Hollywood lost some of its greats this year. Scroll down to see Us Weekly’s tribute to the celebrities who died in 2018.
Hollywood lost some of its greats this year. Scroll down to see Us Weekly’s tribute to the celebrities who died in 2018.
The British dame, best known for playing Edina Monsoon's mother on the sitcom Absolutely Fabulous, died on December 28 at the age of 93. The acting veteran's career spanned six decades and included a cameo in a London-based episode of Friends. Jennifer Saunders, who played Edina, paid tribute to her costar, saying, "It's so tremendously sad to lose June. I will always be grateful that she agreed to be in Ab Fab and even more grateful that she became a dear friend. She lived and worked with an extraordinary grace. Everything June did was perfectly measured. She was so loved and I will miss her hugely."
The Goodfellas actor died on December 26, 2018. He was 83. Adonis' wife, Denise, told TMZ that he suffered from kidney problems, along with other health issues, for several years and was on dialysis before his death. "He will be missed," she said. "He was a great father and an amazing husband. He helped all his friends he could. Great writer, director and actor. He was my best friend."
The Broadway star and The Cosby Show actress passed away in November in Loma Linda, California, at the age of 88. “With a career spanning over five decades, Ayler had a recurring role as Carrie Hanks, [Clair] Huxtable’s mother on The Cosby Show has come home to rest,” her family wrote on The Mobile Register and Baldwin County obituaries’ site.
The co-founder of the gaming app HQ Trivia was found dead at his NYC apartment on December 16 of a suspected drug overdose. He was 34. Kroll, who also co-founded Vine, was found unconscious and unresponsive in his bedroom and subsequently pronounced dead at the scene after his girlfriend called the New York Police Department to ask for a wellness check because she'd been unable to reach him, according to multiple reports.
The jazz legend passed away at her home in Pioneertown, California, at the age of 81, her manager and publicist Devra Hall Levy confirmed to the Associated Press. The Grammy winner, who had reportedly been battling a longtime illness, was known for songs such as “Guess Who I Saw Today” and “(You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am.” She retired from touring in 2011 after recording dozens of albums and appearing on shows including Hawaii Five-O and Police Story. The Chillicothe, Ohio, native is survived by son Kacy Dennis with ex-husband Kenny Dennis and daughters Samantha and Sheryl Burton, whom she shared with her late husband, Reverend Wiley Burton. Burton died in 2008.
Clint Eastwood’s longtime partner died in November from cardiac arrest due to breast and bone cancer, according to Radar Online. The actress, who battled cancer for three years prior to her death, was laid to rest at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park & Mortuary in Los Angeles. She dated Eastwood from 1975 to 1989 and costarred with him in The Outlaw Josey Wales in 1976. She was also nominated for an Oscar for 1968’s The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter.
The former Major League Baseball player died in a car crash in Venezuela at age 37 alongside Luis Valbuena on December 6. The Cardenales de Lara teammates were reportedly driving from a game in Caracas to Barquisimeto when their car collided with a boulder on the highway.
The free agent died in a car accident in Venezuela at age 33 alongside José Castillo on December 6. The Cardenales de Lara baseball players were reportedly traveling from a game in Caracas to Barquisimeto when their car ran into a boulder on the highway.
The former president of the United States died on November 30 at the age of 94, just seven months after he lost his wife of more than 70 years, Barbara Bush. "He taught me and my family about service, family, decency, the power of gentle words and a beautiful heart," his granddaughter Jenna Bush Hager wrote in a tribute. "I will miss him desperately but so happy he and my Grandmother are back together."
The LFO singer (real name Harold Lima) died at age 41 on November 21 after a yearlong battle with stage IV adrenal cancer. His bandmate Brad Fischetti had announced Lima’s diagnosis on YouTube in October 2017, telling fans, “It’s devastating news, but at the same time, there’s nobody I know stronger than Devin Lima.” The trio previously lost its lead singer, Rich Cronin, to leukemia in 2010.
The novelist and screenwriter, who won Oscars for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President’s Men, died at age 87 on November 16 from complications with colon cancer and pneumonia. He was also known for writing the cult hit The Princess Bride. “So much of what’s he’s written can express who he was and what he was about,” William’s daughter, Jenny Goldman, told the Associated Press.
The model and actress was found dead at age 47 on November 15. She shared three children with ex-boyfriend Diddy: Christian and twins Jessie James and D’Lila. The rapper’s rep said in a statement to Us, “Sadly, I can confirm the passing of Kim Porter. I ask that you give the families privacy at this time.” TMZ reported that authorities received a call about a patient in cardiac arrest and Porter had been suffering from flu-like symptoms for weeks.
The legendary Marvel Comics writer died at age 95 on November 12. He was best known for co-creating characters including Spider-Man, the Hulk, Thor, Iron Man, the X-Men and Doctor Strange. In more recent years, he helped Marvel become a multi-billion-dollar movie empire.
The former Australian tennis prodigy died at age 34 on October 23, according to multiple outlets, including the Associated Press and ESPN. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the athlete’s cause of death is unknown, and there were no suspicious circumstances. Reid turned pro after winning the 2002 Wimbledon junior singles title. He made the third round of the Australian Open in 2004 and reached his career-high ranking of No. 105 in the world in his early 20s. Reid’s career was put on hold in 2005 after a series of injuries and a bout with glandular fever.
The Microsoft cofounder died from complications of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma on October 15. He was 65. A second company he founded, Vulcan Inc., released a statement with the news: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our founder Paul G. Allen, co-founder of Microsoft and noted technologist, philanthropist, community builder, conservationist, musician and supporter of the arts."
The Days of Our Lives star, who played Caroline Brady since 1983, died from natural causes at age 90 on October 7. Her longtime costar Deidre Hall remembered her on Facebook as a “friend, an activist and a real scrapper.” McCay won a Primetime Emmy in 1991 for her guest role on The Trials of Rosie O’Neill.
Wilson, who played Hershel Greene on The Walking Dead, died at the age of 76 after battling leukemia, TMZ reported on October 6. "Scott will always be remembered as a great actor and we all feel fortunate to have known him as an even better person," AMC said in a statement to Us Weekly. "The character he embodied on The Walking Dead, Hershel, lived at the emotional core of the show. Like Scott in our lives, Hershel was a character whose actions continue to inform our characters' choices to this day. Our hearts go out to his wife, family, friends and to the millions of fans who loved him. Scott will be missed."
The former Bachelor contestant died from an apparent seizure while at school on October 4, at age 38. The Sunrise Police Department in Florida released a statement to Us Weekly following her death. “The students around her noticed her coffee fell to the ground and thought maybe she fell asleep, but she was unresponsive when they approached her,” said Officer Fernandez. “They called 911, and Fire Rescue showed up and started CPR and she was still unresponsive.” She was later pronounced dead at nearby Westside Regional Medical Center.
The former Miss Texas USA and Miss Universe winner died at age 45 following a protracted illness on September 8. "Chelsi was our loving daughter, niece, and friend. We will miss her infectious laughter, joie de vivre, and free spirit," her family said in a statement, via ABC. "She always appreciated the expressions of love and good will from people around the world and from all walks of life."
The I Dream of Jeannie star passed away on September 4 at age 91. Costar Barbara Eden shared the news on Twitter September 7: "Our favorite zany astronaut, Bill Daily has passed. Billy was wonderful to work with. He was a funny, sweet man that kept us all on our toes. I'm so thankful to have known and worked with that rascal. Until we meet again Billy, xo -B #RIPBillDaily." Daily’s son told The Hollywood Reporter the actor died of natural causes in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The “Self Care” rapper died at the age of 26 on September 7. The LAPD confirmed to Us that authorities responded to his home in the San Fernano Valley after 11 a.m. TMZ reported that he was pronounced dead at the scene from an apparent overdose. Miller, who dated Ariana Grande for two years until their split in May, spoke candidly in the past about his ongoing battle with substance abuse.
John F. Kennedy’s nephew died on Tuesday, September 4, in Vancouver, Canada, at age 63 after suffering a heart attack, Patrick J. Kennedy told The Associated Press. The actor, whose parents were Patricia Kennedy and Peter Lawford, is survived by wife Mercedes Miller and three children from his first marriage: David, Savannah and Matthew.
The beloved General Hospital vet, who played the role of Dr. Gail Baldwin for more than two decades, died at the age of 86 on September 1. The show's executive producer, Frank Valentini made the announcement on Twitter: "It's a very sad day in Port Charles as the wonderful Susan Brown ("Gail Baldwin") passed away today," he wrote. "My sincerest condolences to her family and to all who knew this amazing woman." Brown, also known for her role as Adelaide Fitzgibbons on As the World Turns, was remembered by costars Kin Shriner, who played her stepson Scotty, and Jackie Zeman, who both tweeted their condolences.
The ER alum was killed in an officer-involved shooting in South Pasadena on August 30, after officials responded for a welfare check at her apartment. According to a press release from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Marquez “became uncooperative” and allegedly pointed a BB gun at officers, at which point the shooting occurred. The 49-year-old actress was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The American playwright died at the age of 91 in the early morning hours of August 26 after being taken off life support, according to TMZ. A rep for Simon told the publication that the Tony winner, best known for Broadway hits such as Come Blow Your Horn (1961), The Odd Couple (1965), Brighton Beach Memoirs (1982) and Biloxi Blues (1985), died of complications from pneumonia. In addition to his work as a playwright, Simon was an Oscar-winning screenwriter for films such as The Out of Towners (1970) and Lost in Younkers (1991), for which he won the Pulitzer Prize. He penned more than 30 plays in his lifetime.
The Arizona senator died at his Arizona home on August 25 after a battle with cancer. The Vietnam war hero was diagnosed with a brain tumor in July 2017 after undergoing surgery to remove a blood clot above his left eye. His family announced one day before the former presidential candidate's death that he was discontinuing medical treatment for his condition. McCain's daughter View cohost Meghan McCain paid tribute to her late father on Twitter hours after his death, writing that "he was a great fire who burned bright, and we lived in his light and warmth for so very long. We know that his flame lives on, in each of us." McCain is survived by his wife, Cindy, and his seven adult children: Douglas, Andrew, Sidney, Meghan, John, James and Bridget.
The lead singer of metalcore band We Came as Romans died at the age of 28, the group revealed in an Instagram post on August 25. "Today music lost another great with the passing of Kyle Pavone of We Came as Romans," the statement read. "Kyle's tragic loss came too early in his life and those of his bandmates. All are devastated by his passing. We will miss his smiles, his sincerity, his concern for others, and his impressive musical talent. In lieu of flowers, we will be providing information regarding charity donations this coming week. The family and the band wish to thank their fans and the music community for all of their love and support as they navigate their grief." "'Will I Be Remembered or Will I Be Lost in Loving Eyes?'" they added, referencing the lyrics of the song "Promise Me" from their latest album. The band was due to go on tour in September, according to a post on We Came as Romans' Facebook page. TMZ reported that Pavone was transported to a Michigan hospital on August 19 and pronounced dead six days later. His cause of death has not been revealed.
The Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous host died on August 24 at age 76. He had been hospitalized since November 2017 after suffering a stroke. “Despite the past 10 months, what a beautiful life he had,” Leach’s family said in a statement. “Our Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle and friend Robin Leach passed away peacefully last night at 1:50 a.m. Everyone’s support and love over the past, almost one year, has been incredible and we are so grateful.”
The Oscars producer died at age 69 after complications from a shoulder replacement surgery on August 20. He produced Chicago, NBC's Smash and live TV musicals such as Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, The Sound of Music, Peter Pan, The Wiz and Hairspray.
The Britain's Got Talent finalist was stabbed to death in London on August 15. She was 31. Kerr performed on the reality show as a member of NHS choir group B Positive, which features vocalists who have sickle cell anemia or who have loved ones with the disease. Kerr, who was a hematology and oncology nurse, joined the group in 2015 after her 6-year-old son, Kavele, died from the blood disorder. Desmond Slyva, 40, was charged with her murder.
The Queen of Soul, who was best known for hits such as “Respect” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” died at age 76 on August 16 at her home in Detroit. She had been battling pancreatic cancer. “In one of the darkest moments of our lives, we are not able to find the appropriate words to express the pain in our heart,” her family said in a statement to Us. “We have lost the matriarch and rock of our family. The love she had for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins knew no bounds. … We have felt your love for Aretha and it brings us comfort to know that her legacy will live on.”
The Australian pro golfer died at age 36 on August 8, one week after he decided to end treatment for acute myeloid leukemia and begin palliative care at his home. His wife, Briony, told The Sydney Morning Herald that she and the couple’s young daughters, Lusi and Jemma, are “filled with grief and now must confront our lives without the greatest husband and father we could ever have wished for.”
The French chef and restaurateur, hailed as the “Chef of the Century,” died at age 73 on August 6 after battling pancreatic cancer. Over his nearly six-decade career, Robuchon owned and ran restaurants on three continents, mentored Éric Ripert and Gordon Ramsay, hosted French cooking TV shows, and earned the Meilleur Ouvrier de France award. According to his website, Robuchon was also the world’s most Michelin-starred chef.
The acting veteran, who played Mrs. Garrett on Diff'rent Strokes and Facts of Life, died on August 5 after battling cancer. She was 92. "I love life. I've had a wonderful one already," she said in a statement in April 2017, revealing that she had bone cancer, seven years after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. "I've had a great life, but I have so many wonderful things happening. I'd like to choose life. I'm grateful for the life I've already had." Her former costars Kim Fields and Mindy Cohn paid tribute to the Emmy and Tony nominee, with Cohn writing on Instagram, "She was my champion, a teacher, a proud example of the tenacity and perseverance needed to live as a creative, along with your talent and gifts. I love you char."
Us Weekly confirmed on July 23 that the Wicked Tuna star died at the age of 28. According to his obituary, he died “unexpectedly” on July 19. The National Geographic Channel series paid tribute to Fudge with a moment of silence on Twitter during a season 7 episode. Fudge is survived by his parents, Ronald and Judy, and his brother, Cody.
The 3rd Rock From the Sun actress, who played Mrs. Mamie Dubcek, died at the age of 89 on July 21. "#ripelmariewendel you were a great mom and a badass dame," her daughter J.C. Wendel wrote on Instagram, sharing a throwback photo of her mom with the sitcom's cast, including John Lithgow and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
Us Weekly confirmed on July 16 that the Ladies of London star died at 49 years old. The London Metropolitan Police told Us that officers were called to Neilson’s address four days earlier after a woman had been “found deceased at the location.” The police added that her death is not being treated as suspicious.
The former NHL goaltender died by drowning on July 15 in Hamilton, Ontario. The 35-year-old’s body was recovered approximately 70 feet from where he was last seen. “At this time, we do not believe there to be any suspicious or foul play. We do believe this is a case of misadventure,” Inspector Marty Schulenberg of the Hamilton Police Service told reporters at the time. “Mr. Emery had gone for a swim and did not surface after he dove in the water.”
The former UCLA basketball player died at age 39 on July 8. His body was found on a roadway in Phoenix hours after he posted a YouTube video in which he said, “I’m lost in life, and I feel like there’s no hope. I have no friends with me here. I have no wife, girlfriend. I have nothing, and I just feel like I can’t continue on.” Knight had been arrested less than a month before his death and charged with six felonies for allegedly sexually abusing a child.
The actor who rose to fame in the 1950s died on July 8, 2018, from a heart attack caused by a blood clot. The star, who revealed he was gay in his 2005 memoir, was best most known for his roles in Damn Yankees! and The Pleasure of His Company. He was 86.
The former NBA player died at the age of 27 of an apparent suicide following a standoff with police on July 6. Honeycutt's mother reportedly called authorities saying that her son was acting erratically before he barricaded himself in his Sherman Oaks home, exchanging gunfire with officers. Hours later SWAT officers entered the home and found the former UCLA Bruins player dead at the scene of what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Canadian rapper reportedly died on June 30 after being shot dead in Toronto. He was 21. According to local reports, the shooting took place just before 8 p.m. in the entertainment district outside Cube nightclub. Drake posted a heartfelt tribute to Smoke Dawg, who opened for him on his 2017 Boy Meets World European tour. "All these gifts and blessed souls and inner lights being extinguished lately is devastating," the "God's Plan" singer wrote on Instagram. "I wish peace would wash over our city. So much talent and so many stories we never get to see play out. Rest up Smoke."
The father of Janet Jackson and the late Michael Jackson died on June 27 after a battle with cancer, a source confirmed to Us Weekly. He was 89 years old. Us confirmed that Joe had been hospitalized in the final stages of terminal cancer. News of Joe's death comes just two days after the ninth anniversary of Michael's death.
Richard Harrison, who earned the nickname “The Old Man” on Pawn Stars, passed away on Monday, June 25, at the age of 77. “He will be tremendously missed by our family, the team at Gold & Silver Pawn and his many fans the world over. He was my hero and I was fortunate to get a very cool ‘Old Man’ as my dad,” his son Rick Harrison said in a statement to Us. The father and son duo opened the pawn shop together in 1989 and starred on The History Channel show since 2009.
The drummer for metal bands Pantera, HELLYEAH and Damageplan died at age 54. "Vincent Paul Abbott aka Vinnie Paul has passed away," Pantera tweeted on June 23. "Paul is best known for his work as the drummer in the bands Pantera and Hellyeah. No further details are available at this time. The family requests you please respect their privacy during this time."
Fox News contributor and Pulitzer Prize winner Charles Krauthammer died on June 21 after a battle with cancer at 68 years old. The network confirmed his death nearly two weeks after he revealed in an emotional letter that his cancer had returned and he had just “weeks” to live. He is survived by his wife, Robyn, and their adult son, Daniel.
The WWE legend (real name Leon White) died at age 63 on June 18 after a two-year battle with congestive heart failure. His son, Jake Carter, announced the news “with a heavy heart” on Twitter: “Around a month ago my father was diagnosed with a severe case of pneumonia. He fought extremely hard and clinically was making progress. Unfortunately, on Monday night his heart had enough and it was his time.”
The rapper (real name Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy) died on June 18 after being shot while shopping for motorcycles in South Florida. TMZ reported that the 20-year-old was leaving a dealership when he was shot at in a "possible drive-by." XXXTentacion had barely left his house over the past few months, according to the Miami New Times, as he was on modified house arrest while awaiting trial for a number of criminal charges including domestic battery strangulation, false imprisonment and aggravated battery of his pregnant girlfriend. Stars including Kanye West and Travis Barker paid tribute to the rapper, with West tweeting, "I never told you how much you inspired me when you were here thank you for existing."
The former teen actor and songwriter, best known for guest roles on TV shows including The Goldbergs, iCarly and Modern Family and the film Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer, died on June 8, at the age of 20. He was found unresponsive at a sober living house in California, sources tell Us Weekly. Odell also wrote several tunes for the soundtrack of the 2018 country music-themed film Forever Your Girl, including the Lauren Alaina song "Wings of an Angel." "The Odell family has lost our beloved son and brother, Jackson Odell," the family said in a statement to TMZ. "He will always be a shining light and a brilliant, loving and talented soul. He had so much more to share. Our family will always carry that truth forward. Our wish is that the rest of the world does as well. We are now going to try to make sense of our immeasurable loss privately."
The celebrity chef died of an apparent suicide in France at the age of 61. "It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain,” CNN said in a statement on June 8. "His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller. His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter and family at this incredibly difficult time."
The Frightened Rabbit lead singer was found dead at age 36 near South Queensferry, Scotland, on May 10, one day after being reported missing. In a statement posted on Twitter, his bandmates said, “He will be missed by all of us and his absence will always be felt but he leaves a legacy of hope, kindness and color that will forever be remembered and shared.” Hutchison’s family said in a separate statement to CNN that he had battled depression for years.
The Austin Powers star died on April 21 at the age of 49. "Verne was an extremely caring individual," his spokesman said in a statement to Us. "He wanted to make everyone smile, be happy, and laugh. Anybody in need, he would help to any extent possible. Verne hoped he made a positive change with the platform he had and worked towards spreading that message everyday." Troyer, who had been to rehab for alcohol addiction, was hospitalized at the beginning of April after a friend reportedly called police to say that the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone star was upset, drunk and suicidal.
Swedish DJ and producer Avicii, whose real name was Tim Bergling, died on April 20 at age 28. The Grammy-nominated artist was found dead in Muscat, Oman, his rep confirmed in a statement. “The family is devastated and we ask everyone to please respect their need for privacy in this difficult time. No further statements will be given,” the rep said. Avicii, who gained acclaim with his hit “Wake Me Up,” retired in 2016 due to health issues, including acute pancreatitis.
“A former First Lady of the United States of America and relentless proponent of family literacy, Barbara Pierce Bush passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at the age of 92,” her husband George H. W. Bush‘s office said in a statement. "She is survived by her husband of 73 years, President George H. W. Bush, five children and their spouses; 17 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and her brother, Scott Pierce. She was preceded in death by her second child, Pauline Robinson “Robin” Bush, and her siblings Martha Rafferty and James R. Pierce. The official funeral schedule will be announced as soon as is practical." Days earlier, it was announced that she would no longer be seeking medical treatment for her ailing health.
The South African anti-apartheid activist and former wife of Nelson Mandela died on April 2 at age 81. She was hospitalized earlier after complaining of the flu. A family spokesperson told Us, “The Mandela family are deeply grateful for the gift of her life, and even as our hearts break at her passing, we urge all those who loved her to celebrate this most remarkable woman.”
The Chicago Fire actress died on March 23 at the age of 49. The Prison Break alum, who played Connie in the NBC series, had checked herself into a hospital earlier in the week after experiencing chest pains but was released shortly afterward, according to TMZ. "The Chicago Fire family is devastated to lose one of its own," executive producer Dick Wolf said in a statement to the Chicago Tribune. "Our thoughts and prayers are with DuShon’s family and we all miss her."
Famed theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking died on Wednesday, March 14, at age 76. "He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years," his children Lucy, Robert and Tim told the Associated Press in a statement. "His courage and persistence with his brilliance and humor inspired people across the world."
The former rapper, who found fame on Diddy’s Bad Boy Records, died on March 12 at the age of 46. He was best known for his 1994 single “Flava in Ya Ear,” which was famously remixed by Notorious B.I.G., LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes and Rampage. Mack later left the music industry to become a minister at a church in South Carolina.
The actor, who played M*A*S*H's Major Charles Emerson Winchester III died on March 3 at the age of 75 after battling bladder cancer. Stiers scored two Emmy nominations for his role in the Korean War series after joining the show in 1977 when Larry Linville, who played Frank Burns, left the series. He remained with the show until it ended in 1983. He also starred in series including The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Charlie's Angels, Star Trek: The Next Generation and Frasier, and voiced characters in Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Lilo & Stitch.
Bill Cosby’s daughter died from renal disease at the age of 44 on February 23. She had been a steadfast supporter of the Cosby Show alum after he was accused of sexual misconduct by more than 60 women. “The Cosby family thanks many people for their prayers for their beloved and beautiful Ensa,” Bill’s spokesperson Andrew Wyatt said in a statement to Us.
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