Joan Didion was born on December 5, 1934 in Sacramento, California, USA. She was previously married to Denise Tompkins. But he had a slew of memorable roles on the small and big screen. His wife, Thessa Sinahon, announced Kotto's passing in a Facebook post. He also had the story credit alongside his brother in the 1991 comedy "Nothing But Trouble.". This Grammy-nominated producer died due to a sudden accident in Athens, Greece. She died on November 9, 2021 in Scotland, UK. She was previously married to Bob Kellijan and Zach Kleiman. Aside from this iconic role, her face might also be familiar for her many TV commercials. "An original member of Kool & the Gang, Dennis was known as the quintessential cool cat in the group, loved for his hip clothes and hats, and his laid-back demeanor," read the statement of his passing on the band's official Facebook page. We say goodbye to the famous people that touched our lives. As the drummer of The Rolling Stones, he didn't have the flash of its frontman Mick Jagger or the flamboyance of its lead guitarist Keith Richards, instead Watts kept in the background often staying quiet when the band had to do press. He had bit parts in movies like 1983's "Dr. Detroit" and 1987's "Dragnet." "She could make you laugh or cry at the drop of a hat. Lasorda died on January 7 due to a cardiac arrest. The band, which was formed in 1964, had a revolutionary sound which has stood the test of time thanks to iconic songs like "Nights in White Satan" and "Tuesday Afternoon." "The dream became a reality and the reality became a nightmare for some. Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding, comedian Sean Lock, Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, musical great Stephen Sondheim and of course Prince Philip are among those who sadly died in 2021. Madden died on December 28, no cause was given. Getty Images Beloved actress Betty White died on New Year's Eve 2021, her rep. His work is responsible for five Tony Award for best musical, and six of which won for best original score. show host for "David The Gladiator" show which was on Saturday nights from 8:00-10:00p.m. Hollywood mourned the loss of icons such as Betty White and John Madden in the final days of 2021 and unfortunately, 2022 also . 15. That hit caused his other movies like "Yakuza Cop" and "The Bullet Train" to find an audience. Sophie. ", "Chris was an extraordinary man who deeply loved and respected his profession with great old fashion manners, self-deprecating humor and the music of words," Plummer's longtime manager, Lou Pitt, told Deadline. And Wright's singing of Oscar-winning song "Under the Sea" and nominated "Kiss the Girl" helped make the movie into an instant classic. The year 2021 took away several celebrities from us. Stars Who Died In 2021: Betty White, Peter Scolari, Willie Garson, & More Betty White has died. "To think that she lived for 96 years and I got to be a part of the last 16 brings me great joy," he continued. "It's a very sad day. ", But his most memorable role came as Captain Von Trapp in the 1965 movie adaptation of "The Sound of Music. He was also Emmy nominated for the comedy series "Newhart. He was previously married to Amanda, Sue and Carol. Art lives on through his work, stories about his life and the relationships he built with everyone he knew.". Slim 400: Savage (2018) and The Life and Death of Vincent Slim 400 Cochran. She was previously married to Dr. Eugene Richard Auger and Dr. James Rudolf Silber. The best example of this was during his time on "Saturday Night Live." With a naturalistic approach that seemed to elevate the actors he worked with, Valle's style was one that was unique and grabbed the attention of both big and small screen audiences. He died on December 28, 2021 in Santa Monica, California, USA. Lester Fisher was born on February 24, 1921 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Valle quickly became a go-to filmmaker for stars thanks to projects that found Oscar and Emmy acclaim like "Dallas Buyers Club," which earned Matthew McConaughey a best actor Oscar win and the Emmy-winning HBO limited series "Big Little Lies.". With Asner's loud roar of a voice and stocky stature, he spent his career playing a wide range of characters that were often intimidating but over time would prove he had a kind center. After receiving his MFA in acting from UCLA, he quickly entered the business and grabbed roles in top shows of the 1980s like "China Beach," "Perry Mason," and "Matlock.". Every time I hear a horse whinny I will forever think of Cloris' unforgettable Frau Blcher. Scottish DJ, musician, and musical producer died at the young age of 34 on January 30. He was first diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and then said in 2019 that he was, at the time, cancer-free. He did his pre college training at George School, Newtown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, then was in a class of 50 at Williams College majoring in music as an undergraduate distinguishing himself by writing a book, lyrics and music for two college shows based on the adaption of 'Beggar on Horseback'. Lou Cutell was born on October 6, 1930 in New York City, New York, USA. That case would go on and become the basis of the 1996 movie "The People vs. Larry Flynt," starring Woody Harrelson in the lead role. And now he's awaken from the fame long live shock G Aka Humpty Hump and Rest In Peace my Brotha Greg Jacobs!!!". Jerry Douglas was born on November 12, 1932 in Chelsea, Massachusetts, USA. Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles, The Life and Death of Vincent Slim 400 Cochran, NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service. He is known for Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse (2015), Compadres (2016), Camp Manna (2018) and Peter Aykroyd was born on November 19, 1955 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. ", Grodin was also known for writing a number of plays and books. The group's mix of funk and jazz arrangements has become one of the popular, influential, and heavily sampled sounds in contemporary music and has been featured in several film soundtracks, including "Saturday Night Fever," "Rocky," and Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction. ", Mekka is best known for playing the lovable Carmine "The Big Ragu" Ragusa on "Laverne & Shirley. This husky, instantly identifiable American character actor was born Italo Valentino Bisoglio on May 7, 1926, in New York City. He was a writer and producer, known for Spies Like Us (1985), Nothing But Trouble (1991) and My Stepmother Is an Alien (1988). The thick glasses with fake big nose turned the Humpty character into rap's first comedic icon. Eddie Mekka was born on June 14, 1952 in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA. "We are saddened to confirm of Dustin Diamond's passing on Monday, February 1st, 2021 due to carcinoma," Diamond's representative said in a statement provided to Insider. On Oct. 29, 2021, Turner Sports broadcaster Ernie Johnson took to Instagram to share that he and wife Cheryl's son Michael Johnson one of four children they adopted had died at 33. But his talents went beyond music, as his performance as a drug dealer trying to get to kingpin level in 1998's "Belly" put him at cult icon status. She was an actress, known for Wunda Wunda (1953). He died on November 20, 2021 in Henderson, Nevada, USA. She was previously married to Robert Prins. ZZ Top had a number of hits starting in the early 70s, including "Sharp Dressed Man" and "Legs.". In 2021, Hollywood lost dozens of accomplished performers who've entertained audiences for years: legendary composer Stephen Sondheim, award-winning actress Cicely Tyson, rapper DMX, actress and. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, celebrity lawyer Raoul Felder told the Associated Press. Before comedy clubs existed, Sahl began performing at the hungry i music club in San Francisco in the early 1950s. Lisa Brown was born on August 2, 1954 in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. Shock G's eye for talent was also realized when he brought on a then unknown Tupac Shakur to be a roadie for the band and then a background singer. John Madden was many things to sports fans: a Super Bowl-winning NFL head coach, a commentator, the face of a video game Goliath. He was previously married to Pati and Sheila Rock. ", Through the 1980s he showed up on countless TV shows, including "The Incredible Hulk," "Soap," "Webster," "The A-Team," and "Hill Street Blues. 559. He died on December 5, 2021 in Washington, Stonewall Jackson was born on November 6, 1932 in Tabor City, North Carolina, USA. The self-proclaimed "Sex Symbol of Chinatown" was originally born in El Paso, Texas in 1930 and moved to Los Angeles during his early childhood. "The only mercy it exhibited was its sharp and swift execution. The trailblazer wowed audiences with his 1971 movie "Sweetback's Baadasssss Song." Born in Brooklyn, NY in 1926, he graduated from NYU and started as a janitor at the DuMont Television Network, working his way through at first as a studio assistant, then as a cameraman on "The Honeymooners" and "Captain Video and Rose Lee Maphis was born on December 29, 1922 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Known as the godfather of Black cinema, if it wasn't for the work of Melvin Van Peebles there would be no "Shaft" or any of the other legendary work from the Blaxploitation movement and beyond. She is of Danish, Greek, English, and Welsh descent.Although best known as the devious Sue Ann Nivens on the classic Tiffini Hale was born in Palm Springs, California, USA as Tiffini Talia Hale. Started his acting career as a child actor, Stockwell starring alongside the likes of Frank Sinatra and Errol Flynn. He was previously married to Trudy Moss and Barbara Gelman. This iconic actor was known best for his Emmy-winning performance as Lou Grant on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show.". Ken Kragen was born on November 24, 1936 in Berkeley, California, USA. He later starred in the movie adaptation. He was an actor, known for Mr. & Mrs. Bridge (1990), National Geographic Explorer (1985) and Murphy Brown (1988). Unfulfilled by Hollywood, Vicki Bart the Bear II is an 8.5-foot tall, 1,110-pound Alaskan brown bear whose impact on wildlife has been even bigger than his body or his acting accomplishments. Mary Grady was born on November 9, 1924 in Petaluma, California, USA. Famous deaths in 2021. Over his career, Nesmith won a Grammy and was an executive producer behind the 1984 cult classic movie "Repo Man.". In a statement on the Gulpilil's passing, South Australian Premier Steven Marshall called the actor a "once-in-a-generation artist who shaped the history of Australian film and Aboriginal representation on screen.". He was an actor, known for Dreamscape (1984). He was a director, known for Wheel of Fortune (1983), The Merv Griffin Show (1962) and Get Smart (1965). There she worked for several years as a studio actress for Columbia Pictures. The show starred the actors as two friends who disguise themselves as women to live in the only apartment building they can afford: an all-female building. While her legacy will live on through her body of work, she will also be remembered by many for her wit, class and overall joie de vivre.". "A breaker of records and racial barriers, his remarkable legacy will continue to inspire countless athletes and admirers for generations to come," said former president Jimmy Carter in a statement to the Associated Press, who attended Braves games and called Aaron "a personal hero.". Here is a look back at the famous people we bid farewell to this year, including Norm Macdonald, Michael K. Williams, DMX, and Cloris Leachman. He was previously married to Yvonne Marie Grace and DeLee Lively. He was a writer and producer, known for Full Frontal (1993), Dogstar (2006) and Whatever Happened to That Guy? Joey Morgan was an actor born in Chicago, IL. He was a music artist and actor, known for Keanu (2016), Step Sisters (2018) and On My Block (2018). Celebrities who died in 2021 Jason Guerrasio Updated Betty White. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Hutchins died shockingly on the set of her latest movie "Rust" when a prop gun fired by Alec Baldwin killed her and injured the director. "Thank you, Scolari, for every chat between set ups, every hug onscreen and off and every 'Oh, Jeez.' Dustin Diamond died on February 1 at age 44 after a. He did it with a love of the game and a colorful personality that led to him showing up in several movies and TV shows. Two figures central to American culture died December 28: former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and . He became a staple in the musical theater world in the late 1950s when he penned lyrics for "West Side Story" and "Gypsy." "She died as she lived. In January 1950, she was voted Queen of the New Kay Hawtrey was born on November 8, 1926 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. "Even though Betty was about to be 100, I thought she would live forever," Jeff Witjas, White's longtime agent and friend, told People magazine at the time of her death. Tylerpassed away on October 24 from prostate cancer. After a long battle with cancer, Gregg Leakes has passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by all of his children, very close loved ones and wife NeNe Leakes," a representative for the couple told Insider. On Jan. 16, McGee died in his sleep, a family spokesperson told Reuters . He also created the HBO shows Big Little Lies and Sharp Objects. Peter Scolari. She died on December 15, 2021 in Garden City, Michigan, USA. and took home five Emmys over his career. He died on December 5, 2021 in Santa Clarita, Bob Dole was born on July 22, 1923 in Russell, Kansas, USA. He received an outstanding writing Emmy nomination with the rest of the writers of "SNL" in 1980. Dean Robert Stockwell grew up in North Hollywood, the son of Broadway performers Harry Stockwell and Elizabeth "Betty" Stockwell (ne Veronica). He died on June 7, 2021 in the USA. The South African-born director was known for his work in movies, TV, and theatre. She was previously married to John Borland. Writer | He was an actor and producer, known for NCIS (2003), Bones (2005) and ER (1994). He's best known for directing 1999's "Notting Hill." David Lasley's prolific career as a singer/songwriter spans more than 30 years. He was previously married to Karlyn Kuper and Patricia Ann Gundy. The London-born Leicester-bred son of Barbadian parents who came to Britain in the 1950s, actor, writer, poet and storyteller Victor Richards has been perfectly positioned throughout his life to observe and commentate on the trials and tribulations, joys and sorrows of British West Indian culture Henry chose to help aspiring actors improve their craft, instead of continuing with his movie career. The year 2021 saw us bidding goodbye to many celebrities who breathed their last. ", "On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our condolences to Virginia, Mike, Joe and their families," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell following Madden's passing. He followed that with working with his brother on his movies. He later became 'Willio' of the comedic singing group Willio & Phillio. [39] Per Kristoffersen, 85, Norwegian footballer ( Fredrikstad, national team ). He was an actor, known for Never Say Never Again (1983), The Descent: Part 2 (2009) and Willow (1988). The duo relocated to California where they got the opportunity to write and record wacky songs for Disneyland Records. In a career that spanned more than 70 years, Cicely Tyson made her mark in every form of entertainment medium having won three Emmy awards, a Tony, honorary Oscar, and Peabody Award. As one of the faces of the "New Journalism" movement in the 1960s and 1970s, Didion's work became a major staple in the era. She was an actress, known for Dangerous Ground (1997), Stander (2003) and African Express (1990). Hill was a longtime member of legendary rock band ZZ Top. LaFleur worked extensively in sales as well as in both the saloon and restaurant business prior to deciding at age 31 in 1975 to move from Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles, California in order to pursue a career in film. He was an actor and stuntman in various films, including Shaft (1971), Live and Let Die (1973), and Ganja & Hess (1973). His film "Putney Swope," about a Black advertising executive who is accidentally put in charge of a big firm and proceeds to upend the business, was a landmark work of the time and would make Downey a star on the scene. Hutchins died on October 21 due to her wounds. The year 2021 was a sad year for celebrity deaths. [38] (death announced on this date) Bassma Kodmani, 64, Syrian academic and political dissident, cancer. She was a writer, known for A Star Is Born (2018), A Star Is Born (1976) and Up Close & Personal (1996). Gina Krasley died on August 1, 2021 in Tuckerton, New Jersey, USA. Sadly, the comedy icon - who starred in 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show,' 'Golden Girls' and more -. He died on November 25, 2021 in the USA. Recently, he also played Fred Goldman, the father of Ronald Goldman in the FX mini-series, "The People v. O.J. She's most known for her Oscar-nominated performance in the 1972 drama "Sounder," her Emmy-winning role as Ophelia Harkness in "How to Get Away with Murder," and her countless stage performances. "His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.". ", In a statement to The Wrap, his manager Deborah Miller said: "Ned was an iconic, legendary talent, as well as a dear friend, and he will be missed by us all.". Their father Joseph Robinson Senior and grandfather John were world champion wrestlers, and both brothers trained in wrestling and body-building. Phil Margo was born on April 1, 1942 in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA. "Michael loved live music, cheering on his Clemson Tigers, and would often find himself in fun and unplanned adventures.". Edge was the drummer and last original member of the legendary rock band The Moody Blues. The guitarist for the iconic 1960s pop band The Monkees, Nesmith was recognizable for being the tallest of the foursome and often sporting a wool cap. Betty White was born in Oak Park, Illinois, to Christine Tess (Cachikis), a homemaker, and Horace Logan White, a lighting company executive for the Crouse-Hinds Electric Company. He was voted one of the 9 Breakout Talents from the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival for his performance as Luke opposite Zoey Deutch in Flower (2017). Father and son also costarred in movies not directed by Downey Sr., including 1988's "Johnny Be Good" and 1994's "Hail Caesar.". "Hammerin' Hank" had a 21-season Major League Baseball career, most of that time with the Milwaukee (and later Atlanta) Braves. He died on December 26, 2021 in Cape Town, South Dick Carson was born on June 4, 1929 in Clarinda, Iowa, USA. Phil Spector (Dec. 26, 1939-Jan. 17, 2021) (Nick Ut - Pool via Getty Images) Spector was considered a musical genius when it came to producing records, including "You've Lost That Lovin'. Many famous and beloved stars passed away, leaving behind grieving fans and loved ones. He died on December 12, 2021 Mimi Cozzens enjoyed a well-rounded career on stage, screen and television in a career that has stretched for more than four decades.She was born Mildred Gloria Cozzens in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in Glendale, Queens. F.W. Grodin's son, Nicholas, said his father's cause of death was bone marrow cancer, according to The New York Times. getty TV's perennial Golden Girl. He was previously married to Mara del Refugio Abarca Villaseor. He died on November 13, 2021 in Los Angeles, California, USA. ", "To say Art will be missed dearly would be an understatement," LaFleur's wife Shelley told USA Today in a statement. His other credits include "Changing Lanes," starring Ben Affleck and Samuel L. Jackson; "Venus," which earned Peter O'Toole an Oscar nomination; "Morning Glory," starring Harrison Ford, Rachel McAdams, and Diane Keaton; and "My Cousin Rachel" starring Rachel Weisz. He was previously married to Andi Francis , Marsha Garbowitz and Kathy Izzo. With an unmistakable look he could either play the goon or the kind-hearted uncle, and in his career he played all types of characters. He was an actor and producer, known for Dios los cra (1977), El arracadas (1978) and La ley del monte (1976). The bassist, along with lead guitarist Billy Gibbons, were known best for sporting long beards and stetson hats. Williams died on June 4 due to colon cancer. Covid-19's second wave also took away several known faces. He was previously married to Eleanor Cristino. Betty White, Michael K. Williams, Norm Macdonald, Cicely Tyson, and DMX died this year. Macdonald died on September 14 from cancer, which he had been battling for close to a decade, according to his longtime producing partner Lori Jo Hoekstra. ", Siravo's tough guy roles found him doing work in everything from the stage, to Brian DePalma's "Carlito's Way" (marking his movie debut), and playing Tony Soprano's dad in "The Sopranos. He died on April 23, 2021 in Andheri, Mumbai, India. Through his art and humanity, he touched all of our hearts and his legendary life will endure for all generations to come.". Nominated for a Grammy, his songs like "Get at Me Dog" and "X Gon' Give It to Ya" made him a major fixture in the gritty 1990s rap scene. He died on December 14, Wanda Rogers was born on August 9, 1943 in Eloise, Michigan, USA. A travel influencer and vlogger who traveled with Brian Laundrie since 2019, the pair traveled the country together, with Petito . The father of actor Robert Downey Jr., at five-years-old he made his screen debut in his father's 1970 movie "Pound" alongside his sister, Allyson, who was 7 at the time. A veteran of the stage, television, and movies, McCrory is best known for playing Narcissa Malfoy in the final three "Harry Potter" films. The legendary actor Dilip Kumar, popular Hindi television actor Sidharth Shukla and actor Puneeth Rajkumar were among those who passed away. Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse. "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh," the palace said in a statement obtained by Insider. He was also nominated for an Oscar for his performance in 2007's "Into the Wild. Shock G died on April 22, found dead in a hotel room in Tampa, according to his father. After retiring he became a commentator on NFL telecasts where we found him in our homes for decades every Thanksgiving and Super Bowl. That is most prevalent in one of his final best-known performances voicing the character of Carl in the Pixar classic, "Up. King died on January 23. We can only hope their loved ones find peace during this difficult time. He earned an Emmy for being one of the writers on the 1977 "Paul Simon Special.". Graeme's sound and personality [are] present in everything we did together and thankfully that will live on," the band's current lead singer and guitarist, Justin Hayward, wrote on the band's website. He died on December 8, 2021 in the USA. His legend will live on forever.". Scolari went on to earn an Emmy win for his work on the HBO series "Girls." He was an actor, known for The Replacements (2000), Little Giants (1994) and Arli$$ (1996). Constantine died on August 31 in Reading, Pennsylvania, following a long illness. Weeks before his death he announced he was withdrawing for the band's upcoming US tour. On August 2 Pickett death happened suddenly as he was preparing to shoot a scene for the movie "Treasure Valley," Travis Mills, the movie's director, said on the movie's Facebook page. He was an actor, known for The Young and the Restless (1973), JFK (1991) and Good Guys Wear Black (1978). Responsible for crafting one of the most memorable TV characters of all time playing Baltimore gangster Omar Little in HBO's "The Wire," Williams went on to forge a respected career playing complex roles. The latter, who was her faithful companion for nearly 14 years, died in January 2021. Larry Gelman was born on November 3, 1930 in Brooklyn, New York, USA. The year took a lot from us, as the pandemic continued and the number of people who died from COVID in the US alone surpassed 800,000 in December. She began her television career in the late 1930s and starred in shows from "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "The Golden Girls," to "Hot in Cleveland." Val studied acting under the renowned Ralph Carmichael was born on May 27, 1927 in Quincy, Illinois, USA. Actress Cloris Leachman died on Jan. 27, 2021, at age 94, her manager Juliet Green confirmed to Variety. No cause was given. In memory of the celebrities who have died this year, including Lisa Marie Presley, Timeless actress Annie Wersching and Burt Bacharach By Kelsie Gibson Updated on February 22, 2023 10:14 AM. He had kept it private from his fans. Gabby Petito. She died on December 23, 2021 in Manhattan, New York City, New York Yvonne Wilder was born on September 21, 1937 in Bronx, New York, New York, USA.