Remembering Iconic Americans We Lost In 2024

Richard Simmons, July 13, age 76

Everett Collection

Richard Simmons was a fitness guru and television personality known for his energetic workouts and uplifting personality. His Sweatin’ to the Oldies workout videos brought exercise into the living rooms of millions and made him a cultural icon.

David Soul, January 4, age 80

Warner Bros./Everett Collection

David Soul was best known for his iconic role as Detective Hutchinson in the 1970s TV series Starsky & Hutch. His portrayal of the charismatic and tough cop made him a household name, and he also enjoyed a successful career as a singer with hits like “Don’t Give Up on Us.”

Joyce Randolph, January 13, age 99

Everett Collection

Joyce Randolph was widely recognized for her portrayal of Trixie Norton, the loving wife of Ed Norton, in the classic TV sitcom The Honeymooners. Her role was central to the show’s enduring legacy in American television history.

David Gail, January 16, age 58

Jeff Katz/TV Guide/NBC/Everett Collection

David Gail was a talented actor known for his role in The Scorpion King and his appearances on numerous TV shows such as CSI: Miami and Star Trek: The Next Generation. His diverse career spanned both film and television.

Dexter Scott King, January 22, age 62

Everett Collection

Dexter Scott King was an American civil rights activist and the son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His work continued his father’s legacy, with a focus on promoting racial equality and advocating for the importance of education and social justice.

Chita Rivera, January 30, age 91

Everett Collection

Chita Rivera was a trailblazing Broadway legend, known for her groundbreaking roles in West Side Story and Chicago. A two-time Tony Award winner, her career spanned over six decades, making her a revered figure in musical theater.

Carl Weathers, February 2, age 76

MGM/Everett Collection

Carl Weathers gained fame as an action star, with notable roles in Rocky (as Apollo Creed) and the Predator series. He also starred in The Mandalorian, earning praise for his portrayal of Greef Karga in the hit Disney+ series.

Toby Keith, February 5, age 62

WILDHORSE CONCERT SERIES, Toby Keith, (aired August 3, 1994)
©TNN/Everett Collection

Country music icon Toby Keith was renowned for his chart-topping hits like “Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue” and “I Love This Bar.” Known for his patriotic anthems, he became a defining voice in modern country music.

Anne Whitfield, February 14, age 85

Everett Collection

Anne Whitfield was an actress known for her role in the classic TV series The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. She also appeared in numerous films and TV shows, making a lasting mark on American television in the ’50s and ’60s.

Tony Ganios, February 18, age 64

20th Century Fox Film Corp./Everett Collection

Tony Ganios was an actor best known for his role as the lovable, yet nerdy, “Meat” in the 1980 cult classic Porky’s. His performance in the film earned him lasting recognition in the world of comedy and teen films.

Richard Lewis, February 27, age 76

Peter Sorel/20th Century Fox Film Corp./Everett Collection

Richard Lewis was a celebrated comedian and actor, known for his neurotic humor and role in the sitcom Curb Your Enthusiasm. His contributions to stand-up comedy and television made him an influential figure in the industry.

Eric Carmen, March 11, age 74

Everett Collection

Eric Carmen was a singer-songwriter famous for hits like “All By Myself” and “Never Gonna Fall in Love Again.” As the lead vocalist of the pop rock group The Raspberries, he helped define the sound of the ’70s and ’80s.

Robyn Bernard, March 12, age 64

©ABC/Everett Collection

Robyn Bernard was an actress, best known for her roles in soap operas such as General Hospital and Days of Our Lives. Her performances in these daytime dramas earned her recognition and a devoted fan following.

M. Emmet Walsh, March 19, age 88

Quiver Distribution/Everett Collection

M. Emmet Walsh was a prolific character actor with a career spanning over five decades. He is perhaps best known for his roles in Blood Simple, The Jerk, and The Right Stuff, where his distinctive voice and presence made him a favorite in both comedies and dramas.

Louis Gossett Jr., March 29, age 87

Eli Ade/Warner Bros./Everett Collection

Louis Gossett Jr. was a trailblazing actor, winning an Academy Award for his role in An Officer and a Gentleman. With a career spanning television and film, he became known for his powerful performances in both dramatic and action-packed roles.

Dickey Betts, April 18, age 80

Everett Collection

Dickey Betts was a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band and one of the most influential guitarists in rock history. His distinctive sound helped define Southern rock, with hits like “Ramblin’ Man” and “Jessica.”

Susan Buckner, May 2, age 72

Paramount Pictures/Everett Collection

Susan Buckner was an actress best known for her role as Sandy’s friend in Grease. Her work in television and film made her a beloved figure in the entertainment world, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s.

Richard M. Sherman, May 25, age 95

Walt Disney/Everett Collection

Richard M. Sherman, along with his brother Robert, was one-half of the legendary Sherman Brothers songwriting duo. The Sherman Brothers wrote the timeless music for Disney classics like Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book, influencing generations of filmgoers.

Benji Gregory, June 13, age 46

Alien Productions/Everett Collection

Benji Gregory was a former child star, best known for his role as Brian Tanner on the TV show ALF. His portrayal of the young boy living with an alien in his home captured the hearts of fans during the show’s original run.

Doug Sheehan, June 29, age 75

Paramount Television/Everett Collection

Doug Sheehan was an actor known for his roles in The Love Boat and Knots Landing. His performances in these beloved TV series made him a staple in the world of ’80s primetime television.

Shelley Duvall, July 11, age 75

Warner Brothers/Everett Collection

Shelley Duvall was an actress and producer, best known for her iconic role in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining. Her unique presence and memorable performances in films like Popeye and Time Bandits made her an unforgettable figure in cinema.

Shannen Doherty, July 13, age 53

New World Pictures/Everett Collection

Shannen Doherty was an actress, most famous for her role as Brenda Walsh on Beverly Hills, 90210. Her work in television and film made her one of the most recognizable faces of the ’90s, and she later became a vocal advocate for cancer awareness.

Bob Newhart, July 18, age 94

Jim McHugh/TV Guide/CBS/Everett Collection

Bob Newhart was a legendary comedian and actor, known for his stand-up routines and roles in the hit TV shows The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart. His dry humor and distinctive delivery made him one of the most beloved figures in American comedy.

Charles Cyphers, August 4, age 85

Warner Bros. Television/Everett Collection

Charles Cyphers was an actor best known for his role as Sheriff Brackett in Halloween and its sequels. His contributions to horror films earned him a loyal fan base and recognition as a key figure in the genre.

John Aprea, August 5, age 83

Candy Factory Films/Everett Collection

John Aprea was a versatile actor, known for his roles in The Godfather Part II and Chatterbox. His career spanned television and film, with memorable appearances in shows like The Sopranos and The A-Team.

Gena Rowlands, August 14, age 94

Warner Brothers/Everett Collection

Gena Rowlands was an acclaimed actress, best known for her collaborations with her late husband, director John Cassavetes. Her powerful performances in films like A Woman Under the Influence and Gloria earned her critical acclaim and a lasting legacy in independent cinema.

Peter Marshall, August 15, age 98

Abramorama/Everett Collection

Peter Marshall was a legendary television host, most famous for hosting The Hollywood Squares. His career in television spanned decades, making him a fixture of American pop culture in the ’60s and ’70s.

Phil Donahue, August 18, age 88

Everett Collection

Phil Donahue was a pioneering talk show host, known for his long-running program The Phil Donahue Show. His approach to in-depth interviews and social issues made him a major figure in American television.

John Amos, August 21, age 84

Cliff Lipson/CBS/Everett Collection

John Amos was an actor celebrated for his roles in Good Times and The West Wing. Known for his commanding presence, he became a staple of both television comedy and drama over the course of his career.

James Earl Jones, September 9, age 93

Regent Entertainment/Everett Collection

James Earl Jones was a legendary actor, known for his iconic voice as Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise. His career spanned stage, television, and film, making him one of the most respected voices in entertainment.

Tito Jackson, September 15, age 70

Kwaku Alson/A & E/Everett Collection

Tito Jackson was a member of the famous Jackson 5, contributing to the group’s groundbreaking success in the music industry. His guitar work and background vocals helped define the sound of Motown’s golden era.

Kris Kristofferson, September 28, age 88

Everett Collection

Kris Kristofferson was a singer, songwriter, and actor, best known for hits like “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down.” His career spanned country music, acting, and songwriting, making him a true icon of American music.

Ron Ely, September 29, age 86

Everett Collection

Ron Ely was an actor best known for his portrayal of Tarzan in the 1960s TV series. His role as the iconic jungle hero solidified him as a familiar face in both television and film during that era.

Teri Garr, October 29, age 79

20th Century Fox Film Corp./Everett Collection

Teri Garr was an actress known for her comedic roles in films such as Tootsie and Young Frankenstein. Her quirky charm and versatility earned her a lasting place in Hollywood.

Quincy Jones, November 3, age 91

Crew Neck Productions/Everett Collection

Quincy Jones was a legendary music producer, composer, and arranger, whose work shaped jazz, pop, and film music. He is best known for producing Michael Jackson’s Thriller and for his career in both film and music production.

Chuck Woolery, November 23, age 83

Gene Trindl/TV Guide/Everett Collection

Chuck Woolery was a television personality, best known for hosting Wheel of Fortune in its early years and later Love Connection. His smooth style made him one of the most popular game show hosts of the ’70s and ’80s.

Wayne Northrop, November 29, age 77

Aaron Spelling Prod./Everett Collection

Wayne Northrop was an actor best known for his role as Roman Brady on Days of Our Lives. His decades-long career in soap operas made him a beloved figure among daytime television viewers.

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