Most Notable Celebs who Died in January 2026

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January 2026 brought sad news for the entertainment world, as we lost several beloved and influential figures from film, television, music, and fashion. These icons left a lasting impact on their industries and touched the lives of people around the globe. They will be remembered for their incredible contributions to popular culture, and this is a tribute to those we lost.

Victoria Jones

Victoria Jones, an actress known for her promising career, died on January 1, 2026, at the age of 34. While the cause of death hasn’t been publicly released, her unexpected passing has been felt deeply by her colleagues and fans.

Bret Shuford

Bret Hanna-Shuford, a Broadway performer, passed away on January 3, 2026, at 46 years old. He died from complications related to hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and lymphoma. Hanna-Shuford was a well-known and admired actor in the theater community, with a long career performing in many stage shows. He was talented in both musical theater and dramatic roles.

Sidney Kibrick

Sidney Kibrick, a former child actor who starred as Woim in the popular ‘Our Gang’ short films of the 1930s, died on January 3, 2026, at the age of 97. He lived a long life and his death was attributed to natural causes. While he stepped away from acting, Kibrick remained a remembered face from Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Béla Tarr

Béla Tarr, the highly respected Hungarian filmmaker known for his thought-provoking films and distinctive, slow-paced style, passed away on January 6, 2026, at age 70 after a long illness. He became internationally famous for movies like ‘Sátántangó’ and ‘The Turin Horse,’ and his impact on independent and artistic cinema continues to be felt by filmmakers and movie lovers around the world.

Guy Moon

Guy Moon, a celebrated composer known for his work in television animation, died on January 8, 2026, at the age of 63. He was injured in a car accident. Throughout his decades-long career, Moon created the music for many popular animated series, including ‘The Fairly OddParents’ and ‘Danny Phantom,’ and significantly shaped the sound of modern animation.

T.K. Carter

Actor T.K. Carter passed away at his home on January 9, 2026, at the age of 69. While representatives have confirmed his death, the cause hasn’t been publicly released. Carter was best known for his roles in the film ‘The Thing’ and the television show ‘Good Morning, Miss Bliss’. He also gained recognition for his dramatic talent in the highly praised series ‘The Corner’.

Bob Weir

Bob Weir, a celebrated musician and one of the original members of the Grateful Dead, passed away on January 10, 2026, at 78 years old. He died from lung complications after battling cancer. As a singer and guitarist, Weir was a key part of the counterculture era and helped create the jam band scene. He continued to perform live for many years with different versions of the Grateful Dead, most recently with the band ‘Dead & Company’.

Scott Adams

Scott Adams, the creator of the popular comic strip ‘Dilbert’, died on January 13, 2026, at age 68 after fighting prostate cancer. ‘Dilbert’ famously poked fun at office life and corporate culture, reaching millions of readers through newspapers worldwide. Throughout his career, Adams also wrote several books on business and society.

Bruce Bilson

Bruce Bilson, a highly successful television director, died on January 16, 2026, at the age of 97, due to natural causes. He was a familiar face in American television, having directed episodes of classic shows like ‘Get Smart’ and ‘The Andy Griffith Show’. Bilson earned an Emmy Award in 1968 for his work on ‘Get Smart’, and his career lasted for more than five decades, encompassing numerous popular comedies and dramas.

Roger Allers

Roger Allers, the celebrated animator and director known for co-directing Disney’s ‘The Lion King,’ passed away on January 17, 2026, at age 76, following a short illness. He also played a key role in other popular Disney films of the era, such as ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Aladdin,’ and his work had a significant impact on animation and filmmaking.

Valentino

Valentino Garavani, the world-renowned fashion designer known simply as Valentino, passed away peacefully at his home on January 19, 2026, at the age of 93. He launched his famous fashion house in 1960 and became celebrated for his iconic “Valentino Red” gowns, dressing many famous actors, singers, and members of royal families. For over fifty years, he had a huge impact on the world of high fashion and popular culture.

Rob Hirst

Rob Hirst, the original drummer and a founding member of the iconic Australian rock band Midnight Oil, passed away on January 20, 2026, at age 70, after a fight with pancreatic cancer. He played a key role in the band’s global popularity, writing or co-writing many of their hit songs, including ‘Beds Are Burning.’ Hirst was also well-known for his passionate advocacy for environmental issues.

Francis Buchholz

Francis Buchholz, who played bass for the Scorpions during their peak years, died on January 22, 2026, at age 71 after a battle with cancer. He was a key part of the band, performing on famous albums like ‘Love at First Sting,’ and his bass playing helped define their hard rock sound in the 1970s and 80s.

Elle Simone Scott

Elle Simone Scott, the beloved TV host and cookbook author, passed away on January 25, 2026, at 49 years old after a several-year struggle with ovarian cancer. Known for her work on ‘America’s Test Kitchen,’ Scott was a pioneer for women of color in the food industry and founded SheChef, a group supporting female chefs in their careers.

Lowell ‘Sly’ Dunbar

Sly Dunbar, the celebrated Jamaican drummer, died on January 26, 2026, at age 73. While the cause of death wasn’t immediately released, his impact on music is undeniable. Best known as one half of Sly & Robbie, Dunbar helped transform reggae and dancehall with his groundbreaking drumming. Throughout his long career, he collaborated with many famous artists from around the world, such as Bob Dylan and Grace Jones.

Catherine O’Hara

Catherine O’Hara, the beloved actress and comedian, died on January 30, 2026, at age 71. Her family hasn’t shared the cause of death. O’Hara was famous for her Emmy-winning work in shows like ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and movies like ‘Home Alone’ and ‘Beetlejuice’. She began her career with the comedy group ‘Second City Television’ and became a celebrated comedic performer.

Please share your memories and thoughts on these influential figures in the comments.

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2026-02-06 18:45