The entertainment industry often grieves the loss of gifted performers who brought joy to audiences around the world. While some deaths receive widespread attention, others are more private. Many fans continue to enjoy these actors’ work on TV and in movies without knowing they’ve passed away. This list remembers several male actors who have died recently or whose deaths may not have been widely reported. Their contributions to film and television continue to be cherished by those who admired their talent.
James Michael Tyler
James Michael Tyler, best known for playing Gunther on the popular TV show ‘Friends,’ appeared in more episodes than any other recurring guest star during the show’s ten seasons. He was famous for his role as the manager of Central Perk and his crush on Rachel Green. Tyler also had roles in shows like ‘Sabrina the Teenage Witch’ and ‘Episodes.’ He sadly passed away in 2021 after fighting prostate cancer.
Willie Garson
Willie Garson was a popular character actor best known for playing Stanford Blatch in ‘Sex and the City’, where he charmed audiences as Carrie Bradshaw’s close friend. He also gained recognition for his role as Mozzie in the TV series ‘White Collar’. Over his long career, he appeared in more than seventy films and numerous television shows. Sadly, he passed away in 2021 while working on the ‘Sex and the City’ revival, ‘And Just Like That’.
Lance Reddick
Lance Reddick was a highly respected actor known for his powerful voice and strong on-screen presence. He was featured in several popular shows, including ‘The Wire,’ ‘Fringe,’ and ‘Bosch,’ and became widely recognized for his role as Charon in the ‘John Wick’ films. He also lent his talents to major video games like ‘Destiny’ and ‘Horizon Zero Dawn.’ Sadly, he passed away unexpectedly in 2023 at the age of 60.
Robbie Coltrane
Robbie Coltrane, a Scottish actor, was widely recognized by a new generation of fans for his portrayal of the kind-hearted half-giant, Rubeus Hagrid, in the ‘Harry Potter’ films. Before finding fame at Hogwarts, he was known for starring in the crime drama ‘Cracker’ and also appeared in the James Bond movies ‘GoldenEye’ and ‘The World Is Not Enough’. He sadly passed away in 2022 after a long period of illness.
Leslie Jordan
Leslie Jordan was a beloved comedic actor known for his big personality and small size. He won an Emmy for his guest appearance as Beverley Leslie on ‘Will and Grace’. He became hugely popular online during the pandemic, sharing funny videos with his millions of fans. He also appeared in multiple seasons of ‘American Horror Story’. Sadly, he passed away in 2022 after a car accident in Los Angeles.
Dustin Diamond
Dustin Diamond became famous for playing the lovable, yet often clumsy, character of Samuel ‘Screech’ Powers on the popular teen show ‘Saved by the Bell’. He portrayed Screech for more than ten years as the show evolved from its junior high beginnings through the college years. Following ‘Saved by the Bell’, Diamond tried his hand at stand-up comedy and made appearances on several reality TV shows. He stayed well-known thanks to the lasting popularity of the show and his iconic childhood role. Sadly, he passed away in 2021 after a short battle with stage four cancer.
Angus Cloud
Angus Cloud quickly became a well-known actor, largely thanks to his role as Fezco in the hit show ‘Euphoria’. Remarkably, he was discovered while walking on a New York City street and had never acted professionally before. Viewers especially loved his realistic and warm portrayal of a drug dealer, making him a fan favorite. Before his untimely death in 2023 at just 25 years old, he had also appeared in films such as ‘North Hollywood’ and ‘The Line’.
Andre Braugher
Andre Braugher was an incredibly talented and versatile actor, equally skilled at serious drama and dry humor. He became well-known for his role as Detective Frank Pembleton in ‘Homicide: Life on the Street’ and later found a new generation of fans as the no-nonsense but endearing Captain Raymond Holt on ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. Throughout his distinguished career, he earned many Emmy nominations and awards. He sadly passed away in 2023 after a short illness.
Paul Reubens
Paul Reubens created and played the beloved character Pee-wee Herman. He became famous for the movie ‘Pee-wee’s Big Adventure’ and the quirky TV show ‘Pee-wee’s Playhouse.’ He also acted in other films and shows like ‘Mystery Men’ and ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas.’ Reubens was celebrated for his distinctive comedy and playful style, which entertained audiences of all ages. He passed away in 2023 after a private battle with cancer.
Tom Sizemore
Tom Sizemore was a familiar face in Hollywood throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. He gave powerful performances in popular and critically acclaimed films like ‘Saving Private Ryan’, ‘Heat’, and ‘Black Hawk Down’. Known for playing strong, often military, characters, he demonstrated an intense and captivating acting style. Over his decades-long career, he appeared in numerous films and TV shows. He sadly passed away in 2023 after suffering a brain aneurysm.
William Hurt
William Hurt was a celebrated actor, best known for winning an Oscar for his role in ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’. He rose to prominence in the 1980s with leading parts in films like ‘Body Heat’ and ‘Broadcast News’. More recently, he gained a new following among younger audiences as General Thaddeus Ross in the Marvel movies. Throughout his career, Hurt was known for his thoughtful and intelligent performances, often appearing in critically acclaimed dramas. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 72.
Gilbert Gottfried
Gilbert Gottfried was a famously funny comedian with a very loud, unique voice. He was well-known for voicing Iago, the sarcastic parrot in Disney’s ‘Aladdin,’ and was a regular on talk shows and celebrity roasts, always delivering his jokes in a memorable way. He also spent years as the voice of the Aflac duck in TV commercials. Sadly, he passed away in 2022 after battling a heart condition.
Louie Anderson
Louie Anderson was a popular comedian and actor, best known for creating the animated show ‘Life with Louie’ and hosting ‘Family Feud’. He continued performing comedy throughout his career and later won an Emmy Award for his touching and funny performance as Christine Baskets in the series ‘Baskets’. Sadly, he passed away in 2022 after battling non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Sidney Poitier
Sidney Poitier was a groundbreaking actor who made history as the first Black man to win an Oscar for Best Actor. He was known for iconic roles in films like ‘Lilies of the Field’ and ‘In the Heat of the Night’. During the civil rights era, his work challenged racial stereotypes in Hollywood. Poitier also had a successful career as a director, helming comedies such as ‘Stir Crazy’ and ‘Uptown Saturday Night’. He died in 2022 at the age of 94, leaving behind a lasting impact on American culture.
Michael Constantine
Michael Constantine was a working actor for many years, but he’s best known for playing Gus Portokalos, the father obsessed with Windex, in ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ and its sequels. Before that, he won an Emmy Award for his work on the TV show ‘Room 222’. He appeared on television regularly for decades, with roles in shows like ‘The Untouchables’ and ‘Remington Steele’. He passed away in 2021 at the age of 94.
Ned Beatty
Ned Beatty was a remarkably busy actor, appearing in over 160 films during his career. He received an Academy Award nomination for a small but memorable part in the movie ‘Network.’ Many will recognize him as Otis, the somewhat clumsy villain in the classic ‘Superman’ films with Christopher Reeve. He also lent his voice to the popular animated film ‘Toy Story 3,’ playing the character Lotso. He died peacefully at his Los Angeles home in 2021.
Charles Grodin
Charles Grodin was a wonderfully dry and funny actor who appeared in many beloved films. Many families will remember him as the dad in the ‘Beethoven’ movies, featuring the big St. Bernard dog. He also famously co-starred with Robert De Niro in the action-comedy ‘Midnight Run’. In addition to acting, Grodin was a writer and hosted a popular talk show in the 1990s, even winning an Emmy for his work. He sadly passed away in 2021 after fighting bone marrow cancer.
Yaphet Kotto
Yaphet Kotto was a talented and memorable actor known for his work in iconic films and television shows. He’s best remembered for roles like the engineer Parker in ‘Alien,’ the villain Mr. Big in a James Bond movie, ‘Live and Let Die,’ and Lieutenant Al Giardello in the series ‘Homicide: Life on the Street.’ Kotto’s powerful presence made him unforgettable in every performance. He passed away in 2021 at the age of 81.
Christopher Plummer
Christopher Plummer was a celebrated actor who performed for over seventy years in theater and film. He’s best known for his role as Captain von Trapp in ‘The Sound of Music’. He made history as the oldest actor to win an Oscar, for his work in ‘Beginners’. Even late in his career, he continued to appear in popular films like ‘Knives Out’ and ‘All the Money in the World’. He died at his home in Connecticut in 2021.
Hal Holbrook
Hal Holbrook was a celebrated actor, best remembered for his decades-long performance as Mark Twain in a one-man show. He also enjoyed a successful film career, appearing in movies like ‘All the President’s Men’ and ‘The Fog’. At age eighty-two, he received an Academy Award nomination for ‘Into the Wild’, making him one of the oldest performers ever to be nominated. He was a welcome presence on television, with roles in shows such as ‘The West Wing’ and ‘Sons of Anarchy’. Holbrook passed away in 2021 at the age of ninety-five.
Ian Holm
Ian Holm was a highly versatile English actor known for many memorable performances. He’s best known for playing Bilbo Baggins in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ movies, and for his role as the android Ash in ‘Alien’. He received an Academy Award nomination for his work in ‘Chariots of Fire’ and was also a celebrated stage actor. Holm passed away in 2020 after a battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Jerry Stiller
Jerry Stiller was a beloved comedian who enjoyed success over many decades. He first rose to fame with his wife, Anne Meara, as the comedy duo Stiller and Meara. He later became widely known and loved for playing Frank Costanza on the hit TV show ‘Seinfeld,’ and continued his success with the role of Arthur Spooner on ‘The King of Queens.’ He was also the father of actor Ben Stiller and continued working in comedy until shortly before his death in 2020 at the age of 92.
Fred Willard
Fred Willard was a brilliant improvisational comedian, well-known for his roles in mockumentary films. He often collaborated with director Christopher Guest on movies like ‘Best in Show’ and ‘A Mighty Wind’. He also had a memorable recurring role on ‘Modern Family’ as Phil Dunphy’s father. Fellow comedians and audiences alike loved his knack for delivering funny lines with a completely serious expression. He sadly passed away in 2020 due to natural causes.
Brian Dennehy
Brian Dennehy was a powerful and talented actor, instantly recognizable for his imposing size and skill. He became well-known for playing the villainous Sheriff Will Teasle in the movie ‘First Blood’ alongside Sylvester Stallone. A celebrated stage actor, he won two Tony Awards and a Golden Globe for his performance in ‘Death of a Salesman’. He also appeared in popular films like ‘Cocoon’ and ‘Romeo + Juliet’, and even lent his voice to the animated film ‘Ratatouille’. He passed away in 2020 at the age of eighty-one.
Max von Sydow
Max von Sydow was a Swedish actor with a remarkable career spanning more than six decades. He first gained recognition in acclaimed films by Ingmar Bergman, including ‘The Seventh Seal.’ American moviegoers will likely remember him as Father Merrin from the iconic horror film ‘The Exorcist.’ Later in his career, he took on roles in popular franchises like ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ and ‘Game of Thrones.’ He died in 2020, leaving behind a vast and impressive collection of work in several languages.
Orson Bean
Orson Bean was a familiar face on American TV for more than fifty years, known as an actor and for appearing on game shows. He’s best remembered for playing Loren Bray on the show ‘Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,’ but film fans will also recognize him from movies like ‘Anatomy of a Murder’ and ‘Being John Malkovich.’ A regular guest on ‘The Tonight Show,’ he appeared on countless TV programs over his career. Sadly, he passed away in 2020 after being hit by a car in Los Angeles.
Robert Conrad
Robert Conrad was a popular action star, most famous for playing James T. West in the TV series ‘The Wild Wild West’. He was known for doing his own stunts and being very athletic in his roles. He also starred as Major Greg Pappy Boyington in the World War II drama ‘Baa Baa Black Sheep’. In the 1970s, he remained a familiar face through TV commercials and appearances at celebrity sporting events. He died in 2020 at the age of 84.
Danny Aiello
Danny Aiello was a talented character actor known for his realistic portrayals of New Yorkers. He gained widespread recognition, including an Academy Award nomination for his role as Sal in ‘Do the Right Thing,’ and also appeared in beloved films like ‘The Godfather Part II’ and ‘Moonstruck.’ Beyond acting, Aiello had a career on stage and released several music albums. He sadly passed away in 2019 after a brief illness.
René Auberjonois
René Auberjonois was a highly successful actor known for his work in theater and television. He was particularly famous for playing the character Odo on ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’ and Clayton Endicott III on the sitcom ‘Benson.’ Moviegoers will also remember him as Father Mulcahy in the original ‘MASH’ film. He sadly passed away in 2019 after fighting lung cancer.
Robert Forster
Robert Forster enjoyed a decades-long acting career, but he experienced a significant comeback with his role as Max Cherry in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Jackie Brown,’ which earned him an Academy Award nomination. Throughout his career, he appeared in over a hundred films, including classics like ‘Medium Cool’ and more recent hits like ‘The Descendants.’ Later in his career, he revisited his character Ed from ‘Breaking Bad’ in the film ‘El Camino.’ Sadly, he passed away in 2019, on the very same day his final film was released.
Rip Torn
Rip Torn was a celebrated actor famous for his powerful and often dramatic roles. He won an Emmy for playing Artie on ‘The Larry Sanders Show’ and is well-known as Chief Agent Z from the ‘Men in Black’ movies. Over his sixty-year career, he received an Oscar nomination for ‘Cross Creek’. He died at his home in Connecticut in 2019.
John Mahoney
John Mahoney, originally from England, became a familiar face on American TV. He’s most famous for his role as Martin Crane, the retired police officer and father, on the popular sitcom ‘Frasier.’ Before finding success on television, he was a well-respected stage actor in Chicago, even winning a Tony Award. He also had roles in films such as ‘Say Anything’ and ‘The American President.’ He passed away in 2018 at the age of 77 while receiving hospice care.
David Ogden Stiers
David Ogden Stiers was a talented actor and conductor best known for playing the snobbish but skilled Major Charles Winchester on the TV show ‘MASH’. Beyond that role, he had a successful career as a voice actor, famously providing the voice of Cogsworth in Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’. He also lent his voice to other popular animated films like ‘Pocahontas’ and ‘Lilo & Stitch’. Stiers died in 2018 after a battle with bladder cancer.
Reg E. Cathey
Reg E. Cathey was a talented character actor known for his rich, deep voice. He became famous for playing Norman Wilson in the TV series ‘The Wire’ and won an Emmy for his work as Freddy Hayes on ‘House of Cards’. Throughout his career, he appeared in films like ‘Seven’ and ‘The Mask’ and also performed in numerous stage productions. He passed away in 2018 at the age of 59.
Michael Nyqvist
Michael Nyqvist was a celebrated Swedish actor who achieved international fame for his role as Mikael Blomkvist in the original Swedish films of ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’. He also appeared in Hollywood hits like ‘John Wick’ and ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’, playing memorable villainous characters. Highly regarded in his home country of Sweden before becoming a global star, Nyqvist sadly passed away in 2017 after fighting lung cancer.
Bill Paxton
Bill Paxton was a talented and popular actor known for appearing in many hit movies from the 1980s and 90s. He was unique in that his characters were famously killed off by iconic villains in films like ‘Predator,’ ‘Alien,’ and ‘Terminator.’ Beyond those roles, he starred in beloved movies like ‘Twister’ and ‘Apollo 13,’ and the TV series ‘Big Love.’ Paxton also tried his hand at directing, including the thriller ‘Frailty.’ Sadly, he passed away unexpectedly in 2017 due to complications after heart surgery.
Miguel Ferrer
Miguel Ferrer was a skilled actor who often portrayed strong, world-weary characters. He’s remembered for his role creating RoboCop in the 1987 film, as well as his appearances as Albert Rosenfield in ‘Twin Peaks’ and Owen Granger on ‘NCIS Los Angeles’. A talented musician himself, he was the son of celebrated actor José Ferrer and singer Rosemary Clooney. Ferrer sadly passed away in 2017 after fighting throat cancer.
John Hurt
John Hurt was a highly versatile English actor known for his distinctive voice and captivating performances. He’s remembered for powerful roles in films like ‘The Elephant Man’ and ‘1984’, and for a particularly shocking scene in the original ‘Alien’. He also charmed audiences as Mr. Ollivander in the ‘Harry Potter’ movies. Hurt received a knighthood for his contributions to acting shortly before his death in 2017.
Powers Boothe
Powers Boothe was a talented actor who could convincingly play both good and bad characters. He won an Emmy for his portrayal of Jim Jones in a TV movie, and many remember him for roles like Curly Bill in ‘Tombstone’ and Senator Roark in ‘Sin City’. Later in his career, he appeared in recurring roles on shows like ‘Deadwood’ and ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ He died in 2017 at the age of 68.
Harry Dean Stanton
Harry Dean Stanton was a highly respected actor known for playing unique characters in films and television for over sixty years. He’s remembered for iconic roles in movies like ‘Paris, Texas,’ ‘Alien,’ and ‘Repo Man.’ Director David Lynch often worked with Stanton, featuring him in films like ‘Wild at Heart’ and the new version of ‘Twin Peaks.’ Fans loved his distinctive, worn appearance and subtle acting. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 91.
Michael Clarke Duncan
Michael Clarke Duncan was a powerfully built actor with incredible talent, and he first gained widespread recognition in the film ‘The Green Mile’. His portrayal of John Coffey was critically acclaimed, earning him an Oscar nomination and resonating with audiences worldwide. He continued to appear in popular movies such as ‘Armageddon’ and ‘The Whole Nine Yards’, and he became known for his deep, commanding voice in animation and video games. Sadly, he passed away in 2012 after suffering a heart attack.
James Gandolfini
James Gandolfini is best known for his groundbreaking role as Tony Soprano in ‘The Sopranos,’ which redefined television drama. He won three Emmy Awards for his performance and is now considered one of the all-time greats of TV acting. Beyond ‘The Sopranos,’ he appeared in popular films such as ‘True Romance’ and ‘Get Shorty.’ Gandolfini was particularly admired for his skill in portraying strong characters with surprising emotional depth. Sadly, he passed away unexpectedly in 2013 while on vacation in Italy.
Gary Coleman
Gary Coleman became famous as a child actor on the TV show ‘Diff’rent Strokes’. His line, ‘What’choo talkin’ ‘bout, Willis?’ became incredibly popular in the late 70s and early 80s. After the show ended, he faced health problems and had difficulty finding steady work. Despite these challenges, he stayed in the public eye through reality TV and other appearances. Sadly, he passed away in 2010 at the age of 42.
Corey Haim
Corey Haim was a popular teen star in the 1980s, known for his roles in movies like ‘The Lost Boys,’ ‘Lucas,’ and ‘License to Drive.’ He frequently appeared with Corey Feldman, and the pair were often referred to as the Two Coreys. Though he achieved fame at a young age, he struggled with personal issues later in life and sadly passed away in 2010 at the age of 38.
Leslie Nielsen
Leslie Nielsen started his career as a dramatic actor, but he became famous for comedy later in life. He achieved huge success with the movie ‘Airplane!’, where his dry, serious style of delivery became well-known. He went on to play Frank Drebin in ‘The Naked Gun’ films and the ‘Police Squad’ TV show. For many years, his work set the standard for parody movies and brought joy to countless people. He died in 2010 at the age of 84.
Peter Falk
Peter Falk was best known for playing the iconic, somewhat messy, Lieutenant Columbo on television for more than thirty years. Beyond his famous detective role, he was a well-regarded film actor, appearing in movies like ‘The Princess Bride’ and ‘Wings of Desire’. Throughout his career, he earned two Academy Award nominations for dramatic roles. He sadly passed away in 2011 after struggling with Alzheimer’s disease.
Christopher Lee
Christopher Lee was a famous actor best known for portraying iconic villains in movies. He first gained recognition playing Dracula in a series of horror films, and later became a key figure in blockbuster franchises like ‘Star Wars’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’, appearing as Count Dooku and Saruman respectively. With his distinctive deep voice and tall stature, he captivated audiences for over six decades. He died in 2015 at the age of 93.
Rutger Hauer
Rutger Hauer was a Dutch actor who became well-known internationally, particularly for playing the character Roy Batty in the film ‘Blade Runner’. His final speech in that movie is often remembered as one of the most powerful scenes ever filmed. He also appeared in films like ‘Ladyhawke’, ‘The Hitcher’, and ‘Batman Begins’. He passed away in 2019 at his home in the Netherlands after a brief illness.
Bruno Ganz
Bruno Ganz, a celebrated Swiss actor renowned for his work in German-language films, achieved international recognition for his role as an angel in ‘Wings of Desire.’ More recently, he became widely known for his powerful depiction of Adolf Hitler in ‘Downfall,’ a performance that became a popular subject for internet memes and parodies. He died in 2019 at the age of 77.
Please share your thoughts on these talented performers in the comments.
Read More
- 🚀 Doge’s Zero-Hour: Will It Go From Hero to Zero? 😱
- STX PREDICTION. STX cryptocurrency
- Sanctions Turn Russia’s Crypto Ban into a World-Class Gimmick! 🤑
- ENA: Will it Sink or Swim? 🌊
- 25 Best G-Rated Christmas Movies (& Why You Should Watch Them)
- Calumet’s Exit: A $7M Omen for the Struggling
- Actor James Ransone Has Passed Away, Age 46
- Crypto’s 2026: Bitcoin’s Last Laugh or RWA’s Big Bang? 🚀💰
- Avatar: The Last Airbender Movie Skips Theaters, Heads Straight to Streaming
- Galaxy Digital’s 40% Plunge and a $4.7M Bet
2025-12-26 17:21