Actors and Actresses Who Died in 2018

Penny Marshall passed away after a battle with diabetes-related complications.Penny Marshall passed away.She died on December 17, 2018, at age 75. Marshall is best known for playing Laverne in the hit sitcom.Laverne & ShirleyMarshall also starred in and directed many productions, includingA League of Their OwnandBig.

Ricky Jay, a beloved magician and actor,passed away.He died December 1, 2018, at 72. Ricky Jay was known for magic tricks but appeared in over 40 movies and TV shows, includingBoogie Nights, MagnoliaandTomorrow Never Dies.

Actress Kim Porter, who has three children with rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs, wasfound unresponsive.She was found unresponsive in her home on November 15, 2018, and pronounced dead at the scene. She was 47. No cause of death was determined at the time.

James Karen, known for his role as Frank onThe Return of the Living Deadpassed away on October 23, 2018, at age 94.

Besides playing Frank, Karen appeared in many horror films, such asPoltergeist, Invaders from Mars,andPiranha. The actor worked in television and film for decades, making over 200 appearances.

Scott Wilson, a long-time actor andThe Walking DeadScott Wilson died October 6, 2018. Wilson played Hershel Green onWalking Deadfrom 2011 to 2014, but he also acted inThe Ninth Configuration, In the Heat of the NightandThe Host.

On September 24, 2018, actor Paul John Vasquez appeared in shows likeSons of Anarchy, Justified, NYPD Blue, andER,passed away at age 48. He was found unconscious in his father's house in San Jose, CA. The cause of death is unknown, butTMZ reports he suffered a heart attack.

The actor's rep told People, “This news has come as a surprise to us.”.“Our hearts are heavy. He was a kind, creative and loving man. He will be missed.”

Another Sons of Anarchy alum, Alan O'Neill, also passed away unexpectedly in June 2018.

On September 13, 2018, Marin Mazzie, a Broadway veteran nominated three times for musicals likePassion, Ragtime,Kiss Me KateKiss Me Katepassed away. The actress battled ovarian cancer since 2015. She was 57.since 2015. She was 57 years old.

Burt Reynolds died September 6, 2018, after a cardiac arrest. He was in a Florida hospital with family. The actor was 82.

Reynolds was one of the most prolific actors of the last century, taking roles in about 100 films during his career. Reynolds was still filming for Quentin Tarantino'sOnce Upon a Time in Hollywood.

On August 21, 2018, Stefán Karl Stefánsson, known for playingRobbie Rotten in LazyTown, died after a longvillain Robbie Rotten, died after a long.Doctors diagnosed Stéfansson in 2016 and removed the cancer surgically. In March, Stéfansson told fans on social media the disease had returned and was inoperable.

He posted to Twitter, "It's not until they tell you you're going to die soon that you realise how short life is. Time is the most valuable thing in life because it never comes back. And whether you spend it in the arms of a loved one or alone in a prison cell, life is what you make of it. Dream big."

Actress Charlotte Rae is best known for her role as housekeeper Edna Garrett inDiff'rent Strokesand its spinoffThe Facts of Life,died August 5, 2018Her son, Larry Strauss, said she passed away peacefully surrounded by family in her Los Angeles home. She was 92.

Her son revealed her death followed multiple illnesses. She had cancer attacks and a history of heart failure. Her son did not release a final cause of death.

Tab Hunter, a heartthrob in the 1950s, died July 8, 2018, at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, CA. His partner, Allan Glaser,told CNNa blood clot caused his cardiac arrest. Hunter was 86.

Hunter gained fame through roles inBattle CryandDamn Yankees. Rumors suggested Hunter was a closeted gay man; he confirmed he was gay in his 2005 autobiography,Tab Hunter Confidential: The Making of a Movie Star.

Carlos Lopez Jr, 35, from TV's Operation Repo, was found dead in his Los Angeles apartment after 'committing suicide'https://t.co/FTlVZvPpZi

Carlos Lopez Jr., a star of truTV'sOperation Repo,died June 24, 2018The 35-year-old actor died in his Los Angeles apartment by apparent suicide.

Lopez had guest roles on shows likeCSI: Cyber, and played small parts in films likeCaptain America: The Winter Soldier, as well asTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. His motherposted a tribute on Facebook, saying"Our hearts are heavy. Our handsome, adventurous, and loving son, Carlos Jr., left us for Heaven yesterday and our hearts are so heavy... We've lost our eldest son and military warrior."

Jackson Odell, the actor known for Ari Caldwell inThe Goldbergs, wasfound unresponsivein his Tarzana, CA, home on June 8, 2018. The cause of death remains unreleased. He was 20 years old.

"He will always be a shining light and a brilliant, loving and talented soul," Odell's family said on Twitter on June 10. "He had so much more to share. Our family will always carry that truth forward. Our wish is that the rest of the world who knew and loved him does as well."

Alan O'Neill played Hugh inSons of Anarchy, wasfound deadat his girlfriend's apartment on June 6, 2018. The Irish-born actor was 47.

TMZ reported the actor had heart problems and smoked heavily. No foul play is suspected in his death.

Jerry Maren, known for his role in the Lollipop Guild inThe Wizard of Oz,passed away June 7, 2018, due toJerry Maren died of congestive heart failure.The actor and activist was 98.

Maren stayed in Hollywood after, unlike many of his munchkin co-stars.OzThe actor performed stunt roles for child performers and tossed confetti on the Gong Show.The Gong ShowMaren was also Mayor McCheese in McDonald's ads.

Maren advocated for little people in Hollywood. He co-founded the organization Little People of America.Little People of AmericaHe started it with his friend, Billy Barty, in 1957.

Hugh Dane played Hank the security guard in The Office.The OfficeDane passed away.His death was first announced on May 26, 2018, by the Los Angeles Inner City Cultural Center. The center posted a Facebook flyer celebrating his life. The announcement read, "A loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend." The cause of death remains unrevealed. Dane was 75.His death was first announced on May 26, 2018, by the Los Angeles Inner City Cultural Center. The center posted a Facebook flyer celebrating his life. The announcement read, "A loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend." The cause of death has not been revealed. Dane was 75.

Co-stars of The OfficeThe OfficeCo-stars offered condolences on social media.

"RIP Hugh Dane, aka Hank the security guard. He was one of the greats. So kind, funny, talented. We will all miss him," Rainn Wilson wrote on Twitter. Steve Carell retweeted Wilson's thoughts and added, "A terrific guy."

Frank Doubleday became known for villain roles in films likeEscape From New Yorkand Assault on Precinct 13Assault on Precinct 13, passed away March 3, 2018, fromesophageal cancer complications.He died in his Los Angeles home.

He was 73. His wife of 40 years, actress Christina Hart, shared the news of his death in late May 2018.

Clint Walker gained fame for roles in CheyenneCheyenneClint Walker and The Dirty DozenThe Dirty DozenWalker passed away.He died on May 21, 2018. His daughter confirmed the cause was congestive heart failure. The actor was 90 years old.Clint Walker passed away on May 21, 2018. His death was confirmed by his daughter, who said the cause was congestive heart failure. The actor was 90 years old.

José Lavat was a Mexican voice actor. He is best known for narrating the hit Japanese anime television series Dragon Ball Z.Dragon Ball ZJosé Lavat.News of his death was reported on May 15, 2018. He was 69 years old, and his death cause has not yet been reported.His death was first reported on May 15, 2018. He was 69 years old, and the cause of his death has not yet been reported.

Toei Animation confirmed the news on Twitter. They wrote, "Rest in peace Jose Lavat, an amazing dubbing actor who lent his voice talent to many famous characters for Hispanic audiences including the narrator in Dragon Ball Z."Dragon Ball Z..

Margot Kidder is best known for her role as Lois Lane in the Superman films.Supermanfilms, Margot Kidder passed awayon May 13, 2018 at 69. Margot Kidder was also known for advocating mental health awareness.on May 13, 2018 at 69. In addition to acting, Kidder advocated for mental health awareness.

Her bipolar disorder once left her homeless. She spoke openly about her struggles throughout her life.

Pamela Gidley is best known for her role in Twin Peaks.Twin Peaksprequel, Fire Walk With Me.Fire Walk With Me.She passed away early in April. Her death was announced on April 29, 2018.Her death was announced on April 29, 2018.She was 52. The exact death cause remains unreleased.

Gidley starred in films like Thrasin'Thrasin'and Cherry 2000Cherry 2000She appeared in TV shows such as MacGyverMacGyverand CSICSIand The CloserThe Closer.

Verne Troyer is best known for his role as Mini-Me in the Austin Powers franchise.Austin Powersactor Verne Troyerpassed away at 49Verne Troyer entered a hospital on April 21, 2018, after having suicidal thoughts.

The family shared on Instagram that suicide and depression are serious issues, though no cause of death was released.

Dale Winton hosted the long-running ITV show.The show was called Supermarket Sweep.Dale Winton died on April 18, 2018, at age 62.Dale Winton died at age 62.

On April 16, 2018, actor Harry Anderson died at 65.Harry Anderson died at 65.Anderson was found dead at his home. Anderson played roles on sitcoms such as Cheers.Anderson played in Cheers.Anderson also appeared in Night Court.Anderson also appeared in Night Court.

Ermey portrayed Gunnery Sergeant Hartman, the haunting drill sergeant, in Full Metal Jacket.Ermey played Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Full Metal Jacket.R. Lee Ermey.R. Lee Ermey passed away.Ermey died on April 15, 2018, at 74. Ermey served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, adding authenticity to his portrayal.

He won a Golden Globe for best supporting actor for that role.

Chuck McCann, an actor and television host, passed away on April 8, 2018.Chuck McCann passed away on April 8, 2018.McCann died from congenital heart failure. McCann voiced characters for shows like The Powerpuff Girls.McCann voiced characters for The Powerpuff Girls.McCann also voiced characters for Animaniacs.McCann also voiced characters for Animaniacs.McCann.

McCann voiced many cereal mascots and starred in films like The Heart is a Lonely Hunter.McCann starred in The Heart is a Lonely Hunter.

On March 23, 2018, DuShon Monique Brown died.Brown was an actress in Chicago Fire.DuShon Monique Brown.DuShon Monique Brown died at age 49.No cause of death was released, but Brown died at St. James Olympia Field Hospital near Chicago.

Frank Avruch played Bozo the Clown in the children's show of the same name from 1959 to 1970.Avruch died in March 2018.Avruch passed away at age 89.

On March 3, 2018, actor David Ogden Stiers died at home.David Ogden Stiers died at home.Stiers died of bladder cancer at 75. Stiers had parts in many '70s and '80s shows, including The Mary Tyler Moore Show.Stiers had parts in The Mary Tyler Moore Show.Stiers also had parts in Charlie's Angels.Stiers also had parts in Charlie's Angels.Stiers was famous for playing Major Charles Emerson Winchester III in M*A*S*H.Stiers played Major Charles Emerson Winchester III in M*A*S*H.Stiers.

Stiers also voiced Cogsworth in Disney's Beauty and the Beast.Stiers voiced Cogsworth in Disney's Beauty and the Beast.Stiers.

South Korean actor Jo Min-ki.Jo Min-ki.Jo Min-ki died of an apparent suicide by his wife on March 9, 2018. The actor faced accusations of molesting at least eight students while teaching drama at Cheongiu University.

Min-ki admitted the allegations, stating, "Everything is my fault and I am the one to blame."

Bollywood superstar Sridevi Kapoor died on February 24 at 54. Dubai police reported she drowned in a hotel bathtub after losing consciousness.

Sridevi Kapoor, born Shree Amma Yanger Ayyappan, became a major success in the Indian film industry. Sridevi appeared in nearly 300 films, including classics like Mr India.Sridevi appeared in Mr India.Sridevi appeared in Mr India and Chandni.Sridevi appeared in Chandni.Sridevi.

Read more:

The New York Times.The New York Times.BBC.BBC.The Guardian.

Actress Nanette Fabray died on February 22 at 97.

Nanette Fabray was born in San Diego. Fabray started her career in vaudeville and film. She found success on Broadway in the 1940s, winning a Tony for best actress for her role in "Love Life".Love LifeFabray moved from the stage to television. She won two Emmys for her work on "Caesar's Hour".Caesar's Hour.

Fabray supported the hearing-impaired. She had an undiagnosed hearing problem when she was young.

Read more:

The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Hollywood Reporter

Actress Emma Chambers died February 21 at 53. A heart attack caused her death.heart attack.

Chambers was perhaps most familiar to British fans as Alice Tinker on the long-running seriesThe Vicar of Dibley. In the United States, Chambers played a role in the romantic comedy "Notting Hill".Notting Hill; she played Hugh Grant's sister.

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CNN, Variety, People

Five-time Tony-nominated actress Jan Maxwell died February 11 at 61. She got breast cancer in 2006; the cancer came back in 2013 and caused fatal leptomeningeal disease.

Maxwell moved to New York City after graduating college in Minnesota. She struggled to get into acting until 1990; she got an offer for a role in the musical "City of Angels" and made her Broadway debut.City of Angels and made her Broadway debut. Maxwell found steady success on and off Broadway over decades. She appeared in several television series, including the original "Law & Order".Law & Order.

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The New York Times, Playbill, Deadline

Actor and politician John Gavin died February 9 at 86.

Gavin entered Hollywood through Universal. He performed in classics like "Spartacus" and "Psycho" with the studio. He moved from film to television, then to politics. President Ronald Reagan named him Ambassador to Mexico in the 1980s.Spartacus and Psycho with the studio. Gavin moved to television and then politics. Ronald Reagan named him Ambassador to Mexico in the 1980s.

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Deadline, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter

Reg E. Cathey's death was reported February 9. Details about the 59-year-old's passing were not released.

Cathey was a character actor who worked on many films and TV shows. His most notable roles came in David Simon projects; he appeared in the showrunner's series "The Wire".The Wire, The Corner, and Homicide: Life on the Street. He also played Freddy Hayes on "House of Cards" and got a 2015 Emmy for that role.House of Cards, a role that earned him a 2015 Emmy.

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Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, Indiewire

Musician and character actor Mickey Jones died February 7 at 76. He reportedly struggled with illness for some time.

Jones started in entertainment as a drummer, playing with Bob Dylan, Kenny Rogers, and Johnny Rivers. He later acted on TV and in movies. Jones had many roles, including appearances on "Home Improvement", "Baywatch", "Justified", "National Lampoon's Vacation", and "Sling Blade".Home Improvement, Baywatch, and Justified; he acted inNational Lampoon's Vacation and Sling Bladeas well.

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Deadline, Variety, EW

John Mahoney died February 4 at 77. He fought cancer. Mahoney was born in the United Kingdom. He moved to the United States at 19 and stayed there. Mahoney began his career as a professor. He joined Chicago's Steppenwolf theater company in his 40s. Mahoney gained acclaim for his theater work. His best known part was likely Martin Crane on the sitcom.Frasier.

He won a SAG award. He received two Emmy nominations and two Golden Globe nominations for his work on the series.

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Chicago Tribune, Variety, People

Mark Salling died January 30. The 35-year-old apparently committed suicide. He reportedly tried to slit his wrists in August 2017. Salling played Puck in the television series.Glee. His career faced legal issues. He was arrested in 2015 for possessing material involving children. Salling pleaded guilty to charges in October 2017. He faced sentencing in March 2018.

He agreed to pay $50,000 to each victim who requested restitution. This agreement was void after his death.void.

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Rolling Stone, Complex, People

Olivia Cole died January 19 at 75 from a heart attack. Cole grew up in Memphis. She became interested in theater young. She studied drama at Bard College. She earned a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Cole worked in television, movies, and theater for decades, earning many awards.

One of Cole's notable roles was Matilda in the 1977 miniseriesRoots; she won an Emmy for her performance.

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New York Times, Variety, NY Daily News