Whitney Houston
Although Whitney Houston's troubles were never a secret, her death, which occurred over Grammy weekend on February 11, shook the music world. As details unfolded of how the iconic superstar known simply as "The Voice" died, in a hotel bathtub after using cocaine and accidentally drowning, the story was even more heartbreaking. Only 48, the six-time Grammy winner, whose record sales in the U.S. alone totaled $55 million, left behind an untouchable musical legacy with songs including "I Will Always Love You" and "Greatest Love of All."
Michael Clarke Duncan
Was an imposing figure in movies including 1998’s “Armageddon,” 1999’s “The Green Mile,” and 2001’s “Planet of the Apes,” but the 6-foot-5 movie star was known as a gentle giant, who gushed about his love of animals to PETA and called his fiancée “Apprentice” villainess Omarosa Manigault “perfect.” While starting out in showbiz, Duncan moonlighted as a bodyguard for stars including Will Smith and LL Cool J. His role opposite Tom Hanks in “The Green Mile” later landed him an Academy Award nomination. Duncan was 54 when he died from respiratory failure in Los Angeles on September 3. He had been in the hospital following a heart attack nearly two months earlier
John Ingle
For nearly 20 years, he made “General Hospital” fans LOL playing the feisty and scheming Quartermaine patriarch, Edward. He appeared on the soap opera up to his death from cancer in Los Angles on September 16. Prior to working on daytime TV, Ingle, who was 84, taught acting at Hollywood High School and Beverly Hills High as well as UCLA and Los Angeles City College. He was responsible for teaching some of the biggest talents in showbiz, including Richard Dreyfuss, Nicolas Cage, David Schwimmer, and Albert Brooks.
The son of Sylvester Stallone - Sage Stallone
Made his acting debut alongside his father in 1990’s “Rocky V,” and they collaborated again in 1996’s “Daylight.” He continued to act throughout his life, but his later roles were more low-profile, and his final appearance was in a 2011 TV documentary on the "Rocky" films. On July 13, Sage was found dead in his Los Angeles home. It was determined that the 36-year-old, who was a heavy smoker, died of atherosclerosis, which brought on a heart attack. Sylvester called the loss of his son "a horrible situation,” but noted that “time hopefully will heal.
Was an imposing figure in movies including 1998’s “Armageddon,” 1999’s “The Green Mile,” and 2001’s “Planet of the Apes,” but the 6-foot-5 movie star was known as a gentle giant, who gushed about his love of animals to PETA and called his fiancée “Apprentice” villainess Omarosa Manigault “perfect.” While starting out in showbiz, Duncan moonlighted as a bodyguard for stars including Will Smith and LL Cool J. His role opposite Tom Hanks in “The Green Mile” later landed him an Academy Award nomination. Duncan was 54 when he died from respiratory failure in Los Angeles on September 3. He had been in the hospital following a heart attack nearly two months earlier
John Ingle
For nearly 20 years, he made “General Hospital” fans LOL playing the feisty and scheming Quartermaine patriarch, Edward. He appeared on the soap opera up to his death from cancer in Los Angles on September 16. Prior to working on daytime TV, Ingle, who was 84, taught acting at Hollywood High School and Beverly Hills High as well as UCLA and Los Angeles City College. He was responsible for teaching some of the biggest talents in showbiz, including Richard Dreyfuss, Nicolas Cage, David Schwimmer, and Albert Brooks.
The son of Sylvester Stallone - Sage Stallone
Made his acting debut alongside his father in 1990’s “Rocky V,” and they collaborated again in 1996’s “Daylight.” He continued to act throughout his life, but his later roles were more low-profile, and his final appearance was in a 2011 TV documentary on the "Rocky" films. On July 13, Sage was found dead in his Los Angeles home. It was determined that the 36-year-old, who was a heavy smoker, died of atherosclerosis, which brought on a heart attack. Sylvester called the loss of his son "a horrible situation,” but noted that “time hopefully will heal.
Yvette Wilson
Comedian and actress, broke into showbiz with small roles in movies including 1995’s “Friday,” 1993’s “Poetic Justice,” and 1996’s “Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood.” However, most of her fans will recall her role on “Moesha,” which starred Brandy. Wilson later exited the show to appear on the spin-off “The Parkers,” reprising her role as Andell Wilkerson. Wilson was only 48 when she died on June 14. She had been battling cervical cancer as well as kidney disease
Chuck Brown
Dubbed the Godfather of go-go (a type of funk music), legendary musician Chuck Brown passed away on May 16 at age 75. The Washington, D.C. native had a charismatic stage presence and performed up until his final years, finally receiving his first Grammy nomination in 2010. “As long as I can walk up on that stage, I want to make people happy," he said in 2006. "I want to make people dance.”
Jenni Rivera
Shared her personal struggles in her songs, which endeared her to her fans through the years. Beyond her Latin Grammy-nominated hits, the California-born singer launched a successful TV career, appearing on her own reality show, “I Love Jenni,” as well as Mexico’s version of “The Voice.” She also starred in the indie flick “Filly Brown,” which was shown at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year and will be released in 2013. Rivera parlayed her success into several other business ventures as well including her own fragrance, cosmetics line, and clothing label. Rivera, who was divorced three times and had five children, was traveling from one concert venue in Mexico to another when the small plane she was traveling on with her team – including her publicist, makeup artist, and lawyer – crashed shortly after takeoff on December 9. There were no survivors. She was 43.
Like her mentor, the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, rapper Natina Reed – who was part of the female trio Blaque – died young. The singer, who was 32, was struck and killed by a car while walking across a highway in suburban Atlanta on October 26. Reed, who had a 10-year-old son with rapper Karupt, was best known for her group’s Billboard Hot 100 song "Bring It All to Me," which featured *NSYNC’s JC Chasez. She and the girls from Blaque also appeared in the 2000 cult hit "Bring It On.
Leslie Carter
The 25-year-old sister of pop stars Nick (from the Backstreet Boys) and Aaron, died of an apparent prescription pill overdose on January 31 at her father's home in New York. A singer herself, Leslie had a minor hit in 2000 with "Like Wow," which appeared on the "Shrek" soundtrack. She left behind a 10-month-old daughter and husband.
Joey Kovar
Was part of “The Real World: Hollywood” cast, was found dead at a friend’s home in Chicago on August 17. He was 29. The reality TV star has a history of drug abuse and appeared on “Celebrity Rehab” with Dr. Drew Pinsky to address his addictions. In the end, they got the better of him. His death was attributed to "opiate intoxication."
Don Cornelius
TV news reporter, took his TV dance show "Soul Train" from a local Chicago program to a national syndicated series in 1971 and brought plenty of African-American musicians -- including Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, and Aretha Franklin -- into living rooms around the country the show's during its 35-year-run. On February 1, Cornelius was found dead from an self-inflicted gunshot wound inside his home. The 75-year-old had reportedly been suffering from health problems including early onset Alzheimer's disease
Jimmy Ellis (center), lead singer of the R&B group The Trammps, who had a massive hit in 1976 with "Disco Inferno" from the film "Saturday Night Fever," died at a nursing home on March 8. He was 74.
Jimmy Ellis (center), lead singer of the R&B group The Trammps, who had a massive hit in 1976 with "Disco Inferno" from the film "Saturday Night Fever," died at a nursing home on March 8. He was 74
Shared her personal struggles in her songs, which endeared her to her fans through the years. Beyond her Latin Grammy-nominated hits, the California-born singer launched a successful TV career, appearing on her own reality show, “I Love Jenni,” as well as Mexico’s version of “The Voice.” She also starred in the indie flick “Filly Brown,” which was shown at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year and will be released in 2013. Rivera parlayed her success into several other business ventures as well including her own fragrance, cosmetics line, and clothing label. Rivera, who was divorced three times and had five children, was traveling from one concert venue in Mexico to another when the small plane she was traveling on with her team – including her publicist, makeup artist, and lawyer – crashed shortly after takeoff on December 9. There were no survivors. She was 43.
Like her mentor, the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, rapper Natina Reed – who was part of the female trio Blaque – died young. The singer, who was 32, was struck and killed by a car while walking across a highway in suburban Atlanta on October 26. Reed, who had a 10-year-old son with rapper Karupt, was best known for her group’s Billboard Hot 100 song "Bring It All to Me," which featured *NSYNC’s JC Chasez. She and the girls from Blaque also appeared in the 2000 cult hit "Bring It On.
Leslie Carter
The 25-year-old sister of pop stars Nick (from the Backstreet Boys) and Aaron, died of an apparent prescription pill overdose on January 31 at her father's home in New York. A singer herself, Leslie had a minor hit in 2000 with "Like Wow," which appeared on the "Shrek" soundtrack. She left behind a 10-month-old daughter and husband.
Joey Kovar
Was part of “The Real World: Hollywood” cast, was found dead at a friend’s home in Chicago on August 17. He was 29. The reality TV star has a history of drug abuse and appeared on “Celebrity Rehab” with Dr. Drew Pinsky to address his addictions. In the end, they got the better of him. His death was attributed to "opiate intoxication."
Don Cornelius
TV news reporter, took his TV dance show "Soul Train" from a local Chicago program to a national syndicated series in 1971 and brought plenty of African-American musicians -- including Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, and Aretha Franklin -- into living rooms around the country the show's during its 35-year-run. On February 1, Cornelius was found dead from an self-inflicted gunshot wound inside his home. The 75-year-old had reportedly been suffering from health problems including early onset Alzheimer's disease
Jimmy Ellis (center), lead singer of the R&B group The Trammps, who had a massive hit in 1976 with "Disco Inferno" from the film "Saturday Night Fever," died at a nursing home on March 8. He was 74.
Jimmy Ellis (center), lead singer of the R&B group The Trammps, who had a massive hit in 1976 with "Disco Inferno" from the film "Saturday Night Fever," died at a nursing home on March 8. He was 74
Davy Jones
Generations of hearts broke on February 29 when The Monkees singer Davy Jones died of a heart attack at the age of 66. Even though his band's TV show was popular in the late '60s, reruns played until 1986, when MTV began airing old episodes. And who can forget when the "Daydream Believer" heartthrob appeared on "The Brady Bunch" for Marcia's birthday? It ended up being one of the most memorable episodes in the show's history. After Jones' passing, Maureen McCormick, who played Marcia, said, "Davy was a beautiful soul ... He filled our lives with happiness, music, and joy."
Etta James
If you've been to a wedding, you've most likely danced to Etta James' biggest hit, "At Last," but the 1961 tune reached a new generation when Barack and Michelle Obama danced to Beyonce's version of the tune at the Inaugural Ball in 2009 (though James wasn't happy that the pop star was asked to sing her song). After a career spanning a whopping 60 years, James died on January 20, four days before her 74th birthday.
Adam "MCA" Yauch
One of the founding members of the Beasties Boys, died on May 4. He was 47. Known for creating iPod staples including "Fight for Your Right" and "Make Some Noise," he later became a Buddhist and was known for his work as an advocate for Tibetan independence, organizing benefits for the cause. He also had a passion for filmmaking and founded Oscilloscope Laboratories, which released his directorial debut, the 2008 basketball documentary "Gunnin' For That #1 Spot."
Phyllis Diller
Broke into the comedy biz later in life – when she was a 37-year-old mother of five. She was known for her self-deprecating jokes and unforgettable laugh, but also for her wild hair and outfits, which were a part of her less-than-glamorous shtick. It was a series of TV specials with Bob Hope that first put her on the map. She later went on to appear on her own shows ("The Phyllis Diller Show" and "The Beautiful Phyllis Diller Show") and made guest appearances on "Laugh-In" and "The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson.” More recently, she provided the voice of Peter Griffin's mother on "Family Guy," and spiced things up as William Shatner's love interest in a 2007 episode of "Boston Legal." Diller lived to be 95, passing away in her sleep on August 20 at her home in Los Angeles.
Ernest Borgnine
had a long career in showbiz, which started in 1947 and lasted until his death on July 8 at the age of 95. The actor, with his famous gap-tooth smile, won an Academy Award for his performance in the 1955 film "Marty." He went on to do extensive TV work, and nabbed an Emmy nomination – at the age of 92! – playing Paul Manning on “ER.” He also voiced the character of Mermaid Man on “SpongeBob SquarePants” up until his passing, which occured at a Los Angeles hospital and was caused by renal failure.
Janet Carroll
Had many successful runs on Broadway (in “Carousel,” “Guys and Dolls,” and “Hello, Dolly!” to name a few) and recurring roles on TV (from “Murphy Brown” to “Melrose Place”), but it is her film career for which she’ll always be remembered. She appeared in more than 20 movies over three decades, but the one she is frequently associated with is 1983’s “Risky Business.” She played Tom Cruise’s mother. Carroll, who was 71, passed away at her Manhattan home on May 22 after a long illness.
Mike Wallac
A veteran newsman whose career spanned 60 years, passed away April 7 at the age of 93. Perhaps best known for always asking the tough questions on "60 Minutes," he won 21 Emmys and five Peabody Awards for his efforts. "His extraordinary contribution as a broadcaster is immeasurable and he has been a force within the television industry throughout its existence," said CBS head Leslie Moonves.
Lupe Ontiveros
Faced typecasting throughout her 35 years in showbiz, often being hired to play the roles of maids and mothers. However, she always managed to turn those parts into memorable performances, notably Eva Longoria’s suspicious mother-in-law on TV’s “Desperate Housewives” and America Ferrera’s domineering mom in the 2002 movie “Real Women Have Curves.” She also portrayed murderous fan Yolanda Saldívar in the biopic “Selena” opposite Jennifer Lopez, and was so believable that for years the singer’s fans would hiss at Ontiveros when they saw her out in public. Ontiveros passed away from liver cancer on July 26. She was 69.
Kathryn Joosten
Ontiveros' “Desperate Housewives” co-star also died in 2012. Just weeks after the airing of the final episode of the series – in which her character, Karen McCluskey, passed away – Joosten died from lung cancer on June 2. She was 72. Joosten, who was a nurse before becoming an actress at the age of 42, won Emmys in 2005 and 2008 for her role as a neighborhood gossip and troublemaker on “Housewives.” She also had roles on "Ally McBeal,” "The West Wing,” and "My Name is Earl.”
George Lindsey
best known for his portrayal of the dim-witted Goober Pyle on "The Andy Griffith Show," died on May 6 in Nashville following a long illness. The actor's affable character was so beloved, he played him on the spin-off "Mayberry R.F.D.," as well as the country music variety show, "Hee Haw."
Larry Hagman,
who created one of TV’s most iconic villains, J. R. Ewing on “Dallas,” died in Texas on November 23 after a battle with throat cancer. He was 81. The son of Broadway veteran Mary Martin, Hagman’s breakout role was opposite Barbara Eden in “I Dream of Jeannie.” However, it was his part as the ruthless oil tycoon J.R. that endeared him to fans. Viewers loved to hate his lying, conniving character, so much so that when “Dallas” was rebooted earlier this year, the veteran actor reprised his role and again stole the show. Patrick Duffy, who played his brother on the series, called Hagman “one of the greatest friends ever to grace my life” and noted, “I wear his friendship with honor."
Ravi Shankar
As a boy, Indian musician Ravi Shankar toured through Europe as part of a dance troupe and learned to play various Indian instruments, moving to the sitar at 19. He quickly mastered the string instrument, and started composing music for others and recording his own songs. In the 1950s, he worked on a trilogy of Bengali films, which became an international success. In 1966, at the height of the Beatles craze, he met George Harrison in London and the “quiet Beatle” traveled to India to study under Shankar. Harrison then incorporated his mentor’s sound into the Beatles music, most notably in the iconic album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. The two remained friends and collaborators – with Harrison dubbing Shankar “the godfather of world music” – and they organized the 1971 Concert for Bangladesh, which was the first major rock benefit concert of its kind. Shankar, who won three Grammys during his life, continued to perform and compose, receiving an Academy Award nominations in the Best Original Music Score category for his work on the 1982’s “Gandhi.” His final concert was on November 4 in Long Beach, California. Shankar – who was the father of singer Norah Jones, from whom he was estranged – died on December 11 following complications from surgery. He was 92
Nora Ephron
Was the mastermind behind some of the most popular romantic comedies, including 1989’s “When Harry Met Sally,” 1993’s “Sleepless in Seattle,” and 1998’s “You’ve Got Mail.” She even turned her own heartbreak into a best-selling novel. "Heartburn" was based loosely on her split from her second husband, Watergate journalist Carl Bernstein, and eventually turned into a movie starring Meryl Streep as Ephron and Jack Nicholson as her cheating husband. The writer and director, known for her wit and wisdom, died from pneumonia, which was a complication resulting from acute myeloid leukemia, on June 26. She was 71
Andy Williams
“Moon River” crooner, died at his home in Branson, Missouri on September 25 at the age of 84. An extremely accomplished singer, he recorded 17 Gold-certified albums. He also hosted his own TV show, “The Andy Williams Show,” which won three Emmys, and other holiday specials. Later in life he regularly performed at his Moon River Theatre in Branson, stopping a year prior to his death when he was diagnosed with bladder cancer.
Richard Dawson
British actor and comedian, appeared in TV’s “Hogan’s Heroes” as magician, conman, and resident pickpocket Royal Air Force Corporal Peter Newkirk. However, his later job hosting “Family Feud” scored him many more fans – and smooches! Dawson was known for flirting with the female guests and kissing them directly on the lips. He was diagnosed with esophageal cancer just three weeks before his June 2 death at a Los Angeles hospital. He was 79.
Antoine Ashley
Who became known as Sahara Davenport on “RuPaul's Drag Race,” died of heart failure on October 1. He was 27. A trained dancer, he started his career performing in New York City clubs. In addition to his role on “Drag Race,” Ashley appeared in “15 Films About Madonna,” “One Life to Live,” and “Magnificent Obsessions.” He also released a single, "Go Off," which reached No. 35 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart
Alex Karras
Rose to fame as a bruiser lineman for the Detroit Lions, but he later made a second career as an actor. He started out dabbling in movies, including 1968’s “Paper Lion,” and was later in the running for the role of Carlo Rizzi in 1972’s “The Godfather” (the part went to Gianni Russo), but the Indiana native will be remembered most for his TV work. After guest parts on “M*A*S*H” and “The Odd Couple,” he and his real-life wife, Susan Clark, co-starred in the family comedy “Webster.” He played the adoptive father of Emmanuel Lewis’ character – which allowed him to show off his soft side. Karras passed away at his Los Angeles home on October 10 after being plagued with many illnesses, including kidney disease, heart disease, stomach cancer, and dementia, which is possibly linked to head injuries sustained during his years in the NFL. He was 77.
Sherman Hemsley
Known to many as TV’s George Jefferson – died of lung cancer on July 24. He was 74. The actor began his career on Broadway, but was later hired to play pompous and feisty George on “All in the Family” and then scored his own spin-off, “The Jeffersons.” For 10 years viewers kept tabs on George and Weezy, who left Queens, New York, when they went “movin’ on up” to “a deluxe apartment” on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. When the show ended, he had another memorable TV role playing a deacon of a Philadelphia Baptist church on “Amen.” A fight over Hemsley’s estate delayed his burial (his long-time girlfriend was the victor), but he was finally laid to rest in his adopted hometown of El Paso, Texas, on November 21.
Tony Martin
Used his baritone voice to break into showbiz, singing on radio shows before transitioning to movie musicals. He made 25 films, such as “Ziegfeld Girl” and “Casbah,” and also recorded many hit songs, including “To Each His Own,” "I Get Ideas," "Begin the Beguine," and "There's No Tomorrow." He lived to the age of 98, passing away at his Los Angeles home from natural causes on July 27.
Dick Clark,
Who was nicknamed "America's Oldest Teenager," died on April 18 at the age of 82 after suffering a massive heart attack. A breakout star after being tapped to host “American Bandstand,” an afternoon dance show for teenagers in the 1950s, he went on to form his own production company and put out popular shows, including "TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes" and "The $25,000 Pyramid." In later years, he became known for his annual "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" special, helping Americans countdown to midnight as the ball dropped in New York's Times Square.
Tony Scott
Was responsible for directing some of the highest-grossing films in Hollywood. His most memorable movies included collaborations with Tom Cruise (1986’s “Top Gun” and 1990’s “Days of Thunder)” and Denzel Washington (including 1995’s “Crimson Tide” and 2009’s “The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3”). He also partnered with his brother, Ridley, to produce TV’s “Numb3rs” and “The Good Wife.” Sadly, the British-born talent ended his life on August 19, jumping to his death from the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro, California. He was 68..
Celeste Holm
Was an Academy Award winner for her role in 1947’s “Gentleman’s Agreement.” She also had success on Broadway, originating the role of Ado Annie in the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “Oklahoma.” She preferred live theater to movies, so she was selective about her film roles – though she said yes to co-starring with Frank Sinatra in 1955’s “The Tender Trap” and 1956’s “High Society.” She lived to the age of 95, passing away at home following a heart attack on July 15
James Farentino
Prolific TV actor, passed away on January 24 at the age of 73, following a long illness. He had nearly 100 roles on shows such as "Dynasty," "E.R.," and "The Bold Ones" before his career took a downturn after he was convicted of stalking Frank Sinatra's youngest daughter, Tina, in 1994.
Doris Singleton
Best known for her role in “I Love Lucy,” passed away on June 26 at the age of 92. After starting her career as a ballerina and a vocalist, a chance meeting with Lucille Ball on a radio show led the two women to strike up a working relationship that spanned decades. Ball cast Singleton in the recurring role of Carolyn Appleby, Lucy and Ricky Ricardo's neighbor (who was known for bragging about her son, Stevie) in her now-iconic TV series. The women worked together again several times, including on "The Lucy Show," "Here's Lucy," and "The Bob Hope Christmas Special."
Richard Lynch
As a young actor, he cheated death when he set himself on fire – while on drugs – in Manhattan’s Central Park at the age of 30. As he recovered, he also kicked his drug habit, and discovered a new passion for life and his acting career. He went on to have a colorful career, often playing bad guys in movies including 1982’s “The Sword and the Sorcerer,” 1988’s “Bad Dreams,” and the 2007 “Halloween” remake. He was also known for his roles in sci-fi shows, among them “Battlestar Galactica” and its sequel “Galactica 1980.” Lynch passed away at his Palm Springs, California, home and was discovered by a friend on June 19. He was 72.
Gary Collins
Died of natural causes on October 13 at the age of 74. In addition to making appearances on shows including “Fantasy Island,” “Love Boat,” and “Charlie’s Angels,” Collins was known for hosting “Hour Magazine” and the Miss America Pageant. The beauty contest had a special place in his heart – his wife Mary Ann Mobley won it in 1959. In recent years, Collins had legal troubles, including convictions for drunken driving and leaving the scene of an accident. In 2011, he and Mobley moved to her hometown of Biloxi, Mississippi, but separated soon after
Ben Gazzara
Longtime film, television, and theater actor Ben Gazzara lost his battle with cancer on February 3 at the age of 81. Gazzara originated the role of Brick in the Tennessee Williams play “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” starred in several television series throughout the 1960s and 1970s, and later won an Emmy Award for best supporting actor for the 2002 HBO drama “Hysterical Blindness.”
Robert Hegyes
"Welcome Back, Kotter" star Robert Hegyes suffered a fatal heart attack at his New Jersey home on January 26 at the age of 60. In addition to his very memorable role as high school student Epstein for four seasons on the '70s sitcom (which also launched the career of John Travolta), Hegyes also appeared on more than 30 TV shows, including "NewsRadio," "The Drew Carey Show," and "Diagnosis: Murder."
Ron Palillo
The second “Welcome Back, Kotter” star to pass on this year was Ron Palillo – who was perhaps better known as Arnold Horshack. He played one of the "Sweathogs," who were remedial students at a Brooklyn high school, on the series. Palillo later appeared on other TV shows, including “Ellen” and the soap opera “One Life to Live.” He also loved theater, appearing on Broadway and in regional productions. He passed away after suffering a heart attack at his Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, home on August 14. He was 63
Justin Pitt
British actor Ian Abercrombie, best known to American audiences as Justin Pitt, Elaine's very picky boss on the sixth season of "Seinfeld," passed on January 26 from kidney failure at the age of 77.
Mitchell Guist
"Swamp People" star he died doing what he loved. While loading up his boat on May 14, the reality TV star suddenly had a seizure -- just four days before what would have been his 49th birthday.
Vidal Sassoon
After nearly 60 years of helping men and women "look good," hairstylist died on May 9 at the age of 84, following a years-long battle with cancer and leukemia. Best known for creating "the bob" style, Sassoon also gave Mia Farrow her iconic pixie cut for "Rosemary's Baby" in 1967. In 1973, he released his own line of styling products, and 40 years later it's still one of the most popular in the world
Dave Brubeck
Died on December 5 – just one day before his 92nd birthday. Following a near fatal swimming accident in 1951, during which he was pronounced dead on arrival, the famed jazz musician formed the Dave Brubeck Quartet. Just three years later, he appeared on the cover of Time magazine – the second jazz musician, following Louis Armstrong, to be recognized in such a way. The group’s piece “Take Five” was such a hit that it sold more than a million copies and remains one of the most recognizable songs in the industry. Although his quartet disbanded in 1967, he was still performing up until his death – and even had a show scheduled on his 92nd birthday. However, on his way to see his cardiologist the day before, he suffered heart failure, and passed away, surrounded by his family, at the Norwalk Hospital in Norwalk, Connecticut.
Jack Klugman,
who rose to fame in the 1970s playing slovenly sportswriter Oscar Madison on "The Odd Couple" – a role he also portrayed on Broadway – passed away in Woodland Hills, California, on December 24 at the age of 90. The Emmy-winning actor, who had more than 100 TV credits to his name, was also well known for his starring role as the crime-fighting forensic pathologist on "Quincy, M.E." At one time a heavy smoker, Klugman survived throat cancer, but as a result had a vocal removed in 1989. Left without his voice, he eventually taught himself to speak again and continued working. Klugman's notable film credits include "12 Angry Men," "Days of Wine and Roses," and "Goodbye, Columbus."
Doc Watson
Although he lost his eyesight before his first birthday, he was given the gift of having magical fingers. The talented guitarist and singer/songwriter, known for his flatpicking style of playing, won seven Grammys and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award during his career playing bluegrass, folk, and country tunes. He also received the National Medal of the Arts from President Clinton. Watson loved to collaborate with family members and played with his son, Merle, for 15 years up until his offspring’s unexpected death in a 1985 tractor accident. Watson later shared the stage with Merle’s son, Richard. Watson was 89 when he passed away on May 29. He had been hospitalized in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, after undergoing colon surgery.
Ronnie Montrose
Rock guitarist fronted his own bands as well as worked with some of the biggest names in the music business – from Herbie Hancock to Van Morrison. He was found dead at his home in Millbrae, California, on March 3 and his death was ruled a suicide. After his passing, his widow Leighsa Montrose revealed that her 64-year-old husband had battled clinical depression for much of his life. During the two years leading up to his death, he had been successfully treated for prostate cancer.
Ann Rutherford
had a small part in 1939’s “Gone With the Wind” – playing Scarlett’s younger sister, Carreen O’Hara – and that is the role she was best remembered for during her life. It was also a role she almost didn’t play. Under contract with MGM at the time, studio head Louis B. Mayer told Rutherford that his son-in-law, producer David O. Selznick, wanted her for the now-iconic film. However, Mayer described the role as a “nothing part” and said he was going to decline the offer. Rutherford was a huge fan of the Margaret Mitchell novel and burst into tears at the thought of missing out on the opportunity, so Mayer changed his mind. At an event celebrating the 70th anniversary of the movie, Rutherford – who made a second career out of attending “Gone With the Wind” festivals later in her life, memorably told reporters, "That 'nothing part' turned my golden years into platinum." She passed away in her Beverly Hills home on June 11. She was 91.
Donna Summer
whose disco anthems rocked the 1970s music scene, died on May 17 after a private battle with cancer. The five-time Grammy winner was 63. Best known for her energetic hits including "Bad Girls," "Hot Stuff," and the wedding staple "Last Dance" – as well as her flashy costumes – she will forever been remembered as the original disco queen.
Robin Gibb
Got people dancin’ as part of the Bee Gees along with his twin brother, the late Maurice, and older brother Barry. For many, they became the face of disco and their soundtrack for 1977’s “Saturday Night Fever” became the biggest-selling album ever with No. 1 hits including “You Should Be Dancing,” “How Deep Is Your Love?,” “Stayin’ Alive,” and “Night Fever.” The British-born talent – and his siblings – were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and they also won six Grammys. Robin was in England when he passed away on May 20 – just days after fellow disco legend Donna Summer – from complications of cancer and intestinal surgery. He was 62.
Andy Griffith
died at his North Carolina home on July 3. He was 86. The beloved TV icon became a household name for his portrayal of a small-town sheriff on “The Andy Griffith Show.” The actor went on to star in another long-running TV series, “Matlock,” about a no frills detective who always got his man. Outside of acting, Griffith – who had numerous health issues in recent years – was an accomplished gospel singer who won a Grammy Award in 1997 for his album I Love to Tell the Story — 25 Timeless Hymns.
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