Celebrity Deaths in 2023: Stars We’ve Lost

Credit: Courtesy of Paul Grant/Facebook

Celebrity Deaths in 2023: Stars We've Lost

Forever remembered. After losing beloved stars including Barbara Walters, Kirstie Alley and Stephen “tWitch” Boss in the final days of 2022, the entertainment industry continued to deal with loss in 2023. Lola “Gangsta Boo” Mitchell — a former member of hit-heavy hip-hop group Three 6 Mafia — was found dead in her home on New Year’s Day, the Associated Press reported. The “Where Dem Dollas At” rapper was 43. "The Mitchell family would like to thank everyone for their condolences regarding the untimely death of Lola 'Gangsta Boo' Mitchell," the “Mafia” artist’s family said in a statement. “The family is asking for your continued prayers and privacy as we process the loss of our loved one." That same day, Earth, Wind & Fire drummer Fred White’s brother announced the musician’s death. “Dearest Family Friends and Fans..... Our family is saddened today With the loss of an amazing and talented family member, Our beloved brother Frederick Eugene ‘Freddie’ White. 🙏🏾🙏🏾💔💔🥁🥁,” Verdine White captioned a series of throwback photos via Instagram of the “September” artist drumming for and posing with the band. He called his sibling a “child protégé” and noted he was a “member of the EWF ORIGINAL 9, with gold records at the young age of 16 years old!” White was 67. [jwplayer nkLOMINB-zhNYySv2] Alan Rankine — a founding member of the Scottish band The Associates — “died peacefully at home shortly after spending Christmas with his family,” his two sons announced via Facebook on January 2, noting that they would keep his social media accounts active because “the community meant a lot to our dad.” The ‘80s pop star was 64. January 2 also marked the passing of rally driver and YouTuber Ken Block, who was killed in a snowmobile accident. “Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband,” his Hoonigan Racing team said in a statement at the time, per CNN. “He will be incredibly missed. Please respect the family’s privacy at this time while they grieve.” The sports professional died after riding the vehicle down a slope in Utah. The snowmobile toppled over him and he was pronounced dead at the scene after succumbing to injuries sustained from the accident, CNN reported. “Mr. Block was riding with a group but was alone when the accident occurred,” the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office’s said in a statement. Block was 55. Read on to remember all the stars who have died in 2023:

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Gunter Nezhoda

The Storage Wars alum died on March 21 after a private cancer battle. He was 67.

“This is a very sad day and this is a very hard video for me to make,” son Rene Nezhoda said in an Instagram video one day later. "My dad, six months ago, was diagnosed with lung cancer — he’s been smoking for 30 years. He’s been smoking for a long time and last night he passed away in his sleep peacefully from complications from lung cancer.”

Rene, whom the late bassist shared with late wife Johanna Meyer, explained that Gunter had “all sorts of holes in his lungs” and there was “nothing else that doctors could do” regarding treatment.

The Austria native is survived by his two sons, Rene and Ricky, and two granddaughters

Credit: Courtesy of Paul Grant/Facebook

Paul Grant

Grant, who was best known for his roles in the Harry Potter and Star Wars franchises, was declared brain dead after collapsing at a London train station Thursday, March 16. He was later pronounced dead Monday, March 20, according to Sky News. The actor was 56. 

"I'm heartbroken," Paul's daughter Sophie Jayne Grant told the outlet when confirming the news of her father’s death. "No girl deserves their dad to be taken away. He was so well-known and loved. He's gone too soon."

Sophie told The Sun later on Monday, “My dad was a legend in so many ways. He always brought a smile and laughter to everyone's face. He would do anything for anyone."

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Lance Reddick

The Wire alum died on March 17 at age 60 from natural causes.

"Acclaimed actor Lance Reddick passed away suddenly this morning from natural causes," his rep confirmed to Us in a statement. "He is survived by his wife Stephanie Reddick and children Yvonne Nicole Reddick and Christopher Reddick. Donations in his memory can be made to momcares.org in Baltimore, his hometown. Lance will be greatly missed. Please respect his family’s privacy at this time."

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Bobby Caldwell

The "What You Won't Do for Love" singer died at age 71, his wife, Mary Caldwell, wrote via her late husband's Twitter account on March 15.

"Bobby passed away here at home. I held him tight in my arms as he left us. I am forever heartbroken," she penned. "Thanks to all of you for your many prayers over the years."

She explained that he had been "floxed" — a term for suffering from "fluoroquinolone-associated disability," per GoodRx — a side effect from taking a fluoroquinolone medication that can negatively affect "tendons, muscles, heart and nerves," the medical site notes. The illness "took his health over the last 6 years and 2 months," Mary explained, concluding her message: "Rest with God, my Love."

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Robert Blake

The Lost Highway actor died on Thursday, March 9, from heart disease, according to a statement released on behalf of his niece, Noreen Austin, per the Associated Press.

In 2004, the Baretta actor was on trial for the murder of his wife, Bonnie Lee Bakley, and was acquitted of the charge. Barkley was shot in 2001 in the back seat of Blake’s car after the two wrapped up a date night. At the time, the In Cold Blood star maintained his innocence and claimed the murder occurred when he went back in the restaurant to retrieve a gun he left behind.

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Chaim Topol

The Fiddler on the Roof star — who famously played Tevye in the 1972 film and on Broadway — died on March 9 in Israel. He was 87. No cause of death was reported, but Topol was previously diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

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Gary Rossington

The Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist — the last surviving founder of the group — died at 71, the band wrote in a statement on Facebook on March 5.

“It is with our deepest sympathy and sadness that we have to advise, that we lost our brother, friend, family member, songwriter and guitarist, Gary Rossington, today,” the statement read. “Gary is now with his Skynyrd brothers and family in heaven and playing it pretty, like he always does. Please keep Dale, Mary, Annie and the entire Rossington family in your prayers and respect the family’s privacy at this difficult time.”

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Ricou Browning

The actor died on February 27 at his home in Miami. He was 93.

Best known for playing the titular character in Creature From the Black Lagoon, Browning later co-created Flipper and directed 37 episodes of the dolphin TV show. He went on to direct films such as 1973's Salty and 1978's Mr. No Legs.

Browning is survived by son Ricou Jr. and daughters Renee, Kelly and Kim, as well as 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

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Tom Sizemore

Us confirmed on March 3 that the Black Hawk Down star died in his sleep at St Joseph’s Hospital Burbank following a brain aneurism. He was 61. 

“In the early hours of Saturday, February 18, 2023, Tom Sizemore collapsed at his Los Angeles home and was transported to a hospital by Paramedics,” Sizmore’s manager, Charles Lago, told Us in a statement at the time. “He was found to be suffering from a brain aneurism that occurred as a result of a stroke. Since that day, Tom has remained in critical condition, in a coma and in intensive care. Tom has remained in Intensive care since that day and not regained conciseness.” 

Lago added that the family planned to hold a “private cremation service” before a “larger celebration of life” would take place in the following weeks. He thanked fans for their support and requested privacy “during this difficult time.” 

The Saving Private Ryan actor’s brother, Paul Sizemore, also broke his silence following his sibling’s death. 

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my big brother Tom. He was larger than life. He has influenced my life more than anyone I know,” he shared in a statement to Us. “He was talented, loving, giving and could keep you entertained endlessly with his wit and storytelling ability. I am devasted he is gone and will miss him always."

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Steve Mackey

The musician, who was the bassist for the British band Pulp, died on March 2, due to an illness. He was 56.

Mackey’s wife, Katie Grand, shared the news of his death via her husband’s Instagram page.

"After three months in hospital, fighting with all his strength and determination, we are shocked and devastated to have said goodbye to my brilliant, beautiful husband, Steve Mackey," she wrote alongside a black and white photo of the “Common People” artist. “Steve died today, a loss which has left myself, his son Marley, parents Kath and Paul, sister Michelle and many friends all heartbroken. Steve was the most talented man I knew, an exceptional musician, producer, photographer and filmmaker. As in life, he was adored by everyone whose paths he crossed in the multiple creative disciplines he conquered.”

Grand concluded the post by thanking “all of the NHS staff who worked tirelessly” for her husband and asking the public to respect the family’s privacy at this time.

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Jansen Panettiere

Hayden Panettiere's brother died at age 28, multiple outlets reported on February 20. The artist got his start in entertainment with roles on Disney Channel and Nickelodeon, including in his sister's 2004 Disney Channel Original Movie Tiger Cruise and later on the Nickelodeon TV movie The Last Day of Summer.

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Richard Belzer

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit actor died on February 19 at his home in France. The actor was 78.

Writer Bill Scheft, a longtime friend of Belzer, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter on Sunday. “He had lots of health issues, and his last words were, ‘F–k you, motherf–ker,’” Scheft said.

Belzer is survived by his wife, Harlee McBride, and stepdaughters Jessica and Bree.

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Barbara Bosson

The Hill Street Blues alum, who earned five Emmy nominations for playing Fay Furillo on the series, died on February 18. She was 83. Bosson’s son, Jesse Bochco, confirmed her death via social media, revealing the late actress had “more spirit and zest than you could shake a stick at.”

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Kyle Jacobs

On February 17, the Metropolitan Nashville Police told Variety in a statement that Kellie Picker’s husband died by an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at the age of 49.

“Nashville’s Department of Emergency Communications received a 911 call at 1:21 p.m. Friday from a home on Sneed Road in the police department’s West Precinct. Officers and Nashville Fire Department personnel responded and located resident Kyle Jacobs, 49, deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in an upstairs bedroom/office. His death is being investigated as an apparent suicide,” the statement read. “Mr. Jacobs’ wife, Kellie Pickler, reported that she awoke a short time earlier, did not see her husband, and began looking for him. After she and her personal assistant were unable to open the door to the upstairs bedroom/office, the assistant telephoned 911.”

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Stella Stevens

Stevens, who starred alongside Elvis Presley in 1962’s Girls! Girls! Girls!, died on February 17. She was 84. The 1963 Nutty Professor actress passed away following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease, according to multiple reports.

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Raquel Welch

The Fantastic Voyage star died on February 15 at age 82. "The legendary bombshell actress of film, television and stage, passed away peacefully early this morning after a brief illness," a representative for the One Million Years B.C. actress told Us. "Her career spanned over 50 years starring in over 30 films and 50 television series and appearances. The Golden Globe winner, in more recent years, was involved in a very successful line of wigs. Raquel leaves behind her two children, son Damon Welch and her daughter, Tahnee Welch." 

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Austin Majors

Austin Majors The NYPD Blue alum’s sister, Kali, took to social media to confirm his death on February 13.

“My big brother, Austin, is gone. He died last night. It’s so surreal to me still. He was only 27 with so much life left to live,” Kali wrote via Instagram alongside a throwback snap of the duo as children. “I’ve told some of you already but if you’re interested in his services please reach out.”

In a second tribute, she posted a collage of images of her sibling and his family over the years. “💔,” she captioned the post.

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Trugoy the Dove

The De La Soul cofounder, born David Jude Jolicoeur, died at age 54. The musician's rep confirmed the news to CNN on February 12, but no cause of death was provided.

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Cody Longo

Us Weekly confirmed on February 10 that the Days of Our Lives alum had died at the age of 34.

“He was an amazing father and the best husband. Our whole world is shattered,” Longo’s wife, Stephanie Nicole Clark, told TMZ in a statement at the time.

The Bring It On: Fight to the Finish star is survived by Clark and their three children.

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Burt Bacharach

The legendary songwriter and composer died at age 94 on February 8. His publicist told CBS News that the Oscar winner died at home in Los Angeles from natural causes. With his lyricist partner, Hal David, Bacharach was known for composing numerous classic songs, including "Walk on By," "I Say a Little Prayer" and "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head." His film soundtracks included Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, What's New Pussycat? and Arthur.

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Charlie Thomas

The Drifters singer, known for hits including "Under the Boardwalk," died on January 31. He was 85.

He passed at his home in Bowie, Maryland, after battling liver cancer, singer Peter Lemongello Jr. told Deadline.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Rita Thomas, and five children as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Credit: Courtesy Jenny Alexander/Instagram

Scott Alexander

The former America’s Got Talent magician died on February 5 at age 52. According to his wife, Jenny Alexander, who confirmed the news via Instagram, Scott “suffered a stroke on a cruise ship in St Kitts and did not make it home to us.”

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Charles Kimbrough

The actor died on January 11, his son John Kimbrough, confirmed to the New York Times in February. Charles was 86.

He was known for his role as Jim Dial on Murphy Brown (a role he reprised in the 2018 revival), which earned him his Emmy nomination. The Minnesota native got his big break in the original 1970 Broadway production of “Company,” which earned him a Tony Award nomination.

He is survived by his son as well as stepdaughter Holly Howland and his sister, Linda Kimbrough.

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Melinda Dillon

Dillon's family confirmed in an obituary that the A Christmas Story star died on January 9 at age 83. A cause of death was not revealed. 

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Paco Rabanne

The legendary Spanish designer, who was known for his perfumes, died at his home in France on February 3. He was 88. 

"The House of Paco Rabanne wishes to honour our visionary designer and founder who passed away today at the age of 88,” the official Paco Rabanne Instagram account read. “Among the most seminal fashion figures of the 20th century, his legacy will remain a constant source of inspiration. We are grateful to Monsieur Rabanne for establishing our avant-garde heritage and defining a future of limitless possibilities.”

Jose Manuel Albesa, president of Puig’s beauty and fashion division — the company that owns Rabanne’s fashion and fragrance brands — also shared a statement. 

“Paco Rabanne made transgression magnetic,” he told Page Six at the time. “Who else could induce fashionable Parisian women to clamor for dresses made of plastic and metal.”

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Cindy Williams

The Laverne & Shirley alum passed away at age 75 on Janaury 25. 

“The passing of our kind, hilarious mother, Cindy Williams, has brought us insurmountable sadness that could never truly be expressed,” Williams' children, Zak and Emily Hudson, said in a statement on January 30. “Knowing and loving her has been our joy and privilege. She was one of a kind, beautiful, generous and possessed a brilliant sense of humor and a glittering spirit that everyone loved.”

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Barrett Strong

The Motown singer and songwriter died at 81.

“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of legendary @classicmotown singer and songwriter Barrett Strong,” the Motown Museum shared via Twitter on January 29. “The voice behind @motownrecords’ first hit, the iconic 'Money (That’s What I Want)' was born in West Point, Mississippi on February 5, 1941 and was raised in Detroit.”

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Lisa Loring

Known for playing the original Wednesday Addams in the 1960s sitcom The Addams Family, Loring died at age 64 on January 28. “She went peacefully with both her daughters holding her hands,” her daughter Vanessa told The Hollywood Reporter, adding that her mother died of complications from a stroke caused by high blood pressure.

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Annie Wersching

The actress, known for 24, The Vampire Diaries and The Rookie, died on January 29 at age 45. She'd battled cancer since 2020 and kept her diagnosis private. She is survived by her husband Stephen Full and three sons, Freddie, Ozzie and Archie. 

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Tom Verlaine

The Television frontman died on January 28 in Manhattan. He was 73. 

The punk rock musician's death was announced by Jesse Paris Smith, the daughter of Patti Smith, who said that he died “after a brief illness.”

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Lance Kerwin

The Salem’s Lot star’s daughter Savannah announced his death on January 25, revealing he died one day prior. The actor was 62. 

"I am so sorry to those we have not been able to reach out to personally to notify but Lance Kerwin passed away yesterday morning," she wrote via Facebook beside a family picture. "We appreciate all the kind words, memories, and prayers that have been shared. As the coming weeks progress, I will share more information about after life ceremonies. He loved each and every one of you."

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Lloyd N. Morrisett

Sesame Workshop confirmed on January 23 that the Sesame Street co-creator died at 93. Morrisett started the educational children’s show in 1969 alongside Joan Ganz Cooney.

"Sesame Workshop mourns the passing of our esteemed and beloved cofounder Lloyd N. Morrisett, PhD,” the nonprofit behind the long-running PBS series tweeted at the time. "A Lifetime Honorary Trustee, Lloyd leaves an outsized and indelible legacy among generations of children the world over, with Sesame Street only the most visible tribute to a lifetime of good work and lasting impact.”

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Jeremy Ruehlemann

The supermodel — who walked the runways of Christian Siriano, Nick Graham and more — died at age 27, his loved ones announced via Facebook on January 22. His cause of death has not been revealed.

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Anton Walkes

The MLS player died on January 19 at age 25. The Charlotte FC confirmed his passing after Walkes sustained injuries during a boating accident in Miami one day prior. "We are deeply saddened to share that Anton Walkes has tragically passed away this morning," the team said in a statement. "May he rest in peace."

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Jay Briscoe

The former Ring of Honor wrestling champ died in a car crash on January 17. He was 38.

“Sadly, Jamin Pugh has passed away,” Tony Khan, the president of Ring of Honor, wrote via Twitter at the time, using Briscoe's real name. “Known to fans as Jay Briscoe, he was a star in ROH for over 20 years, from the first show until today. Jay and his brother Mark dominated ROH, reigning as champions to this day. We’ll do whatever we can to support his family. Rest In Peace Jamin.”

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Gina Lollobrigida

The iconic Italian star — known for such roles as the Queen of Sheba in 1959's Solomon and Sheba and as Esmerelda in 1956's Hunchback of Notre Dame — died at a clinic in Rome, her lawyer announced on January 16. She was 95.

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Al Brown

The veteran actor, best known for playing Stan Valchek on The Wire, died on January 13 at age 83. A representative for Brown announced the news via the actor's Facebook page on January 14, writing: "May his memory be a blessing to his family, his friends, and each of you. This page will remain as a testimony to Al's work and love for his fans." Valchek's daughter Jenny told TMZ that her father had been battling Alzheimer's.

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CJ Harris

The American Idol alum died on January 15 after suffering a heart attack, according to a report from TMZ. He was 31. The Alabama native finished in sixth place on the 13th season of the singing competition, which aired in 2014.

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Lisa Marie Presley

Elvis Presley’s daughter died on January 12, hours after going into cardiac arrest. She was 54.

“It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us,” Lisa’s mother, Priscilla Presley, said in a statement. “She was the most passionate strong and loving woman I have ever known. We ask for privacy as we try to deal with this profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers. At this time there will be no further comment.”

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Carole Cook

Cook’s husband, Tom Troupe, announced that the Sixteen Candles star died of heart failure on January 11 — just three days shy of her 99th birthday — at the age of 98, per The Hollywood Reporter. 

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Jeff Beck

The legendary guitarist died at age 78 after a short and "sudden" battle with meningitis, his family said in a statement to Us Weekly on January 11.

"On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing," the statement read. "After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday. His family ask for privacy while they process this tremendous loss."

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Tatjana Patitz

The supermodel, who skyrocketed to fame in the '80s and '90s and appeared on numerous Vogue covers, died at age 56. Vogue announced the news on January 11.

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King Constantine II

The final Greek monarch — Prince William's godfather — died on January 10, according to the Associated Press. The king, who was also Prince Philip's nephew and King Charles III's cousin, was 82 at the time of his death.

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Quinn Redeker

The soap actor, who appeared on Days of Our Lives and The Young and the Restless, died at age 86. His daughter, Arianne Raser, confirmed in January that her father passed away from natural causes one month prior.

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Adam Rich

The Eight Is Enough alum reportedly died on January 7 at the age of 54, according to a TMZ report.

According to the outlet, a family member confirmed that Rich was found dead in his Los Angeles home. A cause of death has not been announced.

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Gangsta Boo

The Three 6 Mafia rapper was found dead in her home on January 1. She was 43.

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Fred White

“Dearest Family Friends and Fans..... Our family is saddened today With the loss of an amazing and talented family member, Our beloved brother Frederick Eugene ‘Freddie’ White. 🙏🏾🙏🏾💔💔🥁🥁,” the Earth, Wind & Fire drummer’s brother Verdine write wrote via Instagram on January 1. “He joins our brothers Maurice, Monte and Ronald in heaven and is now drumming with the angels! 🥁🥁Child protégé, member of the EWF ORIGINAL 9, with gold records at the young age of 16 years old!”

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Ken Block

The social media personality and rally driver died on January 2 after being involved in a snowmobile accident in Utah. Block was killed from the injuries sustained in the crash, during which the vehicle upended and topped over him, per CNN.

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Alan Rankine

The Associates cofounder “died peacefully at home shortly after spending Christmas with his family,” the musician’s children said in a statement via Facebook on January 3. “He was a beautiful, kind and loving man who will be sorely missed.”