Celebrities we’ve lost in 2023 include Irish Grinstead, Ron Cephas Jones, Angus Cloud, Tina Turner, and Elvis Presley’s only child, Lisa Marie Presley.
The «NCIS» actor, also known for his role in the 1960s series «The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,» died of natural causes on Sept. 25, per CBS News. He was 90 years old. In a statement from CBS, the network noted that McCallum was surrounded by his family at New York Presbyterian Hospital at the time of his death. CBS also added: «David was a gifted actor and author, and beloved by many around the world. He led an incredible life, and his legacy will forever live on through his family and the countless hours on film and television that will never go away.»
Per People, McCallum is survived by his wife, Katherine McCallum; his sons, Paul, Valentine, and Peter McCallum; his daughter, Sophie McCallum; and his eight grandchildren.
The R&B singer and member of famed girl group 702 died on Sept. 16 at age 43, her sister and fellow bandmate, Lemisha Grinstead, announced on Instagram. «It is with great sadness that I have to let you know that my beautiful sister and friend has passed away this evening,» she wrote alongside a photo of Irish. «She has had a long battle and she is finally at peace. That girl was as bright as the stars! She was not only beautiful on the outside, but also within. Sharing the stage with her was a joy I will cherish for the rest of my life! We, the family ask for prayers and respect for our privacy as we grieve an outstanding loss to our family.»
Irish’s other bandmate, Kameelah Williams, also shared a message on Instagram in the wake of her death, writing, «Devastated & heartbroken ???? I struggled with this post because to me this isn’t real. ❤️???? There’s a lot I want to say, but there’s no way to say what your heart hasn’t fully accepted.»
She continued, «It’s hard to acknowledge this is even happening. I know you’re feeling better now and hugging your twin Orish which makes me smile cus I know how much you missed her. You & I have known each other since we were kids and we’ve laughed, cried, celebrated, and everything in between which is why I just don’t want to believe this. You’ll always be my ‘IBG’ & I still love you my forever lil sis!!! Rest easy #Irish ????️ ???? ???? ???? #7 #Dimples #IBG #702.»
Irish’s cause of death has not yet been revealed but, according to Rolling Stone, 702 shared in December 2022 that she took a leave of absence from the group due to «serious medical issues.» Back in 2008, Irish’s twin sister, Orish — who sang background vocals for 702 — died of kidney failure amid a battle with cancer.
Steve Harwell, the lead singer of the band Smash Mouth, died at age 56 on Sept. 4, his manager Robert Hayes confirmed in a statement to Rolling Stone. «Steve Harwell was a true American Original,» his statement read. «A larger-than-life character who shot up into the sky like a Roman candle. Steve should be remembered for his unwavering focus and impassioned determination to reach the heights of pop stardom. And the fact that he achieved this near-impossible goal with very limited musical experience makes his accomplishments all the more remarkable.» Hayes also confirmed that Harwell’s cause of death was liver failure.
Harwell began his career as a rapper with the group F.O.S. before founding Smash Mouth in 1994, and the group went on to become a fixture in ’90s rock and roll. The band rose to prominence with their song «Walkin’ on the Sun» and achieved notoriety for their iconic hit «All Star,» which was memorably featured in «Shrek.»
Jimmy Buffett, an iconic musician best known for the hit «Margaritaville,» died at age 76 on Sept. 1. «Jimmy passed away peacefully . . . surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,» read a statement posted on his Twitter account on Sept. 1. «He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.» A statement on his website revealed that he had died from a rare form of skin cancer.
Buffett’s 50-year career included countless memorable hits, and he was also known for his massive live performances and devoted fanbase as well as his beachy sound. He is survived by his wife, Jane Slagsvol, and their three children.
Arleen Sorkin, who voiced the original Harley Quinn in «Batman: The Animated Series» and starred as Calliope Jones in «Days of Our Lives,» died at the age of 67 on Aug. 24, a source told The Hollywood Reporter on Aug. 26.
«Rest in Peace, Arleen Sorkin, the incredibly talented original voice of Harley Quinn, who helped to create the character so many of us love. Love to her family and friends,» DC Studios CEO James Gunn wrote in an Instagram tribute to the late star.
Mark Hamill, who frequently starred alongside Sorkin as the voice of the Joker, also paid tribute on Twitter. «Devastated to learn we’ve lost the brilliant Arleen Sorkin. Not just a wonderful talent, but a truly wonderful person,» he wrote. «I’m grateful not only to have worked with her, but to have been her friend. Sending my heartfelt condolences to her family & loved ones.»
Sorkin is survived by her husband, Christopher Lloyd, and children Eli and Owen.
Bob Barker, who hosted «The Price Is Right» from 1972 to 2007, died on Aug. 26 at the age of 99. His death was confirmed by his spokesperson, per the New York Times.
Barker was born in Washington state in 1923. The host, who was an enrolled member of the Sioux tribe, spent most of his youth on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in Mission, South Dakota. He began his broadcasting career on the radio and even hosted his own show, «The Bob Barker Show.» In 1956 he took over the game show «Truth or Consequences,» and in 1972 he became the host of the new version of «The Price Is Right.» He became beloved for his role of the show, a perennial favorite of daytime TV watchers (and kids home sick from school). He retired from the program in 2007. Over his tenure, he won 14 Daytime Emmy Awards for outstanding talk show host for the show.
Barker married Dorothy Jo Gideon in 1945; she died in 1981. Barker, a vegetarian, was a strong advocate of animal rights and famously finished every episode of «The Price Is Right» by reminding viewers to get their pets «spayed or neutered.» Barker also memorably played himself in Adam Sandler’s 1996 movie «Happy Gilmore.»
«This Is Us» actor Ron Cephas Jones’s death at the age of 66 was confirmed by a representative of the actor to People on Aug. 19. Over the course of his career, Jones had roles both of the big and small screen, appearing in hit series like «Luke Cage» and movies including «My Name Is Dolemite.»
«Beloved and award-winning actor Ron Cephas Jones has passed away at the age of 66 due to a long-standing pulmonary issue,» his rep told the publication. «Throughout the course of his career, his warmth, beauty, generosity, kindness and heart were felt by anyone who had the good fortune of knowing him. He began his career at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and his love for the stage was present throughout his entire career, including his recent Tony nominated and Drama Desk Award winning performance for his role in ‘Clyde’s’ on Broadway.»
The statement concluded, «Ron’s inner-beauty and soul was evident to the huge audience from his multi-Emmy award winning performance on This is Us. He is survived by his daughter Jasmine Cephas Jones.»
The «Cha Cha Slide» hitmaker, born Willie Perry Jr., died on Aug. 7 after his battle with renal and neuroendocrine cancer. The Chicago native was 58 years old. His death was confirmed to ABC7 on Aug. 8 by his wife, Kim, who announced that he died with his loved ones around him. «Casper was a fun-loving, giving person,» she said in a statement. «He was a genuine, family oriented man. He loved Chicago with all his heart. He will be greatly missed.»
Previously, the musician behind his iconic party hit spoke to ABC7 about his cancer diagnosis, saying, «If you know me, you know I’m not going to stop. I’m going to continue to go. I’m going to continue to go until I can’t go.»
The «Euphoria» actor died at age 25, TMZ reported on July 31. Cloud’s family broke the news in a statement with the outlet that reads, «It is with the heaviest heart that we had to say goodbye to an incredible human today. As an artist, a friend, a brother and a son, Angus was special to all of us in so many ways.»
Their statement continued, «Last week he buried his father and intensely struggled with this loss. The only comfort we have is knowing Angus is now reunited with his dad, who was his best friend. Angus was open about his battle with mental health and we hope that his passing can be a reminder to others that they are not alone and should not fight this on their own in silence. We hope the world remembers him for his humor, laughter and love for everyone. We ask for privacy at this time as we are still processing this devastating loss.»
Following news of Cloud’s death, fans all over and fellow stars mourned him, including his «Euphoria» family. Creator Sam Levinson said of the late actor to Deadline, «There was no one quite like Angus. He was too special, too talented, and way too young to leave us so soon. He also struggled, like many of us, with addiction and depression. I hope he knew how many hearts he touched. I loved him. I always will. Rest in peace and God Bless his family.»
Reubens, an actor best known for portraying Pee-wee Herman, died on July 30 at the age of 70 after a private battle with cancer, per an Instagram post shared the day after his death. «Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness,» the post read. «Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit.»
The post also included a posthumous statement from Reubens himself. «Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,» he wrote. «I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.»
Reubens launched «The Pee-wee Herman Show» in the 1980s, and soon landed an HBO special. He collaborated with Tim Burton on «Pee-wee’s Big Adventure» in 1985, and also played the character on CBS’s weekend program, «Pee-wee’s Playhouse.» In 1991, however, his career stalled after he was arrested for indecent exposure at a movie theater in Florida, per Variety. He returned to his infamous Pee-wee character with «The Pee-wee Herman Show» on Broadway in 2010.
The Dublin-born singer, known for her 1990 hit «Nothing Compares 2 U,» died at age 56. Her death was first reported by the Irish Times on July 26 and the cause of death is still unknown. In a statement, O’Connor’s family said, «It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.»
O’Connor, who rose to fame in the late 1980s and early ’90s, is survived by three children. Her son, Shane, died by suicide in 2022 at age 17.
The world-renowned singer, born Anthony Benedetto, died in his hometown of New York on July 21, his publicist Sylvia Weiner confirmed to the Associated Press. He was 96 years old, just two weeks shy of his birthday. Bennett’s cause of death is unclear, though his family revealed in 2021 that he’d been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease five years prior.
Bennett is known as one of the most beloved vocalists of the mid-20th century. He released over 70 albums during his lifetime, which earned him 41 Grammy nominations and 19 wins. The singer was also an avid civil rights supporter and even took part in the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches. During his final years, Bennett released one last album, 2021’s «Love For Sale,» in collaboration with his dear friend Lady Gaga. He also performed his last round of shows at Radio City Music Hall in August of that year with Gaga by his side.
Birkin — the singer, actor, and a fashion icon who was the inspiration for the famed Hermès handbag — died on July 16 at age 76. The French Ministry of Culture confirmed the «Je T’Aime… Moi Non Plus» singer’s death in a tweet that read, «The most French of Britons is gone. Jane B was mischief, impertinent elegance, the never-outdated emblem of an entire era, a murmuring voice that remains our idol. A woman of heart, committed, whose disappearance leaves us Alone in Babylon.
