15 celebrity deaths that left the world heartbroken in 2023: From Sinead O'Connor to Matthew Perry
Remembering 15 celebrities who died in 2023
As 2023 comes to a close, it's time to remember the stalwarts of the entertainment industry whom we had to bid goodbye to this year. The deaths were heart-wrenching, especially when it came to growing talents like Angus Cloud and Jansen Panettiere. So, let's pay tribute to 15 such personalities across television, film, and music.
Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on 'Friends', was found dead on October 28 at his residence in the Los Angeles region, as per TMZ. It was eventually determined that acute ketamine effects were the cause of his death, with coronary artery disease, drowning, and buprenorphine effects having played a role. Perry returned to the spotlight in 2022 with his memoir 'Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing', where he discussed his struggles with alcohol and drugs.
Michael Gambon
Known for his role as Dumbledore in the 'Harry Potter' films, Irish-born British actor Sir Michael Gambon died "peacefully" at the age of 82 on September 28, as per a statement his representative provided to PEOPLE Magazine on behalf of his wife, Lady Gambon, and son Fergus. Over his career, he was nominated for two Emmys, four BAFTA Awards, and two SAG Awards.
Sinead O'Connor
At the age of 56, Irish singer Sinead O'Connor died on July 26, leaving behind a legacy marked by singles like 'Nothing Compares 2 U' and an outspoken commitment to social issues amid her struggles with mental health. In her final years, she published a memoir called 'Rememberings' and took part in the life and career documentary 'Nothing Compares'.
Angus Cloud
The 'Euphoria' actor Angus Cloud died on July 31 at the age of 25. Acute intoxication caused by the combined effects of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and benzodiazepines was later determined to be the cause of his accidental overdose death. Cloud, an Oakland native, gained notoriety for his portrayal as 'Euphoria's Fezco, a drug dealer with a pure heart, in the Sam Levinson-created show beginning in 2019.
Treat Williams
The star of 'Everwood' and 'Hair', Treat Williams, died on June 12 at 71, following a motorbike accident. Barry McPherson, the actor's 15-year agent, confirmed the actor's death to PEOPLE Magazine. The actor debuted in the 1975 thriller 'Deadly Hero' and became famous for his role in the 1979 film 'Hair', adapted from the Broadway musical. "Filmmakers loved him. He's been the heart of Hollywood since the late 1970s. He's had a balanced career," said McPherson at the time.
Lance Reddick
According to PEOPLE Magazine, Lance Reddick died on March 17 at 60. The representative for the 'Wire' star stated at the time, "Acclaimed actor Lance Reddick passed away suddenly this morning from natural causes." Reddick was known for his authoritative voice and imposing demeanor in roles that he played, including a G-man in the television series 'Fringe', a power-hungry scientist in the 'Resident Evil', a stern LAPD chief in 'Bosch', and an abrasive CEO in 'Corporate'.
Tina Turner
The legendary singer Tina Turner, dubbed the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll," died on May 24 at 83, following a prolonged illness, as per PA Media. In the 1960s and 1970s, Tina made her musical debut as a pair with her then-husband, Ike Turner. With hits like 'What's Love Got to Do With It', 'Let's Stay Together', and 'The Best', she effectively redefined herself as a worldwide star in the 1980s. The 2018 London premiere of the jukebox musical 'Tina' was similarly influenced by the singer's life and legacy.
Norman Lear
The famous television producer and philanthropist Norman Lear, who created iconic comedies like 'All in the Family', 'The Jeffersons', and 'One Day at a Time', died on December 5 at 101. His official cause of death was noted as cardiac arrest. The Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated icon was best known for transforming sitcoms during the 1970s with shows that addressed contentious topics like menopause, religion, abortion, birth control, mate-swapping, and racial and ethnic stereotypes.
Ryan O'Neal
The Oscar-nominated actor Ryan O'Neal, whose turbulent personal life continued to overshadow his roles in movies like 'Love Story' and 'Paper Moon', died on December 8 at 82. The late actor was diagnosed with chronic leukemia in 2001 and with prostate cancer in 2012. In an Instagram tribute, his son Patrick O'Neal stated that his father "passed away peacefully" and referred to him as "a Hollywood legend."
Tyler Christopher
Known for his Emmy-winning performance on 'General Hospital', Tyler Christopher died on October 31 at 50. Maurice Benard, the actor's former co-star on 'General Hospital', confirmed his death on Instagram. In 1999, the actor departed the daily drama to work on other projects, but he later made a comeback in 2003. Christopher went on to win a Daytime Emmy for the role in his final season on 'General Hospital'. He also appeared in several primetime television series, including 'Angel', 'Charmed', 'Felicity', and 'CSI'.
David McCallum
Scottish actor David McCallum, 91, most remembered for his work on 'NCIS', died on September 25 from natural causes. Playing the Russian secret agent Illya Kuryakin, McCallum's breakthrough performance came on the espionage series 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.' Over the course of the 20 seasons of 'NCIS', he made 457 appearances. McCallum is survived by his four children, eight grandchildren, and his wife of 56 years, Katherine.
Lee Sun-kyun
Popular South Korean film and TV actor Lee Sun-kyun, 48, was found dead in a car in Seoul on December 26. Lee had received a Screen Actors Guild Award for his portrayal in Bong Joon Ho's ground-breaking, Best Picture-winning drama 'Parasite'. The Associated Press reported that the actor filed a lawsuit against the government and claimed he was duped into using an illicit substance, which led to the star becoming involved in an ongoing investigation into suspected drug use.
Paul Reubens
Popular comedian and actor Paul Reubens died on July 30 at age 70. The actor battled cancer for years before his death, as per a statement released by Reubens' representative to PEOPLE Magazine. He became famous for playing the innocent Pee-wee Herman, making his stage debut in 1981's 'The Pee-wee Herman Show'. Throughout his career, he acted in several other movies, such as 'Batman Returns', 'The Blues Brothers', 'Mystery Men', and the 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'.
Jansen Panettiere
Hayden Panettiere's brother, Jansen Panettiere, died on February 19 at 28. In a statement, the actor's family confirmed that his death was due to an enlarged heart. Following his debut on screen in an episode of Disney Channel's 'Even Stevens', Jansen went on to provide his voice for several animated films and television series. In 2019, he made his last appearances on screen in an episode of 'The Walking Dead' and the movie 'How High 2'.
Lisa Marie Presley
Elvis Presley's daughter and singer-songwriter, Lisa Marie Presley, died on January 12 at 54 from what appeared to be a heart attack. The only child of "King of Rock and Roll" and Priscilla Presley showed her ability as a musician by self-releasing her debut album, 'To Whom It May Concern', all of which she composed or co-authored. She was married to Danny Keough (1988-1994), Michael Jackson (1994-1996), Nicolas Cage (2002-2004), and Michael Lockwood (2006-2021).
