Katie Peterson
Table of Contents
Death is a part of life, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t sad. When our favorite celebrities become one of them, we can’t help but remember how they made us smile and hope their legacy will live on for years.
From battles with cancer lost to struggles with drugs and many things in between, here’s a list of 144 celebrities who died in 2023.
1. Tony Bennett
Tony Bennett, our favorite crooner of such songs as “Because of You” and “Rags to Riches,” only recently broke our hearts with the announcement of his passing on Jul. 21, following a multi-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease, which he was diagnosed with in 2016.
At 96, his 85-year career was a gift to the world, with many celebrities paying tribute to him.
Country superstar Carrie Underwood posted to Twitter along with a collection of photos with her and Bennett: “Rest in peace, Tony. You were the epitome of a gentleman with a God-given, one-of-a-kind voice.” We couldn’t agree more, Carrie.
Related: How Did Tony Bennett Die? The Great Icon Sang Until the End
2. Bobby Osborne
Legendary bluegrass musician Bobby Van Osborne is another recent celebrity that just barely had to be included on the list of celebrities who died in 2023.
The co-founder of the Osborne Brothers and Grand Ole Opry member was 91 years old when he died on Jun. 27. Several performers scheduled for the Grand Ole Opry paid tribute to the “Rocky Top” singer the night of his death.
3. Sinéad O’Connor
The Irish singer-songwriter shocked the world when it was announced that Sinéad O’Connor, 56, was found unresponsive at her South London home on Jul. 26.
No cause of death has yet been announced for the “Nothing Compares 2 U” singer, but police have said there has been no evidence of foul play.
4. Lola Chantrelle Mitchell, aka Gangsta Boo
It was terrible news to begin the New Year when it was announced that famed rapper Gangsta Boo had died on Jan. 1.
The 43-year-old “Enquiring Minds” rapper was sadly found dead on the front porch of her mother’s Memphis home. The cause of death was an accidental overdose of fentanyl, cocaine, and alcohol.
5. Paul Reubens
The death of Paul Reubens, aka Pee-wee Herman, was announced on Jul. 30. He was 70.
Reubens’ death came six years after he was diagnosed with cancer, although the world only learned about it with the announcement of his passing.
He did provide his fans closure, writing the following before his death: “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. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”
6. Bo Goldman
Best known for such screenplays as One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) and Melvin Howard (1980), Bo Goldman’s death was announced on Jul. 25. He was 90.
The cause of death has yet to be disclosed. Many spoke out after his death, including actor Danny DeVito who noted, “It was an honor knowing him.”
7. Inga Swenson
Inga Swenson passed away on Jul. 23 at 90 in Los Angeles.
Swenson was a Tony-nominated Broadway darling, performing in roles like Lizzie Curry in 110 in the Shade and Irene Adler in Baker Street. She’s also known for spending seven years portraying Gretchen Kraus on ABC’s Benson.
8. Pamela Blair
There was no A Chorus Line without Val, and Pamela Blair was the one who initially brought the character to life, and we can’t thank her enough for that. Blair passed away on Jul. 23 in Phoenix. She was 73.
9. Angus Cloud
Angus Cloud is one of the youngest on the list of celebrities who died in 2023, and it makes our hearts ache.
Known for portraying Fezco in Euphoria on HBO, the 25-year-old actor was declared dead by the Oakland Fire Department at his home on Jul. 31. While no official cause of death is known, it seems the medical emergency was the weight of grief as just a week prior he was in Ireland for the funeral of his father.
10. Jerome Coppersmith
Jerome Coppersmith was known for many things, particularly his work as a playwright for multiple Broadway and off-Broadway productions. His most notable was 1965’s Baker Street, for which he earned a Tony Award nomination. Coppersmith was 97 when he died on Jul. 21 in Rochester, New York.
11. Fred White
Fred White was 67 when his death was announced on Jan. 1. The musician and songwriter was known as one of the original members of the multi-genre band Earth, Wind & Fire, as well as the drummer on Donny Hathaway’s Live album.
12. Nick Benedict
Nick Benedict may be famed for such roles as Curtis Reed on Days of Our Lives and Philip Brent on All My Children, but he was also a talented musician, performing at night clubs when he took a break from acting in the late 1980s.
Benedict’s death came as a shock when it was announced that his July 14th death, his 77th birthday, was caused by complications from an emergency spinal cord surgery, which left him paralyzed from the neck down.
13. Jane Birkin
French singer Jane Birkin, best known for her musical partnership with Serge Gainsbourg, died on Jul. 16, at the age of 76, after being found in her Paris home.
One week later, many gathered outside the church in France for the funeral service. Afterward, she was cremated and buried at the Père Lachaise Cemetery crematorium.
14. Carlin Glynn
Known as an accomplished singer and actress and mother of actress and film director Mary Stuart Masterson, Carlin Glynn was 83 when she died on Jul. 13. Her death came after a battle with lung cancer and dementia. Masterson announced her mother’s death on Instagram.
“I will always be grateful for those last moments, no matter how hard,” she said, noting she was there when her mother passed. “Death is like birth in the oddest way. From my first breath to her last. This thread is as fragile as it is strong.”
15. Lisa Marie Presley
Heartbreakingly, Lisa Marie Presley didn’t just follow in her famous father’s footsteps with her singing career, but in the fact that her death came as a shock to fans everywhere.
Presley suffered a heart attack at her California home on Jan. 12. While CPR was performed, and she did make it to the hospital, she died later that day at only 54. The shocking ordeal came just two days after she watched actor Austin Butler accept a Golden Globe for his portrayal of her father, Elvis Presley, in the Baz Luhrmann biopic.
Related: How Did Lisa Marie Presley Die: The Life as Daughter to the King
16. Jeff Beck
English guitarist Jeff Beck, best known as being a member of the Yardbirds and founding member and frontman of the Jeff Beck Group and Beck, Bogert & Appice, died on Jan. 10 from a bacterial meningitis infection at the age of 78. Many consider him the greatest guitarist ever.
Within seconds after his death, many paid tribute, including the Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger: “With the death of Jeff Beck, we have lost a wonderful man and one of the greatest guitar players in the world. We will all miss him so much.”
His former bandmate, Ronnie Wood, also commented: “Now Jeff has gone, I feel like one of my brothers has left this world, and I’m going to dearly miss him.”
17. George Tickner
As one of the founding members of Journey, George Tickner was a legendary rhythm guitarist and songwriter, made evident by his 2005 receiving of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The 76-yeard old died on July 5.
Related: The 15 Best Journey Songs
18. Andrea Evans
Andrea Evans, known for her roles on soap operas such as One Life to Live, The Young and the Restless, and The Bold and the Beautiful, was 66 when she died on Jul. 9 in Pasadena, California.
Her death came following her battle with breast cancer.
19. Carole Cook
Famed screen and stage actress Carole Cook, known for her appearances alongside Lucille Ball on The Lucy Show and Here’s Lucy died of heart failure on Jan. 11. She was 98 years old.
The Sixteen Candles actress didn’t waste her many years on earth, appearing in multiple film, television, and theatre projects over the years, which garnered her quite a following.
In their original productions, Cook was even part of Broadway’s 42nd Street and Romantic Comedy and was the second actress to ever star as the titular character in Hello, Dolly.
20. Coco Lee
Most well-known in Hong Kong and other international places as a musician, actress, dancer, and singer, Ferren “Coco” Lee still had years of career ahead of her when she died on Jul. 5, at 48.
Just three days prior, she attempted suicide and was unconscious when she was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital. After her death, a friend revealed that the multi-talented artist had been battling breast cancer, having a tumor removed in a December 2022 surgery.
21. Robert Lieberman
Robert Lieberman is one of many celebrities who died in 2023, whose passing was due to a battle with cancer. He lost his battle on Jul. 1 at the age of 75.
Lieberman was an accomplished film and television director, producer, and writer with such works as D3: The Might Ducks (1996), Final Days of Planet Earth (2006), and The Stranger (2010).
22. Lawrence Turman
Lawrence Turman was a prominent producer in Hollywood, earning an Academy Award nomination for his work with 1967’s The Graduate. He also had his fingerprint on such films as Pretty Poison (1968), The Great White Hope (1970), and The River Wild (1994). He was 96 when he died on Jul. 1.
23. Alan Arkin
The film industry has had many names on the list of celebrities who died in 2023, and Alan Arkin, an award-winning actor and filmmaker, is only the latest.
Known for his work in films such as The Heart is a Lonely Hunter (1968), Edward Scissorhands (1990), and Argo throughout his 70-year career, Arkin died of heart complications on Jun. 29. He was 89. Fans can pay their respects at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, one of the oldest in Los Angeles.
24. Betta St. John
Betta St. John held many prominent roles in Hollywood throughout her career, including opposite Cary Grant in the 1953 film Dream Wife and the British film High Tide at Noon. The 2019 Hawthorne Hall of Fame inductee was 93 when she died on Jun. 23 at an assisted living facility in England.
25. Sheldon Harnick
Fiddler on the Roof and Fiorello! composer Sheldon Harnick was just 10 months shy of hitting 100 when he died on Jun. 23. His legacy lives on, however, as the winner of three Tony Awards and a 1972 inductee of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
26. Milton Powell, aka Big Pokey
Big Pokey is one of the younger celebrities who died in 2023 to be on our list.
The death of the rapper and original member of Screwed Up Click shocked fans when he suddenly collapsed while performing at a Texas bar on Jun. 17. He later died in the hospital in the early morning hours of Jun. 18. He was 48.
27. Charles Kimbrough
Charles Kimbrough will always be known for his Emmy-award-nominated performance as Jim Dial on Murphy Brown, and we can’t help but smile because of it. Among his numerous other roles, he was also part of the 2012 Broadway revival of Harvey, for which he played William R. Chumley, MD.
Kimbrough died on Jan. 11, in Culver City, California, at 86.
28. Cormac McCarthy
Cormac McCarthy is one of the first authors whose name appears on our celebrities who died in 2023 list following his death on Jun. 13, less than two months before what would’ve been his 90th birthday.
McCarthy is widely known as one of the greatest novelists in American history, penning such key words as All the Pretty Horses (1992), No Country for Old Men (2005), and The Road (2006). The latter earned him the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for Fiction in 2007. He released his final two books, The Passenger and Stella Maris in 2022.
29. Robbie Bachman
Canadian drummer Robbie Bachman, best known as the original drummer of Brave Belt and Bachman-Turner Overdrive, died at age 69 on Jan. 12.
Bachman’s musical endeavors ran in the family as he was the youngest brother of The Guess Who’s Randy Bachman and the nephew of “She’s So High” singer Tal Bachman.
30. Cynthia Weil
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Cynthia Weil died on Jun. 1 at her Beverly Hills home. She was 82.
Weil was best known for her songwriting partnership with her husband, Barry Mann, penning such songs together as Linda Ronstadt’s “Somewhere Out There,” Ray Charles’ “None of Us Are Free,” and Bette Midler’s “All I Need to Know.”
Related: Ray Charles’ Net Worth: From the Street of Orlando to Millionaire
31. Tina Turner
Hearts worldwide sank when the legendary Queen of Rock’ n’ Roll, Tina Turner’s death, was announced on May 24.
The “Proud Mary” singer was 83 when she died of natural causes, although it came after years of health struggles. They included high blood pressure, kidney failure leading to a kidney transplant, a stroke, intestinal cancer, and more.
Celebrities everywhere paid tribute to the Grammy-award-winning singer following her death, including Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Dolly Parton, and Rod Stewart.
Related: How Did Tina Turner Die? How the Queen of Rock Left This World
32. Jim Brown
Sports enthusiasts were saddened to hear of the passing of Jim Brown, former NFL fullback for the Cleveland Browns, on May 18. He was 87. Several from the world of sports paid tribute after his death.
Roger Goodell, the commissioner of the National Football League, said: “Jim Brown was a gifted athlete – one of the most dominant players to ever step on any athletic field – but also a culture figure who helped promote change.”
Even those who did get to watch Brown play knew his name, such as President Barack Obama: “I was too young to remember Jim Brown’s playing days, but I knew his legacy. One of the greatest football players ever, he was also an actor and activist – speaking out on civil rights and pushing other black athletes to do the same.”
33. C.J. Harris
C.J. Harris may have only been able to release one single, “In Love,” following his appearance on the 13th season of American Idol, but it was enough to make a name for himself amongst his fans. It’s no wonder where his career might have gone had he not died of a heart attack on Jan. 15. He was 31.
34. Barbara Bryne
A British actress in film, theatre, and television, Barbara Bryne enjoyed a 65-year career in the business before she died on May 2, at the age of 94. Bryne was best known for such works as the 1991 TV film, Into the Woods, 1984’s Amadeus, and the 1975 television film Scandal.
35. Gordon Lightfoot
Gordon Lightfoot made his mark in folk, folk-rock, and country music over his 65-year career, topping the charts with such hits as “If You Could Read My Mind” (1970), “Rainy Day People” (1975), and “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” (1976).
The artist’s death on May 1 saddened many, but his talent was never forgotten. Bob Dylan, a long-time Lightfoot fan, even said, “I can’t think of any Gordon Lightfoot song I don’t like. Every time I hear a song of his, it’s like I wish it would last forever.”
In addition to Bob Dylan, some other artists who have covered Gordon Lightfoot songs include Johnny Cash, Toby Keith, and Olivia Newton-John.
Related: How Did Gordon Lightfoot Die? The Death of a Canadian Folk Legend
36. Tim Bachman
Canadian vocalist and guitarist Tim Bachman, best known for being part of rock bands such as Bachman-Turner Overdrive and Brave Belt, died on Apr. 28, at 71. His death came following a battle with cancer. Sadly, the “Big C” has been responsible for many celebrities who died in 2023.
37. Harry Belafonte
The world may not have had the joy of calypso music had it not been for Harry Belafonte, and because of that, his legacy will live on for years to come.
Best known for such recordings as “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” and “Jump in the Line (Shake, Senora),” Belafonte died on Apr. 25 from congestive heart failure. It was one of many health problems that plagued him over the years, fighting prostate cancer in 1996, suffering a stroke in 2004, and more.
Belafonte was 96 years old at the time of his death.
38. Jerry Springer
Jerry Springer was one of the most recognizable personalities on television, thanks to his long-running controversial tabloid talk show.
His Apr. 27 death surprised many as it was only after his death that his family announced his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer just months prior.
Following the 79-year-old’s death, former Jerry Springer show bodyguard Steve Wilkos paid tribute to him. “Other than my father, Jerry was the most influential man in my life. Everything I have today I owe to Jerry. He was the smartest, most generous, kindest person I’ve ever known.”
39. Mark Sheehan
Mark Sheehan, an Irish singer, musician, producer, and composer, died on Apr. 14, following a brief illness at age 46. Sheehan’s claim to fame was as a member of the Irish boyband Mytown and eventual co-founder and guitarist for The Script, an Irish alternative rock band.
40. Van Conner
Screaming Trees’ bassist, Van Connor, was just 55 when he died on Jan. 17.
The downward spiral leading to Connor’s death began in Dec. 2021, after he suffered complications from an emergency stomach surgery, which left him comatose. He also contracted COVID-19 during that time, leading to mobility and respiratory issues. His official cause of death just over a year later was pneumonia.
41. Lasse Wellander
Lars-Ove “Lasse” Wellander, best known as the guitarist of ABBA, died on Apr. 7. He was 70.
The family announced the cause of death via Facebook: “It is with indescribable sadness that we have to announce that our beloved Lasse has fallen asleep. Lasse recently fell ill with what turned out to be cancer that had spread, and early on Good Friday, he passed away surrounded by his loved ones.”
42. Paul Cattermole
British singer Paul Cattermole, member of S Club 7 (1998-2002; 2014), died on Apr. 6 after being found unresponsively. The official cause of death for the 46-year-old was heart failure.
43. Vivian Trimble
Luscious Jackson keyboardist Vivian Trimble’s death was announced on Apr. 4, following several years of battling cancer. She was 59.
44. David Crosby
The world lost legendary songwriter, singer, and guitarist David Crosby early in 2023. His Jan. 18 death came after many health issues, including type 2 diabetes and cardiac problems.
Crosby is most recognizable as being a member of the Byrds, which led to him and others pioneering psychedelia and folk rock, and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young.
Related: How Did David Crosby Die? Details Behind the Legend’s 2023 Death
45. Ryuichi Sakamoto
Japanese composer and pianist Ryuichi Sakamoto sadly passed away at 71 years old on Mar. 28.
The singer suffered many battles against cancer in the years leading up to his death, including oropharyngeal (throat) and rectal cancer. Following his most recent 2021 diagnosis, he noted, “From now on, I will be living alongside cancer. But, I am hoping to make music for a little while longer.”
The world was blessed with two more years, with the song “Snooze,” which he is featured on being released just one month after his death on Apr. 24.
46. Keith Reid
British lyricist Keith Reid was 76 at the time of his March 23rd death following a battle with colon cancer. Reid earned his most considerable recognition as being the songwriter on nearly every Procol Harum original song, as well as founding the band Gary Brooker.
47. Tom Leadon
Tom Leadon, a co-founding member of Mudcrutch, the original Tom Petty band, passed away on Mar. 22. The 70-year-old, the brother of former banjoist and guitarist of the Eagles, Bernie Leadon, died of natural causes.
Related: 42 Best Tom Petty Songs: The Ultimate Ranking
48. Nicholas “Nick” Lloyd Webber
Nick Lloyd Webber, son of Andrew Lloyd Webber, was only 43 when he died after an 18-month battle with gastric cancer on Mar. 25.
An accomplished composer in his own right, some of his most notable composition credits include the 2016 theatrical production of The Little Prince, the 2017 BBC One drama series Love, Lies and Records, and the 2021 feature film The Last Bus.
49. Cindy Williams
Happy Days and Laverne & Shirley actress Cindy Williams died on Jan. 25 after battling a brief but undisclosed illness. The famous actress was 75.
50. Bobby Caldwell
Singer, songwriter, and musician Bobby Caldwell, best known for his signature song “What You Won’t Do for Love,” was 71 when he died on Mar. 14. His health started declining in 2017 following side effects suffered from an antibiotic.
Caldwell’s death was announced one day later by his wife. “Thanks to all of you for your many prayers over the years,” she wrote in the Twitter post.
51. Constantinos Tsobanoglou, aka Costa Titch
South African dancer and Amapiano rapper Costa Titch was sadly only 27 when he died on Mar. 11.
Best known for his record “Big Flexa,” his death came after a double collapse on stage during an Ultra South Africa music festival performance in Johannesburg. The official cause of death has never been disclosed.
52. Gary Rossington
Gary Rossington, a guitarist and founding member of “Sweet Home Alabama” band Lynyrd Skynyrd, broke the hearts of many when he died on Mar. 5.
His death, which has never been explained by a specific cause, meant that all the members of the Southern rock band have officially passed on.
53. Steve Mackey
Steve Mackey, an English musician and record producer, made his name as bassist for the British pop band Pulp and for producing albums for artists such as M.I.A., The Long Blondes, Arcade Fire, and Florence + the Machine.
The 56-year-old died on Mar. 2, following a three-month hospital stay for an unknown illness.
54. Wayne Shorter
Jazz saxophonist and composer Wayner Shorter of the Jazz Messengers passed away on Mar. 2.
The Grammy-award-winning artist and Kennedy Center Honors recipient was 89 when he died. Following his death on Apr. 22, Julian Joseph hosted a 90-minute tribute edition of J to Z in honor of Shorter.
Related: The 21 Best Jazz Songs: The Definitive List
55. Kyle Jacobs
Country music fans were shocked to their core when it was announced that songwriter Kyle Jacobs, 49, was found from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Feb. 17.
Jacobs, who was married to “I Wonder” singer Kellie Pickler, is best known for co-writing several country hits, including “More Than a Memory” by Garth Brooks and “Still” by Tim McGraw.
Related: How Did Kyle Jacobs Die? Some Speculate It May Not Have Been Suicide
56. Chuck Jackson
“Any Day Now” and “I Keep Forgettin’” R&B singer Charles “Chuck” Jackson sadly passed on Feb. 16 at the age of 85.
Jackson was honored with many recognitions over the years, including the Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation (1992), the Joe Pope Pioneer Award from the Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame (2009), and induction into the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame (2015).
57. David Jolicoeur
Grammy awarding-winning rapper and member of De La Soul, David Jolicoeur, tragically passed on Feb. 12 at age 54. Although the official cause is unknown, the “Feel Good Inc” co-writer suffered from congestive heart failure and had to use a LifeVest defibrillator machine to manage symptoms in his final years.
58. Cody Longo
Cody Longo is one of many celebrities who died in 2023 whose passing seemed premature, seeing as he was only 34.
The Feb. 8 death of the actor and musician, known for his roles as Eddie Duran on Nickelodeon’s Hollywood Heights and Nicholas Alamain on Days of Our Lives, was from suspected alcohol poisoning.
59. Burt Bacharach
Uplifting song “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” was a worldwide hit when it was released for the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Famed composer, record producer, and songwriter Burt Bacharach was one of the men the world had to thank for it. Bacharach was 94 when he passed on Feb. 8 from natural causes.
60. Lisa Loring
Everyone knew Wednesday Addams in the famed 60s sitcom The Addams Family, and Lisa Loring was responsible for bringing the character to life.
The actress died on Jan. 28 after suffering a stroke, believed to be caused by hypertension and her many years of smoking. She was 64.
61. Tom Verlaine
Tom Verlaine, frontman of Television, a rock band out of New York City, died on Jan. 28 at the age of 73. His death was caused by prostate cancer, which had eventually metastasized. The diagnosis kept him from joining a European tour opening for Generation X’s Billy Idol.
Related: 30 Best 70s Songs from Television to the Eagles
62. Elise Finch
You could always catch meteorologist Elise Finch on the CBS Morning News in New York, that is, until the 51-year-old’s sudden death on Jul. 16.
Described as a “gifted and consummate professional who took great care with her work,” the reason for her death is unknown.
63. Bill Cunningham
With the recent release of the Barbie movie, it seems ironic that the world lost Bill Cunningham, the original voice of Ken for Mattel, in the 1960s. The 96-year-old founder of CESD, a commercial and voice-over talent agency, died on Jul. 15.
64. Jeffrey Carlson
Best known for playing the transgender Zoe Luper on the daytime soap opera All My Children, Jeffrey Carlson was 48 when he died on Jul. 6.
His death was caused by a dilated cardiomyopathy, which causes the heart to be unable to pump blood properly due to enlargement.
65. Brett Hadley
Young and the Restless star Brett Hadley died from sepsis on Jun. 14. The 92-year-old played Carl Williams, a police detective from 1980-1990, briefly reprising the role from 1998-1999.
66. Treat Williams
Famed actor Treat Williams became one of many celebrities who died in 2023 on Jun. 12, at the age of 71, following a motorcycle crash on Vermont Route 30 in Dorset.
He first came to prominence thanks to his roles in two 1979 films – Hair and 1941. The Golden Globe-nominated actor also held roles in such films as Smooth Talk (1985), The Devil’s Own (1997), and Miss Congeniality 2 (2005).
67. The Iron Sheik
Professional wrestler, The Iron Sheik was 81 when he died on Jun. 7 from a cardiac arrest caused by congestive heart failure and hypertension.
His legacy lives on, though, as the first and only Iranian WWE champion, taking home the WWF World Heavyweight Championship title in 1983.
68. Pat Casey
Pat Casey had so much life before him when he died on Jun. 6 at only 29 years old.
The five-time X Games medal winner and freestyle BMX cycling competitor died during a freak accident that led to his motorcycle falling on him while he was practicing a jump.
69. Jim Hines
Too many athletes have had to be added to the list of celebrities who died in 2023. Jim Hines, a former NFL wide receiver and holder of the 100-meter world record in track and field for 15 years, died on Jun. 3 at the age of 76.
70. Astrud Gilberto
Brazilian singer and songwriter Astrud Gilberto, known for her version of “The Girl from Ipanema,” died on Jun. 5. She was 83. The cause of the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner’s death is unknown.
71. Anna Shay
Best known for appearing on Netflix’s reality series Bling Empire, socialite and businesswoman Anna Shay died on Jun. 1, at the age of 62, from a stroke. Her death was announced publicly four days later.
“Anna taught us many life lessons on how not to take life too seriously and to enjoy the finer things,” her family said after revealing the cause of death. “Her impact on our lives will be forever missed but never forgotten.”
72. Jacky Oh
Jacky Oh, star of Wild’ n Out, shocked fans when her death was announced. The 32-year-old was found unresponsive on May 31 and later confirmed dead of a still undisclosed cause.
73. Ray Stevenson
Irish actor Ray Stevenson, known for his role as Dagonet in the 2004 film King Arthur, died at only 58 years old on May 21, just four days shy of his 59th birthday.
Just before his death, he was reportedly hospitalized during the film of his upcoming project, Cassino in Ischia.
74. Jacklyn Zeman
Jacklyn Zeman spent 45 years coming into people’s homes daily as General Hospital’s Bobbie Spencer. Unsurprisingly, fans were saddened to learn of her passing on May 9, following a short battle with cancer. She was 70.
75. Heather Armstrong
“Queen of the Mommy bloggers” and internet personality Heather Armstrong, best known under her pseudonym, Dooce, was 47 when she died on May 9 from an apparent suicide. For many years prior to her death, she spent many years fighting chronic depression and alcoholism.
76. Tori Bowie
Olympic gold medalist Tori Bowie was 32 years old when she died on Apr. 23.
Sadly, her dead body was not found until May 2. During an autopsy, it was found that she had died from childbirth complications, including respiratory distress, high blood pressure, and eclampsia.
77. Jock Zonfrillo
MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo died in Melbourne, Australia, on Apr. 30. He was 46.
Like Bowie, his death was only realized after days without anyone hearing from him led to a welfare check being made where police found him dead at a hotel. No foul play has been suspected.
78. Michael Lerner
Michael Lerner, an Academy-award-nominated actor for his role as Jack Lipnick in the 1991 film Barton Fink, was 81 when he died on Apr. 8. The cause of death was complications from brain seizures.
79. Len Goodman
Professional ballroom dancer Len Goodman, known in his later years as a judge on Dancing with the Stars, died on Apr. 22. His death, which came just three days before his 79th birthday, came after a battle with bone cancer.
His fellow Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli paid tribute to his friend and colleague on social media. “I will treasure the memory of our incredible adventures and hundreds of shows we did together. There will never be anyone like you.”
80. Paul Grant
British stuntman Paul Grant died on Mar. 20 at 56. Appearing in such films as Legend and Willow as a stunt double and making a brief cameo in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Grant was pronounced dead after being found collapsed outside London’s St. Pancras railway station. It’s believed his years of drug and alcohol problems contributed to his passing.
81. Brian “Brizz” Gillis
LFO founding member Brian “Brizz” Gillis was 47 when he died on Mar. 30. Although no official cause of death has been announced, the late singer’s friends have hinted at a heart attack.
82. Lance Reddick
Actor and musician Lance Reddick died on Mar. 17 from heart disease. The 60-year-old was best known for such acting roles as Charon in the John Wick franchise and as General Caulfield in the 2013 film White House Down.
83. Jansen Panettiere
Jansen Panettiere, brother of Bring it On: All or Nothing actress Hayden Panettiere, was only 28 years old when he died on Feb. 19.
An accomplished actor in his own right, thanks to roles in Ice Age: The Meltdown, The Martial Arts Kid, and How High 2, he died from complications in his aortic valve caused by an enlarged heart.
84. Tom Sizemore
Golden Globe-nominated actor Tom Sizemore, best known for his part in the 1998 film Saving Private Ryan, died of a brain aneurysm on Mar. 3. He was 61.
85. Chaim Topol
Israeli actor Chaim Topol died on Mar. 8 from Alzheimer’s disease. He was 87. Topol made a name for himself playing Tevye, both in the stage musical and 1971 film adaptation of the famed-musical Fiddler on the Roof, in more than 3,500 performances between 1967 and 2009.
86. Richard Belzer
Actor, comedian, and author Richard Belzer lost his battle with an unknown respiratory condition on Feb. 19. He was 78. Belzer was best known for playing John Munch, an NYPD detective, and investigator, on the NBC series Homicide: Life on the Street and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
87. Stella Stevens
Stella Stevens, Golden Globe “New Star of the Year” winner and Playmate of the Month in January 1960, died on Feb. 17, at 84. Her death was caused by Alzheimer’s disease complications.
88. Raquel Welch
Actress and model Raquel Welch was 82 when she died on Feb. 15. Welch kicked off her career in 1966 when she appeared in the movie Fantastic Voyage, which launched a 50-year career. Her cause of death was cardiac arrest.
89. Dave Hollis
Fans were shocked when the death of former Disney executive Dave Hollis’ was announced on Feb. 12. Two months later, the autopsy report revealed that the 47-year-old died from a drug overdose. Cocaine, fentanyl, and alcohol were all found in his system.
90. Hugh Hudson
Hugh Hudson, a famed British film director of such works as Chariots of Fire and Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, died on Feb. 10. He was 86.
91. Annie Wersching
Actress Annie Wersching died early in 2023, passing at 45 on Jan. 29.
Known for her numerous television roles, including Rosalind Dyer in The Rookie, Renee Walker in 24, and Emma Whitemore in Timeless, Wersching’s death came following a multi-year battle with cancer.
92. Bobby Hull
National Hockey League left wing Bobby Hull was 84 when he died on Jan. 30. The Chicago Black Hawks legend’s cause of death is not known. Hull is a member of the Hockey and Ontario Sports Hall of Fames.
93. Barrett Strong
Singer and songwriter Barrett Strong Jr., known for his first Motown hit single “Money (That’s What I Want),” died on Jan. 28. He was 81.
Strong was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2004 alongside his long-time business partner, producer Norman Whitfield. The pair penned such hits as “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” and “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone.”
94. Al Brown
Alzheimer’s disease claimed yet another celebrity in 2023 when it took the life of actor Al Brown on Jan. 13. Brown was best known for his breakout role as Stanislaus Valchek, a Baltimore police commissioner, in the HBO show The Wire.
95. Tatjana Patitz
German model Tatjana Patitz, known for modeling brands like Elle, Vogue, and Harper’s Bazaar in the 1980s and 90s, was 56 when she passed away on Jan. 11. Her death came after a battle with metastatic breast cancer.
96. Ben Masters
Celebrities who died in 2023 have included many soap opera actors, and Ben Masters became one of the first when he died on Jan. 11. Known for playing Julian Crane on Passions for nine years, Masters’ died from complications of COVID-19. He was 75.
97. Adam Rich
Known as “America’s little brother,” Adam Rich was one of our favorite child actors. He played Nicholas Bradford on the hit series Eight is Enough (1977-1981) for five years. Rich was 54 when he died on Jan. 7 from an accidental overdose of fentanyl.
98. Bernard Kalb
Journalist, media critic, and author Bernard Kalb was one of the first celebrities who died in 2023.
Winner of an Overseas Press Club Award for his 1968 documentary about the Vietcong, Kalb’s Jan. 8 death came six days after a fall in his Maryland home, from which he eventually succumbed to his injuries. He was 100.
99. Chris Ledesma
Chris Ledesma, best known as being the music editor of the hit animated sitcom The Simpsons, made for a sad start to 2023 when he died on Jan. 1.
If that weren’t enough, the death of the 64-year-old was announced in a tribute at the end of an episode of the show shortly after his passing.
100. James “Buster” Corley
Probably the most heart-breaking cause of death for those on our list of celebrities who died in 2023 is suicide, and James “Buster” Corley became yet another example. The “Dave & Busters” founder died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Jan. 2. He was 72.
101. Ken Block
Hoonigan Racing Division professional rally driver Ken Block died on Jan. 2 at 55. The DC Shoes co-founder died tragically in a snowmobile accident in Woodland, Utah.
His death was confirmed in an Instagram statement by Hoonigan. “Ken was a visionary, a pioneer, and an icon.”
102. Laurence Deonna
Laurence Deonna, a Swiss journalist, photographer, and writer, passed away on Aug. 2 at the age of 86.
Deonna was known for writing about her long career in the Middle East, often telling stories of the lives of Arab women and her belief that many problems in the world could be solved if everyone sought peace.
103. Beatle Bob
Dancer Beatle Bob, most known for his time in the St. Louis music scene and his arrhythmic dance moves, died at age 70 on Jul. 27.
His death came just a little more than one year after his diagnosis of ALS. Complications from the disease ultimately caused his death.
104. André Watts
Classical pianist André Watts, who performed as a soloist in every major orchestra worldwide, including the New York Philharmonic and the London Symphony Orchestra, died on Jul. 12.
The Grammy-award winner and American Philosophical Society electee died from prostate cancer, which he was first diagnosed with in July 2016. He was 77.
105. Doyle Brunson
Dave Brunson, a two-time World Series of Poker Main Event champion whose career spanned more than 50 years, passed away on May 14. The Poker legend was 89 years old at the time of his death.
106. Andy Rourke
Andy Rourke was only 59 years old when he passed on Jan. 17 from pancreatic cancer. He was best known as being bassist for the 1980s indie rock band, The Smiths.
His Smiths bandmates all paid tribute to Rourke after his death. Morrissey wrote: “He didn’t ever know his own power and nothing that he played by someone else. His distinction was so terrific and unconventional, and he proved it could be done.”
107. Ginnie Newhart
Ginnie Newhart, the wife of actor and comedian Bob Newhart, had been battling a long illness when she died on Apr. 23, at 82. Bob Newhart shared the news of his wife’s passing on Twitter: “She was our rock, and we miss her terribly.”
108. Marlene Hagge
Professional golfer Marlene Hagge died on May 16, at the age of 89, succumbing to complications caused by a fall in her California home. Hagge was one of the founding members of the Ladies Professional Golf Association.
109. Denny Crum
A significant figure in Kentucky sports history, Denny Crum was 86 when he died on May 9. His death came just a few years after suffering back-to-back strokes in 2017 and 2019, respectively.
Crum is best known for leading the University of Louisville Cardinals men’s basketball team to two NCAA championships and six Final Fours. In 1994, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
111. Robbie Robertson
The world lost Robbie Robertson on Aug. 9. He was 80.
Robertson was a Canadian musician best known for being Bob Dylan’s lead guitarist as well as being a guitarist and songwriter with the Band who was responsible for the creation of the Americana music genre. Robertson’s death came following a year-long battle against prostate cancer.
112. William Friedkin
Director and producer William Friedkin, best known for directing the five-time Academy-Award-winning crime thriller The French Connection (1971), passed away at age 87 on Aug. 7. The cause of death was heart failure and pneumonia.
113. Terry Funk
Terry Funk was one of the longest-active wrestlers in history, with a career spanning more than 50 years. He has held such championships as the ECW World Heavyweight Championship, the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, and more. Funk passed away on Aug. 23 at the age of 79.
114. John Gosling
British keyboardist and vocalist John Gosling was 75 when he died on Aug. 4. He was best known for being a member of The Kinks (1970-1978), as well as the spin-off rock band The Kast Off Kinks.
115. Mark Margolis
Actor Mark Margolis, best known for his portrayal of Hector Salamanca in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, died on Aug. 3. He was 83.
The Emmy-nominated actor died following a battle with a short, undisclosed illness at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
116. Russell “Rusty” Richards
American cowboy singer, yodeler, and songwriter for the Sons of the Pioneers from 1963 to 1984, Russell “Rusty” Richards, died on Aug. 5. He was 89. He was also an actor and film stuntman throughout his career.
117. DJ Casper
William Perry Jr., aka DJ Casper, was best known for his all-white attire and for his hit record, the “Cha Cha Slide.” Yes, the one you hear at all the weddings.
He was only 58 when he died on Aug. 7, following a long battle with kidney and liver cancer, which he was first diagnosed with in January 2016.
118. Gary Young
Gary Young was best known for being the original drummer of Pavement, an indie rock band, from 1989 to 1993. He died on Aug. 17 at the age of 70. His cause of death remains unknown.
119. Ray Hildebrand
Ray Hildebrand was best known for his time as one half of the pop singing duo Paul & Paula, alongside Jill Jackson, for which their biggest-selling hit record, “Hey Paula,” dominated the early 1960s. Hildebrand died on Aug. 18 at the age of 82.
120. Ron Cephas Jones
Actor Ron Cephas Jones, most recently known for playing William Hill on the hit NBC show This is Us, died on Aug. 19 from a pulmonary issue. He was 66.
Several of his fellow This is Us stars paid tribute to him on social media.
“Getting to know and work with Ron on the wild ride of “This is Us” was the greatest gift – he was pure magic as a human and an artist…I will treasure all of the moments forever,” Mandy Moore wrote on Instagram. “Even though he wasn’t around set as much as we all wished, he was such an intrinsic part of the fabric of the show, it’s like he was always there.”
Chrissy Metz, Chris Sullivan, and Sterling K. Brown also posted tributes. “Brother, you are love. And you will be missed. Keep them laughing in the next phase of existence, and I’ll see you when I get there,” Brown wrote.
121. Bray Wyatt
This was one of the most unexpected of the celebrities who died in 2023. Bray Wyatt, a third-generation wrestler, and WWE star, was only 36 when he died on Aug. 24.
The cause of death was a heart attack, caused by many months of illness that Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful revealed was COVID-19, which had exacerbated an existing heart issue. According to reports, Wyatt had been recovering and was even medically cleared to continue wrestling two weeks before his death.
Many from the wrestling world expressed their dismay at the news. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson posted to Twitter: “I’m heartbroken over the news of Bray Wyatt’s passing. Always had tremendous respect and love for him and the Rotunda family. Loved his presence, promos, in-ring work, and connection with the @wwe universe. It is a very unique, cool, and rare character, which is hard to create in our crazy world of pro wrestling. Still processing losing the goat, Terry Funk, yesterday and now Bray today. My love, light, strength & mana to the Rotunda family and Funk family during this tough, heartbreaking time.”
122. Bob Barker
Bob Barker was one of America’s most beloved game show hosts in history. Hosting classic games such as Truth or Consequences (1956-1975) and The Price is Right (1972-2007), he was known for his fun personality and classic looks. He was also one of Hollywood’s most famous animal rights activists, always ending the latter game show with his famous sign-off: “Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered.”
Barker passed away on Aug. 26, at the age of 99 – less than four months from his 100th birthday.
Several reacted to the news of the death of the famous host.
Current Price is Right host Drew Carey simply posted a broken heart emoji and a photo of Barker’s last show on Instagram, while Barker’s Happy Gilmore co-star Adam Sandler had a long tribute post.
“The man. The myth. The best. Such a sweet funny guy to hang out with. Loved talking to him. Loved laughing with him. Loved him kicking the crap out of me,” he wrote, referencing the classic scene in the 1996 film. “He will be missed by everyone I know! Heartbreaking day. Love to Bob always and his family! Thanks for all you gave us!”
123. Magoo
Melvin “Magoo” Barcliff, best known as one half of the rap duo Timbaland & Magoo, died on Aug. 13. He was 50 years old.
There has been no reason given for the “Up Jumps da Boogie” rapper’s death, as his wife, Meco Barcliff, said he had simply not been feeling well in the days leading up to his death.
“Magoo’s memory will forever live on, and his music will continue to inspire and uplift us,” his family shared in a statement. “We ask for your understanding and respect as we process this loss and celebrate the life of a remarkable individual and our beloved son.”
124. Bryan Randall
Bryan Randall, long-time partner of Academy-Award-winning actress Sandra Bullock, died on Aug. 5. He was 57. His death came following a long, private battle with ALS. Bullock and Randall, a photographer, were together eight years before his death.
125. Jack Sonni
“The other guitarist” of Dire Straits, Jack Sonni, passed away at the age of 68 on Aug. 30. While it’s known that he had been ill for some time, his exact cause of death remains unknown.
His former band paid tribute to him on Twitter, writing simply, “#JackSonni Rest In Peace #DireStraits” alongside a photo of the late musician.
126. Peter Dixon
International Rugby union player Peter Dixon died on Aug. 2. He was 79. Dixon, who played for Oxford University RFC in four back-to-back varsity matches (1967-70), died of brain cancer.
127. Carl Davis
Conductor and composer Carl Davis was 86 when he died on Aug. 3.
Davis, who wrote music for multiple television programs, most recognizably the BBC’s Pride and Prejudice in 1995, was in Oxford when he died of a brain hemorrhage.
128. Tony Roberts
Tony Roberts, play-by-play announcer for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish from 1980-2006, died on Aug. 26. At 94, he entered hospice just days before his passing, but his family has not disclosed a cause of death.
129. David LaFlamme
It’s a Beautiful Day co-founder David LaFlamme passed away on Aug. 6, in Santa Rosa, California, at age 82. The death of the beloved singer and violinist came after years of battling Parkinson’s disease.
130. Jim Price
Major League Baseball catcher Jim Price was 81 when he died on Aug. 7, in Washington Township, Michigan.
Best known for playing for the Detroit Tigers and later for serving as a color commentator for the Detroit Tigers Radio Network, Price’s death came following more than 10 years battling various health issues, including cancer.
131. Sixto Rodriguez
Jesus Sixto Rodriguez died on Aug. 8. He was 81.
Rodriguez is best known in the United States as the inspiration for the documentary Searching for Sugar Man (2012), which tells the story of how fans had thought he had died by suicide back in the 1990s.
132. Tom Jones
Lyricist and librettist Tom Jones was 95 when he passed on Aug. 11. He was best known for his works in The Fantasticks, I Do! I Do!, and 110 in the Shade. His death came after a battle with an undisclosed type of cancer.
133. Jerry Moss
Jerry Moss, a recording executive, died on Aug. 15, at age 88, in his California home in Bel-Air.
Moss was best known for being the trumpet player and bandleader of Herb Alpert and for co-founding A&M Records.
134. Bobby Eli
Bobby Eli was best known for being a founding member and lead guitarist of MFSB, a Philadelphia studio band. He was 77 when he died on Aug. 17.
135. Gary Young
Drummer Gary Young died on Aug. 17 at the age of 70. Best known for being indie rock band Pavement’s original drummer from 1989-1993, Young was at his home in Stockton when he died.
136. Bob Feldman
He brought us “My Boyfriend’s Back,” “Sorrow,” and “I Want Candy” in the 1960s alongside co-writers Jerry Goldstein and Richard Gottehrer. Songwriter and record producer Bob Feldman died on Aug. 23. He was 83.
137. Arleen Sorkin
Days of Our Lives actress Arleen Sorkin passed away on Aug. 24 following an extended battle with multiple sclerosis. She was 67.
Along with her tenure on the daytime soap opera, she was also known for her work as the original voice and real-life inspiration for DC comic villain Harley Quinn and for being the original female co-host of America’s Funniest People.
Her co-host, Full House and Fuller House actor Dave Coulier, paid tribute to his former partner and friend after her passing.
“RIP Arleen Sorkin. We hosted and laughed our way through two seasons of America’s Funniest People together,” Coulier wrote alongside a photo of him with Sorkin. “She was a one-of-a-kind funny person who brought laughter and lots of smiles to millions.”
138. Bernie Marsden
British guitarist Bernie Marsden was 72 when he died on Aug. 24 from bacterial meningitis.
Marsden was best known for his work with Whitesnake, particularly his role in writing, alongside David Coverdale, some of the band’s biggest hit songs. They include “Fool for Your Loving,” “Here I Go Again,” “Child of Babylon,” and “Lovehunter.”
139. John Kezdy
John Kezdy is one of the celebrities who died in 2023 who had a cause of death that was shocking, to say the least. He died on Aug. 26 from injuries sustained in a bicycle crash. He was 64.
Kezdy was best known as a punk-rock singer and guitarist of the band The Effigies before eventually becoming a prosecuting attorney.
140. George Montgomery
George Montgomery, aka Ohio George, a gasser drag racer, was 90 when he died on Aug. 24.
He was a seven-time National Hot Rod Association national titleholder and was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2020.
141. Michael Parkinson
Described by The Guardian as “the greatest British talk show host,” Michael Parkinson died on Aug. 16, at age 88.
In the final years of his life, the Parkinson host (1971-1982; 1998-2007) battled several illnesses, including prostate cancer from 2013-2015.
He also had a brief illness in the days leading up to his death.
142. Jimmy Buffett
Famed singer and songwriter Jimmy Buffett passed away peacefully on Sept. 1. He was 76.
The announcement was made on his website on Sept. 2, noting that he “passed away peacefully on the night of September 1, surrounded by his family, friends, music, and dogs. He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
Buffett was most recognizable for his carefree island lifestyle of music, bringing about such famous tunes as “Margaritaville” and “Come Monday,” which brought him a loyal following amongst “Parrotheads.”
Most regarded in the country music scene, many fellow artists paid tribute on social media.
Kenny Chesney, also known for the laid-back beach theme to his songs, posted a video of himself singing Buffett’s “A Pirate Looks at Forty” and another singing “Margaritaville” with the late singer.
Toby Keith and Alan Jackson, who had a hit song with Jimmy Buffett, “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” also posted tributes to their friend and fellow artist.
He captioned it: “So goodbye Jimmy. Thanks for your friendship and the songs I will carry in my heart forever. Sail On Sailor.”
Buffett was also a successful businessman, opening his (now defunct) Cheeseburger in Paradise and Margaritaville Cafe restaurants across the country, earning him a staggering net worth of $1 billion by his death.
143. Steve Harwell
Steve Harwell, best known as the frontman and lead vocalist of the rock band Smash Mouth, died on Sept. 4, at his Boise, Idaho, home. He was 56.
Harwell, along with a life-long struggle with alcoholism, had many health struggles in the last 10 years of his life.
They included a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy and Wernicke Encephalopathy. These diagnoses often lead to heart failure and have negative effects on speech and memory functions.
His death, however, ultimately was the result of liver failure from his many years of alcoholism, and it came only one day after he went into hospice care.
Smash Mouth’s manager, Robert Hayes, posted a tribute on behalf of the man. “Steve lived a 100% full-throttle life. Burning brightly across the universe before burning out.”
144. Gary Wright
Sept. 4 also saw the death of Gary Wright, best known for being the composer of the hit songs “Dream Weaver” and “Love is Alive.”
He was 80 when he died in his Palos Verdes Estates home, following a six-to-seven-year battle with Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
Wright was also known for his collaborations with George Harrison. Following the announcement of his death, Wright’s son Justin noted their friendship: “They became fast friends. It was George who introduced my father to his spiritual path.”
“It is with great sadness that I received the news of my dear friend Gary Wright’s passing. Gary’s vibrant personality and exceptional talent made every moment together truly enjoyable,” fellow singer and songwriter Stephen Bishop wrote on X, previously known as Twitter, following the announcement of Wright’s death. “His legacy will live on for many years to come.
“I will always cherish the warmth and kindness shown to me by Gary and his wife Rose, and I will forever hold dear the stories he shared with me about days gone by,” the post continued. “My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.”
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