‘Steel Magnolias’ star Carol Sutton dies of COVID-19

Actor Carol Sutton passed away on Thursday, December 10 from complications of COVID-19. The talent, most known for appearances in Steel Magnolias and Queen Sugar was 76.

Carol spent her last months at the Touro Infirmary in New Orleans, the same city she was born. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell confirmed the sad news in a statement the followng day, saying: “Carol Sutton was practically the Queen of New Orleans theater, having graced the stages across the city for decades. The world may recognize her from her performances in movies and on TV — whether it’s Treme or Claws, or Runaway Jury or Queen Sugar — but we will always remember her commanding stage presence, her richly portrayed characters and the warm heart she shared with her fellow cast and crew in productions such as 4000 Miles and A Raisin in the Sun. May she rest in God’s perfect peace.”

David Prowse, most known for bringing Darth Vader to life in the original Star Wars trilogy, died at the age 85. According to his agent Thomas Bowington, the bodybuilder-turned-actor, who also notably appeared in the Stanley Kubrick classic A Clockwork Orange, passed away after a brief illness.

“It is with great regret and heart-wrenching sadness for us and millions of fans around the world, to announce that our client DAVID PROWSE M.B.E. has passed away at the age of 85,” Thomas tweeted on Sunday, November 29.

Star Wars legend Mark Hamill shared his own tribute to his friend, writing: “So sad to hear David Prowse has passed. Actor-Husband-Father-Member of the Order of the British Empire-3 time British Weightlifting Champion & Safety Icon the Green Cross Code Man. He loved his fans as much as they loved him. #RIP.”

May the force be with the loved ones David leaves behind.

After a year-long battle with cancer, Joel Schumacher died in New York City on Monday, June 22, at the age of 80. The costume designer-turned film director was most notably famous for directing two films from the Batman franchise, Batman Forever and Batman and Robin, as well as St. Elmo’s Fire, The Lost Boys and Falling Down.

Film producer Steve Bing tragically passed away at the age of 55. According to TMZ, he died after jumping off Century City building on Monday, June 22. Steve backed hit films such as The Polar Express and Beowulf and he was the founder of Shangri-La entertainment.

The businessman previously dated Elizabeth Hurley and is the father of her 19-year-old son Damian. Bill Clinton, who was a close friend of Steve’s released the following statement: “I will miss him and his enthusiasm more than I can say, and I hope he‘s finally found peace.”

On Friday, Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s publishing house revealed the novelist died of cancer in Los Angeles. The author of The Shadow of the Wind — the most read Spanish book after Don Quixote — passed away at age 55.

“Today is a very sad day for the entire Planeta team that knew him and worked with him for 20 years, in which a friendship that transcends professionalism has been forged,” his Spanish publisher said in a statement.

While Carlos was born in Barcelona, Barcelona, he lived in Los Angeles for almost three decades.

British actor Ian Holm, who played Bilbo Baggins in the The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, passed away in hospital in London on Friday, after battling with Parkinson‘s disease. “It is with great sadness that the actor Sir Ian Holm CBE passed away this morning at the age of 88,” his agent told The Guardian. “He died peacefully in hospital, with his family and carer. Charming, kind and ferociously talented, we will miss him hugely.”

Ian is survived by his fourth wife, Sophie de Stempel, and five children, as well as his third wife, actress Penelope Wilton.

It was announced that Jarabe de Palo singer, songwriter and guitarist, Pau Donés, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, from cancer at the age of 53. News that Spanish singer had passed away was confirmed by his family via social media. In a statement, they shared, “The Donés Cirera family reports that Pau Donés died on June 9, 2020, as a result of the cancer he suffered from since August 2015. We want to thank the medical team and all the staff of the Vall de Hebrón Hospital, Sant Joan Despí Moisès Broggi Hospital, ICO (Institut Català d‘Oncologia), Servei de Paliatius of the Hospital de Viella and VHIO (Vall Hebrón Cancer Institute) for all your work and dedication during all this time. We ask for the utmost respect and intimacy in these difficult times.”

Pau and Jarabe de Palo are known for hits like La Flaca, Depende, Agua and Bonito, to name a few. In 2015, the same year of his colon cancer’s diagnosis, he announced his retirement from the band and music.

Legendary singer Bonnie Pointer of the iconic R&B group The Pointer Sisters passed away on Monday, June 8. The announcement was made by her sister Anita Pointer in a statement she gave Variety. Anita said, “It is with great sadness that I have to announce to the fans of the Pointer Sisters that my sister Bonnie died this morning. Our family is devastated. On behalf of my siblings and I and the entire Pointer family, we ask for your prayers at this time.”

The Pointer sister went on to experience much success, with songs like I’m So Excited, Jump (For My Love) and Fairytale. The sisters went on to win three Grammys.

Mexican actor and comedian Héctor Suárez died at the age of 81 in Mexico City. His son, Héctor Suárez Gomís, gave a brief statement via social media asking for his family’s respect and privacy during this difficult time.

His cause of death was undisclosed, but in 2015 the actor-comedian was diagnosed with bladder cancer, which led him to be hospitalized on several occasions in the years following.

The legendary star will forever be rememberd as an icon in Mexican film and comedy.

Former WWE star Shad Gaspard’s body was found ashore on Venice Beach after three days of having gone missing. He and his ten-year-old son had gone for a swim on Sunday when they were caught in a riptide, according to reports. The young boy was successfuly rescued but Shad was hit with another large wave.

His family released the following statement: “We would like to express our gratitude to the first responders who rescued Aryeh and to the lifeguards, coast guard, divers, fire and police departments for their continued efforts to help find our beloved Shad.”

“Shad is a fighter, a warrior and a magical soul. We are hoping and praying for his safe return. As a family we thank you all for your concern and well wishes. Please continue to keep sending your positivity and prayers to our beloved Shad.”

Beloved actor Fred Willard passed away at the age of 86. The comedic star, who appeared in so many projects you may just know him as “that guy,” will be remembered for his hilarious performances in Anchorman, Best in Show, Everybody Loves Raymond and Modern Family. A rep for the actor confirmed her died of natural causes

“My father passed away very peacefully last night at the fantastic age of 86 years old. He kept moving, working and making us happy until the very end,” his daughter Hope Mulbarger told PEOPLE. “We loved him so very much!”

Celebrity tributes poured in. “A fond farewell to Mr. Fred Willard,” Jamie Lee Curtis, whose husband Christopher Guest worked with Fred many times, wrote on social media. “How lucky we all are that we got to witness his great gifts. Thanks for the deep belly laughs. You are now with Mary. Home safe.”

Fred’s passing comes less than two years after his wife Mary died at 71. He is survived by his daughter Hope and his grandson Freddie.

Carlos Santana’s youngest brother passed away at the age of 68. The singer, who has played in his brother’s band as well as had his own hits and was a former member of the group Malo, died from natural causes. On the Milagro Foundation’s Instagram page, which is the Maria Maria crooner’s philanthropy, a message from Carlos and his family stated: “We take time to celebrate the magnificent spirit of our beloved brother Jorge.”

Jorge, who had a hit song Darling I Love You in the ‘70s, was one of seven. His other siblings included Antonio, Laura, Irma, Maria and Leticia. “He transitioned unto the realm of light that cast no shadow the eyes of my heart clearly see him right in between our glorious and magnificent mother Josefina and our father Jose,” the statement continued. “They are caressing his face and kissing his hands showering him with Light and Love We love cherish and honor your soul MEMO. *** - Carlos and the Santana family”

Althought news of the late Twilight actor’s death broke May 18, he and his girlfriend Natalie Adepoju, 27, were found dead in his apartment in Las Vegas, Nevada, in early May. It was reported that Gregory, who recently turned 30, and his girlfriend were found in his condo by his cousin. A source told E! News, “Greg’s cousin woke up and noticed that Greg’s car was still at the house. He was worried because Greg was to be in LA. His cousin went to check on him and found them.”

In a post he shared on Instgram commeorating his 30th birthday, he shared, “At one point I didn’t think I would make it to see 30 years old. Over the years like everyone else I have made mistakes along the way, but today is one of those days I only reflect on the great ones. What a time to be alive. Happy Dirty 30 self! Let’s make the rest of these years your best!!” The actor was said to have been lively, animated and witty. He is survived by his two daughters.

Melissa Ethridge’s son shared on Wednesday with his fans that her son had lost the battle with opioid addiction and died. “Today I joined the hundreds of thousands of families who have lost loved ones to opioid addiction. My son Beckett, who was just 21, struggled to overcome his addiction and finally succumbed to it today,” she shared on an emotional message. Beckett was born via artificial insemination in 1998. “My heart is broken” added the 58-year-old singer on her post.

Best known as Arthur Spooner in the King of Queens, Jerry Stiller died at 92 in May 11 from natural causes according to his son Ben Stiller. “I’m sad to say that my father, Jerry Stiller, passed away from natural causes. He was a great dad and grandfather, and the most dedicated husband to Anne for about 62 years. He will be greatly missed. Love you Dad.” posted the comedian on his social media. The comedian and actor played many roles such as Frank Costanza in the show Seinfeld and in The Ed Sullivan Show.

Geno, who was known for his iconic role as The Skull in Scarface, passed away on May 9, at the age of 72. The actor’s family confirmed his death was a result of complications of frontotemporal degeneration, a form of dementia.

The actor was also known for his role in movies including Mullhlland Drive, Amistad, The Lost World: Jurassic Park and more. Geno also had notable television credits. The actor leaves behind his wife, daughter, grandchildren and sister. Geno’s family asked for donations to be made to the Association for Frontotemporal Dementia.

‘Founding father of rock and roll’ Little Richard passed away at the age of 87 on Saturday, May 9. Known for hits like Tutti Frutti, the flamboyont entertainer paved the way for a new kind of rock star. His son Danny Penniman confirmed the sad news, citing the casue of death as unknown.

Jamaican singer Millie Small died at the age of 72 after suffering a stroke. She was famous for her hit single My Boy Lollipop, which reached number two in the U.S. and the U.K. in 1964. Her song remains one of the top-selling ska songs of all time.

Slumdog Millionaire actor and Bollywood star, Irrfan Khan died at the age of 53 due to a colon infection. In 2018, Irrfan was diagnosed with a rare cancer - and neuroendocrine tumour. The Indian star is best-known for starring in Oscar-winning film Life of Pi and Jurassic World He was one of the most versatile performers in India and Hollywood paving the way for other actors. From India’s TV soap operas to Hollywood’s big screens, Irrfan showed a renowned talent in every medium.

In an official statement released byt the late Little Women: Atlanta star’s management team, it was announced that Ashley had succumbed to very serious injuries after being in a hit-and-run car accident.

Sergio Rossi lost his battle with coronavirus at the age of 84. The footwear legend, whose son Gianvito Rossi had followed in his footsteps as a shoe designer, died in Cesena, Italy. Fans of his shoe designs, which he started creating in the 1950s, included Rihanna and Ariana Grande.

Human Rights attorney Maeve Kennedy Townsen, granddaughter of Robert F Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy, and her 8-year-old son Gideon were found dead after going missing in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay during a canoe trip. Maeve, 40, and her husband David McKean, had three children together: Gideon, Gabriella and Toby.

Celebrity chef Floyd Cardoz, who was featured on season 2 of Netflix’s Ugly Delicious and won Top Chef Masters Season 3, died of complications of the coronavirus at the age of 59. The New York-based Indian chef was co-owner of The Bombay Canteen and O Pedro, and was recognized for his culinary expertise around the world.

Young Queen of Katwe actress Nikita Pearl Waligwa, who got her big break alongside, Selma star David Oyelowo and Lupita Nyong‘o in the 2016 film died at the age of 15 of a brain tumor. Among those who mourned her passing was Oscar winner Lupita, who called the rising talent with whom she shared the screen “a sweet, warm, talented girl.”

Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas, father of fellow actor Michael Douglas, died in February at the age of 103. His daughter-in-law, Michael’s wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones was among those so deeply affected by the silver screen star’s loss. “To my darling Kirk, I shall love you for the rest of my life,” she wrote in tribute. “I miss you already. Sleep tight...”

The world was shocked on the last Sunday of January, when NBA star Kobe Bryant, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Bryant were killed in a fatal helicopter crash in California. Kobe’s widow Vanessa Bryant, remembered her late husband and Gigi at a memorial held at Staples Center in L.A.: “We really had an amazing love story. We loved each other with our whole beings, two perfectly imperfect people making a beautiful family and raising our sweet and amazing girls.”

The renown entertainer Carl Reiner passed away of natural causes on Monday, June 29th 2020. Reiner was an actor, comedian, director, screenwriter, and publisher. He won multiple Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, and numerous other awards. He was known for his work on “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and directed Steve Martin in “The Jerk”and “The Man with Two Brains.” He also appeared alongside George Clooney and Brad Pitt in “Ocean’s Eleven.”