Celebrities we've lost in 2026

When you have a career as prolific as Tim Curry's was, you're going to have a wide spectrum of fans who know you for very different work. Theater attendees might remember Curry for his Tony-nominated performances in "Amadeus," "My Favorite Year," and "Spamalot," while '90s kids know him from "Home Alone 2" and "Muppet Treasure Island." To most, however, Curry's fame comes from two cult classic film roles: Dr. Frank-N-Furter in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" (a role he originated onstage) and Wadsworth in "Clue."

Curry died at 80 on Aug. 25, 2026, having faced ongoing health problems following a stroke in 2012. Lesley Ann Warren, who played Miss Scarlet in "Clue," shared a touching tribute to Curry. "My dear companion in crime, the brilliant, hilarious, hysterically funny magician of artistry has left us," she wrote. "What an unbelievable joy to have shared a sound stage with him and to engage with such a master talent."

The word "icon" gets thrown around often these days, but few can lay claim to that designation the way that "Queen of Country" Dolly Parton did. An 11-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, acclaimed actor, and renowned philanthropist, Parton left behind a legacy of changed lives and profound cultural impact. Her most famous songs—"9 to 5," "Jolene," and "I Will Always Love You," among them—share space with her memorable film work in movies like "Steel Magnolias."

Parton's Dollywood Foundation and the associated Dolly Parton's Imagination Library have provided countless educational opportunities for children, charity work that was celebrated alongside her music when she died of cancer on Aug. 25, 2026, at 80. There were loving tributes to the legend across the world, both from fans and fellow stars. Sally Field, who starred alongside Parton in "Steel Magnolias," wrote on Instagram, "If there are truly angels on earth, then we have just lost one … There will never be another."

As a child actor, Hayden Panettiere first shone on screen on shows like "Ally McBeal" and movies like "Ice Princess," but it was the hit NBC series "Heroes" that made her a household name. Panettiere earned further attention and acclaim as country star Juliette Barnes on "Nashville," while also showing up in 2011's "Scream 4" and the 2023 sequel "Scream VI."

Behind the scenes, Panettiere faced serious struggles with addiction and her mental health, documenting these challenges in her 2026 book "This Is Me: A Reckoning." She died suddenly at 36 on August 16, 2026, after suffering cardiac arrest. In a tribute posted to Instagram, Panettiere's former co-star Viola Davis called her "an amazing talent" and an "old, wise soul with such a deep heart." She added, "I wish the world had more time with you because I had a burning curiosity about who you were becoming. I saw this beautiful Phoenix rising from the ashes."

If you're going to be typecast, you could do worse than Vincent Pastore, who made a career out of playing mafiosi in numerous movies and TV shows. While his work on "The Sopranos" may be what made him so recognizable, you might also have seen him playing a made man in "Goodfellas," "Carlito's Way," and "Mickey Blue Eyes."

It's not clear exactly when the 80-year-old Pastore died, but he was found by a neighbor on Aug. 1, 2026 and is believed to have died of natural causes. Many of the actor's "Sopranos" co-stars paid tribute to him, including Michael Imperioli, who wrote, "Vinny was a kind-hearted brother who cared deeply about his family and friends. I will miss him always."

Brenda Fricker was the first Irish actress to win an Academy Award, picking up a Best Supporting Actress trophy for her performance in the 1989 film "My Left Foot." To a certain generation, though, Fricker's most indelible role was as the Pigeon Lady in "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York." Outside of those movies, she appeared in "So I Married an Axe Murderer," "Angels in the Outfield," and "Albert Nobbs."

When Fricker died at 81 on July 16, 2026, she was celebrated as a transformative figure in Irish cinema. President of Ireland Catherine Connolly released a statement saying, "Brenda leaves behind a rich legacy of work on film, on screen and on stage. Importantly, she will also be remembered for her humanity, humour and authenticity, which shone through to audiences all over the world."

It's hard to sum up the eclectic career of New Zealand actor Sam Neill, though for mainstream audiences, his most notable role was as Dr. Alan Grant in "Jurassic Park" and the later sequels "Jurassic Park III" and "Jurassic World Dominion." Neill was also something of a scream king, appearing in the films "Possession," "In the Mouth of Madness," and "Event Horizon," and he earned acclaim for indies like "The Piano" and "Hunt for the Wilderpeople."

Neill had announced a cancer diagnosis in 2023, but he announced that he'd gone into remission in 2026. He ultimately died from pneumonia at 78 on July 13, 2026. Neill's "Jurassic Park" director Steven Spielberg said in a statement, "I adored making all the 'Jurassic' movies with him. Along with Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum, we will always have our 'Jurassic' family and Sam will never be forgotten by us or his many millions of fans around the world."

Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler will forever be associated with her most enduring hit, "Total Eclipse of the Heart." But while the Jim Steinman-penned track has been beloved for decades, it's just one of many songs that Tyler had in her repertoire—in fact, she released 18 albums over the course of her career, most recently 2021's "The Best Is Yet to Come."

Toward the end of her life, she suffered a series of health problems, succumbing to her illness on July 8, 2026 at 75. Upon the news of her death, Prince William and Princess Kate issued a joint statement, calling Tyler "a proud Welsh icon," whose "music touched millions around the world and will continue to inspire for generations to come."

Clive Davis wasn't a recognizable star like many of the others on this list, but he was an undeniably important figure for his work behind the scenes. The record executive earned renown for the way he shepherded the careers of some of the biggest stars in music history, including Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and Alicia Keys. He has specifically been credited with bringing Barry Manilow and Whitney Houston to the mainstream.

Davis died at 94 on June 22, 2026, after having been hospitalized for respiratory issues. Keys was among the many artists who paid tribute to Davis, writing, "His impact reaches far beyond music. It lives in the countless artists he championed, the dreams he helped bring to life, and the love he poured into so many!"

Even if you don't know the name James Burrows, you've almost certainly seen his work. The 10-time Emmy winner is one of the most important figures in sitcom history, having gotten his start directing "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and helping co-create the iconic series "Cheers." In the '90s, he directed dozens of episodes of "Friends," "Will & Grace," and "Frasier," which helped cement his legacy—as did his appearances as himself on the HBO show "The Comeback," including during its most recent 2026 season.

Burrows died on June 19, 2026 at 85, inspiring countless remembrances from his collaborators. "Cheers" star Ted Danson said in a statement, "Jimmy was my show business father, my mentor and my friend. For 11 years his laughter taught me what was funny and what was not. Nothing made me happier than to make him laugh."

Child star Daveigh Chase made an impression from a young age in films like "Donnie Darko" and "The Ring," but she also lent her voice to "Lilo & Stitch" and "Spirited Away." She didn't act as much when she got older, though she had a supporting role on the HBO series "Big Love."

When Chase died at 35 on June 16, 2026, it was revealed that she had struggled with addiction and homelessness in her later years. Her cause of death was later disclosed as AIDS. "Lilo & Stitch" directors Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois posted a wordless tribute to Chase, with artwork of a crying Stitch mourning her passing.

"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" viewers who were still processing the loss of Nicholas Brendon had to contend with the death of another series star on June 1, 2026: Anthony Head, the man who helped make Rupert Giles a beloved father figure over the course of the show's seven-season run.

Head, who died at 72 of complications from pneumonia, was best known for his work on "Buffy," but he was also familiar to audiences for his work on shows like "Merlin," "Little Britain," and, most recently, "Ted Lasso." Emma Caulfield, who played Anya on "Buffy," wrote in a post honoring Head, "He was kind and wise and a guide in troubled times. You were so loved. Impossible to caption. You are so missed."

While Peabo Bryson's fans remember his music from the '70s and '80s, younger listeners—and Disney devotees—probably know him from his memorable '90s duets.

"Beauty and the Beast" with Celine Dion and "A Whole New World" with Regina Belle helped share his stunning voice with an entirely new audience, who mourned his June 2, 2026 death following a stroke at 75. Among those mourners were Bryson's former duet partners. "He made me so comfortable, as I was just learning to sing in English," Dion recalled in a tribute. "He will remain for me always as a real symbol of joy that music has brought to my life. His voice and his talent will be missed."

Regarded as one of the greatest saxophonists of all time, Sonny Rollins composed songs that became jazz standards while also proving himself adept at spontaneous creation. The latter earned him the designation "the greatest living improviser." Rollins played in a number of different styles, once telling The New York Times, "The music I play is too big to be put into any one style. Every time I pick up the horn, I want to hear something fresh."

The legendary musician lived to be 95, dying as a result of multiple health issues on May 25, 2026. Musicians have been paying tribute to Rollins and his legacy for years, including Steely Dan's Donald Fagen, who once said, "Jazz kind of saved my life when I was a teenager, and Sonny was probably my all-time favorite."

Not all businessmen are household names, but Ted Turner's contributions to television made him just that. It's not only the channel that bears his name—Turner Classic Movies—but also TNT, TBS, and Cartoon Network. And, of course, CNN, the first 24-hour cable news channel. Turner was also famous for his philanthropy and his marriage to actor and activist Jane Fonda.

When he died at 87 of Lewy body dementia on May 6, 2026, Fonda eulogized him on social media, writing, "He had a big life, a brilliant mind and a soaring sense of humor."

Theater lovers likely associate Mary Beth Hurt with her work on the stage. She earned three Tony Award nominations for "Trelawny of the Wells," "Crimes of the Heart," and "Benefactors." But Hurt also made notable appearances in films, including "Interiors," "The World According to Garp," and "The Age of Innocence."

Her husband, director Paul Schrader, had announced in 2023 that Hurt had been placed in memory care as a result of Alzheimer's disease. She died of complications at 79 on March 28, 2026. Hurt's daughter, Molly Schrader, posted a tribute on Instagram, writing, "She was an actress, a wife, a sister, a mother, an aunt, a friend, and she took on all those [roles] with grace and a kind ferocity."

Valerie Perrine is still best known for her breakthrough role: Honey Bruce in Bob Fosse's 1974 biopic "Lenny," for which she earned an Academy Award nomination. Of course, fans of comic book movies may also remember her as Eve Teschmacher in the first two Christopher Reeve "Superman" movies.

Perrine, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2015, died as a result of her condition on March 23, 2026, at 82. A SAG-AFTRA statement released after her death called Perrine "a bold and distinctive performer [who] left an indelible mark on film and television."

For anyone who grew up watching "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," Nicholas Brendon will always be remembered as Xander Harris, best friend to the title Slayer and the heart of the Scooby Gang. Brendon faced a series of controversies in the years after the show's conclusion in 2003, including multiple arrests and other legal troubles.

Despite his complicated legacy, when he died at 54 on March 20, 2026, his fans and former co-stars expressed grief over his passing. Charisma Carpenter, who played Cordelia on "Buffy," wrote on Instagram, "I will miss the version of the man I once knew - someone who was so warm and loving."

The man who sparked a thousand jokes, actor and martial artist Chuck Norris' larger-than-life persona made him the stuff of internet legend. To most, Norris may be best known for playing the title role on the long-running series "Walker, Texas Ranger," but he had film credits ranging from the 1960s to the 2020s. The 1980s, however, were his biggest decade, thanks to movies like "An Eye for an Eye," "Missing in Action," and "Code of Silence."

Norris died at 86 on March 19, 2026, while in Hawaii. Arnold Schwarzenegger put it plainly in his tribute to the star: "Chuck was an icon."

In addition to her work onstage in musicals like "Porgy and Bess" and "Bubbling Brown Sugar," Kiki Shepard appeared in the film "The Wiz" and on the TV series "A Different World" and "Baywatch." But if you recognize Shepard, it's likely from her stint as co-host of "Showtime at the Apollo," a gig she held from 1987 to 2002.

Just over a week after being honored at the International Women's Day Gospel Brunch, Shepard died of a heart attack at 74 on March 16, 2026. In a tribute, Sherri Shepherd wrote, "My heart hurts. A Broadway star. A Showtime at the Apollo dancer & cohost. My friend. My cousin from another Auntie."

Prolific songwriter Neil Sedaka was responsible for dozens of hits with partner Howard Greenfield, including songs he sang himself (like "Calendar Girl" and "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do") and songs he wrote for other artists (like Frank Sinatra's "The Hungry Years" and Captain & Tennille's "Love Will Keep Us Together").

While Sedaka's music will live on, the man himself died suddenly from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease on Feb. 27, 2026, at 86. Micky Dolenz of The Monkees, for whom Sedaka co-wrote "When Love Comes Knocking at Your Door," said on Instagram, "Neil was one of those rare songwriters who could do it all."

Though likely best known for playing Lewis Skolnick in the "Revenge of the Nerds" movies, Robert Carradine made an impression on a younger generation as dad Sam McGuire on Disney's "Lizzie McGuire." He was a member of the famous Carradine family, which also includes John Carradine, Keith Carradine, and David Carradine.

Robert, who had struggled with bipolar disorder for almost 20 years, died by suicide on Feb. 23, 2026, at 71. Hilary Duff, who played his TV daughter, wrote in a tribute, "It's really hard to face this reality about an old friend. There was so much warmth in the McGuire family, and I always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents."

Anyone who knows salsa music knows the name Willie Colón, at the very least for "Siembra," his 1978 collaboration with Rubén Blades, which helped make him one of the best-selling musicians in the genre. In 2015, he was listed by Billboard as among the 30 most influential Latin artists of all time.

He died on Feb. 21, 2026, at 75. Marc Anthony, who appeared in the biopic "El Cantante" about another Colón collaborator, Héctor Lavoe, wrote on Instagram, "Maestro, thank you for your legacy. Your music lives on forever."

Eric Dane couldn't have shaken the nickname bestowed on him if he'd wanted to: Ever since his debut on "Grey's Anatomy" in 2006, a role he played through 2012, he was known as McSteamy. Of course, Dane's work extended beyond the medical drama—he appeared in films like "Burlesque" and Bad Boys: Ride or Die," and on the HBO series "Euphoria."

Dane died of ALS (or Lou Gehrig's disease) at 53 on Feb. 19, 2026, almost a year after he first announced his diagnosis. "Grey's Anatomy" creator Shonda Rhimes posted a tribute to Dane, in which she wrote, "We are grateful for the artistry, spirit, friendship, and humanity he shared with us for so many years."

Famous for his work behind the camera, Frederick Wiseman's documentary films have been celebrated for their free-flowing structure and occasionally daunting length. Some of his most notable works include "Hospital," "Welfare," "High School," and City Hall." Though he was never nominated for a competitive Oscar, he was honored by the Academy in 2016.

Wiseman died at 96 on Feb. 16, 2026, having done an interview with The New York Times for his obituary 15 years prior. At that time, he said, "I don't know if I can offer a general definition of what I'm doing, except to say I'm trying to create dramatic structures out of ordinary experience."

It's hard to sum up a career as celebrated and eclectic as Robert Duvall's. He won an Academy Award for the 1984 film "Tender Mercies," but he was nominated a staggering six other times, including for "The Godfather," "Apocalypse Now," and, most recently, "The Judge." Because Duvall was so convincingly able to morph into so many different roles, he was dubbed "the American Olivier."

The actor died on Feb. 15, 2026, at 95, which prompted an outpouring of tributes. His "Godfather" and "Godfather: Part II" co-star Al Pacino said in a statement, "He was a born actor, as they say, his connection with it, his understanding, and his phenomenal gift will always be remembered."

Don't recognize the name Tom Noonan? You surely know his face. Noonan was a staple in films throughout the '80s and '90s, including "Manhunter," "The Monster Squad," "The Last Action Hero," and "Heat." He also had memorable recurring roles on the TV series "Damages" and "Hell on Wheels."

After Noonan died on Feb. 14, 2026, at 74, The New York Times noted that the actor's imposing height helped him play "memorable screen villains," and said he was "renowned for onscreen menace."

Bud Cort's most famous film role came in the 1971 classic "Harold and Maude," where he played half of the title pair alongside Ruth Gordon. And while his '70s work, including movies like "Brewster McCloud" and "M*A*S*H," may be best remembered, he worked steadily, showing up in films like "But I'm a Cheerleader," "Coyote Ugly," and "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou."

Cort died at 77 after a long illness on Feb. 11, 2026. After Cort's passing, director Edgar Wright called the actor a"welcome and magnetic presence in every film lucky enough to have him."

A whole generation grew up with James Van Der Beek, thanks in large part to his portrayal of the title character on the WB drama "Dawson's Creek." But the actor also left his mark in movies like "Varsity Blues" and "The Rules of Attraction," and on the TV series "Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23" and "CSI: Cyber."

Van Der Beek announced his colon cancer diagnosis in November 2024, and died from the disease on Feb. 11, 2026, at 48. Mary Margaret-Humes, who played Dawson's mother on "Dawson's Creek," said in a tribute to Van Der Beek, "James, my gracious warrior, you fought a hard battle against all odds with such quiet strength and dignity."

While the band 3 Doors Down is best remembered for the 1999 single "Kryptonite," a song that lead singer Brad Arnold wrote when he was 15, the group had other hits, like "Here Without You" and "When I'm Gone." 

Arnold's kidney cancer diagnosis in May 2025 forced 3 Doors Down to cancel a planned summer 2025 tour, and he succumbed to the illness on Feb. 7, 2026, at 47. In a statement posted on 3 Doors Down's Instagram account, the band said, "Brad helped redefine mainstream rock music, blending post-grunge accessibility with emotionally direct songwriting and lyrical themes that resonated with everyday listeners.

Chuck Negron was one of the founding members of the trio Three Dog Night, which was formed in 1967 and found tremendous fame in the late '60s and early '70s. Negron's distinctive voice can be heard on the group's biggest hits, including "One," "Just an Old Fashioned Love Song," and "Joy to the World." After Three Dog Night disbanded, Negron overcame drug addiction and embarked on his own solo career.

He died at 83 from heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on Feb. 2, 2026.

It's hard to pick Catherine O'Hara's most iconic film roles—how can you choose between her work in "Home Alone," "Beetlejuice," or any of the Christopher Guest mockumentaries? O'Hara's career began in sketch comedy and improv, with Canadian audiences first falling in love with her on "SCTV." She worked steadily in film and TV over the decades, most recently on the Emmy-winning Apple TV series "The Studio."

Following her death from a pulmonary embolism on Jan. 30, 2026, at 71, O'Hara was honored with a posthumous Actor Award for her work on "The Studio." In a speech at the ceremony, her co-star Seth Rogen said, "She really showed that you can be a genius and be kind, and one of those things does not have to come at the expense of the other in any way, shape, or form."

Those who grew up in the '70s likely remember Ed Bernard for his TV work, whether recurring roles like on "Police Woman" and "The White Shadow," or for guest spots on shows like "Mannix," "What's Happening!!," and "Mork & Mindy." But Bernard also appeared in movies, making his onscreen debut in the 1971 classic "Shaft," and was honored as part of the March 2026 Academy Awards.

Bernard died at 86 on Jan. 23, 2026. His son, Edward B. Bernard, said of his father, "While the world knew him as a star, his family knew him as a devoted father, a proud grandfather and a man of deep curiosity."

You might not recognize the name Valentino Garavani, but that's only because his first name carries the most weight: The Italian fashion designer has long been known by the mononym Valentino, synonymous with the fashion brand he founded in 1960. Valentino broke through into the mainstream when his dresses were worn by countless celebrities—perhaps most notably Jackie Kennedy.

His Jan. 19, 2026, death from natural causes at 93 prompted an outpouring of tributes, including from Sophia Loren, who said, "You were a friend, and your art and passion will forever remain a source of inspiration. It was a privilege to know you, and I will always carry you with me."

Bob Weir was one of the founding members of The Grateful Dead, who first formed in 1965. He provided guitar and vocals, and was also a songwriter responsible for tracks like "Sugar Magnolia," "Truckin'," "Cassidy," and "One More Saturday Night." 

Weir had been diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 2025, and he died from complications on Jan. 10, 2026, at 78. One week later, he was honored at a "homecoming" memorial service in San Francisco, where fans from all over the world showed up to pay tribute, along with musicians Joan Baez and John Mayer. "To the countless musicians who have shared the stage with Bob Weir, I share in the sadness with you," Mayer said at the memorial. "We have only begun to make sense of what is missing."

Hungarian filmmaker Béla Tarr may be more of a deep cut for casual filmgoers, but his name has been revered in cinephile circles for decades. The writer-director behind the 7.5-hour epic "Sátántangó"—widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made—has been cited as an influence on slightly more mainstream indie filmmakers, like Gus Van Sant and Jim Jarmusch.

Tarr died at 70 on Jan. 6, 2026, after a "long and serious illness." An obituary published in Freedom after his death noted, "To remember Béla Tarr is to remember a filmmaker for whom politics was neither decorative nor secondary.

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