In Memoriam: 82 Stars We've Lost This Year

We lost so many famous figures in 2016, and a handful of stars left us too soon this year as well. From Mary Tyler Moore to Tom Petty, we're paying our respects to all the celebrities we've said goodbye to in 2017.

01
Chester Bennington
Getty

Chester Bennington

The Linkin Park frontman died by suicide at age 41 in July. According to LA law enforcement, he hanged himself at a private residence in Palos Verdes Estates. Chester is survived by wife Talinda Ann Bentley and his six children.

02
Hugh Hefner
Getty | RICH SCHMITT

Hugh Hefner

In September, the Playboy founder passed away from natural causes at his home, The Playboy Mansion. He was 91.

03
Rance Howard
Getty | Kevin Winter

Rance Howard

The actor passed away at age 89 on Nov. 25. His son Ron Howard, 63, confirmed the news on Twitter, writing, "Clint & I have been blessed to be Rance Howard's sons. Today he passed at 89," referring to his brother, Clint Howard, who is also an actor. "He stood especially tall 4 his ability to balance ambition w/great personal integrity. A depression-era farm boy, his passion for acting changed the course of our family history. We love & miss U Dad."

04
Antoine "Fats" Domino
Getty

Antoine "Fats" Domino

05
Frank Vincent
Getty

Frank Vincent

The former Sopranos star passed away after complications during open heart surgery at a New Jersey hospital in September. He was 78.

06
Harry Dean Stanton
Getty

Harry Dean Stanton

The Paris, Texas and Twin Peaks star died of natural causes in September. He was 91.

08
Dick Gregory
Getty

Dick Gregory

The civil rights activist and stand-up comedy legend died in August following a severe bacterial infection. He was 84.

09
Joseph Bologna
Getty | Larry Marano

Joseph Bologna

The actor, best known for his role in 1982's My Favorite Year, died after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer in August. He was 82.

10
Sam Shepard
Getty | Larry Busacca

Sam Shepard

The 73-year-old actor and playwright passed away in July from complications with ALS. Sam was best known for his roles in movies like The Right Stuff, The Notebook, and Black Hawk Down.

11
Gregg Allman
Getty

Gregg Allman

The legendary Southern rock pioneer who founded The Allman Brothers Band died of complications due to liver cancer in May. He was 69.

12
Chuck Berry
Getty | Barry Brecheisen

Chuck Berry

The music legend passed away at age 90 in March. The St. Charles County Police Department released a statement, saying, "St. Charles County police responded to a medical emergency on Buckner Road at approximately 12:40 p.m. today (Saturday, March 18). Inside the home, first responders observed an unresponsive man and immediately administered lifesaving techniques. Unfortunately, the 90-year-old man could not be revived and was pronounced deceased at 1:26 p.m." His cause of death is still unknown. Chuck is survived by wife Themetta Suggs and his four children, Ingrid, Aloha, Charles Jr., and Melody.

13
Chris Cornell
Getty

Chris Cornell

The Soundgarden frontman, 52, was found unresponsive with a band around his neck in the bathroom of his hotel room at the MGM Grand in Detroit in May. He was pronounced dead when medics arrived on the scene. The medical examiner's office in Detroit confirmed Chris's death was ruled a suicide by hanging. Chris is survived by his wife, Vicky, and their three kids.

15
Bill Paxton
Getty | Paras Griffin

Bill Paxton

The beloved actor died at age 61 after complications related to surgery in late February. His family released the following statement: "It is with heavy hearts we share the news that Bill Paxton has passed away due to complications from surgery. Bill's passion for the arts was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth and tireless energy were undeniable." Bill is survived by his two children, James and Lydia Paxton, and his wife, Louise Newbury.

16
Roger Moore
Getty

Roger Moore

Sir Roger Moore, the actor best known for playing James Bond in the 1970s and '80s, passed away in May at the age of 89. Roger's children, Deborah, Geoffrey, and Christian, confirmed the heartbreaking news with a statement on Twitter, writing, "It is with a heavy heart that we must announce our loving father, Sir Roger Moore, has passed away today in Switzerland after a short but brave battle with cancer." In addition to his children, he is survived by his fourth wife, Kristina Tholstrup.

17
John Heard
Getty

John Heard

The actor, who was best known for his role as Peter McCallister on Home Alone, died at age 72 in Palo Alto, CA, in July. While his cause of death is still unknown, John had "minor back surgery" at Stanford Medical Center just days before his death. He is survived by his two sons, John Matthew "Jack" and Max, and his daughter, Annika.

18
Erin Moran
Getty

Erin Moran

The Happy Days star died at the age of 56 in April. She was found unresponsive at her Indiana home by authorities, who pronounced her dead at the scene. The local coroner's office later confirmed that Erin "likely succumbed to complications of stage 4 cancer." Erin is survived by her husband, Steve Fleischmann.

19
Chuck Low
Getty | Gary Gershoff

Chuck Low

The actor, who was best known for his role as Morris "Morrie" Kessler in Goodfellas, passed away in his sleep at New Jersey's Allendale Nursing Home in September. He was 89.

20
Robert Hardy
Getty | Ian Gavan

Robert Hardy

The British actor, who was best known for his role as Cornelius Fudge in the Harry Potter series, died at age 91 in early August. His family confirmed the sad news to BBC and said he had a "tremendous life" and "a giant career in theatre, television and film spanning more than 70 years."

22
Don Rickles
Getty

Don Rickles

The legendary comic passed away at the age of 90 in April. Don, who was known for poking fun at everyone (including Hollywood's biggest stars), died from kidney failure at his LA home, and his publicist, Paul Schrifin, confirmed the news. He left behind his wife, Barbara, and their daughter, Mindy. The couple were also parents to son Larry, who passed away at age 41 in December 2011 from complications due to pneumonia.

23
Charlie Murphy
Getty

Charlie Murphy

In April, Chappelle's Show star and older brother of actor and comedian Eddie Murphy, died at age 57 after a long battle with leukemia. Eddie released a statement that same day, saying, "Charlie filled our family with love and laughter and there won't be a day that goes by that his presence will not be missed. Thank you for the outpouring of condolences and prayers. We respectfully ask for privacy during this time of great loss for all of us."

24
Glen Campbell
Getty

Glen Campbell

The country music legend died after his battle with Alzheimer's disease in August. His family confirmed the sad news in statement posted to his website, saying, "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and legendary singer and guitarist, Glen Travis Campbell, at the age of 81." He is survived by his wife, Kim Campbell, and their three children, Cal, Shannon, and Ashley, as well as his children from previous marriages, Debby, Kelli, Travix, Kane, and Dillon.

25
Adam West
Getty

Adam West

The actor, who was best known for his role in the 1960s TV series Batman, died in June after a short battle with leukemia. "Our dad always saw himself as The Bright Knight, and aspired to make a positive impact on his fans' lives. He was and always will be our hero," his family said in a statement. He was 88.

26
Cuba Gooding Sr.
Getty

Cuba Gooding Sr.

The 72-year-old soul singer and father to actor Cuba Gooding Jr. was found dead in a car in April. LAPD officers found him in the Woodland Hills neighborhood of LA, and said they found no indication of foul play. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, and their four children, Cuba, Omar, Tommy, and April.

27
Martin Landau
Getty | Mike Coppola

Martin Landau

The Oscar-winning actor — who is best known for his work in Alfred Hitchcock's North by Northwest, Mission: Impossible, and The Twilight Zone died at UCLA Medical Center on July 15 from "unexpected complications." He was 89.

28
Michael Parks
Getty

Michael Parks

In May, the Twin Peaks actor died at age 77. His agent confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter, though a cause of death was not revealed. Michael was set to appear in the upcoming Christian Bale film Hostiles.

29
Christopher "Big Black" Boykin
Getty

Christopher "Big Black" Boykin

The MTV Rob & Big star passed away at age 45 in May. While Christopher's cause of death has yet to be officially revealed, TMZ reported that Christopher was dealing with heart issues prior to his death. According to his ex-wife, Shannon Turley, Christopher was hospitalized in Plano, TX, for several days while doctors monitored his heart and already had a defibrillator implanted in his chest. Doctors tried to resuscitate him for 30 minutes when his heart gave out and he died. Christopher is survived by his 9-year-old daughter Isis, who he shares with Shannon.

30
June Foray
Getty | Mathew Imaging

June Foray

The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show star passed away at age 99 in July. Her friend, Dave Nimitz, shared the sad news on his Facebook page, writing, "With a heavy heart again I want to let you all know that we lost our little June today. At 99 years old she is resting peacefully now with her beloved sister Geri and Sam, her brother-in-law. I'm going out of my mind with the loss and losing all three of them within the last month-and-a-half, but they're in a better place now. [I] truly cherish my time with June and in the family for the last 14 years. She is now in heaven with her family and my mother."

31
Dina Merrill
Getty

Dina Merrill

The actress, who starred in Butterfield 8 and Operation Petticoat, died at her NYC home in May. Her death was confirmed by her son, Stanley H. Rumbough, who said she had Lewy Body dementia. She was 93.

32
Miguel Ferrer
Getty | David Livingston

Miguel Ferrer

NCIS: Los Angeles actor Miguel Ferrer passed away at the age of 61 on Jan. 19 after a long battle with throat cancer.

33
Frank Pellegrino
Getty | Ethan Miller

Frank Pellegrino

The Sopranos star died at age 72 on Jan. 31 following a battle with lung cancer.

34
Tommy Page
Getty | Robin Marchant

Tommy Page

The former pop singer was found dead in NYC in March. No official cause of death has been revealed, but several friends told Billboard it was an apparent suicide. He was 46.

35
Jimmy Snuka
Getty | Astrid Stawiarz

Jimmy Snuka

The WWE Hall of Famer died on Jan. 15 after battling cancer. He was 73.

36
Butch Trucks
Getty | Charles Eshelman

Butch Trucks

The drummer and founding member of The Allman Brothers Band passed away on Jan. 24. He was 69.

37
Dick Gautier
Getty | Albert L. Ortega

Dick Gautier

The actor, who played Hymie the Robot in Get Smart, died on Jan. 13 from pneumonia. He was 85.

38
Francine York
Getty | Todd Williamson

Francine York

The Doll Squad star passed away on Jan. 3 at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys, CA, after a battle with cancer. She was 80.

39
Richard Hatch
Getty | Scott Gries

Richard Hatch

The Battlestar Galactica actor died in February after a battle with pancreatic cancer, his manger confirmed to Variety. He was 71.

40
Barbara Hale
Getty | Frederick M. Brown / Stringer

Barbara Hale

The Perry Mason actress passed away in February at age 94. Her son, William Katt, confirmed her death on Facebook, writing, "Lost my beautiful wonderful mom Barbara Hale yesterday afternoon. She left peacefully at her home in Sherman Oaks, CA surrounded by close family and dear friends. We've all been so lucky to have her for so long. She was gracious and kind and silly and always fun to be with. A wonderful actress and smart business woman she was most of all a treasure as a friend and mother! We're all a little lost without her but we have extraordinary stories and memories to take with us for the rest of our lives."

41
George Steele
Getty | Albert L. Ortega

George Steele

The former WWE wrestler died at age 79 while in hospice care in February, WWE confirmed in a statement on Twitter. He is survived by wife Pat and their kids, Dennis, Randy, and Felicia.

43
Neil Fingleton
Getty

Neil Fingleton

The Game of Thrones actor died from heart failure at age 36 in February. Neil was best known for his role as Mag the Mighty and was the UK's tallest man at seven feet, seven inches in height.

44
J. Geils
Getty

J. Geils

The guitarist died in his Massachusetts home in April. The 71-year-old musician was found unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene by police. "A preliminary investigation indicates that Geils died of natural causes," authorities told the Associated Press in a statement. His death is still under investigation, but foul play is not suspected.

45
Al Jarreau
Getty

Al Jarreau

The Jazz singer passed away at age 76 in February. His death was announced by his manager, Joe Gordon, who said that Al had been hospitalized for exhaustion two weeks prior. Al's cause of death has not been revealed yet.

46
Robert Michael Morris
Getty

Robert Michael Morris

The Comeback actor died at age 77 in late May. His friend Lisa Kudrow confirmed his death on Twitter, writing, “We lost Robert Michael Morris today. He left us with many wonderful gifts, most importantly, an example of what a truly good soul looks like.”

47
Anita Pallenberg
Getty

Anita Pallenberg

The actress passed away at age 73 in June. While her cause of death has yet to be revealed, her passing was announced on social media by her close friends, including Stella Schnabel and Bebe Buell.

48
Stephen Furst
Getty

Stephen Furst

The actor, who famously played Kent "Flounder" Dorfman in National Lampoon's Animal House, died from complications of diabetes in June. He was 63.

49
Prodigy
Getty

Prodigy

The Mobb deep rapper passed away at age 42 after being hospitalized for complications caused by a sickle cell anemia crisis in June. His rep released a statement to TMZ, saying, "As most of his fans know, Prodigy battled the disease since birth . . . the exact cause of death has not been determined."

50
Michael Nyqvist
Getty | Pascal Le Segretain

Michael Nyqvist

The actor, who starred in the original Swedish The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo movies, died in June after battling lung cancer. "Michael's joy and passion were infectious to those who knew and loved him. His charm and charisma were undeniable, and his love for the arts was felt by all who had the pleasure of working with him," his family said in a statement. He was 56.

51
Jay Thomas
Getty

Jay Thomas

The Murphy Brown actor passed away from cancer in late August. His agent, Don Buchwald, released a statement to the New York Daily News, saying, "Jay was one of a kind, never at a loss for words and filled with so much fun and wonderfully whacky thoughts and behavior." Jay was 69.

52
Richard Anderson
Getty

Richard Anderson

The actor, who was best known for his roles in The Six Million Dollar Man and Bionic Woman, died in his Beverly Hills home in late August. He was 91.

53
Walter Becker
Getty | Chelsea Lauren

Walter Becker

The Steely Dan guitarist passed away at the age of 67 in September. His cause of death has not been disclosed.

54
Elizabeth Kemp
Getty | Philip Ramey Photography, LLC

Elizabeth Kemp

The actress and acting coach died at age 65 in September. Rosa Asor Morelli, an administrator of Kemp's Hooligan Dreamers, announced her death on Facebook, writing, "Elizabeth is family to me and I know that her time here in Italy, and everywhere she's been teaching, has always been a special mixture of powerful work, fun, experimenting, inspiration and unconditional love and support." Her cause of death has not been revealed.

55
Don Williams
Getty

Don Williams

The country music star died in September following an undisclosed illness. He was 78.

56
Blake Heron
Getty

Blake Heron

The actor, who was best known for his role in 1996's Shiloh, died at his home in La Crescenta, CA, in September. While his cause of death has not been revealed, Blake was discovered by a friend, who told authorities he had been sick with the flu. Blake was 35.

57
Troy Gentry
Getty | Frederick Breedon IV

Troy Gentry

The Montgomery Gentry country singer died in a helicopter crash hours before his band was supposed to perform in September. The band confirmed the tragic news in a statement on Twitter, stating, "It is with great sadness that we confirm that Troy Gentry, half of the popular country duo, Montgomery Gentry, was tragically killed in a helicopter crash which took place at approximately 1:00pm today in Medford, New Jersey." Troy was 50.

58
Jake LaMotta
Getty

Jake LaMotta

The former boxing champ passed away in a Miami nursing home in September due to complications from pneumonia. He was 95.

59
Bernie Casey
Getty | Earl Gibson III

Bernie Casey

The former NFL player and actor, who was best known for his roles in Boxcar Bertha, Never Say Never Again, and Revenge of the Nerds, died from a brief illness in LA in September. He was 78.

60
Ralphie May
Getty | Daniel Zuchnik

Ralphie May

After battling pneumonia for six weeks, the comedian died of cardiac arrest in Las Vegas in October. He was 45.

61
Tom Petty
Getty

Tom Petty

The music legend, who first burst onto the music scene in 1976 with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, passed away in October after suffering a full cardiac arrest at his home in Malibu, CA. He was 66.

62
John Dunsworth
Getty | George Pimentel

John Dunsworth

The actor, who was best known for his role in Trailer Park Boys, died "peacefully after a short and unexpected illness" in October, his daughter Sarah Dunsworth confirmed on Twitter. He was 71.

63
Gord Downie
Getty | Mark Horton

Gord Downie

The Tragically Hip frontman died in October after battling glioblastoma, an incurable form of brain cancer. "Gord knew this day was coming — his response was to spend this precious time as he always had — making music, making memories and expressing deep gratitude to his family and friends for a life well lived, often sealing it with a kiss on the lips," his band said in a statement. Gord was 53.

64
Robert Guillaume
Getty | Vincent Sandoval

Robert Guillaume

The actor, who was best known for his role in Benson, died of complications of prostate cancer in October. He was 89.

65
Robert Knight
Getty | Rick Diamond

Robert Knight

The "Everlasting Love" singer died in November after battling a short illness. He was 72.

66
John Hillerman
Everett Collection

John Hillerman

The actor, who was best known for his role in the '80s show Magnum, P.I., died in Houston, TX, in November. He was 84.

67
Lil Peep
Getty | Scott Dudelson

Lil Peep

The rapper, whose real name is Gustav Åhr, died on Nov. 15 after a suspected overdose. He was 21. Sarah Stennett, the chief executive of First Access Entertainment, confirmed his death in a statement writing, "I am shocked and heartbroken. I do not believe Peep wanted to die, this is so tragic. He had huge ambition and his career was flourishing . . . I have spoken to his mother and she asked me to convey that she is very, very proud of him and everything he was able to achieve in his short life."

68
Malcolm Young
Getty | Getty Images

Malcolm Young

The AC/DC guitarist passed away in November at the age of 64. He had been battling dementia for the past three years of his life. "Today it is with deep heartfelt sadness that AC/DC has to announce the passing of Malcolm Young," the Australian rock band wrote in a statement.

69
Azzedine Alaïa
Getty | Foc Kan

Azzedine Alaïa

Fashion designer Azzedine Alaïa passed away following a heart attack in November. He was 77.

70
Ann Wedgeworth
Getty

Ann Wedgeworth

The Three's Company star died in November following a lengthy illness. She was 83. Ann is survived by her husband, Ernest Martin, her two daughters, and her stepson.

71
Mel Tillis
Getty | Michael Stewart

Mel Tillis

The country music singer passed away on Nov. 19, after "battling intestinal issues since 2016." He was 85.

72
Della Reese
Getty | Angela Weiss

Della Reese

In November, the actress and singer, best known for her role on Touched by an Angel, died at her home in California. Her former costar, Roma Downey, confirmed the news in a statement writing, "She was an incredible wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and pastor, as well as an award-winning actress and singer. Through her life and work she touched and inspired the lives of millions of people. She was a mother to me and I had the privilege of working with her side by side for so many years on Touched by an Angel. I know heaven has a brand new angel this day. Della Reese will be forever in our hearts."

73
Julio Oscar Mechoso
Getty | Tibrina Hobson

Julio Oscar Mechoso

The actor, who was best known for his roles in films like Little Miss Sunshine, The Legend of Zorro, and Jurassic Park III, died of a heart attack in November. He was 62.

74
Jim Nabors
Getty | SGranitz

Jim Nabors

The actor, who was best known for his role as Gomer Pyle on The Andy Griffith Show, died at his home in Hawaii in November after being ill for several years. He was 87.

75
Shashi Kapoor
Getty | STRDEL

Shashi Kapoor

The actor, who was best known for his roles in Merchant-Ivory films, died on Dec. 4 after a prolonged illness. He was 79.

76
Heather North
Everett Collection

Heather North

Heather North died on Nov. 30 at her Studio City home after a battle with a long illness, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The 71-year-old actress was the longtime voice of iconic character Daphne Blake on Scooby-Doo and also had roles on Days of Our Lives and The Barefoot Executive.

78
Kim Jong-hyun
Getty | Han Myung-Gu

Kim Jong-hyun

The lead singer of the K-pop group Shinee died by suicide in December. "We are sorry to be the bringer of such tragic, heartbreaking news," his rep said in a statement. "On December 18th, SHINee’s Jonghyun left us very suddenly." He was 27.

79
Heather Menzies-Urich
Everett Collection

Heather Menzies-Urich

The actress who played Louisa von Trapp in The Sound of Music passed away on Dec. 24 from brain cancer, her son confirmed to Variety. She was 68 years old.

80
David Cassidy
Getty | Neilson Barnard

David Cassidy

The beloved Partridge Family actor passed away from organ failure at the age of 67 in November.

81
Jordan Feldstein
Getty | Noel Vasquez

Jordan Feldstein

Maroon 5's longtime manager and Jonah Hill's brother died from a heart attack in December. He was 40.

82
Rose Marie
Getty | Barry King

Rose Marie

The actress, who was best known for her role as Sally Rogers on The Dick Van Dyke show, died at age 94 in December.