2026 Marks a Year of Loss for Entertainment Icons
The year 2026 has witnessed the passing of numerous beloved figures across film, music, television, and fashion. From Catherine O'Hara and Bonnie Tyler to Chuck Norris and Sam Neill, these celebrities left indelible marks on their industries. Below is a comprehensive list of 24 notable individuals who died between January and July 2026.
T.K. Carter: Comedian and Actor Dies at 69
Thomas Carter, known as T.K. Carter, died on January 9 at his home in Duarte, California, aged 69. The cause of death was not released, but authorities confirmed no foul play. Carter began as a stand-up comedian at 12 and rose to fame playing Mike Fulton in the first two seasons of Punky Brewster. He also appeared in films like Space Jam and The Thing.
Derek Martin: EastEnders Legend Passes at 92
Derek Martin, best known as Charlie Slater on EastEnders, died on January 10 aged 92. His career spanned from the 1960s to the 2010s, with roles in Doctor Who, The Adventures of Black Beauty, and films such as Candleshoe and Ragtime. EastEnders paid tribute, stating: 'Derek was deeply loved by all those that worked with him at EastEnders and will always be remembered with great fondness.'
Valentino Garavani: Fashion Icon Dies at 93
Fashion designer Valentino Garavani, known mononymously as Valentino, died on January 19 aged 93. He founded the luxury fashion house in 1960 with business partner Giammetti. His clientele included Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn, Oprah Winfrey, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Elizabeth Hurley. Nicola Peltz wore a Valentino wedding dress for her marriage to Brooklyn Beckham.
Sly Dunbar: Grammy-Winning Drummer Dies at 73
Sly Dunbar, real name Lowell Fillmore 'Sly' Dunbar, died on January 26 aged 73. The drummer was half of the Jamaican rhythm section Sly and Robbie, alongside bassist Robbie Shakespeare. He was nominated for 13 Grammys, winning two. His death came five years after Shakespeare's passing. Sources told The Guardian that Dunbar had 'been unwell for some months.'
Catherine O'Hara: Hollywood Legend Dies at 71
Catherine O'Hara died on January 30 aged 71 after a brief illness; she was rushed to hospital in Los Angeles with breathing difficulties. Known for roles as Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice (1988), Kate in Home Alone (1990) and its sequel, and Moira Rose in Schitt's Creek (2015–2020), she won Golden Globe, Critics Choice, and Emmy Awards. She recently appeared in Apple TV+'s The Studio.
James Van Der Beek: Dawson's Creek Star Dies at 48
James Van Der Beek died on February 11 aged 48. Diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023, he 'passed away peacefully,' according to a family statement on Instagram. They added: 'There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come.' His other roles included Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23, Criminal Minds, and Varsity Blues.
Eric Dane: Grey's Anatomy Actor Dies at 53
Eric Dane passed away on February 19 aged 53, 10 months after revealing an ALS diagnosis. His death certificate listed respiratory failure with ALS as underlying cause. His family said: 'He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he's received.'
Rob Grant: Red Dwarf Co-Creator Dies at 70
Rob Grant died on February 25 aged 70. His family stated: 'With much sadness, we have to announce that Rob Grant, co-creator of Red Dwarf, passed away suddenly yesterday afternoon.' The show ran on BBC Two from 1988–1999 and on Dave from 2009–2020. Grant also worked on Spitting Image.
Neil Sedaka: Singer-Songwriter Dies at 86
Neil Sedaka died on February 27 aged 86. His family said they were 'devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather.' Known for hits like Oh! Carol and Breaking Up Is Hard to Do, he wrote songs for Connie Francis and Tony Christie. He was nominated for five Grammy awards.
Jordan Wright: TOWIE Star Dies at 33
Jordan Wright's body was found in a canal in Phuket, Thailand, on March 14 aged 33. Local authorities found 'no signs of physical assault or a struggle.' He appeared on Ex on the Beach and The Only Way Is Essex.
Chuck Norris: Martial Artist and Actor Dies at 86
Chuck Norris died in Hawaii on March 19 aged 86 after a medical emergency. His family said: 'To the world, he was a martial artist, actor, and a symbol of strength. To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather.' Norris starred in Way of the Dragon (1972), Walker, Texas Ranger, and The Expendables 2.
Mel Schilling: Married at First Sight Star Dies at 54
Mel Schilling died on March 24 aged 54 after terminal cancer spread to her brain. Her husband Gareth said: 'Life can be beautiful, and life can be incredibly cruel. But ultimately, life is fleeting, fragile, and tomorrow is promised to no one.'
Nicholas Brendon: Buffy Star Dies at 54
Nicholas Brendon died in March aged 54. He played Xander in Buffy the Vampire Slayer for seven years, appearing in 143 of 144 episodes. He had a congenital heart defect and cauda equina syndrome. Brendon said starring in Buffy 'helped me a lot' with his stutter.
Andy Kershaw: Broadcaster Dies at 66
Andy Kershaw died on April 16 aged 66 after a cancer diagnosis in August 2025. His sister Liz Kershaw tweeted: 'I've lost my best friend.' He worked as a roadie for Billy Bragg and fronted The Old Grey Whistle Test and Radio 1 shows, and was part of the Live Aid 1985 coverage.
Jake Hall: TOWIE Cast Member Dies at 35
Jake Hall died in May aged 35 after reportedly crashing through a glass door at a villa in Majorca. Police found him with fatal injuries from shards of glass. He starred on The Only Way Is Essex from seasons 14 to 17. He is survived by his eight-year-old daughter River.
Rob Base: Hip-Hop Legend Dies at 59
Rob Base, half of Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, died on May 22 aged 59 after a cancer diagnosis. He was known for the 1988 hit It Takes Two, which brought hip-hop to mainstream success. The track has been sampled by Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas. His death came 12 years after E-Z Rock's death.
Marcia Lucas: Star Wars Editor Dies at 80
Marcia Lucas died on May 27 aged 80 from cancer at her home in Rancho Mirage, California. The former wife of George Lucas won an Oscar for editing Star Wars: A New Hope. She also worked on Return of the Jedi, American Graffiti, and Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver.
Peabo Bryson: Grammy-Winning Singer Dies at 75
Peabo Bryson died on June 2 aged 75 after a stroke. He released 20 studio albums and earned multiple gold records. He sang Disney hits Beauty and the Beast with Celine Dion and A Whole New World with Regina Belle, the first song from an animated film to top Billboard charts.
Anthony Head: Buffy and Ted Lasso Actor Dies at 72
Anthony Head died on June 5 aged 72 from complications of pneumonia. His daughters confirmed the news. He rose to fame in Nescafe Gold Blend ads and played Rupert Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Other roles included Little Britain, Merlin, Doctor Who, and Ted Lasso.
Oliver Tree: Singer-Songwriter Dies at 32
Oliver Tree died on June 14 aged 32 in a helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He was headlining a world tour for his album Love You Madly, Hate You Badly. Tree rose to fame at 17 working with Skrillex and was known for tracks like When I'm Down and his distinctive bowl haircut.
Dame Penelope Keith: TV Legend Dies at 86
Dame Penelope Keith died on June 29 aged 86 after a cancer diagnosis. She won a Bafta for playing Margo Leadbetter in The Good Life (1975–1978) and starred in To the Manor Born, watched by over 20 million viewers weekly. She was made a Dame in 2014 for services to arts and charity.
Bonnie Tyler: Welsh Singer Dies at 75
Bonnie Tyler died on July 8 aged 75 in Faro, Portugal, after an induced coma following emergency bowel surgery. Born Gaynor Hopkins, she scored hits with Total Eclipse of the Heart and Holding Out for a Hero. She represented the UK at Eurovision 2013 with Believe in Me, finishing 19th.
Dermot Murnaghan: TV Presenter Dies at 68
Dermot Murnaghan died on July 11 aged 68 after stage four prostate cancer. His career spanned five decades, including stints on Sky News, ITV Evening News, and BBC News at Six and Ten. He became an advocate for prostate cancer awareness after his diagnosis in 2024.
Sam Neill: Beloved Actor Dies at 78
Sam Neill died on July 13 in Sydney, Australia, aged 78. His 'unexpected' death came months after he shared he was cancer-free following a 2022 diagnosis of a 'ferocious' blood cancer. Known for roles as Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, and films like The Piano (1993), Dead Calm (1989), and Event Horizon (1997). His final film was The Fox (2025) and final TV role was Netflix's Untamed (2025).
