There were many celebrities who died in 2021, most of them legends. See the icons in music, movie, sports, and TV we lost this year.
The world lost many great entertainers, politicians and more in 2021, including Colin Powell, the first Black U.S. Secretary of State. Many other stars were taken from us too soon, including Saved By The Bell star, Dustin Diamond, who was just 44 years old when he died on Feb.1. This year also claimed the life of Larry King, who is recognizable to just about anyone as a talk show host. That 70s Show star, Tanya Roberts, also passed away, along with Hank Aaron and more. Jazz legend Chick Corea passed away at the age of 76 in February, while a fellow music icon — The Supremes founding member Mary Wilson — also left us. Read on to learn about the stars who passed this year. Colin Powell’s family confirmed on Oct.18,2021 that the former U.S. Secretary of State died from complications due to COVID-19. He was 84 years old at the time of his death. The family noted that Colin was fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, but still suffered issues from the horrific disease. “We lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American,” their statement read. Willie Garson, an actor best known for playing Stanford Blatch in Sex and the City, died on Sept.21 after battling pancreatic cancer. The tragic news was confirmed by his son, Nathen Garson. “I love you so much papa. Rest in peace and I’m so glad you got to share all your adventures with me and were able to accomplish so much. I’m so proud of you,” Nathen said. Willie was 57 when he passed, and he had filmed scenes for the upcoming Sex and the City revival, And Just Like That, before his death. After news of Willie’s death broke, many of his Sex and the City co-stars, including Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon, Mario Cantone, and Chris Noth, posted tributes about their beloved Willie. HBO shared a statement as well, saying, “Willie Garson was in life, as on screen, a devoted friend and a bright light for everyone in his universe. He created one of the most beloved characters from the HBO pantheon and was a member of our family for nearly twenty-five years.” Norm Macdonald, a comedian, actor and former cast member of Saturday Night Live, died at age 61 after a private, nine-year battle with cancer. Norm’s management firm Brillstein Entertainment confirmed the news to Deadline on September 14. After Norm’s passing was made public, stars like Seth Rogen and Jim Carrey paid tribute to him, and remembered him for his iconic work in comedy. “Oh f**k. I was a huge fan of Norm Macdonald and I essentially ripped off his delivery when I first started acting,” Seth said on Twitter. “I would stay up specifically to watch him on talk shows. He was the funniest guest of all time. We lost a comedy giant today. One of the all time greats. RIP.” Meanwhile, Jim wrote, “My dear friend Norm MacDonald passed after a brave 10 year battle. He was one of our most precious gems. An honest and courageous comedy genius. I love him.” Hollywood is mourning the loss of one of its Golden Era movie stars. Jane Powell sadly passed away at the age of 92 at her home in Wilton, Connecticut, on September 16. Her friend Susan Granger confirmed the sad news to the New York Times and the Associated Press. The actress, who was born Suzanne Lorraine Burce, broke into the industry after her turn in 1944’s Song of the Open Road. She is arguably best known for her role in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and for starring opposite Fred Astaire in Royal Wedding. Michael K. Williams sadly passed away at the age of 54. The actor, who was best known for his long running role on HBO’s The Wire, was found in his living room in New York City on Sept.6,2021. “We responded to his residence at 440 Kent Ave at 2pm. He was found deceased in his living room. The medical examiner will determine the cause of death,” Lt. John Grimpel of NYP’s Media Relations Department said via email. Fans would recall Michael played Omar Little on the popular HBO Series which ran from 2002 to 2007. The character was known to be a ‘stick up’ man in the city of Baltimore who targeted street-level drug dealers. “Mike is a beautiful man, but a gangster he is not,” Williams reflected on his character back in 2015. My Big Fat Greek Life actor Michael Constantine, who was best-known for playing the proud father in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, died at the age of 94. He played Seymour Kaufman in the 1970 ABC series Room 222, for which he won an Emmy, but it was his turn as family patriarch Gus Portokalos that cemented his placve in Hollywood history. He passed away in Reading, Pennsylvania, on August 31 following a long illness, his agent, Julia Buchwald confirmed. Helen McCrory attends the ‘Quiz’ TV show photocall at the Soho Hotel in London on February 24,2020 [Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock]. Helen McCrory was respected and beloved by generations of audiences for her work in films like The Queen, The Count of Monte Cristo, and the Harry Potter franchise. On April 16, her dear husband, actor Damian Lewis, shared the heartbreaking news that Helen had passed away following a private battle with cancer. “I’m heartbroken to announce that after a heroic battle with cancer, the beautiful and mighty woman that is Helen McCrory has died peacefully at home, surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family,” he wrote. “She died as she lived. Fearlessly. God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. She blazed so brightly. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.” [Shutterstock] DMX, who rose to fame in the ’90s as a legendary rapper who also acted, was only 50 years when he passed away on April 9,2021. He died a week after suffering a heart attack inside his New York home; DMX’s attorney, Murray Richman, confirmed the heart attack but did not know what had caused it. DMX’s death was also confirmed in a statement from his family: “We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at 50-years-old at White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days. Earl was a warrior who fought till the very end.” You can read the full statement given to PEOPLE, here. DMX’s debut album released his debut album It’s Dark and Hell is Hot in 1998, which sold an impressive 251,000 copies in the U.S. within the first week of its release. He went on to release seven more studio albums throughout his lifetime. DMX’s most famous songs include “X Gon’ Give It to Ya,” “Where the Hood At?” and “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem.” [Shutterstock] Prince Philip, who also went by his royal title The Duke of Edinburgh, was 99 years old when he passed away on April 9,2021. “It is with deep sorrow that her Majesty the Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Palace. Further announcements will be made in due course. The Royal Family will join people around the world in mourning his loss,” Buckingham Palace wrote in a statement.
