All the Stars We've Said Farewell to in 2019

The rapper, born Jarad Anthony Higgins, died on Dec. 8 after suffering a medical emergency at Chicago's Midway International Airport. He was 21.

The prolific Oscar-nominated actor, well-known for starring in Quentin Tarantino's Jackie Brown, died in October at the age of 78.

The celebrated actor and comedian was best known for his role as Willie Jones in the '90s comedy Friday, as well as voicing the characters of Robert "Granddad" Freeman and Blind Man on The Boondocks between 2005 and 2014. Witherspoon died at his home on 29 October at the age of 77.

The pioneering TV actress and Broadway singer died in October at the age of 84 after a long bout with cancer. She was the first African-American female to star in a network TV series, playing a non-stereotypical role in Julia. She continued making history with her roles on Dynasty and in 1974's Claudine, for which she received an Oscar nomination for best actress.

The veteran Hollywood actor, son of screen legend Henry Fonda and brother of actress Jane Fonda, died in August at the age of 79. A rep for the Easy Rider and counterculture icon confirmed that his cause of death was "respiratory failure due to lung cancer," adding, "In one of the saddest moments of our lives, we are not able to find the appropriate words to express the pain in our hearts. As we grieve, we ask that you respect our privacy."

The puppeteer, known for playing Sesame Street's Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, died at age 85 on Dec. 8. "Caroll Spinney gave something truly special to the world," production company Sesame Workshop said in a statement. "With deepest admiration, Sesame Workshop is proud to carry his memory — and his beloved characters — into the future."

The Thunderball star died at age 78 on Dec. 19.

The famed songwriter, who cowrote Earth, Wind, and Fire's "September" and the Friends theme song, died of cardiac arrest at a Los Angeles hospital in December. She was 72.

The actress, known for her role as the titular character in Stanley Kubrick's 1962 adaptation of Lolita, died at age 73 in December. The New York Times reports that she passed from declining health.

The iconic fashion designer, who is best known for his work at Chanel and Fendi, died in February at age 85.

The French New Wave actress died from cancer in December. She was 70 years old. "Her gaze was the gaze of the New Wave. It will remain so forever," France's culture minister Franck Reister wrote in a tweet.

Grammy nominee Nipsey Hussle died on March 31 in Los Angeles, at the age of 33. The rapper was shot outside a clothing store, according to the LA Times.

The former star of The Mary Tyler Moore Show and its spinoff, Rhoda, died in August at the age of 80 after a long battle with cancer.

The Broadway star and Saturday Night Live actress died from a massive asthma attack in November. She was 13. "Laurel — you were always smiling and always made other people laugh," Laurel's friend Eliza Holland Madore wrote on Instagram. "I'm so incredibly grateful I got to know you. You will never be forgotten, and we will never stop loving you."

The actress and mother of Rashida and Kidada Jones died in May after suffering from colon cancer. She was 72. "We are heartbroken that our beloved mother passed away from cancer today," her daughters said in a statement. "She made her journey peacefully with her daughters and nieces by her side. We feel so lucky for every moment we spent with her. We can't put all of our feelings into words right now but we will say: Peggy was, and will always be our beacon of light, both in this world and beyond. She will always be a part of us."

The novelist, who won the Pulitzer Prize for her 1987 novel Beloved, died on Aug. 5 at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, her publisher confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. She was 88 years old.

The 20-year-old actor died in July after having a seizure in his sleep. He was best known for his Disney roles as Luke Ross in the series Jessie and Carlos in the Descendants movies. "The world is now undoubtedly without one of its brightest lights, but his spirit will live on through the kindness and compassion of all who knew and loved him," a spokesperson for his family said in a statement. "We are utterly heartbroken and ask for privacy during this immensely difficult time as we grieve the loss of our precious son and brother."

The singer-songwriter sadly lost her battle with cancer on Jan. 1. "With great sadness, we confirm that on January 1st, after a yearlong battle with cancer, Pegi Young — mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, musician, activist and cofounder of the Bridge School — passed away surrounded by her friends and family in her native California," a statement on her Instagram read. "We request that the families' privacy be respected at this time." The Bridge School cofounder and ex-wife of Neil Young was 66 when she died.

On Nov. 24, the K-pop star and former member of girl group Kara was found dead at her Seoul home. The cause of her death remains unknown. She was 28.

Lee — the younger sister of former First Lady Jackie Kennedy — died at age 85 in her home on Feb. 15. The cause of death isn't yet known. Although she was Jackie's sister, Lee made a name for herself in the world of interior design and the fashion industry over the past few decades.

The Friends actor — also known for Norma Rae and Slaughterhouse-Five — died of pneumonia on Dec. 6. He was 82.

Daryl, who was known as one half of the '70s music duo Captain & Tennille, died of kidney failure on Jan. 2. He was 76. His musical counterpart and ex-wife, Toni Tennille, was by his side at the time of his passing. "He was a brilliant musician with many friends who loved him greatly," Toni said in a statement. "I was at my most creative in my life when I was with him."

The famed Puerto Rican astrologer and TV personality died at age 87 in November. The Associated Press reported that the cause of death was kidney failure.

The costume designer and Project Runway alum died in September at the age of 56. According to his family, he suffered a heart attack. He was a fan favorite on the fashion competition show and went on to dress celebrities like Beyoncé and Meryl Streep.

On Jan. 2, the Emmy-winning Curb Your Enthusiasm actor died of cancer at age 76. "R.I.P. My dear brother Bob Einstein," Bob's younger brother Albert Brooks tweeted. "A great brother, father and husband. A brilliantly funny man. You will be missed forever."

The WWE Hall of Fame announcer (also known as "Mean" Gene) died at the age of 76 on Jan. 2. His cause of death has yet to be revealed. Famous wrestlers including Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, and Dustin Rhodes all paid their respects to Gene on Twitter.

Carol Channing, star of Broadway's Hello, Dolly!, passed away at age 97 in January. Between her raspy voice and infectious smile, Carol was destined to be an icon long before her Tony Award-winning role as Dolly Levi in the Broadway musical. Tributes poured in from Broadway stars after news of her death was announced, including Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, Sandra Bernhard, and Josh Gad, among others.

Actor Rip Torn died in July at age 88, with his family by his side. He's best known for his role as Artie on The Larry Sanders Show, for which he won an Emmy for best supporting actor in 1996. He is also remembered for his participation in Men in Black and Dodgeball.

The actor, who was known for his roles on Beverly Hills, 90210 and Riverdale, died in March after suffering a massive stroke. He was 52.

The 32-year-old comedian died while vacationing in Mexico in January. "Dear Last Podcast family, It's with a heavy heart we inform you of the passing of Kevin Barnett," the Last Podcast Network tweeted. "The joy he brought to our lives is the greatest gift we have ever received. Remind your friends you love them because you never know when you'll see them again. We love you KB." According to E! News, Kevin's cause of death was a "non traumatic hemorrhage, cause by pancreatitis."

The Top Chef star died in late January after a battle with cancer. Aliza Raza shared the sad news on Instagram, writing, "Known for her win on Top Chef, but even more for her dynamic personality and hilarious wit, the young chef inspired thousands across borders. Please recite a special prayer for her and her loved ones. May she rest in power💔." Fatima was 29.

The Grammy-winning R&B singer died at the age of 66 in January. His longtime friend, Debbie Allen, shared the news on Twitter. "I have lost my dearest friend and creative partner James Ingram to the Celestial Choir," she tweeted. "He will always be cherished, loved and remembered for his genius, his love of family and his humanity. I am blessed to have been so close. We will forever speak his name."

The Young and the Restless actor was found dead on Feb. 3 at his home in the San Fernando Valley. He was 52.

The five-time Oscar nominee, known for his roles in 1970's Scrooge and 1982's Annie, passed away at the age of 82 in February. On Feb. 8, Albert's family released a statement saying he died "peacefully after a short illness with those closest to him by his side."

The legendary actress passed away in her California home in May. "Day had been in excellent physical health for her age, until recently contracting a serious case of pneumonia, resulting in her death," The Doris Day Animal Foundation confirmed to AP. "She was surrounded by a few close friends as she passed." Doris was 97.

Actor Bruno Ganz died on Feb. 15 at age 77. According to his representatives, his cause of death was colon cancer. Bruno starred in a number of films over the past few decades, but he's especially known for his roles in 1987's Wings of Desire and 2004's Downfall.

On July 27, Disney revealed voice actress Russi Taylor died at the age of 75. She is best known for voicing Minnie Mouse, as well as Strawberry Shortcake, Pebbles Flinstone, and Martin Prince.

In February, The Monkees keyboardist and bass guitarist — who gained popularity with the rock band in the mid-1960s — died at the age of 77. A message posted to his Facebook page confirmed the news, saying, "Our friend, mentor, teacher, and amazing soul, Peter Tork, has passed from this world . . . This page will remain open for your use in sharing your thoughts with your fellow fans and hopefully helping you through your own grieving journey."

The comedian — who is best remembered for his roles in The Hangover — died by suicide at his LA home in February. He was 48.

Actress Katherine Helmond died near the beginning of March at the age of 89. She was known for her role as Mona Robinson in ABC's sitcom Who's the Boss? and Jessica Tate in Soap.

The former star of the 1970s show Sanford and Son died of a heart attack on Feb. 27. He was 80 years old.

The lead singer of the British electronic group the Prodigy was found dead at his home in Essex, England, on March 4. He was 49 years old. The cause of death is not yet known, but police are not treating the death as suspicious.

The Days of Our Lives actor died in March at age 84.

The actress, best known for her role as Georgette Baxter on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, died on April 12 at the age of 70. Her cause of death is unknown.

Actor Peter Mayhew, best known for his role as Chewbacca in the Star Wars films, died on May 3 at the age of 74. He underwent spinal surgery in July 2018 and died in his North Texas home with friends and family by his side.

On May 11, the former Power Rangers actor was found dead at a home in New Zealand. He was 38 years old, and the cause of his death has not yet been revealed. He is survived by wife Lizz Sadler, a 7-year-old daughter from his previous marriage, and his brother Robbie.

The acclaimed writer and director suffered a stroke in April and passed away a week and a half later. "It is with heavy hearts we announce that our beloved son, father, and friend, John Daniel Singleton will be taken off life support today," his family said in a statement. "This was an agonizing decision, one that our family made, over a number of days, with the careful counsel of John's doctors." He was 51.

The actor, who was best remembered for his role in The Carol Burnett Show, died at age 85 in May. His rep told Us Weekly that he passed away "following a long illness at a health care facility in Los Angeles."

The actor, who was widely known for his role as Carmine Rosato in The Godfather: Part II, died at age 85 in May. His representatives confirmed to Variety that he had been in a coma at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles shortly before his passing.

The famous New Orleans chef and civil rights activist died on June 1 at the age of 96. In honor of her legacy, Leah's family released a statement, saying, "Her daily joy was not simply cooking, but preparing meals to bring people together. One of her most prized contributions was advocating for the Civil Rights Movement through feeding those on the front lines of the struggle for human dignity."

The artist, style icon, socialite, and mother to journalist Anderson Cooper died on June 17 at the age of 95.

"Gloria Vanderbilt was an extraordinary woman, who loved life, and lived it on her own terms," Cooper said in a statement. "She was a painter, a writer and designer but also a remarkable mother, wife, and friend . . . She was 95 years old, but ask anyone close to her, and they'd tell you: She was the youngest person they knew — the coolest and most modern."

The TV personality and wife of Duane "Dog" Chapman died after her long battle with cancer in late June. "It's 5:32 in Hawaii, this is the time she would wake up to go hike Koko Head mountain. Only today, she hiked the stairway to heaven. We all love you, Beth. See you on the other side," Duane confirmed on Twitter. Beth was 51.

The actor, who was best known for his role in The Untouchables, died from stroke complications in June. He was 73.

In June, the actress died in LA at the age of 52. Her cause of death has yet to be revealed. She was best known for playing Kell Perim in 1998's Star Trek and Nina Feeney on the early-2000s show Everwood.

In July, the YouTube star died in London after the electric scooter she was riding reportedly collided with a truck. She was 35.

The boxer died in July after getting hit by a car in Virginia Beach, VA. He was 55.

The Blade Runner actor died at his home in the Netherlands of an undisclosed illness in July. He was 75.

The Broadway director and producer died in late July in Reykjavik, Iceland. He was 91.

The actress, best known for her role in box-office hits like The Poseidon Adventure (1972) and The Last Sunset (1961), died at her home in California after a heart attack. She was 77.

The actor, who famously voiced Lord Zedd and Finster in the late-1990s children's show Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, died at the age of 70 in September. "His beautiful and kindred soul will never be forgotten and we take comfort in knowing his memory will live on in all those he inspired, met and knew," his agent said in a statement.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air alum died in September after a long struggle with multiple myeloma. He was 72. "John Wesley was a gift to the world, for his kindness and grace are immortalized in his works of theatre, TV, and film," his manager Gerry Pass told CNN on Sept. 9. "I am heartbroken to have lost a dear friend today."

The singer-songwriter died at age 58 in September. "The Johnston family is deeply saddened to announce the death of their brother, Daniel Johnston," his family said in a statement to Rolling Stone. "He passed away from natural causes this morning at his home outside of Houston, Texas."

A month after revealing his stage-four esophageal cancer diagnosis, the "Two Tickets to Paradise" singer died in September. He was 70 years old. "It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our loving husband and father," his family wrote in a statement. "We cannot imagine our world without him. We are grateful that he will live on forever through his music."

The Cars frontman was found dead in his NYC home on Sept. 15. He was 75 years old.

The actor, known for his role as Nog on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, died at age 50 in September. Aron's wife, Malíssa Longo, shared the news on Facebook, writing, "There will never be another light like Aron's. The beauty that he was and the legacy he leaves behind is beyond words. I love him dearly and will miss him eternally."

The Grateful Dead lyricist died at his home in San Rafael, CA, in September. He was 78.

The actor — who was best known as Tommy from The Karate Kid — died in September in West Virginia after battling kidney and liver issues. He was 59.

The iconic horror film actor, who starred in 2003's House of 1000 Corpses and 2005's The Devil's Rejects, died at age 80 in September after being in an unspecified accident two weeks earlier.

The music producer — whose real name was Michael James Ryan — died at age 43 in late September. According to Variety, Busbee was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer, over the Summer and was undergoing treatment.

The legendary drummer, who was a member of the '60s British rock band Cream, died at age 80 on Oct. 6. "We are very sad to say that Ginger has passed away peacefully in hospital this morning," a statement shared on his Twitter read. "Thank you to everyone for your kind words over the past weeks."

The K-pop singer was found dead in her home in Sujeong-gu, Seongnam, near Seoul, South Korea, on Oct. 14, police confirmed to CNN. She was 25.

Rudy died at age 91 after battling Alzheimer's disease, People confirmed in November. In 2000, he came in third place during Survivor's debut season. He remains the oldest contestant to ever compete on the show. "While your time here has passed, you will remain loved and iconic, dear friend!" Survivor alum Richard Hatch tweeted.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Gilmore Girls and Marvelous Mrs. Maisel actor died in November due to complications from a recent illness. He was 60 years old. "Thank you Brian Tarantina for sharing in all of the laughs. Sending love to his family and friends in this difficult time," the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel account wrote on Twitter.

The actor and model died on Nov. 27 after suffering a heart attack on the set of Chinese series Chase Me. He was 35. "We are very shocked and saddened and even until now find it impossible to accept," Godfrey's agency, JetStar Entertainment, said in a statement. "Please respect Godfrey's family in this time of sorrow and refrain from disturbing them. We will accompany Godfrey's family to handle discreet funeral arrangements."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Shelley, best-known for her role as El Salvadoran maid Rosario Salazar on Will & Grace, died on Dec. 1 from heart failure after a brief illness. She was 83 years old. The actress also starred opposite Sally Field in three seasons of ABC's The Flying Nun, as well as nabbing roles in Troop Beverly Hills, Fools Rush In, and Shark Tale.

In December, the Roxette lead singer died at age 61 after a 17-year-long battle with cancer.

Actor Chuy Bravo died at the age of 63 on Dec. 14, according to Entertainment Tonight. He was best known for his role on Chelsea Handler's show Chelsea Lately.

The legendary radio personality died at age 79 in December. He is survived by his wife, Deirdre, sons Wyatt and Lt. Zachary Don Cates, and daughters Nadine, Ashley, Elizabeth, and Toni. "Don loved and adored Deirdre, who unconditionally loved him back, loved spending his time watching Wyatt become a highly skilled, champion rodeo rider and calf roper, and loved and supported Zachary, who first met the Imus family at age 10 when he participated in the Imus Ranch program for kids with cancer, having battled and overcome leukemia, eventually becoming a member of the Imus family and Don and Deirdre's second son," his family told The Hollywood Reporter in a statement.