WASHINGTON (TND) — The new year is almost upon us and with that often comes reminiscing of days gone by.
Several celebrities, politicians, activists, as well as at least one convicted murderer, passed away in 2023.
As the year nears its end, here is a look some of the most notable deaths during the last 12 months.
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January
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Russell Pearce - Born: June 23, 1947 - Died: Jan. 5, 2023
Russell Pearce was a Republican politician who was known for Arizona's landmark 2010 immigration legislation.
He also served more than 24 years with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and completed this career as chief deputy before serving as the first North Mesa J.P. Judge, according to his obituary.
Pearce died at his home surrounded by family and friends, his obituary noted.
He was 75 years old.
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Jeff Beck - Born: June 24, 1944 - Died: Jan. 10, 2023
Jeff Beck was an influential guitar play who pushed the boundaries of blues, jazz and rock 'n' roll. He was known as the guitar player's guitar player.
Beck died suddenly at the age of 78 years old.
"On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing. After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday," his loved ones noted on social media.
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Lisa Marie Presley - Born: Feb. 1, 1968 - Died: Jan. 12, 2023
Lisa Marie Presley, a singer-songwriter who was Elvis’ only daughter, died following what was initially described as a medical emergency. It was later disclosed she suffered complications from bariatric surgery she had several years ago. She was 54 years old.
Presley's death was confirmed by her mother, Priscilla.
It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us,” Priscilla Presley previously said in a statement. “She was the most passionate, strong and loving woman I have ever known.”In addition to three studio albums, Lisa Marie also released multiple singles, which included collaborations with her late father, as she used tracks he recorded before his death in 1977.
Lisa Marie was married four times, including a marriage to pop star Michael Jackson, as well as actor Nicholas Cage. She left behind four children: Riley, Benjamin, Finley and Harper.
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Robbie Knievel - Born: May 7, 1962 - Died: Jan. 13, 2023
Robbie Knievel was the daredevil son of Robert "Evel" Knievel.
He died at the age of 60 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
TMZ reported his three daughters were at his side when he passed away.
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Lloyd Morrisett - Born: Nov. 2, 1929 - Died: Jan. 15, 2023
Lloyd Morrisett was the co-creator of the longtime children's education hit TV series "Sesame Street."
He was 93 when he died.
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David Crosby - Born: Aug. 14, 1941 - Jan. 18, 2023
David Crosby was a founding member of The Byrds, as well as Crosby, Stills & Nash. The singer-songwriter was 81 years old when he died after a long illness.
Fellow musicians expressed their reactions to the news of his passing on social media.
I don’t know what to say other than I’m heartbroken to hear about David Crosby," Brian Wilson, one of the members of The Beach Boys, posted. "David was an unbelievable talent -- such a great singer and songwriter. And a wonderful person. I just am at a loss for words. Love & Mercy to David’s family and friends. Love, Brian.Crosby joined the Byrds in 1964 and formed Crosby, Stills & Nash in 1968 with Stephen Stills of Buffalo Springfield and Graham Nash of the Hollies. Neil Young later joined -- and left -- the band.
In addition to singing and writing songs, Crosby was also a guitarist and a two-time member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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Chris Ford - Born: Jan. 11, 1949 - Died: Jan. 17, 2023
Chris Ford was an NBA basketball player who went on to serve as a head coach.
He played for the Detroit Pistons, as well as the Boston Celtics. He also coached the Celtics, as well as three other teams.
'Doc,' as he was affectionately known by his teammates, was a fundamentally versatile all-around guard. He was voted the team’s MVP in his first season with the Celtics, and he is famously credited with scoring the NBA’s first three-point basket," the Celtics said in a statement.The Press of Atlantic City reported he died in Philadelphia suffering a heart attack prior to his death. He was 74 years old.
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Cindy Williams - Born: Aug. 22, 1947 - Died: Jan. 25, 2023
Cindy Williams, an actor and producer, was most known for her role as Shirley on the popular sitcom "Laverne & Shirley."
She starred in the show alongside Penny Marshall, who portrayed Laverne, from 1976 to 1982, as well as appeared on "Happy Days."
Williams died in Los Angeles after a brief illness. She was 75 years old.
Her children, Zak and Emily Hudson, announced her passing in a statement through a family spokeswoman.
The passing of our kind, hilarious mother, Cindy Williams, has brought us insurmountable sadness that could never truly be expressed," the statement said. “Knowing and loving her has been our joy and privilege. She was one of a kind, beautiful, generous and possessed a brilliant sense of humor and a glittering spirit that everyone loved.___________
February
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Pervez Musharraf - Born: Aug. 11, 1943 - Died: Feb. 5, 2023
Gen. Pervez Musharraf was a Pakistani military officer and politician who backed the U.S. war in Afghanistan against the Taliban after 9/11.
He was the tenth president of Pakistan, serving from 2001 to 2008.
Musharraf was 79 at the time of his death.
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Burt Bacharach - Born: May 12, 1928 - Died: Feb. 8, 2023
Burt Bacharach was a gifted and popular composer and Oscar winner who delighted millions with the quirky arrangements and unforgettable melodies of "Walk on By," "Do You Know the Way to San Jose" and dozens of other hits.
"The shorthand version of him is that he’s something to do with easy listening,” Elvis Costello, who wrote the 1998 album “Painted from Memory” with Bacharach, said in a 2018 interview with The Associated Press. “It may be agreeable to listen to these songs, but there’s nothing easy about them. Try playing them. Try singing them.”Bacharach died of natural causes at his home in Los Angeles, his publicist said.
He was 94 years old.
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Raquel Welch - Born: Sept. 5, 1940 - Died: Feb. 15, 2023
Raquel Welch turned heads throughout the globe when she sported a doe-skin bikini in the 1966 movie “One Million Years B.C.”
She immediately became known as an international sex symbol, but went on to star in the 1981 musical “Woman of the Year” on Broadway, replacing a vacationing Lauren Bacall.
The irony of it all is that even though people thought of me as a sex symbol, in reality I was a single mother of two small children!” she wrote in her autobiography, “Raquel: Beyond the Cleavage.”TMZ reported the actress and model went into cardiac arrest when she died.
The media outlet also reported that the two-time Golden Globe nominee was battling Alzheimer’s at the time of her death. She was 82 years old.
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Richard Belzer - Born: Aug. 4, 1944 - Died: Feb. 19, 2023
Richard Belzer was a longtime stand-up comedian who became one of TV's most indelible detectives as John Munch in "Homicide: Life on the Street" and "Law & Order: SVU."
Belzer died at his home in southern France, his longtime friend Bill Scheft said. Scheft, a writer who had been working on a documentary about Belzer, said there was no known cause of death, but that Belzer had been dealing with circulatory and respiratory issues.
Actor Henry Winkler, who was Belzer's cousin, wrote,"Rest in peace Richard," on social media. Fellow comedian and actor, Richard Lewis, posted a photo of him with Belzer.
"He made me laugh a billion times," Lewis noted.
Belzer was 78 years old.
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Ahmed Qorei - Born: March 26, 1937 - Died: Feb. 22, 2023
Ahmed Qorei was a former Palestinian prime minister and one of the architects of interim peace deals with Israel.
He was 85 years old at the time of his death.
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March
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Tom Sizemore - Born: Nov. 29, 1961 - Died: March 3, 2023
Actor Tom Sizemore suffered a brain aneurysm in February. He died in his sleep a few weeks later at a hospital in California at the age of 61.
The actor's most prominent role was in the movie “Saving Private Ryan,” but he also gave notable performances in "Born on the Fourth of July," "Lock Up," and "Blue Steel."
Sizemore battled addictions to methamphetamine and heroin. In 2003, he was convicted of domestic violence against ex-girlfriend, Heidi Fleiss.
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Gary Rossington - Born: Dec. 4, 1951 - Died: March 5, 2023
Gary Rossington was Lynyrd Skynyrd's last-surviving original member. He co-founded the Southern rock band in 1964, playing lead and rhythm guitar.
Rossington was seriously hut in the infamous October 20, 1977, plane crash that killed his bandmates, including Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, Cassie Gaines, and three other people.
He was 71 when he died.
It is with our deepest sympathy and sadness that we have to advise, that we lost our brother, friend, family member, songwriter and guitarist, Gary Rossington, today,” according to a post on the band's Facebook page. “Gary is now with his Skynyrd brothers and family in heaven and playing it pretty, like he always does. Please keep Dale, Mary, Annie and the entire Rossington family in your prayers and respect the family’s privacy at this difficult time.”___________
Judy Heumann - Born: Dec. 18, 1947 - Died: March 4, 2023
Judy Heumann was an internationally renowned activist who helped secure legislation protecting the rights of people who have disabilities.
Her website noted she was "widely regarded as 'the mother' of the Disability Rights Movement." In 2020, she published an autobiography "Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist."
She was 75 years old when she died.
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Robert Blake - Born: Sept. 18, 1933 - Died: March 9, 2023
Robert Blake was an actor who was tried and acquitted in connection to the 2001 murder of his second wife, Bonny Lee Bakley. He, however, was found liable for her wrongful death.
Ironically, he was best known for his role in the 1967 movie, "In Cold Blood." He also starred in the TV series "Baretta," as well as in the movie "Lost Highway."
He was 89 years old when he passed away due to heart disease, according to a statement from his niece.
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Bud Grant - Born: May 20, 1927 – Died: March 11, 2023
Bud Grant was Hall of Fame football coach who took the Minnesota Vikings and their mighty Purple People Eaters defense to four Super Bowls in eight years and lost all of them.
The Vikings announced his death on social media.
“We are absolutely devastated to announce legendary Minnesota Vikings head coach and Hall of Famer Bud Grant has passed away this morning at age 95,” a post previously said. “We, like all Vikings and NFL fans, are shocked and saddened by this terrible news.”
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Pat Schroeder - Born: July 30, 1940 - Died: March 13, 2023
Often described as a pioneer, Pat Schroeder was a Democratic politician who served as a congresswoman.
Best known as a women's rights advocate, she was the was the first female U.S. Representative elected in Colorado.
In a statement, President Joe Biden said she "seized every opportunity to advance equality for women, and the laws she helped pass fundamentally reshaped our country for the better," including the 1978 Pregnancy Discrimination Act, which protected women from being fired for having children, as well as the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, which allowed women and men to care for family members without losing their jobs.
The New York Times noted Schroeder died from complications of a stroke, citing her daughter, Jamie Cornish. She was 81 years old at the time of her death.
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Lance Reddick - Born: June 7, 1962 - Died: March 17, 2023
Actor Lance Reddick, best known for his roles in the "John Wick" movie series and HBO's "The Wire," died suddenly at the age of 60.
His death certificate cited his cause of death as heart disease.
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Darcelle XV - Born: Nov. 16, 1930 - Died: March 23, 2023
Walter Cole was a drag queen who performed for decades as Darcelle XV.
His nightclub said he passed away due to natural causes at the age of 92.
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April
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Jerry Springer - Born: Feb. 13, 1944 - Died: April 27, 2023
Jerry Springer was a controversial talk show host who also briefly served as the 56th mayor of Cincinnati.
A family spokesperson said Springer was diagnosed with cancer a few months prior to his death. He passed away at his home in the Chicago area at the age of 79.
Springer, also a former lawyer, hosted "The Jerry Springer Show" for nearly 30 years. The show kicked off in 1991 and was known for its off-the-wall topics and chair-throwing fights, with the audience often chanting, "Jerry, Jerry, Jerry."
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Ben Ferencz - Born: March 11, 1920 - Died: April 7, 2023
Benjamin Ferencz was the last living prosecutor from the Nuremberg trials, who tried Nazis for genocidal war crimes and was one of the first outside witnesses to document the atrocities of Nazi labor and concentration camps as a U.S. Army soldier.
He was 103 at the time of his death.
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Michael Lerner - Born: June 22, 1941 - Died: April 8, 2023
Michael Lerner was a Brooklyn-born character actor most known for his role as Jack Lipnick in “Barton Fink." He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the movie.
He died at the age 81. His nephew, actor Sam Lerner, announced his death on Instagram.
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Al Jaffee - Born: March 13, 1921 - Died: April 10, 2023
Al Jaffee was an award-winning cartoonist known for his work in the satirical magazine Mad, especially his trademark feature, the Mad Fold-in.
Jaffee was a regular contributor to the magazine for 65 years and is its longest-running contributor. He holds the Guinness World Record for having the longest career as a comic artist.
He retired when he was 99 and died three years later at the age of 102.
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Barry Humphries - Born: Feb. 17, 1934 - Died: April 22, 2023
Tony Award-winning comedian Barry Humphries, internationally renowned for his garish stage persona Dame Edna Everage, a condescending and imperfectly-veiled snob whose evolving character has delighted audiences over seven decades, died at the age of 89.
His family said he died in a Sydney hospital, where he spent several days with complications following hip surgery.
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Harry Belafonte - Born: March 1, 1927 - Died: April 25, 2023
Singer and actor Harry Belafonte, who was was well-known for hits like “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” and “Jamaica Farewell," died at the age of 96.
A spokesman for Belafonte told The New York Times he passed away from congestive heart failure. His wife was by his side.
Having been a major artist since the 1950s, he won a Tony award for his role in the "Almanac" and became the first Black performer to win an Emmy for the TV special, "Tonight with Harry Belafonte."
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Carolyn Bryant Donham - Born: July 23, 1934 - Died: April 25, 2023
Carolyn Bryant Donham, the white woman who accused Black teenager Emmett Till of making improper advances toward her before he was lynched in Mississippi in 1955, died at the age of 88.
She passed away in hospice care in Louisiana, according to a death report filed a few days after her death.
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May
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Gordon Lightfoot - Born: Nov. 17, 1938 - Died: May 1, 2023
Gordon Lightfoot was a folk singer-songwriter, whose hits including "Early Morning Rain," and "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald," told a tale of Canadian identity that was exported worldwide.
Lightfoot died at a Toronto hospital, according to a family representative. He was 84 years old.
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Jim Brown - Born: Feb. 17, 1936 - Died: May 18, 2023
Jim Brown was an NFL legend, an actor and a civil rights activist.
Brown, who played for the Cleveland Browns from 1957 through 1965, is widely renowned as one of the greatest running backs of all time, as well as one of the best players in NFL history.
Toward the end of his football career, he began acting and starred in the movie "100 Rifles" alongside Raquel Welch. USA Today noted "their interracial love scenes were a significant turning point in cinematic history."
The Associated Press noted Brown passed away peacefully in his Los Angeles home, with his wife, Monique, by his side, citing a spokeswoman for his family.
Brown was 87 years old.
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Andy Rourke - Born: Jan. 17, 1964 - Died: May 19, 2023
Andy Rourke, the former bassist for English rock band The Smiths, died after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
“Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans,” guitarist Johnny Marr wrote on social media.
Rourke was 59 years old.
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Ray Stevenson - Born: May 26, 1964 - Died: May 21, 2023
British actor Ray Stevenson, who starred in the "Thor" movies, "Divergent" films and "Vikings," died in Italy. He also starred as Titus Pullo in the TV series "Rome," as well as made guest appearances in "Waking the Dead" and "Murphy's Law."
Most recently, he had been cast in the historical drama "1242: Gateway to the West" and was one of the main antagonists in the Star Wars series "Ahsoka."
He was 58.
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Tina Turner - Born: Nov. 26, 1939 - Died: May 24, 2023
Singing sensation Tina Turner was "simply the best."
The unstoppable singer and stage performer was known as "The Queen of Rock 'n' Roll." Her manager said she died after a long illness at her home near Zurich, Switzerland.
Turner was 83.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner," according to a post on her social media accounts. "With her music and boundless passion for life, she enchanted fans worldwide and inspired future stars. We say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us her greatest work; her music. Tina, we will miss you dearly."___________
June
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The Iron Sheik - Born: March 15, 1942 - Died: June 7, 2023
Legendary WWE wrestler "The Iron Sheik" died at the age of 81 years old.
His real name was Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri.
The news was announced on the wrestler's social media accounts.
Today, we gather with heavy hearts to bid farewell to a true legend, a force of nature, and an iconic figure who left an incredible mark on the world of professional wrestling," a statement noted. "It is with great sadness that we hare the new of the passing of The Iron Sheik, but we also take solace in knowing that he departed this world peacefully, leaving behind a legacy that will endure for generations to come."___________
Theodore "Ted" Kaczynski was a convicted murderer.
Branded the "Unabomber" by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, he carried out a 17-year bombing campaign, killing three people and hurting 23 others.
Kaczynski died at the federal prison medical center in Butner, North Carolina, Kristie Breshears, a spokesperson for the federal Bureau of Prisons, told The Associated Press.
He was 81 years old.
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Roger Payne - Born: Jan. 29, 1935 - Died: June 10, 2023
Roger Payne was a biologist and environmentalist who in 1967 discovered whales have the ability to sing. He made the discovery during a research trip to Bermuda.
Payne was 88 when he passed away.
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Treat Williams - Born: Dec. 1, 1951 - Died: June 12, 2023
Actor Treat Williams was killed in a motorcycle crash in Vermont, authorities said.
According to NBC News, Vermont State Police said he was riding his motorcycle in Dorset when a Honda SUV turned in front of him and collided with him. Police said Williams was thrown from his motorcycle and later pronounced dead.
Williams was 71 years old.
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Daniel Ellsberg - Born: April 7, 1931 - Died: June 16, 2023
Daniel Ellsberg was a former government consultant who in 1971 leaked what became known as the Pentagon Papers and exposed the deceit of American policymakers during the Vietnam War.
Ellsberg's family released a letter, saying he passed away peacefully in his home in California.
He was 92 years old when he died.
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Big Pokey - Born: Nov. 29, 1974 - Died: June 18, 2023
An autopsy shows rap star Milton "Big Pokey" Powell died of a massive heart attack after collapsing at a Beaumont bar in June, according to information provided to KFDM by Justice of the Peace Tom Gillam III.
The cause of death, according to the final autopsy report, is hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease," said Gillam. "In layman's terms, 'Big Pokey' had a severe heart attack."Powell was 48 years old.
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Alan Arkin - Born: March 26, 1934 - Died: June 29, 2023
Actor Alan Arkin received four Academy Award nominations and won an Oscar in 2007 for "Little Miss Sunshine."
His sons Adam, Matthew and Anthony confirmed their father's death through the actor's publicist.
"Our father was a uniquely talented force of nature, both as an artist and a man," they said in a statement.
Arkin was 89 years old.
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July
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James Lewis - Born: Aug. 8, 1946 - Died: July 9, 2023
James Lewis was the prime suspect in the 1982 Tylenol murders, which killed seven people in the Chicago area. The Tylenol had been reportedly laced with cyanide.
No one was ever charged in the case, but Lewis served more than 12 years in prison for sending an extortion note to Johnson & Johnson, demanding $1 million to "stop the killing."
Lewis was found unresponsive in his Massachusetts apartment and later pronounced dead. He was 76 years old at the time of his death.
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Tony Bennett - Born: Aug. 3, 1926 - Died: July 21, 2023
Singer Tony Bennett passed away just two weeks short of his birthday. He was 96.
Bennett died in his hometown of New York, his publicist Sylvia Weiner confirmed to The Associated Press.
No specific cause was given, but the singer was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016.
Over his lifetime, he released more than 70 albums and received 19 Grammys.
Bennett scored his first No. 1 hit in 1951 with "Because of You" and went on to sing his 1962 signature song, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco."
His "Cheek to Cheek" duet with Lady GaGa debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard chart in 2014.
"I will miss my friend forever," Lady GaGa wrote on Instagram following his death.
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Sinead O'Connor - Born: Dec. 8, 1966 - Died: July 26, 2023
Irish-born singer Sinéad O’Connor was 56 years old at the time of her death.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time,” the singer's family said in a statement to the BBC.In 1992, she sparked outrage when she tore up a photo of Pope John Paul II while saying, "Fight the real enemy!" during her performance on Saturday Night Live.
Her passing came one year after her 17-year-old son, Shane, took his own life following an escape from a hospital while on suicide watch.
In one of her last posts on Twitter, she posted a photo of her son with a caption saying, "Been living as undead night creature since. He was the love of my life, the lamp of my soul. We were one soul in two halves. He was the only person who ever loved me unconditionally. I am lost in the bardo without him."
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Randy Meisner - Born: March 8, 1946 - Died: July 26, 2023
Randy Meisner was a founding member of the country-rock band the Eagles.
The band confirmed his death on their website, noting that he died of complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.
Randy was an integral part of the Eagles and instrumental in the early success of the band. His vocal range was astonishing, as is evident on his signature ballad, ‘Take It to the Limit,’” the Eagles said.Meisner was 77 years old.
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Paul Reubens - Born: Aug. 27, 1952 - Died: July 30, 2023
Actor Paul Reubens rose to fame during the 1980s for his portrayal of the character Pee-wee Herman in TV shows and movies.
He passed away at the age of 70 after a private battle with cancer.
Please accept my apology for not going public with what I've been facing the last six years," Reubens said in a statement released with the announcement of his death, which was posted on social media. "I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you."___________
Angus Cloud - Born: July 10, 1998 - Died: July 31, 2023
Actor Angus Cloud starred as the drug dealer Fezco "Fez" O'Neill on the controversial hit show "Euphoria."
Cait Bailey, the actor's publicist, said Cloud passed away at his family home in Oakland, California. He was 25 years old.
Cloud's cause of death was an “acute intoxication" due to the “combined effects of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl and benzodiazepines,” the Alameda County Coroner's Bureau said.___________
August
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Sheila Oliver - Born: July 14, 1952 - Died: Aug. 1, 2023
New Jersey Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver made history in 2010 as the first Black woman to serve as speaker of the state Assembly.
Oliver served as Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy's top deputy, stepping in for him while the governor was out of state and also overseeing the Department of Community Affairs.
Oliver was 71 when she died.
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Mark Margolis - Born: Nov. 26, 1939 - Died: Aug. 3, 2023
Actor Mark Margolis was most known for his role as Hector Salamanca in "Breaking Bad" and later in the prequel "Better Call Saul."
He received an Emmy nomination for his performance as Salamanca, a former cartel enforcer who communicated using a brass bell attached to his wheelchair.
His son said he died at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City after a short illness. He was 83 at the time of his death.
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William Friedkin - Born: Aug. 29, 1935 - Died: Aug. 7, 2023
Director William Friedkin was best known for the blockbuster hit "The Exorcist" and Oscar-winning "The French Connection."
The 1973 horror movie, "The Exorcist," is about a teenage girl possessed by Satan and earned more than $440 million globally.
A representative from his office told The Associated Press he died in Los Angeles.
He was 87 years old.
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Robbie Robertson - Born: July 5, 1943 - Died: Aug. 9, 2023
Robbie Robertson was the songwriter and lead guitarist for The Band, which released classics such as "The Weight," "Up on Cripple Creek" and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down."
Previously, he was the lead guitarist for folk star Bob Dylan.
Robbie was a lifelong friend. His passing leaves a vacancy in the world," Dylan was quoted as saying in a post on Robertson's X account.Robertson also worked on film music and often collaborated with Martin Scorsese. Their most recent project was "Killers of the Flower Moon."
Robertson was 80 when he died.
"Robbie was surrounded by his family at the time of his death, including his wife, Janey, his ex-wife, Dominique, her partner Nicholas, and his children Alexandrea, Sebastian, Delphine, and Delphine's partner Kenney," according to a statement from this loved ones.
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Jerry Moss - Born: May 8, 1935 - Died: Aug. 16, 2023
Jerry Moss was a music industry giant who co-founded A&M Records alongside Herb Alpert.
He was also a horse breeder and owner, with one of his horses winning the 2005 Kentucky Derby.
He died at his home in California at the age of 88.
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James Buckley - Born: March 9, 1923 - Died: Aug. 18, 2023
James Buckley was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1970 as a member of the Conservative Party of New York State. He took office the following year and served through 1977.
He also served as a federal judge for 15 years.
FOX News reported Buckley died at a hospital in Washington, D.C., citing his son, David.
Buckley was 100 years old.
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Dr. John Warnock - Born: Oct. 6, 1940 - Died: Aug. 19, 2023
Dr. John Warnock helped invent the PDF and co-founded Adobe Systems with Dr. Charles Geschke.
Warnock died after a nearly two-year battle with pancreatic cancer, Adobe said in a statement. He Was surrounded by his family, according to the company.
"One of the greatest inventors of our generation, his indomitable spirit and innovations leave an enduring impact on Adobe and the world," Adobe noted.
He was 82 years old.
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Ron Cephas Jones - Born: Jan. 8, 1957 - Died: Aug. 19, 2023
Ron Cephas Jones was a veteran stage and screen actor who became best known and won two Emmy Awards for his role as a long-lost father on the drama series "This Is Us."
One of the most wonderful people the world has ever seen is no longer with us," Sterling K. Brown, who starred with Jones on the show, wrote on Instagram. "The world is a little less bright. Brother, you are loved. And you will be missed."The Associated Press reported that Jones' manager, Dan Spilo, said in an emailed statement the actor died "due to a long-standing pulmonary issue."
Jones had a double lung transplant in 2020 because of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
He was 66 years old.
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Bob Barker - Born: Dec. 12, 1923 - Died: Aug. 26, 2023
Bob Barker was the beloved host of the game show "The Price is Right." He was also an advocate for animals and always ended each show with the same signoff: Have your pets spayed or neutered.
Barker was given a lifetime achievement award at the 26th annual Daytime Emmy Awards in 1999.
Plus, the U.S. Naval Institute said Barker served as a naval aviator during World War II, flying 8 different aircraft, including the Wildcat and Corsair.
Barker, whose wife died in 1981, passed away at his home in Los Angeles.
He was 99 years old.
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Samuel Wurzelbacher was better known as "Joe the Plumber." He gained national attention for confronting Barack Obama on the 2008 presidential campaign trail.
His oldest son, Joey Wurzelbacher, said his father died in Wisconsin after a long illness. His family previously announced on an online fundraising site that he had pancreatic cancer.
“The only thing I have to say is that he was a true patriot,” his son told The Associated Press. “His big thing is that everyone comes to God. That’s what he taught me, and that’s a message I hope is heard by a lot of people.”
He was 49 years old.
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September
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Jimmy Buffett - Born: Dec. 25, 1946 - Died: Sept. 1, 2023
Jimmy Buffett, a singer-songwriter, was best known for his laid-back hits like "Margaritaville" and "Cheeseburger in Paradise."
A statement on Buffett's official website and social media pages said he died at his home in Long Island while surrounded by family and friends, as well as his dogs.
Buffett, 76, had been fighting Merkel Cell Skin Cancer for four years," according to his website. "He continued to perform during treatment, playing his last show, a surprise appearance in Rhode Island, in early July."The statement also noted that "he lived his life like a song 'till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many."
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Bill Richardson - Born: Nov. 15, 1947 - Died: Sept. 1, 2023
Bill Richardson was a two-term Democratic governor of New Mexico, who later was the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
He dedicated his post-political career to working to free Americans detained overseas.
Richardson was 75 years old when he died.
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Steve Harwell - Born: Jan. 9, 1967 - Died: Sept. 4, 2023
Steve Harwell was the lead singer of prominent 90s band Smash Mouth.
He died at his home in Idaho as a result of liver failure, his manager, Robert Hayes, confirmed.
Harwell was in hospice receiving end-of-life care at home and passed away with friends and family by his side.
"Steve Harwell was a true American Original. A larger than life character who shot up into the sky like a Roman candle. Steve will be remembered for his unwavering focus and impassioned determination to reach the heights of pop stardom. Rest in peace knowing you aimed for the stars, and magically hit your target. Rest easy," the band noted on social media.
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David McCallum - Born: Sept. 19, 1933 - Died: Sept. 25, 2023
David McCallum was a Scottish actor perhaps best known for his role as Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard on NCIS.
“For over 20 years, David McCallum endeared himself to audiences around the world playing the wise, quirky, and sometimes enigmatic, Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard,” said NCIS executive producers Steven D. Binder and David North.
"But as much as his fans may have loved him, those who worked side by side with David loved him that much more. He was a scholar and a gentleman, always gracious, a consummate professional, and never one to pass up a joke. From Day 1, it was an honor to work with him and he never let us down. He was, quite simply, a legend. He was also family and will be deeply missed."
Deadline reported McCallum died peacefully of natural causes at New York Presbyterian Hospital while surrounded by his family. He was 90 years old.
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Dianne Feinstein - Born: June 22, 1933 - Died: Sept. 29, 2023
Dianne Feinstein, a Democrat from California, was the the longest-serving woman in the Senate.
Feinstein was elected to the Senate in 1992 and continued to break gender barriers throughout her career in politics.
She first became mayor of San Francisco in 1978 after Mayor George Moscone was gunned down beside Supervisor Harvey Milk by a disgruntled former supervisor. Feinstein found Milk's body.
Feinstein was a champion of liberal causes and broke gender barriers throughout her long career in local and national politics.
She was 90 years old at the time of her death.
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Michael Gambon - Born: Oct, 19, 1940 - Died: Sept. 27, 2023
Actor Michael Gambon was widely known for playing Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the "Harry Potter" movies.
His publicist issued a statement on behalf of his wife, Lady Gambon, and their son, Fergus Gambon.
We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon. Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia," his family said.He was 82 years old at the time of his death.
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October
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Dick Butkus - Born: Dec. 9, 1942 - Died: Oct. 5, 2023
Illinois and Bears great Dick Butkus passed away at the age of 80 years old.
The Chicago Bears confirmed the news of death, noting that Butkus died in his sleep at his home in California.
"Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one the greatest players in NFL history," according to a statement released by the team. "He was Chicago's son. He exuded what our great city is about..."
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Burt Young - Born: April 30, 1940 - Died: Oct 8, 2023
Burt Young was an actor most known for his role as Paulie Pennino, Rocky Balboa's brother-in-law and best friend in the "Rocky" movies.
He was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor following the release of the first movie.
Young also starred in several other films, as well as appeared on the classic TV series, "The Sopranos."
Young died in Los Angeles, his daughter, Anne Morea Steingieser, told The New York Times. He was 83.
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Piper Laurie - Born: Jan. 22, 1932 - Died: Oct. 14, 2023
Piper Laurie was an Oscar-nominated actor who performed in acclaimed roles despite at one point abandoning acting altogether in search of a "more meaningful" life.
Laurie died of old age, her manager, Marion Rosenberg, told The Associated Press via email, adding that she was "a superb talent and a wonderful human being."
Laurie passed away at her home in Los Angeles. She was 91 years old.
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Suzanne Somers - Born: Oct. 16, 1946 - Died: Oct. 15, 2023
Actor Suzanne Somers died one day before what would have been her 77th birthday.
In July, she announced she was fighting breast cancer again more than 20 years after her initial diagnosis.
Somers was most known for roles in "Three's Company" and "Step by Step." She also served as the spokeswoman for the Thighmaster, a piece of exercise equipment.
Somers dabbled in writing, as well, as she published several self-help books, including "Ageless: The Naked Truth About Bioidentical Hormones," along with two autobiographies, four diet books and a book of poetry.
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Richard Roundtree - Born: July 9, 1942 - Died: Oct. 24, 2023
Best known for his role in the "Shaft" movies during the 1970s, actor Richard Roundtree died after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Roundtree's longtime manager, Patrick McMinn, said the actor passed away at his Los Angeles home.
Richard's work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men," McMinn said. "The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated."Fellow actor Samuel L. Jackson described Roundtree's death as "a real blow" and expressed gratitude to Roundtree for inspiring him.
Loved being around him, learning, working, laughing & feeling Blessed to have an idol live up to who I expected him to be!!" Jackson wrote on social media. "Thanks for making us feel REAL GOOD about ourselves! Rest in power!!!!"Roundtree was previously diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993 and underwent a double mastectomy.
He was 81 years old at the time of his death.
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Richard Moll - Born: Jan. 13, 1943 - Died: Oct. 26, 2023
Actor Richard Moll rose to fame starring as a bailiff on the TV sitcom "Night Court" from 1984 to 1992. He portrayed Aristotle Nostradamus Shannon, more commonly known as his nickname, "Bull."
Moll also voiced Harvey Dent/Two-Face in "Batman: The Animated Series" and "The New Batman Adventures."
He was 80 when he passed away at his home in California, according to a family spokesman.
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Wu Zunyou - Born: June 24, 1963 - Died: Oct. 27, 2023
Wu Zunyou served as the chief epidemiologist at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
He was the face of China's strict COVID-19 restrictions amid the coronavirus epidemic that suspended access to cities and confined millions to their homes.
Zunyou was 60 years old when he died due to pancreatic cancer.
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Matthew Perry - Born: Aug. 19, 1969 - Died: Oct. 28, 2023
Matthew Perry, who starred as Chandler Bing in the hit TV series "Friends," died suddenly at the age of 54. The Emmy-nominated actor was found dead at his Los Angeles home.
Perry died due to the acute effects of ketamine, according to a toxicology report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office.
He was 54 years old.
Just a few days after Perry's death, his memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and The Big Terrible Thing,” was the number one selling book on Amazon.
In the autobiography, the actor shared details about his 10 years on "Friends," as well as his love for his co-stars. He also chronicalled his intense back-and-forth fight with addiction that he said started in 1996. He struggled with both drugs and alcohol, as well as cigarettes.
Perry also said he wanted to be remembered for more than his role as the loveable -- and hysterical -- Chandler Bing. He used his fame and fortune to help others, as well as aided other addicts in need.
When I die, I don't want 'Friends' to be the first thing that's mentioned -- I want helping others to be the first thing that's mentioned. And I'm going to live the rest of my life proving that," Perry said before his passing. "Addiction is far too powerful for anyone to defeat alone. But together, one day at a time, we can beat it down."___________
Ken Mattingly - Born: March 17, 1936 - Died: Oct. 31, 2023
Ken Mattingly is one of two astronauts on this list.
We lost one of our country's heroes on Oct. 31," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in a statement. Nelson said Mattingly "was key to the success of our Apollo Program, and his shining personality will ensure he is remembered throughout history."Nelson added that Mattingly began his career with the U.S. Navy and went on to receive "his wings" in 1960. Nelson also said he had "unparalleled skill" as a pilot.
"Once he joined the Air Force Aerospace Research Pilot School as a student, NASA chose him to be part of the astronaut class in 1966," Nelson said. "Before flying in space, he aided the Apollo Program working as the astronaut support crew and took leadership in the development of the Apollo spacesuit and backpack."
Mattingly was 87 years old.
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November
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Bob Knight - Born: Oct. 25, 1940 - Died: Nov. 1, 2023
Bob Knight was a college basketball coach, who was among the winningest coaches in the sport, finishing his career with 902 victories in 42 seasons at Army, Indiana and Texas Tech. He also coached the U.S. Olympic team to a gold medal in 1984.
His loved ones announced his death on his official website, noting he passed away at his home in Indiana surrounded by family members.
We are grateful for all the thoughts and prayers and appreciate the continued respect for our privacy as Coach requested a private family gathering, which is being honored,' the statement read. “We will continue to celebrate his life and remember him, today and forever as a beloved Husband, Father, Coach, and Friend.”He was 83 years old.
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Frank Borman - Born: March 14, 1928 - Died: Nov. 7, 2023
Astronaut Frank Borman commanded Apollo 8's historic Christmas 1968 flight that circled the moon 10 times and paved the way for the lunar landing the next year.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson described Borman as a true American hero.
“His lifelong love for aviation and exploration was only surpassed by his love for his wife Susan," Nelson noted in a statement. “Frank began his career as an officer with the U.S. Air Force. His love of flying proved essential through his positions as a fighter pilot, operational pilot, test pilot, and assistant professor. His exceptional experience and expertise led him to be chosen by NASA to join the second group of astronauts."
Borman was 95 years old at the time of his death.
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George "Funky" Brown - Born: Jan. 5, 1949 - Died: Nov. 16, 2023
George "Funky" Brown was the co-founder and longtime drummer of Kool & The Gang. Some of the band's biggest hits included “Too Hot,” “Ladies Night,” “Joanna” and “Celebration."
Brown died after a battle with cancer, according to a statement released by Universal Music. He had retired earlier in the year, nearly 60 years after the band began, and revealed that he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.
He was 74 years old.
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Rosalynn Carter - Born: Aug. 18, 1927 - Died: Nov. 19, 2023
Rosalynn Carter was the closest adviser to Jimmy Carter during his one term as U.S. president and their four decades thereafter as global humanitarians.
The Carter Center, which is a nonprofit she and her husband co-founded, said she was "a tireless advocate for those living with mental illnesses, supporting practical measures and policy reforms to create parity for mental illnesses with physical illnesses in Georgia, the United States, and the rest of the world."
The Center also said she “died peacefully, with family by her side" at her Georgia home after living with dementia and suffering many months of declining health.
She was 96 years old.
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Marty Krofft - Born: April 9, 1937 - Died: Nov. 25, 2023
Marty Krofft was a TV producer known for imaginative children's shows such as "H.R. Pufnstuf" and primetime hits including "Donny & Marie" in the 1970s.
He and his brother, Sid, were puppeteers who broke into television and ended up getting stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
I’m heartbroken over the loss of my baby brother. I really know that all of you meant the world to him. It’s YOU that made this all happen. Thank you for being there with us all these years. Love, Sid," his brother wrote on Instagram following his death.Krofft died of kidney failure, according to his publicist. He was 86 years old.
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Frances Sternhagen - Born: Jan. 13, 1930 - Died: Nov. 27, 2023
Frances Sternhagen was a veteran character actor who won two Tony Awards and became a familiar maternal face to TV viewers later in life in such shows as “Cheers,” “ER,” “Sex and the City” and “The Closer."
Her son, John Carlin, said his mother died peacefully of natural causes.
"I just want to give thanks for the remarkable gift of an artist and human being that was Frances Sternhagen," Carlin wrote. "She was beloved by many. I'm very lucky I was able to call her my mom, my friend, my song and dance partner."
Sternhagen was 93 at the time of her death.
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Henry Kissinger - Born: May 27, 1923 - Died: Nov. 29, 2023
Former United States Secretary of State Henry Kissinger died at the age of 100 at his home in Connecticut, according to Kissinger Associates, Inc.
Kissinger was born in southern Germany and came to America in 1938 ahead of World War II.
After he became an American citizen in 1943, he served in the 84th Army Division and was awarded the Bronze Star for his "meritorious service." Kissinger also served in the Counter Intelligence Corps in occupied Germany. He was in the U.S. Army Reserves until 1959.
He earned his bachelor's, master's, and PhD degrees at Harvard University, where he taught international relations for almost 20 years.
In 1969, President Nixon appointed him National Security Advisor. He subsequently served as Secretary of State under Presidents Nixon and Ford.
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Shane MacGowan - Dec. 25, 1957 - Died: Nov. 30, 2023
Shane Macgowan was the singer-songwriter and frontman of The Pogues, best known for their ballad "Fairytale of New York."
His wife, along with his sister and their father, shared news of the singer's death in a statement posted on social media.
"It is with the deepest sorrow and heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our most beautiful, darling and dearly beloved Shane Macgowan," accoridng to the statement, shich also noted he died peacefully with his family by his side.
He was 65 years old.
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December
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Sandra Day O'Connor - Born: March 26, 1930 - Died: Dec. 1, 2023
Retired Justice Sandra Day O'Connor was the first woman on the Supreme Court, as well as the first from Arizona.
"Justice O’Connor was appointed to the Court by President Reagan in 1981 and retired in 2006, after serving more than 24 years on the Court," the high court noted in an online statement that also announced her death.
The Supreme Court said she passed away in Arizona from complications related to advanced dementia and a respiratory illness. She was 93 years old.
"Gracious and principled, Sandra Day O’Connor broke down barriers in the legal and political worlds and the nation’s consciousness," Biden noted on social media. "May she rest in peace."
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Norman Lear - Born: July 27, 1922 - Died: Dec. 5, 2023
Norman Lear was a legendary producer and writer known for his role in bringing stories of diverse American families to TV and film screens.
His career lasted for 75 years, producing shows like "The Jeffersons," "Good Times," "Sanford and Son," and "America 2-Night," among others.
He died surrounded by family at his Los Angeles home due to natural causes, according to his website. He's survived by his six children and four grandchildren.
Noman lived a life in awe of the world around him. He marveled at his cup of coffee every morning, the shape of the tree outside his window, and the sounds of beautiful music," according to a statement on behalf of Lear's family. "But it was people -- those he just met and those he knew for decades- who kept his mind and heart forever young."___________
Ryan O'Neal - Born: April 20, 1941 - Died: December 8, 2023
Ryan O'Neal, an actor whose breakout role was an Oscar-nominated performance in the movie "Love Story," died at the age of 82.
O'Neal's son, Patrick, announced the news of his father's death.
So this is the toughest thing I’ve ever had to say but here we go. My dad passed away peacefully today, with his loving team by his side supporting him and loving him as he would us," Patrick wrote in a series of posts on Instagram.Patrick did not say what caused the actor's death.
O'Neal was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012, a decade after he was first diagnosed with chronic leukemia.
Patrick described his father as his hero, adding that "he was always bigger than life."
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Andre Braugher - Born: July 1, 1962 - Died: Dec. 11, 2023
Andre Braugher was an Emmy-winning actor who starred on “Homicide: Life on The Street” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine."
Braugher died from lung cancer, a representative said a few days after his death. He was 61 years old.
He established himself in the role of Det. Frank Pembleton, the lead role on “Homicide: Life on the Street,” a dark police drama based on a book by David Simon, who went on to create “The Wire.” The show, which focused on the homicide unit of the Baltimore Police Department, ran for seven seasons on and earned critical acclaim with Braugher as its dramatic center and breakout star.
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George McGinnis - Born: Aug, 12, 1950 - Dec. 14, 2023
Indiana Pacers great George McGinnis was a professional basketball player whose skills on the court earned him a spot in the Naismith Hall of Fame.
McGinnis died due to complications from a cardiac arrest, according to the team.
"He was taken to Community North Hospital where family, friends and former teammates maintained a vigil of support until his passing," the Pacers noted in an online statement.
McGinnis was 73 years old at the time of his death.
"[George] was the very definition of an Indiana basketball legend, a champion, and Hall of Fame athlete. But he was more than that. George was family," the team wrote on social media.
The team also said "McGinnis helped guide the Pacers to two of their three American Basketball Association championships. He was the ABA’s co-most valuable player (with Julius Erving) in the 1974-75 season. McGinnis then moved on to the Philadelphia 76ers in the National Basketball Association, where he was twice named an All-Star. He later played for the Denver Nuggets before returning to the Indiana Pacers, closing his 11-year professional career in 1982."
TND would also like to honor the musicians who we lost this year. WTVC created a Spotify playlist of the songs performed by the artist who passed away in 2023.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: The Associated Press and WTVC contributed to this report.
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