2022 was a year of devastating celebrity losses. In the year’s very first days, the world was rattled by the death of historic actor Sidney Poitier at 94 years old. In 1964, Poitier became the first Black man to win the Oscar for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in 1963’s Lilies of the Field. A true icon!
Then, the year’s last few days also rocked the world with unexpected goodbyes. Among the celebrity passings was the death of Brazilian soccer legend Pelé after a complicated battle with colon cancer, godmother of punk and legendary fashion designer Vivienne Westwood at age 81, and ground-breaking journalist Barbara Walters who passed away at 93.
Whether you followed them closely or just knew about their importance from afar, the celebrities we lost in 2022 changed the world and their absence will forever be missed.
As we begin 2023, we’d like to wish that no celebrity unexpectedly passes away this year, though we also know it’s a natural and sadly unavoidable life cycle.
Our thoughts are with the families of those we’ve lost this year, and we honor their memory by reflecting on their legacy.
A version of this article was originally published on Jan 2023.
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Lance Reddick
Image Credit: Leon Bennett/WireImage Lance Reddick, an actor famous for his roles in The Wire, Fringe, and the John Wick franchise passed away of natural causes on Friday, March 17, Variety reported. The star, who was recently doing press for the upcoming sequel John Wick: Chapter 4, was only 60 years old.
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Tom Sizemore
Image Credit: Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images. On February 18, 2023, Tom Sizemore tragically suffered a brain aneurysm and was quickly hospitalized. On March 3, he died at the age of 61 after being put off life support. Sizemore was known for his supporting roles in classics like Heat, Saving Private Ryan, Black Hawk Down, and Pearl Harbor.
He is survived by his twin sons Jagger and Jayden.
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Raquel Welch
Image Credit: Photo by Donato Sardella/Getty Images for PORTER Magazine. TMZ broke the news on Feb 15 that the iconic Raquel Welch has passed away at the age of 82, after suffering an unknown, brief illness. Welch is not only known as a fashion icon and sex symbol, but for her roles in The Three Musketeers, Hannie Caulder, Fathom, and more.
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Lisa Loring
Image Credit: Photo by Albert L. Ortega/WireImage. The original Wednesday Addams, Lisa Loring has passed away at the age of 66 on Jan 28, 2023, from a sudden stroke. The horror icon also appeared in a variety of films like Blood Frenzy, Iced, and more.
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Burt Bacharach
Image Credit: Samir Hussein/Redferns via Getty Images Legendary songwriter, composer and music producer Burt Bacharach passed away on Feb 8 due to natural causes, per Variety. He was 94 years old. The three-time Oscar winner, was the person behind many beloved songs today including “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” “Walk On By,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” and many others. Bacharach is survived by his wife Jane and his three children.
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Annie Wersching
Image Credit: Tommaso Boddi/WireImage Annie Wersching, an actress known for her roles in 24, Bosch and Timeless, died on Jan 29 at 45 years old. Per Deadline, her husband, actor Stephen Full, issued a statement confirming her passing. “There is a cavernous hole in the soul of this family today. But she left us the tools to fill it,” the touching statement read. “She found wonder in the simplest moment. She didn’t require music to dance. She taught us not to wait for adventure to find you. ‘Go find it. It’s everywhere.’ And find it we shall.” Wersching is survived by Full and their children Freddie, Ozzie and Archie.
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David Crosby
Image Credit: Scott Dudelson/Getty Images Folk-rock legend David Crosby, a founding member of The Byrds and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, died on Jan 18 at age 81. The news was confirmed by his family to The New York Times, no further details were provided.
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Lisa Marie Presley
Image Credit: Todd Williamson/NBC/NBC via Getty Images Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of the late King of Rock and Roll Elvis, passed away suddenly on Jan 12 at age 54. The news broke after she was hospitalized following an apparent cardiac arrest. “Priscilla Presley and the Presley family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Lisa Marie,” her mom Priscilla Presley said in a statement to CNN. “They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time.” Lisa Marie is survived by her mother and her three daughters Riley, 33, Finley and Harper, both 14.
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Jeff Beck
Image Credit: Venla Shalin/Redferns Legendary guitarist and Grammy winner Jeff Beck passed away on Jan 11 at 78 years old. “On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing,” his family wrote in a statement on Instagram. “After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday. His family ask for privacy while they process this tremendous loss.”
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Tatjana Patitz
Image Credit: Daniele Venturelli/Daniele Venturelli/WireImage One of the original “supermodels” of the ’80s and ’90s, Tatjana Patitz passed away on Jan 11 at just 56 years old. “She is survived by her son, her sister, and her parents. We are all devastated by her passing,” her agent shared in a statement to People. “She was compassionate soul, kind and generous of heart and an avid advocate of animal rights. One of the major causes she supported was the conservation of wild horses.” Per People, Patitz passed away after a battle with breast cancer.
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