Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when it comes to icons and stars fans have grown to love. A number of such celebrities passed away in 2020 including Kobe Bryant, Chadwick Boseman and Naya Rivera.
Bryant passed away in a helicopter crash on January 26 in Calabasas, California, alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others. He was 41. The aircraft was en route to the former Los Angeles Lakers player’s Mamba Academy for a basketball practice near Thousand Oaks, California. He is survived by his wife, Vanessa Bryant, and their three other daughters Natalia, Bianka and Capri. Us Weekly confirmed in February that Kobe and Gianna were laid to rest in a private service in Corona Del Mar, California.
Rivera was pronounced dead at age 33 in July after she took her 4-year-old son Josey — whom she shared with her ex-husband, Ryan Dorsey — out on a boat at Lake Piru in California. The Glee star was at first declared a missing person on July 8 when her son was found alone on the boat. Officials later announced that she was presumed dead and her body was recovered five days later.
“It is believed that Naya and her son were swimming in the lake near the boat, and as they were getting back into the boat, her son made it into the boat and Naya went underwater and did not resurface,” the sheriff’s department said in a statement to Us at the time.
Later that month, Regis Philbin died on July 24 at the age of 88 of natural causes. “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,” his family said in a statement to Us about the former Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee cohost’s passing. “We thank his fans and admirers for their incredible support over his 60-year career and ask for privacy as we mourn his loss.”
Boseman, for his part, died on August 28 at age 43 following a secret four-year battle with colon cancer.
“It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman,” the Black Panther star’s family wrote in an announcement. “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.”
Scroll down to see Us Weekly’s tribute to the celebrities who died in 2020.
The Japanese actress, known for roles in Silk, Nanase: The Psychic Wanderers and Kamen Rider Hibiki, died by suicide on September 14 at the age of 36. The Fukushima, Japan, native was found her dead in her apartment in Tokyo by her brother after she stopped answering phone calls and messages one day prior, Variety reported.
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Reggae icon Frederick "Toots" Hibbert died in Kingston, Jamaica, on September 11 at the age of 77. "It is with the heaviest of hearts to announce that Frederick Nathaniel 'Toots' Hibbert passed away tonight, surrounded by his family at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica," his band, Toots and the Maytals, announced in a statement on social media. His cause of death was not revealed but the group's Facebook account confirmed on August 31 that the "Do the Reggay" singer was in intensive care after being tested for COVID-19. His daughter Jenieve Bailey stressed the need to social distance amid the coronavirus pandemic in a Facebook live on September 5, saying that the coronavirus "has touched my family in a very real way. I don't want anybody else to go through what we are going through as a family, to see our dad in this state." Hibbert is survived by his wife of 39 years, Miss D, and seven of his eight children.
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The Top Chef season 12 contestant died on September 8 following a motorcycle wreck in Washington. He was 34. His cause of death was ruled as “multiple blunt force injuries due to a traffic accident.”
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The Game of Thrones alum died at age 82 on September 10, six months after being diagnosed with cancer. A rep for the actress, who was also known for roles in British series The Avengers and in 1969's On Her Majesty's Secret Service, told the BBC that she passed away at home surrounded by family members. "Dame Diana was force of nature who loved her work and her fellow actors," the rep added.
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The Baseball Hall of Famer, best known for stealing bases and helping the St. Louis Cardinals win two World Series titles in the 1960s, died at age 81 on September 6. “He will be deeply missed and forever remembered,” the team’s chairman, Bill DeWitt Jr., said in a statement.
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The singer, who led The Temptations from 2006 to 2015, died from the novel coronavirus on September 6 at age 50.
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The beauty influencer, known to his fans as ethanisupreme, died on September 6 at the age of 17. His father, Gerald Peters, confirmed his son's passing to Fox News, telling the outlet that he believed the cause of death was a drug overdose.
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The Bay City Rollers were “deeply saddened” to announce on September 1 that their bassist died at age 62. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Wendy, their family and friends. Rest In Peace, Ian,” the Scottish pop-rock band said in a statement on Facebook.
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The DJ behind the 1993 hit “I Like to Move It” died at age 49 on September 1, three days before he was due to appear in court on sexual battery charges. The cause of death was not immediately known.
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The former NBA player and Survivor contestant died at the age of 53, the Portland Trail Blazers confirmed on August 29. "The Trail Blazers organization is deeply saddened by the passing of Trail Blazers great Cliff Robinson. … 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. ... We extend our heartfelt condolences to Cliff's family & loved ones. Uncle Cliffy will be greatly missed by the Trail Blazers & all of Rip City," the team said in a statement. No cause of death was given, but Robinson suffered a stroke in March 2017 that affected his left arm and leg. In 2018, he had a tumor removed from his jaw, later tweeting "No cancer!" Robinson, who appeared on season 28 of Survivor in 2014, is survived by his wife, Heather Lufkins, and son Isaiah.
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The Black Panther star died on AUgust 28, surrounded by his wife and family, his team said in a statement.
"Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last four years as it progressed to stage IV," the statement began. "It was the honor of his career to bring King T'Challa to life in Black Panther."
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The cocreator of Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! died of natural causes on August 26 at age 87.
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The Americana singer-songwriter and son of country-rock star Steve Earle died at age 38 on August 23. “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,” his family said in a statement.
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The 19-year-old YouTuber died on August 13, after spending six days in a coma following a brain injury, his wife, Camryn, announced via social media on August 21. “He was an amazing husband and the best father those girls could of ever asked for,” Camryn, who starred on the couple’s Cam&Fam YouTube channel alongside her husband and their two daughters, wrote via Instagram. “It saddens me deeply that they will never get to truly know him. He was so young and had so much more life to live. This isn’t how things were supposed to go. He’s looking down on us from heaven and his light will shine through the clouds when we look up at him. May he rest peacefully.”
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The former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist died at age 64 on August 20. “We of the RHCP family would like to wish Jack Sherman smooth sailing into the worlds beyond, for he has passed,” the band said in a statement via Instagram. “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. Peace on the boogie platform.”
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The RuPaul’s Drag Race alum died at age 34 after battling pneumonia, scleroderma and other health problems. “I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Chi Chi DeVayne,” RuPaul told Us in a statement on August 20. “I am so grateful that we got to experience her kind and beautiful soul. She will be dearly missed but never forgotten. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all. On behalf of VH1, World of Wonder and the cast and crew of RuPaul’s Drag Race, I extend my deepest sympathy — from our family to hers.”
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The Chariots of Fire actor died on August 18, while in Vienna. His daughter Lauren confirmed his passing via Facebook, writing, “I am utterly heartbroken to share with you that my darling father died a few hours ago.” He was 72.
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The former Florida State center died on August 7 at age 27 after collapsing during training in Serbia. The Nigerian-born basketball player reportedly died of a heart attack.
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Coleman, the star of the Netflix documentary Audrie & Daisy, died by suicide on August 4. Coleman’s mother, Melinda Coleman, confirmed her daughter’s passing via Facebook, writing, “She was my best friend and amazing daughter. I think she had to make it seem like I could survive without her. I can’t.” Daisy, who was a sexual assault survivor and later advocate, was 23.
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Santoni, known for his roles in Dirty Harry and Seinfeld, passed away at age 81 on August 1 while under hospice care in Los Angeles. He died of natural causes following his years-long health struggles. “He was the funniest man I’ve ever known,” Tracy Newman, a close pal of Santoni’s, said in a statement to Fox News. “Besides being a terrific actor, he was a legendary improviser. He will be missed.”
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The actor known for his roles in films like Cocoon, The Natural and Absence of Malice and for being the longtime spokesperson for Quaker Oats and diabetes education died in Utah on August 1, according to TMZ. He was 85. The Salt Lake City native also starred in the 1980s TV show Our House and made guest appearances in series including Seinfeld and Walker, Texas Ranger.
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Reyes, who worked as a deckhand on Deadliest Catch, died at the age of 38, a rep for Discovery confirmed to Us on August 1. TMZ reported that the father of four suffered a heart attack on July 25 in his hometown of Whitefish, Montana, and was transported to a local hospital but never regained consciousness. His wife told the outlet that the family decided to take him off life support the following day. Reyes was cremated and his Deadliest Catch castmates plan to spread some of his ashes in the Bering Sea.
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The British director died on July 31 after facing a long illness, something that wasn’t immediately specified. He was 76. “From Fame to Midnight Express, two-time Oscar nominee Alan Parker was a chameleon,” the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences tweeted. “His work entertained us, connected us, and gave us such a strong sense of time and place. An extraordinary talent, he will be greatly missed.”
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The business executive, who ran for president as a Republican candidate in the 2012 election, died at age 74 on July 30 after being hospitalized with the novel coronavirus.
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“Mourning my beloved cousin today,” the rapper’s cousin Don Champion tweeted on July 29, confirming his death. “He was so talented and had a huge heart. I still remember when he and The Roots were starting out. He'd give me and my dad their cassette tapes to listen to. I miss you already, Mailk. #RIP.” No cause of death was reported. Malik B. was best known as one of the founding members of The Roots. He was 47.
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The Hollywood legend died at home in Paris on July 26, her rep confirmed to Us. She was 104. De Havilland is best known for her portrayal of Melanie Hamilton in the classic 1939 film Gone with the Wind, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
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The True Life: I’m Getting Married alum died at his home in New York on July 25, Us confirmed. The former MTV reality star was pronounced dead at the scene, after paramedics were called to Balducci’s residence for a “patient suffering suspected cardiac and respiratory arrest” at 9:19 p.m. that evening, the Office of Deputy Commissioner, Public Information NY told Us. He was 44.
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The legendary television host died on July 24, his family revealed in a statement. "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," the statement read. "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."
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The Fleetwood Mac cofounder died "peacefully in his sleep" at age 73 on July 25, according to his family.
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The Olympic figure skater, who competed for at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics alongside skating partner Harley Windsor, died at the age of 20, the Australian Olympic Committee confirmed on July 17. Her cause of death was not initially disclosed, but her coach Andrei Khekalo later confirmed to AFP that she fell from a sixth-floor window in Moscow. CBS News reported that her death was an apparent suicide.
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The Big C alum died of natural causes on July 16, Entertainment Tonight reported. She was 76. The actress started her career at age 9 in an episode of Guiding Light. She went on to star in Stoker, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and The Outsiders. She also played Mrs. Henry DuBose in the stage play To Kill a Mockingbird.
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The actress, who had roles in RoboCop 2, Twin Peaks and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, died from cancer on July 14, one day before her 56th birthday.
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The Broadway and Raising Miranda star died at age 47 on July 14 after battling acute myeloid leukemia. In Black’s obituary, her family remembered her “infectious smile and laugh which could light even the darkest of days.”
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The youngest daughter of Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, who was also an activist and served as the first lady of South Africa in the late ‘90s, died at age 59 on July 13.
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The electrical engineer, who cohosted MythBusters from 2005 to 2014, died unexpectedly at age 49 on July 13 after suffering a brain aneurysm.
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The former Glee actress died in July at the age of 33. Her body was recovered from Lake Piru in the Ventura County area of Los Angeles on July 13, after she was declared missing five days earlier. Rivera was first reported missing when she was late to return her boat rental during an outing with her 4-year-old son, Josey. A boater located the vessel, along with Josey that afternoon, but she was nowhere to be found.
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The Jerry Maguire actress died at age 57 on July 12 after secretly battling breast cancer for two years. “She fought a courageous fight with the love and support of so many,” John Travolta wrote via Instagram of his wife of 28 years, with whom he shared daughter Ella and son Benjamin. Preston was predeceased by the couple’s eldest son, Jett, who died at age 16 in 2009.
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Lisa Marie Presley's only son died on July 12 at the age of 27. TMZ reported that the grandson of Priscilla Presley and the late Elvis Presley died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The musician and actor's mother was "entirely heartbroken, inconsolable and beyond devastated," her rep said in a statement to Us, who added that Lisa Marie was "trying to stay strong for her 11-year-old twins and her oldest daughter, Riley [Keough]. She adored that boy. He was the love of her life." Benjamin's father was Lisa Marie's first husband, Danny Keough.
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The pregnant YouTube star died at the age of 24 on July 11 along with her unborn son, Reign. In a statement on Thea's Instagram account, her mother wrote, "Our hearts are truly broken and we are struggling to cope with what has happened." The style influencer was weeks away from giving birth to her first child with boyfriend Global Boga.
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The rapper (real name Rudolph Johnson) was fatally shot at age 30 on July 11 while driving on Interstate 285 in his hometown of Atlanta.
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The three-time Olympic snowboarder died in a spear fishing accident on July 8, according to a statement shared on the official Instagram of the Snow Australia sports organization. "Our deepest condolences are with Alex’s family, as well as his team mates and support staff," the statement read, noting that the sports world was "shocked and saddened" by Pullin's passing. "Alex was a beloved member of the Snow Australia community and he will be dearly missed."
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The “Devil Went Down to Georgia” singer died at age 83 on July 6 after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke.
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The award-winning Italian composer, who was best known for creating the score for The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, died at age 91 on July 6 after being hospitalized for a fall that broke his leg.
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The Broadway star died on July 5 at the age of 41 from coronavirus complications. The Waitress actor was hospitalized in L.A. a little over three months earlier, where he was initially diagnosed with pneumonia before testing positive for COVID-19. Cordero, who is survived by his wife, Amanda Kloots, and infant son, Elvis, had his right leg amputated in April due to blood flow issues related to the virus. "God has another angel in heaven now," Kloots wrote on Instagram as she confirmed his death. "My darling husband passed away this morning. He was surrounded in love by his family, singing and praying as he gently left this earth."
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Disney Channel Latin America confirmed the death of the Once star on July 4. He was 24. "We regret the departure of Sebastián Athié and we will always remember him for his talent, companionship, professionalism and above all enormous heart,” the network wrote via Instagram. “We accompany his family, friends and fans in his farewell."
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The broadcaster, who cohosted the Today show from 1962 to 1971 and 20/20 from 1978 to 1999, died at age 99 on July 1 at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona.
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The legendary actor, comedian and director, who was best known for creating The Dick Van Dyke Show, died of natural causes at age 98 on June 29.
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The designer of the iconic “I ♥ NY” logo died on June 26, which was his 91st birthday. His wife, Shirley Glaser, said the cause was a stroke, and he also had renal failure. Milton, who cofounded New York magazine, was also known for designing a psychedelic Bob Dylan poster and the DC Comics logo. He received the National Medal of the Arts award from President Barack Obama in 2009.
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Huey (real name Lawrence Franks Jr.) was killed in a shooting in Kinloch, Missouri, on June 25, USA Today reported. The St. Louis rapper, who was best known for his 2006 single “Pop, Lock & Drop It,” was 32. Police have not released details about how the shooting unfolded but revealed that a 21-year-old man was also wounded and is in the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
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The popular Indian influencer reportedly died by suicide on June 25. She was 16 years old at the time. Her talent manager, Arjun Sarin, confirmed the heartbreaking news via Instagram on the day of her death, writing, "No more words
You will always be the best artist . Rest In Peace."
The Paralympian died at age 60 on June 21 during a solo row across the Pacific Ocean. Her wife, Debra, shared the news via Facebook, writing, “Angela was living her dream. She loved being on the water.”
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Elizabeth Hurley’s ex and father of her son, Damian, jumped to his death on June 22 in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Century City. Us confirmed that a 55-year-old male had jumped from a building in the area, but the LAPD and LAFD wouldn’t release his name.
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The director behind St. Elmo’s Fire, The Lost Boys and Batman & Robin died on June 22 at age 80 after a yearlong battle with cancer.
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The rapper (real name Kentray Young) died on June 19 after a fatal shooting in Chicago. He was 26.
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The Lord of the Rings actor died at age 88 on June 19 from an illness related to Parkinson’s disease. His agent remembered him as “a genius of stage and screen” who was “charming, kind and ferociously talented.”
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The former U.S. ambassador to Ireland and the last surviving sibling of President John F. Kennedy died at age 92 on June 17.
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The British singer and dame died at age 103 on June 18. Her songs including “We’ll Meet Again” and “The White Cliffs of Dover” were hugely popular during World War II.
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The South Korean singer, born Kim Jeong-hwan, died on June 16 at age 28. He was a member of the popular K-pop band TST.
KJ Music Entertainment confirmed his death in a statement. “We are sad to relay the most unfortunate, sorrowful news,” the statement read, per Daily Mail. “Back on June 16, TST member Yohan left this world. The late Yohan's family is currently in deep mourning.”
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Us confirmed on June 14 that the youngest daughter of Hank Williams Jr. died in a car accident in Henry Country, Tennessee, on June 13. The clothing store owner was 27.
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The This Is Us writers’ Twitter account confirmed Waters’ death on June 10. “The entire #ThisIsUs family was devastated to learn of Jas Waters passing,” the statement read. “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.” The former reporter, who was 39 when she died, was most recently part of the Kidding writing team.
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Us confirmed on June 8 that the Pointer Sisters singer died at the age of 69. The Grammy-winning artist was one of the founding members of the Motown group, but later left the band to pursue a solo career in the mid-1970s. She is survived by survived by two sisters, Ruth and Anita Pointer, and her brothers, Aaron and Fritz Pointer.
The former NFL wide receiver was reportedly shot and killed in Tampa on June 7, his mother confirmed to TMZ. The athlete was 41.
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On June 5, the first U.S. male to win gold at the Gymnastic World Championships, died after suffering a stroke. The 64-year-old athlete had suffered a stroke on May 24. “I lost my universe, my best friend and my soul mate of 24 years," his wife, Beckie Thomas, told the International Gymnast Magazine. "Kurt lived his life to the extreme, and I will be forever honored to be his wife."
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The Mom alum died on June 2 at age 70 after battling cancer. When confirming her death to Variety, her manager stated that Gleason “was a fighter to the end.”
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The former Dream Street boybander died on June 2 from complications of coronavirus. He was 34.
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The playwright and AIDS activist, best known for writing The Normal Heart and founding the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP), died of pneumonia on May 27 at the age of 84. He is survived by his husband, David Webster.
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The character actor, best known for his roles as Mr. Wilhelm on Seinfeld and Admiral Owen Paris on Star Trek: Voyager, died in his Los Angeles home on May 26 due to complications with cancer. He was 87 years old. Herd is survived by his wife, Patricia, daughter Erica, son Rick and stepdaughter Alicia.
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The pro wrestler, best known for starring on the Netflix reality series Terrace House, died on May 23 at the age of 22. "We are very sorry to report that our Hana Kimura has passed away," Kimura's wrestling company announced in a 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."
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Former Utah Jazz head coach died at 78 on May 22. The NBA announced the news, revealing he passed away from complications from Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia.
"Jerry Sloan will always be synonymous with the Utah Jazz," the statement from the team he coached for 23 years read. "He will forever be a part of the Utah Jazz organization and we join his family, friends and fans in mourning his loss. We are so thankful for what he accomplished here in Utah and the decades of dedication, loyalty and tenacity he brought to our franchise."
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The Baskets alum died by suicide in Kentucky on May 19 following an altercation with his daughter’s mother, Erica Price. Price told police that the actor shot her before turning a gun on himself. Mills was 29.
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The former WWE star was found dead at age 39 on May 20. The news came three days after he went missing while going for a swim at Venice Beach in California with his 10-year-old son, whom lifeguards were able to rescue.
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Glenn died at age 100 from coronavirus complications on May 19. At the time of her death, she was at a senior living facility in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Glenn became known for her advocacy of disabilities and speech disorders. She was married to late astronaut and former U.S. Senator John Glenn from 1943 to 2016.
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The Twilight actor was found dead at the age of 30 on May 13 in his Las Vegas condo. His girlfriend, Natalie Adepoju, was also found passed away at the scene.
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The actor, best known for his role as Eddie Haskell on Leave It to Beaver, passed away on May 18 at the age of 76. "He was an incredibly kind and wonderful father," Osmond’s son Eric said in a statement to Variety. "He had his family gathered around him when he passed. He was loved and will be very missed."
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The pioneering sportscaster died at age 70 on May 14 after a 35-year battle with a rare blood cancer known as polycythemia vera. She first rose to fame as Miss America 1971 before becoming the first woman to cohost CBS Sports’ The NFL Today four years later.
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The Little Fires Everywhere director died on May 15 at the age of 54. Her partner, Marc Maron, confirmed her passing in a statement to IndieWire, revealed that she "collapsed yesterday morning after having been ill for a week. There was a previously unknown, underlying condition. It was not COVID-19. The doctors could not save her. They tried. Hard." The podcast host said he is "leveled, heartbroken and in complete shock" and doesn't know "how to move forward in this moment." Maron, who is one of the stars of GLOW, added that Shelton, who directed some episodes of the show, "was a beautiful, kind, loving, charismatic artist. Her spirit was pure joy. She made me happy. I made her happy. We were happy. I made her laugh all the time. We laughed a lot. We were starting a life together. I really can't believe what is happening. This is a horrendous, sad loss."
Shelton also directed four episodes of the Hulu series Little Fires Everywhere and the show's star Reese Witherspoon took to Instagram to pay tribute to the filmmaker. "I'm so devastated to hear about Lynn Shelton's passing yesterday," she captioned a Polaroid pic of the two of them. "I'm in complete shock that this vibrant, talented, and soulful filmmaker is no longer with us. Lynn was so passionate about our show, Little Fires Everywhere. She said the book truly spoke to her, and that she longed to direct a show that spoke meaningfully about motherhood, sexuality, race, and class in America. And she did. She cared deeply about the WHOLE cast and crew, making sure we all felt heard, seen and appreciated. Lynn also shared so much of her life with us. Her love of her son, how motherhood changed her life, her life changing decisions that made her the woman she was. I feel so fortunate that I got to collaborate with Lynn on both The Morning Show and Little Fires Everywhere. Her spirit touched so many people in the filmmaking world. Her memory lives on in our vivid days together on set and in her wonderful films. Please watch her work and see her talent for yourself."
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The comedy veteran, who was nominated for an Emmy award for playing Phil Dunphy's father on Modern Family, died of natural causes on May 15 at the age of 86. His daughter, Hope, said in a statement that he passed "very peacefully." Willard, who was also nominated for a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Talk Show host for his mid-'80s series What's Hot, What's Not and scored three Emmy nods for his appearances on Everybody Loves Raymond, also starred in several Christopher Guest mockumentaries including This Is Spinal Tap and A Mighty Wind. Guest's wife, Jamie Lee Curtis, paid tribute to the actor on Twitter on May 16, writing, "How lucky that we all got to enjoy Fred Willard's gifts. He is with his missed [wife] Mary now. Thanks for the deep belly laughs Mr. Willard."
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The Trading Spaces designer, who appeared on every episode of the TLC series from 2000 to 2008, died of a heart attack on May 15 at the age of 72.
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The U.S. Olympic bobsledder died by suicide at age 43 on May 3. Former teammate and USA Bobsled and Skeleton Federation CEO Aron McGuire remembered Jovanovic for “always giving 100 percent on everything that he focused on.”
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Ben Stiller announced the death of his 92-year-old father on May 11. “He was a great dad and grandfather, and the most dedicated husband to Anne for about 62 years. He will be greatly missed,” Ben tweeted. Jerry, who died of natural causes, was best known for his roles on Seinfeld and The King of Queens.
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The music executive who discovered Sean "Diddy" Combs, founded Uptown Records and mentored several artists including Mary J. Blige died on May 8 at the age of 59. Stars including Snoop Dogg, Usher, John Legend, Ice T and Quincy Jones paid tribute to the former Motown Records CEO who was vice president of Diddy's music network, Revolt. "My heart is breaking and I can't stop crying," Mariah Carey tweeted. "He was an amazing friend and I will miss him forever."
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The rock music legend, known for his iconic singles "Tutti Frutti" and "Good Golly, Miss Molly," died on May 9 at the age of 87 of unknown causes.
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Horn died at age 75 of complications from the coronavirus, Us Weekly confirmed on May 8. He was best known for being one half of the magic act Siegfried and Roy with Siegfried Fischbacher.
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The Bad Company lead singer died of cardiac arrest at his home in Florida on May 6. Howe replaced the band's original singer, Paul Rodgers, in 1983 and later left the rock group in 1994. Before his death at age 66, he had suffered heart problems, including a prior heart attack in 2017.
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The country singer died at age 30 on May 2. Her brother Cody Groves wrote on Facebook, “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.”
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News of the Scrubs alum’s death broke on May 1. He was 56. The actor was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in January 2019.
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News broke on April 30 that the Bollywood actor died after a two-year battle with leukemia. Kapoor, who was 67, is survived by his wife, actress Neetu Singh, and their two children.
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The Bollywood icon, who starred in Slumdog Millionaire and Life of Pi, died on April 29 at age 53 after battling a colon infection.
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The Little Women: Atlanta star died on April 27 at age 34 after being involved in a head-on car accident.
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The legendary motocross racer and his wife were killed in a dune buggy accident in California on April 27. He was 63.
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The Chernobyl Diaries star’s brother confirmed to TMZ that the actor was found dead in his Daytona Beach, Florida, home on April 22. He was 52.
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The former Playboy Playmate died by suicide at age 33 on April 15 at her home in Austin, Texas.
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Chowdhry died in his native India on April 15 after suffering from a ruptured ulcer in his intestine. He traveled to the South Asian country for a dental visit, but was unable to return to the U.S. due to the coronavirus pandemic. Throughout his acting career, he appeared on television shows such as The Office, The Cosby and Prison Break. He was 64.
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The Tommy Boy actor and Broadway star passed away from “natural causes” on April 15. He was 81. The Tony winner’s daughter Elizabeth Dennehy shared the news via social media following his death. “It is with heavy hearts we announce that our father, Brian passed away last night from natural causes, not Covid-related,” Elizabeth wrote via Twitter. “Larger than life, generous to a fault, a proud and devoted father and grandfather, he will be missed by his wife Jennifer, family and many friends.”
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The WWE confirmed that the legendary wrestling announcer passed away on April 16. "When considering the greatest ring announcers in the history of sports and sports-entertainment, you’d be hard-pressed to name one better than Howard Finkel," the company said in a statement addressing the loss of their 2009 Hall of Fame inductee. "In addition to his legendary tenure as a ring announcer, The Fink was an indispensable resource inside the WWE offices for his vast knowledge of sports-entertainment history." Finkel’s cause of death was not announced at the time.
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The New York Yankees co-owner died at age 63 on April 14 after battling a long-standing health issue. His family remembered him as a “genuine and gentle spirit who treasured the deep relationships he formed with those closest to him.”
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The former NFL player died on April 12, after being transported to a local hospital following a single-car accident in Alabama. Jackson played for the Minnesota Vikings, the Buffalo Bills and the Seattle Seahawks across his 10 seasons in the league. "One of Tarvaris' greatest attributes was his positive outlook and approach. He genuinely cared about others, was a good friend and will be missed by family, teammates and Vikings fans everywhere," a statement from the Minnesota team read on April 13.
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The M*A*S*H actor and NFL star died on April 4 after suffering complications from dementia. He was 82. "The Eagles are saddened to learn of the passing of former running back Timmy Brown," a representative for the Philadelphia Eagles said in a statement on Twitter. "Timmy Brown's legendary career was defined by his versatility and work ethic."
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The Philadelphia rapper, born Chynna Rogers, died in her home on April 8 at age 25. Her cause of death has yet to be released. “Chynna was deeply loved and will be sorely missed,” the “No Dimmer” artist’s family said in a statement, per Page Six.
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The folk singer-songwriter died at age 73 on April 7 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville after battling COVID-19. Bruce Springsteen, Kacey Musgraves and Miranda Lambert were among the many stars who paid tribute to Prine after his death.
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The granddaughter of Robert F. Kennedy died at age 40 on April 2 after her canoe overturned in the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland with her 8-year-old son, Gideon, also on board. A dive and rescue team found McKean’s body in 25 feet of water on April 6. Her son has not yet been found.
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