Celebrities We’ve Lost in 2026
2026 has been an emotional year in some respects, particularly as fans and loved ones mourn the celebrities we've lost.
While some lived long lives, others came as a complete shock. From the star of a beloved early 2000s sitcom to one of the best-known martial artists of all time, these are some of the most well-known people we said goodbye to in 2026.
Peabo Bryson
The music industry mourned the loss of legendary R&B and pop vocalist Peabo Bryson, who died on June 2 at the age of 75. Widely recognized for his powerful ballads and memorable duets, Bryson became especially beloved for performing the title song from Disney's Beauty and the Beast and "A Whole New World" from Aladdin. Over the course of a career that spanned decades, he released 20 studio albums and earned a reputation as one of the genre’s most distinctive voices.
Bryson reportedly suffered a stroke several days before his death. In a statement provided to Variety, his family reflected on the impact of his music, saying he had been part of the soundtrack to countless meaningful moments. They noted that his songs accompanied celebrations, romances, and times of comfort for generations of listeners, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to resonate with fans around the world.
Owain Rhys Davies
Actor Owain Rhys Davies, known for his appearances in television, film, and theater, died at the age of 44. News of his passing was shared by his brother, Rhodri, in a lengthy social media statement. According to the post, Davies died "suddenly, naturally, and peacefully." Rhodri also indicated that additional information regarding the circumstances of his death would be released at a later time.
Davies was perhaps best known to television audiences for portraying Agent Wilson in three episodes of the 2017 revival of Twin Peaks, created by David Lynch and Mark Frost. He also appeared in The OA and lent his voice to a small role in the Disney film Alice Through the Looking Glass. Beyond his screen work, the Welsh performer built a respected career on stage, appearing in numerous theatrical productions throughout his life.
Kelly Curtis
Actress Kelly Curtis, the eldest daughter of Hollywood stars Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, died on May 30 at the age of 69. Born into one of Hollywood's most recognizable families, Curtis built a career of her own in film and television. She appeared alongside her younger sister, Jamie Lee Curtis, in the 1983 comedy Trading Places and later acted in productions including The Devil’s Daughter, Magic Sticks, and Checkpoint.
Throughout her career, Curtis also made guest appearances on a variety of television series, including Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, The Equalizer, The Sentinel, Silk Stalkings, LateLine, and Hunter. In later years, she worked behind the scenes as Jamie Lee Curtis’s assistant on films such as Freaky Friday, Christmas with the Kranks, and You Again. She also directed the 2018 documentary Marby Jets Are Go, adding filmmaking to her list of creative accomplishments.
Marcia Lucas
Marcia Lucas, the Academy Award-winning film editor whose work helped shape the original Star Wars trilogy, died on May 27 at the age of 80. Widely regarded as an influential figure behind the scenes, Lucas played a significant role in some of the most celebrated films of the 1970s and early 1980s. She was married to George Lucas from 1969 until their divorce in 1983 and collaborated with him on several important projects during that period.
Lucas earned her first Oscar nomination for editing American Graffiti and later won an Academy Award as part of the editing team for Star Wars. Her accomplishments extended beyond Lucasfilm productions. She received a BAFTA nomination for supervising editor work on Taxi Driver and also edited two films directed by Martin Scorsese: Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore and New York, New York. Her final editing credit was on Return of the Jedi.
Grizz Chapman
Actor Grizz Chapman, best known for playing the beloved character Grizz on 30 Rock, died on May 22 at the age of 52. Chapman made his screen debut in the pilot episode of the hit comedy series, portraying the calm and loyal bodyguard of Tracy Jordan, the eccentric television star played by Tracy Morgan. His performance made him a memorable presence throughout the show's run and earned him a devoted following among fans.
Beyond 30 Rock, Chapman appeared in several film and television projects during his career. His movie credits included Money Monster, directed by Jodie Foster and starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts, as well as The Cobbler, featuring Adam Sandler. He also made appearances on popular television series such as The Blacklist, The Good Fight, and Blue Bloods, building a respected career as a character actor.
Jason Collins
Jason Collins, the trailblazing former NBA center who became the first openly gay player in league history, died of brain cancer on May 12 at the age of 47. Collins publicly revealed in December 2025 that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma. His greatest cultural impact came in 2013, when he came out in a groundbreaking Sports Illustrated cover story, becoming the first openly gay athlete to compete in one of North America's four major professional sports leagues.
A standout at Stanford University, Collins enjoyed a 13-year NBA career that included stints with the New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Washington Wizards. He returned for a final season with the Brooklyn Nets in 2014 following the team’s relocation from New Jersey. Collins retired later that year, leaving behind a legacy that extended far beyond basketball.
Brandon Clarke
Brandon Clarke, a forward for the Memphis Grizzlies, died on May 11 at the age of 29. Clarke had been one of the longest-serving members of the Grizzlies roster, spending his entire NBA career with the organization after being selected 21st overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. Known for his athleticism, energy, and efficiency around the basket, he quickly became a valued contributor and fan favorite in Memphis.
Injuries limited Clarke's playing time during his final season, as knee and calf issues restricted him to just two games. Despite those setbacks, he remained committed to giving back to the community that had embraced him. In 2025, he established the Brandon Clarke Foundation, an organization dedicated to assisting Memphis residents facing hardship. His death marked a heartbreaking loss for the Grizzlies organization, the Memphis community, and basketball fans who admired both his talent and his charitable efforts.
Scott Adams
Cartoonist Scott Adams, creator of the long-running comic strip Dilbert, died on Jan. 13 following a battle with prostate cancer. He was 68. Adams launched Dilbert in 1989, drawing inspiration from his experiences in the corporate world. The strip's humorous take on office culture, management trends, and workplace frustrations resonated with readers and helped make it one of the most widely syndicated comics of the 1990s.
Although Adams achieved significant success through Dilbert, his later years were marked by controversy. The backlash effectively ended the strip's presence in many major publications, overshadowing a career that had once made him one of the most recognizable cartoonists in America.
Ted Turner
Media mogul Ted Turner died in May at the age of 87 following a diagnosis of Lewy body dementia in 2018. Turner was a pioneering force in modern broadcasting, best known for founding CNN and Turner Broadcasting System. A Primetime Emmy Award winner, he helped reshape the landscape of cable television and 24-hour news coverage, building a media empire that left a lasting mark on the industry. He was also married to actress Jane Fonda for 10 years.
Following his death, CNN CEO Mark Thompson paid tribute to Turner's leadership, describing him as a bold and intensely committed figure who was unafraid to trust his instincts and pursue ambitious ideas. He characterized Turner as a foundational presence in the network’s history, emphasizing that his vision and determination helped establish the company’s identity and enduring influence in global news media.
David Allan Coe
Country music singer David Allan Coe died on April 29 at the age of 86. Coe was closely associated with the outlaw country movement, a style that emerged in the 1970s as artists pushed back against the polished Nashville sound. He became widely known for songs such as "The Ride" and “You Never Even Called Me by My Name,” which helped define his reputation as a rebellious and unconventional figure in country music.
Throughout his career, Coe released a number of provocative recordings that drew both attention and criticism, including controversy over earlier material containing slurs, which he later sought to distance himself from. In addition to his own performing career, he was also a songwriter for other artists, most notably contributing to Johnny Paycheck's hit “Take This Job and Shove It.” His legacy remains tied to both his influence within outlaw country and the controversies that shadowed parts of his work.
Joy Harmon
Actress Joy Harmon died on April 14 at the age of 87. She became widely recognized for her memorable role as the car wash girl in the classic film Cool Hand Luke, a performance that remains her most famous screen appearance. Harmon appeared during a prolific era of Hollywood filmmaking and carved out a niche in supporting roles across several feature films.
Beyond Cool Hand Luke, Harmon also acted in Village of the Giants, One Way Wahine, and Angel in My Pocket. After stepping away from acting, she transitioned into the food industry, founding Aunt Joy's Cakes, a wholesale bakery based in Burbank, California. The business supplied desserts to craft services at film and television studios, allowing her to maintain a connection to the entertainment world in a different capacity.
Afrika Bambaataa
Afrika Bambaataa, born Lance Taylor in the Bronx, died on April 9 at the age of 68. A pioneering figure in the development of hip-hop culture in the 1970s and 1980s, he helped shape the genre's early sound as a DJ and producer.
He was especially known for his 1986 release Planet Rock, which became an influential track in the evolution of electronic-infused hip-hop. Bambaataa also played a foundational role in establishing the Universal Zulu Nation, a collective that later included artists such as Queen Latifah, Ice Cube, Q-Tip, Ice T, and Fat Joe.
Valerie Perrine
Actress Valerie Perrine died on March 23 at the age of 82. Perrine, who had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2015, was best known for her work in both film and television across several decades. She made her acting debut in 1972’s Slaughterhouse-Five, portraying adult film actress Montana Wildhack, a role that helped introduce her to audiences in Hollywood.
Her breakout performance came in 1974’s Lenny, Lenny directed by Bob Fosse and starring Dustin Hoffman, where she earned an Academy Award nomination for her role as Honey Bruce. Perrine later appeared as Eve Teschmacher in Superman (1978), one of her most recognizable roles. In the 1990s, she became a familiar television presence with guest appearances on series such as Northern Exposure, Homicide: Life on the Street, and ER.
Chuck Norris
Action star Chuck Norris, who first rose to fame as a champion martial artist before becoming one of Hollywood's most recognizable action leads, died on March 19 at the age of 86. Norris built a major film career with a series of popular 1980s action movies, including The Delta Force, Missing in Action, Good Guys Wear Black, The Octagon, Lone Wolf McQuade, and Code of Silence. His on-screen persona and real-world martial arts background helped establish him as a defining figure in the genre.
Norris later transitioned to television success with the long-running CBS series Walker, Texas Ranger, which aired from 1993 to 2001 and further cemented his status as a household name. In the years that followed, he continued to take occasional acting roles, with his final credit coming in the comedy film Zombie Plane, which wrapped production in 2025.
Tommy DeCarlo
Tommy DeCarlo, the lead vocalist for the rock band Boston in later touring lineups, died on March 9 at the age of 60. His family announced his passing on Facebook. DeCarlo, a lifelong fan of Boston, first began following the band in 1977 when he was 12 years old and spent years performing covers of their songs independently throughout the 1990s.
After the death of Boston's original lead singer Brad Delp in 2007, DeCarlo shared a tribute song to Delp on MySpace, which eventually connected him with members of the band. That exposure led to an audition and ultimately his role as Boston’s touring lead singer on subsequent concert tours. His journey from fan to frontman became a notable story in the band’s later history.
Jennifer Runyon Corman
Actress Jennifer Runyon (also known as Jennifer Runyon Corman) died on March 6 at the age of 65. The daughter of well-known Chicago radio DJ Jim Runyon, she began acting at a young age and quickly found recognition in television and film during the 1980s. She gained particular attention for her role as Gwendolyn Pierce on the sitcom Charles in Charge, where she played the college love interest of Scott Baio's character.
Runyon also appeared in a memorable scene in Ghostbusters as one of the students participating in the film’s psychic testing sequence. After a brief but recognizable Hollywood career, she stepped away from acting in the early 1990s to focus on family life, raising her son Wyatt and daughter Bayley. Her retirement marked a quiet exit from the entertainment industry following a series of popular supporting roles in film and television.
Neil Sedaka
Neil Sedaka, the prolific pop songwriter and performer behind hits such as "Calendar Girl" and “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” died on Feb. 27 at the age of 86. Born in Brooklyn, Sedaka rose to prominence in the late 1950s and early 1960s as part of the Brill Building songwriting era. His songs were also recorded by major artists including Connie Francis, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Cher, helping establish him as one of the era's most successful and widely recorded pop writers.
Between 1959 and 1963, Sedaka sold an estimated 40 million records, ranking among the top-selling recording artists of his time. After a quieter period in the mid-1960s, he experienced a major comeback in the 1970s with hits such as “Laughter in the Rain” and “Bad Blood,” the latter a collaboration with Elton John. He also co-wrote the enduring pop standard “Love Will Keep Us Together,” popularized by Captain & Tennille. Sedaka was a five-time Grammy nominee, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1978, and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983.
Robert Carradine
Actor Robert Carradine died on Feb. 23 at the age of 71. A member of the well-known Carradine acting family, he built a long career in film and television spanning several decades. He became widely recognized in the 1980s for his role in the Revenge of the Nerds film series, which established him as a familiar comedic presence in Hollywood.
Carradine's career also included appearances in acclaimed films such as Mean Streets (1973), Coming Home (1978), and The Long Riders (1980), the latter featuring his brothers David and Keith Carradine as part of an ensemble cast. In the 2000s, he reached a new generation of viewers through his role in Lizzie McGuire and its subsequent film adaptation. His death came after a long and varied career across both film and television.
Eric Dane
Actor Eric Dane, best known for his role on Grey's Anatomy, died on Feb. 19 at the age of 53, less than a year after publicly revealing his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He first appeared on the medical drama exactly 20 years before his death during its second season, portraying plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Sloan. The character quickly became a fan favorite, earning him widespread recognition as one of the show’s most popular regular cast members.
Beyond Grey’s Anatomy, Dane built a steady career across both television and film. His television credits included Euphoria, Charmed, and Gideon’s Crossing, while his film work featured roles in X-Men: The Last Stand, Burlesque, Valentine’s Day, and Marley & Me. He also appeared in the series The Last Ship. His death marked the end of a career that spanned major network television successes and ensemble Hollywood films.
Robert Duvall
Actor Robert Duvall died on Feb. 15 at the age of 95. His wife, Luciana Pedraza, announced the news on social media, sharing that he "passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort." Duvall was widely regarded as one of the most accomplished performers of his generation, with a career spanning film and television across several decades.
He earned major acclaim for his roles in films such as Apocalypse Now and The Godfather, as well as the television miniseries Lonesome Dove. Over the course of his career, he received numerous honors, including an Academy Award, two Emmy Awards, and four Golden Globes. His body of work left a lasting mark on American cinema and television, establishing him as a defining figure in modern acting.
James Van Der Beek
James Van Der Beek, known for his breakout role on Dawson's Creek, died on Feb. 11 at the age of 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer. He gained widespread fame portraying Dawson Leery in the teen drama, which ran from 1998 to 2003, and co-starred alongside Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson. The series made him a defining face of late-1990s teen television.
Van Der Beek continued working steadily across television and film after the series ended. His TV credits included Don’t Trust the B in Apartment 23, How I Met Your Mother, One Tree Hill, Mercy, Friends With Better Lives, Pose, and Overcompensating, along with appearances on Dancing With the Stars and The Masked Singer. His film work included Varsity Blues, The Rules of Attraction, Texas Rangers, Downsizing, and Bad Hair, as well as cameo roles in Scary Movie and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.
Brad Arnold
Brad Arnold, the lead vocalist and longest-serving founding member of the rock band 3 Doors Down, died on Feb. 7 at the age of 47 following a battle with cancer. Arnold was the voice behind many of the band's most recognizable songs and played a central role in shaping its early identity and commercial breakthrough.
He wrote the band’s signature hit "Kryptonite" while still in high school, a track that helped propel The Better Life (2000), 3 Doors Down’s debut album, to major success. The group went on to release five additional studio albums between 2002 and 2016, with two reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Arnold remained a defining presence throughout the band’s career and later life.
Catherine O'Hara
Actress Catherine O'Hara died on Jan. 30 at the age of 71. Widely regarded as a comedy icon, O'Hara built a celebrated career across film and television, known for her sharp comedic timing and versatility. She began her rise in sketch comedy as a member of Second City Television (SCTV), where she established herself as a standout performer, later turning down an opportunity to join Saturday Night Live.
O’Hara went on to a prolific film career, appearing in After Hours, Heartburn, and famously portraying Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice and its sequel. She became a frequent collaborator with filmmaker Christopher Guest in mockumentaries such as Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, and For Your Consideration. She also reached a new generation of viewers through Home Alone and its sequel, and later appeared in Schitt’s Creek, as well as more recent projects including Argylle, The Last of Us, and The Studio.
Demond Wilson
Actor Demond Wilson died on Jan. 30 at the age of 79. Born in Valdosta, Georgia, Wilson moved to New York as a young man, where he studied tap dance and ballet before launching a career in entertainment. He also served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, an experience that preceded his transition into acting.
Wilson became best known for his role as Lamont Sanford on the hit 1970s sitcom Sanford and Son, where he played the son and straight man opposite the title character. His television career also included appearances on All in the Family, Mission: Impossible, Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, Baby… I’m Back, The Love Boat, and The New Odd Couple. His work helped define him as a familiar face in classic American television comedy and drama.
Kevin Johnson
Former NFL player Kevin Johnson died on Jan. 21 at the age of 55 after being found with blunt head trauma and stab wounds. Johnson played as a defensive lineman in the NFL during the 1990s, including stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and the then-Oakland Raiders, contributing as part of the league's defensive rotations during his professional career.
Johnson was part of a generation of players who transitioned through multiple franchises in a highly competitive era of NFL defensive play.
T.K. Carter
Actor T.K. Carter died on Jan. 9 at the age of 69 at his home. A well-known character actor across film and television, Carter built a long career playing memorable supporting roles that spanned multiple decades. He became widely recognized for his performance in John Carpenter's 1982 sci-fi film The Thing, where he portrayed Nauls, the roller-skating cook stationed at an Antarctic research base.
Carter also reached television audiences through his role as teacher Mike Fulton on Punky Brewster, further cementing his reputation as a familiar face in 1980s and 1990s TV. Over the years, he appeared in numerous series including Good Morning, Miss Bliss, Dave, The Steve Harvey Show, The Sinbad Show, A Different World, Family Matters, NYPD Blue, Everybody Hates Chris, and How to Get Away with Murder. His final film appearance came in 2020’s The Way Back, starring Ben Affleck.
Michael Reagan
Michael Reagan, the adopted son of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan and actress Jane Wyman, died on Jan. 4 at the age of 80 following a battle with cancer. Born in Los Angeles to a single mother, he was adopted in childhood by Reagan and Wyman during their marriage, though the couple separated a few years later.
Reagan later became part of a prominent blended family after his father married Nancy Reagan, with whom Ronald Reagan had two more children. Over time, Michael Reagan became a public political commentator and radio host. He also had a well-documented public disagreement with his half-brother Ron Reagan over remarks made in a memoir about their father, a conflict that drew media attention to the Reagan family dynamic.
Victoria Jones
Actress Victoria Jones was found dead on Jan. 1 in a San Francisco hotel room at the age of 34. Her death was reported shortly after she was discovered in the hotel, marking a sudden and unexpected loss. Jones was the daughter of Oscar-winning actor Tommy Lee Jones, and had appeared in several film and television projects during her brief acting career.
She notably appeared in her father's films Men in Black II, The Homesman, and The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, building a small but recognizable screen presence through those collaborations. Her other credits included the Robin Wright–starring Sorry, Haters and a guest appearance on the television series One Tree Hill.
Kyle Busch
Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch died on May 21, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the age of 41 after being hospitalized with a severe illness. His death was confirmed following a period of critical medical care. Busch was widely regarded as one of the most accomplished drivers of his era in the NASCAR Cup Series, with a career defined by both sustained success and statistical milestones across NASCAR's top divisions.
Busch’s legacy was often described in terms of dominance and volume of victories, including becoming the first driver to simultaneously hold the all-time wins record across NASCAR’s three major national series. His aggressive driving style and competitive intensity made him a frequent focal point of the sport, shaping rivalries and storylines for years.
Chase Pistone
Former NASCAR driver Chase Pistone died at the age of 42, with the news shared on March 2 by his brother Nick Pistone in a Facebook post. Pistone was the grandson of racing figure Tom Pistone, and grew up in a racing family that helped shape his early involvement in motorsports.
Pistone began learning to race at just six years old and went on to build a successful career across multiple series, earning 80 feature victories in Legends, Late Model, and USAR competition. After a seven-year break from racing, he returned in 2014 for a final season, competing in both NASCAR's Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series. He also owned CP Inc., a racing organization that achieved multiple championships over the years.
Dan Gray
