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Famous People We’ve Lost in 2016

A look back at celebrities who have died this year

  • Debbie Reynolds, 84
    Richard Drew/AP

    Debbie Reynolds, actress, 84

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

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  • Carrie Fisher
    Lucasfilm Ltd./Everett Collection

    Carrie Fisher, actress, 60

    (Jun. 25, 1963 - Dec. 25, 2016) Already wildly successful at 23 as one half of British duo Wham! (“Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”), George Michael launched his solo career in 1986 and won a Grammy for his first solo album, the uplifting Faith (1987). After the release of his fifth and final album, Patience, in 2004, Michael said, “I just wanted people to know that I was absolutely serious about pop music.” He will be remembered for the intimacy of his voice and the earworm irresistibility of songs like “I Knew You Were Waiting (for Me)” and “Last Christmas.”

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  • George Michael
    Michael Putland/Avalon via ZUMA Press

    George Michael, musician, 53

    (Dec. 25, 1928 – Dec. 18, 2016) Born Noel De Souza Machado, this pioneer, of Chinese and Portuguese heritage, broke racial barriers in the fashion industry by becoming the first nonwhite model to grace the cover of Harper’s Bazaar in February 1959. At this publication, Machado also became the senior fashion editor, then the fashion director.

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  • Zsa Zsa Gabor, 99
    AF archive/Alamy

    Zsa Zsa Gabor, actress, socialite, 99

    (May 11, 1927 – Dec. 14, 2016) For nine years, he portrayed the ostentatious Dr. Bombay on ABC’s iconic TV sitcom, Bewitched. He reprised that role on Bewitched’s short-lived follow-up TV show, Tabitha. Fox’s other memorable roles include Colonel Crittendon on CBS’s sitcom Hogan’s Heroes and Nigel Penny-Smith on ABC’s daytime soap opera, General Hospital.

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  • China Machado, 86
    Charles Sykes/AP

    China Machado, fashion model, 87

    (June 27, 1912 – Dec. 12, 2016) This Guyanese-born author published his most famous book, To Sir, With Love, in 1959; he incorporated many of his own life experiences in the tale of a struggling West Indian schoolteacher in the East End of London. Sidney Poitier starred in the 1967 movie adaption of the novel. In addition to writing several other novels touching upon race, Braithwaite was a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II and a Guyanese diplomat. 

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  • Craig Sager
    Randy Belice/NBAE/Getty Images

    Craig Sager, sports journalist, 65

    (Aug. 13, 1926 – Nov. 25, 2016) One of the most polarizing figures in contemporary world politics, he led a Cuban revolution in July 1953 before overthrowing the government in 1959. He then governed the Republic of Cuba for 47 years — first as prime minister (1959 to 1976) and then as president (1976 to 2008).

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  • Bernard Fox
    Jean Baptiste Lacroix/Getty Images

    Bernard Fox, actor, 89

    (Feb. 14, 1934 – Nov. 24, 2016) She became one of American television’s most beloved moms for her portrayal of Carol Brady, the matriarch of a blended family on the 1970s sitcom The Brady Bunch. Her acting career started in the 1950s with musicals such as Oklahoma!, South Pacific and Wish You Were Here.

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  • Alan Thicke, 69
    Richard Shotwell/AP

    Alan Thicke, actor, 69

    (May 4, 1956 – Nov. 18, 2016) This fiery soul singer experienced a late-career renaissance by connecting with the Brooklyn-based combo the Dap-Kings. She was the subject of the 2015 documentary Miss Sharon Jones!

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  • E.R. Braithwaite, 104
    Everett Collection Historical/Alamy

    E.R. Braithwaite, author, 104

    (Sept. 29, 1955 – Nov. 14, 2016) This Peabody Award-winning and pioneering political broadcast journalist was the news anchor for PBS NewsHour. In 1999, she became the first African American woman to host a political TV show when she joined Washington Week in Review.  

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  • John Glenn, 95
    Jay LaPrete/AP

    John Glenn, astronaut, 95

    (Nov. 22, 1932 – Nov. 11, 2016) Best known for his portrayal of Napoleon Solo, a spy on the 1960s TV series The Man From U.N.C.L.E., this beloved actor appeared in numerous American and British TV shows such as Law & Order and Hustle.

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  • Fidel Castro
    Jose Goitia/AP

    Fidel Castro, politician, 90

    (July 21, 1938 – Nov. 7, 2016) In 1993, she shattered a glass ceiling during President Bill Clinton’s administration when she became the first female attorney general of the United States. She served in that role until January 2001, becoming the second-longest running U.S. attorney general after William Wirt.

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  • Ron Glass
    ABC Photo Archives/Getty Images

    Ron Glass, actor, 71

    (Feb. 7, 1920 – Sept. 30, 2016) Best known as a folk singer-songwriter, Oscar Brand was a Peabody Award-winning Renaissance figure who also wrote books, articles, documentary films and Broadway musical scores. At New York City-based radio station WNYC, he also hosted Folksong Festival, the longest-running weekly radio show with a single host in history, which debuted in December 1945.

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  • Florence Henderson
    CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images

    Florence Henderson, actor, 82

    (Sept. 10, 1929 – Sept. 25, 2016) Beloved around the world as the “King” of professional golfing, he helped raise the profile of the sport in America. Between 1958 and 1964, Palmer won seven major titles: four Masters, one United States Open and two British Opens. During his career, he won 93 tournaments worldwide.

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  • Colonel Abrams
    Steve Pyke/Getty Images

    Colonel Abrams, musician, 67

    (Oct 20, 1952 – Sept. 24, 2016) Best known for portraying Radio Raheem in Spike Lee’s mercurial 1989 movie, Do the Right Thing, Nunn starred in other critically acclaimed Lee movies such as School Daze, Mo’ Better Blues and He Got Game. In 2004, he appeared in the Broadway revival of Lorraine Hansberry’s Raisin in the Sun.

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  • Sharon Jones
    Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images

    Sharon Jones, musician, 60

    (March 12, 1928 – Sept. 16, 2016) Three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright who penned such enduring American classics as Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, The Zoo Story and The Sandbox. Renowned for his candid psychological explorations into marriage and sexual relationships, Albee published his last work, Me Myself and I, in 2007.  

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  • Mose Allison, musician, 89
    Howard Denner/Avalon/ZUMA Press

    Mose Allison, musician, 89

    (Jan. 7, 1950 – Aug. 28, 2016) Prolific Mexican singing and songwriting superstar whose glitzy stage presence helped break barriers within the expansive world of Latin music. His 1984 LP, Recuerdos, Vol. 11 sold more than 8 million copies and is the best-selling album of all-time in Mexico.

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  • Gwen Ifill, journalist, 61
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    Gwen Ifill, journalist, 61

    (Aug. 24, 1934 – Aug. 13, 2016) The English actor warmed millions of hearts across the galaxy for his portrayal of the resourceful robot R2-D2 in George Lucas’ space-opera franchise, Star Wars. He also portrayed an Ewok in 1983’s Return of the Jedi.

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  • Leon Russell, musician, 74
    Lucas Jackson/Reuters/Alamy

    Leon Russell, musician, 74

    (Sept. 17, 1930 – Aug. 2, 2016) Veteran movie and TV actor, best known for portraying the titular role in Joel and Ethan Coen’s 1998 comedy classic, The Big Lebowski.  

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  • Robert Vaughn, actor, 83
    AP

    Robert Vaughn, actor, 83

    (Nov. 25, 1920 – July 3, 2016) Noted for being the first to portray Lois Lane, the news reporter and love interest of Clark Kent/Superman in the first 1948 movie 15-film serial, Superman, she made other TV and movie adaptations of the popular DC comic-book franchise, notably seasons 2-6 of television’s Adventures of Superman, 1978’s Superman: The Movie (starring Christopher Reeves), ABC’s Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman and 2006’s Superman Returns (starring Brandon Routh).

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  • Leonard Cohen
    Valery Hache/AFP/Getty Images

    Leonard Cohen, musician, 82

    (Feb. 3, 1939 – July 2, 2016) Noteworthy film director, best remembered for the 1978 Academy Award-winning The Deer Hunter (starring Robert De Niro).

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  • Janet Reno, former U.S. Attorney General, 78
    Carol T. Powers/The New York Times/Redux

    Janet Reno, former U.S. Attorney General, 78

    (June 14, 1952 – June 28, 2016) Coached the Tennessee Lady Vols to 1,098 career wins, the most in NCAA basketball coaching history, and eight national championships. Summitt also won a gold Olympic medal as head coach of the 1984 U.S. women’s basketball team and a silver Olympic medal as a player on the 1976 team.

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  • Rod Temperton, musician, 66
    Michael Putland/Getty Images

    Rod Temperton, musician, 66

    (Feb. 25, 1927 – June 23, 2016) Iconic bluegrass banjo player and singer was one of the first musicians to be inducted into both the Grand Ole Opry and the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor. His work was featured in Joel and Ethan Coen’s 2000 film, O Brother, Where Art Thou?

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  • Oscar Brand, musician, 96
    Nicole Bengiveno/The New York Times

    Oscar Brand, musician, 96

    (July 18, 1930 – May 24, 2016) Chinese-British actor, most remembered for portraying Cato, a martial arts expert in Blake Edwards’ Pink Panther film series. Kwouk appeared in numerous films including 1987’s Empire of the Sun, 2001’s Kiss of the Dragon and 2003’s Beyond Borders. 

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  • Gloria Naylor, author, 66
    Tom Keller/AP

    Gloria Naylor, novelist, 66

    (Nov. 6, 1941 – May 17, 2016) Acclaimed country singer, guitarist and songwriter who released more than 20 albums, including his 2014 Grammy award-winning My Favorite Picture of You, Clark was a progenitor of the progressive country and outlaw country subgenres.

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  • Arnold Palmer
    Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

    Arnold Palmer, athlete, 87

    (June 7, 1958 – April 21, 2016) Born Prince Rogers Nelson, this music genius demonstrated incredible virtuosity over many instruments; broke stylistic barriers around R&B, rock, pop and funk; challenged racial, gender and sexuality conventions; and delivered such timeless hits as “When Doves Cry,” “Sign o’ the Times” and “Little Red Corvette.”

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  • Kashif, musician, 59
    Ebet Roberts/Redferns/Getty Images

    Kashif, musician, 59

    (Nov. 4, 1925 – April 17, 2016) She was most famous as the domineering Mari Barone — the bane of her daughter-in-law’s existence — on the TV sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond. The role earned her four Emmys. Ray Romano, who played her son on the show, said upon her passing, “I will miss her dearly."

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  • Bill Nunn
    Paras Griffin/Getty Images

    Bill Nunn, actor, 63

    (Dec. 14, 1946 – March 29, 2016) She’s considered one of the greatest teen actresses in history, thanks in part to her star turn on The Patty Duke Show and Oscar-winning role as Helen Keller in 1962’s The Miracle Worker. Hers wasn’t an easy road, however; diagnosed with bipolar disorder, she spent her later years working as a mental health advocate.

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  • Buckwheat Zydeco
    Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images

    Buckwheat Zydeco, musician, 68

    (Nov. 2, 1944 – March 10, 2016) Composer Keith Emerson cofounded the progressive-rock triumvirate Emerson, Lake and Palmer. Known for his virtuosity at the keyboards, Lake is also remembered as a “gentle soul” by former band mate Carl Palmer, who said: “[His] love for music and passion for his performance as a keyboard player will remain unmatched for many years to come."

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  • Edward Albee, playwright, 88
    Gordon M. Grant/Alamy

    Edward Albee, playwright, 88

    (Jan. 3, 1926 – March 8, 2016) As was the late keyboardist and singer Billy Preston, George Martin is often referred to as “the fifth Beatle” because of his eminent role as the Fab Four’s record producer. Martin’s formal music training and keen ear helped the Beatles gain a sophisticated sound that distinguished them from their contemporaries. Martin also produced two of the best-known James Bond movie theme songs: Shirley Bassey’s “Goldfinger” and Paul McCartney and Wings’ “Live and Let Die.” Because of his contribution to pop music culture, Martin was appointed a knight bachelor in 1996 by Queen Elizabeth II.

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  • Gene Wilder, 83
    STEVE WOOD/REX/Shutterstock/AP

    Gene Wilder, actor, 83

    (Oct. 26, 1945 – March 4, 2016) The Southern writer’s most well-known books are The Prince of Tides and The Great Santini — the latter was based on his abusive real-life father. He once said, “A great story changes the world for you — changes the way you look at life."

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  • Juan Gabriel dies at 66
    Ethan Miller/Getty Images

    Juan Gabriel, musician, 66

    (Jan. 4, 1959 – Feb. 15, 2016) In the early 1980s, this Canadian-born model became Prince’s girlfriend, muse and protégé. Under his guidance, he renamed her Vanity and enlisted her to front his female trio, Vanity 6, which recorded the racy 1982 funk classic “Nasty Girl.” She was slated to be the love interest in Prince’s semi-autobiographical movie Purple Rain, but she opted for a solo singing and acting career outside Prince’s self-realized Royal Badness.

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  • Bobby Hutcherson
    Craig Lovell/Getty Images

    Bobby Hutcherson, musician, 75

    (Dec. 19, 1941 – Feb. 4, 2016) The drummer, singer, songwriter, bandleader and producer extraordinaire founded Earth, Wind & Fire, one of the most popular American bands to emerge in the 1970s. With its mesmerizing blend of R&B, Latin, African, jazz, pop and gospel music, Earth, Wind & Fire released such enduring classics as “Shining Star,” “Devotion” and “That’s the Way of the World,” and won seven Grammys and four American Music Awards.

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  • Kenny Baker, actor, 81
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    Kenny Baker, actor, 81

    (Feb. 21, 1921 – Jan. 26, 2016) The Brooklyn-born actor is best known for playing Salvatore Tessio in The Godfather movie (1972) and Detective Phil Fish on the 1970s TV sitcom Barney Miller. Before landing those memorable roles, Vigoda worked in such Broadway productions as Marat/Sade and The Man in the Glass Booth.  

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  • John Saunders, sportscaster, 61
    Joe Murphy/NBAE/Getty Images

    John Saunders, sportscaster, 61

    (Feb. 25, 1919 – Jan. 11, 2016) As a left fielder and right fielder with the Newark Eagles of the Negro National League, Alabama-born Irvin helped break racial barriers in American sports when he joined the New York Giants in 1949. With the Giants, he played in two World Series before moving to the Chicago Cubs. Prior to his death, Irvin was the oldest-living former athlete who played in the Negro Leagues and for the Giants and Cubs.

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  • David Huddleston, actor, 85
    Kevin Winter/Getty Images

    David Huddleston, actor, 85

    (Jan. 8, 1947 – Jan. 10, 2016) An icon of 20th-century popular music, Bowie was rarely predictable and often remarkable — beginning in the late 1960s with Space Oddity and right up until his death. Bowie inspired countless other boundary-testing artists, including Lady Gaga, who’s said, “My whole career is a tribute to David Bowie.” Bowie released his final album, Blackstar, on his 69th birthday, two days before he died.

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  • Garry Marshall, director and creator, 81
    Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage/Getty Images
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  • Noel Neill, actor, 95
    Stephen Lance Dennee/The Paducah Sun/AP

    Noel Neill, actor, 95

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

    37 of 72
  • Elie Wiesel, writer, professor and political activist, 87
    Bebeto Matthews/AP Photo

    Elie Wiesel, writer, professor and political activist, 87

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

    38 of 72
  • Michael Cimino, director and screenwriter, 77
    Dominique Charriau/WireImage/Getty Images

    Michael Cimino, director and screenwriter, 77

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

    39 of 72
  • A middle aged caucasian couple look at a map outdoors with text that reads keep life fun and your calendar full.

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    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

    40 of 72
  • Pat Summitt, college basketball coach, 64
    Doug Benc/Getty Images

    Pat Summitt, college basketball coach, 64

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

    41 of 72
  • Bill Cunningham, photographer, 87
    Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

    Bill Cunningham, photographer, 87

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

    42 of 72
  • People Ralph Stanley
    Ed Rode/AP Photo

    Ralph Stanley, musician, 89

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

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  •   Muhammad Ali, boxer and activist, 74
    The Stanley Weston Archive/Getty Images

    Muhammad Ali, boxer and activist, 74

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

    44 of 72
  • Burt Kwouk, actor, 85
    Brad Jennings/Photoshot/Courtesy of Everett Collection

    Burt Kwouk, actor, 85

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

    45 of 72
  • Morley Safer, broadcast journalist, 84
    Laura Cavanaugh/FilmMagic/Getty Images

    Morley Safer, broadcast journalist, 84

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

    46 of 72
  • Guy Clark, musician, 74
    Rick Kern/WireImage/Getty Images

    Guy Clark, musician, 74

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

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  • Billy Paul, musician, 81
    Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images

    Billy Paul, musician, 81

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

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  • Famous People Lost 2016, Prince
    Kristian Dowling/Getty Images

    Prince, musician, 57

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

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  • Famous People Lost 2016, Gato Barbieri, musician, 83
    RAMON ESPINOSA/AP

    Gato Barbieri, musician, 83

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

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  •  Famous People Lost 2016, Doris Roberts, actress, 90
    CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images

    Doris Roberts, actress, 90

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

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  • Famous People Lost 2016, Merle Haggard, musician, 79
    CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images

    Merle Haggard, musician, 79

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

    52 of 72
  • Famous People Lost 2016, Patty Duke, actress, 69
    Andrew Stawicki/Toronto Star/Getty Images

    Patty Duke, actress, 69

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

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  • Famous People Lost 2016, Bill Henderson, musician, 90
    John Shearer/WireImage/Getty Images

    Bill Henderson, musician, 90

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

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  • Keith Emerson
    Trish Tokar/Getty Images

    Keith Emerson, musician, 71

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

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  • Ernestine Anderson
    Hiroyuki Ito/Getty Images

    Ernestine Anderson, musician, 87

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

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  • George Martin
    David Rose/AP

    George Martin, music producer, 90

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

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  • Nancy Reagan
    AP

    Nancy Reagan, former First Lady, 94

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

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  • Pat Conroy
    Newscom

    Pat Conroy, novelist, 70

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

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  • Harper Lee
    Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

    Harper Lee, novelist, 89

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

    60 of 72
  • Denise Matthews
    Getty Images

    Denise Matthews, musician, 57

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

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  • Antonin Scalia
    SCOUS/Alamy

    Antonin Scalia, U.S. Supreme Court Justice, 79

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

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  • Maurice White
    Richard E. Aaron/Getty Images

    Maurice White, musician, 74

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

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  • Paul Kantner
    Steve Snowden/Getty Images

    Paul Kantner, musician, 74

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

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  • Abe Vigoda
    ABC Photo Archives

    Abe Vigoda, actor, 94

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

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  • Glenn Frey
    Diane Bondareff/AP

    Glenn Frey, musician, 67

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

    66 of 72
  • Monte Irvin
    Mike Derer/AP

    Monte Irvin, athlete, 96

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

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  • Alan Rickman
    Mike Marsland/Getty Images

    Alan Rickman, actor, 69

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

    68 of 72
  • David Bowie
    Alamy

    David Bowie, musician, 69

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

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  • Paul Bley
    Frans Schellekens/Getty Images

    Paul Bley, musician, 83

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

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  • Natalie Cole
    Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

    Natalie Cole, musician, 65

    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

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  • Entertainment End-Slide
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    En español | (April 1, 1932 – Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed actress (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day prior) made her mark in Hollywood, beginning in the early ’50s, by starring in such musical film classics as Three Little Words, Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian — the latter earned her 2016’s Academy Awards Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  

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(Video) Patty Duke, Dead at 69: Patty Duke, the former teen icon and star of the 'The Patty Duke Show' has died. She was 69.