Just like the one that proceeded it, 2021 has been an especially cruel year. One which has seen fit to take the lives of some of Hollywood’s most cherished and revered celebrities.
Below is a short list of celebrities who passed away in 2021. Let’s all take a moment to remember and give thanks for all the laughs, the love, and the memories .
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Larry King
Larry King was one of the most respected and revered journalists in all of television. Over the course of his decades-long career, Larry interviewed everyone from Al Gore to Paris Hilton. He died of sepsis when he was 87-years-old.
Ed Asner
If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, then you’ll most likely remember Ed as Santa Claus in Elf and as the voice of Carl in Up . Ed passed away in his sleep of natural causes , surrounded by friends and family.
Olympia Dukakis
Olympia Dukakis is best remembered for her Oscar-winning performance opposite Cher in Moonstruck . Although no official cause of death was ever released, Olympia had been battling a slew of health problems for months leading up to her death.
Kevin Clark
The rebellious drummer from School of Rock passed away this year after he was tragically struck by a car while out riding his bike . Compounding the tragedy of it all was the fact that Kevin was only 32-years-old.
Jessica Walter
For as long as I live, Jessica Walter will always be Lucille Bluth in my mind. As no official cause of death was ever released, Jessica is said to have passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 80-years-old.
Virgil Abloh
If you’re a fan of fashion, then you no doubt understand the weight that the name Virgil Abloh carried. The former head of Louis Vuitton ‘s menswear collection lost a tragic battle with cancer when he was only 41 years of age.
Cloris Leachman
The legend of Cloris Leachman dates all the way back to the Golden Era of the Hollywood elite. Back in February, Cloris suffered a stroke and passed away shortly thereafter. Although she is gone, her legacy will never be forgotten.
Norm Macdonald
Norm Macdonald was revered by his fellow comics and celebrated by his fans. The former SNL star was known for his dark, dry sense of humor, and for his appearances in films like Billy Madison and Dirty Work . He was 61-years-old when he lost his battle with cancer.
George Segal
George Segal meant something different to everyone. For some, he’ll forever be known as Daedalus Patrick Murphy in Murphy’s Law . To me, I will always associate him with Murray Berenson from HBO’s Entourage . The star of The Goldbergs tragically passed due to complications after bypass surgery .
Charlie Watts
Charlie Watts was a founding member of the greatest Rock n’ Roll band of all time — The Rolling Stones. That’s right, I said it.
While no official cause of death was ever disclosed, Charlie had been suffering from multiple ailments in recent years.
Michael K. Williams
The tragedy of Michael K. Williams can be seen as a cautionary tale for any who aspire toward the limelight. He was silently struggling with addiction and mental health issues for years and passed due to acute intoxication .
Prince Philip
The Duke of Edinburgh had retreated from the spotlight in recent years after being a constant at Her Majesty’s side for more than seven decades. The official cause of death , according to the medical examiner, was that Philip died peacefully of old age.
Willie Garson
Fans of HBO’s Sex and the City were stunned upon hearing the news of Willie’s untimely passing. His health rapidly began to deteriorate after Willie was sadly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer . May he forever rest in peace.
Christopher Plummer
Christopher Plummer was a star of both film and stage, regarded by fans as well as his peers as one of the greatest actors to ever live. Earlier this year, Christopher hit his head after a fall and died two weeks later from his injuries.
DMX
The name DMX will forever live in infamy, thanks to classic hits like “Ruff Ryder’s Anthem”, “Party Up”, and “X Gon’ Give It To Ya”. According to the toxicology reports, X died of a heart attack brought on by a cocaine overdose.
James Michael Tyler
Losing James Michael Tyler to cancer was a huge loss. Friends fans, and the whole cast mourned the hilarious actor and thanked him for everything he contributed to the show.
RIP to all these amazing people.
Anne Rice
Anne Rice, who was a pioneer when it came to gothic novels died on Dec 12 from complications due to a stroke.
Book lovers everywhere sounded off on Twitter and sent positive thoughts to her son who announced her passing on Instagram.
William Lucking
Sons of Anarchy lovers were heartbroken to know that their favorite grumpy old man had passed away.
It went to show that you didn’t need to be the main character to have an impact on people.
Peter Scolari
Peter Scolari, who was well known for his time on Girls died of cancer at the age of 66 on Oct. 22.
He is survived by his wife, Tracy Shayne, and his four children.
Jane Powell
Jane Powell, one of the queens of Old Hollywood decided in September of natural causes.
She had a fantastic musical career and is known as one of the best actresses of all time.
Eric Carle
Eric Carle, most famous for his children’s book The Very Hungry Caterpillar died May 23 at 91.
People who grew up reading that book took to social media to express their gratitude to the author for giving them a book that would live with them forever.
Samuel E. Wright
Samuel E. Wright, who voiced one of the most famous animated characters of all time: Sebastian the Crab in Disney’s The Little Mermaid unfortunately, passed away on May 24, at 74.
Jim Steinman
Jim Steinman, who is most famous for his involvement with the song “Total Eclipse of the Heart” died April 19.
He was known for his contributions to major music stars, including Céline Dion.
Beverly Cleary
Another very famous children’s book author died on March 25 at the age of 104.
When the news made its way through publications, people took to the internet to once again voice their gratitude and appreciation for how the author changed their life.
Paul Ritter
The British actor who had a small role in Harry Potter as Eldred Worple, died at 54 back in April after a battle with a brain tumor.
He also had appearances in the James Bond franchise.
Helen McCrory
The Peaky Blinders star’s husband, Damian Lewis, revealed she had died after battling cancer.
“She died as she lived. Fearlessly,” Lewis wrote. “God, we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. She blazed so brightly. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.”
