Billie Schwab Dunn
As the year draws to a close, it’s time to remember the celebrities who we’ve lost along the way.
Throughout this year, the world said goodbye to stars such as Lisa Marie Presley and Len Goodman, while more recent celebrity deaths have included figures such as Matthew Perry and Suzanne Somers.
Here Newsweek remembers the celebrities who died in 2023 and the legacies they left behind.
Matthew Perry
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Matthew Perry was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his L.A. home on October 28. His death was an accident caused by the “acute effects of ketamine,” a coroner has recorded. He was 54 years old.
Best known for playing Chandler Bing in the sitcom Friends, Perry also appeared on Ally McBeal and received Primetime Emmy award nominations for his performances in The West Wing and The Ron Clark Story.
According to the coroner, Perry had been receiving ketamine infusion therapy for anxiety and depression; his last session was more than a week before his death. His live-in assistant told investigators the actor had not been sick, had not made any health complaints, and had not shown evidence of recent alcohol or drug use.
Perry openly spoke about his addiction to alcohol and prescription medication, writing in his memoir that he spent $9 million trying to get sober.
A private funeral, which was attended by all five of Perry’s Friends co-stars, was held in Los Angeles on November 3.
Tina Turner
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A spokesperson for Tina Turner confirmed on May 24 that the acclaimed singer had died at age 83.
“Tina Turner, the ‘Queen of Rock’n Roll,’ has died peacefully today at the age of 83 after a long illness in her home in Kusnacht near Zurich, Switzerland,” the statement read. “With her, the world loses a music legend and a role model.”
Turner began her career in the late 1950s when she joined future husband Ike Turner’s band the Kings of Rhythm. She later became the lead singer and star of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. By the mid-1960s, the duo was one of the most famous couples in R&B and rock, scoring hits like “River Deep–Mountain High” and “Proud Mary.”
Over her illustrious career, she won eight Grammy Awards and had stars on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the St. Louis Walk of Fame.
“With her music and her boundless passion for life, she enchanted millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow. Today we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music,” a post on the star’s account read. “All our heartfelt compassion goes out to her family. Tina, we will miss you dearly.”
André Braugher
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Emmy-winning actor André Braugher died on December 11 at the age of 61.
His publicist Jennifer Allen confirmed on December 12 that he died after a brief illness. No additional details were available at the time of publication.
A Juilliard graduate, Braugher became well-known for his part as Detective Frank Pembleton in the NBC series Homicide: Life on the Street, winning an Emmy award for his performance in 1998. More recently he achieved critical success in the hit comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine, becoming immensely popular as the no-nonsense Captain Raymond Holt during the show’s eight seasons.
In addition to his extensive television work, Braugher also acted in a variety of films—including Baytown Outlaws and The Mist—and had an illustrious career in theatre.
Braugher leaves behind Ami Brabson—his wife of 32 years who also played his character’s wife in Homicide: Life on the Street—and their sons Michael, Isaiah and John Wesley.
Anna ‘Chickadee’ Cardwell
The reality star and elder sister of Alana ‘Honey Boo Boo’ Thompson died at age 29 on December 9, after a 10-month cancer ordeal.
Cardwell was diagnosed with adrenal carcinoma in January after complaining of stomach pains. She underwent a series of tests and doctors found the aggressive cancer had spread to her liver, kidneys and lungs.
She was the oldest daughter of June Shannon, aka Mama June, who rose to fame in the reality TV series Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.
“With the breaking heart, we are announcing that @annamarie35 is no longer with us. She passed away in my home last night peacefully at 11:12 PM,” Shannon announced on Instagram.
“She gave one hell of a fight for 10 months she passed away with her family around her like she won’t and we will be updating y’all with more information as we get it today. We love y’all and continued prayers and thoughts for our family doing this difficult time.”
Cardwell is survived by her boyfriend Eldridge Toney, and her daughters Kaitlyn Elizabeth, 11, and Kylee Madison, 8.
Ryan O’Neal
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Ryan O’Neal, the actor who was nominated for an Oscar for his role in the 1970 romance Love Story, died on December 8 at age 82.
His son Patrick O’Neal wrote in a series of Instagram posts that his father “passed away peacefully” calling him “a Hollywood legend.”
“So this is the toughest thing I’ve ever had to say but here we go. My dad passed away peacefully today, with his loving team by his side supporting him and loving him as he would us. My father Ryan O’Neal has always been my hero. I looked up to him and he was always bigger than life,” he wrote.
The late actor had been diagnosed with chronic leukemia in 2001 and with prostate cancer in 2012, the latter of which came three years after the death of his longtime love Farrah Fawcett from anal cancer at 62.
Ryan O’Neal leaves behind his children Tatum O’Neal, Redmond O’Neal, Griffin O’Neal, Patrick O’Neal, although he wasn’t on speaking terms with Redmond and Patrick upon his death.
Suzanne Sommers
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Sir Michael Gambon
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The actor, who had an impressive career both on stage and on screen, delighted audiences for years as Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films before he died at the age of 82.
His representative confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE, which was issued on behalf of his wife, Lady Gambon, and son, Fergus, that Gambon died peacefully in the hospital on September 27.
“We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon. Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia. Michael was 82,” the statement read.
It concluded: “We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love.”
Angus Cloud
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The actor who rose to fame as the character Fezco on Euphoria died at age 25 on July 31.
“It is with the heaviest heart that we had to say goodbye to an incredible human today,” Cloud’s family said in a statement. “As an artist, a friend, a brother and a son, Angus was special to all of us in so many ways.”
According to Cloud’s family, his father had been buried the week before his death and the actor “intensely struggled with this loss.”
“The only comfort we have is knowing Angus is now reunited with his dad, who was his best friend,” the statement continued. “Angus was open about his battle with mental health and we hope that his passing can be a reminder to others that they are not alone and should not fight this on their own in silence.
“We hope the world remembers him for his humor, laughter and love for everyone. We ask for privacy at this time as we are still processing this devastating loss.”
Tony Bennett
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The legendary musician died on July 21 at the age of 96 after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016.
“Tony Bennett, born Anthony Dominick Benedetto in Astoria, Queens on August 3, 1926, has passed away in his hometown of New York City at the age of 96 earlier today,” his rep told PEOPLE in a statement. “The beloved singer, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2016, is survived by his wife, Susan Benedetto, his two sons, Danny and Dae Bennett, his daughters Johanna Bennett and Antonia Bennett and 9 grandchildren.”
During his impressive career, he received a variety of accolades, including 20 Grammy awards, a Lifetime Achievement award and two Primetime Emmy awards.
Bob Barker
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The legendary host of The Price Is Right died of natural causes at the age of 99 on August 26.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce that the World’s Greatest MC who ever lived, Bob Barker, has left us,” his publicist, Roger Neal, said in a statement.
Barker left The Price Is Right in 2007 after being the host of the daytime program for over three decades. He was also an avid animal rights advocate and used his platform to protect animals. For years, he would sign off the show reminding viewers to spay and neuter their pets.
Nancy Burnet, Barker’s long-time girlfriend, said in another statement: “I am so proud of the trailblazing work Barker, and I did together to expose the cruelty to animals in the entertainment industry and including working to improve the plight of abused and exploited animals in the United States and internationally,” Burnet added in her own. “We were great friends over these 40 yrs. He will be missed.”
Sir Michael Parkinson
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Sir Michael Parkinson was an English television presenter and journalist who presented his talk show, Parkinson, from 1971 to 1982 and again from 1998 to 2007. He died on August 16 at the age of 88.
During his illustrious career, he interviewed stars including Muhammed Ali, John Wayne, Tom Cruise, Madonna and Sir Paul McCartney.
Parkinson’s family issued a statement to the BBC the morning of August 17 announcing that he had died peacefully following a brief illness.
“After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family,” the statement said. “The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve.”
Sinéad O’Connor
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No official cause of death has been revealed for the “Nothing Compares 2 U” singer who died on July 26 at the age of 56.
The Irish singer, songwriter, and activist achieved international success after the release of her debut studio album, The Lion and the Cobra. She was also known for speaking out about various social issues, such as child abuse, human rights, racism and women’s rights.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad,” her family confirmed in a statement to RTE and the BBC on July 26. “Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”
Len Goodman
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The former head judge on Dancing with the Stars died on April 22 surrounded by his family at a hospice in England at age 78. He had been receiving palliative care for bone cancer.
“It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78,” read a statement. “A much-loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him.”
Lisa Marie Presley
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Singer-songwriter Lisa Marie Presley—the only child of rock ‘n’ roll legend Elvis Presley—died aged 54 on January 12 after being hospitalized earlier in the day.
According to The Associated Press, paramedics were dispatched to a California residence that morning following a report of a woman “in full cardiac arrest.” She was taken to a local hospital, where she later passed away. She was 54.
The cause of death was stated as “sequelae,” or aftereffect “of small bowel obstruction.”
Axl Rose and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, were among a host of celebrities who turned out to honor Presley at her memorial service, held at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee.
She had two children with her ex-husband Danny Keough—actress Riley Keough, 33, and Benjamin Keough. Benjamin, her only son, died by suicide in 2020 aged 27. With her most recent husband Michael Lockwood, the late musician had twin daughters, Finley and Harper, 14.
Burt Bacharach
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Songwriter and musician Burt Bacharach died February 4 at the age of 94.
Bacharach co-wrote dozens of number 1 hits for artists including Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones, The Carpenters, Elvis Costello and Aretha Franklin, to name only a few. He was partly responsible for timeless classics like “I Say a Little Prayer,” “Walk on By,” “Do You Know the Way to San Jose,” “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” and countless other songs that topped the Billboard Hot 100 list.
The Associated Press reported that his publicist, Tina Brausam, confirmed the news of his death. She said Bacharach died of natural causes at his home in Los Angeles.
Rosalynn Carter
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Former first lady Rosalynn Carter died surrounded by family on November 26 at the age of 96, two days after she entered hospice care following a dementia diagnosis in May.
Rosalynn Carter was married to the nation’s 39th president, Jimmy Carter, for 77 years. Jimmy Carter, who terminated medical intervention in February amid his own health challenges at the age of 99, has been in hospice care for several months.
“Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” the former president said in a statement released by The Carter Center. “She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.”
Rosalynn Carter is survived by her husband, their children—Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy—as well as their 11 grandchildren and their 14 great-grandchildren.
Jimmy Buffett
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Jimmy Buffett, the musician and mogul known for his hit song “Margaritaville,” died September 1 at 76. His death was confirmed on September 2 in a statement posted on his social media and website.
“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs. He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many,” the statement read.
Buffett died at home in Sag Harbor, New York, from Merkel cell skin cancer, which he had been diagnosed with four years prior, according to an official obituary that was posted to his website.
Jerry Springer
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Jerry Springer died peacefully at his home in suburban Chicago aged 79 on April 27, a representative for him at WME Agency told Newsweek.
Springer hosted The Jerry Springer Show for 28 seasons from September 1991 to July 2018. The popular show was often ripe with family drama, controversial topics, screaming matches, and physical altercations between guests.
“Jerry’s ability to connect with people was at the heart of his success in everything he tried whether that was politics, broadcasting or just joking with people on the street who wanted a photo or a word,” family friend and spokesman Jene Galvin said in a statement to PEOPLE. “He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on.”
Paco Rabanne
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Revered fashion designer Paco Rabanne, whose real name was Francisco Rabaneda Cuervo, died at the age of 88 on February 3 in Portsall, France.
His death was confirmed by the Spanish group Puig, which controls the Paco Rabanne fashion house as well as the fragrance branch of the brand.
José Manuel Albesa, president of Puig’s fashion and beauty division, said in a statement: “Paco Rabanne made transgression magnetic. Who else could induce fashionable Parisian women to clamor for dresses made of plastic and metal? Who but Paco Rabanne could imagine a fragrance called Calandre—the word means ‘automobile grill,’ you know—and turn it into an icon of modern femininity?”
His statement continued: “That radical, rebellious spirit set him apart: there is only one Rabanne. With his passing, we are reminded once again of his enormous influence on contemporary fashion, a spirit that lives on in the house that bears his name.”
Treat Williams
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Treat Williams died on June 12 after being involved in a motorcycle accident. He was 71.
He rose to fame with starring roles in two 1979 films: the musical movie Hair and Steven Spielberg’s 1941. The actor’s death was confirmed to PEOPLE by his agent of 15 years, Barry McPherson.
“He was killed this afternoon. He was making a left or a right [and] a car cut him off, I’m just devastated. He was the nicest guy. He was so talented,” he said.
“He was an actor’s actor. Filmmakers loved him. He’s been the heart of the Hollywood since the late 1970s,” McPherson added. “He was really proud of his performance this year. He’s been so happy with the work that I got him. He’s had a balanced career.”
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