Whitney Houston, 48, 1963-2012
When news broke in February 2012 that legendary singer Whitney Houston had passed on, the world was left in shock, and tears flowed among the music faithful all over the world. The songstress was undoubtedly among the greatest of all time, with her undeniable talent, lyrical prowess, and enchanting voice endearing her to fans.
A couple of days before her demise, Houston was pictured enjoying herself at the 'Kelly Price & Friends Unplugged: For the Love of R&B,' where she also took to the stage and performed alongside Kelly Price. Sadly, that would be the last time the actress would belt out her tunes as she passed on two days later, on the 11th.
Sean Connery, 90, 1930-2020
Widely considered among the greatest actors ever to play the role of the legendary British spy James Bond, Sean Connery was an acclaimed star, and his performances were as riveting as he was charming. The actor won countless awards for his work in the film business, and it's no wonder he was knighted for his services to drama.
While Connery passed on in his sleep in 2020 in his wife's arms in the Bahamas, he enjoyed a life full of happiness and love, and the last photo of him and his partner is probably the sweetest thing we've ever seen. The star might be gone, but his soul lives through the work he did over the years.
Arlene Dahl, 96, 1925-2021
For over six decades until her retirement in 2012, Arlene Dahl wowed the masses with her skill and impeccable performances on the big screen, starring in countless blockbusters including 'Land Raiders,' Slightly Scarlet,' and 'Desert Legion' among others. Sadly, the actress passed on in 2021, but not without leaving a legacy in the film business.
After retiring from the limelight until her demise, Dahl kept a low profile, staying away from the cameras and only making sporadic public appearances when she could. Still, if her last photo is anything to go by, she managed to take care of herself, aging flawlessly—something that we think is pretty impressive.
David Gulpilil, 68, 1953-2021
When we talk about some of the most talented people we have seen grace our screens, David Gulpilil is always on top of the list. The late actor, whose origin is of the Yolngu people of Aboriginal Australia was a seasoned dancer, painter, and accomplished author with several children's books in his bibliography.
The star fell ill in 2017, leading to his retirement in 2019, and sadly his demise two years later. His last public appearance was when he received the lifetime achievement award presented to him by 'NAIDOC.' Gulpilil will always be remembered for putting the indigenous community on the art map; and his overall impact in the entertainment industry.
Virgil Abloh, 41, 1980-2021
At the peak of his career, Virgil Abloh was among the most revered fashion designers in Hollywood, tasked with heading the Louis Vuitton's men's collection since 2018. The entrepreneur also founded an apparel company, 'Off White,' which is massively successful. This business propelled him to worldwide fame.
Days before his unfortunate passing, Abloh was photographed walking around on the streets of New York, looking all happy and healthy, and what many people didn't know was that he was privately battling health issues. The designer is survived by his wife and two children and without a doubt, he will be remembered forever for his contribution to the fashion world.
Stephen Sondheim, 91, 1930-2021
Stephen Sondheim was a legendary composer who remains widely recognized for revolutionizing the American musical scene with shows unlike any other at the time. As such, the lyricist won countless awards for his work, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded to Stephen by President Barack Obama.
Sondheim lived life to the fullest, passing on at the twilight age of 91 with his compositions celebrated the world over. By the time of his demise, the star had accumulated a massive net worth of $20 million, which he left behind for his partner. Yet, did you know that Stephen was also an accomplished author with several best-selling books to his name - talk about a man with endless talents.
Bergen Williams, 62, 1959-2021
Anyone who has watched the 'General Hospital' soap opera might know Bergen Williams from her role as Alice Gunderson, which propelled her to international fame. The actress starred in several films and television shows during her long stint in Hollywood, including 'Wishman,' 'Venus & Vegas, ' and 'Clifford,' among other blockbusters, before retiring in 2015.
After a long battle with Wilson's disease, the star passed on in 2021, six days after her 62nd birthday, surrounded by her close family and friends. While the curtains might have been closed on Williams, her work will always keep her legacy and memory alive to the end of time.
Heath Freeman, 41, 1980-2021
Heath Freeman was a versatile film and televising actor known for stellar performances on 'Bones,' 'NCIS,' and 'Home Sweet Hell' while raking in the fame and fortune. The star had a stellar two-decade stint in Hollywood, which was cut short by his sudden demise in 2021, at only 41 years of age.
Sadly, Heath passed on in his sleep, and his last communication was a post on social media where he outlined his expectations for the future. There's no doubt that Freeman was loved by many people going by the movingly heartfelt tributes that poured in, and without a doubt, he will be missed dearly.
JoAnna Cameron, 73, 1948-2021
Older folk might know JoAnna Cameron, who was a mainstay figure in Hollywood at the peak of her career, from the late '60s to the '80s. The 'Isis' star won over the hearts of many fans worldwide with her charm and eloquence, qualities JoAnna held onto even after retirement from the big screen in 1980.
After stepping away from the limelight, Cameron took an interest in home healthcare and business, working as a hotel marketer in Hawaii until her untimely demise. At the time of her passing, the legendary actress was 71 years old, and considering the private life she led, there aren't many photos of her near the end of her life.
James Michael Tyler, 59, 1962-2021
The world was left in shock when the media reported that one of the friends from the critically acclaimed 'Friends' sitcom had passed on. The famous actor played the role of Gunther in the serial and was among the fans' favorite owing to his unmatched sense of humor.
Still, the sitcom wasn't the only production he was involved with; Tyler appeared on numerous films and television shows, including 'Motel Blue,' 'Processing,' and 'Modern Music' all to critical acclaim. Unfortunately, the talented entertainer lost the battle to cancer, passing on at 59 years of age; his wife survives James, no doubt keeping his memory alive in her heart.
Johnny Crawford, 75, 1946 - 2021
After rising to prominence at the tender age of 12, Johnny Crawford went on to become an amazing entertainer. He is a credited singer, actor, and musician, and at some point, he was a Mouseketeer. Johnny's first role saw him get nominated for an Emmy at the age of thirteen, which is a feat by itself.
In the 50s and 60s our man gave mainstream music a shot before returning to acting. Luckily his music bone never left him, and he was soon conducting a vintage orchestra. Sadly, at the age of 75, in 2021 Johnny passed away due to medical complications.
Betty Lynn, 95, 1926 - 2021
Betty Lynn will forever be remembered as Thelma Lou from 'The Andy Griffith Show' which aired over half a century ago. Aside from this iconic TV character, Betty took up many more roles that showcased her acting prowess in the '40s and '50s.
For most of her adult life, Betty was the breadwinner and caretaker of her family. Her grandparents and parents moved in with her as soon as she could afford it and the merry band enjoyed their time together living under the same roof. In 2021, Betty said farewell to this plane of existence after a brief illness.
Jean-Paul Belmondo, 88, 1933 - 2021
Jean-Paul Belmondo is a legendary French actor credited with the New Wave that rose to prominence in the '60s. After his catapult to fame, the actor stole the show for several decades before bowing out due to old age and other personal factors.
Some of Belmondo's notable works include 'That Man From Rio,' 'The Professional,' and 'Breathless.' In September 2021, Belmondo passed away in his home in Paris. A national tribute was held, and the French President dubbed the actor a national hero. He might be gone but his legacy and impact will forever be felt by his fans and future generations.
Sarah Harding, 39, 1981 - 2021
Sarah Harding became a household name after auditioning for 'Popstars: The Rivals.' Her success on the show saw doors open for the lady, and it wasn't long before she won a place in a popular girl group called 'Girls Aloud.'
Sarah's time with the girls saw her tour the world and be a part of history as the group won twenty consecutive top ten singles. Her time in the high-flying group would come to an abrupt end after they announced their breakup. This wasn't enough to stop Sarah's shine as she successfully switched to acting. Sadly, her full potential wasn't realized as Sarah passed away in 2021 at the tender age of 39.
Ed Asner, 91, 1929 - 2021
Ed Asner might have passed away in August 2021, but he will never be forgotten. The actor was a wrecking ball in his time, gaining respect and adoration everywhere he went. His charisma and professionalism saw him become the president of the Screen Actors Guild, a feat very few can ever dream of achieving.
Ed's most notable role is Lou Grant which was so good that he ended up portraying the character in several shows. Surprisingly, the shows were of different genres with one being a drama and another a comedy. Ed's acting skills saw him become the most decorated male performer in the history of Primetime Emmy Awards, with a tally of 7 wins.
Norman Lloyd, 106, 1914 - 2021
Norman Lloyd is probably one of the most interesting human beings to have walked the earth. For one, the man's career spanned almost a century, and he passed away at the age of 106. This means that Lloyd was already bringing home the bread way before most of us knew how to spell and write properly.
Norman's career began in 1923 and ended in 2015 after he attained 100 years. Honestly, if his life is not made into a movie, we'll be disappointed. Lloyd's dedication to the craft is unmatched, and we can understand why legends like Alfred Hitchcock took a liking to him.
Prince Philip, 99, 1921 - 2021
Prince Philip lived a long life with the most desirable lady in the world by his side. He was the husband of the Queen of England, and if that is not a win, we have no idea what will float your boat. In April 2021, the legend passed away at the age of 99 due to old age.
Unbeknownst to most people, Philip was of royal origin, having been born into the Greek and Danish royal families. Even so, he had to relinquish his titles to get married to Queen Elizabeth. The couple went on to have four children and an enviable relationship to boot.
Rush Limbaugh, 70, 1951 - 2021
Most people might remember Rush Limbaugh as the voice of conservatives, but the man was more than that. His political ideologies and on-air charisma were unmatched. No matter how you viewed the man, whenever he came on, you'd be drawn to give him a listen.
Rush's career saw him enter the Forbes list as one of the most well-paid radio hosts after taking home $84.5 million in 2018. This figure was fair considering the man had the most audience tuning in every day. Rush was pulling at least 15 million listeners regularly, making him a behemoth in the Industry.
Cicely Tyson, 96, 1924 - 2021
In the acting world, Cicely Tyson is one of the greats. The lady is revered for her portrayal of strong African-American women; a role she embraced for more than seven decades. This approach saw her win several awards, including three Emmys, four Black Reels, a Tony, a Peabody, and the coveted Screen Actors Guild Award.
Tyson's career didn't stop until 2020 when she was still a part of 'How to Get Away With Mu**er.' Once that road closed, she released a memoir which she promoted till the end. During one of her final interviews, Tyson stated she had done her best, and we agree wholeheartedly.
Larry King, 87, 1933 - 2021
In January 2021, the journalism world was subjected to some bad news. It had lost one of the greats to health complications. We are talking of the one and only Larry King who had a career spanning more decades than you can count on one hand.
King is known for his cutthroat approach to interviews and honesty. Whenever a celebrity was called to his show, they knew they were in for a good time since the journalist knew what questions to ask, and he always had his research properly done. Sadly, the man had been struggling with his health for quite some time, and the last bout of illness was the straw that broke the camel's back.
Tanya Roberts, 65, 1955-2021
Tanya Roberts was an actress and model well known by her fans, especially the 80's audience. She reached stardom in the '80s as detective 'Julie Rogers' in the TV show 'Charlie's Angels' and 'Stacey Sutton' in the James Bond's film 'A View to a Kill.' Later on, she resurfaced in "That '70s Show" as "Midge Pinciotti."
Her passing on was both unfortunate and unexpected. Her long-time partner Lance O'Brian claimed she was "healthy as a horse" before she got sick and collapsed because of an undiagnosed infection at the age of 65. We know that Tanya will be remembered fondly and missed dearly by her fans.
Steve Jobs, 56, 1955-2011
Some people's path through this world leaves an impression for generations to come. Steve Jobs was one of these people. His contributions to the advancement of technology influence the lifestyle of everyone living today with a smartphone, tablet, and any form of advanced portable technology.
Sadly, the star of Silicon Valley left us too early, during 2011, because of pancreatic cancer. Jobs left us at the early age of 56, and the whole world wonders what the co-founder of Apple would have done in the future if he were still alive. Apple's webpage even has a section dedicated to messages of Apple employees remembering Steve with admiration.
Burt Reynolds, 82, 1936-2018
For the classic films lovers, Burt Reynold's face is a synonym for the stereotypical rogue action roles of the '60s, '70s, '80s, and so on. With at least 65 movies in his career, Reynolds never stopped working. Even the youngest generations will know him for films such as 'Shadow Fighter' and 'The X-Files.'
Burt left us in 2018 as a joyful and successful actor. According to director Quentin Tarantino, Reynolds died a happy man just after he rehearsed his lines for what would've been his role in Tarantino's 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.' Even Brad Pitt claims that sharing the set with Reynolds was one of his best career moments.
Elizabeth Taylor, 79, 1932-2011
Hollywood's violet-eyed sweetheart, Elizabeth Taylor, was one of the last major stars from Hollywood's golden era. Elizabeth jumped to stardom at the tender age of 11 in 43's 'Lassie Come Home.' Her career did a steep rise from there, acting in famous movies such as '58's 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' and '63's 'Cleopatra.'
Taylor's career earned fame, fortune, many awards, such as two academy awards and one golden globe award, but it also took a toll on her health. Elizabeth's long medical history includes pneumonia, skin cancer, and congestive heart disease. At the end of a renowned life, her heart caused her demise at 79 years old.
Farrah Fawcett, 62, 1947-2009
Farrah Fawcett was an actress and fashion model whose beauty and talent bewildered the world. Reaching stardom with her role as 'Jill Munroe' in the '70s 'Charlie's Angels' TV series, Farrah acted in plenty of memorable films such as 'Logan's Run' and 'Saturn 3.'
It's a shame the world didn't have the time to mourn her passing since she left this world only hours before pop star Michael Jackson. Farrah had been fighting cancer for three years by the time she passed in 2009, at 62 years old. Her friends claim her last words were directed at Redmond, her son, which speaks of how much she loved him.
John Lennon, 40, 1940-1980
The Legendary singer-songwriter John Lennon gained international fame as the founder, vocalist, and guitarist for the iconic band 'The Beatles.' Then he went solo, which did nothing to diminish his popularity or reduce his massive fandom.
So, it was a great shock when, on December 8, 1980, he was taken down by a 'Beatles' fan outside his home hours after signing an autograph for him. The saddest part about his demise was that he had just returned from a five-year break and had recently released his comeback album titled 'Double Fantasy.' Decades later, his fans still grieve his passing, as he had a significant impact on them and the world at large.
Erin Moran, 56, 1960-2017
Erin Moran's passing shook the hearts of many across the world when her husband penned a moving essay about her illness. Still, as a way to heal and share what a beautiful life Erin had had, a lot of her friends shared several photos they took of her in her last days.
In most of the pictures, the 'Happy Days' star can be seen smiling and glowing despite everything she was going through. She can also be seen with her husband, Steven Fleischmann, and smiling at a charity event that tells a story of what a selfless soul she was.
Diana, Princess of Wales, 36, 1961 -1997
Diana, Princess of Wales, a recipient of many honors and prestigious appointments, was an international goddess who earned fame from her humanitarian services and fashion sense. Her matrimony to the heir to the British throne, Prince Charles, made her the Princess of Wales, and their union was blessed with two sons.
After her separation from Prince Charles in 1996, she decided to devote her life to her children and the charity organizations that she supported. Sadly, "the people's princess," as she was fondly called, left a hole in the world when she passed away due to a car crash in August 1997. Diana remains a symbol of strength to many women, and her legacy lives on.
Gene Wilder, 83, 1933-2016
'Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory' was such a classic to most of us growing up, and losing Gene Wilder was a big blow to everybody. Furthermore, he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and had to live his last days of life with the condition, but he had his wife by his side all through.
In his last photos, you can see the silver-haired 'Young Frankenstein' star with his wife and people that love him. It brings us so much joy that someone who brought smiles to the world is surrounded by people who love him in his final days.
James Garner, 86, 1928-2014
Hollywood lost a legend when renowned actor and producer James Garner passed away after suffering a heart attack in his Los Angeles home in July 2014. The award-winning icon was known for many versatile and captivating lead roles, which earned him wide success for decades.
Besides acting and producing mind-blowing projects, Garner also left a mark as a great husband, father, and activist. Despite having a humble beginning, he tried to actualize his dreams of becoming an actor, becoming an inspiration to the younger generation. The 'Maverick' star will be greatly missed, as he was a hard worker, devoted to outstanding performances and services to humanity.
Tony Burton, 78, 1937-2016
Born in 1937 in Michigan, Tony Burton was a professional boxer until his retirement in 1959. Nonetheless, that wasn't the end of stardom for the man, who later discovered a passion for acting while in prison. Naturally, Tony chased that dream after his sentence and became one very successful entertainer.
His past notwithstanding, the 'Stir Crazy' actor became a deacon and lived a life of faith throughout the rest of his life. Tony's last movie appearance was in the 2006 fifth 'Rocky' film, and while fans had hoped to see more of the star, he finally said goodbye to this world in 2016 due to health complications.
Freddie Mercury, 45, 1946-1991
No one can deny that Freddie Mercury was a gift to the world, and it was unfair that he had to leave as early as he did. Still, the singer's time on earth was full of so much success that we can't help but be glad he lived a good life.
The iconic musician was popular for his unique voice and energy on stage, but it was apparent that Freddie was no longer his usual self in his last days. The 'We Will Rock You' crooner's photo was taken by his partner, Jim Hutton, in the garden of their Georgian house in West London, a few days before Freddie passed.
Doris Day, 97, 1922-2019
We had mixed feelings when the legendary Doris Day was no more; happy because the former actress lived a very long and fulfilling life, and sad because we wanted her to stick around longer. We can't complain, though, because Doris was still vibrant even until she passed away, and the photo the former musician took a month before she left us is proof that the 'Que Sera Sera' singer was still having fun.
Doris was one of the greatest movie stars of her time and had a successful music career. As a result, she won several awards and was even granted special recognition by former US president George W. Bush.
Jonathan Brandis, 27, 1976-2003
Jonathan Brandis was bound to be one of the most successful actors today, but sadly, he left us way too soon. The popular child actor was already a star from a young age, modeling at just two years. At six, the late performer had his first movie appearance in 'One Life to Live.'
After his family relocated to LA, the young performer kept featuring in several films until he created a regular onscreen presence for himself. In fact, the 'She Wrote' star was the recipient of an award and several nominations. With such a successful career at a young age, it was a surprise to many when Jonathan took his own life in 2003.
Eddie Van Halen, 65, 1955-2020
Eddie Van Halen wormed his way into many people's hearts with his legendary guitar skills. What even made this late musician a hero was the fact that he was a fighter; for almost two decades, Eddie fought a health issue that many would have succumbed to long ago.
Sadly, in 2020, the co-founder of the 'Van Halen' band experienced a rapid decline in his health and passed away that same year. In his last hours, Eddie was surrounded by his family, which the man deserved. Today, fans still remember the late songwriter, while his wife and son talk about him regularly.
John Ritter, 54, 1948–2003
With over a hundred films and television series under his belt, John Ritter is a legend. No wonder he has a 'Primetime Emmy' and a 'Golden Globe Award' to his name. Of course, the awards are for his famous portrayal of Jack Tripper in the 'ABC' sitcom 'Three's Company.'
While working on his last project '8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter,' the actor became unwell on the sets. Sadly, John took his last breath on that same day in 2003. At the 'ABC Primetime Preview Weekend' in California, he took what became some of his final pictures with him smiling and hugging his colleagues that were also present.
Chadwick Boseman, 43, 1976–2020
Whenever we recollect the movie 'Black Panther,' Chadwick Boseman's fantastic feat leaves us awestruck. So, no wonder the news of the prolific star's untimely demise was greatly alarming and heartbreaking to the world. Many celebrities even took to social media to share their condolences with the 'Get on Up' star's family.
Reportedly, Chadwick had been battling with a condition but kept it a secret. Still, what's truly touching is that he never let the circumstance affect his on-screen performances till the end. The actor was last pictured walking his dog in casual outfits on the streets of Los Feliz in May 2020.
Aretha Franklin, 76, 1942-2018
There's no denying that Aretha Franklin was among the few musicians who rightfully embodied the harmony between African-American gospel, R&B, and the blues. Indeed, the songstress' legacy looms large! So, her demise left the fans in deep despair and made the world mourn her loss for days.
Blessed with unique musical talents, Aretha set several milestones by placing more than a hundred hit singles on the 'Billboard's' charts. In fact, she bagged 18 'Grammys' and is regarded among the bestselling music artists of all time. The Queen of Soul's last photo was from her performance at a gala night for Elton John's Foundation in New York.
Benjamin Keough, 27, 1992 – 2020
A quick look at Benjamin Keough is sure to make anyone remember his famous grandfather, Elvis Presley. After all, he was born to the rock-and-roll legend's only daughter Lisa Marie Presley. Yet, the star child barely appeared in public and tried keeping away from the limelight. That was unusual though, given he was born into a family that was a significant part of the entertainment industry.
Sadly, in an unfortunate incident, Benjamin passed away at the early age of 27 in 2020. The youngster's last public photo was in New York, where he was getting into a car with his mother.
Lucille Ball, 77, 1911-1989
After beginning her career as a model, Lucille Ball soon went on to perform on 'Broadway' under the stage name Diane Belmont. For her enormous contribution to the entertainment industry, the movie icon received several honors, including five 'Primetime Emmys' and two stars on the 'Hollywood Walk of Fame.' We can't adore her feat enough in the sitcom 'I Love Lucy,' which is still viewed worldwide.
Unfortunately, Lucille passed away in 1989 at the age of 77, leaving her fans devastated. The picture of this evergreen star that ended up being her last was at the 61st 'Academy Awards' of 1989.