Stars We've Lost in 2024

Bob Newhart, the legendary comedian and actor whose humor was unparalleled, died on July 18, ET confirmed. He was 94.

In a statement to ET, Newhart's longtime publicist, Jerry Digney, said Newhart passed away at his home in Los Angeles following a series of short illnesses.

Shannen Doherty, best known for her roles on Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed, has died, ET can confirm. She was 53. 

"It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress, Shannen Doherty," the actress' longtime publicist, Leslie Sloane, told ET in a statement. "On Saturday, July 13 she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease."

Richard Simmons, the incomparable fitness guru who got people moving and sweating with his eccentric coaching style, has died, according to multiple reports. He was 76.

TMZ, who was first to report the news, reports Simmons died July 13 at his home in Los Angeles. The outlet, citing law enforcement sources, says police got a call from his housekeeper just before 10 a.m. PT. He was pronounced dead at the scene and no foul play is suspe

Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the renowned sex therapist who was a straight shooter as a radio talk show host and TV personality, has died, ET has confirmed. She was 96.

In a statement to ET, her rep, Pierre Lehu, shared, "The children of Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer are sad to announce the passing of their mother, the internationally-celebrated sex therpaist, author, talk show host, professor and orphan of the Holocaust."

The statement continued, "She died peacefully at her home in New York City on July 12 surrounded by her loving family, just over a month after celebrating her 96th birthday. In addition to her children, Joe and Miriam, she is survived by her four grandchildren, Ari, Leora, Michal and Ben, son-in-law Joe, daughter-in-law Barbara and her granddaughter's husband, Elan. She was proceeded in death by her husband of 36 years, Manfred Westheimer."

Shelley Duvall has died. The actress, best known for her roles in The Shining and Popeye, died on July 11 at age 75. Dan Gilroy, the actress' partner for over 30 years, told The Hollywood Reporter that Duvall died in her sleep of complications from diabetes at her home in Blanco, Texas. 

David Allen Loggins, a GRAMMY-nominated singer and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee who is best known for his 1974 hit "Please Come to Boston," has died. He was 76.

According to the late singer's obituary published in The Tennessean, Loggins died on July 10 at Alive Hospice in Nashville, Tennessee. He was born in the tiny town of Shady Valley, Tennessee (population 972) before moving to Bristol, Tennessee and eventually Nashville. 

The singer and author, best known for his 50-year run in the country and gospel vocal quartet The Oak Ridge Boys, died in Hendersonville, Tennessee, on June 9 from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), according to a press release.

The announcement stated that "at the request of Joe, there will be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The ALS Association or to the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center."

Tony Knight, a comedian from the U.K., has died. He was 54 years old.

According to his GoFundMe, he died on June 7 following "a terrible accident" while he was attending the Rock & Cars Festival in Lavaur, France. The creator of the GoFundMe, Jo -- the sister of Knight's partner of over 15 years, Hayley -- did not disclose the cause of death, only that they are all "beyond devastated that his life was taken by a freak accident."

Keke Jabbar, widely recognized for her role in the reality TV series Love & Marriage: Huntsville, has died. She was 42. 

News of her death was shared by social media personality Marcella Speaks, who read a statement from Jabbar’s family on June 2.

"It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Keke. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by love," the statement read during a YouTube livestream. "She was a mom, a sister, and a great friend full of life, love, and laughter. She will be sorely missed and at this time, we are asking for respect and privacy in our moment of grief while we process this great loss. The Jabbar Family and the Scott Family."

Seth Brooks Binzer -- better known by his stage name, Shifty Shellshock, in the rock-rap group Crazy Town -- has died. He was 49.

According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s website, the singer passed away at his residence on June 24. The cause of death has not been disclosed.  

Binzer and Crazy Town gained fame for their chart-topping hit, "Butterfly," which soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in 2001 and became an anthem of the early 2000s.

Charles Jones – better known as Julio Foolio – has died. He was 26. 

The rapper from Jacksonville, Florida, was shot and killed early June 23 in Tampa, Florida, his lawyer, Lewis Fusco, confirmed to NBC News. 

Police responded to reports of a shooting at a hotel in uptown Tampa a few hours before sunrise. Upon arriving at the scene, they found two vehicles in the parking lot that had been shot at. Jones was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Tampa Police Department. Three additional victims are in stable condition and receiving treatment at a local hospital.

Donald Sutherland, the beloved actor whose storied career in Hollywood spanned six decades and who became recognizable for his roles in M*A*S*H, Klute, Ordinary People and The Hunger Games, has died. He was 88. 

According to multiple reports, Sutherland died June 20 in Miami following a long illness. The cause of death was not disclosed. Sutherland's death comes just months before his memoir, Made Up, But Still True, was set to be published. 

Nick Mavar, a deckhand on Deadliest Catch for 16 years, has died at the age of 59.

Mavar died on June 13 after suffering a medical emergency at an Alaska boatyard. He had been in 98 episodes of Deadliest Catch before leaving in 2021 after experiencing an emergency medical situation regarding his appendix on the popular show.

Al Ruddy, the Oscar-winning producer known for his work on such films as The Godfather and Million Dollar Baby, died on May 25. He was 94. 

The news of his death was confirmed via a statement to ET from his family. 

"Albert Stotland Ruddy, the legendary film and television producer who earned two Academy Awards for Best Picture (The Godfather, Million Dollar Baby), died peacefully following a brief illness on May 25, 2024 surrounded by his family at UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center. He was 94 years old," the statement said in part. 

Morgan Spurlock, the documentary filmmaker best known for his 2004 box office hit, Super Size Me, died on May 23 in upstate New York due to complications of cancer. 

The 53-year-old's family confirmed his death to Variety in a heartfelt statement. "It was a sad day, as we said goodbye to my brother Morgan," said Craig Spurlock, who collaborated with his brother on several projects. "Morgan gave so much through his art, ideas, and generosity. Today the world has lost a true creative genius and a special man. I am so proud to have worked together with him."

The celebrated basketball icon -- who won two NBA championships and later enjoyed a successful career as a colorful sports broadcaster, died on May 27, after a battle with cancer. He was 71. Walton was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1974 draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, and he led the team to its only NBA title in 1977.

Named the league MVP in 1978, the 6-foot-11 Walton won another title as a member of the Boston Celtics in 1986, when he earned the Sixth Man of the Year award. That season proved to be his last hurrah. Walton, who battled injuries throughout his career, would play just 22 more games between the regular season and playoffs before retiring in 1988, according to CBS Sports.

After his playing career, Walton overcame a pronounced stutter to become a successful sportscaster known for his colorful language, which often included catchphrases and hyperbole. Walton was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993. He is survived by his wife Lori and sons Adam, Nate, Chris and Luke, a former NBA player and now an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The actor, best known for his role as Brando Corbin on General Hospital, died on May 25, when he was fatally shot in Los Angeles. He was 37. According to reports, Wactor was shot and killed during a suspected catalytic converter theft in downtown L.A.

In a statement to ET, General Hospital producers said that they are mourning the loss of the actor and sent their love to his family and friends. "The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken to hear of Johnny Wactor's untimely passing.  He was truly one of a kind and a pleasure to work with each and every day. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones during this difficult time," the show's executives shared. 

Aside from appearing in more than 160 episodes of General Hospital, the actor appeared in notable television projects, including ABC's Station 19, HBO's Westworld, Netflix's The OA and CBS originals Criminal Minds and NCIS. He got his start on Lifetime's Army Wives, in which he had a three-episode stint as Airman Byers.

Charlie Colin has died. On May 22, the musician's mother told TMZ that her son, a founding member of Train, died after he slipped and fell in the shower. He was 58.

According to his mom, Colin was housesitting in Brussels, Belgium, when the accident occurred. When his friends returned home earlier this month, they found Colin dead, she told the outlet. It's unclear what caused Colin to fall.

Sam Rubin, a beloved TV journalist who was a fixture in Los Angeles and an integral part of KTLA's immensely popular morning show died on May 10, ET confirmed. He was 64.

He reportedly suffered a heart attack at his home where he went into cardiac arrest. He was rushed to UCLA West Hills and ultimately pronounced dead. KTLA anchor Frank Buckley confirmed the tragedy on the air at the start of the afternoon's broadcast with an emotional tribute.

The legendary producer and director, known as the King of the B-Movies, died on May 9 at his home in Santa Monica. His family confirmed the news to the Associated Press. Corman was a prolific and trailblazing filmmaker with an unparalleled ability to see talent in young artists. He's credited for giving a start to filmmakers such as Ron Howard, Peter Bogdanovich, Jonathan Demme and many others, as well as actors such a Peter Fonda, Jack Nicholson and more. Corman was famous for creating films on shoestring budgets and allocating sometimes a as little as five days to film an entire feature. However, it's relationship with filmmakers was applauded and he was considered a groundbreaking figure in independent filmmaking. Corman is perhaps best remembered for directing the 1960 b-movie The Little Shop of Horrors -- which was famously remade as a musical horror comedy in 1986. Corman was awarded an honorary Oscar in 2009. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Julie Halloran, and their three children.

Dickey Betts, lead guitarist and vocalist for the legendary Allman Brothers Band, died at the age of 80. 

Betts' death, following a battle with cancer, was confirmed by his family on April 18. 

"It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the Betts family announce the peaceful passing of Forrest Richard 'Dickey' Betts (Dec. 12, 1943 – April 18, 2024) at the age of 80 years old," the statement read.

South Korean singer Park Boram has reportedly died at the age of 30. Reports of her untimely death emerged on April 12 with her label, Xanadu, purportedly issuing a statement. 

"We are here to share sorrowful and heartbreaking news," the statement reportedly read. "Park Bo Ram suddenly passed away late at night on April 11. All of the artists and executives at Xanadu Entertainment are deeply mourning the deceased with great sadness. It is even more heartbreaking that we have to tell you this sudden news to all of the fans who support Park Bo Ram. The funeral will be held after consulting with the bereaved’s family. Once again, we send our deepest condolences to the deceased so she may rest in peace."

Roberto Cavalli, the famed Italian fashion designer whose career began styling Sophia Loren and then the likes of Taylor Swift and Jennifer Lopez, has died. He was 83.

According to the Italian news agency Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (ANSA), Cavalli died at his home in Florence, Italy, following a long illness. Cavalli's company also confirmed the legendary designer's death in a statement on April 12.

"It is with great sadness that today we say our final goodbyes to our founder Roberto Cavalli," the statement on social media read. "From humble beginnings in Florence Roberto succeeded in becoming a globally recognised name loved and respected by all. Naturally talented and creative, Roberto believed that everyone can discover and nurture the artist within themselves. Roberto Cavalli's legacy will live on via his creativity, his love of nature and via his family who he cherished."

The family of Orenthal James Simpson, also known as O.J. Simpson, confirmed his death in a statement posted to social media. He was 76.

"On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer," the statement read. "He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren."

Simpson played 11 seasons with the Buffalo Bills and is often regarded as one of the greatest running backs of all time. He also played for the San Francisco 49ers. He was a Heisman Trophy winner from his time with the USC Trojans and was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985. Simpson also had a credited acting career, appearing in the critically acclaimed TV series, Roots, and in films like The Klansman, The Towering Inferno, The Cassandra Crossing, Capricorn One, and in all three of the Naked Gun films, in which he played Detective Norberg.  

However, he was also known for his legal troubles, most notably his 1994 arrest for the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman. The subsequent murder trial is still one of the most widely publicized events in American history. On Oct. 3, 1995, Simpson was found not guilty of both murders.

Though he was acquitted of criminal charges, Simpson was unanimously found liable for the wrongful death of and battery against Goldman and battery against Brown. The remainder of Simpson's life was filled with legal troubles, which found him in and out of court and jail. In 2017, he was released from prison after serving nine years for armed robbery.

The legendary crooner -- best known as one half of the music duo Steve and Eydie with wife Eydie Gormé -- died on Mar. 8, at his home in Los Angeles. He was 88. The GRAMMY and Emmy Award-winning entertainer died as as result of "complications due to Alzheimer’s disease," according to a statement released by his family. Lawrence is best remembered for his 1962 cover of "Go Away Little Girl," as well as "Pretty Blue Eyes," "Footsteps" and "Party Doll," although the majority of his success as a musician came as a club and lounge singer, often with wife Gormé. The pair performed as Steve and Eydie until Gormé retired from singing in 2009, before her death in 2013. During his career, Lawrence was nominated for a Tony Award in 1964 for his performance as Sammy Glick in the Broadway production of What Makes Sammy Run? Lawrence was also the winner of two Emmy Awards, as well as a GRAMMY, alongside his wife, for Best Performance By a Vocal Duo or Group for "We Got Us" in 1961 -- the first year the category was presented. Film fans might best remember Lawrence, however, for his brief but memorable appearance in the beloved 1980 musical comedy classic The Blues Brothers, in which he played Maury Sline, the manager for the film's titular music group. Lawrence is survived by his son, David, daughter-in-law, Faye, granddaughter, Mabel, and brother, Bernie. He was predeceased by Gormé, as well as their son, Michael, who died in 1986.

Sister Wives stars Janelle and Kody Brown's son, Garrison Brown, died at age 25. His parents took to their respective Instagram accounts to share the sad news on March 5. 

"Kody and I are deeply saddened to announce the loss of our beautiful boy Robert Garrison Brown," the shared post read. "He was a bright spot in the lives of all who knew him. His loss will leave such a big hole in our lives that it takes our breath away. We ask that you please respect our privacy and join us in honoring his memory."

Janice Burgess, the Emmy-winning creator of Nickelodeon's The Backyardigans, died on March 2 in hospice care in Manhattan. She was 72. 

Nickelodeon confirmed the screenwriter's death in a statement to ET. "We are saddened to learn of the passing of one of the great architects of Nick Jr. and creator of the globally beloved series, The Backyardigans. Janice was one of the greats--inherently creative and kind, and dedicated to the preschool audience everywhere," a rep for the children's television network shared. 

Jim Beard, the musician best known as the keyboardist for Steely Dan, died on March 2 in a New York City hospital from complications due to a sudden illness, Deadline reported. He was 63.

The band also announced Beard's death, writing on its website, "It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our friend and colleague JIM BEARD 1960 - 2024."

Stand-up comedian Richard Lewis died in February, his rep confirmed to ET on Feb. 28. He was 76.

The entertainer -- who was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Englewood, New Jersey -- is perhaps best known for his role in the '80s sitcom Anything But Love alongside Jamie Lee Curtis, portraying Prince John in the 1993 movie Robin Hood: Men in Tights and most recently for playing a fictionalized version of himself in Larry David's HBO series, Curb Your Enthusiasm. 

Michael Jones, who was best known as Ted DiBiase's bodyguard Virgil in WWE in the late 1980s and early 1990s, died at age 61 in February. News of Jones' death was initially shared by Mark Charles III, a wrestling referee and Jones' friend.

"My dear friends, it is with great sorrow that I bring news from the Jones family of the passing of our beloved Michael Jones, whom we know and loved as Virgil, Vincent, Soul Train Jones and more," Charles wrote on Facebook. "Virgil passed peacefully at the hospital this morning and I ask that you pray for him and for his family. May his memory be eternal!"

Robin Windsor, the former Strictly Come Dancing pro, died at the age of 44. 

Windsor's website confirmed his death with a post on Feb. 20, which read, "It is with deep sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of our beautiful Robin. ... He lit up any room he walked into, he was a nurturing soul always full of fun. He brought so much happiness to anyone who saw him dance. Strictly Come Dancing, Burn the Floor and many other dance shows along with all the school children around the country who he gave his time. Robin was a strong advocate for mental health and worked closely with the Sane Charity. The dance world has lost some of its sparkle today."

The stage, screen and radio star -- best known for her role in the 1954 holiday classic White Christmas -- died on Feb. 15. She was 85. Whitfield died at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital in Washington, surrounded by her family, according to her obituary. She had been hospitalized after an "unexpected accident while on a walk in her neighborhood." She began working in the theater in 1949 and appeared in numerous stage productions, including Annie Get Your Gun. She began booking small roles on TV shows the following year, with bit parts in Racket Squad, One Man's Family, and Hollywood Opening Night, as well as several small film roles. Her most memorable role came in 1954, when Whitfield was only 15, in the beloved musical comedy White Christmas, in which she played Susan Waverly, the granddaughter of Major General Thomas Waverly (Dean Jagger), who owns the Columbia Inn hotel where Bing Crosby's Bob Wallace and Danny Kaye's Phil Davis perform. Whitfield continued acting throughout the following decades in small roles, with her final appearance coming in the 1999 Robert Altman dramedy Cookie's Fortune. Whitfield is survived by daughters Julie and Allison, her son Evan, as well as her seven grandchildren.

Antonio "Tony" Hutson, the former NFL offensive lineman, died at the age of 49.

The news of Hutson's death was shared via an obituary on legacy.com that was published on Feb. 9, but no official date of death was given.

In 1996, Hutson was signed to the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. However, his NFL career was briefly paused, as he was dropped when a benign tumor was found. In 1997, he was promoted to active on the team's roster. 

After being cut from the Cowboys in 2000, he was signed with the Washington Commanders (then known as the Washington Redskins), where he played until the end of the season. Hutson ended his NFL career in 2021, after playing with the Oakland Raiders. 

Toby Keith -- the country music sinter known for hits like "Should've Been a Cowboy," "Red Solo Cup," "Who's Your Daddy?" and "Made in America" -- died following a cancer battle on Feb. 5. He was 62. 

"He fought his fight with grace and courage," read a statement on the late musician's website. 

Carl Weathers, best known for his iconic role as Apollo Creed in the Rocky film series and his appearances on The Mandalorian, died on Feb. 1. He was 76. 

"We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers," the actor's family said in a statement to ET. "...Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts, and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend."

Chita Rivera, the pioneering Broadway legend who dazzled in productions such as West Side Story, Kiss of the Spider Woman, and Chicago, died on Jan. 30, 2024. She was 91.

"It is with immense personal sorrow that I announce the death of the beloved Broadway icon Chita Rivera. My dear friend of over 40 years was 91," her rep, Merle Frimark, shared in a statement to ET.

Her daughter, Lisa Mordente Rivera, also shared a statement, saying that her mother died in New York "after a brief illness."

Alec Musser, the actor known for his work on All My Children, died on Jan. 12, 2024. He was 50. 

Musser's fiancée, Paige Press, revealed the news on Jan.13, 2024 via Instagram, alongside a series of pictures of her and Musser.

"RIP to the love of my life," Press wrote. "I will never stop loving you. My heart is broken."

Bill Hayes, the beloved soap star who was a staple on Days of Our Lives, died on Jan. 12, 2024. He was 98.

"It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved Bill Hayes," a statement from his rep to ET read. 

"One of the longest running characters on Days of our Lives, Bill originated the role of Doug Williams in 1970 and portrayed him continuously throughout his life," the statement continued. "He and his wife, Susan Seaforth-Hayes, remained the foundation of the Williams-Horton family spanning more than 50 years."

Lynne Marta, who starred in Footloose, Joe Kidd and more, died on Jan. 11, 2024. She was 78. 

A friend of the star confirmed the news of her death with The Hollywood Reporter, sharing that she had suffered from cancer. 

Marta played the aunt of Kevin Bacon's character in Footloose (1984), the companion of Robert Duvall's character in Joe Kidd (1972), and a school teacher in Three Men and a Little Lady (1990). On TV, she served as a regular on Love, American Style and appeared in 24 episodes of Days of Our Lives. She had roles on Starsky & Hutch, Charlie's Angels, Designing Women, and Law & Order, among many others. Her final on-screen credit came in 2004 when she played an attendant on American Dreams. 

Actor Christian Oliver, who starred in such movies as Speed Racer, The Good German and Valkyrie, was killed along with his two daughters when their small plane crashed into the sea off a Caribbean island on Jan. 4, 2024. He was 51.

The owner and pilot of the plane, identified as Robert Sachs, also died in the crash.

According to the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, Oliver and his daughters, Madita Klepser, 10, and Annik Klepser, 12, were on board the single-engine plane when it took off from J.F. Mitchell Airport in Becquia and headed for nearby St. Lucia before it experienced difficulties and landed in the ocean.