Celebrity deaths: stars who have died in 2026

Irish actress Brenda Fricker, best known for her roles in My Left Foot and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, died aged 81 on July 16.

Brenda, who was the first Irish actress to win an Oscar, passed away after "a period of ill health," according to her agent Phil Belfield, who added in a statement: "Dublin born and bred, Brenda Fricker undoubtedly deserves the noun legend…

"We will never see her like again and the world is lesser for the lack of her. I was honoured to know, love and work with her and she will always have a place in my heart and in the heart of so many film and TV fans the world over."

Jurassic Park star Sam Neill died of pneumonia in St Vincent's Private Hospital in Sydney, Australia, on July 13, aged 78. The actor passed away surrounded by his loved ones, three months after revealing he was cancer-free following his battle with stage three angioimmunoblastic T–cell lymphoma.

"Sam passed away from pneumonia. Prior to becoming sick, Sam had valiantly fought and beaten lymphoma through a new treatment called CAR-T therapy," his representative, Philip Grenz, said in a statement.

Sam's family announced his death in a heartbreaking statement, which read: "It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney, Australia.

"Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life. The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer-free."

Bonnie Tyler, best known for hits including "Total Eclipse of the Heart" and "Holding on for a Hero," died at the age of 75 on July 8.

The Welsh musician passed away "unexpectedly" in a hospital in Portugal, according to a statement posted on her website. "Bonnie's family and team are heartbroken to announce that Bonnie unexpectedly passed away last night in hospital in Portugal as a result of the illness that she was being treated for," it read

In May, the "It's a Heartache" hitmaker was placed into an induced coma after having emergency intestinal surgery in a hospital near her home in Portugal.

Victor Willis, the lead singer of '70s disco group Village People, died on June 30, 2026, just one day before his 75th birthday.

The 74-year-old, best known for hits including "Y.M.C.A," "Go West," and "In The Navy," passed away after a "short but aggressive illness," a brief statement on the band's social media accounts confirmed.

"We are profoundly sad to announce the death of VICTOR WILLIS, lead singer of Village People," the statement read. "Victor passed on Monday June 30, 2026 of a short but aggressive illness. Privacy is requested."

Music industry legend Clive Davis, responsible for launching the careers of some of the most significant artists of our time, died at the age of 94 on Monday, June 22. He had battled several health issues in his later years, including a brief hospitalization in May for respiratory issues (he was released shortly after and seemed to be in good spirits).

His family, primarily his kids Fred, Lauren, Mitchell and Doug, released a statement obtained by HELLO! which read in part: "Today, we celebrate not only a towering figure whose influence changed music forever, but the man who led our family with grace, generosity, and kindness. We will miss him greatly, cherish him always, and carry his love with us for the rest of our lives."

Daveigh Chase, best known for her role in The Ring, died on June 16, 2026, aged 35, of "acquired immunodeficiency syndrome" (AIDS). "Chronic Polysubstance Use" was listed as a secondary cause, which can usually indicate a battle with substance abuse or, in some cases, an intentional overdose.

Her death was announced by her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, who revealed Daveigh died following a battle with meningitis and "several serious blood infections" that led to sepsis.

The former child star had been living out of the public eye for the better part of a decade and had battled addiction. She reportedly lived near Los Angeles' infamous Skid Row.

Cheers star George Wendt, who won the hearts of millions with his unforgettable portrayal of Norm Peterson on the long-running NBC sitcom, died peacefully in his sleep on May 20. He was 76.

According to his death certificate from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, George's immediate cause of death was cardiac arrest. The certificate also lists congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension as contributing factors. He was cremated on May 28.

Alan Osmond passed away at the age of 76 with his family, including his wife and their eight children, by his side, on April 20.

The American musician was the oldest member of the chart-topping famous family band, The Osmonds. 

A statement was issued by his family to his local news station, KSL TV 5 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Alan had been suffering with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) since 1987.

Nicholas Brendon, best known for playing Xander Harris on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, died on March 20 at the age of 54.

His "heartbroken" family revealed in a statement that he passed away in his sleep from "natural causes." The statement read in part: "Most people know Nicky for his work as an actor and for the characters he brought to life over the years. In recent years Nicky has found his passion in painting and art. Nicky loved to share his enthusiastic talent with his family, friends and fans.

"Our family asks for privacy during this time as we grieve his loss and celebrate the life of a man who lived with intensity, imagination and heart. Thank you to everyone who has shown love and support."

Chuck Norris died at 86 on March 19, 2026, in Hawaii.

His family said in a statement: "While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace."

"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, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family.

"While our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the life he lived and for the unforgettable moments we were blessed to share with him."

Legendary singer Neil Sedaka died on Friday, February 27, at the age of 86, his family confirmed in a statement to HELLO! 

"Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka," the statement read.

"A true rock and roll legend, an inspiration to millions, but most importantly, at least to those of us who were lucky enough to know him, an incredible human being who will be deeply missed."

Robert Carradine, best known for his roles in Lizzie McGuire and Revenge of the Nerds, died by suicide on February 23.

His family released a statement hoping it would raise awareness for bipolar disorder, which Robert suffered with for much of his life. 

"In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon of light to everyone around him," the Carradine family said in a statement to Deadline. "We are bereft at the loss of this beautiful soul and want to acknowledge Bobby’s valiant struggle against his nearly two-decade battle with bipolar disorder. 

"We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness. At this time we ask for the privacy to grieve this unfathomable loss. With gratitude for your understanding and compassion."

Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane passed away on February 19, aged 53, 10 months after announcing his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). His family announced the sad news via a statement that read: "With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS."

"He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world."

"He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always," the statement continued. "The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time."

Robert Duvall passed away aged 95. The Oscar-winning actor's wife, Luciana Duvall, shared a statement on Facebook announcing the news on February 16. 

Luciana revealed that Robert had passed away "peacefully at home" in Middleburg, Virginia, and was "surrounded by love and comfort". 

The message read: "Yesterday we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time. Bob passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort." 

James Van Der Beek, best known for his leading turn in Dawson's Creek as the titular Dawson Leery, passed away on February 11 at the age of 48 after a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer.

"Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning," his wife, Kimberly, wrote in a family statement. "He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come."

The statement concluded: "For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."

The star first announced his cancer diagnosis in November 2024.

Actress Catherine O'Hara passed away at the age of 71 on Friday, January 30, following a "brief illness."

The Home Alone star was having "difficulty breathing" before she was transported to a nearby hospital in a "serious condition" after first responders were called to her Brentwood, Los Angeles, home around 5 a.m. Catherine passed away hours later. 

Sanford and Son star Grady Demond Wilson died at the age of 79 on January 30.

The actor, who played Lamont Sanford, the son of Fred Sanford, in the 1970s NBC sitcom, was pronounced dead at his home in Palm Springs, California, after experiencing complications from cancer. It is not known which type of cancer he had.

Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani died on January 19, "at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones." He was 93. 

The famed designer was laid to rest in a private family chapel at the Flaminio Cemetery in Prima Porta, Rome, following a star-studded funeral at the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, in Piazza della Repubblica 8, Rome, on Friday, January 23.

Former child actress Kianna Underwood, who starred in All That and Little Bill, tragically passed away at the age of 33 following a horrific hit-and-run accident in Brooklyn, New York, on Friday, January 16.

Kianna was pronounced dead on the scene, with the official cause of death noted as severe trauma to the head and torso after she was dragged by the car for two blocks.

Bob Weir, the guitarist and founding member of Grateful Dead, died on January 10, aged 78. 

In a statement shared by his daughter Chloe Weir, the family confirmed that the legendary musician "transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones." He "courageously" beat cancer in the summer of 2025 but succumbed to underlying lung issues.