In Memoriam: Celebrities who died in 2020

March 27, 2020

Mark Blum – March 25

The character actor, known for roles in films such as Desperately Seeking Susan and Crocodile Dundee and an extensive Broadway career, died at age 69 due to complications from COVID-19.

Rosanna Arquette, his Desperately Seeking Susan co-star, said she was finding his death "very very hard" on Twitter.

"I am so deeply sad for his family and for his fans," she wrote. "He was a wonderful actor and a very good and kind man. May you Rest in Peace and power, Mark. God bless you."

"I am so devastated by Mark Blum's passing," Cynthia Nixon said on March 26. "His performances in the dozens of plays I saw him in were unfailingly deep, subtle, hilarious and moving in equal measure. Seeing his name in the Playbill always meant you were in for a treat. Also just one of the loveliest humans ever."

Mark started in theatre in 1977, when he landed a role on Broadway's The Merchant. He became more well known to film audiences with Desperately Seeking Susan in 1985. He was also a beloved guest on shows such as Miami Vice, Wings, Frasier, The Sopranos and more.

Mark is survived by Janet Zarish, his wife.

Photo: © Brian Killian/Getty Images

<h2>Princess Maria Teresa de Bourbon-Parma</h2>
<p>Princess Maria Teresa of the House of Bourbon-Parma, died of COVID-19, her nephew, Prince Carlos, sadly announced on March 27. She was 86 and died in Paris.
<p>Maria Teresa was born in 1933 to Prince Xavier and Madeleine de Bourbon, both members of the House of Bourbon, an offshoot of the current Spanish royal house of Borbön-Anjou. She did not marry or have children and is survived by six nieces and nephews, including Carlos, Princess Margarita, Prince Jamie and Princess Maria-Caroline.
<p>Photo: © Miquel Benitez/GC Images

James Lipton – March 2

The host of Bravo's Inside the Actors Studio passed away from bladder cancer at age 93, his wife, Kedakai Mercedes Lipton, told The New York Times.
James became known for his friendly style of interviewing celebrities on the show, which he hosted for 23 years, only stepping down from the helm in 2018.
Originally created as a workshop for the New School in Manhattan, he interviewed hundreds of actors, directors and writers on the program, including Alec Baldwin, Sally Field, John Goodman and many more.
Both Hollywood and audiences appreciated his style and demeanour, along with the show itself. James's empathy was key in eliciting some incredible moments from stars – along with some tearful confessions. It was nominated for 21 Emmy Awards throughout its long run, and picked up the award for Outstanding Informational Series or Special in 2013.
Prior to hosting the famous show, James had an acting career of his own, starring as the Lone Ranger's nephew on WXYZ Radio's The Lone Ranger. He was also a writer on soap operas such as Another World and Return to Peyton Place, and also had a stint on Broadway in The Autumn Garden in 1951. His creativity seemed to know no bounds, also seeing him write and publish a novel, Mirrors, in 1983, and produce the presidential inaugural gala for Jimmy Carter in 1977.
Millennials may perhaps know him best from his cameos in Arrested Development and as the voice of the Director from Disney's Bolt.
Photo: © Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Katherine Johnson – Feb. 24

The NASA mathematician may not have been a Hollywood star, but she was played by one in Hidden Figures, and her legacy in helping American astronauts get into space will never be forgotten.
Katherine, who was portrayed by Taraji P. Henson in the movie, passed away at age 101 on Feb. 24, NASA announced. She was one of the first black women to ever work at the U.S. space agency.
"Our NASA family is sad to learn the news that Katherine Johnson passed away this morning at 101 years old," NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine tweeted on Feb. 24. "She was an American hero and her pioneering legacy will never be forgotten."
If you haven't seen the film and don't know about her incredible life and barrier-breaking achievements, here are some of her biggest career highlights:
While working at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, she helped make the first American human space flight a reality with her calculations
Her math skills were so respected within NASA that by 1962, when John Glenn became the first American in orbit, NASA used her calculations to verify numbers provided by an electronic computer
She also helped calculate the trajectory of the 1969 Apollo 11 flight to the Moon

Photo: Photo: © Kevin Winter/Getty Images

<h2>Pop Smoke – Feb. 19</h2>
<p>The up-and-coming rapper, whose real name was <strong>Bashar Barakah Jackson</strong>, was murdered at home in Los Angeles in an apparent home invasion, according to <a href=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/pop-smoke-dead-954833><I>Rolling Stone</a></I>.
<p>The publication says the 20-year-old's representative said masked gunmen broke into a house where Pop had been staying and he was shot to death.
<p>"We are devastated by the unexpected and tragic loss of Pop Smoke," Republic Records said in a statement. "Our prayers and thoughts go out to his family, friends and fans, as we mourn this loss together."
<p>Pop Smoke rose to fame thanks to his "Welcome to the Party," which has about 80 million streams south of the border.
<p>Photo: © Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty Images

Tony Fernandez – Feb. 15

The Toronto Blue Jays legend, who was part of the 1993 World Series winning team, passed away at age 57 on Feb. 15. He had been suffering from kidney problems for the last few years of his life and had been in a medically-inducted coma since earlier this month.
"Tony Fernandez has left for a better life," Major League Baseball's Spanish-language account tweeted on Feb. 15. "He gave us 17 years as a baseball player in #LasMatores and a lifetime of pure baseball."
The Blue Jays also expressed sadness at his death on Twitter.
"Enshrined forever in Blue Jays history on the Level of Excellence, Tony left an equally indelible mark in the hearts of a generation of Blue Jays fans during his 12 unforgettable seasons with the team," they said in a statement. "His impact on the baseball community in Toronto and across Canada is immeasurable."
Tony still holds Blue Jays records for hits, singles, triples and games played. He also won four Golden Globe awards from 1986 to 1989.
Tony retired in 2001 after playing for the Cleveland Indians, New York Mets, New York Yankees and San Diego Padres in addition to the Blue Jays.
Photo: © Scott Halleran /Allsport

Caroline Flack – Feb. 15

The former Love Island host died by suicide at her home in London at age 40. Her death prompted an outpouring of grief across the entertainment world in the UK.
"Everybody at Love Island and ITV is shocked and saddened by this desperately sad news," ITV said in a statement on Twitter on Feb. 15. "Caroline was a much loved member of the Love Island team and our sincere thoughts and condolences are with her family and friends."
In December, Caroline stepped down as the show's host after she was charged with assaulting Lewis Burton, her boyfriend. She denied the charge and Lewis did not want it to go ahead, but the Crown Prosecution Service carried it forward. Her management company has since criticized the CPS for doing so.
On Feb. 18, Harry Styles, one of Caroline's ex-boyfriends, walked the red carpet at the 2020 BRIT Awards wearing a black ribbon, which many thought might have been a tribute to her.
An inquest into Caroline's death will be held on Feb. 19 at the Poplar Coroner's Court in London. The coroner will gather toxicology tests and other evidence as part of the report.
With files from Jenni McKnight
Photo: © David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for JW Marriott Grosvenor House London

<h2>Lynn Cohen – Feb. 14</h2>
<p>The beloved star, known for playing Miranda's housekeeper and nanny Magda on <I>Sex and the City</I>, passed away at age 86 on Feb. 14.
<p><a href=/tags/0/sarah-jessica-parker><strong>Sarah Jessica Parker</a></strong> mourned her co-star on Instagram with a touching memorial post.
<p>"Beautiful Lynn Cohen," she wrote. "Miranda's dear and necessary Magda. Our dear SATC colleague. Talent, grace, inspiration. RIP X, SJ."
<p>Lynn was also known for her talents on <I>Law & Order</I>, <I>Nurse Jackie</I>, <I>Damages</I>, <I>The Affair</I> and <I>The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel</I>. On the film side of things, she was known for roles in <I>The Hunger Games: Catching Fire</I> and <I>Munich</I>.
<p>Photo: © Steven Ferdman/Getty Images

<h2>Kirk Douglas – Feb. 5</h2>
<p>The Hollywood icon passed away at the age of 103, his eldest son, actor <strong><a href=/tags/0/michael-douglas>Michael Douglas</a></strong> revealed on <a href=https://www.instagram.com/p/B8NCr7Ah40N/>Instagram</a>.
<p>"Kirk's life was well lived, and he leaves a legacy in film that will endure for generations to come, and a history as a renowned philanthropist who worked to aid the public and bring peace to the planet," Michael wrote.
<p>Actress <strong><a href=/tags/0/catherine-zeta-jones>Catherine Zeta-Jones</a></strong> also paid tribute to her late father-in-law on <a href=https://www.instagram.com/p/B8NOuvqnhbi/>Instagram</a>.
<p>"To my darling Kirk, I shall love you for the rest of my life," she wrote, posting a photo of her planting a kiss on the late star's cheek. "I miss you already. Sleep tight..."
<p>Funeral arrangements for Kirk haven't been announced yet.
<p>Photo: © Donaldson Collection/Getty Images

Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant – Jan. 26

The former NBA star and his daughter, 13, were among nine people who passed away in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif.
NBA Commissioner and CEO Adam Silver said the league was "devastated" by the news.
"For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning," he said, according to People. "He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with accomplishments that are legendary... But he will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability. He was generous with the wisdom he acquired and saw it as his mission to share it with future generations of players, taking a special delight in passing down his love of the game to Gianna."
Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe's longtime teammate, shared his anguish at his friend's passing on Twitter.
"There's no words to express the pain Im going through with this tragedy of [losing] my [niece] Gigi & my brother @kobebryant," he wrote. "I love u and u will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW."
Kobe's wife, Vanessa, was not on board the aircraft.
Photo: © Harry How/Getty Images

Terry Jones - Jan. 21

The Monty Python member has passed away from complications due to dementia at age 77.
Terry was one of the most well-known people in the beloved English comedy troupe, which also included Graham Chapman (1941-1989), Michael Palin, Eric Idle, John Cleese and animator/director Terry Gilliam. He was known for co-directing Monty Python and the Holy Grail with Gilliam, and also directed Python's other two big films, Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life.
Born in Wales, Terry first met Michael at university in Oxford. The two later appeared in The Complete and Utter History of Britain in 1969. His first work with Eric came from 1967-69, in Do Not Adjust Your Set. Monty Python and the Flying Circus, the group's TV series, came to be at the end of that decade and ran for four seasons. The team later branched out to the aforementioned beloved films.
In addition to his comedy work, Terry was a medieval historian, writing about Geoffrey Chaucer and hosting several TV documentaries on the Crusades in particular.
Terry's dementia, with which he was diagnosed in 2015, eventually left him unable to speak except a few words such as "yes" and "no."
He is survived by his children Sally and Bill, who he had with ex-wife Alison Telfer, and second wife Anna Söderström and their daughter, Siri.
Photo: © Mireya Acierto/FilmMagic

Neil Peart - Jan. 7

One of the giants of rock and roll has died.
Canadian rock legend Neil Peart, who was a member of seminal band Rush, has passed away at age 67 after a long battle with brain cancer.
A representative for Rush bassist and singer Geddy Lee announced the news on Jan. 10. Neil had battled the illness for more than three years and reportedly passed away in Santa Monica, Calif. earlier this week.
Rock music legends and Canadian stars were devastated by the news, and took took to social media to mourn Neil.
"I am so-so gut wrenchingly sad about Neil Peart," Jann Ardentweeted. "I just can't even get my head around him not being here anymore. I send love to his beautiful family and friends and to his millions of fans. @rushtheband I'm so sorry for your giant loss."
"So sad to hear of Neil Peart passing," former Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butlerwrote.
"My prayers and condolences to the Peart Family, Fans and Friends," KISS singer and bassist Gene Simmonssaid. "Neil was a kind soul."
Born in Hamilton in 1952, Neil helped popularize and create the progressive rock genre in the '70s and '80s through his work with Rush. The band became a Canadian institution thanks to his drumming and lyrics to all their songs, which he wrote. Practically every Canadian knows the words to "Tom Sawyer."
Rush were also incredibly successful in the United States - highly unusual for a Canadian rock band at that time.
Neil, Geddy and Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013, and they also received the Order of Canada in 1997. Prior to that, no rock musicians had ever received the hallowed honour. Neil also became the youngest ever member of the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame when he was inducted in 1983 at just 31 years of age.
Neil is survived by his wife, photographer Carrie Nuttall, and his daughter Olivia.
Photo: © Mat Hayward/Getty Images

<h2>Edd Byrnes - Jan. 8</h2>
<p><strong>Edd Byrnes</strong>, known for his work on <I>77 Sunset Strip</I> and for starring in <I>Grease</I> as Vince Fontaine, has passed away at age 87.
<p>Edd's son Logan announced the news, writing that his father passed away from natural causes at home in Santa Monica, Calif.
<p>"He was an amazing man and one of my best friends," Logan tweeted. "His is the story of an ambitious young kid who, in his 20s, drove out to Hollywood from New York City with a few hundred dollars and a dream of making it big in the entertainment business."
<p>Edd also scored roles in <I>Charlie's Angels</I> and TV series <I>Married... with Children</I>.
<p>He's survived by his ex-wife, <strong>Asa Maynor</strong>, and Logan.
<p>Photo: © Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

<h2>Harry Hains - Jan. 7</h2>
<p><I>American Horror Story</I> fans are mourning the star's loss after Harry passed away at age 27.
<p><strong>Jane Badler</strong>, Harry's mother, took to Instagram to share the sad news on Jan. 10.
<p>"My beautiful son died," she wrote. "He was 27 and had the world at his feet. But sadly he struggled with mental illness and addiction.
<p>"A brilliant spark shone bright too short a time... I will miss you Harry every day of my life."
<p>She went on to say a memorial service for Harry will be held in Los Angeles.
<p>Harry was also known for work on <I>The OA</I> and <I>Sneaky Pete</I>.
<p>Photo: © Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Airgraft

Nick Gordon - Jan. 1

The ex-boyfriend of Bobbi Kristina Brown, the late Whitney Houston's late daughter, passed away from a suspected overdose at the beginning of 2020.
Nick's attorney, Joe Habachy, confirmed his client had passed away at age 30, according to CNN.
"My heart is heavy today after learning that my long time client Nick Gordon died," Joe said in a statement. "While I cannot speak to the specific circumstances of his death, I can say that it's been truly heartbreaking to have witnessed first hand the total devastation that drug addiction. Has wreaked upon a group of young friends, all of whom were loved and had immense potential."
Meanwhile, People reports Jack Walker, Jr., Nick's brother, confirmed Nick passed away from an overdose.
"We are devastated by the loss of my beautiful brother," Jack told the publication in a statement. "He fills a void in the hearts of my family and his friends. Nick's battle in life was not an easy one. I will be forever grateful that my God afforded a small moment at the very end of Nick's life, and I was able to hold his hand as he journeyed on."
Whitney Houston's family began raising Nick when he was just 12 years old. He eventually went on to become Bobbi's boyfriend after Whitney died in 2012. Bobbi later passed away in 2015, after spending six months in a coma following being found unresponsive in a bathtub.
A civil case that came out of Bobbi's death later found Nick legally responsible for her passing, putting him on the hook for US$36 million, which he was required to pay to Bobbi's estate.
On Feb. 7, E! News published a story in which it stated that it had received an autopsy report that listed Nick's cause of death as heroin toxicity and the manner of death was accidental.
Jack Walker, Jr., Nick's father, told the Daily Mail "everything was good" with his son leading up to New Year's Eve. The publication also reported Nick suffered several heart attacks on New Year's Day and was taken to Altamonte Springs Hospital in Altamonte Springs, Fla., where he passed away.
"I spoke with Nick during the day," he said. "He seemed happy, he seemed calm, everything was going good.
"He was a free spirit, he was in a good state of mind," he continued. "Everything that Nick was doing was great. He told me 2020 was going to be better than 2019."
Jack initially reacted with total devastation to the news on Facebook.
"God why did I have to lose my brother on New Year," he wrote. "All I can do is cry. I love you so much big brother, I hope you heard me talking to you at your bedside. You are with me and I can feel it. I love you, I love you, I love you. Watch over me and your nieces."
Funeral arrangements for Nick have not been announced yet.
Photo: © Imeh Akpanudosen/WireImage