The year 2023 has been marked by a series of losses in the entertainment industry. Notable stars such as Barbara Walters, Kirstie Alley, Stephen “tWitch” Boss, Lola “Gangsta Boo” Mitchell, Fred White, Alan Rankine, rally driver and YouTuber Ken Block, and The Wire star Lance Reddick have passed away.
Lola “Gangsta Boo” Mitchell, a former member of the hip-hop group Three 6 Mafia, was found dead in her home on New Year’s Day. The family requested privacy as they mourned her loss. Earth, Wind & Fire drummer Fred White was also reported dead by his brother on the same day. The musician had been a member of the original nine and had made gold records at the young age of 16.
Alan Rankine, a founding member of the Scottish band The Associates, passed away peacefully at home. His family announced that they would keep his social media accounts active to maintain the connection with his fans.
Rally driver and YouTuber Ken Block died in a snowmobile accident. He was remembered as a visionary and a pioneer in the sport. The Wire star Lance Reddick passed away from natural causes at the age of 60. He was remembered as a consummate professional and a joy to work with by his John Wick costar Keanu Reeves and the series’ director, Chad Stahelski.
These stars will be deeply missed by their fans and colleagues. The entertainment industry continues to mourn their loss and honor their legacies.
The daytime television community is in mourning following the passing of General Hospital actress Jacklyn Zeman on May 10 at the age of 68. Zeman, who portrayed Bobbie Spencer on the long-running soap opera, was remembered by the show's executive producer, Frank Valentini, in a statement shared on Twitter.
Valentini described Zeman as a "bright light and true professional" who brought "so much positive energy" to the set of General Hospital. He extended his sympathies to Zeman's family, friends, and fans, and said that her "positive spirit" would live on with the show's cast and crew.
Zeman's family later revealed that the actress had been battling cancer prior to her death. Fans and colleagues of Zeman took to social media to express their condolences and remember the beloved actress, who had been a fixture on General Hospital for over four decades.
Fans of the classic television show M.A.S.H. were saddened by the news of Eileen Saki's passing on May 1 at the age of 79. Saki, who portrayed the feisty Rosie on the hit series, had been battling pancreatic cancer.
In a touching tribute posted on Facebook, Saki's co-star Jeff Maxwell praised the actress for her warmth and
Jerry Springer the popular TV host who was best known for hosting his talk show from 1991 to 2018, died on April 27 at the age of 79 in his home in Illinois after a brief illness.
According to Jene Galvin, a family spokesperson, Jerry's ability to connect with people was the foundation of his success in everything he pursued, including politics, broadcasting, and entertaining people on the streets. Despite his irreplaceable loss, memories of his intelligence, heart, and humor will live on.
Ron Faber the actor who played Chris MacNeil's movie director in the 1973 horror classic, The Exorcist, passed away at the age of 90 from lung cancer in March, according to The Hollywood Reporter. David Patrick Kelly, an actor, paid tribute to his friend on Facebook in April, referring to him as a great artist and gentleman with a wonderful voice and laugh.
Singer and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte died at the age of 96 on April 25 at his home due to congenital heart failure.
Ginnie Newhart wife of comedian Bob Newhart for 60 years, passed away at age 82 on April 23 after a long illness battle. The Newhart family shared a statement on Twitter expressing their grief and honoring Ginnie as their rock.
Len Goodman a British TV personality who left Dancing With the Stars after season 31, died on April 22 at the age of 78. His agent issued a statement noting that he was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather who will be deeply missed.
Comedic actor Barry Humphries passed away at the age of 89 in Sydney, according to his family's announcement on April 22. Humphries, known for his drag persona Dame Edna Everage, had complications following hip surgery and spent several days in the hospital.
Despite this, he remained true to himself until the end, never losing his wit or generosity of spirit.
Humphries' family issued a statement to the Associated Press in which they praised his talent and dedication as an entertainer.
Humphries had over 70 years of experience on stage and had been planning more shows until the very end. He won a Tony Award in 2000 for his Broadway show Dame Edna: The Royal Tour. He is survived by his wife Lizzie Spender, four children, and 10 grandchildren.