Celebrity Deaths in 2023: All the Stars We Lost This Year and Legacies They Left Behind

John Beasley

The veteran actor, best known for his roles on The WB’s Everwood and the TV Land comedy The Soul Man, died on May 30 at a hospital in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. He was 79 years old.

His son Michael wrote a moving Facebook tribute that read, “I lost my best friend today. They say you shouldn’t ever meet your heroes because they don’t turn out to be who you thought they were. That is so wrong. My hero was my father. Thank you for everything.”

Tina Turner

The late “What’s Love Got to Do With It” artist died at 83 years old, Tina’s verified Instagram confirmed on May 24. 
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner,” the statement read. “With her music and her boundless passion for life, she enchanted millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow. Today we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music. All our heartfelt compassion goes out to her family. Tina, we will miss you dearly.”

Jacklyn Zeman

General Hospital star Jacklyn Zeman died at the age of 70 .

“Just like her character, the legendary Bobbie Spencer, she was a bright light and true professional that brought so much positive energy with her to work,” executive producer Frank Valentini said Wednesday in a statement via Twitter on May 10. “Jackie will be greatly missed, but her positive spirit will always live on with our cast and crew. We send our heartfelt sympathy to her loved ones, friends, and family, especially her daughters Cassidy and Lacey.”

Jerry Springer

The talk show host died at his home in Chicago at age 79 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, Closer confirmed.

“Jerry’s ability to connect with people was at the heart of his success in everything he tried whether that was politics, broadcasting or just joking with people on the street who wanted a photo or a word,” Jene Galvin, a lifelong friend and spokesman for the family, shared in a statement obtained by Closer. “He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on.”

Harry Belafonte

Harry Belafonte died at the age of 96 on April 25. His longtime spokesman, Ken Sunshine, told the New York Times that his cause of death was congestive heart failure.

In addition to being an accomplished musician, Harry was a respected civil rights activist.

Len Goodman

The Dancing With the Stars judge and famed ballroom dancer died of bone cancer at age 78 on April 22.

“It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78,” his manager, Jackie Gill, shared in a statement to BBC. “A much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him.”

Mark Sheehan

The Script guitarist Mark Sheehan died at the age of 46 on April 14.

“Much loved husband, father, brother, band mate and friend Mark Sheehan passed away today in hospital after a brief illness,” a post on the band’s Instagram account read. “The family and group ask fans to respect their privacy at this tragic time.”

Lance Reddick

The acclaimed actor, who was best known for playing Cedric Daniels on HBO’s The Wire as well as appearing as Charon in the John Wick film franchise, died on March 17 at the age of 60 from natural causes, ​his representative confirmed to Closer. He is survived by his wife Stephanie Reddick and children Yvonne Nicole Reddick and Christopher Reddick.

Lance was found dead at his Studio City, California, home and had been in the middle of a promotional tour for John Wick: Chapter 4. Donations can be made to momcares.org in Baltimore, his hometown, in his honor.

Robert Blake

Robert Blake, the award-winning actor known for his roles in The Little Rascals, Baretta, In Cold Blood and for the unsolved murder of his second wife Bonny Lee Bakley, died on March 9, according to multiple reports. He was 89 years old. Though he was revered for his impressive acting career, Blake was mired with scandal after his Bakley was found dead on May 4, 2001. The actor faced a charge of murder with special circumstances and two counts of soliciting murder, before being released on bail in March 2003 and later acquitted in March 2005.

“Why would I marry her if I was going to kill her?” Blake said of his second wife in 2012. “I could’ve hired somebody to kill her when she was in Tibet or some place. She drove all over the country. I could’ve hired somebody to follow her for 10 months and make her disappear so nobody would ever find her, for Christ’s sake.”

He went on to get married for a third time to Pamela Hudak in 2017, but their marriage ended one year later.

Barbara Bosson

The longtime Hill Street Blues star died at the age of 83 on February 18, her family revealed. Her cause of death was not revealed. Barbara was nominated for an Emmy Award five times for her role as Fay Furillo in the NBC police drama. She was married to legendary TV show creator Steven Bochco from 1970 through 1997.
“More spirit and zest than you could shake a stick at. When she loved you, you felt it without a doubt. If she didn’t, you may well have also known that too,” her son Jesse Bochco wrote in an Instagram post, adding, “Forever in our hearts. I love you Mama.

Richard Belzer

Known for his role as Detective John Munch on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Homicide: Life on the Street, Richard Belzer died on February 19 at age 78, according to The Hollywood Reporter. 

Kyle Jacobs

The accomplished songwriter and husband of American Idol star Kellie Pickler died by apparent suicide on February 17. He was 49 years old. Nashville authorities were called to the couple’s home after Kellie woke up from a nap and could not locate her husband. After being unable to open a locked door in the home, Kellie’s assistant called 911. The country musician died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

Stella Stevens

Stella Stevens, best known for her roles in The Nutty Professor and Girls! Girls! Girls!, died at age 84 after battling Alzheimer’s, her son, Andrew Stevens, confirmed to Closer.

“​​Alzheimer’s is an insidious disease which affected not only my mother, but my grandmother and great aunt,” he said in a statement. “Hopefully my mother’s work will be remembered for her collaborations with some of the entertainment industry’s biggest icons.”

The Bonanza alum was a grandmother to three kids: Amelia, Aubrey and Samuel Stevens.

Raquel Welch

The actress, who rose to fame throughout the 1960s and 1970s, died after a “brief illness” on February 15, Closer Weekly confirmed.

Austin Majors

The former child actor was best known to the fans of the ABC police drama NYPD Blue, playing Dennis Franz‘ Detective Andy Sipowicz’ son Theo in 48 episodes of the show from 1999 through 2004. Austin’s cause of death has been deferred by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office for pending additional investigation.
His sister, Kali Raglin, shared a series of photos alongside her brother in a February 13, Instagram post, writing in the caption, “My big brother, Austin, is gone. He died last night,” adding, “It’s so surreal to me still. He was only 27 with so much life left to live.”

Cody Longo

Cody Longo, known for his role on Days of Our Lives, died on February 10 at just 34 years old, Closer can confirm. His cause of death is not known. The actor’s body was found in a residence in Austin, Texas, according to TMZ, who was the first to break the news.

“He was an amazing father and the best husband. Our whole world is shattered,” his wife, Stephanie Nicole Clark, told TMZ in Friday, February 10 statement.

Burt Bacharach

Legendary composer Burt Bacharach died on February 8 at the age of 94 from natural causes, his publicist, Tina Brausam, told The Associated Press. The six-time Grammy winner was the man behind hundreds of pop songs, film scores and collaborations with thousands of musical artists. 

Scott Alexander

The America’s Got Talent season 6 alum and professional magician died on February 5, after suffering a stroke while working aboard a cruise ship in the Caribbean. He was 52 years old.

“I lost my husband yesterday. My kids lost their father. He suffered a stroke while working on a cruise ship in St Kitts and did not make it home to us. We are shattered. Please hold us in your prayers,” Scott’s wife Jenny shared in an Instagram post.

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Cindy Williams

The star of the iconic sitcom Laverne & Shirley died at the age of 75 following a brief illness, Cindy’s children, Zak and Emily Hudson, revealed in a statement released on January 30, 2023.
“The passing of our kind, hilarious mother, Cindy Williams, has brought us insurmountable sadness that could never truly be expressed,” the statement read. “Knowing and loving her has been our joy and privilege. She was one of a kind, beautiful, generous and possessed a brilliant sense of humor and a glittering spirit that everyone loved.”
Cindy played Shirley Feeney opposite Penny Marshall‘s Laverne DeFazio for eight seasons on the ABC hit, which aired from 1976 through 1983.

Lisa Loring

Lisa Loring, best known for her role as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family sitcom, died on January 28 at age 64 after suffering a stroke.
“She went peacefully with both her daughters holding her hands,” her daughter Vanessa Foumberg confirmed to Variety in a statement.

Annie Wersching

The 24 actress died on January 29 after a battle with cancer, Deadline confirmed. She was 45.

Her husband, Stephen Full, released a statement saying, “There is a cavernous hole in the soul of this family today. But she left us the tools to fill it. She found wonder in the simplest moment. She didn’t require music to dance. She taught us not to wait for adventure to find you. ‘Go find it. It’s everywhere.’ And find it we shall.”

David Crosby

David Crosby — who founded the Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash — died at 81 years old, his wife confirmed in a statement to Variety on January 19.

“It is with great sadness after a long illness, that our beloved David (Croz) Crosby has passed away. He was lovingly surrounded by his wife and soulmate Jan and son Django. Although he is no longer here with us, his humanity and kind soul will continue to guide and inspire us,” she shared. “His legacy will continue to live on through his legendary music. Peace, love, and harmony to all who knew David and those he touched. We will miss him dearly. At this time, we respectfully and kindly ask for privacy as we grieve and try to deal with our profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers.”

Lisa Marie Presley

The daughter of late musician Elvis Presley died at age 54 on January 12, Closer confirmed. News of Lisa Marie’s death came hours after she suffered cardiac arrest.

“She was the most passionate strong and loving woman I have ever known,” Priscilla Presley share in a statement to People. “We ask for privacy as we try to deal with this profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers. At this time there will be no further comment.”

Carole Cook

Sixteen Candles actress Carole Cook died of heart failure at age 98 on January 11, her rep announced in a statement.

“On behalf of her husband, Tom Troupe, and the family who was with her at the end, I have been asked to report that the legendary actress of stage and screen (both large and small), Carole Cook, has passed away,” the statement read per Today.

Jeff Beck

Legendary guitarist Jeff Beck – who toured with Johnny Depp in 2022 – died on January 10. He was 78 years old. 

“It is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing,” his rep told Closer Weekly in a statement. “After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday. His family ask for privacy while they process this tremendous loss.”

Tatjana Patitz

One of the OG supermodels, Germany-born Tatjana died at the age of 56, Vogue reported on January 11. No cause of death has been disclosed. She costarred in George Michael’s iconic “Freedom ’90” music video, alongside fellow supermodels Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington, and was a familiar face on magazine covers and runways throughout the 1990s.

Adam Rich

Eight Is Enough alum Adam Rich died at age 54 on January 7, his publicist, Danny Deraney, confirmed in a statement on Twitter.

“Adam was simply a wonderful guy,” Deraney wrote. “He was kind, generous and a warrior in the fight against mental illness. Adam did not have an ounce of ego. He was unselfish and always looked out for those he cared about, which is why many people who grew up with him feel like part of their childhood gone, and sad today. He really was America’s little brother.” 

Ken Block 

Professional rally driver Ken Block died at age 55 on January 2 after he was involved in a snowmobile accident near his Utah home. 

“It’s with deepest regrets that we can confirm that Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident today,” his company, Hoonigan Industries, shared in a statement on Instagram. “Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband. He will be incredibly missed.”

Fred White

Fred’s death at age 67 was confirmed in a statement by his brother Verdine on Instagram on January 1. “He will live in our hearts forever,” the bassist wrote, adding, “rest in power beloved Freddie!!”