We Will Always Remember Them! See All the Stars We Lost in 2020

Dawn Wells

The actress, widely known for portraying castaway Mary Ann on Gilligan’s Island, died at the age of 82 on December 30 due to complications from COVID-19. 

Abby Dalton

Actress Abby Dalton, who was best known for her role in Falcon Crest, died on November 23 after battling “a long illness,” her rep confirmed to Deadline. She was 88. 

Alex Trebek

The legendary TV host died at age 80 after a battle with stage IV pancreatic cancer. “Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends. Thank you, Alex,” the show’s official Twitter account confirmed on Sunday, November 8.

Nikki McKibbin

Nikki McKibbin, who placed third on the first season of American Idol in 2002, died in October 2020 at the age of 42. Her husband, Craig Sadler, confirmed her death from a brain aneurysm via a Facebook post on November 1.

Sean Connery

James Bond legend Sean Connery died in October 2020 at age 90, according to BBC News. The actor died peacefully in his sleep in the Bahamas after a long health battle, his son, Jason Connery, confirmed.

“We are all working at understanding this huge event as it only happened so recently, even though my dad has been unwell for some time,” Jason’s statement read. “A sad day for all who knew and loved my dad and a sad loss for all people around the world who enjoyed the wonderful gift he had as an actor.”

Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz Sr.’s Great-Granddaughter Desiree S. Anzalone

Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz Sr’s first great-grandchild and only great-granddaughter, Desiree S. Anzalone, died from stage 4 breast cancer, People reports. The 31-year-old passed away on September 27 at the Smilow Cancer Center in Connecticut.

“She was so special,” said Desiree’s mom, Julia Arnaz. “All our children are special, but this little girl was something else. We were [best friends]. We are still. She was so beautiful, just so so beautiful inside and out. She really, really reminded me a lot of my grandmother, more so than I.”

Eddie Van Halen

The cofounder of the iconic rock band Van Halen died at 65 after a long battle with throat cancer, TMZ reported on October 6. The guitarist battled his ongoing illness for over a decade. He is survived by his wife, Janie Liszewski, whom he married in 2009. He also shares son Wolfgang with ex-wife Valerie Bertinelli.

Helen Reddy

Helen Reddy, best known for hit songs “I Am Woman” and “Angie Baby,” died at age 78 on September 29. The legendary performer’s children, Traci Donat and Jordan Sommers, revealed the devastating news, which came about five years after she was diagnosed with dementia.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Helen Reddy, on the afternoon of September 29, 2020, in Los Angeles,” read the statement on their mom’s official Facebook page. “She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and a truly formidable woman. Our hearts are broken. But we take comfort in the knowledge that her voice will live on forever.”

Kevin Dobson

Kevin Dobson, best known for his roles in Knots Landing, Days of Our Lives and more, died at age 77 on Sunday, September 6. The Hollywood alum’s death was due to “medical complications,” the United Veterans Council announced in a Facebook post.

“The United Veterans Council regrets to inform you that our former Chairman and Army Veteran Kevin Dobson passed away,” the Facebook post read. “Our condolences to his family and May he Rest In Peace. More information will be posted about his funeral services once available.”

Kevin’s rep, Arthur Toretzk, also confirmed his death. He told The Hollywood Reporter that the former Kojak star died at a hospital in Stockton, California, following a battle with an autoimmune deficiency.

Olivia De Havilland

Olivia de Havilland died on July 26 at 104 years old, her publicist Lisa Goldberg confirmed to the Hollywood Reporter.

During her decades-long career, Olivia starred in 49 films with her most notable being The Snake Pit, The Heiress, The Adventures of Robin Hood and Gone With The Wind. Olivia was known as one of the last surviving members of the golden age of Hollywood.

Regis Philbin

The legendary TV host died on July 24, 2020, at 88 years old. His family confirmed his death in a statement.

“We are deeply saddened to share that our beloved Regis Philbin passed away last night of natural causes, one month shy of his 89th birthday,” read the statement obtained by Us Weekly. “His family and friends are forever grateful for the time we got to spend with him — for his warmth, his legendary sense of humor, and his singular ability to make every day into something worth talking about. We thank his fans and admirers for their incredible support over his 60-year career and ask for privacy as we mourn his loss.”

Grant Imahara

Grant Imahara, an electrical engineer and roboticist best known for cohosting MythBusters, died on Monday, July 13. The Los Angeles native passed away at 49 unexpectedly after suffering a brain aneurysm, according to multiple reports.

“We are heartbroken to hear this sad news about Grant,” Discovery Channel said in a statement on the network’s website. “He was an important part of our Discovery family and a really wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”

Kelly Preston

John Travolta revealed his wife of nearly 30 years, Kelly Preston, died on July 12 following a private battle with breast cancer. The actor — who shares kids Ella, Ben and late son Jett with Kelly — announced the news of the Jerry Maguire actress’ death in a gut-wrenching statement on Instagram.

“It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you that my beautiful wife, Kelly, has lost her two-year battle with breast cancer,” John wrote. “She fought a courageous fight with the love and support of so many. My family and I will forever be grateful to her doctors and nurses at MD Anderson Cancer Center, all the medical centers that have helped, as well as her many friends and loved ones who have been by her side. Kelly’s love and life will always be remembered.”

Benjamin Keough

Lisa Marie Presley‘s son Benjamin Keough died on July 12. The grandson of late icon Elvis Presley was just 27 years old.

“[Lisa] is completely heartbroken, inconsolable and beyond devastated, but trying to stay strong for her 11-year-old twins and her oldest daughter, Riley,” the “I’ll Figure It Out” singer’s rep Roger Widynowski told People in a statement. “She adored that boy. He was the love of her life.”

Charlie Daniels

Charlie Daniels died at age 83 on July 6, his rep confirmed to Closer Weekly. The legendary fiddler, best known for his hit song the “Devil Went Down to Georgia,” died following complications from a hemorrhagic stroke.

“Country music and southern rock legend Charlie Daniels has passed. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member died this morning at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee,” the rep’s statement read. “Doctors determined the cause of death was a hemorrhagic stroke.”

Nick Cordero

Nick Cordero died at age 41 on July 5 following complications of coronavirus. The Broadway star and Waitress actor battled a handful of issues including pneumonia and a leg amputation during his three-month hospitalization before succumbing to his heartbreaking battle.

The late star’s wife, Amanda Kloots — who documented Nick’s journey — confirmed the news of his death via social media. “God has another angel in heaven now,” she wrote in an emotional post. “My darling husband passed away this morning. He was surrounded in love by his family, singing and praying as he gently left this earth.”

Hugh Downs

Hugh Downs died at age 99 on July 1, his family announced in a statement at the time. The iconic broadcaster, who cohosted the Today show from 1962 to 1971, 20/20 from 1978 to 1999 and more, died at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Carl Reiner

On June 29, Carl Reiner died at his Beverly Hills home at age 98. The following day, the entertainer’s son Rob Reiner confirmed the actor’s death. “Last night, my dad passed away,” he said on Twitter. “As I write this, my heart is hurting. He was my guiding light.”

Carl was known for creating and starring in the popular sitcom The Dick Van Dyke Show.

Steve Bing

On Monday, June 22, Elizabeth Hurley‘s ex Steve Bing was found dead after jumping from his Century City, California, home. “It is unknown from which floor the person fell or jumped, but it’s being described as an ‘incident long fall,’ meaning the distance was more than 15 feet,” L.A. Fire Department spokesman Nicholas Prange told Us Weekly.

After hearing about his death, Elizabeth shared some kind words about her former flame. “I am saddened beyond belief that my ex Steve is no longer with us,” she wrote on Instagram. “It is a terrible end. Our time together was very happy and I’m posting these pictures because although we went through some tough times, it’s the good, wonderful memories of a sweet, kind man that matter.”

Ian Holm

When Ian passed, the BAFTAs tweeted, “We are very sorry to hear of the death of Ian Holm.”

Jean Kennedy Smith

Jean Kennedy Smith was the last surviving sibling of President John F. Kennedy. Her daughter Kym Smith confirmed the activist died on Wednesday, June 17, at age 92.

“She lived an amazing life,” Kym told NBC News about her mother.

Bonnie Pointer

Bonnie Pointer, the founding member of The Pointer Sisters died at age 69 on June 8. “It is with great sadness that I have to announce to the fans of The Pointer Sisters that my sister Bonnie died this morning,” she told TMZ. “Our family is devastated. On behalf of my siblings and I and the entire Pointer family, we ask for your prayers at this time.” 

Jerry Stiller

On May 11, Ben Stiller’s dad, Jerry Stiller, died of natural causes. “He was a great dad and grandfather and the most dedicated husband to Anne for about 62 years. He will be greatly missed. Love you, Dad,” the Zoolander star wrote on Twitter at the time.

Brian Dennehy

On Wednesday, April 15, Tommy Boy star Brian Dennehy died in New Haven, Connecticut, his rep confirmed in a statement to Closer Weekly. The actor was 81 years old and according to his family, he passed away from natural causes with his beautiful wife, Jennifer, and son Cormac by his side.

Brian’s memory lives on in his five kids, Elizabeth, Cormack, Sarah, Kathleen and Deirdre, and his seven grandkids, Jack, William, Clementine, Hannah, Molly, Olivia and Lucy.

James Drury

James Drury, the beloved star of the hit 1960’s series The Virginian, died at age 85 on Monday, March 6. The Western actor’s assistant, Karen Lindsey, shared the news of his death in a heartbreaking Facebook post.

“The cowboy took his last ride,” the statement read. “It is with immense sadness that I let you all know that James Drury, our beloved Virginian and dear friend, passed away this morning of natural causes. He will be missed so much. It is beyond words.”

Our hearts are with James’ loved ones.

Honor Blackman

Honor Blackman, best known for her role as Bond girl Pussy Galore in 1964’s Goldfinger, died at age 94. The iconic Hollywood actress’ family confirmed the news of her death in a statement to The Guardian on March 6.

“It’s with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Honor Blackman, aged 94,” the family announced. “She died peacefully of natural causes at her home in Lewes, Sussex, surrounded by her family. She was much loved and will be greatly missed by her two children, Barnaby and Lottie, and grandchildren Daisy, Oscar, Olive and Toby.”

Bill Withers

‘Lean on Me’ singer Bill Withers died at the age of 81 from heart complications. His family announced the news in a statement to The Associated Press on Friday, April 3.

“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father. A solitary man with a heart-driven to connect to the world at large, with his poetry and music, he spoke honestly to people and connected them to each other,” it read. “As private a life as he lived close to intimate family and friends, his music forever belongs to the world. In this difficult time, we pray his music offers comfort and entertainment as fans hold tight to loved ones.”

Hollywood has lost another great star.

John Callahan

John Callahan, best known for his role of Edmund Grey in All My Children, sadly died at age 66. The beloved soap opera star’s ex-wife Eva LaRue announced his death in an emotional Instagram post on Saturday, March 28.

“May flights of angels wing you to your rest my dear friend,” she gushed alongside a collage, which included photos of their 18-year-old daughter. “Kaya and I are beyond broken-hearted, so stunned, sorry that my thoughts are a mess. You gave the best most beautifully written tributes and I am at a complete loss for words right now for you. I hope Heaven has baseball and that your team always wins! The Yankees has just lost their biggest fan.”

Our hearts are with John’s family during this tragic time.

Kenny Rogers

The country music legend died on March 20, his family confirmed in a statement posted on social media.

Lyle Waggoner

Lyle Waggoner, best known for his work on The Carol Burnett Show and Wonder Woman, died at age 84 on Tuesday, March 17, the late actor’s rep confirmed to Closer Weekly.

“Lyle Waggoner, loving husband, father, grandfather, entrepreneur, and actor passed away peacefully at home on March 17 at the age of 84 with his wife at his side,” his rep revealed in a statement. “The cause of death was cancer.”

Besides his work on Carol Burnett‘s iconic variety series and tons of other hit shows throughout the ’60s and ’70s, Lyle created a business for himself with Star Waggons. The manufacturing and supplying company, which is known for its customized trailers, was brought to life in 1979.

Max von Sydow

Exorcist actor Max von Sydow died at the age of 90 on Sunday, March 8. The Sweden-born A-lister is survived by his wife, Catherine Brelet, and his four children.

James Lipton

On Monday, March 2, James Lipton, creator of Inside the Actors Studio, died at the age of 93. His wife, Kedakai Turner, told The Hollywood Reporter, the Bolt star was battling bladder cancer for quite some time.

“There are so many James Lipton stories, but I’m sure he would like to be remembered as someone who loved what he did and had tremendous respect for all the people he worked with,” she said, according to TMZ.

Ben Cooper

Ben Cooper, who is best known for his role opposite late actress Joan Crawford in Johnny Guitar, died at age 86 in Memphis, Tennessee, on Monday, February 24. The beloved Western film star’s death comes after a long battle with an illness, his nephew, Pete Searls, told The Hollywood Reporter.

Besides his iconic role in the hit 1954 film, the late actor also appeared in 1963’s Gunfight at Comanche Creek, 1965’s Arizona Raiders and much more. We will miss you, Ben!

Baby Peggy

Diana Serra Cary, better known as Baby Peggy, sadly died at age 103 on Monday, February 24. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the late actress — who rose to fame at age 6 thanks to her roles as a silent film sensation — died at her home in Gustine, California.

Baby Peggy’s passing comes as a complete loss for Hollywood considering she starred in more than 150 short films from 1921 to 1924. Not only that, but the What Ever Happened to Baby Peggy author also appeared in dozens of longer silent features throughout her career.

Baby Peggy’s beloved son Mark shared a heartbreaking statement following the news of his mom’s passing. “I am proud of how she was able to come to terms with what happened to her from when she was just a toddler and recreate her life anew,” he said. “She learned to love herself and her unusual childhood so she could focus on telling her story to educate others in how to avoid the same negative things that she had experienced in her life and career as Baby Peggy.”

Rest in peace, baby Peggy!

Amie Harwick

On Monday, February 17, Harwick died at age 38 from falling off a balcony in her Hollywood Hills home after an alleged dispute with her ex-boyfriend. Her ex-fiancé Drew Carey released a statement about her passing to Closer Weekly.

It read, “Amie and I had a love that people are lucky to have once in a lifetime. She was a positive force in the world, a tireless and unapologetic champion for women, and passionate about her work as a therapist.”

“I am overcome with grief. I would like to thank you in advance for giving myself and everyone who loved Amie privacy while we try to work through this tragic situation,” it continued.

Robert Conrad

The Wild Wild West actor Robert Conrad died at the age of 84 on Saturday, February 8.

Orson Bean

Being John Malkovich actor Orson Bean died at the age of 91 on Friday, February 7, after he was struck and killed by a car in Los Angeles, the Associated Press reported.

Kevin Conway

Slaughterhouse Five actor Kevin Conway died of a heart attack at the age of 77 on Wednesday, February 5, according to Deadline.

Kirk Douglas

Michael Douglas announced that his father, Kirk Douglas, had died at age 103 on Wednesday, February 5.

“To me and my brothers Joel and Peter he was simply Dad, to Catherine [Zeta-Jones], a wonderful father-in-law, to his grandchildren and great grandchild their loving grandfather, and to his wife Anne, a wonderful husband,” he wrote via Instagram. “Let me end with the words I told him on his last birthday and which will always remain true. Dad — I love you so much.”

Gene Reynolds

Gene Reynolds, one of the producers behind the hit TV show M*A*S*H, died at the age of 96 on Monday, February 3.

John Andretti

NASCAR driver John Andretti — from a long line of famous racers, including uncle Mario Andretti — has died at the age of 56 after a battle with colon cancer. He was diagnosed in 2017.

Mary Higgins Clark

The best-selling author died on January 31, confirmed in a message from Carolyn K. Reidy, the president and CEO of the writer’s publisher Simon & Schuster. “Today we did not just lose an author, but a true and well-loved member of the Simon & Schuster family,” Caroyln wrote.

Mary is responsible for penning 56 novels in her long career, including Where Are the Children?, A Stranger Is Watching, Remember Me and others.

We won’t ever forget this talent!

Fred Silverman

TV executive Fred Silverman — the first and only person to program for the Big Three television networks (ABC, CBS and NBC) — died Thursday, January 30, at the age of 82, according to The Hollywood Reporter. To list the TV shows he had a hand in bringing to the air would take quite some time, but it’s safe to say he will go down as one of the biggest names in TV history. RIP to a true legend.

Marj Dusay

Marj Dusay — a veteran of numerous soap operas, from Days of Our Lives to All My Children and even The Guiding Light — had passed away at the age of 83 on Tuesday, January 28. Some of Marj’s other roles included The Facts of Life, The Odd Couple and Star Trek — among numerous others.

The late MacArthur star’s daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Perine (daughter of Marj’s late husband Thomas Perine), confirmed the news in a fan club page for the actress on Facebook, writing, “I’m so very sad to have to tell you that my stepmother Marj passed away peacefully yesterday morning in her sleep. She was quite a woman and had quite a grand life. She was deeply loved and will be deeply missed 💖.”

Kobe Bryant

On January 26, TMZ reported that NBC legend Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash Calabasas. He was 41.

Jim Lehrer

Jim Lehrer, a beloved journalist who co-founded PBS NewsHour, died Thursday, January 23, in his sleep at home, the network announced. In the wake of the sad news, the world mourned him on social media.

John Karlen

John Karlen, known for his roles on Dark Shadows and Cagney & Lacey, died on Wednesday, January 22, at 86 from congestive heart failure. Read a lost interview with him from Closer Weekly‘s Ed Gross here.

Terry Jones

Terry Jones, one of the founding members of the iconic comedy troupe Monty Python, died on Wednesday, January 22, after a years-long battle with dementia. He was 77.

Terry directed both Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Monty Python’s Life of Brian as well as wrote the screenplay for the 1986 film Labyrinth, which starred David Bowie.

Thérèse Dion

Céline Dion‘s mom, Thérèse Dion, has died. She was 92. Her superstar daughter confirmed the news — after multiple outlets had reported it — with a tribute on social media.

“Maman, we love you so much… We dedicate tonight’s show to you and I’ll sing to you with all my heart,” the “My Heart Will Go On” singer, 51, wrote on Twitter and Instagram.

Rocky Johnson

Rocky Johnson, a wrestling legend and also father of Dwayne Johnson (a.k.a. “The Rock”), died at the age of 75, the world learned on Wednesday, January 15. “WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Rocky Johnson has passed away,” the sports organization announced on social media.

Rocky’s nickname in the ring was “Soul Man.”

Stan Kirsch

Stan Kirsch, who played Richie Ryan for six seasons of Highlander in the ’90s, died at the age of 51. The popular series posted the news about him via their Facebook page on Monday, January 13, “with great sadness” and in remembrance of his “sense of humor, kindness and youthful enthusiasm.”

Neil Peart

On January 7, the man who was behind the drum set of band Rush for 40 years, died at the age of 67 after a battle with brain cancer. Known as one of the greatest drummers of all time, Neil was inducted into the Drummer Hall of Fame in 1983. Rush also ended up in the hall in 2013.

Neil retired from drumming in 2015, but he will of course always have an impact on future musicians.

Edd Byrnes

Edd, who was best known for his roles in the TV hit 77 Sunset Strip and for his performance in the classic musical Grease, passed away at the age of 87, his son Logan confirmed via Facebook.

The actor’s character on 77 Sunset Strip, Kookie, had quite the impact on viewers, especially young ones. “As Kookie, I was one of the first young fellows on television, one of the first that the young could identify with,” he once told Hollywood Reporter. Edd also appeared in other notable programs including Charlie’s Angels, Fantasy Island and Murder, She Wrote.

Syd Mead

While he wasn’t in front of the camera, Syd — who passed away at the age of 86 after complications from a three-year battle with lymphoma — was instead known for his incredible work behind it, as he left his fingerprints on plenty of classic science-fiction films.

“I am so saddened to hear of the passing of visionary illustrator and concept artist Syd Mead,” Art Directors Guild president Nelson Coates told Hollywood Reporter in a statement. “His pivotal role in shaping cinema was /unique, with a singular ability to visualize the future.”

“As one of the most influential conceptual artists of our time, his visions and illustrations of future technological worlds will remain as a testament to his vast imagination,” he added.

Buck Henry

He co-created Get Smart and wrote the screenplays for such iconic films like The Graduate and Catch-22, so it is safe to say that we won’t ever forget Buck, who passed away at the age of 89 after suffering a heart attack.

May his work live on!

Jack Sheldon

Jack was best known as one of the famous voices of the classic show Schoolhouse Rocks. However, he was also a music director on The Merv Griffin Show. He was 88 at the time of his death.

“To all Jack Sheldon fans,” Cynthia Jimenez wrote on the icon’s Facebook page, “on behalf of my sister Dianne Jimenez [his longtime manager], sadly, Jack passed away on December 27. May he rest in peace with all the Jazz Cats in heaven!”