Hollywood has lost some of its finest stars this year, including Lisa Marie Presley, Tina Turner, Sinéad O’Connor and Tony Bennett.
Below, Pvnew remembers the actors, singers and more stars who died in 2023.
Shecky Greene
Shecky Greene passed away Sunday, Dec. 31. He was 97.
The Carson’s “Tonight Show” regular passed away from natural causes in his Las Vegas, N.V., home.
Shecky was known for his verbose comedy sets and for paving the way for lounge comedy in Las Vegas.
Bobby Rivers
Bobby Rivers, who became the first black film critic on television in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1979, died on Dec. 27, according to his former news station, WISN 12.
Rivers was also an actor and radio personality known for hosting Food Network’s “Top 5” in the early 2000s as well as appearing on VH1.
He was 70 years old.
Neel Nanda
Comedian Neel Nanda passed away. He was 32.
“It is with a very heavy heart we say goodbye to comedy great, Neel Nanda,” reps for The Port Comedy Club in Baltimore posted via on Instagram Dec. 24.
“Absolutely shocked by the news. Such a positive force for comedy and a huge loss to our community. Rest in Peace Neel.”
Nanda has appeared on shows such as “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and “Adam Devine’s House Party.”
The details surrounding his death are unknown.
Bobbie Jean Carter
Nick and Aaron Carter’s sister Bobbie Jean Carter died on Dec. 23 at age 41.
Bobbie Jean’s mother, Jane Carter, released a statement about her daughter’s “sudden” passing to TMZ.
“I am in shock from learning of the sudden death of my daughter, Bobbie Jean; and I will need time to process the terrible reality of this happening for the third time,” she said, referring to the 2022 and 2012 deaths of children Aaron and Leslie Carter, respectively.
“When I am able to think clearly, I’ll release a fuller statement; but until then I would request to be left to grieve in private.”
Jane added, “[H]owever deeply a parent feels the loss of a child, the suffering of a young child at the loss of a parent must be much greater.
“So, I would ask the sympathetic to say a prayer for my precious eight year old granddaughter Bella, who previously lost her father and is now also left without her mother.”
Laura Lynch
One of the original members of the Dixie Chicks — now known as The Chicks — Laura Lynch died in a car accident outside of El Paso, Texas on Dec. 22, according to TMZ.
She was pronounced dead at the scene after a vehicle hit her head-on while trying to pass the vehicle directly in front of them.
She was 65.
Lynch founded the Dixie Chicks in 1989 and departed the group as the lead vocalist in 1995 after releasing three commercially unsuccessful albums.
James McCaffrey
“Max Payne” star James McCaffrey passed away in December after a battle with cancer. He was 65.
McCaffrey had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma and died surrounded by friends and family.
“Trained at the Actor’s Studio, he never lost his love for creating characters; however, his good looks often pushed him toward leading man roles,” his rep said in a statement.
Colin Burgess
AC/DC’s original drummer Colin Burgess died at age 77.
The musician’s cause of death is unknown.
Burgess played drums with the band from 1973 to 1974.
Camden Toy
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” star Camden Toy died on Dec. 11 after a private two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 68.
On Dec. 8, his longtime partner, Bea Henderson, revealed the actor’s condition had worsened since his diagnosis in February 2022.
“His condition has declined a lot in the last 2 months and tremendously in the last several days,” she wrote on Facebook, adding that he could no longer communicate.
Toy’s social media has since been flooded with friends and fans who have been “knocked sideways” over the news of his passing.
Jeffrey Foskett
Jeffrey Foskett, a longtime member of The Beach Boys, died Dec. 11 at age 67 after a long battle with anaplastic thyroid cancer.
On Dec.13, the guitarist’s family shared a statement from Foskett’s Instagram account, thanking everyone for the “outpouring of love and support” they’ve received.
“We love reading about every show, every tour memory, and every laugh he provided to the world. We are deeply touched knowing Jeff has played such a pivotal role in so many of your lives, as he did ours,” they wrote.
Andre Braugher
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” star Andre Braugher died on Monday, Dec. 11 following a brief illness, his rep confirmed to Pvnew.
He was 61 years old.
The two-time Emmy winner’s breakthrough role was detective Frank Pembleton on the ’90s police procedural series “Homicide: Life On The Street.”
He is survived by his wife, Ami Brabson, their three sons, Michael, Isaiah and John, his brother, Charles Jennings, and his mother, Sally Braugher.
Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell
June “Mama June” Shannon’s eldest daughter, Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell, passed away on Dec. 9 following her battle with stage 4 adrenal carcinoma. She was 29 years old.
“With the breaking heart, we are announcing that @annamarie35 is no longer with us. She passed away in my home last night peacefully at 11:12 PM,” Shannon announced via Instagram on Dec. 10.
“She gave one hell of a fight for 10 months she passed away with her family around her.”
Cardwell is survived by her two daughters, Kaitlyn and Kylee.
Ryan O’Neal
Ryan O’Neal, best known for 1970’s “Love Story” and the soap opera “Peyton’s Place,” died at the age of 82 on Dec. 8.
His 56-year-old son, Patrick, announced on Instagram that he died “peacefully … with his loving team by his side.”
The actor was diagnosed with leukemia in 2001 and prostate cancer in 2012, and had diabetes and heart problems.
He is survived by his four children and five grandchildren.
Keisha Whitaker
Forest Whitaker’s ex-wife, Keisha Whitaker, died at the age of 51 on Dec. 7.
“Goodbye mommy. I love you 4ever and beyond,” their 25-year-old daughter, True, wrote over a throwback photo of Keisha on Instagram, confirming the news.
“Thank you for teaching me every single thing I know,” she added.
Forest and Keisha share two daughters, and each had a child from a previous relationship.
Keisha was an actress and producer. She also founded her own cosmetics line, Kissable Couture.
Norman Lear
Norman Lear, the legendary creator of sitcoms including “All in the Family,” died Dec. 5. He was 101.
A spokeswoman for the family, Lara Bergthold, confirmed the news to the New York Times Dec. 6, sharing that Lear died at his home in Los Angeles.
“Thank you for the moving outpouring of love and support in honor of our wonderful husband, father and grandfather,” the family said in a statement.
“Norman lived a life of creativity, tenacity and empathy. He deeply loved our country and spent a lifetime helping to preserve its founding ideals of justice and equality for all. Knowing and loving him has been the greatest of gifts. We ask for your understanding as we mourn privately in celebration of this remarkable human being.”
Lear’s cause of death was not immediately known.
Rosalynn Carter
Former first lady Rosalynn Carter passed away Nov. 19 after battling dementia. She was 96.
The humanitarian served in the White House alongside husband and 39th President Jimmy Carter from 1977 to 1981.
Rosalynn died peacefully in her home with family by her side.
Peter Spellos
Actor Peter Spellos has died after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 69.
The “American Dreams” star died at Franciscan Hospice House in Indianapolis, Ind., on Nov. 19, 2023.
Spellos was also known for his role in an animated “Transformers” series.
Suzanne Shepherd
Suzanne Shepherd, known for her roles in “Good Fellas” and “The Sopranos,” died at age 89.
The “Goodfellas” actress “passed away peacefully” on Nov. 17, 2023.
“She was a powerful actress, she was a force to act with,” Lorraine Bracco — who acted alongside Shepherd in “Goodfellas” — told Pvnew exclusively. “May she rest in peace.”
George ‘Funky’ Brown
George “Funky” Brown, founding member and drummer of Kool & The Gang, died Nov. 16 after a battle with cancer. He was 74.
Kool & The Gang paid tribute to the late musician on Facebook, calling him “the funkiest drummer the world has ever seen.”
“His beautiful soul is now at rest. We love you George. Thank you for giving us the sound of happiness.”
Dex Carvey
Dex Carvey, the son of famed comedian Dana Carvey and Paula Zwagerman, died in November from an accidental drug overdose. He was 32.
“Dex packed a lot into those 32 years. He was extremely talented at so many things — music, art, film making, comedy — and pursued all of them passionately,” the couple wrote in a joint statement.
“Dex was a beautiful person. His handmade birthday cards are a treasure. Will will miss him forever.”
Luana Andrade
Brazilian influencer Luana Andrade has died after undergoing liposuction surgery.
According to Brazilian news outlet Globo 1, the 29-year-old passed away Nov. 7 in São Paulo, Brazil, after suffering from a massive pulmonary embolism, a day after being admitted to the hospital to “undergo an aesthetic procedure.”
Two and a half hours after the surgery, Andrade reportedly “suffered a cardiac arrest” and was taken to the intensive care unit, where she died.
Evan Ellingson
Former child star Evan Ellingson, who starred in “My Sister’s Keeper” opposite Cameron Diaz, was found dead in his bedroom on Nov. 5. He was 35.
No cause of death was immediately determined, but his father told TMZ he had struggled with drug addiction.
Ellingson had been living in a sober facility at the time of his shocking passing.
Tyler Christopher
Tyler Christopher, best known for his work on “General Hospital,” died at the age of 50 on Oct. 31.
”This news was incredibly shocking, and I am devastated by his loss,” Christopher’s rep said in a statement to Pvnew.
“He was a very gifted actor, and more importantly, an amazing friend. My heart goes out to his friends and family who loved him so much.”
Maurice Benard, Christoper’s “General Hospital” colleague and friend, broke the news of his death on Instagram.
“Tyler passed away this morning following a cardiac event in his San Diego apartment,” he revealed.
Christopher openly battled substance abuse his entire life and had several public intoxication arrests, with his last being in May of this year.
He is survived by his two children, Greysun James Christopher and Boheme Christopher.
Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry died on Oct. 28. He was 54.
The “Friends” star was found unresponsive in a jacuzzi at his Los Angeles home. Foul play was not suspected, and no drugs were found at the scene.
The news came nearly one year after Perry released his memoir, “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing,” in which he detailed his decades-long battle with addiction as well as his successful TV and movie career.
Richard Moll
Richard Moll died on Oct. 26 at the age of 80.
The actor — most famous for portraying the bailiff on “Night Court” — passed away at his home in Big Bear Lake, Calif., a family spokesperson said.
Moll played the eccentric but gentle Aristotle Nostradamus “Bull” Shannon on the NBC sitcom from 1984 to 1992 alongside Harry Anderson and John Larroquette.
He was known for his shaved head and the catchphrase, “Ohh-kay.”
The late star is survived by his children, Chloe and Mason Moll, his first wife, Susan Moll, and his stepchildren, Cassandra Card and Morgan Ostling.
Suzanne Somers
Suzanne Somers sadly died on Oct. 15 — one day before her 77th birthday — after her years-long battle with cancer, Pvnew /confirm/ied.
“Suzanne Somers passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of Oct. 15. She survived an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years,” her longtime publicist, R. Couri Hay, told us in a statement.
“Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan, her son Bruce, and her immediate family.”
Piper Laurie
“Carrie” star Piper Laurie has passed away. She was 91.
“A beautiful human being and one of the great talents of our time,” her rep wrote in a statement to PvNew.
The “Hustler” star’s cause of death has not been revealed.
Mark Goddard
“General Hospital” star Mark Goddard died at the age of 87 following an unknown battle with pulmonary fibrosis.
“I’m so sorry to tell you that my wonderful husband passed away on October 10th,” the actor’s wife, Evelyn Pezzluich, wrote in a statement on Facebook.
She continued, “Several days after celebrating his 87th birthday [on July 24], he was hospitalized with pneumonia. We were hopeful when he was transferred to a rehabilitation center, but then doctors discovered he was in the final stages of pulmonary fibrosis for which there is no cure.”
Despite the unexpected diagnosis, the “Lost in Space” actor “was able to die peacefully and with dignity.”
Sir Michael Gambon
Sir Michael Gambon, who played Albus Dumbledore in the “Harry Potter” franchise, passed away at age 82, his rep revealed on Sept. 28.
“We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon,” the spokesperson said. “Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia.
“We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love.”
David McCallum
David McCallum — who starred as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard on “NCIS” — died “peacefully” of natural causes at the age of 90 in late September.
“He was the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father. He always put family before self,” his son Peter McCallum, who was at the hospital when he passed, shared in a statement.
“After returning from the hospital to their apartment, I asked my mother if she was OK before she went to sleep,” he continued. “Her answer was simply, ‘Yes. But I do wish we had had a chance to grow old together.'”
“She is 79, and dad just turned 90. The honesty in that emotion shows how vibrant their beautiful relationship and daily lives were, and that somehow, even at 90, Daddy never grew old.”
The actor is survived by his wife of over 55 years, Katherine McCallum, his four children and eight grandchildren.
Nic Kerdiles
Former pro hockey player and Savannah Chrisley’s ex-fiancé Nic Kerdiles died tragically in a motorcycle accident at age 29 on Sept. 23.
According to TMZ, Kerdiles ran a stop sign and ran into a BMW. He was taken to the hospital and later died from his injuries.
Chrisley and Kerdiles called it quits in 2020, but remained friends.
She paid tribute to her ex after his death, calling him the most “beautiful angel” and asking him to “send her a sign” that everything was alright.
Billy Miller
Soap opera actor Billy Miller died on Sept. 15 after struggling with manic depression, Pvnew /confirm/ied. He was 43 years old.
He leaves behind “a great many friends and colleagues who will miss his warm personality, generous spirit and genuine kindness,” according to his management.
The three-time Daytime Emmy winner was best known for his roles on “The Young and the Restless” and “General Hospital.”
Irish Grinstead
Irish Grinstead, a singer of the popular ’90s and ’00s girl group 702, died on Sept. 16. She was 43.
“She has had a long battle and she is finally at peace,” Grinstead’s sister, LeMisha Grinstead, wrote via Instagram.
The cause of death has not been revealed.
Jimmy Buffett
Jimmy Buffett died on Sept. 1, with his social media accounts revealing his passing the following day.
“He ived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many,” the statement read, noting that he died “peacefully … surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs.”
The musician is best known for his hit song “Margaritaville” and the brand it inspired.
Arleen Sorkin
Arleen Sorkin, the original voice of DC Comics character Harley Quinn, has died.
Sorkin, who was 67 at the time of her death, had battled multiple health issues.
The “Days of Our Lives” alum voiced Harley Quinn in the 1992 “Batman the Animated Series” and went on to voice the beloved character in other video games and animated films.
“Rest in Peace, Arleen Sorkin, the incredibly talented original voice of Harley Quinn, who helped to create the character so many of us love,” DC boss James Gunn wrote via Instagram following her death. “Love to her family and friends.”
Alexandra Paul
Alexandra Paul, an Olympic figure skater from Canada, died on Aug. 22, 2023 in a multi-vehicle accident. She was 31.
The accident reportedly occurred when a semi-truck crashed into a line of cars stopped at a construction zone near Toronto.
Paul is survived by her son, Charlie, and husband Mitchell Islam.
Magoo
Rapper Magoo passed away on Sunday, Aug. 14, at age 50. A longtime time collaborator of Timbaland, Magoo rose to fame with their 1997 album “Welcome to Our World.”
Born Melvin Barcliff, Magoo’s cause of death wasn’t immediately announced.
R&B star and music producer Digital Black announced the news in an Instagram post.
“Man can’t believe this RIH Magoo damn big bro wasnt [sic] ready for this at all #superfriends,” he wrote.
Bryan Randall
Sandra Bullock’s longtime partner, Bryan Randall, died at the age of 57 after a secret battle with ALS.
“It is with great sadness that we share that on Aug. 5, Bryan Randall passed away peacefully after a three-year battle with ALS,” his family shared in a statement with Pvnew.
“Bryan chose early to keep his journey with ALS private and those of us who cared for him did our best to honor his request.”
The “Blind Side” actress started dating the photographer in 2015 yet they never officially tied the knot.
Mark Margolis
“Better Call Saul” star Mark Margolis died on Aug. 3 at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City following a short illness, his son Morgan /confirm/ied. He was 83.
The actor was known for his chilling role as Hector “Tio” Salamanca in “Breaking Bad,” which earned him an Emmy nomination in 2012. He then reprised the character in “Better Call Saul.”
Margolis was also known for starring in several well-known films including “Scarface,” “Requiem for a Dream,” and “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.”
Angus Cloud
Angus Cloud, who was known for his role as Fezco in the hit HBO series “Euphoria,” died on July 31 at age 25.
“It is with the heaviest heart that we had to say goodbye to an incredible human today. As an artist, a friend, a brother and a son, Angus was special to all of us in so many ways,” his family said in a statement.
The family added, “We hope the world remembers him for his humor, laughter and love for everyone. We ask for privacy at this time as we are still processing this devastating loss.”
They also noted that the actor had died just weeks after his father passed away and he “intensely struggled with this loss.”
While a cause of death was not immediately reported, his mother had called 911 about a “possible overdose.”
Paul Reubens
Paul Reubens, best known for playing Pee-wee Herman, died on July 30 at age 70 after “bravely and privately” battling cancer for six years.
“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing,” the late actor wrote in a posthumous statement via Instagram the following day. “I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters.
“I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you,” he concluded.
Randy Meisner
The Eagles broke the news that their co-founder and bassist Randy Meisner had died on July 26 due to complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was 77.
“Randy was an integral part of the Eagles and instrumental in the early success of the band. His vocal range was astonishing, as is evident on his signature ballad, ‘Take It to the Limit,’” the statement read.
He formed the hit band alongside Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Bernie Leadon in 1971.
Sinéad O’Connor
News broke on July 26 that Sinéad O’Connor passed away at the age of 56.
The award-winning singer, who is best known for her hit song “Nothing Compares 2 U,” is survived by three children.
Her death came 18 months after her son Shane died by suicide in January 2022.
Tony Bennett
Legendary vocalist Tony Bennett died on July 21 in his hometown of New York City. He was just two weeks shy of his 97th birthday when he passed.
“Tony left us today but he was still singing the other day at his piano and his last song was, ‘Because of You,’ his first #1 hit,” a statement posted to his Instagram page read following his death.
Surviving Bennett — who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016 — is wife Susan Benedetto and four kids.
CoCo Lee
CoCo Lee, who was known for singing in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and 1998’s “Mulan,” died by suicide on July 5. She was 48.
“CoCo had been suffering from depression for a few years but her condition deteriorated drastically over the last few months,” her sisters, Nancy and Carol Lee, wrote in a joint statement.
“Although, CoCo sought professional help and did her best to fight depression, sadly that demon inside of her took the better of her.”
Alan Arkin
News broke on June 30 that Alan Arkin, a comic actor who delighted fans both onstage and onscreen, died at age 89.
“Our father was a uniquely talented force of nature, both as an artist and a man,” the Oscar winner’s three sons told People in a statement. “A loving husband, father, grand and great grandfather, he was adored and will be deeply missed.”
Comedian Jason Alexander alerted fans to Arkin’s passing earlier that same day with a tweet about his “wonderful, original” skill.
Larry Meyers Jr.
“My 600-Lb. Life” star Larry Myers Jr. died three days after celebrating his 49th birthday.
The TLC star, who went viral for singing the “Mr. Buttermilk Biscuits” song at a chicken restaurant, passed away from a heart attack on June 13, according to his relatives.
“Larry has fought the good fight. He has overcome some of the biggest challenges he has ever had to face,” Myers’ cousin Todd Darell wrote on Facebook June 17.
“Rest well Junior, you will be missed,” he added. “Thanks and blessings to all. Please keep our family in your prayers.(By/Page Six Team)
