Stars We've Sadly Lost So Far In 2024

Each year, we take time to honor the iconic performers who are no longer with us. While the passing of every beloved artist, actor, or performer is a sad event, it's also an occasion to look back and celebrate their lives and their creative contributions. We may revisit personal memories of times when they touched our own lives as we watched them perform or give interviews. In this way, these legendary individuals' lives are inextricably bound to our own experiences.

As we learn about the legacies of these stars, we might also be driven to seek out previously unfamiliar films, music, or other creations that they participated in during their careers. These new experiences can enhance our appreciation of these individuals and prompt us to continue learning about their lives, both personally and professionally. We can also read the final posts these celebrities made and gain insight into what they were thinking about at the end of their lives.

In 2024, it didn't take long before we lost our first Hollywood legend. Join us to discover the careers and lives of notable celebrities who passed away this year.

Tony Award-winning actor Glynis Johns died on January 4, 2024. Johns' manager Mitch Clem reported that the 100-year-old actor died of natural causes. While Johns is famous for her role as suffragist Mrs. Banks in Disney's "Mary Poppins," her film and TV career stretches an impressive 61 years and includes 91 roles. On stage, Johns got an even earlier start, performing in her first role when she was 12. A year later, she had a pivotal role in "The Children's Hour." Decades later, in 1973, Johns won the Tony for Best Actress for her performance in "A Little Light Music." In the musical, Johns debuted the song "Send in the Clowns" to great acclaim.

While Johns' ancestors were actors for generations, she had ambitions to become a scientist. However, her plans were upended by World War II. Johns decided to put all her energy into acting, imbuing her performances with authenticity. Even if it wasn't her first career choice, Johns discovered she felt inseparable from the theater. "Acting is my highest form of intelligence, the time when I use the best part of my brain," she explained to The New York Times in 1973.

In her personal life, Johns married and divorced four times. She and her first husband, actor Anthony Forwood, had one son, Gareth Forwood, who died in 2007. Johns' grandson, screenwriter Thomas Forwood, has expressed pride in his grandmother's legacy and advocated for her to receive a damehood for her 100th birthday in September 2023. 

On January 4, 51-year-old Christian Oliver and his daughters, 12-year-old Madita and 10-year-old Annik, tragically lost their lives after a plane crash near a Caribbean island, the Associated Press confirmed. Shortly after their deaths, Jessica Klepser, Oliver's ex-wife and mother to his children, released an emotional statement via Instagram. "[Madita] was known for her lively spirit and excelled in academics, dance, singing, and performances," she wrote. "[Annik] was recognized for her gentle yet strong demeanor." 

The statement requested donations instead of flowers to help Klepser honor their memory through a memorial and a funeral. In a heartbreaking turn of events, Oliver's final Instagram photo seems to have been taken during their Caribbean vacation and it featured silhouettes of his daughters witnessing a breathtaking sunset on a seashore. According to The Guardian, Oliver and Klepser had a nearly 10-year-long marriage, which lasted until 2021. They reportedly agreed to share joint legal custody of Madita and Annik.

Oliver worked as an actor for nearly two decades and started his career as Brian Keller in Season 2 of "Saved by the Bell: The New Class" in 1994. He is perhaps best known for playing Snake Oiler in the 2008 flick "Speed Racer." Oliver has also worked alongside George Clooney for "The Good German" and Tom Cruise for "Valkyrie." In December 2023, he took to Instagram to share that he had wrapped up filming for "Forever Hold Your Peace." He has also earned himself a writing credit for the 2009 comedy "Ready or Not."

On January 6, Florida's Palm Beach County Sheriff's office confirmed that "Caddyshack" star Cindy Morgan had died at the age of 69, The Independent reported. Although officials didn't disclose the exact date of her death, they revealed that she had passed away due to "natural causes." In a Facebook post, her long-time friend, Donna Ratliffe Ballenger Cheatham, shared that she had learned of Morgan's passing on New Year's Eve.

Morgan landed her first acting role in the 1979 erotic comedy "Up Yours," and followed that up with her breakout role of Lacy Underall in "Caddyshack." In a 2012 interview, Morgan shared why she pursued the film, saying, "I had nothing to lose to audition. It was fun. All I did was focus on making the person sweat. Look 'em in the eye, do that thing many women know how to do." However, embracing her sexuality didn't come naturally to Morgan. 

Speaking to The Global Townhall, Morgan explained that she didn't grow up at a time when women were taught to be expressive with their sexuality. She also spent a large portion of her childhood in a Catholic school, which only contributed to her mental battle with her sexuality. Thankfully, an empowering feminist wave occurred when she was at college and helped her find acceptance. Morgan also played the lead role of Lora in the 1982 sci-fi film, "Tron." She even made it on the small screen through the 1981 soap opera "Falcon Crest" and a small role in "ChiPs." 

The mother of former First Lady Melania Trump, Amalija Knavs, died at 78 on January 9, 2024, after being hospitalized for an undisclosed illness for weeks. Trump released a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, on the evening of her mother's death, describing Knavs as "a strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth, and dignity." The younger of Knavs' two daughters commended her late mother for her dedication to her family. 

Knavs was born to a seamstress mother and a cobbler and red onion farmer father in Slovenia, which was then a republic of Yugoslavia. She worked as a pattern maker at a local children's clothing factory, which Trump would later say inspired her pursuit of a fashion career. Knavs met her husband and future father of her two daughters, Viktor Knavs, in 1966. The couple had their first daughter, Ines Knauss, two years later, and Melania was born two years after that in 1970. After Melania left Slovenia to pursue a modeling career in the United States, her sister and two parents followed, settling in New York City. 

Amalija was a dedicated grandmother, helping her daughter raise her only son, Barron Trump, while living in New York City's Trump Tower, and later, the White House. In her eulogy for her late mother, Melania Trump said, "[Barron] was my mother's compass and focus." She bestowed an appreciation for Slovenian culture in Barron by speaking to him in her native tongue and cooking him traditional Slovenian dishes.

After a successful entertainment career that spanned nearly seven decades, longtime "Days of Our Lives" star Bill Hayes died on January 12, 2024, at the age of 98. In an official statement, Hayes' agent, Gregory David Mayo, did not list a cause of death but stated the actor and musician died "peacefully, surrounded by family, including his wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes," per CNN. Hayes was one of the longest-running characters on a daytime serial in TV history, having played the character of Doug Williams on "Days" since 1970. 

Prior to his decades-long career in daytime TV, Hayes fought in WWII as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Navy Air Corps. Upon the end of the war, Hayes returned to his native Illinois and pursued a degree in Music and English. He would later become a commercially successful singer, performing on variety shows and releasing pop singles before an unexpected role as a chorus member in "Carousel" piqued his interest in acting. Hayes would go on to appear in multiple television shows, feature films, and Broadway productions. 

Hayes had five children with his first wife, Mary Hobbs, to whom he was married from 1947 to 1969. He later married his "Days" co-star Susan, whom he would later marry on the show as well. Hayes told Soap Opera Digest in 2018 that two years after their intimate living room wedding, "[Our characters] Doug and Julie married, and they used exactly the same words that we used in our living room."

Abercrombie & Fitch model-turned-soap opera star Alec Musser died by suicide at his Del Mar, California, home on January 12, 2024. He was 50 years old. In several since-deleted Instagram posts, Musser's fiancée Paige Press wrote, "I will never stop loving you. My heart is broken. [...] You were the best fiancée I could of ever asked for" (via People). Musser's Instagram profile featured photos of the actor and model enjoying the outdoors while surfing, skiing, mountain biking, and spending time with his fiancée and two dogs, Calle and Rue. 

Musser was recruited by an agent to model for a 2002 Abercrombie & Fitch campaign while working odd jobs in southern California. Three years later, Musser landed a role on "All My Children" after winning the reality TV contest "I Wanna Be a Soap Star." After appearing in 43 episodes over the course of two years, Musser had minor roles in Adam Sandler's comedy "Grown Ups," television drama "Desperate Housewives," and Lifetime sitcom "Rita Rocks." He also co-produced the 2020 musical romance "Best Summer Ever."

Sandler wrote a touching tribute to the late actor on Instagram following the news of Musser's death, calling him "such a wonderful, funny, good man. A true great sweetheart." Musser's obituary in the San Diego Tribune (via Legacy) described him as "an avid adventure seeker" who lived a life of duality as a bookworm athlete, sensitive but fierce competitor, and "public persona with a private struggle with anxiety and depression."

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Soap opera star David Gail died due to complications related to heart failure after being on life support for several days on January 20, 2024. An official cause of death is pending on toxicology report results, but a statement made by a representative of Gail's emphasized that the actor's family did not suspect the cause of death was related to anything other than heart failure. The statement lauded Gail for his devotion to his friends and family, adding, "He possessed a unique quality that made everyone feel special in his presence" (via People). 

Gail was featured in several television series and movies in the mid to late 1990s before getting his big break as Dr. Joe Scanlon in the "General Hospital" spinoff "Port Charles." He appeared in over 200 episodes of the series. Gail also played a minor role in "Beverly Hills, 90210" as Shannen Doherty's character Brenda Walsh's fiancé. He later broke into feature films, co-starring with Juliette Lewis in "Some Girl" and playing opposite Bradley Cooper in "Bending All the Rules." After an 11-year hiatus from the entertainment industry, Gail returned to Hollywood as a voice actor for the video game "Blacksad: Under the Skin." 

Gail's sister, Katie Colmenares, shared the news of her brother's passing on her Instagram account, writing, "There's barely been even a day in my life when you were not with me by my side always my wingman always my best friend ready to face anything and anyone [with] me."

The youngest son of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, Dexter Scott King, died in his Malibu, California, home at the age of 62 on January 22, 2024. His passing marked the end of an arduous battle with prostate cancer. In a statement released by The King Center, Dexter's wife, Leah Weber King, wrote, "[Dexter] transitioned peacefully in his sleep at home with me in Malibu. He gave it everything and battled this terrible disease until the end. As with all the challenges in his life, he faced this hurdle with bravery and might."

Dexter perpetuated his father's legacy of nonviolent civil activism in spirit and career, becoming the chairman, president, and chief executive officer of The King Center in 2005. The center's statement commended his dedication to learning intellectual property law in order to best manage the licensing and distribution of his father's life work. The youngest of the four King children also bore the most striking resemblance to their father. Dexter used this likeness in his 1999 role in "Our Friend, Martin" and an on-screen appearance as his father in the 2002 film "The Rosa Parks Story."

Dexter married his longtime partner Leah Weber in a small, southern California ceremony in July 2013. The couple had no children. Dexter is survived by his wife and two siblings, Martin Luther King III and the Reverend Bernice King. The fourth King sibling, Yolanda King, died in 2007, one year after their mother.

After a groundbreaking, trailblazing career on stage and television, Chita Rivera died at the age of 91 following a brief illness. Rivera's daughter, Lisa Dormente, released the succinct statement on January 30, 2024. Rivera became one of American musical theater's most beloved icons after forging an immensely successful career on Broadway and, later, on television over almost seven decades. Her New York Times obituary stated she died in New York.

Born Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero in 1933, Rivera began studying dance, voice, and piano while growing up in Washington, D.C. After receiving a scholarship to the School of American Ballet in New York City, Rivera continued her training and began landing progressively larger roles in Broadway productions. By 1957, Rivera had cemented her place as a star for her fiery portrayal of Anita in "West Side Story." She would later star in other notable roles like Velma Kelly in "Chicago" and Rosie in "Bye Bye Birdie."

Rivera received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 from President Barack Obama, in addition to several Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League, and Theatre World Awards. She continued performing well into her 80s, telling BroadwayDirect.com in 2015 that she had no plans to retire. "Gosh, no. That's up to God. But in the meantime, life is fabulous, and I'm lucky enough to have lived a long time while surrounded by the greatest creative people. I have too much to dance and sing about yet, and too many people to entertain," the performer said.

Just under three years after being diagnosed with stomach cancer and after undergoing several rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical treatments, country superstar Toby Keith died at the age of 62. A statement on his website on February 6 read, "Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage." Keith is survived by his wife, Tricia Keith; two daughters, Shelley Covel and Krystal Sandubrae; his son, Stelen; and four grandchildren.

Before Keith was a multimillionaire musical icon, he worked in Oklahoma oil fields and played on a semi-professional football team to make ends meet. After landing a record deal with Mercury Records, Keith's first smash hit, "Should've Been a Cowboy," propelled him to stardom in 1993. The song was played millions of times on the radio, breaking records as one of the most-played country songs of the 1990s. Keith went on to release other successful hits like "Beer for My Horses," "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue," and "I Love This Bar."

The country singer remained a performer until the very end, performing a weekend of sold-out shows at Park MGM in Las Vegas, Nevada, weeks before he died. His final Instagram post featured a photo of Keith raising his guitar over his head toward the Las Vegas crowd with the caption: "And that's a wrap on the weekend, y'all. Back to it." Sadly, he died later that night.

Thomas Kingston was found dead at 45 at his parents' home in Gloucestershire, England, on Sunday, February 25. The ex-boyfriend of Kate Middleton's younger sister, Pippa Middleton, joined the royal family in 2019 when he married Lady Gabriella Kingston (née Windsor), whose father is Prince Michael of Kent. The Gloucestershire Coroner's Court confirmed the English financier died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The cause of death was listed as suicide, per the Mirror.

Before working as a financier, Kingston worked at the International Centre for Reconciliation in Iraq, where he mediated hostage negotiations and had frequent close encounters with improvised explosive device attacks. Former colleagues of Kingston's spoke to the Telegraph following the news of his death, describing the royal as a fearless Christian who devoted himself to his work even amid an active war zone. Those who saw Kingston in the weeks leading up to his death said nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

"We are so upset about the news; everybody loved him," a friend told the Telegraph. "He was kind, charming, and thoroughly decent and one of the last true English gentlemen. It is beyond tragic and so hard to get one's head around." A statement from Thomas Kingston's wife, Lady Gabriella, and Kingston's surviving relatives, read, "Tom was an exceptional man who lit up the lives of all who knew him" (via the Independent).

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On Tuesday, March 6, "Sister Wives" stars Kody and Janelle Brown announced that their son, Robert "Garrison" Brown, had died at the age of 25 the previous evening. TMZ reported that Garrison was found dead, holding a handgun, by his brother, Gabriel Brown. Garrison's three roommates reportedly told police they had heard a loud "pop" on Monday evening, but that no one thought it was a gunshot or checked on Garrison. Janelle reportedly told Garrison's siblings to check on him after he sent a concerning text to a group chat presumed to be associated with "Sister Wives" colleagues, which read, "I want to hate you for sharing the good times. But I can't. I miss these days."

Garrison's rocky relationship with his father, Kody Brown, was well documented on the TLC program that followed Kody, his four wives, and 18 children. Per TMZ, Garrison's roommates said he struggled with alcohol. Otherwise, Garrison's loved ones believed he was doing well. Just days before his tragically premature death, Garrison posted a photo of his new rescue cat, Ms. Buttons, on Instagram.

Garrison Brown joined the Nevada Army National Guard in 2015. He frequently posted photos of his travels, the stars, and spending time with his friends and family. Janelle and Kody Brown's joint Instagram statement said Garrison "was a bright spot in the lives of all who knew him. Our loss will leave such a big hole in our lives, that it takes our breath away."

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Actor Barbara Rush died on March 31, 2024. Her daughter, Claudia Cowan, shared the news via Instagram. "There's another star shining on us tonight," Cowan wrote. My beautiful mother was called to heaven on Easter of all days — a nod to the transition and resilience and joy we celebrate on this happy holiday — and I know she will stay alive in our hearts through cherished memories and movie reruns." Rush was 97 years old.

The actor began her long career in Hollywood in the early 1950s, winning a Golden Globe award for "New Star of the Year" for her role as Ellen in the 1954 sci-fi/horror film "It Came from Outer Space." She went on to share the silver screen with an impressive list of leading men. Rush paired with Tony Curtis for "The Black Shield of Falworth," and starred in "Captain Lightfoot" with Rock Hudson. There was also "The Young Philadelphians" with Paul Newman, and "The Young Lions" with Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift, and Dean Martin. As her daughter noted, Rush was "among the last of Old Hollywood Royalty."

Rush transitioned to television in the 1960s and starred in the primetime drama "Peyton Place" for 75 episodes. In the '80s, she repeated her evening soap opera fame with "Flamingo Road," and in the '90s, moved to daytime to play Nola in "All My Children." Her last television role was the recurring part of Ruth Camden in "7th Heaven."

Dabney Coleman died on May 16 at age 92. The celebrated actor's death was confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter by his daughter, Quincy Coleman. She shared, "My father crafted his time here on Earth with a curious mind, a generous heart, and a soul on fire with passion, desire, and humor that tickled the funny bone of humanity." She continued, "As he lived, he moved through his final act of life with elegance, excellence, and mastery. ... [H]is spirit will shine through his work, his loved ones, and his legacy."

According to Dabney's death certificate obtained by The Blast, his official cause of death was cardiac arrest, with underlying conditions, including congestive heart failure and dysphagia — difficulty swallowing. The latter may have resulted from throat cancer, which he received treatment for in 2011 and caused his role on "Boardwalk Empire" to be significantly altered.

Highly prolific in his work, starring in more than 175 projects, Dabney Coleman was best known for playing arrogant and ill-tempered characters in films such as "9 to 5," "WarGames," "Tootsie," and "You've Got Mail," among others. He also starred in several TV shows, including as John Dutton Sr. on "Yellowstone," which was his final role. He received one Primetime Emmy and one Golden Globe throughout his career. Dabney was drafted into the army in 1953 and served in the Special Services Division in West Germany for two years. He was also an avid tennis player, competing in tournaments worldwide.

Critically acclaimed actor Donald Sutherland died at 88 years old on June 20 following a prolonged illness. His son, fellow actor Kiefer Sutherland, confirmed the news on X, formerly Twitter. He wrote, "With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away. I personally think one of the most important actors in the history of film." The post included a picture of Donald with a young Kiefer, who continued, "Never daunted by a role, good, bad, or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that. A life well lived."

With a career spanning from the early 1960s to 2023, some of Donald's first notable roles were Hawkeye in the 1970s film "M*A*S*H" and the titular lead in "Klute." He also starred in Citizen X in 1995, earning a Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy, and is well-known for portraying President Snow in "The Hunger Games" movies. Well-respected in the industry and with nearly 200 projects under his belt, Donald received an Honorary Academy Award in 2017 in tribute to his influential career.

Upon Donald's passing, actor Helen Mirren, his co-star in "The Leisure Seeker," shared a statement: "Donald Sutherland was one of the smartest actors I ever worked with" (via Variety). "He combined his great intelligence with a deep sensitivity, and with a seriousness about his profession as an actor. This all made him into the legend of film that he became."

"The Shining" star Shelley Duvall passed away on July 11, 2024, at the age of 75. Her partner of over three decades, Dan Gilroy, confirmed the sad news to The Hollywood Reporter, saying, "My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she's free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley." In a chat with "Today," Gilroy revealed that the actor's diabetes had worsened in the months leading up to her death, and she had been placed under hospice care to combat her symptoms. 

Duvall's celebrated career took in several iconic roles in movies such as the 1980 adaption of "Popeye," "Annie Hall," "Nashville," "Thieves Like Us," and tons more. Her phenomenal performance in her frequent collaborator, Robert Altman's, "3 Women" earned Duvall a 1977 Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress and a BAFTA nomination in the same category. If all of that wasn't impressive enough, she also made her mark on the small screen, earning Emmy noms for "Shelley Duvall's Bedtime Stories" and "Shelley Duvall's Tall Tales and Legends."

Despite her promising career, Duvall retreated from the spotlight in 2002. In an interview with People, she revealed that her brother's spinal cancer diagnosis prompted her to take a two-decade-long break from Hollywood so she could focus on her family instead. Tragically, it seemed like Duvall was gearing up for a major comeback in 2023 as she starred in the horror flick "The Forest Hills."

Ruth Westheimer, who was lovingly known as Dr. Ruth, passed away at 96, on July 12, 2024, per The New York Times. Westheimer became a beloved public figure in the 1980s when she was a 50-something hosting a sexual wellness segment called "Sexually Speaking" on WYNY Radio. Her honest answers to listeners' questions and willingness to talk about sex openly resonated with millions. As a result, Dr. Ruth's 15-minute-segment quickly expanded into a 2-hour syndicated radio show, where she helped callers have better sex with her frank, no-nonsense advice. 

In 1984, Westheimer expanded her reach to a wider audience with her television talk show. While the beloved personality appeared happy-go-lucky when she rose to fame, her early years were full of struggles. According to NPR, Westheimer was born in Germany to Orthodox Jewish parents, who saved her life during the Holocaust by sending her away to an orphanage in Switzerland at the age of 10. Both of her parents were killed in the Auschwitz concentration camp.  

Speaking to The Guardian in 2012, Dr. Ruth shared how the traumatic experience shaped her perspective on life: "I was left with a feeling that because I was not killed by the Nazis — because I survived — I had an obligation to make a dent in the world." She continued, "What I didn't know was that that dent would end up being me talking about sex from morning to night." Westheimer got to sit down and consider her tremendous impact in the 2019 documentary "Ask Dr. Ruth."

Iconic fitness instructor Richard Simmons died at the age of 76 on July 13, 2024, as TMZ confirmed. At the time, authorities didn't believe that there was any foul play involved and were looking into the matter as a death by natural causes. A few months before his passing, in March 2024, Simmons took to Facebook to announce that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer. While Simmons had been plagued with health issues throughout his life, he still managed to make the world a brighter place with his lively personality. The workout icon will be remembered as the man who made fitness fun and more approachable to millions with his instructional DVDs like "Sweatin' To The Oldies." During an appearance on NPR's "Tell Me More" in 2008, Simmons admitted that he struggled with his weight in his adolescent years due to a lack of stress on his physical education. 

"I was a very unhappy, bewildered teenager who couldn't figure out what I wanted in life and why I had such a strong relationship with food," Simmons confessed. According to his website, after losing some weight, he moved to Los Angeles and was disappointed to find that there weren't any fitness centers that acted as a safe space for people who didn't fit society's ideal body type. So, with the help of experts, Simmons crafted an exercise plan that was well-suited to an incredibly diverse group of people and started his own studio, SLIMMONS. Eventually, though, Simmons completely retreated from the public eye.

On July 13, 2024, Shannen Doherty died at just 53. The "Beverly Hills, 90210" star's publicist, Leslie Sloane, announced the news to People through a statement, which read in part, "It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease." The statement further detailed that the actor was in the company of her nearest and dearest at the time of her death. Doherty was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, but she was proud to share that she had entered remission in 2017. While speaking to People in 2023, the "Charmed" star disclosed that she had been re-diagnosed with cancer in 2019, and the disease had reached its fourth and final stage by 2020. 

The "Mallrats" star's fighting spirit remained stronger than ever though, as she informed the publication, "I'm not done with living. I'm not done with loving. I'm not done with creating. I'm not done with hopefully changing things for the better." Doherty's death led to several heartbreaking reactions from fellow celebrities and former co-stars. The actor burst onto the scene as a 10-year-old with a handful of appearances in the Emmy-nominated TV show "Father Murphy." As she grew older, Doherty developed a reputation as an onscreen baddie and played several roles that fit the bill. However, her talents weren't limited to acting as she notably got behind the camera to direct a few episodes of "Charmed" too.

A fashion icon who didn't fully blossom until she was in her 90s, Iris Apfel lived until the age of 102. She died on March 1, due to natural causes, at her home in Palm Beach, Florida. Known upon sight for her oversized, round glasses with thick frames, she was signed by IMG as a model and spokesperson when she was aged 97. Apfel appeared in campaigns for Old Navy, eBay, Kate Spade, Macy's I.N.C., and Apple, among others. 

A native New Yorker, Apfel studied art in college, and was always interested in fashion, even working for Women's Wear Daily in her early years. She was also devoted to interior design and co-founded a textile company with her late husband, Carl Apfel. Her affinity for fabrics earned her the nickname "First Lady of Fabric" at the White House, where she worked on commissions for nine presidents.

Where Coco Chanel was an advocate for simplicity, advising women to remove one item before leaving the house, Apfel was a fan of what the fashion industry calls maximalism, an aesthetic with more color, more texture, and more jewelry. Her Instagram account is filled with a riot of patterns and fabric, and necklaces layered over necklaces — a look the public approved of, given her 3.5 million followers.

After treatments for cancer failed, Orenthal James "OJ" Simpson died on April 10 at the age of 76. Over the years, Simpson's life went through numerous transitions. The California native began his climb to fame in the NFL, playing most of his sports career with the Buffalo Bills and ending with the San Francisco 49ers. The running back broke several records and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

A well-known personality on the field, his popularity easily transitioned into Hollywood, with Simpson taking on roles even before his retirement from football in 1979. While still in the NFL, he appeared in the mini-series "Roots," and in movies like "The Naked Gun," "The Klansman" and " The Towering Inferno." When he left the league, he became a commentator on "NFL Monday Night Football," working the sidelines through 1985.

The star's positive profile took a drastic turn when his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, was murdered, and Simpson was arrested for the crime. In a well-publicized trial media called the "trial of the century," the former football player was accused of previous acts of domestic violence. He was acquitted, but in 2008, he was found guilty of armed robbery, and incarcerated in a Las Vegas jail until 2017. Simpson was required to remain in the city until the end of his probation in 2021. He remained there until his death.

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Comedic actor Martin Mull died on June 27 at the age of 80. His daughter, Maggie Mull, announced his passing in an Instagram post, noting his death came, "after a valiant fight against a long illness." Mull's long and varied career in Hollywood brought laughter from his earliest role as Barth Gimble on the soap opera satire "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman," in films like the cult classic "Clue," through his last role as Monty in "Not Dead Yet" in 2023.

The always-mustached man was most famously known to kids of the late '90s as Principal Willard Kraft on "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," a role he played for over 70 episodes. He also went by the name of Leon Carp when he appeared on "Roseanne" from 1991 to 1997. While he had regular roles on other primetime series ("The Ellen Show," "Dads"), he was also an expert actor when it came to guest-starring. His four-episode turn as Bob "The Eagle" Bradley on "Veep" earned him a nomination for a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor.

In addition to being an actor, Mull was also an accomplished singer and musician. He played both the acoustic and the electric guitar and has been the opening act for the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and Frank Zappa. "He was known for excelling at every creative discipline imaginable and also for doing Red Roof Inn commercials," his daughter wrote on Instagram upon his death. "He would find that joke funny. He was never not funny."

Bob Newhart died on July 18 of natural causes; he was 94 years old. After giving up his initial profession as an accountant, the actor left a long legacy in television as well as in comedy. While he was still crunching numbers, he worked as a comedian on the side, and in 1960, released an album of his live comedy performance. "The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart" stayed at the top of the Billboard 200 chart for 14 weeks, and won Album of the Year at the 1961 Grammy Awards, topping offerings by Frank Sinatra and other famous crooners. He also won Best New Artist, and his second album, "The Button-Down Mind Strikes Back!" won Best Comedy Album at the same awards show.

Newhart's comedic talent translated to movies and television, and his popularity was cemented with "The Bob Newhart Show," which ran from 1972 to 1978. In 1982, he started another series, simply titled "Newhart," which ran for over 180 episodes through 1990. On the big screen, he'll be remembered every holiday season for his role as Papa Elf in the modern Christmas classic "Elf." 

Newhart didn't slow down as he got older, creating a new legion of fans for his work on "The Big Bang Theory." In the recurring role of Arthur Jeffries, aka Professor Proton, Newhart appeared in six episodes over the course of six years, earning his first and only Primetime Emmy at the age of 83.

Veteran actor Gena Rowlands died on August 14; she was survived by her second husband, Robert Forrest, and three adult children. Aged 94 at the time of her passing, the Wisconsin-born star was a two-time Best Actress Oscar nominee, once in 1974 for her part as Mabel in the film "A Woman Under the Influence," and again in 1981 for her title role in "Gloria." In 2016, the Academy presented her with an Honorary Oscar for her body of work, a career that began in 1954.  

Rowlands, who was rarely photographed without having a pair of sunglasses propped on top of her head, dominated the silver screen with dozens of movies like "Hope Floats," "Another Woman," and "The Skeleton Key." She also conquered the world of television, bringing home three Primetime Emmy Awards, one each for the TV movies "The Betty Ford Story," "Face of a Stranger," and "Hysterical Blindness." 

One of Rowlands' most well-known roles, however, was playing the aged version of Allie in "The Notebook," a movie directed by her son Nick Cassavetes. Her character suffered from dementia, a mental affliction the actor would become personally acquainted with later in life. Months before her death, Cassavetes shared her Alzheimer's diagnosis with Entertainment Weekly, and the irony of her having once played a woman with the same condition. "It's so crazy — we lived it, she acted it, and now it's on us," he said.

The world's greatest movie villain who made history with film's most iconic line — telling "Star Wars" hero Luke Skywalker, "I am your father" — has passed away, but his unmistakable, velvety speaking voice will live on. James Earl Jones, known for voicing Darth Vader in the George Lucas franchise, as well as the regal-voiced Mufasa in Disney's "The Lion King," died on September 9, 2024, at 93. The distinguished performer accumulated countless accolades in his career. Jones is one of only a few people in the industry who have achieved EGOT status (winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award).

After overcoming a childhood stutter, Jones got his start in theater, where he played Edward in the 1958 original Broadway cast of "Sunrise at Campobello." He also starred in many off-Broadway productions, including "The Merchant of Venice" and "Othello," before making his film debut in the 1964 Stanley Kubrick classic, "Dr. Strangelove." A pioneer for Black actors, Jones is additionally credited for his roles in nearly 200 films, including "Field of Dreams," "Conan the Barbarian," and "Coming to America." His most notable claim to fame came from his captivating, sonorous voice, which was featured in the original "Star Wars" trilogy, then reprised in "Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith," "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," "Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker," and the TV series "Star Wars: Rebels" and "Obi-Wan Kenobi."

Dame Maggie Smith, who gave life to the sweet Hogwarts professor, Minerva McGonagall, as well as the regal Dowager Countess of Grantham on "Downton Abbey," died on September 27, 2024. She was 89. Born in Essex, England, Smith began acting on the stage, first performing at the Oxford Playhouse, then making her way to Broadway, where she made her debut in "New Faces of 1956." The actor got her start on the silver screen as an uncredited party guest in the 1956 film "Child in the House." Smith won her first Oscar in 1969 for her role in "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie."

Her nearly 60 years in the industry landed Smith a handful of iconic roles. The film titan starred in some unforgettable movies, including "A Room With a View," "Sister Act," and, of course — her most notable career achievement — Professor McGonagall, the feline headmistress and head of Gryffindor House in the acclaimed "Harry Potter" franchise. As for TV, Smith's damehood is well-highlighted in her poised matriarch character, Violet Crawley, in the British historical drama "Downton Abbey." Her stardom, as well as her warm nature and quick wit, will be remembered by so many, including King Charles, who said in a statement (via BBC): "As the curtain comes down on a national treasure, we join all those around the world in remembering with the fondest admiration and affection her many great performances."

An acclaimed actor and country music legend, Kris Kristofferson passed away on September 28, 2024, at age 88. The singer-songwriter, who pioneered the outlaw country music movement, died surrounded by family at his home in Maui, Hawaii, the family's spokeswoman, Ebie McFarland, told the Associated Press. The Texas-born star had a knack for incredible songwriting, which eventually led A-listers like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Janis Joplin to cover his music. Before fame, Kristofferson was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford's Merton College. After a stint in the U.S. Army, he retired his uniform in 1965 and moved to Nashville to pursue a music career. It was a good call, because Kristofferson went on to write songs like "Help Me Make It Through The Night" and "Me and Bobby McGee," which Janis Joplin brought to number one on the charts in 1971.

The talented musician also pursued acting, appearing in films including "Heaven's Gate," "Blade," and 1976's "A Star is Born" — the latter winning him a Golden Globe Award. With many accolades under his belt, Kristofferson retired in 2020. He had been suffering from the side effects of Lyme Disease since 2016, as well as enduring debilitating memory loss, according to Rolling Stone, though neither has been confirmed as the cause of his death. "We're all so blessed for our time with him," his family wrote on his Instagram page after his death. "Thank you for loving him all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know he's smiling down at us all."

Liam Payne, one of the former band members of One Direction, tragically died on October 16, 2024, after falling from the third story of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was 31. Earlier that day, emergency services were called after a guest was reported to be under the influence of alcohol and drugs, according to CNN. Payne leaves behind his beloved son, Bear, whom he shared with former Girls Aloud member Cheryl Tweedy.

The English singer rose to fame after auditioning for "X Factor" in 2008, where he met the four other members of One Direction: Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Thomlinson, and Zayn Malik. The group became a global success, attracting crazed fans like their Beatles predecessors. By the late 2010s, Payne began his solo career, scoring a number of hits, including "Strip That Down," and "For You." His first album, 2019's "LP1," hit the U.K. Top 20 charts at the peak of its success. Shortly before his death, Payne was seen supporting his former bandmate, Niall Horan, at his Argentina concert on October 2, 2024. Fans captured him on video dancing along to his friend's music.