Which Celebrity Deaths In 2016 Shocked The World?
Who were the celebrities that died in 2016? A year in review of those we lost.
Author:Emily SanchezReviewer:Elisa MuellerAug 17, 202460 Shares59.9K Views
In 2016, a significant year in celebrity history, the loss of influential figures in music, film, sports, and politics left a lasting impact on the world.
The legacies of celebrities who have died in 2016are deeply ingrained in our collective memory. As we reflect on and pay tribute to these celebrities, let's remember and honor their contributions.
Carrie Fisher
After a heart attack on a flight a few days prior, actress Carrie Fisher passed away on December 27. This woman was sixty years old. Fisher, who was born to Debbie Reynolds (who passed away the following day at the age of84) and Eddie Fisher, became famous for her role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars films. In her 2016 memoir, The Princess Diarist, she detailed her experiences filming those films.
In 2015's The Force Awakens, she made a brief return to the franchise. In addition to her acting career, Fisher gained praise for being forthright about her mental health.
In interviews and books, such as Shockaholic (2011), she spoke about her battles with substance abuse and bipolar disorder, and she even wrote about her ECT experience. Her daughter, the actress Billie Lourd, who rose to fame on Scream Queens, is her only surviving relative.
Debbie Reynolds
After a possible stroke, screen and stage legend Debbie Reynolds passed away on December 28 at the age of 84. Her daughter Carrie Fisher passed away the day before at the age of 60. Todd Fisher, Reynolds' son, told Variety that "she wanted to be with Carrie."
Beginning with her signing with Warner Bros. at the tender age of sixteen and her subsequent stardom in Singin' in the Rain (1952), Reynolds' career spans nearly seven decades, evoking the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Even more so than her professional life, the American sweetheart's private life was in the spotlight; in 1959, her marriage to Eddie Fisher fell apart when the pop singer abandoned Reynolds for their mutual friend Elizabeth Taylor. Upon reflection, Reynolds said that she and Taylor made up on the cruise they took together just before Taylor passed away in 2011.
Reynolds was a famous Las Vegan singer and actress who had a No. 1 Billboard single ("Tammy" from her 1957 film Tammy and the Bachelor) and thunderous live performances.
Reynolds accumulated Hollywood artifacts throughout her varied career; one such item was Marilyn Monroe's white subway dress from The Seven-Year Itch, which she auctioned off in 2011 for $5.6 million.
George Michael
It was on December 25 that the body of singer-songwriter George Michael was discovered at his English residence. His age was 53. Michael, along with his bandmate Andrew Ridgeley, became famous in the early 1980s as a member of the musical duo Wham!. Their singles "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" and "Tight Jeans" won over the hearts of teenagers everywhere.
Michael, bitten by the solo bug, abandoned bubblegum pop for more risqué fare in 1987 with the declaration "I don't need no bible" in "I Want Your Sex," the first single from his first solo album Faith, which also gave birth to the rockabilly-soul masterpiece of the same name. In 1998, after an arrest for lewd behavior, Michael came out as gay, causing his personal life to eclipse his art.
His relationship with longtime partner Kenny Goss served as inspiration for his 2004 album Patience, and he proceeded to release new music and triumphantly belt out his anthem "Freedom! '90" at the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. For the most part, Michael avoided the limelight after his 2012 Symphonica tour.
Alice Drummond
Actress Alice Drummond, renowned for her roles in Ghostbusters and Dark Shadows, passed away at age 88. Known for portraying elderly women with finesse, Drummond's extensive filmography includes memorable appearances in Awakening, Doubt, and Synecdoche, New York.
Van Williams
Actor Van Williams, celebrated as Britt Reid/The Green Hornet, left an indelible mark on television. His stellar career, spanning The Green Hornet and Bourbon Street Beat, showcased his talent. Williams, who passed away at 82, remains etched in the hearts of fans.
Keo Woolford
Actor, producer, and director Keo Woolford, known for Hawaii Five-0, left us at 49. Woolford's impactful career included roles in Happy Texas and Godzilla. His directorial debut, The Haumana, reflected his diverse talents, making his loss deeply felt in the industry.
Ron Glass
Ron Glass, acclaimed for his roles in Barney Miller and Firefly, passed away at 71. His rich career encompassed iconic series like Friends and Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Glass's legacy lives on through his remarkable contributions to film and television.
Michael Massee
Acclaimed actor Michael Massee, known for his compelling portrayal of Ira Gaines in the first season of 24, passed away at 64 after battling cancer. His impactful career included roles in Carnivàle, Alias, Supernatural, and memorable films like The Crow and The Amazing Spider-Man.
Cecilia Hart
Actress Cecilia Hart, who graced both stage and screen, succumbed to ovarian cancer at 68. Known for her versatile roles, Hart starred alongside James Earl Jones in a 1982 Broadway production of Othello. Her TV appearances ranged from Three's Company to Law & Order, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment world.
Agnes Nixon
Renowned writer and producer Agnes Nixon, fondly dubbed the Queen of Soaps, passed away at 93 due to pneumonia related to Parkinson's disease. Nixon's enduring legacy includes creating iconic soap operas like One Life to Live and All My Children. Her commitment to addressing social issues through storytelling defined her contributions to the television landscape.
Other Celebrities Who Have Died In 2016
- Pat Harrington Jr. (August 13, 1929 - January 6, 2016, 86) -Versatile actor and comedian, known for "One Day at a Time."
- David Bowie (January 8, 1947 - January 10, 2016, 69) -Iconic musician, boundary-breaking creative force in pop and rock.
- René Angélil (January 16, 1942 - January 14, 2016, 73) -Husband and manager of Celine Dion, pivotal figure in her success.
- Alan Rickman (February 21, 1946 - January 14, 2016, 69) -Classically-trained British stage star, renowned for "Harry Potter" roles.
- Dan Haggerty (November 19, 1941 - January 15, 2016, 74) -Rugged actor of "The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams" fame.
- Glenn Frey (November 6, 1948 - January 18, 2016, 67) -Co-founder of the Eagles, rock 'n' roll rebel behind hits like "Hotel California."
- Abe Vigoda (February 24, 1921 - January 26, 2016, 94) -Character actor in "Barney Miller" and "The Godfather."
- Paul Kantner (March 17, 1941 - January 28, 2016, 74) -Founding member of Jefferson Airplane, influential in counterculture music.
- Joe Alaskey (April 17, 1952 - February 3, 2016, 63) -Prolific voice actor, known for "Looney Tunes" characters.
- Maurice White (December 19, 1941 - February 3, 2016, 74) -Founder of Earth, Wind & Fire, influential in R&B and soul.
- Anton Yelchin (March 11, 1989 - June 19, 2016, 27):Charismatic actor, known for portraying Chekov in the new "Star Trek" films.
- Ralph Stanley (February 25, 1927 - June 23, 2016, 89):Godfather of traditional bluegrass music, Grammy winner for "O Brother, Where Art Thou?"
- Bernie Worrell (April 19, 1944 - June 24, 2016, 72):"Wizard of Woo," influential keyboardist in Parliament-Funkadelic.
- Bill Cunningham (March 13, 1929 - June 25, 2016, 87):Renowned New York Times street-style photographer.
- Alvin Toffler (October 4, 1928 - June 27, 2016, 87):Futurist and author, best known for "Future Shock."
- Buddy Ryan (February 17, 1931 - June 28, 2016):Notable NFL coach, renowned for the 1985 Bears' defense.
- Scotty Moore (December 27, 1931 - June 28, 2016, 84):Pioneering rock guitarist, backed Elvis Presley.
- Pat Summitt (June 14, 1952 - June 28, 2016, 64):Winningest coach in Division I college basketball history.
- Elie Wiesel (September 30, 1928 - July 2, 2016, 87):Holocaust survivor and author of the classic "Night."
- Michael Cimino (February 3, 1939 - July 2, 2016, 77):Oscar-winning director of "The Deer Hunter."
- Noel Neill (November 25, 1920 - July 3, 2016, 95):First actress to play Lois Lane in the 1948 "Superman" serial.
- Abbas Kiarostami (June 22, 1940 - July 4, 2016, 76):Iranian director, Palme d'Or winner for "Taste of Cherry."
- Garry Marshall (November 13, 1934 - July 19, 2016, 81):Legendary writer and director, creator of iconic TV programs.
FAQs - Celebrities Who Have Died In 2016
What Was The Cause Of David Bowie's Death In 2016?
David Bowie, the iconic musician and artist, passed away on January 10, 2016, due to liver cancer.
How Did The World Lose Legendary Boxer Muhammad Ali In 2016?
Muhammad Ali, the greatest boxer of all time, left us on June 3, 2016, following a long battle with Parkinson's disease.
What Was The Cause Of Prince's Untimely Death In 2016?
Prince, the influential musician, died on April 21, 2016, from an accidental overdose of the painkiller fentanyl.
How Did The World Bid Farewell To The Beloved Actress Carrie Fisher In 2016?
Carrie Fisher, best known as Princess Leia in "Star Wars," passed away on December 27, 2016, after suffering a heart attack.
What Led To The Passing Of The Revered British Actor Alan Rickman In 2016?
Alan Rickman, known for his roles in "Harry Potter" and "Die Hard," succumbed to pancreatic cancer on January 14, 2016.
Final Thoughts
As we bid farewell to the celebrities who have died in 2016, their legacies endure in the hearts and minds of those they touched.
Whether through groundbreaking performances, transformative contributions, or acts of philanthropy, these celebrities shaped the cultural landscape and, in doing so, became a part of our shared history.
Though they may no longer walk among us, their influence lives on, reminding us of the profound impact individuals can have on the world.
In celebrating their lives, we acknowledge the richness they brought to our collective experience and honor the timeless contributions that continue to resonate in the years that follow.
Emily Sanchez
Author
Emily Sanchez, a Fashion Journalist who graduated from New York University, brings over a decade of experience to her writing. Her articles delve into fashion trends, celebrity culture, and the fascinating world of numerology.
Emily's unique perspective and deep industry knowledge make her a trusted voice in fashion journalism.
Outside of her work, she enjoys photography, attending live music events, and practicing yoga for relaxation.
Elisa Mueller
Reviewer
Elisa Mueller, a Kansas City native, grew up surrounded by the wonders of books and movies, inspired by her parents' passion for education and film.
She earned bachelor's degrees in English and Journalism from the University of Kansas before moving to New York City, where she spent a decade at Entertainment Weekly, visiting film sets worldwide.
With over 8 years in the entertainment industry, Elisa is a seasoned journalist and media analyst, holding a degree in Journalism from NYU. Her insightful critiques have been featured in prestigious publications, cementing her reputation for accuracy and depth.
Outside of work, she enjoys attending film festivals, painting, writing fiction, and studying numerology.
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