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Gary Wright
Photo: Larry Marano/Shutterstock
'70s singer-songwriter Gary Wright has died at 80.
Best known for his 1975 song "Dream Weaver", Wright's career began in the '60s, and included playing keyboard on George Harrison's first post-Beatles album This Too Shall Pass, released in 1970.
Wright would also have a big hit with the song "Love Is Alive", and continued producing new music until 2010.
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Steve Harwell
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Smash Mouth lead singer Steve Harwell died on Sept. 4 at the age of 56.
Band manager Robert Hayes revealed the former lead vocalist and frontman of the ’90s rock band died at his home in Boise, Idaho “surrounded by family and friends,” adding that he “passed peacefully and comfortably.”
Harwell co-founded Smash Mouth in 1994, and went on to have a huge hit with their song "All Star". They were also known for the songs "Walkin' on the Sun" and their cover of The Monkees' "I'm a Believer".
The singer had struggled with alcohol abuse and other medical issues for many years, and in 2021 he retired from the band.
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Jimmy Buffett
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, known for such hits as "Margaritaville" and "Cheeseburger in Paradise", passed away Sept. 1 at the age of 76,
“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of Sept. 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” read a statement. “He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
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Ron Cephas Jones
Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File
Broadway star Ron Cephas Jones, who became a fan favourite for his poignant role on "This Is Us", died Aug. 19 at age 66.
“Beloved and award-winning actor Ron Cephas Jones has passed away at the age of 66 due to a long-standing pulmonary issue," read a statement. “Throughout the course of his career, his warmth, beauty, generosity, kindness and heart were felt by anyone who had the good fortune of knowing him,” elaborated the statement.
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Arleen Sorkin
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Actress Arleen Sorkin, who played Calliope Jones on the NBC soap opera "Days of Our Lives", died at age 67.
Sorkin also gave voice to Harley Quinn in various animated Batman projects, beginning with "Batman: The Animated Series" in 1992.
Mark Hamill, who voiced the Joker opposite Sorkin's Harley Quinn, paid tribute. "Devastated to learn we’ve lost the brilliant Arleen Sorkin," he wrote in an Instagram post. "Not just a wonderful talent, but a truly wonderful person. I’m grateful not only to have worked with her, but to have been her friend. Sending my heartfelt condolences to her family & loved ones.”
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Bob Barker
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Legendary TV game show host Bob Barker died Aug. 26 at age 99
Barker, a vegetarian and vocal animal-rights activist, hosted "The Price Is Right" for 35 years, from 1972 until his retirement from the show in 2007.
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Robbie Robertson
Photo by Larry Hulst/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Guitarist and songwriter Robbie Robertson died Aug. 9 after a lengthy illness.
The Canadian musician was best known as co-founder and leader of The Band, changing the face of music in the late 1960s and early '70s with such iconic hits as "Up On Cripple Creek", "The Weight", "The Shape I'm In" and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down".
After The Band broke up in 1976, Robertson embarked on a decades-long collaboration with director Martin Scorsese, contributing music to many of his films.
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DJ Casper
James Foster/Chicago Sun-Times via AP
DJ Casper, whose real name was Willie Perry Jr, died Aug. 7 at age 58, following a lengthy battle with cancer.
A celebrated Chicago DJ, hype man and songwriter, he was best known for creating the “Cha Cha Slide” dance.
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William Friedkin
Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM
Director William Friedkin died Aug. 7 at the age of 87.
Friedkin was best known for helming such films as "The Exorcist", "The French Connection" and "The Boys in the Band", which broke new ground when it was released in 1970 as the first film in Hollywood history to revolve around gay characters.
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Angus Cloud
Photo: Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/ABACAPRESS.COM/CP Images
"Euphoria" actor Angus Cloud passed away on July 31 at age 25.
Having recently lost his father, Cloud's family shared a statement explaining that he had "intensely struggled."
"Angus was open about his battle with mental health and we hope that his passing can be a reminder to others that they are not alone and should not fight this on their own in silence," his family said.
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Paul Ruebens
Photo: Photo/Damian Dovarganes/CP Images
Paul Reubens, best known for his iconic character Pee-wee Herman, died on July 30 at age 70.
His children's entertainer character first debuted onstage in 1981, before moving to the big screen in Tim Burton's "Pee-wee's Big Adventure", which was followed by two sequels.
Reubens also appeared in numerous other films and TV shows.
He died after a six-year battle with cancer, writing in a statement released after his death, "Please accept my apology for not going public with what I've been facing the last six years. I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you."
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Sinéad O’Connor
Photo: AP Photo, File
Iconic Irish singer Sinéad O'Connor, who catapulted to stardom in 1990 with her cover of Prince's “Nothing Compares 2 U”, has died at 56.
The Irish Times broke the tragic news on Wednesday, July 26, sharing a statement from her family, which read, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”
O'Connor, who became known during her career for her outspoken political activism and mental health struggles, wrote on her Facebook page earlier in July that she had moved back to London after 23 years and was wrapping up an album to be released next year.
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Treat Williams
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Treat Williams, star of “Hair” and “Everwood”, tragically passed away after being involved in a motorcycle accident on June 12. He was 71.
Williams’ agent Barry McPherson released the news in a statement to People, telling the outlet that the actor died following the fatal crash.
“He was killed this afternoon. He was making a left or a right [and] a car cut him off,” McPherson said. “I’m just devastated. He was the nicest guy. He was so talented.”
The statement continued, “He was an actor’s actor. Filmmakers loved him. He’s been the heart of Hollywood since the late 1970s. He was really proud of his performance this year. He’s been so happy with the work that I got him. He’s had a balanced career.”
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The Iron Sheik
Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Hilarity For Charity
Pro wrestling legend the Iron Sheik passed away on June 7 at the age of 81.
Born Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri in Iran, Vaziri became one of the most hated heels in wrestling, battling the likes of Hulk Hogan and Sgt. Slaughter.
In 2004, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, and gained renewed fame in his golden years for hilariously unfiltered Twitter comments, and was the subject of the 2014 documentary "The Sheik".
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Anna Shay
Netflix via AP
Anna Shay, star of Netflix reality show "Bling Empire" died from a stroke in early June, according to a family statement. She was 62.
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Ms. Jacky Oh!
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Ms. Jacky Oh!, best known for her appearances on Nick Cannon's "Wild ‘N Out", died at the age of 32 on June 1.
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John Beasley
Scott Everett White / ©TV Land / Courtesy: Everett Collection
Veteran character actor John Beasley died on May 31 at age 79. Best known for playing Irv Harper on the TV family drama "Everwood", he also co-starred with Cedric the Entertainer in the sitcom "Soul Food".
On the big screen, Beasley appeared in such films as “Sinister”, “The Sum of All Fears”, “The General’s Daughter”, “Walking Tall”, “The Mighty Ducks”, and, most recently, “Firestarter”, while his extensive television work included “CSI”, “The Lost Room”, “NCIS”, “Boston Legal”, “CSI: Miami”, “Treme”, and “The Mandalorian”.
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George Maharis
Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images
George Maharis, best known for his roles in the 1960s TV hit "Route 66", died at age 94 on May 25.
On the big screen, Maharis appeared in "Exodus", “Quick Before It Melts”, “Sylvia”, “A Covenant with Death” and “The Happening”
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Tina Turner
Photo: DAVID HECKER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Tina Turner died at 83-years-old on May 24.
Born Anna Mae Bullock in Nutbush, Tennessee, Turner rose to prominence as the lead vocalist of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue in the 1960s.
Turner became renown for her electrifying stage presence and powerhouse vocals on hits like "What's Love Got to Do with It" and "River Deep - Mountain High", crowning her as the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll.
She broke barriers as one of the first African-American women to achieve massive success in the rock genre. In 2021, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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Jim Brown
AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File
Legendary NFL star turned Hollywood action hero Jim Brown has died at 87.
As running back for the Cleveland Browns, Brown has often been described as the greatest football player of all time. He left football at age 30 for a career in Hollywood. Among his many films: "The Dirty Dozen", "Three the Hard Way", "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka", "Any Given Sunday" and
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Gordon Lightfoot
Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Stagecoach
Canadian folk-rock legend Gordon Lightfoot died May 1, at age 84.
Beginning his career in the 1950s, Lightfoot rose to prominence as one of the leading folk artists of the '60s.
Throughout the '60s and '70s he released numerous beloved hits, including "Early Morning Rain", "If You Could Read My Mind", "Sundown", "Rainy Day People", "Carefree Highway" and "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald".
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Jock Zonfrillo
Photo: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for AFI
Scottish chef and restauranteur Jock Zonfrillo died on April 30 at age 46.
Based in Melbourne, Zonfrillo rose to international prominence as a judge on "MasterChef Australia".
In 2016, he also founded The Orana Foundation, with a mission to preserve historical cooking traditions from Australia's Indigenous cultures.
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Jerry Springer
Photo: Gary Gershoff/Getty Images
Iconic daytime TV host Jerry Springer died on April 27 at age 79.
After starting out in politics, and briefly becoming mayor of Cincinnati, Springer went on to launch his TV career, hosting the popular and controversial "The Jerry Springer Show" for 27 seasons.
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Harry Belafonte
Photo: Gary Gershoff/WireImage
Singer, actor and activist Harry Belafonte died on April 25 at age 96.
A legendary figure, Belafonte made a strong mark in the worlds of music and acting, including releasing the hit 1956 single "Banana Boat (Day-O)", and starring in such films as "Odds Against Tomorrow", "Buck and the Preacher" and "BlacKkKlansman".
Belafonte was also a steadfast activist for civil rights, and marched alongside Martin Luther King Jr.
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Len Goodman
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"Dancing with the Stars" judge Len Goodman died on April 22 at age 78.
Originally a professional ballroom dancer, Goodman went to TV as a judge on the British series "Strictly Come Dancing", which inspired the American "Dancing with the Stars".
Goodman served as the show's head judge until 2022.
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Barry Humphries
Photo: Don Arnold/WireImage
Known around the world for his iconic character Dame Edna, Australian comedian Barry Humphries died on April 22 at age 89.
Born in Melbourne, Humphries originated his fabulous drag housewife character in the 1950s, eventually taking Dame Edna to the London stage in the '70s, earning him an international fanbase for decades to come.
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Paul Cattermole
Photo: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images For XIX Management
Singer Paul Cattermole, a founding member of the British pop group S Club 7, died on April 6 at age 46.
The band, which formed in 1998, rose to prominence during the late-'90s and early-'00s pop wave, with hits like "Never Had a Dream Come True". They also starred in a BBC sitcom titled "Miami 7".
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Care Failure
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Care Failure, lead singer of Toronto-based alt-rock band Die Mannequin, passed away at 36.
Born Caroline Kawa, the vocalist and guitarist made waves with Die Mannequin's first EP, How to Kill, in 2006, playing most of the instruments herself. The band would go on to release critically-lauded albums and tour Canada several times, opening for Guns N' Roses, Marilyn Manson and Sum 41. Their most recent release was 2014's Neon Zero.
Kawa also starred in 2010 film "Hard Core Logo 2", playing herself.
“She fought bravely against infections that caused sudden organ and heart failure,” said a statement from Kawa’s family to ET Canada.
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LFO's Brian Gillis
Photo: Fryderyk Gabowicz/picture alliance via Getty Images
One of the founding members of ’90s pop group LFO, Brian “Brizz” Gillis, has passed away at age 47.
Gillis’ former bandmate Brad Fischetti took to social media to share an emotional post confirming the news on Thursday.
Fischetti wrote: “Every story is made up of chapters. Some develop naturally. Some you have to cut up in your mind. The first two chapters of the LFO story lost a main character yesterday. Brian ‘Brizz’ Gillis passed away.”
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Ryuichi Sakamoto
Photo: Isa Foltin/Getty Images
Legendary Japanese musician and composer Ryuichi Sakamoto died on March 28 at age 71.
Together with Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi, the artist founded the influential electronic band Yellow Magic Orchestra in the '70s, helping to pave the way for modern electronic music.
He also composed numerous film scores, including his Oscar-winning music for 1987's "The Last Emperor", along with scores for films like "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence" and 2015's "The Revenant".
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Robert Blake
Photo: Frank Edwards/Fotos International/Getty Images
Actor Robert Blake has died at 89 from heart disease.
Blake was best known for his starring role in the popular cop drama “Baretta”, as Detective Tony Baretta, which earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1975. The photograph captures him at the ’75 awards ceremony. Blake was also known for his movie role in 1967’s “In Cold Blood”, as well as for being tried and acquitted of his wife’s murder in a high-profile case.
His 60-year acting career began in childhood and he managed to maintain it through his teens. After getting drafted into the Army, he returned to acting in his mid-20s.
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David Lindley
Photo by David Redfern/Redferns
Guitarist David Lindley has died at age 78.
Lindley, a multi-instrumentalist, was best known for his work with Jackson Browne, particularly his slide-guitar solo on "Running on Empty".
In addition to Browne, Lindley backed up a who's who of top recording artists including Dolly Parton, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Toto, Rod Stewart and Joe Walsh.
In addition to being one of rock's all-time great sidemen, Lindley also maintained a solo career. His 1981 solo debut album, "El Rayo-X", spawned the hit single "Mercury Blues", which spent 18 weeks on the Billboard Hot 200 chart.
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Gordon Pinsent
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
Legendary Canadian actor Gordon Pinsent has died at age 92.
The Newfoundland-born Pinsent appeared in numerous films and television series over the course of a career spanning eight decades, including the 1972 Canadian classic "The Rowdyman" and the Sarah Polley-directed "Away From Her" in 2006, which brought Pinsent international acclaim.
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Charles Kimbrough
Photo by CBS via Getty Images
Charles Kimbrough, best known for his role as stiff news anchor Jim Dial on sitcom "Murphy Brown", has died at 86.
The Tony-nominated actor predominantly worked onstage until being cast in "Murphy Brown", which ran for 10 seasons between 1988 and 1998. Kimbrough made a brief appearance in the 2018 reboot.
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Melinda Dillon
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Melinda Dillon, known for her roles in such films as "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and "A Christmas Story", died at age 83.
Dillon was a two-time Oscar nominee, receiving Best Actress nods for her "Close Encounter" performance and her role in the Paul Newman legal drama "Absence of Malice".
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Tom Verlaine
Photo by Darren Eagles/Getty Images
Tom Verlaine, guitarist and frontman for NYC punk band Television, died at age 73 after a brief illness.
Television's 1977 album "Marquee Moon" is regarded as one of the most influential albums of that era, paving the way for the post-punk and New Wave movements of the 1980s.
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Lance Kerwin
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Lance Kerwin, who became a teen idol in the 1970s thanks to his starring role in TV drama "James at 16", has died at age 62.
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Gina Lollobrigida
Photo by Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images
Legendary Italian movie star Gina Lollobrigida died at the age of 95.
Besides “The World’s Most Beautiful Woman” in 1955, career highlights included Golden Globe-winner “Come September”, with Rock Hudson; “Trapeze”; “Beat the Devil”, a 1953 John Huston film starring Humphrey Bogart and Jennifer Jones; and “Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell”, which won Lollobrigida Italy’s top movie award, a David di Donatello, as best actress in 1969.
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C.J. Harris
Photo by Michael Becker/FOX Image Collection via Getty Images
"American Idol" alum C.J. Harris died at age 31.
Harris, who made it to sixth place in the 2014 season of the TV talent competition, suffered a fatal heart attack in his hometown of Jasper, Alabama.
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Robbie Knievel
Photo by Kelley Chinn/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Daredevil Robbie Knievel died at age 60.
The son of legendary stunt performer Evel Knievel passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
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Lisa Marie Presley
Photo: Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Wonderwall
Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of Elvis And Priscilla Presley, died at 54 on Jan. 12, 2023. She was rushed to hospital after going into full cardiac arrest at her home in Calabasas, California.
“Priscilla Presley and the Presley family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Lisa Marie,” a rep for the family confirmed to ET. “They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time.”
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Jeff Beck
Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images
British guitarist Jeff Beck died at age 78 after a brief illness brought about by bacterial meningitis.
Beck was regarded as one of the finest rock guitarists in the world, having played for The Yardbirds, his own Jeff Beck Group (which was fronted by Rod Stewart) and a fruitful solo career, highlighted by his experimental jazz-fusion album "Blow By Blow" in the 1970s.
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Fred White
Photo by Rob Verhorst/Redferns
Fred White, who played drums for Earth, Wind & Fire throughout the iconic funk-soul band's heyday in the 1970s and '80s, died at age 67. A cause of death was not revealed.
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Tatjana Patitz
Photo by Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images
Tatjana Patitz, the supermodel who rose to stardom in the 1980s and 1990s, died at 56 after a battle with breast cancer.
During her 40-year-career, Patitz walked the runway for labels such as Chanel, and appeared on covers of fashion magazines including Vogue.
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Ken Block
Photo by Massimo Bettiol/Getty Images
American professional rally driver and YouTube star Ken Block has died at age 55 following a snowmobile accident in Utah.
Block’s team, Hoonigan, paid tribute in a statement: “Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband. He will be incredibly missed.”
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Gangsta Boo
Photo by Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Rapper Gangsta Boo (a.k.a. Lola Chantrelle Mitchell) of hip-hop group died at age 43. The cause of death was not revealed.
As a solo artist, the rapper hit No. 15 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop chart with her 1998 debut solo album "Enquiring Minds", and worked with artists including Gucci Mane, Eminem, OutKast, Lil Wayne and others.
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Taylor Lewis
"Teen Mom 2" alum Taylor Lewis died at age 29. While the cause of death remains unknown, Lewis' sister has stated that a homicide investigation has been launched.
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Jeremiah Green
Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images
Jeremiah Green, drummer and co-founder of Modest Mouse, died at age 45 after a battle with cancer.
"I don’t know a way to ease into this: Today we lost our dear friend Jeremiah," the band said in a statement, days after announcing Green had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. "He laid down to rest and simply faded out. I’d like to say a bunch of pretty words right now, but it just isn’t the time. These will come later, and from many people. Please appreciate all the love you give, get, have given, and will get. Above all, Jeremiah was about love. We love you."
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Anita Pointer
Photo by Stephane Cardinale/Corbis via Getty Images
Anita Pointer, a member of vocial group The Pointer Sisters, died on Dec. 31, 2022. A cause of death was not noted.
Together with sisters Bonnie, Ruth and June, The Pointer Sisters produced numerous hits during the 1970s and '80s, including “I’m So Excited”, “Slow Hand”, “Neutron Dance” and “Jump (For My Love)”.
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Robbie Bachman
Photo: Fin Costello / Getty
Robbie Bachman was drummer and co-founder of the iconic rock-and-roll band Bachman-Turner Overdrive with his brother Randy Bachman. The band also featured bassist Fred Turner and guitarist Tim Bachman.
The band boasted the massive hits "Takin' Care of Business" and the driving playlist staple "Roll on Down the Highway."
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