Celebrities we’ve lost in 2026

Celebrities we’ve lost in 2026

Every year forces us to say goodbye to legends of the stage and screen, the kind of entertainment icons that we always sort of assumed would be around forever. In 2025, we mourned a number of luminaries—actors Diane Keaton, Robert Redford, and Gene Hackman; directors Rob Reiner and David Lynch; and musicians Ozzy Osbourne, Brian Wilson, Sly Stone, and Connie Francis. And that’s only scratching the surface of last year’s losses. Now, months into 2026, we’ve grieved even more notable stars.

To commemorate their lives and legacies, Stacker has compiled a running list of the celebrities we’ve lost in 2026. Here, you’ll find TV standouts, A-list movie stars, celebrated filmmakers, acclaimed musical artists, and other famous figures who can’t be squeezed into any one category. Read on to learn more about the work and accomplishments that turned so many of these individuals into household names, and the way their influence will continue to be felt in the years to come.

Mary Beth Hurt

Theater lovers likely associate Mary Beth Hurt with her work on the stage. She earned three Tony Award nominations for “Trelawny of the Wells,” “Crimes of the Heart,” and “Benefactors.” But Hurt also made notable appearances in films, including “Interiors,” “The World According to Garp,” and “The Age of Innocence.” Her husband, director Paul Schrader, had announced in 2023 that Hurt had been placed in memory care as a result of Alzheimer’s disease. She died of complications at 79 on March 28, 2026. Hurt’s daughter, Molly Schrader, posted a tribute on Instagram, writing, “She was an actress, a wife, a sister, a mother, an aunt, a friend, and she took on all those [roles] with grace and a kind ferocity.”

Valerie Perrine

Valerie Perrine is still best known for her breakthrough role: Honey Bruce in Bob Fosse’s 1974 biopic “Lenny,” for which she earned an Academy Award nomination. Of course, fans of comic book movies may also remember her as Eve Teschmacher in the first two Christopher Reeve “Superman” movies. Perrine, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015, died as a result of her condition on March 23, 2026, at 82. A SAG-AFTRA statement released after her death called Perrine “a bold and distinctive performer [who] left an indelible mark on film and television.”

Nicholas Brendon

For anyone who grew up watching “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” Nicholas Brendon will always be remembered as Xander Harris, best friend to the title Slayer and the heart of the Scooby Gang. Brendon faced a series of controversies in the years after the show’s conclusion in 2003, including multiple arrests and other legal troubles. Despite his complicated legacy, when he died at 54 on March 20, 2026, his fans and former co-stars expressed grief over his passing. Charisma Carpenter, who played Cordelia on “Buffy,” wrote on Instagram, “I will miss the version of the man I once knew – someone who was so warm and loving.”

Chuck Norris

The man who sparked a thousand jokes, actor and martial artist Chuck Norris’ larger-than-life persona made him the stuff of internet legend. To most, Norris may be best known for playing the title role on the long-running series “Walker, Texas Ranger,” but he had film credits ranging from the 1960s to the 2020s. The 1980s, however, were his biggest decade, thanks to movies like “An Eye for an Eye,” “Missing in Action,” and “Code of Silence.” Norris died at 86 on March 19, 2026, while in Hawaii. Arnold Schwarzenegger put it plainly in his tribute to the star: “Chuck was an icon.”

Kiki Shepard

In addition to her work onstage in musicals like “Porgy and Bess” and “Bubbling Brown Sugar,” Kiki Shepard appeared in the film “The Wiz” and on the TV series “A Different World” and “Baywatch.” But if you recognize Shepard, it’s likely from her stint as co-host of “Showtime at the Apollo,” a gig she held from 1987 to 2002. Just over a week after being honored at the International Women’s Day Gospel Brunch, Shepard died of a heart attack at 74 on March 16, 2026. In a tribute, Sherri Shepherd wrote, “My heart hurts. A Broadway star. A Showtime at the Apollo dancer & cohost. My friend. My cousin from another Auntie.”

Neil Sedaka

Prolific songwriter Neil Sedaka was responsible for dozens of hits with partner Howard Greenfield, including songs he sang himself (like “Calendar Girl” and “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do”) and songs he wrote for other artists (like Frank Sinatra’s “The Hungry Years” and Captain & Tennille’s “Love Will Keep Us Together”). While Sedaka’s music will live on, the man himself died suddenly from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease on Feb. 27, 2026, at 86. Micky Dolenz of The Monkees, for whom Sedaka co-wrote “When Love Comes Knocking at Your Door,” said on Instagram, “Neil was one of those rare songwriters who could do it all.”

Robert Carradine

Though likely best known for playing Lewis Skolnick in the “Revenge of the Nerds” movies, Robert Carradine made an impression on a younger generation as dad Sam McGuire on Disney’s “Lizzie McGuire.” He was a member of the famous Carradine family, which also includes John Carradine, Keith Carradine, and David Carradine. Robert, who had struggled with bipolar disorder for almost 20 years, died by suicide on Feb. 23, 2026, at 71. Hilary Duff, who played his TV daughter, wrote in a tribute, “It’s really hard to face this reality about an old friend. There was so much warmth in the McGuire family, and I always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents.”

Willie Colón

Anyone who knows salsa music knows the name Willie Colón, at the very least for “Siembra,” his 1978 collaboration with Rubén Blades, which helped make him one of the best-selling musicians in the genre. In 2015, he was listed by Billboard as among the 30 most influential Latin artists of all time. He died on Feb. 21, 2026, at 75. Marc Anthony, who appeared in the biopic “El Cantante” about another Colón collaborator, Héctor Lavoe, wrote on Instagram, “Maestro, thank you for your legacy. Your music lives on forever.”

Eric Dane

Eric Dane couldn’t have shaken the nickname bestowed on him if he’d wanted to: Ever since his debut on “Grey’s Anatomy” in 2006, a role he played through 2012, he was known as McSteamy. Of course, Dane’s work extended beyond the medical drama—he appeared in films like “Burlesque” and Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” and on the HBO series “Euphoria.” Dane died of ALS (or Lou Gehrig’s disease) at 53 on Feb. 19, 2026, almost a year after he first announced his diagnosis. “Grey’s Anatomy” creator Shonda Rhimes posted a tribute to Dane, in which she wrote, “We are grateful for the artistry, spirit, friendship, and humanity he shared with us for so many years.”

Frederick Wiseman

Famous for his work behind the camera, Frederick Wiseman’s documentary films have been celebrated for their free-flowing structure and occasionally daunting length. Some of his most notable works include “Hospital,” “Welfare,” “High School,” and City Hall.” Though he was never nominated for a competitive Oscar, he was honored by the Academy in 2016. Wiseman died at 96 on Feb. 16, 2026, having done an interview with The New York Times for his obituary 15 years prior. At that time, he said, “I don’t know if I can offer a general definition of what I’m doing, except to say I’m trying to create dramatic structures out of ordinary experience.”

Robert Duvall

It’s hard to sum up a career as celebrated and eclectic as Robert Duvall’s. He won an Academy Award for the 1984 film “Tender Mercies,” but he was nominated a staggering six other times, including for “The Godfather,” “Apocalypse Now,” and, most recently, “The Judge.” Because Duvall was so convincingly able to morph into so many different roles, he was dubbed “the American Olivier.” The actor died on Feb. 15, 2026, at 95, which prompted an outpouring of tributes. His “Godfather” and “Godfather: Part II” co-star Al Pacino said in a statement, “He was a born actor, as they say, his connection with it, his understanding, and his phenomenal gift will always be remembered.”

Tom Noonan

Don’t recognize the name Tom Noonan? You surely know his face. Noonan was a staple in films throughout the ’80s and ’90s, including “Manhunter,” “The Monster Squad,” “The Last Action Hero,” and “Heat.” He also had memorable recurring roles on the TV series “Damages” and “Hell on Wheels.” After Noonan died on Feb. 14, 2026, at 74, The New York Times noted that the actor’s imposing height helped him play “memorable screen villains,” and said he was “renowned for onscreen menace.”

Bud Cort

Bud Cort’s most famous film role came in the 1971 classic “Harold and Maude,” where he played half of the title pair alongside Ruth Gordon. And while his ’70s work, including movies like “Brewster McCloud” and “M*A*S*H,” may be best remembered, he worked steadily, showing up in films like “But I’m a Cheerleader,” “Coyote Ugly,” and “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.” Cort died at 77 after a long illness on Feb. 11, 2026. After Cort’s passing, director Edgar Wright called the actor a”welcome and magnetic presence in every film lucky enough to have him.”

James Van Der Beek

A whole generation grew up with James Van Der Beek, thanks in large part to his portrayal of the title character on the WB drama “Dawson’s Creek.” But the actor also left his mark in movies like “Varsity Blues” and “The Rules of Attraction,” and on the TV series “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23” and “CSI: Cyber.” Van Der Beek announced his colon cancer diagnosis in November 2024, and died from the disease on Feb. 11, 2026, at 48. Mary Margaret-Humes, who played Dawson’s mother on “Dawson’s Creek,” said in a tribute to Van Der Beek, “James, my gracious warrior, you fought a hard battle against all odds with such quiet strength and dignity.”

Brad Arnold

While the band 3 Doors Down is best remembered for the 1999 single “Kryptonite,” a song that lead singer Brad Arnold wrote when he was 15, the group had other hits, like “Here Without You” and “When I’m Gone.” Arnold’s kidney cancer diagnosis in May 2025 forced 3 Doors Down to cancel a planned summer 2025 tour, and he succumbed to the illness on Feb. 7, 2026, at 47. In a statement posted on 3 Doors Down’s Instagram account, the band said, “Brad helped redefine mainstream rock music, blending post-grunge accessibility with emotionally direct songwriting and lyrical themes that resonated with everyday listeners.

Chuck Negron

Chuck Negron was one of the founding members of the trio Three Dog Night, which was formed in 1967 and found tremendous fame in the late ’60s and early ’70s. Negron’s distinctive voice can be heard on the group’s biggest hits, including “One,” “Just an Old Fashioned Love Song,” and “Joy to the World.” After Three Dog Night disbanded, Negron overcame drug addiction and embarked on his own solo career. He died at 83 from heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on Feb. 2, 2026.

Catherine O’Hara

It’s hard to pick Catherine O’Hara’s most iconic film roles—how can you choose between her work in “Home Alone,” “Beetlejuice,” or any of the Christopher Guest mockumentaries? O’Hara’s career began in sketch comedy and improv, with Canadian audiences first falling in love with her on “SCTV.” She worked steadily in film and TV over the decades, most recently on the Emmy-winning Apple TV series “The Studio.” Following her death from a pulmonary embolism on Jan. 30, 2026, at 71, O’Hara was honored with a posthumous Actor Award for her work on “The Studio.” In a speech at the ceremony, her co-star Seth Rogen said, “She really showed that you can be a genius and be kind, and one of those things does not have to come at the expense of the other in any way, shape, or form.”

Ed Bernard

Those who grew up in the ’70s likely remember Ed Bernard for his TV work, whether recurring roles like on “Police Woman” and “The White Shadow,” or for guest spots on shows like “Mannix,” “What’s Happening!!,” and “Mork & Mindy.” But Bernard also appeared in movies, making his onscreen debut in the 1971 classic “Shaft,” and was honored as part of the March 2026 Academy Awards. Bernard died at 86 on Jan. 23, 2026. His son, Edward B. Bernard, said of his father, “While the world knew him as a star, his family knew him as a devoted father, a proud grandfather and a man of deep curiosity.”

Valentino Garavani

You might not recognize the name Valentino Garavani, but that’s only because his first name carries the most weight: The Italian fashion designer has long been known by the mononym Valentino, synonymous with the fashion brand he founded in 1960. Valentino broke through into the mainstream when his dresses were worn by countless celebrities—perhaps most notably Jackie Kennedy. His Jan. 19, 2026, death from natural causes at 93 prompted an outpouring of tributes, including from Sophia Loren, who said, “You were a friend, and your art and passion will forever remain a source of inspiration. It was a privilege to know you, and I will always carry you with me.”

Bob Weir

Bob Weir was one of the founding members of The Grateful Dead, who first formed in 1965. He provided guitar and vocals, and was also a songwriter responsible for tracks like “Sugar Magnolia,” “Truckin’,” “Cassidy,” and “One More Saturday Night.” Weir had been diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 2025, and he died from complications on Jan. 10, 2026, at 78. One week later, he was honored at a “homecoming” memorial service in San Francisco, where fans from all over the world showed up to pay tribute, along with musicians Joan Baez and John Mayer. “To the countless musicians who have shared the stage with Bob Weir, I share in the sadness with you,” Mayer said at the memorial. “We have only begun to make sense of what is missing.”

Béla Tarr

Hungarian filmmaker Béla Tarr may be more of a deep cut for casual filmgoers, but his name has been revered in cinephile circles for decades. The writer-director behind the 7.5-hour epic “Sátántangó”—widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made—has been cited as an influence on slightly more mainstream indie filmmakers, like Gus Van Sant and Jim Jarmusch. Tarr died at 70 on Jan. 6, 2026, after a “long and serious illness.” An obituary published in Freedom after his death noted, “To remember Béla Tarr is to remember a filmmaker for whom politics was neither decorative nor secondary.

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