By ETonline Staff
11:50 AM PST, December 18, 2018
Hollywood has said goodbye to several public figures in recent months, including beloved TV stars and influential icons of culture. Click through the gallery for more on the lives and legacies of the stars we have recently lost.
Penny Marshall
A rep for Marshall told ET that the actress died at her home in Los Angeles, California, on Dec. 17. Her cause of death was complications from diabetes. She was 75. "Our family is heartbroken over the passing of Penny Marshall," Marshall's family said in a statement to TMZ, who was first to report the news. "Penny was a tomboy who loved sports, doing puzzles of any kind, drinking milk and Pepsi together and being with her family."
Marshall shot to fame playing Laverne on the sitcom Laverne & Shirley, a spinoff of Happy Days. At the encouragement of her brother, late director Garry Marshall, she later went on to direct such classics as 1988's Big and 1992's A League of Their Own, both starring Tom Hanks. Big was the first film directed by a woman to gross over $100 million. She was previously married to Rob Reiner and also dated singer Art Garfunkel. She is survived by daughter Tracy from her first marriage to Michael Henry.
Anca PopAnca Pop
The Canadian-Romanian pop singer was found dead by police on Dec. 17, after divers discovered her car submerged in the Danube River in Romania, the AP reported. She was 34. Police have not yet determined what led the musician's car to plunge into the river. The singer -- who released her debut self-titled album two years ago -- was reported missing by her sister after she didn't return home as planned Sunday night. The police investigation into her death is ongoing.
Nancy Wilson
The celebrated songstress -- best known for her 1960 rendition of the iconic standard "Guess Who I Saw Today" and her 1964 classic "(You Don't Know) How Glad I Am" -- died at her home in Pioneertown, California, on Dec. 13. She was 81. The pop-jazz vocalist, whose career spanned more than five decades, released over 70 albums and earned three GRAMMY Awards. Aside from her varied musical accomplishments, Wilson also had a robust acting career with roles in many television and film projects, including Hawaii Five-O, Police Story and Meteor Man, and spent several years on the radio hosting NPR's Jazz Profiles series. Wilson is survived by three children -- son Kacy Dennis, from her first marriage to musician Kenny Dennis, as well as daughters Samantha and Sheryl Burton, whom she shared with her late husband, Reverend Wiley Burton, who died in 2008.
Pete Shelley
The English singer-songwriter and musician, best known for founding the iconic punk group Buzzcocks, died of a suspected heart attack at his home in Estonia on Dec. 6. He was 63. Shelley formed the groundbreaking punk group in 1976, with fellow musician Howard Devoto. When Devoto left the following year, Shelley became the lead singer, and he group went on to become one of the most influential bands in the English punk music scene. Shelley also enjoyed a solo career, releasing the hit 1981 single "Homosapien." He is survived by his second wife, Greta, as well as a son from his previous marriage.
Jael Strauss
The America's Next Top Model alum died on Dec. 4, following a battle with breast cancer, according to multiple reports. She was 34. Strauss had announced her diagnosis just two months earlier, in October, telling fans in a heartbreaking Facebook post that she was diagnosed with "incurable" stage 4 breast cancer. Strauss, who competed on season eight of ANTM, revealed weeks later that she decided to stop chemotherapy, and went into hospice on Thanksgiving.
Philip Bosco
The veteran stage and screen star died on Dec. 3 at his home in Haworth, New Jersey, as a result of complications from dementia. He was 88. Bosco was perhaps best known for his performances in the films Working Girl, The First Wives Club and The Savages, as well as his Tony-winning turn as Saunders in the 1989 Broadway production of the Ken Ludwig comedy Lend Me a Tenor. He received additional Tony nominations for his performances in The Rape of the Belt, Heartbreak House, You Never Can Tell, and Moon Over Buffalo. Bosco also appeared in numerous TV shows, with recurring roles on Damages and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, among many others. Bosco earned a Daytime Emmy in 1988 for his role in Read Between The Lines, an ABC after school special, and was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1998. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Ann Dunkle, as well as their seven children and 15 grandchildren.
Ken Berry
The veteran TV star, best known for his roles in the classic shows F Troop, The Andy Griffith Show, Mayberry R.F.D. and Mama's Family, died at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California, on Dec. 1. He was 88. Berry also appeared in numerous Broadway productions including the musical George M! and The Billy Barnes Revue. He is survived by his longtime partner, Susie Walsh. Berry and his ex-wife, actress Jackie Joseph, shared one son, John, who died after a battle with brain cancer in 2016 at the age of 51.
George H.W. Bush
The veteran politician, who served as the United States' 41st president from 1989 to 1993, died on Nov. 30. He was 94. Bush's son, former president George W. Bush, released a statement on behalf of his family, reading: "Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro, and I are saddened to announce that after 94 remarkable years, our dear Dad has died. George H. W. Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for. The entire Bush family is deeply grateful for 41's life and love, for the compassion of those who have cared and prayed for Dad, and for the condolences of our friends and fellow citizens." Bush's death comes shortly after the passing of his wife of 73 years, former First Lady Barbara Bush, who died on April 17. the former president began struggling with serious health problems in his later years. In 2012, it was revealed that he was struggling with vascular parkinsonism, which required him to use a wheelchair. He also suffered from multiple bouts of pneumonia in January 2017, and again in April 2017. Bush is survived by his five children. He and his late wife were also parents to daughter Pauline Bush, who died of leukemia at the age of 3 in 1953.
Stephen Hillenburg
The creator of the hit Nickelodeon show SpongeBob SquarePants died after a battle with ALS on Nov. 26. He was 57. The network announced the news of his death the following day. The statement praised Hillenberg as "a beloved friend and long-time creative partner to everyone at Nickelodeon," and added, "our hearts go out to his entire family." The animation icon began his career as a marine biologist after being fascinated by the ocean as a child. He first created the iconic SpongeBob character as a teaching tool for children, before transitioning to a career in cartooning and animation in 1987. After winning several awards for some animated shorts, Hillenburg got hired by Nickelodeon to work as a writer and director on Rocko's Modern Life, and later ended up creating the beloved sub-aquatic cartoon series, which premiered in 1999 and is currently in its 12th season, making it one of the longest-running animated TV shows of all time. He is survived by his wife, Karen Umland, and their 20-year-old son, Clay.
Bernardo Bertolucci
The Italian filmmaker -- who won two Oscars for directing and co-writing The Last Emperor, and helmed the infamous and controversial 1982 erotic drama Last Tango in Paris -- died on Nov. 26 at his home in Rome. He was 77. He is survived by his wife of nearly 30 years, Clare Peploe.
Ricky Jay
The renowned magician and veteran stage and screen actor died of natural causes at his home in Los Angeles on Nov. 24. He was 72. News of his death was first shared publicly the following day by his longtime manager, Winston Simone. In the world of acting, Jay was best known for his memorable roles in films like Boogie Nights, Magnolia, The Spanish Prisoner, Redbelt and The Prestige, as well as his powerful role as card dealer Eddie Sawyer on acclaimed HBO western Deadwood. In the world of magic, Jay was regarded as one of the greatest sleight of hand artists of the modern age, and was celebrated for his mastery of the craft of prestidigitation. Jay was also a prolific author and scholar, particularly in the subjects of magic, sideshows, American oddities and history. Jay frequently worked as a consultant on films about magic, in which he often appeared, and starred in numerous stage performances, many of which were directed by his longtime friend and admirer, David Mamet.
Nicolas Roeg
The acclaimed English filmmaker, best known for directing the 1973 horror thriller Don't Look Now, David Bowie's 1976 sci-fi cult classic The Man Who Fell to Earth and the iconic 1990 horror comedy The Witches, died on Nov. 23. He was 90. Roeg is survived by his third wife, actress Harriet Harper, as well as his six children -- sons, Luc, Waldo, Sholto and Nico, from his first marriage, and as well as sons Max and Statten, from his second marriage.
Devin Lima
The LFO singer died on Nov. 21 after a yearlong battle with cancer, according to multiple reports. He was 41. LFO (also known as Lyte Funkie Ones) formed in 1995 and was originally made up of Brian Gillis, Brad Fischetti and Rich Cronin, who died in 2010 after suffering a stroke related to leukemia. Lima joined the band in 1999, the same year they released their hit song "Summer Girls." LFO first parted ways in 2002 and reunited in 2009, only to split up that same year, but Lima and Fischetti reunited once again in 2017. ET reported last October that Lima underwent surgery to have a tumor removed from his adrenal gland after he was diagnosed with stage 4 adrenal cancer.
William Goldman
The acclaimed screenwriter and novelist -- who won two Oscars for penning Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President's Men -- died in New York City on Nov. 16, after a battle with colon cancer and pneumonia. He was 87. Goldman, is also responsible for writing some of the most memorable films of the last 50 years, including The Princess Bride, Marathon Man, The Stepford Wives, Papillon, Heat, and Misery. He is survived by his partner, Susan Burden, and daughters, Susanna and Jenny, from his first marriage to Ilene Jones
Roy Clark
The guitar virtuoso and singer who headlined the TV show Hee Haw for its entire 24-year run died due to complications from pneumonia at his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Nov. 15. He was 85. Clark played the guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin and harmonica, among many other instruments, was a member of the Grand Ole Opry and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2009. His hits included "The Tips of My Fingers," "Yesterday When I Was Young," and "Come Live With Me." He is survived by his wife of over six decades, Barbara, and their five children.
Kim Porter
The model and actress, who once dated Diddy, died on Nov. 15, Porter's rep confirmed to ET. She was 47. A Los Angeles Public Information Officer tells ET that North Hollywood police officers responded to a death investigation call at a Toluca Lake, California, residence. Additionally, a spokesperson for LAPD tells ET that no foul play is suspected at this time. According to TMZ, who was first to report the news, a source close to Porter told the outlet that she had been suffering from pneumonia for several weeks.
Porter and Diddy first started dating in 1994 and were together on and off for 13 years before eventually calling it off for good in 2007. The two share three children together -- twin daughters Jessie James and D'Lila, 11, and son Christian, 20. Porter also has a 27-year-old son, Quincy, from her former marriage to Al B. Sure.
Katherine MacGregor
The actress, best known for her celebrated performance as Harriet Oleson in Little House on the Prairie, died at the Motion Picture and Television Fund’s retirement home in Los Angeles on Nov. 13. MacGregor portrayed the popular comedic villain on the iconic NBC Western drama throughout nearly it's entire run from 1974-'83. After her time on the show, MacGregor devoted most of her life to her original passion of performing in local theater productions before retiring in the early 2000s.
Stan Lee
Only one word could possibly sum up Stan Lee's life: "Excelsior!" The man behind comic book creations like the Avengers, Fantastic Four, Spider-Man and X-Men died on Nov. 12, ET can confirm. He was 95. "Paramedics responded to Stan Lee's house in the Hollywood Hills early Monday morning for a medical emergency. He was transported to Cedar-Sinai Medical Center where he passed away shortly after," Family Attorney Kirk E. Schenck said in a statement.
Lee was a writer and editor and, at various points, both the publisher and vice president of Marvel Comics. He spent more than three-quarters of a century working in the comic book business, for which he was inducted into the Will Eisner Hall of Fame in 1994 and Jack Kirby Hall of Fame in 1995, and received a National Medal of Arts in 2008. In Hollywood, where Lee received his own star on the Walk of Fame in 2011, he was awarded the Producers Guild of America's Vanguard Award and was declared an official Disney Legend during the studio's D23 Expo in 2017. Over the course of his career, especially in the most recent era of successful screen adaptations of his creations, Lee became the face of Marvel and perhaps the most iconic persona in all of comics, with his silver hair and bushy white mustache, signature tinted shades, a broad grin and near omnipresent thumbs-up.
Sondra Locke
The Oscar-nominated actress died from cardiac arrest at her home in Los Angeles, following a battle with breast and bone cancer. She was 74. The actress died on Nov. 3, however the news of her death was not publicized until Dec. 14. Locke famously received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in 1969 for her debut film performance in the drama The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter. Locke sparked a romance with Clint Eastwood in 1975, on the set of The Outlaw Josey Wales, and the pair soon moved in together. Locke began to work almost exclusively on films either starring or directed by Eastwood, including Every Which Way But Loose, Bronco Billy and Sudden Impact, among others. While they never married, Locke filed for palimony against Eastwood in 1989 when they split after 14 years of dating. Their settlement and ensuing feud -- during which Locke sued her ex for fraud, among other things, claiming he tried to blacklist her in the industry -- became Hollywood legend and tabloid fodder. Following the infamous 1996 lawsuit, which she settled for an undisclosed sum, Locke only appeared in three more films, most recently serving as an executive producer on 2015's Knock Knock and 2017's Ray Meets Helen, in which she also starred.
Baba Oje
The long-time spiritual elder of the celebrated hip-hop collective, Arrested Development, died on Oct. 26 after a long battle with acute leukemia. He was 86. The group's leader, Speech, announced the news in a tribute posted to Instagram hours after his death. "Baba was the oldest member of any hip-hop collective and his mere presence in rap spoke volumes for the genre and for a generation looking for symbolic wisdom and answers. He was an activist for the homeless, a military veteran, a world traveler, spiritual advisor to the group, strict vegan, dancer, vocalist and avid roller skater," Speech wrote. "We will deeply miss Baba… the spiritual bond we shared, he was literally like family to me, I will miss him terribly."
Dennis Hof
The controversial brother, owner, reality TV star and politician was found dead at the Love Ranch, the legal brothel he owned and ran in Pahrump, Nevada, on Oct. 15. He died just one day after celebrating his 72nd birthday with an array of politically divisive figures including, former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio and adult film actor Ron Jeremy, who was the person that found Hof unresponsive, according to reports. Hof was best known for appearing in the HBO reality docuseries Cathouse, which followed the lives of the employees at the famous Moonlite BunnyRanch in Nevada. He was the owner of seven legal brothels across the state. His Love Ranch was thrown into the headlines in October 2016, when Lamar Odom was found unresponsive in the infamous brothel after a suspected drug overdose. In recent years, Hof turned his attention to politics and, in June, defeated three-term Republican incumbent in a primary race for a seat on the Nevada state assembly. Hof, who described himself as the "Trump of Pahrump," would have faced off against Democrat Lesia Romanov in November.
Paul Allen
The Microsoft co-founder died on Oct. 15 after a battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He was 65. Allen co-founded Microsoft in 1975 with Bill Gates, but left the company in 1982 when he was first diagnosed with cancer. Allen remained on the board of directors until 2000. The tech mogul -- who was one of the richest men in the world with an estimated net worth of $21.7 billion, was also an avid sports fan and a prominent figure in Seattle, Washington, where he owned the NFL's Seattle Seahawks and the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers. He is survived by his sister, Jody.
Peggy McCay
The soap opera star, best known for playing Caroline Brady on Days of Our Lives, died from natural causes on Oct. 7. She was 90. McCay starred on the popular daytime drama for over 35 years, and had previously appeared on soap operas such as General Hosptial and Love of Life. McCay was nominated for eight Emmys during her long career, winning her first award in 1991 for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her role in TV series The Trials of Rosie O'Neill.
Scott Wilson
The actor, best known for playing Hershel on The Walking Dead, died on Oct. 6 due to complications from leukemia. He was 76. The actor's rep, Dominic Mancini, told ET that the actor died peacefully at his home in Los Angeles, surrounded by his family. "[He was] a national treasure, a calm voice and a gentle spirit to everyone who came in contact with him," Mancini said. "Scott will be missed." With over 80 credits to his name, Wilson earned his first acting gig in 1967's In the Heat of the Night. Over the course of his career, he took on a slew of roles in both film and TV and received a Golden Globe nomination in 1981 for his supporting role in the drama, The Ninth Configuration. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Heavenly Wilson.
Marty Balin
The Jefferson Airplane singer and guitarist, who co-founded the rock band in 1965, died in Tampa, Florida, on Sept. 27. He was 76. The musician died while en route to a nearby hospital, according to the Associated Press. His cause of death is unknown.
Balin's family confirmed his passing on his Facebook writing, "With a heavy heart we share this sad news," before going into detail about his life and career. Balin is survived by his wife Susan Joy Balin, daughters Jennifer Edwards and Delaney Balin and stepdaughters Rebekah Geier and Moriah Geier.
Peter Donat
The actor, known for his role as Agent Fox Mulder’s father on The X-Files, died on Sept. 10 at his home in Point Reyes, California. He was 90.
His wife, Maria, told the New York Times that Donat died of complications from diabetes.
With over 100 credits to his name, Donat also acted in two Francis Ford Coppola films, The Godfather Part II and Tucker: The Man and His Dream, and guest starred on TV series like The F.B.I., Hawaii Five-0, Mannix, McMillan & Wife, Hill Street Blues and Murder, She Wrote.
Marin Mazzie
The celebrated Broadway star died on Sept. 13, at her home in New York City after a three-year battle with ovarian cancer. She was 57. Mazzie made her Broadway debut in 1985, taking over the role of Mary Jane Wilks in the Huckleberry Finn musical Big River. She gained notoriety for originating the role of Clara in the Stephen Sondheim musical Passion in 1994, and then earned her first Tony nomination for playing Mother in the musical Ragtime in 1998. She later won rave reviews for her dual roles in Kiss Me, Kate in 1999. Other notable stage credits include roles in the 2004 Los Angeles revival of Brigadoon, Spamalot, the 2012 revival of Carrie, Bullets Over Broadway and the 2016 revival of The King and I, where she starred opposite Daniel Dae Kim. Mazzie, who was nominated for three Tony Awards throughout her career, was inducted in the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2017. She is survived by her husband, Jason Danieley.
Mac Miller
TMZ reported that the 26-year-old rapper died of an apparent overdose on Sept. 7. Law enforcement sources told the outlet that Miller, real name Malcolm McCormick, was found around noon at his San Fernando Valley home and was pronounced dead at the scene. The news came just weeks after he was charged with a DUI and months after his breakup with Ariana Grande.
Burt Reynolds
The iconic movie star died of a heart attack at Jupiter Medical Center in Florida on Sept. 6, ET confirmed. He was 82. The actor went into cardiac arrest the day before and his family was by his side. In a statement to ET, Reynolds' niece, Nancy Lee Hess, said his death was a shock to their family. "My uncle was not just a movie icon; he was a generous, passionate and sensitive man, who was dedicated to his family, friends, fans and acting students," she said. "He has had health issues, however, this was totally unexpected. He was tough. Anyone who breaks their tailbone on a river and finishes the movie is tough. And that’s who he was."
Reynolds rose to fame in the ‘70s and had a prolific career, starring in films like Deliverance, Smokey and the Bandit and The Longest Yard and earning an Oscar nomination for his role in 1997's Boogie Nights. At the time of his death, the actor was set to start filming Once Upon a Time alongside Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Neil Simon
The legendary playwright died of complications from pneumonia on Aug. 26 at New York Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan, surrounded by his family. He was 91. In the second half of the 20th century, Simon was the American theater's most successful and prolific playwrights, often chronicling middle class issues and fears. He is best known for his iconic plays The Odd Couple, Barefoot in the Park, The Sunshine Boys, The Last of the Red Hot Loves and Promises, Promises, among many others. A number of his plays were later adapted into classic films. During his career, Simon won three Tonys, a Golden Globe and was nominated for four Oscars. He is survived by his wife, Elaine Joyce, as well as three children from previous marriages, three grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
John McCain
The longtime United States senator died on Aug. 25 after a battle with brain cancer. He was 81. McCain was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, in July 2017, and earlier this week, his family revealed in a statement that he had decided to stop medical treatment. McCain -- a war hero who was captured and imprisoned during the Vietnam War and held and tortured in a POW camp for seven years, was first elected to the Senate in 1986, and through the years, he established a reputation for being a maverick politician, especially during his unsuccessful run for the White House in 2008. He is survived by his wife, Cindy, as well as five children, Sidney, 50, Meghan, 33, John, 32, James, 30, and Bridget, 27.
Kyle Pavone
Pavone, the lead singer from metalcore band We Came as Romans, died on Aug. 25. He was 28. The band announced the tragic news in a statement posted to their social media accounts. “Today music lost another great with the passing of Kyle Pavone of We Came as Romans," the statement read. "Kyle’s tragic loss came too early in his life and those of his bandmates. All are devastated by his passing. We will miss his smiles, his sincerity, his concern for others, and his impressive musical talent." A spokesperson for the Oakland County Medical Examiner's office in Michigan tells ET that Pavone died from drug abuse.
Robin Leach
The famed host of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous -- who most recently worked as a celebrity columnist at the Las Vegas Review-Journal -- died in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Aug. 24, according to multiple reports. He was 76. Leach had been hospitalized since Nov. 21 after suffering a stroke in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, John Katsilometes, a columnist at the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. On Monday, Leach suffered another stroke and was admitted to hospice care, according to Katsilometes. Leach’s family members -- Steven, Greg and Rick Leach -- released a statement to ET following news of the TV star's death. "Despite the past ten months what a beautiful life he had. Our Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle and friend Robin Leach passed away peacefully last night at 1:50 a.m.," the statement read. “Everyone’s support and love over the past, almost one year, has been incredible and we are so grateful. Memorial arrangements to follow."
Ed King
The former Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist died on Aug. 22, at his home in Nashville, Tennessee, after a battle with cancer. He was 68. King began his career with the band Strawberry Alarm Clock, then joined Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1972. He left the band in '75, but returned in '87 and left for good in '96 after suffering from congenital heart failure, for which he later underwent transplant surgery in 2011. He is credited with writing or co-writing some of the band's biggest hits, including "Sweet Home Alabama," "Saturday Night Special," "Swamp Music" and "Poison Whiskey," among others. King, along with the other members of the legendary band, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.
Craig Zadan
Craig Zadan, prolific producer of Chicago and Hairspray, died on Aug. 20 at his home in Los Angeles, as a result of complications from shoulder replacement surgery. He was 69. Zadan, a 14-time Primetime Emmy-nominated producer, began his career producing Footloose in 1984. With over 60 credits to his name, the Miami native was also known for his work on The Three Stooges, Lucy, The Bucket List, Peter Pan Live!, Hairspray Live!, The Sound of Music Live! and, most recently, Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert. He was also on pre-production on Bye Bye Birdie Live! and the TV movie A Few Good Men. He is survived by his longtime partner, Elwood Hopkins.
Barbara Harris
The famed stage and screen actress died after a battle with lung cancer in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Aug. 21. She was 83. Harris, who began her career on Broadway, earned a Tony nomination for her debut performance in 1962 for her role in From the Second City. She later won a Tony in 1967 for The Apple Tree. Harris eventually moved into TV and film, and her debut movie role in A Thousand Crowns earned her a Golden Globe nomination. She went on to appear in numerous iconic films including Peggy Sue Got Married, Robert Altman's 1975 classic Nashville -- which earned her yet another Golden Globe nomination -- and the original Freaky Friday in 1976, playing the mother of Jodie Foster in the popular body-swapping family comedy. Harris also received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 1971 dramedy Who Is Harry Kellerman and Why Is He Saying Those Terrible Things About Me? Her final film role came in 1997's Grosse Pointe Blank. She later retired from acting and became a teacher in Arizona.
Aretha Franklin
The Queen of Soul died surrounded by loved ones at her home in Detroit, Michigan, on Aug. 16, ET confirmed in a statement issued by Franklin's family through her longtime publicist, Gwendolyn Quinn. She was 76. Franklin's oncologist, Dr. Philip Phillips of Karmanos Cancer Institute, says the singer's official cause of death was due to advanced pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type. The legendary singer leaves behind a legacy few artists will ever match, including being the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, taking home 18 GRAMMYs over the course of her five-decade career thanks to iconic songs like "Respect" and "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You), selling more than 75 million records, and undoubtedly influencing some of music's biggest stars.
Jim 'The Anvil' Neidhart
The celebrated professional wrestler, who enjoyed a 24-year career in the ring, died on Aug. 13. He was 63. No cause of death has yet been reported. Neidhart reached the pinnacle of fame as a wrestler as one-half of the WWF tag team Hart Foundation, alongside brother-in-law Bret Hart, in the 1980s. Neidhart married his tag team partner's sister, Ellie, in 1979. He is survived by their three daughters, including current WWE star Natalya, real name Natalie, who is currently on the WWE Raw roster. Natalya took to Twitter following her father's death to mourn her loss. "I can't put into works how hard it is going to be for myself and out family to have to say goodbye to my dad. He meant the world to us, and nothing will ever replace the special times we shared together as a family," she wrote. "My dad was always a fighter and an incredibly special person. There was no one like him! I'm just gonna miss him so much."
Charlotte Rae
The celebrated stage and screen actress died on Aug. 5, at her home in Los Angeles. She was 92. Rae's death comes a year after the actress was diagnosed with bone cancer. The talented actress gained nationwide acclaim for her role as Edna Garrett, first on Diff'rent Strokes, and then on the beloved spinoff The Facts of Life, where she played the house mother at the Eastland School for Girls. The role earned her an Emmy nomination in 1982. During her long career, which spanned over six decades, Rae appeared in dozens of movies, TV shows and stage productions, and nabbed two Tony Award nominations in 1966 and 1969. She also had recurring roles on beloved shows like The Love Boat, St. Elsewhere, 101 Dalmatians: The Series and ER. Most recently, she appeared on Pretty Little Liars in 2011 and an episode of Girl Meets World in 2014, followed by a role in the Meryl Streep musical dramedy Ricki and the Flash in 2015. She is survived by her sister, Miriam Guten as well as her son Larry, whom she shared with ex-husband John Strauss.
Josip Nikolai Peruzovic
The former WWE superstar, who wrestled under the name Nikolai Volkoff, died on July 29, just days after being released from the hospital where he was being treated for dehydration. He was 70. While Peruzovic was born in Croatia, his villainous WWF persona hailed from Russia, and he served as part of an iconic tag team duo with Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, a.k.a The Iron Sheik. Peruzovic had a career that spanned four decades and he became one of the WWE's most beloved baddies. Volkoff was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Brian Christopher Lawler
The former WWE star died on July 29. He was 46. The WWE organization confirmed the news of Lawler's death in a post on their website. Lawler died hours after being placed on life support Saturday night following a suicide attempt while in jail in Memphis, Tennessee, TMZ first reported. Lawler had been arrested earlier this month on charged of DUI and evading police. Lawler was reportedly surrounded by his family, including his father, WWE Hall of Famer Jerry "The King" Lawler, when he died. During his time with the WWE, the late star -- who wrestled under the name Grandmaster Sexay, belonged to the tag team Too Cool alongside Scott "Scotty 2 Hotty" Garland. He began his career in the late '80s as part of the United States Wrestling Association before joining the WWE (then WWF) in 1997. His last match took place in Feb. 2014.
Elmarie Wendel
The actress, best known for her role as Mrs. Dubcek on 3rd Rock from the Sun, died on July 21. She was 81. Her daughter, JC Wendel, confirmed the news on Instagram. “#ripelmariewendel you were a great mom and a bada** dame,” she captioned a Variety cover honoring the show. Although Wendel found stardom in ‘90s, she had been acting since 1961. She had appeared in several of other shows throughout her career including Knight Rider, The Facts of Life, Seinfeld and NYPD Blue.
Ray Emery
The former NHL goaltender died on July 15 after apparently drowning in Lake Ontario. He was 35. Emery reportedly went into the lake for a swim on Saturday with some friends, and he did not emerge, according to a police inspector who spoke with The Hamilton Spectator. Emery was drafted by the Ottawa Senators in 2001. Throughout his 11-season career in the NHL, Emery helped the Senators make it to the Stanley Cup finals in 2007. He then played with the Philadelphia Flyers and Anaheim Ducks before joining the Chicago Blackhawks in 2011. He won the Stanley Cup when the Blackhawks defeated the Boston Bruins in the finals in 2013. He finished his years in the NHL by returning to the Flyers, where he played two more seasons.
Nancy Sinatra Sr.
The mother of three and first wife of Frank Sinatra died on July 13. She was 101. Her daughter, Nancy Sinatra Jr., announced the news in an emotional statement on Twitter that read in part, “She was a blessing and the light of my life. Godspeed, Momma. Thank you for everything."
A native of New Jersey, the elder Nancy married the late singing legend in 1939, years before he shot to fame. The couple, who announced their divorce on Valentine's Day in 1950, shared three children, Nancy, Frank Sinatra Jr. and Tina Sinatra.
Annabelle Neilson
The socialite and Ladies of London star died in the U.K. on July 12. She was 49. Authorities were called to a residence in Oakley Garden where Neilson was found deceased at approximately 10:20 GST, the London Metropolitan Police confirmed to ET. According to family members, Neilson died from a heart attack. Prior to finding fame on reality TV, Neilson made a name for herself in the fashion world as a model. She was also close friends with Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen.
Tab Hunter
Actor and singer Tab Hunter, who rose to fame as a Hollywood heartthrob in the 1950s, died on July 8 at age 86. Hunter's partner of 35 years, Allan Glaser, confirmed his death to CNN, explaining that the performer died of a blood clot that led to cardiac arrest.
Hunter, who was born Arthur Andrew Kelm, was discovered by actor-turned-agent Dick Clayton in the late 1940s, after being discharged from the U.S. Coast Guard for lying about his age. He went on to star in films like Damn Yankees, The Pleasure of His Company and The Burning Hills, and also had several musical successes, scoring a no. 1 Billboard hit with his 1957 song, "Young Love." The performer's career continued well into the '80s, '90s and '00s, and he had a beloved role as "Reproduction" teacher Mr. Stuart in Grease 2.
Rumors about Hunter's sexuality abounded throughout his career, with studio publicists linking him in the press to female co-stars like Natalie Wood and Debbie Reynolds. He came out publicly in his 2005 autobiography, Tab Hunter Confidential: The Making of a Movie Star, in which he revealed his long-term relationships with fellow actor Anthony Perkins and figure skater Ronnie Robertson.
"There was a lot written about my sexuality, and the press was pretty darn cruel," the actor wrote, but what "moviegoers wanted to hold in their hearts were the boy-next-door marines, cowboys and swoon-bait sweethearts I portrayed."
Ed Schultz
The famed political commentator and news broadcaster died of natural causes on July 5. He was 64. Schultz began his career as a conservative pundit but gained fame when his political views swung far to the left, and he became an outspoken firebrand liberal. He was a longtime fixture on several MSNBC programs, and was hosting his own series, The News With Ed Schultz, on RT America, at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife, Wendy, as well as his son, two stepsons and three stepdaughters.
Robby Muller
The Dutch cinematographer died on July 4 after a long battle with vascular dementia. Muller is best known for his work with celebrated independent directors Wim Wenders, Jim Jarmusch, William Friedkin and Peter Bogdanovich, who helmed Muller's first English language film, Saint Jack, in 1979. Muller's early acclaim came from his work on iconic arthouse films like Paris, Texas (1984), To Live and Die in L.A. (1975), Down by Law (1976), Barfly (1978) and Dead Man (1995). His last feature film was the 2002 drug dramedy 24 Hour Party People. He is survived by his wife, Andrea, and their son, as well as a daughter from a previous marriage.
Steve Ditko
The legendary comic book artist and co-creator of Spider-Man died at his apartment in New York City on June 29. He was 90. Ditko is best known for his lucrative collaboration with Marvel Comics icon Stan Lee. Together, they created the beloved web-slinger as well as Doctor Strange. Ditko was inducted into both the Jack Kirby Hall of Fame and Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame, two of the comic industry's most prestigious honors.
Alan Longmuir
The musician, best known for co-founding the iconic Scottish pop band Bay City Rollers, died on July 2, at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert, Scotland. He was 70. His death comes three weeks after contracting a serious illness while on vacation in Mexico with his wife, Eileen Rankin. His family revealed the news of his death in a statement on Twitter: "We are devastated to share the news that Alan has passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. He was an extraordinary man with an extraordinary heart. He brought so much love and kindness to everyone he met, and he leaves a huge hole in our family." The celebrated bass guitarist formed the iconic Bay City Rollers alongside his younger brother, Derek Longmuir, in 1966. The band went on to record several hit singles including "Saturday Night" and "Money Honey." Longmuir originally left the band in 1976, two years before it's officially break-up. However, they all later rejoined for a number of reunion concerts, most recently in 2016. He is survived by his wife, his brother, sisters Betty and Alice, stepsons Nik and Kyle, and his son Jordan, from his first marriage.
Matt Cappotelli
The former professional wrestler died on June 29 after a long battle with cancer. He was 38. Cappotelli's wife, Lindsay, shared the heartbreaking news in an emotional tribute on Instagram, writing, "Today my love — my strong, sweet, beautiful love — took his last breath at 3:30 a.m. and went Home to be with Jesus... I miss him so much already. I know where he is now is so much better, but it doesn’t change how much I miss him. It's so much harder than I even thought it would be." Cappotelli first gained fame when he earned a WWE contract after winning the third season of the reality competition series Tough Enough in 2003, and went on to make several appearances on multiple WWE shows. His promising career was cut short in 2007 when he revealed that he had been diagnosed with brain cancer. His surgery was successful, however the cancer returned in early 2017. After undergoing treatment to no avail, and following consultations with his neuro-oncologist, Cappotelli decided to cease medical treatments in May. His death was mourned on Facebook by his fans, and those he mentored in the wrestling community.
Joe Jackson
The Jackson Family patriarch died after a battle with terminal cancer on June 27. He was 89. He had been in a Las Vegas hospital for a week, after his health took a turn for the worse. Joe was the father of late music legend Michael Jackson, who died on June 25, 2009. He was also the father of four daughters -- Janet, La Toya, Rebbie and Joh'Vonnie -- and six other sons -- Jermaine, Randy, Tito, Jackie, Marlon and Brandon, who died in March 1957 just after he was born. Joe was married to wife Katherine since 1949. Joe, a famous talent manager, is best known for managing his sons' musical group, The Jackson 5, originally known as The Jackson Brothers. While the group was with Motown, Joe helped The Jackson 5 reach nationwide fame with hits like "ABC," "I Want You Back," "The Love You Save" and "I'll Be There." He also helped launch solo careers for both Randy and Janet. In 2011, Joe was inducted into the Arkansas Hall of Fame. He received The Rhythm & Blues Humanitarian Award from the R&B Music Hall of Fame four years later.
Richard Harrison
Richard Benjamin Harrison, best known by the moniker "The Old Man" on the History Channel reality series Pawn Stars, died on June 25. He was 77. According to a post on son Rick Harrison's Gold & Silver Pawn Facebook page, he was "surrounded by loving family this past weekend and went peacefully." Harrison ran the now-famous pawn shop alongside his son, and starred on the reality series since it began in 2009.
Vinnie Paul
The Pantera drummer and co-founder died on June 22. He was 54. The news was first announced by a post on the metal band's website. Paul formed the GRAMMY-nominated band with his late brother, Dimebag Darrell, in 1981. After the group split in 2003, the brothers formed a new band, Damageplan, but during a 2004 performance in Ohio, Darrell was shot and killed.
Charles Krauthammer
The longtime Fox News contributor died on June 21, at a hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, after a battle with small intestine cancer. He was 68. Krauthammer, a neoconservative pundit, was a controversial but respected figure in the world of political journalism. He won the Pulitzer Prize in 1987 for his weekly column in The Washington Post, and was a recipient of the William F. Buckley Award for Media Excellence in 2013. His is survived by his wife, Robyn, and their son, Daniel.
Neal Boyd
America’s Got Talent season three winner Neal Boyd died on June 10. He was 42. A spokesperson for the Scott County Coroner's Office told ET that Boyd died "at his mother’s house in Sikeston, [Missouri]" and that the singer "was battling some pretty major health problems. He was in heart failure, kidney failure and he had some liver problems." He was pronounced dead at the scene. The opera singer won AGT in 2008 and released his first album, My American Dream, the following year. In addition to his music career, he ran for an empty seat in the Missouri House of Representatives in 2011. Following his death, the NBC reality competition series shared their condolences on Twitter, writing, "We are very saddened to hear that one of our AGT family members, Neal Boyd, has passed away. Our hearts are with Neal’s loved ones during this difficult time."
Jackson Odell
The actor and singer-songwriter died at a sober living facility in Los Angeles on June 8. He was 20. A public information officer told ET that Odell was found unresponsive, and that the cause of death has not been determined and is pending autopsy. His family released a statement mourning their loss, sharing, "He will always be a shining light and a brilliant, loving and talented soul. He had so much more to share. Our family will always carry that truth forward. Our wish is that the rest of the world who knew him does as well. We are now going to try to make sense of our immeasurable loss privately." Odell was best known for playing Ari Caldwell on The Goldbergs, as well as for his guest roles on iCarly, Modern Family and Arrested Development. He also appeared in the 2011 movie Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer.
Anthony Bourdain
The famed food critic, chef, author and TV personality died of an apparent suicide on June 8. He was 61. Bourdain was in France working on his CNN series, Parts Unknown, at the time of his death. He was found by his close friend, French chef Eric Ripert, in his hotel room on Friday morning, CNN reported.
"It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain," CNN said in a statement to ET. "His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller. His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter and family at this incredibly difficult time."
Bourdain is survived by his 11-year-old daughter, Ariane, and his girlfriend, Asia Argento.
Alan O'Neill
The actor, best known for his portrayal of Hugh on Sons of Anarchy, has died at 47. According to the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office, O'Neill was found dead by his girlfriend at a home in Toluca Lake, California, around 6 p.m. on June 7. A Coroner's Office spokesperson tells ET that she called 911 and responding paramedics pronounced O'Neill dead on the scene. Pending an autopsy, the actor's death is being investigated as a natural or accidental death. The Coroner's Office said O'Neill had a medical history of alcohol and he was a smoker.
Kate Spade
The iconic fashion designer died on June 5 in New York City. She was 55. The NYPD confirms to ET that Spade was found dead in her Manhattan apartment of an apparent suicide, and she had left a suicide note. Her body was discovered by an individual that was employed by her. Spade is survived by her husband, Andy Spade, the brother of actor-comedian David Spade, and their 13-year-old daughter, Frances Beatrix Spade.
Married in 1994, the Spades launched Kate Spade handbags in 1993, which later launched into a beloved clothing store and jewelry line. The first boutique was opened in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood in 1996, and there are currently over 140 Kate Spade retail shops and outlet stores across the United States and more than 175 internationally. Spade sold the Kate Spade brand in 2006 but launched a new brand, Frances Valentine, in 2016.
Patricia Morison
The iconic Broadway star died of natural causes at her home in Los Angeles on May 20. She was 103. The actress started her career on the stage before she made her film debut in the 1939 crime drama Persons in Hiding, and appeared as a femme fatale in several other films throughout the 1940s. However, in 1948 she retired from screen acting and returned to theater, where she was cast in Cole Porter's iconic musical Kiss Me, Kate, catapulting her to Broadway stardom. Throughout her long career, Morison also appeared in numerous TV roles, and even explored her creativity through painting in her later years.
Tom Wolfe
The journalist and prolific novelist died on May 14 in a Manhattan hospital, following a battle with an infection. He was 87. The iconic writer was a pioneer of the New Journalism movement, and was a close friend and colleague of groundbreaking writers such as Hunter S. Thompson and Truman Capote. Wolfe is best known for his books The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, The Right Stuff and Bonfire of the Vanities, among many others. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sheila Berger Wolfe, and their two children, Alexandra and Tommy
Margot Kidder
Kidder, who was best known for her role as Lois Lane in Superman, died "peacefully in her sleep" on May 13, her manager, Camilla Pines, confirmed to ET. She was 69. Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory in Livingston, Montana, tells ET that Kidder died at her home. Kidder starred alongside the late Christopher Reeve in 1978's Superman and reprised the high-profile role in three more films. Other big parts included roles in 1979's The Amityville Horror and 1975's The Great Waldo Pepper opposite Robert Redford.
Josh Greenfeld
The celebrated screenwriter died in Los Angeles from pneumonia on May 11. He was 90. Greenfeld achieved critical success with his screenplay for the 1974 dramedy Harry and Tonto, which he co-wrote with Paul Mazursky. The script earned the pair an Academy Award nomination, while the film won star Art Carney his first and only Oscar. Greenfeld is survived by his wife, Fumiko Kometani, their two sons, Karl and Noah, his daughter-in-law, Silka, and granddaughters Esmee and Lola.
Scott Hutchison
The musician and frontman for the Scottish rock group Frightened Rabbit was found dead by police on May 10, one day after being reported missing by his bandmates. He was 36. Authorities found his a marina on the Firth of Forth in Scotland. No cause of death has been officially disclosed. The artist, who had been candid about his struggles with depression, tweeted the night before he went missing, "Be so good to everyone you love. It's not a given. I'm so annoyed that it's not. I didn't live by that standard and it kills me. Please, hug your loved ones." He then wrote, "I'm away now. Thanks." Hutchison's family released a statement after police confirmed that they'd found his body, in which they said of the singer, "He was passionate, articulate and charismatic, as well as being one of the funniest and kindest people we knew. Friends and family would all agree that he had a brilliant sense of humor and was a great person to be around."
Verne Troyer
The actor, best known for his role as Mini-Me in the Austin Powers trilogy, died on April 21. He was 49. A loving tribute to the actor was posted to his Instagram the day he died. "Verne was an extremely caring individual. He wanted to make everyone smile, be happy, and laugh. Anybody in need, he would help to any extent possible. Verne hoped he made a positive change with the platform he had and worked towards spreading that message everyday," the message read, in part. "Verne was also a fighter when it came to his own battles. Over the years he’s struggled and won, struggled and won, struggled and fought some more, but unfortunately this time was too much." The actor had reportedly been hospitalized earlier this month, after police were called to his home after being told that he was "suicidal." The actor had been very candid about his struggles with alcoholism and depression in the past. "Depression and suicide are very serious issues," the memorial on Troyer's Instagram page concluded. "You never know what kind of battle someone is going through inside. Be kind to one another. And always know, it’s never too late to reach out to someone for help."
Avicii
Avicii was found dead in Muscat, Oman, on April 20, ET can confirm. He was 28. "The family is devastated and we ask everyone to please respect their need for privacy in this difficult time," a statement from his rep read. The Swedish DJ and producer, whose real name was Tim Bergling, was a two-time GRAMMY nominee best known for hits like "Sunshine" with David Guetta, "Wake Me Up" with Aloe Blacc and "Levels." In September 2017, he announced a documentary about his retirement from touring called Avicii: True Stories.
Barbara Bush
The former first lady died on April 17 at her home in Houston, Texas. She was 92. "A former first lady of the United States of America and relentless proponent of family literacy, Barbara Pierce Bush passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at the age of 92," read a statement from the office of Bush's husband, former president George H.W. Bush. Earlier in the week, it was announced that Bush, who served alongside her husband in the White House from 1989-93, had decided to forgo further medical treatments for her failing health and spend her remaining days with family. Bush is survived by her husband of 73 years, five children and their spouses, 17 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
Randy Scruggs
The award-winning country musician died on April 17 after a brief illness. He was 64. The four-time GRAMMY Award winner was best known for his instrumental music, and for his work as a producer on albums recorded by Waylon Jennings, Emmylou Harris, Toby Keith and numerous others. He also played guitar on albums by some of the biggest names in music, including Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Randy Travis, Miranda Lambert, Charlie Daniels, George Strait, Tammy Wynette, Wilco and The Dixie Chicks. He is survived by his wife, Sandy, his daughter, Lindsey, as well as his brother, Gary.
Harry Anderson
The celebrated comedian, best known for his role on Night Court, died at his home in Asheville, North Carolina, on April 16, ET confirms. He was 65. Anderson famously played Judge Harry Stone on the NBC sitcom Night Court, a role that earned him three Emmy nominations, and he also appeared several times on Saturday Night Live and had a recurring role on Cheers. Apart from acting, Anderson was also a professional and touring magician. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and his two children.
R. Lee Ermey
The veteran character actor, best known for his iconic role in Full Metal Jacket, died due to complications from pneumonia on April 15. He was 74. The news was announced by the actor's longtime manager, Bill Rogin, via Twitter hours after his death. "It is with deep sadness that I regret to inform you all that R. Lee Ermey ("The Gunny") passed away this morning," Rogin wrote. "He will be greatly missed by all of us. Semper Fi, Gunny. Godspeed." Ermey, who served as a staff sergeant and drill instructor in the U.S. Marine Corps, was initially hired as a technical advisor for Stanley Kubrick's acclaimed 1987 war drama, but was eventually hired to play Gunnery Sergeant Hartman, and was even allowed to write his own dialog given his real-life experience. Ermey earned a Golden Globe for his performance, and ended up appearing in over 60 films, often in similarly gruff, authoritarian roles. He also lent his iconic voice to several animated films and TV shows including Pixar's Toy Story trilogy, The Simpsons, Family Guy and many others, and had dozens of recurring roles on TV shows, including the History Channel program Lock n' Load with R. Lee Ermey, which he hosted. He is survived by his wife, Nila, as well as their four children.
Milos Forman
The celebrated Czech-born filmmaker died after a short illness at a hospital near his home in Warren, Connecticut, on April 13. He was 86. Forman’s widow, Martina, told Czech press agency CTK, "He died peacefully, surrounded by his family and loved ones." Forman is best known for his Oscar-winning work on the iconic 1975 drama One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. The acclaimed film took home five Academy Awards -- including Best Director, Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor, for Jack Nicholson, and Best Actress, for Louise Fletcher -- and cemented Forman's legacy as a director. Forman went on to win his second Oscar for directing the 1984 biographical drama Amadeus -- which took home an impressive eight Oscars overall -- and he was nominated for a third Oscar for directing The People vs. Larry Flynt in 1996. He's also known for his work helming Hair (1979), Ragtime (1981) and Man on the Moon (1999). He is survived by his wife and his four children, Petr Forman, Matěj Forman, Andrew Forman and James Forman.
Mitzi Shore
The famed founder and owner of The Comedy Store in West Hollywood died in Los Angeles on April 11 after a battle with Parkinson's disease. She was 87. Her son, comedian and actor Pauly Shore, shared the news on Twitter, writing, "Mom/Mitzi passed Early in the morning at 4.42 am she was 87 years old my heart lays heavy." Through her role as the operator and booker for the iconic comedy club, Shore wielded an enormous level of influence in the comedy scene in the late 1970s and stand-up's first real boom in the 1980s. She was one of the first people to book some of show business' biggest comedic talents long before they made it big, including David Letterman, Jerry Seinfeld, Chevy Chase, Jay Leno, Garry Shandling, Jim Carrey, Joe Rogan, Marc Maron and Robin Williams, Chelsea Handler and Whitney Cummings, among countless others. She is survived by her three sons, Pauly, Peter and Scott, as well as her daughter, Sandy.
Brian Lancaster
Lancaster, who was a contestant on season seven of MTV's Road Rules in 1999, died on March 29. He was 43. The Chester County Coroner’s Office confirmed the news to ET, adding that his death is currently under investigation. Lancaster, who was 23 when he appeared on the hit MTV reality competition series, competed in 13 different missions over 15 episodes, which were shot in Mexico, Costa Rica and the U.S. Lancaster is survived by his fiancée, Sarah J. Bell, as well as his parents, Dennis and Carol Lancaster.
Chuck McCann
The celebrated comedian and children's television entertainer died of congestive heart failure on April 8 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was 83. McCann was a star of radio, television, theater and film, as well as an acclaimed voice actor. His TV credits include roles on Bonanaza, Little House on the Prairie, Far Out Space Nuts and Columbo, among hundreds of other shows and movies. He also voiced characters on numerous beloved animated shows including DuckTales, Chip 'n' Dale Rescue Rangers, The Powerpuff Girls, The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and countless others. He is survived by his wife, Betty Fanning, and two daughters from a previous marriage.
Soon-Tek Oh
The Korean-American actor, best known for voicing Fa Zhou, father of the titular heroine in Disney's Mulan, died at his home in Los Angeles on April 4 after a long battle with Alzheimer's. He was 85. Oh also had numerous roles on some iconic TV shows, including M*A*S*H, MacGyver, Charlie's Angels, Magnum P.I., Hawaii Five-O and Touched by an Angel, among many others. He also had a memorable role in the 1974 James Bond film The Man With the Golden Gun.
Mary Hatcher
The Broadway star and classic film actress died after a battle with bile duct cancer at a hospital in Riverside, California, on April 3. She was 88. Hatcher is best remembered for her starring roles alongside Mickey Rooney in The Big Wheel and opposite Desi Arnaz in Holiday in Havana, both released in 1949. Hatcher's husband of 42 years, jazz musician Alvin Stoller, died in 1992. She is survived by her children, Elizabeth and Clay, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, as well as her brother, Coleman.
Susan Anspach
The stage and screen star died of heart failure at her home in Los Angeles on April 2. She was 75. Anspach was best known for her breakthrough performance in the 1970 drama Five Easy Pieces, as well as her performances in Woody Allen's 1972 comedy Play It Again Sam, the 1973 romantic dramedy Blume in Love and the 1981 comedy Montenegro. Most recently, Anspach appeared in the 2010 thriller Inversion. She is survived by daughter Catherine Goddard and son Caleb Goddard, as well as three grandchildren.
Steven Bochco
The legendary TV producer and writer died at his home in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on April 1, after a years-long battle with leukemia. He was 74. Bochco was known for his groundbreaking portray of the gritty, violent, human side of law enforcement and the American legal system, creating shows such as Hill Street Blues, L.A. Law and NYPD Blue. Most recently, Bochco created and executive produced the TNT crime drama Murder in the First, which ran for three seasons from 2014 to 2016. Bochco was first nominated for an Emmy Award in 1972 for writing an episode of Columbo, and took home his first two Emmys in 1981 for the premiere season of Hill Street Blues. He went on to win a total of 10 of the coveted trophies over the course of his career. Bochco is survived by his wife of 17 years, Dayna, sons Jesse Bochco and Sean Flanagan, daughter Melissa Bochco, and two grandchildren.
DuShon Monique Brown
The actress, best known as Chief Boden's assistant Connie on Chicago Fire, died on March 23. She was 49. Brown's rep, Robert Schroeder, confirmed the sad news in a statement to ET. "We are very sad to announce the untimely death of beloved Chicago actress DuShon Monique Brown. DuShon, most affectionately known to many as Connie on NBC's Chicago Fire, died suddenly Friday morning of natural causes," the statement read. "We are devastated by the loss of a very talented and kindhearted soul... She brought laughter and joy to many and will be greatly missed." A Chicago native, Brown's television credits include Prison Break, Boss, Shameless and Empire. She also had roles in films One Small Hitch, Surprise Me!, Unexpected and A Light Beneath Their Feet. Her last credit was the TV movie, Public Housing Unit.
Frank Avruch
The actor, best known for playing Bozo the Clown in the classic children's TV program of the same name, died at his home in Boston, Massachusetts, on March 20. He was 89. Though the character of Bozo the Clown has been played by a number of actors over the years and in different television markets, Avruch was the first to portray the character on a nationally-syndicated TV show. He played the iconic clown from 1959 to 1970. Avruch was also a longtime contributor to WCVB-TV for more than 40 years, hosting the programs Man About Town and The Great Entertainment. He was a board member of UNICEF's New England chapter, and reprised the Bozo the Clown character for a number of the organization's philanthropic events. Avruch is survived by his wife, Betty, his two children, Matthew and Steven, and several grandchildren.
Stephen Hawking
The British theoretical physicist died at his home in Cambridge, England, on March 14. He was 76. Hawking was born in Oxford, England on Jan. 8, 1942, and was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) when he was 21. Doctors told Hawking that he had only a year or two to live. However, he didn't let that deter him from his ambition and he continued on to become one of history's most famous minds, even as his body deteriorated due to his illness. In 1988, Hawking penned A Brief History of Time, which went on to become an international hit, selling over 10 million copies in 20 years and was translated into more than 35 languages. In 2009, Hawking was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and in 2014, he was the subject of the 2014 biographical drama The Theory of Everything, in which he was played by Eddie Redmayne, who won an Oscar for his performance.
Craig Mack
The best-selling rapper died of natural causes in his home in Walterboro, South Carolina, on March 12. He was 47. The hip-hop artist -- who was born in Queens, New York -- is perhaps best known for his 1994 hit song, "Flava in Ya Ear," which sold over a million copies and was nominated for a GRAMMY. Mack's follow up single, "Get Down," was also a success and went gold. Mack released his first album, Project: Funk da World, with Diddy's Bad Boy Entertainment in 1994, but later left the label and came out with his second record, Operation: Get Down, in 1997.
David Ogden Stiers
The M*A*S*H star died on March 3, after a long battle with bladder cancer. He was 75. Stiers was best known for his role as Major Charles Emerson Winchester III on the long-running medical drama which set during the Korean War and aired for 11 seasons, meaning it lasted much longer than the actual Korean War. Stiers joined the show in its sixth season and stayed on until the series finale in 1983. He also appeared on some other beloved shows including the Mary Tyler Moore Show, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place and Rizzoli & Isles. He is also remembered for his celebrated voice acting, providing the voices of Cogsworth and the narrator in Beauty and the Beast, Dr. Jumba Jookiba in Lilo & Stitch, and Governor Ratcliffe and Wiggins in Pocahontas, among others.
Sridevi Kapoor
The beloved Bollywood superstar died in her hotel room in Dubai on Feb. 24, after accidentally drowning in a bathtub. She was 54. Known by the mononym Sridevi, the talented actress was considered to be India's first megastar, and was one of the highest paid and most popular performers in Indian cinema for the past 30 years. She made her film debut in 1976 at the age of four and worked consistently until her first breakthrough role in 1983's Hindu-language blockbuster Himmatwala. Over the course of her career, she appeared in more than 300 films. She is survived by her husband, Indian film producer Boney Kapoor, as well as their two daughters, Jhanvi, 20, and Khushi, 17.
Lewis Gilbert
The prolific British filmmaker died at his home in Monaco on Feb. 23. He was 97. Gilbert directed more than 40 films during his long career, including three James Bond films -- You Only Live Twice, The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker -- as well as the 1966 romantic dramedy Alfie, starring Michael Caine and Shelley Winters, which earned Gilbert an Oscar nomination.
Emma Chambers
The English actress died of natural causes on Feb. 21. She was 53. Chambers is best known for her performance in the 1999 romantic comedy Notting Hill, where she played Hugh Grant's sister, Honey. The actress' breakthrough role came in the BBC sitcom The Vicar of Dibley, which she starred in from 1994 to 2007. She is survived by her husband, actor Ian Dunn.
Billy Graham
The renowned televangelist died on Feb. 21 at his home in Montreat, North Carolina. He was 99. Graham was raised in the fundamentalist faith and became an ordained Baptist minister in 1939. He was responsible for revolutionizing populist evangelism in America and was considered one of the most powerful and influential preachers of the 20th century, as his sermons were broadcast throughout churches around the country, and he spent six decades spreading his religious message through radio, television and digital broadcasts. Graham even served as a pastor and religious advisor to many U.S. presidents throughout his life. He is survived by two sons, Rev. William Franklin III and Rev. Ned Graham, three daughters, Virginia Tchividjian, Anne Graham Lotz and Ruth Graham McIntyre, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Reg E. Cathey
The acclaimed TV star died in New York City on Feb. 9, after a battle with lung cancer. He was 59. Cathey is best known for playing Norman Wilson on HBO's crime drama The Wire and Martin Querns on Oz. Most recently, his turn as Freddy Hayes on the Netflix political drama House of Cards earned him three consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series, including one win in 2015. Over the course of his 40-year career, Cathey also appeared in a number of films including Se7en, The Mask, the recent Fantastic Four reboot and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.
Mickey Jones
The veteran actor died on Feb. 7. He was 76. Jones is best known for his recurring role on the long-running ABC sitcom Home Improvement, where he played Pete Bilker of K&B Construction, and for his recent turn as drug dealer Rodney "Hot Rod" Durham on the FX crime drama Justified. Jones also starred in a number of films including Sling Blade, Tin Cup and Total Recall. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Jean Starr, and their two children.
Pat Torpey
The founding member of Mr. Big died on Feb. 7 after complications from Parkinson's disease, ET confirms. He was 64.
Torpey helped form Mr. Big in 1988, producing hit songs like "Alive and Kicking," "Just Take My Heart," and "To Be With You," which propelled the band to huge international success. The band separated in 2002, but reunited in 2009. They made three more albums, including 2017's Defying Gravity.
John Mahoney
The beloved TV star died on Feb. 4 in Chicago after a brief illness. He was 77. Mahoney is best remember for playing Martin Crane -- father to Kelsey Grammer and David Hyde Pierce's characters -- on the beloved NBC sitcom Frasier. The role lasted 11 seasons and earned him two Emmy nominations. Recently, Mahoney had a recurring role on Hot in Cleveland, where he played a love interest of Betty White. He is also known for his memorable performances in films such as Say Anything and Barton Fink.
Mark E. Smith
The Fall frontman died in his home on Jan. 24, according to the band's website. He was 60. While a cause of death was not revealed, Smith had been suffering for health issues, and cancelled his 2017 U.S. tour.
Smith formed The Fall in 1976 and their debut EP, Bingo-Master's Break Out! was released in 1978 at the height of the British punk explosion. The band went on to release 32 studio albums and influenced bands like Sonic Youth, Pavement and LCD Soundsystem. Outside of The Fall, Smith released two spoken-word albums, The Post-Nearly Man (1998) and Pander! Panda! Panzer! (2002). He also made a cameo in Michael Winterbottom’s movie 24-Hour Party People about the Manchester music scene and wrote the music for the ballet I Am Curious, Orange, in 1988.
Joel Taylor
The Storm Chasers star died suddenly on Jan. 23, a rep for Discovery Channel confirmed to ET. He was 38. "We are so saddened to hear about Joel's passing. We will always remember him fondly as an incredible meteorologist and driver of The Dominator. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time," the network told ET in a statement. A cause of death has yet to be determined. Taylor studied meteorology at the University of Oklahoma and chased tornadoes with his friend, Reed Timmer, for the 2003 documentary Tornado Glory before appearing on Storm Chasers from 2008 to 2012.
Dolores O'Riordan
The lead singer of The Cranberries died suddenly while in London, England, "for a short recording session," her rep told ET in a statement on Jan. 15. She was 46. The influential Irish alt-rock group is well-known for a string of 90's hits, including "Zombie," which was penned by O'Riordan, and became an international phenomenon. O'Riordan is survived by her three kids -- 20-year-old son Taylor, 16-year-old daughter Molly and 12-year-old daughter Dakota.
Bobby Zarin
The husband of 'Real Housewives of New York' star Jill Zarin died on Jan. 13 after a long battle with cancer. He was 71. "With the heaviest of hearts, we are devastated to share the news that our beloved Bobby Zarin passed away peacefully today surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer. There are no words to describe how heartbroken we are. Thank you, everyone, for all your love and support during this difficult time," the Zarin family shared in a statement on Jill's website.
Doreen Tracey
An original Mouseketeer from Disney's Mickey Mouse Club in the 1950s, Tracey died from pneumonia on Jan. 10 at age 74. After her Mouseketeer days, Tracey went on to become a publicist, representing the likes of jazz legend Frank Zappa.
Eddie Clarke
The Motorhead guitarist died in the hospital, where he was being treated for pneumonia, on Jan. 10, according to the band's official Facebook page. He was 67. Known as "Fast" Eddie Clarke, the musician was the last surviving member of the group’s original lineup. Lead vocalist Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister died in December 2015, and drummer Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor died in November 2015.
Donnelly Rhodes
The Canadian character actor died in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, on Jan. 8 after a battle with cancer. He was 80. Rhodes was best known for his roles on the ABC comedy, Soap, and the cult hit, Battlestar Galactica. The Winnipeg native most recently starred as Agent Smith on The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow. He is survived by his wife, Sarah, and two children.
Denise La Salle
The R&B singer, best known for her hit, "Trapped by a Thing Called Love," died in Jackson, Tennessee, on Jan. 8. She was 78. According to Page Six, La Salle suffered from undisclosed health issues that resulted in a leg amputation after suffering a fall.
Jerry Van Dyke
The actor, best known for his role as Luther Van Dam in the long-running sitcom Coach, and younger brother of Dick Van Dyke, died on Jan. 5 in Arkansas, according to multiple reports. He was 86. Van Dyke's wife, Shirley Ann Jones, told New York Times that the actor and comedian's health had been deteriorating since a 2015 traffic accident.
Born in 1931, Van Dyke began his career as a stand-up comedian, making his TV debut in the series G.E. True in 1962. He also appeared on his brother's TV series, The Dick Van Dyke Show, as Stacey Petrie and various other sitcoms, including Accidental Family, Headmaster, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, 13 Queen Boulevard and The Drew Carey Show. It wasn't until he landed the role of Luther on Coach in 1989 that he gained prominent fame. The ABC sitcom ran for nine seasons, ending its run in 1997. After Coach he had roles in My Name is Earl, Raising Hope, The Millers and most recently as Tag Spence, Patricia Heaton's TV dad, in The Middle.
Jon Paul Steuer
Steuer, a musician and '90s child actor, has died at age 33. His band, P.R.O.B.L.E.M.S., broke the news to fans on their Facebook page on Jan. 4, which concluded with, "We've lost our singer, but far, far more than that we've lost a friend. Rest in peace, Jonny...we love you."
In addition to portraying Worf’s son, Alexander Rozhenko, on a 1990 episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Steuer -- born in Escondido, California -- notably portrayed Quentin Kelly on the ABC TV series Grace Under Fire from 1993 to 1996. The actor-turned-singer also opened a vegan restaurant called Harvest at the Bindery in Portland, Oregon, in 2015, it will be closing.