Celebrity Deaths in 2017: Stars We’ve Lost

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Rose Marie

Longtime actress Rose Marie died at her home in Van Nuys, California, on Thursday, December 28, according to her website. She was 94. Most famous for her role as comedy writer Sally Rogers on The Dick Van Dyke Show, in which she starred alongside Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore, Marie received Emmy nominations in 1963, 1964 and 1966, and even has her hair bow on display at the Smithsonian.

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Heather Menzies-Urich

The Sound of Music actress, who played third-oldest daughter Louisa in the 1965 hit, died on December 24 of cancer. "She was an actress, a ballerina and loved living her life to the fullest," her son Ryan Urich said in a statement. "She was not in any pain but, nearly four weeks after her diagnosis of terminal brain cancer, she had enough and took her last breath on this earth at 7:22 p.m." Menzies-Urich, who also starred in the 1977 TV series Logan's Run, was the widow of Vegas actor Robert Urich, who died in 2002.

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Kim Jonghyun

The lead singer of the K-pop group SHINee died at age 27 on December 18. He was found unconscious at his apartment in Cheongdam-dong in Seoul and was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. According to multiple South Korean reports, the cause of death remains unclear, but investigators believe Jonghyun committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning.

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David Cassidy

David Cassidy died at age 67 in a Florida hospital on November 21. “His publicist Jo-Ann Geffen confirmed his passing and released a statement from his family: “On behalf of the entire Cassidy family, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, our uncle, and our dear brother, David Cassidy. David died surrounded by those he loved, with joy in his heart and free from the paid that had gripped him for so long. Thank you for the abundance and support you have shown him these many years.” The ‘70s pop star had been diagnosed with dementia earlier this year and had ben hospitalized with organ failure several days before his passing.

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Della Reese

The Touched by an Angel alum and “Don’t You Know?” singer died at her home in California at age 86 on November 19. “She was an incredible wife, mother, grandmother, friend and pastor, as well as an award-winning actress and singer. Through her life and work she touched and inspired the lives of millions of people,” her costar Roma Downey said in a statement on behalf of the late actress’ family. “She was a mother to me and I had the privilege of working with her side by side for so many years on Touched by an Angel. I know heaven has a brand new angel this day. Della Reese will be forever in our hearts. Rest in peace, sweet angel. We love you.”

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Jana Novotna

The Wimbledon champion died in her native Czech Republic after a long battle with cancer on November 19. She was 49.

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Earle Hyman

Best known for playing Russell Huxtable on The Cosby Show, Earle Hyman died at 91 on November 17 at the Lillian Booth Actors Home in Englewood, New Jersey. The actor had been in the industry for over 40 years, earning both an Emmy and Tony nomination and worked on breaking racial boundaries in the industry.

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Azzedine Alaia

The Tunisian-born fashion designer, known as the "King of Cling," died in Paris at the age of 77 on November 18. His designs were worn by stars from Greta Garbo to Madonna and he was known for his figure-hugging designs, rising to fame in the 1980s. Stars including Rihanna, Lenny Kravitz, Victoria Beckham, Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian took to social media to pay tribute to the designer who had trained as a sculptor and worked briefly for Dior and Guy Laroche before going solo and winning fans for his sexy, formfitting gowns. Lady Gaga called Alaia her friend in an Instagram post, describing him as "a true genius in not only fashion but in his heart." "There was no one who did what he did," she added. "No one knew a woman's body like him."

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Malcolm Young

The AC/DC guitarist and cofounder died on November 18 at the age of 64 after a three-year battle with dementia. "As his brother it is hard to express in words what he has meant to me during my life, the bond we had was unique and very special," his brother and bandmate Angus Young wrote in tribute. "He leaves behind an enormous legacy that will live on forever. Malcolm, job well done."

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Lil Peep

The rapper died at age 21 on November 16. "I am shocked and heartbroken. I do not believe Peep wanted to die, this is so tragic. He had huge ambition and his career was flourishing," Sarah Stennett, the chief executive of First Access Entertainment, said in a statement at the time. "I have spoken to his mother and she asked me to convey that she is very, very proud of him and everything he was able to achieve in his short life." Police said he died of a suspected Xanax overdose.

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Roy Halladay

Former MLB pitcher Roy Halladay was killed in a plane crash in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Florida on Tuesday, November 7. He was 40 years old. Halladay pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies during his 15-year career in the MLB before retiring in 2013. He was the father of two children with wife Brandy.

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Brad Bufanda

Brad Bufanda, best known for his role as Felix in Veronica Mars, died of an apparent suicide in Los Angeles on November 1. He was 34. A rep for Bufanda told Us Weekly: “Yes I can confirm Brad has passed away. We are completely devastated for he was an extremely talented young actor and wonderful, caring human being. He was reviving his career having just completed two movies and we are shocked and saddened by his passing. The family would appreciate privacy at this difficult time.”

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Robert Guillaume

Actor Robert Guillaume, best known for his title role on the 1990s series Benson, died at the age of 89 at his L.A. home on Tuesday, October 24. Guillaume’s wife, Donna, confirmed her husband’s passing to CNN on Tuesday. “He kinda went the way everyone wishes they could, surrounded by love and in his sleep,” she said before noting that the Emmy-winner had battled prostate cancer for several years. “He was a good father and a good husband. He was a great, great person.”

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Fats Domino

The rock 'n' roll legend died of natural causes at the age of 89 on October 24. He was one of the first honorees inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and was best known for his hits "Blueberry Hill" and "Ain't That a Shame." He is survived by his eight children.

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Roy Dotrice

The famed actor died at 94 on October 16, in his London home. He was surrounded by his family and friends at the time, including his three daughters, grandchildren and great-grandson. He was best known for his role in Game of Thrones.

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Ralphie May

The stand-up comedian died at age 45 in Las Vegas on October 6 after suffering cardiac arrest. "Ralphie had been battling pneumonia and had canceled a handful of dates over the last month in an effort to recover," his manager confirmed to Us. May was the runner-up on season 1 of Last Comic Standing and starred in several of his own televised specials.

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Tom Petty

The rock legend died at the age of 66 on October 2 after suffering cardiac arrest. The Grammy winner was best known as the lead singer of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, the group behind hits including "Free Fallin'" and "American Girl." The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.

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Hugh Hefner

The Playboy founder died at the age of 91 on Wednesday, September 27. "My father lived an exceptional and impactful life as a media and cultural pioneer and a leading voice behind some of the most significant social and cultural movements of our time in advocating free speech, civil rights and sexual freedom," his son Cooper Hefner said in a statement. "He defined a lifestyle and ethos that lie at the heart of the Playboy brand, one of the most recognizable and enduring in history. He will be greatly missed by many, including his wife Crystal, my sister Christie and my brothers David and Marston, and all of us at Playboy Enterprises."

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Chuck Low

The Goodfellas actor died at a nursing home in New Jersey on September 18 at the age of 89. He served four years on active duty as an army major and was part of the U.S. Army Reserve for more than 30 years, as well as the U.S. National Guard from 1957 to 1965. He later starred alongside his close friend Robert De Niro in films including Goodfellas, The King of Comedy and The Mission.

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Harry Dean Stanton

The Twin Peaks and Big Love actor died of natural causes on September 15, 2017, at the age of 91. Stanton, whose career spanned more than six decades, was most recently seen as Carl Rodd in the Showtime revival of Twin Peaks. He also had memorable roles in films including Alien, Paris, Texas, Repo Man and Pretty in Pink.

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Michelle Rounds

Rosie O'Donnell's ex-wife died at age 46 of an apparent suicide on September 11. "I am saddened to hear about this terrible tragedy," O'Donnell said in a statement to Us. "Mental illness is a very serious issue affecting many families. My thoughts and prayers go out to Michelle's family, her wife Krista and their child." The former couple, who were married from 2012 to 2016, adopted daughter Dakota in 2013.

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Frank Vincent

'Sopranos' actor Frank Vincent died in New Jersey on September 13, 2017. He was 78.

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Blake Heron

"'Shiloh' actor Blake Heron died at his Los Angeles home on September 8, 2017. He was 35."

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Troy Gentry

 'Montgomery Gentry' singer Troy Gentry tragically died in a New Jersey helicopter crash in September. He is survived by his wife Angie and the couple's two daughters, Kaylee and Taylor.

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Walter Beck

Walter Becker, one of the cofounders and guitarist for Steely Dan, died on Sunday, September 3. "I intend to keep the music we created together alive as long as I can," his bandmate and longtime friend Donald Fagen said in a remembrance.

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Richard Anderson

The actor died at his home in Beverly Hills at the age of 91 on August 31. He was best known for his role as Oscar Goldman on The Six Million Dollar Man and its spinoff, The Bionic Woman. His acting credits also included Forbidden Planet, Paths of Glory and Perry Mason.

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Jay Thomas

The comedian died at age 69 after a battle with cancer. “Jay Thomas was one of the funniest and kindest men I have had the honor to call both client and friend for 25 years plus,” his publicist Thomas Estey told Us. “He will be dearly missed by so many.” He was best known for his roles on Cheers, Murphy Brown and Mork & Mindy.

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Jerry Lewis

The comedy legend died at his Las Vegas home on August 20, after suffering from ill health for many years. The actor, singer and director will be remembered for films including The Nutty Professor and Cinderfella as well as his philanthropic work, raising more than $2.6 billion for muscular dystrophy reseach with his annual Labor Day telethon.

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Glen Campbell

The legendary country singer died at age 81 in Nashville on August 8, 2017 after a years-long struggle with Alzheimer's Disease.

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John Heard

The actor died at the age of 72 on July 21, just two days after undergoing back surgery. He was best known for playing patriarch Peter McCallister in the original Home Alone movies, and was also nominated for a Primetime Emmy in 1999 for his role on The Sopranos.

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Joseph Bologna

Writer, actor and director Joseph Bologna, who was known for his role in 1982's My Favorite Year, died on August 13, 2017, after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 82.

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Robert Hardy

 The Harry Potter actor, who was known for playing Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge, in four of the beloved films, died at age 91, his family announced on Thursday, August 3. His family released a statement praising his “tremendous life” and “giant career” in theater, television and film over seven decades. “Gruff, elegant, twinkly and always dignified, he is celebrated by all who knew him and loved him, and everyone who enjoyed his work,” the statement read.

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Sam Shepard

The playwright, actor and director died on July 27 at the age of 73 after a long battle with ALS. He received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1979 for his stage play Buried Child. He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 1983 historical drama The Right Stuff.

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June Foray

The voice actor died on Wednesday, July 26, at age 99. She was the voice behind dozens of well-known animated characters, such as Rocky the Flying Squirrel in The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show, Granny and Witch Hazel in Looney Tunes and Aunt May in Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends.

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Barbara Sinatra

The former Las Vegas showgirl, famed philanthropist and widow of singer Frank Sinatra died of natural causes on July 25. She was 90.

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Chester Bennington

The Linkin Park lead vocalist was found dead on July 20, the Los Angeles coroner confirmed to Us Weekly. He was 41. He was best known for the band’s hits “Numb,” “In the End” and “Crawling.” His death coincided with what would have been his late friend Chris Cornell’s 53rd birthday.

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Martin Landau

The Oscar-winning actor died at UCLA Medical Center from "unexpected complications" on July 15. He was 89.

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Nelsan Ellis

The True Blood actor, who played Lafayette Reynolds, died at age 39 in July after suffering complications from heart failure. "He was not only a gifted artist, but he was a very special person with a kind and a gentle soul," Ellis' manager Emily Gerson Saines said in a statement to Us Weekly.

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Stevie Ryan

The YouTube star died on July 1 at the age of 33. Her death was ruled a suicide by hanging, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office. Ryan also starred on her own VH1 sketch comedy series, Stevie TV, where she impersonated celebrities including Justin Bieber, Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga.

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Adam West

The Batman actor died at age 88 on June 9 after a short battle with leukemia. He was best known for playing the DC Comics superhero in the 1960s TV series and later voiced Quahog Mayor Adam West on Family Guy.

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Glenne Headly

The Emmy-nominated actress passed away at age 62 on June 8. She was in the midst of filming her upcoming Hulu series Future Man. Headly is best known for her roles in 1988’s Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and 1990’s Dick Tracy. 

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Michael Nance

The reality star, who appeared on Emily Maynard’s season 8 of The Bachelorette, died at age 31 on May 29. 

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Chris Cornell

The Soundgarden frontman died on May 17 at age 52 after performing a sold-out show with his band in Detroit. A Detroit police spokesperson told Us Weekly that a family friend found Cornell in the bathroom of his room at the MGM Grand Hotel. His cause of death was ruled a suicide by hanging. The rocker’s wife, Vicky Cornell, issued a statement on May 19 claiming that the prescription drug Ativan could have played a role in her husband’s death. 

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Henry "Hank" Deutschendorf

The Ghostbusters II actor, who played baby Oscar with his twin brother, William Deutschendorf, died by suicide at age 29 on June 14. Hank battled schizoaffective disorder for several years.

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Christopher "Big Black" Boykin

The Rob & Big star passed away on May 9 at age 45 after suffering heart failure. He was best known for appearing on the MTV show as Rob Dyrdek’s best friend and bodyguard from 2006 to 2008.

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Prodigy

The rapper, who was a member of the hip-hop duo Mobb Deep, died on June 20 at age 42, his publicist confirmed. “It is with extreme sadness and disbelief that we confirm the death of our dear friend Albert Johnson, better known to millions of fans as Prodigy of legendary NY rap duo Mobb Deep,” the statement read. “Prodigy was hospitalized a few days ago in Vegas after a Mobb Deep performance for complications caused by a sickle cell anemia crisis. As most of his fans know, Prodigy battled the disease since birth.”

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Stephen Furst

The Animal House actor died from complications of diabetes at the age of 63 on June 16.

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Roger Smith

The 77 Sunset Strip actor passed away at age 84 on June 4 after a long battle with nerve disease myasthenia gravis. He played detective Jeff Spencer on the hit ABC series from 1958 to 1963, but later quit acting to manage his second wife Ann-Margret’s career.

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Danny Dias

The MTV reality star was found dead in his Brooklyn apartment on June 3. He was 34. Dias starred on season 13 of Road Rules in 2004 and season 11 of The Challenge in 2005. 

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Peter Sallis

The British actor, who was known for voicing Wallace in the clay animation series Wallace and Gromit, died at age 96 on June 2. His agent confirmed that he passed away “peacefully with his family by his side."

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Butch Trucks and Gregg Allman

Trucks, who cofounded Allman Brothers Band, died in West Palm Beach, Florida, at age 69 on January 25. The drummer’s death was ruled a suicide. His bandmate, Allman, died a few months later on May 27. According to a statement on his website, Cher’s ex-husband passed away “peacefully" at his Savannah, Georgia, home. He was also 69. 

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Steven Holcomb

The Olympic bobsled gold medalist was found dead at age 37 in his room at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, New York, on May 6. Holcomb, who was expected to be a member of the U.S. Olympic team in Pyeongchang, died in his sleep after suffering pulmonary congestion, his autopsy found. 

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Robert Wilson

The TV pioneer, who was father of actors Owen and Luke Wilson, died on May 5 at age 75. Luke, 45 confirmed to the Dallas Morning News that his dad battled Alzheimer’s disease. Robert ran KERA TV station in Dallas and gave well-known broadcaster Jim Lehrer his start on TV.

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Erin Moran

The Happy Days star was found dead at her Harrison County, Indiana, home on April 22. She was 56. Her cause of death was listed as complications from stage IV cancer. Moran shot to stardom for her role as Joanie Cunningham on the ‘70s sitcom and later starred in a short-lived spinoff Joanie Loves Chachi alongside former boyfriend Scott Baio.

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Cuba Gooding Sr

The singer was found dead in his car on April 20 after a reported overdose. He was 72. His son Cuba Gooding Jr. paid tribute by sharing a throwback photo of his father from his time in soul group The Main Ingredient in the 1970s. “Eternal,” he captioned it.

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Charlie Murphy

The comedian, 57, died at a NYC hospital on April 12 after a battle with leukemia. Murphy — who was the older brother of Eddie Murphy — costarred on Chappelle’s Show and cowrote some of Eddie’s movies, such as Norbit and Vampire in Brooklyn.

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Antonia Gorga

Real Housewives of New Jersey star Teresa Guidice’s mother died at age 66 in early March. “Teresa has been in the hospital with her and is inconsolable now,” a source told Us at the time. “This is a very hard time for Teresa. She was very close with her mother.”

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Tommy Page

The former pop star was found dead of an apparent suicide on March 3. He was 46. Page was known for his 1990 smash hit “I’ll Be Your Everything,” which was cowritten by New Kids on the Block’s Jordan Knight and Danny Wood. He later had a successful career as an A&R executive. 

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Judge Joseph Wapner

The retired judge died at his home under hospice care on February 26 at age 97. Wapner was famous for starring on The People’s Court for 12 seasons from 1981 to 1993. 

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Daryl Easton

The magician was found dead inside Hollywood’s Magic Castle on February 24. His death was ruled a suicide by hanging. 

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Emmanuelle Riva

The iconic French actress died in Paris at age 89 on January 27 after battling cancer. She starred in 2012’s Amour and 1959’s Hiroshima Mon Amour.

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John Hurt

The British actor passed away at the age of 77 on January 27. He previously announced in June 2015 that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The Alien and Harry Potter actor was nominated for two Oscars during his career for his roles in Elephant Man and Midnight Express.

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Lee "Q" O'Denat

The WorldStarHipHop founder, known by his nickname “Q,” died at age 43 on January 23. Authorities later confirmed he died of natural causes. O'Denat founded the news and gossip site in 2005, which became known for its viral videos.