2026 celebrity deaths: Honoring the stars we lost

In 2026, we mourned the loss of many beloved personalities and icons, spanning actors, musicians, activists, and more.

On January 30, comedic legend Catherine O'Hara, renowned for her roles in Home Alone, Beetlejuice, and Schitt's Creek, passed away at 71 after a pulmonary embolism.

Ahead, we remember all the stars we lost this year.

James Van Der Beek

Dawson's Creek actor James Van Der Beek died at 48 on February 11, as shared by his wife Kimberly on Instagram. The actor had revealed his colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024.

"He faced his last days with bravery, faith, and grace," Kimberly wrote. "There’s much to talk about his wishes, his love for people, and the preciousness of time. Those moments will come. For now, we ask for serene privacy while we grieve for our dear husband, father, son, brother, and friend."

Brad Arnold

Brad Arnold, the lead vocalist of the rock band 3 Doors Down, died at 47 on Feb. 7 after being diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer in May 2025.

"With his cherished wife Jennifer and his family by his side, he passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones," the band wrote in a statement about his passing.

Terrance Gore

Famous MLB player Terrance Gore died at 34. As per USA Today and Sports Illustrated, his wife Britney Helms posted online that Gore passed away due to complications after a standard surgery.

Catherine O'Hara

Catherine O'Hara died at 71 on January 30. Her cause of death was later confirmed as a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer as a contributing factor.

Following her death, a wave of tributes from her many co-stars and colleagues came forward honoring the comedy icon.

Demond Wilson

Sanford and Son actor Demond Wilson passed away at his home in Palm Springs, Calif., on January 30 following complications from cancer. 

His son Demond Wilson Jr. confirmed the news to TMZ. The sitcom actor was 79.

Shirley Raines

Shirley Raines, also known as Ms. Shirley on social media, died on January 27 in Las Vegas. 

The activist, who ran the non-profit Beauty 2 The Streetz helping those in Skid Row, was 58.

Guy Hovis

Guy Hovis, a regular performer on The Lawrence Welk Show, died at 84 on January 22. 

His ex-wife Ralna English broke the news on Facebook, sharing that Hovis spent his last days in the hospital.

Charles C. Stevenson Jr.

Will & Grace actor Charles C. Stevenson Jr. died of natural causes in Camarillo, Calif., on Jan. 19. He was 95.

“In his own words, his career involved ‘marrying or burying people,’ ” his son Scott detailed to Variety in a February 5 statement, mentioning his father's roles as clergymen.

John Forté

Grammy-nominated artist and Fugees collaborator John Forté died on Jan. 12 at his residence in Chilmark, Mass. He was 50.

"John wasn't just a collaborator. He was family," Fugees member Pras mentioned in a statement. 

"We emerged together when hip-hop was driven by breaking barriers, sharing genuine tales, and materializing meaningful creations. His skills as a writer, producer, and artist were undeniable."

Bob Weir

Founding member of the Grateful Dead, Bob Weir, passed away at 78, as shared by his team on his official Instagram on January 10. 

The post mentioned Weir "transitioned peacefully" after overcoming cancer, ultimately "succumbing to underlying lung issues."