In Memoriam: Novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford and game show host Chuck Woolery join the list of the personalities we lost in 2024

Chuck Woolery, iconic host of TV game shows like Wheel of Fortune, Love Connection and Scrabble, has died, TMZ reports.
Woolery died at his residence in the presence of his wife, Kristen, according to his friend and colleague Mark Young, with whom he co-hosted a right-wing podcast. He earned a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1978. Chuck Woolery was 83 years old.

Frank Fritz, who appeared on the History Channel’s cult antiques collecting show American Pickers, has died, his costar and show creator Mike Wolfe sadly confirmed. Fritz was 60 years old.

Nell Smith, a rising Canadian-based music star who was already recognized for her work with the Flaming Lips, has died. She was 17 years old.

The actor starred in some horror classics, including Candyman and Final Destination, has died at age 69.

Dikembe Mutombo, a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame and one of the best defensive players in NBA history, has died of brain cancer, the league announced. He was 58 years old.

Cissy Houston, Whitney Houston’s mother and a two-time Grammy winner who performed alongside superstars like Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin, has died. She was 91 years old.

John Amos, who played the family patriarch on the hit 1970s sitcom Good Times and received an Emmy nomination for his role in the seminal 1977 miniseries Roots, has died. He was 84 years old.

John Ashton, the veteran actor who played the memorable role of gruff but lovable police detective John Taggart in the Beverly Hills Cop films, has died.
Ashton died in Fort Collins, his family said in a statement released by Ashton’s manager. In a career that spanned more than 50 years, Ashton notably starred in Midnight Run, Little Big League and Gone Baby Gone.
He was 76 years old.

Quincy Jones, producer, director and music giant, who notably produced Thriller and directed Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles, among others, has died. He was 91.

Bassist Phil Lesh, whose playing helped propel the rock group Grateful Dead, has died. The news was published on his official Instagram page. Lesh, a trained trumpeter, was recruited in 1965 by his friend Jerry Garcia’s group. After the latter’s death in 1995, he contributed to the survival of Grateful Dead. Phil Lesh was 84.

Michael Newman, well known for his role as lifeguard Mike “Newmie” Newman in Baywatch, died of heart complications, surrounded by his loved ones, after having suffered for years from Parkinson’s disease. Michael Newman was 68 years old.

Liam Payne died after falling from his hotel balcony in Argentina, TMZ reports. Liam is said to have fallen from his room on the 3rd floor of the CasaSur Palermo hotel. The former One Direction member was 31.

Pete Rose, the controversial major league baseball superstar and fallen idol who tainted his historic achievements and Hall of Fame dreams by betting on baseball games, has died. He was 83 years old.

Oscar-winning British actress Maggie Smith, star of Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter saga, has died in a London hospital. Her sons confirmed the news in a statement. She was 89 years old.

Tito Jackson, Michael Jackson’s brother and co-founder of the Jackson 5, has died. Tito’s three sons confirmed his death in a joint statement. Tito Jackson was 70.

Former Washington Capitals enforcer Stephen Peat has died following injuries sustained in an accident, the NHL Alumni Association has confirmed. Peat, originally drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in 1998, was 44 years old.

Frankie Beverly, soul and R&B legend who founded the funk group Maze, has died. His family announced the news on Instagram. Originally from Philadelphia, Beverly met Marvin Gaye and launched Maze under his advice. The artist then obtained nine gold records between the end of the 1970s and the beginning of the 1990s. “Before I Let Go” is one of his biggest career hits. Frankie Beverly was 77 years old.

The legendary actor James Earl Jones, voice of Darth Vader (Star Wars), Mufasa (The Lion King) and performer of so many iconic roles, including in Field of Dreams and Coming to America, has died, confirm CNN (to whom he had also lent his voice) and the AP. The unforgettable actor was 93 years old.

Rich Homie Quan, an Atlanta rapper, has died, TMZ confirms. RHQ died at his home, according to his family. The circumstances suggest an overdose. The rapper became known in 2013. Rich Homie Quan was 34 years old.

Columbus Blue Jackets and NHL superstar Johnny Gaudreau has died. Nicknamed ‘Johnny Hockey’ by fans, Gaudreau lost his life in a terrible road accident while he was on his bike, ABC and the Columbus Dispatch reported. His brother, Matthew, aged 29, also died in the same accident. Johnny Gaudreau was 31.

The wrestling world is mourning the passing of Sid Eudy, known to fans as “Sycho” Sid Vicious. Sid’s son posted a message confirming his father’s death. Sid Vicious captured the imagination of many WWE (and WCW) fans and was part of several memorable fights, including against Hulk Hogan. The athlete died following a battle with cancer. He was 63.

Former Saskatchewan Roughriders and Montreal Alouettes coach Ken Miller has died after a brief battle with cancer in Asheville, North Carolina. The CFL confirmed the news. Miller joined the Roughriders as offensive coordinator in 2007, supporting head coach Kent Austin in helping the team win its third Grey Cup in franchise history.

The following season, Miller became a head coach for the first time at age 66, succeeding Austin after the latter joined the University of Mississippi. In four seasons at the helm of the Roughriders, Miller led his team to the Gray Cup final in 2009 and 2010, losing each time to the Montreal Alouettes. He will admit to having been deeply affected by the 2009 final. In 2017, the Alouettes hired him as an offensive adviser. Many have paid him glowing tributes since the news of his passing. Ken Miller was 82.

Phil Donahue, a television pioneer who addressed controversial issues in front of a live audience for the first time before seeing the concept become the norm, has died after a long illness, his family announced, NBC and CNN report . Donahue hosted “The Phil Donahue Show” for nearly three decades. He recently received the Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden. This award is the highest civilian honor in the country. Phil Donahue was 88 years old.

Alain Delon, the intense French actor liked by so many, has died. Delon died at his home in Douchy-Montcorbon, France, according to a statement his family gave to Agence France-Presse. Several paid tribute to the late actor, including President Emmanuel Macron. Alain Delon was 88.

Dirt track legend Scott Bloomquist was killed in a plane crash near his home in Mooresburg, Tennessee. The Rogersville Review confirmed the news. Bloomquist was 60 years old.

Gena Rowlands, three-time Emmy winner and multiple Oscar nominee, has died. The star of Gloria and The Notebook, among others, was 94 years old. His son, Nick Cassavetes, confirmed the news. The iconic actress had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for some time.

British singer and musician John Mayall, a pioneer of English blues in the 1960s and an influential figure on the rock scene, has died aged 90, his family announced on his official Facebook page.

Comedian Bob Newhart has died. Newhart’s publicist confirmed his death, following a series of short illnesses, Variety reports. After his discharge from the army, Newhart rose to fame with the release of his 1960 album The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart. The comedy compilation triumphed at the Grammys. He moved to television with his 1972 hit series, The Bob Newhart Show, which ran until 1978 and received two Emmy nominations. Bob Newhart was a true American icon. He was 94 years old.

Iconic Beverly Hills 90210 star Shannen Doherty has died after years of battling cancer, People has confirmed.
“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty.
She lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease,” Doherty’s longtime publicist confirmed.
The star was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015.
In 2017, Doherty revealed that the cancer had returned after going into remission.
She has proven to be an example of courage and hope for all people fighting against the disease over the years. Shannen Doherty was 53 years old.

Richard Simmons, the television star and fitness guru and pioneer, has died in Los Angeles, TMZ reported. His weight loss battle story inspired many. Richard Simmons had just turned 76 the day before.

Shelley Duvall, Robert Altman’s muse who starred in seven films directed by him, has died. Her most iconic role, however, the wife of a deranged Jack Nicholson at the height of his art in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, etched her in the imagination of moviegoers forever. Duvall died in her sleep from complications of diabetes at her home in Texas, according to The Hollywood Reporter. It was her long-time partner who confirmed her death, according to the same source. The actress was 75 years old.

Producer of films Titanic and Avatar Jon Landau has died, Disney Entertainment co-president Alain Bergman confirmed. Jon Landeau has collaborated extensively with director James Cameron, notably for Titanic, which won the best film award in 1997 at the Oscars. Together, they created many productions, including Avatar and the sequel Avatar: The Way of Water. No cause of death was confirmed at the time. Jon Landeau was 63.

Bill Cobbs, a prolific actor with numerous film and television appearances, including The West Wing, The Bodyguard and Demolition Man, has died, shortly after celebrating his birthday. With a 50-year career with nearly 200 film and television credits, Bill Cobbs died at his home in Riverside, California, his spokesperson confirmed. He was 90 years old.

Multiple sources sadly report the sudden death of Sergei Berezin, a well-known former NHL player. Berezin was drafted in the 10th round of the 1994 draft and joined the Leafs in 1996, spending five seasons with the team. Sergei Berezin also played for the Montreal Canadiens during his career, among others. He played 502 regular season games and registered 286 points. The cause of death was not immediately released. Sergei Berezin was 52.

Canadian actor Donald Sutherland has died. Brilliant in Klute, Ordinary People and Hunger Games, Donald Sutherland was versatile and beloved by moviegoers. He appeared in numerous projects throughout his prolific career, including The Dirty Dozen, MASH, Animal House and Pride & Prejudice. He won an Emmy for Citizen X. Donald Sutherland died in Miami after a long illness. He was 88 years old. His son, Kiefer Sutherland, another famous actor, confirmed the news publicly.

Legendary baseball player Willie Mays has died. Mays’ family and the San Francisco Giants jointly announced that he “passed away peacefully” surrounded by his loved ones. Mays won the World Series with the Giants in 1954 and appeared in 24 All-Star Games during his career, tied for second with Stan Musial, one fewer than Hank Aaron. He won the batting title in 1954, in addition to being the MVP that year. He added another in 1965. Willie Mays was 93.

Former Los Angeles Lakers player, NBA champion and legend Jerry West has died. He became NBA champion in 1972 then a successful GM with the Lakers then the Golden State Warriors. He played for 14 seasons (1960-1974), and got into the Finals eight times. He was so influential to the game that the famous NBA logo is actually of his silhouette! Jerry West was 86.

It is with great sadness that the world of combat sports has learned of the tragic passing of Scottish featherweight champion Andy Tham. He died in a motorcycle accident, merely a few days after what became his last fight. Andy Tham was 28.

Former Dallas Cowboys star Larry Allen died suddenly while vacationing in Mexico, the NFL team announced. Allen was one of the architects of the last Cowboys Super Bowl, in 1996. In total, he played twelve seasons with Dallas (1994-2005) before playing for the San Francisco 49ers (2006-2007), where he retired. Larry Allen was 52.

Former US first lady Michelle Obama’s mother, Marian Robinson, has died. Robinson was well known to Americans as the nation’s first grandmother after her son-in-law, Barack Obama, won the 2008 presidential election. She was a well-liked figure in the White House for eight years, although she remained discreet, caring with much love for her two granddaughters, Sasha and Malia, during the Obama presidency.

Professional golfer Grayson Murray has died.

“We were devastated to learn – and are heartbroken to share – that PGA Tour player Grayson Murray passed away,” PGA Commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement.

Grayson Murray had just won a tournament last January.

The promising player has spoken about his struggles with addiction and mental health in the past. He had decided to withdraw from the Charles Schwab Cup Challenge the day before his death. He had been sober since 2023.

Grayson Murray was 30 years old.

The world of golf is in shock, as more information will be shared in the upcoming days.

Documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock, director of the iconic documentary Super Size Me, has died, Variety reports.
The filmmaker rose to fame after filming himself eating McDonald’s every day for a month in the Oscar-nominated feature in 2004.
Morgan Spurlock died of cancer, according to his brother. Spurlock also notably released Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken, which looked at chicken farming practices to satisfy the demands of fast food restaurants in North America.
Morgan Spurlock was 53 years old.

Jon Wysocki (left), Staind founding member and former drummer when the band was at its peak, has died.

News of his death was shared by his fellow musicians.

The drummer was surrounded by family and friends, according to at least one source, and while the cause of death has not been confirmed, the musician may have been dealing with liver problems for some time.

Jon Wysocki formed Staind with singer Aaron Lewis, guitarist Mike Mushok and bassist Johnny April in 1995. He remained with the band until 2011,

Staind frontman Aaron Lewis paid tribute to his former drummer:

“I’m so sad. I lost my friend. A friend I loved like a brother (…) My journey would have been different without him.”

Jon Wysocki was 53 years old.

Charlie Colin, founding member of the band Train, died after slipping and falling in the shower while house-sitting for a friend in Brussels, Belgium. His sister confirmed his death to Variety. Colin was one of the original members of Train, originally consisting of Pat Monahan, Rob Hotchkiss, Scott Underwood and Jimmy Stafford. As the band’s bassist, Colin contributed to Train’s first three albums, as well as the mega-success Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me). Charlie Colin was 58 years old.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and others were finally found and confirmed dead at the site of the fatal helicopter crash after hours of an intensive search. State television did not immediately confirm the reason for the accident. Alongside the president, Iran’s foreign minister, the governor of Iran’s East Azerbaijan province and other officials, as well as three crew members, the official IRNA news agency reported. Ebrahim Raisi was 63 years old.

Alice Stewart, a CNN political adviser and commentator who worked on several presidential campaigns, has died. Stewart was found unresponsive in Virginia after what appeared to be a medical emergency, CNN reports. Stewart began her career as a journalist in Georgia before moving to Arkansas to become a news anchor. She joined CNN later on and was greatly appreciated as a political expert. Alice Stewart was 58 years old.

Mark Wells, a member of the USA men’s hockey team during the famous Miracle on Ice of the 1980 Olympics, has died. Mike Eruzione, captain of the 1980 U.S. Olympic team, expressed his condolences, as did several relatives and members of the 1980 Cinderella team. Wells, a center for Detroit, had three points (two goals, one assist). at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics, helping the United States win the gold medal. Wells was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the 13th round (176th) of the 1977 draft
of the NHL. Mark Wells was 67 years old.

Actor Dabney Coleman, star of 9 to 5, Tootsie and Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, has died. Coleman died at his home in Santa Monica, said his daughter, singer Quincy Coleman, The Hollywood Reporter reports . He was 92 years old.

Darren Dutchyshen, renowned sports personality and beloved host of SportsCentre, has died, surrounded by his loved ones, reports TSN, the network that has been his home for so many years.

“Darren Dutchyshen was a legend of Canadian sports broadcasting, a great teammate, and an essential part of TSN for the last three decades,” said Stewart Johnston, Senior Vice President, Sales and Sports, Bell Media.

Darren Dutchyshen was 57 years old.

Legendary and iconic independent film producer and director Roger Corman has died. Corman produced many pioneering and innovative films throughout his career, even contributing to the discovery of superstars like Martin Scorsese, Jack Nicholson and Robert De Niro. Many in the industry have paid tribute to him. Roger Corman was 98 years old.

The National Post reports the death of Canadian columnist Rex Murphy. The editorialist from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador studied at the University of Oxford, before becoming one of the
best known and appreciated political commentators in Canada. Among other things, he hosted on both CBC radio and television. He died after a battle with cancer. Rex Murphy was 77.

Steve Albini, an indie rock icon as a producer and performer, has died of a heart attack, Pitchfork reports. In addition to leading underground rock stalwarts including Shellac and Big Black, Albini was a studio legend, having recorded Nirvana’s In Utero, Pixies’ Surfer Rosa and PJ Harvey’s Rid of Me, among others. Steve Albini was 61 years old.

Bernard Hill, British actor well known for several roles, notably in the Lord of the Rings saga, has died. He played the iconic role of the captain of the Titanic in James Cameron’s film. His death was announced and confirmed by actress and singer Barbara Dickson, describing him as a “truly wonderful actor.” Bernard Hill was 79 years old.

Bob Cole, who was the voice of Hockey Night in Canada on CBC for more than 50 years, has died. The iconic play-by-play announcer charmed hockey fans for five decades and entered the Hall of Fame in 1996. Bob Cole was 90 years old.

Eva Evans, TikTok star and creator of the web series Club Rat on Prime Video, has died. Her death was announced by her sisters on Instagram. The cause of death was not immediately released. The actress and model Julia Fox, in shock, paid her a vibrant tribute, as did her loved ones and family. Director and photographer Ashley Armitage described her as “brilliant, hilarious, magnetic and creative.” Eva Evans was 29 years old.

Fashion designer Roberto Cavalli, best known for his fierce animal prints, has died. The Italian designer has left his mark on the fashion world with a distinctive style. His brand confirmed the news of his death in an official statement. Roberto Cavalli was 83 years old.

O.J. Simpson has died after a battle with cancer, reports TMZ. The former NFL player, accused of the double murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman, in the 90s, before being acquitted, died in Las Vegas, according to his family. The man whose trial marked the 90s and who was finally found guilty of the double murder, this time in civil court, in 1997, was 76 years old.

Actor Adrian Schiller has died. The Last Kingdom and Death In Paradise star died “suddenly and unexpectedly”, according to his agent, BBC reports. His family, in shock, came together to support the actor’s young son, Gabriel. Schiller also leaves behind his partner Milena. He was 60 years old.

Comedy star Joe Flaherty, best known for his work on SCTV and Freaks and Geeks, has died following a long illness, his family confirms.
Starring in several roles, including SCTV from 1976 to 1984, and Freaks and Geeks from 1999 to 2000, Flaherty had a unique style.
Adam Sandler fans will remember him for his memorable character in Happy Gilmore! Joe Flaherty was 82 years old.

Iconic and pioneer Oscar-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr. has died in California, AP reports. Gossett Jr. had a spectacular seven-decade career, but encountered hardship and racism along the way.
The first black man to win an Oscar for a supporting role, he also won an Emmy for his role in the television miniseries Roots. Louis Gossett Jr. paved the way for several other actors. The star died in Santa Monica.
The cause of death was not immediately released. He was 87 years old.

Gordon Singleton, the first Canadian to win a gold medal at the world track cycling championships (1982), has died after a battle with prostate cancer. Singleton also held three world records, having set them all in 24 hours between October 9 and 10, 1980! The cycling champion was 67 years old.

American actor M. Emmet Walsh, who appeared in more than 200 films during a career spanning nearly 55 years, has died, his manager Sandy Joseph confirmed to Variety. The actor died of cardiac arrest just three days before his birthday. He appeared on screen alongside Paul Newman, Dustin Hoffman, Harrison Ford, Steve Martin and Leonardo DiCaprio, among many others. He was 88.

Former NHL enforcer Chris Simon has died. The Ontario native made a name for himself in his 15-year NHL career. Simon won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 1996 and made Finals appearances with the Flames and the Capitals. Simon’s children, family and friends are grieving his sudden loss. Chris Simon was 52.

American singer Eric Carmen, performer of the global hit All by Myself, later reprised by Céline Dion, died, his wife announced. The performer is also known for his hits from the Dirty Dancing and Footloose soundtracks, Hungry Eyes and Almost Paradise. Eric Carmen was 74 years old.

Former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, who led Canada from 1984 to 1993, has died at the age of 84.

Richard Lewis, star of several films and series, including Curb Your Enthusiasm and Robin Hood: Men in Tights, has died. He was known for his singular humor and unique style. Richard Lewis was 76 years old.

Kenneth Mitchell, star of the Star Trek and Marvel universes, has died, confirms a press release published by his family. The actor died after a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He was 49 years old.

Chris Gauthier, known for shows like Once Upon A Time and Smallville, among others, has died, his agency confirmed in a press release. The actor reportedly died suddenly after recently falling ill. He was 48 years old.

Jean-Guy Talbot, one of 12 Montreal Canadiens players to win five consecutive Stanley Cups between 1956 and 1960, has died. He was 91 years old. The news was first reported by several media outlets before the Canadiens released a statement confirming the sad news.

Ewen MacIntosh, the actor best known for his role as Keith in the original British version of The Office, has died at the age of 50. The cause of his death remains unknown, but the BBC reports that he has died. at Willow Green Care Home in Darlington.

Marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum has died, along with his coach, in a terrible road accident in Kenya, CNN confirmed. He had just set a world record time for a marathon of 2:00:35, in Chicago, in 2023. The news of his passing sent the world of sports into mourning. Kelvin Kiptum was 24.

Country music star Toby Keith has died.
The sometimes controversial American singer has twice been named ACM Entertainer of the Year. Keith, suffering from stomach cancer, died surrounded by his family. He was diagnosed in 2022.
“He fought his fight with grace and courage,” said an official statement. The patriotic singer worked in the Oklahoma oil fields as a young man, then played semi-pro football before becoming a successful country star. He was 62.

Actor Carl Weathers, star of the Rocky franchise and numerous hit films, has died in his sleep at age 76, reports TMZ.

Former NDP leader Ed Broadbent, who pushed the party further to the left (and made it more popular), has died aged 87. The Broadbent Institute, which he founded, confirmed his death, plunging Canada’s political class into mourning.

Alec Musser, star of All My Children and Grown Ups, among others, took his own life at the age of 50. Many have paid tribute to him, including Adam Sandler.

Speed Racer and Saved by the Bell: The New Class star Christian Oliver died in a plane crash, alongside his two daughters. The actor was 51.

David Soul (right), one half of the iconic TV duo Starsky & Hutch, has died. He was 80.

Sanjay Shah, CEO and founder of software company Vistex, died at the age of 56 from injuries sustained in a tragic accident at a company party in India.

Adan Canto, whose acting career was going strong with roles in Designated Survivor and The Cleaning Lady, among others, died at age 42 following a battle with appendix cancer.

Cindy Morgan, star of Tron and Caddyshack, among other films, has died at 69, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Gary Graham, known for his role in Star Trek: Enterprise, passed away suddenly. He was 73 years old.

Harry Johnson, star of several series during a 40-year career, including Battlestar Galactica, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Law & Order, has died. He was 81.

David Gail, star of Beverly Hills 90210 and Port Charles, has passed away. He was 58 years old.

Former Scorpions drummer James Kottak has passed away at the age of 61, TMZ confirms.