Remembering the Stars of Classic Film & TV We Lost in 2024—From James Earl Jones to Linda Lavin
Before looking ahead to 2025, join us in honoring the beloved icons we lost this year
While celebrations heralding the New Year are everywhere, one of the unfortunate aspects of entertainment journalism is the need to look back at the year that was, particularly the celebrities and public figures that have been lost over the past 12 months. In this particular case, we focus on the passing of classic stars from both the big and small screens, 2024 having begun with the loss of Mary Poppins‘ Glynis Johns, The Honeymooners‘ Joyce Randolph and Starsky and Hutch‘s David Soul, and concluding with The Mod Squad‘s Michael Cole, Romeo and Juliet‘s Olivia Hussey and Alice‘s Linda Lavin. Each leaves a gaping hole in the tapestry of our pop cultural lives.
Please read on as we pay tribute to these movie and television performers whose work will be remembered for years to come
Glynis Johns
Birth and Death: October 4, 1923 – January 3, 2024 (100)
Background: The Welsh actress was known for her unique voice and captivating performances in stage and film. Additionally, she was a trained pianist and singer. In all, her career spanned more than 60 years, during which she made the transition from child roles to more sophisticated adult characters.
Best Known For: Her role as Mrs. Winifred Banks in Mary Poppins and for originating the role of Desiree in Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music. In that, she introduced the classic song “Send in the Clowns.”
David Soul
Birth and Death: August 28, 1943 – January 4, 2024 (80)
Background: Initially a musician, David Soul made the move to acting, gaining fame as one-half of the iconic detective duo in the ABC series Starsky & Hutch. Additionally, he enjoyed a successful music career with hits like “Don’t Give Up on Us.”
Best Known For: Starsky & Hutch, Salem’s Lot (the first adaptation of Stephen King’s novel of the same name) and his chart-topping music career.
Joyce Randolph
Birth and Death: October 20, 1924 – January 12, 2024 (99)
Background: A star of television’s Golden Age, she became a household name as one of the original cast members of The Honeymooners, portraying Trixie Norton opposite Art Carney’s Ed Norton. Randolph’s career began on stage prior to her move to television.
Best Known For: Trixie Norton on The Honeymooners.
Bill Hayes
Birth and Death: June 5, 1925 – January 12, 2024 (98)
Background: Bill Hayes gained fame as a singer on the television variety series Your Show of Shows (starring Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca) and transitioned to acting with his role as Doug Williams on the soap opera Days of Our Lives.
Best Known For: Days of Our Lives and the hit single “The Ballad of Davy Crockett.”
Chita Rivera
Birth and Death: January 23, 1933 – January 30, 2024 (91)
Background: Chita Rivera was celebrated for her dazzling performances in iconic musicals, originating roles in West Side Story and Chicago. Rivera earned numerous accolades throughout her career, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Best Known For: West Side Story, Chicago and Kiss of the Spider Woman.
Carl Weathers
Birth and Death: January 14, 1948 – February 2, 2024 (76)
Background: Actor and former professional football player who shifted into acting in the 1970s. His breakout role was undoubtedly Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise.
Best Known For: Rocky, Predator and The Mandalorian.
Richard Lewis
Birth and Death: June 29, 1947 – February 27, 2024 (76)
Background: The comedian and actor made neurotic humor and self-deprecation his calling card and did it brilliantly. He was a fixture on the stand-up comedy circuit before becoming a television star in Anything but Love (starring opposite Jamie Lee Curtis) and a recurring presence on Larry David’s Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Best Known For: His stand-up routines, Anything but Love and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Steve Lawrence
Birth and Death: July 8, 1935 – March 7, 2024 (88)
Background: Steve Lawrence was one-half of the famous musical duo Steve and Eydie (his wife, Eydie Gorme). Together, they became icons of the American music scene, performing on variety shows and Las Vegas stages.
Best Known For: Songs like “Go Away, Little Girl.”
M. Emmet Walsh
Birth and Death: March 22, 1935 – March 19, 2024 (88)
Background: Walsh was a prolific character actor, known for his ability to bring a sense of presence to supporting roles. He appeared in over 200 productions, although his breakthrough came with Blood Simple.
Best Known For: Blood Simple, Blade Runner and Raising Arizona.
Ron Harper
Birth and Death: January 12, 1933 – March 21, 2024 (91)
Background: A versatile actor known for his work in television during the 1960s and 1970s. He appeared in a variety of genres, from science fiction to crime dramas.
Best Known For: Planet of the Apes (TV series), Garrison’s Gorillas and Land of the Lost.
Louis Gossett Jr.
Birth and Death: May 27, 1936 – March 29, 2024 (87)
Background: Gossett’s acting career spanned over six decades, with his becoming the first African American to win an Academy Award in the category of Best Supporting Actor for his role in An Officer and a Gentleman.
Best Known For: An Officer and a Gentleman, Roots and Iron Eagle.
Joe Flaherty
Birth and Death: June 21, 1941 – April 1, 2024 (82)
Background: He was one of the stars of the iconic sketch comedy series SCTV, where he had the opportunity to create a wide variety of memorable characters.
Best Known For: SCTV, Happy Gilmore and Freaks and Geeks.
Spencer Milligan
Birth and Death: September 10, 1937 – April 18, 2024 (86)
Background: Milligan rose to fame in the 1970s with his role in Land of the Lost. His portrayal of Rick Marshall became a defining role of his career. He later focused on theater and teaching.
Best Known For: Rick Marshall in Land of the Lost.
Bernard Hill
Birth and Death: December 17, 1944 – May 5, 2025 (79)
Background: British actor whose career spanned theater, television and film. He gained international acclaim for his performances in high-profile productions, including Shakespearean adaptations and epic blockbusters.
Best Known For: King Théoden in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Captain Edward Smith in Titanic and Yosser Hughes in Boys from the Blackstuff.
Robert Logan
Birth and Death: May 29, 1941 – May 6, 2024 (82)
Background: Logan began his career in television before transitioning to movies that capitalized on his outdoorsy persona.
Best Known For: The Adventures of the Wilderness Family film series and his role in 77 Sunset Strip.
Roger Corman
Birth and Death: April 5, 1926 – May 9, 2024 (98)
Background: Corman was a legendary filmmaker and producer known as the “King of the B-Movies.” He directed and produced hundreds of low-budget films that became cult classics, mentoring many future Hollywood icons, including Martin Scorsese and James Cameron, along the way.
Best Known For: The Little Shop of Horrors, House of Usher and Death Race 2000.
Susan Backlinie
Birth and Death: September 1, 1946 – May 11, 2024 (77)
Background: Susan Backlinie was an actress and stuntwoman who achieved fame for her brief but oh-so-effective role in the opening scene of Jaws. A woman with experience working with wild animals, her expertise made her a natural choice for aquatic roles.
Best Known For: Chrissie Watkins, the first victim in Steven Spielberg’s Jaws (1975).
Dabney Coleman
Birth and Death: January 3, 1932 – May 16, 2024 (92)
Background: A prolific actor known for his sharp wit and ability to play characters with a mix of charm and arrogance.
Best Known For: 9 to 5, WarGames, Tootsie and The Towering Inferno.
Janis Paige
Birth and Death: September 16, 1922 – June 2, 2024 (101)
Background: She was a stage and film actress who effortlessly transitioned between musicals and dramatic roles. Paige starred opposite some of Hollywood’s biggest names during the 1940s and 1950s and later enjoyed success on Broadway.
Best Known For: Romance on the High Seas and her Broadway role in The Pajama Game.
Donald Sutherland
Birth and Death: July 17, 1935 – June 20, 2024 (88)
Background: Donald Sutherland was a Canadian actor known for his distinctive voice and commanding screen presence. His career spanned over 50 years, during which he appeared in some of the most acclaimed films of his time.
Best Known For: M*A*S*H, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Ordinary People and The Hunger Games series.
Shelley Duvall
Birth and Death: July 7, 1949 – July 11, 2024 (75)
Background: Shelley Duvall was a uniquely talented actress known for her offbeat charm and collaborations with director Robert Altman. Her distinctive look and emotionally raw performances made her a standout in virtually every role that she took on.
Best Known For: The Shining, Popeye and 3 Women. She also created the beloved children’s series Faerie Tale Theatre.
Shannen Doherty
Birth and Death: April 12, 1971 – July 13, 2024 (53)
Background: Doherty achieved stardom in the 1990s as Brenda Walsh in the long-running series Beverly Hills, 90210. A fiery personality, she brought that to bear in her acting performances as well as in the public advocacy she would embrace later on as she battled cancer.
Best Known For: Beverly Hills, 90210; Charmed and Heathers.
Richard Simmons
Birth and Death: July 12, 1948 – July 13, 2024 (76)
Background: Richard Simmons was a fitness icon whose infectious energy and flamboyant personality made him a household name. Through his exercise programs and motivational style, Simmons inspired millions to lead healthier lives.
Best Known For: His Sweatin’ to the Oldies series and his charismatic presence.
James B. Sikking
Birth and Death: March 5, 1934 – July 13, 2024 (90)
Background: Known for his calm authority, he often played professional figures such as police officers and military personnel. Sikking was a mainstay of American television during the 1980s and 1990s.
Best Known For: His role as Lt. Howard Hunter in Hill Street Blues and Captain Styles in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock.
Bob Newhart
Birth and Death: September 5, 1929 – July 18, 2024 (94)
Background: A legendary comedian and actor known for his deadpan delivery and unique comedic timing. He gained fame through his stand-up comedy albums before making the leap to television, where he starred in two beloved sitcoms.
Best Known For: The Bob Newhart Show, Newhart and his Emmy-winning guest role on The Big Bang Theory.
Gena Rowlands
Birth and Death: June 19, 1930 – August 14, 2024 (94)
Background: Rowlands was acclaimed for her collaborations with husband (and director) John Cassavetes. Her performances were often emotionally raw and groundbreaking.
Best Known For: A Woman Under the Influence, Gloria, and The Notebook.
Peter Marshall
Birth and Death: March 30, 1926 – August 15, 2024 (98)
Background: He was best known for hosting the long-running game show Hollywood Squares. His humor and charm brought joy to millions of viewers, and he had a particularly good rapport with frequent “center square” Paul Lynde.
Best Known For: Hollywood Squares and his work in musical theater.
Phil Donahue
Birth and Death: December 21, 1935 – August 18, 2024 (88)
Background: As the creator and host of The Phil Donahue Show, he introduced a conversational, audience-driven style series that tackled social and political issues head-on, making him a pioneer of the genre.
Best Known For: The Phil Donahue Show, which aired for 29 years.
John Amos
Birth and Death: December 27, 1939 – August 21, 2024 (84)
Background: He began his career in television, appearing in groundbreaking series that addressed race and social issues.
Best Known For: His roles in Good Times, Roots, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
James Darren
Birth and Death: June 8, 1936 – September 2, 2024 (88)
Background: James Darren was a singer and actor whose career blossomed during the 1950s and 1960s. Starting as a teen idol, he transitioned into acting while continuing to record music.
Best Known For: Gidget, The Time Tunnel and his role as Vic Fontaine in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
James Earl Jones
Birth and Death: January 17, 1931 – September 9, 2024 (93)
Background: Jones was a celebrated actor known for his powerful voice and commanding presence. His career included significant roles on stage and screen, and he was the voice of some of the most memorable characters in cinema history.
Best Known For: Voicing Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King, as well as his work in Fences, Field of Dreams and The Great White Hope.
Maggie Smith
Birth and Death: December 28, 1934 – September 27, 2024 (89)
Background: Smith, equally adept at comedy and drama, was a British actress whose career spanned more than six decades. Over the years she won numerous awards for her performances in film, theater and television.
Best Known For: The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Downton Abbey and Harry Potter (as Professor McGonagall).
Kris Kristofferson
Birth and Death: June 22, 1936 – September 28, 2024 (88)
Background: Kris Kristofferson was a legendary singer-songwriter and actor who played a pivotal role in shaping country music in the 1970s. A Rhodes Scholar and former Army pilot, Kristofferson pursued music, writing hits like “Me and Bobby McGee.” He later transitioned into acting, appearing in critically acclaimed films, including the 1970s version of A Star is Born opposite Barbra Streisand.
Best Known For: A Star is Born, Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid and his aforementioned music career, including hits like “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down.”
Ron Ely
Birth and Death: June 21, 1938 – September 29, 2024 (86)
Background: Ron Ely is best remembered for his role as Tarzan in the 1960s television series of the same name. Later in life, he wrote the mystery novels Night Shadows (1994) and East Beach (1995), both of which feature private investigator Jake Sands.
Best Known For: Tarzan (TV series), hosting the 1980 Miss America Pageant and television guest appearances.
Mitzi Gaynor
Birth and Death: September 4, 1931 – October 17, 2024 (93)
Background: Mitzi Gaynor was a multi-talented performer, who was equally comfortable acting, singing or dancing, and starred in variety of musicals during Hollywood’s golden age.
Best Known For: South Pacific, There’s No Business Like Show Business and her Emmy-winning television specials.
Michael Newman
Birth and Death: April 26, 1957 – October 20, 2024 (68)
Background: Michael Newman was a lifeguard-turned-actor who gained fame as a cast member of Baywatch, his real-life experience bringing authenticity to his role.
Best Known For: Baywatch, where he played a fictionalized version of himself.
Teri Garr
Birth and Death: December 11, 1944 – October 29, 2024 (79)
Background: She began her career as a dancer in no less than nine Elvis Presley movies, before filmmakers began to recognize her natural charm and comedic timing, which would lead to roles in both dramas and comedies.
Best Known For: Young Frankenstein, Tootsie, Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Mr. Mom.
Quincy Jones
Birth and Death: March 14, 1933 – November 3, 2024 (91)
Background: Quincy Jones was a music industry icon whose career as a composer, arranger and producer spanned some 70 years! He was instrumental in shaping modern music, working with legends like Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and Ray Charles.
Best Known For: Producing Michael Jackson’s Thriller, the all-star song “We Are the World,” composing the scores for The Color Purple and Roots and his immense influence on jazz, pop, and film music.
Wayne Northrop
Birth and Death: April 12, 1947 – November 20, 2024 (77)
Background: As an actor, he found fame on daytime and primetime soap operas, playing Roman Brady, Andre DiMera and Alex North on Days of Our Lives, Rex Stanton on Port Charles and Michael Culhane on Dynasty.
Best Known For: His years on those soap operas.
Earl Holliman
Birth and Death: September 11, 1928 – November 25, 2024 (96)
Background: Earl Holliman was a character actor who appeared in a variety of film and television roles throughout his career. He frequently portrayed rugged, charming characters and was a fixture in Westerns and dramas.
Best Known For: The classic sci-fi film Forbidden Planet, The Rainmaker, Giant and the Angie Dickinson series Police Woman.
Thom Christopher
Birth and Death: October 5, 1940 – December 5, 2024 (84)
Background: Thom Christopher was a versatile television actor working in soap operas and science fiction. In terms of the latter, his role as the alien Hawk on Buck Rogers in the 25th Century became a fan favorite, and he continued to appear in popular daytime dramas throughout his career.
Best Known For: Buck Rogers in the 25th Century and the soap opera The Edge of Night (1974), One Life to Live (1990 to 2008), Loving (1993 to 1994) and Guiding Light (1999 to 2002).
Michael Cole
Birth and Death: July 3, 1940 – December 10, 2024 (84)
Background: Michael Cole starred in The Mod Squad with Clarence Williams III and Peggy Lipton, portraying the part of Pete Cochran.
Best Known For: The Mod Squad as well as appearances in Gunsmoke and Chips.
Geoffrey Deuel
Birth and Death: January 17, 1943 – December 22, 2024 (81)
Background: Geoffrey Deuel gained recognition for his portrayal of Billy the Kid in the John Wayne film Chisum. He appeared in numerous television series during his career.
Best Known For: Chisum and guest roles in Bonanza and Gunsmoke.
Olivia Hussey
Birth and Death: April 17, 1951 – December 27, 2024 (73)
Background: She rose to international fame thanks to her portrayal of Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film Romeo and Juliet. For her performance, she won a Golden Globe, establishing herself as one of the most acclaimed young actresses of her generation.
Best Known For: Romeo and Juliet, Black Christmas and Death on the Nile.
Linda Lavin
Birth and Death: October 15, 1937 – December 29, 2024 (87)
Background: Linda Lavin was a celebrated actress and singer, as comfortable on stage as she was behind the camera, and played the titular character in the sitcom Alice.
Best Known For: Alice and her stage performances in Broadway Bound and Gypsy. She most recently had a supporting role on the Netflix streaming series No Good Deed.
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