celebrity deaths 2026
2026 began on a sombre note after the deaths of several celebrities in January, including actress Catherine O'Hara and fashion designer Valentino Garavani, and sadly, more have since passed away.
Nicholas Brendon
Nicholas Brendon, best known for playing Xander Harris on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, died on March 20 at the age of 54.
His "heartbroken" family revealed in a statement that he passed away in his sleep from "natural causes." The statement read in part: "Most people know Nicky for his work as an actor and for the characters he brought to life over the years. In recent years Nicky has found his passion in painting and art. Nicky loved to share his enthusiastic talent with his family, friends and fans.
"Our family asks for privacy during this time as we grieve his loss and celebrate the life of a man who lived with intensity, imagination and heart. Thank you to everyone who has shown love and support."
Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris died at 86 on March 19, 2026, in Hawaii.
His family said in a statement: "While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace."
"To the world, he was a martial artist, actor, and a symbol of strength. To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family.
"While our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the life he lived and for the unforgettable moments we were blessed to share with him."
Neil Sedaka
Legendary singer Neil Sedaka died on Friday, February 27, at the age of 86, his family confirmed in a statement to HELLO!
"Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka," the statement read.
"A true rock and roll legend, an inspiration to millions, but most importantly, at least to those of us who were lucky enough to know him, an incredible human being who will be deeply missed."
Robert Carradine
Robert Carradine, best known for his roles in Lizzie McGuire and Revenge of the Nerds, died by suicide on February 23.
His family released a statement hoping it would raise awareness for bipolar disorder, which Robert suffered with for much of his life.
"In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon of light to everyone around him," the Carradine family said in a statement to Deadline. "We are bereft at the loss of this beautiful soul and want to acknowledge Bobby’s valiant struggle against his nearly two-decade battle with bipolar disorder.
"We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness. At this time we ask for the privacy to grieve this unfathomable loss. With gratitude for your understanding and compassion."
Eric Dane
Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane passed away on February 19, aged 53, 10 months after announcing his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). His family announced the sad news via a statement that read: "With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS."
"He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world."
"He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always," the statement continued. "The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time."
Robert Duvall
Robert Duvall passed away aged 95. The Oscar-winning actor's wife, Luciana Duvall, shared a statement on Facebook announcing the news on February 16.
Luciana revealed that Robert had passed away "peacefully at home" in Middleburg, Virginia, and was "surrounded by love and comfort".
The message read: "Yesterday we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time. Bob passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort."
James Van Der Beek
James Van Der Beek, best known for his leading turn in Dawson's Creek as the titular Dawson Leery, passed away on February 11 at the age of 48 after a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer.
"Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning," his wife, Kimberly, wrote in a family statement. "He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come."
The statement concluded: "For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."
The star first announced his cancer diagnosis in November 2024.
Catherine O'Hara
Actress Catherine O'Hara passed away at the age of 71 on Friday, January 30, following a "brief illness."
The Home Alone star was having "difficulty breathing" before she was transported to a nearby hospital in a "serious condition" after first responders were called to her Brentwood, Los Angeles, home around 5 a.m. Catherine passed away hours later.
Grady Demond Wilson
Sanford and Son star Grady Demond Wilson died at the age of 79 on January 30.
The actor, who played Lamont Sanford, the son of Fred Sanford, in the 1970s NBC sitcom, was pronounced dead at his home in Palm Springs, California, after experiencing complications from cancer. It is not known which type of cancer he had.
Valentino Garavani
Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani died on January 19, "at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones." He was 93.
The famed designer was laid to rest in a private family chapel at the Flaminio Cemetery in Prima Porta, Rome, following a star-studded funeral at the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, in Piazza della Repubblica 8, Rome, on Friday, January 23.
Kianna Underwood
Former child actress Kianna Underwood, who starred in All That and Little Bill, tragically passed away at the age of 33 following a horrific hit-and-run accident in Brooklyn, New York, on Friday, January 16.
Kianna was pronounced dead on the scene, with the official cause of death noted as severe trauma to the head and torso after she was dragged by the car for two blocks.
Bob Weir
Bob Weir, the guitarist and founding member of Grateful Dead, died on January 10, aged 78.
In a statement shared by his daughter Chloe Weir, the family confirmed that the legendary musician "transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones." He "courageously" beat cancer in the summer of 2025 but succumbed to underlying lung issues.