Edge was the drummer and last original member of the legendary rock band The Moody Blues. "My heart breaks in one beat, while celebrating her life in the next," Tyler Perry wrote in a statement on the loss of Tyson on his Instagram. John Madden was many things to sports fans: a Super Bowl-winning NFL head coach, a commentator, the face of a video game Goliath. Well, today your son grieves your loss and will miss our long talks, your laughter from your belly, and your very presence.". Art lives on through his work, stories about his life and the relationships he built with everyone he knew.". She is primarily remembered for portraying the superheroine Isis/Andrea Thomas in the short-lived series "The Secrets of Isis" (1975-1976). The self-proclaimed "Sex Symbol of Chinatown" was originally born in El Paso, Texas in 1930 and moved to Los Angeles during his early childhood. Indigenous Australian actor David Gulpilil found fame in the late 1970s "new wave" of Aussie filmmaking and then built an impressive on-screen career. That is most prevalent in one of his final best-known performances voicing the character of Carl in the Pixar classic, "Up. Stockwell formed a respected character actor filmography with movies like "To Live and Die in L.A," "Beverly Hills Cop II," and 1988's "Married to the Mob," in which he was nominated for a best supporting actor Oscar. Nominated for a Grammy, his songs like "Get at Me Dog" and "X Gon' Give It to Ya" made him a major fixture in the gritty 1990s rap scene. The year 2021 was a sad year for celebrity deaths. She was an actress, known for Videodrome (1983), Urban Legend (1998) and Funeral Home (1980). Over the decades she won the National Book Award, the American Academy of Arts & Letters Gold Medal in Criticism and Belles Letters, the National Medal of Arts and Humanities, and the PEN Center USA's Lifetime Achievement Award. Hutchins was a rising star in the cinematography world. She was lead singer of a female rock band in NYC in 1970, the Margo Lewis Explosion. ", But his most memorable role came as Captain Von Trapp in the 1965 movie adaptation of "The Sound of Music. She was an actress, known for Videodrome (1983), Urban Legend (1998) and Funeral Home (1980). "We are deeply saddened to report that Joan Didion died earlier this morning at her home in New York due to complications from Parkinson's disease," Knopf said in a statement shared with New Republic reporter Alex Shephard. Legendary Japanese actor Shinichi "Sonny" Chiba was known best for playing the lead in numerous martial arts movies through the 1970s. As a youngster, he had already shown his proclivity for film-making by creating animations as well as live action short films. "The world knew him as Gunther (the seventh 'Friend'), from the hit series 'Friends,' but Michael's loved ones knew him as an actor, musician, cancer-awareness advocate, and loving husband," Toni Benson, Tyler's manager, wrote in a statement provided to AP. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Will Ryan began a career in music. This iconic actor was known best for his Emmy-winning performance as Lou Grant on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show.". Leakes revealed in June that her husband's cancer had returned. He died on November 27 at his home in Newhall, California, according to his brother Warren Mekjian. He was previously married to Karlyn Kuper and Patricia Ann Gundy. "With infinite love we announce that Michael Nesmith has passed away this morning in his home, surrounded by family, peacefully and of natural causes," his family said in a statement to Rolling Stone. She was previously married to Robert Prins. Billy Hinsche was born on June 29, 1951 in Manila, Philippines. She died on November 27, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Scottish DJ, musician, and musical producer died at the young age of 34 on January 30. She was an actress, known for Dangerous Ground (1997), Stander (2003) and African Express (1990). On it, King spoke to the most prominent figures of the time, including celebrities and presidents. Tyson died on January 28, the cause of death was not announced. He was a writer and producer, known for Spies Like Us (1985), Nothing But Trouble (1991) and My Stepmother Is an Alien (1988). He died on December 4, 2021 in Nashville Jonshel Alexander was born on February 26, 1999 in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Sally Ann Howes, the child actor who rose to fame in the cult film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, died in her sleep on Dec. 19. It made him a legend in the comedy world and Macdonald went on to build a career in movies ("Dirty Work," "Billy Madison," and the "Dr. Dolittle" franchise), TV ("Norm" "The Orville"), and dozens of memorable late night show appearances. Over the course of her career, Didion authored novels such as "Run River" (1963) and "Play It As It Lays" (1970) along with essay collections including "Slouching Towards Bethlehem" (1968) and "The White Album" (1979). His most recognizable role was playing Babe Ruth in 1993 classic "The Sandlot. In Memoriam: Notable people who died in 2021 + Betty White, 99 Beloved comedic actress Betty White's decadeslong career spanned generations. Famous deaths in 2021. Archive Photos/Movie Pix via Getty Images, Stan Moore/Leigh Weiner/Walt Disney Television/Getty, Clarence Willaims III in "The Mod Squad. His parents were emigrants who hailed from an area near Casale Monferrato, a region noted for its viticulture, in Piedmont, Italy. One of the founders of legendary 1980s hip-hop group, Digital Underground, Shock G (born Greg Jacobs) would be forever known to rap fans for his alter ego Humpty Hump, who was the inspiration for the rap anthem "The Humpty Dance.". Listened to by millions on his political call-in radio show since the 1980s, Limbaugh was a force in American media thanks to his right-wing views. (1963) and Beat-Club (1965). Edge died on November 11, no cause was given. John Singleton 6. Van Peebles died at his home on September 21. Weeks before his death he announced he was withdrawing for the band's upcoming US tour. He earned an Emmy for being one of the writers on the 1977 "Paul Simon Special.". Known as the godfather of Black cinema, if it wasn't for the work of Melvin Van Peebles there would be no "Shaft" or any of the other legendary work from the Blaxploitation movement and beyond. Larry King 1933 -2021 Veteran television and radio personality Larry King died Jan. 23. The year 2021 saw us bidding goodbye to many celebrities who breathed their last. "As she kissed Anne goodbye, her younger sister Karen said, 'What a ride you took us on, kid.' Tyson starred in several of his movies. Stockwell is known best for playing Admiral "Al" Calavicci in the hit sci-fi TV series "Quantum Leap" in the early 1990s. On Jan. 16, McGee died in his sleep, a family spokesperson told Reuters . The guitarist for the iconic 1960s pop band The Monkees, Nesmith was recognizable for being the tallest of the foursome and often sporting a wool cap. White's career spanned more than seven decades. Val studied acting under the renowned Ralph Carmichael was born on May 27, 1927 in Quincy, Illinois, USA. This is a list of deaths of notable people, organised by year. She was previously married to Pedro Plascencia and Carlos Pauln. One of the early architects of the Hollywood blockbuster, director Richard Donner's filmography is a legendary one. Actor | "He delivered that beautifully and brilliantly, while creating an atmosphere and setting that the music would never have achieved without his words.". NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service. She was an actress, known for Don't Forget the Motorcity (2008), Unsung (2008) and Backstory: Kenny Rogers (2012). Unfulfilled by Hollywood, Vicki Bart the Bear II is an 8.5-foot tall, 1,110-pound Alaskan brown bear whose impact on wildlife has been even bigger than his body or his acting accomplishments. We will miss you so much. Lester Fisher was born on February 24, 1921 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. "34 years ago almost to the day we had a wild idea we can be a hip-hop band and take on the world through it all," wrote Digital Underground co-founder Jimi "Chopmaster J" Dright in tribute to Shock G on Instagram. Downey Sr. was a pioneer of the experimental filmmaking scene in New York City during the 1960s. She died on January 7, 2021 in Woodland Hills, California, USA. She was a cinematographer, known for The Party Machine with Nia Peeples (1991), The All New Mickey Mouse Club (1989) and Blossom (1990), part of the Disney-created pop group The Party. Many famous and beloved stars passed away, leaving behind grieving fans and loved ones. As one of the faces of the "New Journalism" movement in the 1960s and 1970s, Didion's work became a major staple in the era. The "Gone Girl" and "Cocktail" actor has died after being injured in a hit-and-run accident in New York. He died in March 2021 in the UK. Betty White was born in Oak Park, Illinois, to Christine Tess (Cachikis), a homemaker, and Horace Logan White, a lighting company executive for the Crouse-Hinds Electric Company. Candy Palmater was born on December 4, 1968 in Point La Nim, New Brunswick, Canada. Asner died on August 29, no cause was given. Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles, The Life and Death of Vincent Slim 400 Cochran, NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Born in Tasmania and an only child, Gregg was set to take over running the family farm but instead wound up scoring an audition at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Hobart.He had a season with the Melbourne Theatre Company and in 1964, made his television debut in an episode of Bridget Hanley was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Doris (ne Nihlroos) and Lee Hanley. Eddie Mekka was born on June 14, 1952 in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA. He was previously married to Nancy Van Rijn. He was an actor and producer, known for Dios los cra (1977), El arracadas (1978) and La ley del monte (1976). He's most known for his "Larry King Live" show on CNN that ran from 1985 to 2010 and is the network's most-watched and longest-running show of all time. "We ask that you respect our privacy at this time and we thank you for the love and light that all of you have shown him and us.". Hutchins was born in the Ukraine and began her career working on British documentary productions in Eastern Europe. "His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.". Ken Kragen was born on November 24, 1936 in Berkeley, California, USA. Before comedy clubs existed, Sahl began performing at the hungry i music club in San Francisco in the early 1950s. He died at home of natural causes on November 7. Born in Brooklyn, NY in 1926, he graduated from NYU and started as a janitor at the DuMont Television Network, working his way through at first as a studio assistant, then as a cameraman on "The Honeymooners" and "Captain Video and Rose Lee Maphis was born on December 29, 1922 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Saved by the Bell actor Dustin Diamond passed away after his battle with cancer. Always in our hearts. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, celebrity lawyer Raoul Felder told the Associated Press. Vilified as much as he was revered over his career, Limbaugh was a controversial figure over the decades in which he was often accused of saying sexist and racist remarks. He died on January 16 of natural causes according to California state prison officials inside the San Joaquin General Hospital. Having been the director of photography on movies "Archenemy," "Snowbound," "Darlin,'" "Blindfire" and "The Mad Hatter," she was praised by those who worked with her thanks to a creative eye and dedication to her craft. Starring in movies like 1971's "Walkabout," 1976's "Storm Boy," the "Crocodile Dundee" franchise, and 2002's "Rabbit-Proof Fence" made him a beloved actor in the country and brought a much-needed spotlight to the world on Aboriginal culture. Leakes became a cast member on the popular Bravo reality show 11 years after the two became married and the show documented the couple's divorce in 2011. "We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members, and close friends is respected at this difficult time.". She died on December 23, 2021 in Manhattan, New York City, New York Yvonne Wilder was born on September 21, 1937 in Bronx, New York, New York, USA. Dustin did not suffer. Larry Gelman was born on November 3, 1930 in Brooklyn, New York, USA. He was a prominent founding member of both ACT UP and Queer Nation. His cause of death has not been made public. Leachman died of natural causes on January 27. He died on November 11, 2021 in Bradenton, Florida, USA. He was a writer and producer, known for Diff'rent Strokes (1978), Small Wonder (1985) and Goddess of Love (1988). He was previously married to Caroline Grant. He also appeared as Dr. Chip Lakin in "Days of our Lives. The band, which was formed in 1964, had a revolutionary sound which has stood the test of time thanks to iconic songs like "Nights in White Satan" and "Tuesday Afternoon." Aaron died of natural causes on January 22. Rapper DMX (born Earl Simmons) moved a generation thanks to the pain and anguish he put into all his songs. The smart and talented actress and playwright Linda Carlson was born in Minnesota of Swedish ancestry. She won an Oscar for her performance as a timid school teacher in 1971's "The Last Picture Show" and her work on television earned her an astounding eight Emmy wins. He was an actor, known for Take the High Road (1980), The Omega Factor (1979) and Witch Wood (1964). His vaudevillian father was a replacement Curly in the original production of "Oklahoma!". He was previously married to Kym Douglas and Arlene Martel. He is presently teaching acting at the University of Saskatchewan, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. He died on November 21, 2021 in the USA. She was an actress, known for Wunda Wunda (1953). We love you.". Diamond was known best for playing the bumbling comic relief Samuel "Screech" Powers in the beloved 1990s TV series "Saved by the Bell.". She was 91. Slim 400: Savage (2018) and The Life and Death of Vincent Slim 400 Cochran. White died on December 31 at her home in Los Angeles due tocomplications of a stroke she had six days prior. He is known for Hell Ride (2008), Murderers' Row (1966) and Automan (1983). I will surely miss him," Chiba's manager Timothy Beal told Insider. ", He reprised the role in the 2016 sequel and the short-lived TV sitcom "My Big Fat Greek Life. She was previously married to Brian Neary and Tom Nielsen. She blazed so brightly. He was first diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and then said in 2019 that he was, at the time, cancer-free. He was previously married to Yvonne Marie Grace and DeLee Lively. Thomas died on August 7 in New Jersey "peacefully in his sleep," according to the statement by the band. She started with ads William Lucking was born on June 17, 1941 in Vicksburg, Michigan, USA. With a passion of the game unlike any others, Madden was a unique ambassador of the game of football thanks to his exuberant bravado and simple explanations to elements of the game that can be very complex. He was a producer, known for Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (1993), BeetleBorgs (1996) and Power Rangers Turbo (1997). His show, "Sunday in the Park with George," won the 1985 Pulitzer Prize for drama. Photo Credit: Wikipedia. The comedic legend was best-known for roles on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "The Golden Girls," and, in recent years, "Hot in Cleveland. On Oct. 29, 2021, Turner Sports broadcaster Ernie Johnson took to Instagram to share that he and wife Cheryl's son Michael Johnson one of four children they adopted had died at 33. Two figures central to American culture died December 28: former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and . Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles. Here are some highlights of Stephen Lawrence's work: composing over 300 songs and scores for Sesame Street resulting in three shared Emmy awards for "Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and Composition"; composing the title song and several others for Free To BeYou And Me, the landmark Jeanine Ann Roose was born on October 24, 1937 in Los Angeles, California, USA. Jan. 17, 1922-Dec. 31, 2021 Enlarge Image Beloved actress Betty White died at age 99 on Dec. 31, 2021. He was previously married to Nomalizo Leah Shenxane. Williams would then go on to have an impressive career in movies, TV, and the stage. She was a writer, known for A Star Is Born (2018), A Star Is Born (1976) and Up Close & Personal (1996). In addition to a career on the stage and screen, Tommy was a jazz musician who played the trumpet and David "Dave" Draper was a bodybuilding champion noted for his blond hair and 24 inch. A boxer in high school, he continued in the service. He died on November 9, 2021 in Brentwood, Los Angeles, Gavan O'Herlihy was born on July 29, 1951 in Los Angeles, California, USA. Tell us what you think about this feature. ", Siravo mainly found work in theater, where he was part of Tony Award-winning productions of "Oslo" and "The Light in the Piazza." David Fox was an acclaimed Canadian actor. He was an actor, known for Dreamscape (1984). Betty White, Michael K. Williams, Norm Macdonald, Cicely Tyson, and DMX died this year. "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh," the palace said in a statement obtained by Insider. Three revivals of his shows won Tonys and he was awarded a Tony Award for lifetime achievement in 2008. No cause was given. By 2013, they were married again and their second wedding was filmed for a special limited series called "I Dream of NeNe: The Wedding.". Cara began performing as a child and Jack Lanza was born on October 14, 1935 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Sondheim's work also found success beyond Broadway. The veteran actor was beloved in the industry for his work on movies, TV, and the stage. Joe Siracusa was born on February 3, 1922 in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Gabby Petito, 22, was found dead in September 2021. Draper's muscles landed him a job as a t.v. ", Starring in over 50 TV shows and movies over his career, Mekka earned a Tony Award nomination playing the lead in the 1975 Broadway musical "The Lieutenant.". Later in the month the cause of death was ruled to be an accidental drug overdose. He is best-known for the hundreds of songs he has written for artists such as Anita Baker ("You Bring Me Joy"), Maxine Nightingale ("Lead Me On"), Patti LaBelle ("Come What May", "I Don't Go Shopping"), Aretha Franklin Singer, composer, heartthrob, pioneer--all are accurate descriptions of Robert Michael Nesmith. Hank Aaron, 87 Hank Aaron. Alec Monteath was born in 1941 in Doune, Perthshire, Scotland, UK. He was an actor, known for Jesus Henry Christ (2011), The Taming of the Shrew (1988) and The Comedy of Errors (1989). He was an actor and stuntman in various films, including Shaft (1971), Live and Let Die (1973), and Ganja & Hess (1973). Graeme's sound and personality [are] present in everything we did together and thankfully that will live on," the band's current lead singer and guitarist, Justin Hayward, wrote on the band's website. Her first novel, "Interview with the Vampire," brought her instant fame and the book itself has become a classic. He was previously married to Juliette. He was an actor, known for Contract on Cherry Street (1977), The Clay Cole Show (1959) and Upbeat (1964). The song "Sooner or Later (I Always Get My Man)" for the 1991 film "Dick Tracy," won him an Academy Award. Made for $50,000 from a loan Van Peebles got from Bill Cosby when the studios passed on it, Van Peebles starred, directed, wrote, edited, composed the music, and shot it over 19 days. Carmen Salinas was born on October 5, 1939 in Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico. de Klerk was born on March 18, 1936 in Johannesburg, South Africa. We can only hope their loved ones find peace during this difficult time. He died on October 28, 2021 in Galway, Connacht, Ireland. Jerry Douglas was born on November 12, 1932 in Chelsea, Massachusetts, USA. She decided to call herself "Anne" when she enrolled in first grade at the Redemptorist Catholic School. She was previously married to John Gregory Dunne. Then in 2003 Chiba found wide acclaim when he was cast in Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill" as Hanzo, a sushi owner who is actually master sword maker. Shock G's eye for talent was also realized when he brought on a then unknown Tupac Shakur to be a roadie for the band and then a background singer. She was an actress and writer, known for West Side Story (1961), Seems Like Old Times (1980) and Operation Petticoat (1977). But her work spans decades and also includes starring opposite Clint Eastwood in the 1971 thriller "Play Misty for Me" and voicing a character in the popular 1990s series "Dinosaurs. Plummer died on February 5, no cause was given. He was an actor and writer, known for Shake Back (2020), J Stone Feat. Dustin Diamond . Colin Powell, a former top military officer who rose to become the first Black Secretary of State under President George W. Bush, died on October 18, 2021 at age 84 of complications from COVID . 559. "Thank you, Scolari, for every chat between set ups, every hug onscreen and off and every 'Oh, Jeez.' "On a daily basis there were no boundaries to something positive, something about winning, that he could do.". Celebrities who died in 2021. Character actor Michael Constantine was best known for his role as family patriarch Gus Portokalos in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Nesmith died of natural causes on December 10. Hutchins died on October 21 due to her wounds. He was also a decent tenor whose voice was used for the part of Larry Sellers was a Native American actor and stuntman of Osage and Cherokee descent and an adopted member of the Lakota nation. They couldn't stay away from each other for long. He died on November 25, 2021 in the USA. In June it was revealed that the cause of death was an accidental overdose. His performances always stood out for his stilled acting, booming voice, and intensity which could spark at a moment's notice. He was previously married to Andi Francis , Marsha Garbowitz and Kathy Izzo. Their father Joseph Robinson Senior and grandfather John were world champion wrestlers, and both brothers trained in wrestling and body-building. He got his start in TV alongside Tom Hanks in Bosom Buddies . This two-time Tony Award-nominated actor did everything from play Dizzy Gillespie in Clint Eastwood's 1988 "Bird" to being the purple grapes character in a series of Fruit of the Loom underwear commercials, but he'll forever be remembered as the voice of Sebastian the Crab in the Disney classic "The Little Mermaid.". He was a director, known for Wheel of Fortune (1983), The Merv Griffin Show (1962) and Get Smart (1965). Coronji Calhoun was born on November 28, 1990 in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. The hall of fame player hit his 715th career home run in 1974, breaking the record Babe Ruth held for close to 33 years. Walter died in her sleep at her home in New York City on March 24, according to Bowman. Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding, comedian Sean Lock, Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, musical great Stephen Sondheim and of course Prince Philip are among those who sadly died in 2021. She was an actress, known for Take the High Road (1980), Postmortem (1998) and BBC Sunday-Night Theatre (1950). He died on October 13, 2021 in New Sarpy, Louisiana, USA. Aside from this iconic role, her face might also be familiar for her many TV commercials. He also had the story credit alongside his brother in the 1991 comedy "Nothing But Trouble.". The younger brother of fellow actor/stunt man Joe Robinson, Doug was born Douglas Bowbank Robinson in central Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1930. Mick Rock was born on November 21, 1948 in Hammersmith, London, England, UK. "A huge personality while also an extremely private person, Dennis was the alto saxophone player, flutist, percussionist, as well as master of ceremonies at the band's shows.". He had kept it private from his fans. "She died as she lived. Samuel E. Wright's Trinidadian-accent turned Ariel's cautious sidekick in the 1989 animated movie into one of Disney's most memorable characters from that era of releases. "I'm heartbroken to announce that after a heroic battle with cancer, the beautiful and mighty woman that is Helen McCrory has died peacefully at home, surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family," her husband, actor Damian Lewis tweeted following her death. He followed that with working with his brother on his movies. Celebrities Who Died in 2021 Vol. Dustin Diamond died on February 1 at age 44 after a. He was an actor and composer, known for Love and a .45 (1994), A West Texas Children's Story (2007) and Breaking Bad (2008). "We will forever be connected to that 'Blues Shuffle in C.' You will be missed greatly, amigo.". Known best as the lovable Central Perk barista Gunther on the hit show "Friends," James Michael Tyler's obsessive behavior over Rachael (Jennifer Aniston) brought laughs to millions. ", "She was the sweetest person you'd ever meet and had a huge heart," said her longtime rep Mike Pingel. A master at deadpan humor, Charles Grodin became a comedy fixture in the 1980s and 1990s for roles in "The Great Muppet Caper," "Midnight Run," and "Beethoven. Hill was a longtime member of legendary rock band ZZ Top. He was previously married to Elizabeth Dole and Phyllis Eloise Holden. She died on December 9, 2021 in Mexico City, Mexico. She was previously married to Joe Maphis. The hall of fame Major League Baseball manager is known best for leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to two World Series championships. In January 1950, she was voted Queen of the New Kay Hawtrey was born on November 8, 1926 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.