Celebs Who Died In 2023

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Every year, we lose some of our most beloved celebrities. In some cases, their music was a highlight of our lives, while in other instances, their acting performances moved us to tears. Although we don't know them in real life, we sometimes feel like we've lost someone we love, which is a testament to their talent. From stage and screen stars to incredible athletes to those whose music changed the world, this is an ongoing list of the celebrities who died in 2023, as well as a look at the enduring legacy they left behind. 

Gina Lollobrigida (pictured above), Fred White, and Lisa Marie Presley are just some of the famous people who passed away this year.

Updated on June 6, 2023: It's been a tragic year for some of our favorite stars, and we want to pay our respects and remember these amazing celebrities and the projects they worked on. As such, we've updated this list to honor the industry greats who have died in 2023.

The actor Earl Boen died at age 81 on January 5. A close friend told Variety that Boen had stage four lung cancer at the time of his death and that he received the diagnosis a few months earlier in 2022. He is survived by a daughter and two grandchildren, along with his wife Cathy.

As a working character actor, he had a long and productive on-screen career that saw him appear in TV series like "Hawaii Five-O" and "Three's Company." He was also a familiar face to every fan of the "Terminator" franchise, since he played the criminal psychologist Dr. Peter Silberman in both the 1985 original sci-fi classic and its sequels. Boen officially retired from the screen in 2003 but kept on voice acting, lending his baritone to video games like "World of Warcraft" and "Fallout," as well as cartoon series like "Kim Possible" and "The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy."

His "Terminator" co-star Robert Patrick, who played the villainous T-1000 in the 1991 sequel, expressed his condolences to Boen's family on Twitter. "Very sad to hear Earl Boen has passed away," he wrote. "He was a wonderfully gifted actor, and a good guy."

Rock guitarist Jeff Beck died at age 78 on January 10. "On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck's passing," a statement on his social media revealed. "After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday. His family ask for privacy while they process this tremendous loss."

The English musician first rose to fame as one of the Yardbirds when he replaced Eric Clapton and went on to form The Jeff Beck Group and Beck, Bogert & Appice, according to Rolling Stone. Known as one of the most respected guitarists of his generation, Beck has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice for his contributions to music.

His former rock star collaborators shared their appreciation for Beck online, like Rod Stewart, who tweeted that Beck "was one of the few guitarists that when playing live would actually listen to me sing and respond." Rolling Stones musician Ronnie Wood wrote about his grief on Twitter and recalled playing with Beck during their early years. "I want to thank him for all our early days together in Jeff Beck Group, conquering America," he reflected. "Musically, we were breaking all the rules, it was fantastic, groundbreaking rock 'n' roll!"

Supermodel Tatjana Patitz died on January 11 at age 56, as Vogue announced. "Tatjana was always the European symbol of chic, like Romy Schneider-meets-Monica Vitti," chief editor Anna Wintour recalled, praising Patitz for her sophistication. "She was far less visible than her peers — more mysterious, more grown-up, more unattainable — and that had its own appeal."

Patitz, who was born in Hamburg and grew up in Sweden, found fame alongside other era-defining supermodels like Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista. George Michael cast her as one of the models who appeared in his "Freedom '90" music video, which captured the most recognizable faces of the fashion world at the time. Her agent later told People that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, which was her eventual cause of death. "She is survived by her son, her sister, and her parents. We are all devastated by her passing," her agent stated, adding that Patitz would be remembered for her support of conservation causes as well as her modeling career. "She was compassionate soul, kind and generous of heart and an avid advocate of animal rights."

Fellow model Cindy Crawford also recalled Patitz's love of animals in a tribute to her old friend on Instagram. "We were babies together in the fashion industry and I feel like we grew up together," Crawford added. "I found her soft-spoken, sensitive, kind, inquisitive and, who could ever forget those piercing eyes ... Sending my condolences to her family — especially the son she adored."

Gina Lollobrigida died at age 95 on January 16. According to CNN, the sad news was confirmed by her grandnephew Francesco Lollobrigida, Italian Minister of Agriculture. In his tweet, the politician stated that his inspirational relative had been "one of the brightest stars of Italian cinematography and culture."

Lollobrigida was beloved in her home country for starring in films like "Come September," "Solomon and Sheba," and "Bread, Love and Dreams" during the '50s and '60s. The Italian beauty queen had been spotted by eccentric Hollywood producer Howard Hughes, who tried to get her away from her husband and even arranged for Lollobrigida to be greeted by a brigade of divorce lawyers as soon as her flight landed in America. But she preferred to make films in Europe, where she ended up opposite leading men like Burt Lancaster, Humphrey Bogart, and Rock Hudson.

In her later years, the movie star became interested in politics and art, publishing her photography in several books over the years. She was also an ambassador for causes like the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and its Food and Agriculture Organisation. "We are all born to die. The difference is the intensity with which we choose to live," she told Vanity Fair in 2013.

Lisa Loring, the original Wednesday Addams, died at age 64 on January 28. Her friend Laurie Jacobsen announced the sad news on Facebook, revealing that the former child star had a severe stroke and was placed on life support for three days while surrounded by her family. "She is embedded in the tapestry that is pop culture and in our hearts always as Wednesday Addams," Jacobsen added. "Beautiful, kind, a loving mother, Lisa's legacy in the world of entertainment is huge. And the legacy for her family and friends — a wealth of humor, affection, and love will long play in our memories." Her daughter Vanessa confirmed to Variety that she and her sister had been holding Loring's hands in her final moments.

Loring was cast in the classic sitcom "The Addams Family" when she was only 6 years old and won over the show's fans with her character's adorable love of the macabre. After the show was canceled in 1966, she had a whirlwind marriage and became a mother at 16. Loring took a break from acting but later popped up as Wednesday in a 1977 Halloween Addams Family special, before appearing as Cricket Montgomery in the long-running soap opera "As the World Turns." She is survived by her two children and her on-screen dad John Astin, who is now the only member of the original cast left.

The actor Raquel Welch died at age 82 on February 15. Her manager confirmed the news to People, explaining that she had been ill for a short amount of time. "Her career spanned over 50 years starring in over 30 films and 50 television series and appearances," he added, mentioning her Golden Globe awards and success in the world of business.

Welch had a Bolivian father and an American mother. As a former dancer and beauty pageant queen, she was first signed by Twentieth Century Fox and had her big break opposite Stephen Boyd in the 1966 sci-fi classic "Fantastic Voyage." The British film "One Million Years B.C." made her into an iconic pin-up girl thanks to the movie's poster, which showed her prehistoric character wearing a fur bikini. As a global sex symbol, Welch went on to star in films like the adventure flick "The Three Musketeers," the murder mystery "The Last of Sheila," and the Western movie "Hannie Caulder." In her later years, she made guest appearances in comedies like "Seinfeld" and "Legally Blonde."

Celebrities from Bruce Campbell to Miss Piggy paid tribute to her on social media. Reece Witherspoon, who had worked with her on "Legally Blonde," wrote that the actor was "elegant, professional and glamorous beyond belief." Welch was married four times and is survived by her son and daughter.

Richard Belzer, who played the beloved TV detective John Munch for 23 years, died at age 78 in southern France on February 19. "He had lots of health issues, and his last words were, 'F**k you, motherf***er,'" his longtime friend Bill Scheft informed The Hollywood Reporter.

Born in Connecticut, the actor started out in comedy before landing his first movie, "The Groove Tube," in 1974. This was followed by roles in films like "Fame" and "Scarface," as well as his own TV show where Belzer was almost killed by Hulk Hogan in an on-air stunt. Then came the role that made him a household name: John Munch, who first appeared on "Homicide" in 1993 and on "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit" in 1999. "I would never be a detective, but if I were, that's how I'd be," he later told The Boomer Tube, mentioning his "paranoia and anti-establishment dissidence and conspiracy theories." He went on to play the same character in other shows like "30 Rock," "Arrested Development" and "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt."

His "Law and Order" co-workers paid tribute to the man behind Munch, who Dick Wolf called "one of television's iconic characters" on Twitter. "Richard brought humor and joy into all our lives," he noted. "Goodbye my dear, dear friend," Belzer's co-star Mariska Hargitay wrote on her Instagram, adding that she would miss his "singular take on this strange world." He is survived by his third wife, Harlee McBride, his two stepdaughters, and his cousin Henry Winkler.

Actor Tom Sizemore died on March 3 after he was hospitalized following a brain aneurysm on February 19. His manager confirmed that he was with his brother and sons in Burbank, California, adding: "The Sizemore family has been comforted by the hundreds of messages of support." He was 61.

Sizemore became a well-known character actor by appearing in films like "Heat," "Natural Born Killers," "Pearl Harbor," and "Black Hawk Down," as well as playing a tough sergeant in "Saving Private Ryan." But he faced his share of legal troubles as well, and his career was interrupted by arrests for drug possession and domestic abuse over the years. In recent years, he made guest appearances in TV shows like "Twin Peaks: The Return" and "Cobra Kai."

After his death was announced, former co-star Danny Trejo and his ex-wife Maeve Quinlan paid tribute to Sizemore online. His brother Paul stated that he was "deeply saddened by the loss of my big brother Tom," describing the impact that his brother had on him. "He was talented, loving, giving and could keep you entertained endlessly with his wit and storytelling ability."

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The actor Lance Reddick died at age 60. His publicist confirmed to AP News that his cause of death was natural causes and that he had died suddenly on March 17, 2023. Reddick, who was known and loved for playing police officer Cedric Daniels in "The Wire," appeared in some of the most critically acclaimed TV series of the 2000s, including "Lost," "Oz," and "Fringe." He also starred in the "John Wick" franchise and the fourth film, released shortly after his death, has been dedicated to him. Co-star Keanu Reeves and director Chad Stahelski told Deadline that Reddick was an inspirational presence on set, and the cast wore blue ribbons at the Los Angeles premiere in honor of him.

His wife, Stephanie, wrote a message to Reddick's fans on his social media, thanking them for sending their love to her and their children, Yvonne Nicole and Christopher. "Lance was taken from us far too soon," she wrote. Stephanie also noted that, in honor of Reddick voicing Commander Zavala in the "Destiny" video game series, thousands of gamers had played "Destiny" after the news of his death broke.

Other actors shared their memories of Reddick on social media, like Viola Davis, who posted her thoughts on Instagram: "Shocked!! Speechless!! This talented, kind, intelligent King is gone!!" Meanwhile, Halle Berry praised his big heart. "I'll never forget the huge smile and heartfelt hug Lance gave me as I walked on the set of 'John Wick' for the first time," she wrote in part.

Actor and writer Judy Farrell died at age 84 on April 4. She was in a hospital in West Hills, Los Angeles due to a stroke that she had suffered nine days earlier, as her son, Michael, confirmed. He also revealed that she was surrounded by loved ones and holding their hands in her last moments.

Best known for her role as Nurse Able on "M*A*S*H," the actor appeared on the military sitcom from 1976 to 1983, alongside her husband Mike Farrell who played Captain B.J. Hunnicutt on the show. She also appeared on "Quincy M.E." and the TV adaptation of "Fame," as well as branching out into writing: Judy ended up in the writers' room of the ABC soap opera "Port Charles," which was a spin-off of "General Hospital," from 1998-2003.

Her "M*A*S*H" co-star Loretta Swit told Entertainment Weekly that she "was a most beautiful woman — inside and out," adding that they had grown up together on the show. "This has been a painful loss, but we will always have the beauty of her memory. Rest in peace, Nurse Able." Although she had divorced Mike in 1983 and later married her second husband, Joe Bratcher, they continued to co-parent and stayed in each other's lives. Mike called her "a beautiful woman, a talented actress, and a wonderful writer" after her death, praising her sense of humor. "Judy was deeply, dearly loved."

Character actor Michael Lerner died at age 81 on April 8, while he was in a hospital in Burbank, California. He had been ill since November 2022, according to his brother Ken Lerner, when he experienced the brain seizures that would eventually kill him.

The Brooklyn-born actor started out by studying theatre in Berkeley and then London, where he lived with Yoko Ono and appeared in her experimental art films. He landed roles in projects like "Eight Men Out," but his breakout moment arguably came when he earned an Oscar nomination for the Coen brothers film "Barton Fink," as he told the AV Club. "Yeah, you make more money," he joked. Lerner was also known for his love of poker and regularly played with a circle that reportedly included Charles Bronson, Richard Dreyfuss, Jason Alexander, and Ed Asner.

His nephew, the actor Sam Lerner, paid tribute to him on Instagram, revealing that his uncle had always been an inspiration to him and helped him follow a creative path. "We lost a legend last night. It's hard to put into words how brilliant my uncle Michael was, and how influential he was to me," Sam wrote, expressing how grateful he was for the years he spent with Michael and the body of work he left behind. "... The fact that he was my blood will always make me feel special." Actress Wendi McLendon-Covey joined in on the love, commenting: "I'm so sorry! Sending love to you and your family."

"Dancing with the Stars" judge Len Goodman died on April 22 from bone cancer. He had been in a hospice in the U.K. for a short time and was only a few days away from his 79th birthday.

The dance teacher from the East End of London became famous in his 60s, when the British reality competition show "Strictly Come Dancing" needed an expert to fill one of their judge roles at the last minute in 2004, and one of their professional ballroom dancers recommended him as a potential star. He got a similar lucky break when he was booked on the American equivalent, "Dancing with the Stars." Goodman began flying across the Atlantic every week to do both shows before he decided to commit to living in the United States. He retired in November 2022 to focus on family and have more quality time with his grandkids.

His manager, Jackie Gill, confirmed the news in a press statement and called Goodman "a much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him." Derek Hough, who worked with Goodman on "Dancing with the Stars" and had known him since Hough was 12, expressed his shock and grief on the "Whine Down with Jana Kramer" podcast. "We didn't certainly didn't know the extent [of his illness] — we had no idea the extent — because this was a huge shock to all of us," he revealed. "And it's incredibly sad."

Jerry Springer, the king of American talk shows, died at age 79 on April 27. His representative revealed that the cause of death was pancreatic cancer and he had been at home in Chicago.

Springer's unusual career took him from politics to entertainment: he was Cincinnati's mayor in 1977 and later became a news anchor, which led to his own successful and controversial talk show, "The Jerry Springer Show." The daytime hit, which featured lots of brawls, paternity tests, and tabloid drama, ran for 3,370 episodes from 1991 to 2018. It sparked a lot of discussion over the years and even inspired its own musical, "Jerry Springer: The Opera." In an interview with CNN, the host reflected on the morality of his own show and attributed its success to escapism, adding that the drama they showed wasn't that different from anything you found in newspaper headlines. "The only difference is that the people on my show aren't famous," he stated.

"Jerry's ability to connect with people was at the heart of his success in everything he tried whether that was politics, broadcasting or just joking with people on the street who wanted a photo," a representative for the family stated, per CNN, adding that while he would be deeply missed, "memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on." The actor Marlon Wayans posted a throwback clip of himself on Springer's show on Facebook, writing: "Rest well buddy. We will all be chanting JERRY! JERRY! JERRY!"

Fans of BET's "Wild 'N Out" were shocked on June 1 when Jacky Oh's sudden death was announced at age 33. The star, who had appeared on the show for five seasons, was found unresponsive in a Miami hotel on May 31, and emergency services were called out. They quickly rushed her to Mercy Hospital, where she was eventually pronounced dead. 

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jacklyn Smith, known to the world as Jacky Oh, a talented Wild 'N Out family member whose impact will be forever treasured and missed," a spokesperson for BET wrote on the network's social media, calling her "a loving friend and beloved colleague" as well as a devoted mother to her three kids.

Her partner and fellow "Wild 'N Out" star DC Young addressed the public on June 2, telling People that he appreciated the support towards him and their three children: Nova, 6, Nala, 2, and Prince'Nehemiah, 10 months. "We thank everyone for their well wishes and ask for privacy during this difficult time," he stated. Another cast member, B. Simone, paid tribute to Jacky on Instagram. "You were an amazing friend, entrepreneur, and above all a phenomenal mother," she reflected, adding that she felt inspired by the model's ability to take care of people. "You have a village down here that will ALWAYS make sure your children know the exceptional woman their mother was."