On January 22, the world lost Dexter King, the youngest son of civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King, at 62 years old.
His brother, Martin Luther King II, expressed: “The sudden shock is devastating. It is hard to have the right words at a moment like this. Please keep the entire King family in your prayers, and in particular Dexter’s wife, Leah Weber.”
Reports suggest Dexter’s death followed a battle with prostate cancer.
Best recognized for his role as Andre Anderson in the Gen V series, the 27-year-old actor’s death was confirmed by his agents on March 30.
The statement declared: “His passion for the arts and insatiable appetite for life was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth will carry on in those he loved dearest.”
The actor and UFC fighter from Hawaii Five-0 left us at 56 years old. His sister announced his passing on Facebook on June 20.
The post stated: “Mourning and celebrating our favorite brother and uncle the way he would want us to. Family, Food, Music and Good Vibes. Aurrrrrrighhhhh (in his voice).”
On June 20, we lost the legendary actor Donald Sutherland at 88. With a remarkable career spanning over 200 roles, some of his most memorable performances were in The Hunger Games series and Don’t Look Now.
His son, actor Kiefer Sutherland, shared: “With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away. I personally think one of the most important actors in the history of film. Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that. A life well lived.”
Actress Shelley Duvall, known for her role in The Shining, passed away at 75 on July 11, as confirmed by her partner Dan Gilroy.
Gilroy stated: “My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley.”
Shannen Doherty, known for her roles in 90210 and Charmed, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and shared her journey openly.
Despite various treatments, her cancer returned in 2020, progressing to stage four. She passed away at 53 on July 13. Actor Eric West wrote: “My heart is broken. It was a pleasure to meet Shannen Doherty while filming our movie Fortess a little over two years ago! She was full of warm energy and positive vibes. So young. So talented. May she rest well.”
On October 1, the passing of the Coming to America actor was announced, revealing he died on August 21 in Los Angeles at 84 years old. He was celebrated by his son as “a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over.”
His legacy as a “TV father” and his contributions to television and film were highlighted in the statement.
The Union of Actors and Actresses in Spain confirmed the passing of 41-year-old actor Julian Ortega in August.
Known for his role in Netflix’s Elite, actor Fernando Tejero expressed his sadness: “I am broken with pain, dear colleague… what a great actor and what a beautiful person you are, Julian Ortega… fly high, hugs to your father and mother.”
The distinguished actor who voiced iconic roles such as Mufasa in Disney’s The Lion King and Darth Vader in Star Wars passed away at 93 in his New York home on September 9.
Celebrated as one of the few performers to achieve an EGOT, Star Trek actor LeVar Burton noted: “James Earl Jones… there will never be another of his particular combination of graces.”
The renowned Harry Potter actress, Dame Maggie Smith, passed away at 89 on September 27.
Honored as a Dame and a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour, her contributions to drama were immense. Co-star Daniel Radcliffe paid tribute: “I will always consider myself amazingly lucky to have been able to work with her, and to spend time around her on set. The word legend is overused but if it applies to anyone in our industry then it applies to her. Thank you Maggie.”
Country singer and actor Kris Kristofferson passed away at 88 on September 28, surrounded by family in Hawaii.
His friend Dolly Parton shared: “What a great loss. What a great writer. What a great actor. What a great friend.”
The family’s message reflected gratitude for loving him and reminded us that when we see a rainbow, we know he’s smiling down at us all.
