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Celebrity Deaths of 2024: Actor & Comedian Joe Flaherty Dies at 82

April 3, 2024 Entertainment 14 Mins Read

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Hollywood has already lost several actors, reality TV stars and other celebrities so far this year. Look back on the ones who died in 2024.On April 2, Freaks and Geeks star Joe Flaherty died at the age of 82. His daughter claimed that he died from an “illness” following a long, prolific acting and comedy career. Joe was known for other roles, such as Happy Gilmore and his contributions to SCTV (Second City Television).

Though their lives may have ended, their legacies as giants in the entertainment industry have just begun. Scroll below to see all the celebrities we’ve lost in 2024.

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Glynis Johns

Glynis Johns — Glynis Johns, among the last surviving actors of the golden age of Hollywood, died at the age of 100 on January 4, 2024 in Los Angeles. She’s known for her role as fiesty mother and suffragette Mrs. Banks in the original Mary Poppins, and an Oscar-nominated supporting role in The Sundowners.

Her manager, Mitch Clem, issued a heartfelt statement upon her passing.

“Glynis powered her way through life with intelligence, wit, and a love for performance, affecting millions of lives,” Clem said in a statement to Variety. “She entered my life early in my career and set a very high bar on how to navigate this industry with grace, class, and truth. Your own truth. Her light shined very brightly for 100 years. She had a wit that could stop you in your tracks powered by a heart that loved deeply and purely. Today is a somber day for Hollywood. Not only do we mourn the passing of our dear Glynis, but we mourn the end of the golden age of Hollywood.”

Glynis was a mother of one and was married four times during her life. She died of natural causes after a century of life.

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David Soul

David Soul — David Soul, the suave actor best known for his role as Kenneth “Hutch” Hutchinson in 1970s TV hit Starsky & Hutch, died on January 4, 2024. He was 80 years. His wife, Helen Snell, issued a statement on his death to CNN.

“David Soul – beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother – died yesterday (4 January) after a valiant battle for life in the loving company of family,” she wrote. “He shared many extraordinary gifts in the world as actor, singer, storyteller, creative artist and dear friend. His smile, laughter and passion for life will be remembered by the many whose lives he has touched.”

No cause of death was disclosed.

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Christian Oliver

Christian Oliver — Speed Racer actor Christian Oliver died on Thursday, January 4, after a tragic plane crash in the Caribbean. Also lost in the accident were his two young daughters, Madita, 10, and Annik, 12. Christian, whose real name is Christian Klepser, was 51.

His wife, Jessica Klepser, took to Instagram to address the deaths of her immediate family members on January 8, 2024. “The outpouring of love and support I am receiving is beyond words,” she wrote in part. “From those closest to my heart, from my community, from people far away, from complete strangers… I see the messages, I hear the words and it gives me so much strength! I also deeply feel Madita’s, Annik’s and Christian’s love. They are here with me for every step and they are watching us.”

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Cindy Morgan

Cindy Morgan — News of the death of Caddyshack and Tron star Cindy Morgan was made public on January 7, 2024. She was reportedly discovered dead in her bedroom on December 30. Cindy died at the age of 69 at her home in Lake Worth Beach, Florida.

According to USA Today, she was discovered after her roommate noticed a “strong odor coming from her room.” The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in Florida stated that she seems to have died from “natural causes,” though an exact date of death is unknown.

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Tisa Farrow

Tisa Farrow — Mia Farrow’s younger sister Tisa Farrow died at 72 on January 10. She was also an actress, known for roles in films like Fingers. “If there is a Heaven, undoubtedly my beautiful sister Tisa is being welcomed there. She was the best of us – i have never met a more generous and loving person. She loved life & never complained. Ever,” Mia wrote in a post announcing her passing.

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Adan Canto

Adan Canto — The Cleaning Lady star and Designated Survivor actor Adan Canto has passed away at the age of 42, according to a January 9, 2024 report by Deadline. His death came after a privately fought battle with appendiceal cancer.

Adan is survived by his wife, Stephanie Ann Canto, and their young children, Roman Alder, 3, and Eve Josephine, 18 months.

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Alec Musser

Alec Musser — Alec Musser sadly died at his home in CA at the age of 50 in January 2024. He was best known for his work on the soap opera ‘All My Children.’

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Lynne Marta

Lynne Marta — Famous for her roles in Footloose and Love, American Style, Lynne died at the age of 78, her friend confirmed on January 16.

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Dejan Milojevic

Dejan Milojevic — Dejan Milojevic sadly died on January 17, 2024 at the age of 46. He was a Serbian professional basketball coach and former player.

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Shawnacy “Shawn” Barber

Shawnacy “Shawn” Barber — Olympic pole vaulter and Canadian record holder Shawnacy “Shawn” Barber died at the age of 29 on January 17, 2024, in Texas of “medical complications,” his agent announced on January 18.

“More than just an incredible athlete, Shawn was such a good-hearted person that always put others ahead of himself,” ageny Paul Doyle said in a statement. “It’s tragic to lose such a good person at such a young age.”

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David Gail

David Gail — David Gail, an actor best known for his work on ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ and ‘Port Charles’ sadly died at the age of 58 in January 2024. His sister, Katie, announced his death via Instagram.

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Charles Osgood

Charles Osgood — Charles Osgood died at 91, following a battle with dementia on January 23. The legendary anchor was known for hosting CBS Sunday Morning and The Osgood File.

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Gary Graham

Gary Graham — Gary Graham, most-known for starring on Star Trek: Enterprise, died at 73 on January 22. His ex-wife Susan Lavelle shared the news of his passing in a Facebook post. “It is with deep profound sadness to say that Gary Graham, my ex husband, amazing actor and father of our beautiful only child together, Haylee Graham, has passed away today,” she wrote. “Fly high into the heavens Gar! Thank you for our journey and thank you for the gifts you left me in acting, my love of horses and most importantly, our daughter.”

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Frank Farian

Frank Farian — German producer Frank Farian died on January 23 at 82. He was well-known for the discovery and creation of viral groups like Boney M and Milli Vanilli.

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Jesse Jane

Jesse Jane — On Janaury 25, multiple outlets reported that Jesse Jane, an adult film star, was found dead in her Oklahoma home. Her cause of death was not revealed, but law enforcement reportedly believed it was from a drug overdose.

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Masuimi Max

Masuimi Max — Masuimi Max, who appeared as a model in the 2000s for Playboy and Maxim magazines, died at the age of 45 in Las Vegas. Police were called to her home early the morning of January 25, where they reportedly found her dead, per TMZ.

An investigation will reportedly be conducted.

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Chita Rivera

Chita Rivera — Chita Rivera died following a brief illness on January 30. The Broadway star was well-known for her roles in musicals like West Side Story and Kiss of the Spider Woman.

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Hinton Battle

Hinton Battle — Three-time Tony winner Hinton Battle died at age 67, his friend Debbie Allen confirmed via social media on January 30 — the same day news of Chita Rivera’s death emerged.

“Today I honor Hinton Battle, my dear friend who left us to dance and sing in God’s Ensemble last night,” she wrote via Instagram. “He fought this battle to live and be creative impacting audiences and young people across the globe. Let us always hold him high in our hearts and in our mind’s eye and forever speak his name.”

Hinton was trained in ballet, and made his Broadway debut at age 15 in ‘The Wiz.’ His three Tony Awards came from performances in ‘Sophisticated Ladies’ (1981,) ‘The Tap Dance Kid’ (1984), and ‘Miss Saigon’ (1991.)

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Toby Keith

Toby Keith — Toby Keith died following a battle with stomach cancer on February 5. He was 62. “Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family,” his loved ones said in a statement. “He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”

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Cecilia Gentili

Cecilia Gentili — Cecilia Gentili, ‘Pose’ star and trans activist, died February 6, 2024, at the age of 52. A social media announcement shared to her account failed to provide a cause of death.

“Our beloved Cecilia Gentili passed away this morning to continue watching over us in spirit,” it read, alongside a portrait of the actress in a yellow dress and orange flower crown. “Please be gentle with each other and love one another with ferocity. We will be sharing more updates about services and what is to come in the following days.At this time, we’re asking for privacy, time, and space to grieve.”

GLAAD also provided a statement via social media on February 5. “We are devastated to hear about the death of Cecilia Gentili,” they wrote. “Cecilia was a pillar in the trans community, a dedicated advocate, a striking actress on the hit TV program Pose, an incredible journalist, and a sex worker. She did direct service through The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center, Callen Lorde, and the APICHA (originally the Asian and Pacific Islander Coalition on HIV/AIDS) Community Health Center in New York, and later was managing director of policy for GMHC.”

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Chris Gauthier

Chris Gauthier — Chris Gauthier poses for a picture during the Legends And Stars: Whitecaps FC Charity Alumni match at BC Place on September 16, 2017 in Vancouver, Canada. Chris, an actor known for ‘Once Upon a Time’ and Hallmark movies, died at the age of 48 on February 23, 2024. He passed away ‘unexpectedly and suddenly’ after a short illness, his agency TriStar Appearances/Event Horizon Talent confirmed in a statement.

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Thomas Kingston

Thomas Kingston — The former boyfriend of Kate Middleton’s sister Pippa Middleton died unexpectedly at the age of 45 on February 25, 2024, his family revealed in a statement on February 27. Thomas was a prominent fiancier and the husband of Lady Gabriella.

“It is with the deepest sorrow that we announce the death of Thomas Kingston, our beloved husband, son and brother,” the family’s statement read. “Tom was an exceptional man who lit up the lives of all who knew him. His death has come as a great shock to the whole family, and we ask you to respect our privacy as we mourn his passing.”

King Charles and Queen Camilla also released a statement through a palace spokesperson on February 27. “The King and The Queen have been informed of Thomas’s death and join Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and all those who knew him in grieving a much-loved member of the family. In particular, Their Majesties send their most heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Gabriella and to all the Kingston family,” the palace spokesperson’s statement said.

23 of 30

Charles Dierkop

Charles Dierkop — ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ actor Charles Dierkop died at the age of 87 on February 25 in Sherman Oaks, California. He had recently suffered a heart attack and a bout with pneumonia, his daughter Lynne told The Hollywood Reporter for a February 27 report.

Charles also appeared in ‘The Hustler,’ ‘Silent Night, Deadly Night,’ and ‘The Sting,’ among many others.

24 of 30

Lynda Gravatt

Lynda Gravatt — Broadway star Lynda Gravatt, also known as a guest star on HBO’s iconic ‘Sex & the City,’ died at the age of 77, her family shared on February 28. Lynda also appeared in ‘The Bounty Hunter,’ ’30 Rock,’ and ‘The Good Wife,’ among others.

Her son David Gravatt told The Hollywood Reporter that she passed away in New Brunswick on February 23.

25 of 30

Richard Lewis

Richard Lewis — Richard Lewis of ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ died of a heart attack at the age of 76 on February 27, his publicist told the Hollywood Reporter on February 28. The iconic comedian had disclosed a battle with Parkinson’s Disease ten months prior, in April of 2023.

Aside from ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ Richard appeared in a number of memorable roles, including ‘Robin Hood: Men in Tights,’ WB’s ‘7th Heaven,’ and ‘Anything But Love.’ He is survived by his wife, Joyce.

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Janelle & Kody Brown’s Son Garrison

Janelle & Kody Brown’s Son Garrison — Sister Wives stars Janelle Brown and her ex-husband Kody Brown‘s son Garrison died at the age of 25.

27 of 30

Cola Boyy

Cola Boyy — Cola Boyy — famous for his advocacy for the disabled community — died on March 17 at the age of 34. His label, Record Makers, confirmed the news via X.

“He was quite a soul, a man with no age, a childlike spirit with the musicality of an old legend,” the label tweeted. “His lyrics, his melodies, the sound of his voice: every side of his music was unique and timeless.”

28 of 30

Louis Gossett Jr.

Louis Gossett Jr. — Louis Goossett Jr. died on March 28 in Santa Monica at the age of 87. The late actor was the first Black man to win an Academy Award.

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Chance Perdomo

Chance Perdomo — Chance Perdomo died at 27 years old from a motorcyle accident that reportedly occurred in Upstate New York on either March 29 or March 30. He was known for his roles in Gen V, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and the After movie franchise.

30 of 30

Joe Flaherty

Joe Flaherty — Joe Flaherty died at the age of 82 after a long, prolific acting and comedy career.

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