Obituaries

Tony Berlant, artist known for large-scale found-metal collages and comic Kate Berlant's dad, dies at 85

Deborah Vankin, Laura Zornosa — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:04:13 GMT

Tony Berlant, a seminal influence in the West Coast Pop Art movement of the 1960s who was known as a 'painterly collage artist' with a penchant for working with tin, has died. He was 85.

Kevin Bleyer, a longtime 'Daily Show' writer, dies in car crash at 54

Andrea Flores — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 21:37:48 GMT

Kevin Bleyer was an esteemed comedic staff writer on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" for nine years. He also helped write all of President Barack Obama's speeches during the White House Correspondents Dinners — including ones that fired shots at President Donald Trump.

Dolores Huerta, the fiery and resolute activist who helped launch the nation's first enduring union for poor farmworkers, dies

James Rainey — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 15:53:19 GMT

The emotional compass of the United Farm Workers of America for decades, Huerta attained singular stature as godmother of the Chicano power movement and doyenne of American labor.

Appreciation: Ross Newhan, Hall of Fame baseball writer for The Times, dies at 89

Bill Shaikin — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Ross Newhan, who earned Hall of Fame honors after decades covering pro baseball for the L.A. Times, was honored by the Dodgers and MLB after his death.

Noah Adams, longtime host of NPR's 'All Things Considered,' dies at 84

Tracy Brown — Sun, 25 Oct 2026 00:58:47 GMT

Noah Adams, a journalist and author who was a host on NPR's news program 'All Things Considered' for 18 years, has died at age 84.

Michael Gray, former teen idol and 'Shazam!' series star, dies at 75

Tracy Brown — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 21:14:00 GMT

Michael Gray, a former teen idol known for his portrayal of Billy Batson in the 'Shazam!' TV series, has died at age 75.

Ron Duguay, charismatic New York Rangers star who finished NHL career with Kings, dies at 69

Chuck Schilken — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 21:17:30 GMT

Ron Duguay, a longtime New York Rangers star who finished his NHL career with the Kings, has died of cancer.

John Anderson, Country Music Hall of Famer known for 'Swingin,'' 'Straight Tequila Night,' dies

Emily St. Martin, August Brown — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 04:39:06 GMT

The country-western star known for twangy hits has died. He was 71.

Richard Riehle, prolific character actor from 'Office Space' and 'Bridesmaids,' dies at 78

Tracy Brown — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 01:39:48 GMT

Richard Riehle, an actor whose credits include 'Office Space,' 'Bridesmaids,' 'The Fugitive,' 'Star Trek' and more, has died at age 78.

Air Force identifies member who died after rappelling accident during NAVY-UTSA pregame

Chuck Schilken — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 18:17:12 GMT

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, a decorated 15-year service member and instructor, died after a rappelling accident during a military salute before the Navy-UTSA game at the Alamodome.

Heidi Burge Horton, South Bay basketball star who inspired a Disney Channel movie, dies at 54

Tracy Brown — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 01:46:23 GMT

Heidi Burge Horton, a Palos Verdes High basketball star and WNBA player who, along with her twin, inspired a Disney movie, has died at age 54.

Alan Mandell, acclaimed actor and interpreter of playwright Samuel Beckett's work, dies at 98

Anthony Solorzano — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:26:02 GMT

Alan Mandell, an acclaimed classical actor and one of the foremost interpreters of playwright Samuel Beckett's work, has died.

Lucian Piane, former composer for 'RuPaul's Drag Race,' dies in Glendale car accident

Alexandra Del Rosario — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 17:33:17 GMT

The 'RuPaul's Drag Race' team is mourning the loss of former music composer Lucian Piane, who died Monday after he was struck by a car in Glendale. He was 46.

RJ Mitte, 'Breaking Bad' actor who played Walter White's son, is dead at 34

Greg Braxton — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 21:28:31 GMT

The actor was best known for his role on AMC's 'Breaking Bad,' in which he played Walter White's son and was considered the conscience of the series.

Chad Lowe shares message of hope following the death of his 13-year-old daughter

Deborah Day — Fri, 9 Oct 2026 18:32:08 GMT

Chad Lowe posted a message about hope and spirituality on Instagram, following his 13-year-old daughter Fiona's death.

Mike Ditka, legendary coach of 1985 Chicago Bears and first tight end inducted into Hall of Fame, dies

June Hsu — Fri, 9 Oct 2026 16:08:51 GMT

Mike Ditka, the first ever tight end to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and coach of the legendary 1985 Chicago Bears, has died. He was 86.

Michael Kearns, one of Hollywood's first out gay actors, dies at 76

Emily St. Martin — Thu, 8 Oct 2026 16:18:46 GMT

Michael Kearns, the trailblazing actor, author and AIDS activist credited as the first Hollywood actor to come out as gay, has died at 76.

Eva Marie Saint, Oscar-winning star of 'On the Waterfront' and 'North by Northwest,' dies at 102

Valerie J. Nelson — Tue, 6 Oct 2026 21:15:20 GMT

Eva Marie Saint, a graceful actor best known for her Oscar-winning film debut in 'On the Waterfront' and for her turn as a sultry spy in 'North by Northwest,' died Tuesday. She was 102.

Jim Bakker, televangelist who rose to fame and fell from grace, dies at 86

Steve Marble — Tue, 6 Oct 2026 13:55:29 GMT

Jim Bakker, famed PTL preacher who fell from grace, dies

Fred Claire, former Dodgers GM whose team won the '88 World Series, dies

Mike DiGiovanna — Tue, 6 Oct 2026 13:50:37 GMT

Fred Claire, a former sportswriter who was an unorthodox choice to be the Dodgers' general manager, helped turn the team into World Series champions in 1988.

Robert Kelker-Kelly, soap drama star known for 'Days of Our Lives' turn as Bo, dies

Alexandra Del Rosario — Tue, 6 Oct 2026 00:38:49 GMT

Robert Kelker-Kelly, the former daytime drama actor who played Bo Brady on 'Days Of Our Lives,' died Saturday after reportedly complaining of chest pain. He was 62.

Sass Jordan, 'Make You a Believer' singer and 'Canadian Idol' judge, dies at 65

Tracy Brown — Mon, 5 Oct 2026 21:29:20 GMT

Sass Jordan, the Canadian rock star known for 'Make You a Believer' and a 'Canadian Idol' judge for six seasons, has died at age 65.

Reggie McFadden, comedian known for 'Def Comedy Jam' and 'In Living Color,' dies at 57

Deborah Day — Mon, 5 Oct 2026 21:13:47 GMT

'In Living Color' actor and comedian Reggie McFadden has died at the age of 57. His family received word from the State Department of his death in Tanzania.

Bob Fontaine Jr., a legendary scout who drafted the Angels' 2002 championship core, dies at 73

Steve Henson — Mon, 5 Oct 2026 16:29:23 GMT

Bob Fontaine Jr. was a scout for six MLB teams and drafted Hall of Famers Ozzie Smith, Tony Gwynn and Randy Johnson, in addition to Jim Abbott and many other Angels stars.

Chad Lowe announces death of 13-year-old daughter Fiona: 'Light of our lives'

Alexandra Del Rosario — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 16:58:36 GMT

The family of 'Life Goes On' star Chad Lowe announces the death of 13-year-old daughter Fiona. 'She was the light of our lives,' the family wrote and included information for a mental health lifeline.

Angela Stribling, BET host and radio personality, dies after 2-year battle with brain cancer

Deborah Day — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 22:11:00 GMT

Pioneering BET host Angela Stribling has died. Stribling was also an accomplished jazz singer and radio personality, who lost a two-year battle with brain cancer.

Slinger Francisco, Calypso singer known as the Mighty Sparrow, dies at 91

Deborah Day — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 19:38:56 GMT

"King of Calypso" Slinger Francisco, also known as the Mighty Sparrow, died in New York on Sunday at 91 following a brief illness, according to his daughter, Karen Francisco.

Dennis Haskins, known for playing beloved Principal Belding on 'Saved by the Bell,' dies at 75

Emily St. Martin — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 05:35:28 GMT

Dennis Haskins, known for playing the earnest and beloved Principal Richard Belding on 'Saved by the Bell,' has died. He was 75.

Gary 'Angry' Anderson, frontman for Aussie rock band Rose Tattoo, dies at 79

Andrea Flores — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 02:42:21 GMT

News of Gary Anderson's death came via the band's Instagram account, which said the singer died Monday night in Sydney.

Peter Byrne, lead singer for the synth-pop group Naked Eyes, dies at 74

Deborah Day — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 22:39:37 GMT

British singer-songwriter Peter Byrne, co-founder of synth-pop duo Naked Eyes, died Sept. 14, 2026, in Los Angeles.

Former Fox News producer Jennifer Eckhart dies by suicide at 36

Deborah Day — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 21:31:51 GMT

Jennifer Eckhart, a former Fox Business Network associate producer, settled a sexual assault lawsuit against ex-"Fox & Friends" weekend anchor Ed Henry in 2025.

Chad Gilbert, founding guitarist of pop-punk band New Found Glory, dies at 45

Tracy Brown — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 17:46:53 GMT

Chad Gilbert had just celebrated his return to the stage in June after emergency surgery earlier this year to remove a brain tumor.

Sway Dasafo, award-winning British rapper, dies at 44

Tracy Brown — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 20:19:24 GMT

Pioneering British rapper Sway Dasafo, the first unsigned artist to win a Mobo award in 2005, has died at age 44.

Duncan Sheik, 'Barely Breathing' singer and Tony-winning 'Spring Awakening' composer, dies at 56

Chuck Schilken, August Brown — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:15:41 GMT

Duncan Sheik, who earned a Grammy nomination for his ubiquitous 1990s hit "Barely Breathing" and won a Tony Award for composing the music for "Spring Awakening," died Thursday.

Rosalind Ashford, original Martha and the Vandellas singer, dies at 83

Emily St. Martin — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 03:07:09 GMT

Rosalind Ashford, the soprano behind Motown hits including "Dancing in the Street" and "Heat Wave," has died. She was 83.

LeRoy Chatfield, lifelong public servant who championed marginalized communities, dies at 92

Priscella Vega — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:58:47 GMT

LeRoy Chatfield weaved seamlessly through movements, acting as a key player in the United Farm Workers union, serving in Gov. Jerry Brown's administration, and helping secure safe spaces for Sacramento's homeless community.

Peter Max, pop artist known for his colorful psychedelic style, dies at 88

Tracy Brown — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 22:12:19 GMT

Peter Max, the pop artist and hippie icon who helped define the colorful psychedelic style of the 1960s, has died. He was 88.

Brian Wolfe, a former Servite standout who pitched for the Blue Jays, dies at 45

Chuck Schilken — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:29:41 GMT

Former Servite High pitching standout Brian Wolfe, who appeared in 72 games over three seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, has died at 45, his wife said Tuesday on Facebook.

Byron Sher, an uncomfortable politician who left an indelible mark on California's environment, dies at 98

Dan Morain — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 20:15:00 GMT

Byron Sher, a Stanford law professor-turned California legislator who wrote some of the state's most far-reaching environmental laws, died Saturday. He was 98.

Charles Manson's 'right-hand man,' Bruce Davis, dies in prison at 83

Richard Winton, James Queally — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 17:41:34 GMT

Although he was not involved in Manson's most infamous murders — including the slayings of Sharon Tate and four others — Davis was convicted in two other killings. He was found suitable for parole eight times, but his release was blocked repeatedly by California governors.

Lucien Smith, multidisciplinary artist and art world fixture of the 2010s, dies at 37

Emily St. Martin — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 06:38:29 GMT

Multidisciplinary artist Lucien Smith, celebrated for his iconic 'Rain Paintings' and 'Pie Paintings,' has died at 37.

Longtime film academy chief executive Bruce Davis dies at 83

Glenn Whipp — Wed, 9 Sep 2026 17:30:35 GMT

Bruce Davis was Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences CEO from 1989 to 2011, leading it through a sizable expansion of staff and setting up its film archive at the Pickford Center.

Wrestling legend 'Superstar' Bill Dundee dies at 82

Jasmine Mendez — Mon, 7 Sep 2026 00:08:17 GMT

Memphis wrestling legend "Superstar" Bill Dundee, known for his 50-year career and rivalry with Jerry Lawler, has died at 82.

Maurice 'Mo' Jourdane, California lawyer who fought for farmworkers, dies at 83

Grace Toohey — Sun, 6 Sep 2026 15:53:38 GMT

The California attorney championed farmworkers and fought to outlaw the short-handled hoe, or "el cortito;" he died Saturday after a battle with cancer.

George Joseph, pioneering Mercury General founder, dies at 104

Laurence Darmiento — Fri, 4 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

George Joseph, a Harvard math major who founded Mercury General and became a fierce opponent of Proposition 103, which regulates California's insurance industry, has died at the age of 104.

Wendell Berry, celebrated author and fierce defender of agrarian life, dies at 92

Emily St. Martin — Fri, 4 Sep 2026 03:30:45 GMT

Wendell Berry, the Kentucky farmer, poet and author whose writings inspired the sustainable-agriculture movement, died Monday at 92.

Gloria Steinem, charismatic feminist and co-founder of Ms. Magazine, dies at 92

Steve Chawkins, Sonja Sharp — Thu, 3 Sep 2026 11:26:18 GMT

Gloria Steinem, who urged women to pursue self-affirmation, political power and equality both in the workplace and at home, has died.

Disney star Carla Jeffery, who played Bree in 'Zombies' franchise, dies at 33

Emily St. Martin — Thu, 3 Sep 2026 02:47:40 GMT

Carla Jeffery, who played Bree in Disney's 'Zombies,' has died. She launched her acting career at 12 and appeared in shows including "iCarly," "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Good Luck Charlie."

'Rocky Horror' icon Tim Curry's cause of death revealed

Alexandra Del Rosario — Wed, 2 Sep 2026 20:42:05 GMT

The official cause of death for Tim Curry, the beloved actor known for roles in 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' and 'It,' has been revealed. He died last week at 80.

Peter Cullen, actor who voiced Optimus Prime and Eeyore, dies at 85

Tracy Brown — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 21:34:09 GMT

Peter Cullen, the actor known for voicing Optimus Prime in 'Transformers' and Eeyore in 'Winnie the Pooh,' has died at age 85.

Samuel Monroe Jr., actor best known for 'Menace II Society' and 'The Players Club,' dies at 52

Alexandra Del Rosario, Emily St. Martin — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 19:56:11 GMT

Actor Samuel Monroe Jr., who appeared in films 'Menace II Society' and 'The Players Club,' has died more than a year after contracting a meningitis infection. He was 52.

Tim Curry, the versatile star turned pop culture icon with 'Rocky Horror Picture Show,' dies at 80

Alexandra Del Rosario — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 16:17:52 GMT

Tim Curry, the beloved and versatile star who famously commanded attention as the seductive mad scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the cult classic musical 'Rocky Horror Picture Show,' has died. He was 80.

Dolly Parton, country music legend who became a national treasure, dies at 80

RJ Smith — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:05:38 GMT

Dolly Parton, a national treasure whose country music career married grit and wit, faith and sex appeal, virtuosity and plastic surgery, has died.

Michael Wright, actor known for 'The Five Heartbeats,' 'Sugarhill' and 'Oz,' dies at 70

Emily St. Martin — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 03:25:12 GMT

Michael Wright, an actor who trained with Lee Strasberg and starred in cult classic films "The Five Heartbeats" and "Sugarhill," as well as the groundbreaking prestige prison drama "Oz," has died.

Bunny Levine, 'Gilmore Girls' and 'La La Land' actor, dies at 97

Andrea Flores — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 01:08:33 GMT

With more than 100 credits to her name, Bunny Levine considered herself one of "the most energetic and agile" older actors around.

Shelley Fabares, 'Donna Reed Show' and 'One Day at a Time' star, dies at 82

Jasmine Mendez — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 21:07:27 GMT

Actor Shelley Fabares, known for "The Donna Reed Show," "One Day at a Time," "Coach" and her hit song "Johnny Angel," has died at 82.

David Cannom, pioneering L.A. cardiologist, dies at 86

Mark Olsen — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

A pioneer in the use of implantable defibrillators, Cannom spent more than 30 years as director of cardiology at the Hospital of the Good Samaritan.

Bill Rasmussen, who founded ESPN as the first 24/7 all-sports network, dies at 93

Cerys Davies, Stephen Battaglio — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 15:51:10 GMT

Bill Rasmussen, the founder of ESPN who revolutionized sports media, has died. He was 93 and suffered from Parkinson's disease.

ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard dies at 77 after health issues, band cancels upcoming shows

Alexandra Del Rosario, Mikael Wood — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 20:21:25 GMT

ZZ Top is mourning the loss of longtime drummer Frank Beard, who died after suffering health issues. The band has called off multiple upcoming shows in wake of his death.

Hayden Panettiere, star of 'Heroes,' 'Nashville,' dies at 36 in South Carolina

Terry Castleman, Hailey Branson-Potts — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 03:46:28 GMT

Actor Hayden Panettiere, who starred in TV dramas and movies, died Sunday, according to her family. She was 36.

Tommy John, Dodgers pitcher and medical pioneer, dies at 83

Michael Kupper — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 17:45:42 GMT

Tommy John, who ruptured a ligament in his left elbow in 1974, agreed to a radical surgery that revived his career and changed baseball. He pitched for 26 years.

Christy Knowings, star on Nickelodeon's iconic sketch show 'All That,' dies at 46

Emily St. Martin — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 02:34:37 GMT

Christy Knowings, an actor best known for her work on Nickelodeon's comedy sketch show "All That," has died at 46 after suffering a severe asthma attack.

Reggie Bannister, star of 'Phantasm' cult film franchise, dies at 80

Alexandra Del Rosario — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 18:01:34 GMT

Actor Reggie Bannister, known for starring in the 'Phantasm' horror film franchise, died Sunday at age 80, his wife announced. 'He's no longer in pain,' she wrote.

Ben Jones, 'Dukes of Hazzard' actor who later served in Congress, dies at 84

Tracy Brown — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:16:40 GMT

Ben Jones, the actor who played Cooter Davenport on "The Dukes of Hazzard" then represented Georgia for two terms in Congress, has died at age 84.

Dory Funk Jr., WWE Hall of Famer and member of iconic wrestling family, dies at 85

Chuck Schilken — Wed, 5 Aug 2026 00:15:34 GMT

Dory Funk Jr., pioneering WWE Hall of Famer and member of wrestling's famed Funk family, has died at 85 in Florida hospice care, his wife confirmed Tuesday.

Allan Nascimento, Brazilian UFC fighter known as 'Puro Osso,' dies at 34

Chuck Schilken — Tue, 4 Aug 2026 16:47:47 GMT

Brazilian UFC flyweight Allan Nascimento, nicknamed "Puro Osso," has died at 34 after an apparent heart attack in his sleep, UFC said on Monday.

Vincent Pastore, mobster actor in 'The Sopranos' and 'Goodfellas,' dies at 80

Yvonne Villarreal, Samantha Masunaga — Sat, 1 Aug 2026 23:11:24 GMT

Vincent Pastore, best known for playing gangster informant Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on HBO's "The Sopranos," has died.