Gone But Not Forgotten in 2021
We’ve said goodbye to many famous faces, voices & names from radio, movies, television, sports, history, arts and literature so far in 2021. These celebrities and others said their final farewell to us recently.
(2021 Celebrity Memorial Photo Montage: © A. Hamilton)
Celebrity deaths in 2021 that you may have missed:
Hank Aaron (nee Henry Louis Aaron; “Hammer”)
National Baseball Hall of Fame American MLB right fielder (Milwaukee / Atlanta Braves; Milwaukee Brewers), 25-time MLB All-Star, 1958-1960 Golden Glove winner, 1957 NL MVP & World Series Champ (born Feb. 5, 1934 – died Jan. 22, 2021; age 86). (Hank Aaron 1974 Photo: Texas Rangers)
George Armstrong (“Big Chief Shoot The Puck”)
Hockey Hall of Fame Canadian, Toronto Maple Leafs NHL team captain & right winger (1949-1971: 4-time 1960s Stanley Cups), Toronto Marlboros Coach (2-time Memorial Cups- 1973 & 1975) (born July 6, 1930 – died Jan. 24, 2021; age 90) (George Armstrong 1970 Photo: Toronto Maple Leafs)
Ed Asner (nee Yitzhak Edward Asner)
Emmy-winning American actor of TV (Lou Grant on The Mary Tyler Moore Show & Lou Grant; The Bronx Zoo; Rich Man, Poor Man; Roots) & films (Up; Fort Apache the Bronx; Elf; Hard Rain; Change of Habit; El Dorado) (born Nov. 15, 1929 – died Aug. 29, 2021; age 91). (Edward Asner 1984 Anatomy of an Illness)
Canadian pro hockey player, WHA & NHL centre (Montreal Canadiens – 1959 Calder Memorial Trophy, 6-Time All-Star, 6 Stanley Cups; Los Angeles Kings; Chicago Black Hawks) (born Sept. 18, 1937 – died Feb. 7, 2021; age 83). Ralph Backstrom died after a long illness. (Ralph Backstrom 1969 Photo)
F. Lee Bailey (nee Francis Lee Bailey Jr.)
American criminal defense lawyer for high profile & celebrity clients (O.J. Simpson; Patty Hearst; Sam Sheppard; Albert DeSalvo; Ernest Medina; Carl A. Coppolino), and non-fiction author (For The Defense) (born June 10, 1933 – died June 3, 2021; age 87). (F. Lee Bailey 2010 Photo: © John Mathew Smith)
Basketball Hall of Fame American NBA forward (Minneapolis / Los Angeles Lakers), 1959 NBA Rookie of the Year, 11-time NBA All-Star, and Coach (New Orleans Jazz) (born Sept.16, 1934 – died Mar. 22, 2021; age 86). Elgin Baylor died of natural causes. (Elgin Baylor 1967 Photo: Utah Daily Chronicle)
American actor of TV (Homicide: Life on the Street; Szysznyk), & films (Rudy; The Execution of Private Slovik; Deliverance; Network; Silver Streak; Gray Lady Down; Superman II; Radioland Murders; Hear My Song; Prelude to a Kiss) (born July 6, 1937 – died June 13, 2021; age 83). (Ned Beatty 1999 Photo: Alan Light)
French film producer (Chocolat) & actor (Breathless; Is Paris Burning?; Casino Royale; One Hundred and One Nights; Stranger in the House; Les Misérables; That Man From Rio; Cyrano de Bergerac) (born Apr. 9 , 1933 – died Sept. 6, 2021; age 88). (Jean-Paul Belmondo 1960: Keystone/Hulton Archive)
Val Bisoglio (nee Italo Valentino Bisoglio)
American actor of TV (Danny Tovo on Quincy M.E.; The Doctors; The Edge of Night; Police Woman; M*A*S*H; Barney Miller; The Rockford Files; All in the Family) & films (Saturday Night Fever; The Hindenburg) (born May 7, 1926- died Oct. 18, 2021; age 95. (Val Bisoglio 1973 The Marcus-Nelson Murders)
Frank Bonner (nee Frank Woodrow Boers Jr.)
American actor & director of TV (City Guys; Harry and the Hendersons; WKRP in Cincinnati; Saved by the Bell; Las Vegas Lady; The Hoax; You Can’t Hurry Love) (born Feb. 28, 1942 – died June 16, 2021; age 79). Frank Bonner died of Lewy body dementia. (Frank Bonner 2008 Photo: Linda_Bisset)
Lisa Brown
American TV soap opera acting coach, director & actress of stage & TV (Nola Reardon Chamberlain on Guiding Light; Iva Snyder on As the World Turns; Loving; Gotham the Series; Misguiding Light; One Life to Live) (born Aug. 2, 1954 – died Nov. 24, 2021; age 67).
American singer-songwriter (Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys; See The Big Man Cry), actor of radio (Portia Faces Life; Hilltop House), TV (Bret Maverick), & films (Mi Amigo; The Outfitters) (born Dec. 29, 1939 – died Jan. 8, 2021; age 81). (Edwin Bruce 2014 Photo: 49ers5bowls)
American model, host & actress of TV (Isis/Andrea Thomas on The Secrets of Isis ; Marcus Welby, M.D.) and films (I Love My Wife; Pretty Maids All in a Row; How to Commit Marriage) (born Sept. 20, 1951 – died Oct. 22, 2021; age 70). Joanna Cameron died of stroke complications. (Joanna Cameron 2006 Photo)
Beverly Cleary (nee Beverly Atlee Bunn)
Newbery Medal-winning American young adult fiction & children’s books author (Henry Huggins; Ellen Tebbits; Beezus and Ramona; The Mouse and the Motorcycle; Ramona the Pest; Runaway Ralph; Otis Spofford) (born April 12, 1916 – died Mar. 25, 2021; age 104). (Beverly Cleary 1954 Photo)
Don Collier (nee Donald Mounger Collier)
American actor of TV (Sam Butler on The High Chaparral; Will Tompkins on The Young Riders; Marshall Will Foreman on The Outlaws; Bonanza) & movies (Safe at Home!; Flap; Paradise, Hawaiian Style; 5 Card Stud) (born Oct. 17, 1928 – died Sept. 13, 2021; age 92). (Don Collier 1960 The Outlaws: NBC TV)
Michael Collins
International Space Hall of Fame American USAF test pilot, astronaut (Gemini 10; Apollo 11), LTV Aerospace VP, Director of the National Air and Space Museum (born Oct. 31, 1930 – died Apr. 28, 2021; age 90). Michael Collins died of cancer. (Michael Collins 2009 Photo: Phil Konstantin)
Michael Constantine (nee Gus Efstratiou)
American actor of movies (If It’s Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium; My Big Fat Greek Wedding films; Hawaii; Voyage of the Damned) & TV (Seymour Kaufman on Room 222; Sirota’s Court; Quincy, M.E.; Remington Steele) (born May 22, 1927 – died Aug. 21, 2021; age 94). (Michael Constantine 1969: ABC TV)
Alex Cord (nee Alexander Viespi)
American actor of TV (Michael Coldsmith Briggs III on Airwolf; W.E.B.; Cassie & Co.; Route 66; Fantasy Island; Police Story) & films (The Chapman Report; The Brotherhood; Stiletto; The Last Grenade; Grayeagle; Jungle Warriors) (born May 3, 1933 – died Aug. 9, 2021; age 88). (Alex Cord 1966 Stagecoach)
Chick Corea (nee Armando Anthony Corea)
Grammy Award-winning American classical & jazz pianist, bandleader, & composer (500 Miles High; Windows; Spain), performer with Stan Getz, Herbie Hancock, and the Miles Davis band (born June 12, 1941 – died Feb. 9, 2021; age 79). Chick Corea died of cancer. (Chick Corea 1976 Photo: Polydor Records)
Johnny Crawford (nee John Ernest Crawford)
American singer (Cindy’s Birthday), actor of TV (Mark McCain on The Rifleman; William Tell; Matinee Theatre) & films (Courage of Black Beauty; Indian Paint; Village of the Giants; The Naked Ape; The Restless Ones; El Dorado) (born Mar. 26, 1946 – died April 29, 2021; age 75) (Johnny Crawford 1963 Photo)
American actress & host of TV (The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse; One Life to Live; All My Children) & films (My Wild Irish Rose; Scene of the Crime; Sangaree; Journey to the Center of the Earth; Bengal Rifles; Jamaica Run; Three Little Words) (born Aug. 11, 1925 – died Nov. 29, 2021; age 96) (Arlene Dahl 1953)
Stuart Damon (nee Stuart Michael Zonis)
Emmy Award-winning American TV actor (Dr. Alan Quartermaine on General Hospital & Port Charles; As The World Turns; The Champions; Cinderella; Days of Our Lives; Yanks Go Home) (born Feb. 5, 1937 – died June 29, 2021; age 84). Stuart Damon died of kidney failure. (Stuart Damon 1969: CBS Television)
Henry Darrow (nee Enrique Tomás Delgado Jiménez)
Puerto-Rican actor of films (The Hitcher) & TV (Manolito Montoya on The High Chaparral; Santa Barbara; Zorro; The New Dick Van Dyke Show; One Life to Live; General Hospital; The Bold and the Beautiful; Hawaii Five-O) (born Sept. 15, 1933 – died Mar. 14, 2021; age 87). (Henry Darrow 2009: Harry Cason)
Richard Donner (nee Richard Donald Schwartzberg)
American producer & director of TV (Perry Mason; Tales From the Crypt; Mr. Novak) & films (The Goonies; Lethal Weapon; The Lost Boys; Conspiracy Theory; Scrooged; X-Men; The Omen; Superman; Free Willy) (born Apr. 24, 1930 – died July 5, 2021; age 91). (Richard Donner 1979 Photo: Alan Light)
Jerry Douglas (nee Gerald Rubenstein)
American singer-actor of stage, TV (John Abbott on The Young and the Restless ; Barnaby Jones; The F.B.I.; Police Story; Mannix; The Streets of San Francisco) & films (Silent But Deadly; Avalanche; Good Guys Wear Black; Gunn; The Godson) (born Nov. 12, 1932 – died Nov. 9, 2021; age 88). (Jerry Douglas 1983) \
Academy Award-winning American actress of TV (Joan of Arc; Search for Tomorrow; Sinatra) & films (Moonstruck; Working Girl; Look Who’s Talking Too; Steel Magnolias; Away From Her) (born June 20, 1931 – died May 1, 2021; age 89). (Olympia Dukakis 2019 Photo: Neil Grabowsky / Montclair Film)
Tony Esposito (nee Anthony James Esposito; “Tony O“)
Canadian-American NHL Hockey Hall of Fame goalie (Chicago Black Hawks), 3-time Vezina & 1970 Calder Memorial Trophy winner, Team Canada (1972 Summit Series), & Pittsburgh Penguins GM (born Apr. 23, 1943 – died Aug. 10, 2021; age 78). (Tony Esposito 1983 Photo: Sun News)
U.S. National Track & Field Hall of Fame American sprinter, 2-time gold medalist at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics (400m & 4 x 400m relay), and civil rights activist, (born Feb. 25, 1947 – died May 19, 2021; age 74). Lee Evans died after a stroke. (Lee Evans 2008 Photo: Astrid Barros / MachoCarioca)
Grammy-winning American singer-songwriter with The Everly Brothers (Bye Bye Love; Wake Up Little Susie; All I Have to Do Is Dream; Cathy’s Clown), Musicians, Vocal Group, Country Music, and Rock & Roll Halls of Fame (born Feb. 1, 1937 – died Aug. 21, 2021; age 84). (Don Everly 1959: J.D. Noske)
Siegfried Fischbacher (partner of Roy Horn)
German-American exotic animal (white lions & tigers) trainer & magician (Siegfried & Roy at the Mirage Resort and Casino), movies, & TV (Father of the Pride; The Art of Magic; Siegfried and Roy: The Magic Box) (born June 13, 1939 – died Jan. 13, 2021; age 81). Siegfried Fischbacher died of pancreatic cancer.
John Gabriel (nee Jack Monkarsh)
American singer-actor of stage, TV (Dr. Seneca Beaulac on Ryans Hope; Teddy Holmes on General Hospital; The Mary Tyler Moore Show; Loving), & films (Sex and the College Girl; Hell’s Bloody Devils; It’s My Turn; The Story of Ruth; Stagecoach; The Hiding Place) (born May 25, 1931 – died June 11, 2021; age 90).
Willie Garson (nee William Garson Paszamant)
American actor of TV (Mozzie on White Collar; Stanford Blatch on Sex and the City; Hawaii Five-0) & films (Little Manhattan; Untamed Heart; Cyclops, Baby; Speechless; Groundhog Day) (born Feb. 20, 1964 – died Sept. 21, 2021; age 57). Willie Garson died of pancreatic cancer. (Willie Garson 2014: Hakilon)
American actor of TV (McMillan & Wife; Operation Petticoat; Little Women; Designing Women; Just Our Luck; Heartland; Thirtysomething; The Waltons; Party of Five) and movies (Airplane II; The Sequel; Stay Hungry) (born Jan. 23, 1950 – died Mar. 18, 2021; age 71). (Richard Gilliland 1977: ABC TV)
American actress of TV (Mayberry R.F.D.; The Doctors; The Doctors and the Nurses) and films (The Busy Body; Hang ‘Em High; Love at First Bite; The In-Laws) (born Jan. 23, 1936 – died May 31, 2021; age 85). Arlene Golonka died of Alzheimer’s disease complications. (Arlene Golonka 1969 Photo: CBS)
American actor of movies (Heaven Can Wait; The Heartbreak Kid; The Woman in Red; Midnight Run; Beethoven; King Kong) and TV (The Young Marrieds; Madoff) (born Apr. 21, 1935 – died May 18, 2021; age 86). Charles Grodin died of bone marrow cancer. (Charles Grodin 2013 Photo: Adam Schartoff)
Marvelous Marvin Hagler (nee Marvin Nathaniel Hagler)
American World & International Boxing Hall of Fame 1980-1987 middleweight champ, Fighter of the Decade (Boxing Illustrated) (born May 23, 1954 – died Mar. 13, 2021; age 66). Cause of death for Marvin Hagler is unknown. (Marvin Hagler 1986 Photo: Reagan White House Photographs)
Tom T. Hall is 85 (nee Thomas T. Hall; “The Storyteller“)
Songwriters & Country Music Hall of Fame Grammy-winning American singer-songwriter (Harper Valley P.T.A.; I Love; Country Is; I Care; [Old Dogs, Children And] Watermelon Wine; Little Bitty; Ravishing Ruby) (born May 25, 1936 – died Aug. 20, 2021; age 85) (Tom T. Hall 1973: Neal Agency Ltd)
American screenwriter, director & actor of TV (Evening Shade; F Troop; The Doris Day Show; Teen Wolf; Justin Morgan Had a Horse), and films (The Longest Yard; The China Syndrome; The Cat from Outer Space; Sling Blade) (born July 9, 1936 – died Apr. 7, 2021; age 84). (James Hampton c 1978 Photo: CBS TV)
American actress of TV (Candy Pruitt on Here Come the Brides; Wanda Reilly Taylor on Harper Valley P.T.A.; Love, American Style; The Second Hundred Years; Gidget; Simon and Simon) & films (Chattanooga Choo Choo) (born Feb. 3, 1941 – died Dec. 15, 2021; age 80). (Bridget Hanley 1968: ABC Television)
American actress of stage, TV (Sylvia Buchman on Mad About You; All My Children; Sirota’s Court; Husbands, Wives & Lovers; L.A. Law; Ann Jillian), & movies (I Do & I Don’t; Three Men and a Baby) (born Aug. 9, 1934 – died Oct. 3, 2021; age 87) (Cynthia Harris 1978 Edward & Mrs. Simpson: Mobil Showcase Network)
Canadian Sports Hall of Fame Olympic rower (1992 Barcelona coxless pair & eights gold; 1996 Atlanta double sculls gold; quadruple sculls bronze), FISA Thomas Keller medalist (born Nov. 27, 1965 – died Jan. 11, 2021; age 55). Kathleen Heddle had cancer before she died. (Rowing Photo: Sean Robertson)
American actress of TV (Alice Mitchell on Dennis the Menace) & films (The Strawberry Roan; Sport of Kings; Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back; Triple Threat; Johnny Allegro; Miss Grant Takes Richmond; Kill the Umpire; Rancho Notorious) (born Apr. 2, 1923 – died Apr. 3, 2021; age 98). (Gloria Henry 1959 Photo: CBS)
Mike Henry (nee Michael Dennis Henry)
American NFL linebacker (Pittsburgh Steelers; L.A. Rams), actor of TV (Sunset Strip; General Hospital; The Six Million Dollar Man) & films (Tarzan and the Valley of Gold; Smokey and the Bandit) (born Aug. 15, 1936 – died Jan. 8, 2021; age 84). Mike Henry died of CTE & Parkinson’s. (Mike Henry 1970 Dan August)
Dusty Hill (nee Joseph Michael Hill; “Duster“)
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame American bass guitarist & singer for ZZ Top (Legs; Gimme All Your Lovin’; Got Me Under Pressure; Sharp Dressed Man; I Thank You; Tush; Sleeping Bag; Cheap Sunglasses; Give It Up; Tush) (born May 19, 1949 – died July 27, 2021; age 72) (Dusty Hill 2010 Photo: Antti Salonen)
Pat Hitchcock (nee Patricia Alma Hitchcock)
American actress of TV (Alfred Hitchcock Presents) & films (Stage Fright; Strangers on a Train; Psycho; Skateboard; The Mudlark), daughter of Alfred Hitchcock and Alma Reville (born July 7, 1928 – died Aug. 9, 2021; age 93). (Pat Hitchcock 2018: John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com)
American actor of films & TV (Peyton Place; General Hospital; The Young Marrieds; As the World Turns; Another World; Days of Our Lives; One Life to Live; Bright Promise; Gunsmoke; The F.B.I.) (born Sept. 28, 1933 – died May 27, 2021; age 87). Robert Hogan died of pneumonia. (Robert J. Hogan 1965)
Hal Holbrook (nee Harold Rowe Holbrook Jr.)
Emmy and Tony-winning American actor of stage, TV (The Bold Ones: The Senator; Evan Evans on Evening Shade; The Brighter Day), & movies (All The President’s Men; Magnum Force; The Firm; The Star Chamber) (born Feb. 17, 1925 – died Jan. 23, 2021; age 95) (Hal Holbrook 1989 Photo: Alan Light)
Sally Ann Howes (aka ex-Mrs. Richard Adler)
British-American singer-actress of stage (Brigadoon), TV (Secrets; To Tell the Truth; Sally Ann Howes Variety Show), & films (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang; Thursday’s Child; Anna Karenina, Fools Rush In) (born July 20, 1930 – died Dec. 19, 2021; age 91). (Sally Ann Howes 1961 Photo: Frank Goodman & Ben Washer)
Larry King (nee Lawrence Harvey Zeiger)
American journalist, actor & host of radio and TV (Larry King Live; Larry King Now; PoliticKING with Larry King; Miami Undercover; Larry King Show) (born Nov. 19, 1933 – died Jan. 23, 2021; age 87). Larry King had COVID-19 before he died. (Larry King 2006 Photo: P.O. 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley)
Bruce Kirby (nee Bruno Giovanni Quidaciolu)
American actor of TV (L. A. Law; Car 54, Where Are You?; Columbo; Marcus Welby, M.D.; Hogan’s Heroes; Ironside; Bonanza; ; Room 222; Barney Miller; McCloud; Holmes and Yoyo; Kojak) & movies (How to Frame a Figg) (born Apr. 24, 1928 – died Jan. 4, 2021; age 92) (Bruce Kirby Photo: Courtesy John Kirby)
Tommy Kirk (nee Thomas Lee Kirk)
American actor of TV (The Hardy Boys: The Mystery of the Applegate Treasure; Matinee Theatre) & movies (Old Yeller; The Shaggy Dog; Swiss Family Robinson; The Misadventures of Merlin Jones; Bon Voyage; Babes in Toyland) (born Dec. 10, 1941 – died Sept. 28, 2021; age 79). (Tommy Kirk 1963 Son of Flubber)
Tawny Kitaen (nee Julie E. Kitaen)
American actress of music videos (Whitesnake), TV (Mona Loveland on The New WKRP in Cincinnati; Meredith Ross on Capitol; Santa Barbara), & films (Bachelor Party; White Hot; Three of Hearts) (born Aug. 5, 1961 – died May 7, 2021; age 59) (Tawny Kitaen Photo: Courtesy Tawny Kitaen / Presley Talent)
American actor of TV (Lt. Al Giardello on Homicide: Life on the Street) & films (Othello; The Running Man; Alien; Midnight Run; The Thomas Crown Affair; Blue Collar; Live and Let Die; Brubaker; The Star Chamber) (born Nov. 15, 1939 – died Mar. 15, 2021; age 81). (Yaphet Kotto 1969 Daniel Boone)
Art LaFleur
American actor of TV (Hyperion Bay), movies (The Sandlot; Forever Young; Mr. Baseball; Man of the House; Trancers; City Heat; Field of Dreams; Air America; Cobra; The Replacements; The Santa Clause 2 & 3; Rampage; The Blob; Zone Troopers) (born Sept. 9, 1943 – died Nov. 17, 2021; age 78).
Tommy Lasorda (nee Thomas Charles Lasorda)
National Baseball Hall of Fame Major League Baseball manager (Los Angeles Dodgers 1976-1996, 2X World Series Championships), MLB pitcher & coach (born Sept. 22, 1927 – died Jan. 7, 2021; age 93). Tommy Lasorda died of cardiac arrest. (Tommy Lasorda 1981 Photo: Reagan White House)
American Emmy & Oscar-winning actress of TV (Lassie; The Mary Tyler Moore Show; Phyllis, The Facts of Life; Raising Hope; Mr. Novak), movies (The Last Picture Show; Young Frankenstein; Spanglish; Prancer; The Croods) (born Apr. 30, 1926 – died Jan. 27, 2021; age 94. (Cloris Leachman 1960 Thriller)
Norman Lloyd (nee Norman Perlmutter)
American director, producer & actor of TV (Dr. Daniel Auschlander on St. Elsewhere; Seven Days; Alfred Hitchock Presents; The Alfred Hitchcock Hour) & films (Spellbound; Saboteur; Dead Poets Society; Limelight; A Place For Heroes) (born Nov. 8, 1914 – died May 11, 2021; age 106). (Norman Lloyd 1942 Photo)
John Lutz
Edgar Award-winning American mystery author (Single White Female; Buyer Beware / Alo Nudger; Tropical Heat / Fred Carver; Darker Than Night / Frank Quinn) (born Sept.11, 1939 – died Jan. 9, 2021; age 81). Cause of death for John Lutz is unknown. (John Lutz Photo: Phil Shoulberg Photography LLC)
Betty Lynn (nee Elizabeth Ann Theresa Lynn)
American actress of TV (Thelma Lou on The Andy Griffith Show; Where’s Raymond?; My Three Sons; Family Affair; Matlock) & films (June Bride; Father Was a Fullback; Behind the High Wall; Cheaper by the Dozen; The Louisiana Hussy) (born Aug. 29, 1926 – died Oct. 16, 2021; age 95). (Betty Lynn 1950)
Norm MacDonald (nee Norman Gene Macdonald)
Canadian comedian, writer, & actor of stage, TV (Saturday Night Live; Norm; Norm Macdonald Live; The Middle) & films (Dirty Work; Billy Madison; The Animal; Grown Ups) (born Oct. 17, 1963 – died Sept. 14, 2021; age 61). Norm MacDonald died of leukemia. (Norm MacDonald 2016: Greg2600)
Gavin MacLeod (nee Allan George See)
American actor of films (Kelly’s Heroes; Pork Chop Hill; Operation Petticoat) & TV (Happy on McHale’s Navy; Murray Slaughter on The Mary Tyler Moore Show; Captain Steubing on The Love Boat) (born Feb. 28, 1931 – died May 29, 2021; age 90). (Gavin MacLeod 2015 Photo: Gary Greenbaum/Wikipedia)
Pro Football Hall of Fame American NFL coach (Oakland Raiders), 1969 AFL Coach of the Year; Madden NFL video game expert, TV sports commentator (The NFL on CBS; NFL Monday Night Football; NBC Sunday Night Football) (born Apr. 10, 1936 – died Dec. 28, 2021; age 85). Cause of death for John Madden is unknown. (John Madden 2007)
Agatha Award-winning American author of Judge Deborah Knott & Sigrid Harald books (Bootlegger’s Daughter; Southern Discomfort; Shooting at Loons) (born Aug. 25, 1938 – died Feb. 23, 2021; age 82). Margaret Maron died of stroke complications. (Margaret Maron 2007 Photo: Margaret Maron)
Gerry Marsden (nee Gerard Marsden)
Gerry and the Pacemakers & solo British singer-songwriter (Ferry Cross the Mersey; Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying; You’ll Never Walk Alone; I’ll Be There) (born Sept. 24, 1942 – died Jan. 3, 2021; age 78). Gerry Marsden died of a blood infection in his heart. (Gerry Marsden 1964 Photo: Paul Schumach)
Barry Mason (nee John Barry Mason)
English songwriter solo & with Les Reed for Engelbert Humperdinck, Petula Clark, Tom Jones, Rod Stewart, Elvis Presley, Perry Como, Connie Francis, Barbara Streisand, and others (The Last Waltz; Delilah; Love Grows [Where My Rosemary Goes]; A Man Without Love) (born July 12, 1935 – died Apr. 16, 2021; age 85).
Jackie Mason (nee Yacov Moshe Maza)
American Tony, Grammy & Emmy-winning comedian, actor of stage, TV (Chicken Soup; The Jackie Mason Show), & films (The Jerk; Caddyshack II; Goldberg – P.I.; History of the World Part I; A Stroke of Genius) (born June 9, 1928 – died July 24, 2021; age 93) (Jackie Mason 2006: Carl Lender)
English actress of TV (Peaky Blinders; Anna Karenina; Penny Dreadful) & films (Skyfall; Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince; Hugo; Becoming Jane; The Count of Monte Cristo; Flying Blind) (born Aug. 17, 1968 – died Apr. 16, 2021; age 52). Helen McCrory died of cancer. (Helen McCrory 2015 Photo: Siebbi)
Biff McGuire (nee William Joseph McGuire Jr.)
American actor of TV (All My Children; Search for Tomorrow; The Secret Storm; Santa Barbara; Barnaby Jones) & films (Serpico; The Thomas Crown Affair; Midway; Hollywood Seagull; The Heart is a Lonely Hunter) (born Oct. 25, 1926 – died Apr. 1, 2021; age 94). (Biff McGuire 1973 The Werewolf of Washington)
Les McKeown (nee Leslie Richard McKeown)
English Bay City Rollers lead singer (Saturday Night; I Only Want to Be With You; Bye, Bye, Baby; Give a Little Love; Remember (Sha-La-La-La); Money Honey; Yesterday’s Hero; Love Me Like I Love You) (born Nov. 12, 1955 – died Apr. 20, 2021; age 65). (Les McKeown 2010 Photo: Roland Rosenbauer)
Academy Award-winning American screenwriter (Brokeback Mountain; The Evening Star) & Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist (Lonesome Dove; The Last Picture Show; Terms of Endearment) (born June 3, 1936 – died Mar. 25, 2021; age 84). (Larry McMurtry’s Booked Up Book Store 2005 Photo: Surgeonsmate)
Art Metrano (nee Arthur Metrano)
American actor of TV (Joanie Loves Chachi; L. A. Law; Movin’ On; Baretta; Loves Me, Loves Me Not; Ironside; Bewitched; The Tim Conway Comedy Hour) & films (Police Academy; Breathless; The All-American Boy; Going Ape) (born Sept. 22, 1936 – died Sept. 8, 2021; age 84). (Art Metrano 1978 Wonder Woman)
Angelo Mosca (aka King Kong Mosca; aka The Mighty Hercules)
Canadian Football Hall of Fame American pro football player, Philadelphia Eagles NFL draft pick, 5-time CFL All-Star, 5X Grey Cup Champ (Ottawa Rough Riders, 1; Hamilton Tiger Cats, 4), WWF pro wrestler & commentator, celebrity spokesperson (born Feb. 13, 1937 – died Nov. 6, 2021; age 84). Angelo Mosca died of Alzheimer’s disease.
Michael Nesmith (nee Robert Michael Nesmith)
American guitarist, actor, & singer-songwriter solo & with The Monkees (Different Drum; Last Train to Clarksville; I’m a Believer; Daydream Believer; A Little Bit Me,) (born Dec. 30, 1942 – died Dec. 10, 2021; age 78). Michael Nesmith died of heart failure. (Michael Nesmith 1966 The Monkees: NBC TV)
American college football tackle (University of Illinois – 1952 Rose Bowl champs, 1951 & 1953 Big Ten champs), baritone singer, dancer & actor of films, stage (L’il Abner; Lorelei), & TV (Sergeant James Bustard on Custer) (born Sept. 20, 1931 – died Sept. 21, 2021; age 90). (Peter Palmer 1960)
Gary Paulsen
American young adult fiction writer of short stories, magazine articles, plays, & novels (Hatchet; Dogsong; Woodsong; Winterdance; Dancing Carl; The Crossing; Paintings from the Cave; Nightjohn) and non-fiction (Eastern Sun, Winter Moon) (born May 17, 1939 – died Oct. 13, 2021; age 82). (Gary Paulsen 2008 Photo: Russell Ernst)
Prince Philip [Mountbatten] (nee Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark)
Naturalised British citizen as Philip Mountbatten, Prince of the United Kingdom, consort of Queen Elizabeth II, patron or board member of 800+ organizations, and avid sportsman (born June 10, 1921 – died Apr. 9, 2021; age 99). (Prince Philip 1992 Photo: Allan warren)
Jay Pickett
American screenwriter, producer, & actor of films (Soda Springs; A Matter of Faith; Rumpelstiltskin) and TV (Port Charles; General Hospital; Days of Our Lives) (born Feb. 10, 1961 – died July 30, 2021; age 60). Jay Pickett died of a heart attack. (Jay Pickett 2015 Kidnapped: The Hannah Anderson Story / Hybrid LLC)
Christopher Plummer (nee Arthur Christopher Orme Plummer)
Emmy, Tony, & Oscar-winning Canadian actor of stage, TV & films (Beginners; The Sound of Music; Remember; Triple Cross; National Treasure; Battle of Britain; Stage Struck) (born Dec. 13, 1929 – died Feb. 5, 2021; age 91). Christopher Plummer died after a fall. (Christopher Plummer 1973 The Pyx)
Markie Post (nee Marjorie Armstrong Post)
American TV producer, actress of TV (Christine Sullivan on Night Court; Terri Michaels on The Fall Guy; Georgie Lahti Hartman on Hearts Afire) & films (Gangster Wars; There’s Something About Mary) (born Nov. 4, 1950 – died Aug. 7, 2021; age 70). Markie Post died of cancer. (Markie Post 1988: Alan Light)
Anthony Powell
Tony & Academy Award-winning English costume designer for stage (The School for Scandal; Sunset Boulevard) and films (Travels with My Aunt; Death on the Nile; Tess; Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom; Pirates; Hook; 102 Dalmatians; Miss Potter) (born June 2, 1935 – died Apr. 16, 2021; age 85). Cause of death for Anthony Powell is unknown.
American soldier, decorated veteran, military strategist (Operation Desert Storm), 4-star General, National Security Advisor, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman, U.S. Secretary of State, & author (My American Journey) (born Apr. 5, 1937 – died Oct. 18, 2021; age 84). (Colin Powell 2001: U.S. Dept. of State)
Jane Powell (nee Suzanne Lorraine Burce)
American singer, dancer & actress of TV (Growing Pains) & films (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers; Royal Wedding; Three Sailors and a Lady; Two Weeks with Love; A Date With Judy; Hit the Deck; The Female Animal; Luxury Liner) (born Apr. 1, 1929 – died September 16, 2021; age 92). (Jane Powell 1958)
John Reilly
American actor of TV (Sean Donely on General Hospital; Dr. Danny Stewart on As the World Turns; Passions; Sunset Beach; Beverly Hills, 90210) & movies (The Great Waldo Pepper) (born Nov. 11, 1936 – died Jan. 9, 2021; age 86). Cause of death for John Reilly is unknown. (John Reilly 1978 Lassie: A New Beginning)
Anne Rice (nee Howard Allen Frances O’Brien; aka A. N. Roquelaure)
American writer of erotica (Exit to Eden) and gothic fiction (Interview with the Vampire; The Vampire Lestat; The Witching Hour; Merrick; Blackwood Farm; Prince Lestat; Servant of the Bones; The Witching Hour; Pandora) (born Oct. 4, 1941 – died Dec. 11, 2021; age 80). Anne Rice died of complications from a stroke.
Peter Mark Richman (nee Marvin Jack Richman; aka Mark Richman)
American actor of TV (Cain’s Hundred; Longstreet; Santa Barbara; Dynasty; The F.B.I.; Beverly Hills, 90210; Police Story; The Virginian) & movies (The Black Orchid; The Murder Men; Friendly Persuasion; The Strange One) (born Apr. 16, 1927 – died Jan. 14, 2021; age 93). (Peter Mark Richman 1957: Photoplay)
Tanya Roberts (nee Victoria Leigh Blum)
American model and actress of TV (Julie Rogers on Charlie’s Angels; Midge Pinciotti on That 70’s Show) and movies (The Beastmaster; Sheena; A View to a Kill; Inner Sanctum) (born Oct. 15, 1955 – died Jan. 3, 2021; age 65). Cause of death for Tanya Roberts is unknown. (Tanya Roberts 1983 Photo: CBS)
Jimmie Rodgers (nee James Frederick Rodgers)
American singer (Honeycomb; Kisses Sweeter Than Wine; Secretly; Mule Skinner Blues; It’s Over), host & actor of TV (The Folk World of Jimmie Rodgers) and movies (Back Door to Hell) (born Sept. 18, 1933 – died Jan. 18, 2021; age 87). (Jimmie F. Rodgers 1961 The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come)
American film producer, screenwriter, & director (The Stunt Man; Freebie and the Bean; Getting Straight; Too Soon to Love; Of Love and Desire; Hells Angels on Wheels) (born Apr. 15, 1929 – died Apr. 8, 2021; age 91). Richard Rush died after a long illness. (Richard Rush 1979: The Bobbie Wygant Archives)
Mort Sahl (nee Morton Lyon Sahl)
Canadian-American host & actor of stage, TV (The Merv Griffin Show; The Jack Paar Tonight Show; The Dick Cavett Show; The Hollywood Squares; What’s My Line?), & films (Johnny Cool; All the Young Men; Don’t Make Waves) (born May 11, 1927 – died Oct. 26, 2021; age 94). (Mort Sahl 1985: Brianmcmillen)
Philece Sampler (nee Philece P. Sampler)
American voice over artist, actress of films & TV (Renee DuMonde on Days of Our Lives; Lacey Jarrett Gallagher on Rituals; Donna Love Hudson on Another World; The Interior) (born July 16, 1953 – died July 1, 2021; age 67). Philece Sampler died of a heart attack. (Philece Sampler Photo: Used by permission)
Emmy-winning American actor of TV (Michael Harris on Newhart; Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: The TV Show; Bosom Buddies; Girls; Goodtime Girls; Gotham), and movies (The Rosebud Beach Hotel; That Thing You Do!) (born Sept. 12, 1955 – died Oct. 22, 2021; age 66). (Peter Scolari 2016: Greg2600)
Willard Scott (nee Willard Herman Scott Jr.)
American clown (Ronald McDonald), author (The Joy of Living; America is My Neighborhood), actor & host of radio (Joy Boys) & TV (Today; Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade; Valerie) (born Mar. 7, 1934 – died Sept. 4, 2021; age 87). (Willard Scott 1997: John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com)
American actor of films (King Rat; Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?; The Hot Rock; Fun With Dick and Jane; A Touch of Class; Blume in Love; Act One; The Great Waldo Pepper) & TV (Pops on The Goldbergs; Jack Gallo on Just Shoot Me!) (born Feb. 13, 1934 – died Mar. 23, 2021; age 87). (George Segal 1965) ,
American actor of stage, films (Papillon; Beneath the Planet of the Apes; The Towering Inferno; Honey I Blew Up the Kid) & TV (Barney Miller; Sanford and Son; Something is Out There; Soap; Zorro and Son; The Flying Nun; The Prisoner of Zenda) (born Jan. 25, 1937 – died Jan. 4, 2021; age 83). (Gregory Sierra 1971: NBC Television)
Italian stuntman (A Ticklish Affair; Earthquake; Poltergeist), actor of TV (Cousin Itt on The Addams Family; Buck Rogers in the 25th Century; Lidsville; H.R. Pufnstuf) & films (The Black Bird; Little Cigars; CHARACTERz) (born Jan. 11, 1937 – died Apr. 16, 2021; age 84). (Felix Silla 2006 Photo: Kammmm)
Wilbur Smith
South African historical / modern adventure writer (Hungry as the Sea; Birds of Prey & Courtney series; A Falcon Flies & Ballantyne series; River God, The Seventh Scroll & Ancient Egypt series; Cry Wolf; Elephant Song; The Dark of the Sun; Assegai; Shout at the Devil) (born Jan. 9, 1933 – died Nov. 13, 2021; age 88).
American actor of TV (Falconetti on Rich Man, Poor Man; Joe Riley on Laredo; Hawaii Five-O; Mod Squad; Mission: Impossible; The Asphalt Jungle) & films (Any Which Way You Can; The Frisco Kid; The Mean Season) (born Mar. 24, 1933 – died July 5, 2021; age 88). (William Smith 1973 Invasion of the Bee Girls)
Stephen Sondheim
Pulitzer Prize, Tony, Grammy, & Oscar-winning American composer and lyricist (Sunday in the Park With George; West Side Story; A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum; Gypsy; Sweeney Todd; Follies) (born Mar. 22, 1930 – died Nov. 26, 2021; age 91). (Stephen Sondheim 2015: The Huntington)
Phil Spector (nee Harvey Phillip Spector)
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame American songwriter & producer (To Know Him is to Love Him; You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling; My Sweet Lord) (born Dec. 26, 1939 – died Jan. 16, 2021; age 81). Phil Specter died of COVID-19 complications. (Phil Spector 2000 Photo: Kingkongphoto & www.celebrity-photos.com)
Leon Spinks
1976 Montreal Olympic Games light heavyweight American gold medalist, 1978 World Heavyweight Champ (defeated Muhammad Ali) (born July 11, 1953 – died Feb. 5, 2021; age 67). Leon Spinks had prostate cancer before he died. (Leon Spinks 1995 Photo: Johnmaxmena at English Wikipedia)
Oscar-winning American actor of TV (Quantum Leap; Battlestar Galactica; Dr. Kildare) & films (Compulsion; Married to the Mob; Kim; The Boy With Green Hair; Gentleman’s Agreement; McHale’s Navy; Blue Velvet) (born Mar. 5, 1936 – died Nov. 7, 2021; age 85). (Dean Stockwell 1989-1993 Photo: MindeKing)
B. J. Thomas (nee Billy Joe Thomas)
American Grammy Hall of Fame singer (Hooked on a Feeling; Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head; Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song; I Just Can’t Help Believing) (born Aug. 7, 1942 – died May 29, 2021; age 78). B. J. Thomas died of lung cancer. (B J Thomas Photo: 2911 US – B J Thomas)
Tony Trabert (nee Marion Anthony Trabert)
American World #1 International Tennis Hall of Fame champion (1953, 1955), 5-time 5 Grand Slam singles winner (French Open 1954 & 1955; Wimbledon 1955; US Open 1953 & 1955), CBS sports analyst, & author (Tennis Past 50; Trabert on Tennis; The Serve Key to Winning Tennis) (born Aug. 16, 1930 – died Feb. 3, 2021; age 91). (Tony Trabert 1953 AP WirePhoto)
Nobel Peace Prize-winning, South African Anglican bishop who introduced female priests, author (Crying in the Wilderness), social rights & anti-apartheid activist, mediator (born Oct. 7, 1931 – died Dec. 26, 2021; age 90). Desmond Tutu died of cancer. (Desmond Tutu 2007: Elke Wetzig [Elya]))
Tony & Emmy Award-winning American actress of TV (The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman; Roots; East Side, West Side) & movies (Sounder; Bustin’ Loose; A Man Called Adam; The Heart is a Lonely Hunter; The Blue Bird) (born Dec. 19, 1924 – died Jan. 28, 2021; age 96) (Cicely Tyson 1956 Carib Gold)
Al Unser Sr. (nee Alfred Unser; “Big Al“)
International Motorsports Hall of Fame American race car driver, 4X Indianapolis 500 winner, oldest driver to win (age 47), 1978 IROC champion, with 3 National Championships (born May 29, 1939 – died Dec. 9, 2021; age 82). Al Unser Sr. died of cancer. (Al Unser Sr. 2021: Zach Catanzareti Photo)
Bobby Unser (nee Robert William Unser)
National Sprint Car & International Motorsports Hall of Fame record-setting American race car driver, 3-time Indianapolis 500 winner (1958, 1975, 1981), and 2-time USAC National Champion (1968 & 1974) (born Feb. 20, 1934 – died May 2, 2021; age 87). (Bobby Unser 2013 Photo: Doctorindy)
Charlie Watts (nee Charles Robert Watts)
English jazz musician (The Charlie Watts Quintet), Rock & Roll Hall of Fame drummer for The Rolling Stones (It’s All Over Now; The Last Time; Get Off of My Cloud; Little Red Rooster; Paint It Black; Angie) (born June 2, 1941 – died Aug. 24, 2021; age 80). (Charlie Watts 1986: Entertainment News Service)
Lina Wertmüller (nee Wertmüller von Elgg Spañol von Braueich)
Academy Award-winning Italian screenwriter & director (Seven Beauties; Swept Away; Love & Anarchy; Let’s Talk About Men; The Belle Starr Story; The Seduction of Mimi; A Night Full of Rain) (born Aug. 14, 1928 – died Dec. 9, 2021; age 93). (Lina Wertmüller 2019: John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com)
Emmy Award-winning American actress of TV (The Betty White Show, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Golden Girls, Date With the Angels; Hot in Cleveland;Mama’s Family; Ladies Man) & films (Lake Placid; Hard Rain; The Proposal) (born Jan. 17, 1922 – died Dec. 31, 2021; age 99). (Betty White 1954)
Cara Williams (nee Bernice Kamiat; aka ex-Mrs. John Drew Barrymore)
American actress of TV (Pete and Gladys; The Cara Williams Show) & films (The Defiant Ones; We Go to Monte Carlo; The Great Diamond Robbery; The Man from the Diners’ Club; Boomerang!; The Saxon Charm; Doctor’s Wives; Meet Me in Las Vegas; Wide Open Town) (born June 29, 1925 – died Dec. 9, 2021; age 96). (Cara Williams 1962)
Michael Kenneth Williams (aka Michael K. art)
American actor of TV (Omar Little on The Wire; Chalky White on Boardwalk Empire; Hap and Leonard) & films (12 Years a Slave; MugShot; Addicts; Bullet; The Red Sea Diving Resort; Critical Thinking; Life During Wartime) (born Nov. 22, 1966 – died Sept. 6, 2021; age 54). (Michael K. Williams 2010: Tim Pierce)
American actor of TV (Linc Hayes on Mod Squad; Philby on Mystery Woman TV movies; Judging Amy), and films (Tales From the Hood; Purple Rain; 52 Pick-Up; The General’s Daughter) (born Aug. 21, 1939 – died June 4, 2021; age 81). Clarence Williams died of colon cancer. (Clarence Williams III 1971 Photo: ABC)
American singer with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group the Supremes (The Happening; Back in My Arms Again; Where Did Our Love Go; Baby Love; You Can’t Hurry Love), and author (Dreamgirl; Supreme Faith) (born Mar. 6, 1944 – died Feb. 8, 2021; age 76). (Mary Wilson 1965 Photo: Jac. de Nijs)
American actress of TV (Josephine the Plumber/Comet ads; The Munsters; Bachelor Father) and feature films (Bright Eyes; Giant; The Farmer Takes a Wife; Captain Newman, M.D.; My Best Gal; Gentle Julia; Little Miss Nobody) (born April 12, 1926 – died Aug. 7, 2021; age 95). (Jane Withers 1943 The North Star)
More Gone But Not Forgotten
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Comments
Jacqueline July 2nd, 2021 at 8:59am
Wow. I didn't know about a lot of these passings. It's sad as many of the faces are familiar to me. Thank you for posting this, Anita. It's another reminder to live each day as though it might be your last.