By Wonderwall.com Editors
11:43pm PST, Dec 25, 2022
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Join Wonderwall.com as we take a look at the stars we've lost due to the coronavirus pandemic…
Gary J. Friedkin — who played an Ewok in the "Star Wars" movie franchise, Clarence the cook from Arnold's restaurant on "Happy Days," a biker gang member in "Blade Runner" and more during his 40-year career in Hollywood — died on Dec. 2 at Hospice House in Youngstown, Ohio, with his brother and sister-in-law by his side. He was 70. His passing followed "a difficult three-and-a-half weeks in the medical intensive care unit at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital due to complications of COVID-19," according to his obituary in the Tribune Chronicle, which also noted Gary was a talented musician and a longtime active member of Little People of America.
Keep reading for more stars we've lost to COVID-19…
MORE: Stars we lost in 2022
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Brad Johnson, a former rodeo cowboy and Marlboro Man and Calvin Klein model who starred in Steven Spielberg's romantic drama "Always" and appeared on "Melrose Place," died from COVID-19 complications on Feb. 18 in Fort Worth, Texas, his rep confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter on June 2. Brad — who also starred in the movie "Flight of the Intruder," the miniseries "Rough Riders" and on TV shows like "Soldier of Fortune, Inc." and "Ned Blessing: The Story of My Life and Times" — was 62. "Although he was taken too early, he lived life to the fullest and taught his children to do the same," his family told THR in a statement. "Brad greatly enjoyed improving and enhancing land, in a way that maintained and respected its natural beauty. He always felt most at home outdoors, and his passion for the land made that evident. As much as he loved cowboying, hunting and land, Brad loved nothing more than his family."
MORE: Stars who've tested positive for COVID in 2022
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On April 17, 2022, DJ Kay Slay passed away after a four-month battle with COVID-19, outlets including The Sun and People magazine confirmed. The hip-hop influencer and graffiti artist — who was hospitalized with COVID in December 2021 and later put on a ventilator and an ECMO machine, reports revealed — was 55. "Our hearts are broken by the passing of Keith Grayson, professionally known as DJ Kay Slay," his family said in a statement. "A dominant figure in Hip Hop culture with millions of fans worldwide, DJ Kay Slay will be remembered for his passion and excellence with a legacy that will transcend generations." The music artist and disc jockey, who also went by the nickname The Drama King, hosted "The Drama Hour" on New York's Hot 97 radio station for more than two decades, People reported. "A cultural icon, Kay Slay was more than just a DJ, to us he was family and a vital part of what made Hot 97 the successful station it is today," the station said in a statement. "Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and fans worldwide and we will always and forever celebrate The Drama King's legacy."
MORE: Famous people who've tested positive for COVID-19
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Meat Loaf — the man behind hits including "Bat Out of Hell," "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" and "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)" — died on Jan. 20, 2022, at 74. TMZ reported that the Grammy winner and actor, who also appeared in dozens of movies including "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and "Fight Club," died from complications of COVID-19; his rep has not commented on his cause of death. According to TMZ's sources, earlier in the week, the singer was planning to attend a business dinner for a show he's working on but it was canceled "because he became seriously ill with COVID," TMZ wrote, adding that its sources said Meat Loaf's condition rapidly turned critical. It's unknown if he was vaccinated. TMZ further reported that Meat Loaf (real name: Marvin Lee Aday) had recently been critical of vaccine mandates in Australia. In an August 2021 interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the star made comments critical of masks, adding, "If I die, I die, but I'm not going to be controlled." Upon learning of his death, Hollywood celebrities and fans took to social media to remember the music and movie star.
MORE: Hollywood reacts to the death of Meat Loaf at 74
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French celebrities Igor Bogdanoff and Grichka Bogdanoff — twin brothers who came to fame in the '80s as the hosts of a TV science and sci-fi show and later became notorious for their plastic surgery procedure-enhanced looks — have both died from complications of COVID-19, their lawyer, Edouard de Lamaze, confirmed to multiple outlets. Grichka passed away in a Paris hospital on Dec. 28 and Igor died six days later on Jan. 3. The eccentric brothers, both 72, were not vaccinated. "People have said they were anti-vaxxers but they absolutely weren't," family friend Pierre-Jean Chalençon told BFMTV, as reported by the BBC. "Several friends told them to get themselves vaccinated but they felt because of their lifestyle and their [lack of] comorbidity, they weren't at risk of COVID." He added that the siblings thought their illness was similar to the flu and waited too long to seek hospital treatment.
MORE: Famous people who've received the COVID-19 vaccine
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Carlos Marín — a member of the international quartet Il Divo — died on Dec. 19, 2021, from complications of COVID-19, Variety confirmed. The Germany-born Spaniard was 53. According to the trade publication, Carlos was hospitalized on Dec. 8, 2021, in the Manchester Royal Hospital's ICU while on tour in Britain. "It is with heavy hearts that we are letting you know that our friend and partner, Carlos Marín, has passed away. He will be missed by his friends, family and fans. For 17 years, the four of us have been on this incredible journey of Il Divo together, and we will miss our dear friend," his group wrote on Twitter. Simon Cowell — who put the group together in 2003 — took to social media to mourn, writing, "I am finding this so difficult to put into words how I feel right now. I am devastated Carlos Marin has passed away. He loved life. He loved performing and always had so much appreciation towards the fans who supported the group from day 1. Rest in peace Carlos. I will miss you." MailOnline reported that Carlos's agent, speaking to Spanish TV show "Corazon," confirmed the baritone had been vaccinated against the coronavirus in Mexico, where he lived part of the year, though there were no details on which shot or how many doses he'd received. The outlet also noted that Carlos previously recounted his first battle with COVID-19 back in December 2019 at the start of the pandemic when he was on tour in America. He said he'd needed oxygen support at the time; four months later, he tested positive for coronavirus antibodies.
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Former beauty queen Kathy Manning — who was crowned Miss Mississippi 1984 and was the second runner-up in the Miss America 1985 pageant — died on Dec. 23, 2021, "after several weeks fighting COVID-19," her obituary confirmed. She was 59. After her pageant days, Kathy — who died in Collierville, Tennessee, according to reports — worked as a weather reporter for ABC affiliate WHBQ 13 and did a USO tour for the military in Asia, Central America and the Caribbean. The Christian music artist and mother of three, whose married surname was Loeb, also modeled for brands including Coppertone and Maybelline.
RELATED: Stars who died in 2021
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Actor Vachik Mangassarian died from complications of COVID-19 on Jan. 22, his manager, Valerie McCaffrey, confirmed to USA Today days later. He was 78. Though Vachik posted memes on Facebook that appeared to downplay the coronavirus pandemic and oppose vaccines, the newspaper reported, Vachik's manager said the actor — who appeared on shows including "NCIS," "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." and "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and in movies like "The Stoning of Soraya M." and "The Book of Daniel" — was vaccinated.
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Jason Hitch — who starred on the second season of TLC's "90 Day Fiancé" in 2014 — died from complications of COVID-19 on Dec. 14, 2021, in a hospital ICU in Florida, his sister Shannon told TMZ, adding that his family was able to be with him when he passed away. He was 45. According to Shannon, Jason — a first lieutenant in the Army Reserves — was not vaccinated and didn't have pre-existing medical conditions to his family's knowledge. Fans will remember Jason married Brazilian beauty Cássia Tavares. They separated in 2017 and divorced a year later. Shannon told TMZ her brother was a "true and honest shooter, a great officer and leader to his men." TLC said in a statement, "We are saddened to hear about the passing of Jason Hitch and send our sincere condolences to his family and friends at this time."
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Jay Jay Phillips — the big-haired rock music keyboardist who competed on "America's Got Talent" on season 4 in 2009 and again on season 12 in 2017 — is dead at 30, his band, Mettal Maffia, announced on Nov. 30. "We miss you brother, every second of every minute, of every day. Thank you for teaching us all to laugh a little more. Rock in Paradise," his bandmates wrote on social media. Days later, TMZ shared more details after speaking with a family member: The musician was fighting a coronavirus infection at home during Thanksgiving week and on Nov. 25 was found dead from complications of COVID-19. The family member further told the webloid that Jay Jay was not vaccinated, but that shortly before he got sick had told people he planned to get the jab soon. According to a Dec. 3 TMZ report, the rocker lived with his dad, who was at the time hospitalized with COVID and on a ventilator.
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Colin Powell, who served as U.S. secretary of state from 2001 to 2005 — and was the first Black person ever to do so — died on Oct. 18, 2021, following a battle with the coronavirus, his family announced. The former four-star general and Vietnam veteran, 84, was fully vaccinated, they revealed, but he also suffered from multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells that suppresses the body's immune response, the former general's longtime chief of staff, Peggy Cifrino, confirmed to CNN, adding that the leader "also had Parkinson's, which put him at high risk with an immuno compromised system."
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On Oct. 3, 2021 — just weeks after winning an Emmy on Sept. 11 at the 2021 Creative Arts Emmy Awards for his hairstyling work on the hit Netflix series "Bridgerton" — Oscar-nominated hair and makeup designer Marc Pilcher died from COVID-19, his agency, Curtis Brown, confirmed to Variety. Marc, 53, was double vaccinated and had no underlying health conditions, his family told Variety, adding that he'd tested negative multiple times before traveling from Britain to Los Angeles for the Creative Arts Emmys ceremony and that not long after his return home, he became sick and his condition quickly deteriorated. Marc notably worked on London's West End on many theater productions as well as on Hollywood projects including "Mary Queen of Scots" with Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie (for which he earned his Academy Award nod), "Downton Abbey," "Beauty and the Beast," "My Week With Marilyn" and more. "So heartbroken by the loss of Marc Pilcher, the brilliant and visionary Hair and Makeup designer for Bridgerton Season One," "Bridgerton" star Nicola Coughlan shared on Instagram. "Marc was so passionate about his work and so tremendously talented. Not even a month ago he won his first Emmy award. It's a tragedy that he's been taken so young when he had so much yet to do."
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Drummer Kenny Malone — who's best known for his work with country music legends Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings — died at 83 on Aug. 26, 2021. The prolific session musician, who also dabbled in folk and other acoustic-based genres, passed away after being diagnosed with COVID-19, according to former bandmate Dave Pomeroy.
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On Aug. 19, 2021, Japanese actor and martial arts legend Shinichi "Sonny" Chiba — who had memorable roles in movies including "The Street Fighter," "Kill Bill" and "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift" — died from complications of COVID-19, his rep confirmed to Variety. He was 82.
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Paul Johnson, a house music icon from Chicago who influenced a slew of modern-day DJs, passed away on Aug. 4, 2021, due to COVID-related complications. He was 50. Paul was best known for his 1999 single "Get Get Down," which hit No. 1 on Billboard's Dance Club Songs chart. A statement on his Facebook page announced his death: "Our greatness passed away this morning at 9am the house music legend we all know as PJ aka PAUL JOHNSON has passed away in this day of AUGUST 4th 2021. Rest In Heaven Paul."
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Conservative talk radio host Phil Valentine, who in July was hospitalised as he battled COVID-19, died from complications of the coronavirus in August 2021. Phil, who worked in radio for more than 40 years, was 61. His station, SuperTalk 99.7 WTN, confirmed his passing in a tweet posted on Aug. 21. Phil had made headlines as he was a vocal vaccine skeptic and himself wasn't vaccinated, but after he was moved into a critical care unit, brother Mark Valentine said the radio host regretted that he wasn't a stronger advocate for COVID-19 vaccination. "I know if he were able to tell you this, he would tell you, 'Go get vaccinated. Quit worrying about the politics. Quit worrying about all the conspiracy theories,'" Mark told The Tennessean in July. "He regrets not being more adamant about getting the vaccine. Look at the dadgum data."
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Sanford Clark — the rockabilly-country music star whose 1956 Top 10 hit "The Fool" was re-recorded by Elvis Presley and The Animals — is dead following a battle with the coronavirus. On July 4, 2021, he passed away at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri, where he was receiving cancer treatment before being diagnosed with COVID-19, publicist and fellow performer Johnny Vallis told Billboard. Sanford was 85.
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John Davis, one of the real singing voices behind Milli Vanilli, passed away on May 24, 2021, from complications of COVID-19. John's daughter, Jasmin, wrote on his Facebook page, "My dad passed away this evening [due to] the coronavirus. He made a lot of people happy with his laughter and smile, his happy spirit, love and especially through his music. He gave so much to the world! Please give him the last round of applause. We will miss him dearly." John was 66.
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Fashion designer Alber Elbaz died from complications of COVID-19 in Paris on April 24, 2021. He was 59. The company behind the Moroccan-born Israeli designer's latest venture, AZ Factory, confirmed the sad news to The New York Times. The man whose work was worn by celebrity clients including Beyonce, Natalie Portman, Harry Styles, Meryl Streep and more most notably served as the fashion director for Lanvin from 2001 to 2015.
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Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons bassist Joe Long (born Joseph Louis LaBracio) died on April 21, 2021, from complications of COVID-19, close friend Anthony Newell, a member of the Jersey Four tribute band of which Joe was the musical director, told NJ.com. The New Jersey Hall of Fame member was 88. Former bandmates Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio also confirmed Joe's passing in a statement. Another former Four Seasons bandmate, Tommy DeVito, also died from coronavirus complications in September 2020.
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Former reality TV star Linda Torres, a good friend of the late Angela "Big Ang" Raiola who appeared on the VH1 reality series "Big Ang" and "Mob Wives," died at Staten Island University Hospital in New York — where she spent nine weeks — on April 1 from complications of the coronavirus, Big Ang's sister Janine Detore told People magazine. Linda, 67, had been fighting breast cancer and was recovering from surgery to implant a chemo port. After developing a fever, she returned to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with COVID-19. "She went back to the hospital thinking she had an infection. They found out she had COVID," Janine said. "She was placed on a ventilator then they took off the ventilator. She really was fighting, but I guess she couldn't really battle it. It was too much." According to Janine, "Linda was the life of the party — like my sister. Very fun to be around, not negative, just wanted to have a fun time. I get so sad to know that she's gone now."
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Captain Sir Tom Moore — the 100-year-old WWII veteran who catapulted to fame in 2020 when he helped raise more than $43 million for Britain's National Health Service charities in the early days of the U.K.'s coronavirus lockdowns by walking more than 100 laps in the garden of his home in Bedfordshire, England — has died after being diagnosed with COVID-19, his family announced on Feb. 2. Captain Sir Tom, who was knighted for his fundraising efforts by Queen Elizabeth II in July 2020, was admitted to the hospital on Jan. 31 after being treated for pneumonia and testing positive for the coronavirus the previous week, Sky News reported. "The last year of our father's life was nothing short of remarkable," daughters Hannah and Lucy said in a statement. "He was rejuvenated and experienced things he'd only ever dreamed of." Buckingham Palace tweeted that "The Queen is sending a private message of condolence to the family of Captain Sir Tom Moore. Her Majesty very much enjoyed meeting Captain Sir Tom and his family at Windsor last year. Her thoughts and those of the Royal Family are with them."
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Broadcast legend Larry King passed away at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles at 87 on Jan. 23, 2021 — just a few weeks after leaving the ICU for a regular hospital room after facing breathing issues amid his battle with COVID-19 that began in December. His sixth wife, Julia Alexander, told the New York Post that Larry died from coronavirus complications, but most recent wife Shawn Southwick King — who was in the midst of divorce proceedings with Larry when he died — told "Entertainment Tonight" that the cause of death "was an infection, it was sepsis," adding, "Well, he was finally ready to go, I will tell you that. You know, he never wanted to go but his sweet little body was just, it had just been hit so many times with so many things and once we heard the word COVID, all of our hearts just sunk. But he beat it, you know, he beat it, but it did take its toll and then the unrelated infection finally is what took him, but boy, he was not gonna go down easily."
RELATED: Hollywood reacts to the death of Larry King
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On Jan. 27, news outlets reported that NBA reporter and analyst Sekou Smith, who covered the league for decades, had died from COVID-19 at 48. "We are all heartbroken over Sekou's tragic passing," read a statement from Turner Sports, which operates NBA TV and NBA.com — where Sekou worked for the last decade-plus. "His commitment to journalism and the basketball community was immense and we will miss his warm, engaging personality."
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Legendary "Wall of Sound" music producer Phil Spector died at 81 on Jan. 16 while incarcerated for the 2003 murder of Lana Clarkson. According to a statement from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, he was "pronounced deceased of natural causes … at an outside hospital." TMZ, however, reported that the man who honed some of the most well-known songs of the '60s and '70s — including The Righteous Brothers' "You Lost that Lovin' Feeling" and "Unchained Melody," The Ronettes' "Be My Baby," The Beatles' "Let It Be" album and John Lennon's "Imagine" — had been hospitalized with COVID-19 four weeks earlier and returned to prison after beginning to recover. He then, TMZ reported, was sent back to the hospital after suffering breathing issues and soon died.
RELATED: Stars we lost in 2021
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British actress Barbara Shelley — who was best known for her roles in horror films like 1958's "Blood of the Vampire," 1960's "Village of the Damned" (pictured) and 1966's "Dracula: Prince of Darkness" — died from complications of the coronavirus on Jan. 4, the BBC reported.
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Dawn Wells, who was best known for her role as Mary Ann on "Gilligan's Island," died in Los Angeles on Dec. 30, 2020, from complications of COVID-19. The actress was 82.
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Tony-nominated Broadway star Nick Cordero died on July 5 in a Los Angeles hospital from complications of COVID-19. He was 41. The singer-actor's wife, actress-dancer and Rockette-turned-fitness trainer Amanda Kloots, had chronicled his battle with the coronavirus and all the complications that followed — including the amputation of his leg due to clotting issues — over the previous 95 days. "God has another angel in heaven now. My darling husband passed away this morning. He was surrounded in love by his family, singing and praying as he gently left this earth," she wrote on Instagram. "I am in disbelief and hurting everywhere. My heart is broken as I cannot imagine our lives without him. Nick was such a bright light. He was everyone's friend, loved to listen, help and especially talk. He was an incredible actor and musician. He loved his family and loved being a father and husband. [Our 1-year-old son] Elvis and I will miss him in everything we do, everyday." She also thanked Nick's doctor as well as all the fans who sent love and support to their family. "I will love you forever and always my sweet man," Amanda concluded her post.
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Country music legend Charley Pride — a pioneer for Black artists in the genre and the first Black member of the Country Music Hall of Fame — died on Dec. 12 in Dallas from complications of COVID-19. He was 86. The Grammy winner, who was known for hit songs like "Kiss an Angel Good Morning" and "Is Anybody Goin' to San Antone," delivered his final performance at November's 2020 Country Music Association Awards, where he was given a lifetime achievement award.
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Actress Carol Sutton — who appeared in films and on TV shows including "Steel Magnolias," "The Pelican Brief," "Queen Sugar," "Treme," "Claws" and "Lovecraft Country" — died on Dec. 10 in New Orleans of COVID-19 complications, the city's mayor announced. She was 76. Mayor LaToya Cantrell praised Carol as being "practically the Queen of New Orleans theater, having graced the stages across the city for decades."
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Dave Prowse — the British character actor who physically played Darth Vader (James Earl Jones provided the villain's voice) in the first "Star Wars" trilogy — died from complications of COVID-19 on Nov. 28. He was 85. Daughter Rachel told The Sun that the 6-foot-6 former bodybuilder had Alzheimer's and for the last two weeks of his life was battling the coronavirus in a U.K. hospital. "It's horrible that COVID restrictions meant we did not get to see him and say goodbye," she said. "But when we went to collect his stuff from the hospital the nurse said what a cool guy he was. He was such a larger-than-life character. He would have loved to see himself trending on Twitter."
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Singer-actress Lynn Kellogg Simpers, best known for her starring role as Sheila in the original 1968 Broadway production of "Hair," died on Nov. 12 in a St. Louis hospital from COVID-19 complications. She was 77. Husband John Simpers told The New York Times she was infected with the coronavirus at a gathering in a large theater in Branson, Missouri, where most people were not wearing masks. He added that she had a non-life-threatening form of leukemia that compromised her vascular system.
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Paris-based Japanese designer Kenzo Takada died from coronavirus-related complications on Oct. 4, a spokesperson for one of the fashion visionary's brands confirmed in a statement: "It is with immense sadness that the brand K-3 announces the loss of its celebrated artistic director, Kenzo Takada. The world-renowned designer passed away on October 4th, 2020 due to COVID-19 related complications at the age of 81 at the American Hospital, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France."
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Musician and singer Tommy DeVito — a founding member of The Four Seasons and a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — died in a Las Vegas area hospital on Sept. 21 from complications of the coronavirus, "Casino" actor Alfredo Nittoli confirmed on Facebook. The famed doo-wop star was 92.
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Former Temptations lead singer Bruce Williamson died from complications of COVID-19 at his Las Vegas home on Sept. 6, 2020, TMZ reported the following day. Bruce, who became a Temptation in 2006 and performed with the group until 2015, was 49.
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Baseball icon Tom Seaver — who's widely regarded as one of the greatest Mets players of all time — died on Aug. 31 at his home in Calistoga, California, from complications of Lewy body dementia and COVID-19, his family confirmed to the Baseball Hall of Fame. The former pitcher, the galvanizing leader of the Miracle Mets 1969 championship team, was 75. "We are heartbroken to share that our beloved husband and father has passed away," wife Nancy and daughters Sarah and Anne told the HOF. "We send our love out to his fans, as we mourn his loss with you."
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Trini Lopez, who found fame in the 1960s with his mix of folk, Latin and rockabilly music — his biggest records were "If I Had a Hammer" and "Lemon Tree" — died on Aug. 11 at a hospital in Rancho Mirage, California, from complications of COVID-19. He was 83.
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Herman Cain, a former Republican presidential candidate and former CEO of Godfather's Pizza, died from complications of COVID-19, his website announced on July 30. The co-chair of Black Voices for Trump and contributor for conservative media outlet Newsmax was 74. "We knew when he was first hospitalized with COVID-19 [in early July] that this was going to be a rough fight. He had trouble breathing and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. We all prayed that the initial meds they gave him would get his breathing back to normal, but it became clear pretty quickly that he was in for a battle," HermanCain.com editor Dan Calabrese wrote. "There were hopeful indicators, including a mere five days ago when doctors told us they thought he would eventually recover, although it wouldn't be quick. … I'm sorry I had to bring you bad news this morning. But the good news is that we had a man so good, so solid, so full of love and faith … that his death hits us this hard. Thank God for a man like that."
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German magician and entertainer Roy Horn, who came to fame as half of the duo Siegfried & Roy — and whose career was cut short when he was attacked by one of their famed white tigers on stage in 2003 — died in Las Vegas on May 8 from complications related to COVID-19, his rep confirmed. Roy, who was 75, was diagnosed with the coronavirus in late April. "Today, the world has lost one of the greats of magic, but I have lost my best friend," Siegfried Fischbacher said in a statement. "From the moment we met, I knew Roy and I, together, would change the world. There could be no Siegfried without Roy, and no Roy without Siegfried." He continued, "Roy was a fighter his whole life including during these final days. I give my heartfelt appreciation to the team of doctors, nurses and staff at Mountain View Hospital who worked heroically against this insidious virus that ultimately took Roy's life."
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On April 7, country-folk singer and songwriter John Prine, who was known for his raspy vocals and plain-spoken style, passed away from complications caused by COVID-19. He was 73. In addition to being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, John — a real songwriter's songwriter beloved by fans and musicians alike — was the recipient of a Grammy lifetime achievement award in 2020. He also has two other Grammys.
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Former Dream Street singer Chris Trousdale died from complications due to the coronavirus in Burbank, California, on June 2. He was 34. After hitting it big musically, the former boy band member went on to star on TV shows like "Days of our Lives" and "Shake it Up."
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On April 8, Emmy-nominated hairstylist Charles Gregory passed away from health complications related to COVID-19. He was best known for working on television shows with famed filmmaker Tyler Perry. He also worked with several other notable Black actors, writers and filmmakers including Ava DuVernay, Lee Daniels and Viola Davis. "Today it's with a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of one of our crew members," Tyler wrote on Instagram. "Mr. Charles Gregory was a hairstylist that had worked with us for many years. The man was warm, loving and hilarious. We all loved to see him coming and hear his laughter. Charles lost his battle with COVID-19 today. It saddens me to think of him dying this way. My sincerest prayers are with his family."
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Adam Schlesinger, a noted songwriter and co-founder of the pop-rock band Fountains of Wayne, passed away on April 1 from complications related to COVID-19. He was 52. The beloved musician, who released the hit song "Stacy's Mom" in 2003, was also an Emmy Award-winning songwriter for the musical TV series "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend." The New York City native also notably penned the title song for the Tom Hanks-directed movie "That Thing You Do!," which earned him Oscar and Golden Globe Awards in 1997.
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Gospel singer Troy Sneed died at a hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, on April 27 from complications of the coronavirus. He was 52. Troy was nominated for a Grammy for his work on the 1999 gospel album "Higher."
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On April 5, actress Lee Fierro — best known as Mrs. Kintner in the "Jaws" film franchise — passed away from complications of the coronavirus. She was 91.
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Steve Dalkowski, the wild and hard-throwing left-handed minor league pitcher who inspired the character Nuke LaLoosh in the movie "Bull Durham" — but never pitched in a big league game — died on April 19, 2020, at the Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain, Connecticut, due to complications of COVID-19. His sister said he had several pre-existing conditions that led to his death. The former athlete — who was 80 when he passed away — had been in an assisted living facility for 26 years due to alcoholic dementia.
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Fred The Godson, a Bronx-based rapper and hip-hop radio fixture, revealed on April 6 that he'd been hospitalized after contracting COVID-19. On April 23, Fred (real name: Frederick Thomas) died from complications of the coronavirus, his rep confirmed. He was 35.
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Country singer Joe Diffie died on March 29 from complications caused by the coronavirus. He was 61. His hit songs include "Home," "If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets)" and "Bigger Than the Beatles." At the 1993 Grammy Awards, Joe — a member of the Grand Ole Opry for 25 years — was nominated for best country collaboration with vocals for the song "Not Too Much to Ask" with Mary Chapin Carpenter.
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Jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis Jr. died on April 1 from coronavirus-related complications. The legendary musician from New Orleans — whose children include noted musicians Branford Marsalis and Wynton Marsalis — was 85. Said Branford, "My dad was a giant of a musician and teacher, but an even greater father. He poured everything he had into making us the best of what we could be."
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On March 25, actor Mark Blum died after contracting the novel coronavirus. He was 69. Mark rose to fame after landing a starring role in the 1985 film "Desperately Seeking Susan." The New York City native, a theater veteran, also notably appeared in films including "Crocodile Dundee" and "I Don't Know How She Does It" and in more recent years was on TV's "Succession," "You" and "Mozart in the Jungle."
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Cinematographer Allen Daviau — a five-time Oscar nominee for films including "E.T. the Extra Terrestrial," "The Color Purple," "Empire of the Sun" and "Bugsy" — died at a Los Angeles hospital from complications of COVID-19 on April 15 at 77. "E.T." filmmaker Steven Spielberg was among the stars who mourned, sharing in a statement about Allen, "His warmth and humanity were as powerful as his lens. He was a singular talent and a beautiful human being."
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Italian actress Lucia Bosè died on March 23 from coronavirus-related complications. She was 89. She reached the peak of her fame in the 1950s during the time of Italian Neorealism. Her filmography includes "Three Girls from Rome," "Concert of Intrigue," "Nocturne 29" and "The Picasso Summer."
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On March 24, acclaimed playwright Terrence McNally passed away in a Florida hospital from complications caused by COVID-19. He was 81 and had previously survived lung cancer and was living with COPD. In 2018, he was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters and in 2019, he was the recipient of a special Tony Award for lifetime achievement. His list of accolades also include four other Tonys (for writing the books for the musicals "Ragtime" and "Kiss of the Spider Woman" and penning the plays "Love! Valour! Compassion!" and "Master Class") and an Emmy for writing the TV version of his play "Andre's Mother" as well as two Guggenheim fellowships.
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Singer-songwriter and musician Manu Dibango, who was known for playing the saxophone and vibraphone, passed away on March 24 at 84 from COVID-19 complications. He was best known for his single "Soul Makossa," which came out in 1972.
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Celebrated jazz saxophonist Lee Konitz died from pneumonia related to COVID-19 on April 15. He was 92. The musician, whose career lasted for seven decades, was the last surviving performer on Miles Davis' landmark "Birth of the Cool" album, Billboard reported.
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Musician and lawyer Matthew Seligman died from complications related to COVID-19 on April 17 at 64. In addition to being remembered for his impact on the new wave music scene in the '80s, Matthew — who was a member of bands The Soft Boys and the Thompson Twins — famously played on stage with David Bowie during his 1985 Live Aid performance.
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Japanese comedian Ken Shimura, who co-starred on the Japanese variety show "Shimura Ken no Bakatonosama," passed away on March 29 from COVID-19 health complications. He was 70. Known for his slapstick comedy, Ken was often referred to as "Japan's Robin Williams."
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"Top Chef Masters" winner Floyd Cardoz died on March 25 due to complications from the novel coronavirus. The 59-year-old celebrity chef, who cooked on dozens of TV shows, was admitted to a New Jersey hospital after he fell ill upon returning from a trip to Mumbai in March.
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Actress-turned-author Patricia Bosworth, who starred alongside Audrey Hepburn in "The Nun's Story," died in New York on April 2 from pneumonia brought on by the novel coronavirus. She was 86. Her works include "The Men in My Life: A Memoir of Love and Art in 1950s," "Anything Your Little Heart Desires: An American Family Story" and "Jane Fonda: The Private Life of a Public Woman."
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Jazz trumpeter Wallace Roney passed away on March 31 from complications of COVID-19. He was 59. The Grammy winner famously studied with Miles Davis from 1985 until the acclaimed musician's death in 1991. Philadelphia-born Wallace's albums include "Verses," "Obsession" and "No Room for Argument."
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Jazz guitarist John "Bucky" Pizzarelli, 94, died on April 1 from COVID-19 at his New Jersey home. Bucky — the father of noted musicians John Pizzarelli and Martin Pizzarelli — collaborated with artists including Benny Goodman, Antônio Carlos Jobim and Stéphane Grappelli during his lengthy career. He was also a staff musician in The Tonight Show Band on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" in 1964.
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On March 29, singer, songwriter and guitarist Alan Merrill died from complications caused by the novel coronavirus. He was 69. Along with being the writer and lead vocalist of the original version of the track "I Love Rock 'n' Roll, which was first recorded by the Arrows in 1975 and later made famous by Joan Jett, Alan was known as the first Western musician to reach pop star status in Japan.
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English actress Hilary Heath (also known as Hilary Dwyer) passed away on March 30 from complications related to COVID-19. She was 74. Hilary landed roles in films including 1968's "Witchfinder General" and 1970's "Wuthering Heights." The Liverpool native was best known for her many appearances in horror films in the late 1960s and early 1970s. She's seen here in the 1970 horror movie "Cry of the Banshee."
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Actor Allen Garfield, 80, died on April 7 from COVID-19. His impressive roster of credits include appearances in films like "Irreconcilable Differences," "Beverly Hills Cop II" and "Diabolique." He is pictured here on an episode of the series "Sports Night" in 2000.
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According to a statement from her brother, Prince Sixto Enrique, Princess Maria Teresa of Bourbon-Parma is the world's first royal to die from the coronavirus. She passed away in Paris on March 26 at 86. Maria Teresa is a distant cousin of Spain's King Felipe VI.
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English actor Jay Benedict died on April 4 from health complications caused by the coronavirus. He was 68. He appeared in films including "Aliens" and "The Dark Knight Rises."
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Beloved acting teacher Wynn Handman — who co-founded and served as director of New York City's American Place Theatre, an influential part of the off-Broadway scene following its 1963 opening — died at 97 on April 11 from complications of COVID-19. His theater championed new playwrights like a young Sam Shepard and cast actors like Robert de Niro, Dustin Hoffman, Raul Julia, Faye Dunaway and John Leguizamo early in their careers.
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Musician-producer Hal Willner, 64, died at home in New York City on April 7. He had symptoms consistent with those caused COVID-19 though was unable to get tested before his death. The Philadelphia native was famously known for coordinating tribute albums that featured an array of musicians and musical styles including rock, jazz, and classical. He was also a longtime sketch music producer on "Saturday Night Live."
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Actor Forrest Compton, who was best known for his work on the soap opera "Edge of the Night," died on April 5 from complications related to COVID-19. He was 94. He also appeared in 1961's "The Outsider" and 1991's "McBain."
