2023 marked the passing of some wonderful people. It saw the deaths of many beloved names from a wide range of industries, including music, television, film, sports, and political life. Here’s a look at 22 famous people who died in 2023 and a celebration of their contributions and legacies.
22 Famous People Who Died in 2023
Gordon Lightfoot (1938-2023)
Gordon Lightfoot was a Canadian singer-songwriter known for his immense influence on folk and country music. Lightfoot, best known for songs such as “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” and “If You Could Read My Mind,” had his storytelling abilities connect with the public for generations. The topics of love and loss and of Canadian identity refracted in his music made him popular at home and in the United States.
During the 1960s, Lightfoot took the stage with his distinctive voice and deftly poetic lyrics. His career saw him earn 17 Juno Awards, and he would get a place in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Lightfoot, who died in May 2023, aged 84, left a considerable musical legacy, which continues to inspire many younger performers.
Jim Brown (1936-2023)
Jim Brown American football player, actor and civil rights activist Considered one of the best running backs in NFL history, Brown played for the Cleveland Browns from 1957 through 1965, winning three MVPs in his career. Inspired by his athleticism, no playing style offensive or defensive had an impact of his playing style and it change the way football was played.
Following his sports career, Brown turned to acting, appearing in films like The Dirty Dozen and 100 Rifles. Throughout his life, he had also been known as an activist, fighting for civil rights and social justice issues. Brown, who passed away in May 2023 at the age of 87, is largely regarded as one of the best players of all time but also as one of the greatest citizens of all time well beyond the field of sports.
Lisa Marie Presley (1968-2023)
Lisa Marie Presley, American singer-songwriter and only daughter of Elvis Presley. She followed her father by becoming a vocalist and songwriter — with a distinctly different-sounding voice than his. She made a number of albums that fans loved, such as To Whom It May Concern and Now What.
In addition to her music career, she was infamous for her marriages to Michael Jackson and even Nicolas Cage. A pop-culture mainstay if ever there was one, Lisa Marie struggled with personal demons during her life, but ultimately lived a normal life. She died in January 2023 at 54 years old, but remains connected to her father’s legendary figure from beyond the grave.
David McCallum (1933-2023)
David McCallum was a Scottish actor best known for his role as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard on the long-running television series “NCIS.” With a career spanning over six decades, McCallum became a household name through his portrayal of Ducky, a character beloved for his wit and wisdom.
Before “NCIS,” McCallum gained fame as Illya Kuryakin in the 1960s television series “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” His distinctive voice and charm made him a favorite among audiences. McCallum passed away at the age of 90 in September 2023, remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike for his contributions to television.
Cormac McCarthy (1933-2023)
Cormac McCarthy was an acclaimed American author known for his distinctive prose style and exploration of existential themes. His novels often delve into the darker aspects of human nature and morality. Works such as “Blood Meridian,” “The Road,” and “No Country for Old Men” have garnered critical acclaim and numerous literary awards.
McCarthy’s writing is characterized by sparse dialogue and vivid imagery, creating powerful narratives that challenge readers’ perceptions of life and death. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2007 for “The Road,” which was later adapted into a successful film. McCarthy died at the age of 89 in June 2023, leaving behind a profound literary legacy that continues to influence writers worldwide.
Tina Turner (1939-2023)
The Queen of Rock’ n’ Roll, the legendary Tina Turner, left us on May 24, 2023, at age 83. Her dynamic voice and electrifying performances made her an international sensation. Turner’s career spanned more than six decades, with hits such as “Proud Mary” and “What’s Love Got to Do with It.” She was not just a music legend but a symbol of resilience, rising above personal strife to reach that monumental success.
Matthew Perry (1969-2023)
Matthew Perry died on October 28, 2023, at age 54. He was popular for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit television series Friends. Perry made Chandler a multidimensional character with many layers, which helped make him a beloved character in pop culture. Perry was candid about his battles with addiction and used his platform to promote mental health awareness. He was one of the most famous actors who died in 2023.
David Crosby (1941-2023)
David Crosby, who co-founded two highly influential bands, The Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash, died on January 18, 2023, at 81. A master of harmonies and songwriting, Crosby helped pave the way for folk-rock.
Sir Michael Gambon (1940-2023)
The great actor Sir Michael Gambon, who captured hearts in his portrayal of Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films, died on September 28, 2023, at 82. Gambon had a great career on stage and screen and was famous for his versatility and commanding presence.
Sinead O’Connor (1966-2023)
Irish singer-songwriter Sinead O’Connor died July 26, 2023, at 56. Popular for her haunting voice and poignant lyrics, O’Connor grew to international fame with her rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U.” She was an outspoken advocate for mental health issues and social justice.
Burt Bacharach (1928-2023)
Legendary composer Burt Bacharach died on February 8, 2023, at age 94. His innovative brand of songwriting produced such timeless classics as “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” and “What’s New Pussycat?”. He won many honors for his work, including several Grammy Awards.
Bob Barker (1923-2023)
The iconic game show host Bob Barker passed away on August 26, 2023, at the age of 99. For more than 30 years, Barker hosted The Price Is Right and became one of America’s most recognizable personalities and a lifelong advocate of animal rights.
Harry Belafonte (1927-2023)
Harry Belafonte, the legendary singer and activist, died on April 25, 2023, at age 96. He was popular for bringing calypso music to the mainstream with songs such as “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song).” Belafonte was also one of the most well-known and important civil rights activists in the country, working alongside Martin Luther King Jr. He was one of the most famous famous people who died in 2023.
Tony Bennett (1926-2023)
Tony Bennett, the musical icon, died on July 21, 2023, from complications from Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 96. A legend with a smooth voice and classic songs like “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” Bennett’s music career spanned over 70 years and was full of accolades.
Paul O’Grady (1955-2023)
Television star Paul O’Grady died on March 28, 2023, at 67 years old. O’Grady was most recognizable for his work on The Paul O’Grady Show and as a committed animal rights supporter who worked with many charities over the years.
Norman Lear (1922-2023)
Norman Lear, a television pioneer who died on December 5, 2023, at the age of 101, was a television pioneer. He led trailblazing productions like All in the Family and The Jeffersons, exploring commentariat concerns with humor and nuance. Lehr’s impact on television is incalculable.
Angus Cloud (July 31, 2023)
Angus Cloud, the actor who played Fezco “Fez” O’Neill on HBO’s Euphoria, died in late-July at the age of 25 in real life. He passed away in the Oakland, California, because of an accidental overdose from a combination of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and benzodiazepines.
Henry Kissinger (February 27, 2023)
The former U.S. Secretary of State was a key architect of U.S. foreign policy under Nixon.
Pervez Musharraf (February 5, 2023)
Pakistan’s ex-military ruler who also tried to bring changes in economy.
Cormac McCarthy (June 13, 2023)
McCarthy, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist known for books such as The Road and No Country for Old Men, often blended survivalism and questions of right and wrong in his characters and their relentless struggles against an unforgiving world.
Martin Amis (May 19, 2023)
British Novelist known for his biting wit and commentary on contemporary life, particularly in works such as Money.
Richard Belzer (February 19, 2023)
The actor and comedian, perhaps most famous for the role of Detective John Munch on Homicide: Life on the Street, enjoyed a decades-long career.
Famous People Who Died in 2023: Final Words
The famous people who died in 2023 made an impact, and their influence lingers on through their art and culture, sport, and social justice. Tell who was your favorite in a comment.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest gossip and exciting news.
