2023 had been a tough year for showbiz. From Lisa Marie Presley to Matthew Perry the industry has bid farewell to big names in music and movies beyond this year. Hence take a moment with us to pay tribute and remember the famous celebrities who have died in 2023.
Lee Sun Kyun
Starring in the 2019 Oscar-winning film Parasite, this South Korean actor was found dead inside a car at a Seoul park. As per reports, the actor has committed suicide following a drug investigation. Moreover, Lee’s family also revealed that he had left a suicide note.
According to the Yonhap news agency, the 48-year-old was discovered with a charcoal briquette in his passenger seat which supposedly caused his death right at the scene.
Raquel Welch
This award-winning actress passed away at the age of 82 from cardiac arrest on February 15, 2023, at her home in Los Angeles. Welch is best known for her roles in 100 Rifles, Myra Breckinridge, Hannie Caulder, Kansas City Bomber, The Last of Sheila, and The Three Musketeers.
Bob Barker
The legendary host of The Price Is Right, took his last breath at age 99 in August. Barker’s publicist from 1987 through 1994 and again from 2020 Roger Neal announced the news on behalf of Barker’s girlfriend, Nancy Burnet.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce that the World’s Greatest MC who ever lived, Bob Barker, has left us,” the statement reads.
In addition, Burnet said, “I am so proud of the trailblazing work Barker, and I did together to expose the cruelty to animals in the entertainment industry and including working to improve the plight of abused and exploited animals in the United States and internationally. We were great friends over these 40 yrs. He will be missed.”
Norman Lear
Best known for creating All in the Family, the award-winning American television writer, and film producer, passed away at the age of 101 on Tuesday, Dec. 5, at his home in Los Angeles. According to a release from his representatives, his cause of death is natural.
The devastating news was first announced on his Instagram account, the caption read, “Norman lived a life in awe of the world around him. He marveled at his cup of coffee every morning, the shape of the tree outside his window, and the sounds of beautiful music. But it was people—those he just met and those he knew for decades—who kept his mind and heart forever young. As we celebrate his legacy and reflect on the next chapter of life without him, we would like to thank everyone for all the love and support.”
Andre Braugher
Notable for his acclaimed crime series such as Homicide: Life on the Street and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, the actor passed away after a recent illness on Dec. 11.
Afterwards, the news of his passing broke out Braugher’s co-stars started paying tribute. His Brooklyn Nine-Nine costar Terry Crews shared a heartfelt Instagram post, saying, “I’m honored to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you and shared 8 glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent. Thank you for your wisdom, your advice, your kindness and your friendship. Deepest condolences to your wife and family in this difficult time. You showed me what a life well lived looks like. Rest In Peace, Andre. I love you, man. 😢❤️.”
Angus Cloud
The Euphoria star died at the young age of 25 in July of last year. Cloud’s family shared a statement, which reads, “It is with the heaviest heart that we had to say goodbye to an incredible human today. As an artist, a friend, a brother and a son, Angus was special to all of us in so many ways.”
The statement continues, “The only comfort we have is knowing Angus is now reunited with his dad, who was his best friend, Angus was open about his battle with mental health and we hope that his passing can be a reminder to others that they are not alone and should not fight this on their own in silence. We hope the world remembers him for his humor, laughter and love for everyone. We ask for privacy at this time as we are still processing this devastating loss.”
Lisa Marie Presley
The only child of King of Rock n Roll Elvis Presley Lisa Marie Presley died on Jan. 12 at age 54.
Presley’s mother Priscilla confirmed in a statement to People, saying, “It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us.”
The statement continues, “She was the most passionate strong and loving woman I have ever known. We ask for privacy as we try to deal with this profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers. At this time there will be no further comment.”
Cindy Williams
Known for her role as Shirley Feeney on the sitcom Laverne & Shirley, the actress left the world in January at the age of 71 after suffering from a long illness.
“The passing of our kind, hilarious mother, Cindy Williams, has brought us insurmountable sadness that could never truly be expressed,” the statement of Williams’s family reads. “Knowing and loving her has been our joy and privilege. She was one of a kind, beautiful, generous and possessed a brilliant sense of humor and a glittering spirit that everyone loved.”
Tony Bennett
The music icon, who has been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease since 2016, lost his long battle at the age of 96 in July.
Bennett’s rep announced the heartbreaking news saying, “Tony Bennett, born Anthony Dominick Benedetto in Astoria, Queens on August 3, 1926, has passed away in his hometown of New York City at the age of 96 earlier today. The beloved singer, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2016, is survived by his wife, Susan Benedetto, his two sons, Danny and Dae Bennett, his daughters Johanna Bennett and Antonia Bennett and 9 grandchildren.”
Suzanne Somers
Famous for her roles in Three’s Company and Step by Step, the actress passed away on Oct. 15, 2023, at the age of 76. Somers’s longtime publicist R. Couri Hay shared a heartfelt statement on behalf of the actress’ family.
“Suzanne Somers passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of October 15th. She survived an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years,” the statement reads.
“Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan, her son Bruce, and her immediate family,” it continued. “Her family was gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday on October 16th. Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life, and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly.”
Matthew Perry
The entertainment world got another shock after actor Matthew Perry, best known for playing Chandler Bing on the iconic sitcom Friends, was found dead at his Los Angeles-area home on Oct. 28.
Perry was 54 years old at the time of his death.
Hope they all rest in peace.
