From Catherine O’Hara to Bonnie Tyler, 2026 has claimed the lives of numerous beloved celebrities across film, music, television, and fashion. With the year just past the halfway mark, we have bid farewell to icons such as Robert Duvall, Catherine O’Hara, Bonnie Tyler, Mel Schilling, and Dame Penelope Keith. While their loss is mourned, each leaves behind a remarkable body of work that ensures their memory endures. Here is a tribute to some of the famous faces we have lost since January.
January Losses: T.K. Carter, Derek Martin, Valentino Garavani, Sly Dunbar, Catherine O’Hara
Actor T.K. Carter, known for Punky Brewster, died on January 9 at age 69 in Duarte, California. No cause was released, but authorities ruled out foul play. Derek Martin, who played Charlie Slater on EastEnders, passed away on January 10 at 92. His career spanned decades, with roles in Doctor Who and The Adventures of Black Beauty. EastEnders paid tribute, stating: ‘Derek was deeply loved by all those that worked with him at EastEnders and will always be remembered with great fondness.’
Fashion icon Valentino Garavani died on January 19 at 93. The founder of the luxury fashion house dressed Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Diana, and Audrey Hepburn. Grammy-winning drummer Sly Dunbar, of the duo Sly and Robbie, died on January 26 at 73. He was nominated for 13 Grammys, winning two. Hollywood legend Catherine O’Hara passed away on January 30 at 71 after a brief illness. Best known for Beetlejuice, Home Alone, and Schitt’s Creek, she won Emmy, Golden Globe, and Critics Choice awards.
February Farewells: James Van Der Beek, Eric Dane, Rob Grant, Neil Sedaka
James Van Der Beek, star of Dawson’s Creek, died on February 11 at 48 from colorectal cancer. His family announced his ‘peaceful’ passing, asking for privacy. Eric Dane, known for Grey’s Anatomy, died on February 19 at 53 from ALS complications. His death certificate listed respiratory failure as the cause. Rob Grant, co-creator of Red Dwarf, died suddenly on February 25 at 70. His family called it ‘a great loss to his family, friends and comedy fans across the world.’ Singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka, famed for Oh! Carol and Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, died on February 27 at 86.
March Tragedies: Jordan Wright, Chuck Norris, Mel Schilling, Nicholas Brendon
Reality star Jordan Wright, from The Only Way Is Essex, died in Thailand on March 14 at 33; his body was found in a canal with no signs of assault. Chuck Norris, martial artist and actor, died in Hawaii on March 19 at 86 after a medical emergency. His family described him as ‘a symbol of strength.’ Mel Schilling, Married At First Sight star, died on March 24 at 54 from terminal cancer. Her husband Gareth urged fans to ‘live life to the full.’ Nicholas Brendon, who played Xander on Buffy The Vampire Slayer, died in March at 54 from a congenital heart defect.
April to June: Andy Kershaw, Jake Hall, Rob Base, Marcia Lucas, Peabo Bryson, Anthony Head, Oliver Tree
Broadcaster Andy Kershaw died on April 16 at 66 from cancer. His sister Liz Kershaw tweeted: ‘I’ve lost my best friend.’ TOWIE’s Jake Hall died in May at 35 after a glass door accident in Majorca. Hip-hop artist Rob Base, of It Takes Two fame, died on May 22 at 59 from cancer. Star Wars editor Marcia Lucas, who won an Oscar for A New Hope, died on May 27 at 80 from cancer. Singer Peabo Bryson, known for Disney hits Beauty And The Beast and A Whole New World, died on June 2 at 75 from a stroke. Anthony Head, star of Buffy and Ted Lasso, died on June 5 at 72 from pneumonia complications. Singer Oliver Tree died on June 14 at 32 in a helicopter crash in Brazil.
July: Dame Penelope Keith, Bonnie Tyler, Dermot Murnaghan, Sam Neill
Dame Penelope Keith, beloved for The Good Life and To The Manor Born, died on June 29 at 86 from cancer. Bonnie Tyler, Welsh singer of Total Eclipse Of The Heart, died on July 8 at 75 in Portugal after emergency surgery. TV presenter Dermot Murnaghan, a veteran of Sky News and BBC, died on July 11 at 68 from prostate cancer. Sam Neill, iconic for his role in Jurassic Park, died on July 13 at 78 in Sydney, Australia, after a battle with blood cancer. His death was described as unexpected, coming months after he announced he was cancer-free.
