Celebrities Who Died in 2021: Remembering the Stars We’ve Lost This Year

Virgil Abloh

Virgil Abloh, the acclaimed menswear designer for Louis Vuitton and founder and CEO of Off-White, died on November 28 of cancer, according to a post from his verified Instagram account. He was 41.

“We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend. He is survived by his loving wife Shannon Abloh, his children Lowe Abloh and Grey Abloh, his sister Edwina Abloh, his parents Nee and Eunice Abloh, and numerous dear friends and colleagues,” the post read.

“For over two years, Virgil valiantly battled a rare, aggressive form of cancer, cardiac angiosarcoma. He chose to endure his battle privately since his diagnosis in 2019, undergoing numerous challenging treatments, all while helming several significant institutions that span fashion, art, and culture.”

Stephen Sondheim

The legendary musical theater composer, songwriter and lyricist died on November 26 at the age of 91, his attorney and friend F. Richard Pappas told the New York Times. He had celebrated Thanksgiving the day prior with family and friends at home in Roxbury, Connecticut. Stephen was responsible for the music and lyrics to such Broadway hits as A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Sunday in the Park with George and Into the Woods.

Heath Freeman

Heath, who played the part of murderer Howard Epps on Bones and had other roles on NCIS and Spartacus, died at the age of 41. “We are truly devastated at the loss of our beloved Heath Freeman,” his manager, Joe Montifiore, tells In Touch. “A brilliant human being with an intense and soulful spirit, he leaves us with an indelible imprint in our hearts. His life was filled with deep loyalty, affection, and generosity towards his family and friends, and an extraordinary zest for life.”

“He was extremely proud of his recent film work and was very excited for the next chapter of his career,” Joe adds of his extensive filmography. “His remarkable legacy as a son, brother, uncle, friend, extraordinarily gifted actor and producer, consummate cook, and man with the most infectious and spectacular laugh, will live on forever. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.’

William Lucking

Lucking, best known for playing biker Piney Winston on Sons of Anarchy, died in his Las Vegas home on October 18. He was 80. On November 2, Lucking’s friend, Stephen Macht, shared his obituary written by his wife of 25 years, Sigrid Lucking.

“Although William often played toughs and strongmen, in his actual life he was an elegant man with a brilliant intellect,” his wife wrote. “He was a giant of a man with the soul of a poet.”

James Michael Tyler

The Friends alum died at 59 years old on October 24, after battling stage 4 prostate cancer, James’ rep confirmed to TMZ.

“I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, which had spread to my bones,” the actor said during a June interview on Today. “I’ve been dealing with that diagnosis for almost the past three years. … It’s stage 4 [now]. Late-stage cancer. So eventually, you know, it’s gonna probably get me.”

Ricarlo Flanagan

The Shameless actor has died after contracting COVID-19. The Last Comic Standing semifinalist was 40. Stu Golfman of KMR Talent, Flanagan’s agent, confirmed the news to Deadline.

“This [COVID] is no joke,” Flanagan tweeted on October 1. “I don’t wish this on anybody.”

“Ricarlo was one of the nicest people [I] have ever met in my life and a joy to work for,” Golfman said. “He will be missed dearly.”

Michael Tylo

Tylo, best known for his roles in The Young and the Restless and Guiding Light, has died at the age of 72. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he had been teaching since 2003, announced the actor’s death on September 29.

“Michael Tylo was a beautiful and caring human being — he was so special,” the dean of the university, Nancy Uscher, said. “He was an exemplary friend, colleague, teacher and artist.”

Tommy Kirk

The former Disney child star, who appeared in films such as Old Yeller and Swiss Family Robinson, died on September 28, his long-term friend Paul Petersen revealed. He was 79.

“Please know that Tommy Kirk loved you, his fans,” Petersen wrote on Facebook. “You lifted him up.”

Willie Garson

Beloved Sex and the City star Willie Garson died following a private battle with pancreatic cancer on September 21 at the age of 57. He had a long and prolific TV career that also included roles on White Collar from 2009 to 2014 ,and Hawaii Five-0 from 2015 to 2020. Bosch star Titus Welliver broke the news on his Twitter account, writing, “There are no words. I love you dear brother. We are fewer,” with Willie’s photo.

His Stanford Blatch character from SATC was back for the HBO Max revival And Just Like That, as Carrie Bradshaw’s male BFF. Willie was seen shooting with star Sarah Jessica Parker on July 24, 2021, in New York City.

Anthony “AJ” Johnson

The comedian and actor, known for his roles on Friday and House Party, died at the age of 55, his rep confirmed on September 20. “Our BH Talent family is saddened about the loss of an amazing iconic legend in comedy, our client and friend,” his rep told TMZ. “We are praying for all those that were touched by his comedy, acting, but most of all his life. We are especially praying for his beloved wife, children, siblings and manager.”

Jane Powell

The iconic Hollywood actress, best known for playing opposite Fred Astaire in Royal Wedding and starring in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, died on September 16. The film and Broadway star was 92. Friend Susan Granger confirmed the news to the New York Times and the Associated Press. 

“Jane was the most wonderful friend,” Susan said.” She was candid, she was honest. You never asked Jane a question you didn’t want an absolutely honest answer to.”

Freddie Combs

Freddie, who rose to fame by competing on The X Factor, has died. His wife, Katrina “Kay” Combs, confirmed the news to TMZ. The singer and minister passed away on September 10, due to kidney failure. He was 49.

Norm Macdonald

Norm Macdonald, widely known for his stand-up sets and unforgettable appearances on Saturday Night Live, died at the age of 61 on September 14, his manager confirmed to In Touch. The comedian was “battling cancer for nearly a decade but was determined to keep his health struggles private, away from family, friends and fans,” his longtime friend Lori Jo Hoekstra shared with Deadline.

Ben Best

Ben, best known for co-creating HBO’s Eastbound & Down and writing 2011’s Your Highness died on September 12, the day before his 47th birthday. Rough House Pictures, the production company managed by Danny McBride, David Gordon Green and Jody Hill, all of whom the actor/writer frequently collaborated with, confirmed the news on September 13. 

Michael K. Williams

The actor known for his performances on shows like The Wire and Lovecraft Country was found dead in his apartment on September 6. The Emmy-winning actor was 54. 

Variety reported that the actor died of an “overdose of fo fluorofentanyl, heroin and cocaine.”

Michael Constantine

The actor best known for his role as the father in My Big Fat Greek Wedding and his work on the sitcom Room 222, died on August 31. The Reading Eagle, Michael’s hometown news outlet, broke the news of his death on September 8. He was 94.

“Michael Constantine, the dad to our cast-family, a gift to the written word, and always a friend. Acting with him came with a rush of love and fun. I will treasure this man who brought Gus to life,” Nia Vardalos, who wrote and starred in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, tweeted. “He gave us so much laughter and deserves a rest now. We love you Michael.”

Daffney Unger

Unger (a.k.a. Shannon Spruill) passed away at the age of 46 on September 1, Shimmer Wrestling confirmed. The news comes after the former WCW wrestler shared a concerning video in which she was holding a small gun while discussing her symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative brain disorder caused by repeated concussions.

“It is with great sadness I have to let you know that my daughter Shannon Spruill … Scream Queen Daff, passed away suddenly last night,” Unger’s mother, Jean Tookey Spruill, shared on Facebook. “Absolutely heartbroken.” 

Ed Asner

The Mary Tyler Moore Show star and Pixar’s Up voice actor died on August 29. He was 91.

“We are sorry to say that our beloved patriarch passed away this morning peacefully,” Asner’s official Twitter account shared. “Words cannot express the sadness we feel. With a kiss on your head- Goodnight dad. We love you.”

Matthew Mindler

The former child star, best known for his role in Our Idiot Brother, was found dead on August 28, at the age of 19. He was reported missing two days prior. Deadline reported Matthew died by suicide.

“This is a time of grief for the family, our campus and the community,” Daniel A. Wubah, the president of Millersville University in Pennsylvania, where Mindler was a first-year student, wrote. “I ask that the campus community come together to support each other, and our students, during this difficult time.”

Michael Nader

The soap opera icon, who appeared in Dynasty, All My Children and As The World Turns, died on August 23 at the age of 76 following a short battle with cancer. 

“With heavy heart, I’m sharing the news of the passing of my beloved, Michael,” his wife, Jodi Lister, told USA Today. “He was a beautiful and fascinating man with many talents and skills. I will miss him forever.”

Serge Onik

The So You Think You Can Dance alum died at the age of 33, multiple outlets confirmed on August 24. Onik made the top 14 on the reality TV show in 2014 and most recently appeared in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights. 

“He was an amazing dancer with a huge heart and he touched the lives of everyone who met him,” Jim Keith, the president of The Movement Talent Agency said in a statement.

Gina Marie Krasley

The My 600-Lb Life alum died at the age of 30 on August 1, her obituary confirmed. Krasley, who appeared on season 8 of the hit TLC weight loss series, was “surrounded by her loving family” when she passed away. She is survived by her wife of six years, Elizabeth Krasley.

Biz Markie

Rapper Biz Markie — best known for his iconic hit “Just a Friend” — died  at age 57 on July 16 following a series of complications from diabetes, TMZ reported. He passed away in a Baltimore hospital with his wife, Tara Hall, by his side.

Tracie Wagaman

Tracie Wagaman, best known for starring on We TV’s Love After Lockup, died on July 1, at the age of 41 — just one week after she gave birth to a newborn baby girl.

Kevin Clark

The actor, who played Freddy Jones in the 2003 Jack Black film School of Rock, died at 32 years old on May 26, In Touch confirmed. An autopsy was completed and determined that Clark’s cause of death was blunt force injury due to motor vehicle and bicycle collision, the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office told In Touch.

Olympia Dukakis

Actress Olympia Dukakis died in New York City on May 1 at 89 years old. She was best known for her roles in Steel Magnolias and Moonstruck.

“After many months of failing health she is finally at peace and with her [late husband] Louis [Zorich],” her brother, Apollo Dukakis, wrote via Facebook at the time.

Antron Pippen

On April 19, Scottie Pippen announced his firstborn son, Antron Pippen, died at the age of 33.

“I’m heartbroken to share that yesterday, I said goodbye to my firstborn son Antron,” he wrote via Instagram. “The two of us shared a love for basketball and we had countless conversations about the game. Antron suffered from chronic asthma and if he hadn’t had it, I truly believe he would’ve made it to the NBA. He never let that get him down, though — Antron stayed positive and worked hard, and I am so proud of the man that he became. Please keep his mom, Karen, and all of his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. A kind heart and beautiful soul gone way too soon. I love you, son, rest easy until we meet again.”

Sunday Burquest

Survivor alum Sunday Burquest died on April 18 at 50 years old. Her passing comes nearly one year after the reality TV personality revealed she was diagnosed with esophageal and ovarian cancer after beating breast cancer eight years earlier.

Her daughter, Kennedy, confirmed the news of her death via Instagram. “To my unbelievably beautiful mama, thank you. Thank you for fighting as hard as you did for as long as you did. Thank you for being a best friend, a role model, a sister, and my mother all in one. Thank you for raising me to love Jesus, and show that love to others. That’s something you did so well,” she wrote in her touching tribute.

Helen McCrory

Helen McCrory, known for her role as Narcissa Malfoy in the Harry Potter film series and Aunt Polly in Peaky Blinders, died on April 16 after a battle with cancer. The actress’ husband, actor Damian Lewis, revealed the news of her death via Twitter.

“She died as she lived. Fearlessly,” he wrote. “God, we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. She blazed so brightly. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.”

Felix Silla

Actor Felix Silla, who was best known for his role as Cousin Itt on the 1960s TV series The Addams Family, died on April 16 at 84 years old. His friend and fellow actor Gil Gerard confirmed the news via Twitter.

Nikki Grahame

The Big Brother U.K. alum died on April 9, due to complications from an eating disorder. “It breaks our hearts to know that someone who is so precious was taken from us at such a young age,” close friend Leon Dee revealed the news via a GoFundMe page set up to raise money for the reality star’s anorexia treatment. “Nikki not only touched the lives of millions of people, but also her friends and family who will miss her immensely.”

If you or someone you know is battling an eating disorder, contact the National Eating Disorders Association at 1-800-931-2237.

DMX

Rapper DMX (real name Earl Simmons) died one week after suffering a heart attack, his family confirmed on April 9.

“We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at 50-years-old at White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days,” a statement to People read. “Earl was a warrior who fought till the very end. He loved his family with all of his heart and we cherish the times we spent with him. Earl’s music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever.”

Prince Philip

Prince Philip died on April 9, at the age of 99, the royal family announced in a statement.

“It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,” the statement read about Queen Elizabeth‘s husband. “His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.”

Prince Markie Dee

The Fat Boys’ Prince Markie Dee died on February 18, the band’s manager Louis Gregory confirmed on Twitter.

“Forever in my Heart. Prince Markie Dee was more than a rapper; he was one of my very best and closest friends,” Gregory wrote. “My heart breaks today because I lost a brother,” he added. “I’ll always love you Mark and I’ll cherish everything you taught me. Tomorrow is your birthday, swing my way big bro.”

He was 52. The cause of death was revealed to be congestive heart failure.

Billy Brown

On February 8, Alaskan Bush People star Bear Brown revealed his father passed away suddenly. “We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved patriarch Billy Brown passed away last night after suffering from a seizure,” he wrote. “He was our best friend – a wonderful and loving dad, granddad and husband and he will be dearly missed. He lived his life on his terms, off the grid and off the land and taught us to live like that as well. We plan to honor his legacy going forward, and to continue with his dream. We ask for privacy and prayers during this painful time! God bless everyone!!!”

Dustin Diamond

Dustin Diamond, the actor best known for his role as Samuel “Screech” Powers on Saved by the Bell, died at age 44 following his battle with stage 4 cancer, his rep confirmed in a statement to In Touch.

“We are saddened to confirm Dustin Diamond’s passing on February 1, 2021, due to carcinoma,” Roger Paul revealed. “He was diagnosed with this brutal, relentless form of malignant cancer only three weeks ago. In that time, it managed to spread rapidly throughout his system; the only mercy it exhibited was its sharp and swift execution. Dustin did not suffer. He did not have to lie submerged in pain. For that, we are grateful.”

Sophie

Sophie, a beloved Scottish musician, songwriter and DJ, died at 34 years old following a tragic accident on January 30.

“It is with profound sadness that I have to inform you that musician and producer SOPHIE passed away this morning around 4 a.m. in Athens, where the artist had been living, following a sudden accident,” the trans icon’s team revealed in a statement to The Independent. “At this time respect and privacy for the family is our priority. We would also ask for respect for her fanbase, and to treat the private nature of this news with sensitivity.”

Sophie’s record label, Transgressive, shared additional details about the accident that led to Sophie’s death. “True to her spirituality, she had climbed up to watch the full moon and accidentally slipped and fell,” read their statement via Twitter.

Larry King

Legendary talk and radio show host Larry King died on January 23, In Touch confirmed.

“With profound sadness, Ora Media announces the death of our co-founder, host, and friend Larry King, who passed away this morning at age 87 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles,” King’s rep said in a statement to In Touch.

The statement continued, “For 63 years and across the platforms of radio, television and digital media, Larry’s many thousands of interviews, awards, and global acclaim stand as a testament to his unique and lasting talent as a broadcaster. Additionally, while it was his name appearing in the shows’ titles, Larry always viewed his interview subjects as the true stars of his programs, and himself as merely an unbiased conduit between the guest and audience.”

“Whether he was interviewing a U.S. president, foreign leader, celebrity, scandal-ridden personage, or an everyman, Larry liked to ask short, direct, and uncomplicated questions,” the statement added. “He believed concise questions usually provided the best answers, and he was not wrong in that belief.”

Hank Aaron

Hank Aaron, Hall of Fame baseball player, died in his sleep at 86 years old, the Atlanta Braves announced on January 22.

“He was a beacon for our organization first as a player, then with player development, and always with our community efforts,” read the statement. “His incredible talent and resolve helped him achieve the highest accomplishments, yet he never lost his humble nature. Henry Louis Aaron wasn’t just our icon, but one across Major League Baseball and around the world.”

Phil Spector

Disgraced record producer Phil Spector died of “natural causes” on January 16 while serving a prison sentence at age 81, according to a statement from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Spector was convicted for the 2003 murder of actress Lana Clarkson in April 2009.

John Reilly

The General Hospital alum died at age 86, his daughter Caitlin Reilly announced on January 10. 
“I’m so grateful he was mine. I’m so grateful I got to love him. I’m so grateful I made it in time to hold him and say goodbye,” she wrote via Instagram.

Deezer D

Deezer D (real name is Dearon Thompson) was found unresponsive in his Los Angeles home and died on January 7, TMZ reported. The actor, who is best known for his role as nurse Malik McGrath on ER, was 55. 

Tommy Lasorda

The former manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers died on January 7 at age 93 after suffering a sudden heart attack. 

Marion Ramsey

The Police Academy alum died on January 7 at the age of 73.

Tanya Roberts

The former Bond girl collapsed at her home on Christmas Eve after walking her dogs. She was then taken to the hospital and put on a ventilator. Although her rep initially claimed she died on January 3, the That ‘70s Show actress’ partner, Lance O’Brien, learned she was still alive the following day. News broke on January 5 that she was not able to recover and passed away. 
According to Today, the actress’ death was caused by a UTI.

Kerry Vincent

The Food Network Challenge judge passed away on January 2 at age 75. 

George Gerdes

The X-Files actor died on January 1 after suffering a brain aneurysm. He was 72.