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In 2026, we said goodbye to many memorable talents and leaders, from actors and musicians to activists and more.
On Jan. 30, comedy greatCatherine O'Hara, known for her roles inHome Alone,BeetlejuiceandSchitt's Creek, died at age 71 after suffering a pulmonary embolism.
In the morning of Feb. 11,Dawson's Creekleading manJames Van Der Beekdied at age 48, 14 months after announcing his colorectal cancer diagnosis.
Ahead, remember all the stars we lost this year.
James Van Der Beek
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Dawson's Creekstar James Van Der Beekdied at age 48on Feb. 11, his wifeKimberlyannounced onInstagram. The actor previously disclosed his colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024.
"He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace," wrote Kimberly. "There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."
Brad Arnold
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Brad Arnold, the lead singer of rock band 3 Doors Down, died at age 47 on Feb. 7 after announcing he had stage 4 kidney cancer in May 2025.
"With his beloved wife Jennifer and his family by his side, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones," wrote the band in a statement announcing his death.
"Brad's songwriting became a cultural touchstone for a generation, producing some of the most enduring hits of the 2000s, including the band's breakout hit, 'Kryptonite,' which he wrote in his math class when he was just 15 years old," 3 Doors Down continued. "His music reverberated far beyond the stage, creating moments of connection, joy, faith, and shared experiences that will live on long after the stages he performed on."
Terrance Gore
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Renowned MLB player Terrance Goredied at age 34. PerUSA TodayandSports Illustrated, his wife Britney Helms posted on social media that Gore died from complications following a routine surgical procedure.
Catherine O'Hara
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Catherine O'Haradied at age 71on Jan. 30. Hercause of deathwas later confirmed to be a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer as the underlying cause.
After news of her death broke, tributes from decades of costars poured in to honor the comedy legend.
Macaulay Culkin, who played her on-screen son inHome Alone, shared an emotionalpostthat read, "Mama. I thought we had more time. I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you. But I had so much more to say. I love you. I'll see you later."
Demond Wilson
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Sanford and Sonstar Demond Wilsondied at his home in Palm Springs, Calif., on Jan. 30following complications related to cancer. His son Demond Wilson Jr. confirmed the news toTMZ. The sitcom actor was 79.
"Personally, I had the privilege of working with Demond for 15 years, and his loss is profoundly felt. He was an unbelievable man, and his impact will never be forgotten," said Wilson's publicist Mark Goldman in a statement to PEOPLE.
Shirley Raines
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Shirley Raines, best known as Ms. Shirley on social media,died on Jan. 27 in Las Vegas. The activist, whose non-profit Beauty 2 The Streetz helped distribute food, hygiene products and other resources to people living in Skid Row, was 58.
"This loss is devastating to the entire Beauty 2 The Streetz team, the communities we serve, and the countless individuals whose lives were forever changed by Ms. Shirley's love, generosity, and selfless service," read astatementfrom the organization.
Guy Hovis
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Guy Hovis, a singer who performed frequently onThe Lawrence Welk Show,died at age 84 on Jan. 22. His ex-wife Ralna English shared the news of his death onFacebook, writing that Hovis spent his last few weeks in the hospital.
The Lennon Sisters, who also performed on the show with Hovis, wrote in atributeto the singer that he was "an amazing talented singer with a voice that was beyond perfection. A very kind true loyal friend... And handsome on top of all that."
Charles C. Stevenson Jr.
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Will & Graceactor Charles C. Stevenson Jr.died of natural causesin Camarillo, Calif., on Jan. 19. He was 95.
"In his own words, his job was 'marrying or burying people,' " his son Scott toldVarietyin a Feb. 5 statement, noting that his dad would also play priests and pastors.
He added, "As he told it, the panic-stricken director would invariably come to him to beg him to find a way to fill in unscripted space between 'We are gathered here together' (where he'd probably get his close-up) and the 'amen' at the end of the scene (where he usually wouldn't). Stevenson admitted that he got pretty good at that."
John Forté
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Grammy-nominated artist and Fugees collaborator John Fortédied on Jan. 12at his home in Chilmark, Mass. He was 50.
"John was more than just a collaborator. He was family," Fugees member Pras said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. "We came up together in an era when hip-hop was about pushing boundaries, telling real stories, and creating something that mattered. His talent as a writer, producer, and artist was undeniable."
Pras continued, "Anyone who heard his work knew they were in the presence of someone special. I'm glad I got to share the star with him one last time. The hip-hop community has lost a real one. I've lost a brother."
Bob Weir
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Grateful Dead founding member Bob Weirdied at age 78, his team announced on his officialInstagramJan. 10. The post said Weir "transitioned peacefully" after "beating cancer," explaining that Weir "succumbed to underlying lung issues."
"Bobby will forever be a guiding force whose unique artistry reshaped American music. His work did more than fill rooms with music; it was warm sunlight that filled the soul, building a community, a language, and a feeling of family that generations of fans carry with them," continued the statement.
Jim Hartung
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FormerOlympicgold medalist and gymnast Jim Hartungdied at age 65on Jan. 10, the University of Nebraska Athletic Department announced. The statement called Hartung, a coach at the school, a "true Husker legend" whose "impact on the sport of gymnastics will carry on for decades to come."
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