2015 Year In Review
Featured Tributes commemorating the lives of the most notable personalities lost in 2015.
Click on a thumbnail photo to review.
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Mario Cuomo »
DIED: January 1, 2015
Ex-NY Governor famed for oratory dies at 82By DAVID KLEPPER and MICHAEL HILL, The Associated Press ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Mario Cuomo had a loud and liberal voice that inspired a generation of politicians to turn to public service, and a story of humble beginnings that he wove into calls for social justice during his three terms as New...
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Donna Douglas »
DIED: January 2, 2015
'Elly May Clampett' dies at 81NEW YORK (AP) — Donna Douglas, who played the buxom tomboy Elly May Clampett on the hit 1960s sitcom "The Beverly Hillbillies," has died. Douglas died Thursday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, near her hometown of Zachary. The cause of death was pancreatic cancer, said her niece, Charlene Smith....
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Stuart Scott »
DIED: January 4, 2015
Longtime ESPN sportscaster dies at 49By RICK FREEMAN, The Associated Press Stuart Scott, the longtime "SportsCenter" anchor and ESPN personality known for his enthusiasm and ubiquity, died Sunday. He was 49. Scott had fought cancer since a diagnosis in late 2007, the cable TV sports network said, but remained dedicated to his...
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Andraé Crouch »
DIED: January 8, 2015
Legendary gospel figure dies at 72By ROBERT JABLON, The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Andraé Crouch, a legendary gospel performer, songwriter and choir director whose work graced songs by Michael Jackson and Madonna and movies such as "The Lion King," has died. He was 72.
Crouch died Thursday afternoon at...
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Taylor Negron »
DIED: January 10, 2015
Comedian & actor dead at 57Fast Times at Ridgemont High actor and comedian Taylor Negron dies at 57. More information to follow.
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Anne Kirkbride »
DIED: January 19, 2015
'Coronation Street' star dies at 60By JILL LAWLESS, The Associated Press LONDON (AP) — Actress Anne Kirkbride, a star of British soap opera "Coronation Street" for more than 40 years, has died at the age of 60. Network ITV says Kirkbride, who played the long-suffering, much-married Deirdre Barlow, died Monday in a hospital...
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Tony Verna »
DIED: January 19, 2015
Inventor of TV instant replay diesThe Associated Press
PALM DESERT, Calif. (AP) — Tony Verna, a television director and producer who invented instant replay for live sports 51 years ago, has died. He was 81.
Verna died Sunday at his Palm Desert home after battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia, daughter Tracy Soiseth said....
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Vince Camuto »
DIED: January 21, 2015
Shoe designer diesBy The Associated Press, The Associated Press Women's footwear designer Vince Camuto, who co-founded shoe company Nine West Group, has died in Connecticut at age 78. Camuto died Wednesday at his home in Greenwich, said Matthew Murphy, director of the Fred D. Knapp & Son Funeral Home, which is...
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Ernie Banks »
DIED: January 23, 2015
Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer dies at 83By DON BABWIN, The Associated Press CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Cubs great Ernie Banks died after a heart attack, an attorney representing the Hall of Famer's family said Sunday. With Banks' widow standing nearby at a news conference at a downtown hotel, Mark Bogen said Banks had the heart...
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Bill Monbouquette »
DIED: January 25, 2015
Red Sox All-Star pitcher dies at 78BOSTON (AP) — Bill Monbouquette, an All-Star pitcher who threw a no-hitter and had a 20-win season for his hometown Boston Red Sox, has died. He was 78. Monbouquette died Sunday at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston due to complications from leukemia, the Red Sox announced Monday. ...
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Colleen McCullough »
DIED: January 29, 2015
'The Thorn Birds' author dies at age 77The Associated Press SYDNEY (AP) — Best-selling Australian author Colleen McCullough, whose novel "The Thorn Birds" sold 30 million copies worldwide, has died at age 77 after a long illness. McCullough died Thursday in a hospital on remote Norfolk Island, HarperCollins Australia publishing...
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Dominic "The Jacka" Newton »
DIED: February 2, 2015
Bay Area rapper dies in shootingAn East Bay rapper known as "the Jacka" was shot dead while making music with his friends in Oakland, a friend said. More details will be provided as they become available.
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Charlie Sifford »
DIED: February 3, 2015
First black on PGA Tour dies at 92By DOUG FERGUSON, The Associated Press Charlie Sifford, who only wanted a chance to play and broke the color barrier in golf as the first black PGA Tour member, died Tuesday night, the PGA of America said. Sifford, who recently had suffered a stroke, was 92. Details of his death and funeral...
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U.S. Rep. Alan Nunnelee »
DIED: February 6, 2015
U.S. Rep. dies at 56By EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS, The Associated Press TUPELO, Miss. (AP) — The late U.S. Rep. Alan Nunnelee was a state senator for 15 years before being elected to Congress in 2010, but his greatest source of pride didn't come from a political office. "The title I'm most proud of is 'Dad,'"...
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Ed Sabol »
DIED: February 9, 2015
NFL Films founder dies at age 98By RACHEL COHEN, The Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — Ed Sabol, the NFL Films founder who revolutionized sports broadcasting and reimagined pro football from an up-and-coming league to must-watch theater, has died. He was 98.
Sabol died Monday at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona, the NFL...
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Jerry Tarkanian »
DIED: February 11, 2015
Former UNLV coach dies in Las VegasBy KIMBERLY PIERCEALL, The Associated Press LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Las Vegas Strip dimmed its lights late Wednesday night to honor legendary University of Nevada, Las Vegas men's basketball Coach Jerry Tarkanian who died Feb. 11 at the age of 84. The major Las Vegas Strip casino-hotels plus a...
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Lesley Gore »
DIED: February 16, 2015
'It's My Party' singer-songwriter dies at 68By MARK KENNEDY, The Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Singer-songwriter Lesley Gore, who topped the charts in 1963 at age 16 with her epic song of teenage angst, "It's My Party," and followed it up with the hits "Judy's Turn to Cry," and the feminist anthem "You Don't Own Me," died Monday. She...
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Lorena Rojas »
DIED: February 16, 2015
Popular Mexican actress dies of cancer at 44The Associated Press MIAMI (AP) — Popular Mexican soap opera and movie actress Lorena Rojas has died of cancer at age 44. Latin World Entertainment talent agency said in a statement that Rojas died Monday in Miami surrounded by loved ones. She had battled cancer since 2008. The Mexico...
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Jerome Kersey »
DIED: February 18, 2015
Former Trail Blazers player dies at 52By ANNE M. PETERSON, The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Jerome Kersey, the versatile small forward who helped the Portland Trail Blazers reach two NBA Finals and won a title with the San Antonio Spurs in 1999, died Wednesday. He was 52.
The cause of death wasn't immediately known....
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The Rev. Theodore Hesburgh »
DIED: February 26, 2015
Former Notre Dame president diesBy TOM COYNE, The Associated Press SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — The Rev. Theodore Hesburgh transformed the University of Notre Dame into a school known almost as much for academics as for football, even if it meant challenging popes, presidents or legendary football coaches. And he did it while...
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Leonard Nimoy »
DIED: February 27, 2015
'Spock' from Star Trek dies at 83By DERRIK J. LANG, The Associated Press LOS ANGELES (AP) — Leonard Nimoy didn't just leave a lasting impression on the science-fiction genre, he also left his mark on science itself. Seth Shostak, who researches the possibility of real-world extraterrestrial life as the senior astronomer at...
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Daniel von Bargen »
DIED: March 1, 2015
Actor known for role as boss on 'Seinfeld' diesBy LISA CORNWELL, The Associated Press
CINCINNATI (AP) — Daniel von Bargen, who played George Costanza's dim-witted boss Mr. Kruger on "Seinfeld," has died. He was 64.
Von Bargen died Sunday in the Cincinnati area, Harry Gilligan, owner of Gilligan Funeral Homes, confirmed Thursday....
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Mal Peet »
DIED: March 2, 2015
British young-adult author dies at 67The Associated Press
LONDON (AP) — Mal Peet, an irreverent, award-winning British writer of books for children and young adults, has died aged 67.
Peet's agent, Peter Cox, said the writer died Monday. He had been diagnosed with cancer several months ago.
Peet wrote young-adult...
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Cardinal Edward Egan »
DIED: March 5, 2015
Retired NY archbishop diesBy VERENA DOBNIK, The Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Cardinal Edward Egan, a Vatican theological force who led the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York for almost a decade, will be eulogized Tuesday from the pulpit where he once preached. His successor, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, will be...
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Sam Simon »
DIED: March 8, 2015
'Simpsons' co-creator & philanthropist diesBy FRAZIER MOORE, The Associated Press Sam Simon, a co-creator of "The Simpsons" and animal-rights advocate who made a midlife career shift into philanthropy and channeled much of his personal fortune into social causes, has died. Simon died Sunday at his home in Pacific Palisades, Calif.,...
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Windell Middlebrooks »
DIED: March 10, 2015
Actor who played beer delivery man diesBy LYNN ELBER, The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Windell Middlebrooks, an actor who gained TV commercial stardom as a burly, no-nonsense beer delivery man who confiscated the brew from undeserving snobs, has died, his family said Tuesday. He was 36.
Middlebrooks died Monday in the...
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Claude Sitton »
DIED: March 10, 2015
Pulitzer Prize-winner dies at 89By DON SCHANCHE Jr., The Associated Press ATLANTA (AP) — In a 1962 article, New York Times reporter Claude Sitton described a voting rights meeting at a south Georgia church that was interrupted when the sheriff and his deputies entered, demanding information. One smacked his heavy flashlight...
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Michael Graves »
DIED: March 12, 2015
Postmodern architect & household goods designer diesThe Associated Press
PRINCETON, N.J. (AP) — An architect who designed modern and whimsical postmodern structures and later household goods sold at Target stores has died in New Jersey. Michael Graves was 80 years old.
Spokeswoman Michelle DiLello says Graves died of natural causes...
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Richard "Dick" Brennan, Sr. »
DIED: March 14, 2015
New Orleans restaurateur diesThe Associated Press NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Richard J. "Dick" Brennan Sr., who helped turn Commander's Palace restaurant into a world-famous destination for Creole cuisine and co-founded one of the city's best-loved Mardi Gras organizations, has died at age 83. A publicist for Dickie Brennan &...
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Mike Porcaro »
DIED: March 15, 2015
Former Toto bass player diesLOS ANGELES (AP) — Mike Porcaro, who was the son and brother of prominent musicians and carved out a long, successful career as the bass player for the Grammy-winning pop group Toto, has died at age 59. Porcaro died Sunday, Toto's publicist Keith Hagen told The Associated Press. No cause...
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Cynthia Lennon »
DIED: April 1, 2015
First wife of John Lennon dies of cancerBy GREGORY KATZ, The Associated Press LONDON (AP) — Cynthia Lennon, the first wife of former Beatles guitarist John Lennon, died of cancer Wednesday at her home in Spain. She was 75. Her death was announced on the website and Twitter account of her son, Julian Lennon and confirmed by his...
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Misao Okawa »
DIED: April 1, 2015
The world's oldest person dies at 117The Associated Press
TOKYO (AP) — The world's oldest person, a Japanese woman, died Wednesday, a few weeks after celebrating her 117th birthday.
Misao Okawa died of heart failure and stopped breathing as relatives and nursing home workers stood by her side and praised her for achieving a...
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Robert Schuller »
DIED: April 2, 2015
Crystal Cathedral megachurch founder diesThe Associated Press GARDEN GROVE, California (AP) — A public memorial will be held for the late televangelist the Rev. Robert H. Schuller in a plaza outside the glass-paned Crystal Cathedral he built in Orange County. Daughter Carol Schuller Milner said Sunday the service will be held on...
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Manoel de Oliveira »
DIED: April 2, 2015
Portugesl director dies at 106By BARRY HATTON, The Associated Press
LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Manoel de Oliveira, a celebrated Portuguese movie director believed to be the world's oldest filmmaker, has died, authorities said. He was 106.
The city council of Porto, where Oliveira was born and lived, announced his death...
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Hayley Okines »
DIED: April 2, 2015
Campaigner of rare premature aging condition diesThe Associated Press
LONDON (AP) — A campaigner who raised awareness of the rare genetic condition progeria, which causes those affected to age about eight times faster than average, has died at age 17.
The U.S.-based Progeria Research Foundation said Hayley Okines, from East Sussex in...
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Tom Towles »
DIED: April 2, 2015
'House of 1000 Corpses' actor diesBy DERRIK J. LANG, The Associated Press Tom Towles, the mustached character actor who popped up in several of Rob Zombie's horror movies, has died. He was 71. Towles' spokeswoman Tammy Dupal said in a statement Monday that the actor who appeared in "House of 1000 Corpses" and "The Devil's...
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Jenny Wallenda »
DIED: April 4, 2015
Matriarch of Wallenda circus family diesBy MELISSA NELSON-GABRIEL, The Associated Press
Jenny Wallenda, 87, the matriarch of the famous family of high-flying circus performers, died late Saturday at her home in Sarasota, Florida, according to family members.
Wallenda's nephew, Rick Wallenda, said his aunt died following a lengthy...
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Gardner Taylor »
DIED: April 5, 2015
Preacher and civil rights figure diesBy RACHEL ZOLL, The Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — The Rev. Gardner C. Taylor, who played a key role in the civil rights movement, has died. He was 96.
Taylor died on Easter Sunday, according to the Progressive National Baptist Convention, a denomination he helped form and once led....
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Julie Wilson »
DIED: April 5, 2015
Cabaret star dies at 90 in New YorkBy MARK KENNEDY, The Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Julie Wilson, a musical theater actress and cabaret star who earned a Tony Award nomination and was cheered for her ability to harness the songs of Stephen Sondheim and Cole Porter, has died. She was 90. Christopher Denny, Wilson's...
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Gertrude Weaver »
DIED: April 6, 2015
World's oldest person dies at 116By CLAUDIA LAUER, The Associated Press LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (AP) — Just days after becoming the world's oldest documented person, 116-year-old Gertrude Weaver died Monday in Arkansas. Weaver became the oldest person in the world after the death of a 117-year-old Japanese woman last week,...
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James Best »
DIED: April 6, 2015
Actor who played 'Dukes of Hazzard' sheriff dies at age 88By JONATHAN DREW and MICHAEL BIESECKER, The Associated Press RALEIGH, North Carolina (AP) — The prolific character actor best known for his role as Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane on "The Dukes of Hazzard" has died. James Best was 88. His wife of 29 years, Dorothy Best, said Tuesday that Best...
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Geoffrey Lewis »
DIED: April 7, 2015
Character actor and Clint Eastwood co-star diesThe Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Geoffrey Lewis, a prolific television actor and frequent co-star of Clint Eastwood, died Tuesday at the age of 79.
Carleen Donovan, a publicist for his daughter, actress Juliette Lewis, confirmed the news Wednesday.
The veteran character actor...
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Stan Freberg »
DIED: April 7, 2015
Comedy genius, father of funny commercials diesBy JOHN ROGERS, The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Stan Freberg, the spirited comic genius who lampooned American history in his landmark recordings "The United States of America" and was hailed as the father of the funny commercial, died Tuesday. He was 88.
Freberg died at Santa...
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Richard Dysart »
DIED: April 7, 2015
'L.A. Law' actor dies at 86The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Richard Dysart, a veteran stage and screen actor who played senior partner Leland McKenzie in the long-running TV courtroom drama "L.A. Law," has died after a long illness. He was 86.
Dysart died Sunday at his home in Santa Monica, California,...
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Percy Sledge »
DIED: April 14, 2015
'When A Man Loves a Woman' singer diesBy JAY REEVES and REBECCA SANTANA, The Associated Press MUSCLE SHOALS, Ala. (AP) — Sound engineer Jimmy Johnson knew he had captured something special on tape as Percy Sledge finished singing "When a Man Loves a Woman" in a recording studio in 1965. Sledge, who died Tuesday, grew up singing...
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Cardinal Francis George »
DIED: April 17, 2015
Roman Catholic Cardinal diesBy RACHEL ZOLL and DON BABWIN, The Associated Press CHICAGO (AP) — Cardinal Francis George, a vigorous defender of Roman Catholic orthodoxy who played a key role in the church's response to the clergy sex abuse scandal and led the U.S. bishops' fight against Obamacare, has died after a long...
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Doug Buffone »
DIED: April 20, 2015
Former Chicago Bears linebacker diesThe Associated Press CHICAGO (AP) — Former Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, was found dead Monday in his home, according to police. Paramedics and police were summoned to...
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Bob St. Clair »
DIED: April 20, 2015
Football Hall of Famer dies at 84By JANIE McCAULEY, The Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Hall of Fame offensive tackle Bob St. Clair, a five-time Pro Bowler with a big personality who played all 11 of his seasons with his hometown San Francisco 49ers, died Monday. He was 84.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame, the 49ers...
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Sawyer Sweeten »
DIED: April 23, 2015
'Everybody Loves Raymond' child actor dies at 19The Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Sawyer Sweeten, who played one of Ray Romano's twin sons in the CBS comedy "Everybody Loves Raymond," has died. He was 19. Sweeten committed suicide, his sister Madylin Sweeten, said in a statement. There were no other details. Madylin, and Sawyer's twin...
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Jayne Meadows »
DIED: April 26, 2015
Actress and TV personality dies at 95AP Television Writer, The Associated Press LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jayne Meadows, the Emmy-nominated actress and TV personality who often teamed with her husband, Steve Allen, has died. She was 95. Meadows died of natural causes Sunday at her home in the Encino, California, area, spokesman Kevin...
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Jozef Paczynski »
DIED: April 26, 2015
Ex-Auschwitz prisoner dies at 95By VANESSA GERA, The Associated Press WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Jozef Paczynski, a Polish political prisoner at Auschwitz who became the personal barber to camp commander Rudolf Hoess, has died. He was 95. For much of World War II, Paczynski was led to Hoess' home and ordered to cut the hair of...
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Peter Cronkite »
DIED: April 26, 2015
Voice of Dennis the Menace diesThe Associated Press
WATERVILLE, Maine (AP) — A grandson of late news anchor Walter Cronkite who voiced Dennis the Menace on film has died.
Colby College President David Greene says student Peter Cronkite took his own life over the weekend in Maine. He was weeks away from graduation.
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Andrew Lesnie »
DIED: April 27, 2015
'Lord of the Rings' cinematographer diesThe Associated Press
SYDNEY (AP) — Oscar-winning Australian cinematographer Andrew Lesnie, best known for his work on "The Lord of the Rings," has died, friends and colleagues said Wednesday. He was 59.
Lesnie died Monday after suffering from a serious heart condition for the past six...
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Calvin Peete »
DIED: April 29, 2015
Winner of 12 PGA Tour events diesThe Associated Press
ATLANTA (AP) — Calvin Peete, who taught himself how to play golf at 24 and became the most successful black player on the PGA Tour before the arrival of Tiger Woods, died Wednesday morning, the PGA Tour said. He was 71.
The tour did not have a cause of death. Murray...
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Ben E. King »
DIED: April 30, 2015
'Stand By Me' singer dies at 76By HILLEL ITALIE, The Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Ben E. King, the unforgettable lead singer for the Drifters and solo star whose plaintive baritone graced such pop and rhythm 'n blues classics as "Stand by Me," ''There Goes My Baby" and "Spanish Harlem," has died. He was 76. King died...
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David Goldberg »
DIED: May 1, 2015
Tech exec married to 'Lean In' author diesBy E. EDUARDO CASTILLO and BARBARA ORTUTAY, The Associated Press David Goldberg, the SurveyMonkey CEO who also was Facebook executive Sheryl Sandberg's husband, was exercising at a gym in a Mexican resort when he collapsed before he died Friday, a person close to the family said. The person...
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Ellen Albertini Dow »
DIED: May 4, 2015
'Wedding Singer' rapper dies at 101The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ellen Albertini Dow, a feisty character actress best known for her salty rendition of "Rapper's Delight" in "The Wedding Singer," has died. She was 101.
Her agent, Juliet Green, confirmed to The Associated Press that Dow died Monday.
Her...
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Brian Moore »
DIED: May 4, 2015
NYPD officer dies from gunshot woundNEW YORK (AP) — A 25-year-old police officer shot in the head while attempting to stop a man suspected of carrying a handgun died Monday from his injuries, the third New York City officer slain on duty in five months. Brian Moore, who was in a coma after undergoing brain surgery following the...
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Errol Brown »
DIED: May 6, 2015
Hot Chocolate singer dies at 71The Associated Press
LONDON (AP) — Errol Brown, the lead singer of the band Hot Chocolate, has died in the Bahamas, his manager said Wednesday. He was 71.
Manager Phil Dale said the singer, best known for hits "You Sexy Thing" and "It Started With A Kiss," died earlier Wednesday of liver...
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Elizabeth Wilson »
DIED: May 9, 2015
'Graduate' actress dies at 94The Associated Press NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — Elizabeth Wilson, who built a career as a character actress in films such as "The Graduate" and "9 to 5," has died. She was 94. Wilson, who lived in Branford with her sister, died Saturday at Yale-New Haven Hospital, actress Elizabeth Morton, a...
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Amtrak Derailment Victims »
DIED: May 12, 2015
Amtrak train derails, 8 people dieAmtrak train derails, flips; cars torn apart, 5 people dead PHILADELPHIA (AP) — An Amtrak train headed to New York City derailed and tipped over in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, mangling the front of it, tearing the cars apart and killing at least five people. Scores of passengers were...
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B.B. King »
DIED: May 14, 2015
'King of the Blues' blues legend dies at 89By KEN RITTER, The Associated Press LAS VEGAS (AP) — B.B. King, whose scorching guitar licks and heartfelt vocals made him the idol of generations of musicians and fans while earning him the nickname King of the Blues, died late Thursday at home in Las Vegas. He was 89. King's attorney...
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Margaretta "Happy" Rockefeller »
DIED: May 19, 2015
Widow of former vice president diesBy FRANK ELTMAN, The Associated Press Margaretta "Happy" Rockefeller, the widow of former U.S. Vice President and New York Gov. Nelson Rockefeller and one of the first women to speak publicly about her breast cancer in the 1970s, has died. She was 88. Happy Rockefeller, who earned her...
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John Forbes Nash, Jr. »
DIED: May 23, 2015
'A Beautiful Mind' inspiration diesBy BRUCE SHIPKOWSKI, The Associated Press TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Born to an electrical engineer, and later a precocious and dashing young man who attained an Ivy League education, John Nash seemed destined for a life of stunning success. That he achieved, winning a Nobel Prize in 1994, but not...
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Ann Meara »
DIED: May 23, 2015
Actress, mom of Ben Stiller diesBy SANDY COHEN and FRAZIER MOORE, The Associated Press LOS ANGELES (AP) — Anne Meara, the loopy, lovable comedian who launched a standup career with husband Jerry Stiller in the 1950s and found success as an actress in films, on TV and the stage, has died. Jerry Stiller and son Ben Stiller...
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Reynaldo Rey »
DIED: May 28, 2015
'Friday' actor-comedian dies at 75The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Reynaldo Rey, the actor-comedian who appeared in such films as "Friday" and "White Men Can't Jump," has died. He was 75.
Rey's manager Vanzil Burke says he died Thursday at a Los Angeles hospital from complications after suffering a stroke.
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Horst Brandstaetter »
DIED: June 3, 2015
German who launched Playmobil toys diesThe Associated Press
BERLIN (AP) — Horst Brandstaetter, who launched the popular Playmobil range of plastic toys in the 1970s, has died. He was 81.
Playmobil manufacturer geobra Brandstaetter Stiftung, which Brandstaetter owned, said in a statement Monday that he died on June 3. It gave...
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Anthony Riley »
DIED: June 5, 2015
Street artist who shined on 'The Voice,' diesThe Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A Philadelphia street performer who gained national attention for his performance on "The Voice" has died. Anthony Riley was 28.
The medical examiner's office in Philadelphia said Monday that the death was a suicide by hanging.
The...
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Christopher Lee »
DIED: June 7, 2015
Prolific British actor played Saruman in "The Lord of the Rings"By JILL LAWLESS, The Associated Press
LONDON (AP) — Christopher Lee, an actor who brought dramatic gravitas and aristocratic bearing to screen villains from Dracula to James Bond enemy Scaramanga, has died at age 93.
Lee appeared in more than 250 movies, including memorable roles as the...
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Ornette Coleman »
DIED: June 11, 2015
Innovative jazz saxophonist and composerBy CHARLES J. GANS, The Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Whatever rules in jazz hadn't been shattered by Charlie Parker and other bebop artists, Ornette Coleman finished off for good. Coleman, who died Thursday at age 85, brought to jazz the kind of open-ended, non-narrative approach that...
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Rick Ducommun »
DIED: June 12, 2015
Actor and comedianBy CHARMAINE NORONHA, The Associated Press
TORONTO (AP) — Actor and comedian Rick Ducommun, known for his role in the 1989 film "The 'Burbs," has died at age 62, his family said Thursday.
Peter Ducommun said his brother died on June 12 at a Vancouver, British Columbia, hospital after...
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Kirk Kerkorian »
DIED: June 15, 2015
Billionaire and Las Vegas casino mogulBy SALLY HO and STEVE ROTHWELL, The Associated Press LAS VEGAS (AP) — Billionaire Kirk Kerkorian, an eighth-grade dropout who built Las Vegas' biggest hotels, tried to take over Chrysler and bought and sold MGM at a profit three times, has died. He was 98. He died Monday night in Beverly...
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Wendell Holmes »
DIED: June 19, 2015
Singer, songwriter of Holmes Brothers, diesBy KASEY JONES, The Associated Press
BALTIMORE (AP) — Wendell Holmes, the guitarist, pianist and singer and songwriter of the soul and blues band The Holmes Brothers, has died.
Paul Kahn, Holmes' manager, says the 71-year-old musician died Friday at his home in Rosedale, Maryland. Kahn...
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James Horner »
DIED: June 22, 2015
Oscar-winning composer of film scoresJames Horner, the Oscar-winning film composer, died Monday morning in a plane crash near Santa Barbara, California, according to multiple major news media reports. He was 61.
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Dick Van Patten »
DIED: June 23, 2015
Actor who starred on TV's "Eight Is Enough"Actor Dick Van Patten, who played patriarch Tom Bradford on TV's "Eight Is Enough," has died. He was 86.
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Patrick Macnee »
DIED: June 25, 2015
Star of the 1960s TV series "The Avengers"Patrick Macnee, who played a stylish secret agent on the 1960s television series "The Avengers," has died. He was 93. Macnee, who died Thursday of natural causes in Rancho Mirage, California, played John Steed on the TV program, which debuted in the U.S. in 1966 and ran for eight years in...
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Jack Carter »
DIED: June 28, 2015
Jack Carter, brash comic, dies at 93Comedian Jack Carter died of respiratory failure on Sunday June 28th at his Beverly Hills home at the age of 93. He had a long career in Hollywood that included appearances in movies, on Broadway and he guest starred on many television series. By SUE MANNING, The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES ...
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Burt Shavitz »
DIED: July 5, 2015
Burt Shavitz, the Burt behind Burt's Bees, dies at 80The Burt of Burt's Bees and the iconic face of the honey-based natural cosmetics company, Burt Shavitz will be remembered for his individualistic lifestyle and nature-centered values.
By DAVID SHARP, The Associated PressPORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The reclusive beekeeper who co-founded...
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Amanda Peterson »
DIED: July 5, 2015
'Can't Buy Me Love' actress Amanda Peterson dies at 43Star of 80s hit "Can't Buy Me Love, Amanda Peterson has died.
The Associated PressGREELEY, Colo. (AP) — Amanda Peterson, best known for her role in the 1987 romantic comedy "Can't Buy Me Love," has died. She was 43.
Sgt. Mike Moran with the Greeley, Colorado, police...
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Irwin Keyes »
DIED: July 8, 2015
Burly actor who played the bodyguard Hugo on "The Jeffersons"LOS ANGELES (AP) — Irwin Keyes, who was Hugo the bodyguard on TV's "The Jeffersons" and had a long career playing villains and henchmen, died Wednesday in Southern California. He was 63. Talent manager Travis Engle said Keyes died of complications from acromegaly, a hormonal disorder in which...
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Christian Audigier »
DIED: July 9, 2015
French-born U.S. fashion designerBy ROBERT JABLON, The Associated Press LOS ANGELES (AP) — Fashion designer Christian Audigier, who was born in France but gained fame and fortune in the United States with his tattoo-inspired, street-wise designs for the Ed Hardy and Von Dutch brands, died Friday. He was 57. Audigier died...
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Omar Sharif »
DIED: July 10, 2015
Star of "Doctor Zhivago," "Lawrence of Arabia," diesOmar Sharif, star of movies including "Doctor Zhivago" and "Lawrence of Arabia, died July 10 of a heart attack, according to the Associated Press. He was 83.
By SARAH EL DEEB and LEE KEATH, The Associated Press
CAIRO (AP) — In "Lawrence of Arabia," Omar Sharif first emerges as...
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Roger Rees »
DIED: July 10, 2015
Tony winner and Robin Colcord on 'Cheers,' diesBy MARK KENNEDY, The Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — Roger Rees, the lanky Tony Award-winning Welsh-born actor and director who made his mark onstage as Nicholas Nickleby and later played English multi-millionaire Robin Colcord on the TV show "Cheers," has died. He was 71.
Rees died...
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Bobbi Kristina Brown »
DIED: July 26, 2015
Daughter of the late Whitney Houston diesBobbi Kristina Brown, daughter of singers Bobby Brown and the late Whitney Houston, died July 26, 2015, having been in a coma since Jan. 31, 2015. She was 22. ATLANTA (AP) — A representative for the Houston family has said Bobbi Kristina Brown, daughter of the late entertainer Whitney Houston...
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Ann Rule »
DIED: July 26, 2015
True-crime writerTrue-crime writer Ann Rule, who wrote a profile of her former co-worker, serial killer Ted Bundy, has died at age 83, according to the Associated Press. By DONNA GORDON BLANKINSHIP, Associated Press SEATTLE (AP) — True-crime writer Ann Rule, who wrote more than 30 books, including a profile...
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Roddy Piper »
DIED: July 30, 2015
WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper dies at 61"Rowdy" Roddy Piper, the wrestling world icon, movie star, and podcast host has died, the Associated Press reports. He was 61. According to the TMZ, he died from cardiac arrest in his sleep at his Hollywood home on Thursday night.
By DAN GELSTON, The Associated Press"Rowdy" Roddy...
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Cilla Black »
DIED: August 2, 2015
Legendary TV presenter and singerCilla Black, a British singer who was championed by the Beatles and went on to a successful 50-year music and television career, has died, according to the Associated Press. She was 72. By JILL LAWLESS, Associated Press LONDON (AP) — Big-voiced British singer Cilla Black, a product of Beatles...
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Tony Lara »
DIED: August 8, 2015
Captain on TV reality show "Deadliest Catch"Tony Lara, a ship captain on the Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch," has died in South Dakota, according to multiple news sources. He was 50. STURGIS, S.D. (AP) — Authorities say a man who has appeared as a ship captain on the Discovery Channel television program "Deadliest Catch" has died...
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Frank Gifford »
DIED: August 9, 2015
NFL Hall of Famer and veteran sports broadcasterNFL Hall of Famer and veteran sports broadcaster Frank Gifford has died in Connecticut, his family announced on Sunday, according to NBC News and other sources. He was 84. NEW YORK (AP) — Frank Gifford, the Pro Football Hall of Famer who led the New York Giants to the 1956 NFL title and later...
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Buddy Baker »
DIED: August 10, 2015
Legendary NASCAR driver and broadcaster(AP) Buddy Baker, a former Daytona 500 winner and NASCAR Hall of Fame nominee, has died after a brief battle with lung cancer, according to The Associated Press. Baker, who died early Monday, was 74. Buddy Baker, a former Daytona 500 winner and NASCAR Hall of Fame nominee, has died after a brief...
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Wes Craven »
DIED: August 30, 2015
Horror master Wes Craven dies at 76Wes Craven, the iconic film director whose "Nightmare on Elm Street" and "Scream" movies redefined the horror genre, has died after battling brain cancer
By DAISY NGUYEN and JAKE COYLE, The Associated PressLOS ANGELES (AP) — Wes Craven, the prolific writer-director who thrilled...
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Dean Jones »
DIED: September 1, 2015
Actor who starred in such classic Disney films as "The Love Bug"Dean Jones, the actor who starred in such classic Disney films as "That Darn Cat!," "The Love Bug" and "The Shaggy D.A.," has died. He was 84. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Dean Jones, whose boyish good looks and all-American manner made him Disney's favorite young actor for such lighthearted films as ...
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Helen Burns Jackson »
DIED: September 7, 2015
The mother of civil rights leader Jesse JacksonGREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Helen Burns Jackson, the mother of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, has died. She was 92. The Rev. Jesse Jackson told The Associated Press his mother died Monday morning in her longtime hometown of Greenville, South Carolina. She had been in failing health for some time...
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Frederick "Fred" DeLuca »
DIED: September 13, 2015
Co-founder of the Subway chain of sandwich restaurantsNEW YORK (AP) - Subway co-founder Fred DeLuca died Monday evening after being diagnosed with leukemia two years ago, the company said Tuesday. He was 67. DeLuca's death came weeks after the 50th anniversary of Subway, which has become the world's biggest restaurant chain by locations. DeLuca...
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Gary Richrath »
DIED: September 13, 2015
Longtime guitarist for REO SpeedwagonGary Richrath, the longtime guitarist for REO Speedwagon, died Sunday, September 13, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was 65. Richrath wrote and co-wrote popular songs for the band, including 1973's "Ridin' the Storm Out" and 1981's "Take it on the Run," a No. 5 Billboard...
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Jackie Collins »
DIED: September 19, 2015
'Hollywood Wives' novelist Jackie Collins diesJackie Collins, the best-selling novelist who thrilled millions of readers with her scandal-soaked tales of Hollywood, mobsters, and L.A. private investigators, has died of breast cancer.
By ANDREW DALTON, The Associated PressLOS ANGELES (AP) — Jackie Collins, the bestselling author of...
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Yogi Berra »
DIED: September 22, 2015
Legendary New York Yankees catcherBaseball great Yogi Berra died Tuesday of natural causes. He was 90. Berra was a New York baseball stalwart, playing for the Yankees for most of his career and the Mets for a single year, then later coaching and managing both teams. But he was born May 12, 1925, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son...
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Grace Lee Boggs »
DIED: October 5, 2015
Longtime civil rights, labor activistGrace Lee Boggs, a longtime activist who was part of the labor, civil rights, black power, women's rights and environmental justice movements, died Monday at her Detroit home, The Associated Press reported. She was 100. Boggs and her late husband, James Boggs, were involved in advocacy for...
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Paul Prudhomme »
DIED: October 8, 2015
Celebrity chef of K-Paul's fame in New OrleansNEW ORLEANS (AP) - Paul Prudhomme, the Cajun who popularized spicy Louisiana cuisine and became one of the first American restaurant chefs to achieve worldwide fame, died Thursday. He was 75. Tiffanie Roppolo, the CFO of Prudhomme's businesses, told The Associated Press that he died early Thursday...
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Bruce Hyde »
DIED: October 13, 2015
Actor who played Lieutenant Kevin Riley on the original "Star Trek" TV seriesBruce Hyde, an actor who played Lieutenant Kevin Riley on the original "Star Trek" television series, has died, according to multiple news sources. Hyde, who was 74, died Oct. 13 of throat cancer, according to his wife. Hyde appeared in two episodes of the series, "The Naked Time" and "The...
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Marty Ingels »
DIED: October 21, 2015
Actor, comedian and longtime husband of actress Shirley JonesMarty Ingels, a raspy-voiced comedian, actor and talent agent who was married to singer and actress Shirley Jones for nearly 40 years, died Wednesday in Los Angeles, according to The Associated Press. He was 79. LOS ANGELES (AP) - Marty Ingels, a comedian, actor and talent agent who was married...
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Maureen O'Hara »
DIED: October 24, 2015
Spirited movie star, dies at 95By ROBERT JABLON, The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Fiery-haired and feisty, Maureen O'Hara could handle anything the world and Hollywood threw at her. Director John Ford punched her in the jaw at a party and John Wayne dragged her through sheep dung — real sheep dung — in "The Quiet...
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Al Molinaro »
DIED: October 30, 2015
Actor who played the owner of Arnold's Diner on TV's "Happy Days" died Friday.Al Molinaro, the actor known best for playing diner owner Al Delvecchio on TV's "Happy Days," died Friday of gall stone complications. He was 96. A native of Kenosha, Wisconsin – just 40 miles from the "Happy Days" setting of Milwaukee – Molinaro was born June 24, 1919. He moved to...
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Fred Thompson »
DIED: November 1, 2015
U.S. senator who also acted in feature films and on televisionFred Thompson, a Republican U.S. senator from Tennessee for eight years who also acted in feature films and on television, has died, his family says in a statement. For full obituary and coverage, click here...
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Melissa Mathison »
DIED: November 4, 2015
Oscar-nominated screenwriter of 'E.T.'...Melissa Mathison, who was Oscar-nominated for original screenplay for Steven Spielberg's "E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial" and also wrote "The Black Stallion," died Wednesday in Los Angeles after an illness, her brother Dirk Mathison confirmed, according to Variety. .For full obituary and coverage from...
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George Barris »
DIED: November 5, 2015
Creator of television's original Batmobile…George Barris, who created television's original Batmobile, along with custom vehicles for "The Munsters" and "The Beverly Hillbillies," has died at 89. For full obituary and coverage from Legacy.com, click here...
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Allen Toussaint »
DIED: November 10, 2015
Legendary New Orleans musician and composerLegendary New Orleans musician and composer Allen Toussaint has died after suffering a heart attack following a concert he performed in the Spanish capital, according to The Associated Press. He was 77. For full obituary and coverage from Legacy.com, click here...
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Phil Taylor »
DIED: November 11, 2015
Former longtime drummer for the British heavy metal band MotorheadMotorhead's former longtime drummer, Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor, died Wednesday evening, according to former guitarist "Fast" Eddie Clarke. For full obituary and coverage from Legacy.com, click here...
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Dora Doll »
DIED: November 15, 2015
German-born actress whose film credits include "Julia"Dora Doll, a German-born French film and TV actress, died Sunday at 93, according to multiple news sources. For full obituary and coverage from Legacy.com, click here.
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John Ciarcia »
DIED: November 21, 2015
Actor whose credits include "The Sopranos," "Hoffa" and "Goodfellas"John "Cha-Cha" Ciarcia, a tough-guy actor on "The Sopranos" who also owned a popular restaurant in New York City's Little Italy neighborhood that his celebrity friends frequented, has died. For full obituary and coverage from Legacy.com, click here...
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Cynthia Robinson »
DIED: November 23, 2015
Trumpet player and original member of Sly and the Family StoneCynthia Robinson, a trumpet player and original member of the groundbreaking psychedelic-funk-soul group Sly and the Family Stone, died Nov. 23 in Carmichael, California. For full obituary and coverage from Legacy.com, click here...
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Joshua Shintani »
DIED: November 30, 2015
Best known from his cameo in "Shallow Hal"Joshua "Li'l Boy" Shintani, a former teenage actor who appeared in the 2001 comedy "Shallow Hal," has died, according to multiple news sources. He was 32. For full obituary and coverage, click here...
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Scott Weiland »
DIED: December 3, 2015
Former frontman for the Stone Temple Pilots, Velvet RevolverScott Weiland, the former frontman for the Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver, has died, according to The Associated Press. For full obituary and coverage from Legacy.com, click here...
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Holly Woodlawn »
DIED: December 6, 2015
Transgender actress and Warhol muse...Holly Woodlawn, the transgender actress featured in Lou Reed's 1972 song "Walk on the Wild Side," has died after a battle with cancer. For full obituary and coverage from Legacy.com, click here.
