Every year, the world mourns the loss of beloved celebrities. In 2026, this trend has continued with the passing of several notable figures. From film stars to music legends and television icons, their contributions have left an indelible mark on their respective industries. Here are some of the famous faces we’ve lost in the first half of 2026.
T.K Carter
Actor Thomas Carter, known as T.K Carter, died on January 9 at the age of 69. He was found at his home in Duarte, California, with no foul play involved. Carter began his career as a stand-up comedian at the age of 12 and gained fame for his role as Mike Fulton in the sitcom Punky Brewster. He also appeared in movies such as Space Jam and The Thing.
Derek Martin
Actor Derek Martin, best known for his role as Charlie Slater in EastEnders, passed away on January 10 at the age of 92. His acting career spanned from the 1960s to the 2010s, and he played a significant role in the long-running British soap opera. Martin’s other credits included appearances in Doctor Who and The Adventures of Black Beauty. EastEnders paid tribute to him, expressing their deep love and fondness for the actor.
Valentino Garavani
Fashion designer Valentino Garavani, known simply as Valentino, died on January 19 at the age of 93. He founded his luxury fashion house in 1960 and dressed numerous iconic women, including Elizabeth Taylor and Princess Diana. His designs were celebrated worldwide, and his influence on the fashion industry remains significant.
Sly Dunbar
Grammy-award winning musician Sly Dunbar, real name Lowell Fillmore ‘Sly’ Dunbar, died on January 26 at the age of 73. As part of the duo Sly and Robbie, he contributed significantly to reggae and dub music. The pair were nominated for 13 Grammys and won two. His death came five years after his partner, Robbie Shakespeare, passed away.
Catherine O’Hara
Hollywood legend Catherine O’Hara died on January 30 at the age of 71. She was known for her roles in Beetlejuice and Home Alone, as well as her portrayal of Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek. Her recent work included The Studio alongside Seth Rogen. O’Hara’s passing was due to a brief illness.
James Van Der Beek
Actor James Van Der Beek, who rose to fame as the star of Dawson’s Creek, died on February 11 at the age of 48. He was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023 and passed away peacefully. His other roles included Criminal Minds and CSI: Cyber.
Eric Dane
Grey’s Anatomy actor Eric Dane passed away on February 19 at the age of 53. He was diagnosed with ALS and died of respiratory failure. His family expressed their deep grief and appreciation for the support he received from fans.
Rob Grant
Co-creator of the hit sitcom Red Dwarf, Rob Grant, died on February 25 at the age of 70. His work on Red Dwarf and Spitting Image made him a beloved figure in British comedy. His sudden passing was a great loss to his family and fans.
Neil Sedaka
Singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka died on February 27 at the age of 86. Known for hits like Oh! Carol and Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, he was also a pianist and Grammy nominee. His family confirmed his passing, though the cause and location were not disclosed.
Jordan Wright
Reality TV star Jordan Wright died in Thailand on March 14 at the age of 33. His body was found in a canal in Phuket, with no signs of physical assault. Wright was known for his appearances on Towie and Ex On The Beach.
Chuck Norris
Actor and martial artist Chuck Norris died in Hawaii on March 19 at the age of 86. His family shared heartfelt tributes, highlighting his impact as a symbol of strength and inspiration. Norris was known for his roles in Walker Texas Ranger and The Expendables 2.
Mel Schilling
Married At First Sight star Mel Schilling died on March 24 at the age of 54. Diagnosed with terminal cancer, she passed away just weeks after sharing her diagnosis on social media. Her husband encouraged people to live life to the fullest.
Nicholas Brendon
Buffy The Vampire Slayer star Nicholas Brendon died in March at the age of 54. He had previously suffered a heart attack and had a congenital heart defect. Brendon played Xander for seven years and was a key figure in the show.
Andy Kershaw
Broadcaster Andy Kershaw died on April 16 at the age of 66. Diagnosed with cancer in August 2025, he was a prominent voice in British radio. His sister, Liz Kershaw, paid tribute to him, calling him her best friend.
Jake Hall
The Only Way Is Essex cast member Jake Hall died in May at the age of 35. He crashed through a glass door in Majorca, leading to fatal injuries. Hall joined the show in 2015 and was survived by his daughter River.
Rob Base
Musician Rob Base, part of the hip-hop duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, died on May 22 at the age of 59. Diagnosed with cancer, he was known for the hit It Takes Two. His partner, E-Z Rock, passed away in 2014.
Marcia Lucas
Star Wars legend Marcia Lucas died on May 27 at the age of 80. A former wife of George Lucas, she won an Oscar for editing Star Wars: A New Hope. Her work on American Graffiti and other films was also recognized.
Peabo Bryson
Grammy-winning singer Peabo Bryson died on June 2 at the age of 75. Suffering a stroke, he was known for his collaborations with Natalie Cole and Celine Dion. His songs, including A Whole New World, were chart-topping hits.
Anthony Head
Actor Anthony Head, known for Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Ted Lasso, died on June 5 at the age of 72. He passed away from complications of pneumonia, following the death of his wife. His career spanned decades, with roles in Doctor Who and The Iron Lady.
Oliver Tree
American singer-songwriter Oliver Tree died on June 14 at the age of 32. He was killed in a helicopter crash in Brazil while on tour. Known for tracks like When I’m Down, he was a distinctive figure in the music scene.
Dame Penelope Keith
Actress Dame Penelope Keith, known for The Good Life and To The Manor Born, died on June 29 at the age of 86. Diagnosed with cancer, she was a beloved TV legend and was made a Dame for her services to arts and charity.
Bonnie Tyler
Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler died on July 8 at the age of 75. She passed away in Portugal after emergency surgery. Known for Total Eclipse Of The Heart, she represented the UK at Eurovision and continued to release music until 2021.
Dermot Murnaghan
TV presenter Dermot Murnaghan died on July 11 at the age of 68. Diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer, he was a prominent face in British news. He raised awareness about the disease and was a respected journalist.
Sam Neill
Actor Sam Neill died on July 13 at the age of 78. He was known for his role in Jurassic Park and other acclaimed films. Diagnosed with blood cancer in 2022, he was cancer-free before his unexpected passing. His final film appearance was in The Fox and his last TV role was in Untamed.