Rest in peace.
Remembering the Celebrities Who Died in 2021
Here, we honor the celebrities who died in 2021: their legacies, their careers, and their impact. We hope their loved ones find peace during this difficult time.
Peter ScolariThe actor, known for his roles in Bosom Buddies, Newhart, and Girls, passed away in October. He was 66 years old. CNN reports Scolari had cancer and had been ill since 2019.
As the anchor of Saturday Night Live’s “Weekend Update” segment during the ’90s, Macdonald influenced a generation of comics and comedy fans. He passed away in September 2021 at the age of 61 after a private battle with cancer, reported Deadline.
“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,” said his friend and producing partner Lori Jo Hoekstra, who was with him when he died.
Kevin ClarkClark was a musician who shot to fame as drummer Freddy in the hit movie School of Rock. Variety reported on May 26 that Clark was hit by a car while riding his bike in Chicago. He was only 32.
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Paul MooneyThe actor and comedian, who worked with Dave Chappelle and Richard Pryor, among others, died on Wednesday, May 19, from a heart attack. Mooney was 79, reported TMZ.
Charles GrodinThe actor passed away from bone marrow cancer on Tuesday, May 17, his son confirmed to the Associated Press. He was 86.
Alber ElbazElbaz—a native of Israel who was best known for his revival of fashion house Lanvin, where he worked from 2001 to 2015—has died at age 59 from COVID-19. “It was with shock and enormous sadness that I heard of Alber’s sudden passing,” said Johann Rupert, chairman of Richemont and a partner in Elbaz’s AZ Factory, per Harper’s Bazaar. “I was always taken by his intelligence, sensitivity, generosity, and unbridled creativity. He was a man of exceptional warmth and talent, and his singular vision, sense of beauty, and empathy leave an indelible impression.”
Helen McCrory, who starred in the Harry Potter franchise as Narcissa Malfoy, died of cancer at 52 years old. “I’m heartbroken to announce that after a heroic battle with cancer, the beautiful and mighty woman that is Helen McCrory has died peacefully at home, surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family,” McCory's husband, actor Damian Lewis, shared on April 16.
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“She died as she lived. Fearlessly. God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives,” he continued. “She blazed so brightly. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.”
Joseph SiravoBest known for his portrayal of Giovanni “Johnny Boy” Soprano on HBO’s groundbreaking drama The Sopranos, Siravo was also a Broadway star who took the stage in Jersey Boys for over 2,000 performances, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Siravo was 64 and had been battling cancer for some time. The news was reported on Monday, April 12.
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DMXRapper and actor DMX, born Earl Simmons, died on Friday, April 9, a week after suffering a heart attack. He was 50 years old.
“We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at 50 years old at White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days,” his family wrote in a statement to People. “Earl was a warrior who fought till the very end. He loved his family with all of his heart and we cherish the times we spent with him. Earl’s music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever. We appreciate all of the love and support during this incredibly difficult time. Please respect our privacy as we grieve the loss of our brother, father, uncle and the man the world knew as DMX. We will share information about his memorial service once details are finalized.”
Prince PhilipPrince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, died on Friday, April 9, at the age of 99. “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,” Buckingham Palace said via a statement. “His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.”
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Paul RitterFriday Night Dinner and Chernobyl actor Paul Ritter passed away from a brain tumor at the age of 54, reported Variety in April.
“He died peacefully at home with his wife Polly and sons Frank and Noah by his side,” said his agent in a statement. “Paul was an exceptionally talented actor playing an enormous variety of roles on stage and screen with extraordinary skill. He was fiercely intelligent, kind and very funny. We will miss him greatly.”
Gloria HenryHenry’s daughter, Erin Ellwood, confirmed on Easter that the Dennis the Menace star had passed away on Saturday, April 3. Henry, who played matriarch Alice Mitchell on the classic CBS sitcom, had just turned 98.
Ellwood wrote on Instagram, “She’s flying now, free of her body. She left on a countdown 4 3 2 1 @ 3:40pm. She was such an incredible woman in so many ways. This last year with her has been beautiful and heartbreaking. Thank you all for following me and supporting me on this journey - this beautiful land mine. Goodbye Momma, I love your guts forever.”
Jessica WalterThe iconic actor passed away in March 2021 at 80 years old. “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of my beloved mom Jessica,” her daughter, Brooke Bowman, said in a statement, per The Hollywood Reporter. “A working actor for over six decades, her greatest pleasure was bringing joy to others through her storytelling both on-screen and off. 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.”
Her legendary roles include Lucille Bluth on Arrested Development, Malory Archer on Archer, and many more.
Wilson, a founding member of The Supremes, passed away in February at 76 years old. Her friend and publicist, Jay Schwartz, said in a statement, “[She was] a trendsetter who broke down social, racial, and gender barriers.”
He continued, “Their [The Supremes’] influence not only carries on in contemporary R&B, soul, and pop, they also helped pave the way for mainstream success by Black artists across all genres.”
The legendary actor, whose career spanned almost seven decades, passed away on February 5, according to his agency, ICM Partners. He was 91 years old.
“Chris was an extraordinary man who deeply loved and respected his profession with great old fashion manners, self-deprecating humor and the music of words,” his manager, Lou Pitt, said in a statement, per The Hollywood Reporter. “He was a National Treasure who deeply relished his Canadian roots. Through his art and humanity, he touched all of our hearts, and his legendary life will endure for all generations to come. He will forever be with us.”
The Broadway and screen actor is known for playing Captain von Trapp in the 1965 classic The Sound of Music, Harlan Thrombey in Knives Out, Hal in Beginners (for which he won an Oscar), and so much more.
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Saved by the Bell actor Dustin Diamond passed away after his battle with cancer. He was 44 years old.
“We are saddened to confirm of Dustin Diamond’s passing on Monday, February 1st, 2021, due to carcinoma,” his rep said in a statement to People. “He was diagnosed with this brutal, relentless form of malignant cancer only three weeks ago. In that time, it managed to spread rapidly throughout his system; the only mercy it exhibited was its sharp and swift execution. Dustin did not suffer. He did not have to lie submerged in pain. For that, we are grateful.”
The statement continued, “Dustin Diamond’s name was synonymous with Screech, his character on the hit show Saved by the Bell. He portrayed Samuel ‘Screech’ Powers for 13 years as the cast of the show grew up together in all its series: Good Morning, Miss Bell, Saved by the Bell: The New Class, and Saved By the Bell: The College Years. He starred in a handful of reality television series including the fifth season of Celebrity Fit Club, The Weakest Link, and Celebrity Boxing 2. He made cameo appearances in films such as Made (2001), Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star (2003), and American Pie Presents: The Book of Love.(2009). In December 2013, Dustin appeared on an episode of OWN’s Where Are They Now? and became a house member in the 12th season of Celebrity Big Brother.”
It ended with, “We please ask that you give room for privacy to our team and Mr. Diamond’s family during this tragic time, as we grieve and remember the memories spent together. This loss is as much stinging as it is sudden.”
Cicely TysonThe legendary actor passed on January 28. She was 96. “I have managed Miss Tyson’s career for over 40 years, and each year was a privilege and blessing,” her manager, Larry Thompson, said in a statement to Variety. “Cicely thought of her new memoir as a Christmas tree decorated with all the ornaments of her personal and professional life. Today she placed the last ornament, a star, on top of the tree.” (Her memoir Just as I Am was released in 2021.)
Tributes to Tyson from celebrities soon flooded the internet:
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Double KThe rapper from duo People Under the Stairs passed away at 43 years old.
Larry KingKing passed in late January 2021 at 87 years old; he had been hospitalized with COVID-19 over the holidays. Ora Media, the media company cofounded by King, announced the news on January 23. “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,” a statement read.
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Journalists in particular took to social media to talk about how King influenced them:
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Cloris LeachmanThe Young Frankenstein and Mary Tyler Moore Show actor passed away at 94 years old from natural causes. “There was no one like Cloris,” her manager, Juliet Green, told Page Six. “With a single look she had the ability to break your heart or make you laugh ’till the tears ran down your face. You never knew what Cloris was going to say or do, and that unpredictable quality was part of her unparalleled magic.”
Joanne RogersRogers, a pianist and widow of TV legend Fred Rogers, passed at 92 years old. “Fred Rogers Productions is deeply saddened by the passing of Joanne Rogers,” the organization said in a statement, per People. “The loving partner of Fred Rogers for more than 50 years, she continued their shared commitment to supporting children and families after his death as chair of the board of Fred Rogers Productions.”
Deezer DKnown for playing Malik McGrath on ER, Deezer D passed away January 7 at 55 years old.
Marion RamseyThe actor, famous for her roles on Broadway and the film Police Academy, passed on January 7 at 73 years old.
Ed BruceOn January 8, the country music legend passed away from natural causes.
John ReillyThe General Hospital and Beverly Hills, 90210 star died on January 10 at 84 years old.
Sylvain SylvainThe New York Dolls guitarist died at 69 years old. “As most of you know, Sylvain battled cancer for the past two and 1/2 years,” his wife, Wanda O’Kelley Mizrahi, wrote in a Facebook post. “Though he fought it valiantly, yesterday he passed away from this disease. While we grieve his loss, we know that he is finally at peace and out of pain."
Harry BrantThe 24-year-old son of model and actor Stephanie Seymour and magazine publisher Peter Brant passed away at 24 years old from an accidental overdose. “We will forever be saddened that his life was cut short by this devastating disease,” the family said in a statement to The New York Times. “He achieved a lot in his 24 years, but we will never get the chance to see how much more Harry could have done.”
Sonny FoxThe beloved host of Wonderama, a popular 1960s children’s show, died at 95 from coronavirus complications. “It is with sadness that we share the news of Sonny’s passing in Los Angeles on Sunday, January 24th, of Covid Related Pneumonia,” a statement reads. “We will post more as we learn more of where to send your condolences.”
Song Yoo-jungThe South Korean actor and model died at 26. “Actress Song Yoo-jung has left us,” Sublime Artist Agency wrote in the caption, translated by CNN. “Yoo-jung was a friend who always gave us happiness with a bright smile, and an awesome actress who acted with a passion bigger than anyone.”
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Rest in peace to all the celebrities who died in 2021.
This story originally appeared on: Glamour - Author:Condé Nast
