Celebrity deaths in 2023: Remembering people who died this year

We said goodbye to a lot of famous people in 2023. Celebrity deaths included actors Alan Arkin, Matthew Perry, Lance Reddick, Tom Sizemore, Suzanne Somers, Raquel Welch and Cindy Williams; musicians Burt Bacharach, Jeff Beck, Tony Bennett, Jimmy Buffett, Smash Mouth’s Steve Harwell, Sinead O’Connor, The Band’s Robbie Robertson and Tina Turner; and TV personalities Bob Barker, Len Goodman, Jerry Springer and Paul Reubens (a.k.a. Pee-wee Herman).

Other famous people who died this year include singer-actor-activist Harry Belafonte, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, Lisa Marie Presley, former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, religious broadcaster Pat Robertson and “All in the Family” creator Norman Lear.

Notable deaths with Syracuse ties include football legend Jim Brown, Journey co-founder George Tickner, football great Maxie Baughan, B104.7 radio host Becky Palmer and former Buffalo Bills player Mike Williams.

Here is a list of celebrities and other notable figures who died in 2023:

Alan Arkin – The Oscar-winning actor whose credits included “Little Miss Sunshine” and “Argo” died June 29 at 89.

Burt Bacharach – The legendary composer of pop songs like “Walk on By,” “Do You Know the Way to San Jose,” “Alfie,” “I Say a Little Prayer” and “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again,” died Feb. 8 at 94.

Bob Barker – The legendary game show host on “The Price is Right” and “Truth or Consequences” died Aug. 26 at 99.

Maxie Baughan – The College Football Hall of Famer, 9-time Pro Bowler, NFL champion and Cornell football coach died in Ithaca on Aug. 19 at 85.

Jeff Beck – The guitar legend, inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice as a member of the Yardbirds and as a solo artist, died Jan. 10 at 78.

Harry Belafonte – The actor, singer and civil rights activist whose songs “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” and “Jump in the Line (Shake, Shake Senora)” still endure today died April 25 at 96.

Richard Belzer – The comedian and TV star known for “Homicide: Life on the Street” and “Law & Order: SVU” died Feb. 19 at 78.

Tony Bennett – The crooner on standards like “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” and gained new fans with his partnership with Lady Gaga died July 21 at 96.

Jim Brown – The legendary Syracuse and NFL running back NFL legend, who later became an actor (”The Dirty Dozen”) and civil rights advocate, died May 18 at 87.

Jimmy Buffett – The singer-songwriter who turned his beach bum rock anthem “Margaritaville” into a billion-dollar empire of restaurants and resorts died Sept. 1 at 76.

Rosalynn Carter – The former first lady and wife of President Jimmy Carter, who spent four decades as global humanitarians, died Nov. 19 at 96.

David Crosby – The musician who performed with the Byrds and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young died Sept. 18 at 81.

William Friedkin – The Oscar-winning director of films like “The Exorcist” and “The French Connection” died Aug. 7 at 87.

Michael Gambon – The actor who played Dumbledore in six “Harry Potter” films died Sept. 28 at 82.

Len Goodman – The longtime judge on “Dancing with the Stars” and “Strictly Come Dancing” died April 22 at 78.

Steve Harwell – The Smash Mouth singer known for hits “All Star” and “Walkin’ on the Sun” died Sept. 4 at 56.

The Iron Sheik – The pro wrestling villain who faced Hulk Hogan and other stars died June 7 at 81.

Norman Lear – The creator of “All in the Family,” “The Jeffersons,” “Good Times,” “One Day at a Time,” “Sanford & Son,” and other TV classics, died Dec. 5 at 101.

Gordon Lightfoot – The Canadian folk singer-songwriter known for “If You Could Read My Mind” and “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” died May 1 at 84.

Shane MacGowan – The Irish singer-songwriter and frontman for The Pogues, best known for the Christmas ballad “Fairytale of New York,” died Nov. 30 at 65.

Randy Meisner – The Eagles founding member who sang lead on “Take It to the Limit” died July 26 at 77.

Sandra Day O’Connor – The first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court died Dec. 1 at 93.

Sinead O’Connor – The Irish singer best known for her cover of “Nothing Compares 2 U” and provocative actions died July 26 at 56.

Becky Palmer – The longtime radio host on B104.7 in Syracuse died May 14 at 68.

Matthew Perry – The Emmy-nominated actor who played Chandler Bing on “Friends” died Oct. 28 at 54.

Lisa Marie Presley – The singer-songwriter and only child of Elvis Presley died Jan. 12 at 54.

Lance Reddick – The actor, a University of Rochester alumnus known for roles in “The Wire,” “Fringe” and “John Wick,” died March 17 at 60.

Paul Reubens – The actor and comedian whose character Pee-wee Herman was a pop culture phenomenon with an iconic laugh died July 30 at 70.

Pat Robertson – The religious broadcaster behind the Christian Broadcasting Network and tried a run for president died June 8 at 93.

Robbie Robertson – The Band guitarist who helmed classics like “The Weight” and “Up on Cripple Creek” died Aug. 9 at 80.

Gary Rossington – The Lynyrd Skynyrd co-founder and last surviving original member who co-wrote “Sweet Home Alabama” died March 5 at 71.

Richard Roundtree – The “Shaft” star died Oct. 24 at 81.

Tom Sizemore – The “Saving Private Ryan” actor died March 3 at 61.

Suzanne Somers – The actress known for “Three’s Company,” “Step By Step” and her Thighmaster fitness commercials died Oct. 15 at 76.

Jerry Springer – The former major and news anchor whose “Jerry Springer Show” featured a three-ring circus of dysfunctional guests died April 27 at 79.

George Tickner – Journey’s co-founding guitarist, who was born in Syracuse, died July 5 at 73.

Tina Turner – The iconic singer who performed with her husband Ike Turner and survived a horrible marriage to find solo success with songs like “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” died May 24 at 83.

Raquel Welch – The iconic sex symbol who starred in “One Million Years B.C.” and “Bedazzled” died Feb. 15 at 82.

Fred White – The Earth, Wind & Fire drummer died Jan. 1 at 67.

Cindy Williams – The actress who played Shirley on “Laverne & Shirley” died Jan. 25 at 75.

Mike Williams – The former Syracuse football wide receiver who played in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills died Sept. 12 at 36.

Treat Williams – The “Everwood” and “Hair” actor died June 12 at 71.

Bill Worden – The longtime Central New York TV anchor died March 8 at 80.

Burt Young – The Oscar-nominated actor who played Paulie in the “Rocky” movies died Oct. 8 at 83.

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Other notable deaths in 2023 include:

Joss Ackland – The British actor, known for roles in “Lethal Weapon 2,” “The Mighty Ducks,” “The Hunt for Red October” and “Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey” died Nov. 19 at 95.

Ed Ames – The youngest member of the ‘50s singing group the Ames Brothers died May 21 at 95.

Heather Armstrong – The popular mommy blogger known as Dooce died May 9 at 47.

Clarence Avant – The music executive known as the “Black Godfather” of music died Aug. 13 at 92.

Robbie Bachman – The Bachman-Turner Overdrive musician died January 12 at 69.

Tim Bachman – The Bachman-Turner Overdrive musician died April 28 at 71.

Maryanne Trump Barry – The retired federal judge and sister of former President Donald Trump died Nov. 13 at 86.

John Beasley – The veteran character actor who played a kindly school bus driver on “Everwood” died May 30 at 79.

Jane Birkin – The singer-actress known for “Je T’Aime… Moi Non Plus” died July 16 at 76.

Pamela Blair – The actress known for “All My Children” and Broadway’s “A Chorus Line” died July 23 at 73.

Robert Blake – The “Baretta” actor, who was tried and acquitted in the killing of his wife, died March 9 at 89.

Ken Block – The motorsports icon known for stunt driving and co-founding DC Shoes died Jan. 2 at 55.

Earl Boen – The “Terminator” actor died Jan. 5 at 81.

Nashawn Breedlove – The “8 Mile” actor died Sept. 24 at 46.

Al Brown – “The Wire” actor died Jan. 13 at 83.

George “Funky” Brown – The Kool & The Gang co-founder, who co-wrote hits like “Ladies Night” and “Celebration,” died Nov. 16 at 74.

Ricou Browning – The swimmer who played Gill Man in the 1950s monster movie “Creature from the Black Lagoon” died Feb. 27 at 93.

James Buckley – The former New York senator died Aug. 18 at 100.

Jeff Burr – The “Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III” director died Oct. 10 at 60.

Dick Butkus – The Hall of Fame linebacker for the Chicago Bears died Oct. 5 at 80.

Sergio Calderón – The actor in “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” and “Men in Black” died May 31 at 77.

Bobby Caldwell – The “What You Won’t Do For Love” singer died in March at 71.

DJ Casper – The musician behind line dance classic “Cha Cha Slide” died Aug. 7.

Gerald Castillo – The actor, whose credits included “Saved By the Bell,” “General Hospital” and “The Jeffersons,” died May 4 at 90.

Paul Cattermole – The S Club 7 singer died in April at 46.

Michael Chiarello – The Emmy-winning chef who appeared on “Top Chef” and “Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello” died Oct. 6 at 61.

Tyler Christopher – The soap actor on ‘General Hospital’ and ‘Days of Our Lives’ died Oct. 31 at 50.

Angus Cloud – The “Euphoria” actor died July 31 at 25.

Phyllis Coates – The actress, who played Lois Lane in 1951′s “Superman and the Mole Men,” died Oct. 11 at 96.

Van Conner – The Screaming Trees bassist died Jan. 17 at 55.

Carole Cook – The “Sixteen Candles” actress, Broadway star and Lucille Ball collaborator died Jan. 11 at 98.

Bill Cunningham – The original voice of Barbie’s Ken died July 15 at 96.

Walter Cunningham – The last surviving astronaut from NASA’s first successful crewed Apollo mission died Jan. 3 at 90.

Marcia de Rousse – The “True Blood” and “St. Elsewhere” actress died Sept. 2 at 70.

Richard Duffy – The Syracuse teammate of Jim Boeheim and Dave Bing died April 27 at 80.

Evan Ellingson – The former child actor known for “CSI: Miami” and “My Sister’s Keeper” died Nov. 5 at 35.

Dianne Feinstein – The longtime U.S. senator from California died Sept. 29 at 90.

Elise Finch – The CBS New York meteorologist and Syracuse University alumna died July 16 at 51.

Chris Ford – The NBA player and coach, who scored the league’s first 3-pointer and won a championship with the Boston Celtics in 1981, died Jan. 17 at 74.

George Frazier – The World Series champion pitcher and TV broadcaster died June 19 at 68.

Terry Funk – The WWE Hall of Fame wrestler , who appeared in the movies “Over the Top” and “Road House,” died Aug. 23 at 79.

Gangsta Boo – The Three 6 Mafia rapper, whose real name was Lola Chantrelle Mitchell, died Jan. 1 at 43.

Astrud Gilberto – The Brazilian singer behind bossa nova classic “The Girl from Ipanema” died June 5 at 83.

Brian Gillis – The LFO singer died March 29.

Mark Goddard – The “Lost in Space” actor, who played Major Don West on the 1960s TV show, died Oct. 10 at 87.

Bo Goldman – The Oscar-winning “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Next” screenwriter died July 25 at 90.

Lelia Goldoni – The actress in “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” “The Italian Job” and “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” died July 22 at 86.

Jim Gordon – The rock drummer, who played with Derek and the Dominos, Joe Cocker, Traffic and the famed studio session players known as the Wrecking Crew, died March 13 at 77.

John Gosling – The Kinks keyboardist died Aug. 3 at 75.

Bud Grant – The Hall of Fame football coach who took the Minnesota Vikings to four Super Bowls in eight years (and lost all of them) died March 11 at 95.

Irish Grinstead – The singer in R&B group 702 died Sept. 16 at 43.

Haydn Gwynne – The British actress known for “The Crown” died Oct. 20 at 66.

Lynette “Diamond” Hardaway – The Trump supporter best known as one-half of the conservative political commentary duo Diamond and Silk died Jan. 8 at 51.

Johnny Hardwick – The “King of the Hill” voice actor died Aug. 8 at 64.

Sheldon Harnick – The Tony- and Grammy-winning lyricist behind shows like “Fiddler on the Roof” and “The Apple Tree” died June 23 at 99.

C.J. Harris – The “American Idol” singer, who finished sixth on season 13, died Jan. 15 at 31.

Rolf Harris – The veteran entertainer on British and Australian TV who was convicted of sexually assaulting young girls died May 10 at 93.

Clarence “Fuzzy” Haskins – The Parliament Funkadelic musician died March 17 at 81.

Ray Hildebrand – The “Paul” in ‘60s pop duo Paul & Paula died Aug. 28 at 82.

Ellen Holly – The “One Life to Live” actress died Dec. 6 at 92.

Gregory Allen Howard – The writer of “Remember the Titans” and “Harriet” died Jan. 27 at 70.

Hugh Hudson – The Oscar-winning “Chariots of Fire” director died Feb. 10 at 86.

Bobby Hull – The hockey hall of famer who won a Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks died Jan. 30 at 84.

Barry Humphries – The Tony-winning comedian best known for his stage persona Dame Edna, who appeared in “Ally McBeal,” died April 22 at 89.

Gayle Hunnicutt – The “Dallas” actress died Aug. 31 at 80.

Rudolph Isley – The “Shout” singer and founding member of The Isley Brothers died Oct. 11 at 84.

Glenda Jackson – The Oscar-winning performer and British politician died June 15 at 87.

Alf Jacques – The legendary stick maker who led a push to preserve traditional lacrosse died June 15 at 74

Al Jaffee – Mad magazine’s award-winning cartoonist and ageless wise guy died April 10 at 102.

DJ Mark Howard James – The 45 King, whose “The 900 Number” became the basis for DJ Kool’s “Let Me Clear My Throat,” died Oct. 19 at 62.

Rick Jeanneret – The Buffalo Sabres play-by-play announcer died Aug. 17 at 81.

Keith Jefferson – The actor known for roles in Quentin Tarantino films and multiple Jamie Foxx projects died Aug. 9 at 53.

David Jude Jolicoeur – The De La Soul rapper known as Trugoy the Dove died Feb. 12 at 54.

Ron Cephas Jones – The “This Is Us” actor died Aug. 19 at 66.

Tom Jones – The lyricist, director and writer of “The Fantasticks” musical died Aug. 11 at 95.

Theodore “Ted” Kaczynski – The “Unabomber” who ran a 17-year bombing campaign that killed 3 people and injured 23 others died June 10 at 81.

Darren Kent – The “Game of Thrones” actor died Aug. 11 at 36.

Charles Kimbrough – The ‘Murphy Brown’ actor died Jan. 11 at 86.

Terry Kirkman – The Association singer behind “Cherish” died Sept. 23 at 83.

Henry Kissinger – The former secretary of state who exerted uncommon influence on global affairs under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, earning both vilification and the Nobel Peace Prize, died Nov. 29 at 100.

Robert Klane – The “Weekend at Bernie’s” and “National Lampoon’s European Vacation” writer died Aug. 29 at 81.

Robbie Knievel – The daredevil who performed motorcycle jumps and other stunts like his father Evel Knievel died Jan. 13 at 60.

Bob Knight – The college basketball coach who won three NCAA titles at Indiana died Nov. 1 at 83.

Jean Knight – The “Mr. Big Stuff” singer died Nov. 22 at 80.

Marty Krofft – The TV producer known for “H.R. Pufnstuf” and “Donny & Marie” died Nov. 25 at 86.

Denny Laine – The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and co-founder of Wings and The Moody Blues died Dec. 5 at 79.

Piper Laurie – The Oscar-nominated actor in “Carrie” and “Children of a Lesser God” died Oct. 14 at 91.

Michael Lerner – The actor, known for roles in “Elf,” “Barton Fink,” “Blank Check” and “Harlem Nights,” died April 8 at 81.

Gina Lollobrigida – The Italian actress dubbed “the most beautiful woman in the world” died Jan. 16 at 95.

Lisa Loring – The original Wednesday Addams actress on TV’s “The Addams Family” died Jan. 28 at 64.

Steve Mackey – The Pulp musician died March 2 at 56.

Magoo – The rapper known for his work with Timbaland & Magoo and “Up Jumps da Boogie” with Aaliyah and Missy Elliott died Aug. 13 at 50.

George Maharis – The actor who cruised the country in a Corvette convertible in the hit television series “Route 66” died May 24 at 94.

Austin Majors – The former child actor who played Dennis Franz’s son on “NYPD Blue” died Feb. 11 at 27.

Mark Margolis – The Emmy-nominated actor in “Breaking Bad,” “Better Call Saul” and “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” died Aug. 3 at 83.

Bernie Marsden – The Whitesnake guitarist died Aug. 24 at 72.

Leiji Matsumoto – The anime creator known for “Space Battleship Yamato” died Feb. 13 at 85.

Ken Mattingly – The astronaut who helped bring Apollo 13 safely back to Earth died Oct. 31 at 87.

David McCallum – “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” and “NCIS” actor died Sept. 25 at 90.

Cormac McCarthy – The Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist behind “The Road,” “Blood Meridian” and “All the Pretty Horses” died June 13 at 89.

Tim McCarver – The two-time World Series champ with the St. Louis Cardinals and Hall of Fame baseball braodcaster died Feb. 16 at 81.

Michael McGrath – The Tony-winning Broadway actor died Sept. 14 at 65.

Joanna Merlin – The actress, whose credits included “The Ten Commandments,” “Mystic Pizza” and Broadway’s “Fiddler on the Roof,” died Oct. 15 at 92.

Richard Moll – The character actor who played the bailiff on “Night Court” died Oct. 26 at 80.

Lloyd Morrisett – The co-creator of “Sesame Street” died Jan. 15 at 93.

Jerry Moss – The music exec who co-founded A&M Records with Herb Alpert died Aug. 16 at 88.

Fito Olivares – The Tejano musician died March 17 at 75.

Billy Packer – The Emmy-winning college basketball broadcaster died Jan. 26 at 82.

Hersha Parady – The “Little House on the Prairie” actress died Aug. 23 at 78.

Lara Parker – The “Dark Shadows” actress died Oct. 12 at 84.

Tatjana Patitz – The ‘80s supermodel who appeared on magazine covers and in George Michael’s “Freedom! ‘90″ music video died Jan. 11 at 56.

Anne Perry – The best-selling crime novelist who inspired the movie “Heavenly Creatures” died April 10 at 84.

Mary Quant – The fashion designer whose miniskirts epitomized London’s swinging ‘60s died April 13 at 93.

Willis Reed – The NBA great who led the New York Knicks to their first championship in 1970 died March 21 at 80.

Adam Rich – The former child actor on “Eight is Enough” died Jan. 7 at 54.

Brooks Robinson – The beloved Orioles third baseman and Hall of Famer died Sept. 26 at 86.

Sixto Rodriguez – The musician featured in 2012′s “Searching for Sugar Man,” died Aug. 9 at 81.

Andy Rourke – The Smiths bass guitarist died May 19 at 59.

Johnny “Blackie Onassis” Rowan – The Urge Overkill drummer died June 13 at 57.

Ryuichi Sakamoto – The Japanese musician and actor who composed for Hollywood hits such as “The Last Emperor” and “The Revenant” died March 28 at 71.

Eileen Saki – The “M*A*S*H” actress, who played the owner of Rosie’s Bar, died May 1 at 79.

Julian Sands – The “Arachnophobia” actor was found dead in June, months after going missing on a mountain at age 65.

Mark Sheehan – The Script guitarist died April 14 at 46.

Wayne Shorter – The jazz musician died March 2 at 89.

Charles Simic – The Pulitzer Prize-winning poet died Jan. 9 at 84.

Huey “Piano” Smith – The New Orleans musician who backed Little Richard and Lloyd Price and performed classics like “Rockin’ Pneumonia and Boogie Woogie Flu” died Feb. 13 at 89.

Chris Snow – The Calgary Flames assistant GM and Syracuse University alumnus died Sept. 30 at 42.

Jack Sonni – The Dire Straits guitarist died Aug. 30 at 68.

Arleen Sorkin – The voice of Harley Quinn in DC animation and “Days of Our Lives” actress died Aug. 26 at 67.

Frances Sternhagen – The Tony-winning actress known for roles in “Cheers,” “ER,” “Sex and the City” and “The Closer” died Nov. 27 at 93.

Stella Stevens – The 1960s and ‘70s actress best known for starring in Jerry Lewis’ “The Nutty Professor” died Feb. 17 at 84.

Ray Stevenson – The Irish actor whose credits included “Thor,” “RRR” and HBO’s “Rome” died May 21 at 58.

Barrett Strong – The Motown singer, who performed “Money (That’s What I Want)” and collaborated with Norman Whitfield on “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “War” and “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” died Jan. 28 at 81.

Robert Swan – The actor in “Hoosiers,” “The Untouchables” and “Natural Born Killers” died Aug. 9 at 78.

Wayne Swinny – The Saliva guitarist and last remaining original member of the rock band died in March at 59.

Klaus Teuber – The Catan board game creator died April 1 at 70.

Frank Thomas – The Pittsburgh Pirates star and original New York Met died Jan. 16 at 93.

Chaim Topol – The Israeli actor who played Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof” died March 8 at 87.

Tom Verlaine – Theguitarist and co-founder of the seminal proto-punk band Television died Jan. 28 at 73.

Tim Wakefield – The knuckleball pitcher who helped the Boston Red Sox win their curse-breaking 2004 World Series died Oct. 1 at 57.

Annie Wersching – The ‘24,’ ‘The Last of Us,’ ‘Star Trek’ actress died Jan. 29 at 45.

Peter White – The “All My Children” and “Boys in the Band” actor died Nov. 1 at 86.

Paxton Whitehead – The British actor who appeared in “Back to School,” “Friends” and “Mad About You” died June 16 at 85.

Mars Williams – The saxophonist for the Psychedelic Furs and The Waitresses died Nov. 20 at 68.

George Winston – The Grammy-winning pianist who blended jazz, classical, folk and other stylings died June 4 at 73.

Gary Wright – The “Dream Weaver” musician died Sept. 4 at 80.

Samuel “Joe” Wurzelbacher – Known for questioning Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential campaign, “Joe the Plumber” died Aug. 27 at 49.

Bray Wyatt – The WWE wrestler and son of Syracuse University alum Mike Rotundo (aka WWF star The IRS, a tax collector heel named Irwin R. Schyster) died Aug. 24 at 36.

YoungLo – The rapper died May 7 at 37.

Gary Young – The Pavement drummer died Aug. 17 at 70.

Jacklyn Zeman – The “General Hospital” actress who played Bobbie Spencer for decades died May 9 at 70.

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