12 Celebrity Deaths in 2016
We’re only five months in 2016 but already, it’s been a disheartening year. Many famous and influential faces have passed away that it now seems rare for a week to pass without losing a celebrity. From music to film and beyond, celebrity deaths in 2016 have made us become more aware of just how ephemeral life is. Truly, death has the power to blind-side all of us. The best we can do is make the most of every day we are blessed with.
In no particular order, we’ve listed below celebrities who have died in 2016. Hopefully, we’re not going to lose more anytime soon.
Prince (April 21)
Prince’s death is among the latest, most shocking celebrity deaths of the year. Jus days before he was reported unconscious in his Paisley Park compound, the 57-year old stellar musician was seen out and about. The multi-awarded singer, songwriter, producer and instrumentalist spanned a three-decade career that will remain etched in the industry forever.
Patty Duke (March 29)
The Miracle Worker star won an Oscar as teen thanks to her role as Helen Keller back in 1962. She later on starred in her own sitcom entitled, The Patty Duke Show and was credited for over 140 movie and TV roles.
Doris Roberts (April 18)
The five-time Emmy award actress was best known for playing Raymond’s mom in Everybody Loves Raymond. The 90-year old star quietly passed away in her home in California. She also starred in other movies and TV shows like Grandma’s Boy, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Full House, and many more.
Alan Rickman (January 14)
The Harry Potter star’s death came as a shock to everyone all over the world. The 69-year old stage and screen actor died of cancer, which he has been keeping away from the public eye for some time. The iconic Die Hard villain left an acting legacy praised by the likes of his best friend, Emma Thomspon and author J.K Rowling.
Rob Ford (March 22)
The former Toronto mayor passed away from a rare form of cancer called liposarcoma, which he was diagnosed with during his bid for reelection in 2014. He spent 18 months in treatment and died at the age of 46.
Nancy Reagan (March 6)
The 94-year old former Hollywood star passed away after suffering from congestive heart failure in her Californian home. She devoted herself to supporting her husband, former US president Ronald Reagan throughout his term and after when he battled Alzheimer’s.
George Martin (March 8)
Known as the 5th Beatle, George Martin was a British record producer best known for his work with the legendary group. The 90-year old star died in his sleep in Wiltshire, England but the cause of death remains unknown. “Thank you for all your love and kindness, George. Peace and love,” Beatles drummer Ringo Starr tweeted.
David Bowie (January 10)
In another untimely death that left our jaws to the floor, David Bowie passed away after an 18-month secret battle with cancer. The magnetic talent has touched the lives of many, from film and fashion to music and art. Among his countless hits are “Golden Years”, “Let’s Dance” and his breakout song, “Space Oddity”.
Joanie Laurer (April 20)
Better known for her screen name, Chyna, Joanie was found unresponsive in her home and was pronounced dead on the scene. The 45-year old personality was best known for being a WWF legend and later on starred as a pornographic actress. “It is with deep sadness to inform you today that we lost a true icon, a real life superhero,” the Twitter statement read. “Joanie Laurer aka Chyna, the 9th wonder of the world has passed away. She will live forever in the memories of her millions of fans and all of us that loved her.”
Tony Dyson (March 4)
The Britis professor is better known for being the robot designer responsible for he original R2-D2 droid robot in Star Wars. The 68-year old also worked on films like Dragon Slayer, Moonraker and Superman 2. He was found dead in his home in Malta after a neighbor reported his door was open.
Harper Lee (February 18)
The 89-year old novelist and President Medal of Freedom recipient best known for the Puliter Prize-winning 1961 book To Kill a Mockingbird. She passed away her hometown of Monroeville, Alabama. “Lee returned to Monroeville for good once her sister Alice became ill and needed help,” the site says. “She’d eat breakfast each morning at the same fast-food place, and could later be seen picking up Alice from the law firm founded by their father.”
Malik Taylor (March 22)
Also known as Phife Dawg, the member of the iconic group, A Tribe Called Quest passed away at the age of 45. The exact cause of death remains unknown. However, the rapper has been known to suffer from diabetes and has been experiencing complications including after a 2008 kidney transplant.
