It’s never easy to say goodbye. Scroll down to see Us Weekly’s tribute to the celebrities who died in 2019.
Celebrity Deaths in 2019: Stars We’ve Lost
The iconic radio shock jock died at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center in College Station, Texas, on Friday, December 27, after he was admitted on Christmas Eve. His cause of death was not immediately publicized, but he was survived by his wife of 25 years, Deirdre, and children Wyatt, Zachary, Nadine, Ashley, Elizabeth and Toni. He was 79.
The Peanuts producer and longtime collaborator of Charles Schulz died following a battle with lung cancer in Hillsborough, California, on December 25 at the age of 86. He was best known for producing the 1965 holiday TV special A Charlie Brown Christmas and penned the lyrics to the special's iconic theme song, "Christmas Time Is Here."
The French fashion designer died in Paris on December 21 at the age of 86. His death was confirmed by the fashion house he founded in 1965 with an Instagram post that stated, “He remains in our memory as the master of sensuality, of color and flamboyance.”
The French actress died on December 19, in Paris, her agent confirmed to AFP. She was 78. Auger was the first French actress to play a Bond girl, starring as Domino opposite Sean Connery in 1965’s Thunderball. Her first acting job was in 1958 and she acted until 1997, finishing her career with the TV movie, The Red and the Black.
The longtime Chelsea Lately sidekick died on December 15 at the age of 63 after being hospitalized in Mexico City for stomach ailment, according to TMZ. Bravo, whose birth name was Jesus Melgoza, gave an interview with Radar Online just a few days before his death where he opened up about his relationship with his former costar Chelsea Handler. “We have both been busy trying to do our thing that we haven’t seen each other since. But we text, we call each other. She called me last week actually before my birthday. I love her. She is my dearest. I would definitely accept a job if she offered it to me. … I can’t complain.” Handler paid tribute to Bravo on Instagram, sharing several photos of her pal and writing, "I loved this nugget in a big way, and I took great pleasure in how many people loved him as much as I did and do. @chuybravo gave us so much laughter and I’ll never forget the sound of his laughter coming from his office into mine. Or his 'business calls' with his 'business manager,' or his shoe rack with all his children-sized shoes. I'll never forget him coming to Christmas with my family one year in the Florida keys, and when my niece who was 5 or 6 at the time—saw him, she ran in the other direction saying she was scared. My sister and I were mortified and were apologizing to Chuy, who told us,'it's ok, lots of little kids get scared when they see big kids coming their way.' I love you, Chuy!"
The French New Wave actress who rose to fame in films directed by her then-husband Jean-Luc Godard died in Paris on December 14 after battling cancer. She was 79. The former model starred in films including A Woman Is a Woman, The Little Soldier, Vivre Sa Vie and Band of Outsiders. She was also a singer, releasing two albums and had two hit singles in the 1960s penned by Serge Gainsbourg. “Her gaze was the gaze of the New Wave. It will remain so forever,” France’s culture minister Franck Reister tweeted. “She magnetized the entire world. Today, French cinema is an orphan. It loses one of its legends.”
The Comedy Central star died on December 12, at age 32. His death occurred weeks before his wife and high school sweetheart, Ericalynn Cotton, was expected to give birth to their child in February. Comedy Central released a statement regarding the comedian’s passing. “We’re devastated by the loss of Chris Cotton — a hilarious comedian, a beloved member of the Comedy Central family and a joy to be around,” the network tweeted. “He will be missed.”
The former child actor, best known for his role of Tommy Hyatt on the ‘70s sitcom Alice, died on December 10 in Texas after battling a longtime illness. McKeon was 55. The late actor was the older brother of Facts of Life star Nancy McKeon. The actor was also a producer and director, working most recently on 2005’s The Jacket and 2003’s Edge of Nowhere.
Teen Mom OG star Mackenzie McKee’s mother, Angie Douthit, died on December 9 after a long battle with cancer. The news was revealed on Douthit's Instagram the following day. “On Monday, December 9 at 11:37pm, Angie finished her race,” the caption read. “Her last days were spent lovingly surrounded by family and friends as they prayed, sang, and shared funny Angie stories.”
The Roxette singer died at age 61 on December 9 after a 17-year battle with cancer. Her hits included “It Must Have Been Love” and “Listen to Your Heart.” Fredriksson’s team at Dimberg Jernberg Management remembered her in a statement that read, “Marie leaves us a grand musical legacy. Her amazing voice — both strong and sensitive — and her magical live performances will be remembered by all of us who was lucky enough to witness them. But we also remember a wonderful person with a huge appetite for life, and woman with a very big heart who cared for everybody she met.”
The former Boston College baseball player, who helped popularize the viral Ice Bucket Challenge in 2014 after being diagnosed with ALS in 2012, died at age 34. His family announced the news on December 9. “A husband to Julie, a father to Lucy, a son to John and Nancy, a brother to Andrew and Jennifer, Pete passed away surrounded by his loving family, peacefully at age 34, after a heroic battle with ALS,” their statement read. “Pete was an inspiration to so many people around the world who drew strength from his courage and resiliency.”
The former Star Trek: Deep Space Nine star died on December 8 at the age of 79. His son Remy-Luc Auberjonois told The Associated Press that his father died at his L.A. home of metastatic lung cancer. The Tony award winner also starred in the film M.A.S.H. and on the sitcom Benson and voiced Chef Louis in The Little Mermaid. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, writer Judith Auberjonois, daughter Tessa, son Remy-Luc, two sisters and three grandchildren. “I have just heard about the death of my friend and fellow actor @reneauberjonois,” Star Trek alum William Shatner tweeted. “To sum up his life in a tweet is nearly impossible. To Judith, Tessa & Remy I send you my love & strength. I will keep you in my thoughts and remember a wonderful friendship with René.”
The Sesame Street puppeteer, who played the beloved character Big Bird for nearly 50 years, died on December 8 after "living with dystonia for some time." He was 85. Spinney also operated and voiced Oscar the Grouch before retiring from kids series in October 2018.
The South Korean actor died at the age of 27 on December 3. “We are truly heartbroken to deliver sad news to everyone who has sent lots of love and support to Cha In Ha until now. We are filled with grief at this news that is still hard to believe,” his management agency, Fantagio, said in a statement. “We earnestly ask for rumors to not be spread and for speculative reports to not be released in order for his family, who is experiencing greater sadness more than anyone due to the sudden sad news, to send him away peacefully. As wished by his family, the funeral will be held privately.”
The Pink Taco founder died at age 38 on November 24, according to TMZ. Morton was found unresponsive at his home in Beverly Hills and was pronounced dead at the scene. A source told Us Weekly exclusively that Morton’s ex Lindsay Lohan was “crying hysterically” after hearing the news.
The K-Pop star was found dead at age 28 in her South Korea home on November 24, TMZ reported. Hara, who was a member of the group Kara, posted a photo of herself on her Instagram two days before her death with the caption: “Good night.” Her cause of death is under investigation.
The actress died at age 78 of congestive heart failure on November 13. She was best known for her role on Glee as Lillian Adler, William McKinley High School’s former glee club director. Her character's plaque was displayed in a trophy case at the school with the quote, "By its very definition, glee is about opening yourself up to joy." Her plaque and one honoring Cory Monteith's character, Finn Hudson, are shown in the final shot of the series.
The Minnesota Twins prospect was found dead at age 23 in his New Zealand hotel room on November 18, days after he joined the Australian Baseball League’s Auckland Tuatara. The Tuatara said in a press release that “preliminary indications suggest he died of natural causes.”
The former Michigan State University and Detroit Lions wide receiver, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2003 NFL draft, died on November 11 at age 38. “[Rogers] had the total package as a premiere wide receiver with size, speed and range, topped with an awesome competitive spirit, yet he was humble off the field,” Spartan wide receivers coach Don Treadwell said in a statement, per CNN. “It was a privilege to have coached him.”
The Broadway actress died at age 13 on November 5. Her grandfather revealed that she “passed away suddenly from a massive asthma attack.” In addition to her onstage roles in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Once, Griggs appeared in the 2016 movie Café Society and in several episodes of Saturday Night Live.
The soap opera star died on November 5 at age 88 due to complications from cancer. He was best known for his roles as Mitchell Sherman on The Young and the Restless from 1986 to 2011 and Ted Ballantine on General Hospital in the 1980s. "As a Hollywood actor for 60 years, he touched many ppls lives. I did EVERYTHING I could for him..and that brings me peace. But alas…I miss him so. One love," Wintersole's daughter Tiffany Harmon wrote in a statement on Facebook.
The Puerto Rican astrologer known for his over-the-top televised readings of horoscopes died in San Juan on November 2. He was 87. Mercado, whose readings were featured in the final segment of the Spanish news show Primer Impacto, always ended his appearances by blowing a kiss and saying, “Above all, much, much, much love.” According to an exhibition at the HistoryMiami museum earlier this year, his appearances reached 120 million Latino viewers a day for more than 30 years.
The comedian and Friday actor died at age 77 on October 29. “He was a Legend in the entertainment industry, and a father figure to all who watched him over the years. We love you ‘POPS’ always & forever,” Witherspoon’s family said in a statement on Twitter.
The NFL Hall of Famer died at the age of 78, the Pro Football Hall of Fame revealed on October 22. The former Oakland Raiders defensive back played 16 seasons in the American Football League and the NFL. The Raiders said in a statement that “his legendary performance on the field changed the way the cornerback position was played and his valued guidance as a coach, mentor and administrator permeated the organization and touched countless individuals both on and off the field. Willie’s loss will leave a tremendous void, but his leadership and presence will always be a major part of the Raiders Family.”
The South Korean pop star and actress died at the age of 25 on October 14. Sulli’s manager discovered her dead at home after being unable to reach her by phone for several hours. A police official told CNN that “it seems she killed herself,” though an official cause of death was not immediately released.
The comedian known as the King of Camp and Confetti died on October 6 in Beverly Hills at the age of 84. His publicist, Harlan Boll, said that Taylor had been hospitalized in the intensive care unit at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after suffering a seizure days earlier, according to CNN. Taylor, who hosted The $1.98 Beauty Show, appeared in films including Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Indecent Proposal and Wayne’s World 2. According to his official website, he made more than 2,000 appearances on TV, on shows including The Tonight Show, The Gong Show, Hollywood Squares and Match Game. He was also the subject of a 2016 documentary, Rip Rip Hooray!
The English drummer died on October 6 at age 80 at a hospital in the United Kingdom. His daughter, Nettie, confirmed the news to CNN. “Dad passed away peacefully,” she said in a statement. “He was in no pain and had recently been able to see and speak to his children, close family and special friends.” Baker was best known as a member of the rock band Cream, as well as the bands Blind Faith and Ginger Baker’s Air Force.
Carroll’s daughter, producer-journalist Suzanne Kay, confirmed to The Associated Press that the actress died from cancer on October 4 at age 84. The groundbreaking star, a New York native, was best known for her roles on the TV shows Dynasty and Julia, and in the film Claudine. She was the first black actress to win a Tony award in 1962, and she was also the first black actress to lead a TV series.
The Muffs frontwoman and former Pixies bassist died at age 56 on October 2 after a two-year battle with ALS. "I am the man I am today because of her," her husband, Kevin Sutherland, wrote on Instagram. "She will live with all of us through her music, our shared memories and in her fierce creative spirit. I love you always my Kimmy. Thank you for sharing your life with me."
The Belly actor and Grammy-winning reggae artist died in his mid-50s on September 30 after a car accident in Ontario, Canada. “There are no words!!!!!! Sleep with the angels my King!” his wife and executive assistant, Jewlz Sykes, with whom he shared children, wrote on Instagram.
Norman, an international opera star, died on September 30 at age 74. She was surrounded by loved ones at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Hospital in New York when she passed from septic shock and organ failure. A family spokesperson for the four-time Grammy winner confirmed the news to The Associated Press. “We are so proud of Jessye’s musical achievements and the inspiration that she provided to audiences around the world that will continue to be a source of joy,” the statement read. “We are equally proud of her humanitarian endeavors addressing matters such as hunger, homelessness, youth development, and arts and culture education.”
The Superstore actress died at the age of 86, her reps confirmed to Variety on September 27. “Linda wasn’t just hilarious, she was incredibly sweet, energetic and enthusiastic – working with her brightened everyone’s day,” the NBC show’s executive producers Jonathan Green and Gabe Miller said in a statement. “We’re lucky to have been a small part of her long career. The Superstore family won’t be the same without her.” Porter, who also appeared in Twin Peaks: The Return, American Horror Story and Gilmore Girls, was also remembered by her costars including Ben Feldman, who shared a photo from the set with the actress and wrote on Twitter, “Here’s hoping the angels don’t call cut right away because your best stuff always came at the end. We’ll miss you Linda Porter.”
The celebrity chef and restauranteur died at age 44 on September 21. “His ability to make me laugh and smile under any circumstances was only outshined by his talent as a chef,” fellow Food Network star Guy Fieri tweeted. Ruiz’s cause of death was not immediately revealed.
The Star Trek: Deep Space Nine star died at age 50 on September 21. His wife, Malíssa Longo, remembered him on Facebook as “an intelligent, humble, funny, emphatic soul” who lived “his life with integrity and truth.” The late actor was born with one kidney and had received two kidney transplants during his life.
The legendary horror actor, whose credits included House of 1,000 Corpses and The Devil’s Rejects, died at age 80 on September 21. His wife, Susan L. Oberg, wrote on Instagram two weeks earlier that he had been involved in an unspecified accident, calling it a “nasty spill.”
The 56-year-old actress and TV personality, who hosted House Hunters and House Hunters International for more than a decade, died after a 13-year battle with breast cancer on September 19. “Her audacious sense of humor blessed many, shocked a few, but allowed us to laugh in the face of adversity,” Jeff Vezain, her partner, wrote on Facebook. “She was an amazing daughter, sister, friend, mentor and advocate.”
The frontman for The Cars died at the age of 75 on September 15. According to NBC 4, police received a call at about 4 p.m. for an unconscious male at a Manhattan townhouse. Ocasek was pronounced dead at the scene. The New York Post’s Page Six reported that he was found by his estranged wife, Paulina Porizkova. The model announced their split in May 2018 after 28 years of marriage. Ocasek, who was married three times, had six sons, two from each of his marriages.
The singer, known for hits such as “Take Me Home Tonight” and “Two Tickets to Paradise,” died at age 70 on September 13. Money and his wife, Laurie, revealed in August that he had stage 4 esophageal cancer. The Grammy nominee’s family issued a statement on the day of his death. “The Money Family regrets to announce that Eddie passed away peacefully early this morning. It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our loving husband and father,” the statement read, per Variety. “We cannot imagine our world without him. We are grateful that he will live on forever through his music.”
The Project Runway season 4 star died after suffering a heart attack on September 5. He was 56. He was previously placed in a medically induced coma after he fell and hit his head at his home in June 2017. After several weeks he woke up to learn that he was paralyzed from the knees down in both legs, as well as his right arm.
The 30-year-old “Twenty Years From Now” singer died in New Mexico in a three-vehicle crash on September 4.
“We are heartbroken to confirm that Kylie Rae Harris passed away in a car accident last night,” Harris’ publicist said in a statement. “Everyone that knew Kylie knew how much she loved her family and, beyond that, how much she loved music. The best tribute to her unmatched enthusiasm for both is to spread as much love as you can today, and listen to music that fully inspires you.”
She is survived by her 6-year-old daughter.
The legendary photographer died on September 3 at age 74. Duchess Meghan, Rihanna and Cindy Crawford were among the celebrities who penned heartfelt tributes in Lindbergh’s honor after the news of his death was confirmed in a post on his official Instagram page.
The Spanish singer died at age 30 in September while performing on stage in a music festival in Las Berlanas, Spain. Sainz Garcia was struck and killed after a pyrotechnics explosion hit her in the stomach while she was singing and dancing alongside the Super Hollywood Orchestra group.
The Mary Tyler Moore Show star died at age 80 on August 30. Her cause of death was not known when the news broke. However, she suffered numerous health setbacks following a 2009 lung cancer diagnosis and a 2013 leptomeningeal carcinomatosis diagnosis.
The Nobel Prize winner died on August 5 at the age of 88. Morrison’s family confirmed her passing in a statement to Princeton University.
“It is with profound sadness we share that, following a short illness, our adored mother and grandmother, Toni Morrison, passed away peacefully last night surrounded by family and friends," the statement read. ”She was an extremely devoted mother, grandmother, and aunt who reveled in being with her family and friends. The consummate writer who treasured the written word, whether her own, her students or others, she read voraciously and was most at home when writing. Although her passing represents a tremendous loss, we are grateful she had a long, well-lived life."
The 22-year-old granddaughter of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy was pronounced dead at Cape Cod Hospital in Massachusetts on August 1 after suffering an apparent overdose at her family’s compound. “Our hearts are shattered by the loss of our beloved Saoirse,” the Kennedy family said in a statement to The New York Times. “Her life was filled with hope, promise and love.”
The Broadway producer died at age 91 in Reykjavik, Iceland, on July 31 after battling what his publicist described to the Associated Press as “a brief illness.” Prince worked on shows including The Phantom of the Opera, Cabaret and Sweeney Todd. He won a whopping 21 Tony Awards throughout his career.
The actress best known for voicing Minnie Mouse died in Glendale, California, on July 26, at the age of 75. “Minnie Mouse lost her voice with the passing of Russi Taylor,” Walt Disney Company chairman and chief executive officer Bob Eiger said in a statement. “For more than 30 years, Minnie and Russi worked together to entertain millions around the world — a partnership that made Minnie a global icon and Russi a Disney Legend beloved by fans everywhere.”
The Blade Runner actor died at age 75 on July 19 at his home in the Netherlands after a short illness, his agent Steve Kenis confirmed at the time. Hauer is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ineke ten Cate, and his daughter, Aysha Hauer, from a previous marriage.
The boxing legend died at age 55 on July 14 after a car struck and killed him in Virginia Beach. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the accident. Whitaker won championship belts in four weight classes during his 17-year professional career, in addition to winning an Olympic gold medal.
The celebrated actor died at age 88 in his Lakeville, Connecticut, home, on July 9 with his wife, Amy Wright, and daughters Angelica Page and Katie Torn beside him. The Oscar-nominated star won his first Primetime Emmy Award in 1996 for his role as Artie on The Larry Sanders Show. He also appeared in various films, such as Dodgeball and Men in Black, and television shows, including 30 Rock and Will & Grace, during his decades-long career.
The billionaire business magnate died at age 89 on July 9 at his home in Dallas, surrounded by family members. He ran for president twice during his life, in 1992 and again in 1996. Both campaigns were considered to be the strongest in U.S. history by an independent or third party candidate.
The Jessie alum died on July 6 at age 20. “It is with a profoundly heavy heart that we report that this morning we lost Cameron. He passed away in his sleep due to a seizure which was a result of an ongoing medical condition for which he was being treated,” a spokesperson for Boyce’s family said in a statement at the time. "The world is now undoubtedly without one of its brightest lights, but his spirit will live on through the kindness and compassion of all who knew and loved him. We are utterly heartbroken and ask for privacy during this immensely difficult time as we grieve the loss of our precious son and brother.”
The automobile executive died at age 94 on July 2. He was best known for putting the Mustang in Ford’s lineup in the 1960s and reviving Chrysler 20 years later. He famously starred in several TV ads with his signature tagline: “If you can find a better car, buy it!”
The Dog the Bounty Hunter star lost her two-year-long battle with throat and lung cancer on June 26. She was 51. Beth’s husband, Dog “The Bounty Hunter” Chapman, confirmed the news via Twitter. “It’s 5:32 in Hawaii, this is the time she would wake up to go hike Koko Head mountain,” he wrote. “Only today, she hiked the stairway to heaven. We all love you, Beth. See you on the other side.”
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