LOS ANGELES — 2024 saw the passing of numerous notable figures, from celebrated actors and musicians with extensive and award-winning careers to others whose lives were tragically cut short. This year, we said farewell to iconic voices such as that of Darth Vader, a co-founder of the Grateful Dead, and a member of One Direction, among many others. The gallery above provides a visual list of some of the notable individuals who passed away in 2024; further details on each are provided below.
Jimmy Carter (Born October 1, 1924 | Died December 29, 2024) Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, a champion of international human rights both during and after his presidency, passed away at the age of 100. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his lifelong dedication to peace, Carter, the son of a Georgia peanut farmer, first entered the national political scene in 1976 with his memorable campaign slogan: “My name is Jimmy Carter, and I’m running for president.”
Judith Jamison (Born May 10, 1943 | Died November 9, 2024) Acclaimed dancer, choreographer, and former artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Judith Jamison died at age 81. Known for her role in “Cry” and visionary leadership, she elevated the Ailey company to global prominence, blending ballet, jazz, and modern dance to celebrate African American culture. Her achievements earned her numerous accolades, including a Kennedy Center Honor and the National Medal of Arts.
Quincy Jones (Born March 14, 1933 | Died November 3, 2024) Producer, composer, and performer Quincy Jones had a prolific career, working at Mercury and A&M Records before launching his own label, Qwest, in 1980. His accolades include an Emmy Award (1977, for “Roots”), producing Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” (1982), organizing “We Are the World” (1985), founding Vibe Magazine (1993), and receiving a Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award (1995). He also received a Kennedy Center Honor (2001), a National Medal of the Arts (2011), and 28 Grammy Awards from 75 nominations. He died at age 91.
Teri Garr (Born December 11, 1944 | Died October 29, 2024) Actress Teri Garr, who transitioned from a background dancer in Elvis Presley films to starring roles in classics like “Young Frankenstein” and “Tootsie,” died at 79. Her career also included appearances on “Star Trek,” “Dr. Kildare,” and “Batman,” as well as prominent roles in “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “Mr. Mom,” and a recurring role on “Friends.” Garr passed away from complications related to multiple sclerosis.
Phil Lesh (Born March 15, 1940 | Died October 25, 2024) Bass player Phil Lesh, co-founder of the Grateful Dead (1965), died at 84. Credited as a co-writer on hits like “Truckin'” and “Box of Rain,” Lesh continued performing after the Grateful Dead’s disbandment in 1995 with groups like The Dead and his own band, Phil Lesh & Friends. He published his memoir, “Searching for Sound: My Life With The Grateful Dead,” in 2005. The Grateful Dead received numerous accolades including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1994), a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2007), and a Kennedy Center Honor (2024).
Liam Payne (Born August 29, 1993 | Died October 16, 2024) Liam Payne, a member of the massively popular boy band One Direction, died at 31 after a fall from his hotel room in Buenos Aires. One Direction achieved significant success with five albums and numerous awards, including Billboard Music Awards, Brit Awards, American Music Awards, and Teen Choice Awards. Payne’s solo career included the platinum-certified single “Strip That Down.”
Ethel Kennedy (Born April 11, 1928 | Died October 9, 2024) Ethel Kennedy, widow of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and mother of 11 children, was a prominent figure in American political history. She actively participated in campaigns for her brother-in-law, John F. Kennedy, and was present at key events like the McCarthy hearings, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the civil rights movement. After her husband’s assassination in 1968, she founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She passed away at age 96.
Cissy Houston (Born September 30, 1933 | Died October 7, 2024) Grammy-winning singer Cissy Houston, mother of Whitney Houston, died at 91 while under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease. Her career began in gospel music before transitioning to popular music in the 1960s with “The Sweet Inspirations,” a prominent backing group. She also performed with Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley.
Pete Rose (Born April 14, 1941 | Died September 30, 2024) Professional baseball player Pete Rose, primarily with the Cincinnati Reds, held numerous career records including most career hits, games played, plate appearances, and at-bats. A 17-time All-Star and 1973 MVP, his career was marred by a lifetime ban from MLB for betting on baseball, including the Reds while he was manager. He died at age 83.
Dikembe Mutombo (Born June 25, 1966 | Died September 30, 2024) NBA player Dikembe Mutombo, known for his distinctive finger wag, played 18 seasons, notably with the Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets. An eight-time NBA All-Star and four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015. Mutombo founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation, which opened a hospital in Kinshasa, Congo. He also worked with Special Olympics International and UNICEF. He died at 58.
Gavin Creel (Born April 18, 1976 | Died September 30, 2024) Beloved actor, singer, and lyricist Gavin Creel, known for his Broadway work, received two Tony Award nominations and one win (2017, for “Hello, Dolly!”). He also won a Laurence Olivier Award (“The Book of Mormon”) and a Grammy Award (2023, “Into the Woods”). He was 48.
Kris Kristofferson (Born June 22, 1936 | Died September 28, 2024) Country music icon and actor Kris Kristofferson, a Rhodes Scholar, Army veteran, and Golden Gloves boxer, died at 88. Known for his roles in “Blade” and “A Star is Born” (Golden Globe win), his music included hits like “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” (CMA Award). He was also a member of the supergroup The Highwaymen.
Maggie Smith (Born December 28, 1934 | Died September 27, 2024) Actress Maggie Smith, with a career spanning over 60 years in theater, film, and television, died at 89. Known for roles in the “Harry Potter” films and “Downton Abbey,” her awards included two Academy Awards, five BAFTA Awards, four Emmy Awards, three Golden Globes, five Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Tony Award.
James Earl Jones (Born January 17, 1931 | Died September 9, 2024) Legendary actor James Earl Jones, known for his iconic voice as Darth Vader in “Star Wars” and Mufasa in “The Lion King,” died at 93. His career spanned decades, including two Tony Awards, two Emmys, and a Kennedy Center Honor.
John Amos (Born December 27, 1939 | Died August 21, 2024) Actor John Amos, known for his role in “Good Times” and the miniseries “Roots,” died at 84. His film credits included “Let’s Do It Again,” “Coming to America,” and “Die Hard 2.”
Phil Donahue (Born December 21, 1935 | Died August 18, 2024) Famed talk show host Phil Donahue, known for “The Phil Donahue Show,” which aired for nearly 30 years, died at 88. He won 20 Emmy Awards and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2024.
Gena Rowlands (Born June 19, 1930 | Died August 14, 2024) Actress Gena Rowlands, known for films like “Woman Under the Influence” and “Gloria,” died at 96. She won two Golden Globes and four Emmy Awards and received an honorary Academy Award.
Bob Newhart (Born September 5, 1929 | Died July 18, 2024) Comedian Bob Newhart, known for his distinctive comedic style, died at 94. His career included a number-one comedy album, Emmy Awards, and a Peabody Award.
Shannen Doherty (Born April 12, 1971 | Died July 13, 2024) Actress Shannen Doherty, known for her roles in “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Charmed,” died at 53 after a battle with cancer.
Richard Simmons (Born 1943 | Died July 13, 2024) Fitness personality Richard Simmons, known for his popular workout videos and TV show, died at 76.
Dr. Ruth (Karola Ruth Westheimer) (Born June 4, 1928 | Died July 12, 2024) Sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer, known for her frank discussions about sex, died at 96.
Shelley Duvall (Born July 7, 1949 | Died July 11, 2024) Actress Shelley Duvall, known for her roles in “Nashville,” “3 Women,” and “The Shining,” died at 75.
Jon Landau (Born July 23, 1960 | Died July 5, 2024) Film producer Jon Landau, known for producing “Titanic,” “Avatar,” and “Avatar: The Way of Water,” died at 63.
Robert Towne (Born November 23, 1934 | Died July 1, 2024) Screenwriter Robert Towne, known for his work on “Chinatown,” “Shampoo,” and the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, died at 89.
Martin Mull (Born August 18, 1943 | Died June 27, 2024) Actor Martin Mull, known for his roles in “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,” “Roseanne,” and “Veep,” died at 80.
Bill Cobbs (Born June 16, 1934 | Died June 25, 2024) Actor Bill Cobbs, known for his roles in “Night at the Museum” and “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb,” died at 90.
Donald Sutherland (Born July 17, 1935 | Died June 20, 2024) Actor Donald Sutherland, known for his extensive career in film and television, including roles in “M*A*S*H,” “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” and “The Hunger Games,” died at 88.
Willie Mays (Born May 6, 1931 | Died June 18, 2024) Legendary baseball player Willie Mays, known as one of the greatest of all time, died at 93.
Bill Walton (Born November 5, 1952 | Died May 27, 2024) Basketball player and commentator Bill Walton died at 71 from cancer.
Dabney Coleman (Born January 3, 1932 | Died May 16, 2024) Actor Dabney Coleman, known for his roles in “9 to 5,” “Tootsie,” and “You’ve Got Mail,” died at 92.
Roger Corman (Born April 5, 1926 | Died May 9, 2024) Film director and producer Roger Corman, known as the “King of the B’s,” died at 98.
O.J. Simpson (Born July 9, 1947 | Died April 10, 2024) Former football player O.J. Simpson died at 76.
Louis Gossett Jr. (Born May 27, 1936 | Died March 29, 2024) Actor Louis Gossett Jr., known for his role in “An Officer and a Gentleman,” died at 87.
Joe Lieberman (Born February 24, 1942 | Died March 27, 2024) Former U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman died at 82.
Steve Lawrence (Born July 8, 1935 | Died March 7, 2024) Singer Steve Lawrence, known for his solo career and partnership with his wife Eydie Gorme, died at 88.
Alexei Navalny (Born June 4, 1976 | Died February 16, 2024) Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died at 47.
Toby Keith (Born July 8, 1961 | Died February 5, 2024) Country music singer Toby Keith died at 62.
Carl Weathers (Born January 14, 1948 | Died February 2, 2024) Actor Carl Weathers, known for his role as Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” films, died at 76.
Charles Osgood (Born January 8, 1933 | Died January 23, 2024) Broadcaster Charles Osgood, known for “CBS Sunday Morning,” died at 91.
Norman Jewison (Born July 21, 1926 | Died January 20, 2024) Film director Norman Jewison, known for films like “Fiddler on the Roof” and “In the Heat of the Night,” died at 97.
David Soul (Born August 28, 1943 | Died January 4, 2024) Actor David Soul, best known for his role in “Starsky & Hutch,” died at 80.
Glynis Johns (Born October 5, 1923 | Died January 4, 2024) British actress Glynis Johns, known for her role in “Mary Poppins,” died at 100.