From Della Reese to Hugh Hefner: Remembering The Stars We've Lost in 2017

ROSE MARIE

Marie, known best for her portrayal of television writer Sally Rogers on the beloved CBS sitcom The Dick Van Dyke Show, has died at age 94, according to her official website.

A tweet from the actress' official Twitter account shared the news Dec. 28, with a message that read, “It is with broken hearts that we share the terribly sad news that our beloved Rose Marie passed away this afternoon.”

ALFIE CURTIS

One year after the death of Carrie Fisher, another member of the Star Wars family has passed away. Alfie Curtis, who played Dr. Evazan in Star Wars: A New Hope, died at the age of 87, according to reports in December. His cause of death was not revealed.

Born in London in 1930, Curtis also portrayed the Milkman in 1980’s The Elephant Man, and he appeared in 1980’s The Wildcats of St. Trinian’s and 1982’s Take It or Leave It.

JIM NABORS

Nabors, who portrayed the jovial Gomer Pyle on The Andy Griffith Show before branching out with his own series, died on Nov. 30 at his home in Hawaii. He was 89. Nabors was discovered while performing at a cabaret theatre in Santa Monica, California, where he was asked by Andy Griffith to audition for the part of Gomer Pyle, a lovable gas station clerk — a role he debuted on The Andy Griffith Show in 1962 and continued through Gomer Pyle: USMC, due to the character’s popularity.

JULIO OSCAR MECHOSO

Mechoso, known for his lengthy career in both television and film, died in late November at the age of 62. Mechoso died of a heart attack on Saturday, according to the Miami Herald, which was first to report the news. The Miami native started acting in his early 20s and quickly earned spots on popular television series throughout his career, including Seinfeld and Miami Vice. More recently, he appeared on The Big Bang Theory and Grey’s Anatomy. Mechoso also landed several roles on the big screen such as The Legend of Zorro, Jurassic Park III and Little Miss Sunshine.

DELLA REESE

Reese, the vocal powerhouse who later starred as heaven-sent Tess on the television series Touched By an Angel, died in November at age 86. She leaves behind children James, Franklin, and Dominique, as well as husband Franklin Lett. She was predeceased by daughter Deloreese. In the late ’60s she began to expand her career from a jazz nightclub act to all-around entertainer by breaking into television. She became a familiar face on the small screen, securing guest spots on a host of shows, including The Mod Squad, The Love Boat, Sanford and Son, MacGyver, Night Court, and The Young and the Restless.

EARLE HYMAN

Hyman, best known for playing Cliff Huxtable’s father, Russell, on The Cosby Show, died just before Thanksgiving at age 91. The actor was actually widely regarded for his stage work — he even won a Tony Award for The Lady from Dubuque in 1980 — before joining The Cosby Show cast. Keisha Knight-Pulliam, who played Russell’s granddaughter Rudy on The Cosby Show, wrote on Instagram in response to Hyman’s death, “We have gained another angel.”

MEL TILLIS

The country singer and songwriter died in late November, according to multiple outlets. He was 85. The Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, who was beloved for his stutter, wrote hits for Kenny Rogers and had several top 10 country singles including “Good Woman Blues,” ”Coca Cola Cowboy” and “Southern Rain.”

WENDY PEPPER

The Project Runway season 1 finalist (and favorite) was just 53 when she died in November. Though she placed third on the series, she won a variety of big challenges, including one that got her designs into Banana Republic and another to create a dress for TV personality Nancy O'Dell. She returned to Project Runway for its all-star season in 2012.

MALCOLM YOUNG

Young, AC/DC guitarist and co-founder of the iconic band, died in November at the age of 64. In 2014, he announced he'd been diagnosed with dementia, and took a step back from the band. “Today it is with deep heartfelt sadness that AC/DC has to announce the passing of Malcolm Young,” AC/DC wrote in a statement shared on social media. “Malcolm, along with [brother Angus Young], was the founder and creator of AC/DC. With enormous dedication and commitment he was the driving force behind the band. As a guitarist, songwriter and visionary he was a perfectionist and a unique man. He always stuck to his guns and did and said exactly what he wanted. He took great pride in all that he endeavored. His loyalty to the fans was unsurpassed."

LIL PEEP

The up-and-coming rapper was just 21 when he died of a Xanax overdose in November 2017. Sarah Stennett, the CEO of First Access Entertainment — which partnered with Lil Peep last year — said in a statement to PEOPLE, “I am shocked and heartbroken. I do not believe Peep wanted to die, this is so tragic. He had huge ambition and his career was flourishing […] I have spoken to his mother and she asked me to convey that she is very, very proud of him and everything he was able to achieve in his short life."

ROBERT KNIGHT

Knight — the original singer of “Everlasting Love,” one of the most enduring hits to come out of Nashville — died after suffering from a short illness, The Tennessean reported in early November. He was 72. Born on April 24, 1945, Knight first emerged onto the music scene as a member of the Paramounts, a quintet comprised of high school buddies. They signed with Dot Records in 1960 and debuted in 1961 with their small hit “Free Me. While at college, Knight sang with a vocal trio, the Fairlanes, which eventually led him to his solo recording deal when Mac Gayden of Rising Sons Records caught one of their performances. “Everlasting Love,” written by his label heads Buzz Carson and Gayden, would be his first release under his new deal. The song hit No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1967.

FATS DOMINO

The New Orleans musician whose hit versions of “Blueberry Hill” and “Ain’t That a Shame” were part of the opening salvo of rock ‘n’ roll in the 1950s, died in October at the age of 89. He was reportedly at his home, surrounded by friends and family at the time of his passing. While nascent R&B had coalesced around the Mississippi Delta for at least a generation before, Domino’s music helped bring what was then known as “race music” to mainstream—predominantly white—culture. Throughout the next decade he would mark an astonishing run of more than three dozen Top 40 hits. Selling more than 65 million singles, it was a commercial streak bested only by Elvis Presley.

ROBERT GUILLAUME

Guillaume, perhaps most celebrated for his role as the TV sitcom butler in Benson and Soap, died in October in Los Angeles. He was 89. Guillaume’s widow, Donna Brown Guillaume, confirmed the news to the Associated Press, noting that he had been battling prostate cancer. Among Guillaume’s lauded career, the actor voiced the character Rafiki in Disney’s animated The Lion King, as one of his more recognizable roles. But he also made history in the theater arena: He played Nathan Detroit in the first all-black production of Guys and Dolls and became the first African-American Phantom of the Opera against a predominantly white production.

BRENT BRISCOE

Briscoe, a character actor known for his work on Twin Peaks and Parks and Recreation, died following complications from a serious fall in October. He was 56. “We lost a class act on Wednesday,” a statement from his family said in part. “Brent played hundreds of roles throughout his career but his greatest role was to his family and friends. He was as genuine as they come. We will miss him dearly.” Of those hundreds of roles, Briscoe most recently portrayed Det. Dave Macklay on the revived Twin Peaks and had a memorable turn as diner owner J.J. on NBC’s Parks and Recreation. He also frequently collaborated with Billy Bob Thornton, appearing alongside him in Sling Blade and A Simple Plan.

GORD DOWNIE

Downie, the lead singer for Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip, died in October after a battle with brain cancer. He was 53. The group announced the news via their website and Facebook page with a message from the rocker’s family. “Gord knew this day was coming – his response was to spend this precious time as he always had – making music, making memories and expressing deep gratitude to his family and friends for a life well lived, often sealing it with a kiss… on the lips."

MYCHAEL KNIGHT

Knight, fashion designer and former contestant on Project Runway and Project Runway: All Stars, died in October 2017 outside Atlanta. He was 39. The designer had recently checked into a hospital for treatment for intestinal issues, TMZ reported.

ROY DOTRICE

British actor Dotrice died in October at the age of 94. Dotrice was known to Game of Thrones fans for his brief role as Wisdom Hallyne the pyromancer in season 2. But more impressively, he also read the audiobooks for George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, and holds the Guinness World Record for the most characters voiced by a single actor in an audiobook — 223 in the saga’s first novel, A Game of Thrones, the audiobook for which is 33 hours long. The actor served in the Royal Air Force during WWII, was imprisoned in a German POW camp, and then went on to have a long career in radio, theater, television, and film — including playing Leopold Mozart in the film Amadeus. He also won a Tony in 2000 for a revival of A Moon for the Misbegotten.

RALPHIE MAY

Standup comedian Ralph O. May died of cardiac arrest in October in Las Vegas, at the age of 45. In 2003, May competed in the first season of Last Comic Standing, finishing in second place. The comedian went on to record multiple comedy specials for Comedy Central and Netflix, including Girth of a Nation. May and his wife, comedian Lahna Turner, filed for divorce in 2015. The couple had two children, daughter April June, 10, and 8-year-old son August James.

JEAN ROCHEFORT

Perhaps forever to be known as “The Best Don Quixote Who Never Was,” French actor Rochefort died in October at age 87, according to AFP. One of the most loved, iconoclastic figures of French cinema in the last 70 years, Rochefort first began appearing in films in 1955. Valued by directors such as Robert Altman and Luis Bunuel, Rochefort achieved instant world-wide recognizability as the sinister moustached Colonel Louis in 1972’s black comedy The Tall Blond Man With One Black Shoe opposite Pierre Richard.

Rochefort last appeared onscreen in 2015’s Floride, portraying an Alzheimer’s sufferer.

TOM PETTY

The legendary rocker died on Oct. 2 at age 66, after suffering cardiac arrest. He was married to Jane Benyo for 22 years before the duo split in 1996. Petty shared two daughters with Benyo — Adria, a film director, and AnnaKim Violette, an artist. In 2001, he wed Dana York Epperson, whom he met in 1991 when she attended his concert. Before kicking off his 40th anniversary tour with the Heartbreakers earlier this year, Petty — who took home three Grammys and received 18 total nominations over his lengthy career — told Rolling Stone it would likely be his “last big one.”

CHUCK LOW

Low, a military veteran and real estate developer who memorably appeared in Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas as Morrie, died in September at a nursing home in New Jersey, the New York Times reports. Born on July 21, 1928, in New York City, Low spent four years on active duty as an army major and was part of the U.S. Army Reserve for more than 30 years, as well as the U.S. National Guard from 1957-1965. He became friends with actor Robert De Niro during the 1970s, as he began to develop real estate in New York’s Tribeca neighborhood, where he also owned properties. De Niro was one of his tenants. Their relationship led to Low’s first screen appearance, as a man in a Chinese restaurant who mocks De Niro’s character in The King of Comedy.

MONTY HALL

Hall, who co-created and hosted the iconic game show Let’s Make a Deal, died on Sept. 30 at age 96. Born Monte Halparin in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Hall worked in radio and television for years before creating Let’s Make a Deal with Stefan Hatos in 1963. The show, which focused on lavishly dressed contestants vying for the chance to make a deal, would air with Hall as host through 1986; he later returned to host a 1991 version. (In 2009, Wayne Brady took over as emcee of a new version of Let’s Make a Deal.)

HUGH HEFNER

The 91-year-old Playboy founder passed away in his storied mansion in late September. He was survived by wife Crystal and four children from previous marriages.

“My father lived an exceptional and impactful life as a media and cultural pioneer and a leading voice behind some of the most significant social and cultural movements of our time in advocating free speech, civil rights and sexual freedom. He defined a lifestyle and ethos that lie at the heart of the Playboy brand, one of the most recognizable and enduring in history. He will be greatly missed by many, including his wife Crystal, my sister Christie and my brothers David and Marston, and all of us at Playboy Enterprises,” said Cooper Hefner, his son and Chief Creative Officer of Playboy Enterprises.

CHARLES BRADLEY

Singer Bradley, the “Screaming Eagle of Soul” whose career took off in the 2000s after years spent on the periphery of the music industry, died of cancer in September at age 68. Born in Florida in 1948 before later relocating to New York as a child, Bradley stayed on the fringes of music — working as a part-time musician throughout most of his life. In the 1990s, after moving back to New York to reconnect with his mother, Bradley began working as a James Brown impersonator. It was during these years of his life when Bradley’s discovery began in earnest — after Daptone Records co-founder Gabriel Roth introduced Bradley to producer Tom Brenneck.

BERNIE CASEY

Casey, best known for his scene-stealing role in Revenge of the Nerds and as the star of I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, died following a brief illness in September at the age of 78. In his youth, Casey was a record-breaking track and field athlete at Bowling Green University, earning All-American honors and a trip to the finals at the 1960 U.S. Olympic Trials. He was later drafted by the San Francisco 49ers as a top 10 pick, and played in the NFL as a wide-receiver for eight seasons, earning trips to the Pro Bowl. He went on to star in a series of films and TV shows, like Harris and Company, and ultimately costarred in over 80 different projects on the big and small screen throughout his career.

FRANK VINCENT

The Sopranos star, 78, died in September of complications from heart surgery, TMZ reported. The actor was known for his tough-guy roles in films like Raging Bull, Goodfellas and Casino, though appeared in myriad films in his long career.

JESSIE ZAZU

The 28-year-old indie rocker, formerly of Those Darlins', died in September after battling cervical cancer. The niece of country musician Steve Wariner learned she had cervical cancer when she was 26 after she couldn’t stop bleeding. It was caused by a strain of human papillomavirus, according to the Nashville Scene. She started brachytherapy, but later discovered a lymph node in her neck. Biopsy results showed it was positive for the same type of cancer cell originally found in her cervix.

MARK LAMURA

LaMura, known for his role as Mark Dalton on All My Children, died at the age of 68 in September after battling lung cancer, Deadline reported. LaMura, who was nominated for a daytime Emmy in 1988 for his work on the soap opera, has several other television credits, including Star Trek: The Next Generation, L.A. Law, One Life to Live, The Sopranos, 30 Rock, Law & Order: SVU and Damages.

TROY GENTRY

The country star, one-half of the duo Montgomery Gentry, died at age 50 in September in a helicopter crash in New Jersey en route to a concert. Gentry leaves behind wife Angie and daughters, Kaylee and Taylor.

DON WILLIAMS

Country Music Hall of Famer Don Williams died in September after a short illness. He was 78. After beginning his career in Nashville in the late 1960s and signing a songwriting contact in the early 1970s, Williams made his chart debut with “The Shelter of Your Eyes” in 1973. Over the course of his decades-long career, the so-called “Gentle Giant” of country music recorded hits like “Tulsa Time,” “Good Ole Boys Like Me” and “It Must Be Love.” Williams earned 17 No. 1 country hits throughout his career.

BLAKE HERON

Heron, who played Marty Preston in 1996’s Shiloh, died in September at the age of 35, according to TMZ. Heron had been sick days prior, but had also previously battled heroin addiction and had recently completed rehab (though EMTs found no illegal drugs on the scene, only prescription flu medication). In addition to his role in Shiloh, Heron had small parts in films like We Were Soldiersand 11:13. He also recently appeared in a documentary called A Thousand Junkies, which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival.

WALTER BECKER

Becker, the co-founder, guitarist and bassist of the band Steely Dan, died in September at the age of 67. In July, Becker missed both of Steely Dan’s performances due to an unspecified ailment during the recent Classic West and Classic East concerts in Los Angeles and New York. His Steely Dan partner Donald Fagen later told Billboard that Becker was “recovering from a procedure” and hopefully would be “fine very soon,” but did not elaborate on Becker’s surgery or prognosis. Becker, who was born in Queens, New York, met Fagen when they were both students at New York’s Bard College. The duo later moved to California to form Steely Dan in 1972 alongside guitarists Jeff “Skunk” Baxter and Denny Dias, drummer Jim Hodder and singer David Palmer.

TOBE HOOPER

Texas Chain Saw Massacre and Poltergeist director Hooper died in August at the age of 74, according to Variety. Hooper’s other directing credits included The Funhouse, Lifeforce, and the 1986 remake of Invaders from Mars. Hooper’s directorial debut was 1969’s experimental ghost story Eggshells, but he made his name with his second film, 1974’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, an unforgettable tale of rural Texas-dwelling cannibals, including the chainsaw-wielding Leatherface. Widely regarded as one of the most terrifying horror films ever made, the movie would spawn many sequels, starting with 1986’s The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, which Hooper directed himself.

JAY THOMAS

Murphy Brown actor Jay Thomas has died after losing his battle with cancer, TMZ reported in August. He was 69. Thomas played Jerry Gold on the ‘90s sitcom and also starred in Cheers and Mork & Mindy. Most recently, the Texas native held a reoccurring role on Ray Donovan and appeared on episodes of Bones and NCIS: New Orleans. He also hosted The Jay Thomas Show on SiriusXM.

JERRY LEWIS

Comedy king Jerry Lewis, whose manic style amused generations of moviegoers on both sides of the Atlantic, yet whose popularity often confounded critics, died in August 2017, his agent confirmed to PEOPLE. He was 91. In a statement from Lewis’ daughter Danielle, the comedian’s manager confirmed that “he passed peacefully at home of natural causes with him loving family at his side.”

DICK GREGORY

The comedian passed away in August 2017 at the age of 84. Gregory made a name for himself in the early ’60s for his wry observations and jokes about racism in America. He became one of the first African-American comedians to cross over and appeal to both black and white audiences. The comedian was also well-known for his involvement in civil rights and social justice issues around the world. He was arrested dozens of times for taking part in peaceful protests in the South, including Birmingham, Alabama. He also later went on dozens of hunger strikes to protest various causes, including the Vietnam War, the failure of the Equal Rights Amendment, apartheid in South Africa and Native American rights.

SONNY LANDHAM

Landham, the Native American actor who costarred in action films Predator and 48 Hrs., died in August at the age of 76. According to his sister, Landham died from congestive heart failure in a hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, the AP reports. Beginning his career in adult films and stunt work, Landham transitioned into acting work in the late 1970s, often drawing on his Cherokee and Seminole ancestry to portray characters of Native American descent. His mainstream movie debut was a minor role as a subway policeman in Walter Hill’s 1979 film, The Warriors. Based on that performance, Hill cast him in his first major role as Billy Bear, one of the criminals being tracked by Nick Nolte and Eddie Murphy in 48 Hrs.

JOE BOLOGNA

Bologna, an Oscar nominee for screenwriting and character actor best known for My Favorite Year, Blame It on Rio, and numerous television appearances, died on Aug. 13 at age 82. Bologna was called a “beloved role model in the Italian-American community” in a statement released by his representatives. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corp, Bologna wrote Lovers and Other Strangers as a Broadway show with wife Renée Taylor. His Oscar nomination came for the 1970 film based on the play. He also wrote the scripts for Made for Each Other (with Taylor) and the 1996 film Love Is All There Is (also with Taylor), which starred a young Angelina Jolie.

FRED LEIGHTON

The jeweler to the stars passed away in his New York City home on July 26 at the age of 85. Leighton, actually born Murray Mondschein, began his career by selling wedding dresses and Mexican and Native American silver jewelry in a storefront in N.Y.C., but later switched to vintage jewelry, becoming known for his Art Deco baubles, according to the New York Times.

GLEN CAMPBELL

The country legend died on Aug. 8, 2017, at age 81, following a six-year battle with Alzheimer's disease. Born April 22, 1936 in Billstown, Arkansas, he released more than 70 albums, sold over 45 million records, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and won 10 Grammy Awards as well as 10 Academy of Country Music Awards.

BARBARA COOK

The theater icon who starred in Broadway musicals like The Music Man and She Loves Me died on Aug. 8 at age 89 of respiratory failure. Officials with the Tony Awards remembered the clear-voiced soprano in a moving Facebook post, writing, “Rest in Peace Barbara Cook, we were so fortunate enough to see you shine in so many great roles.”

ROBERT HARDY

British film and TV actor Robert Hardy died on Aug. 3 aged 91, according to BBC News. The actor’s family said he lived “tremendous life” with “a giant career in theatre, television and film spanning more than 70 years,” according to the outlet. Born in Gloucestershire, England, Hardy played Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge in four Harry Potter films — 2002’s Chamber of Secrets, 2004’s Prisoner of Azkaban, 2005’s Goblet of Fire and 2007’s Order of the Phoenix. The actor was also known for his role as veterinarian Siegfried Farnon in the long-running British TV series All Creatures Great and Small and played Winston Churchill in multiple projects. He won a BAFTA in 1981 for his portrayal of the great former Prime Minister in Winston Churchill: The Wilderness Years.

SAM SHEPARD

Shepard, known for his acting work in films such as Black Hawk Down and The Right Stuff, died in late July at age 73. His theater representative confirmed to PEOPLE that Shepard passed away at his home in Kentucky from complications from ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Shepard was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of pilot Chuck Yeager in 1983’s The Right Stuff. More recently, he is known for playing Noah’s (Ryan Gosling) father in The Notebook. He was also in the recent adaptation of August: Osage County alongside Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts. In 2015, he appeared in Netflix’s dark family drama Bloodline. He wrote several films as well, including Paris, Texas, Fool for Love and Simpatico.

JEANNE MOREAU

Moreau, an icon of French New Wave cinema who went on to become an international film star, died in Paris in late July. She was 89. The star of François Truffaut’s classic 1962 film Jules et Jim, Moreau also worked with Orson Welles, who once called her “the greatest actress in the world.” She lived as flamboyantly off screen as on, frequently serving as a muse and lover to directors. Among her reported liaisons were affairs with Marcello Mastroianni, Lee Marvin, director Tony Richardson and designer Pierre Cardin.

JOHN HEARD

Heard — known for his role in several iconic ’80s and ’90s movies including Big, Beaches and Home Alone — died in July at age 71. With a four-decade career in Hollywood and more than 200 credits on stage and screen, Heard appeared in a number of well-known projects afterwrad — including Gladiator, The Pelican Brief, White Chicks, NCIS: Los Angeles, The Sopranos and The Trip to Bountiful.

GEORGE ROMERO

Romero, the legendary filmmaker who terrified America with the 1968 zombie cult classic Night of the Living Dead, died in July at the age of 77 after a battle with lung cancer. Dubbed the father of the zombie-movie genre, he directed several sequels and worked on other projects, including writing the story for the 1973 film The Crazies and directing the 1981 film Knightriders.

KENNETH JAY LANE

Costume jewelry designer Lane was known for his covetable creations made of faux gems often revered by royals and first ladies alike. He was 85 when he died in his sleep at his New York City apartment in July. Several iconic women, including First Lady Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Diana and Princess Kate, were clients of Lane and idolized his glimmering jewelry. A documentary on Lane's life and 50-year career entitled Fabulously Fake: The Real Life of Kenneth Jay Lane is set to air in early 2018.

CHESTER BENNINGTON

The 41-year-old lead singer of Linkin Park was found dead in his home after committing suicide by hanging in July. Bennington – a father of six – joined the Grammy-winning band in 1999 and wrote many of their songs based off his tumultuous upbringing. The band released their most recent album One More Light in May, and was slated to embark on a three-month tour prior to his death. In an official statement, Bennington’s band mates honored his ability to sing about the demons he faced. “You fearlessly put them on display, and in doing so, brought us together and taught us to be more human.”

JI-TU CUMBUKA

The Roots actor passed away on July 4 at age 77, surrounded by family. On the big screen, Cumbuka best known for playing the “Toothless Gambler” in the 1989 Eddie Murphy comedy Harlem Nights. Before that, he appeared in Richard Pryor’s 1985 comedy Brewster’s Millions. He also had parts in Blacula, Maurie (in which he played NBA guard Oscar Robertson), Mandingo, Bound for Glory, Dr. Black, Mr. Hyde, Fun With Dick and Jane, Moving, and Midnight Edition.

JOHN BERNECKER

A stuntman for the hit zombie series The Walking Dead, Bernecker died in July at 33 after an on-set accident while filming season 8. The show’s executive producer Scott M. Gimple responded to the tragedy saying, “We are grateful for his contributions, and all of us send our condolences, love, and prayers to John’s family and friends.” Bernecker had more than 90 stunt credits, including work in Get Out and a few upcoming Marvel flicks.

NELSAN ELLIS

Star of HBO’s True Blood as fan favorite Lafayette, Ellis’ sudden death in July at 39 was due to heart failure brought on by alcohol withdrawal. An open funeral was held for the actor, who also appeared in films like The Help and Get on Up, in his home state of Illinois; many of his costars attended.

ELSA MARTINELLI

An Italian actress known in the U.S. for her role in 1955’s The Indian Fighter alongside Kirk Douglas, Martinelli was one of the first models to successfully shift to a career in acting. Born in Tuscany, she appeared in Vogue and on the cover of Life, as well as in more than 40 films. She passed away in July at age 82.

HARVEY ATKIN

Atkin, known for his roles on Cagney & Lacey and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, died in July at age 74 after a prolonged battle with cancer. His first big break was in the 1979 comedy Meatballs, starring Bill Murray, and he also appeared in films such as Funeral Home and Speed Zone. More recently, he appeared as a judge on USA Network’s Suits.

DEBORAH WATLING

Watling, who played the companion to the second Doctor on BBC’s long-running Doctor Who, died at 69 in July after a brief battle with cancer. Watling debuted as Victoria on Doctor Who in 1967 with “The Evil of the Daleks.” This was in the era of Patrick Troughton as the titular time-traveler.

FRESH KID ICE

The founding 2 Live Crew member died in July at age 53 of an undisclosed medical condition. Ice, whose real name was Chris Wong Won, was widely recognized as the first prominent Asian rapper. He was arrested in Florida for performing tracks from 2 Live Crew’s album, As Nasty as They Wanna Be, which was dubbed legally obscene, at a club in 1990. The trial launched a national debate, and Ice and two of his band mates were later acquitted. He then went on to found is own label Chinaman Records, and is credited with discovering Flo Rida.

BARBARA WELDENS

The French singer died of a heart attack, possibly brought on by being electrocuted, at age 35 while performing onstage at a concert in France in July. According to her biography on her website, she grew up in the circus, and later turned to music. The up-and-coming artist’s debut album Le grand H de l’Homme was released earlier this year, and earned her prizes for the songwriting and music.

STEVIE RYAN

YouTuber Ryan died at age 33 in July in what was ruled as a suicide by hanging, just two days after revealing her grandfather had passed away. She became famous for her YouTube series Little Loca, and then did celebrity parodies on the video platform. She continued her impersonations on the VH1 sketch series Stevie TV, and later co-hosted, with Brody Jenner, E!’s Sex with Brody. Most recently, she co-hosted Mentally Ch(ill), a podcast that focused on depression.

JOHN G. AVILDSEN

Oscar-winning filmmaker Avildsen, who helped to make Sylvester Stallone a movie star and launch an enduring Hollywood franchise as the director of Rocky, died of pancreatic cancer in June. He was 81.

HENRY 'HANK' DEUTSCHENDORF

Deutschendorf, who played baby Oscar in Ghostbusters II, lost his lifelong battle with mental illness and died by suicide in June at age 28. A twin, Deutschendorf was also the nephew of singer John Denver, and had largely stayed out of the spotlight since his famous role.

DAVE ROSSER

Following a battle with inoperable colon cancer, musician Rosser — best known for his work with rock band The Afghan Whigs — died at age 50 in late June.

ALBERT 'PRODIGY' JOHNSON

Rapper Prodigy died on June 20 in Las Vegas at age 42 after being hospitalized due to complications caused by his lifelong battle with sickle cell anemia. At the time of his death, Prodigy was in Vegas to perform as part of the Art of Rap tour. Following his passing, he was honored by the hip-hop community, with fellow Mobb Deep rapper Havoc noting, “This loss is painful. But the lyrical legacy he left us will impact the culture forever.”

GARY DECARLO

Singer of the popular ’60s hit “Na Na Hey Hey (Kiss Him Goodbye),” DeCarlo died in June after a battle with cancer at age 75. The hit reached the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969, Rolling Stone reports. The song was famously featured in 2000’s Remember the Titans and has become somewhat of an anthem throughout the years. It took until a revealing 2011 documentary My Music: ’60s Pop, Rock & Soul by PBS host TJ Lubinsky to finally credit DeCarlo for his role in the song.

STEPHEN FURST

Furst, known for his scene-stealing turn as Flounder in National Lampoon’sAnimal House, died on June 16. The actor passed away at his California home from complications due to diabetes. He was 63.

ADAM WEST

The actor is best remembered for his turn as Gotham’s Caped Crusader — though his career spanned six decades of film, stage and voice work. He died in June at 88 after a short battle with leukemia.

ROGER SMITH

Smith, who starred as a leading man in the ’50s and ’60s in the popular ABC detective series 77 Sunset Strip, died in June at age 84. The actor portrayed Jeff Spencer, one-half of a detective pair on 77 Sunset Strip, with Efrem Zimbalist Jr. playing his partner, Stu Bailey. Smith also starred in such films as Man of a Thousand Faces(1957), No Time to be Young (1957) and Auntie Mame (1958) with Rosalind Russell.

JULIA PEREZ

One of Indonesia’s most popular actresses, Perez, 36, died in June after a three-year battle with cervical cancer. Appearing in nearly 30 films, Perez was also known for her work in local soap operas, variety shows and was a popular dangdut singer.

GREGG ALLMAN

Allman, co-founder of legendary southern blues-rock outfit the Allman Brothers Band, died in May at age 69. Allman was diagnosed with Hepatitis C in 1999 and underwent a liver transplant in 2010. Just before his death, he was forced to cancel a tour due to health issues.

CHRISTOPHER 'BIG BLACK' BOYKIN

Boykin, who starred opposite professional skateboarder Rob Dyrdek on the MTV reality series Rob & Big, died from a heart attack on May 9. The 6-ft., 6-in., 375-lb. reality star appeared as Dyrdek’s bodyguard on 19 episodes of the show from 2006-08 before it abruptly ended following friction between the duo. Boykin, 45, is survived by his daughter, 9-year-old Isis Rae Boykin.

CHRIS CORNELL

As the lead singer of rock bands Soundgarden and Audioslave, Cornell’s natural talent helped him to be a trailblazer for Seattle’s grunge scene, though the Grammy-award winning musician struggled with drug and alcohol abuse throughout his career. Cornell, who was in the middle of a tour with Soundgarden after a 13-year hiatus, was found dead of suicide by hanging at MGM Grand Detroit following the band’s mid-May performance in Detroit. He left behind a wife and three kids.

DINA MERRILL

The American actress, businesswoman and philanthropist known for often playing society women on screen, died in May at 93. Coenough, Merrill's mother built the Mar-a-Lago estate of President Donald Trump, and the actress spent part of her childhood there.

POWERS BOOTHE

Deadwood actor Boothe died of a heart attack in May at age 68 after battling pancreatic cancer for six months. He made his national breakthrough in 1980, starring as a true-life demagogue and cult leader in the CBS docudrama Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones. He went on to star in films like Red Dawn, Sin City and The Avengers.

MICHAEL PARKS

Parks, famous for his roles in Kill Bill, Django Unchained and From Dusk Till Dawn, died in May at age 77. The veteran actor frequently collaborated with the likes of Quentin Tarantino and Kevin Smith throughout his decades-long career. Though he got his start on television, playing small roles in the ’60s, Parks eventually graduated to recurring bits on shows like Twin Peaks and later, dozens of action films.

SIR ROGER MOORE

Moore, the beloved actor best known for playing James Bond in the ’70s and ’80s, died in Switzerland in May at age 89. The star’s children broke the news in a statement uploaded to Twitter, noting that Moore passed away after a “short but brave battle with cancer.” In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, UNICEF officials described goodwill ambassador Moore as one of the world’s “great champions for children.”

ROGER AILES

Former Fox News Chairman and CEO Roger Ailes died in May at 77, months after he resigned from the news network amid claims of sexual harassment by former Fox News host Gretchen Carlson. He fell on the bathroom floor at his home in Palm Beach and suffered a blood clot and complications from the incident.

JONATHAN DEMME

Demme, the Oscar-winning director behind The Silence of the Lambs and Philadelphia, died in April at 73. A rep for Demme said he passed away at his apartment in New York City due to complications from esophageal cancer.

CLAY ADLER

Adler, who starred on eight episodes of MTV’s Newport Harbor: The Real Orange County in 2007, committed suicide in April at the age of 27. He also appeared in TV movie The Fish Tank (2009) and an episode of Make It or Break It (2009).

CHARLIE MURPHY

Eddie Murphy's older brother died from leukemia at age 57 in April. Charlie served in the United States Navy for six years before starting his career as a comedian, making his feature film debut alongside Eddie in 1989’s Harlem Nights before moving on to Comedy Central’s Chappelle’s Show.

ERIN MORAN

Actress Moran died in April at age 56 of stage 4 cancer. She most famously played Joanie Cunningham, the younger sister to Richie Cunningham (played by Ron Howard) on Happy Days, which ran from 1974 to 1984. She also starred in the spin-off, Joanie Loves Chachi, from 1982 to 1983; the series followed her character’s romance with Chachi, played by Scott Baio.

DON RICKLES

Legendary comedian Rickles died in April at age 90 from kidney failure. He made his name as one of the greatest insult comics of all time, working on late-night shows and doing stand-up in addition to voicing Mr. Potato Head in the Toy Story films.

CHUCK BERRY

Legendary musician Berry died in March at age 90. Many considered him to be the true "king of rock and roll"; with hits such as "Maybellene" and "Roll Over Beethoven," Berry pioneered a new style of music and performance.

TOMMY PAGE

The "I'll Be Your Everything" singer took his own life in March at the age of 46, leaving behind a partner and three children. He put out nine albums before making the move to the other side of the microphone, working as a record company executive in his later years.

CHUCK BARRIS

Barris, who created and hosted the classic game show The Gong Show, and created both The Dating Game and The Newlywed Game, died in March at age 87. His autobiography, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, was made into a film in 2002, which was directed by George Clooney. Sam Rockwell starred as Barris, who claimed in the book that he worked as a CIA assassin in the 1960s and 70s.

BILL PAXTON

Actor Paxton died at age 61 in February due to complications from surgery. The Texas native, who was nominated for an Emmy for his work in the TV mini-series Hatfields and McCoys, began acting in the 1970s. His earliest credits include minor roles in '80s blockbusters such as Terminator and Aliens; he later scored leading parts in Apollo 13 and Twister.

JOSEPH WAPNER

Wapner, America’s first reality TV judge who rose to fame on The People’s Court, passed away in February at age 97. Wapner headed the reality court show when it premiered in 1981 and was a fixture of the TV hit for 12 years, reviewing thousands of court cases.

GEORGE STEELE

George “The Animal” Steele — one of the WWE’s most notorious villains, known for his green tongue, hairy torso and wild, unpredictable style — died in February at the age of 79 following a long battle with Crohn's disease.

WARREN FROST

Frost, the actor best known for his role as Dr. Will Hayward in the original and 2017 Twin Peaks, died in February at age 91 following a lengthy illness. The actor, who served in the Navy during World War 2, originated the role of Dr. Hayward in the 1990 ABC drama Twin Peaks and came out of retirement last year to reprise the part on Showtime. The new version, which was co-created by Frost’s son Mark, premiered in May.

RICHARD HATCH

Hatch, the star of Battlestar Galactica, died in February at 71 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Santa Monica, California, Hatch was widely known for his starring role as Captain Apollo in the original Battlestar Galactica (1978-79) series and 1978 film, and as Tom Zarek in the revival (2004-09).

SIR JOHN HURT

Legendary actor Hurt died in January at the age of 77, survived by his wife of 12 years, Anwen Rees-Myer. Hurt’s career spanned six decades; the Harry Potter star was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2014 and was twice nominated for an Academy Award.

MARY TYLER MOORE

Known for playing Laura Petrie on The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961–66) and later, Mary Richards on The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–77), Moore — who died in January at age 80 — was well ahead of her time, transforming TV’s idea of a housewife. Although she suffered from a variety of diabetic complications, she never let that deter her from a lifetime of achievements in TV, film and on Broadway. The last few years of her life were spent advocating for animal rights and juvenile diabetes research, which her longtime rep says will help her “be remembered as a fearless visionary who turned the world on with her smile.”

BUTCH TRUCKS

Another member of the Allman Brothers, drummer Trucks, died in January at age 69. Trucks founded the Allman Brothers Band in 1969 with guitarists Duane Allman and Dickey Betts, Jai Johanny “Jaimoe” Johanson, keyboardist Gregg Allman and bassist Berry Oakley. “When Butch came along,” Betts told Guitar World in 2007, “he had that freight train, meat-and-potatoes kind of thing … he had the power thing we needed.”

MIGUEL FERRER

Miguel Ferrer, who starred on NCIS: Los Angeles and Crossing Jordan, died from cancer in January at age 61. He was also cousin to actor George Clooney.

WILLIAM PETER BLATTY

The man behind The Exorcist, author and filmmaker William Peter Blatty, died in January at 89 at a hospital near his home in Bethesda, Maryland. After The Exorcist was published in 1971, Blatty proceeded to write and produce the movie, which was released two years later and went on to make $400 million at the global box office.