Deaths So Far (and it's just July)

[IceWizard]

Drag queen The Vivienne died at 32, according to publicist Simon Jones, who called the performer
"an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person” and asked for privacy as friends and family
grieved the loss. Born James Lee Williams in Wales, The Vivienne loved Vivienne Westwood clothing
and won the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019.
The Vivienne was praised for raising awareness of substance abuse during their time competing on
series one of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, where they openly discussed
how they sought help for their ketamine addiction.






Richard Cohen, award-winning journalist and husband to former "Today" host Meredith Vieira, died
after battling pneumonia for two months, Vieira's rep confirmed to USA TODAY on Jan. 7. He was 76.
Cohen was a journalist, winning three Emmy awards for his work at CBS News before moving to CNN.
Vieira and Cohen were married for nearly four decades and share three children:
Benjamin, 36, Gabriel, 34, and Lily, 32.







Peter Yarrow, the singer-songwriter, activist and founding member of the folk band Peter, Paul and Mary,
died Jan. 7 at 86 after battling bladder cancer, his publicist Ken Sunshine confirmed to USA TODAY.
Alongside Paul Stookey and Mary Travers, Yarrow formed and contributed compositions to the trio,
which found success with original songs like "Puff, the Magic Dragon" and "Norman Normal."







Legendary director David Lynch died at 78, his family announced Jan. 16 on Facebook.
A cause of death was not given, though Lynch revealed last year that he received a diagnosis
of emphysema, a lung disease caused primarily by smoking, in 2020. Nevertheless,
he told fans on social media at the time, "I am filled with happiness, and I will never retire."
Lynch was the mastermind behind "Twin Peaks," the cult-classic TV series, and famous for a
string of surreal films including the original “Dune” (1984), “Blue Velvet” (1986) and
"Mulholland Drive" (2001). His big awards contender “The Elephant Man” (1980) garnered
eight Oscar nominations, including best picture and best director.








Linda Nolan, an Irish pop icon and West End star, died Jan. 15 at 65 from double pneumonia,
a rep for Nolan confirmed.A member of the girl group The Nolans, she recorded disco classics
alongside her sisters and later ventured into a writing career.







John Sykes, the long-haired English guitarist who helped propel bands like Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy
to fame in the 1980s, has died from cancer. He was 65.
The news was announced on his official Facebook page on Jan. 20.
"He will be remembered by many as a man with exceptional musical talent," the statement reads,
"but for those who didn't know him personally, he was a thoughtful, kind, and charismatic man
whose presence lit up the room."







Francisco San Martin, a soap opera star best known for his portrayal of Dario Hernandez on
"Days of Our Lives," reportedly died Jan. 16. He was 39.
A coroner's report from the Los Angeles Medical Examiner and reviewed by USA TODAY appeared to
correspond to the late star, which People and Deadline cited. The coroner's report cited
suicide as the cause of death.Martin broke into primetime television with his portrayal of
Fabian on "Jane the Virgin."






Garth Hudson, the last surviving member of The Band, died Jan. 21, his former manager,
Jim Della Croce confirmed with USA TODAY. He was 87.
Hudson played keyboard for The Band, the influential rock group that formed in 1957 and
was originally called the Hawks. The band famously performed with Bob Dylan and in 1968
released its debut studio album, "Music from Big Pink."








Lynn Ban, the successful jewelry designer and "Bling Empire: New York" star, died Jan. 20. She was 51.
Ban's death was announced by her son Sebastian in an emotional Instagram post.
"My mum passed away on Monday. I know she wanted to share her journey after her
accident and brain surgery, so I thought she would appreciate one last post sharing
the news to people who supported her," he wrote.







Ryan Whyte Maloney, a contestant from Season 6 of "The Voice" who turned all four judges' chairs in 2014,
died at 44 years old. The singer, who was due for a stint of performances at the Ole Red Las Vegas, was
proclaimed dead from an apparent suicide in the early morning of Jan. 28, 2025, the Clark County Office
of the Coroner/Medical Examiner told USA TODAY.







Marianne Faithfull, a singer and actress known for hits like "As Tears Go By" and ex of Rolling Stones
frontman Mick Jagger, died Jan. 30, a spokesperson confirmed. She was 78.Faithfull's music rose to
popularity in the 1960s, and helped helm the female wing of the British invasion, a term for U.K. artists
becoming popular in the U.S. commonly associated with The Beatles. A fruitful and fraught relationship
with the Rolling Stones helped define her early career.







Record executive and music producer Irving "Irv Gotti" Lorenzo, who helped launch music careers for
Ashanti, DMX and Ja Rule, has died at 54.Def Jam Recordings, where Gotti worked as an executive and
Murder Inc.'s parent company when it was founded, confirmed Gotti's death in a Feb. 5 statement.
"Def Jam Recordings and the extended Def Jam family of artists, executives and employees,
are deeply saddened at the loss of Irv Gotti," Def Jam said in the statement.






Continued

[IceWizard]

Jerry Butler, cofounder of the Impressions and baritone singer/songwriter known for hits such as
"For Your Precious Love" and "Only The Strong Survive," reportedly died Feb. 20. He was 85.
The R&B/soul musician, who earned two Grammy nods in his lifetime, had been living with
Parkinson's disease, according to the Chicago Sun-Times, The New York Times and The Washington Post.
Butler, along with childhood friend Curtis Mayfield, formed the Impressions alongside Sam Gooden,
Richard Brooks and Art Brooks in the late 1950s.Butler struck out on his own as a solo artist in 1960.
"Only the Strong Survive" became his highest-charting hit, per Billboard, and went on to be covered
by the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Presley and Rod Stewart.







Jesus Guerrero, a celebrity hairstylist who worked with stars including Kylie Jenner and Jennifer Lopez,
died at 34, according to a statementshared to his Instagram Story on Feb. 23.
A GoFundMe page that appeared to be organized by Guerrero's sister did not confirm a cause of death
but said "his passing came very suddenly and unexpectedly."
Guerrero's clients ranged from the Kardashian family to Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, Demi Moore,
Blackpink's Lisa and Rosalía. One of his final projects involved styling Lopez's hair while she was in
Abu Dhabi to perform for Saadiyat Nights on Feb. 20-21.









Between her smoky voice and cooing ballads, Roberta Flack distinguished herself as a soulful standout.
The singer died Feb. 24, 2024, at 88. A statement from her representative noted that Flack "died peacefully,
surrounded by her family."Flack's manager, Suzanne Koga, said in an appreciation of the multi-genre star,
"If Roberta Flack was unlike singers who came before her, there were many who would emulate her in her
wake. In fact, her influence has never stopped reverberating. She was a woman who sang in a measured
voice, but her measurements moved times and events as much as they moved hearts."








Screenwriter and producer Roberto Orci, co-creator of the CBS reboot "Hawaii Five-O," died at 51 after
battling kidney disease, manager Mike De Trana confirmed to USA TODAY on Feb. 25. Orci, who often
worked with filmmaker Alex Kurtzman, also boasted credits in the "Star Trek" and "Transformers"
movies as well as 2009's "The Proposal" and the Fox shows "Sleepy Hollow" and "Fringe."








"Gossip Girl" star Michelle Trachtenberg was found dead the morning of Feb. 26 in New York City,
a spokesperson for the New York Police Department confirmed to USA TODAY. She was 39. The NYPD
said no criminal involvement is suspected and the investigation is ongoing. Trachtenberg rose to fame
as a teenager, with roles in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Ice Princess."








Actor Gene Hackman died alongside wife Betsy Arakawa on Feb. 26, the sheriff's office in
Santa Fe, New Mexico, confirmed. An intense character actor who won two Oscars in a more
than 60-year career, Hackman brought a rogue charm and everyman believably to iconic roles
such as his best acting-winning performance as Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in "The French Connection."









David Johansen, a punk legend and the last surviving member of the pioneering band the New York Dolls,
died Feb. 28.Johansen, 75, had been living with cancer for nearly a decade and a brain tumor for five years,
according to a Sweet Relief Musicians Fund fundraiser. "David Johansen passed away peacefully at home,
holding the hands of his wife Mara Hennessey and daughter Leah, in the sunlight surrounded by music
and flowers," the family posted on the fundraiser site. Johansen's death was confirmed by his stepdaughter,
Leah Hennessey, The New York Times and Rolling Stone reported.The New York Dolls, formed in 1971
and fronted by Johansen, were the forerunners of punk – thus, considered proto-punk pioneers – and
glam rock as well, showing the way for bands such as Queen and Kiss.








R&B singer Angie Stone died in a car crash in the early hours of March 1. She was 63.Stone was
traveling with members of her band from Mobile, Alabama, to Atlanta when their van collided with a
semi-truck on Interstate 65 about five miles south of Montgomery, according to police and her label.
Stone, who was a passenger in the van, was declared dead at the scene. Eight other passengers of
the van were injured and transported to hospitals for treatment, Lt. Jeremy Burkett of the
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency told USA TODAY.Grammy-nominated singer rose to prominence
in the 1970s as a member of female rap group The Sequence before a solo career that produced
hits like "Wish I Didn't Miss You."









Jazz-funk musician Roy Ayers, the "godfather of neo-soul" behind the hit '70s song
"Everybody Loves the Sunshine," died at 84 years old on March 4, his family said in a
statement shared on his social media accounts. Ayers, who formed Roy Ayers Ubiquity
in the 1970s and is known for tracks like "Searching" and "Running Away," has had his
works sampled by the likes of Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar and Ye.








Grammy-nominated singer and guitarist D'Wayne Wiggins died March 7 after "privately and courageously
battling bladder cancer," his family said in a statement shared on social media. Wiggins — a founding
member of the seminal R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné! alongside his brother Raphael Saadiq and their
cousin Timothy Christian Riley — had experienced "medical complications" two days earlier,
his family revealed.







Bruce Glover, remembered by James Bond fans for his role in "Diamonds Are Forever," died on
March 12 at the age of 92, his son Crispin Glover revealed on social media. A representative for
Crispin Glover confirmed to USA TODAY on March 30 that Bruce died of natural causes.
Aside from his role as Mr. Wint in "Diamonds," Glover racked up dozens of other film and
TV credits throughout his career, including "Chinatown," "Walking Tall," "Perry Mason,"
"Bonanza," "Mission: Impossible" and "Gunsmoke."









Jesse Colin Young, the former Youngbloods frontman known for the hit song "Get Together,"
diedat his home in Aiken, South Carolina. He was 83.Young died March 16, according to a
statement from Young's wife and manager, Connie Young, provided to USA TODAY.
The New York City-born singer and guitarist – with Jerry Corbitt, Lowell "Banana" Levinger
and Joe Bauer – fronted the 1960s-70s era rock band. "Get Together," the iconic call for
love and peace written by Chet Powers, was the group's sole hit.





To Be Continued

[IceWizard]

Celebrated director Marty Callner died March 17, a representative confirmed. He was 78.
Finding a home at HBO early in his career, Callner is known for pioneering the modern
stand-up comedy format working with Jerry Seinfeld and Billy Crystal in their early years
and produced music specials for several high-profile musical artist including Gladys Knight
and Diana Ross.Callner was behind the popular program "Hard Knocks," and directed
music videos for big names like Cher and Aerosmith








Richard Chamberlain, the TV heartthrob who starred as "Dr. Kildare" and in popular miniseries
such as "The Thorn Birds" and "Shōgun," died March 29 after suffering complications from a
stroke. He died two days short of his 91st birthday. The three-time Golden Globe winner,
a U.S Army veteran who served in Korea, was dubbed “the king of the miniseries” for his
influential roles in the “The Thorn Birds" and "Shōgun," and received four Emmy nominations.
He also enjoyed a robust stage career, starring as Captain von Trapp in
"The Sound of Music" on Broadway.








Former "Little House on the Prairie" star Patty Maloney died March 31, a rep for the actress confirmed.
She was 89.Maloney was a fixture on Variety shows like "Donny and Marie" and "Bay City Rollers"
in the 1970s and '80s. "Patty was the ultimate performer, a triple threat performing on Broadway"
and with "her own one-woman show," her rep Jeffrey Loseff said in the statement.








Johnny Tillotson, the crooner behind 1960s hits like "Poetry in Motion," died April 1, according to
a post on Facebook from his wife Nancy."Johnny will be missed every single day for the rest of my life,"
she wrote. "He was simply the best." Tillotson, himself a teen idol, also found secondary popularity
as major stars opted to cover his original tracks. "It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin," one of his most
famous songs, was performed by both Dean Martin and Elvis Presley.









“Top Gun” star Val Kilmer, whose leading roles included both Batman and Jim Morrison of The Doors,
died April 1 at 65. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed his death to The New York Times and
The Associated Press. He had previously battled throat cancer and died from pneumonia.
The handsome star of the ‘80s and ‘90s, who was also known for starring in “Willow” and “Heat,”
lost his voice to a tracheotomy but reprised his role as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky opposite
Tom Cruise in 2022’s blockbuster “Top Gun: Maverick.”








Mel Novak, who showed off his dark side as villains in the action films "Black Belt Jones,"
"Game of Death" and "An Eye for an Eye," died April 9 at age 90, the actor's daughter
Nikol Conant confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter and TMZ. Novak died of natural causes
at a hospice facility in Granada Hills, California, Conant told the outlets.Novak appeared in
1981's "An Eye for an Eye" as Tony Montoya in a star-studded cast that featured Chuck Norris,
Christopher Lee and Richard Roundtree.







Canadian Bulgarian director Ted Kotcheff, best known for his work on the '80s classics
"Weekend at Bernie's" and "First Blood," died April 10 at age 94, the filmmaker's family
confirmed to The Globe and Mail and The Canadian Press. Kotcheff died of heart failure,
his daughter Kate Kotcheff told The Canadian Press."First Blood," which starred
Sylvester Stallone as Vietnam War veteran John Rambo, spawned a sprawling media
franchise that included four sequels, an animated TV series and a comic book series.










Les Binks, the drummer responsible for Judas Priest’s beats in the late-'70s, has died at 73,
the band announced on social media April 15. A funeral notice for Binks lists his passing at a
London hospital, with some reports adding his death occurred March 15.Judas Priest wrote
in an Instagram post: "We are deeply saddened about the passing of Les and send our love
to his family, friends and fans. The acclaimed drumming he provided was first class – demonstrating
his unique techniques, flair, style and precision.
Thank you, Les – your acclaim will live on …"








TV and radio host Wink Martindale, best known for helming the game shows "Gambit"
and "Tic-Tac-Dough," died April 15 at age 91, according to The Hollywood Reporter and
the Los Angeles Times. The former disc jockey, born Winston Conrad Martindale, died in
Rancho Mirage, California, while surrounded by his family. A cause of death was not given.
After hosting the musical game shows "What's This Song?" and "Words and Music" for NBC,
Martindale became a household name when he was chosen by CBS to head its
blackjack-themed series "Gambit" in 1972. He hosted the show's original run through
1976 and later emceed a Las Vegas spinoff on NBC from 1980-1981.









Actress and former child star Sophie Nyweide, best known for her roles in the films "Mammoth"
and "An Invisible Sign," died on April 14 at age 24, according to an obituary published on
Legacy.com April 17. Nyweide's mother, actress Shelly Gibson, confirmed her daughter's death
to The Hollywood Reporter and TMZ in articles published April 22. A cause of death was not disclosed.
"Sophie. A life ended too soon. May it not be in vain," Nyweide's obituary stated. "May we all
learn from her brief life on earth and do better. Yes, we must all protect our children and do better."








Actress Lar Park Lincoln died April 22 at the age of 63, Lincoln's company Actors Audition Studios
confirmed on Facebook. The TV star's death came after having previously battled breast cancer,
according to The Hollywood Reporter, though a cause of death was not confirmed.
Lincoln is arguably most recognized for her recurring role as Linda Fairgate on the soap opera
"Knots Landing," which aired between 1979 and 1993. She is also known for her portrayal of
telekinetic Tina Shepard in 1988's "Friday the 13th: The New Blood."










Comedian and singer Lulu Roman, best known for her appearances on the country music variety show
"Hee Haw," died "unexpectedly" on April 23 at age 78, according to a press release.
A cause of death was not disclosed.
On "Hee Haw," which debuted in 1969, Roman charmed audiences with her comedic timing,
infectious laughter and powerful singing voice. Outside the show, Roman also enjoyed a successful
career as a gospel singer, winning several Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association.





To Be Continued

[IceWizard]

Actress Priscilla Pointer, best known for her roles in the 1980s soap opera "Dallas" and
horror film classic "Carrie," died on April 28 at age 100, Pointer's son David Irving
confirmed to USA TODAY. Pointer died of natural causes at an assisted-living facility in
Ridgefield, Connecticut.Pointer's children also included fellow actress Amy Irving, left,
who Pointer co-starred with in the 1976 supernatural horror "Carrie." Amy played Sue Snell,
a classmate of Carrie's who is scarred by the girl's deadly rampage,
while Pointer portrayed Snell's mother.







Ruth Buzzi, a variety-show veteran most famous for her role on "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In,"
died May 1. She was 88. Buzzi died at her Texas home, her agent Michael Eisenstadt confirmed
to USA TODAY in a May 2 statement. A female comic from an era when they were scarce, Buzzi
"died peacefully in her sleep" following several years of hospice care for Alzheimer's disease,
a neurodegenerative condition.







Soap opera veteran Denise Alexander, best known for her role as Dr. Lesley Webber on
"General Hospital," died on March 5 at her nephew's home in Boulder, Colorado, her stepson
Anthony Colla told The Hollywood Reporter in an article published May 11. The actress
reportedly died of natural causes. "General Hospital" executive producer Frank Valentini
also confirmed Alexander's death in a May 9 Instagram post.
Alexander had a decadelong stint as Dr. Webber from 1973-1984 and returned for a
recurring role from 1996-2009, in addition to a handful of guest appearances from 2013-2021.
"She broke barriers on-screen and off, portraying Dr. Lesley Webber — one of the first
female doctors on Daytime Television — for nearly five decades," Valentini said.
"It meant so much to have her reprise her role in recent years and I am honored to
have had the opportunity to work with her."









George Wendt, best known for his role as beer-quaffing bar regular Norm Peterson on the NBC
hit comedy "Cheers," died May 20. He was 76.
His publicist confirmed the actor's death to USA TODAY, writing in a statement that he'd
"died peacefully in his sleep while at home."







Professional hunter and TV personality Phil Robertson, best known for his role on the reality
series "Duck Dynasty," has died following a recent Alzheimer's disease diagnosis, Robertson's
son Willie and daughter-in-law Korie confirmed in a May 25 social media post. Robertson,
pictured here with wife Marsha Kay "Miss Kay" Carroway Robertson, was 79.
"Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life
saved by grace, his bold faith, and by his desire to tell everyone who would listen the
Good News of Jesus," Willie and Korie wrote. "We are grateful for his life on earth and
will continue the legacy of love for God and love for others until we see him again."








Actor Ed Gale, best known for playing Chucky in 1988's "Child's Play," died at 61, his representative
confirmed to USA TODAY on May 28. Among Gale's dozens of film and TV credits were "Spaceballs,"
"Howard the Duck" and "The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle," per IMDB.







According to reports, guitar hero and rock 'n' roll legend Rick Derringer — of "Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo"
and "Hang On, Sloopy" fame — died in Ormond Beach, Florida at age 77. TMZ, Variety and
The Hollywood Reporter were among the outlets that confirmed his death.
Derringer's wife, Jenda, told TMZ the rock icon died "peacefully" on May 26 after being
taken off life support following a medical episode.







Loretta Swit, the Emmy-winning actress best known for playing head nurse Maj. Margaret
"Hot Lips" Houlihan on the classic TV series "M*A*S*H," died May 30 of suspected natural
causes, her publicist said in a statement shared with USA TODAY. She was 87.
Through all 11 seasons of CBS' Korean War dramedy, Swit infused humanity into the highly
capable head nurse for the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital.









Actor Devin Harjes died on May 27 at age 41 after a battle with cancer, his representative,
David Williams, confirmed on June 1. "He was an artist of great conviction who never gave
less than one hundred percent to any role he undertook," Williams said. Harjes starred as
Pete Baylor on "Manifest" and played boxer Jack Dempsey on HBO's "Boardwalk Empire."








Renée Victor, an actress and singer known for her roles in films like "Coco" and shows like "Weeds,"
died on May 30 at age 86. Victor voiced Abuelita in the 2017 Pixar animated movie "Coco" and
starred as housekeeper Lupita on Showtime's "Weeds." She also had roles on shows like
"Dead to Me," "Snowpiercer," "Vida" and "ER." Pixar paid tribute to Victor in an Instagram post,
writing, "We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Renée Victor, the voice Abuelita in
'Coco' and an incredible part of the Pixar family. We will always remember you."








Sly Stone, a onetime San Francisco DJ turned pop and funk music innovator who was the frontman
of Sly and the Family Stone, died at 82. The news was shared in a statement released by his family
June 9. His death came "after a prolonged battle with COPD and other underlying health issues,"
his family said. "Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend,
and his extended family. After huge chart-topping success in the 1960s and 1970s, Stone had
become an enigmatic and largely reclusive figure plagued by homelessness and health issues.
But despite such misfortunes, the music created by the Texas-born California transplant and his
trendsetting multi-racial, multi-gendered Bay Area band, the Family Stone, had never stopped
being a touchstone for generations of musicians.










Brian Wilson, an eclectic genius whose sunny Beach Boys songs helped define a revved-up era of
American popular music, has died at age 82.Wilson's family announced his death on social media
June 11, and did not cite a cause. Wilson's epic career arc spanned most of his life and was as
defined by prolonged bouts of mental illness as it was by meticulously constructed pop confections.







To Be Continued

[IceWizard]

Marjorie Grande, grandmother of pop star Ariana Grande, has died, Ariana's mother Joan Grande
shared in a June 17 statement on Instagram. She was 99. A cause of death was not disclosed,
although Joan noted she "passed peacefully in her home."
Ariana has spoken lovingly and often of Marjorie, whom she affectionately called "Nonna."
She made a cameo on the last track off Ariana's most recent album, "Eternal Sunshine."








Lou Christie, who topped the Billboard chart in 1966 with "Lightnin' Strikes," died June 17 at
82 years old, representative Mary Fox confirmed to USA TODAY.  Christie's early hits included
"The Gypsy Cried" and "Two Faces Have I." His rendition of "Beyond the Blue Horizon" achieved
a resurgence in 1988 after the song was featured in the Oscar-winning film "Rain Man."








David Hamilton, an Emmy-nominated composer and cofounding keyboard player of the band
Pavlov's Dog, died at age 74, his reps confirmed to Deadline. His death on June 20 was also
confirmed via an official obituary. Hamilton studied classical music in the United Kingdom
before returning to his birth city of St. Louis to help found rock band Pavlov's Dog,
to moderate success. He left the band to pursue work as a television and film composer.
His music was featured at least 15 movies and TV shows, including the CBS legal drama
"Orleans," which got him a Primetime Emmy nomination for outstanding music composition
for a series in 1997.









Mick Ralphs, whose guitar playing colored the songs of British rock bandsBad Company and
Mott the Hoople, has died. He was 81.
Kymm Britton, a representative for Ralphs and Bad Company bandmatesPaul Rodgers and
Simon Kirke, confirmed Ralphs’ death. No cause was provided.
“Our Mick has passed, my heart just hit the ground. He has left us with exceptional songs
and memories. He was my friend, my songwriting partner, an amazing and versatile guitarist
who had the greatest sense of humour,” Rodgers said in a statement. Kirke also expressed
his love for “a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter and an exceptional guitarist.”








Bobby Sherman, a 1960s teen idol and pop star-turned-public servant, has died. He was 81.
John Stamos announced Sherman's death in a June 24, Instagram announcement in collaboration
with Sherman's wife, Brigitte Poublon Sherman."From one ex teen idol, to another - rest in peace
Bobby Sherman," Stamos wrote. "It is with the heaviest heart that I share the passing of my
beloved husband, Bobby Sherman," Poublon said in an ensuing statement. "Bobby left this
world holding my hand—just as he held up our life with love, courage, and unwavering grace
through all 29 beautiful years of marriage."








Rick Hurst, the actor best known as Deputy Cletus Hogg on "Dukes of Hazzard," has died,
reports say. He was 79.
According to the New York Times and TMZ, Hurst died June 26 as his home in Los Angeles.
Hurst's friend and costar Ben Jones confirmed the news with the Times, while Hurst's first
wife Candace Kaniecki confirmed his death to TMZ. No cause of death was given. In addition
to starring on the CBS series from 1979 to 1982, Hurst's other credits include the ABC series
"On The Rocks," appearances on "Sanford and Son," "M*A*S*H" and "The Partridge Family,"
as well as film credits in "Steel Magnolias" and "In the Line of Fire."








Michael Madsen, a prolific actor and longstanding Quentin Tarantino collaborator, has died at 67.
Madsen died July 3, following a cardiac arrest, manager Ron Smith confirmed to USA TODAY.
Madsen appeared in some of Tarantino's biggest films, including "Reservoir Dogs," "Kill Bill: Vol. 2"
and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," and was known for playing a tough guy on screen and
enjoyed success in the movie business for over four decades, racking up some 300 credits.








Actor Julian McMahon died at 56 "after a valiant effort to overcome cancer," his wife, Kelly McMahon,
confirmed to USA TODAY in a statement on July 5. McMahon was best known for his roles as
Christian Troy on "Nip/Tuck," Cole Turner on "Charmed" and Doctor Doom in a pair of "Fantastic Four" movies.
"He loved his family," Kelly McMahon added. "He loved his friends. He loved his work,
and he loved his fans. His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible."









Broadway actor and writer Tom Troupe, best known for his television appearances in "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,"
"Star Trek" and "Cheers," died July 20 at 97. According to a press release, Troupe died in his Beverly Hills, California,
home from natural causes, two years after his late wife, "Sixteen Candles" actress Carole Cook.
Troupe's lengthy inventory of acting credits span more than 60 years and include "Murder, She Wrote," "The Fugitive,"
"Mission: Impossible," "The Wild Wild West," "Knots Landing," "Frasier" and "ER." He played Judge William E. Grey in
"Cheers," and Lt. Harold in the original "Star Trek" series.









Rock icon Ozzy Osbourne, the Grammy-winning Prince of Darkness, died July 22, his representative
confirmed to USA TODAY. He was 76.
"It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved
Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning," a statement from his family read.
"He was with his family and surrounded by love."
The Black Sabbath star had had one of the most recognizable screams in modern history, from his
"All aboard!" opening of "Crazy Train" to his oft-meme'd "Sharon!"
He died just weeks after reuniting with Black Sabbath for a final show in England.







More To Follow

[Charon]

oh wow. thank u Ice. so so many

[April]

Thank you for that reminder we are all just GUESTS in life

[IceWizard]

A Few More
I'll Try Not To Repeat, but I wouldn't bet on it 


JAN



Wayne Osmond, the singer and musician known for performing alongside his siblings as a member
of the Osmond Brothers, died Jan. 1 at 73. He was 64. Born in Ogden, Utah, in 1951, he began his
musical career in a barbershop quartet with his brothers Alan, Jay, and Merrill, gaining prominence
during a televised Disneyland performance in 1961 and regularly appearing on several TV shows
throughout the 1960s. After adding brothers Donny and Jimmy to their lineup, the Osmonds performed
as a pop group, nabbing a No. 1 hit with "One Bad Apple" in 1971. Wayne, who had perfect pitch,
helped arrange the band's harmonies and played lead guitar. Though the group's popularity dwindled
as younger siblings Jimmy, Donny, and Marie launched solo careers in the mid-'70s, the original
four Osmond Brothers reunited as a country act in the '80s and performed until the 2010s.
Wayne eventually retired from the band in 2012, following treatment for a brain tumor that left
him deaf. He reunited with the group for a performance in Honolulu in 2018, then had one
final performance on The Talk in 2019 to celebrate Marie's birthday.








Mike Rinder, a former high-ranking Scientology executive who became a vocal critic of the church
and cohosted the Emmy-winning docuseries Scientology and the Aftermath with Leah Remini,
died on Jan. 5. He was 69. Rinder renounced Scientology in 2007, becoming a prominent
whistleblower against the organization. He was featured in the Emmy- and Peabody-winning
HBO documentary Going Clear in 2015, before teaming up with the King of Queens actress for
the A&E docuseries Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath. Remini and Rinder continued
their partnership with the podcast,Scientology: Fair Game.








Leslie Charleson, the actress best known for her role as Monica Quartermaine on General Hospital,
died on Jan. 12. She was 79. Producer Frank Valenti confirmed Charleson's death in a post on the
official General Hospital Instagram which read in part, "Her enduring legacy has spanned nearly
50 years on General Hospital alone and, just as Monica was the heart of the Quartermaines,
Leslie was a beloved matriarch of the entire cast and crew." The Kansas City, Mo.-born actress
appeared in brief stints on soaps like As The World Turns and Love Is a Many Splendored Thing
before joining the GH cast as Monica, the matriarch of the powerful Quartermaine family.
Monica owns Quartermaine Mansion, is former chief of staff of General Hospital, and is known
for her enduring and often fractious relationship with ex-husband Alan (Stuart Damon).
Charleson's moving performance throughout Monica's breast cancer storyline of the
mid- to late-1990s earned her the last of four Daytime Emmy nominations. With her last
onscreen appearance in December 2023,
Charleson became General Hospital's longest-tenured cast member.









Bob Uecker, the beloved sports broadcaster and comedic actor died Jan. 16. He was 90.
Uecker parlayed his stint as an unremarkable MLB catcher into a successful second act
as a Hall of Fame broadcaster and comedy star in all three of the Major League and
Mr. Belvedere, and cameoed on shows like Who's The Boss?, Futurama, and Teen Titans Go.
He also made regular appearances on The Johnny Carson Show, the Late Show with
David Letterman, and hosted Bob Uecker's Wacky World of Sports and Bob Uecker's
War of the Stars. In 1982, Uecker published a memoir titled Catcher in the Wry:
Outrageous but True Stories of Baseball. He was honored by the Baseball Hall of Fame
with the Ford C. Frick award in 2003 and was similarly recognized by the National Sportscasters
and Sportswriters Association, the Radio Hall of Fame, and the WWE.









Jan Shepard, an actress who appeared on dozens of TV Westerns and performed opposite Elvis Presley
in the films King Creole and Paradise, Hawaiian Style, died Jan. 17 at 96. Born in Quakertown, Pa.,
Shepard came to Los Angeles in 1949 and got involved in the local theater scene. She would go on
to book roles on such television series as Death Valley Days, The Lone Ranger, The Life and Legend
of Wyatt Earp, Rawhide, Gunsmoke, Laramie, Lawman, The Virginian, Perry Mason, and Mannix.
Her big-screen credits also included the B-movie Attack of the Giant Leeches and the drama Third of a Man.




FEB




Tony Roberts, the character actor best known for playing Woody Allen's best friend in Annie Hall,
died Feb. 7 at 85. Born in Manhattan in 1939, Roberts made his Broadway debut in 1962's
Something About a Soldier. He went on to act in Barefoot in the Park and earned a Tony nomination
for Best Featured Actor in a Play for How Now, Dow Jones. Roberts first collaborated with Allen
in the 1960s plays Don't Drink the Water and Play It Again, Sam, earning another Tony nom for
the latter and reprising his character in the 1972 film adaptation. Roberts later reteamed with
Allen in Stardust Memories, A Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy, Hannah and Her Sisters, and
Radio Days. His other notable films included the 1973 crime drama Serpico and the 1974 subway
thriller The Taking of Pelham One Two Three. Roberts also appeared in movies like Million Dollar Duck,
Amityville 3-D, and Switch, as well as on TV shows like The Love Boat, Matlock,
The Carol Burnett Show, and Law & Order.









Voletta Wallace, the mother of late rapper Christopher Wallace, better known as the Notorious B.I.G.
died of natural causes in hospice care at her home in Stroudsburg, Pa., Monroe County Coroner
Thomas Yanac confirmed on Feb. 21. Wallace was an advocate for her son's legacy following the
27-year-old's tragic death in a drive-by shooting on March 9, 1997, and she sought justice for him.
Wallace participated in several projects meant to keep her son's legacy alive, including the 2021
Netflix documentary Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell. "As long as I have life, there's hope," she told
EW at the time. "I'll never give up. And I hope when I'm not in this world anymore, my friends
and family will carry on the fight. There is always hope."










Lynne Marie Stewart, the character actress known for her work on Pee-Wee's Playhouse and
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, died Feb. 21 after a short illness. She was 78. Stewart was
best known for her collaborations with Paul Reubens in a multitude of Pee-wee projects, playing
Miss Yvonne and a number of other characters. She also was responsible for numerous hilarious
scenes in It's Always Sunny, in which she played the chaotic, off-the-walls neurotic mother of
Charlie (Charlie Day). Born in Los Angeles in 1946, Stewart was an early member of the Groundlings,
a seminal improv comedy troupe that also included Reubens, Kathy Griffin, Phil Hartman, and Jon Lovitz.
On the big screen, Stewart played supporting roles in massive films, including Bridesmaids
(in which she played Maya Rudolph's mother), American Graffiti, Clear and Present Danger,
The Running Man, and Children of a Lesser God. On television, Stewart appeared in episodes of
Laverne & Shirley, MASH, The Golden Girls, The Jeffersons, Night Court, Hawaii Five-O,
Arrested Development, Grey’s Anatomy, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and 2 Broke Girls.








Michelle Trachtenberg, who broke out as the child star of Harriet the Spy and went on to play
notable roles on the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, died Feb. 26, at 39.
After getting her start on Nickelodeon's The Adventures of Pete & Pete and the soap All My Children,
the precocious actress landed the lead role in the film adaptation of beloved children's book
Harriet the Spy, starring alongside Rosie O'Donnell. Trachtenberg went on to play stubborn
little sister Dawn to Sarah Michelle Gellar's Buffy Summers on BTVS and the conniving
Georgina Sparks on both the original Gossip Girl and Max's reboot. Her other screen credits
included Inspector Gadget, EuroTrip, Ice Princess, and 17 Again with the late Matthew Perry.

[IceWizard]

MAR






Joey Molland, the rock guitarist and last surviving member of Badfinger, died on March 1 at 77.
Born in Liverpool, England, on June 21, 1947, Molland began his recording career in earnest
when he was 20. After playing in the short-lived group Gary Walker & the Rain, Molland joined
Badfinger as their guitarist in 1970. The Welsh band was one of the first artists that the Beatles
signed to their Apple Records label. The core Badfinger lineup of Molland, singer-guitarist Pete Ham,
singer-bassist Tom Evans, and drummer Mike Gibbins recorded five albums, which yielded such
hit singles as "No Matter What," "Without You," "Day After Day," and "Baby Blue." They stayed
together until 1974. Molland also made appearances on George Harrison's All Things Must Pass
and The Concert for Bangladesh, and played guitar on John Lennon's 1971 album, Imagine.
In later years, Molland recorded music as a solo artist and a member of the group Natural Gas,
and he launched his own incarnation of Badfinger (dubbed Molland's Badfinger) in the early '80s.
He remained active with the band until his death.







George Lowe, a voice actor known for bringing Space Ghost to life in Space Ghost Coast to Coast,
died March 2 at 67. Lowe first utilized his vocal talents working at local Florida radio station WWJB
when he was 15. From there, he did voice-over work for TBWS and Cartoon Network before eventually
landing his iconic lead role in the aforementioned animated series in 1994. The show first ran from
1994 to 1999 on Cartoon Network. It was later revived in 2001 on Adult Swim, where it aired through
2004. Lowe also voiced the beloved character in the Space Ghost Coast to Coast spinoff Cartoon Planet,
as well as Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters, The Brak Show, Jellystone,
and Robot Chicken, among others.









Pamela Bach, an actress and the ex-wife of David Hasselhoff, died March 5 in Los Angeles at the
age of 62. She made her Hollywood debut in a 1973 episode of soap The Young and the Restless
and went on to appear on shows Otherworld, T.J. Hooker, and Knight Rider. She wed Hasselhoff,
whom she met on set of Knight Rider, in 1989 but separated in 2006. Bach, who also went by
Pamela Hasselhoff, also starred in shows Cheers, The Fall Guy, and Sirens, and movies
Appointment with Fear, Nudity Required, and Mansion of Blood.








Brian James, songwriter and founding guitarist of the Damned, died March 6 aged 70. James penned
the British punk single, "New Rose," and served as the band's lead songwriter on their debut album,
Damned Damned Damned (1977), though he would depart to work on solo outings after the release
of their poorly received sophomore album. This included being a founding member of The Lords of the
New Church, which launched in 1981 and released three studio albums before their breakup in 1989
(James would regroup with them for brief stints in later years). The original members of the Damned
also reunited memorably in 1988 and 2022 for a UK tour. Additionally, James also had notable
collaborations with Iggy Pop, Stewart Copeland of the Police, Wayne Kramer of MC5,
Duff McKagan of Guns N’ Roses, and Clem Burke of Blondie, among others.









Bruce Glover, the esteemed character actor who starred opposite Sean Connery as Bond villain Mr. Wint
in Diamonds are Forever, died on March 12 at 92. Across his decades-long career, Glover accrued over
100 onscreen credits, and appeared in dozens of plays. Born on May 2, 1932 to parents Herbert and Eva,
Glover began his career with a string of TV shows including Perry Mason, Gunsmoke, Mission: Impossible,
and The Dukes of Hazard. His most high profile gig came in 1971, when he landed the role of assassin
Mr. Wint alongside Putter Smith's Mr. Kidd in the James Bond film Diamonds are Forever. Glover furthered
his success as Duffy in 1974's Chinatown and hustler James Coburn in 1975's Hard Times. He also appeared
in the cult hit Walking Tall, and TV shows including Hart to Hart, The A-Team and Murder, She Wrote.
The late actor is survived by his son, actor Crispin Glover, with whom he shared his final credit in 2015's
Influence. His wife, Betty Glover, died in 2016.








Actor Wings Hauser, died March 15 at his home in Santa Monica, Calif., years after being diagnosed with
COPD, his daughter, Bright Hauser, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 77. Hauser appeared
on TV shows beginning in the '70s from Baretta and Emergency! to The A-Team, China Beach, House,
and Castle. He was in the movies Vice Squad, Norman Mailer's Tough Guys Don't Dance, and
Michael Mann's The Insider. He was perhaps best known for his role as Greg Foster on The
Young and the Restless, which he first played in 1977 through 1981, before returning to it in 2010.
In addition to Bright, Hauser was the father of Yellowstone actor Cole Hauser.









Jesse Colin Young, one of the voices behind the Youngbloods' 1960s anthem "Get Together," died
March 16 at 83. Young and his group's most famous song reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100
chart in 1969, and contained the famous lyrics, "Come on people now / Smile on your brother /
Everybody get together / And try to love one another right now." Their version of the track, originally
the work of songwriter Chet Powers, was part of the self-titled debut album for the band, which
also featured Jerry Corbitt, Lowell "Banana" Levinger, and Joe Bauer. While "Get Together" was their
most successful hit, even ending up on the soundtracks of Forrest Gump and The Simpsons decades
later, the Youngbloods recorded five albums in all before breaking up in 1972. In the following
decades, Young wrote and recorded music as a solo artist, and he and his wife, Connie Young,
formed an independent record label. He released his final album, Dreamers, in 2019.









Jack Lilley, the actor, stuntman, and wrangler known for his work on Westerns including Little House
on the Prairie, Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and Rawhide, died Mar. 19 at 91. Born in Santa Clarita, Calif.,
Lilley got his start in entertainment with an uncredited role as a cowhand in the 1956 Western film
Gun for a Coward. He would go on pull double duty as an actor and stunt coordinator on films like
1974's Blazing Saddles and television series like Rawhide, The Wild Wild West, and The High Chaparral.
He was featured in more than 35 episode of Little House throughout its run from 1974 until 1983,
and also appeared in its three made-for-TV movies. Lilley is survived by three sons, five grandchildren,
and six great grandchildren.









George Foreman, the boxing legend and grill entrepreneur, died on March 21 at the age of 76. Foreman
was born in 1949 in Marshall, Tex., ascending to the very top of his sport by the time he was 19.
He was a two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist, amassing a 37-0 record
in his first four years as a pro boxer. But Foreman didn't stop there, ushering in several successful
afterlives after he stepped out of the ring as the mogul behind a popular portable grill, a TV star with
his own ABC sitcom, and Masked Singer scene stealer. Foreman is survived by his wife and 11 children,
including five sons, all named "George Foreman," and six daughters.








Richard Chamberlain, the leading man who launched his career as the dashing title character of NBC's
Dr. Kildare, died from complications following a stroke on March 29 at 90, two days away from his 91st
birthday. The beloved TV actor, who won three Golden Globes and earned four Emmy nominations
across his career, became a TV staple after landing the role of young medical intern Dr. James Kildare.
The hour-long medical drama was an immediate hit, airing until 1966. Chamberlain's success continued
from there: He starred in 1978's Centennial, originated the role of John Blackthorn in 1980's Shōgun,
and found further success with 1983's The Thorn Birds. His work across the three projects earned him
the nickname "King of the Miniseries." Chamberlain also appeared in such notable films as Petulia,
Julius Caesar, The Music Lovers, The Last Wave, The Three Musketeers, and The Towering Inferno.









Richard Norton, an Australian actor, martial arts expert, and stunt coordinator who trained such stars as
Charlize Theron and Liam Neeson, died on March 30. He was 75. Born Jan. 6, 1950, in Croydon, Australia,
Norton began practicing judo when he was 11. He was initially trained to become a bodyguard and worked
for such acts as ABBA, David Bowie, Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac, and John Belushi. While serving as a
fight choreographer, his credits included the 1993 CBS series Walker, Texas Ranger, The Condemned,
Dark Phoenix, and both James Gunn's Suicide Squad films. Along with coordinating stuntwork on both
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and Mad Max: Fury Road, Norton also played the role of the Prime Imperator,
a lead henchman to the villainous Immortan Joe. Across his career, Norton worked one-on-one with
several screen stars, training Theron, Neeson, Scarlett Johansson, Sophie Turner, Anya Taylor-Joy,
Ben Affleck, Margot Robbie, Charlie Hunnam, and more. He is survived by his wife, Judy.

[IceWizard]

APR





Jay North, the titular star of the classic CBS sitcom Dennis the Menace, died April 6 at 73.
North's passing at home in Lake Butler, Fla., after a years-long battle with cancer was
confirmed by his longtime friend Laurie Jacobson, who wrote in a Facebook post, "He had
a heart as big as a mountain, loved his friends deeply. He called us frequently and ended
every conversation with 'I love you with all my heart.' And we loved him with all of ours."
North was cast on the Hank Ketcham comic strip adaptation at only 6 years old. He
played the series star Dennis Mitchell, a good-hearted yet mischievous prankster, for
four seasons, and had a prolific TV acting career through the mid-1970s. He appeared
on series like Wagon Train, The Lucy Show, and Arabian Knights, but largely stepped
away from the industry after the 1974 film The Teacher. He is survived by wife Cindy
and her daughters from a previous marriage.








Clem Burke, drummer for legendary rock band Blondie, died April 6 after a private battle with cancer.
He was 70. Burke joined Blondie in 1975, a year after frontwoman Debbie Harry and guitarist Chris Stein
formed the group in New York City, and has appeared across all of Blondie’s albums — from the landmark
Parallel Lines to comeback No Exit. He has also performed with the likes of Bob Dylan, The Ramones,
Eurythmics, Iggy Pop, Joan Jett, and the Go-Go's, among others. Blondie remembered Burke as
"the heartbeat" of the band, adding that his "talent, energy, and passion for music were unmatched,
and his contributions to our sound and success are immeasurable."









Pope Francis, who oversaw a groundbreaking pontificate as the first Latin American leader of the
Roman Catholic Church, died on April 21 at age 88. He made his final public appearance a day prior,
on Easter Sunday, to bless thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in
Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Dec. 17, 1936, Francis made history upon his 2013 appointment to the
papacy as the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit pope, and the first pope since the eighth
century not to be from Europe. As the leader of the Catholic Church for 12 years, Francis was known
to frequently clash with traditionalists due to progressive stances that included speaking out against
climate change and expanding the Church's acceptance of same-sex couples and transgender people.
He forged relationships with several Hollywood stars over his tenure as pope, including Martin Scorsese,
Whoopi Goldberg, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, and
Angelina Jolie. In 2016, Francis made headlines as the first pope to appear in a feature film, due to a
brief cameo in the Ambi Pictures indie, Beyond the Sun, a faith-based film in which he appeared as
himself. Francis was also the subject of  Pope Francis: A Man of His Word, a 2018 Wim Wenders
documentary based on his life, in addition to 2020's Francesco and 2022's In
Viaggio: The Travels of Pope Francis.






MAY





Charles “Charley” Scalies Jr., the talented actor best known for his roles as Thomas “Horseface” Pakusa
on The Wire and as Tony Soprano’s high school football coach in The Sopranos, died May 1 at 84
following a long battle with Alzheimer's. Scalies was born in 1940 and grew up telling jokes at his
father's pool hall, above which the family lived. After taking a hiatus from acting to raise his own
family, Scalies returned to the stage in the early 1990s and landed his first film role as a driver in
the Al Pacino-headlined 1995 drama, Two Bits. He would go on to star in films such as 12 Monkeys
and Jersey Girl, as well as television series like Homicide: Life on the Street, Law & Order,
Law & Order: SVU, and Cold Case over the next decade.









Brazilian actress Millena Brandão, a child star known for her work on Netflix's Sintonia, died May 2.
She was 11. Her parents, Thays and Luiz Brandão, explained that she had been sick since April 24,
when she came down with a severe headache, pain in her legs, and other symptoms. She was diagnosed
with dengue fever, Thays said, but her condition worsened and she returned to the hospital twice more,
once after fainting at home. She began to have "two to three cardiac arrests per day." Her mom said
it was "13 arrests in total." From there, doctors said her brain was no longer functioning. Brandão's
parents remembered her as "the light in our lives" who had "joy that infected everyone around you."








Morris, an alligator actor with a prolific filmography who wrestled Adam Sandler in a memorable scene
in Happy Gilmore, died on May 11 of natural causes. He was 80-100 years old. Embarking on his big
Hollywood career in 1975, Morris appeared in films like Interview with the Vampire, Dr. Doolittle 2,
and Blues Brothers 2000 before retiring to the Colorado Gator Farm in 2006. The Farm noted in its
announcement of Morris' death, "While we knew this was inevitable, we are very saddened by his
passing to old age." Sandler shared a tribute of his own to social media days later, quipping,
"Goodbye, Morris. We are all gonna miss you. You could be hard on directors, make-up artists,
costumers — really anyone with arms or legs — but I know you did it for the ultimate good of the film."











Terrance Brunk, an American professional wrestler better known by his wrestling moniker Sabu,
died May 11 at 60. Sabu started his wrestling career learning from his uncle, Ed "The Sheik" Farhat.
But he broke out with success of his own in the 1990s, during his time with ECW, where, according
to ESPN, he "combined high-flying antics with ultraviolent matches that featured barbed wire, chairs,
tables and more." Accolades include being named a two-time ECW champion, ECW tag team champion,
and ECW world television champion. Sabu also had stints in New Japan Pro Wrestling, WCW, and TNA,
as well as a brief stint in WWE in the aughts. He also memorably performed at WrestleMania 23 in 2007.
Just weeks before his death, Sabu competed in a WrestleMania retirement match against Joey Janela.
Memorable wrestling feuds included those with Rob Van Dam and Taz.








James Lowe, the musician and record producer best known as the frontman of psychedelic rock band
the Electric Prunes, died peacefully of natural causes on May 22. He was 82. Formed in Los Angeles in
1965, the band released such hits as "I Had Too Much to Dream (Last Night)" and "Get Me to the
World on Time." Lowe would go on to work as an engineer and producer after the group first disbanded
in the '70s, collaborating with the likes of Todd Rundgren and pop duo Sparks. He reunited with his
Electric Prunes bandmates Mark Tulin, Ken Williams, and Michael Weakley in the late ‘90s after the band
went through several lineup changes, and continued to perform with the group until the end of his life,
including at a 2023 Los Angeles tribute show in honor of the legendary Nuggets compilation album
featuring psychedelic and garage rock singles of the '60s. Lowe is survived by his wife of six decades
and their three children.








Rick Derringer, the influential guitarist, McCoys frontman, and Grammy-winning producer for Weird Al Yankovic,
died May 26 at 77. The son of an Ohio railroad foreman, Derringer grew to become one of the most
pioneering guitarists and successful musicians of his generation, spawning the chart-topping hit
"Hang On Sloopy" with his band the McCoys before he'd even turned 18. "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,"
the lead single from his 1973 debut, All American Boy, has endured generation after generation,
showing up on the soundtracks for 1993's Dazed and Confused soundtrack and the fourth season of
Stranger Things in 2022. He later collaborated with musicians and musical acts like Cyndi Lauper,
Steely Dan, Barbra Streisand, and Weird Al Yankovic, the latter earning him two Grammys
across their six-album collaboration.










Michael Sumler, Kool & the Gang's resident hype man known as "Chicago Mike," died May 25 in
a car accident in Mableton, Ga. He was 71. Sumler spent more than three decades with the
legendary R&B and funk group, whipping up audiences and acting as a stylist and choreographer.
He was immortalized in 2024 when the band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Sumler was mourned on social media by Mableton Mayor Michael Owens and Con Funk Shun,
the funk group he played with the night of his death. "We had no idea that Sunday night's
Love's Train would be your last ride," the group said. "Rest in heavenly peace."









Peter Kwong, the actor best known for his role as Rain, one of the Three Storms in the 1986 cult
classic Big Trouble in Little China, died in his sleep overnight May 27, his agent confirmed to
Entertainment Weekly. He was 73. The martial artist earned his first professional acting credits
in the ’70s, with TV series such as Wonder Woman and Little House on the Prairie, then went
on to appear in Dynasty, 227, Miami Vice, and Full House. His ‘80s work also included
The Golden Child, alongside Eddie Murphy, and 1989 action-drama Gleaming the Cube.
Over the following decades, Kwong was on shows such as General Hospital, My Wife and Kids,
and JAG. He made one of his final appearances on a 2020 episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Along the way, he served in leadership roles for organizations such as SAG and the Television Academy.









Valerie Mahaffey, the Emmy-winning star of Northern Exposure and Young Sheldon, died at the age of 71
on May 31 after a battle with cancer. Born in Indonesia in 1953 to a Canadian mother and an American
father, Mahaffey's six-decade career in Hollywood earned her enduring acclaim for roles like Eve, the
wealthy hypochondriac on Northern Exposure (which won Mahaffey an Emmy in 1992), Alma Hodge,
Orson's (Kyle MacLachlan) unhinged first wife on Desperate Housewives, and Victoria MacElroy, the titular
character's English teacher on Young Sheldon. Mahaffey also turned in memorable appearances in series
like The West Wing, Grey’s Anatomy, and Cheers, and films like Sully, Seabiscuit, and two Perry Mason
made-for-TV movies. Mahaffey earned acclaim and an Independent Spirit Award nomination for one of
her final big-screen performances, as Madame Reynard in the Michelle Pfeiffer indie drama French Exit.