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- 18 Beloved Celebrities We’ve Lost in 2026 (momswhothink.com)
As 2026 rolls on, we pause to honor the incredible lives we’ve lost this year. From beloved stars who brightened our screens and stages to influential figures who shaped our world, each has left an indelible mark.
This tribute remembers their talent, dedication, and the enduring legacies they’ve left behind. *(This post was updated on February 19th to include additional deaths.)
Guy Moon – January 8th, 2026
Prolific composer Guy Moon, the maestro behind the unforgettable soundtracks of iconic 2000s animated series like The Fairly OddParents, Danny Phantom, and Big Time Rush, passed away in early January 2026 at 63, following a traffic collision. Moon’s high-energy, genre-blending scores-from jazz to pop-rock-defined the childhoods of a generation, making him one of animation’s most sought-after musical minds.
T.K. Carter – January 9th, 2026
Thomas Kent “T.K.” Carter, a versatile actor known for roles in both comedy and drama, died on January 9, 2026, at 69.
Authorities found him unresponsive at his Duarte, California home, with no foul play suspected. While the official cause of death remains undisclosed, his passing was confirmed by publicist Tony Freeman.
Carter’s career spanned four decades, highlighted by his breakthrough as Nauls in John Carpenter’s The Thing and his recurring role as Mike Fulton on Punky Brewster.
Bob Weir – January 10th, 2026
Robert Hall Weir, a founding member of the Grateful Dead, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, at 78. His family announced he succumbed to complications from underlying lung issues after “courageously beating cancer.”
As the youngest member of the Grateful Dead, Weir’s distinctive “inverted” rhythm guitar and Americana-infused songwriting were central to the band’s legendary improvisational sound. Over six decades, he remained a tireless touring artist, dedicated to preserving the “Dead” songbook.
Yeison Jiménez – January 10th, 2026
Colombian singer-songwriter Yeison Jiménez, a leading voice in contemporary regional Latin music, died in January 2026 at the tragically young age of 34. Known for his emotionally charged blend of traditional ranchera and Colombian styles with deeply personal lyrics, Jiménez connected with a loyal following through songs of heartbreak and perseverance. His raw vocal delivery and authentic storytelling resonated deeply, earning him chart success and a reputation as an artist intimately connected to his audience.
Derek Martin – January 11th, 2026
Derek Martin, a beloved figure in British television and former stuntman, passed away on January 11, 2026, at 92. Best known for his long-running role as Charlie Slater on the iconic soap opera EastEnders, Martin became a household name in the UK for over 15 years. Colleagues remembered him as the “soul of the set,” a man whose real-life warmth mirrored the protective, salt-of-the-earth character he brought to the screen.
Marcus Gilbert – January 11, 2026
British actor Marcus Gilbert, celebrated for his dashing lead role in the 1993 TV adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s Riders, died on January 11, 2026, at 67, after a private battle with cancer. Gilbert’s career spanned Shakespearean theater to Hollywood blockbusters like Army of Darkness and Rambo III, earning him acclaim for his versatility and the effortless “twinkle” he brought to his performances.
John Forté – January 12, 2026
Grammy-nominated musician and producer John Forté died on January 12, 2026, at 50. Known for his impactful work with the Fugees and collaborations across hip-hop and alternative music, Forté built a career defined by creativity and resilience. His contributions as a songwriter and producer earned him widespread respect in the music industry and a devoted fan base.
Scott Adams – January 14th, 2026
Scott Adams, the cartoonist behind the globally syndicated comic strip Dilbert, died on January 13, 2026, at 68. His family confirmed he had been battling prostate cancer since 2025. While his later years saw political controversy, Adams’ creation of Dilbert in 1989 revolutionized office humor, offering millions a satirical look at the absurdities of corporate culture and middle management.
Jim Vargas – January 14, 2026
Emmy-winning television journalist and longtime ABC7 presenter Jim Vargas passed away on January 14, 2026, at 78. With a career spanning four decades, Vargas was a titan of political and public affairs reporting. He was part of award-winning teams covering the Patty Hearst kidnapping and the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, remembered by colleagues as the “ultimate all-around reporter” who helped define local news excellence.
Kianna Underwood – January 16, 2026
Former child star Kianna Underwood, known for her roles in Nickelodeon’s All That and Little Bill, died tragically on January 16, 2026, at 33. Underwood was killed in a hit-and-run incident in Brooklyn, New York. Her sudden passing has deeply saddened the entertainment community and fans who grew up with her vibrant performances.
Roger Allers – January 17, 2026
Acclaimed American animator and director Roger Allers, most famous for co-directing Disney’s The Lion King, passed away on January 17, 2026, at 76, at his Santa Monica home after a brief illness. Allers, who also wrote for classics like Aladdin, was celebrated for his immense contributions to the “Disney Renaissance” and for bringing some of animation’s most beloved stories to life.
Phil Goyette – January 17, 2026
Canadian ice hockey legend and four-time Stanley Cup champion Phil Goyette died on January 14, 2026, at 92. Goyette enjoyed a stellar career as a forward for the Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers before making history as the very first head coach of the New York Islanders. He was celebrated for his skill, leadership, and dedication to the sport across multiple NHL eras.
Valentino Garavani – January 19, 2026
Legendary Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani, known globally as Valentino, died on January 19, 2026, at 93, surrounded by loved ones at his Roman residence. The “undisputed master of style” was the visionary behind the iconic Valentino fashion house and his signature “Valentino red.” His illustrious career saw him dressing the world’s most famous women, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor, leaving an indelible mark on high fashion and Italian glamour.
Rob Hirst – January 20, 2026
Australian musician Rob Hirst, co-founder and longtime drummer of the rock band Midnight Oil, died on January 20, 2026, at 70. Known for his powerful drumming and backing vocals, Hirst was integral to the band’s politically charged sound and international success. Midnight Oil became one of Australia’s most influential musical exports, and Hirst’s contributions defined its distinctive energy and message-driven approach.
Catherine O’Hara – January 30, 2026
Canadian-American actress and comedian Catherine O’Hara, renowned for her iconic film and television roles, died on January 30, 2026, at 71. O’Hara built a career spanning over five decades, earning acclaim for her work on SCTV before becoming a beloved presence in films like Beetlejuice and Home Alone. She later captivated a new generation with her Emmy-winning performance on Schitt’s Creek, leaving a lasting mark on comedy and popular culture with her sharp wit, versatility, and unmistakable voice.
James Van Der Beek – February 11, 2026
James Van Der Beek, who rose to fame as the earnest Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek, a defining teen drama of the late 1990s, died in 2026 at 48. His portrayal of the aspiring filmmaker navigating love and friendship made him a teen idol and household name.
Beyond Capeside, Van Der Beek cultivated a diverse career in film and television, with roles in Varsity Blues, Rules of Attraction, and later comedic turns that showcased his self-awareness and range. He leaves behind a body of work that continues to resonate with fans.
Robert Duvall – February 15, 2026
Robert Duvall, one of the most respected and enduring actors of his generation, known for his commanding screen presence and remarkable versatility, died in 2026 at 95. Rising to prominence in the 1970s, he delivered unforgettable performances in classics such as The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, and Tender Mercies, for which he won an Academy Award. Across a career spanning over six decades, Duvall brought depth and authenticity to every role, from hardened lawmen to patriarchs, leaving a legacy that shaped modern American storytelling.
Rev. Jesse Jackson – February 17, 2026
Rev. Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in American civil rights, passed away in 2026 at 84.
Rising to national prominence as a close associate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he later founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, becoming a powerful advocate for racial equality, economic justice, and political inclusion for decades.
Jackson twice sought the Democratic presidential nomination in the 1980s, breaking barriers and expanding the national political conversation. His decades of activism and enduring influence shaped the nation’s civil rights movement and political landscape.
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- 18 Beloved Celebrities We’ve Lost in 2026 (momswhothink.com)