Stars We've Sadly Lost So Far In 2026

For many, 2025 was a tough year, and we sadly lost quite a few stars in the process. It quickly became clear that 2026 would be no different, with losses that shook Hollywood and the rest of the world alike. 

It can be a strange feeling to hear about the passing of a celeb you love. While we don't actually know our favorite stars personally, they often make their mark on us through art that had a profound influence on our lives. From the voice that sang a favorite song during our childhood to a familiar face in a movie we've watched repeatedly, Hollywood icons can make a big impact. And this was definitely the case for the stars we lost in 2026.

It can be sad to say goodbye to a beloved star, but it can also serve as a time to honor their body of work. Looking back on what we were given by the stars we've lost, we can celebrate their lives and the art that earned them many fans along the way.

While the list of "Home Alone" franchise stars who sadly passed away was already somewhat lengthy, it only became longer with the addition of Catherine O'Hara on January 30. The TV and movie legend was known for playing Kate McCallister in the beloved Christmas franchise, as well as other iconic roles in "Schitt's Creek," "Best in Show," "Beetlejuice," "The Nightmare Before Christmas," "The Studio," and many more. O'Hara marked the first big celebrity loss of 2026 when she died at the age of 71 from a pulmonary embolism. O'Hara had also been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, which was listed on the death certificate as an underlying cause. O'Hara is survived by her husband of more than three decades, Bo Welch, and the two sons they shared together. 

O'Hara's storied career earned her Emmys and Golden Globes, as well as many, many fans. Throughout her myriad roles, O'Hara became best known for her humor, which she believed was an important part of life. "My husband and I laugh about everything all day long. ... That's the best," she told Elle Canada in 2024. She added, "My parents were blessed — they laughed until the end. That's the best way to live, because there's so much sadness. You're really lucky if your sense of humor is encouraged, because I think we're all born with it, and if it's encouraged in your life, that's a gift."

On February 11, "Dawson's Creek" star James Van Der Beek died at the age of 48. His wife Kimberly Van Der Beek shared the news on Instagram, noting that her husband of more than 15 years "passed peacefully," adding, "He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace." His death came nearly three years after James was diagnosed and more than two years after he opened up to People about his journey. "I have colorectal cancer. I've been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family," he explained.

James' death hits particularly hard for the many fans who watched his transformation from a child star. James first graced screens back in 1993 on an episode of "Clarissa Explains it All." His breakout role came five years later when he first appeared as the titular Dawson Leery in the beloved series "Dawson's Creek." He went on to appear in "Don't Trust the B—- in Apartment 23," "CSI: Cyber," "Pose," and many more. James had also filmed two projects that will be released this year. He's survived by his wife and their six children.

February brought with it the death of another beloved actor. On February 15, Oscar-winner Robert Duvall died at the age of 95. The following day, Luciana Duvall, Robert's wife of more than two decades, shared the news on his Facebook page, noting that he "... passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort." She went on to explain, "To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything. His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court. For each of his many roles, Bob gave everything to his characters and to the truth of the human spirit they represented. In doing so, he leaves something lasting and unforgettable to us all."

The roles Luciana referenced were plentiful and legendary. His first movie role had a major impact; he played the iconic Boo Radley in the 1962 adaptation of "To Kill a Mockingbird." He went on to become known for other performances, like "Tender Mercies," which earned him an Academy Award, "Lonesome Dove," "The Godfather," "Apocalypse Now," "True Grit," "M-A-S-H," and many, many others. His work earned him a whopping seven Oscar nods, four Golden Globes, and a National Medal of Arts.

Civil rights activist and former politician Rev. Jesse Jackson died at the age of 84 on February 17. Jackson, a Baptist minister, was known for his major role in the civil rights movement. Jackson started out as Martin Luther King Jr.'s mentee and spent his life fighting for countless vital causes — from advocating for voting rights to healthcare. He ran for president twice and founded the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. The nonprofit's website states, "Our mission is to protect, defend, and gain civil rights by leveling the economic and educational playing fields, and to promote peace and justice around the world."

In 2017, Jackson was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. In 2025, however, he received a diagnosis for a neurological disorder called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. This disorder has no cure, and while it shares similar symptoms with Parkinson's, it is much faster-moving. In a statement, Jackson's family wrote, "Our father was a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world. We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family" (via Fortune). Jackson is survived by his wife, Santita Jackson, and his six children.

"Grey's Anatomy" and "Euphoria" star Eric Dane died on February 19 at age 53. The news came almost one year after he announced that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease. 

Dane first appeared on our screens back in 1991 on an episode of "Saved by the Bell." He went on to appear on many beloved series, from "The Wonder Years" to "Charmed." But Dane became a household name when he appeared as Dr. Mark Sloan, aka "McSteamy," on the long-running medical drama "Grey's Anatomy." He went on to make waves as Cal Jacobs in "Euphoria," Nathan Blythe in "Countdown," and many more.

While Dane is gone far too soon, his family's statement after his death did confirm a heartwarming detail. "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," they wrote, per People. Leading up to his passing, the star was the subject of a documentary titled "Famous Last Words: Eric Dane," which was added to Netflix after his death. In it, Dane got the opportunity to put his last words on record, which he directed toward his two daughters. Per the Daily Mail, he said, simply, "Billie and Georgia, you are my heart. You are my everything. Good night. I love you. Those are my last words."

This portion includes mentions of suicide.

On February 23, actor Robert Carradine died at the age of 71. Carradine was beloved by many generations for his iconic roles in "Revenge of the Nerds," "The Long Riders," the hit Disney series "Lizzie McGuire," and more. In a statement, the star's family told Deadline, "It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away. In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon [of] light to everyone around him."

Robert's death was ruled a suicide. The star had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder almost 20 years prior to his death, and his family wrote, "We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness." Robert is survived by his three children. After his death, his daughter, fellow actor Ever Carradine, opened up about her dad on Instagram, writing, "My dad was a lover, not a fighter. He was all heart, and in a world so full of conflict and division, I think we can all take a page out of his book today, open our hearts and feel and share the love."

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org

The music world also lost a legend in February. Singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka died at the age of 86 on February 27. "Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka," his family wrote in a statement they shared to Instagram. "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."

Sedaka's songs were a major part of the soundtrack of the '60s and '70s. He hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts time and time again with songs that have withstood the test of time, like "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do," "Calendar Girl," and "Oh! Carol." He also wrote songs for other artists, many of which were just as successful as his own, like "Love Will Keep Us Together," "Stupid Cupid," and "Where the Boys Are." 

Sedaka clearly had a way with music, and according to him, this affinity was lifelong. "My parents told me that when I was an infant, I wouldn't eat unless the radio was playing music," he told The Guardian in 2012. Music was so important to him, in fact, that Sedaka said he never felt he had to make any sacrifices to pursue his art, saying, "music is so much a part of me." Sedaka is survived by his wife, Leba Strassberg, their two children, and three grandchildren

Legendary actor Chuck Norris died on March 19, 2026, at the age of 86. The details around his death have not been made public, but he was hospitalized before his passing after suffering an unknown medical emergency.

Norris was a living legend best known for kicking serious butt in an array of action films like "Missing in Action" and "Delta Force." Morris went on to garner even more fans on his TV Show, "Walker, Texas Ranger," which lit up screens between 1933 and 2001. Aside from his acting prowess, Norris was also known for his talent in martial arts, which came in handy in his action roles. Norris picked up the sport during his time serving in the U.S. Air Force in the 1950s, and would go on to create his very own karate style, which he named the "Chuck Norris System."

Norris' family announced the actor's death on his Instagram page, noting that he had died "surrounded by his family and was at peace." They continued, "To the world, he was a martial artist, actor, and a symbol of strength. To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family." They also thanked fans for their continued support, adding, "Thank you for loving him with us."

"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" star Nicholas Brendon died on March 20, 2026. He was 54 years old. The actor's family broke the news on his Facebook page, writing, "We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed in his sleep of natural causes." Brendon's body was discovered by a friend who was looking after him at the time of his death.

Brendon dealt with his fair share of health issues over the years, surviving a heart attack and dealing with cauda equina syndrome, which led to two spinal surgeries. The syndrome is caused by herniated disks or injuries to the spinal cord, per Cleveland Clinic. He also dealt with mental health issues and addiction, but a statement issued by his family assured fans Brendon's death wasn't a result of any of these things. "While it's no secret that Nicholas had struggles in the past, he was on medications and treatment to manage his diagnosis and he was optimistic about the future at the time of his passing," an additional statement read, per USA Today.

Brendon's "Buffy" costar, Sarah Michelle Gellar, took to Instagram to pay tribute to him, using a well-known quote from his character, Xander Harris, to bid him goodbye. "'They'll never know how tough it is to be the one who isn't chosen. To live so near to the spotlight, and never step in it. But I know. I see more than anybody realizes, because nobody's watching me' I saw you Nicky," Gellar wrote. "I know you are at peace, in that big rocking chair in the sky."