Davy Crockett” topping the charts. He is survived by his wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes, a fellow Days of Our Lives alum, and their five children. Hayes was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing.

Donald Sutherland

Donald Sutherland, renowned for his extensive and impressive film career, passed away in 2024 at the age of 88. Known for roles in MASH*, The Dirty Dozen, Ordinary People, Pride and Prejudice, and The Hunger Games, Sutherland was long considered one of the best actors never nominated for an Academy Award, though he received an Honorary Academy Award in 2017. He was being cared for at a Miami hospice at the time of his death, which was caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). His son, Kiefer Sutherland, announced the sad news.

Toby Keith

Toby Keith, a legendary American country singer known for hits like Red Solo Cup, Should’ve Been a Cowboy, and Beer for My Horses (a collaboration with Willie Nelson), passed away on February 5 after a long battle with stomach cancer. His death was deeply mourned, with flags in Oklahoma flying at half-staff in his honor. Keith was renowned for his patriotic spirit and impactful music career. He is survived by his wife, Tricia Lucas, and their three children. Tributes poured in from fellow country stars, including Dolly Parton.

Liam Payne

Liam Payne, known for his time in the massively successful boy band One Direction, tragically passed away on October 16 following an accident in a Buenos Aires hotel. Payne, who first gained fame as a solo contestant on The X Factor (UK) in 2010 before being placed in One Direction, continued his music career after the band’s disbandment in 2016. His death shocked fans and fellow celebrities alike. He is survived by his son, Bear, whom he shared with ex-partner Cheryl.

Esta TerBlanche

Esta TerBlanche, best known for her role as the mischievous princess Gillian Andrassy on All My Children, passed away at the age of 51 on July 19. In addition to her work in American and South African television, she was a talented stage actress, with notable performances in Pygmalion, The Glass Menagerie, and Ten Times Worse on Friday. TerBlanche was also a television presenter and spa owner. Her death, reported to be from natural causes, left those who knew her mourning the loss of a kind, loving, and generous individual.

Richard Simmons

Richard Simmons, renowned for his energetic personality and dedication to fitness, passed away on July 13 at his home. He became a beloved figure through his The Richard Simmons Show and the popular Sweatin’ to the Oldies video series. Having struggled with obesity as a child, Simmons dedicated his life to promoting healthy weight-loss techniques. His passion and uplifting spirit made him a worldwide fitness icon. He was discovered by his housekeeper, and on October 5, a memorial mass was held in his honor at the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans.

Joan Benedict Steiger

Joan Benedict Steiger, a seasoned actress with a remarkable career, passed away on June 24 at the age of 96 after suffering a stroke. She began her stage career at just seven years old at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and went on to perform in renowned productions like The Octette Bridge Club, The Traveling Lady, and The Mind with the Dirty Man. Benedict Steiger also had notable recurring roles on daytime dramas such as General Hospital and Capitol. She was cared for at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, and her passing was confirmed by a family spokesperson.

O. J. Simpson

O.J. Simpson, a former NFL player who became infamous for his 1995 murder trial and controversial acquittal in the deaths of his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman, passed away on April 10, 2024, at the age of 76. Simpson had been diagnosed with cancer in 2023. His legal defense team included Robert Kardashian, a connection that became widely known with the launch of Keeping Up With the Kardashians in 2007. While Simpson’s athletic achievements were significant, his trial and its aftermath overshadowed much of his earlier career, leading to mixed reactions following his death.

Alec Musser

Alec Musser, best known for his role as Del Henry on All My Children from 2005 to 2007, tragically passed away by suicide on January 12. Musser had gained the role after winning the second season of I Wanna Be a Soap Star in 2004. In addition to his acting career, he worked as a model with Silver Model Management and appeared in a small role in the 2010 movie Grown Ups. Musser’s death deeply impacted his family, friends, and colleagues, with tributes pouring in from his older brother, fiancée Paige Press, and past co-stars, including Salma Hayek and Adam Sandler.

Gena Rowlands

Gena Rowlands, an acting legend whose career spanned seven decades, passed away recently. She was widely recognized for her unforgettable performances, especially in her collaborations with her first husband, John Cassavetes, including A Woman Under the Influence and Gloria, both of which earned her Academy Award nominations for Best Actress. Rowlands also appeared in The Notebook, directed by her and Cassavetes’ son. Though her cause of death was not disclosed, her family had previously shared that she had been diagnosed with dementia. She is survived by her husband, Robert Forrest, and their three children, Nick, Zoe, and Alexandra.

Bob Newhart

Bob Newhart, beloved comedian and actor, passed away at his home on July 18 from complications related to several illnesses. Known for his deadpan delivery and stammering comedic style, Newhart rose to fame with his 1960 album The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart, which earned him two Grammy Awards. He starred as a psychologist in The Bob Newhart Show (1972) and later portrayed an innkeeper in Newhart (1982). Tributes poured in from figures like President Joe Biden, Conan O’Brien, Mark Hamill, and Jamie Lee Curtis, celebrating his immense contribution to comedy and entertainment.

Bill Cobbs

Bill Cobbs, a celebrated actor known for his extensive career in film and television, passed away at age 90 on June 25 at his California home. Cobbs appeared in over 200 films, with notable roles in The Bodyguard as Whitney Houston’s manager, and Night at the Museum as a security guard. He also made guest appearances on iconic TV shows like The Sopranos and Walker, Texas Ranger. Cobbs won a Daytime Emmy Award in 2020 for his work on Dino Dana. He was remembered fondly as a brother, uncle, partner, and friend.

Iris Apfel

Iris Apfel, a beloved fashion icon and interior designer, passed away at the age of 102 at her Florida home from natural causes. Known for her vibrant, bold outfits and signature oversized glasses, Apfel had a massive influence on the fashion world and amassed over 2 million followers on Instagram. She and her husband, Carl, ran a business that supplied textiles to the White House across nine presidencies. At 97, she signed with IMG as a model, further solidifying her legacy.

Charlie Colin

Charlie Colin, a founding member of the band Train, passed away tragically at a friend’s home in Brussels after slipping in the shower. He was known for playing guitar and providing backing vocals on hits like the Grammy Award-winning single from the band’s 2001 album Drops of Jupiter. Colin left Train in 2003 but continued to pursue music with other bands, including Days of the New and The Side Deal. His death was confirmed by his sister, and current members of Train paid tribute to Colin, honoring his significant influence on the band’s early success.

Marla Adams

Marla Adams, renowned for portraying strong women, had a remarkable career, particularly in daytime soap operas. She was widely recognized for her role as Dina, the Abbott family matriarch, on The Young and the Restless, which she played from 1983 until 2020. Her outstanding performance earned her a Daytime Emmy Award in 2021. Adams also appeared on Days of Our Lives, The Bold and the Beautiful, and Capitol. She passed away on April 25 at the age of 85 after battling cancer. She is survived by two children and two grandchildren. The cast of The Young and the Restless paid heartfelt tributes to her legacy.

David Soul

David Soul, known for his iconic role as one half of the titular duo in Starsky & Hutch, had a career that spanned over 50 years, with notable work in both television and music. He also appeared in Magnum Force as Officer John Davis. Soul’s personal life saw six marriages and six children, including singer-songwriter China Soul. He passed away on January 4 in a London hospital after a long battle with cancer and COPD. His wife, Helen Snell, paid tribute to him, remembering him as a beloved husband, father, and grandfather who fought valiantly until the end.

David Gail

David Gail gained recognition for his role as Stuart Carson on Beverly Hills, 90210 in 1991, where he portrayed the fiancé of Shannen Doherty’s character. He went on to appear in notable television roles, including The Round Table, Robin’s Hoods, and Savannah. While his movie roles were less frequent, he left an impact through his television work. Gail passed away on January 16 after suffering a cardiac arrest, which led to a brain injury. After being placed on life support, he passed away a few days later. His death was announced by his publicist.

Phil Donahue

Phil Donahue, famed for hosting The Phil Donahue Show from 1967 to 1996, was a pioneering figure in daytime talk television. His show was the first to incorporate audience participation, and he tackled important, often controversial issues such as abortion, civil rights, and war. Donahue is widely regarded as the “king of daytime talk,” and Oprah Winfrey credited him with paving the way for her own talk show career. Donahue passed away peacefully at his home in New York City on August 18, after a prolonged illness, with family members by his side.

Bernard Hill

Bernard Hill was an iconic actor, celebrated for his roles in blockbuster films like The Lord of the Rings (as King Théoden) and Titanic (as Captain Edward Smith). Before gaining international fame, he was well-known in the UK for his work in BBC Television Shakespeare productions and his stage performances in plays like Twelfth Night and Macbeth. Hill passed away in the UK on May 5 at the age of 79. A tribute to him was held at Liverpool Comic Con, where former co-stars, including Elijah Wood and Billy Boyd, shared fond memories of the actor.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.