Actors, singers, stars who died this year
Hollywood is mourning the losses of former Three 6 Mafia member Gangsta Boo, pro rally driver Ken Block and more celebrities this year.
Below, Page Six remembers the actors, singers and more stars who died in 2023.
Treat Williams
Treat Williams died unexpectedly following a motorcycle accident on June 12. He was 71.
“He was killed this afternoon. He was making a left or a right [and] a car cut him off,” Williams rep, Barry McPherson, told People. “I’m just devastated. He was the nicest guy. He was so talented.”
McPherson went on to describe the “Hair” star as “an actor’s actor” that has “been the heart of Hollywood since the late 1970s.”
Williams is survived by his wife, actress Pam Van Sant, and their two children, Gille and Ellie.
Anna Shay
“Bling Empire” star Anna Shay died unexpectedly from a stroke on June 5. She was 62.
“It saddens our hearts to announce that Anna Shay, a loving mother, grandmother, charismatic star, and our brightest ray of sunshine, has passed away at the early age of 62 from a stroke,” her family said in a statement obtained by People.
“Anna taught us many life lessons on how not to take life too seriously and to enjoy the finer things. Her impact on our lives will be forever missed but never forgotten,” her family’s message concluded.
The reality star was the matriarch of the popular Netflix series, which premiered in 2021.
Jacky Oh
Jacky Oh, the longtime partner of “Wild ‘N Out” star D.C. Young Fly, died at age 33 on May 31.
The mom of three — whose real name is Jacklyn Smith — reportedly died in Miami.
While the cause was not immediately revealed, a since-deleted Instagram post claimed Oh had been in Florida to undergo a “mommy makeover” with a popular surgeon.
John Beasley
“Everwood” star John Beasley passed away at the end of May after his health took an “unexpected turn” for the worse. He was 79.
“Man…you know this is a part of life…but that doesn’t make it any easier,” his son Mike wrote on Facebook.
“I lost my best friend today. They say you shouldn’t ever meet your heroes because they don’t turn out to be who you thought they were. That is so wrong. My hero was my father.”
Beasley had been hospitalized in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, after undergoing testing on his liver.
Tina Turner
Tina Turner, the legendary “Queen of Rock,” died in May after a long illness. She was 83.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner,” the team behind her official Instagram account announced alongside a glamorous shot of her.
“With her music and her boundless passion for life, she enchanted millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow.
“Today we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music,” the statement continued. “All our heartfelt compassion goes out to her family. Tina, we will miss you dearly.”
Jacklyn Zeman
“General Hospital” star Jacklyn Zeman, who portrayed nurse Bobbie Spencer on the hit soap, died in May after a short battle with cancer. She was 70.
“Just like her character, the legendary Bobbie Spencer, she was a bright light and true professional that brought so much positive energy with her to work,” Executive Producer Frank Valentini said Wednesday in a statement on Twitter.
“Jackie will be greatly missed, but her positive spirit will always live on with our cast and crew. We send our heartfelt sympathy to her loved ones, friends, and family, especially her daughters Cassidy and Lacey.”
Heather Hamilton
Heather Hamilton, also known as “Dooce,” died of an apparent suicide on May 9, her boyfriend, Pete Ashdown, confirmed to the Associated Press. She was 47.
The popular mommy blogger openly battled depression throughout her life.
She once said after taking part in a clinical trial in 2017 in an attempt to cure herself, “I thought my kids deserved to have a happy, healthy mother, and I needed to know that I had tried all options to be that for them.”
Jerry Springer
Famed talk show host Jerry Springer passed away on April 26 after a brief battle with cancer, a family spokesman announced. He was 79.
Jerry’s ability to connect with people was at the heart of his success in everything he tried whether that was politics, broadcasting or just joking with people on the street who wanted a photo or a word,” said Jene Galvin, a lifelong friend and spokesman for the family.
“He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on.”
Ginnie Newhart
Ginnie Newhart, the wife of legendary comedian and actor Bob Newhart, died at the age of 82 on April 23.
The “Elf” actor, 93, shared the tragic news on Twitter, writing, “We lost our beloved Ginnie Quinn Newhart – Wife, Mother and Grandmother on April 23rd, 2023 after a long battle with illness. She was our rock and we miss her terribly.”
The couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary just three months before her passing.
Len Goodman
Len Goodman’s agent revealed on April 24 that the “Dancing With the Stars” judge died two days prior at age 78.
“Len died on Saturday night in a hospice in Kent,” the statement read. “He had bone cancer. He was surrounded by his family. He always kept his sense of humor and great dignity.”
Not only did Goodman judge “DWTS” for 31 seasons from its 2005 inception until 2022, but he also judged “Strictly Come Dancing” from 2004 to 2016.
Mark Sheehan
The Script guitarist Mark Sheehan died on April 14 at the age of 46 after battling a swift illness.
“Much loved husband, father, brother, bandmate and friend Mark Sheehan passed away today in hospital after a brief illness,” his bandmates Danny O’Donoghue and Glen Power wrote in a joint statement on Instagram at the time.
“The family and group ask fans to respect their privacy at this tragic time.”
Sheehan co-founded the Irish band with O’Donoghue and Power in Dublin in 2001. The band is known for several hits including “Breakeven” and “We Cry.”
Paul Cattermole
S Club has 7 member Paul Cattermole was found at his home in Dorset, England, on April 6 and later pronounced dead, his family shared. He was 46 years old.
“We were so lucky to have had him in our lives and are thankful for the amazing memories we have,” the British pop band said in a statement.
His family added that his cause of death was not yet known.
Brian ‘Brizz’ Gillis
Brian “Brizz” Gillis, one of the founding members of ’90s group LFO, died on March 29.
His former bandmate Brad Fischetti announced the sad news via LFO’s official Facebook page on March 30.
Gillis was reportedly in his late 40s.
Fischetti told fans he does not “have details” about what led to his friend’s passing and acknowledged it “wouldn’t be [his] place to share them if [he] did,” adding, “I am really struggling to process this tragic loss.”
Fischetti is the last LFO member standing, as Rich Cronin died in September 2010 after a long battle with leukemia, and Devin Lima died in November 2018 after battling stage 4 adrenal cancer.
Nicholas Webber
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s son, composer Nicholas Webber, died in March 25 of gastric cancer at age 43.
His father said in a statement via Twitter at the time, “I am shattered to have to announce that my beloved elder son Nick died a few hours ago in Basingstoke Hospital.
“His whole family is gathered together and we are all totally bereft. -ALW.”
Wayne Swinny
Wayne Swinny, who was one of the band Saliva’s founding members, died on March 22 at the age of 59.
Just a few hours before his death, TMZ announced that the guitarist had been hospitalized after suffering a brain hemorrhage.
Swinny co-founded the group, known for their blend of rock and hip-hop, in 1996 alongside singer Josey Scott, guitarist Chris Dabaldo, bassist Dave Novotny and drummer Paul Crosby.
Lance Reddick
“John Wick” star Lance Reddick died on March 17, his reps confirmed to Variety. He was 60.
Reddick’s body was discovered at his home in Studio City, Calif., per TMZ, which was the first to report the news.
While his cause of death is unknown at this time, law enforcement sources told the outlet that it “appears to be natural.”
Reddick was best known for playing police officer Cedric Daniels in the hit HBO show “The Wire” for all five seasons.
Alicia Allain
John Schneider’s second wife, Alicia Allain, died in February after a battle with breast cancer. She was 53.
“Alicia was the fuel that ran my biggest dreams. The inspiration behind every creative thought. The very fabric of my soul. The glue that held me together,” the “Dukes of Hazzard” star wrote on social media.
“I miss her more than any words could possibly describe. Pain is too small a word. Grief is too small a word. Love itself is too small a word.”
Jansen Panettiere
Hayden Panettiere’s brother, Jansen Panettiere, died suddenly in February. He was 28.
Known as Rane within the art community, Jansen began as an actor in Hollywood alongside the “Nashville” alum. He eventually gave up the big screen and transitioned full-time to painting.
No cause of death was given at the time of his passing.
Richard Belzer
78-year-old “Law & Order: SVU” alum Richard Belzer, who played detective John Munch from 1993 to 2016, died on Feb. 19 at his home in France, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
“Belzer had lots of health issues, and his last words were, ‘F–k you, motherf–ker,’” Belzer’s friend Bill Scheft told the outlet.
The late actor was best known for his time on the NBC show, as well as “The X Files” and “Homicide: Life on the Street.”
Raquel Welch
Actress Raquel Welch passed away in February after a brief illness. She was 82.
Welch rose to fame for her 1966 roles in “Fantastic Voyage” and “One Million Years B.C.” During the latter role, she appeared in a skimpy doeskin bikini that catapulted her to sex symbol status.
Patrick Stone
Sharon Stone’s brother Patrick died suddenly in February at age 57. A rep for the Pennsylvania coroner’s office confirmed that suffered a sudden cardiac death due to heart disease.
Patrick’s death came just over a year after his 11-month-old baby died from total organ failure.
“My heart feels like it’s been ripped out of my chest,” Patrick’s widow, Tasha, wrote. “Patrick went to be with our sweet River … I don’t know what else to say, he was my world.”
Trugoy the Dove
David Jolicoeur, who performed as Trugoy the Dove in the rap trio De La Soul, died on Feb. 12. He was 54.
The cause was not immediately revealed, although the rapper had struggled with congestive heart failure in the final years of his life.
Kiernan Forbes
South African rapper Kiernan Forbes, known by his stage name AKA, died on Feb. 10.
He was fatally shot in Durban, per the BBC and other outlets. His family confirmed his death in an Instagram statement the following day.
“It is with extreme sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our beloved son,” his parents, Tony and Lynn Forbes wrote. “To us, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, most importantly father to his beloved daughter Kairo.”
Cody Longo
“Days of Our Lives” star Cody Longo died at the age of 34.
The actor’s manager, Alex Gittelson, confirmed the tragic news on Twitter on Feb. 10, writing, “Devastated beyond words at the tragic loss of my dear friend and client, Cody Longo.”
“My heart breaks for his beautiful family,” Gittelson added. “You will be missed, brother.”
According to TMZ, Longo’s lifeless body was discovered in bed at a residence in Austin, Texas, on Feb. 8, and his loved ones reportedly suspect a possible relapse on alcohol may have contributed to his passing.
Cody is survived by his wife, Stephanie Longo, and their three young children.
Cindy Williams
News broke on Jan. 30 that “LaVerne & Shirley” alum Cindy Williams died at age 75.
“Knowing and loving her has been our joy and privilege,” the actress’ children wrote in a statement.
“She was one of a kind, beautiful, generous and possessed a brilliant sense of humor and a glittering spirit that everyone loved.”
Williams’ cause of death has not been revealed.
Odele Ventimiglia
“Sopranos” star John Ventimiglia’s daughter Odele passed away on Jan. 12. She was 25.
Odele’s sister, Lucinda Ventimiglia, shared a tribute to her sibling on social media, writing alongside a carousel of photos on Instagram, “Words will never be enough to express the grief we are all feeling. I loved my little sister a lot and I will spend the rest of my life searching for her in everything.”
No cause of death has been given.
David Crosby
Rock legend David Crosby has died after a “long” battle with an unknown illness. He was 81.
The singer’s wife, Jan Dance, announced the tragic news in a statement to Variety on Jan. 19.
“It is with great sadness after a long illness, that our beloved David (Croz) Crosby has passed away,” the statement read. “He was lovingly surrounded by his wife and soulmate Jan and son Django.”
It continued, “Although he is no longer here with us, his humanity and kind soul will continue to guide and inspire us. His legacy will continue to live on through his legendary music. Peace, love, and harmony to all who knew David and those he touched. We will miss him dearly.”
Al Brown
Died Jan. 13, 2023
Actor Al Brown, who is best known for his role as Col. Stan Valchek on the HBO hit series “The Wire,” died on Jan. 13 in Las Vegas from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease.
“I am sad to let you know that angels came for Al yesterday morning, Friday, January 13, 2023,” his talent manager wrote in a statement. “May his memory be a blessing to his family, his friends, and each of you.This page will remain as a testimony to Al’s work and love for his fans.”
Lisa Marie Presley
Feb. 1, 1968 – Jan. 12, 2023
Lisa Marie Presley died on Jan. 12 at the age of 54.
The singer-songwriter went into cardiac arrest at her Calabasas, Calif., home before being rushed to West Hills Hospital and Medical Center.
Sources told Page Six that Presley “coded multiple times” at the hospital and that there appeared to be no drugs on the scene.
She was the only child of legendary musician Elvis Presley, who died in 1977 from heart disease at age 42, and Priscilla Presley, who announced her daughter’s passing.
Jeff Beck
June 24, 1944 – Jan. 10, 2023
Guitarist Jeff Beck died in January after contracting bacterial meningitis. He was 78.
“On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing. After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday,” his family said in a statement.
“His family ask for privacy while they process this tremendous loss,” the statement concluded.
A report later revealed that his longtime collaborator Johnny Depp was by his side before he passed.
Carole Cook
Jan. 14, 1924 – Jan 11, 2023
“Sixteen Candles” star Carole Cook died of heart failure on Jan. 11 — just days before her 99th birthday.
The legendary entertainer’s career spanned nearly 60 years and she was most known for her work on Broadway, “The Incredible Mr. Limpe” and “I Love Lucy.”
Cook is survived by her husband Tom Troupe, who she married in 1964. The pair share no children.
Ken Block
Nov. 21, 1967-Jan. 2, 2023
Pro rally driver Ken Block died on Jan. 2 in a snowmobile accident in Utah. He was 55.
Police said Block, whose dangerous stunts made him a YouTube sensation, was riding on a steep slope when his vehicle upended and landed on top of him, fatally injuring him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Fred White
Jan. 13, 1955-Jan. 1, 2023
Earth, Wind & Fire drummer Fred White died on Jan. 1. He was 67.
His brother and bandmate Verdine White announced the news on Instagram, writing that Fred was “an amazing and talented family member.”
Gangsta Boo
Aug. 7, 1979-Jan. 1, 2023
Former Three 6 Mafia member Gangsta Boo died on Jan. 1. She was 43.
The rapper, whose real name was Lola Chantrelle Mitchell, reportedly suffered a fatal drug overdose, though the official cause of death was not immediately revealed.
