15 Beloved Celebrities Who Passed Away in 2024

The entertainment world lost many beloved celebrities in 2024. From iconic actors who defined generations to legendary musicians who provided the soundtrack to our lives, we said goodbye to some of the brightest stars.

Join us as we pay tribute to 15 celebrities who passed away in 2024, remembering their indelible impact on the world.

Although Shannen Doherty is probably best known for playing Brenda Walsh in the ’90s, the Beverly Hills 90210 star was quite the household name long before for her roles as Jenny Wilder in Little House on the Prairie, the sassy Maggie Malene in Girls Just Want to Have Fun, and powerful witch Prue Halliwell in Charmed. Doherty died at the age of 53 in 2024 after a long battle with breast cancer.

The energetic fitness guru, known for his Sweatin’ to the Oldies workouts, passed away in Los Angeles at 76. Richard Simmons’ enthusiastic personality and comedic timing made him a cultural icon of the ’80s and ’90s.

The influential blues and rock singer and multi-instrumentalist died at 90. Considered the Godfather of British Blues, John Mayall’s impact on rock music is immeasurable. Dedicated to his craft, Mayall was an active musician until his death.

The beloved comedian and actor Bob Newhart, known for his titular sitcom The Bob Newhart Show, Newhart, and most notably as Professor Proton in The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon, passed away at 94. His deadpan delivery and perfect timing made him a comedy legend. It is no wonder that he served as a fill-in host for Johnny Carson a total of 87 times on The Tonight Show.

The former child actor, best known for his role as Brian Tanner on the 1980s sitcom ALF, was found dead at 46 in his car in Peoria, Arizona, along with his service dog. His tragic death is suspected to be due to heatstroke. According to his family, Gregory struggled with depression and a sleep disorder that kept him awake for days and that may likely be the reason he fell asleep in his car on that fateful day.

The prolific actor, with a career spanning over six decades, passed away at 88 after a long illness. From his roles as an army convict in The Dirty Dozen, a pot-smoking failed novelist in Animal House, a grief-stricken father and husband in Ordinary People, a quick-witted art dealer in Six Degrees of Separation, a weary but doting father in Pride & Prejudice, to the ruthless dictator in The Hunger Games, his versatility was unmatched.

Willie Mays, the Hall of Fame center fielder regarded as one of baseball’s all-time greats, died at 93. The 24-time All-Star, fondly known as the Say Hey Kid, was famous on the field as an all-rounder with an infectious personality, making him an icon.

Country music superstar Toby Keith succumbed to stomach cancer at the age of 62. Keith’s patriotic anthems and party songs dominated country radio for decades. Deeply influenced by legendary singer Merle Haggard, Keith’s songwriting reflected the essence of his Oklahoma roots. Just hours after his passing, the late musician received the posthumous honor of being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Seth Brooks Binzer, who went by the stage name Shifty Shellshock, died at 49 after a long battle with substance abuse. Shellshock was the lead singer of the rap rock band Crazy Town, best known for their hit single Butterfly. His struggles with addiction were public knowledge; he even made appearances on the reality TV shows Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew and Sober House in an attempt to overcome his addiction.

The actor, best known for his role as Brando Corbin in General Hospital, was tragically shot and killed at age 37 during an attempted catalytic converter theft in Los Angeles. Wactor died while shielding a female co-worker from the gunfire. Johnny made appearances in shows like Westworld, Criminal Minds, and Station 19. The soap star community mourned his loss at the 2024 Daytime Emmys, remembering him as a kind, genuine, and talented performer.

The trailblazing Broadway icon and winner of two Tony Awards died at 91 after succumbing to a brief illness. Chita Rivera’s career spanned seven decades and is best known for her electric performances in Broadway musicals like West Side Story, Chicago, and Kiss of the Spider Woman. She was nominated for the Tony Awards 10 times and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.

Dickey Betts, the founding member of The Allman Brothers Band and writer of the hit single Ramblin’ Man, passed away at 80. He succumbed to a combination of cancer and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) while at his residence in Florida. Betts, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame back in 1995, will be remembered for his melodic guitar playing, which was hugely influential, so much so that he was ranked #58 on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time list.

The actress known for her quirky roles in The Shining, Popeye, and 3 Women died at 74. Shelley Alexis Duvall collaborated frequently with director Robert Altman and won Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival for 3 Women. Duvall also produced children’s television programs in the 1980s, including Faerie Tale Theatre.

The beloved singer, actor, and comedian Steve Lawrence passed away at 88. His death was attributed to complications arising from Alzheimer’s disease. Although Steve was known for his solo work, his partnership with his wife Eydie Gormé also gained them significant popularity. The duo, known as Steve and Eydie, performed together for over 50 years until Eydie’s retirement in 2009. Lawrence’s velvety voice and charm made him a favorite on stage and screen.

The pioneering stand-up comedian and actor, known for his self-deprecating and neurotic humor, died at 76 after succumbing to a heart attack. He rose to fame in the 1980s with his angst-ridden comedy specials on HBO. A frequent presence on late-night TV and Curb Your Enthusiasm, his comedy was as insightful as it was hilarious.

Sources: US Magazine, USA Today, E News