Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI died on Saturday, December 31, the Vatican confirmed in a statement. He was 95. Benedict XVI became pope in 2005 and resigned in 2013, citing his "advanced age." He was the first pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415.
Anita Pointer, one of the founding members of the R&B group The Pointer Sisters, has died at age 74 on December 31, according to her publicist Roger Neal.
Jeremiah Green, drummer and founding member of rock band Modest Mouse, died December 31, according to statements from his mother and bandmates. Last week the band's frontman Isaac Brock announced Green had been recently diagnosed with cancer. He was 45.
Iconic news anchor
Barbara Walters died on Friday, December 30. She was the first female anchor on an evening news program after joining ABC in 1976.
Pelé, the Brazilian soccer legend who won three World Cups and became the sport's first global icon, died Thursday, December 29, at the age of 82.
British fashion designer and style icon
Vivienne Westwood died at her home in London on December 29, according to an official statement from her eponymous company. She was 81.
YouTuber
Keenan Cahill died December 29 at the age of 27, his manager David Graham confirmed to CNN. Cahill became one of the first viral stars of the 2010s, racking up millions of views with his lip-syncing videos.
Renowned Japanese architect
Arata Isozaki died Wednesday, December 28, at the age of 91, according to his longtime partner Misa Shin. Isozaki played a major role in postmodern architecture and won the Pritzker Prize in 2019.
Joseph "Jo Mersa" Marley, a reggae artist who followed in the footsteps of his father, musician Stephen Marley, and his grandfather, the late reggae star Bob Marley, died at the age of 31, Miami police told CNN. Marley was found dead inside his parked vehicle in Miami on Monday, December 26. Police are investigating his death but said they do not suspect foul play.
Kathy Whitworth, the winningest golfer in history, died at the age of 83, the Ladies Professional Golf Association announced on Sunday, December 25. Whitworth is considered one of the greatest golfers of all time. She had 88 wins on the LPGA Tour, including six major championships. Her 88 wins are six more than Sam Snead and Tiger Woods, who hold the record for the men's game.
Footballer
George Cohen died at age 83, his former club Fulham announced on December 23. Cohen was a member of the England team that won the 1966 World Cup.
Maxi Jazz, lead vocalist of the British dance group Faithless, died on December 23. He was 65.
UFC Hall of Famer
Stephan Bonnar died at the age of 45 on December 22. Bonnar died from "presumed heart complications while at work," the UFC said in a news release.
Pittsburgh Steelers great
Franco Harris, known for one of the most iconic plays in NFL history -- the
"Immaculate Reception" -- died at the age of 72, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced on December 21.
Ronnie Hillman, a Super Bowl-winning running back for the Denver Broncos, died on December 21, according to a post from his family on his Instagram page. In August, Hillman was diagnosed with renal medullary carcinoma, a rare form of cancer. He was 31.
Ali Ahmed Aslam, the man who is widely credited with creating the famous dish chicken tikka masala, died December 19, according to his restaurant, Shish Mahal. He was 77.
Terry Hall, lead singer of the English 2 tone and ska revival band The Specials, died "following a brief illness," according to a statement from the band on December 19. He was reportedly 63 at the time of his death.
Drew Griffin, CNN's award-winning senior investigative correspondent, known for getting even the cagiest of interview subjects to engage in a story, died December 17 after a long battle with cancer, his family said. He was 60.
Billie Moore, a Hall of Fame basketball coach who was head coach of the first US women's Olympic basketball team, died December 14 at the age of 79. Moore was also the first head coach to lead two schools to national championships in women's basketball.
Stephen "tWitch" Boss, the amiable DJ for "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and a dancer who rose to fame on "So You Think You Can Dance," died at the age of 40, his wife confirmed in a statement on December 14. No further information was provided regarding the cause of his death.
Mississippi State head football coach
Mike Leach died from heart condition complications, the university announced on December 13. He was 61.
Former NBA All-Star and longtime head coach
Paul Silas died at the of age 79 on December 11. Silas was a three-time NBA champion in his 16 seasons as a player.
Prominent American journalist
Grant Wahl died while covering the World Cup in Qatar. He was 49 years old. Wahl died after collapsing during the quarterfinal match between Argentina and the Netherlands on December 9. His wife, Dr. Celine Gounder,
said he died of an aortic aneurysm that ruptured.
Actress
Kirstie Alley, who starred in "Cheers" and "Veronica's Closet," died after a brief battle with cancer, her children announced on social media on December 5. She was 71.
Nick Bollettieri, the famed tennis coach who taught the likes of the Williams sisters, Andre Agassi and Maria Sharapova, died at the age of 91, the IMG Academy confirmed on December 5.
Bob McGrath, an original cast member of the beloved children's program "Sesame Street," died on December 4, according to statements from his family and Sesame Workshop. He was 90.
Broadway actor
Quentin Oliver Lee died at the age of 34 on December 2, six months after Lee said he was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. His Broadway credits include "Prince of Broadway" and "Caroline, or Change." He also played the title role in the touring company of "The Phantom of the Opera."
Dorothy Pitman Hughes, the co-founder of prominent feminist publication Ms. Magazine, died on December 1 at the age of 84.
Baseball Hall of Famer and two-time Cy Young Award winner
Gaylord Perry died December 1 at the age of 84. The famed spitball-throwing pitcher won 314 games over his 22-year career.
Christine McVie, the singer-songwriter behind some of Fleetwood Mac's biggest hits, died November 30 following a brief illness, according to her family. She was 79.
Brad William Henke, a veteran character actor known for his work on "Orange Is the New Black" and other series, died on November 29, according to his agent and manager. He was 56.
Academy Award winner
Irene Cara, best known for singing the theme songs for "Fame" and "Flashdance," died at age 63, according to a statement from her publicist on November 26.
Cecilia "Cissy" Marshall, the wife of the late Supreme Court Justice and civil rights icon Thurgood Marshall, died on November 22, the court's public information office announced. She was 94.
John Y. Brown Jr., a former governor of Kentucky, died at age 88, according to his daughter, CNN anchor Pamela Brown, who announced his passing on November 22. Brown helped build Kentucky Fried Chicken into a fast-food juggernaut. He would go on to leverage his name recognition in the state into a successful bid for governor, leading the state from 1979 to 1983.
Actor
Jason David Frank, best known for starring in the original "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" TV franchise, died at the age of 49, according to multiple reports citing his representative on November 20. Frank played Green Ranger Tommy Oliver in the popular 1990s series and took on various roles in subsequent Power Rangers projects.
Actor and singer
Robert Clary, who survived 31 months in Nazi concentration camps but later co-starred in "Hogan's Heroes," the US sitcom set in a German World War II prisoner of war camp, died on November 16. He was 96.
Nicki Aycox, who played Meg Masters on the CW series "Supernatural," died November 16 at the age of 47. A cause of death was not disclosed, but Aycox revealed in 2021 that she had been diagnosed with leukemia.
John Aniston, a veteran actor known for his work on the daytime drama "Days of Our Lives," has died, his daughter, actress Jennifer Aniston, shared on November 14. He was 89.
Comedian
Gallagher, best known for his watermelon-smashing comedy routine and many popular specials in the 1980s, died on November 11, according his manager Craig Marquardo. He was 76.
Kevin Conroy, the man behind the gravelly bass voice of Batman and who popularized that unmistakable growl that separated Bruce Wayne from the Caped Crusader, died on November 10, according to his representative Gary Miereanu. Conroy, 66, died shortly after he was diagnosed with cancer, Miereanu said.
Fred Hickman, a pioneering sports broadcaster and anchor who helped to launch two major cable networks and influenced and informed a generation of sports journalists and fans, died November 9 after battling liver cancer. He was 66. Hickman was one of the first anchors on CNN. On June 1, 1980, the network's first day on the air, he and Nick Charles were the first hosts of "Sports Tonight," the 11 pm ET sports news and highlights program which competed with ESPN's "SportsCenter."
Leslie Phillips, the British actor who starred in the Carry On movie franchise and later voiced the Sorting Hat in the Harry Potter films, died on November 8. He was 98.
Jeff Cook, one of the original members of the country band Alabama, died on November 7, according to the group's representative, Don Murry Grubbs. Cook, 73, was a guitarist and co-founder of the band. He also played fiddle and other musical instruments.
Coy Gibbs, co-owner of Joe Gibbs Racing, son of team patriarch Joe Gibbs and father of NASCAR driver Ty Gibbs, died at the age of 49, the racing team announced on November 6. The cause of his death was not released.
Aaron Carter, a former child pop singer and younger brother of the Backstreet Boys' Nick Carter, died, a source close to the family told CNN on November 5. He was 34. Authorities gave no information about a possible cause of death.
Hall of Fame football player
Ray Guy, considered by many to be the greatest punter of all time, died November 3 at the age of 72.
Atlanta rapper
Takeoff of the group Migos was shot and killed in Houston early on November 1. He was 28.
Patrick Haggerty, a country singer considered to be one of the first openly gay country musicians to release a country record, died October 31 at the age of 78.
Vince Dooley, who coached the Georgia Bulldogs to the 1980 national championship and won the most football games in school history, died at the age of 90, the university announced on October 28.
The Rev.
Calvin O. Butts III, a prominent faith leader who led Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, New York, died on October 28, the church said. He was 73.
Jerry Lee Lewis, the piano-pounding, foot-stomping singer who electrified early rock 'n' roll with hits like "Great Balls of Fire" and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" before marital scandal derailed his career, died at the age of 87, according to a statement from his representative, Zach Farnum, on October 28.
Julie Powell, a bestselling author who chronicled her efforts to prepare every recipe in Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking," which later inspired the movie "Julie & Julia," died October 26 at her home in New York. She was 49.
Michael Kopsa, an actor who appeared on "X-Files" and "Fringe" among many other TV shows, died on October 23, according to his talent agent Jamie Levitt. Kopsa, who had been battling a brain tumor, was 66.
Leslie Jordan, a beloved comedian and actor known for his work on the TV show "Will and Grace," died on October 24, a longtime staff member told CNN. He was 67.
Dietrich Mateschitz, owner and co-founder of the sports drink company Red Bull, died at the age of 79 after a serious illness, the company announced on October 22.
Robbie Coltrane, the actor who brought to life the lovable gamekeeper Hagrid in the Harry Potter film franchise, died on October 14, according to his agent, Scott Henderson. Coltrane was 72.
Hall of Fame baseball pitcher
Bruce Sutter, who saved his career while popularizing the split-finger fastball, died at the age of 69, Major League Baseball announced on October 14.
Willie Spence, a singer who as a teen went viral with his rendition of Rihanna's hit "Diamonds" and was the runner-up on Season 19 on "American Idol, died at the age of 23, the show confirmed in a social media posting on October 12. The singer was killed in a car accident in Tennessee, according to CNN affiliate WSB, citing the Marion County Sheriff's Office.
Angela Lansbury, who enjoyed an eclectic, award-winning movie and stage career in addition to becoming America's favorite TV sleuth in "Murder, She Wrote," died on October 11. She was 96.
Eileen Ryan, a veteran actress and matriarch of the Hollywood family that includes actor Sean Penn, died on October 9, according to a statement shared by Penn's publicist. She was 94.
Art Laboe, a legendary DJ and beloved Los Angeles personality, died October 7 after a short bout of pneumonia, his spokesperson confirmed to CNN. He was 97.
Kim Jung Gi, an influential comic artist, died suddenly at the age of 47, according to his agent and his verified social media accounts on October 5. The acclaimed South Korean artist crafted sprawling, intricately detailed scenes with unbelievable speed, often before a live audience. He narrated as he worked, sharing his process with his rapt fans as he created a fully realized piece of art before their eyes.
Loretta Lynn, the "Coal Miner's Daughter" whose gutsy lyrics and twangy, down-home vocals made her a queen of country music for seven decades, died October 4 at the age of 90.
Former All-American basketball player
Tiffany Jackson died from breast cancer on October 4, according to the University of Texas at Austin. She was 37.
Sacheen Littlefeather, the Native American actress and activist who made history when she declined the best actor Oscar on behalf of Marlon Brando, died at the age of 75, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on October 3.
Charles Fuller, the acclaimed playwright best known for his Pulitzer winner, "A Soldier's Play," died at the age of 83, according to his younger son, David Fuller, speaking to the Hollywood Reporter on October 3.
Coolio, the '90s rapper who lit up the music charts with hits like "Gangsta's Paradise" and "Fantastic Voyage," died on September 28, according to his manager. He was 59.
Jazz saxophonist
Pharoah Sanders, known for his collaborations with jazz legend John Coltrane throughout the 1960s, died on September 24. He was 81.
Actress
Louise Fletcher, who won an Academy Award for playing the villainous Nurse Ratched in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," died on September 23. She was 88.
Maury Wills, a former star shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers, died September 19 at the age of 89, according to the team. Wills was part of the Dodgers' title-winning teams in 1959, 1963 and 1965. He was a seven-time All-Star, and in 1962 he was named the National League's Most Valuable Player.
Kalani David, a Hawaiian-born professional surfer and skateboarder, died after he suffered a seizure while surfing off the coast of Costa Rica on September 17, according to his father. He was 24.
Ken Starr, a former US solicitor general who gained worldwide fame in the 1990s as the independent counsel who doggedly investigated President Bill Clinton during a series of political scandals, died of complications from surgery, according to a family statement on September 13. He was 76.
Ramsey Lewis, a jazz star who found crossover success on the pop charts with songs like "The In Crowd," died September 12 at his home in Chicago, his manager Brett Steele announced. He was 87.
Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, died September 8 at the age of 96. The Queen reigned for 70 years, celebrating her Platinum Jubilee earlier this year. She was 25 years old when she ascended to the throne in 1952.
Former CNN anchor
Bernard Shaw died September 7 at the age of 82. Shaw was CNN's first chief anchor when the network launched in 1980, and he was with the network for more than 20 years.
Rapper
Pat Stay died following a stabbing incident in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on September 4, according to regional police. He was 36.
Country musician Luke Bell, who went missing in August,
was found dead, according to officer Frank Magos from the Tucson Police Department. Bell was 32. Magos said an investigation was ongoing.
Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the former Soviet Union, died August 30 at the age of 91. He was credited with introducing key political and economic reforms to the USSR and helping to end the Cold War.
Richard Roat, an actor who appeared in dozens of iconic television shows from the early '60s to the mid-2000s, died in August, according to an obituary from his family published in the Los Angeles Times. He was 89.
Charlbi Dean, an actress whose star had just begun to rise with a starring role in Palme d'Or winner "Triangle of Sadness," died August 29, a representative for the actress confirmed to CNN. She was 32. The representative confirmed reports that Dean died from unexpected and sudden illness but did not provide further details.
Robert "Bob" LuPone, the Tony and Emmy nominated actor arguably best known for his role in hit TV show "The Sopranos," died at the age of 76 on August 27.
Len Dawson, the Hall of Fame quarterback who led the Kansas City Chiefs to their first Super Bowl victory, died at the age of 87, his family and the Chiefs announced on August 24.
Joe E. Tata, who played Nat, the kindly owner of the Peach Pit on "Beverly Hills, 90210," died on August 24, according to his daughter. He was 85.
Photographer
Tim Page, whose images and exploits from the Vietnam War made him a legendary figure of journalism in the 1960s, died on August 24, according to fellow journalist Ben Bohane. He was 78.
Tom Weiskopf, former professional golf player and winner of the 1973 British Open, died on August 20, according to the PGA Tour. He was 79.
Pete Carril, who coached the Princeton Tigers men's basketball team for 29 years, died on August 15, according to a statement from the Carril family released through Princeton Athletics. He was 92.
Anne Heche, an entrancing actor whose versatility powered an admirable career spanning four decades, died after being removed from life support on August 14. Heche's car crashed into a Los Angeles home and erupted into flames on August 5. She was 53.
Actress and director
Denise Dowse, whose prolific career featured roles in "Beverly Hills, 90210," "Insecure" and "Ray," died on August 13, her family confirmed to CNN. She was 64.
Hanae Mori, the first Asian fashion designer to break into the exclusive world of haute couture, died at the age of 96 on August 11. Mori's elegant creations were worn by high-profile figures from Hillary Clinton to Empress Masako.
Dean "Diz" Laird, the only known US Navy ace to shoot down both German and Japanese planes during World War II, died on August 10, his daughter said. He was 101.
Motown legend
Lamont Dozier, a songwriter who crafted hits for the Supremes and Marvin Gaye, among other icons, died at the age of 81, according to a statement from his son on August 9.
Olivia Newton-John, the Australian singer whose breathy voice and wholesome beauty made her one of the biggest pop stars of the '70s and charmed generations of viewers in the blockbuster movie "Grease," died on August 8, according to a statement from her husband. She was 73.
Actor
Roger E. Mosley, best known for his role as the helicopter pilot Theodore "TC" Calvin on the 1980s hit show "Magnum, P.I.," died on August 7, his daughter announced. He was 83.
Japanese fashion designer
Issey Miyake died of cancer on August 5, his office confirmed to CNN. He was 84.
Judith Durham, an Australian folk music star and lead singer of The Seekers, died on August 5, according to a statement from her record label. She was 79.
Legendary broadcaster
Vin Scully, the voice of the Los Angeles Dodgers for more than six decades, died at the age of 94, the team announced on August 3.
Former Philippine President
Fidel Valdez Ramos died July 31 at the age of 94. Ramos became a hero to many for defecting from the government of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., spurring the dictator's downfall during the 1986 popular uprising against his rule.
NBA legend
Bill Russell, an 11-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics and the first Black head coach in the league, died on July 31, according to a family statement from his verified Twitter account. He was 88. In addition to his sporting achievements, Russell was one of sport's leading civil rights activists and marched alongside Martin Luther King Jr. when he gave his "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963.
Actress and singer
Nichelle Nichols, best known for her groundbreaking portrayal of Lt. Nyota Uhura in "Star Trek: The Original Series," died July 30 at the age of 89, according to a statement from her son, Kyle Johnson. When "Star Trek" began in 1966, Nichols was a television rarity: a Black woman in a notable role on a prime-time television series. There had been African-American women on TV before, but they often played domestic workers and had small roles; Nichols' Uhura was an integral part of the multicultural "Star Trek" crew.
Bernard Cribbins, a stage and screen actor who appeared on "Doctor Who" and narrated the British children's series "The Wombles," died at the age of 93, his talent agency confirmed on July 28. Cribbins' acting career spanned six decades, much of it spent in children's entertainment in the 1960s and '70s.
Tony Dow, an actor and director best known for portraying Wally Cleaver on the sitcom "Leave It to Beaver," died on July 27, according to his manager Frank Bilotta, citing Dow's son Christopher. Dow was 77.
James Lovelock, the British environmental scientist and creator of the Gaia theory, which hypothesizes Earth acts as a single living organism, died July 26 at the age of 103. Lovelock was an early advocate for climate action, and some of his ideas have shaped the way climate scientists and biologists think about the world's ecosystems today.
Paul Sorvino, an imposing actor whose roles ranged from the mob boss in "Goodfellas" to an early stint on the long-running cop drama "Law & Order," died on July 25, according to his publicist Roger Neal. He was 83.
David Warner, an English actor who played villainous supporting characters with aplomb in films like "Titanic" and "Tron," died from a "cancer-related illness" on July 24. He was 80.
Claes Oldenburg, the pop artist who reimagined everyday objects like clothespins and spoons as mammoth sculptures, died on July 18, according to Pace Gallery in New York, which has represented the artist since 1960. He was 93.
Ivana Trump, a longtime businessperson and an ex-wife of former US President Donald Trump, died at the age of 73, the former President posted on Truth Social on July 14. Ivana Trump was the mother of Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric Trump.
Former Japanese Prime Minister
Shinzo Abe was fatally shot on July 8 while giving a speech on a street in Nara, Japan. Abe, 67, was Japan's longest-serving prime minister, holding office from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2012 to 2020 before resigning due to health reasons.
Actor
Tony Sirico, best known for playing henchman Peter Paul "Paulie Walnuts" Gualtieri on HBO's "The Sopranos," died at the age of 79, according to his manager Bob McGowan. Sirico's "Sopranos" co-star Michael Imperioli also shared the news on Instagram, saying Sirico died on July 8.
Larry Storch, a television actor best known for his role in the '60s sitcom "F Troop," died on June 7, according to a statement shared by his family on Facebook. He was 99.
James Caan, the veteran screen actor known for his work in such films as "The Godfather," "Misery" and "Elf," died on July 6, his family said in a statement on his verified Twitter account. He was 82.
Director
Peter Brook, whose ground-breaking stage productions transformed 20th-century theater, died on July 2, according to his publisher, Nick Hern Books. He was 97.
Sam Gilliam, the first Black artist to represent the US pavilion at the Venice Biennale, died on June 25, according to the David Kordansky Gallery. He was 88.
Mary Mara, an actress known for roles on "ER" and "Ray Donovan," died in late June, her manager, Craig Dorfman, said in a statement to CNN. She was 61. A preliminary investigation suggested that she drowned while swimming, police said.
Former San Francisco 49ers halfback
Hugh McElhenny died at the age of 93, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced on June 23.
Tony Siragusa, a key part of the Baltimore Ravens' Super Bowl-winning team in 2001, died unexpectedly on June 22, according to a statement from the team. He was 55.
Former NBA player
Caleb Swanigan died at the age of 25 on June 20, his college basketball team Purdue announced. The Allen County coroner's office confirmed to CNN that he had died of natural causes. Swanigan made 75 appearances and four starts during his three seasons in the NBA.
Former political analyst
Mark Shields, who was best known for his work on CNN's "Capital Gang" and "PBS NewsHour," died June 18 at the age of 85.
Jim Seals, one half of 1970s soft-rock duo Seals and Crofts, died at the age of 80, his family announced on June 7. Seals is seen here at right with musical partner Darrell "Dash" Crofts. They were known for hits such as "Summer Breeze," "Diamond Girl" and "Get Closer."
Alec John Such, a founding member and original bass player of the band Bon Jovi, died at the age of 70, according to a tweet from the group on June 5.
Former NFL running back
Marion Barber III, who spent most of his career with the Dallas Cowboys, died at the age of 38, the team said on June 1. No cause of death was provided.
Jeff Gladney, a cornerback for the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, died in a car crash on May 30, according to the team's official website. He was 25. Gladney signed with the Cardinals this year after playing his rookie season with the Minnesota Vikings.
Musician
Ronnie Hawkins died on May 29, according to a post on The Band's verified Facebook page. He was 87.
Ray Liotta, the actor known for his roles in "Field of Dreams" and the Martin Scorsese mob classic "Goodfellas," died at the age of 67, it was reported on May 26.
Andy Fletcher, a keyboardist and founding member of Depeche Mode, died on May 26, the band announced on their official social media channels. He was 60 years old.
Marnie Schulenburg, a soap opera actress who documented her journey from becoming a new mother to a cancer patient, died on May 17 after battling stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, according to her representative. Schulenburg was 37.
John Aylward, a veteran film and television actor for more than three decades, died on May 16, according to his longtime agent and friend, Mitchell K. Stubbs. Aylward, a Seattle native, was best known for playing the stern but fair Dr. Donald Anspaugh on NBC's "ER" and Barry Goodwin on "The West Wing." He was 75.
Atlanta-based rapper
Lil Keed died May 13, according to a tweet from his record label, Young Stoner Life. He was 24.
Bob Lanier, a Hall of Fame basketball player who was an eight-time NBA All-Star, died May 10, the NBA said. He was 73.
Fred Ward, a veteran character actor in film and television, died on May 8, according to his publicist. Ward was known for his work in "The Right Stuff," "Short Cuts" and numerous other films. He was 79.
Kelly Meafua, a Samoan rugby star who played for the French rugby club US Montauban, died May 7, after falling from a bridge in France. He was 32.
Country singer
Mickey Gilley, best known as the pioneer of the "urban cowboy" style, died May 7, his publicist Zach Farnum said. He was 86. Gilley had 17 No. 1 country records, starting with "Room Full of Roses" in 1974.
Mike Hagerty, a character actor known for his roles in shows like "Friends" and films like "Overboard," died at the age of 67, according to his family on May 5. Through the years, Hagerty amassed a long list of TV guest roles, primarily in comedies, but also in dramas such as "ER" and "Deadwood."
Country music legend
Naomi Judd — one half of the duo The Judds — died at the age of 76, her daughter Ashley announced on April 30. Naomi and her daughter Wynonna began singing together as a professional act in the early 1980s, eventually producing a string of major hits, including "Mama He's Crazy" and "Love Can Build a Bridge."
Andrew Woolfolk, a longtime member of the band Earth, Wind & Fire whose sweet signature instrument made songs like "September" impossible not to dance to, died on April 25, group member Philip Bailey announced. Woolfolk was 71.
Johnnie Jones Sr., a decorated World War II veteran and pioneering civil rights lawyer, died at the age of 102, according to the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs on April 25.
Former US Sen.
Orrin Hatch of Utah, the longest-serving Republican senator in US history, died April 23 at the age of 88. Hatch served in the chamber for 42 years, from 1977 to 2019.
Hockey Hall of Famer
Guy Lafleur died at age 70, the Montreal Canadiens announced on April 22. Lafleur, nicknamed "The Flower," was a five-time Stanley Cup champion with the Canadiens. He scored 560 goals and had 793 assists during his NHL career.
Robert Morse, a Broadway star best known to TV viewers as "Mad Men" boss Bertram Cooper, died April 20 at the age of 90. Appearing on Broadway since the mid-1950s, Morse originated the role of the enterprising J. Pierrepont Finch in 1961's "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," winning a Tony Award for his performance.
Adelia "Dede" Robertson, wife of televangelist Pat Robertson and founding board member of the Christian Broadcasting Network, died April 19 at the age of 94.
DJ Kay Slay, an influential member of the New York hip-hop scene whose raucous mixtapes became legendary, died from Covid-19 complications, his family confirmed in a statement on April 18. He was 55. Kay Slay, whose real name was Keith Grayson, had been a star since the early 1990s, when mixtapes he produced featured up-and-comers and superstar rappers like Jay-Z and, later, Eminem.
Arthur Rupe, a record producer and 2011 inductee to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, died on April 15, according to a statement from the Arthur N. Rupe Foundation. He was 104. Rupe is credited with launching the career of Little Richard and helped make R&B a mainstream genre of music, according to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Liz Sheridan, a veteran stage and screen actress who played Jerry Seinfeld's mother, Helen, on "Seinfeld," died on April 15, her manager and friend Amanda Hendon confirmed to CNN. She was 93.
Hockey Hall of Famer
Mike Bossy died at the age of 65, the New York Islanders announced on April 15. Bossy, a four-time Stanley Cup champion with the Islanders, is the franchise's all-time leading scorer with 573 goals.
Former Colombia soccer captain
Freddy Rincón died on April 14 after being involved in a car crash in Cali, Colombia, the hospital treating him said in a statement. Rincón, 55, played in three World Cups and scored 17 goals in 84 games for Colombia.
Star bodybuilder
Cedric McMillan, seen here being interviewed by Arnold Schwarzenegger, died at the age of 44, his sponsor confirmed on April 12. McMillan won multiple titles during his career, including the 2017 Arnold Classic. No further details were released about his death.
Shirley Spork, a trailblazing figure for women's golf who was one of the founders of the Ladies Professional Golf Association, died at the age of 94, the organization said on April 12.
Gilbert Gottfried, a comedian and actor with a distinctly memorable voice, died after a long illness, his family announced on April 12. He was 67.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback
Dwayne Haskins was struck and killed by a dump truck on April 9 while trying to cross a highway on foot in South Florida, police said. Haskins, 24, had played for Ohio State and was a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Bobby Rydell, a teen idol from the '60s known for songs like "Wild One" and his role as Hugo Peabody in the 1963 film "Bye Bye Birdie," died on April 5, according to a statement released by his representatives. He was 79.
Estelle Harris, the actress known for playing George Costanza's mother on "Seinfeld," died on April 2, her agent told CNN. She was 93.
Tom Parker, a member of the British boy band The Wanted, died at the age of 33, his wife and bandmates shared on March 30. In October 2020, Parker announced that he'd been diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive type of brain tumor.
Paul Herman, an actor known for his roles in "The Sopranos," "Goodfellas" and "The Irishman," died March 29 at the age of 76.
Taylor Hawkins, the golden-locked musician who for more than two decades was the drummer for Foo Fighters, died at the age of 50, the band said on March 25. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Madeleine Albright, the first woman to serve as US secretary of state, died of cancer at age 84, her family announced in a statement on March 23. Albright was a central figure in President Bill Clinton's administration and helped steer Western foreign policy in the aftermath of the Cold War.
Longtime NFL reporter
John Clayton, who was known as "The Professor" because of his encyclopedic knowledge of the game, died March 18, according to ESPN, where he was an analyst, and Seattle Sports, where he hosted a radio show. Clayton was 67.
US Rep.
Don Young, an Alaska Republican and the longest-serving member of the current Congress, died March 18, according to a statement from his office. He was 88.
Former pro wrestler
Scott Hall, a WWE Hall of Famer who reached stardom as "Razor Ramon" during the heyday of his career in the 1990s, died at the age of 63, the WWE said on March 14.
Stephen Wilhite, the developer who created GIFs in the late '80s and transformed the way we communicate on the internet, died on March 14. His wife, Kathaleen, told CNN that he died from complications of Covid-19. He was 74.
William Hurt, the Oscar-winning star of "Kiss of the Spider Woman," "The Big Chill" and "Broadcast News," died on March 13, his son Will told The Hollywood Reporter. He was 71. Hurt played a variety of roles in classic 1980s films, including "Body Heat" and "Children of a Lesser God."
Singer
Traci Braxton, who also starred on the reality series "Braxton Family Values," died of esophageal cancer on March 12. She was 50.
Emilio Delgado, who played the Fix-It Shop owner Luis on "Sesame Street," died on March 10,
according to his manager. He had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, in 2020, according to a report from TMZ, citing his wife. Delgado was 81.
Australian cricketer
Shane Warne, widely considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, died March 4 at the age of 52, his management company confirmed to CNN. Warne was one of cricket's most lethal bowlers, with 708 Test wickets to his name. That's the most ever for an Australian and the second-most of all time.
Elsa Klensch, who was among the first to bring fashion to TV screens with CNN's "Style with Elsa Klensch" in the 1980s, died on March 4. She was 92. For two decades, Klensch gave CNN viewers a front-row seat to runways all over the world, including New York, London, Milan and Paris.
Actor
Johnny Brown, who played building superintendent Nathan Bookman on the 1970s sitcom "Good Times," died on March 2, according to his daughter, Sharon Brown. He was 84.
Sally Kellerman, the prolific Oscar-nominated actress who played Maj. Margaret "Hot Lips" O'Houlihan in the 1970 film "M*A*S*H," died on February 24, according to The Hollywood Reporter, which cited her son. She was 84.
Mark Lanegan, a leader within Seattle's grunge music scene and frontman of the influential group Screaming Trees, died February 22 at the age of 57, his family and friends confirmed on his verified Twitter account. Though he often downplayed his contributions to indie rock, the gravelly voiced Lanegan helped usher in a new era for the genre that saw many of his collaborators soar to international fame.
Jamal Edwards, a music entrepreneur best known for founding media platform SBTV, died February 20 at the age of 31. His mother confirmed that her son died from a "sudden illness." Edwards got into the music scene at the age of 15 and was a pioneering figure in British rap and grime music.
Pro Football Hall of Famer
Charley Taylor died at the age of 80, the Washington Commanders announced on February 19. Taylor retired in 1977 as the NFL's all-time leading receiver. His record of 649 receptions for 9,110 yards and 79 touchdowns would stand until 1984.
Indian singer and composer
Bappi Lahiri, who lent his talent to Indian cinema for nearly 50 years, died February 15 at the age of 69, according to a statement from his doctor. Lahiri, who was fondly referred to as "India's Disco King," was known for his love of 1970s-inspired dance beats. His signature hits, including the 1982 smash "Disco Dancer" from the Bollywood movie of the same name, helped to infuse Indian cinema with a lively, more contemporary sound.
Ivan Reitman, a storied producer and director behind some of Hollywood's biggest comedies, died on February 13, according to the CEO of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group. He was 75. Reitman created some of the most enduring comedic films of the '80s and '90s, including 1984's "Ghostbusters," which he produced and directed.
Former Major League Baseball player
Jeremy Giambi died at the age of 47, a few of his former teams announced on February 9. The cause of death was not released.
Singer
Lata Mangeshkar, the "nightingale of India" who gave her voice to Indian movies for more than 70 years, died on February 6, according to her doctor. She was 92.
Bill Fitch, a Hall of Fame basketball coach who won the NBA Finals with the Boston Celtics in 1981, died February 2 at the age of 89.
Italian cinema star
Monica Vitti died February 2 at the age of 90, according to Italian politician and family friend Walter Veltroni. Vitti was well-known for her work with some of Italy and Europe's most influential filmmakers throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
Former Miss USA
Cheslie Kryst died on January 30, said her family and the New York Police Department, which is investigating her death. She was 30. Kryst was an attorney who sought to help reform America's justice system, and she was a fashion blogger and entertainment news correspondent. She was crowned Miss USA in 2019.
Actor
Howard Hesseman, best known as the hard-rocking disc jockey Dr. Johnny Fever on the sitcom "WKRP in Cincinnati," died on January 29, according to his manager, Robbie Kass. Hesseman died from complications related to colon surgery, Kass told CNN. He was 81.
Legendary Mexican-Argentinian singer
Diego Verdaguer died at the age of 70, his family announced in a statement on January 28. Verdaguer first achieved international success in 1975, when his song "Volveré" ("I'll Be Back") became a hit in Mexico and went on to sell more than 5 million copies.
Actor
Vachik Mangassarian, a character actor who appeared on "NCIS: Los Angeles" and "The Mentalist," died of Covid-19 complications, his manager told CNN on January 27. He was 78.
Brig. Gen. Charles McGee, one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen, died on January 23, according to a family spokesman. He was 102. McGee successfully completed 409 air combat missions across three wars — World War II, Korea, and Vietnam — and he received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007.
French fashion designer
Thierry Mugler, whose flamboyant creations transformed haute couture, died January 23 at the age of 73, according to a message posted to his official Instagram account.
Clark Gillies, a Hall of Fame hockey player and four-time Stanley Cup winner with the New York Islanders, died on January 21, according to the National Hockey League. He was 67.
Louie Anderson, an Emmy Award-winning actor who also spent part of his career as a stand-up comic and game-show host, died January 21 from complications related to cancer, his publicist Glenn Schwartz confirmed to CNN. Anderson was 68.
Meat Loaf, the larger-than-life singer whose 1977 record "Bat Out of Hell" is one of the best-selling albums of all time, died January 20 at the age of 74, according to a statement from his family on his verified Facebook page.
In pictures: Rock 'n' roll legend Meat Loaf
André Leon Talley, the former longtime creative director for Vogue and a fashion icon in his own right, died January 18 at the age of 73, according to a statement on his official Instagram account. Talley was a pioneer in the fashion industry, a Black man in an often insular world dominated by White men and women.
French actor
Gaspard Ulliel, best known for playing Hannibal Lecter in "Hannibal Rising," died after a skiing accident on January 18. He was 37.
Lusia "Lucy" Harris, a college basketball star during the 1970s and the first and only woman ever to be officially drafted by an NBA team, died on January 18, according to a statement from her family and Delta State University. She was 66. Harris led Delta State to three national championships from 1975-1977.
Steve Schapiro, an acclaimed photojournalist perhaps best known for his work documenting the civil rights movement, died January 15 at the age of 87. Schapiro was also known for his portraits of some of the world's biggest celebrities, including Muhammad Ali, David Bowie and Barbra Streisand.
Ralph Emery, a legendary radio and television personality in the world of country music, died January 15 at the age of 88, according to the Country Music Association.
Ronnie Spector, the leader of pop group The Ronettes and the powerful central voice of hits like "Be My Baby" and "Baby I love You," died on January 12, her family announced in a statement on her website. She was 78.
Clyde Bellecourt, a leader in the Native American struggle for civil rights and a founder of the American Indian Movement, died on January 11, his wife Peggy Bellecourt told the Star Tribune. He was 85.
Deon Lendore, an Olympic and world championship medalist from Trinidad and Tobago, died in a car accident in Texas on January 10. He was 29.
Don Maynard, a Hall of Fame football player known for helping the New York Jets win Super Bowl III, died January 10 at the age of 86. At the time of his retirement in 1973, Maynard's career receptions (633) and yards receiving (11,834) were league records. He also amassed 10,000 yards receiving before any other pro player.
Bob Saget, the comedian and actor who played wholesome patriarch Danny Tanner on the sitcom "Full House," was found dead in an Orlando hotel room on January 9, his family confirmed in a statement to CNN. He was 65.
Michael Lang, co-creator of the Woodstock music festival, died January 8 at the age of 77.
Award-winning lyricist
Marilyn Bergman died January 8 at the age of 93. Along with Alan Bergman, her husband and longtime collaborator, Bergman was nominated for 16 Academy Awards over the course of her career and won three. One was for the song "The Way We Were," from the 1973 film that starred Barbra Streisand.
Lani Guinier, a legal scholar and champion for voting rights who was once nominated to be assistant attorney general by then-President Bill Clinton, died on January 7, her cousin, Sherrie Russell-Brown, confirmed to CNN. She was 71.
Peter Bogdanovich, the Oscar-nominated director of movies such as "The Last Picture Show" and "Paper Moon," died on January 6. He was 82.
College Football Hall of Famer
Ross Browner, a two-time All-American at Notre Dame and a 10-year NFL veteran, died January 6 at the age of 67. Browner, a defensive lineman, started all four seasons at Notre Dame, winning national championships in 1973 and 1977 and setting several school records.
South Korean actress
Kim Mi-soo died at the age of 29, her agency, Landscape Entertainment, announced on January 5. The budding TV star and model appeared in the Disney+ series "Snowdrop" and Netflix's "Hellbound."
Kenyan paleoanthropologist and conservationist
Richard Leakey, who unearthed evidence that helped prove humankind evolved in Africa, died January 2 at the age of 77.
Dan Reeves, a former NFL running back and head coach, died January 1 at the age of 77. Reeves coached 23 seasons in the NFL and was twice named Coach of the Year.