Hollywood mourned the deaths of some of its most legendary stars in 2026.
The year started off with Broadway performer and influencer Bret Hanna-Shuford’s death at age 46. On January 11, famed composer Guy Moon died at age 63. Days later, Grammy-nominated musician John Forté was found dead at age 50. Later that month, All That alum Kianna Underwood died at age 33, while Midnight Oil cofounder and drummer Rob Hirst died at age 70 and Two Ways With Erica Mena contestant Jardyn “Pee Wee” Walker was fatally shot at 23.
At the end of the month, celebrity hairstylist Kim Vo died from cancer and Catherine O’Hara died at age 71.
In early February, Designing Women’s Camilla Carr died at age 83. Dawson’s Creek actor James Van Der Beek and Harold and Maude star Bud Cort both died on February 11, at the age of 48 and 77, respectively. Less than one week later, indie band Manchester Orchestra announced that their drummer, Timothy Very, died at the age of 42, and former NFL star Tre’ Johnson’s death was confirmed by his wife. The athlete was 54. That same week, Robert Duvall died at age 95, Grand Cayman: Secrets in Paradise’s Cass Lacelle died at age 34, acclaimed songwriter Billy Steinberg died at age 75 and civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson died at age 84.
Scroll down to remember all the stars who died in 2026:
Billy Steinberg
Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Billy Steinberg, best known for cowriting Madonna’s “Like a Virgin,” died on February 16 at the age of 75.
Steinberg died at his home in Los Angeles after battling cancer, his attorney told the Los Angeles Times.
Steinberg also cowrote Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors,” The Bangles’ hit “Eternal Flame” and Whitney Houston’s “So Emotional.”
Cass Lacelle
Grand Cayman: Secrets in Paradise star Cass Lacelle died at age 34 after a battle with cancer. “It is with profound sadness that we share the news that our beloved Cass has passed after her short but incredibly courageous battle with cancer,” a statement read via Lacelle’s Instagram on February 15, noting that she “leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured.”
“She is the definition of memorable; in just 34 years, she made an extraordinary impact on everyone who crossed her path,” the post continued. “She taught us that life is precious, meant to be embraced wholeheartedly and never wasted. Boredom was her biggest enemy. Cass had a rare gift for making people feel truly alive and bringing everyone together, she was the glue.”
Alongside the message was a photo of her smiling while standing inside a kitchen. “Her ability to be there in a meaningful way for so many people was a super power and we hope people find comfort in memories shared with her,” the statement read. “Because she has touched so many people far and wide, her wish was for one final post to be shared.”
The message concluded, ”Our dearest Cass, you have been very brave, for so very long. You did not yield. Forever, our Fireheart . 27/09/1991 – 11/02/2026.”
Robert Duvall
Robert Duvall died on February 15 in his home in Virginia with his wife by his side, according to a statement from his family. He was 95.
Tre’ Johnson
Former NFL star Tre’ Johnson’s wife, Irene Johnson, confirmed he died on February 15 at the age of 54 while on a family vacation.
“It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that my husband, Tre’ Johnson, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly … during a brief family trip,” Irene wrote via Instagram. “His four children, Chloe, EJ, EZ and Eden, extended family, friends, and I are devastated and in shock.
A cause of death was not given at the time.
Timothy Very
Timothy Very’s death was announced via an Instagram post shared by his band, Manchester Orchestra, on February 15. “The entire Manchester Orchestra family has been devastated by the sudden passing of our brother, Timothy Very. The most beloved human being any of us were lucky enough to know in this life. We’ve all been dreading sharing this news as we are all still in absolute disbelief,” the post read.
Very died at the age of 42 with no cause of death disclosed in the post.
James Van Der Beek
James Van Der Beek’s death was announced via a statement shared to his Instagram page on February 11.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” the statement read. “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. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
Prior to his passing, Van Der Beek battled stage III colorectal cancer. He is survived by his six children, Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah and wife Kimberly Van Der Beek.
Bud Cort
Harold and Maude actor Bud Cort died on February 11 at the age of 77. The actor’s friend Dorian Hannaway told Entertainment Weekly that Cort died in Connecticut after a long illness.
Andrew Ranken
The Pogues drummer Andrew Ranken died at age 72 on February 10. “Andrew ‘The Clobberer’ Ranken 13 November 1953 – 10 February 2026,” the band wrote via Instagram. “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andrew Ranken, drummer, founding member, and heartbeat of The Pogues.”
The statement continued, “Andrew, thank you for everything, for your friendship, your wit and your generosity of spirit, and of course for the music, forever a true friend and brother. Our thoughts and love are with his family at this sad and difficult time.”
Tracy Scroggins
Tracy Scroggins’ family confirmed on February 9 that the former Detroit Lions player died at the age of 56. He suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease thought to be caused by head injuries, per his family.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Tracy Scroggins,” Scroggins’ family told TMZ in a statement. “Tracy was a devoted father, cherished family member, and loyal friend whose life was marked by remarkable strength and perseverance.”
Blake Garrett
How to Eat Fried Worms child actor Blake Garrett died suddenly on February 8, his mother, Carol Garrett, told TMZ, revealing their family was awaiting autopsy results to determine a cause of death. Blake was 33.
Camilla Carr
The Designing Women actress died on February 4, at her home in El Paso, Texas. Son Caley O’Dwyer told The Hollywood Reporter that Camilla Carr died from complications of Alzheimer’s disease and a dislocated hip. She was 83.
Brad Arnold
3 Doors Down founder and lead singer Brad Arnold died on February 7 after battling stage IV kidney cancer. He was 47.
“He was a devoted husband to Jennifer and his kindness, humor and generosity touched everyone fortunate enough to know him,” a statement from the band read. “Those closest to him will remember not only his talent but his warmth, humility, faith and deep love for his family and friends.”
The obituary concluded, “The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time and kindly asks that their privacy be respected, He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.”
Chuck Negron
Chuck Negron, one of three founding members of classic rock band Three Dog Night, died on February 2 at age 83. His publicist confirmed to Variety that Negron died “peacefully” at his home in Studio City, California, while surrounded by family.
Catherine O’Hara
Us confirmed on January 30 that Catherine O’Hara died at the age of 71. The Schitt’s Creek alum battled a brief illness before dying at her home in Los Angeles.
Kim Vo
Celebrity hairstylist and Blowing LA star Kim Vo’s death from cancer was announced by his husband Adeel Vo-Khan on January 24.
“My beloved husband, best friend, partner in life & business, Kim Vō, has taken his final breath,” Adeel confirmed via Instagram. “Diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2018, he fought valiantly, winning many battles along the way and exceeding all medical expectations under the care of Dr. Lawrence Piro and his incredible team at Angeles Clinic and Cedars-Sinai. Ultimately, God decided it was time for our angel on earth to return home.”
Kim was recognized as a “true icon in the hair & beauty industry” by Adeel for his work with top brands like L’Oréal and Schwarzkopf. He owned his own Kim Vo Salon in West Hollywood and judged the Bravo reality series Shear Genius alongside model Camila Alves and fellow celebrity stylist Jonathan Antin.
“He was beloved not only by his family and friends, but by the global hair community and millions of viewers who came to know him for both his artistry and his warmth. Kim had a rare ability to make everyone feel seen, welcomed, and at home,” Adeel wrote. “His guiding philosophy of ‘approachable luxury’ was central to everything he did. Beauty and glamour without pretense, barriers, or exclusion.”
Jardyn Walker
Two Ways With Erica Mena contestant Jardyn “Pee Wee” Walker was found dead in a Missouri alley in January after being fatally shot. He was 23. Best known for vying for the heart of Erica Mena in the Zeus Network dating show in 2025, Walker was working as a delivery driver when he was reported missing by his sister on January 20 after he failed to meet up with her for a prearranged ride, authorities discovered Walker’s whereabouts and later charged a suspect with first degree murder, among other charges.
Rob Hirst
Midnight Oil cofounder and drummer Rob Hirst died at age 70 on January 20 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
“After fighting heroically for almost three years, Rob is now free of pain – ‘a glimmer of tiny light in the wilderness,'” the band confirmed via a statement on social media. “He died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. The family asks that anyone wanting to honor Rob donate to Pankind, Pancreatic Cancer Australia or Support Act.”
In a follow-up statement, the band said, “We are shattered and grieving the loss of our brother Rob. For now there are no words but there will always be songs. Love Always from Jim, Martin & Pete.”
Kianna Underwood
Kianna Underwood died at age 33 following a hit and run accident on January 16, per multiple outlets. Kianna’s father Anthony Underwood confirmed the news while sharing an article about the accident via Facebook.
John Forte
Grammy-nominated musician John Forté, best known as a contributor on The Fugees’ The Score and Wyclef Jean’s The Carnival, died at the age of 50. According to Chilmark, Massachusetts, authorities, he was found dead inside his home on January 12 with no signs of foul play or “readily apparent cause of death,” per reporting by the Associated Press.
He is survived by his wife, Lara Fuller, and two children.
Guy Moon
Guy Moon, an Emmy-nominated Nickelodeon composer known for his work on The Fairly OddParents and Danny Phantom, died after suffering “traumatic injuries” during a car crash in Los Angeles. He was 63.
Yeison Jimenez
Colombian singer Yeison Jiménez died in a January 10 plane crash.
“With heavy hearts and indescribable grief, Yeison Jiménez’s organization and team deeply regret to announce his passing,” an Instagram statement translated from Spanish read. “Today, we not only say goodbye to an artist, we say goodbye to a son, a brother, a friend, a human being full of dreams and courage, who transformed his story into a source of hope for thousands.”
Jiménez is survived by his wife and three children.
Bret Hanna-Shuford
The Broadway performer and influencer’s husband, Stephen Hanna-Shuford, announced on January 3 that Bret Hanna-Shuford “left this world peacefully.” The star of Broadway’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Little Mermaid was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoma in 2025. (According to the Lymphoma Research Foundation, T-Cell Lymphoma is a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that can develop in lymphoid tissues.)
Bret is survived by Stephen and their 3-year-old son, Maverick.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that early this morning, we said goodbye to the most amazing man, husband and Papa in the universe,” Stephen wrote via Instagram. “Bret Hanna-Shuford left this world peacefully with love surrounded by his family. Our hearts are broken but we will continue to make him proud of us.”
Elle Simone Scott
PBS show America’s Test Kitchen confirmed on January 8 that chef and TV host Elle Simone Scott died at age 49 following a lengthy battle with ovarian cancer. Scott made history as the first Black female host on America’s Test Kitchen when she joined the show in 2016.
“At America’s Test Kitchen, Elle helped open doors that had long been closed—becoming one of the first Black women audiences saw in the test kitchen, and doing so with grace, authority, and joy,” America’s Test Kitchen confirmed via Instagram. “She didn’t just test recipes; she changed what representation looked like in food media.”
The show’s statement concluded, “Her voice mattered. Her work mattered. She mattered. Elle faced ovarian cancer with courage and honesty, using her platform to educate, advocate, and uplift even while fighting for her life. That kind of strength leaves a mark.”
T.K. Carter
The Associated Press reported on January 10 that The Thing actor T.K. Carter was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead by authorities in Duarte, California. Police said no foul play was suspected but no further details were initially offered.
Carter memorably played elementary school teacher Michael Fulton on classic ‘80s sitcom Punky Brewster, and also appeared on hit shows like Family Matters, A Different World and How to Get Away with Murder. As a voice actor, he worked on The Transformers, Space Jam and Jem and The Holograms.
“I met T. K. Carter when I was about 11 or 12 years old, shortly after I first came to California,” Diff’rent Strokes actor Shavar Ross wrote via X. “Through my dad, I spent time on the set of Doctor Detroit, where T. K. was working alongside Dan Aykroyd. As a young kid, I looked up to T. K. because seeing an African American actor starring in a major film meant a lot to me. I always felt he was headed for stardom.”
He continued, “Over the years, T. K. and I became good friends, and we hung out together sometimes. I want to send my heartfelt condolences to his family, his friends, and everyone who loved and admired his work. He will always be remembered and respected.”
Bob Weir
The Grateful Dead cofounder’s death at age 78 was announced via his Instagram account on January 10.
Bob Weir was diagnosed with cancer in July 2025, though his family said he actually “succumbed to underlying lung issues.”
The singer-songwriter and guitarist cowrote some of The Grateful Dead’s most iconic songs, including “Truckin’,” “Sugar Magnolia” and “One More Saturday Night.” As a member of The Dead, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Bobby Weir. He transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after courageously beating cancer as only Bobby could,” a statement via his Instagram read.
They added, “His loving family, Natascha, Monet, and Chloe, request privacy during this difficult time and offer their gratitude for the outpouring of love, support, and remembrance. May we honor him not only in sorrow, but in how bravely we continue with open hearts, steady steps, and the music leading us home. Hang it up and see what tomorrow brings.”
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