‘Ghostbusters’ Star Jennifer Runyon and Other Stars We’ve Lost in 2026

Hollywood mourned the deaths of some of its most legendary stars in 2026.

The year started off with Broadway performer and influencer Bret Hanna-Shuford’s death at age 46. At the end of the month, comedy acting icon Catherine O’Hara died at age 71.

In February, Designing Women’s Camilla Carr died at age 83, Dawson’s Creek actor James Van Der Beek died at age 48, Harold and Maude star Bud Cort died at 77, Robert Duvall died at age 95 and actor Eric Dane died at age 53.

That same month, Lizzie McGuire actor Robert Carradine‘s family confirmed his death on February 23. On February 26, news broke that The Wire alum Bobby J. Brown died at age 62. One day later, musician Neil Sedaka died at age 86.

In March, Dallas star Annabel Schofield died at the age of 62, while the family of former NASCAR driver Chase Pistone confirmed his death at age 42. Pulp Fiction actor Stephen Hibbert, who played The Gimp, died on March 2 at the age of 68 while Will & Grace star and acting teacher Corey Parker died at the age of 60 on March 5.

Scroll down to remember all the stars who died in 2026:

The Ghostbusters and Charles in Charge actress died at the age of 65 following a six-month cancer battle, as confirmed by Us Weekly on March 8.

Runyon shared two children with husband Todd Corman — son, Wyatt, and daughter, Bayley — and was honored by Bayley via an Instagram post that day. “All of the best parts of me came from you,” Runyon’s daughter wrote at the time. “I would give anything for one more day together.”

Runyon was seen in a brief-yet-memorable scene alongside Bill Murray in 1984’s Ghostbusters and also appeared as Gwendolyn Pierce in season 1 of Charles in Charge that same year. 

TMZ reported that Corey Parker’s aunt, Emily Parker, confirmed that the Will & Grace star and distinguished acting teacher died at age 60 on March 5 in Memphis. Corey was perhaps best known for playing Grace Adler’s environmentally conscious boyfriend Josh on the NBC sitcom but also made memorable appearances in Biloxi Blues and Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning.

His acting students started a GoFundMe to help support Corey during his battle with cancer. In a February 2026 update, Corey wrote that he was blown away by the “generosity and care that everyone has shown me and my family.”

“I cannot thank you enough for all of the love and care,” he wrote in February. “Your donations have made such a huge difference in our life and have allowed me to rest a little easier knowing that our needs are being met even while I can no longer have income.”

His acting studio BGB shared a message from Corey’s sister Noelle following the announcement of his death.

“I believe he left this world weightless, at peace [and] surrounded with love,” she said.

Pulp Fiction actor Stephen Hibbert died on March 2 at the age of 68, his family confirmed to TMZ.

“Our father, Stephen Hibbert, passed away unexpectedly this week,” Hibbert’s three children wrote in a statement, revealing that the actor suffered a heart attack. “His life was full of love and dedication to the arts and his family. He will be dearly missed by many.”

Former Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz, who led the Fighting Irish to an undefeated season and national championship in 1988, died on March 4 at age 89, one month after entering hospice care.

“Holtz is remembered for his enduring values of faith, family, service and an unwavering belief in the potential of others,” Notre Dame said in a statement. “His influence extended far beyond the football field through the Holtz Charitable Foundation and the many players, colleagues, and communities shaped by his leadership.”

Former NASCAR driver Chase Pistone died at age 42, his family confirmed on March 2. His brother, Nick, did not reveal a cause of death, but requested that industry news outlet Legends Nation share the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in their reporting.

Dallas star and model Annabel Schofield died on February 28 after battling brain cancer. She was 62 years old.

The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the news the following month, noting that she is survived by her mother.

Schofield was best known as Laurel Ellis on the primetime soap that aired on CBS from 1978 to 1991. The Welsh-born actress also modeled in London, England, during the 1980s. 

Singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka died on February 27. He was 86. The musician was best known for hits including “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” “Bad Blood,” “Laughter in the Rain” and “Calendar Girl.”

Sedaka’s family confirmed his death, telling Variety in a statement, “Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka. A true rock and roll legend, an inspiration to millions, but most importantly, at least to those of us who were lucky enough to know him, an incredible human being who will be deeply missed.”

News broke on February 26 that Bobby J. Brown, who appeared in 12 episodes of The Wire, died after getting caught in a barn fire. 

“Bobby J. Brown was a rare soul who brought a deep sense of humanity to every role he played,” a rep for Brown said in a statement to Us Weekly. “While many knew him for his strength as a champion boxer and his powerful screen presence, we knew him as a dedicated professional and a kind-hearted individual. He was a true joy to represent, and he will be missed by everyone at the agency. Our hearts go out to his family, and we ask for their privacy during this incredibly difficult time.”

Longtime Wu-Tang Clan collaborator Oliver ‘Power’ Grant, who executive-produced all of the hip-hop group’s albums, died in late February. He was 52.

“Rest in Power, Power 🙏,” the group shared via X on February 25.

Matthew Chapin shared that his mom, Lauren Chapin, died at age 80. “After a long hard fought battle over the past 5 years, the time has come,” he wrote via Facebook on February 24. “My mother Lauren Chapin passed away from her battle with cancer tonight . I’m at a complete loss for words right now. Please keep my sister and family in your thoughts and prayers as we go through this incredibly tough time.”

Lizzie McGuire actor Robert Carradine’s family confirmed his death in a statement to Deadline on February 23.

“It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away,” the family said. “In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon on light to everyone around him. We are bereft at the loss of this beautiful soul and want to acknowledge Bobby’s valiant struggle against his nearly two-decade battle with Bipolar Disorder. We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness. At this time we ask for the privacy to grieve this unfathomable loss. With gratitude for your understanding and compassion.”

Two-time WNBA champion Kara Braxton died on February 21 at age 43, the league confirmed in a statement. Braxton played professionally for a decade, earning a spot on the WNBA All-Star team in 2007. She won her two titles with the Detroit Shock and later played for the Phoenix Mercury and New York Liberty.

“We mourn the loss of Kara Braxton, a former Liberty player whose presence and passion left a lasting impact on our organization and the women’s game,” the Liberty said in a statement via X. “Our hearts are with her family, friends, teammates, and all who were touched by her spirit. Her impact will not be forgotten. 🕊️”

New Albany, Indiana, police confirmed to Us Weekly on February 21 that Rondale Moore was found dead, in a suspected “self-inflicted” manner, at age 25.

The wide receiver played college football at Purdue before being selected in the second round of the NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals in 2021. He most recently played for the Minnesota Vikings.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rondale Moore,” a Vikings spokesperson told Us. “While we are working to understand the facts, we have spoken with Rondale’s family to offer our condolences and the full support of the Minnesota Vikings. We have also been in communication with our players, coaches, and staff, and will make counseling and emotional support resources available to anyone in need. Our thoughts are with Rondale’s family and friends during this devastating time.”

Vikings head coach, Kevin O’Connell, said in a statement, “I am devastated by the news of Rondale’s death. While Rondale had been a member of the Vikings for a short time, he was someone we came to know well and care about deeply. He was a humble, soft-spoken, and respectful young man who was proud of his Indiana roots. As a player, he was disciplined, dedicated and resilient despite facing adversity multiple times as injuries sidelined him throughout his career.”

“We are all heartbroken by the fact he won’t continue to live out his NFL dream and we won’t all have a chance to watch him flourish,” O’Connell told Us. “My prayers are with Rondale’s family, friends, teammates and coaches as we all deal with this tragic news.”

His family confirmed his death in a February 19 statement following a “courageous battle” with ALS, writing, “He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world. Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.”

Civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson died at age 84 on February 17 surrounded by his loved ones, his family said.

“Our father was a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world,” Jackson’s family said in a statement to NBC News. “We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by.”

Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Billy Steinberg, best known for cowriting Madonna’s “Like a Virgin,” died on February 16 at the age of 75.

Steinberg died at his home in Los Angeles after battling cancer, his attorney told the Los Angeles Times.

Steinberg also cowrote Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors,” The Bangles’ hit “Eternal Flame” and Whitney Houston’s “So Emotional.”

Grand Cayman: Secrets in Paradise star Cass Lacelle died at age 34 after a battle with cancer. “It is with profound sadness that we share the news that our beloved Cass has passed after her short but incredibly courageous battle with cancer,” a statement read via Lacelle’s Instagram on February 15, noting that she “leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured.”

“She is the definition of memorable; in just 34 years, she made an extraordinary impact on everyone who crossed her path,” the post continued. “She taught us that life is precious, meant to be embraced wholeheartedly and never wasted. Boredom was her biggest enemy. Cass had a rare gift for making people feel truly alive and bringing everyone together, she was the glue.”

Alongside the message was a photo of her smiling while standing inside a kitchen. “Her ability to be there in a meaningful way for so many people was a super power and we hope people find comfort in memories shared with her,” the statement read. “Because she has touched so many people far and wide, her wish was for one final post to be shared.”

The message concluded, ”Our dearest Cass, you have been very brave, for so very long. You did not yield. Forever, our Fireheart . 27/09/1991 – 11/02/2026.”

Robert Duvall died on February 15 in his home in Virginia with his wife by his side, according to a statement from his family. He was 95.

Former NFL star Tre’ Johnson’s wife, Irene Johnson, confirmed he died on February 15 at the age of 54 while on a family vacation. 

“It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that my husband, Tre’ Johnson, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly … during a brief family trip,” Irene wrote via Instagram. “His four children, Chloe, EJ, EZ and Eden, extended family, friends, and I are devastated and in shock.

A cause of death was not given at the time. 

Timothy Very’s death was announced via an Instagram post shared by his band, Manchester Orchestra, on February 15. “The entire Manchester Orchestra family has been devastated by the sudden passing of our brother, Timothy Very. The most beloved human being any of us were lucky enough to know in this life. We’ve all been dreading sharing this news as we are all still in absolute disbelief,” the post read.

Very died at the age of 42 with no cause of death disclosed in the post. 

James Van Der Beek’s death was announced via a statement shared to his Instagram page on February 11.

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” the statement read. “He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time.  Those days will come.  For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”

Prior to his passing, Van Der Beek battled stage III colorectal cancer. He is survived by his six children, Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah and wife Kimberly Van Der Beek.

Harold and Maude actor Bud Cort died on February 11 at the age of 77. The actor’s friend Dorian Hannaway told Entertainment Weekly that Cort died in Connecticut after a long illness.

The Pogues drummer Andrew Ranken died at age 72 on February 10. “Andrew ‘The Clobberer’ Ranken 13 November 1953 – 10 February 2026,” the band wrote via Instagram. “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andrew Ranken, drummer, founding member, and heartbeat of The Pogues.”

The statement continued, “Andrew, thank you for everything, for your friendship, your wit and your generosity of spirit, and of course for the music, forever a true friend and brother. Our thoughts and love are with his family at this sad and difficult time.”

Tracy Scroggins’ family confirmed on February 9 that the former Detroit Lions player died at the age of 56. He suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease thought to be caused by head injuries, per his family.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Tracy Scroggins,” Scroggins’ family told TMZ in a statement. “Tracy was a devoted father, cherished family member, and loyal friend whose life was marked by remarkable strength and perseverance.”

How to Eat Fried Worms child actor Blake Garrett died suddenly on February 8, his mother, Carol Garrett, told TMZ, revealing their family was awaiting autopsy results to determine a cause of death. Blake was 33.

Former Major League Baseball player Terrance Gore died on February 6 after complications from routine surgery, his wife, Britney Helms, announced. He was 34. “Our hearts are shattered, my babies are shattered,” Helms wrote via social media, per the New York Post. “Our whole family is lost. This was so unexpected.”

The Designing Women actress died on February 4, at her home in El Paso, Texas. Son Caley O’Dwyer told The Hollywood Reporter that Camilla Carr died from complications of Alzheimer’s disease and a dislocated hip. She was 83.

3 Doors Down founder and lead singer Brad Arnold died on February 7 after battling stage IV kidney cancer. He was 47.

“He was a devoted husband to Jennifer and his kindness, humor and generosity touched everyone fortunate enough to know him,” a statement from the band read. “Those closest to him will remember not only his talent but his warmth, humility, faith and deep love for his family and friends.”

The obituary concluded, “The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time and kindly asks that their privacy be respected, He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.”

Chuck Negron, one of three founding members of classic rock band Three Dog Night, died on February 2 at age 83. His publicist confirmed to Variety that Negron died “peacefully” at his home in Studio City, California, while surrounded by family. 

Us confirmed on January 30 that Catherine O’Hara died at the age of 71. The Schitt’s Creek alum battled a brief illness before dying at her home in Los Angeles.

Celebrity hairstylist and Blowing LA star Kim Vo’s death from cancer was announced by his husband Adeel Vo-Khan on January 24.

“My beloved husband, best friend, partner in life & business, Kim Vō, has taken his final breath,” Adeel confirmed via Instagram. “Diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2018, he fought valiantly, winning many battles along the way and exceeding all medical expectations under the care of Dr. Lawrence Piro and his incredible team at Angeles Clinic and Cedars-Sinai. Ultimately, God decided it was time for our angel on earth to return home.”

Kim was recognized as a “true icon in the hair & beauty industry” by Adeel for his work with top brands like L’Oréal and Schwarzkopf. He owned his own Kim Vo Salon in West Hollywood and judged the Bravo reality series Shear Genius alongside model Camila Alves and fellow celebrity stylist Jonathan Antin.

“He was beloved not only by his family and friends, but by the global hair community and millions of viewers who came to know him for both his artistry and his warmth. Kim had a rare ability to make everyone feel seen, welcomed, and at home,” Adeel wrote. “His guiding philosophy of ‘approachable luxury’ was central to everything he did. Beauty and glamour without pretense, barriers, or exclusion.”

Two Ways With Erica Mena contestant Jardyn “Pee Wee” Walker was found dead in a Missouri alley in January after being fatally shot. He was 23. Best known for vying for the heart of Erica Mena in the Zeus Network dating show in 2025, Walker was working as a delivery driver when he was reported missing by his sister on January 20 after he failed to meet up with her for a prearranged ride, authorities discovered Walker’s whereabouts and later charged a suspect with first degree murder, among other charges.

Midnight Oil cofounder and drummer Rob Hirst died at age 70 on January 20 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

“After fighting heroically for almost three years, Rob is now free of pain – ‘a glimmer of tiny light in the wilderness,'” the band confirmed via a statement on social media. “He died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. The family asks that anyone wanting to honor Rob donate to Pankind, Pancreatic Cancer Australia or Support Act.”

In a follow-up statement, the band said, “We are shattered and grieving the loss of our brother Rob. For now there are no words but there will always be songs. Love Always from Jim, Martin & Pete.”

Kianna Underwood died at age 33 following a hit and run accident on January 16, per multiple outlets. Kianna’s father Anthony Underwood confirmed the news while sharing an article about the accident via Facebook.

Grammy-nominated musician John Forté, best known as a contributor on The Fugees’ The Score and Wyclef Jean’s The Carnival, died at the age of 50. According to Chilmark, Massachusetts, authorities, he was found dead inside his home on January 12 with no signs of foul play or “readily apparent cause of death,” per reporting by the Associated Press.

He is survived by his wife, Lara Fuller, and two children.

Former Swiss bronze medal Olympic snowboarder Ueli Kestenholz died at age 50 after becoming trapped in an avalanche while snowboarding with a friend on January 11. Swiss authorities said his friend was able to get himself to safety while Kestenholz became buried. Rescue workers were eventually able to free him, but he had been injured. He later died in the hospital.

Guy Moon, an Emmy-nominated Nickelodeon composer known for his work on The Fairly OddParents and Danny Phantom, died after suffering “traumatic injuries” during a car crash in Los Angeles. He was 63. 

Colombian singer Yeison Jiménez died in a January 10 plane crash.

“With heavy hearts and indescribable grief, Yeison Jiménez’s organization and team deeply regret to announce his passing,” an Instagram statement translated from Spanish read. “Today, we not only say goodbye to an artist, we say goodbye to a son, a brother, a friend, a human being full of dreams and courage, who transformed his story into a source of hope for thousands.”

Jiménez is survived by his wife and three children.

The Broadway performer and influencer’s husband, Stephen Hanna-Shuford, announced on January 3 that Bret Hanna-Shuford “left this world peacefully.” The star of Broadway’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Little Mermaid was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoma in 2025. (According to the Lymphoma Research Foundation, T-Cell Lymphoma is a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that can develop in lymphoid tissues.)

Bret is survived by Stephen and their 3-year-old son, Maverick.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that early this morning, we said goodbye to the most amazing man, husband and Papa in the universe,” Stephen wrote via Instagram. “Bret Hanna-Shuford left this world peacefully with love surrounded by his family. Our hearts are broken but we will continue to make him proud of us.”

PBS show America’s Test Kitchen confirmed on January 8 that chef and TV host Elle Simone Scott died at age 49 following a lengthy battle with ovarian cancer. Scott made history as the first Black female host on America’s Test Kitchen when she joined the show in 2016.

“At America’s Test Kitchen, Elle helped open doors that had long been closed—becoming one of the first Black women audiences saw in the test kitchen, and doing so with grace, authority, and joy,” America’s Test Kitchen confirmed via Instagram. “She didn’t just test recipes; she changed what representation looked like in food media.”

The show’s statement concluded, “Her voice mattered. Her work mattered. She mattered. Elle faced ovarian cancer with courage and honesty, using her platform to educate, advocate, and uplift even while fighting for her life. That kind of strength leaves a mark.”

The Associated Press reported on January 10 that The Thing actor T.K. Carter was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead by authorities in Duarte, California. Police said no foul play was suspected but no further details were initially offered.

Carter memorably played elementary school teacher Michael Fulton on classic ‘80s sitcom Punky Brewster, and also appeared on hit shows like Family Matters, A Different World and How to Get Away with Murder. As a voice actor, he worked on The Transformers, Space Jam and Jem and The Holograms.

“I met T. K. Carter when I was about 11 or 12 years old, shortly after I first came to California,” Diff’rent Strokes actor Shavar Ross wrote via X. “Through my dad, I spent time on the set of Doctor Detroit, where T. K. was working alongside Dan Aykroyd. As a young kid, I looked up to T. K. because seeing an African American actor starring in a major film meant a lot to me. I always felt he was headed for stardom.”

He continued, “Over the years, T. K. and I became good friends, and we hung out together sometimes. I want to send my heartfelt condolences to his family, his friends, and everyone who loved and admired his work. He will always be remembered and respected.”

The Grateful Dead cofounder’s death at age 78 was announced via his Instagram account on January 10.

Bob Weir was diagnosed with cancer in July 2025, though his family said he actually “succumbed to underlying lung issues.”

The singer-songwriter and guitarist cowrote some of The Grateful Dead’s most iconic songs, including “Truckin’,” “Sugar Magnolia” and “One More Saturday Night.” As a member of The Dead, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Bobby Weir. He transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after courageously beating cancer as only Bobby could,” a statement via his Instagram read.

They added, “His loving family, Natascha, Monet, and Chloe, request privacy during this difficult time and offer their gratitude for the outpouring of love, support, and remembrance. May we honor him not only in sorrow, but in how bravely we continue with open hearts, steady steps, and the music leading us home. Hang it up and see what tomorrow brings.”