Remembering the Iconic Americans We Lost In 2024

Honoring the Legends We’ve Lost

2024 has been a year of saying goodbye to some of our most beloved icons. From entertainers to pioneers, these Americans left an unforgettable mark on our culture.

Let’s honor their remarkable contributions and the lasting impact they’ve made in our lives. And remember and celebrate the stars we lost, keeping their memories alive.

Quincy Jones

Quincy Jones, the legendary music producer, passed away on November 3, 2024, at 91, after battling pancreatic cancer. Known for producing Michael Jackson’s Thriller , his impact on music was unmatched.

With 28 Grammy Awards, Quincy shaped the sound of multiple generations. His death marks the loss of one of the greatest producers in history, leaving behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.

James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones, the iconic voice behind Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King passed away on September 9, 2024, at 93. He passed away peacefully at home in Dutchess County, New York, with his son, Flynn Earl Jones, by his side.

Jones’s deep, resonant voice and commanding presence made him a beloved figure in film and theater. His lege carendaryer earned him multiple awards, including an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony, making him one of the few EGOT winners.

Toby Keith

Toby Keith, the renowned country music singer and songwriter, passed away on February 5, 2024, at the age of 62, following a battle with stomach cancer. He passed away peacefully at home in Oklahoma, surrounded by his family.

Keith’s illustrious career included hits like Should’ve Been a Cowboy and Red Solo Cup , solidifying his status as a country music icon. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow artists, honoring his significant contributions to the genre.

Kris Kristofferson

Kris Kristofferson, the acclaimed country singer-songwriter and actor, passed away on September 28, 2024, at the age of 88. He passed away peacefully at home in Maui, Hawaii, surrounded by family.

Kristofferson’s legendary career spanned music and film, with iconic songs like Why Me and roles in films such as A Star Is Born and Marvel’s Blade . His contributions to country music and cinema have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

O.J. Simpson

O.J. Simpson, the former NFL star and actor, passed away on April 10, 2024, at 76 after battling cancer. His family announced his death on social media.

Simpson, known for being at the center of the ‘Trial of the Century,’ was acquitted in 1995 of the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman.

Simpson was the first NFL player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season, cementing his place in football history. Despite his criminal trial, he remains a polarizing figure, with his legal battles continuing to captivate the public’s attention.

Shannen Doherty

Shannen Doherty, the actress celebrated for her roles in Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed , passed away on July 13, 2024, at 53 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Doherty was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2015 and fought bravely throughout her journey.

Doherty’s enduring legacy in television and film continues to inspire many. Her impact on the entertainment industry and her fans remains profound, especially with her public fight against cancer, which she used to raise awareness and inspire others.

Carl Weathers

Carl Weathers, renowned for his portrayal of Apollo Creed in the Rocky series and as Dillon in Predator , passed away on February 2, 2024, at 76. He died at his home in Los Angeles from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Beyond his acting career, Weathers was a former NFL linebacker, playing for the Oakland Raiders and the B.C. Lions. His diverse talents and charismatic presence left a lasting impact on both sports and entertainment.

Tony Todd

Tony Todd, the acclaimed actor renowned for his role as the titular character in the Candyman horror film series, passed away on November 6, 2024, at the age of 69. He died at his home in Los Angeles.

Throughout his illustrious career, Todd appeared in films and TV series like Platoon , The Rock , and Star Trek , with his deep voice and commanding presence setting him apart. Beyond acting, he was a mentor and advocate for aspiring actors, championing greater representation in the industry.

Terri Garr

Teri Garr, the acclaimed actress known for Young Frankenstein and Tootsie , passed away on October 29, 2024, at 79 from complications of multiple sclerosis. Diagnosed in 2002, she became an ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Garr earned an Academy Award nomination for Tootsie and appeared in Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Mr. Mom . Her advocacy for MS awareness and her remarkable career have left a lasting impact on both the entertainment industry and the fight against the disease.

Frankie Beverly

Frankie Beverly, the celebrated frontman of the soul and funk band Maze, passed away on September 10, 2024, at 77. His family announced his death on the band’s official Facebook page, requesting privacy during their time of grief.

Born Howard Stanley Beverly on December 6, 1946, in Philadelphia, he formed Maze in 1970. The band achieved success with hits like Before I Let Go and Joy and Pain . Beverly’s smooth baritone voice and charismatic stage presence left a lasting impact on the R&B and soul genres

Bill Cobbs

Bill Cobbs, the distinguished actor known for roles in The Bodyguard , Night at the Museum , and I Still Know What You Did Last Summer , passed away on June 25, 2024, at 90. He passed away peacefully at home in Upland, California.

Cobbs had an extensive career spanning nearly 200 films and TV shows. In addition to his memorable roles in New Jack City and The Sopranos , he appeared in The West Wing and Six Feet Under . A U.S. Air Force veteran, Cobbs transitioned to acting at 36, debuting in The Taking of Pelham One Two Three in 1974.

Chuck Woolery

Chuck Woolery, the original host of Wheel of Fortune , passed away on November 23, 2024, at 83. He died at his home in Texas after experiencing breathing difficulties.

As part of the psychedelic pop duo the Avant-Garde, Woolery scored a top 40 hit in 1968 with Naturally Stoned . He later became a household name, hosting game shows like Love Connection and Scrabble , where his wit and charm made him a fan favorite.

Drake Hogestyn

Drake Hogestyn, renowned for his portrayal of John Black on Days of Our Lives , passed away on September 28, 2024, at 70, following a battle with pancreatic cancer. He landed his first starring role in the 1982 musical CBS series Seven Brides for Seven Brothers alongside River Phoenix.

Hogestyn’s 38-year tenure on the soap opera earned him widespread acclaim, including a Soap Opera Digest Award for Favorite Couple with Deidre Hall’s Marlena Evans. His career also included TV movies like Generation , Beverly Hills Cowgirl Blues , One Stormy Night , and Night Sin s.

Earl Holliman

Earl Holliman, iconic star of The Rainmaker and Police Woman , passed away on November 25, 2024, at his Studio City, California home, aged 96. His cause of death was not disclosed.

Holliman’s career spanned five decades, earning a Golden Globe for The Rainmaker (1956) and a nomination for Delta (1992). Honored with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 1977, he became a celebrated face in classic film and TV.

Lynda Obst

Lynda Obst, the acclaimed Hollywood producer behind films like Sleepless in Seattle and Interstellar , passed away on October 22, 2024, at her Los Angeles home due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Her career spanned decades, earning an Emmy nod for The ’60s in Film Crystal Award. She left a lasting legacy in Hollywood with iconic films and groundbreaking TV projects.

Read on to remember The Late Tony Todd and His Horror Legacy.

John Aprea

John Aprea, the esteemed actor renowned for his role as young Salvatore Tessio in The Godfather Part II , passed away on August 5, 2024, at his Los Angeles home due to natural causes.

Throughout his career, Aprea captivated audiences with performances in Full House , Another World , and Knots Landing . His portrayal of Manny Vasquez in Knots Landing earned him a Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Villain in 1989.

For more on Hollywood legends, read about Beloved Actress Teri Garr Dies After MS Battle .

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