Stars We've Lost in 2020

The country music singer-songwriter, best known for her hit single "80's Ladies," died on Dec. 21. She was 78. The news of Oslin's death on Monday was announced by the Country Music Association, who paid tribute to the songstress in a statement released to ET. "K.T. Oslin had one of the most soulful voices in Country Music and was a strong influence for women with her hit '80's Ladies,'" Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern shared in the statement. "I was fortunate to work with K.T. on a number of television shows in the late 90s. She was always gracious to the crews and up-and-coming talent performing alongside her. She truly had one of the best voices in the history of our format. Our thoughts go out to her loved ones at this difficult time." Oslin earned two CMA Awards in 1988 for "80's Ladies," becoming the first woman to ever win the CMA Award for Song of the Year. She also earned three GRAMMY Awards during her career. Additionally, Oslin is a inductee of both the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

The celebrated actress and dancer died on Dec. 12. She was 71. Reinking began her professional theater career with a 1965 production of Bye Bye Birdie at the Seattle Opera House before moving to Broadway after being cast as part of the ensemble for the 1969 staging of Cabaret. Her biggest role came in 1977 when she replaced Gwen Verdon in the role of Roxie Hart in Chicago. She reprised the role in 1996 for the Chicago revival, and earned a Tony Award for her choreography work on the production. Some of Reinking's other notable productions include Sweet Charity and Goodtime Charley, among many others. Reinking also appeared on screen, most notably in the 1979 biopic All That Jazz, in which she played a fictionalized version of herself, and in the 1982 adaptation of Annie. She is survived by her husband, Peter Talbert, and her son, Chris.

The legendary country music singer died on Dec. 12, in Dallas, Texas, of complications from COVID-19. He was 86. "He was admitted to the hospital in late November with Covid-19 type symptoms and despite the incredible efforts, skill and care of his medical team over the past several weeks, he was unable to overcome the virus," read a statement on his Facebook page. "Charley felt blessed to have such wonderful fans all over the world. And he would want his fans to take this virus very seriously." Pride emerged from Southern cotton fields to become country music’s first Black superstar and the first Black member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Known for his chart-topping hits including “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone” and “Mountain of Love,” Pride won the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year award in 1971, its top male vocalist prize in 1971 and 1972 and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020. Pride was one of only three African Americans to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000.

The actress, best known for her roles in Steel Magnolias and Queen Sugar, died on Dec. 10, due to complications from COVID-19. She was 76. Sutton began her acting career in the late 1960s in Dashiki Project Theatre productions. She performed in many New Orleans productions like The Last Madam, A Raisin the Sun and Native Tongues. In 1974, she made her on-screen debut in The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman and appeared in movies like Ray, The Help, Monster's Ball, The Last Exorcism and as Nurse Pam in Steel Magnolias, among others. Sutton also had roles in TV series like Going to California, Treme, American Horror Story, True Detective, Lovecraft Country, and more.

The veteran character actor, known for his role as Deebo in the Friday films, died on Dec. 10. He was 62. Born in Compton, California, Lister began his career as a wrestler before taking up acting. While he was nicknamed "Tiny," he stood at 6'5." He wrestled Hulk Hogan in the World Wrestling Federation after appearing as Zeus in 1989’s No Holds Barred. He was widely known for portraying Deebo, the neighborhood bully, in Friday and the sequel Next Friday. From there, he had roles in The Players Club, Beverly Hills Cop II, The Dark Knight, Little Nicky and The Fifth Element, among many others. He also played the character Finnick in Zootopia, as well as Klaang in a Star Trek: Enterprise pilot.

The actress, best known for her role in B.A.P.S., died on Dec. 7, following a private battle with colon cancer. She was 53. Reid was diagnosed with colon cancer earlier this year, and spent her final days in hospice care, surrounded by family, according to TMZ. Reid was best known for her role as Mickey in the 1997 film B.A.P.S. She also had parts in 1996's Set It Off and 1997's Cinderella, and starred as Janie Egins on Eve, from 2003 to 2006. The actress is survived by her husband, Leonard, and three children.

The British-Australian actor died on Dec. 1. He was 73. Keays-Byrne was best know for his work in the Mad Max movies, in which he played the villain twice. In 1979's Mad Max, Keays-Byrne starred as Toecutter. He went on to play Immortan Joe in 2015's Mad Max: Fury Road, which was his final role. Throughout his career, Keays-Byrne also appeared in shows including Secret Valley and Runaway Island, as well as films such as The Blood of Heroes and Sleeping Beauty.

 

The British actor, who portrayed Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy, died on Nov. 28 . He was 85. In a statement to BBC, Prowse's agent, Thomas Bowington, said he died after a short illness. Prowse, who made his film debut in the 1978 James Bond spoof Casino Royale as Frankenstein's Creature, played the character two more times, in 1970's Horror of Frankenstein and 1974's Frankenstein and the Monster From Hell. The actor also also had roles on The Saint, Space 1999 and Doctor Who. Prowse was invited to audition for the roles of Darth Vader and Chewbacca in 1977's Star Wars: Episode IV -- A New Hope after director George Lucas saw him playing a bodyguard in 1971's Clockwork Orange. He chose to play Vader, with James Earl Jones voicing the character.

The country singer, best remembered for his song  "Small Town Saturday Night," died at his home on Nov. 23. He was 67. The country singer's wife, Andrea, shared the news on his Facebook page. "With great sadness and grief we announce that Hal passed away peacefully last night at home due to complications of Dementia," the post read. "May his music live on forever in your hearts and bring you peace."

The longtime Jeopardy! host died on Nov. 8 following a battle with stage four pancreatic cancer. He was 80. “Words can’t even describe what a tremendous loss this is for our Jeopardy! family," Steve LoCascio, President of CBS Television Distribution, told ET in a statement. "Not only was Alex a television icon, but he was one of the most genuine, kind, caring people you could ever know. The way he openly and bravely battled cancer, while continuing to host the show, was a true inspiration. He has brought joy to the millions of fans – including generations of families -- who have welcomed Alex into their living room each night. Our hearts go out to Alex’s wife and children. We have truly lost a legend.” Trebek is survived by his wife, Jean Currivan Trebek, and two children -- Emily and Matthew.

The legendary Scottish actor died at the age of 90, his family confirmed to ET on Oct. 31. Connery's wife, Micheline, and his two sons, Jason and Stephane, told ET that he died peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by family. The iconic actor's career spanned five decades, including an Oscar win for Best Supporting Actor in 1988 for The Untouchables. However, he was best known for his portrayal of James Bond -- after being the first actor to bring the role to the big screen in 1962's Dr. No, he appeared in a total of seven of the spy thrillers. Connery's other memorable film roles include The Hunt for Red October, Highlander, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and The Rock.

Fellow James Bond star Daniel Craig said of Connery's death: "It is with such sadness that I heard of the passing of one of the true greats of cinema. Sir Sean Connery will be remembered as Bond and so much more. He defined an era and a style. The wit and charm he portrayed on screen could be measured in mega watts; he helped create the modern blockbuster. He will continue to influence actors and film-makers alike for years to come.My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Wherever he is, I hope there is a golf course."

The legendary rock star and guitarist died on Oct. 6 after a long battle with cancer. He was 65. Van Halen's son, Wolfgang -- whom he shared with ex-wife Valerie Bertinelli -- announced the news on social media. "I can't believe I'm having to write this, but my father, Edward Lodewijk Van Halen, has lost his long and arduous battle with cancer this morning," he shared. "He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment I've shared with him on and off stage was a gift. My heart is broken and I don't think I'll ever fully recover from this loss. I love you so much, Pop." Van Halen and brother Alex founded their eponymous band in 1972, and became a staple of the '70s and '80s rock scene in Los Angeles. They released 12 studio albums in their decades-long career, and were nominated for three GRAMMY Awards -- winning in 1992 for Best Hard Rock Performance with Vocal for the album For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge. The band split and reunited several times, with Wolfgang replacing Michael Anthony on bass starting with their second reunion in 2006. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.

The celebrated American reggae and pop singer-songwriter, died of natural causes on Oct. 6. He was 80. Nash was born in August 1940 in Houston, Texas, and began singing as a child at the Progressive New Hope Baptist Church. Nash released his first studio album, A Teenager Sings the Blues, at the age of 16 in 1957, and saw early chart success the following year with his cover of Doris Day's "A Very Special Love." The height of his career came with the release of "I Can See Clearly Now" in 1972, which sold over 1 million copies, and reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed at No. 1 for a month. Nash is survived by his son, John, his daughter, Monica, and his third wife, Carli.

The veteran actor -- best known for his roles in The Blacklist, Twin Peaks, Sin City and Snowpiercer -- died on Oct. 4, after contracting West Nile Virus. He was 63. "With heavy hearts we announce the passing of a life eminently worthy of celebration: Clark Tinsley Middleton, 63 – beloved actor, writer, director, teacher, hero, husband, beacon, friend," Middleton's wife, Elissa, said in a statement to Variety. "Clark was a beautiful soul who spent a lifetime defying limits and advocating for people with disabilities." Clark enjoyed a career spanning nearly 40 years, and appeared in many eclectic roles on TV and in films. He is survived by his wife, his brother, Kirby Middleton, and his mother, Sue Perior.

The actress died at home on Sept. 10 with her family present, her agent told the BBC. She was 82. Rigg was married twice, to Israeli painter Menachem Gueffen from 1973 to 1976 and to theater producer Archibald Stirling, with whom she shares a daughter, actress Rachael Stirling, from 1982 to 1990. Her daughter told the Associated Press that Rigg died of cancer after she was diagnosed in March, saying, "[She] spent her last months joyfully reflecting on her extraordinary life, full of love, laughter and a deep pride in her profession. I will miss her beyond words." Rigg became famous when she played secret agent Emma Peel in the British 1960s television series The Avengers from 1961 to 1969. She became a Bond girl in 1969, when she played James Bond's only wife, Tracy, opposite George Lazenby in On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Game of Thrones fans will also remember Rigg for her role as Olenna Tyrell. 

The Hall of Famer, one of baseball's signature leadoff hitters and base stealers who helped the St. Louis Cardinals win three pennants and two World Series titles in the 1960s, has died. He was 81. Dick Zitzmann, Brock's longtime agent and friend, confirmed Brock's death on Sept. 6 but said he couldn't provide any details. The Cardinals and Cubs observed a moment of silence in the outfielder's memory before their game at Wrigley Field. Brock lost a leg from diabetes in recent years and was diagnosed with cancer in 2017. The man later nicknamed the Running Redbird and the Base Burglar stole 938 bases in his career, including 118 in 1974, which were both big league records until they were broken by Rickey Henderson. Brock was an anchor for St. Louis as its combination of speed, defense and pitching made it a top team in the '60s and a symbol of the National League's more aggressive style at the time in comparison to the American League, and the Cards won the World Series in 1964 and 1967. A lifetime .293 hitter, he led the league in steals eight times, scored 100 or more runs seven times and amassed 3,023 hits. Brock was even better in postseason play, batting .391 with four homers, 16 RBIs and 14 steals in 21 World Series games. 

The veteran TV star, best known for roles in Knots Landing, Kojak and Days of Our Lives, died on Sept. 6. He was 77. The news was first shared by the United Veterans Council of San Joaquin County, a nonprofit organization where Dobson had previously served as chairman. No confirmed details regarding his death were immediately available, although multiple reports state that he suffered a fatal heart attack. Dobson's career spanned over 50 years, beginning with his first TV role in 1968. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Susan, as well as their three children, Mariah, Patrick and Sean.

The YouTube star and beauty influencer known as Ethan Is Supreme has died, his friends confirmed on social media on Sept. 5. He was 17. Ethan's cause of death is unclear. His best friend, Ava Louise, noted his struggles with addiction on social media and has been posting resources for those struggling with substance abuse. ET reached out to Ethan's rep for comment. "My best friend in the entire world, my twin flame.....the only person there for me when I had no one," Ava tweeted. "I love you Ethan, I am at a loss for words. I wish I knew how bad it was. I know what you’d want me to say to the Internet rn but I’m to heartbroken to say it. Rip." 

The galvanizing leader of the Miracle Mets 1969 championship team has died. He was 75. The Hall of Fame said that Seaver died on Aug. 31 from complications of Lewy body dementia and COVID-19. Seaver's family announced in March 2019 he had been diagnosed with dementia and had retired from public life. He continued working at Seaver Vineyards, founded by the three-time NL Cy Young Award winner and his wife, Nancy, in 2002 in the Calistoga region of Northern California, where he spent his final years. Seaver was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 1991, and it reoccurred in 2012 and led to Bell's Palsy and memory loss, the New York Daily News reported in 2013. 



Nicknamed Tom Terrific and The Franchise, Seaver was a five-time 20-game winner and the 1967 NL Rookie of the Year. For his career, from 1967-86, he had a 311-205 record with a 2.86 ERA, 3,640 strikeouts and 61 shutouts. He became a constant on magazine covers and a media presence, calling postseason games on NBC and ABC even while still an active player. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1992, and his plaque in Cooperstown lauds him as a "power pitcher who helped change the New York Mets from lovable losers into formidable foes." Seaver pitched for the Mets from 1967 until 1977, when he was traded to Cincinnati after a public spat with chairman M. Donald Grant over Seaver's desire for a new contract, a clash that inflamed New York baseball fans. He threw his only no-hitter for the Reds in June 1978 against St. Louis and was traded back to New York after the 1982 season, then was claimed by the Chicago White Sox as free agent compensation in 1984; he got his 300th win at Yankee Stadium while playing for the Sox. He finished his career with the 1986 Boston Red Sox team that lost to the Mets in the World Series. Supremely confident, Seaver was a 12-time All-Star who led the major leagues with a 25-7 record in 1969 and a 1.76 ERA in 1971. A classic power pitcher with a drop-and-drive delivery that often dirtied the right knee of his uniform pants, he won Cy Young Awards with New York in 1969, 1973 and 1975. The club retired his No. 41 in 1988, the first Mets player given the honor.

The former NBA star and Survivor contestant has died. He was 53. The news of the athlete's death was confirmed by his former team, the Portland Trailblazers, on Aug. 29. No cause of death was shared at the time. "The Trail Blazers organization is deeply saddened by the passing of Trail Blazers great Cliff Robinson. Robinson started his career in Portland in 1989 and stayed for eight seasons before continuing his 18-year career in the NBA," the statement read. "His personality and energy were unmatched, and his contributions on the court were unmistakable, helping the Trail Blazers into the playoffs each of his eight seasons with the team." Drafted in 1989 and after playing with the Trailblazers, Robinson was also a member of the Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Gold State Warriors and New Jersey Nets until his retirement in 2007. He received the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 1993 and was selected as an All-Star in 1994. Robinson also participated in the season 28 of Survivor in 2014. The theme for the season was Brains vs. Brawn, and he finished in 14th place.

The actor has died after a battle with colon cancer. He was 43. News of the Black Panther star's death was confirmed on Aug. 28 on his Instagram. "It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman," reads the statement posted on his social media page.⁣ "Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last four years as it progressed to stage IV.  A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther. ⁣He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side." Boseman had never spoken about his diagnosis, so the news coming as a shock to many. Over the course of his impressive acting career, Boseman played Black icons Jackie Robinson and James Brown, and led Black Panther, Marvels smash hit that broke records. The blockbuster become the first superhero movie to receive an Oscar nomination in the coveted Best Picture category, and was nominated for seven Oscars total, including Best Original Song and Best Original Score.

The YouTube star, who became famous on the platform for appearing with his family on Cam&Fam, died in August, his wife, Camryn Clifford, announced on Instagram. The couple, whose YouTube channel amassed more than one million followers since they posted their first video in 2017, shared two children, Briar, 2, and Delilah, 3 months. "August 13th 2020 was Landon’s last day being the best dad and husband he could be," she wrote alongside a pic of her hand on his chest in the hospital. "After spending the following 6 days in a coma he passed on and donated several organs to people in need all over the country. He died saving the lives of others. That’s the type of person he was. Compassionate, loving, thoughtful, kind, and gentle." Camryn concluded her post by writing that "words can not come close to describe the pain I feel."

The celebrated alt-country Americana singer and son of folk rocker Steve Earle has died. He was 38. The news of his death was posted to his social media platforms on Aug. 23 and appeared to be penned by his family. "It is with tremendous sadness that we inform you of the passing of our son, husband, father and friend Justin," the emotional post read, alongside a photo of Justin playing his guitar. "So many of you have relied on his music and lyrics over the years and we hope that his music will continue to guide you on your journeys. You will be missed dearly Justin 💔." No cause of death has been announced yett. The songwriter made his music debut in 2007 with the EP Yuma and went on to release numerous albums on the Bloodshot Records label. He released nine albums over the following 13 years, with his most recent, The Saint of Lost Causes, coming out in May 2019. He had been on the road touring and performing up until the coronavirus outbreak. Earle is survived by his wife, Jenn Marie, and their 3-year-old daughter, Etta.

The veteran character actor, whose career onstage and onscreen spanned over 80 years, died on Aug. 22 at the Lillian Booth Actors Home in Englewood, New Jersey, according to multiple reports. He was 94.  Rich began performing in live stage productions as a child. His career in the theater spanned from the 1930s to the '50s, and he made his screen debut on television in 1963 and appeared in his first sizable role in 1973's Serpico. He went on to appear in over 130 films and TV shows during his life, with his most notable performances coming in 1994's Quiz Show and 1997's Amistad and his most recent being 2014's Wish I Was Here. Rich was also an acclaimed acting coach during his life and was actively involved in civil rights movements, which contributed to his being blacklisted in the 1950s. Rich's wife, Elaine, died in 2015, after over 63 years of marriage. He is survived by their two children, Marian and David, as well as two grandchildren.

The musician, who was an early member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, has died, the band confirmed on Instagram on Aug. 21. He was 64. Sherman was the second guitarist to join the group, replacing founding member Hillel Slovak in 1983. "We of the RHCP family would like to wish Jack Sherman smooth sailing into the worlds beyond, for he has passed. Jack played on our debut album as well as our first tour of the USA. He was a unique dude and we thank him for all times good, bad and in between," the Red Hot Chili Peppers wrote on Instagram. Sherman's guitar playing can be heard on the Red Hot Chili Peppers' 1984 self-titled debut album. He toured with the band that year and co-wrote much of their second album, Freaky Styley, which was released in 1985. the guitarist left the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1985, following tension with the group's frontman Anthony Kiedis and bassist Flea, but he still provided backing vocals on later albums Mother's Milk and The Abbey Road E.P. He  collaborated with other acts over the course of his career, including Bob Dylan, George Clinton, Feargal Sharkey and Peter Case. Both Sherman and guitarist Dave Navarro were not included when the Red Hot Chili Peppers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012; in an interview with Billboard at the time, Sherman said it was "painful" to be excluded. 

The beloved performer and fan-favorite competitor on Drag Race season 8 and All Stars 3 died on Aug. 20, according to multiple reports. She was 34. The Shreveport, Louisiana, native had been hospitalized multiple times in recent months, with pneumonia and suspected kidney failure stemming from a scleroderma diagnosis. DeVayne made the top four in Drag Race season 8, delivering impressive looks and lip syncs, including an unforgettable, iconic performance of Jennifer Holliday's "And I Am Telling You" from Dreamgirls. Drag Race production company World of Wonder issued a statement, saying, "We're heartbroken to learn that Chi Chi DeVayne has passed away today. Her drag spread a message of love and kindness that truly touched each person she met. Rest in power, Chi Chi."

The Emmy-winning producer and actor died in his sleep on Aug. 13 of natural causes while vacationing in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, ET can confirm. He was 35. “Ash was a great friend, colleague and partner in crime. He was a champion of indie film and filmmakers and his love of the process of putting movies together was infectious," his producing partner, Anne Clements, told ET. "He had so much more life to live. My heart goes out to his family especially his mother. The world lost one of the good ones." Christian had a few projects "in various stages of production" at the time of his death, including As Sick As They Made Us, Mayim Bialik's directorial debut that was set to start filming this year. The filmmaker moved to Los Angeles from Texas at 16 from and wrote, starred and directed in his first feature film, Fat Girls, at 19. Based in Dallas, he had his own production company, Cranium Entertainment, which produced films such as Hurricane Bianca, 1985 and Coyote Lake. He also appeared on shows such as The Good Fight, The Good Wife and Law and Order.

The actress who starred in Days of Heaven and Out of the Blue has died. She was 58. On a GoFundMe page set up by her son, Michael Guthrie, the family shared that the actress died on Aug. 14 after battling lung cancer and pneumonia. "Linda was a loving wife, a caring mom, a wonderful grandma and a great friend who was loved by many," Guthrie wrote on the page. "What ever you can do to help with the funeral will be greatly appreciated. Thank you and God bless. Rest in peace we love you MOM." The 1978 film Days of Heaven was Manz's first movie role, which she took on at the age of 15. In addition to Out of the Blue, she starred in 1979's The Wanderers and 1981's Longshot. She mostly stopped acting after the '80s, though her last two credits came in 1997, in the films Gummo and The Game. She also took part in the 2016 documentary Along for the Ride. Manz is survived by her husband of 25 years, camera operator Bobby Guthrie, their two surviving sons and three grandchildren.

The character actor, best known for his role as Uncle Woodrow "Woody" Anderson on Sanford and Son, has died. He was 91. Allen's daughter, Ta-Ronce Allen, mourned his death on Facebook on Aug. 10, writing in part, "His warmth, kind heart and cleaver sayings will be missed. His laughter will ring in heaven. Rest In Heavenly Peace Raymond Allen. The last of 12 siblings." The late actor's family told TMZ that he was in a long-term California facility and was found unresponsive Monday morning. EMTs were not able to revive him. Allen, who had been in a health care facility since 2016, died as a result of respiratory issues, but they were not coronavirus related, his family told the outlet. Throughout his decades-long acting career, Allen also played Ned the Wino on Good Times and Merle the Earl on Starsky and Hutch and had guest appearances on The Jeffersons, What's Happening!! and The Love Boat. He is survived by two children. 

The actor who starred in films like Cocoon, The Natural and Absence of Malice and was the face of Quaker Oats for many years died at his home in Utah on Aug. 1, his manager, Lynda Bensky, confirmed to ET. He was 85. Brimley had been in an ICU wing of a hospital on dialysis and was very sick for days. "Wilford Brimley was a man you could trust," Bensky told ET in a statement. "He said what he meant and he meant what he said. He had a gruff exterior and a tender heart. I'm sad that I will no longer get to hear my friend's wonderful stories. He was one of a kind." Brimley became a spokesperson for diabetes education after learning he had the disease in the late 70s. The diagnosis led him to his gig with the Quaker Oats brand in the '80s and '90s. Brimley is survived by his wife, Beverly, and his three children.

The actor best known for his roles in action dramas and the sitcom Seinfeld has died. He was 81. Santoni died on Aug. 1 while in hospice care in Los Angeles after years of health struggles, according to multiple reports. Born in New York City in 1939, Santoni began acting in off-Broadway productions before breaking through with his first leading role in Carl Reiner's 1967 directorial debut, Enter Laughing. Santoni went on to play Detective Chico Gonzalez, the rookie partner to Clint Eastwood's Inspector Harry Callahan, in Dirty Harry (1971) and played Detective Tony Gonzalez in the 1986 action cop drama Cobra. He also enjoyed a lengthy career on the small screen, with roles in hit shows including Lou Grant, Hawaii Five-O, Hill Street Blues andThe Odd Couple, but his most recent and high-profile performance came playing Poppie on Seinfeld. Santoni is survived by his wife, Lisa James, and his son, Nick.

The founding member of The Roots, whose real name was Malik Abdul Basit, has died, the band announced via Twitter on July 29. His cause of death was not revealed. "We regretfully inform you of the passing of our beloved brother and long time Roots member Malik Abdul Basit," the tweet read. "May he be remembered for his devotion to Islam and innovation as one of the most gifted MCs of all time. We ask that you please respect his family in our time of mourning." Before his departure from the group in 2002, Malik appeared on four albums -- 1993's Organix, 1995's Do You Want More?!!!??!, 1996's Illadelph Halflife and 1999's Things Fall Apart. After his departure, he continued to make guest appearances on later albums. Malik released one EP, Psychological, as well as two studio albums, 2005's Street Assault and 2015's Unpredictable With Mr. Green.

The two-time Academy Award-winning actress and last surviving cast member from Gone With the Wind died peacefully from natural causes at her residence in Paris on July 26, ET confirmed. She was 104. Born in Tokyo in 1916 to British parents, de Havilland was raised in California with her younger sister, Oscar-winning actress Joan Fontaine. Despite making history as the only sisters to win Oscars in leading roles, the estranged siblings had a longstanding rivalry that lasted until Fontaine’s death in 2013. De Havilland made her onscreen debut in Max Reinhardt's 1935 production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. That same year, she landed her breakout role in Captain Blood and went on to appear in film classics like The Adventures of Robin Hood,The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex, prior to her Oscar-nominated role as Melanie Hamilton in Gone With the Wind. The British-American film legend, who once dated actor James Stewart and famed aviator and film tycoon Howard Hughes, was also close friends with Bette Davis. In the latter years of her life, de Havilland lived a relatively quiet life in France and earned several honors for her film career, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the National Medal of Art, which she was presented in 2008. She also received the Legion of Honor from France in 2010 and was named Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2017. 

The guitarist, one of the co-founders of Fleetwood Mac, has died. He was 73. "It is with great sadness that the family of Peter Green announce his death this weekend, peacefully in his sleep," the statement from Swan Turton law firm confirmed to ET on July 25. "A further statement will be provided in the coming days." The East London native co-founded Fleetwood Mac with Mick Fleetwood and Jeremy Spencer in 1967. He wrote one of the blues band's biggest hits, "Albatross," as well as "Oh Well," "Black Magic Woman," "The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)" and "Man of the World." Green recorded three albums with the group: their debut self-titled, Mr. Wonderful and Then Play On. He departed the band in 1970 while struggling with mental health issues. He was later diagnosed with schizophrenia and spent the mid-70s undergoing electro-convulsive therapy. He made a comeback in 1996 with the new band called Splinter Group, before touring as Peter Green and Friends in the 2000s, and he reunited with the band for a special appearance earlier this year. In 1998, Green was among the eight Fleetwood Mac members -- including Fleetwood, Spencer, Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, John McVie, Christine McVie and Danny Kiran -- that were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. 

The prolific actor, best known for his numerous roles in Westerns and horror films, died of pneumonia on July 25. He was 83. Saxon, who was born Carmine Orrico in Brooklyn, New York, had a professional career spanning 60 years and over 200 films and TV shows. He appeared alongside Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon, and in dozens of Italian-produced crime dramas, action flicks and Westerns throughout the 1970s. His real niche became horror films, with memorable roles in Black Christmas, several installments in the Nightmare on Elm Street series, and Tenebrae, among dozens of others. Saxon is survived by his wife, Gloria Martel, as well as his son, Antonio, and sister Dolores.

The iconic TV host died on July 24. He was 88. "We are deeply saddened to share that our beloved Regis Philbin passed away last night of natural causes, one month shy of his 89th birthday," his family told ET in a statement. "His family and friends are forever grateful for the time we got to spend with him – for his warmth, his legendary sense of humor, and his singular ability to make every day into something worth talking about. We thank his fans and admirers for their incredible support over his 60-year career and ask for privacy as we mourn his loss." People was first to report the news. Philbin battled health issues over his life, including undergoing triple bypass surgery in 2007. The former host of Live! with Regis and Kelly, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and America’s Got Talent, in 2004, he was recognized by the Guinness World Record for banking more than 16,000 hours in front of a TV camera. That year, he also filled in for Dick Clark on Dick Clark’s New Year Rocking Eve special. Known for his charisma and thick New York accent, the hosting legend began his career as a page on The Tonight Show, before being hired as a sidekick on The Joey Bishop Show in the 1950s. After ending his tenure on live morning television, Philbin played guest host for an episode of Piers Morgan Tonight and The Daily Show before signing on as host of Crowd Goes Wild on Fox Sports. His infamously recognizable voice and years on morning TV turned him into an omnipresent pop culture figure, and he made cameos in Miss Congeniality 2, Shrek the Third, Seinfeld, 30 Rock, How I Met Your Mother and The Simpsons, among other TV shows and films. Philbin is survived by his wife, Joy, four daughters, and grandchildren.

The Bad Girls Club season 8 star, whose nickname on the show was "The Miami Maverick," died on July 21. She was 34. The news was confirmed by Vince Valholla, record producer and founder of Valholla Entertainment; Roche was vice president of A&R (Artists and Repertoire) at the company. "I’m at a loss for words. Don’t know what to say. Mimi was kind to everyone she came across. She was [a] big dreamer & was a part of our Valholla family," Valholla tweeted on July 22, adding that her death came "out [of] the blue." "I’m heartbroken by the news of her passing. I’m thankful I got to know & work w/ her. My thoughts are with her family & loved ones." A spokesperson for the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office told ET that Roche's cause of death is to be determined. 

The congressman and civil rights icon who helped organize the 1963 March on Washington died of pancreatic cancer on July 17, his family confirmed in a statement. Lewis was 80. "It is with inconsolable grief and enduring sadness that we announce the passing of U.S. Rep. John Lewis," the statement from his family read. "He was honored and respected as the conscience of the U.S. Congress and an icon of American history, but we knew him as a loving father and brother. He was a stalwart champion in the on-going struggle to demand respect for the dignity and worth of every human being. He dedicated his entire life to non-violent activism and was an outspoken advocate in the struggle for equal justice in America. He will be deeply missed." House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called Lewis a "titan of the civil rights movement, whose goodness faith and bravery transformed our nation," and in a Medium post, former President Obama called Lewis "one of my heroes." In December 2019, Lewis announced he had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Lewis first entered elected politics in 1981, when he was elected to the Atlanta City Council, and he was elected to Congress in 1986, representing Georgia's 5th Congressional district, which includes the Martin Luther King Jr. National Park and the Ebenezer Baptist Church, the church where King served as pastor.  He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Obama in 2011 and in 2013, he wrote a graphic novel, March, about his life and the civil rights movement, followed by a sequel, Run, in 2018. Lewis was married to his wife, Lillian, for nearly 50 years before her death in 2012. Together they had one son, John-Miles.

The figure skater died in Moscow, Russia, the International Skating Union confirmed on July 17. She was 20. "The ISU is shocked by the news of Ekaterina's passing," ISU President Jan Dijkema said in a statement. "She was a talented pair skater and the Figure Skating community will miss her. We offer our deepest sympathies to her family, friends and teammates and mourn this tragic loss." Alexandrovskaya was born in Russia and gained her Australian citizenship in 2016. Two years later, she competed for Australia alongside skating partner Harley Windsor at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics. Windsor and Alexandrovskaya claimed the ISU Junior Grand Prix Final title in 2017. At the Olympics, they placed 18th. They announced the end of their skating career as a pair in early 2020.  "Due to health concerns, Katia and I are unable to continue [skating together]. I want to take this opportunity to wish Katia all the best in the future and a quick recovery," Windsor wrote at the time. 

The actress died of natural causes at her home in New York City on July 16, her rep told ET. She was 76. "She was the consummate professional who lived her dream of being a working actress her entire life in NYC which spanned over 45 years," Somerville's manager of over 28 years, Paul Hilepo, told ET. "I will miss her greatly.  Her friends and colleagues will miss her greatly as well." Somerville was perhaps best known to fans as Marlene on The Big C. The Iowa-born actress began her acting career at age 9 in 1952, appearing on an episode Guiding Light. Over the next few decades, she had roles on shows like Law & Order, NYPD Blue, Sex and the City and The Sopranos. The actress also appeared in movies like Swimfan, Stoker and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, as well as on Broadway. Somerville played Mrs. Henry DuBose in the stage production of To Kill a Mockingbird and appeared as Mrs. Chasen in Once in a Lifetime. 

The actress died of cancer on July 15, ET confirmed. She was 55. "Our beautiful Galyn has crossed over. She quietly fought a good fight but unfortunately passed away one day before her birthday, 7/14/2020 in Hawaii to cancer," Görg's rep, Sheila Legette, said in a statement to ET. "Galyn had been very private about her battle with cancer the last nine months. But remained positive and continued to enjoy life in Hawaii. Her heart was of silver and gold and her energy and presence brightened any room she entered." Görg was a series regular on the Fox show M.A.N.T.I.S. and had roles on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and in RoboCop 2 and also appeared on the original Twin Peaks, A Different World and Star Trek: Voyager. In recent years, she was on Parks and Recreation and How to Get Away With Murder, and she recently completed work on a film called Teller's Camp.

The Broadway and sitcom star died on July 14, following her battle with acute myeloid leukemia. She was 47. A GoFundMe page set up in her husband, John Hubbell's, honor, said that the Los Angeles-based actress died "very suddenly." Black landed a Broadway role in Neil Simon's Brighton Beach Memoirs at the age of 10 and played the title role on the short-lived 1988 sitcom, Raising Miranda. She also had guest roles on The Cosby Show, Touched by an Angel and Medium. According to her family's obituary, she also had her own theater company, where she both directed and performed. Black is survived by her husband. 

The longtime co-host of the beloved Discovery Channel science series MythBusters has died. He was 49. "We are heartbroken to hear this sad news about Grant," a rep for Discovery Channel told ET in a statement. "He was an important part of our Discovery family and a really wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family." Imahara reportedly died suddenly following a brain aneurysm, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The Los Angeles-born TV personality spent several years working for Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic before joining MythBusters during the show's third season, and he remained a fixture on the series until his departure in 2014. He later served as a co-host of Netflix's White Rabbit Project, alongside his former MythBusters co-host Kari Byron and Tory Belleci. He is survived by his fiancée, Jennifer Newman.

The former Glee star was pronounced dead on July 13, as her body was discovered following a five-day search. She was 33. Rivera was reported missing on July 8 after she took a boat ride with her 4-year-old son, Josey, in Lake Piru in the Los Padres National Forest in Ventura County, California. The Sheriff's Department told NBCLA that Rivera and her son rented a boat around 1 p.m., and approximately three hours later, another boater discovered Josey in the boat by himself. TMZ reported that Josey told authorities that his mother went into the water for a swim, but never returned to the boat. Rivera and her ex-husband, Ryan Dorsey, welcomed Josey in 2015, about a year after they got married in Mexico. Rivera filed for divorce from Dorsey in November 2016, but their divorce wasn't finalized until June 2018. At the time of her death, Rivera was starring in Step Up: High Water, and in addition to Glee, she previously acted on Devious Maids.

The actress died on July 12 after a battle with breast cancer, her husband of 18 years, John Travolta, confirmed. She was 57. "It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you that my beautiful wife Kelly has lost her two-year battle with breast cancer," Travolta wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of his wife. "She fought a courageous fight with the love and support of so many. Kelly’s love and life will always be remembered. I will be taking some time to be there for my children who have lost their mother, so forgive me in advance if you don’t hear from us for a while.  But please know that I will feel your outpouring of love in the weeks and months ahead as we heal." People was first to report the news, with a rep for the family telling the outlet, "Choosing to keep her fight private, she had been undergoing medical treatment for some time, supported by her closest family and friends." Preston appeared in dozens of films and TV shows and frequently acted in roles opposite her husband. Her most recent big screen appearance came in the 2018 mob biopic Gotti, in which she starred as Victoria Gotti, wife of crime boss John Gotti, as portrayed by Travolta. She is survived by her husband and their children, 20-year-old daughter Ella and 9-year-old son Benjamin. The couple's older son, Jett, died in 2009 at age 16.

The Atlanta-based rapper has died, ET confirmed on July 12. He was 30. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s office confirmed to ET that a deceased individual by the name of Rudolph Johnson (Lil Marlo's real name) had recently been brought in. No other details, including his cause of death, were available at the time. According to multiple reports, Lil Marlo was found dead on the night of July 11, when officers responding to a call about an accident and found a 30-year-old man shot in a vehicle on I-285 near the Benjamin E. Mays Drive overpass. The Atlanta Police Department reportedly believed the victim was intentionally shot and homicide investigators were looking into the case. ET reached out to the Atlanta Police Department for comment. Lil Marlo was signed to the Quality Control label in 2017, emerging on the scene with "2 Hard the Way," a collaboration with his friend, Lil Baby, before releasing several hit songs, including "1st N 3rd," "F**kem" and "9 + Z6ne = 1'5." 

The YouTuber's family revealed on July 12 that Thea had died one day prior. She was 24. Thea was pregnant and her son, whom she planned to name Reign, died as well. "To all Nicole’s friends and supporters it is with great sadness that I have to inform you that Nicole and her son she and Boga named Reign sadly passed away on Saturday morning," a post on the social media star's Instagram read, though her family did not reveal her cause of death. "As a family we ask that you give us privacy because our hearts are truly broken and we are struggling to cope with what has happened. Thank you her mum RIP My beautiful baby girl Nicnac and my grandson Reign, I will miss you for the rest of my life until we meet again in eternal heaven. Xxx." Thea pre-scheduled YouTube videos to upload to her channel, and her boyfriend, Global Boga, had given her family his blessing to allow the videos to be published. 

The country music and southern rock legend died on July 6 at the Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee, from a hemorrhagic stroke, ET learned. He was 83. "Charlie Daniels was a reverential innovator," Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young said in part in a statement. "He was a fiddle-playing bandleader, like King of Country Music Roy Acuff. His music fused the immediacy of Southern Rock with the classic country storytelling that he heard as a child in Wilmington, North Carolina. He brought new audiences to country music, pointing people to the sources even as he explored the edges." Over his decades-long career, which began in the '50s, Daniels produced a number of hits with his band, including "Long Haired Country Boy" and "The Devil Went Down to Georgia." The latter was the CMA Single of the Year in 1979 and earned the Charlie Daniels Band a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. The country legend has received numerous accolades over the years, including an induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Musicians Hall of Fame, as well as becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Daniels is survived by his wife, Hazel, and son, Charlie Daniels Jr. 

The Italian composer -- who created the coyote-howl theme for the iconic Spaghetti Western The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and the soundtracks of classic Hollywood gangster movies such as The Untouchables -- died on July 6 in a Rome hospital of complications following a fall, in which he broke a leg, according to his longtime lawyer, Giorgio Assumma. He was 91. During a career that spanned decades and earned him an Oscar for lifetime achievement in 2007, Morricone collaborated with some of the most renowned Italian and Hollywood directors, in movies including The Untouchables, The Hateful Eight -- for which he won his first Oscar for best original score in 2016 -- and The Battle of Algiers. In total, he produced more than 400 original scores for feature films.

The celebrated Broadway star died on July 5 following a lengthy hospitalization and numerous health complications due to COVID-19. He was 41. Cordero's wife, Amanda Kloots, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram. "God has another angel in heaven now," Kloots wrote in part alongside a photo of Cordero. "My darling husband passed away this morning. He was surrounded in love by his family, singing and praying as he gently left this earth. I am in disbelief and hurting everywhere. My heart is broken as I cannot imagine our lives without him. Nick was such a bright light." The Canadian actor was best known for his celebrated Broadway performances. He appeared in the 2012 production and tour of the musical Rock of Ages and played Earl in the Broadway production of Waitress before leaving the show to take on the role of Sonny in the stage adaptation of A Bronx Tale. In 2014, Cordero also appeared in the Broadway production of Bullets Over Broadway, which earned him a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. It was on the set of Bullets Over Broadway that Cordero met his future wife, a celebrity fitness instructor. Kloots and Cordero welcomed their son, Elvis, in June 2019.

The PGA pro was one of eight people who died in a deadly plane collision over Coeur d'Alene Lake in Idaho on July 5, Kootenai County Sheriff's Office Lt. Ryan Higgins said. He was 48. The two planes -- identified by the National Transportation Safety Board as a Cessna TU206G and a de Havilland DHC-2 -- sank about 127 feet. The de Havilland, which is a seaplane, was piloted by Neil Lunt, according to a press release by the Sheriff's Office on July 6. Fredrickson was a passenger on that plane, as were with his children and step-children -- a 16-year-old female, a 16-year-old male and an 11-year-old male -- whom officials did not name.

Considered Britain's first Black movie star, the trailblazing actor died on July 3 at his home in England. He was 102. His rep told ET that Cameron "passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and family." "Our family have been overwhelmed by the outpourings of love and respect we have received at the news of our father’s passing," Cameron's children said in a statement to ET. "As an artist and as an actor he refused to take roles that demeaned or stereotyped the character of people of colour. He was truly a man who stood by his moral principles and was inspirational." Born in Bermuda in 1917, Cameron arrived in the U.K. in 1939 and served in the British Merchant Navy before becoming an actor. After working on stage at the West End, he made his on-screen debut in 1951's Pool of London. The film broke barriers as the first British movie to feature a biracial relationship, as well as the first mainstream British film to star a Black actor. He then went on to have roles in Sapphire, The Prisoner and Sidney Poitier’s A Warm December. Cameron landed the small role in the 007 film, Thunderball, in 1965, before becoming a series regular on The Dark Man. He also appeared on Season 4 of Doctor Who, where he reportedly became the first Black actor to play an astronaut on screen, per IndieWire. One of his last projects was a small role in Christopher Nolan’s Inception. In 2009, the actor was appointed Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE), presented by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace. He is survived by his second wife, Barbara, and his children.

The award-winning actor, director, producer and writer died on June 29, confirmed his son, Rob Reiner. He was 98. "Last night my dad passed away. As I write this my heart is hurting. He was my guiding light," his son tweeted on June 30. Reiner reportedly died in his Beverly Hills home and was surrounded by his family. Even in his 90s, Reiner was as sharp as ever and used his platform to bring attention to political issues such as immigration, voter registration and speaking out against President Donald Trump. Reiner’s “personal goal” was to live until the 2020 November election. “To make sure we have a decent, moral, law-abiding citizen in Washington who will make us all proud again to live in America," he said. With a vibrant career that spanned more than 60 years, the energetic Reiner directed dozens of films and TV shows, and made friends in fellow Hollywood legends and co-stars like Mel Brooks, Mary Tyler Moore, Dick Van Dyke and Betty White. Reiner’s big break came by way of The Dick Van Dyke Show, the Emmy-winning CBS sitcom he created, directed and produced. Reiner is survived by three children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. 

The rapper, whose real name is Lawerence Franks Jr., died on June 25 in Kinloch, Missouri, police confirmed. He was 32. According to the St. Louis County Police Department, Huey arrived at a local hospital just before 11 p.m. He had suffered at least one apparent gunshot wound and was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival. Following further investigation, St. Louis County Police officers from the Central County Precinct arrived and secured the scene, which was the front yard of a single-family home in the 8100 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard. A 21-year-old man was also hospitalized as a result of the incident. Detectives believe as many as 10 other individuals were present in and around the crime scene during the incident. Huey's hit single, "Pop, Lock & Drop It," was released in 2006. He is reportedly survived by a teenage daughter.

The TikTok star died by suicide at her home in New Delhi, India, on June 24, her manager, Arjun Sarin, confirmed to ET. Sarin told ET he had talked to Kakkar earlier in the day, noting, "She sounded very normal, just like we talk every day." "I can just say she was one of the finest artists and her focus was not money," he said. "Her focus was to work for her happiness." Kakkar was known for her dancing and had more than 1.9 million followers on TikTok. Delhi Police told local news outlet India Today that Kakkar had been battling depression in the four days prior to her death. Sarin told ET that he was not aware of the TikTok star receiving any online threats.

The famed film financier, producer and philanthropist died by suicide on June 22. He was 55. Authorities say Bing leaped from a building in Century City, California, according to multiple reports. Bing reportedly jumped from the 27th floor of a luxury apartment tower where he lived, TMZ reported. Bing, the founder of Shangri-La Entertainment, was best known for financing some of director Robert Zemeckis' most ambitious projects, including 2004's Polar Express, which went on to become a major blockbuster, and his 2007 fantasy thriller, Beowulf. At 18, Bing inherited $600 million from his grandfather, Leo S. Bing, and he dropped out of college to focus on establishing a career in Hollywood. One of the first films he served on as a producer was the 2000 Sylvester Stallone thriller Get Carter. Bing also wrote several screenplays, including 1984's Missing in Action and 2003's Kangaroo Jack. Along with his investments in film projects, Bing was also a large contributor to progressive political causes and used his resources to contribute to philanthropic organizations. Bing is survived by two children, Damian Hurley, from a past relationship with actress Elizabeth Hurley, and Kira Bonder, from a previous relationship with former tennis star Lisa Bonder.

The costume designer-turned-director for films like Batman Forever, St. Elmo's Fire and The Lost Boys has died. He was 80. Multiple outlets reported that Schumacher died in New York City on June 22 after a year-long battle with cancer. ET reached out to Schumacher's rep for comment. Following Tim Burton's exit from the Batman franchise, Schumacher took over as director for 1995's Batman Forever and 1997's Batman and Robin. Schumacher also helmed a number of other film projects over the years, including The Client, Flatliners, Falling Down, A Time to Kill. Phone Booth, Bad Company and the feature adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical The Phantom of the Opera. He received a special award in 2010 from Camerimage, the International Film Festival of the Art of Cinematography, and the Distinguished Collaborator Award at the 2011 Costume Designers Guild Awards.

The acclaimed British actor whose long career included roles in Chariots of Fire and The Lord of the Rings died on June 19. He was 88. Holm, who waas suffering from a Parkinson's-related illness, died peacefully in a hospital, surrounded by his family and carer, his agent, Alex Irwin, said in a statement. Holm won a Tony Award for best featured actor as Lenny in Harold Pinter’s play The Homecoming in 1967 and, as an established figure in the Royal Shakespeare Company, he won a Laurence Olivier Award for best actor for his performance in the title role of King Lear in 1998. He won a British Academy Film Award and gained a supporting-actor Oscar nomination for portraying pioneering athletics coach Sam Mussabini in the hit 1982 film Chariots of Fire. He also appeared in The Fifth Element, Alien, The Sweet Hereafter, Time Bandits, The Emperor’s New Clothes and The Madness of King George.  More recently, he portrayed Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogies.

The character actor died in his sleep of unknown causes at his home in Hollywood on June 11, according to multiple reports. He was 78. ET has reached out to Winkler's rep for comment. The U.S. Army veteran was born in St. Louis and made his onscreen debut in 1969 on the NBC daytime soap opera, The Doctors, but he but was best known for his roles in 1991's Doc Hollywood, 1995's Devil in a Blue Dress (1995) and 2005's Coach Carter. He also spent time on Broadway, appearing in The Great White Hope in 1968, in August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone in 1988 and in Neil Simon's Proposals from 1997 to 1998. The veteran actor's career also included roles on TV shows like The Cosby Show, The Young Riders, Star Trek: Voyager, NYPD Blue and The Shield, and he was a successful voice actor as well. Winkler is survived by his children, Maury and Mark, and four granddaughters.

The This Is Us family and the television community has lost a talented writer and a powerful voice. Waters, a writer on the hit NBC family drama, has died at the age of 39. Her cause of death has not been revealed at this time. The official This Is Us writers account confirmed the news on June 10, writing,  "The entire #ThisIsUs family was devastated to learn of Jas Waters passing. In our time together, Jas left her mark on us and ALL over the show. She was a brilliant storyteller and a force of nature. We send our deepest sympathies to her loved ones. She was one of us. RIP @JasFly." In addition to writing on 18 episodes of This Is Us, Waters also worked on Jim Carrey's Kidding, Hood Adjacent With James Davis, and the film What Men Want. Under the name JasFly, Waters, who used to write for Vibe, also appeared on The Gossip Game, a VH1 reality show about hip-hop TV and radio personalities and bloggers. 

The musician, part of the GRAMMY-winning group The Pointer Sisters, died on June 7. She was 69. The singer's sister and bandmate, Anita Pointer, confirmed the news in a statement to ET. “It is with great sadness that I have to announce to the fans of The Pointer Sisters that my sister, Bonnie, died this morning,” Anita said. “Our family is devastated, on behalf of my siblings and I and the entire Pointer family, we ask for your prayers at this time. Bonnie was my best friend and we talked every day. We never had a fight in our life. I already miss her and I will see her again one day.” Bonnie, Anita and their siblings formed The Pointer Sisters more than 50 years ago, after growing up singing in their father’s Oakland, California, church. The band recorded five albums, won a GRAMMY for Best Country Duo or Group in 1975 and were the first African American group to perform at Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry. After leaving the band, Bonnie pursued a solo career with Motown, releasing hits like 1978’s “Heaven Must Have Sent You.” She and Anita got together to pen “Feels Like June,” in honor of late sister and bandmate June Porter, in 2019, marking Bonnie's final music recording.

The first US male gymnast to win a world championship gold medal died on June 5, his family said in a statement. He was 64. Thomas suffered a stroke on May 24, which was caused by a tear of the basilar artery in the brain stem. "Yesterday, I lost my universe, my best friend and my soulmate of 24 years. Kurt lived his life to the extreme, and I will be forever honored to be his wife," Beckie Thomas told International Gymnast Magazine. Thomas became the first US male gymnast to win a world title when he won the floor exercise in the 1978 world championships in Strasbourg, France. He repeated as floor exercise champion at the 1979 world championships in Fort Worth, Texas, and also took home the gold for the horizontal bar and finished with silver medals in the all-around, pommel horse and parallel bars. He competed as a member of the US team at the 1975 Pan American Games and 1976 Olympics, later turning pro after the United States announced their boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics. He's also known for his starring role in the 1985 movie Gymkata.

The actress died on June 2 after a battle with cancer, according to multiple reports. She was 70. Gleason starred on Mom as AA member Mary, and her co-star Mimi Kennedy paid tribute to her on Instagram after hearing of her passing. "I’m saddened to learn that Mary Pat Gleason (Mary on @mom_cbs) passed away," Kennedy shared. "From her nephew, 'Her curtain closed at 10:20 Tuesday evening.' I’m sure she was met with thunderous applause and a great party backstage. My love to you Mary and to your loved ones." Gleason has over 170 acting credits, including roles on Will & Grace, Desperate Housewives and Life in Pieces. She won a Daytime Emmy in 1986 while on the writing team for The Guiding Light and also starred in the soap opera as Jane Hogan. In addition to her decadeslong work in television, Gleason is known for her film roles in 1996's The Crucible, 2003's Intolerable Cruelty and 2004's A Cinderella Story. 

The former drummer of The Misfits, whose real name is Joey Poole, has died. He was 63. The New York Hardcore Chronicles reported the musician's death on June 1, and the punk rock band tweeted confirmation as well. "RIP Joey Image, March 5, 1957 - June 1, 2020. Misfits drummer 78 - 79," read the post from The Misfits official Twitter account. "Appears on the Misfits classic “Horror Business” & “Night of the Living Dead” 7-inches. Seen here on drums with the Misfits live at Irving Plaza Halloween night 1979 in NYC. #themisfits #ripjoeyimage." Image's cause of death had not been announced, but he had been fighting liver cancer for four years, according to a GoFundMe page. The New Jersey native joined The Misfits at age 21 and later went on to play with quite a few bands, including Human Buffet and The Undead. 

The KISS guitarist has died, his brother, Bruce Kulick, confirmed via social media on May 29. He was 70. "I am heartbroken to have to share the news of the passing of my brother Bob Kulick. His love of music, and his talent as a musician and producer should always be celebrated," Bruce tweeted. "Please respect the Kulick Family’s privacy during this sad time. RIP." No cause of death is known at this time. KISS' official Twitter also reposted Kulick's brother's note, adding, "We are heartbroken. Our deepest condolences to the Kulick family in this difficult time." Kulick originally auditioned for Kiss in 1972 but was passed over in favor of Ace Frehley. However, the guitarist toured and worked in the studio with the band for numerous years and also worked on KISS singer Paul Stanley's 1978 solo album. Kulick was featured on Lou Reed's 1975 album, Coney Island Baby, and was part of Meat Loaf's touring band, the Neverland Express. and he also worked on the Spongebob Squarepants song "Sweet Victory." He recorded his first solo album in 2018.

The veteran character actor -- best known for playing lanky, menacing bad guys -- died on May 26 after a battle with cancer. He was 77. James -- born Jimmy Anthony -- had a long career that included with memorable roles in two Oscar-winning films. James made his big-screen debut in the 1966 drama In the Heat of the Night and retired from acting after appearing in the 1992 western Unforgiven. His other film credits include Vanishing Point, Hearts of the West, Burnt Offerings, High Plains Drifter and World Gone Wild, among many others. He also had recurring roles in numerous TV shows. After retiring from acting, he moved to the East Coast to pursue his passion as an artist and a writer.

The prominent AIDS activist and playwright died on May 27 in Manhattan of pneumonia, The New York Times reported. He was 84. The writer and film producer earned an Oscar nomination for his screenplay for 1969's Women in Love and is also known for writing his 1985 semi-autobiographical play, The Normal Heart, which was later turned into an HBO film directed by Ryan Murphy. Kramer's activist work was monumental. He co-founded the Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) in 1982, a major non-profit assisting people living with AIDS, and the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP), an influential, international political group working to end the AIDS pandemic, in 1987. Kramer is survived by his husband, David Webster, whom he married in 2013.

The actor, best known for his role on Seinfeld, died on May 26, ET confirmed. He was 87. Herd died of cancer-related causes at his home in Los Angeles, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Herd's character on Seinfeld, Mr. Wilhelm, was the New York Yankees executive who supervised George Costanza (Jason Alexander) after he landed a job as an assistant to the traveling secretary. Throughout his decades-long career as an actor, the Boston native also starred as the Klingon L'Kor on Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Admiral Owen Paris on Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: Renegades. Herd also appeared in Planes, Trains and Automobiles and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Patricia Crowder Herd, daughter Erica, son Rick and stepdaughter Alicia.

The wrestler has died, Japan's Stardom Wrestling confirmed on May 23. Kimura, who also appeared on the current season of Terrace House, was 22. "Stardom fans, We are very sorry to report that our Hana Kimura has passed away," read Stardom Wrestling's statement. "Please be respectful and allow some time for things to process, and keep your thoughts and prayers with her family and friends. We appreciate your support during this difficult time." Kimura's last social media posts worried some fans. "I love you, have a long, happy life. I’m sorry," she captioned her last Instagram pic, which was shared one day before her death, according to the Washington Post. The outlet also reported that Kimura had recently posted several troubling tweets, which have since been deleted. A cause of death has not been revealed. 

The legendary jazz drummer died at his home in Manhattan on Sunday, after a battle with lung cancer, NPR reports. He was 91. Cobb was the last surviving member of Miles Davis' so-called First Great Sextet, responsible for the groundbreaking 1959 jazz album Kind of Blue. He also performed with Davis on the celebrated Sketches of Spain, Someday My Prince Will Come, and In Person Friday and Saturday Nights at the Blackhawk, among other albums. Cobb was also part of several other groups and continued performing and teaching music until his final days. He is survived by his wife, Eleana, and their daughters, Serena and Jaime.

The actor died in Kentucky on May 19, and police allege he shot a woman before shooting himself. Nathan Kent, Chief of Police for the Mayfield Police Department, confirmed to ET that police are currently investigating an attempted murder-suicide. According to police, officers responded to a 911 call shortly after 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday reporting that a woman had been shot at a residence in Mayfield. When officers arrived, they were met outside the residence by a 34-year-old woman named Erica Price, who had gunshot wounds to her arm and chest. Police say that Price told officers that 29-year-old Hagen was the gunman and that he was still inside and had turned the gun on himself. Mills was pronounced dead at the scene, while Price was transported to the hospital for treatment. Mills was best known for his role on the 2016 FX series Baskets, starring Louis C.K. and Zach Galifianakis. He also had a role in the 2020 horror film Star Light.

The former WWE star was found dead after going missing following a swim at Venice Beach in California on May 17. He was 39. The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office confirmed to ET that the body that washed ashore overnight was that of Gaspard. An examination is pending. Gaspard and his 10-year-old son were among swimmers caught in a riptide at the popular tourist spot around 4 p.m. on May 17, according to multiple reports. At the time, an eyewitness told TMZ that once lifeguards rushed to rescue swimmers, Gaspard instructed them to help his son before helping him. They successfully rescued the young boy, but another large wave is said to have crashed onto Gaspard. Prior to ending his wrestling career in 2010, Gaspard was a a major star of the WWE; he was one-half of tag team Cryme Tyme with his partner, Jayson Anthony Paul, a.k.a. JTG. He also appeared in movies, including Think Like a Man Too.

The actor, who was best known for playing Eddie Haskell on Leave It to Beaver, has died. He was 76. Osmond's son, Eric, confirmed the sad news in a statement to ET on May 18. "He was an incredibly kind and wonderful father," the statement read. "He had his family gathered around him when he passed. He was loved and will be very missed." The cause of death is unknown. Osmond played Eddie Haskell on both the original Leave It to Beaver, which debuted in 1957, and reprised the beloved role in The New Leave It to Beaver in 1983. He also appeared on other iconic television series like Annie Oakley, Lassie and Happy Days.  In 1970, Osmond joined the Los Angeles Police Department, retiring from the force in 1988. Osmond is survived by his wife, Sandra Purdy, whom he had been married to since 1969, and his two sons, Christian and Eric.

The comedic actor known for his roles in Best In Show and Modern Family has died. He was 86. The actor's daughter, Hope Mulbarger, confirmed Willard's death via Twitter on May 16. "It is with a heavy heart that I share the news my father passed away very peacefully last night at the fantastic age of 86 years old," she wrote. "He kept moving, working and making us happy until the very end.We loved him so very much! We will miss him forever." The actor's rep, Glenn Schwartz, also confirmed to Rolling Stone that he died from natural causes. With a career spanning 50 years and more than 300 credits to his name, Willard starred in movies like A Mighty Wind, Anchorman, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle and How High, among others. His TV credits are numerous, including Everybody Loves Raymond, Wizards of Waverly Place,Pushing Daisies, The Drew Carey Show, That '70s Show, Ally McBeal, Mad About You, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Roseanne, Saved By the Bell: The New Class and many more. He also starred in a handful of Christopher Guest mockumentaries, including This Is Spinal Tap, Waiting for Guffman and Best In Show. Willard was also nominated for four Emmy Awards; three for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Hank MacDougall in Everybody Loves Raymond, and one in the same category for portraying Frank Dunphy in Modern Family. He will be seen in his final project, the upcoming HBO series, Space Force, premiering May 29.

George, a pioneer in the sports broadcasting industry, died due to complications from a blood disorder. Her ex-husband,  former Kentucky Gov. John Brown Jr., confirmed the news to the Louisville Courier-Journal on May 16, saying, "Phyllis was a great asset to Kentucky. We had a great partnership. I think we enjoyed every single day." She first made her mark on the national stage by winning the Miss America pageant in 1971, which launched her into a broadcasting career with CBS in 1974, when she became the first female sportscaster to work at a major TV network. George worked on the prominent CBS pregame show The NFL Today, appearing on-air alongside the likes of Brent Musburger, Irv Cross and Jimmy "The Greek" Snyder. Along with her position at The NFL Today, George appeared as a co-host on CBS Morning News and also provided coverage of the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes over the course of her career.  The Texas native is survived by her two children with the former governor.

The indie filmmaker and director died on May 15 in Los Angeles as a result of a previously unidentified blood disorder, a rep for Shelton confirmed to ET.  She was 54. "Lynn's twitter bio reads: 'I make movies and direct tv shows and like to laugh. A lot.' Lynn indeed had an infectious laugh, was full of life and had an esprit de corps that touched many," the statement read in part. "She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, the entertainment industry and her fans." Additionally, Shelton's romantic and creative partner, comedian Marc Maron, said in a statement to IndieWire, "I have some awful news. Lynn passed away last night. She collapsed yesterday morning after having been ill for a week...It was not COVID-19. The doctors could not save her. They tried. Hard." Shelton kicked off her film career at the 2006 Slamdance Film Festival with We Go Way Back, which earned the Grand Jury Prize, and has been credited as helping to kick off the mumblecore genre. Her credits also include My Effortless Brilliance, Humpday, Sword of Trust and Your Sister’s Sister. She also worked on series like The Morning Show, Fresh Off the Boat, New Girl, Mad Men, GLOW and Little Fires Everywhere. Shelton is survived by her son, Milo Seal, her ex-husband of many years, Kevin Seal, her parents Wendy and Alan Roedell and David "Mac" Shelton and Frauke Rynd. She is also survived by her brothers David Shelton, Robert Rynd and sister Tanya Rynd, as well as Maron, with whom she spent the last year of her life.

The Trading Spaces designer died on May 15. He was 72. Bielec died from complications from a heart attack, his former co-star and fellow designer, Vern Yip, confirmed the sad news on his social media. Bielec was on the beloved TLC design series since it premiered in 2000 until 2008. TLC briefly revived Trading Spaces in 2018 for two new seasons, with the designer making a brief appearance. He is survived by his wife Judy, their son Matt, and their grandchildren, Mason and Ava.

The Twilight actor has died at age 30. Best known for his role as Tyler Crowley in Twilight, Boyce was found dead, along with his girlfriend, Natalie Adepoju, 27, in a Las Vegas condo on May 13, the Las Vegas Medical Examiner's Office confirmed to ET. A source told E! News, which first reported the story, that Boyce's cousin noticed that the actor's car was still at the condo, but that Boyce was supposed to have driven to Los Angeles. Boyce's cousin went in to check on him and found both Boyce and Adepoju. Back in December, Boyce celebrated his 30th birthday with a hopeful message on Instagram, admitting, "At one point i didn't think I would make it to see 30 years old." The cause of Boyce's and Adepoju's deaths has not yet been disclosed and are still pending. Boyce is survived by his 10-year-old daughter, Alaya, while Adepoju is survived by her son, Egypt.

The Emmy award-winning actor and comedian has died of natural causes. He was 92. His son, actor Ben Stiller, confirmed the news on May 11, tweeting in part, "He was a great dad and grandfather, and the most dedicated husband to Anne for about 62 years. He will be greatly missed. Love you Dad." Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1927, Stiller joined the service during World War II and earned a bachelor’s degree in speech and drama from Syracuse University in 1950. He and his wife, the late Anne Meara, quickly became a comedy duo and joined the improve collective at The Compass Players (later known as The Second City), making multiple appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show and landing a syndicated five-minute sketch show, Take Five with Stiller and Meara. The couple also hosted HBO Sneak Previews from 1979 until 1982 and debuted the sitcom The Stiller and Meara Show in 1986. Throughout the ‘80s, Stiller took appeared on shows like Saturday Night Live, Murder, She Wrote, L.A. Law, Law & Order and the musical Hairspray. He later enjoyed a career surge on Seinfeld; his role as George Constanza’s father, Frank Costanza, earned him an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor and an American Pop Culture Award. After Seinfeld ended in 1998, he joined the cast of King of Queens at the request of show star, Kevin James. Stiller is survived by his daughter, Amy, son Ben, and two grandchildren.

The YouTube star died on May 10 after being involved in a car crash on his 25th birthday, Corey's mother and brother confirmed via Instagram. "This isn't something i thought i would ever have to sit here and type out for a very long time or what i wanna do right now but everyone deserves to know, my brother Corey passed away last night in a car accident with his drunk friend driving," Corey's brother, Jarrad La Barrie, wrote in part. The Australia native amassed thousands of followers for his comedy videos after moving to Los Angeles. He had previously been a contestant on The Reality House, a series on YouTube. 

The legendary soul singer died on May 10. She was 66. Her niece, Bella, confirmed the news via Twitter, writing, "I just lost my aunt this morning.... and now my mood has changed.... sleep in peace aunty Betty Wright . fly high angel fly high angel." Wright was an icon of R&B music, responsible for hits like "No Pain, (No Gain)" and "Tonight Is the Night." Her 1972 single, "Clean Up Woman," was notably sampled for Mary J. Blige’s remix of "Real Love," as well as for songs by SWV, Sublime, Willie D, Afrika Bambaattaa and Chance the Rapper. Wright's first hit, "Girls Can't Do What Guys Do," was also sampled for Beyonce's "Upgrade U." Her single "Where Is the Love" won Best R&B Song at the 1976 GRAMMY Awards. Her late husband, Jamaican musician Noel "King Sporty" Williams, who she wed in 1985, died in 2015. Wright is survived by three daughters and one son; a second son, Patrick Parker, died in 2005.

The veteran character actor, best known for his brutal role in the 1983 crime drama Scarface, died on May 9 at his home in Los Angeles due to complications from a form of dementia known as frontotemporal degeneration, according to multiple reports. He was 72. Throughout a career that spanned over four decades, Silva is still most remembered for playing the silent assassin The Skull, who murders Al Pacino's Tony Montana with a 12-gauge shotgun in Brian De Palma's famous, bloody remake of Scarface. Silva also appeared in numerous stage productions and TV shows, including Fantasy Island, Star Trek: Enterprise, Walker Texas Ranger and Alias.  He also had memorable appearances in numerous films including Zoot Suit, Tequila Sunrise, Amistad, and Mulholland Drive. Silva is survived by his wife, Pamela, their daughter, Lucia, as well as two grandchildren and a sister.

The godfather of rock 'n' roll, who entertained audiences for more than seven decades with hits that included “Tutti Frutti,” “Good Golly Miss Molly,” “Lucille” and “Long Tally Sally," died on May 9, his lawyer, Bill Sobel, confirmed to ET. He was 87. Born in Macon, Georgia, in 1932, the music legend, whose real name is Richard Penniman, was one of 11 siblings raised with strict parents who only allowed the family to listen to gospel music. He dropped out of high school after his father kicked him out for wearing his mother's makeup and clothes and went on to join the Buster Brown Orchestra, taking the stage name "Little Richard." His first hit came in 1956 with "Tutti Frutti," followed by his first Top 10 the next year with “Keep A-Knockin”; he also debuted Here’s Little Richard in 1957. Over the course of his career, Richard battled a drug and alcohol addiction and openly tested gender boundaries with glittery fashions and gender-bending looks. He grappled with his sexuality throughout much of his life, marrying once to Ernestine Harvin in 1957. They adopted a son, Danny Jones, prior to divorcing in 1964. By the '90s, Richard had transformed into a ubiquitous pop culture figure, making cameos in Quantum Leap, Northern Exposure, La Bamba, Martin and countless other films and TV shows where he typically played an exaggerated version of himself. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1990, a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Awards in 1993 and an American Music Award of Merit in 1997. He also sang the theme song for The Magic School Bus and recorded a rock 'n' roll version of “The Itsy Bitsy Spider,” the success of which led to Shake It All About, the first of his two children albums. Richard's final official studio album, Little Richard Meets Masayoshi Takanaka, was released in 1995. He announced his retirement in a 2013 Rolling Stone magazine interview.

Roy Uwe Ludwig Horn, one half of the legendary performing duo Siegfried & Roy, died on May 8 in a Las Vegas hospital from complications of COVID-19. He was 75. "Today, the world has lost one of the greats of magic, but I have lost my best friend," Siegfried Fischbacher said in a statement released to ET. "From the moment we met, I knew Roy and I, together, would change the world. There could be no Siegfried without Roy, and no Roy without Siegfried. Roy was a fighter his whole life including during these final days. I give my heartfelt appreciation to the team doctors, nurses and staff at Mountain View Hospital who worked heroically against this insidious virus that ultimately took Roy's life." In October 2003, Horn was attacked by a white tiger named Mantecore during a performance. He was dragged offstage by the neck and while trainers were able to free him, he suffered a stroke, severed his spine and had massive blood loss. The accident caused him to go into a dramatic five-year rehabilitation and forever canceling the Siegfried & Roy Las Vegas show.

The Bad Company frontman died on May 5 as a result of cardiac arrest. He was 66. Howe’s death was confirmed by his longtime friend and manager, Paul Easton, who said in a statement, "It is with deep and profound sadness that we announce the untimely passing of a loving father, friend and musical icon, Brian Howe." According to the statement, the singer was able to briefly speak with EMTs but then was unable to be revived. Howe started his music career with Ted Nugent, serving as lead vocalist on Nugent's 1984 Penetrator album. He went on to replace the lead singer of Bad Company, Paul Rodgers, before leaving the band in 1994 to start a solo career and eventually releasing four albums. The British rocker had been on tour prior to the coronavirus shutdowns and had plans to return to the road when possible. Howe is survived by son Michael, daughters Victoria and Ella, and three grandchildren.

The winningest head coach in National Football League history and a Miami Dolphins legend for half a century has died, the Dolphins confirmed via social media on May 4. He was 90. During his time as a pro defensive back, Shula played 73 games over seven seasons in the NFL, finishing his career with 21 interceptions. Shula started as head coach with the Dolphins in 1970 after seven seasons coaching the Baltimore Colts. He remained Miami's leader for the next 26 years, taking them to five Super Bowl appearances and winning back to back titles in 1972 and 1973. In that '72 season, Shula and the Dolphins became the only NFL team to complete a perfect season, finishing the year 17-0.  They remain the only team to complete an NFL season and win a Super Bowl without suffering a loss. Shula retired in 1995 having coached more games than anyone in NFL history and remains the all-time leader in wins with 347. Shula is survived by his wife, Mary Anne, and five children from his marriage to his first wife, Dorothy, who died of breast cancer in 1991:, Dave, Donna, Sharon, Anne and Mike. 

The former U.S. Olympic bobsledder died by suicide on May 3, according to Team USA Olympic Bobsled and Skeleton. He was 43. "The winter sports community has suffered a tragic loss," USA Bobsled/Skeleton CEO Aron McGuire, a former teammate of Jovanovic, said in a statement. "Pavle’s passion and commitment towards bobsled was seen and felt by his teammates, coaches, competitors, and fans of the sport. He lived life to the fullest and had a lasting influence on all those who had the opportunity to spend time with him," McGuire's statement continued. "Whether Pavle was pushing his teammates to be their best on the track and in the weight room, or bringing laughter to friends, he was known for always giving 100 percent on everything that he focused on." Jovanovic was born in Toms River, New Jersey, and began his bobsledding career in 1997. He earned a bronze medal at the World Championships in 2004. Jovanovic was set to make his Olympic debut at the Salt Lake City Games in 2002, but was disqualified after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs, but he returned for the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy.

The Kansas-born singer -- best known for the 2012's "This Little Girl," as well as her most recent single, 2017's "Oil and Water" -- died on May 2. She was 30. The news was first revealed by her older brother, Cody Groves. Cody later shared longer post with what little information they had about Cady's cause of death, writing in part, "The medical examiner has completed autopsy and there was no indication of foul play or self harm. Simply put, Cady Groves died of natural causes. She had some medical problems last fall and our best guess at this point until further testing is complete is that they had resurfaced. Please respect her name and family before sharing information that did not come directly from here." An official release about Cady's death also stated natural causes, noting "foul play and self-harm had been ruled out by the coroner." Cody also said that his sister "was really looking forward to the next few months and release of her new album," adding, "Our latest in depth conversation (since most were witty banter) was her sending me songs to critique and give feedback on." Two of Cady's brothers, Casey and Kelly, also died young, both at age 28 in 2007 and 2014 respectively, Spin reported. 

The former Oakland A's pitcher has died. He was 64. The Athletics announced the death via social media on May 2 without providing any other details. “Matt was a great baseball man and a proud Oakland A,” Billy Beane, the team’s executive vice president of baseball operations, said in a statement. “He had an incredible passion for the game and we were lucky to have him and his wealth of knowledge alongside us for the years he worked as a special assistant. He left an unforgettable impression on everyone he touched in baseball. Our sincere condolences are with the entire Keough family tonight.” Keough was an American League All-Star as a rookie in 1978 and was selected AL Comeback Player of the Year in 1980. He also played for the New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs and  Houston Astros. Keough went on to became a special assistant with the team and later appeared with his former wife, Jeana, on one season of Real Housewives of Orange County.

The actor best known for his role as downtrodden lawyer Ted Buckley on Scrubs died on April 30 from complications from lung cancer, a rep for Lloyd confirmed to ET. He was 56. His wife, Vanessa, also released a statement to ET, expressing how "devastated" she and her family are. "It doesn't feel real. It never will. It just feels like he will walk through the door," the statement read. "The overwhelming outpouring of love and sharing your stories about working with or knowing Sam keeps his memory alive and our hearts strong. Sam loved his work. I want to continue his legacy, and hope to share some of the beautiful songs he was working on for his musical and our son, Weston." Lloyd was diagnosed with lung cancer in January 2019, just weeks after Vanessa gave birth to their first child together. Doctors first discovered a brain tumor, and after attempting to remove the mass, he was informed the cancer in question had metastasized from his lungs. Further scans showed the cancer was also in his liver, spine and jaw. Lloyd began his acting career in the early '90s and has over 65 credits to his name. Best known for Scrubs, he also appeared on shows like Cougar Town, Desperate Housewives, The Middle, Modern Family and The West Wing.

The celebrated Bollywood star, whose career began in earnest as a teenager with leading roles in the 1970s, died on April 29, the BBC reported. He was 67. Kapoor was famous for playing the romantic leading man in nearly 100 Bollywood films during his career before becoming a go-to character actor who cast in commanding supporting roles. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and moved to New York City for a year for treatment before returning to India in September 2019. 

The famed Inside the Actors Studio host died on March 2 at his home after a battle with bladder cancer, the New York Times reported. He was 93. "There are so many James Lipton stories but I’m sure he would like to be remembered as someone who loved what he did and had tremendous respect for all the people he worked with," Kedakai Turner, Lipton's wife, told TMZ. Turner and Lipton were married in 1970. He was previously married to Nina Foch from 1954 to 1959. Lipton was known for his 23-season run hosting Inside the Actors Studio, an interview show for which he sat down with more than 250 celebrities including Ben Affleck, Gwyneth Paltrow, Brad Pitt, Betty White, Whoopi Goldberg and Eddie Murphy. The series won Lipton the Critics' Choice Television Award for best reality show host in 2016. He stepped down as host in 2018 when the show moved from Bravo to Ovation TV. Additionally, Lipton served as a television producer and writer, worked on Broadway and wrote multiple books. He was also an actor, appearing on shows including Guiding Light, Glee and Arrested Development and was the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Daytime Emmys in 2007.

The Indian actor has died after being admitted to Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital with a colon infection, CBS News reported. He was 54. In 2018, Khan was diagnosed with a rare neuroendocrine cancer that led to months of treatment in the United Kingdom. "Irrfan was a strong soul, someone who fought till the very end and always inspired everyone who came close to him," the actor's team said in a statement. In addition to starring in a number of Bollywood films, Khan acted in several American films, including Slumdog Millionaire, Jurassic World, The Amazing Spider-Man and Life of Pi. He earned a number of awards in his career, including a 2012 Indian National Film Award for his role in Paan Singh Tomar, as well as an Independent Spirit Award in 2006 for The Namesake and a viewers' choice award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2013 for The Lunchbox.

The Little Women: Atlanta star died April 27 at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. She was 34. According to a statement released to ET by the late reality star's management team, Ross succumbed to serious injuries after a hit-and-run car accident on April 27. Ross' personal publicist, Liz Dixson, told People that Ross' car collided with another vehicle near Old National Highway in Atlanta around 11 p.m. on April 26. Known as Ms. Minnie, Ross starred on the hit Lifetime show with castmates Shirlene "Juicy" Pearson, Briana Barlup, Tiffany “Monie” Cashette, Emily Fernandez and twins Amanda and Andrea Salinas since 2016. 

The founding member and bass singer of the Statler Brothers died on April 24. He was 80. "He had bravely endured a long battle with kidney failure. He is and will always be loved by his family, friends and millions of fans," the band wrote in a statement released on their website. "His singing, his songwriting and his comedy made generations happy. He has taken a piece of our hearts with him."  Reid, his brother Don Reid, Lew DeWitt, and Phil Basley formed the Statler Brothers in 1955 and were originally a gospel band. They switched to country and kicked off their career in the '60s after touring with Johnny Cash and singing backup for him. Among their greatest hits included "Flowers of the Wall," "Bed of Roses" and "Do You Know You Are My Sunshine?" Over the course of their career, the group won three GRAMMY Awards and recorded over 50 albums before retiring from concerts and tours in 2002. The band also hosted their own variety show, The Statler Brothers Show, which ran for seven seasons from 1991 to 1998. Reid and his bandmates were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008.

The two-time Academy Award-nominated actress died at her home in Texas on April 22. She was 83. Her daughter, Kaitlin Hopkins, confirmed her mother's death on her Facebook on Wednesday, sharing that she died of natural causes. Knight began her career in Hollywood in the late '50s and made a name for herself in the '60s. She was nominated twice for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for The Dark at the Top of the Stairs (1960) and Sweet Bird of Youth (1962). She has over 180 acting credits to her name, and her accolades also include a Tony Award for her performance in Kennedy's Children in 1976 and a Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television for Indictment: The McMartin Trial.

The WWE shared on April 16 that their legendary ring announcer, known affectionately, had died. He was 69. A cause of death was not revealed, but Finkel's health had declined rapidly in recent years, and he was confined to a wheelchair in 2019 after suffering a stroke. Finkel was the first and longest-serving employee in WWE history after the company was officially established in 1980, and he announced some of the most memorable moments in the history of professional wrestling. Finkel made his ring announcing debut for WWE's predecessor, the WWWF, in 1977 inside New York's Madison Square Garden. Credited for coming up with the name "WrestleMania" for the WWE's annual super show that began in 1985, Finkel served as announcer for nearly every one until he adopted a lighter schedule in the early 2000s, and he attended every WrestleMania between 1985 and 2016. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.

The former Playboy Playmate died by apparent suicide on April 16, according to multiple reports. She was 33. "We learned late Thursday night that it is believed that our dear sister with a larger-than-life personality took her own life," Mattingly’s brother, William, and sister, Christy, told People in a statement. "Ashley moved closer to home a couple years ago and was living in Austin. It’s maybe no secret that Ashley struggled with alcohol and substance abuse, but she wanted to and was working toward getting better. We are now loving on her sweet golden retriever puppy that she recently adopted to overcome these demons. She will continue to live on through nieces whom she loved dearly and always thought of no matter how far away she was, a twin brother, two sisters and numerous other friends and family members. We will forever cherish her memories and know that her joy is eternally sealed. We look forward to seeing her again."

The veteran actor died of natural causes on April 15. His wife, Jennifer Arnott, and their son, Cormac, were by his side in New Haven, Connecticut, according to a statement from his family. He was 81. Dennehy gained initial recognition as Sheriff Will Teasle in 1982's First Blood. He went on to appear in movies including Romeo + Juliet, Tommy Boy and Righteous Kill. On TV, Dennehy starred on shows like Dynasty and Just Shoot Me! and was most recently seen on The Blacklist. He won both a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2001 for his role in Death of a Salesman and is also a two-time Tony winner for Best Actor in a Play for roles in Death of a Salesman in 1999 and Long Day's Journey Into Night in 2003. Additionally, Dennehy received six Primetime Emmy Award nominations and was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 2010. In addition to his wife and son, Dennehy is survived by daughter, Sarah, from his marriage to Arnott, as well as three children from first marriage to Judith Scheff -- Elizabeth, Kathleen and Deirdre -- and seven grandchildren. 

The co-owner of the New York Yankees died at his home in Clearwater, Florida, from a longstanding health issue, the team announced on April 14. He was 63. Steinbrenner and his brother, Hal, inherited the baseball team from their father, George, who died in 2011. "Hank was a genuine and gentle spirit who treasured the deep relationships he formed with those closest to him," the Steinbrenner family said in a statement. "He was introduced to the Yankees organization at a very young age, and his love for sports and competition continued to burn brightly throughout his life." Born in Cleveland, Steinbrenner is survived by four children, one granddaughter and three siblings.

The former NFL quarterback died in a one-car crash outside Montgomery, Alabama, authorities announced on April 13. He was 36. The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro that Jackson was driving went off the road, struck a tree and overturned at 8:50 p.m. on April 12, Trooper Benjamin "Michael" Carswell, an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency spokesman, said in a news release. Jackson was pronounced dead at a hospital. Jackson was hired as quarterbacks coach for Tennessee State last season after a 10-year NFL career with the Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills. He is survived by wife Lakitta and three children.

The NHL pro died on April 11, less than a week after suffering a brain bleed and being placed in a medically-induced coma, Cave's wife, Emily, shared in a statement. He was 25. Colby played 67 games with the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers from 2017 to 2020. He scored four goals and had five assists throughout his NHL career. 

The German actor -- best known for his role as Dr. Heiter in the 2009 cult horror film The Human Centipede -- died in Berlin on Feb. 29. A post on his Facebook page shared the news on April 9 and his wife, Inge, confirmed it as well, according to multiple reports. Laser's cause of death is unknown. He was 78. The veteran actor appeared in more than 60 films and TV series over the course of his long career, but it was his role as a deranged surgeon who kidnapped three tourists and joined them surgically in The Human Centipede that garnered him international fame. The Human Centipede writer and director, Tom Six, tweeted about Laser's death on Thursday.

The model and rising rapper died at her home in Philadelphia on April 8, a rep for Rogers confirmed to ET. She was 25. "Chynna was deeply loved and will be sorely missed," Rogers' family shared in a statement released to ET. According to multiple reports, her cause of death was an accidental drug overdose. Rogers became a model at 14 and joined hip hop collective ASAP Mob several years later. She found early fame with her successful singles, 2013's "Selfie" and 2014's "Glen Coco." Her untimely death came just four months after the release of her most recent EP, In Case I Die First.

Tripp, whose secretly recorded conversations with White House intern Monica Lewinsky led to the 1998 impeachment of President Bill Clinton, died on April 8, attorney Joseph Murtha confirmed. She was 70. Murtha provided no further details. As news broke Wednesday that Tripp was near death, Lewinsky tweeted that she hoped for her recovery "no matter the past."

Th Americana and country-folk legend died on April 7 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville of coronavirus-related complications, a rep for the singer confirmed to ET. He was 73. "We join the world in mourning the passing of revered country and folk singer/songwriter John Prine," the Recording Academy said in a statement following the news. "Widely lauded as one of the most influential songwriters of his generation, John’s impact will continue to inspire musicians for years to come."



A staple of Chicago’s rising folk scene in the '60s before being discovered by Kris Kristofferson, Prine released his self-titled debut album, which features one of his more notable records, “Sam Stone,” as well as standards “Angel from Montgomery” and “Paradise.” In total, Prine released 19 studio albums, including 2018’s The Tree of Forgiveness. He has been nominated for 11 GRAMMYs and won two, in 1991 and 2005, for Best Contemporary Folk Album. In 2020, the Recording Academy honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award. While the singer ultimately succumbed to complications from COVID-19, Prine was a notorious survivor. In 1998, he was diagnosed with squamous cell cancer on the right side of his neck, and in 2013, he had surgery to remove cancer from his left lung. Six months later, he was back on the road and playing music. In fact, Prine was still touring up until his final months, before the outbreak put an end to his most recent tour.

The comedian died on April 6 after suffering a pulmonary embolism the weekend before, his niece confirmed on Facebook. He was 57. The beloved Alabama-born comic was a frequent guest on the Opie and Anthony radio show, had credits on Comedy Central Presents and The Stand-Up Show and was a regular on the New York City comedy circuit.

The prolific TV producer died of heart complications on April 5. He was 79. His seven-decade career included sitcom hits like Happy Days, Valerie, Family Matters and Full House, and he later became a Broadway producer after moving east to New York City in the later years of his career.

The actress who famously portrayed the Bond girl Pussy Galore died of natural causes at her home in England. She was 94. In a statement to ET, her family said noted she was surrounded by her family, adding in part, “As well as being a much-adored mother and grandmother, Honor was an actor of hugely prolific creative talent." Blackman rose to prominence as Cathy Gale on The Avengers series, on which she appeared for two seasons from 1962 to 1964. After leaving the series, she reunited with Connery in the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger as the iconic Pussy Galore, the titular villain’s pilot and leader of an all-female flying team known as the Flying Circus. In the decades that followed, she regularly appeared on TV as Professor Lasky on Doctor Who and Rula Romanoff on Coronation Street. Blackman is survived by two children, Barnaby and Lottie, and four grandchildren, Daisy, Oscar, Olive and Toby.

The actress and activist died on April 5 from complications surrounding pneumonia, her son, Kiefer Sutherland, shared on Twitter. She was 86. "My mother was an extraordinary woman who led an extraordinary life," Sutherland wrote in a statement, noting that Douglas' death was not related to coronavirus. "Sadly she had been battling for her health for quite some time and we, as a family, knew this day was coming." Douglas starred in many films over the course of her career, including 1962's Lolita and 1988's Dead Ringers, and on TV, she was perhaps best known for her role as Professor Dunwoody on Degrassi: The Next Generation. The Canadian actress -- who was also known for her work supporting public health care, civil rights and the Black Panthers -- married Donald Sutherland in 1965. They had two children together before their 1971 divorce, Kiefer and his twin sister, Rachel. Douglas was also mother to a son, Thomas, from a previous marriage.

The legendary New Orleans Saints kicker Tom Dempsey died of complications from COVID-19 on April 4, the team announced. He was 73. Dempsey contracted the disease on March 25, and he has also battled Alzheimer's disease and dementia since 2012. The NFL player was born without toes on his right foot and fingers on his right hand; because of that disability, he wore a flat shoe while kicking (it is currently on display in the Pro Football Hall of Fame). In his rookie season, Dempsey hit a record-setting 63-yard field goal, which remained the longest field goal in NFL history until Matt Prater's 64-yarder in 2013. Inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame in 1989, Dempsey also played for the Eagles, Rams, Oilers and Bills before retiring to New Orleans in 1979. 

The actor best known for his roles on The Flash and When Calls the Heart has died. He was 16.  The heartbreaking news was confirmed by a few of his co-stars on April 3, including Grant Gustin, who plays Barry Allen on The Flash. Williams portrayed the younger version of his character on the popular CW series. According to Tri-City News, His mother, Marlyse, said she was "absolutely devastated," and that thee family could not even grieve together because of mandatory social distancing due to the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to his mother, Williams is survived by his father, Clive, as well as grandparents, aunts and uncles.

The singer, actor and former professional football player, who also went by the nickname "Timmy," died of complications from dementia on April 4. He was 82. Brown played eight seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles and was one of only three actors in both the 1970 M*A*S*H film and the TV series of the same name, which premiered in 1972. He also appeared on the Mary Tyler Moore Show and was in movies such as Nashville and Frequency. 

The soul singer, who was known for songs including "Ain't No Sunshine" and "Lean On Me," died from heart complications on March 30, according to multiple news outlets. He was 81. "We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father," Withers' family said in a statement. "A solitary man with a heart driven to connect to the world at large, with his poetry and music, he spoke honestly to people and connected them to each other. As private a life as he lived close to intimate family and friends, his music forever belongs to the world. In this difficult time, we pray his music offers comfort and entertainment as fans hold tight to loved ones." Over the course of his career, Withers won three GRAMMYs -- for 1971's "Ain't No Sunshine," 1981's "Just the Two of Us" and 1987's "Lean on Me -- and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Stevie Wonder in 2015. Withers is survived by his wife, Marcia, and children, Todd and Kori.

The Fountains of Wayne co-frontman and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend executive producer died on April 1. He was 52. Schlesinger was being treated for COVID-19 in a hospital in upstate New York, where he had been on a ventilator and sedated, according to a statement from his family given to Billboard on March 31. The prolific songwriter won three Emmys, including one for the song "Antidepressants Are So Not a Big Deal" from Crazy Ex, and was nominated for an Oscar for "That Thing You Do," from the 1996 film of the same name. He scored a top 40 hit with Fountains of Wayne for "Stacy's Mom," and was also a co-founder of the bands Ivy and Tinted Windows. He is survived by two daughters, Sadie and Claire.

The New Orleans jazz legend died on April 1, due to complications from COVID-19. He was 85. The celebrated pianist's son confirmed the news of his father's death to the Associated Press. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell released a statement following his death honoring the musician's legacy, sharing, "Ellis Marsalis was a legend. He was the prototype of what we mean when we talk about New Orleans jazz. He was a teacher, a father, and an icon — and words aren’t sufficient to describe the art, the joy and the wonder he showed the world." He is survived by his six sons, Branford, Wynton, Ellis III, Delfeayo, Mboya and Jason.

The skateboarder died at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, California, according to multiple reports. He was 51. Grosso's cause of death is reportedly pending an autopsy. Grosso was one of the biggest skate stars of the '80s and went on to host Vans' "Love Letters to Skateboarding" series, though he overcame a lot in his life, including three overdoses before 2017. He is survived by his 8-year-old son, Oliver. 

The veteran film actor -- best known for his roles in The Witches, A Kid in King Arthur's Court and The Spy Who Loved Me -- died on March 31 after a battle with early onset dementia and other health issues. He was 68. Marzello's wife, actress Lorelei King, shared the sad news on social media, writing, "The love of my life, my darling husband Vincent Marzello, died this morning. To those who knew him, I am sorry to post the news rather than contact you personally, but I am overwhelmed. My heart is broken." 

The country music legend died from complications due to coronavirus, ET confirmed on March 29. He was 61. Diffie was one of the most successful singer-songwriters of the 1990s, having written hits for artists like Tim McGraw, Conway Twitty and Jo Dee Messina. Diffie's hits include "Home," "If The Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets)," "New Way (To Light Up An Old Flame)," "Ships That Don’t Come In" and "Honky Tonk Attitude," and in 1998, he won a GRAMMY Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals, for "Same Old Train." He recently celebrated 25 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Two days before his death, Diffie shared that he was receiving treatment after testing positive for COVID-19. "I am under the care of medical professionals," he wrote, in part, on Instagram. "My family and I are asking for privacy at this time. We want to remind the public and all my fans to be vigilant, cautious and careful during this pandemic." 

The country singer-songwriter died "peacefully" in Gallatin, Tennessee, the Grand Ole Opry -- of which she had been a longstanding member -- confirmed. She was 91. "Jan Howard was a force of nature in country music, at the Opry, and in life," Grand Ole Opry Vice President and Executive Producer Dan Rogers said in a statement to ET. "We were all so lucky so many nights to hear her voice on stage and to catch up with her backstage. We’re all better for having had her in our lives."News of Howard's death broke during the live broadcast of the Opry's March 29 show, which featured Vince Gill and Amy Grant. While onstage, Gill paid tribute to Howard, sharing that they "spent an awful lot of time over on that side of the stage, telling jokes and having a great friendship for over 30 years," according to The Tennessean. Howard is survived by one of her three sons, Carter A. Howard and his wife Pamela, two grandchildren, Mitsi H. Lindsay (Keith), Anita H. Simpson (Travis), and three great-grandchildren, Cole, Alli and Charlie.

The veteran stage and screen actor died on March 28. He was 73. The Acting Company -- a New York based professional theater company Schramm co-founded -- confirmed the news of his death. Schramm spent most of his professional career on stage, acting in various Broadway and off-Broadway productions. Most recently, he starred in the 2009 Broadway revival of Finian's Rainbow. However, he's best known by fans for playing airline owner Roy Biggins on the hit sitcom Wings. 

The actor, known for his role on All My Children, has died. He was 66. Callahan died unexpectedly on March 28 after suffering a massive stroke at his home in Palm Desert, California, his ex-wife, Eva La Rue's, rep confirmed to ET. La Rue -- who was married to Callahan from 1996 to 2005 and with whom she shares 18-year-old daughter Kaya McKenna -- took to Instagram to express her condolences. "May Flights of Angels Wing You to Your Rest my Dear Friend. Your bigger than life, gregarious personality will leave a hole in our hearts forever. We are devastated-My great friend, co parent partner, and loving father to Kaya," she wrote on Instagram alongside a slideshow. "That big belly laugh, bear hugs, bad puns, ability to harmonize to any song, great kitchen table singing-fests, and two steppin bad ass! 'Johnny Numbers', my All My Children soap stud, the great time keeper, Beatles fanatic ( I wish to God we could go back to 'Yesterday')." Callahan also appeared in Santa Barbara, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital and the web series, The Bay.

The Harlem Globetrotters legend died in his Houston-area home on March 26. He was 77. Neal starred for the legendary traveling basketball showcase from 1963 until 1985 and was well known for his shaved head and dribbling skills. "We have lost one of the most genuine human beings the world has ever known," Globetrotters general manager Jeff Munn said in a press release. "His basketball skill was unrivaled by most, and his warm heart and huge smile brought joy to families worldwide. He always made time for his many fans and inspired millions." Neal played more than 6,000 games for the Harlem Globetrotters and traveled to 97 countries during his 22-year career, and in 2008, he became the fifth Harlem Globetrotter to have his number retired, joining Wilt Chamberlain, Marques Haynes, Meadowlark Lemon and Goose Tatum.

Mark Blum has died from complications due to coronavirus, multiple outlets reported and SAG-AFTRA confirmed. He was 69. The longtime actor was recently seen in TV shows such as Billions, Almost Family, Succession, The Good Fight, You, Elementary and Mozart in the Jungle, and he starred in movies like Desperately Seeking Susan and Crocodile Dundee. Blum was also a Broadway star, appearing in shows including Lost in Yonkers and The Best Man. He is survived by his wife, Janet Zarish. 

The season three winner of Top Chef Masters, died on March 25 at a hospital in New Jersey due to complications from coronavirus, ET has learned. He was 59. Multiple outlets report that the famed chef was first admitted to the hospital with one week prior, where he then tested positive for COVID-19. Prior to his death, Cardoz revealed via Instagram that he was in the hospital. "Sincere apologies everyone. I am sorry for causing undue panic around my earlier post," he shared in a second post. "I was feeling feverish and hence as a precautionary measure, admitted myself into hospital in New York." Cardoz is survived by his mother, Beryl, his wife and business partner, Barkha, and their two sons, Peter, 27, and Justin, 22.

The Tony-winning playwright died on March 24 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Florida due to complications from coronavirus, McNally's rep, Matt Polk, confirmed to ET. He was 81. McNally had battled lung cancer since the late 1990s, with the disease costing him portions of both lungs. He had lived with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease since. The playwright received five Tony Awards throughout his career, which included 25 Broadway productions, nearly 40 plays and 10 musicals. He won his first Tony in 1993 for his book for the musical Kiss of the Spider Woman. Next came awards for Love! Valour! Compassion! in 1995, Master Class in 1996 and Ragtime in 1998. McNally is survived by husband Thomas Kirdahy, whom he wed in 2010 after a long relationship, as well as his brother, Peter, his nephew, Stephen, and other family members. 

The Cameroonian musician, best known for the 1972 hit "Soul Makossa," died in Paris on March 24 of COVID-19. He was 86. “It is with deep sadness that we announce you the loss of Manu Dibango, our Papy Groove,” read a statement on the African music legend's official Facebook page.

The GRAMMY and CMA Award-winning country music icon, who sold over 100 million albums and released two dozen No. 1 singles, died on March 20. He was 81. Rogers' family announced the news on his website and social media platforms, sharing, "The Rogers family is sad to announce that Kenny Rogers passed away last night at 10:25PM at the age of 81.  Rogers passed away peacefully at home from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by his family. In a career that spanned more than six decades, Kenny Rogers left an indelible mark on the history of American music. His songs have endeared music lovers and touched the lives of millions around the world. Chart-topping hits like 'The Gambler,' 'Lady,' 'Islands In The Stream,' 'Lucille,' 'She Believes In Me,' and 'Through the Years' are just a handful of Kenny Rogers' songs that have inspired generations of artists and fans alike." The family added that they are currently planning a small private service "out of concern for the national COVID-19 emergency." However, they "look forward to celebrating Kenny’s life publicly with his friends and fans at a later date." 



Outside of music, Rogers landed acting gigs in dozens of TV movies, and made guest appearances on hit shows like Touched By an Angel and How I Met Your Mother. Over his four decades in music, Rogers recorded over 60 collaborative and solo albums. He won three GRAMMYs, six CMA Awards and 11 American Music Awards. Rogers is survived by his wife and five children. 

The veteran actor died in Westlake, California, on March 17 after a long illness, his son, Jason, told The Hollywood Reporter. He was 84. ET has reached out to Waggoner's rep for comment. Waggoner was best known for his seven seasons starring on The Carol Burnett Show. He also portrayed versions of Steve Trevor on Wonder Woman, starring Lynda Carter as Diana. The actor also hosted the syndicated quiz show, It's Your Bet, in the 1970s and played himself on an episode of That '70s Show in 1999. Outside of his acting career, Waggoner made a mark on Hollywood with the 1979 launch of Star Waggons, which rented motor homes for actors, makeup departments and more to use on film and TV sets. According to CNBC, by 2016, Star Waggons had 800 trailers and an annual revenue of $17 million. Waggoner said a year later that he supplied 30 trailers alone for ABC's Dancing With the Stars. Waggoner is survived by his wife, Sharon Kennedy, and two sons, Beau and Jason.

The actor most famous for starring in Westerns died on March 16. He was 92. A longtime friend of Whitman's told TMZ that the actor had recently been in and out of the hospital due to skin cancer, which had seeped into his bloodstream, and he was surrounded by. family members at the time of his death. Starring in more than 200 films -- mostly dramas and Westerns -- Whitman was well known for starring in films with John Wayne, including The Comancheros. The Cimmaron Strip star was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for 1961's The Mark, and he also served in the Army during World War II. Whitman is survived by Yulia Whitman, his wife of 25 years; four children from his first marriage to the late Patricia LaLonde; one son from his second marriage to Caroline Boubis Whitman; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. 

The acclaimed Swedish actor who starred in Game of Thrones and The Exorcist died on March 8. He was 90. According to The New York Times, his wife, Catherine von Sydow, confirmed the news in an emailed statement. A cause of death has yet to be revealed. "It is with a broken heart and with infinite sadness that we have the extreme pain of announcing the departure of Max von Sydow," the statement read. In addition to his role as the Three-Eyed Raven in Game of Thrones, Lor San Tekka in Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens and Father Merrin in The Exorcist, von Sydow has appeared in more than 100 films and TV series, including The Greatest Story Ever Told, Minority Report, Hannah and Her Sisters and The Diving Bell and Butterfly. The actor is also well known for his work with his industry mentor -- director Ingmar Bergman -- which included projects like The Virgin Spring and The Seventh Seal, in which his character, Antonius Block, famously played chess with Death. Nearly 40 years after making his debut in the industry, von Sydow received his first Academy Award nomination in 1988 for playing Lassefar in Pelle The Conqueror, followed by another in 2012 for Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close.

The celebrated guitarist and songwriter died on Feb. 24. He was 61. Roback is best known for co-founding the alt-rock duo Mazzy Star in 1989, alongside longtime collaborator Hope Sandoval. The band went on to release a trio of lauded albums throughout the '90s, including She Hangs Brightly (1990), So Tonight That I Might See (1993), and Among My Swan (1996). In 2013, the duo returned to music to release their fourth album, Seasons of Your Day.

Smith died at the age of 70 at her Long Island, New York, home on Feb. 22. Her husband, Dan Gasby, announced the news with a statement on the couple's Facebook page. "It is with great sadness that my daughter Dana and I announce the passing of my wife, Barbara Elaine Smith," Gasby wrote, before thanking friends, family and staff at East End Hospice for their support. "Heaven is shining even brighter now that it is graced with B.'s dazzling and unforgettable smile."

Smith graced magazine covers during her modeling days, was the first African-American woman to have a lifestyle collection sold at a national retailer and was an award-winning lifestyle author. The Pennsylvania native was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2013 and worked with Gasby to raise awareness of the disease and its effects on the African-American community -- co-writing the book, Before I Forget, about her experience. She is survived by Gasby and her stepdaughter, Dana.

The star of the acclaimed sitcom Good Times was found dead in her home in Glendale, California, on Feb. 18, according to reports. She was 74. DuBois was reportedly in good health and had not been dealing with any known medical ailments when she died unexpectedly in her sleep. DuBois was best known for her role on Good Times, where she starred as Willona Woods, the outspoken neighbor of the Evans family. She was also known for co-writing and performing the iconic theme song "Movin' on Up" for The Jeffersons, another beloved 1970s sitcom developed by Norman Lear. Apart from her role on Good Times, DuBois appeared in dozens of other TV shows throughout her career, including The Wayans Bros., Home Improvement, Everybody Loves Raymond and the animated sitcom The PJs -- for which she won two Emmys for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance. DuBois is survived by her three children.

The celebrated actress, who was a veteran star of the stage and screen, died of complications from Parkinson’s disease at her home in Pound Ridge, New York, on Feb. 16, according to multiple reports. She was 86. During the course of her 30-year Broadway career, Caldwell took home four leading actress Tony Awards. She was best known for her acclaimed performances in Master Class, Slapstick Tragedy, Madea, and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. She also appeared in a number of film roles including The Purple Rose of Cairo, Birth and, most recently, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close. She is survived by her two sons, Charlie and Sam, as well as two grandchildren.

The actress, who was best known for her role on the TV series M*A*S*H, died on Feb. 16 at her home in Pasadena, California, surrounded by her family, following a brief battle with cancer. She was 72. The actress, a native of O'ahu, Hawaii, is celebrated for her role as Nurse Kellye, on over 160 episodes of the long-running war dramedy M*A*S*H. Wallett later played The Cook in the 1985 murder mystery comedy Clue, and appeared in John Hughes' 1988 rom com She's Having a Baby. After retiring from acting, Wallett went on to pursue her passion for art and became a watercolor painter. She is survived by her husband, David Wallett, as well as two children and four grandchildren.

The grandson of philanthropist Barbara Davis and late Hollywood mogul Marvin Davis died on Feb. 16, at the age of 35. The cause of death is unknown. Davis was best known for his voiceover work as Mikey Blumberg on the Disney animated series, Recess, from 1997-2001. He also appeared in films like 1997's Beverly Hills Ninja and 1998's Rush Hour, and had recurring guest roles on Roseanne and 7th Heaven. Aside from his acting work, Davis co-founded the charity Cure Addiction Now. He was open about his own addiction struggles, appearing on season 4 of Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew in 2010-11. Davis is survived by his parents and four siblings.

The young actress, who starred in Disney's Queen of Katwe, died on Feb. 15, after a battle with brain cancer. She was 15. Waligwa was first diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2016, and her Queen of Katwe family, including director Mira Nair, reportedly mobilized to get her treatment in India. She made a recovery in 2017, but the tumor reportedly returned last year. The actress played Gloria in Queen of Katwe, which told the true story of Phiona Mutesi (Madina Nalwanga), a chess prodigy rising from a Ugandan slum, going on to compete in international tournaments. Gloria was a friend of Phiona's, who explained the rules of chess to her. Lupita Nyong'o also starred in the 2016 Disney movie as Phiona's mother, while David Oyelowo starred as her chess teacher. 

The former host of Love Island UK was found unresponsive in her London apartment on Feb. 15. The Love Island team took to social media following the news of Flack's death to share their condolences, writing, "Everybody at Love Island and ITV is shocked and saddened by this desperately sad news. Caroline was a much-loved member of the Love Island team and our sincere thoughts and condolences are with her family and friends."

The actress, best known for her role as Magda in Sex and the City, died on Feb. 14 in in New York City. She was 86. With a career spanning over 35 years, Cohen began acting in theater in the late '70s. In 1983, she made her screen debut in the film Without a Trace. Her TV credits included Nurse Jackie, Damages, NYPD Blue and Law and Order. In 2000, she joined Sex and the City, portraying Miranda's housekeeper. She reprised her role in both SATC films. Cohen's film credits include Vanya on 42nd Street, Walking and Talking,Cradle Will Rock, Eagle Eye, The Station Agent, Munich, Across the Universe and Woody Allen's Manhattan Murder Mystery and Deconstructing Harry, among many others. She was also known as Mags in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Cohen is survived by her husband Ronald Theodore Cohen. The two had been married since 1964.

The former child actor and dedicated climate change activist died on Feb. 7. He was 25. Coleman's mother, Liz Jensen, and step-father, Casten Jensen, confirmed the news on social media over the weekend, with heartfelt tributes. Coleman died suddenly when he collapsed while out on a run. No cause of death has yet been released. After appearing in the 2005 family comedy Nanny McPhee, alongside Emma Thompson and Colin Firth, Coleman went on to appear in two more films in 2009 -- It's Alive and The Fourth Kind. In his teen years, Coleman became involved in climate change activist movements, and eventually left his studies at the University of Manchester to dedicate himself full-time to the Extinction Rebellion movement.

The veteran actor, best known for his roles in The Wild Wild West and Black Sheep Squadron, died from heart failure at his home in Malibu, California, on Feb. 8. He was 84. The Chicago-native moved to Los Angeles in 1958 to pursue a career in show business. He quickly signed to Warner Brothers Pictures. Conrad went on to star in numerous television shows, films and recorded several albums before being cast as series regular Tom Lopaka on the hit ABC-TV series Hawaiian Eye. In the '60s he landed one of his biggest roles, starring at James T. West in the popular CBS television series The Wild Wild West. He later went on to star in two of his own television series The D.A. and Assignment: Vienna in the '70s. He was nominated for a Golden Globe award in 1978 for Best Actor in a TV Drama for Baa Baa Black Sheep. Conrad was also a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award in Broadcasting and an inductee of the Stuntman's Hall of Fame. He is survived by his eight children and eighteen grandchildren from two different marriages.

The legendary actor died on Feb. 5 at the age of 103, his son, Michael Douglas, announced on social media. "It is with tremendous sadness that my brothers and I announce that Kirk Douglas left us today at the age of 103," Michael wrote. "To the world, he was a legend, an actor from the golden age of movies who lived well into his golden years, a humanitarian whose commitment to justice and the causes he believed in set a standard for all of us to aspire to. But to me and my brothers, Joel and Peter, he was simply Dad, to Catherine, a wonderful father-in-law, to his grandchildren and great grandchild their loving grandfather, and to his wife Anne, a wonderful husband." Douglas rose from humble upbringings in upstate New York to become one of the biggest stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age. He withstood professional struggles and personal tragedy in his second act and became an ambassador, philanthropist and best-selling author well into his 90s, never losing the indefatigable spirit that made him a success on stage and screen. 



Kirk Douglas’ career apex came during a remarkable run in the 1950s and 1960s, when he emerged as arguably the biggest leading man in film. With his cleft chin and virile appearance, he played a series of tough, uncompromising men, scoring a parade of critical and commercial hits with Ace in the Hole (1951), The Bad and the Beautiful (1952), Paths of Glory (1957) and his best-known film, Spartacus (1960). In 1996, Douglas suffered a serious stroke that left him unable to speak. Douglas briefly considered suicide, but then began working with a speech therapist in order to regain his voice and continue acting. That same year, Douglas was awarded an honorary Academy Award, and while many weren’t sure if he would make an acceptance speech, he received a standing ovation after touching remarks about his family and wife. “I intended to just say ‘thank you,’ but I saw 1,000 people. I felt I had to say something more, and I did,” he told CBS Los Angeles.

The actor, best known for his roles in Gettysburg and Thirteen Days, died of a heart attack on Feb. 5. He was 77. The New York native began his acting career in the late '60s, and his first major screen role came in the 1972 film Slaughterhouse-Five, in which he portrayed Roland Weary. He then went on to appear in movies such as Funny Farm (1988), Homeboy (1988), Mercury Rising (1998) and Invincible (2006), among many others. His TV credits include Oz, Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Equalizer, The Bronx Is Burning and more. He also appeared in a number of off-Broadway plays including One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and The Elephant Man, and directed the 1987 independent film The Sun and The Moon.

The longtime TV producer, director, writer and actor died at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California, on Feb. 3. He was 96. Reynolds is best known for developing acclaimed and socially conscious TV series, including M*A*S*H*, Room 222 and Lou Grant, among many others. He began his career as a child actor before moving behind the camera into a role as a creative force in the development of several beloved shows, many of which he worked on as a director as well. He also served as the president of the Directors Guild of America from from 1993 to 1997. He is survived by his wife, Ann Sweeny, and their son, Andrew Reynolds.

The acclaimed author died on Jan. 31 in Naples, Florida. She was 92. Known as the Queen of Suspense, Clark penned over 50 novels during her life, all of which went on to be bestsellers, with over 100 million copies of her novels sold worldwide. Clark's first big success, Where Are the Children?, was published in 1975 and is still in print. She is survived by her five children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The NASCAR and IndyCar driver has died after a battle with colon cancer, Andretti Autosport announced on Jan. 30. He was 56. "It [is] with the heaviest of hearts we share that John Andretti has today lost his battle with cancer," read the statement on the Andretti Autosport Twitter page. "John was a loving husband and father, a devoted son and a trusted cousin. He was a philanthropist, an advocate for the sport, a dedicated teammate, a driven competitor and most importantly a dear friend." Andretti was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2017, and since that time, had raised awareness for the disease. After months of chemotherapy, he was declared cancer-free in late 2017, but less than a year later, in May 2018, his cancer returned and metastasized even further. He went through another round of chemotherapy for the rest of the year. The cancer relapsed again in March 2019. Andretti raced for 17 seasons before his NASCAR retirement in 2010. He was the older brother of racer Adam Andretti, nephew of Indianapolis 500 winner Mario Andretti and first cousin to IndyCar champion Michael and Jeff Andretti. Andretti's son, Jarett, was a USAC sprint car driver.

The legendary TV executive and creative producer died on Jan. 30 at his home in Pacific Palisades, California, after a battle with cancer. He was 82. Silverman was famed for his programming instincts and is the only creative exec to ever helm all of the big three networks-- NBC, CBS and ABC -- during his career. He's credited with bringing a slew of hit shows to the air, including Scooby-Doo, All in the Family, Charlie's Angels, Roots and countless others. In 1999, he was inducted into the the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame. He is survived by his wife, Cathy, as well as their children, Melissa and Billy.

The NFL star and famed defensive end for the Minnesota Vikings died on Jan. 28, after a two-year battle with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer. He was 58. Doleman was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012. Following his death, he was honored with a moment of silence -- along with NBA legend Kobe Bryant -- during the Super Bowl LIV pregame show. Doleman is survived by his wife, LaTresa Doleman, and his father.

The former pro basketball player died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on Jan. 26, ET confirmed. He was 41. His 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, died in the accident, as did the seven other passengers onboard with them. The son of Joe Bryant, a former NBA player as well, the basketball pro played with the Los Angeles Lakers for all 20 seasons of his career, which included being an 18-time All-Star and 15-time member of the All-NBA Team. The Lakers won five NBA championships over the course of his career. He was the fourth-leading scorer in NBA history with 33,643, surpassed in the rankings just one day before his death by LeBron James. Bryant is survived by his wife, Vanessa Laine Bryant, and daughters Natalia, 17, Bianka, 3, and Capri, 7 months. 

The veteran TV actor died of congestive heart failure at a hospice facility in Burbank, California, on Jan. 23. He was 86. Karlen famously played Willie Loomis on ABC's vampire-filled serial drama, Dark Shadows -- as well as several other roles -- from 1967 to 1971, and appeared in 179 episodes of the show, as well as numerous movie sequels to the franchise. Karlen went on to play Harvey Lacey, the husband of Mary Beth Lacey -- portrayed by Tyne Daly -- on the hit CBS police procedural Cagney & Lacey. It was this role that earned Karlen the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 1986, as well as two additional nominations. His last major role came in 1996 in the TV movie Cagney & Lacey: True Convictions. During his prolific television career, which spanned over 40 years, Karlen appeared in over 100 shows and movies. Karlen is survived by his son, Adam.

The former PBS News anchor, who co-founded the groundbreaking news show the MacNeil/Lehrer Report in 1975 and went on to moderate more presidential debates than anyone in history, has died, Judy Woodruff, the anchor and managing editor of the PBS NewsHour, said. He was 85. "I'm heartbroken at the loss of someone who was central to my professional life, a mentor to me and someone whose friendship I've cherished for decades," Woodruff said in a statement. "I've looked up to him as the standard for fair, probing and thoughtful journalism and I know countless others who feel the same way." Lehrer died Thursday in his sleep, PBS said in a release. 

The British comedian, director, screenwriter and author, has died, his agent confirmed to the Associated Press on Jan. 22. He was 77. In a statement, Jones' family said he died “after a long, extremely brave but always good-humored battle with a rare form of dementia, FTD.” Jones has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2016. Best known as a founding member of the iconic comedy troupe Monty Python, Jones teamed up with Eric Idle, Michael Palin, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam and Graham Chapman in 1969 for the TV sketch Monty Python's Flying Circus and served as a co-director on the 1975 classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail and 1983's Monty Python's The Meaning of Life. He was also the sole director on the 1979 commercial hit, Monty Python's Life of Brian. Jones was nominated for an Emmy in 2004 for his writing on the show Medieval Lives and in 1984, he received a BAFTA nomination for the original song "The Meaning of Life." He is survived by his wife, Anna Soderstrom, and his three children, Bill, Sally and Siri. 

The son of Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien, who also served as the literary executor of his estate, died on Jan. 15. He was 95. Christopher was responsible for shepherding several of his father's posthumous works into publication, including The Silmarillion and, most recently, The Fall of Gondolin. He also penned several of the highly detailed maps of Middle-Earth for publication in his father's novels. Christopher is survived by his wife, Baillie, as well as three children, Simon, Adam and Rachel.

The legendary professional wrestler, and father of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, died on Jan. 15. He was 75. Rocky -- who was known as the "Soul Man" and was born Wade Douglas Bowles -- began his wrestling career at the age of 16, and made a name for himself as part of the National Wrestling Alliance in the 1960s. However, his big breakthrough came after joining the WWE in the early 1980s, and he joined with Tony Atlas to form the iconic wrestling tag team The Soul Patrol. Rocky retired from the WWE in 1991, and began training his son to become a wrestler. Dwayne took on the name "The Rock" -- whose iconic moniker was inspired by his father's name -- and continued his father's legacy. In 2008, Rocky was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. He is survived by three children -- Dwayne, as well as his son, Curtis, and daughter, Wanda.

 

Kirsch, who was best known for his role as Richie Ryan on the Highlander television series, died on Jan. 11 at his residence, according to Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner records. His manner of death was ruled as a suicide. A law enforcement source told ET that EMTs responded to the home but Kirsch was pronounced dead at the scene. He was 51 years old. Kirsch was a child actor and graduated from Duke University with a degree in political science before returning to acting. He starred in the hit show Highlander from 1992-1997, and while he left the show as a regular cast member in the fifth season, he made an appearance in the series finale. He also appeared in a memorable 1995 episode of Friends as a man named Ethan who was dating Monica (Courteney Cox) in the episode, "The One With the Ick Factor." Kirsch's other major television credits include parts in General Hospital, Love Boat: The Next Wave and JAG. He also worked as an acting coach in Los Angeles and founded his own acting studio called Stan Kirsch Studios. Kirsch is survived by his wife, actress Kristyn Green.

Michaels, an actress who starred in the TV series King of Queens and Modern Family, has died. She was 95. The beloved actress died peacefully on Jan. 11 in her home in Palm Springs, California, according to her obituary published in the Desert Sun. Michaels, who was born and raised in Los Angeles, had her breakthrough in 1964 with the Jack Benny Program. She briefly put her acting career on hold to pursue a successful career as a therapist but returned to acting in 1987, guest-starring as Mrs. Belker on Highway to Heaven. Michaels was most recognized for her portrayal of Josephine on King of Queens and Helen on Modern Family. Her other credits include Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Lizzie McGuire, 2 Broke Girls, Everybody Loves Raymond, Days of Our Lives, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Easy A. Michaels is survived by her longtime manager and friend, Jasper Cole, his husband, Dennis Turrone, and several cousins.

Edd, who rose to fame starring in movies like Grease and TV shows like 77 Sunset Strip, has died unexpectedly of natural causes. He was 87. The actor's son, Logan Byrnes, confirmed the news via Twitter "It is with profound sadness and grief that I share with you the passing of my father Edd Byrnes," Logan wrote. "He was an amazing man and one of my best friends." According to a press release also shared by Logan, Edd died at his home in Santa Monica, California, on Jan. 8. 

The Canadian musician, best known as the drummer and lyricist for the rock band Rush, died on Jan. 7, the band confirmed. He was 67. "It is with broken hearts and the deepest sadness that we must share the terrible news that on Tuesday our friend, soul brother and band mate of over 45 years, Neil, has lost his incredible brave three and a half year battle with brain cancer (Glioblastoma)," Rush's statement shared on Jan. 10 read. "We ask that friends, fans, and media alike understandably respect the family's need for privacy and peace at this extremely painful and difficult time." The statement ended with the band adding that if people wish to express their condolences, they can choose a cancer research group or charity or their choice to make a donation in Peart's name. Iconic for his epic drum solos and impressive, 360-degree drum kit, Peart was born in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1952 and joined Rush, a local Toronto band, in the summer of 1974. He wrote and played on 18 of the band's 19 studio albums -- all but their 1974 self-titled debut -- and was a member until he announced his retirement in December 2015. Fellow Rush members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson subsequently confirmed the band was calling it quits in 2018, after 50 years together. Rush was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. Along with his musical legacy, Peart is survived by his wife, photographer Carrie Nuttall, and daughter Olivia.

The Australian actor died on Jan. 7, his mother, Jane Badler, shared. "He was 27 and had the world at his feet. But sadly he struggled with mental illness and addiction," she captioned a series of photos of Hains on Instagram. "A brilliant spark shone bright too short a time .. I will miss you Harry every day of my life." Hains had guest roles on several shows, including a 2015 episode of American Horror Story, a 2019 episode of The OA and a 2019 episode of Sneaky Pete. 

The acclaimed screenwriter, TV icon and actor died on Jan. 8 at Cedars-Sinai Health Center in Los Angeles. He was 89. Henry, who penned the celebrated screenplays for Catch-22 and What's Up Doc? among many others, was nominated for two Oscars -- first for his screenplay for The Graduate and then for co-directing the 1978 romantic comedy Heaven Can Wait, alongside Warren Beatty. Henry was also celebrated for co-creating the iconic TV comedy Get Smart, and for his his frequent guest appearances hosting Saturday Night Live during the show's formative first few seasons. Henry was also an accomplished actor, appearing in over 40 films and many TV shows. Notably, Henry enjoyed a recurring role on the sitcom 30 Rock, playing Dick Lemon, the father of Tina Fey's Liz Lemon.

The Ugly Betty creator has died. He was 45. Horta's agent confirmed with ET that the writer and producer died in Miami, Florida, on Jan. 7. The following day, a spokesperson for the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office told ET that an autopsy was conducted, and the medical examiner determined Horta’s cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head and the manner was ruled a suicide. A source who was close to Horta told ET that he struggled with addiction in recent years. Horta was showrunner and head writer on the popular ABC series, which was adapted from the Colombian telenovela Yo soy Betty, la fea. The four-season show premiered in 2006 and made stars of actors America Ferrera and Michael Urie. It won a Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy in 2007, with Horta taking the stage to accept the award. He also worked on Jake 2.0., starring Christopher Gorham.