From Chris Burrous to Aretha Franklin: Remembering the Stars We've Lost in 2018

KTLA 5 morning news anchor Chris Burrous died on Dec. 27. He was 43.

Detectives are currently investigating the death of the popular Los Angeles news personality, who was found unresponsive after a possible overdose in a Glendale, California Days Inn.

Burrous, who joined the KTLA team in 2011, became a viewer favorite: he helped expand the morning news to seven days a week by anchoring on weekends, and also had his own segment “Burrous’ Bites,” where he highlighted Southern California’s best hole-in-the-wall eateries.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Burrous family … He will be remembered as a great journalist and a wonderful friend to many,” said KTLA president Don Corsini and news director Jason Ball in a joint statement Thursday night.

Frank Adonis, who starred in Goodfellas, died on Dec. 26. He was 83.

The actor, best known for his role as Anthony Stabile in the 1990 Martin Scorsese film, died in Las Vegas, according to TMZ.

His wife, Denise Adonis, did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

The actor was also in Scorsese’s Raging Bull as Patsy and Casino as Rocky. He also appeared in several other popular films such as Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and True Romance.

Beloved sitcom and screen actress Marshall, who gained fame in the late ’70s for her sitcom Laverne & Shirley before transitioning behind the camera to great success, died on Dec. 17. She was 75.

Marshall died at her Hollywood Hills home of complications from diabetes. She had previously been diagnosed with brain and lung cancer in 2009 before going into remission by 2012. 

“Our family is heartbroken over the passing of Penny Marshall,” her family says in a statement. “Penny was a girl from the Bronx, who came out West, put a cursive ‘L’ on her sweater and transformed herself into a Hollywood success story. We hope her life continues to inspire others to spend time with family, work hard and make all of their dreams come true.”

Canadian-Romanian singer Anca Pop died in mid-December.

Authorities discovered her body after divers found her car submerged in the Danube River in south-western Romania, police said, the Associated Press reports. She was 34.

Police initially began looking into Anca’s whereabouts after her sister informed police that she never made it to their family home on Dec. 16, according to the AP.

At this time it is not clear how Anca’s car plunged into the river as her death is still under investigation.

Her sudden death comes just two years after she released her self-titled album Anca Pop.

Wilson, the iconic jazz vocalist, self-described “song stylist” and three-time Grammy winner died Dec. 13 at the age of 81.

Her rep confirmed the news to the Associated Press, saying that the singer succumbed to a lengthy illness at her home in Pioneertown, California — in the vicinity of Joshua Tree Park.

Nicknamed “The Girl with the Honey-Coated Voice,” Wilson’s passionate interpretations of torch songs and jazz standards made her a platinum-selling artist and an in-demand concert draw until her retirement in 2011. At the time, she wished “to spend all of her time with her family, especially her grandchildren,” according to a quote on her website.

Berry, known for his roles on television shows F Troop and Mayberry R.F.D., died on Dec. 1. He was 85.

After enlisting in the U.S. Army following the Korean War, Berry won a talent contestant with a stellar tap dancing routine, according to THR. After being invited into the Special Services Corps by Leonard Nimoy, who was his sergeant, Berry won another talent contest that earned him a spot on Ed Sullivan’s Toast of the Town.

His first big role was as Capt. Wilton Parmenter on F Troop, which he considered to be the highlight of his career.

After the show ended, he appeared on the final season of the Andy Griffith Show as town councilor Sam Jones, and went on to appear as the same character on spinoff show Mayberry R.F.D. He also appeared on the Carol Burnett Show spinoff Mama’s Family, which starred future Golden Girls stars Rue McClanahan, who died in 2010, and Betty White.

Italian film director Bertolucci, whose career defined scandal and evoked eroticism and sumptuous beauty, died of cancer in Rome in November. The director of Last Tango in Paris was 77 and had been confined to a wheelchair for much of the last 10 years.

A product of Italian New Wave cinema’s golden era, the Parma-born Bertolucci achieved international acclaim, winning the Oscar for Best Director for 1987’s The Last Emperor.

The former model and mother to four of Diddy’s children died in November at age 47. Though a cause of death was “deferred,” she reportedly went into cardiac arrest while battling pneumonia. Celebrities including Beyoncé remembered Porter ahead of her Thanksgiving weekend funeral in her Georgia hometown, at which Diddy spoke. 

Lima, a singer in LFO, died of cancer on Nov. 21, TMZ reported. He was 41.

In October 2017, the “Summer Girls” musician had surgery to remove a tumor. “Surgery was great,” Lima’s bandmate Brad Fischetti said in a video. “The tumor was the size of a football. But [surgery] was smooth, they didn’t have to take out some of the organs they thought they would.”

Later that month, Fischetti revealed that Lima had stage four adrenal cancer.

Tragedy has struck the group before. In 2010, LFO singer Rich Cronin died of leukemia at age 35, Billboard reported at the time.

One day after the CMA Awards, country superstar Clark died at 85 years old. 

A rep for the Grammy-award winning singer confirmed to PEOPLE that Clark succumbed to complications from pneumonia, which he had contracted shortly before his death. He died at his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Nov. 15.

The singer is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara, and their five children.

His passing was mourned by celebrities, including fellow country star Keith Urban.

At 93 years old, the actress who played Harriet Oleson on the long-running TV show Little House on the Prairie, died on Nov. 13 at her home. MacGregor was best known as playing the wealthy and mean-spirited Harriet on the popular TV series that aired from 1974 to 1982. She molded and shaped the character by injecting humor into the role.

“Anyone that mean has to be a fool,” she once told NBC. “So I began mixing farce into it.”

The actress, a devout Hindu, moved to the Motion Picture Fund Long Term Nursing Care facility in Woodland Hills, California, in her last years, where she passed.

Lee, the father of Marvel Comics’ most beloved superheroes, died at age 95 in early November.

The co-creator of comic book legends like Spider-Man, the Hulk, the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Thor and the X-Men, Lee was credited with popularizing the flawed hero, or characters with complex, human personalities. This came in stark contrast to the superhero archetypes of the Golden Age of comics, who were typically flawless muscle-bound god-like figures.

His death comes less than a year-and-a-half after his wife Joan Lee died in July 2017 at 93. They had been married for 69 years at the time of her death.

McClellan, who competed in the first season of The Voice in 2011, died of cancer in November at age 49.

McClellan died while surrounded by close friends, her wife Monique announced. She was diagnosed on March 30 with endometrial cancer that had spread to her colon, bladder and intestines, according to her GoFundMe page.

“Beverly went home at 4:36 p.m.,” Monique wrote. “She was surrounded by so much love and we shared some beautiful last days. Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive of us. We appreciate all of the love you have given and the good vibes you have sent. Peace love and light to you and your loved ones.”

Celebrity fitness trainer and bodybuilder Blank was found dead in her Los Angeles home in November. The trainer was 42.

Throughout her life, the coach and bodybuilding icon worked with many stars including Alex Rodriguez, Mickey Rourke, Marcus Allen, Michelle Monaghan, and Jordana Brewster, according to her website.

Blank was found unresponsive at her Los Angeles home, The New York Daily News reported. Her housekeeper called 911 after she discovered Blank in the bathtub, TMZ said.

Legendary Blues and Swamp Rock singer Tony Joe White died at the age of 75 on Oct. 24.

White died at his home in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee.

“We are with broken hearts to announce that Tony Joe White has passed away at the age of 75. A true legend that will always be remembered as a real artist,” a spokesperson for White wrote on his Twitter account.

“He wasn’t ill at all,” his son Jody told The Tennessean. “He just had a heart attack… there was no pain or suffering.”

Nearly one month before his death, White released his final album Bad Mouthin on Sept. 28.

Yarnall, a famed actress of the 1960s and ’70s best known for her memorable turn on Star Trek, died in October. She was 74.

The official Star Trek website was the first to report the news. According to the site, Yarnall — who played Yeoman Martha Landon on the October 1967 episode “The Apple” opposite Chekov (Walter Koenig) — died at her home in Westlake Village, California, after a four-year battle with ovarian cancer.

Yarnall’s husband, British artist Nazim Nazim, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter. “She was magnificent in everything she did,” Nazim said. “She was my beloved queen.”

Days of Our Lives star McCay, who played Caroline Brady on the long-running NBC soap opera, died in October at the age of 90.

She appeared in hundreds of episodes of Days of Our Lives from 1983 to 2017, according to IMDb. The actress, who performed in dozens of television shows starting in 1949, played roles on Perry Mason, The Young Marrieds, Gunsmoke, Gibbsville, Lou Grant and other programs.

For her work on Days of Our Lives, she was nominated for outstanding supporting actress or supporting lead actress in a drama series at the Daytime Emmy Awards five times, according to IMDb.

The Grammy-nominated Jefferson Airplane co-founder died in Tampa, Florida, while en route to a nearby hospital, spokesman Ryan Romensko said according to the Associated Press.

Balin’s family confirmed his sudden death on Facebook writing, “With a heavy heart we share this sad news.”

“Marty Balin, the legendary founder and lead vocalist of Jefferson Airplane and hit son-writer of Jefferson Starship, passed away on September 27. His wife, Susan Joy Balin, was by his side. He was 76.”

“Marty had a historic career as Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, and platinum and gold solo artist.”

Legendary French composer and actor Aznavour died in late September at age 94.

The singer/songwriter, often called “The Sinatra of France,” enjoyed a career spanning more than eight decades. He died suddenly at his home in the Alpilles mountain range, according to his spokesman. 

Aznavour wrote songs recorded by Édith Piaf, Juliette Gréco, Liza Minnelli, Elton John and Elvis Costello — and, of course, Sinatra himself. His signature songs, immensely popular for their cabaret styling and romantic melodies, include “Yesterday When I Was Young,” “She,” “Formidable,” “I Love Paris In The Month of May” and “La Boheme.” In all, he wrote more than 40 classics in French, English, German and Spanish. 

Parker — best known for playing the role of Grandpa Shawn Brady on Days of Our Lives — died on Sept. 16 in Vacaville, California. The veteran actor passed away due to complications of Parkinson’s disease and dementia, according to his obituary in The Reporter. He was 79.

Parker’s acting career spanned over five decades. He first broke onto the scene in the ’60s and ’70s, making appearances in film and television — including on soap operas General Hospital and The Young and the Restless — before landing the role as Shawn Brady on Days in 1983.

The actor remained on the daytime drama for 25 years. He retired in 2008 after his character died when he gave up his oxygen mask to save his son during an airplane hijacking.

Sons of Anarchy star Vasquez died on Sept. 24 at age 48.

“This news has come as a surprise to us,” a representative for the actor told PEOPLE. “Our hearts are heavy. He was a kind, creative and loving man. He will be missed.”

Vasquez was found unconscious at his father’s home in San Jose, California, according to TMZ, who was the first to report the news. After arriving at the scene, paramedics were unable to revive the actor.

Vasquez appeared on Sons of Anarchy in 2011. In addition to his role on the FX show, Vasquez acted in the series CSI: NY, How I Met Your Mother, ER, NYPD Blue and 21 Jump Street in 1989.

Daily, the comic actor who found breakout success as Major Healey on the hit 1960s sitcom I Dream of Jeannie and also had notable roles on The Bob Newhart Show and Alf, died in September at age 91.

Daily’s son, J. Patrick Daily, confirmed the news to Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, saying that his father died of natural causes on Sept. 4 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. “He loved every sunset, he loved every meal,” J. Patrick told Variety of his father. “He just decided to be happy about everything.”

Miller died on Sept. 7 of a suspected drug overdose. He was 26. The musician was pronounced dead at 11:51 a.m. at his Studio City, California, home, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE. 

Miller, who had struggled with drugs throughout his life, and his girlfriend of two years, Ariana Grande, broke up earlier this year.

Reynolds, whose studliness, swagger and snappy patter have helped set TV and movie fans’ pulses racing for nearly half a century, died on Sept. 6. He was 82.

“My uncle was not just a movie icon; he was a generous, passionate and sensitive man who was dedicated to his family, friends, fans and acting students,” Reynolds’ niece, Nancy Lee Hess, said in a statement.

Sen. John McCain, the former POW and outspoken Republican politician nicknamed The Maverick for being unafraid to disagree with fellow members of his party, died on Aug. 25 at the age of 81.

In an emotional tweet, his wife Cindy, 64, wrote, “My heart is broken. I am so lucky to have lived the adventure of loving this incredible man for 38 years. He passed the way he lived, on his own terms, surrounded by the people he loved, in the place he loved best.”

The Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright whose Broadway and screen hits earned him more combined Tony and Oscar nominations than any other writer, died on Aug. 26 at a Manhattan hospital, The Washington Post reported. He was 91.

Simon died from pneumonia, his friend Bill Evans, director of media relations at the Shubert Organization production company, told the newspaper.

Robin Leach, the host of the hit ’80s show Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, died on Aug. 23 after suffering a stroke, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, where Leach worked as a celebrity columnist. His death comes less than a week before his 77th birthday.

Former Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Ed King died at the age of 68 on Aug. 22 at his home in Nashville.

“It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Ed King who died at his home in Nashville, Tennessee on August 22nd, 2018,” read a statement posted to his Facebook account the following morning. “We thank his many friends and fans for their love and support of Ed during his life and career.”

LazyTown actor Stefán Karl Stefánsson has passed away after a two-year battle with bile duct cancer, PEOPLE confirms. He was 43.

Stefánsson, who starred as Robbie Rotten in the Nick Jr. series from 2002-14, died at 8:10 a.m. PT on Aug. 21 in Iceland.

Harris, the actress who starred in the 1976 film Freaky Friday, has died. She was 83. Harris died on Aug. 21 from lung cancer in Scottsdale, Arizona, according to the Associated Press.

Her close friend Charna Halpern, who co-founded the iO Theater in Chicago, confirmed the news on Facebook. “My friend and an amazing famous actress Barbara Harris passed away early this morning, Halpern wrote. “My favorite memories of her were her sense of humor and how she made me laugh.”

Aretha Franklin, the self-taught piano prodigy, vocalist and songwriter who first conquered the charts in the late ’60s and never relinquished her throne, died on Aug. 16, her publicist confirmed to the Associated Press. She was 76.

The Queen of Soul had struggled with her health for years. A source told PEOPLE earlier that week that Franklin had taken a turn for the worse and that her death was “imminent.”

Jill Janus, the lead singer of the rock bank Huntress, died by suicide on Aug. 14. She was 43. Janus’ band confirmed the news on their Facebook page on Aug. 16 in which they wrote she “took her own life outside of Portland, Oregon.”

“It is with crushed hearts that we announce that Jill Janus — frontwoman for the California heavy metal band Huntress — passed away on Tuesday, August. 14,” the band wrote. “A long-time sufferer of mental illness, she took her own life outside of Portland, Oregon.”

News of The Godfather star’s passing broke on Aug. 14 but the actress died on March 22 in Palm Springs, California, at the age of 87 according to the Washington Post.

The star had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer, the Riverside Country coroner’s office told the Washington Post. 

Total Divas star Natalya Neidhart’s father has died. WWE legend Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart’s death was announced on Aug. 13 by his friend B Brian Blair. He was 63.

“So sad to announce the passing of my friend and longtime colleague, Jim ‘The Anvil’ Neidhart. Your thoughts and prayers for the family are deeply appreciated!” he tweeted.

French chef Joel Robuchon, who holds the record for most Michelin stars in the world, has died at age 73. Robuchon, whose globe-encircling operations include restaurants in New York, Montreal and Las Vegas, died in Geneva, Switzerland on Aug. 6 of cancer. He had been diagnosed with a pancreatic tumor over a year earlier.

Charlotte Rae, best known as wise and lovable house mother Mrs. Garrett on Diff’rent Strokes and The Facts of Life, died Aug. 5 at her home in Los Angeles, her reps confirmed to Entertainment Weekly. She was 92.

Rae revealed she’d been diagnosed with bone cancer at the end of April 2017. “Last Monday, I found out I have bone cancer,” the actress exclusively revealed to PEOPLE. “About seven years ago, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer — which is a miracle that they found it because usually it’s too late. My mother, sister and my uncle died of pancreatic cancer. After six months of chemotherapy, I was cancer-free. I lost my hair, but I had beautiful wigs. Nobody even knew.”

Jessica Vogel, a New Jersey chef who appeared on Hell’s Kitchen andCutthroat Kitchen, died on July 30. She was 34.

The chef’s fiancé, John Michael Keyser, told NorthJersey.com that she was being treated for the inflammatory bowel disease colitis at a hospital in southern New Jersey when “her heart gave out.” She is survived by her mother, Donna Bruchmann, her father, Mark Vogel, and her sister, Caitlin Johnstone, according to an obituary published in the Star Ledger on August 1.

Lawler, the son of WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Jerry “The King” Lawler, was found hanging in his cell at the Hardeman County Jail on July 29, TBI said in a statement.

“Corrections officers administered CPR until paramedics arrived,” the agency said. “Lawler was transported to Regional One Medical Center in Memphis where he died Sunday afternoon.”

An investigation is underway, though authorities do not suspect foul play, according to TBI.

Nicholas “Duffy” Fudge, a cast member on National Geographic Channel’s Wicked Tuna, has died. He was 28. The series announced the sad news alongside a photo of Fudge in a tweet on its official Twitter account July 22.

“.@NatGeoChannel and @Pilgrim_Studios were saddened to learn thatWicked Tuna cast member Nicholas ‘Duffy’ Fudge passed away this week,” the statement reads.

On July 21, Wendel’s daughter J.C. confirmed that her mother, who has best known for her role as landlord Mrs. Mamie Dubcek on the hit television show 3rd Rock from the Sun, had passed away.

“#ripelmariewendel you were a great mom and a badass dame,” J.C. wrote on Instagram, alongside a throwback photo commemorating the NBC sitcom’s 100th episode.

Neilson, a star of Bravo’s reality show Ladies of London, died in mid-July. She was 49.

The details of her death are not available at this time.

In addition to being a reality star, Neilson worked as a model before her death, and was close friends with supermodels Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell, as well as the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen — whose suicide in 2010 absolutely devastated her.

“He was my brother, my boyfriend, my soulmate. Most of the time people called me Mrs McQueen. Quite often we were sharing a bed,” Neilson, who was the last person to see the designer alive, told the Daily Mail in 2015.

Detailing her past troubles, Neilson told the outlet that she became a heroin addict at the age of 16 but was later able to remain sober.

Hollywood heartthrob Tab Hunter, who gained fame for his chiseled looks in the 1950s and later came out in 2005 after decades of silence, died in Santa Monica on July 8. He was 86.

Producer and singer-songwriter Richard Swift, a member of The Black Keys, has died, his bandmate Dan Auerbach confirmed on social media on July 3. He was 41.

“Today the world lost one of the most talented musicians I know,” Auerbach wrote in a post on Instagram. “He’s now with his Mom and Sister. I will miss you my friend.”

Bay City Rollers musician and co-founder Alan Longmuir died on July 2. He was 70. “We are devastated to share the news that Alan has passed away peacefully surrounded by family,” his family wrote in a statement shared on Twitter by Longmuir’s friend and biographer Liam Rudden.

The music manager and father of 11, died early on June 27, TMZ reports. He was 89. The Jackson family patriarch had been battling terminal pancreatic cancer and was “not doing well” as of late, a source previously told PEOPLE.

Harrison, known as “Old Man” on the hit reality show Pawn Stars, has died. He was 77. Harrison’s son, Rick, confirmed his death in an emotional Instagram post on June 25, calling his father his “hero.”

The legendary drummer who played in metal bands Pantera, Damageplan and HELLYEAH — died at the age 54. The Texas native’s death was confirmed early June 23 in a statement on Pantera’s social media pages.

The musician, born Vincent Paul Abbott, co-founded Pantera in 1981 with his brother, Dimebag Darrell — who was shot and killed onstage in Columbus, Ohio, while the two were performing in December 2004.

Krauthammer, former Fox News commentator and conservative columnist, died on June 21 at the age of 68. He died from cancer of the small intestine, the Washington Post confirmed. His passing comes less than two weeks after he announced in a Washington Post farewell column, titled “A note to readers” on June 8 that his cancer had returned and that his “fight is over.”

Gradon, a former contestant on the British reality dating show Love Island, has died in the U.K. She was 32. Confirming Gradon’s death, the Northumbria Police said that “at about 8:27pm yesterday (June 20) police attended a property in Medburn, Ponteland, where sadly a 32-year-old woman was found deceased,” according to NME.

White, known by wrestling fans as Big Van Vader — or simply Vader — passed away on June 18 of heart failure. He was 63. His son, Jesse White, confirmed his death June 20 on Twitter, posting a picture of his father sitting next to a heavyweight wrestling champion belt.

“It is with a heavy heart to inform everyone that my father, Leon White, passed away on Monday night (6/18/18) at approximately 7:25pm,” he wrote.

Rapper XXXTentacion was fatally shot on June 18 in what investigators believe was a “possible robbery” as he left a motorcycle dealership north of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, PEOPLE confirmed.

The shooting was first reported at 3:57 p.m. at a Deerfield Beach motorsports shop, according to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.

Just hours after rapper XXXTentacion was fatally shot in Florida, a rising star in the Pittsburgh rap scene died in a double drive-by shooting. Jimmy Wopo, 21, was killed on June 18, his manager Taylor Maglin confirmed in a Facebook post, writing, “I lost my brother today and it’s the worst feeling in the world.”

He continued, “He was destined for greatness and he wanted the best for his friends, family and community. We lost a great person today, but just know I will do everything in my power to make his memory live on forever. Love you bro #LongLiveWopo.”

Johnson, best known for her roles on TV and Broadway, died on June 4. She was 91. Johnson was born on August 15, 1926, in Decorah, Iowa, and worked as a character actress in more than 115 films and TV series including Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, Too Close For Comfort and Archie Bunker’s Place.

Elvis Presley’s longtime drummer who played on hits including “Hound Dog,” “Jailhouse Rock” and pioneering Sun Records recordings died in his sleep on June 13 at the age of 87.

The news of his death was first shared by his son, David Fontana, in a Facebook post. “I told everyone that I would keep you posted. My dad passed away in his sleep at 9:33 tonight. He was very comfortable with no pain. I will post more tomorrow when I have more information. We ask for privacy at this time. Thank you for your love and prayers.”

The musician and actor, best known for his role as Ari Caldwell on ABC’s The Goldbergs from 2013 to 2015, was found unresponsive at his Tarzana, California, residence on June 8, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office confirmed to PEOPLE. His cause of death is pending an autopsy.

The celebrated American chef, best-selling author, and television host — has died at the age of 61 of apparent suicide, CNN confirmed to PEOPLE. The host of CNN’s Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown was found unresponsive in his hotel room in France on June 8 by close friend and French chef, Eric Ripert, according to CNN. Both were filming an upcoming episode of Bourdain’s award-winning show.

A rep for the Sons of Anarchy actor confirmed to PEOPLE that O’Neill passed away in June at the age of 47. O’Neill’s girlfriend found him unconscious at her apartment on June 6, according to his rep.

The designer, who sold her ownership stake in her company in 2007, was found dead on June 5 in her New York City apartment of an apparent suicide, PEOPLE confirmed. Police say she was found hanging from a red scarf that morning in her bedroom at her Park Avenue home in Manhattan. The scarf had reportedly been tied to her door.

Doubleday, who played the ghoulish, spike-haired henchman from John Carpenter’s sci-fi cult classic Escape from New York, has died at 73.

The actor’s wife Christina Hart confirmed his death on Facebook, and told The Hollywood Reporter that he died on March 3 of complications from esophageal cancer at his home in Los Angeles.

Former Deadliest Catch captain Blake Painter was found dead in his home in Oregon on May 25, the Clatsop County Sheriff’s office confirmed to PEOPLE. He was 38.

The past captain of the F/V Maverick, who appeared on the Discovery Channel series in 2006 and 2007, was discovered when a friend grew concerned and called police after not having heard from Painter in several days, according to TMZ.

Wolfe, the writer known for challenging norms in both journalism and fiction, passed away on May 14 at the age of 88. His agent Lynn Nesbit confirmed Wolfe’s death and explained he’d been hospitalized with an infection, according to the New York Times.

The big screen’s Lois Lane has died. Kidder passed away on May 13 at her home in Livingston, Montana, PEOPLE confirmed. She was 69. Her cause of death is unknown. 

Kidder began acting in the late 1960s, but rose to fame in 1978 for her role as Lois Lane in Superman: The Movie opposite Christopher Reeve. She went on to reprise the part in the movie’s three sequels.

Hutchison, the lead singer and guitarist for the Scottish indie rock band Frightened Rabbit, was found dead on May 10, Police Scotland confirmed to PEOPLE. He was 36.

In a statement released by Police Scotland, his family said that they were “utterly devastated” by the “tragic loss.” They also explained that they had “concerns” about Hutchison’s “mental health” before his disappearance, but had “remained positive and hopeful that he would walk back through the door, having taken some time way to compose himself.”

The award-winning filmmaker died May 3 after succumbing to injuries stemming from an on-set accident with a giraffe. Announcing the filmmaker’s death the following day, South African film crew agency CallaCrew wrote that Carvalho had been filming at Glen Afric Country Lodge in Hartbeespoort, South Africa when he “had a fatal run-in with a giraffe on set.”

Although Carvalho, 47, was “flown to Milpark Hospital” in Johannesburg, the filmmaker died at 8:50 p.m. local time.

Gidley, perhaps best known for her portrayal of Teresa Banks in the Twin Peaks prequel Fire Walk With Me, has died at the age of 52. According to the Associated Press, her death was announced in an obituary published on April 29.

Gidley  “died peacefully in her home” on April 16 in Seabrook, New Hampshire, the obituary said. The cause of death has not been released. At the family’s request, all services will be private.

Troyer, best known for playing Mini-Me in the Austin Powers franchise, has died. He was 49. “It is with great sadness and incredibly heavy hearts to write that Verne passed away today. Verne was an extremely caring individual. He wanted to make everyone smile, be happy, and laugh. Anybody in need, he would help to any extent possible,” his family confirmed in a statement shared on Instagram and Facebook on April 21. No cause of death was revealed.

Swedish deejay and producer Avicii — born Tim Bergling — died April 20 in Muscat, Oman at 28 years old.

“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of Tim Bergling, also known as Avicii,” his rep confirmed to PEOPLE in a statement. “He was found dead in Muscat, Oman this Friday afternoon local time, April 20th.”

“The family is devastated and we ask everyone to please respect their need for privacy in this difficult time. No further statements will be given.”

The WWE Hall of Famer, known as “The Italian Superman,” died on April 18 at age 82. 

In the aftermath of World War II, Sammartino left Italy and joined his immigrant father in Pittsburgh, where he began lifting weights. After achieving stardom in the industry, he was repeatedly offered a place in the Hall of Fame, but the pro wrestler declined until the organization made positive changes, like performing drug tests on athletes and stopping the use of profanity. 

Hulk Hogan, Corey Graves and other fellow wrestlers took to social media to offer their condolences. “Bruno is indirectly responsible for where I am today. Growing up in Pittsburgh, he was my father’s hero, and sparked my dad’s passion for the business that he passed on to me,” Graves tweeted. “I was lucky enough to spend some time with Bruno, and the man exemplified class.”

The former first lady, known as the Bush family’s beloved matriarch and a champion of literacy, died on April 17 at age 92. After a series of hospitalizations over the past few years, Bush had annouced that she would no longer continue medical treatment. 

Her son, former POTUS George W. Bush, paid tribute to her strength and humor in a statement. “My dear mother has passed on at age 92,” he said. “Laura, Barbara, Jenna, and I are sad, but our souls are settled because we know hers was. Barbara Bush was a fabulous First Lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love, and literacy to millions. To us, she was so much more. Mom kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end. I’m a lucky man that Barbara Bush was my mother. Our family will miss her dearly, and we thank you all for your prayers and good wishes.” 

PEOPLE confirmed the actor, best known for playing Judge Harry T. Stone in the NBC series Night Court, died on April 16 in North Carolina. He was 65.

“This morning at 6:41 a.m. the Asheville Police Department responded to the home of actor Harry Anderson where he was found deceased. No foul play is suspected,” the Asheville Police Department said in a statement.

Mellon, the billionaire banking heir, died suddenly at a rehab facility in Cancun, Mexico. He was 53. Mellon was the ex-husband of Jimmy Choo co-founder Tamara Mellon, with whom he shares one child, daughter Araminta. He was previously married to designer Nicole Hanley, who he shared two children with, Force and Olympia.

Actor R. Lee Ermey, best known for his role as Gunnery Sgt. Hartman in Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket, died April 15 from complications of pneumonia. He was 74.

“It is with deep sadness that I regret to inform you all that R. Lee Ermey (“The Gunny”) passed away this morning from complications of pneumonia,” Ermey’s longtime manager, Bill Rogin, wrote on the star’s official Twitter account. “He will be greatly missed by all of us. Semper Fi, Gunny. Godspeed.”

Staples, a member of her family’s gospel group the Staple Singers, has died, according to multiple reports. The singer died at her home in Chicago on April 10 following a battle with colon cancer, which she was diagnosed with just two weeks ago, according to The Guardian. She was 80.

The actress, who graced the silver screen in the 1970s in titles like Five Easy Pieces and Blume in Love, died in her Los Angeles home on April 2. She was 75.

Her son, actor Caleb Goddard, announced the news to the New York Times, citing coronary failure as cause of death. Anspach is survived by Goddard, daughter Catherine, and her three grandchildren.

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, the activist and ex-wife of South Africa’s first black president Nelson Mandela, died after a long illness on April 2. 

An international symbol of the anti-apartheid campaign, Madikizela-Mandela stood by her husband during the 27 years he was imprisoned and was herself jailed for her tireless commitment to justice. The couple divorced a few years after Mandela’s release. 

“She succumbed peacefully in the early hours of Monday afternoon surrounded by her family and loved ones,” family spokesperson Victor Dlamini said in a statement according to The Guardian.

Her loss is deeply mourned, and activists and celebrities such as Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., Idris Elba, and Viola Davis paid tribute to her, with many writing, “Rest in Power.” 

After battling leukemia, Steven Bocho died on April 1 at the age of 74. An industry-defining writer and producer, Bocho earned 10 Primetime Emmy Awards for his contributions to the TV world, including shows such as Hill Street Blues, L.A. Law, NYPD Blue, and Doogie Howser, M.D. 

His spokesman, Phillip Arnold, released a statement to THR, saying, “Steven fought cancer with strength, courage, grace and his unsurpassed sense of humor. He died peacefully in his sleep [at home] with his family close by.”

The K-pop community is mourning the loss of the lead singer of popular boy band 100%, 33-year-old Seo Minwoo. The singer was found dead in his home in Gangnam, Seoul, on March 25. His band’s label, TOP Media, has announced that he died after going into cardiac arrest, although the official cause of death has not yet been released. Friends and fans alike paid tribute to the young singer, including former bandmate Changbum, who captioned an Instagram post, “I hope you are comfortable in the sky. I want you to be a bright star and shine on this world.”

On the morning of March 14, the world-renowned physicist — best known for penning his bestseller A Brief History of Time while battling motor neuron disease — died at age 76.

“We are deeply saddened that our beloved father passed away today,” his children, Lucy, Robert and Tim, with first wife Jane said in the statement.

“He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years,” it continued. “His courage and persistence with his brilliance and humor inspired people across the world.”

The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of rapper Craig Mack, who died in Walterboro, South Carolina, on March 12, The New York Daily News first reported. He was 46.

Colleton County Coroner Richard Harvey confirmed the news to the Associated Press, revealing that Mack appeared to have died from natural causes at his home.

The Brentwood, Long Island, native — who found fame on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Bad Boy label with 1994’s “Flava in Ya Ear” — traded in the music industry for a life of faith — working at his local place of worship, the Overcomer Ministry Church, according to the Daily News. He is survived by his wife and two adult children, the outlet reported.

The acclaimed French designer who founded the House of Givenchy, died at the age of 91 on March 10.

Givenchy was best known for his work dressing actress Audrey Hepburn, who owned a vast wardrobe of Givenchy pieces and wore many of his legendary designs in her movie roles in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Sabrina and Funny Face to name a few.

The Bollywood megastar died on Feb. 25, drowning in her hotel bathtub in Dubai after losing consciousness. She was 54. Known to her fans by her screen name, Sridevi, she was in Dubai attending a family wedding when she died, according to CNN.

Dubai police confirmed the star’s death was accidental

Chambers, who starred in the 1999 romantic comedy Notting Hill alongside Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, died in February at the age of 53. “We are very sad to announce the untimely death, from natural causes, of the acclaimed actress Emma Chambers,” agent John Grant said in a statement to Entertainment Weekly.

“Over the years, Emma created a wealth of characters and an immense body of work,” Grant continued. “She brought laughter and joy to many, and will be greatly missed. At this difficult time we ask that the privacy of the family and loved ones be respected.”

Fabray, a Tony- and Emmy-winning actress perhaps best known for her role in Norman Lear’s original rendition of One Day at a Time, has died. She was 97.

Fabray was a beloved star of stage and screen, as well as a gifted singer and tap dancer. She starred in stage musicals early in her career and later earned three Emmy awards for costarring opposite renowned comedian Sid Caesar on Caesar’s Hour. She died on Feb. 22 at her home in Palos Verdes, California, according to the New York Times. 

Christian evangelist and ordained minister Billy Graham, the influential Baptist preacher who shared a close friendship with Queen Elizabeth II and provided spiritual counsel to numerous U.S. presidents, died on Feb. 21 at his mountaintop home in Montreat, North Carolina. He was 99.

Graham’s spokesman Mark DeMoss confirmed the news to PEOPLE. The preacher had been treated in recent years for cancer, pneumonia and other ailments, and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1989.

The country music community is mourning the unexpected loss of Daryle Singletary. Singletary died on Feb. 12 at his home in Nashville, Tennessee, SiriusXM’s The Highway confirmed. He was 46.

The cause of death for the Georgia native, whose hits included “I Let Her Lie” and “Amen Kind of Love,” has not been identified. Singletary played a concert on Feb. 9 at The Rodeo Club in Dadeville, Alabama, according to TMZ.

The silky-voiced baritone who scored hits throughout the ’40s and ’50s, reportedly died on Feb. 11 at the age of 89. His family told Fox News that the singer died at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida, with close relatives by his side.

Damone released over 2,500 records during his seven decades in music, earning praise from the likes of Frank Sinatra, who publicly affirmed that he “had the best pipes in the business.” He came of age in the big band boom just following World War II, alongside Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett and Perry Como.

Gavin, the actor best known for his work in films including Imitation of Life and Psycho, has died. He was 86. Gavin died on Feb. 9 in Beverly Hills, Calif., EW has confirmed. Though Gavin was best known for his career as a mid-century heartthrob, in later years, he also served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild and acted as Ronald Reagan’s U.S. ambassador to Mexico.

Barlow, a lyricist for the Grateful Dead and internet pioneer, has died. He was 70. Barlow, who co-founded the non-profit digital rights organization Electronic Frontier Foundation and Freedom of the Press Foundation, died in his sleep on Feb. 7, according to the announcement shared on EFF’s website.

Grateful Dead also shared the news of Barlow’s death on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, posting a link to a Spotify playlist titled “Remembering John Perry Barlow” with ten tracks including “Cassidy,” “Mexicali Blues” and “Black-Throated Wind” songs Barlow helped pen for the band.

Jones, the character actor best known for his recurring roles in Justified and Home Improvement, died early on Feb. 7 at the age of 76, a representative for the actor has confirmed.

Jones also guested on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Workaholics, among others, and appeared in films such as Shattered Lies, Sling Blade, Tin Cup, The Beverly Hillbillies, and the original Total Recall. Jones is survived by his wife, Phyllis Jean Starr, and their two children.

The actor, best known for his role as Martin Crane in NBC’s Frasier, passed away on Jan. 4 in Chicago, Illinois, his manager confirmed to PEOPLE. He was 77.

Edwards, a key member of seminal Motown Records vocal group the Temptations, died on Feb. 2, according to a CBS News report. Edwards was 74.

Born in 1943 in Fairfield, Alabama, Edwards began singing as a child and became involved in his church’s choir when his family moved to Detroit. The budding singer bounced around multiple groups and even served a stint in the armed forces before Motown Records signed him to a recording contract in the mid-’60s.

Edwards’ family confirmed that he died in Chicago, but shared no details about his cause of death. The musician would have celebrated his 75th birthday on Feb. 3.

The frontman of the English post-punk act The Fall, has died. He was 60 years old. “It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Mark E. Smith,” the band’s manager posted in a statement on Facebook on Jan. 24. “He passed this morning at home. A more detailed statement will follow in the next few days. In the meantime, Pam & Mark’s family request privacy at this sad time.”

Cole, the Emmy-winning actress known for her work in such TV programs as Roots and Backstairs at the White House, died Jan. 19 at her home in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where she lived for nearly 30 years. She was 75. Her agent, Susie Schwarz, confirmed the news to EW.

The Elk City, Oklahoma, native, who starred on Discovery Channel’s documentary reality television series Storm Chasers, died on Jan. 23, according to his friends who shared the sad news on social media. He was 38. The cause of Joel’s death remains unclear at this time. It is not believed to be storm chasing-related.

Masekela, a South African trumpeter and anti-apartheid activist known as “the father of South African jazz,” died “peacefully” surrounded by his family on Jan. 23 in Johannesburg “after a protracted and courageous battle with prostate cancer.” He was 78.

“A loving father, brother, grandfather, and friend, our hearts beat with profound loss,” a statement from the family read. “Hugh’s global and activist contribution to and participation in the areas of music, theatre, and the arts in general is contained in the minds and memory of millions across 6 continents and we are blessed and grateful to be part of a life and ever-expanding legacy of love, sharing, and vanguard creativity that spans the time and space of 6 decades. Rest in power, beloved, you are forever in our hearts.”

The British actor best known for playing Tinky Winky in the children’s TV show Teletubbies, has died. He was 52. Barnes portrayed the character between 1998-2001 after the firing of original actor Dave Thompson.

Family members and costars took to social media to pay tribute to the actor, who The Independent reports was a trained ballet dancer and choreographer before taking on the role of the purple Teletubby known for carrying a magic bag. 

Barnes’ niece and The Inbetweeners actress Emily Atack paid tribute to him on Instagram with a black-and-white headshot. “My wonderful uncle Simon Barnes has been taken from us all so suddenly,” she wrote. “The kindest and most talented man you could ever wish to meet. Loved by all who knew him, and will be forever.”

Sawyer, the oldest working member of the Screen Actors Guild and the Academy, has died. She was 105. The actress died peacefully at her home in Woodland Hills, California, according to Deadline. She had previously resided at the Motion Picture & Television Fund’s residential community for entertainment industry retirees in Los Angeles.

“It was a hell of a run,” a rep for Sawyer told PEOPLE, adding, “In the old-fashioned sense of the phrase a ‘Great Broad.’ “

The inspiration for the iconic female World War II factory worker Rosie the Riveter, has died. She was 96. The Tulsa, Oklahoma, native, who was born on August 26, 1921, died on Jan. 20 in Longview, Washington, according to the New York Times. The California waitress-turned-factory worker began her job at the Naval Air Station in Alameda and was among the first women to be assigned to the machine shop after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in late 1941.

Then in 1942, 20-year-old Fraley posed for a photograph wearing her signature red-and-white-polka-dot bandana and working on a turret lathe, for a photographer touring the Naval Air Station, where she and younger sister Ada drilled and patched airplane wings as well as operated rivet machines.

The younger brother of actor Dick Van Dyke best known for his role on Coach, has died at the age of 86, his rep confirmed to PEOPLE.

The actor passed Jan. 19 at his Arkansas ranch with wife Shirley by his side, TMZ reported. Shirley told the website that Jerry’s health had been deteriorating over the years, after a car accident they were involved in back in 2015.

The Irish musician who fronted ’90s superstars The Cranberries, reportedly died in January at the age of 46. “The lead singer with the Irish band The Cranberries was in London for a short recording session. No further details are available at this time,” O’Riordan’s publicist said in a statement to the BBC. “Family members are devastated to hear the breaking news and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”

O’Riordan is survived by her three children, 20-year-old son Taylor, 16-year-old daughter Molly and 12-year-old daughter Dakota.

Real Housewives of New York City alumna Jill Zarin’s husband Bobby has died from cancer. Jill announced the news in a family statement on her official website, revealing that Bobby died on Saturday surrounded by his family. “With the heaviest of hearts, we are devastated to share the news that our beloved Bobby Zarin passed away peacefully today surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer,” the family said in a statement. “There are no words to describe how heartbroken we are. Thank you, everyone for all your love, and support during this difficult time.”

Motörhead guitarist Eddie Clarke has died at the age 67. The musician, known to fans as “Fast” Eddie because of his blisteringly fast playing, was an essential part of the British heavy metal band’s early success. Clarke can be heard on the group’s self-titled 1977 debut album, 1979’s Bomber, 1980’s Ace of Spades, and the 1981 live album No Sleep ’til Hammersmith. The guitarist also co-wrote many of the band’s best-known tracks, including “Ace of Spades.” Clarke left Motorhead following the release of 1982’s Iron Fist and formed the band Fastway.

According to the official Motörhead Facebook page, Clarke died in a hospital where he was being treated for pneumonia. “We are devastated to pass on the news we only just heard ourselves earlier tonight,” the post said in part.

The author of the best-selling novel Eat, Pray, Love Elizabeth Gilbert confirmed the passing of her partner in statements shared on Instagram and Twitter on Jan. 4. Elias, a fellow author, songwriter and short filmmaker, was diagnosed with pancreatic and liver cancer in spring 2016.

“She was my love, my heart, my best friend, my teacher, my rebel, my angel, my protector, my challenger, my partner, my muse, my wizard, my surprise, my gift, my comet, my liberator, my rock star, my completely impossible non-cooperator, my otherworldly visitor, my spiritual portal, and my baby,” Gilbert wrote along with a photo of Elias happily playing guitar.