Celebrities Who Died in 2022: Stars Who Passed Away This Year

Gone too soon. With 2022 in full swing, the world is ailing from the loss of some major Hollywood icons. Celebrity deaths are truly devastating and their contributions to the world of entertainment will never be forgotten.

For some, 2022 started off as a year of new beginnings. Though the world is still ailing from the coronavirus pandemic, celebrities and entertainment have provided us all with an outlet or an escape from reality. However, a huge void has been left by the talented stars who passed away this year.

Full House fans were gutted when Bob Saget, who portrayed Danny Tanner on the ABC sitcom, was found dead in his Florida hotel room on January 9. Tributes poured in from his costars, friends and family members who fell in love with the comedian’s vibrant personality. His second wife, Kelly Rizzo, and his three daughters, Aubrey, Lara and Jennifer, shared a statement after the Grammy winner’s death.

“We are devastated to confirm that our beloved Bob passed away today. He was everything to us and we want you to know how much he loved his fans, performing live and bringing people from all walks of life together with laughter,” the Saget family told Page Six. “Though we ask for privacy at this time, we invite you to join us in remembering the love and laughter that Bob brought to the world.”

After the unexpected death of Betty White on the last day of 2021, losing another acting legend soon after is a hard pill to swallow. Saget and White shared a memorable interaction that stuck with the Fuller House star throughout his career, up until his unexpected death.

“We were on an ABC jet once for a junket and I was sitting across from her, both of us sipping Bloody Mary’s. We had been laughing for hours — I looked into her eyes and faux romantically said, ‘How ‘bout it, Betty, you and me in the bathroom? Mile High Club?’” the late actor shared in an Instagram tribute to White on December 31, 2021. “She answered me before I had a chance to finish the invite — ‘Of course, Bob, you go in there first and I’ll meet you as soon as I finish my drink.’ And then of course she went right to sipping from her straw. I waited in that bathroom for over two hours.”

Keep scrolling to pay tribute to all of the stars who died in 2022.

Ronnie Spector

Ronnie Spector, leader of The Ronettes, died at the age of 78.

“Our beloved earth angel, Ronnie, peacefully left this world today after a brief battle with cancer,” a statement from her family released on January 12 read. “She was with family and in the arms of her husband, Jonathan. Ronnie lived her life with a twinkle in her eye, a spunky attitude, a wicked sense of humor and a smile on her face. She was filled with love and gratitude.”

“Her joyful sound, playful nature and magical presence will live on in all who knew, heard or saw her,” they added of the singer behind such hits as “Be My Baby” and “Baby I Love You.” “In lieu of flowers, Ronnie requested that donations be made to your local women’s shelter or to the American Indian College Fund. A celebration of Ronnie’s life and music will be announced in the future. The family respectfully asks for privacy at this time.”

Bob Saget

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Saget’s death on January 9 after he performed on his I Don’t Do Negative Tour. The actor, who was 65, shared a photo on social media from his two-hour set at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. He wrote that he was “happily addicted” to comedy again and thanked his opening act, Tim Wilkins. Hours later, news of his death shocked his Full House costars, famous friends and longtime fans.

“I am broken. I am gutted. I am in complete and utter shock. I will never ever have another friend like him. I love you so much Bobby,” Saget’s Full House costar John Stamos wrote on Twitter.

Sidney Poitier

Sidney Poitier, the first Black man to win the Best Actor Oscar for his role in 1963’s Lilies of the Field, died at the age of 94 on January 7. The Bahamian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office confirmed the actor’s death to Fox News. The To Sir, With Love star is survived by his five daughters and grandchildren who released a statement following his death.

“There are no words to convey the deep sense of loss and sadness we are feeling right now. We are so grateful he was able to spend his last day surrounded by his family and friends,” the statement said. “To us, Sidney Poitier was not only a brilliant actor, activist and a man of incredible grace and moral fortitude, he was also a devoted and loving husband, a supportive and adoring father and a man who always put family first.”