Celebs Who Died In 2024

This article includes mentions of mental health, addiction, and suicide.

Though an overall entertaining year for many pop culture lovers, 2023 also came with the loss of some of our favorite stars. In January, only a few days after ushering in the new year, the world said goodbye to Lisa Marie Presley, who died after suffering a cardiac arrest, per CNN. Sadly, as the year went by, more tragedy swept through the industry, taking along, many of our beloved celebrities including Angus Cloud, Lance Reddick, and of course, our favorite friend, Matthew Perry. Unfortunately, 2024 looks to be no different.

With the new year came new dreams, hopes, and aspirations, and while 2024 might have marked the beginning of a new thing, it also, quite sadly, has ushered in the end of some heartbreaking news. On January 6, TMZ reported that "Caddyshack" star Cindy Morgan was found dead in her home on December 30, 2023. According to People, Morgan's roommate called the police after perceiving a strange smell from the actor's room. 

 To honor them and their numerous incredible strides, here's a list of celebrities who have died in 2024.

On January 4, Glynis Johns, the Disney legend best known for her role as Winifred Banks in the 1964 film "Mary Poppins," died at the age of 100. As confirmed by her manager Mitch Clem, Johns died of natural causes at an assisted home in Los Angeles. "Glynis powered her way through life with intelligence, wit, and a love for performance, affecting millions of lives," Clem said in a statement, per BBC. "Today is a somber day for Hollywood. Not only do we mourn the passing of our dear Glynis, but we mourn the end of the golden age of Hollywood."

In addition to her role in "Mary Poppins," Johns was also widely recognized for portraying Desiree Armfeldt in the Broadway musical "A Little Night Music," for which she won a Tony Award. In the musical, she famously performed "Send in the Clowns," a song specially written for Johns, per The Guardian. But while Johns performed a host of songs throughout her years-long career, her part in "A Little Night Music," which she later lost to Elizabeth Taylor in the 1977 film version, remained one of Johns' greatest achievements. "I've had other songs written for me, but nothing like that. It's the greatest gift I've ever been given in the theater," she once told the Associated Press (via NBC News).

What's worse than a tragedy? A triple tragedy. On January 4, German actor Christian Oliver and his two daughters Madita Klepser and Annik Klepser, aged 12 and 10 respectively, were killed in a plane crash near a Caribbean island. Robert Sachs, pilot and owner of the airplane was also killed in the crash, per Deadline. According to The Guardian, authorities reported that the airplane took off from Bequia, an island in the Caribbean nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and was set to land in St. Lucia before it sadly crashed into the Caribbean Sea.

In a statement shared on Instagram, Jessica Klesper, Oliver's ex-wife, described Madita as "a vibrant 7th-grade student" who lit up a room with her lively spirit. Annik, on the other hand, is said to have been a 4th-grader with a "gentle yet strong demeanor." In her tribute, Jessica also said that Oliver's tragic death "will be deeply felt by all who knew him." Per his IMDb, the German actor enjoyed a years-long career during which he appeared in movies like "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" as well as 2013's "House of Good and Evil." Additionally, Oliver is best known for his role as Jan Ritcher in the 2003 German show, "Alarm für Cobra 11."

David Soul, best known for his role as Kenneth "Hutch" Hutchinson on the ABC television show "Starsky & Hutch," died on January 4 at the age of 80, his wife Helen Snell stated to CNN. "David Soul — beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother — died yesterday (4 January) after a valiant battle for life in the loving company of family," Snell wrote. "He shared many extraordinary gifts in the world as actor, singer, storyteller, creative artist, and dear friend. His smile, laughter, and passion for life will be remembered by the many whose lives he has touched."

Born in August 1948, Soul initially set out to be a baseball player but was later encouraged to follow in his father's footsteps. "Inspired by his father's work and President John Kennedy's call to not 'ask what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country,' young David hoped to join the diplomatic service," an excerpt from his website reads. Following through with neither his sports nor diplomacy dreams, Soul went on to enjoy a decades-long career in entertainment. Most popular for his work in "Starsky & Hutch," Soul had other notable roles in shows like "Here Come the Brides" and "The Yellow Rose," per IMDb.

On January 8, actor Adan Canto died of appendiceal cancer at the age of 42, his publicist Jennifer Allen confirmed in a statement to USA Today. "Adan had a depth of spirit that few truly knew. Those who glimpsed it were changed forever. ... He will be greatly missed by so many," Allen wrote. In the wake of his death, Canto's death has been mourned by many of his friends and industry colleagues. "I don't have the words just yet... but my dear sweet friend Adan just gained his wings. Forever, forever in my heart," Halle Berry who starred alongside Canto in "X-Men: Days of Future Past," wrote on Instagram. Maggie Q, who stared alongside Canto in the hit political thriller series "Designated Survivor," remembered the late actor for his unwavering "kindness and warmth and generosity of spirit."

Though he made his acting debut in the 2009 Mexican series "Estado de Gracia," it was not until Kevin Williamson's 2013 television show "The Following" that Canto made his first appearance in an American production. In addition to "Designated Survivor," and "X-Men," Canto also appeared in "Narcos," playing the role of Colombian politician Rodrigo Lara Bonilla, per IMDb. His most recent roles include Arman Morales in "The Cleaning Lady" and Kavinsky in "Agent Game."

On January 12, television star Bill Hayes died at the age of 98. Hayes' agent revealed to CNN that the actor died "peacefully ... surrounded by family." After the news broke, friends of the late actor took to social media, paying tribute to Hayes. "I have known Bill for most of my life and he embodied the heart and soul of 'Days of our Lives,'" Ken Corday, executive producer of "Days of Our Lives" said in a statement, per E! News. "Although we are grieving and will miss him, Bill's indelible legacy will live on in our hearts and the stories we tell, both on and off the screen."

Hayes first came into the spotlight back in the '70s after landing the role of Doug Williams on NBC's long-running show, "Days of Our Lives." Hayes' time on the show would go on to span five decades, with the actor appearing in over 2,000 episodes, per his IMDb. In addition, Hayes had minor roles in a few more shows including "Cade's County," "Cop Rock" and "Frasier."

However, Acting not the only industry Hayes excelled in as he previously enjoyed a successful music career. In 1955, Hayes achieved a major feat when his song "The Ballad of Davy Crockett" went No. 1 on the Billboard Charts. However, despite all of his achievements through the years, family remained Hayes's biggest accomplishment. "The thing that's more important in my life than all the accolades is I really enjoy my family. I've got the 'world by the tail," he once said, via Variety.

Alec Musser, best known for his role on "All My Children," died on January 12 at the age of 50. "RIP to the love of my life. @alecmusser I will never stop loving you. My heart is broken," read an Instagram post by Musser's fiancee, Paige Press, with magazine cutouts of Musser (via The Hollywood Reporter). Musser's uncle also confirmed the tragic news to TMZ, but shared no cause of death at the time. 

Between 2005 and 2007, Musser appeared in "All My Children," playing the role of Del Henry in 43 episodes. Outside of the long-running show, Musser also had credits in shows like "Desperate Housewives" and "Rita Rocks," as well as the 2010 comedy drama "Grown Ups," where he starred alongside Adam Sandler, per IMDb. Beyond acting, Musser also made a name for himself in modeling, working with brands like Abercrombie & Fitch, Target and a few major magazines, including GQ and Men's Health.

Following news of Musser's death, his former co-star Adam Sandler took to social media with a touching tribute to the late actor. "I loved this guy. Cannot believe he is gone. Such a wonderful, funny good man. Thinking of Alec Musser and his family and sending all my love. A true great sweetheart of a person," Sandler wrote on Instagram. 

On January 13, "The Honeymooners" star Joyce Randolph died at the age of 99. Her son, Randolph Charles confirmed the news to the Associated Press, revealing that the late actor died of natural causes at her Manhattan home. Before her death, Randolph was the only surviving star of "The Honeymooners" a CBS sitcom that premiered back in 1955. After a short-lived career, however, Randolph eventually quit showbiz, taking a step back to focus on marriage and motherhood. "I didn't miss a thing by not working all the time," she told the New York Times in 2007. "I didn't want a nanny raising [my] wonderful son."

Born Joyce Sirola in 1924, Randolph's Hollywood journey took off in the '40s when she moved to New York to join Broadway shows. A few years later, Randolph landed her role as Trixie Norton on the short-lived NBC show. In addition to "The Honeymooners," Randolph also portrayed her role as Trixie Norton in "The Jackie Gleason Show," appearing in a total of 59 episodes between 1952 and 1957, per IMDb.

Amalija Knavs, the Slovenian-born mother of Melania Trump, died at 78 years old on January 9. The former first lady took to X to make the announcement. "It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, Amalija," she wrote at the time.

During Donald Trump's presidency, Melania's mother was a central figure for the family. Not only did she visit the White House often, but she lived at Trump Tower with her daughter and grandson Barron Trump before they moved into the White House. On January 18, Melania delivered a touching seven-minute eulogy at her mother's funeral, and discussed how helpful Knavs had been to the Trump family. "She celebrated our successes and provided unwavering support during chaotic times," Melania said. "And for that, I am entirely grateful. Rest in peace, my beloved mommy."

A few days before her funeral, Donald spoke kindly of his deceased mother-in-law while addressing a crowd after winning the Iowa caucuses on January 15. "She was amazing," the former president said while also crediting Melania's mother for his son's famously tall stature. "Boy, did she take care of Barron. That's how he got so tall. He only ate her food," Donald jokingly shared, per Fox News. 

Thanks to her involvement with the family, Barron developed a close relationship with his grandmother. "There have been times when Barron has been with his grandparents more than with Melania, and a lot more than with Donald," a source told People on January 9.

On January 19, it was reported that Adam Harrison, the son of "Pawn Stars" star Rick Harrison, had died from an apparent drug overdose, per TMZ. Details of when and where Adam died exactly were not revealed at the time. A rep for the family issued a statement on behalf of the Harrisons. "Our family is extremely saddened by the death of Adam. We ask for privacy as we grieve his loss," the statement read, per the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Adam had appeared on episodes of "Pawn Stars" in the past, but he was not a central figure on the show as he had left the family business years before his death to pursue a career as a plumber.

Rick took to Instagram to pay tribute to his son the day his death was made public. "You will always be in my heart! I love you Adam," he wrote alongside a photo of the two together. Donald Trump Jr. was among those to offer condolences in the replies. Adam's brother, Corey Harrison, also posted a touching tribute to Instagram on January 19. "Wax wtf I will always love you bubba," Corey wrote alongside a throwback photo of the two brothers taking a bath together as small children.

A few days later, Rick revealed details about his son's cause of death. "Yes, I can confirm Adam died from a fentanyl overdose," he told TMZ on January 22. He went on to add, "The fentanyl crisis in this country must be taken more seriously."

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Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King, died on January 20 from prostate cancer. His death was announced in a statement from the King Center, an organization that promotes and protects the King family legacy, two days after his death. Dexter's wife, Leah Weber King, shared words about his passing. "He transitioned peacefully in his sleep at home with me in Malibu," Leah said in the statement. "As with all the challenges in his life, he faced this hurdle with bravery and might."

Dexter was both the chairman of the King Center, and president of the King Estate. "He devoted his life to the continued perpetuation of his father's legacy and the protection of the intellectual property his father left behind," the organization's statement read.

Once the news of Dexter's death was announced, Reverend Al Sharpton was among those to pay tribute online. Meanwhile, Dexter's brother, Martin Luther King III, shared how jarring it was to learn of his sibling's death. "The sudden shock is devastating. It is hard to have the right words at a moment like this," he wrote on X that same day.

Of course, the King family were no strangers to struggle and tragedy. During a joint interview with his siblings, Dexter spoke about learning of his father's death when he was only 7 years old. "Even to this day, when I see a breaking news flash I have PTSD," he told CBS in 2018.

Broadway icon Chita Rivera died on January 30 at the age of 91. The Tony Award-winning star passed away following a "short illness," according to her daughter, Lisa Mordente. "It is with immense personal sorrow that I announce the death of the beloved Broadway icon Chita Rivera. My dear friend of over 40 years was 91," the performer's rep told People.

Rivera, born in Washington, D.C., in January 1933, enjoyed a glittering theater career that spanned nearly seven decades. She was most famous for playing Velma in "Chicago," Rose in "Bye Bye Birdie," and Anita in "West Side Story." 

Following the sad news, tributes flooded in from fans and fellow celebrities. "She was the essence of Broadway. As I write this, I am raising a glass to this remarkable woman and friend," Rita Moreno, who played Anita in the first film version of "West Side Story," wrote on Instagram. "Chita, amiga, Salud!" Catherine Zeta-Jones, who won an Oscar for her portrayal of Velma in the film version of "Chicago," poured her heart out in an Instagram salute. She thanked Rivera for her "incredible impact" and said Rivera inspired her growing up. "There will never, ever, be anyone like you, Chita, ever," Zeta-Jones wrote. "Dim the lights on Broadway! Or may I suggest we just plug the plug? I love you, Chita, sleep tight my Queen."

Carl Weathers died "peacefully in his sleep" on February 1. The "Rocky" actor was 76 years old. "Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts, and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations," his family announced in a statement.

Weathers was a successful athlete, playing pro football for the Oakland Raiders as a linebacker before trying his hand to acting. Weathers tackled a broad range of roles during his screen career. His most famous role was that of Apollo Creed, the heavyweight boxer who went head to head against Sylvester Stallone's Rocky Balboa in the iconic 1976 flick and again in the 1979 sequel. Weathers' character became Balboa's trainer in the third and fourth installments of the "Rocky" franchise.

Weathers almost didn't get the role after insulting Stallone during his audition. "There was nobody to read with, and they said you're going to read with the writer [Stallone]," Weathers told The Hollywood Reporter in December 2015. "We read through the scene, and at the end of it, I didn't feel like it had really sailed, that the scene had sailed, and they were quiet, and there was this moment of awkwardness, I felt, anyway. So I just blurted out, 'I could do a lot better if you got me a real actor to work with.'"

Country music legend Toby Keith died on February 5 at age 62. "Toby Keith passed peacefully last night," a statement on his official website read. "He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time." Keith, famous for smash-hit tracks like "Red Solo Cup" and "Should've Been A Cowboy," had been living with stomach cancer before his death.

"I've spent the last six months receiving chemo, radiation, and surgery. So far, so good," Keith announced in an Instagram statement in June 2022. "I need time to breathe, recover and relax." He vowed to "see fans sooner than later." The country-western world flocked to social media to pay tribute to the musician. "Too many rides in my old man's car listening to Toby Keith," Zach Bryan posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Really hard thing to hear. Rest in peace, friend. We love you." Big & Rich's John Rich also took to X, hailing Keith as "a true Patriot, a first-class singer/songwriter, and a bigger-than-life kind of guy. He will be greatly missed."

Keith's glittering career landed him the No. 96 spot on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Country Artists of All Time. The music bible praised the ability of the "Oklahoma native and former oil-rig worker" to connect with "the blue-collar lifestyle," and noted he "released 17 studio albums, sold more than 40 million copies, and tallied 20 Number Ones hits" during his storied career.

Garrison Brown, son of "Sister Wives" star Janelle and Kody Brown, tragically passed away at the age of 25. On March 5, 2024, authorities were rushed to Garrison's home, where he was pronounced dead on the scene, per TMZ. Officials report that Garrison suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and with no foul play suspected, officials are looking at his death as an apparent suicide. However, his cause of death is yet to be confirmed. 

Shortly after the sad news was revealed, Janelle put her and Kody's tension behind to pay tribute to her late son on social media. Posting two photos of Garrison, she wrote, "Kody and I are deeply saddened to announce the loss of our beautiful boy Robert Garrison Brown. He was a bright spot in the lives of all who knew him," she continued, "His loss will leave such a big hole in our lives that it takes our breath away. We ask that you please respect our privacy and join us in honoring his memory." The family also posted on Garrison's social media revealing his passing and again asking for privacy. 

"Sister Wives" fans grew familiar with Garrison as he would appear on the TLC show now and then. He tend to live a more private life than his famed parents, and according to Fandom, after graduating from Nevada's Army National Guard basic training in 2016, he went on to attend the College of Southern Nevada. 

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On March 12, "General Hospital" star Robyn Bernard was found dead at the age of 64. Per the Los Angeles Times, Bernard, who played Terry Brock in the long-running series was found dead in an open field in Riverside County. Though authorities confirmed that no foul play was suspected, the cause of death was not immediately revealed. The tragic news of Bernard's death was met with tributes from fans who took to social media to pay their respects. "It's devastating to hear of the passing of Robyn Bernard who was in 'General Hospital' such sad news sending condolences to her family and friends RIP Robyn Bernard," one person wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Goodnight RIP Robyn Bernard. My prayers and condolences to her family and friends. Loved her as Terry Brock on 'General Hospital,'" another user tweeted. 

Bernard, who made her acting debut in the 1981 French thriller "Diva," got her big break in 1984 when she was cast to appear in "General Hospital." In the six years that followed, Bernard appeared in 145 episodes of the show before exiting in 1990. In addition to "General Hospital," Bernard's other acting credits include roles in films and shows like "Simon & Simon," "Kings for a Day," "The Facts of Life" and "Tour of Duty," per IMDb.

Barbara Rush, an iconic figure of 1950s cinema, celebrated for her roles in dramas like "Magnificent Obsession" and "The Young Philadelphians," as well as her appearances in the soap operas "Peyton Place" and "All My Children," died on March 31 at the age of 97. "My wonderful mother passed away peacefully at 5:28 this evening. I was with her this morning and know she was waiting for me to return home safely to transition," her daughter, news reporter Claudia Cowan, said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "It's fitting she chose to leave on Easter as it was one of her favorite holidays and now, of course, Easter will have a deeper significance for me and my family."

On Instagram, Cowan referred to her mother as "among the last of Old Hollywood Royalty," a nod to her ascent to fame during Hollywood's golden age. During this time, Rush was under contract with major studios such as Paramount, Universal, and 20th Century Fox and shared the screen with some of the industry's most sought-after leading men, including Paul Newman, Dean Martin, Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, and Rock Hudson. She also dabbled in some theater work, starring in "Forty Carats" and Broadway's "A Woman of Independent Means."

Despite never clinching an Oscar or an Emmy, Rush's love for her craft never faltered. "I was just realistic," she told Danny Miller in an interview (via Films of the Fifties). "I loved to work, I enjoyed being there, and I would have happily done anything they asked me to, I never refused a role." She is survived by Cowan, her son Christopher Hunter, and four grandchildren.

Dabney Coleman, the comedic character actor who appeared in films like "9 to 5" and "Tootsie," died at age 92 on May 18. His daughter, Quincy Coleman, told the Associated Press that he "took his last earthly breath peacefully and exquisitely" at his home in Santa Monica. According to The Blast, a week after Coleman's passing, his death certificate revealed he suffered cardiac arrest.

Throughout his career, Coleman received six Primetime Emmy nominations, winning once for the 1987 TV movie, "Sworn to Silence." In more recent years, he appeared on shows like "Boardwalk Empire" and "Yellowstone," in the latter playing Kevin Costner's character John Dutton's father in a flashback. In addition to his Emmy nods, Coleman was nominated for three Golden Globe Awards, winning best actor in a television series — musical or comedy for 1987's "The Slap Maxwell Story."

The actor is survived by his four children, Meghan, Kelly, Randy, and Quincy, and five grandchildren. In a statement (via Deadline), Quincy wrote, "A teacher, a hero and a king, Dabney Coleman is a gift and blessing in life and in death as his spirit will shine through his work, his loved ones and his legacy eternally."

Donald Sutherland, actor and Kiefer Sutherland's father, died at 88 years of age on June 20. A statement from a Creative Arts Agency rep confirmed the tragic news, saying "Acclaimed actor Donald Sutherland died today in Miami, Florida after a long illness" (via Today). Donald is survived by his wife, Francine Racette, his five children, Roeg, Rossif, Angus, Rachel, and fellow actor Kiefer, and four grandchildren.

After the news broke, Kiefer took to X, formerly Twitter, to share a childhood photo of himself and his father alongside a statement. "With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away. I personally think one of the most important actors in the history of film. Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that. A life well lived," the "24" star wrote.

Donald had many noteworthy film and TV credits to his name, including "The Dirty Dozen," "M*A*S*H," "Pride and Prejudice," and "The Hunger Games" franchise. He won both an Emmy and a Golden Globe Award for his role in the 1995 HBO film "Citizen X," and received an Honorary Academy Award in 2017, where he was introduced by his "Hunger Games" co-star Jennifer Lawrence.

Shannen Doherty tragically died at the age of 53 due to cancer. Doherty's publicist, Leslie Sloane, shared the news in a statement with People in July. Sloane shared, "It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease." Sloane confirmed that the actor was surrounded by loved ones at the time of her passing.

The "Beverly Hills, 90210" star was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. It seemed as though things were looking up for Doherty when she revealed that she was in remission just two years later. Unfortunately, this wouldn't last long as the cancer returned in 2019. Doherty revealed the devastating news in 2020 in an interview with ABC News. She shared, "It's going to come out in a matter of days or a week that I'm stage 4. So, my cancer came back, and that's why I'm here. I don't think I've processed it. It's a bitter pill to swallow in a lot of ways."

As time went on, Doherty continued to update the public via social media about her diagnosis and the fears that came with it. Unfortunately, after years of dealing with cancer, she would tragically pass away in July. However, Doherty will forever be remembered as a strong woman who starred in some of the biggest television shows, including "Charmed" and "Beverly Hills, 90210."

In July, the beloved fitness guru, Richard Simmons, sadly passed away at the age of 76. TMZ was the first to report the news, confirming that authorities were called to Simmons' home, where he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities did not suspect any foul play involved in his passing. His cause of death has yet to be confirmed, but it's reported that Simmons took a fall that may have contributed to his passing.

Simmons had a long-standing career that began in the '70s as he became everyone's favorite fitness guru. The businessman was unlike any other fitness personality, making people laugh and enjoy the workouts they did with his flashy character. He created videos, books, and hosted classes to get people in the best shape possible. In 2014, however, Simmons decide to put his life in the spotlight to the side.

With his sudden disappearance, wild rumors and conspiracy theories regarding his absence circulated the internet. However, in 2015, he reassured the public that he simply wanted to take a break. Simmons told "Today," "You know, I do what I want to do as I've always done so people should sort of just believe what I have to say because like I'm Richard Simmons!" Over the years, Simmons continued to stay out of the spotlight, only posting updates about his life on social media up until his death.

Beloved sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer died in July at 96. Her publicist, Pierre Lehu, confirmed the news in a statement with People, sharing, "She was restful when she passed away. Her son and daughter were with her and holding her hand at that moment. It was as peacefully as she could possibly go. She was 96." 

Westheimer has had quite the tremendous life. Born in Germany, the sex therapist escaped her home country after losing her family in World War II. After moves to different countries, Westheimer eventually found herself in New York City. It was in America that she began her work as a sex therapist, ultimately receiving the opportunity to have a call-in show providing listeners advice and education in sex.

In a time when sex was more of a taboo topic, Westheimer was willing to discuss anything about the subject. Speaking about what she believes made her show so successful, she told USC Shoah Foundation, "I think everyone liked my show because I was honest! I listened to people's problems and gave them practical ways to solve them." But it wasn't just her expertise that drew people in — her personality was adored by many, and her grandson wanted her to remember that. He said, "Plus, you were funny." Dr. Ruth will forever be remembered as a pioneer in the industry as she leaves an incredible legacy behind.

Comedy fans from multiple generations grieved one of the greats when Bob Newhart died at age 94 on July 18, 2024. His publicist told Variety that the Emmy-winning actor had been sick on and off with unidentified illnesses.

Newhart was known for his dry wit, soft-spoken delivery, and one-sided phone conversation bit that left audiences roaring with laughter. His career highlights include the '70s sitcom "The Bob Newhart Show," in which he played psychologist Bob Hartley. He revisited the revered classic two decades later when he portrayed innkeeper Dick Loudon in "Newhart," which ended with a now-legendary callback. Fans who watched the finale live will never forget the moment they realized that the entire series had been Hartley's dream. The ending was as bold as Newhart himself, who was working as an accountant when he decided to pursue a career in stand-up. In 1960, he released "The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart," a comedy album that became a smash hit and helped him get a foothold in television.

Newhart's career spanned six decades, with memorable appearances in the movie "Elf," the massively popular sitcom "The Big Bang Theory," and its spinoff "Young Sheldon." His mastery of playing the deadpan straight-man was unmatched, and he always strove to make fans laugh without relying on material that might shock or offend. "People come up to me and they say, 'Thanks for all the laughter,'" he said in a "CBS Sunday Morning" interview, "and I say, 'It was my pleasure.' And that's the truth." 

Television host Lou Dobbs died at age 78 on July 18, 2024. "He was a fighter till the very end — fighting for what mattered to him the most, God, his family and the country," read a post on his X account. The conservative commentator began hosting the CNN series "Moneyline" in 1980. Its focus was initially business news, but it later adopted a more political slant and was renamed "Lou Dobbs Tonight" in 2003. Dobbs moved to Fox Business in 2011, where he kept the same title.

Dobbs lost his job at Fox in 2021 after being named in a defamation suit by the voting machine company Smartmatic. He had promoted the false claim that Smartmatic software had been used to commit voter fraud by altering votes, per Deadline.

Once Dobbs fully embraced opinion programming, he became known for pushing conspiracy theories, such as the debunked claim that former president Barack Obama was not born in America. The birtherism movement was also popular with Donald Trump, who was Dobbs' first guest when he joined MyPillow creator Mike Lindell's right-wing streaming network, FrankSpeech, in January 2024. Days before his death, Dobbs further demonstrated his support for Trump by peddling another conspiracy theory — he tweeted that Democrats were to blame for the assassination attempt on the ex-president. Dobbs' allegiance to the MAGA cause was rewarded with a postmortem tribute from Trump on Truth Social. "He understood the World, and what was 'happening,' better than others," it read in part. 

Celebrated star of the screen and stage, Gena Rowlands, died at age 94 on August 14, 2024. Two months prior, her son, director Nick Cassavetes, told Entertainment Weekly that Rowlands had been living with Alzheimer's disease for half a decade. Nick notably directed his mother in the popular 2004 film "The Notebook," in which she played a woman with dementia. "It's so crazy — we lived it, she acted it, and now it's on us," he said at the time.

Half a century before she helped her son bring his epic romance to life, Rowlands embarked on a true Hollywood love story for the ages by serving as a muse for his father, John Cassavetes. John and Rowlands collaborated on 10 movies after getting married in 1954, including "A Woman Under the Influence." In the 1974 drama, Rowlands gives a riveting performance as a wife and mother struggling with severe mental illness. "It's my favorite role of all time because it was just so well written and it felt so real," Rowlands told Beverly Cinema. The role earned her an Oscar nomination, and six years later, she got another nod for playing a woman running from the mob with a kid in tow in her husband's crime thriller "Gloria." Reflecting on the work she did with John before his 1989 death, Rowlands said, "We just wanted to write and act what people actually say and do; people who are living. John and I were really on the same wavelength."

Jack Russell, the "Great White" frontman who belted out the hard-rock hits "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" and "Rock Me," died on August 15, 2024 at age 63. WBZ-TV reported that his cause of death was Lewy body dementia, the same disease comedian Robin Williams suffered from before his suicide. According to Mayo Clinic, it can cause cognitive issues, hallucinations, impaired movement, and depression.

Russell's life was touched by tragedy before he shared the news of his diagnosis with his fans in a July 2024 Instagram post. In 2003, his band was on the stage at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island, when their pyrotechnics caused a deadly fire to break out. A member of the group, guitarist Ty Longley, was among the 100 people who lost their lives in the blaze.

Like many rock bands, Great White experienced a few member shakeups. At times, Russell also performed under the name Jack Russell's Great White. According to Blabbermouth, he took his ex-bandmates to court for continuing to use the Great White name after he left the group in 2011. Russell revealed that his struggle with addiction had led to medical issues that made touring an impossibility for him at the time. He also had a falling out with band co-founder Mark Kendall, who paid tribute to Russell during a Great White show the day after his death. "He was the greatest singer ever and we're grateful for everything he contributed to Great White," Kendall said.