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In Memoriam: Remembering the classic stars we lost in 2023
This year we had to say goodbye to familiar faces from Laverne & Shirley, Lost in Space, Night Court, and more.
Image: The Everett Collection
As we reach the end of the year, we want to take a moment to reflect upon the beloved familiar faces that passed away in 2023.
Over the past 12 months, we have had to say goodbye to sitcom legends, groundbreaking singers, classic horror icons, and more. Their work and how they touched lives will continue to live on.
Here are some of the losses that hit the TV industry in 2023.
R.I.P. Norman Lear, TV legend who created All in the Family, Sanford and Son, and much more
There was no topic off limits for the legendary producer and writer. Lear was 101.
R.I.P. Cindy Williams, Shirley Feeney from Happy Days and Laverne & Shirley
The classic actress was nominated for a BAFTA for her role opposite Ron Howard in American Graffiti.
R.I.P. Richard Moll, gentle giant bailiff Bull on Night Court
He became a fan favorite on the courtroom sitcom, and later voiced an iconic Batman villain. The actor was 80 years old.
R.I.P. Mark Goddard, Maj. Don West of Lost in Space
After piloting the Jupiter 2, the actor went on to become a special education teacher. He was 87 years old.
R.I.P. Adam Rich, child star best known as Nicholas Bradford from ''Eight Is Enough''
Rich was just 8 years old when he displayed the memorable pageboy haircut with his character of Nicholas Bradford.
R.I.P. Lisa Loring, the original Wednesday from The Addams Family
Loring took over the grim role of Wednesday Addams when she was just 6 years old, three years after her child modeling career began.
R.I.P. Ricou Browning, the aquatic Gill-man in Creature From the Black Lagoon
The underwater legend came back twice more as the Gill-man before creating the Flipper franchise. He was 93 years old.
R.I.P. Tina Turner, legendary singer, actress and inspirational figure
The trailblazing singer and dancer, dubbed "The Queen of Rock and Roll," was 83.
R.I.P. Eileen Saki, known for classic role as Rosie on M*A*S*H
The actress, who also appeared in Splash, was 79.
R.I.P. David Crosby, co-founder of '60s rock groups The Byrds, Crosby, Stills & Nash
A long-lasting legacy will live on through some of the most influential music of the 1960s.
R.I.P. Harry Belafonte, singer, actor and civil rights activist
The singer behind such hits as "The Banana Boat Song (Day-O)" and "Jump in the Line" was 96.
R.I.P. Bob Barker, ''The Price is Right'' and ''Truth or Consequences'' host and animals rights activist
He guest-starred on Bonanza, advocated for spaying and neutering pets, and refused to host a beauty pageant due to their use of fur. The long-time game show host was 99.
R.I.P. Bert I. Gordon, classic B-movie director and creator of several Svengoolie favorites
The horror and sci-fi legend gave us giant spiders, rampaging mutants and shrinking men. He was 100 years old.
R.I.P. Tony Bennett: American landmark dies at 96
He collaborated with the greats of the history of pop music, from Rosemary Clooney and Count Basie to Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga.
R.I.P. Marty Krofft, who partnered with brother Sid to create an empire of kid's TV shows
They started by designing sets and costumes for Hanna-Barbera and shaped the landscape of children's TV in the Seventies. Marty Krofft was 86.
R.I.P. Lara Parker, Angelique on the gothic soap ''Dark Shadows''
She captivated audiences as she went up against Barnabas Collins, and later wrote several novels based on the show. The actress, author, and teacher was 84.
R.I.P. Gerald Castillo of Saved by the Bell
The actor played A.C. Slater's father on the hit sitcom.
R.I.P. Michael Norell, Capt. Hank Stanley on Emergency!
The actor/producer/screenwriter was 85.
R.I.P. Judy Farrell, who appeared on M*A*S*H alongside her husband, Mike Farrell
M*A*S*H fans may recognize her as Nurse Able from her multiple episodes.
R.I.P. Carole Cook, wife to Don Knotts in ''The Incredible Mr. Limpet,'' frequent guest on ''The Lucy Show''
Comedic legend Lucille Ball convinced Cook to head west to California. She did, and an impressive career in television and film followed.
R.I.P. Earl Boen, Reverend Lloyd Meechum from ''Mama's Family,'' Dr. Silberman in ''Terminator'' franchise
With nearly 300 acting and voice credits to his name, Earl Boen had no shortage of success in the entertainment industry.
84 Comments
Thank You❤️❤️
Sorry, I seem inappropriate & jovial instead of serious & respectful.
We were indeed blessed with so many memorable performers/actors/singers/comedians who are entertaining in Heaven now. Each one gifted us with a treasure chest of memories & talent & we are forever grateful.
🙏🏻🎭🎬🧛♂️🧟🎼🎤🎸🎹🤣👌❤️
we'll need to wait for the big three awards (Tony's, Emmy's & Oscars) to see the best lists...
and still not see the Musical ones that stayed in the studios....
I don't know if yall know who the Smothers Brothers were, they had a variety show called "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour". Tommy Smothers passed away from lung cancer on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at his home in Santa Rosa, California at the age of 86. His brother Dick announced his death on Tuesday, December 26, 2023. I thought I would mention it to you.
Terry Marvin (Dallas, Texas, USA)
God bless those left behind