Gone, But Not Forgotten: Celebrities Who Died in 2019

Pegi Young

Pegi, the ex-wife of Neil Young, passed away on January 1 at 66 years old. The musician was battling cancer for about a year. “With great sadness, we confirm that on January 1, after a year-long battle with cancer, Pegi Young — mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, musician, activist, and co-founder of the Bridge School — passed away surrounded by her friends and family in her native California,” read a message from Pegi’s Facebook page.

Gene Okerlund

The WWE Hall of Famer died at the age of 76 on January 2. He was known by fans as “Mean Gene” and interviewed many wrestlers such as Hulk Hogan, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, and more. Gene hosted several shows including All-American Wrestling, Tuesday Night Titans, Wrestling Challenge, and Prime Time Wrestling.

Bob Einstein

The Curb Your Enthusiasm actor passed away on January 2 at 76 years old. The two-time Emmy winning writer had been recently diagnosed with cancer. Bob’s younger brother, actor-director, Albert Brooks, tweeted, “R.I.P my dear brother Bob Einstein. A great brother, father, and husband. A brilliantly funny man. You will be missed forever.”

Daryl Dragon

Daryl, one half of the popular ’70s duo The Captain and Tennille, passed away on January 2 at 76 years old. According to his publicist, Harlan Boll, he died from renal failure. Daryl and Toni’s most popular songs were “Do That to Me One More Time” and “Love Will Keep Us Together.” The pair were married for 39 years, but unfortunately they couldn’t make it work. However, Toni was by his side until the end, Harlan confirmed. “He was a brilliant musician with many friends who loved his great,” she said in a statement. “I was at my most creative in my life when I was with him.”

Louisa Moritz

The M*A*S*H actress died of natural causes in her Los Angeles home on January 4 at age 72. She also appeared in Match Game, The Incredible Hulk and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

Shirley Boone

The actress passed away on January 11 at the age of 84 after suffering from congestive heart failure. “My sweet wife of 65 years is in the arms of the Lord now,” her husband, Pat, said of the news at the time.

Jo Andres

Steve Buscemi’s longtime wife, Jo Andres, died at age 65, Radar Online reported on January 11. A cause of death had not been released when news of her passing broke. The couple shared one son, Lucian, 29.

Carol Channing

Actress, singer, and Broadway legend Carol Channing passed away on January 15 at the age of 97 at her home in California. Possibly her most famous role was that of Dolly Gallagher Levi, a matchmaker, in the musical Hello, Dolly! Her publicist, B. Harlan Boll, said in a statement, “It is so very hard to see the final curtain lower on a woman who has been a daily part of my life for more than a third of it.”

Mike Maroney

Retired gymnast McKayla Maroney revealed on Twitter on Tuesday, January 15, that her father, Mike, 59, had passed away. “Love u dad. I can’t believe it’s real. I don’t want to. I’ll miss you forever. Rest in peace. You were the most incredible dad,” she wrote. His cause of death is not yet known at this time.

John Coughlin

The American figure skater (right) died on January 19. His sister, Angela Laune, wrote on Facebook: “My wonderful strong, amazingly compassionate brother John Coughlin took his own life earlier today. I have no words. I love you John…”

Chris Brown

The beloved pro surfer’s body washed ashore on a Santa Barbara beach on Sunday, January 20. The Santa Barbara Independent was the first to report the news, stating that his official cause of death remains unclear. He was 48 years old.

Steven ‘Bean’ Levy

Steven “Bean” Levy, who was most known for his roles on Ray Donovan and Shameless, passed away on January 21 in his Los Angeles home after battling nose cancer, legacy.com reports. He was 58 years old.

Kevin Barnett

On January 22, comedian Kevin Barnett passed away at just 32 years old. At this time, his cause of death is still unknown. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and client Kevin Barnett,” the talent agency tweeted.“He was an incredible talent and a wonderful person. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. We will miss him.”

Angelo Bertolotti

Brittany’s Murphy’s father sadly passed away on January 22, nine years following the actress’ tragic and untimely death. He was 92 years old.

Kaye Ballard

On January 23, The Mothers-in-Law actress died at the age of 93. Her career in Hollywood spanned over four decades.

Fatima Ali

The Top Chef alum tragically passed away on January 25 at the age of 29. “Fatima Ali (Chef Fati!) and her brave battle with cancer ended today,” Alizah Raza wrote on Instagram. “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.”

The Bravo network also released a touching statement: “We are deeply saddened to share the news that Fatima Ali has lost her courageous battle with cancer.  Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time. People not only fell in love with her cooking, but fell in love with her personality and heart. We hope that the beautiful memories shared with her will provide comfort to everyone who knew and loved her.”

James Ingram

The Grammy-winning singer died at age 66 on January 29, reportedly of brain cancer. His friend, Debbie Allen, confirmed the news on social media. “I have lost my dearest friend and creative partner James Ingram to the Celestial Choir,” she wrote. “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.”

Dick Miller

The Gremlins actor died on January 30 at age 90. He worked as an actor for more than 60 years and also served in the United States Navy.

Kristoff St. John

On February 3, LAPD confirmed the death of The Young and the Restless star to In Touch. “Kristoff St. John passed away yesterday at 2:05 p.m. It’s a coroner’s case so we’re not investigating. He was found in the 2300 block of Morea Way. That’s all the information I have at the moment.”

On February 4, his fiancée, Kseniya Mikhaleva, wrote on Instagram.: “How did it happen ??? How ??? Why did you leave so early ???? and left me alone ….. I can’t believe  you were everything to me …. you were a loving father, a loving man,…..how .” He was 52 years old.

Wesley “Ted” Perry

Faith Hill’s dad, Wesley “Ted” Perry, died on February 5 at the Williamson Medical Center in Franklin, Tennessee. He was 88 years old. The blonde beauty’s husband, Tim McGraw, wrote a beautiful tribute on Facebook. “He was the sweetest, kindest most gentle man I’ve ever known,” he said. “No man in my life has ever made such an impact on me as to how to be a human, a father and a friend. I’ll never, in 10 lifetimes, be able to live up to his example, but man, he has set a mark that all of us should strive for.”

Albert Finney

The Oscar nominee died at the age of 82 on February 7. “Albert Finney, aged 82, passed away peacefully after a short illness with those closest to him by his side,” his family said in a statement to Us Weekly. “The family request privacy at this sad time.”

Lee Radziwill

On February 15, the style icon passed away at the age of 85. She was best known as the mother of The Real Housewives of New York City star Carole Radziwill and the younger sister of Jackie Kennedy.

Karl Lagerfeld

The world-renowned fashion designer passed away on February 19 in Paris. He was 85 years old.

Kjell Rasten

According to reports obtained by Radar Online, Charo’s husband of over 40 years shot and killed himself on February 19.

Sean Milliken

The My 600-lb Life star passed away at the young age of 29 on February 17 due to complications from an infection. His father, Matt Milliken, confirmed the news on Facebook.

Peter Tork

The Monkees’ keyboardist and bassist passed away on February 21 at the age of 77, according to his official Facebook page. He death remains unknown, but some believe it had to do with a rare tongue cancer called adenoid cystic carcinoma, which he was diagnosed with in 2009.

Precious Harris

On February 22, it was revealed that rapper T.I.’s sister Precious Harris passed away after succumbing to injuries sustained in an earlier car accident. “From my bestfriend on Earth to my beautiful angel in heaven 👼🏾❤️🦋,” wrote her daughter Kamaya. “Mama girl you know ima miss you💔… I love you so much. I’m so heartbroken but the way you looked so @ peace this past week has confirmed that you are resting … no more asthma attacks … damn but baby I am going to miss you 😓.” For his part, Tip wrote, “We Love You Dearly Baby Girl.” She was 66 years old.

Nathaniel Taylor

The Sanford and Son star died of a heart attack at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles on February 27. He was 80 years old.

Janice Freeman

The former Voice contestant died from an apparent blood clot on March 2. At the time, Miley Cyrus reflected on the reality star in an emotional post, writing, “Thank you @janicefreeman.. for everything. This represents you perfectly.” She was 33. 

Jan-Michael Vincent

The Airwolf alum passed away at the age of 74 on February 10 after suffering cardiac arrest. The news wasn’t reported, however, until March 2019.

Luke Perry

The beloved actor died on March 4 after suffering a stroke, his rep confirmed to Life & Style. “Actor Luke Perry, 52, passed away today after suffering a massive stroke,” Arnold Robinson said in a statement. “He was surrounded by his children, Jack and Sophie, fiancée Wendy Madison Bauer, ex-wife Minnie Sharp, mother Ann Bennett, stepfather Steve Bennett, brother Tom Perry, sister Amy Coder and other close family and friends. The family appreciates the outpouring of support and prayers that have been extended to Luke from around the world and respectfully request privacy in this time of great mourning. No further details will be released at this time.”

Keith Flint

The Prodigy frontman died by suicide at age 49, according to a statement from the band on March 4. “The news is true, I can’t believe I’m saying this but our brother Keith took his own life over the weekend,” bandmate Liam Howlett wrote on Instagram. “I’m shell shocked, f–kin angry, confused and heartbroken … r.i.p brother.”

King Kong Bundy

The pro wrestler, whose real name is Christopher Alan Pallies, died on March 4 at the age of 61. He was known by WWE fans as the “walking condominium” due to his 6-foot-4 stature and weight of 458 pounds.

Lotte van der Zee

The former Miss Teenager Universe died on March 6, two weeks after having a heart attack on her birthday. Her parents confirmed the 20-year-old’s passing in a heartbreaking message posted to Instagram: “Our pearl, our everything passed away on Wednesday evening March 6th at 22:47. It is incredibly surreal that our dearly beloved Lotte is not around us anymore. Our hearts are truly broken 💔We would like to thank you all again for all the support and heartwarming messages.”

Jed Allan

The soap star, best known for his roles on Santa Barbara, General Hospital and Days of Our Lives, died on March 9 at the age of 84. “So sorry to post the very sad news of my father’s passing tonight,” his son Rick Brown wrote on Facebook. “He died peacefully and was surrounded by his family and loved so much by us and so many others.”

Jim Raman

The Amazing Race alum — who competed on season 25 of the CBS reality series alongside wife Misti Raman — died on March 11 at age 42. He was found dead at his South Carolina home, but his cause of death has not been made public.

Félicité Tomlinson

Louis Tomlinson’s sister died at age 18 on March 13. The fashion designer reportedly suffered a heart attack in her London apartment.

Mike Thalassitis

The Love Island star was found dead at his home in Essex, England. He died at the age of 26 on March 15.

Tom Hatten

The former Popeye Show host died on March 16, according to Los Angeles’ KTLA, where Hatten served as a host from 1952 into the ’00s. He was 92 years old.

Dick Dale

The musician, who’s best known for songs including “Ghost Riders in the Sky” and “Jungle Fever,” died on Sunday, March 17, at the age of 81. His bassist Sam Bolle confirmed the news.

Justin Carter

The country singer, 35, died on March 17 after a gun that was being used as a prop on the set of his music video accidentally fired.

Agnes Varda

The French movie director’s family confirmed her passing in a statement: “The filmmaker and artist Agnés Varda died from cancer at her home in the night of March 29, 2019, surrounded by her family and friends.” She was 90 years old.

Nipsey Hussle

Rapper Nipsey Hussle was shot and killed outside of his clothing store in L.A. on Sunday, March 31.

Tania Mallet

The British model, actress and cousin of Helen Mirren died on March 30. The official James Bond Twitter account announced the news on March 31, writing, “We are very sorry to hear that Tania Mallet who played Tilly Masterson in Goldfinger has passed away. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.” She was 77.

Ian Cognito

The British comedian, 60, died onstage during a standup performance on April 11. BBC News reported that he went silent for several minutes while audience members believed the incident to be part of his act. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Soni Methu

The former host of CNN’s Inside Africa died suddenly on April 11 at the age of 34 after she collapsed in Kenya.

Georgia Engel

The five-time Emmy nominee, 70, best known for her roles on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Everybody Loves Raymond, died on April 12. According to The New York Times, her cause of death was undetermined because, as a Christian Scientist, she did not consult doctors.

Harry Abdul

Paula Abdul‘s father, 85, passed away at his home outside Los Angeles after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. A friend told Radar Online on April 17, “First, Paula’s mom dies and now her dad is gone. It’s like an emotional one-two punch.” Paula, 56, later confirmed the news in a tweet.

John Singleton

John Singleton sadly passed away at age 51 on April 29. The Boyz N the Hood director suffered a stroke days earlier, and his family made the tough decision to take him off life support. “In his private life, John was a loving and supportive father, son, brother, and friend who believed in higher education, black culture, old school music and the power of film,” said the family’s statement.

Peter Mayhew

Peter Mayhew, the man behind Chewbacca in the original Star Wars trilogy, Revenge of the Sith and The Force Awakens, passed away on April 30 at age 74. Though he wasn’t able to reprise his role in The Last Jedi, he did consult with the film so that he could guide his successor through the film. The actor is survived by his wife, Angie, and their three children. The family shared the news on the actor’s Twitter, writing that they were by his side as he passed. They also announced that there will be a memorial held for fans at EmpireConLA in December 2019.

Daniel Wright

The Biggest Loser alum Daniel Wright died on Sunday, May 26, at just 30 years old after battling leukemia. “I am so heartbroken to hear about Daniel Wright this morning. He has fought SO HARD during his battle with cancer and more,” Courtney Crozier Respess of season 11 wrote on Facebook on May 26. “This man is one of the kindest people I have ever met and is a true difference maker in this world! His faith has never faded, even in the darkest of times. I am honored to have known him!!!”

Beth Chapman

The Dog the Bounty Hunter star passed away on Wednesday, June 26, after losing her battle with cancer. “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,” her husband, Duane “Dog” Chapman, tweeted.

Emily Hartridge

The YouTube star died on Friday, July 12, in an electric scooter collision in London. The next day, an official announcement was made via her Instagram page. “Hi everyone. This is a horrible thing to have to say over Instagram, but we know many of you were expecting to see Emily today, and this is the only way to contact you all at once,” the post read. “Emily was involved in an accident yesterday and passed away. We all loved her to bits, she will never be forgotten. She has touched so many lives, it’s hard to imagine things without her. She was a very special person. Xxx.”

Joshua Lee Rosbach

Captain Lee Rosbach’s son, Joshua, passed away on Monday, July 22, according to an Instagram post shared by the Below Deck star. “This past Saturday, my beloved wife Mary Anne and I laid our youngest son, Joshua Lee Rosbach to rest,” he captioned the photo of his son. “After a twenty year struggle, he finally succumbed to the demons he fought so long and so hard. Addiction is an insidious disease that knows no social status or geographic boundaries.”

Kathryn Dennis’ Mom, Allison Calhoun Dennis

The Southern Charm star lost her mom on Wednesday, August 7, when Allison was only 59 years old. “Their family requests privacy while they mourn with the sad loss,” a source close to reality personality told People. “They’re very private people, and they want their time to cope.”

Haley Smith

Season 11 contestant of American Idol Haley Smith tragically died on Saturday, August 31, due to a motorcycle accident, Life & Style can confirm. She was pronounced dead on the scene of the crash, Us Weekly reported. A spokesperson for the Millinocket Police Department told the outlet that Smith was riding her motorcycle in Medway Road in Millinocket, Maine, around 2 a.m. when she failed to make a sharp turn.

Kylie Rae Harris

Country singer Kylie Rae Harris passed away on Wednesday, September 4, after being involved in a car crash with two other vehicles. “We are heartbroken to confirm that Kylie Rae Harris passed away in a car accident last night,” the musician’s publicist told Billboard. “We have no further details to share, and ask for privacy for her family at this time. Everyone that knew Kylie knew how much she loved her family and, beyond that, how much she loved music. The best tribute to her unmatched enthusiasm for both is to spread as much love as you can today, and listen to music that fully inspires you.”

Eddie Money

“Two Tickets to Paradise” singer, Eddie Money, passed away on Friday, September 13, at the age of 70. The singer revealed that he had stage 4 esophageal cancer back in August. He is survived by his wife and five children.

Suzanne Whang

The House Hunters star died on September 17 after a long battle with cancer. She was 56. “For thirteen years she confronted cancer with courage, humor, determination and optimism,” her partner, Jeff Vezain, shared on Facebook. “She was immensely encouraged by the love of her family, friends and those she had yet to meet. Your kind, loving messages always lifted her spirits. I know she would prefer that her life be celebrated, as opposed to her passing mourned, but I also know how vehemently she disagreed with anyone being told, ‘Don’t cry.’ So … cry if you will. I’ve been crying a LOT!”

Carl Ruiz

Guy Fieri revealed his friend and fellow Food Network star, Carl Ruiz, passed away at age 44. “I’m heartbroken that my friend chef Carl Ruiz is gone. I have no words to describe what a great friend he was to me and my family. His ability to make me laugh and smile under any circumstances was only outshined by his talent as a chef,” the 51-year-old wrote on Twitter on Sunday, September 22. He added, “Over the years, I’ve met a lot of great people but a friend like Carl is one in a hundred million. Carl ‘The Cuban’ Ruiz will forever live on in my heart and in those of all who loved him.”

Adelaide Cervantes

Hamilton star Miguel Cervantes’ 3-year-old daughter, Adelaide, died on Sunday, October 12, from a severe form of epilepsy. Miguel’s wife, Kelly Cervantes, took to Instagram a day later to reveal the sad news. “The machines are off. Her bed is empty. The quiet is deafening,” she wrote at the time. “Miss Adelaide Grace left us early Saturday morning. She went peacefully in my arms and surrounded by love. Finally, she is free from pain, reactions and seizures but leaves our hearts shattered. We love you so much, Adelaideybug and forever after.”

Caroll Spinney

The legendary actor who played both Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch on the beloved show Sesame Street died on December 8, due to a longterm battle with Dystonia. “Caroll’s decades-long commitment to bettering the lives of children all around the world is his true legacy. That he could do this work so brilliantly, responsibly, and with such infectious love and joy, is his gift to us all,” the family of creator Jim Henson wrote in a statement on Facebook.

Chuy Bravo

According to reports, the longtime Chelsea Handler sidekick and friend passed away on December 15, after being hospitalized in Mexico City. Currently, his exact cause of death has not been confirmed.

Don Imus

He’s no longer with us. Don Imus — who was widely recognized for being a controversial and outspoken radio personality — passed away at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center in Texas on December 27. He was 79.

The broadcaster’s family confirmed the sad news. Since then, several of his fans have shared their condolences.

Billy and Joe Smith

Former My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding stars Billy Smith and Joe Smith died on Saturday, December 28, In Touch confirmed. The twin brothers’ bodies were found in their hometown of Sevenoaks, England and they passed away together after an apparent joint suicide at 32 years old.

“Kent Police was called at 11: 34 a.m. on Saturday 28, December 2019, after the bodies of two men in their thirties were discovered in Dibden Lane, Sevenoaks,” Kent Police Press Officer Sally Smith confirmed to In Touch in a statement. “The incident is not being treated as suspicious and officers are compiling a report for the coroner.”