In 2021, many celebrities died, including actors, singers and other entertainers. ", 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. The rabbi-turned-comedian had a legendary career that included countless stops on the late night TV circuit, Emmy wins for his stand-up specials in the 1980s and even the star of 1988's "Caddyshack II.". Mason died on July 24 after being hospitalized for more than two weeks at Mt. Clark never acted again in a major film, but continued on as musician playing in a number of Chicago bands. 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. Her character was James Michael Tyler was born in Mississippi. His legend will live on forever.". She is considered to be one of the most beautiful actresses to have graced the screen during the postwar period. Scolari went on to earn an Emmy win for his work on the HBO series "Girls." 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. His vaudevillian father was a replacement Curly in the original production of "Oklahoma!". He died on October 13, 2021 in New Sarpy, Louisiana, USA. He was 44 years old. "A working actor for over six decades, her greatest pleasure was bringing joy to others through her storytelling both on screen and off. He was an actor and producer, known for Dios los cra (1977), El arracadas (1978) and La ley del monte (1976). Tylerpassed away on October 24 from prostate cancer. LaFleur worked extensively in sales as well as in both the saloon and restaurant business prior to deciding at age 31 in 1975 to move from Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles, California in order to pursue a career in film. 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. He died on June 7, 2021 in the USA. Doug's film Producer | Roberts also starred in the final season of "Charlie's Angels" in 1980 as Julie Rogers and played Midge Pinciotti in "That '70s Show. 15. Gwyneth Guthrie was born on April 28, 1937 in Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland, UK. Unsurprisingly, one of his first paying jobs was as a Phil Lonergan was an actor, known for Black Widow (2021), The Fifth Element (1997) and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991). Also known as Little Bart, Bart II is small only in comparison to his predecessor, Bart the Bear, who stood a foot taller and 400 pounds Vicente Fernndez was born on February 17, 1940 in Huentitn El Alto, Jalisco, Mexico. He died on December 24, 2021 in Englewood, New Jersey, USA. Walter died in her sleep at her home in New York City on March 24, according to Bowman. ", In a statement to The Wrap, his manager Deborah Miller said: "Ned was an iconic, legendary talent, as well as a dear friend, and he will be missed by us all.". On August 2 Pickett death happened suddenly as he was preparing to shoot a scene for the movie "Treasure Valley," Travis Mills, the movie's director, said on the movie's Facebook page. Mick Rock was born on November 21, 1948 in Hammersmith, London, England, UK. NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Additionally, we lost . Legendary Japanese actor Shinichi "Sonny" Chiba was known best for playing the lead in numerous martial arts movies through the 1970s. He even choreographed the the dancing for the hit 1994 music video "Pure Love" by Crystal Waters. She died on October 26, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. 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. "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. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. The "Gone Girl" and "Cocktail" actor has died after being injured in a hit-and-run accident in New York. He was an actor, known for Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989), Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985) and Wedding Crashers (2005). Lisa Brown was born on August 2, 1954 in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. He played Brother Cavil in the early 2000s revival of "Battlestar Galactica. Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles, The Life and Death of Vincent Slim 400 Cochran, NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service. He did not have to lie submerged in pain. In order to view the video, please allow Manage Cookies "Norman, can't believe you have been gone a year. It made him a legend in the comedy world and Macdonald went on to build a career in movies ("Dirty Work," "Billy Madison," and the "Dr. Dolittle" franchise), TV ("Norm" "The Orville"), and dozens of memorable late night show appearances. 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. He died on September 15, 2021 in Bath, England, UK. She was previously married to Bob Kellijan and Zach Kleiman. He was 87 years old. 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. He died on November 6, 2021 in Spokane, Washington, USA. As the anchor of Weekend Update from 1994 to 1997, he was taken off as anchor during the O.J. That case would go on and become the basis of the 1996 movie "The People vs. Larry Flynt," starring Woody Harrelson in the lead role. Two figures central to American culture died December 28: former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and . No cause was given. Getty Images Beloved actress Betty White died on New Year's Eve 2021, her rep. Then in 1988 the "John Madden Football" video game was born and has now become such a phenomenon it's simply known as just "Madden. He also created the HBO shows Big Little Lies and Sharp Objects. It was confirmed by Kotto's agent, Ryan Goldhar, The New York Times reported. He was an actor, known for AWA All-Star Wrestling (1972), WWF Championship Wrestling (1972) and WWF on MSG Network (1973). "Acting with him came with a rush of love and fun. Elegance and femininity are fitting descriptions for Arlene Dahl. Sadly, the comedy icon - who starred in 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show,' 'Golden Girls' and more -. The band was created at the height of The Beatles' popularity and became superstars thanks to being on the hit NBC series "The Monkees" in which Nesmith, along with bandmates Davy Jones, Peter Tork, and Micky Dolenz did silly comedy while performing chart-topping songs. The guitarist for the iconic 1960s pop band The Monkees, Nesmith was recognizable for being the tallest of the foursome and often sporting a wool cap. With an unmistakable look he could either play the goon or the kind-hearted uncle, and in his career he played all types of characters. My friend. He was an actor and producer, known for NCIS (2003), Bones (2005) and ER (1994). Gabby Petito. In June it was revealed that the cause of death was an accidental overdose. Stockwell is known best for playing Admiral "Al" Calavicci in the hit sci-fi TV series "Quantum Leap" in the early 1990s. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Will Ryan began a career in music. Every time I hear a horse whinny I will forever think of Cloris' unforgettable Frau Blcher. Williams died on June 4 due to colon cancer. He is known for Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse (2015), Compadres (2016), Camp Manna (2018) and Peter Aykroyd was born on November 19, 1955 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. on channel KHJ-TV Los Angeles. He died on December 28, 2021 in Santa Monica, California, USA. Sadly, these famous people who died in 2021 will remain in our memories. and took home five Emmys over his career. He was previously married to Martha Faith Nessel and Juliette Colden. In 1952, he won the European Heavyweight title for the U.S. Army. "With infinite love we announce that Michael Nesmith has passed away this morning in his home, surrounded by family, peacefully and of natural causes," his family said in a statement to Rolling Stone. He was a director, known for Wheel of Fortune (1983), The Merv Griffin Show (1962) and Get Smart (1965). The youngest of five children, he was raised by a retired United States Air Force captain father and a homemaker mother. The self-proclaimed "Sex Symbol of Chinatown" was originally born in El Paso, Texas in 1930 and moved to Los Angeles during his early childhood. Instead, he let his music do the talking. Phil Spector (Dec. 26, 1939-Jan. 17, 2021) (Nick Ut - Pool via Getty Images) Spector was considered a musical genius when it came to producing records, including "You've Lost That Lovin'. He was an actor, known for Laverne & Shirley (1976), Dreamgirls (2006) and A League of Their Own (1992). The year 2021 was a sad year for celebrity deaths. "His message of triumph over struggle, his search for the light out of darkness, his pursuit of truth and grace brought us closer to our own humanity DMX was nothing less than a giant. The comedic legend was best-known for roles on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "The Golden Girls," and, in recent years, "Hot in Cleveland. Cara began performing as a child and Jack Lanza was born on October 14, 1935 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Sally Anne Howes. Then in 2003 Chiba found wide acclaim when he was cast in Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill" as Hanzo, a sushi owner who is actually master sword maker. (2009), Two Cubes Pls (2013) and Ssshhhh Koi Hai (2001). His parents were emigrants who hailed from an area near Casale Monferrato, a region noted for its viticulture, in Piedmont, Italy. 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. He also had the story credit alongside his brother in the 1991 comedy "Nothing But Trouble.". Joe (1985), The Transformers (1984) and Dungeons & Dragons (1983). He was married to Chantal Harvey Evans was born on January 7, 1941 in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. He was previously married to Juliette. She was an actress, known for It's a Wonderful Life (1946). Candy Palmater was born on December 4, 1968 in Point La Nim, New Brunswick, Canada. "He was diagnosed with this brutal, relentless form of malignant cancer only three weeks ago. He was an actor and director, known for Red Dragon (2002), The World's Fastest Indian (2005) and The Limey (1999). White's career spanned more than seven decades. Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles. Character actor Peter Scolari had a successful career on both the stage and screen for decades, but he is best known for starring opposite Tom Hanks in the 1980s TV show "Bosom Buddies.". And Wright's singing of Oscar-winning song "Under the Sea" and nominated "Kiss the Girl" helped make the movie into an instant classic. Crowned as leading the new breed of modern comedians by Time magazine in 1960, Mort Sahl is the first entertainer ever to appear on its cover. No cause was given. Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding, comedian Sean Lock, Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, musical great Stephen Sondheim and of course Prince Philip are among those who sadly died in 2021. Malone. He followed that with working with his brother on his movies. 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. She died on June 11, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She was previously married to Joe Maphis. The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. Roberts died on January 4 due to complications from a urinary tract infection. Weeks before his death he announced he was withdrawing for the band's upcoming US tour. On New Year's Day of 2021, singer and actor George Gerdes died after suffering a brain aneurysm and on New Year's Eve, Golden Girls star Betty White passed away at age 99. He had been battling COVID-19 in the hospital for over a week before his death, but on February 13 it was announced that the cause of death was sepsis and two underlying conditions. ", She won eight Emmy awards and a Grammy for a spoken word recording of her best-selling autobiography, "If You Ask Me. ", "To say Art will be missed dearly would be an understatement," LaFleur's wife Shelley told USA Today in a statement. He died on January 16 of natural causes according to California state prison officials inside the San Joaquin General Hospital. Best known for her starring roles as Candy Pruitt in Here Come the Jason Hitch was previously married to Cassia Tavares. Nesmith died of natural causes on December 10. That is most prevalent in one of his final best-known performances voicing the character of Carl in the Pixar classic, "Up. "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. As a youngster, he had already shown his proclivity for film-making by creating animations as well as live action short films. Father and son also costarred in movies not directed by Downey Sr., including 1988's "Johnny Be Good" and 1994's "Hail Caesar.". His film "Putney Swope," about a Black advertising executive who is accidentally put in charge of a big firm and proceeds to upend the business, was a landmark work of the time and would make Downey a star on the scene. Grodin's son, Nicholas, said his father's cause of death was bone marrow cancer, according to The New York Times. He was previously married to Karlyn Kuper and Patricia Ann Gundy. The song "Sooner or Later (I Always Get My Man)" for the 1991 film "Dick Tracy," won him an Academy Award. Roy Orbison 2. biceps. Gabby Petito, 22, was found dead in September 2021. Edge was the drummer and last original member of the legendary rock band The Moody Blues. Archive Photos/Movie Pix via Getty Images, Stan Moore/Leigh Weiner/Walt Disney Television/Getty, Clarence Willaims III in "The Mod Squad. Moving to Los Angeles in the late 2000s, she attended UCLA's Professional Producing program and was a graduate of the AFI Conservatory, which in 2019 named her a raising star. "His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.". He is presently teaching acting at the University of Saskatchewan, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. A graduate of Belmont HS in 1949 was followed by service in the US Marine Corps during the Korean War and earned the Purple Heart as a survivor of the Don Phillips was born on December 21, 1940 in the USA. From the original "Superman" in 1978 starring Christopher Reeve to "The Goonies" and the "Lethal Weapon" franchise, Donner's storytelling has touched generations. Williams would then go on to have an impressive career in movies, TV, and the stage. ", "Chris was an extraordinary man who deeply loved and respected his profession with great old fashion manners, self-deprecating humor and the music of words," Plummer's longtime manager, Lou Pitt, told Deadline. At seventeen, she entered show biz as a dancer at the Copacabana and thereafter won several beauty contests, including "Miss American Legion," "Miss Miami Beach", and "Miss Fire Fighter". 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. We love you Michael.". No cause was given. 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. (2006) and Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977). David Fox was an acclaimed Canadian actor. He was previously married to Nomalizo Leah Shenxane. 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. Actor | He was a composer and actor, known for The Blob (1958), The Box (2009) and 4D Man (1959). "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. He was previously married to Pati and Sheila Rock. Watts died on August 24, no cause was given. The rom-com, starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, went on to become a box office hit. Tyson died on January 28, the cause of death was not announced. The hall of fame player hit his 715th career home run in 1974, breaking the record Babe Ruth held for close to 33 years. Dustin did not suffer. "As she kissed Anne goodbye, her younger sister Karen said, 'What a ride you took us on, kid.' She is of Danish, Greek, English, and Welsh descent.Although best known as the devious Sue Ann Nivens on the classic Tiffini Hale was born in Palm Springs, California, USA as Tiffini Talia Hale. He did his pre college training at George School, Newtown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, then was in a class of 50 at Williams College majoring in music as an undergraduate distinguishing himself by writing a book, lyrics and music for two college shows based on the adaption of 'Beggar on Horseback'. Lou Cutell was born on October 6, 1930 in New York City, New York, USA. This husky, instantly identifiable American character actor was born Italo Valentino Bisoglio on May 7, 1926, in New York City. She was an actress, known for Videodrome (1983), Urban Legend (1998) and Funeral Home (1980). Clark is known best for playing the brash drummer Freddy "Spazzy McGee" Jones in the 2003 Richard Linklater movie "School of Rock," starring Jack Black. ", For movies he has been in "Cobra," Field of Dreams," and "The Santa Clause 2. That hit caused his other movies like "Yakuza Cop" and "The Bullet Train" to find an audience. Didion died due to complications from Parkinson's disease in her New York City home on December 23. She was lead singer of a female rock band in NYC in 1970, the Margo Lewis Explosion. Sophie. For that, we are grateful.". Doug MacLeod was born on October 13, 1959 in Greensborough, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. His work is responsible for five Tony Award for best musical, and six of which won for best original score. He was previously married to Sigrid Insull and Marycarolyn Linda Elizabeth "MiMi" Hawkins. She blazed so brightly. Anne Rice began life in New Orleans as Howard Allen O'Brien, named after her father, as the second of four daughters of Howard and Katherine Allen O'Brien. Madden coached the Oakland Raiders to Super Bowl victory in 1971. She decided to call herself "Anne" when she enrolled in first grade at the Redemptorist Catholic School. Always in our hearts. She was born on September 2, 1940 to Lawrence and Doris Trickett, in Kansas City, Kansas. She was previously married to Denise Tompkins. Valle died suddenly in his cabin outside Quebec City, Canada on December 26, according to the Associated Press. I think we can all agree.". He was an actor, known for Monster's Ball (2001). He was previously married to Elita Georgiades and Marike de Klerk. Shock G died on April 22, found dead in a hotel room in Tampa, according to his father. Holbrook died at his home in Beverly Hills on January 23. "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. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. ", In movies he's best known for are his commanding performances in movies like "Wall Street," "The Firm," and most memorably playing Deep Throat in 1976's "All the President's Men.". Garson co-starred as con man Mozzie on USA Network's "White Collar," from 2009 to 2014. He died on October 27, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida, USA. Lasorda died on January 7 due to a cardiac arrest. Then there are the non-franchises that are also memorable: horror classic "The Omen," the Bill Murray-starrer "Scrooged," and the hit Western "Maverick.". One of the founders of legendary 1980s hip-hop group, Digital Underground, Shock G (born Greg Jacobs) would be forever known to rap fans for his alter ego Humpty Hump, who was the inspiration for the rap anthem "The Humpty Dance.". Graeme's sound and personality [are] present in everything we did together and thankfully that will live on," the band's current lead singer and guitarist, Justin Hayward, wrote on the band's website. Plummer died on February 5, no cause was given. 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. Scolari, a revered actor of the stage and screen, died on October 22 at age 66 after a two-year battle with cancer. She was an actress, known for Videodrome (1983), Urban Legend (1998) and Funeral Home (1980). God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. ", 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. "We are saddened to confirm of Dustin Diamond's passing on Monday, February 1st, 2021 due to carcinoma," Diamond's representative said in a statement provided to Insider. She was 91. ", More recently he was nominated in the upcoming Emmys for the 2020 HBO series "Lovecraft Country.". He was first diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and then said in 2019 that he was, at the time, cancer-free. 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. Spector's daughter, Nicole Audrey Spector said he died due to complications of COVID-19. Wright died on May 24 after a three-year battle with prostate cancer, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Ruth Prins was born on October 20, 1920 in Sioux City, Iowa, USA. He died on November 19, 2021 in Studio City, California, USA. "The dream became a reality and the reality became a nightmare for some. Downey Sr. died on July 7 after years battling Parkinson's disease. I love you.". Here, we honor the celebrities who died in 2021: their legacies, their careers, and their impact. 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. He was a music artist and actor, known for Keanu (2016), Step Sisters (2018) and On My Block (2018). "Thank you, Scolari, for every chat between set ups, every hug onscreen and off and every 'Oh, Jeez.' Known in the music world as a producer who worked alongside everyone from the Beatles to the Ronettes, Spector was known later in life for being convicted of murder. Philip died on April 9, according to Buckingham Palace. She was an actress and writer, known for West Side Story (1961), Seems Like Old Times (1980) and Operation Petticoat (1977). He was a director and cinematographer. She died on December 9, 2021 in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa. Leachman died of natural causes on January 27. Joe Siracusa was born on February 3, 1922 in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Peter Scolari. We say goodbye to the famous people that touched our lives. This two-time Tony Award-nominated actor did everything from play Dizzy Gillespie in Clint Eastwood's 1988 "Bird" to being the purple grapes character in a series of Fruit of the Loom underwear commercials, but he'll forever be remembered as the voice of Sebastian the Crab in the Disney classic "The Little Mermaid.". He was an actor and writer, known for Shake Back (2020), J Stone Feat.