Some truly beloved public figures have already left us this year.
These artists, athletes, politicians, and pop culture icons may be gone from this world. But they will certainly never be forgotten.
For their fans and loved ones alike, legends never die.
Their legacies live on; their stars will never fade; and their work will be cherished for generations to come, as those whose lives they touched pass the love and admiration on to future admirers.
Join us as we pay tribute to the lives we’ve lost in the year 2021.
May they rest in eternal peace and/or power.
1.
Dustin Diamond
This one hits particularly hard for a generation of people who grew up with him on Saturday morning television. Dustin Diamond, the former Saved by the Bell star, died of lung cancer at age 44 on February 1. His death comes just a few weeks after his diagnosis was made public.
2.
Cicely Tyson
What a legend. What a pioneer. We lost actress Cicely Tyson in January of 2021.
3.
Christopher Plummer
On February 4, 2021, Christopher Plummer passed away at the age of 91. The legendary Canadian actor racked up more than 200 (!) theater, film and television credits over the course of his storied career, winning Tony, Emmy and Academy Awards along the way.
4.
Larry King
Larry King, a journalist who anchored eponymous radio and talk shows for decades, became synonymous with CNN, and interviewed just about every famous person on the planet, is sadly dead at the age of 87. May he rest in perpetual peace.
5.
Manukura
Manukura, the rare, snow-white kiwi bird that was the first-ever hatched in captivity, died in its native New Zealand after multiple surgeries. The beloved flightless bird inspired toys and a picture book, winning the hearts of children and conservationists alike. #nestinpower
6.
Cloris Leachman
Just a week apart from Tyson, another iconic actress, Cloris Leachman, passed away at the age of 94.
7.
Billy Brown
On February 8, 2021, Billy Brown’s adult children took to social media to reveal that their beloved father had passed away the night before following a seizure. The father, grandfather, and Alaskan Bush People star had been reported to be in poor health for years prior to his passing.
8.
Divinity
Divinity, a white female dove once owned by Prince, died in early February, according to the late singer’s Paisley Park estate. She was 28. Paisley Park said Divinity died “following a decline in health due to age.” One of the original doves Prince kept at his iconic Minnesota complex, “Divinity was an ever-present fixture for countless Paisley Park tours, events, and productions,” the estate said in a statement. “Divinity’s beautiful coo has welcomed visitors since Paisley Park first opened its gates to the public in October 2016 … she was one of the enduring links to Prince for thousands of fans. She will be missed.” #coo #nestinpower
9.
Brayden Smith
Brayden Smith was only 24. The five-time Jeopardy! champion made quite a name for himself during some of Alex Trebek’s final episodes. His passing in early February 2020 was incredibly surprising and tragic.
10.
Mira Furlan
For five seasons and multiple movies, Mira Furlan starred as Delenn on the landmark science fiction series, Babylon 5. She is also well known for her role as Danielle Rousseau on Lost. Mira passed away on January 20. The beloved and talented actress was 65.
11.
Larry Flynt
Larry Flynt, the famous Hustler magazine and empire founder (and unlikely First Amendment rights hero immortalized in the film The People vs. Larry Flynt), died at the age of 78.
12.
Siegfried Fischbacher
Siegfried Fischbacher, pictured here back in 2012, was one half of the famous magician duo Siegfried and Roy, along with Roy Horn (1944-2020). He died of cancer in 2021 at the age of 81.
13.
Dazharia Shaffer
Dazharia Shaffer, a rising star on the social media network TikTok, died at the age of 18. So young, so much ahead of her. R.I.P.
14.
Jessica Campbell
May Jessica Campbell rest in peace. The actress sadly died at the age of 38.
15.
Tanya Roberts
Tanya Roberts is pictured here back in 2012. She sadly passed away early in 2021.
16.
Harry Brant
Harry Brant is pictured here back in 2016. He sadly passed away from a drug overdose four years later. The son of Stephanie Seymour was just 24 years old.
17.
Emily Mitchell
May Emily Mitchell rest in peace. The pregnant blogger passed away at the age of 36.
18.
Martell Derouen
Martell Derouen, a rapper and cousin of Beyonce, passed away in January 2021.