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.