Actors Who Have Died In 2024 So Far

Every year, the arts community must say goodbye to many of its brightest talents. From solemn farewells to untimely passings, each loss is difficult, but one silver lining always remains; their deaths allow the entertainment community to come together, reminisce, and pay tribute to the incredible work they accomplished across their multifaceted careers. It gives us a moment to appreciate how valuable they were, even if it comes at a cost.

So far, 2024 has brought the deaths of many notable actors, from comedians and beloved character actors, to stars of the Golden Age and beyond who made history for their craft. Each performer we have lost was a singular presence in the worlds of either film, television, theater, or some combination of the three, and a void will surely be left in their perpetual absence. Some had careers that were long and plentiful, while others were forever defined by one outstanding role; regardless, each individual contributed something everlasting to the art form of acting. As we continue progressing through what has already felt like a long year, let's take a look back at some of the most notable stage and screen actors we have lost in 2024.

One of Broadway's most vivacious triple threats, two-time Tony winner Chita Rivera died in late January from an undisclosed illness at 91. The beloved actress, singer, and dancer was the originator of several beloved stage roles: Anita in "West Side Story," Aurora in "Kiss of the Spider Woman" (for which she won her second Tony), and Velma Kelly in "Chicago," amongst others. She also had memorable roles in revivals of "Nine," "The Mystery of Edwin Drood," and "The Visit" later in her career.

Though less frequently, Rivera also took roles in film and television. She reprised her stage role of Nickie in "Sweet Charity" for the film adaptation in 1969, and cameoed in both the film adaptations of "Chicago" in 2002 and "tick, tick... Boom!" in 2021. On television, she held a seven-episode role on "The New Dick Van Dyke Show" and made a scattering of guest appearances on a variety of institutions, including "The Outer Limits," "Will and Grace," and "Dora the Explorer."

Known for her impressive technique and infectiously rousing stage presence, Rivera is one of musical theater's most legendary performers and is often cited by younger generations as a formative inspiration. Along with her two Tonys for acting, she won two Drama Desk Awards, a Kennedy Center Honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a third Tony for Lifetime Achievement.

One of the longest-surviving members of Hollywood's Golden Age, Glynis Johns died in early January from natural causes. The actress, who had recently passed the milestone of her 100th birthday, is best known to American audiences as Sister Suffragette Winifred Banks, mother to Jane and Michael Banks, in "Mary Poppins." However, before this, Johns had already established a fruitful career across film, television, and theater, beginning with her breakout role in the 1942 British war drama "49th Parallel." The film won her the Best Acting award from the National Board of Review.

Her most memorable films included "Miranda," "The Sword and the Rose," and "The Sundowners," for which she was nominated for an Academy Award in 1960. On television, she appeared on her own sitcom, "Glynis," and made appearances on household shows like "Batman," "Cheers," and "Murder, She Wrote." However, her most notable post-"Poppins" achievement was her originating performance as Desiree Armfeldt in Stephen Sondheim's "A Little Night Music." Sondheim wrote one of the musical's songs, "Send in the Clowns," specifically for Johns, and it went on to become one of the biggest hits of his career. Johns would win a Tony for the role in 1973.

There are few horror icons with a smaller resume than David Emge, a humble Indiana native who passed away in January for undisclosed reasons. It only took one movie for the actor, who was 77, to be enshrined in legend: George Romero's "Dawn of the Dead," the sequel to his revolutionary horror thriller "Night of the Living Dead," and a classic in its own right. Emge's portrayal of Stephen "Flyboy" Andrews, who degrades into a blood-soaked zombie, quickly became one of the genre's definitive depictions of the lurching, brain-craving creature.

Emge's acting career began at the University of Evansville, where he became a jack of all trades in the school's theater program. After serving in Vietnam post-college, Emge had begun working in dinner theater and had garnered limited screen credits when Romero called him to star in "Dawn of the Dead," and the rest was history. Emge only followed up with two remaining credits, the horror films "Basket Case 2" and "Hellmaster," but he remained a horror icon up until his death. Fans would still approach him for autographs at horror conventions around the world and Simon Pegg, co-writer of acclaimed horror parody "Shaun of the Dead," was notably inspired by Emge's character when working on his film, which itself became a beloved zombie film.

Following an unpublicized diagnosis of appendiceal cancer, actor Adan Canto died in January at 42 years old. It is unclear how long Canto had the disease before his death, but the actor was preparing to return to the role of Armenian mobster Arman Morales in the Fox drama "The Cleaning Lady," which began shooting its third season in December of 2023.

Canto's fascination with film began at age 7, when he was an extra in the 1992 film "Like Water for Chocolate," filmed in his home city of Ciudad Acuña in northern Mexico. He left his later home of Del Rio, Texas, to pursue music in Mexico City at age 16, where he would act in commercials while playing at local bars. Talent agents would eventually cast him in Mexican television shows, which eventually led to American work. Notable roles included Sunspot in "X-Men: Days of Future Past" and regular roles in a variety of successful television shows, including "Narcos," "Blood and Oil," and "Designated Survivor."

Canto had just begun dabbling in directing as well. His short film, "The Shot," played at a variety of film festivals in 2020 and won several awards, including the Jury Prize at the San Antonio Film Festival.

David Soul, the latter half of beloved television duo "Starsky & Hutch," was 80 when he died in January "after a valiant fight for life," according to a statement by his wife, Helen Snell (via Deadline). Though specific reasons for his death were undisclosed, many assume Soul died from complications of lung cancer.

Soul began his career as an actor in the mid-'60s, and had appeared in shows like "Here Come The Brides" and "Star Trek" before hitting it big with "Starsky & Hutch" in 1975. Alongside Paul Michael Glaser as Sergeant David Michael Starsky, Soul headlined the popular ABC detective series for four seasons. As fellow Sergeant Kenneth Richard "Hutch" Hutchinson, Soul brought a more balanced, midwestern demeanor to Glaser's more erratic street smarts, which made for one of television's most memorable on-screen pairings. The series became a bona-fide hit and is still fondly remembered to this day by an ardent fanbase.

Outside of acting, Soul was also a nationally and internationally recognized vocalist. In 1977, his single "Don't Give Up on Us" went to No. 1 on both the Billboard Top 100 and the UK Singles Chart. He would go on to release five albums, though he continued acting in film, television, and theater until 2013.

Best known for his role as Apollo Creed across the first four "Rocky" films, actor Carl Weathers died in early February from natural causes brought upon by heart disease. The actor, who was 76, had been an icon of film and television for his warm, confident affect that would often show dimensions of competitive fervor and emotional gravitas. Prior to his work on screen, Weathers was an accomplished athlete, playing football for the San Diego State Aztecs and, shortly after, the Oakland Raiders. However, Weathers had originally attended university for theater and would later pivot his career to acting.

Weathers starred opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in the beloved sci-fi thriller "Predator" and held main roles in shows like "Street Justice," "In The Heat of the Night," and "Chicago Justice." Weathers also had a knack for comedy; he appeared as Chubbs in Adam Sandler's singular golf comedy "Happy Gilmore," portrayed a fictionalized version of himself in four episodes of "Arrested Development," and voiced G. I. Joe parody Combat Carl in "Toy Story 4," his final film role before his death. 

Weathers' later career was most notable for his portrayal of former Bounty Hunters' Guild leader Greef Karga in "The Mandalorian." He received his first-ever Emmy nomination for the role and went on to direct two episodes of the series.

In late February, Richard Lewis died peacefully in his sleep following a heart attack. Despite having been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease three years prior to his death, it was only noted as a secondary cause of death. Lewis was 76.

One of comedy's most influential performers and humorists, Lewis began performing stand-up in the '70s and quickly became known for his anxious, neurotic performance style. Lewis would dress in all-black and often pace back and forth on stage, flail his hands around, and openly discuss difficult topics like alcoholism and drug abuse. He became a well-known comic after becoming a mainstay on several popular late-night shows and would produce four comedy specials, including one for HBO entitled "The Magical Misery Tour." Following his diagnosis, Lewis had retired from stand-up to focus on writing and acting.

Lewis' comedy gave him celebrity status that led to a career in film and television. After co-starring in the popular sitcom "Anything but Love" with Jamie Lee Curtis, Lewis led the short-lived shows "Daddy Dearest" and "Hiller and Diller." However, his most notable television role was opposite Jewish comedian and counterpart Larry David in a recurring part across multiple seasons of "Curb Your Enthusiasm." On film, he also had memorable roles in Mel Brooks' "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" and the Nicolas Cage-starring "Leaving Las Vegas."

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In March, M. Emmet Walsh, the memorable character actor who brought a seedy charm to every role, died aged 88 of a heart attack in his home state of Vermont. The actor broke through to film audiences after starring in the Coen brothers' directorial debut, "Blood Simple," which earned him a Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead and made him a sought-after talent for bit parts in Hollywood. Before "Blood Simple," Walsh had already given memorable turns in films like "The Jerk" and "Blade Runner." Afterward, he pumped out what became a resume of well over 100 credits, including classics like "Critters," "Red Scorpion," "The Iron Giant," "Youth in Revolt," and, later, the Rian Johnson whodunnit "Knives Out." Memorable TV credits include "Tales From The Crypt," "Home Improvement," and HBO's "The Righteous Gemstones." 

Despite his extensive on-screen history, Walsh remained an under-the-radar talent who was appreciated most by ardent cinephiles. No matter where they looked, they would eventually come across Walsh – even if it was for just one juicy scene – making him a standard for quality cinema. In fact, Walsh was half of the inspiration behind Roger Ebert's Stanton-Walsh Rule, which held that "no movie featuring either Harry Dean Stanton or M. Emmet Walsh in a supporting role can be altogether bad."

In one of the year's most shocking developments, up-and-coming star Chance Perdomo died after a motorcycle accident in late March. At 27 years old, Perdomo was best known as Ambrose Spellman, cousin and best friend to Kiernan Shipka's Sabrina Spellman in Netflix's "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina," a role he held for all of the series' four seasons. At the time of his death, he was starring as Andre Anderson, a student with the ability to manipulate magnetic force, in Prime Video's "The Boys" spin-off series "Gen V." Production on the series' upcoming second season was delayed following the news of his death, with producers ultimately deciding not to recast the role. 

Perdomo grew up in Southampton, England, and eventually moved to London to pursue acting. He trained at the Identity School of Acting, whose notable alumni include John Boyega ("Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens") and Letitia Wright ("Black Panther"). By 2018, at 22, he had already been nominated for a BAFTA for his work on the television movie "Killed By My Debt," which adapts the real-life story of a young gig-economy worker who dies by suicide after accruing inescapable debt from traffic violations.

Many may not be aware of Louis Gossett Jr. by name, but his contributions have literally made history. The actor, who passed away in March from an undisclosed illness at the age of 87, became the first Black actor to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1983. His award-winning role was as hard-nosed drill instructor Sergeant Emil Foley, whose portrayed authority over a bunch of white recruits was groundbreaking for the time. Gossett was also a civil rights activist who, after meeting Nelson Mandela in the 90s, founded the Eracism Foundation to help foster a world in which racism no longer exists.

Gossett's career began like a rocket when, after a basketball injury led to him discovering theater, he auditioned and earned a role in the 1953 Broadway production of "Take a Giant Step." At just 16 years old, Gossett began what would become an illustrious theater career, acting opposite Sidney Poitier in "A Raisin in the Sun" in 1959 and Sammy Davis Jr. in "Golden Boy" in 1964. The theater star transitioned to Hollywood in the 60s and made a memorable turn as Fiddler in the revered television miniseries "Roots" alongside then-newcomer LeVar Burton. His final film roles include 2023's musical adaptation of "The Color Purple" and a voice role in 2024's fantasy adventure film "IF."

Another one of classic Hollywood's holdouts, Barbara Rush died on March 31 for undisclosed reasons. At age 97, Rush had been previously diagnosed with dementia and was residing in an assisted living facility in Los Angeles. The actress was best known for her co-starring role in "It Came From Outer Space," a '50s science fiction film that was credited in part to acclaimed author Ray Bradbury. Rush plays Ellen Fields, a teacher who, along with her aspiring astronomer boyfriend, witnesses an alien spaceship crash onto Earth.

Rush garnered success in her career acting opposite a wealth of popular leading men: Rock Hudson in "Magnificent Obsession," Dean Martin in "The Young Lions," Frank Sinatra in "Come Blow Your Horn," Paul Newman in "The Young Philadelphians," and Kirk Douglas in "Strangers When We Meet," amongst others. Though she was often pigeonholed as an innocent lady or supportive wife, Rush always brought an elegance to each role. The actress also garnered recurring roles in the soap operas "Peyton Place" and "All My Children," as well as the popular drama "7th Heaven," one of her final on-screen roles. On the stage, she was featured in productions of "The Night of the Iguana," "Steel Magnolias," and her solo show, "A Woman of Independent Means."

In February, British stage and screen actor Michael Culver died for undisclosed reasons at the age of 85. Previously, Culver had been diagnosed with an unspecified cancer

Though he had a long-spanning career in film, theater, and television, there is no doubt that Culver's most memorable appearance was as Captain Needa in "The Empire Strikes Back." The character is notably force choked to death by Darth Vader after allowing for Han Solo to escape the Empire's clutches, leading to one of Vader's more memorable lines from the series: "Apology accepted, Captain Needa."

Culver had already been an established theater actor in Britain, having performed Shakespeare at the illustrious Old Vic Theatre and then making his debuts on Broadway and the West End, before transitioning to screen work. His notable television appearances include "The Return of Sherlock Holmes" and "Secret Army" while other notable film appearances include "A Passage to India" and uncredited roles in two Sean Connery-led "James Bond" films, "From Russia With Love" and "Thunderball." Culver would quit acting in the early 2000s and commit to political activism, specifically opposition to Britain's role in the Iraq War. In 2023, Culver and fellow actor Mark Rylance raised money to help build a statue of longtime activist Brian Haw outside of South London's Imperial War Museum.

Amidst the constant media frenzy surrounding footballer-turned-convict O.J. Simpson, who died in April from prostate cancer at 76, it's easy to forget that he had a successful acting career. When Simpson's athletic career first took off with the Buffalo Bills in 1969, his status as a media icon simultaneously rose. He appeared in commercials for Hertz and opposite sports commentators on NBC and ABC, but his biggest spotlight came from "The Naked Gun" trilogy, a series of police procedural parodies starring Leslie Nielsen. Simpson portrayed Detective Nordberg, the seemingly invincible best friend and former partner to Nielson's bone-headed Frank Drebin.

Though his most well-known film role was driven by slapstick, the majority of Simpson's acting career consisted of dramatic roles in genre fare, from violent crime films like "Firepower" and "No Place To Hide" to the disaster thrillers "The Cassandra Crossing" and "The Towering Inferno." Simpson was also interested in tackling the topic of race, appearing in the seminal television slavery drama "Roots," an episode of the television version of "In The Heat of the Night," and the 1974 film "The Klansman," in which he plays an innocent black man accused of murdering a white woman. 

Simpson was set to star in his own series, a NAVY Seal action drama entitled "Frogmen," when, in 1994, he was charged with the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman. Despite eventually being acquitted, Simpson's infamous murder trial forever marred his reputation and put his acting career on ice.

Days after suddenly canceling a planned appearance at Comic Con Liverpool in May, actor Bernard Hill died for undisclosed reasons at the age of 79. Primarily known for portraying Théoden, revitalized leader of the Rohirrim, in the second and third installments of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy as well as the honorable ship captain Edward John Smith in the historical drama "Titanic," Hill is the only actor who has appeared in two of the three films that hold the record for winning 11 Academy Awards.

Hill was a rare actor who could channel gruff weariness and courageous heroism in equal measure. Part of this came from his working-class Manchester upbringing, which he brought to his breakthrough role of Yosser Hughes, a headbutt-prone Liverpudlian struggling to find work while raising three boys, in both the 1980 TV movie "Black Stuff" and its 1982 miniseries successor "Boys From the Blackstuff." His character became such a phenomenon that his catchphrase, "gizza job" — or "give us a job" in Liverpudlian slang — became a slogan for protests against a rising unemployment rate across England during the reign of Margaret Thatcher.

Other on-screen credits include films like "Gandhi," "The Scorpion King," and "ParaNorman," as well as the second season of BBC's series "The Responder," which premiered mere hours after his death. Hill was also a Shakespearean thespian, having performed many of his works including "Henry VI," "Macbeth," and "A Midsummer Night's Dream" both on screen and on stage.

Few actors have careers as illustrious as that of Donald Sutherland, who died in mid-June at the age of 88 after a long illness. Originally from Canada, before he moved to London for drama school, Sutherland became one of Hollywood's most reliable, dry-witted character actors, following a series of immensely popular and prestigious films across the late '60s and into the '70s. His breakout came in the form of back-to-back-to-back war romps: "The Dirty Dozen," "Kelly's Heroes," and "MASH," the latter being the inspiration for the immensely popular television series of the same name.

"MASH" would be nominated for five Oscars, winning one for Best Adapted Screenplay; this would be the first of many Oscar-winning films featuring Sutherland, despite never being nominated himself. Some of these films include "Klute," another breakthrough film in which he starred opposite Oscar-winner Jane Fonda; "Ordinary People," Robert Redford's directorial debut that won Best Picture in 1981, and "JFK," which was nominated for eight Oscars and won two. Sutherland was awarded an Honorary Oscar in 2017.

Sutherland's most well-known modern film role was President Coriolanus Snow, the primary antagonist of "The Hunger Games" series. Known for bringing a quiet yet cunning villainy to the character's on-screen portrayal, Sutherland was awarded both an MTV Movie Award and a Teen Choice Award for his work in the series. Sutherland was working right up until the end – his final role as Judge Parker in "Lawman: Bass Reeves" debuted in 2023.

In May, character actor Dabney Coleman died at the age of 92 at his home in Santa Monica, California. Coleman had experienced an episode of cardiac arrest following a diagnosis of chronic heart failure. Though casual viewers may not know him by name, they most certainly would recognize his iconic look – sporting a thick mustache and a receding hairline – from a number of deliciously detestable antagonists in sitcoms like "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" and iconic comedy films like "9 to 5" and "Tootsie."

Born in Austin, Texas, in 1932, Coleman served in the U.S. Army for two years before meeting "Mildred Pierce" star Zachary Scott and, inspired by his memorable personality, decided to enroll in acting school. By the early 60s, he began appearing in a variety of television institutions, like "The Outer Limits" and "I Dream of Jeannie," before hitting it big with "Mary Hartman" as the salacious Merle Jeeter.

This role, which began as recurring before being promoted to regular status, paved the way for many more curmudgeonly, love-to-hate-them roles in classics like "WarGames," "The Beverly Hillbillies," and "Inspector Gadget." Disney fans will also recognize his voice as the aptly named Principal Prickly across the animated "Recess" franchise. However, later in his career, Coleman became associated with serious dramatic work in shows like "Boardwalk Empire" and, most recently in 2019, "Yellowstone." Coleman is the recipient of a Golden Globe, a Primetime Emmy, two Screen Actors Guild awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Beloved actress Shelley Duvall died in July at the age of 75 due to complications from diabetes. The Texas native, who initially had no intentions of breaking into the industry, became a breakout star in the '70s and '80s thanks to six back-to-back collaborations with director Robert Altman, and memorable roles in films such as "The Shining" and "Popeye." 

Duvall's doe-eyed femininity and radiant warmth made her a singular on-screen presence, especially when her innocence was unfurled through harrowing drama. Her turn as Millie Lammoreaux in Altman's thriller "3 Women" won Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival, while her role as Wendy Torrance in "The Shining" is regarded as one of horror's most iconic performances. On the flipside, she also produced and starred in several fantasy shows for children, such as "Faerie Tale Theatre" and "Shelley Duvall's Bedtime Stories."

After the '90s, Duvall retired from acting in what many perceived as a response to mental health difficulties, following her intense experience working with "Shining" director Stanley Kubrick. However, it was later revealed that she had moved back to Texas in response to her Los Angeles home suffering damage from the 1994 Northridge earthquake, as well as one of her brothers developing health issues. She has since looked back on her "Shining" experience positively, and had even returned to acting prior to her death with a small role in 2023's "The Forest Hills," debunking her long-standing reputation as merely a victim of abuse.

Following a near-10-year battle with breast cancer, television actress Shannen Doherty died in July at the age of 53. Doherty was first diagnosed in 2015; despite a period of remission, the cancer later returned in 2019 and, by mid-2023, was reported to have spread to her brain.

Doherty's career began as a child actress on shows like "Little House on the Prairie" and "Our House" before skyrocketing as series regular Brenda Walsh in teen soap opera "Beverly Hills, 90210." The new kid in town alongside her twin brother, Brenda quickly became a fan-favorite character, especially through her tumultuous relationship with Dylan (portrayed by actor Luke Perry, with whom Doherty shared a close relationship). Doherty was on the show for four seasons, although "90210" would remain a staple of television for ten years, and later inspire multiple offshoots and reboots, some of which featured Doherty reprising her role.

Other notable Doherty performances included Heather Duke in the '90s cult comedy "Heathers," Rene Mosier in Kevin Smith's "Mallrats," and elder sister Prue Halliwell in the hit series "Charmed," another series regular stint that ended far before the series itself would conclude. Her most recent role, opposite Jean-Claude Van Damme in the film "Darkness of Man," debuted in 2024. Before her death, she was most active in hosting her autobiographical podcast, "Let's Be Clear With Shannon Doherty," in which she would often candidly discuss her cancer journey while reconnecting with previous collaborators and co-stars.

After what was described as "a series of short illnesses" (via The Hollywood Reporter), beloved comedian Bob Newhart passed away in July at the age of 94. At first a humble accountant from Illinois, Newhart became an overnight sensation after his debut comedy album, "The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart," became the first in the genre to ever top what is now the Billboard Top 200. His dry delivery and one-sided telephone calls made him a breakout success, leading to a career in stand up and television.

In the 1970s, Newhart starred in "The Bob Newhart Show," where he played psychologist Bob Hartley; the show is frequently cited as one of the all-time great sitcoms and garnered Newhart two Golden Globe nominations. Its follow-up, "Newhart," earned Newhart three Emmy nominations and made headlines over its shocking finale, in which it is implied the entire series was a dream had by Hartley.

Newhart would appear in a number of other television institutions, including "Murphy Brown," "Desperate Housewives," and "The Big Bang Theory," for which he finally won a Primetime Emmy as Arthur Jeffries, aka Professor Proton. Newhart would reprise the role in the show's spinoff, "Young Sheldon," one of his final roles. Notable film credits include "Catch 22," "The Rescuers," and "Elf." He was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was only the fifth comedian to be awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

In August, acclaimed dramatic actress Gena Rowlands died at the age of 94. Though a cause was not provided, the actress had been living with Alzheimer's disease for the past five years and, according to son Nick Cassavetes, it had progressed into dementia.

Rowlands is most well-known for her powerhouse performances in a breadth of acclaimed dramas, most notably her collaborations with husband-turned-director John Cassavetes. The couple made 10 films together, most of which featured Rowlands as troubled women put through intense interpersonal adversity. Two of these deeply vulnerable performances, one in "A Woman Under the Influence" from 1974 and another in "Gloria" from 1980, would garner her Oscar nominations. Though she won neither time, she would be awarded an Honorary Oscar in 2015, and 1977's "Opening Night" won Rowlands the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the 1978 International Berlin Film Festival.

Most modern film fans might recognize Rowlands as the elderly, present-day Allie in "The Notebook," in which she ironically performed a character with dementia 14 years prior to her own diagnosis. Rowlands also appeared in several television institutions, including "Top Secret," "Bonanza," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "Peyton Place," and "Monk," the latter of which earned her one of her eight Emmy nominations. Following an illustrious but often underappreciated career, Rowlands would retire from Hollywood in 2015.

Few voices are more recognizable than that of James Earl Jones, the legendary Hollywood actor who died in September for undisclosed reasons at the age of 93. From iconic film characters like Darth Vader and Mufasa to his voiceover work for CNN or "3rd Rock from the Sun," Jones' dark yet versatile baritone made him instantly recognizable and immensely popular. However, it didn't come easy; born in Mississippi but later raised in Michigan, Jones formed a debilitating stutter that he later overcame in high school.

Jones' work far exceeded his vocal chops. When paired with his masterful stage or screen presence, his work became even more commanding. Notable screen credits include reclusive writer Terence Mann in "Field of Dreams," African King Jaffe Joffer in the Eddie Murphy star vehicle "Coming to America," and CIA deputy director James Greer across the "Jack Ryan" franchise. He was also featured on television shows like "L.A. Law," "Sesame Street," "The Simpsons," and "The Big Bang Theory."

Jones was most frequently lauded for his work on stage. Jones was nominated for four Tonys and won twice, including for his revered turn as stern father Troy Maxson in August Wilson's seminal play "Fences." His many stage credits include "The Gin Game," "Driving Miss Daisy," as well as many works by William Shakespeare, including "Othello" and "Macbeth." In 2022, the Cort Theatre – in which Jones made his Broadway debut in 1958 – was renamed the James Earl Jones Theatre in his honor.

Lauded British actress Maggie Smith, one of the great on-screen dames, died in September for undisclosed reasons at the age of 89. Despite beginning her on-screen career in the 1950s, Smith's extensive collection of beloved roles kept her a popular talent across multiple generations. The older crowd may know her as Desdemona in the Lawrence Olivier-led film version of "Othello," or as the titular teacher in the 1969 film adaptation of "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie." Both garnered her Oscar nominations, the latter of which earned her the win.

Millennials likely recognize her as an elderly Wendy in "Hook" or as Mother Superior opposite Whoopi Goldberg in "Sister Act." These days, her claim to fame is twofold: as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the ever-popular series of "Harry Potter" films and as dowager countess Violet Crawley in the massively popular British drama "Downton Abbey." Known for her quick wit and even sharper tongue, Smith's no-nonsense yet motherly attitude made her frequently typecasted, but never to her detriment. Smith also had a notable stage career, performing in works by Noël Coward and Tom Stoppard, among others, while earning a Tony and six Evening Standard awards (the British equivalent to Broadway's Drama Desk awards). To top it all off, Smith had been decorated by Britain three times: as a Commander of the British Empire in 1969, as a dame in 1990, and into the Order of the Companions of Honor in 2014.

Modern moviegoers ought to become more familiar with Alain Delon. The French actor, who died in August at the age of 88 and whose health had been in steady decline since a stroke in 2019, is one of classic cinema's most revered leading men and an international icon. Born in the wealthy suburbs of Paris, Delon was discovered by a talent agent whilst strolling the streets of the Cannes Film Festival. It was his dashing good looks that earned him his breakout role in "Purple Noon," an adaptation of "The Talented Mr. Ripley" in which Delon plays the titular con artist.

However, it was the quiet, cunning stoicism lying underneath his persona that laid the groundwork for a sprawling career with some of Europe's greatest filmmakers. Many of his most well-known credits, such as Jean-Pierre Melville's "Le samouraï," Jacques Deray's "La piscine," and Michaelangelo Antonioni's "L'eclisse," have since been included in the Criterion Collection, a widely-regarded and comprehensive collection of world cinema's greatest entries. His works are frequently re-screened or analyzed as part of retrospectives, including recent series at the Film Forum in New York City and the American Cinematheque in Los Angeles, two of the world's most frequented repertory cinemas. Though the subject of controversy on more than one occasion, including a family feud amongst his children that ran rampant alongside his declining health, he was awarded an honorary Palme d'Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival for his undeniable contributions to cinema.

Character actor Bill Cobbs was 90 when he died of natural causes in July. Though not a marquee name in Hollywood, his reliable presence in likable, if weathered, supporting roles made him a fixture in film and television for over 50 years. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Cobbs did not pursue acting until later in life at the age of 36. His career began on stage, performing in productions ranging from smaller companies to, eventually, Broadway. Some of his most notable credits include "Ride a Black Horse," "Black Picture Show," and "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom."

His on-screen career began in the 1970s, notably with a blink-and-you-miss-it part in 1974's "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three." From there, the resume would sprawl into what would become over 200 credits, ranging from 80s hits like "Trading Places" and "The Color of Money" to 90s hits like "The Bodyguard" and "Air Bud." He also had a slew of television guest appearances, including staples like "The Sopranos," "The West Wing," "L.A. Law," "One Tree Hill," and "Sesame Street." For modern audiences, his most well-known role is likely as security guard Reginald in the "Night at the Museum" film series, opposite fellow classic stars Dick Van Dyke and Mickey Rooney. With a wide smile and a spry sense of humor, Cobbs lit up every frame he was in, even if it was only for a brief moment.

Vintage TV fans took a blow in April when Spencer Milligan, star of the original "Land of the Lost" television series, died for undisclosed reasons at the age of 86. The Illinois native turned brief Hollywood star played Rick Marshall, father to Will and Holly Marshall; the adventure series follows the family trio after a rafting accident gets them sent into an alternate universe in which dinosaurs — and other creatures – roam the Earth. Known for its boundary-pushing special effects, the series became a hit, however Milligan only stayed with the show for two seasons, citing a financial dispute over profits from the show's merchandising.

Outside of "Land of the Lost," Milligan's career was primarily made up of guest roles in other television shows, including a seven-episode run on "General Hospital." He was also featured on other television institutions, including "Gunsmoke," "The Bionic Woman," "The Dukes of Hazzard," and "Police Squad!" However, much of Milligan's life was spent separated from Hollywood. He relocated to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin shortly after his stint on "Land of the Lost" and, utilizing his professional training from mentors Lee Strasberg and Joan Darling, became involved in the area's community theater scene up until his final years. Despite this, he still attended conventions where fans often showed him appreciation for "Land of the Lost," now considered a 70s cult classic.

Western audiences may not recognize the name Cheng Pei Pei, but fans of martial arts films know when to salute a legend. The Chinese actress, who died in July at the age of 78 from the effects of a degenerative brain disease akin to Parkinson's, became a fixture of East Asian cinema and one of the most prominent female kung fu stars at multiple heights of the genre's popularity. Born in Shanghai and trained in ballet, Cheng eventually moved to Hong Kong and signed a contract with the Shaw Brothers, the seminal action producers behind a record number of martial arts films, including Cheng's 1966 breakout, "Come Drink With Me." In it, she portrays Golden Swallow, a warrior in pursuit of her kidnapped brother and his captors.

Following a steady career in Hong Kong, Cheng moved to California and, ironically, retired from Hollywood, deciding instead to attend business school and raise a family of four. However, she returned to acting in the late 80s and eventually hit a new peak of stardom after playing the villainous Jade Fox in 2000's "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." Ang Lee's quintessential wuxia film became an unusually grand hit in the United States, grossing over $200 million at the box office and winning four Academy Awards. From there, her career continued across numerous Chinese dramas and action films, as well as some stateside releases including 2009's "Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li" and Disney's 2020 remake of "Mulan." Before her passing, Cheng agreed to donate her brain to scientific research.

Soap opera veteran and New Jersey native Marla Adams died in April at the age of 85. No specific cause was given. Though not a household name, fans of daytime television will surely remember her as matriarch Dina Abbott Mergeron across several years of beloved television series "The Young and the Restless." When she debuted in the series, she was one of the many affluent members of Genoa City, meddling in each other's affairs to no end. She initially was only on the series for three years, however she returned multiple times across 25 years including in 2017, when she took on a recurring role. Marla learns she has Alzheimer's and eventually passes away, giving the beloved character a proper sendoff.

Adams appeared on several renowned soap operas, including "General Hospital," "The Bold and the Beautiful," and "Days of Our Lives," among others. She guest-starred in a number of other beloved television shows as well, including "Starsky and Hutch" to "The Love Boat." Before her debut on the silver screen, she debuted on Broadway opposite Alfred Lunt in "The Visit," a role she earned shortly after graduating from drama school in New York. Adams' career was properly capped in 2021, when she was awarded her first and only Daytime Emmy, the culmination of a long and prosperous career.

Movie fans had only just been reacquainted with John Ashton, the Hollywood stalwart who died in late September following a previous cancer diagnosis. The actor, who was 76, was best-known as Sgt. John Taggart in the hit movie franchise "Beverly Hills Cop," featured alongside Judge Reinhold and comedy icon Eddie Murphy. The actor had just reprised the role for the series' legacy sequel, subtitled "Axel F," which debuted on Netflix in July and is now his final credit.

Ashton had an extensive resume of both stage and screen credits. Born in Massachusetts but raised in Connecticut, Ashton began acting as a child and graduated from the theater program at the University of Southern California. He performed in a number of productions across his career, including the South Coast Repertory Theater's take on Sam Shepard's "True West" in 1981 opposite Ed Harris. His career in film and television started in the 70s, with notable guest appearances on television shows like "Police Squad!" and "M*A*S*H*" before "Beverly Hills Cop." Afterwards, he continued appearing on shows, from "The Twilight Zone" to "EastEnders" to "The Tommyknockers," and even earned his first lead role in 1989's police drama "Hardball." Some of his more notable film credits include "Midnight Run" – where he appeared opposite Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin – and "Gone Baby Gone," both of which cemented his status as the go-to talent for no-nonsense lawmen, a reputation for which he will be fondly remembered.

Though musician Kris Kristofferson was more universally known for his country hits, he also had a successful acting career. The Texas-born songwriter, who died in late September at the age of 88 for unknown causes, had already topped the Billboard charts before being cast in his first movie, Dennis Hopper's ironically-titled "The Last Movie" in 1971. Kristofferson was able to earn acting gigs after various people in the film industry saw him open for Linda Rondstadt at the legendary Los Angeles venue, The Troubadour. One of those people was Sam Peckinpah, the legendary western director who cast Kristofferson and his then-wife, fellow country icon Rita Coolidge, in 1973's "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid." Kristofferson's performance as Billy would be nominated for the "Most Promising Newcomer" BAFTA the following year.

From there, Kristofferson's prestige only grew. He starred opposite Ellen Burstyn in "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore," Martin Scorsese's breakout film, and then opposite Barbra Streisand in the 1976 remake of "A Star is Born," for which he won a Golden Globe. Other notable credits include other westerns, like "Heaven's Gate" and "Lone Star," as well as blockbusters like Tim Burton's remake of "Planet of the Apes" and as Whistler in the "Blade" franchise. Kristofferson was never Oscar-nominated for his acting (he was nominated for his music in 1985's "Songwriter"), however his gruff country charm made him a strong leading man, especially when it was revealed to be shrouding a deeper sensitivity. Kristofferson would retire from performing, both on stage and screen, in 2021.

In news that sent shockwaves across the Broadway community, musical theater actor Gavin Creel died in September from a metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma. Creel, who was only 48, had only learned he had contracted the rare cancer in July and had kept his illness private. A three-time Tony nominee, Creel's beloved library of luminous, infectiously likable performances span the globe, from his breakout work in "Thoroughly Modern Millie" to Broadway revivals of "Hair" and "La Cage aux Folles," and his Olivier Award-winning West End turn as Elder Price in "The Book of Mormon." In 2017, he took home his first and only Tony for his portrayal of Cornelius in the smash-hit Broadway revival of "Hello, Dolly!" opposite Bette Midler. Creel's final stage work was "Walk On Through: Confessions of a Museum Novice," an original solo musical he conceived as a commission from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan.

Creel had limited television credits (both "Eloise" films and a guest stint on Ryan Murphy's "American Horror Stories") and was also a studio musician, releasing two albums and an EP. However, outside of theater, his greatest work was his activism. He is a co-founder of Broadway Impact, a grassroots organization which helped spread awareness about the fight for marriage equality within the theater community in 2009. Creel also co-founded a scholarship fund for his alma mater, the University of Michigan, to help students pursue social justice during their education. Creel's kind-hearted soul brought positivity and support to his community in a way that will always be felt.