Every Celebrity Death in 2021: Stars Who We’ve Lost This Past Year

Michael Nesmith

The Monkees singer-songwriter died on December 10 at the age of 78. The Texas native contributed to the band’s success beginning in the late ’60s, penning hits like “Mary, Mary” and “The Girl I Knew Somewhere.” The late musician formed his own band, First National Band, in the late ’60s and later won a Grammy Award in 1981 for Elephant Parts.

“With infinite love we announce that Michael Nesmith has passed away this morning in his home, surrounded by family, peacefully and of natural causes,” his family shared in a statement. “We ask that you respect our privacy at this time and we thank you for the love and light that all of you have shown him and us.”

Stephen Sondheim

The legendary musical theater composer, songwriter and lyricist died on November 26 at the age of 91, his attorney and friend F. Richard Pappas told the New York Times. He had celebrated Thanksgiving the day prior with family and friends at home in Roxbury, Connecticut. Stephen was responsible for the music and lyrics to such Broadway hits as A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Sunday in the Park with George and Into the Woods.

Heath Freeman

Heath, who played the part of murderer Howard Epps on Bones and had other roles on NCIS and Spartacus, died at the age of 41. “We are truly devastated at the loss of our beloved Heath Freeman,” his manager, Joe Montifiore, tells Closer. “A brilliant human being with an intense and soulful spirit, he leaves us with an indelible imprint in our hearts. His life was filled with deep loyalty, affection, and generosity towards his family and friends, and an extraordinary zest for life.”

“He was extremely proud of his recent film work and was very excited for the next chapter of his career,” Joe adds of his extensive filmography. “His remarkable legacy as a son, brother, uncle, friend, extraordinarily gifted actor and producer, consummate cook, and man with the most infectious and spectacular laugh, will live on forever. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.’

James Michael Tyler

The Friends alum died at 59 years old on October 24, after battling stage 4 prostate cancer, James’ rep confirmed to TMZ.

“I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, which had spread to my bones,” the actor said during a June interview on Today. “I’ve been dealing with that diagnosis for almost the past three years. … It’s stage 4 [now]. Late-stage cancer. So eventually, you know, it’s gonna probably get me.”

Willie Garson

Willie Garson, best known for his unforgettable role of Stanford Blatch on Sex and the City, died at age 57 on September 21. People reported he died following a short illness with pancreatic cancer, and the late actor’s son, Nathen Garson, confirmed the news on Instagram, saying he was “glad” his dad could “be at peace now.”

“I love you so much, papa. Rest In Peace, and I’m so glad you got to share all your adventures with me and were able to accomplish so much. I’m so proud of you. I will always love you, but I think it’s time for you to go on an adventure of your own,” Nathen emotionally penned alongside photos of his father. “You’ll always be with me. You always were the toughest and funniest and smartest person I’ve known. I’m glad you shared you’re [sic] love with me. I’ll never forget it or lose it.”

In addition to SATC, Willie is remembered for White Collar, Freaky Friday, There’s Something About Mary, Hawaii Five-O and countless others. He was also set to reprise his role of Stanford on HBO’s upcoming SATC reboot And Just Like That … .

Jane Powell

After nearly eight decades in Hollywood, Jane Powell died at age 92 on September 16, her friend Susan Granger told the Associated Press. The showbiz superstar’s longtime pal said Jane died of natural causes at her home in Wilton, Connecticut.

“Jane was the most wonderful friend,” Susan said in a statement. “She was candid, she was honest. You never asked Jane a question you didn’t want an absolutely honest answer to.” The late star is best known for her work in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Royal Wedding and A Date with Judy, among countless others.

Norm Macdonald

Known for paving a career as a comedy legend on Saturday Night Live, Norm Macdonald died at age 61 on September 14. The late star’s management firm Brillstein Entertainment confirmed the news to Closer. Lori Jo Hoekstra, who was with Norm at the time of his death, told Deadline that he had a nine-year private battle with cancer, adding he “never wanted the diagnosis to affect the way the audience or any of his loved ones saw him.”

“He was most proud of his comedy,” the TV personality’s producing partner and friend said to the outlet. “Norm was a pure comic. He once wrote that ‘a joke should catch someone by surprise, it should never pander.’ He certainly never pandered. Norm will be missed terribly.”

Michael K. Williams

The actor known for his performances on shows like The Wire and Lovecraft Country was found dead in his apartment on September 6. The Emmy-winning actor was 54. 

Variety reported that the actor died of an “overdose of fo fluorofentanyl, heroin and cocaine.”

Ed Asner

The legendary Mary Tyler Moore Show alum sadly died at age 91 on August 29. “We are sorry to say that our beloved patriarch passed away this morning peacefully,” a member of Asner’s team confirmed via his Twitter account at the time. “Words cannot express the sadness we feel. With a kiss on your head — Goodnight dad. We love you.”

Michael Nader

Best known for acting in sitcom classics like Dynasty and All My Children, Michael Nader died at age 76 following a battle with an untreatable form of cancer. The late star’s manager, Richard Schwartz, confirmed the news to MichaelFairmanTV.com, releasing a statement on behalf of Michael’s wife, Jodi Lister, on August 25.

“With heavy heart, I’m sharing the news of the passing of my beloved, Michael. We had 18 wonderful years together with the many dogs we fostered and adopted,” read the statement. “He was a beautiful and fascinating man with many talents and skills. I will miss him forever.”

Charlie Watts

Charlie Watts, the longtime drummer for the Rolling Stones who had won four Grammys with his bandmates over the years, died at the age of 80 on August 24. “It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts,” Watts’ spokesperson told Closer. “He passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family. Charlie was a cherished husband, father and grandfather and also a member of the Rolling Stones one of the greatest drummers of his generation. We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this difficult time.”

Jane Withers

Jane Withers, best known for starring opposite Shirley Temple in the 1934 film Bright Eyes, died at age 95 on August 7. The former child star’s daughter Kendall Errair confirmed the news to People, revealing Jane died in Burbank, California, surrounded by loved ones.

“My mother was such a special lady. She lit up a room with her laughter, but she especially radiated joy and thankfulness when talking about the career she so loved and how lucky she was,” Kendall emotionally shared.

Markie Post

Rest in peace, Markie Post. The Night Court star died on August 7, nearly four years after she was diagnosed with cancer, her manager, Ellen Lubin Sanitsky, confirmed to Deadline. She was 70 years old. In a statement, Markie’s family praised the actress for continuing to act as “a side job” despite juggling chemo treatments.

“But for us, our pride is in who she was in addition to acting,” the family noted, crediting Markie for being “a person who made elaborate cakes for friends, sewed curtains for first apartments and showed us how to be kind, loving and forgiving in an often harsh world.”

Anna Lillian Iversen

Anna Lillian Iversen, the mother of Priscilla Presley, died at age 95 on August 2. Priscilla announced the death of her “beautiful” mom on Instagram, sharing a photo of Anna smiling in front of a bouquet of flowers. “I am heartbroken,” Elvis Presley‘s ex-wife penned hours after Anna’s death. “She was the light of our lives. She never wanted any attention on herself. Her children were her everything. May you Rest In Peace, mom. You will always be with us.”

Priscilla’s granddaughter Riley Keough also paid tribute to her great-grandmother’s passing. “We lost our beautiful Nana this morning,” the Girlfriend Experience actress wrote on social media. “She was an incredible woman and mother. Rest In Peace, nana.”

Joey Jordison

Joey Jordison, the founding drummer of Slipknot, died at age 46 on July 26, his family announced to Rolling Stone the next day. Jordison’s family held off from revealing the music icon’s cause of death, but they said he died “peacefully in his sleep.”

“Joey’s death has left us with empty hearts and feelings of indescribable sorrow,” read the statement. “To those that knew Joey, understood his quick wit, his gentle personality, giant heart, and his love for all things family and music. The family of Joey have asked that friends, fans and media understandably respect our need for privacy and peace at this incredibly difficult time.”

Robert Downey Sr.

Robert Downey Sr., the father of Robert Downey Jr., died at age 85 on July 7, the Iron Man actor confirmed on Instagram. Robert revealed his father died “peacefully in his sleep after years of enduring the ravages of Parkinson’s.”

“RIP Bob D. Sr. 1936-2021,” the heartbroken son wrote. “He was a true maverick filmmaker, and remained remarkably optimistic throughout. According to my stepmoms [sic] calculations, they were happily married for just over 2000 years. Rosemary Rogers-Downey, you are a saint, and our thoughts and prayers are with you.”

Lisa Banes

Lisa Banes died at age 65, her rep confirmed to Closer on June 15. The actress, best known for roles in Gone Girl, Cocktail, Look Back in Anger and more, died more than a week after she was involved in a hit-and-run incident in New York City on June 4. The New York Post reported the late star was on her way to meet wife Kathryn Kranhold for a dinner party when she was struck by a scooter.

“We are heartsick over Lisa’s tragic and senseless passing,” her rep told Closer. “She was a woman of great spirit, kindness and generosity and dedicated to her work, whether on stage or in front of a camera and even more so to her wife, family and friends. We were blessed to have had her in our lives.”

Ernie Lively

Ernie Lively, best known for roles in The Dukes of Hazzard, Passenger 57 and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, died at age 74 on June 3. His family confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter on June 9 that he died of cardiac complications in Los Angeles less than a week earlier.

At the time of his death, Ernie was surrounded by his wife of more than 40 years, Elaine Lively, and their five children — Blake Lively, Eric Lively, Robyn Lively, Jason Lively and Lori Lively.

Samuel E. Wright

Samuel E. Wright, best known for playing the voice of Sebastian the crab in The Little Mermaid, died at age 74, a Facebook post from his hometown in New York announced on May 25. “Today, the Town of Montgomery mourns the loss of Sam Wright,” read part of the lengthy tribute. “Sam was an inspiration to us all and along with his family established the Hudson Valley Conservatory.”

Hours after the news broke, Deadline reported the Tony-nominated star died one day earlier from prostate cancer. Samuel — who is also remembered for Over Here!, The Tap Dance Kid and The Lion King — is survived by his wife, Amanda Wright, and his children, Keely Wright, Dee Wright and Sam Wright.

Norman Lloyd

Showbiz star Norman Lloyd died at age 106, his son Michael told The Hollywood Reporter on May 11. The actor, producer and director died at his home in Los Angeles, though a cause of death has yet to be revealed.

Norman is best known for working with directing heavyweights like Alfred Hitchcock, Charlie Chaplin, Bertolt Brecht, Orson Welles and Jean Renoir. Throughout his career, he snagged memorable roles in Saboteur, St. Elsewhere, Julius Caesar, The Southerner and Limelight, among countless others.

Olympia Dukakis

Actress Olympia Dukakis died in New York City on May 1 at 89 years old. She was best known for her roles in Steel Magnolias and Moonstruck.

“After many months of failing health she is finally at peace and with her [late husband] Louis [Zorich],” her brother, Apollo Dukakis, wrote via Facebook at the time.

Anne Douglas

Kirk Douglas’ widow and Michael Douglas’ stepmother, Anne Douglas (née Buydens), died at 102 years old on April 29.  

“Anne was more than a stepmother, and never ‘wicked,’” the Kominsky Method actor said in a statement. “She brought out the best in all of us, especially our father. Dad would never have had the career he did without Anne’s support and partnership. Catherine and I and the children adored her; she will always be in our hearts.”

Jim Steinman

Jim Steinman died at age 73 on April 19, the Connecticut State Medical Examiner’s office confirmed to NPR. The American composer, who was best known for cocreating hit songs for iconic artists like Meat Loaf, Celine Dion and Bonnie Tyler, died from kidney failure, his brother told the Associated Press. “I miss him a great deal already,” Bill Steinman said to the outlet.

Helen McCrory

Helen McCrory, known for her role as Narcissa Malfoy in the Harry Potter film series and Aunt Polly in Peaky Blinders, died on April 16 after a battle with cancer. The actress’ husband, actor Damian Lewis, revealed the news of her death via Twitter.

“She died as she lived. Fearlessly,” he wrote. “God, we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. She blazed so brightly. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.”

Felix Silla

Actor Felix Silla, who was best known for his role as Cousin Itt on the 1960s TV series The Addams Family, died on April 16 at 84 years old. His friend and fellow actor Gil Gerard confirmed the news via Twitter.

Prince Philip

Prince Philip died on April 9, at the age of 99, the royal family announced in a statement.

“It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,” the statement read about Queen Elizabeth‘s husband. “His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.”

Jessica Walter

Rest in peace, Jessica Walter. The Arrested Development actress died at the age of 80 years old in her New York City home on March 24, according to multiple publications.

“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of my beloved mom Jessica. A working actor for over six decades, her greatest pleasure was bringing joy to others through her storytelling both on screen and off,” Jessica’s daughter, Brooke Bowman, said in a statement. “While her legacy will live on through her body of work, she will also be remembered by many for her wit, class and overall joie de vivre.”

George Segal

Rest in peace, George Segal. The Oscar-nominated actor, best known for roles in The Goldbergs, Just Shoot Me!, Look Who’s Talking and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, died at age 87 on March 23. The star’s wife, Sonia Segal, confirmed his death to Deadline.

“The family is devastated to announce that this morning George Segal passed away due to complications from bypass surgery,” she said in a statement. In addition to his wife, George is survived by his kids, Elizabeth Segal and Polly Segal.

Geoffrey Scott

Geoffrey Scott, best known for being a soap opera star on Dynasty and Dark Shadows, died at age 79 on February 23, the Hollywood Reporter reported on March 2. The late Hulk alum’s death comes after a battle with Parkinson’s disease, his wife, Cheri Catherine Scott, confirmed to the outlet.

In addition to acting, Geoffrey was a stuntman, and he also appeared in more than 100 commercials. According to THR, the showbiz alum is survived by his wife, as well as his twin sons, Christopher and Matthew.

Rush Limbaugh

Rush Limbaugh died at age 70, his wife Kathryn Limbaugh announced on Facebook on February 17. The legendary radio personality and conservative political commentator’s death comes after a one-year battle with lung cancer.

“We, the Limbaugh family, are deeply saddened to announce our beloved Rush has died,” the statement read on the late star’s Facebook page. “Rush Hudson Limbaugh III will forever be the greatest of all time, a courageous, brilliant gentle giant and radio pioneer.”

“Our entire family is so thankful to everyone who prayed and cared for Rush, especially the audience he adored,” the family’s statement continued. “Rush’s love for our country, and for all of you, will live on eternally.”

Mary Wilson

Mary Wilson, one of the cofounders of the Supremes singing group, died at age 76 on February 8, 2021. The iconic songstress’ longtime friend and publicist Jay Schwartz announced her death in a statement. According to Variety, Mary “suddenly” died at her home in Henderson, Nevada, surrounded by her family, including her two surviving children, Turkessa and Pedro Jr.

The cause of Mary’s death has yet to be revealed.

Patricia Healey

The actress and longtime wife of singer Engelbert Humperdinck died at age 85 following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease and COVID-19. The “Spanish Eyes” crooner announced his love Patricia Healey‘s death in an emotional statement on Facebook.

“Our family is heartbroken over the loss of my darling wife. Last night, she slipped softly away, as if by God’s clockwork,” he penned. “She was surrounded by our children, Louise, Jason, Brad, with Scott on FaceTime. We prayed as a family, blessed her with the water from Lourdes and off she went, ushered into the arms of Jesus.”

Just two days before Patricia’s death, Engelbert asked for prayers after she tested positive with the coronavirus. “Her Alzheimer’s and the blow from Covid have left her in need of all the love she ever gave out to come back to her a million-fold,” he wrote on Facebook, noting he also tested positive. “I know in my heart I will be fine, but our hearts are breaking and we are needing a miracle for my darling wife.”

Cicely Tyson

Groundbreaking actress Cicely Tyson died on January 28 at age 96. The Sounder and The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman star’s family announced the news via her manager Larry Thompson, according to AP. “With heavy heart, the family of Miss Cicely Tyson announces her peaceful transition this afternoon. At this time, please allow the family their privacy,”

Cloris Leachman

Famed actress Cloris Leachman passed away on January 26 at age 94. The Phyllis and Mary Tyler Moore Show star died from natural causes, and her son told TMZ “She had the best life beginning to end that you could wish for someone.” He also said she died peacefully and “she left everyone with a lot of love.”

Larry King

Legendary talk and radio show host Larry King died at age 87 on January 23, Closer confirmed.

“With profound sadness, Ora Media announces the death of our co-founder, host, and friend Larry King, who passed away this morning at age 87 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles,” King’s rep said in a statement to Closer.

The statement continued, “For 63 years and across the platforms of radio, television and digital media, Larry’s many thousands of interviews, awards, and global acclaim stand as a testament to his unique and lasting talent as a broadcaster. Additionally, while it was his name appearing in the shows’ titles, Larry always viewed his interview subjects as the true stars of his programs, and himself as merely an unbiased conduit between the guest and audience.”

“Whether he was interviewing a U.S. president, foreign leader, celebrity, scandal-ridden personage, or an everyman, Larry liked to ask short, direct, and uncomplicated questions,” the statement added. “He believed concise questions usually provided the best answers, and he was not wrong in that belief.”

Hank Aaron

Hank Aaron, Hall of Fame baseball player, died in his sleep at 86 years old, the Atlanta Braves announced on January 22.

“He was a beacon for our organization first as a player, then with player development, and always with our community efforts,” read the statement. “His incredible talent and resolve helped him achieve the highest accomplishments, yet he never lost his humble nature. Henry Louis Aaron wasn’t just our icon, but one across Major League Baseball and around the world.”

Randy Parton

Dolly Parton revealed her brother, Randy, died in January 2021 after a battle with cancer.

“My brother Randy has lost his battle with cancer. The family and I are grieving his loss but we know he is in a better place than we are at this time,” she wrote on Instagram. “We are a family of faith and we believe that he is safe with God and that he is joined by members of the family that have gone on before and have welcomed him with joy and open arms.⁣⁣”
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“Randy was a great singer, writer, and entertainer. He sang, played guitar and bass in my band for many years,” Dolly continued. “He headed his own show at Dollywood since it opened in 1986. He’s had several chart records of his own, but his duet with me on ‘Old Flames Can’t Hold A Candle To You’ will always be a highlight in my own career.⁣⁣”
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She added, “‘You Are My Christmas,’ our duet on my latest Christmas album, joined with his daughter Heidi, will always be a favorite. It was his last musical recording and he shined on it just like he’s shining in heaven now.⁣⁣”
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“He is survived by his wife Deb, his daughter Heidi, son Sabyn, grandsons Huston and Trent,” the country legend continued. “We will always love him and he will always be in our hearts.”

John Reilly

The General Hospital alum died at age 86, his daughter Caitlin Reilly announced on January 10. 
“I’m so grateful he was mine. I’m so grateful I got to love him. I’m so grateful I made it in time to hold him and say goodbye,” she wrote via Instagram.

Deezer D

Deezer D (real name is Dearon Thompson) was found unresponsive in his Los Angeles home and died on January 7, TMZ reported at the time. The actor, who is best known for his role as nurse Malik McGrath on ER, was 55. 

Tommy Lasorda

The former manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers died on January 7 at age 93 after suffering a sudden heart attack. 



Marion Ramsey

The Police Academy alum died on January 7 at the age of 73.  

Tanya Roberts

The former Bond girl collapsed at her home on Christmas Eve after walking her dogs. She was then taken to the hospital and put on a ventilator. Although her rep initially claimed she died on January 3, the That ‘70s Show actress’ partner, Lance O’Brien, learned she was still alive the following day. News broke on January 5 that she was not able to recover and passed away. 

Kerry Vincent

The Food Network Challenge judge passed away on January 2 at age 75. 

George Gerdes

The X-Files actor died on January 1 after suffering a brain aneurysm. He was 72.