Karl Gehring, The Denver PostPat DiNizio, lead singer and songwriter of the New Jersey rock band The Smithereens died at age 62. The band announced on Facebook that DiNizio died Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017. Pat DiNizio, the frontman of the Smithereens, jammed at the Denver Lodo Music Festival in 2001.
Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesFor more than 60 years, Harry Dean Stanton played crooks and codgers, eccentrics and losers. Stanton died of natural causes at a Los Angeles hospital at age 91. Actor Harry Dean Stanton poses for a portrait for the film "Harry Dean Stanton: Partly Fiction" at Dan Tana's Restaurant on August 22, 2013 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images)
Richard Shotwell, Invision/AP, FileA family representative said prolific and charismatic actor Bill Paxton, who played an astronaut in "Apollo 13" and a treasure hunter in "Titanic," died from complications due to surgery. The family representative issued a statement Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017, on the death. In this May 31, 2015, file photo, Bill Paxton arrives at the Critics' Choice Television Awards at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Matt Sayles, Associated Press fileErin Moran, the former child star who played Joanie Cunningham in the sitcoms "Happy Days" and "Joanie Loves Chachi," died at age 56. Police in Harrison County, Indiana said that she had been found unresponsive Saturday, April 22, 2017, after authorities received a 911 call. In this Sept. 24, 2008 photo, Erin Moran arrives at the Fox Reality Channel Really Awards in Los Angeles.
Kevork Djansezian, Associated Press fileHugh Hefner died at age 91. Playboy magazine released a statement saying Hefner died at his home of natural causes Wednesday night, Sept. 27, 2017, surrounded by family. In this April 7, 2006 photo, Playboy founder Hugh Hefner is photographed at the Playboy Mansion in the Holmby Hills area of Los Angeles.
Douglas C. Pizac, Associated Press fileDella Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an Angel," died at age 86. A family representative released a statement that Reese died peacefully Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in California. Della Reese in Oct. 1991.
Brian Kersey, Associated Press fileJohn Heard, best known for playing the father in the "Home Alone" movie series died at 72. In this April 5, 2006 photo, actor John Heard, who stars as Alex, rehearses for Steppenwolf Theatre's production of Don DeLillo's play, "Love-Lies-Bleeding," in Chicago.
Tom Gilbert, Tulsa World via The Associated PressMusic legend Gregg Allman, whose bluesy vocals and soulful touch on the Hammond B-3 organ helped propel The Allman Brothers Band to superstardom and spawn Southern rock, died at 69 of cancer. In this May 6, 2016 photo, Greg Allman performs at the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Catoosa, Oka. On Saturday, May 27, 2017, a publicist said the musician, the singer for The Allman Brothers Band, has died.
Chris Pizzello, The Associated PressRoger Moore, the suavely insouciant star of seven James Bond films, died in Switzerland. He was 89. The British actor died after a short battle with cancer, according to a family statement posted on MooreÕs official Twitter account. In this April 22, 1996 photo, veteran British actor Roger Moore, poses for a portrait, in the Studio City section of Los Angeles.
Roger Kisby, Getty ImagesChris Cornell, one of the most lauded and respected contemporary lead singers in rock music with his bands Soundgarden and Audioslave, hanged himself in a Detroit hotel room, according to the cityÕs medical examiner. He was 52. Chris Cornell of Soundgarden performs onstage and headlines the 2010 Lollapalooza festival in Grant Park on Aug. 8, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois.
Charles Sykes, Associated Press fileSam Shepard, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, Oscar-nominated actor and celebrated author whose plays chronicled the explosive fault lines of family and masculinity in the American West, died at 73. In this Sept. 29, 2011 photo, actor Sam Shepard poses for a portrait in New York. Shepard, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, Oscar-nominated actor and celebrated author whose plays chronicled the explosive fault lines of family and masculinity in the American West, died of complications from ALS, Thursday, July 27, 2017, at his home in Kentucky. He was 73.
Chris Brandis, The Associated PressCuba Gooding Sr., who sang the 1972 hit ÒEverybody Plays the Fool,Ó died at 72. Authorities say the singer and father of Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. was found dead in a car in the Woodland Hills section of Los Angeles. CoronerÕs Assistant Chief Ed Winter says the cause of death is under investigation, but drug paraphernalia and alcohol were found in the car parked on a busy street. Cuba Gooding Sr., lead vocalist of the legendary rhythm-and-blues group The Main Ingredient and father of Oscar winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr.,smiles during an interview in Bridgetown, Barbados, Wednesday, Aug. 18, 1999.
Alessandro Della Bella, The Associated PressLinkin Park lead singer Chester Bennington, whose screeching vocals helped the rock-rap band become one of the most commercially successful acts in the 2000s, was found dead in his home near Los Angeles of an apparent suicide, the Los Angeles County coroner said. He was 41. Lead singer Chester Bennington performs with the US American band Linkin Park on stage at the Hallenstadion in Zurich, Switzerland, Tuesday July 28, 2009.(AP Photo/Keystone/Alessandro Della Bella)
Patrick Doyle, The Canadian Press Images via The Associated PressGord Downie, who made himself part of Canada's national identity with songs about hockey and small towns as lead singer and songwriter of iconic rock band The Tragically Hip, died at age 53 after a battle with brain cancer. Gord Downie of the band The Tragically Hip performs at the Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest on Saturday, July 9, 2011. The Ottawa Bluesfest is ranked as one of the most successful music events in North America. (The Canadian Press Images PHOTO/Ottawa Bluesfest/Patrick Doyle via AP Images)
Fin Costello, RedfernsAC/DC co-founder Malcolm Young, died at 64. Rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young from Australian rock band AC/DC posed in a studio in London in August 1979.
FILE - In this Oct. 13, 2016 file photo, Mobb Deep's Prodigy poses for a photo in New York. Albert Johnson, the skilled rapper and member of the New York hip-hop duo has died. He was 42. The rapper’s publicist said in a statement Tuesday, June 20, 2017, that Prodigy was hospitalized a few days ago in Las Vegas “for complications caused by a sickle cell anemia crisis.” He has battled sickle cell since birth and was in Las Vegas for a performance. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
The Associated PressAdam West, whose straight-faced portrayal of Batman in a campy 1960s TV series lifted the tight-clad Caped Crusader into the national consciousness, died at age 88, his publicist Molly Schoneveld said Saturday. West died after Òa short but brave battle with leukemia,Ó his family said in a statement. Actor Adam West, shown in costume on Jan. 23, 1966, stars as the Caped Crusader battling the forces of evil on the new "Batman" television series.
Rick Diamond, Getty Images for IEBADavid Cassidy, the teen and pre-teen idol who starred in the 1970s sitcom ÒThe Partridge FamilyÓ and sold millions of records as the musical groupÕs lead singer, died at age 67. David Cassidy performs during the Paradise Artists Party at IEBA Conference Day 3 at the War Memorial Auditorium on Oct. 9, 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Joel Ryan, Associated Press fileThe great and versatile actor Sir John Hurt, who could move audiences to tears in "The Elephant Man," terrify them in "Alien" and spoof that very same scene in "Spaceballs" died at age 77. Hurt, who battled pancreatic cancer, passed away Friday, Jan. 27, 2017, in London according to his agent Charles McDonald. This Sept. 6, 2011 photo shows British actor John Hurt posing for portraits at the Venice Film Festival Movie Star Lounge after interviews for the film "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," during the 68th edition of the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy.
Andreas Rentz, Getty ImagesJoni Sledge, who with her sisters recorded the enduring dance anthem ÒWe Are Family,Ó has died at 60. Joni Sledge of Sister Sledge appears on stage at the amfAR's 23rd Cinema Against AIDS Gala at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 19, 2016 in Cap d'Antibes, France.
Peter Kramer, Associated Press fileDon Rickles died Thursday, April 6, 2017, of kidney failure at his Los Angeles home. He was 90. In this March 7, 2010 photo, Don Rickles arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar party in West Hollywood, Calif.
Evan Agostini, Invision/The Associated PressJonathan Demme died, Wednesday, April 26, 2017, of complications from esophageal cancer in New York. He was 73. In this Jan. 20, 2015 photo, Jonathan Demme attends the premiere of "Song One" in New York.
Chris O'Meara, Associated Press fileJake LaMotta, whose life was depicted in the film "Raging Bull," died Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017, at a Miami-area hospital from complications of pneumonia. He was 95. In this Sept. 15, 2015 photo, Jake LaMotta watches batting practice before a baseball game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the New York Yankees, in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Chris Pizzello, Invision/The Associated PressCharlie Murphy, older brother of actor-comedian Eddie Murphy, died Wednesday, April 12, 2017 of leukemia in New York. He was 57. In this Nov. 3, 2012 photo, comedian Charlie Murphy appears at "Eddie Murphy: One Night Only," a celebration of Murphy's career in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)
Reed Saxon, The Associated PressRoger Ailes, chairman and chief executive officer of Fox News died at 77. In this July 24, 2006 photo, Roger Ailes, chairman and chief executive officer of Fox News, listens as anchor Shepard Smith, seen on screens in front and behind him, as Smith talks to the audience via satellite from Israel, at the Summer Television Critics Association Press Tour in Pasadena, Calif.
Vince Bucci, Getty ImagesMary Tyler Moore, the star of TV's beloved "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" whose comic realism helped revolutionize the depiction of women on the small screen, died Wednesday. She was 80. Actress Mary Tyler Moore attends the 53rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at The Shubert Theater Nov. 4, 2001 in Los Angeles, CA.
Marianna Massey, Getty ImagesCharles Bradley, known as the "Screaming Eagle of Soul" for a powerful, raspy style that evoked one of his musical heroes, James Brown, died at age 68. Charles Bradley performs on stage on opening day of the Sydney Festival Jan. 5, 2013 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney festival opening, previously 'Sydney Festival First Night', was scaled back from previous years, when crowds reached as many as 60,000 for launch.
Vince Bucci, Getty ImagesBarbara Sinatra, the fourth wife of legendary singer Frank Sinatra and a prominent children's advocate and philanthropist who raised millions of dollars to help abused youngsters, died at 90. Barbara Sinatra attends a tribute to the late director Billy Wilder May 1, 2002 at the Motion Picture Academy in Beverly Hills, CA.
Amy Harris, Invision/The Associated PressGlen Campbell, the affable superstar singer of "Rhinestone Cowboy" and "Wichita Lineman" whose appeal spanned country, pop, television and movies, died at 81. Glen Campbell performs at LP Field during the 2012 CMA Music Festival on June 07, 2012, in Nashville, Tenn.
Frederick M. Brown, Getty ImagesAnne Jeffreys, the actress and opera singer who likely had her greatest impact on TV audiences as Marion Kerby "the ghostess with the mostess" in the 1950s TV series "Topper," died at 94. More recently, she spent two decades playing Amanda Barrington on "General Hospital" She was featured in the role of the wealthy on more than 350 episodes of the soap opera from 1984 until 2004. Actress Anne Jeffreys attends opening night of the play "Kiss Me Kate" at the Shubert Theatre Aug. 24, 2001 in Los Angeles, CA.
Frederick M. Brown, Getty ImagesStephen Furst, who played naive fraternity pledge Flounder in the hit movie "Animal House," died of complications from diabetes. Furst was 63. Actor Stephen Furst attends the TCA Press Tour at the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel on July 8, 2003 in Hollywood, California.
Scott Gries, ImageDirectRoy Dotrice, a veteran British actor, died at his London home on Monday. He was 94. Dotrice was known for his role as Leopold Mozart in the Oscar-winning film "Amadeus" and his many theater and TV roles. Roy Dotrice winner, Best performance by a featured actor in a play ( A Moon For the Misbegotten) at the 54th Annual Antoinette Perry 'Tony' Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City June 4, 2000.
Kevin Winter, Getty ImagesBrad Bufanda, best know for his role on "Veronica Mars" died at 34 by committing suicide jumping off a building. Actor Brad Bufanda arrives at the premiere of Warner Bros. "A Cinderella Story" on July 10, 2004 at the Chinese Theatre, in Los Angeles, California.
Michal Cizek, AFP/Getty ImagesChuck Berry, rock ‘n’ roll’s founding guitar hero and storyteller who defined the music’s joy and rebellion in such classics as “Johnny B. Goode,” ″Sweet Little Sixteen” and “Roll Over Beethoven,” died at his home west of St. Louis. He was 90. Celebrated American singer and guitarist Chuck Berry, 80, performs on stage at Lucerna Palace during his concert in Prague 16 January 2005. (Photo credit should read MICHAL CIZEK/AFP/Getty Images)
David Livingston, Getty ImagesRobert Guillaume, who rose from squalid beginnings in St. Louis slums to become a star in stage musicals and win Emmy Awards for his portrayal of the sharp-tongued butler in the TV sitcoms “Soap” and “Benson,” has died at age 89. He had been battling prostate cancer. Actor Robert Guillaume attends the celebrity opening night of the Broadway bound show "Jay Johnson: The Two and Only!" at the Brentwood Theatre on January 23, 2006 in Brentwood, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)
Stephen Shugerman, Getty ImagesComedian Shelley Berman, who won gold records and appeared on top television shows in the 1950s and 1960s delivering wry monologues about the annoyances of everyday life, died at 92. Actor Shelly Berman attends the premiere of HBO's "Entourage" at the Cinerama Dome on June 1, 2006 in Hollywood, California.
Vince Bucci, Getty ImagesMonty Hall, the genial TV game show host whose long-running “Letap Make a Deal” traded on love of money and merchandise and the mystery of which door had the car behind it, died at 96 from heart failure. Television personality Monty Hall attends the tribute "Red Buttons: A Celebration of Life and Laughter" on August 7, 2006 at The Century Club in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
Kevin Winter, Getty ImagesJay Thomas, a radio talk show host and actor with recurring roles on the sitcoms “Murphy Brown” and “Cheers,” died at 69 from cancer. Actor Jay Thomas arrives at the premiere of Walt Disney's "The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause" at the El Capitan Theater on October 29, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Gabriel Bouys, AFPGrammy-winning jazz singer Al Jarreau, who transcended genres over a 50-year career, died at a Los Angeles hospital, just days after announcing his retirement from touring because of exhaustion, his manager Joe Gordon confirmed. His official Twitter account says he died surrounded by his wife, son and a few other family members and friends. He was 76. Winner for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance Al Jarreau poses with the trophies at the 49th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles 11 Feb. 2007.
Kevin Winter, Getty ImagesFrank Vincent, a veteran character actor who often played tough guys, including mob boss Phil Leotardo on "The Sopranos," died at 80. Actor Frank Vincent arrives at the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium on Sept. 16, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.
Nancy Ostertag, Getty ImagesDina Merrill, the rebellious heiress who defied her super-rich parents to become a movie star, often portraying stylish wives or “the other woman,” died at age 93. Actress Dina Merrill arrives at the 30th Annual Kennedy Center Honors Dec. 2, 2007 in Washington, DC.
Kristian Dowling, Getty ImagesJoseph Wapner, the retired Los Angeles judge who presided over “The People’s Court” with steady force during the heyday of the reality courtroom show, died at age 97. Judge Joseph Albert Wapner is honored on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame on Nov. 12, 2009 in Hollywood, California.
Rick Diamond, Getty ImagesButch Trucks, a drummer who was one of the founding members of the seminal Southern rock group the Allman Brothers Band, died at his home in West Palm Beach, Fla. He was 69. Recording Artist Butch Trucks performs at the 2010 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Presented By Shell at the Fair Grounds Race Course on April 25, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Frederick Breedon IV, Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and MuseumA helicopter carrying singer Troy Gentry, of the award-winning country music duo Montgomery Gentry, crashed, killing Gentry and the pilot. Gentry was 50. Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry performs during Keith Urban's Fourth annual We're All For The Hall benefit concert at Bridgestone Arena on April 16, 2013 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Michael Buckner, Getty Images for VH1Stevie Ryan, an actress and comedian who gained fame with impersonations of celebrities on YouTube, died at 33 from an apparent suicide. Actress Stevie Ryan arrives at the DoSomething.org and VH1's 2013 Do Something Awards at Avalon on July 31, 2013 in Hollywood, California.
Mark Davis, Getty ImagesJune Foray, who provided voices for Rocky the Flying Squirrel and characters in hundreds of classic cartoons, died at age 99. Voice actress June Foray poses backstage with the 2013 Govenors award during the 2013 Creative Arts Emmy Awards held at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Sept. 15, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.
Drew Hallowell, Getty ImagesStarter Roy Halladay of the Philadelphia Phillies delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park on Sept. 17, 2013 in Philadelphia.
Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty ImagesMiguel Ferrer, who brought stern authority to his featured role on the CBS hit "NCIS: Los Angeles" and, before that, to NBC crime drama "Crossing Jordan," died at 61. CBS said Ferrer died of cancer at his Los Angeles home. Actor Miguel Ferrer arrives to The American Film Institute Presents "Twin Peaks-The Entire Mystery" Blu-Ray/DVD Release Screening at the Vista Theatre on July 16, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Jemal Countess, Getty Images"True Blood" actor Nelsan Ellis' death was caused by heart failure due to alcohol-withdrawal complications, according to a statement released on behalf of his family. Ellis died in a New York hospital at age 39. Actor Nelsan Ellis attends the "Get On Up" premiere at The Apollo Theater on July 21, 2014 in New York City.
David Becker, Getty Images for SHOWTIME SPORTSFormer MTV reality show star Christopher "Big Black" Boykin died at the age of 45. Television personality Christopher "Big Black" Boykin arrives at Showtime's VIP prefight party for "Mayhem: Mayweather vs. Maidana 2" at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on September 13, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images for SHOWTIME SPORTS)
Jason Merritt, Getty ImagesDick Gregory, the comedian and activist and who broke racial barriers in the 1960s and used his humor to spread messages of social justice and nutritional health, has died. He was 84. He had suffered a severe bacterial infection. Dick Gregory attends the 'Selma' and the Legends Who Paved the Way gala at Bacara Resort on Dec. 6, 2014 in Goleta, California.
Daniel Petty, The Denver PostTom Petty, an old-fashioned rock superstar and everyman who drew upon the Byrds, the Beatles and other bands he worshipped as a boy and produced new classics such as "Free Fallin,'" "Refugee" and "American Girl," died at 66 from cardiac arrest. Tom Petty of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers perform at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Sept. 30, 2014, in Morrison.
Frazer Harrison, Getty ImagesComedian Ralph May died at 45 from cardiac arrest. Comedian Ralphie May performs at KROQ Presents Kevin & Bean's April Foolishness at The Shrine Auditorium on April 4, 2015 in Los Angeles, California.
Dimitrios Kambouris, Getty Images for Blossom BallLee O’Denat,, who founded the popular, "R-rated," website WorldStarHipHop.com, died in San Diego at was 43 from heart disease. Lee 'Q' O'Denat attends the Endometriosis Foundation of America's 6th annual Blossom Ball hosted by Padma Lakshmi and Tamer Seckin, MD at 583 Park Avenue on March 7, 2014 in New York City.
Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty ImagesGlenne Headly, an early member of the acclaimed Steppenwolf Theatre Company who went on to star in films and on TV, died at 62. Actress Glenne Headly attends a reunion for "Two Days In The Valley" at NeueHouse Hollywood on July 8, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.
Noam Galai, Getty Images for Tribeca Film FestivalBlake Heron, the former child actor best known for playing Marty Preston in the 1996 family movie "Shiloh," died at 35. Actor Blake Heron attends the "A Thousand Junkies" Premiere during 2017 Tribeca Film Festival at Cinepolis Chelsea on April 22, 2017 in New York City.
Harry How, Getty ImagesOlympic bobsledding champion Steven Holcomb had prescription sleeping pills and alcohol in his system when he was found dead, according to a toxicology report provided to his family and USA Bobsled and Skeleton. He was 37. Bobsledder Steven Holcomb poses for a portrait during the Team USA PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics portraits on April 27, 2017 in West Hollywood, California.
Frederick M. Brown, Getty ImagesMartin Landau, the chameleon-like actor who gained fame as the crafty master of disguise in the 1960s TV show "Mission: Impossible," then capped a long and versatile career with an Oscar for his poignant portrayal of aging horror movie star Bela Lugosi in 1994's "Ed Wood," died at 89. Actor Martin Landau arrives at the Netflix FYSee Kick Off Event at Netflix FYSee Space on May 7, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Pascal Le Segretain, Getty ImagesRapper Lil Peep died at age 21. Lil Peep attends the Balmain Menswear Spring/Summer 2018 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 24, 2017 in Paris, France.
Patrick Kovarik, AFP/Getty ImagesFats Domino, the rhythm and blues pianist whose rollicking style helped give birth to rock 'n' roll, died on Oct. 25, 2017. He was 89. A file picture taken on July 14, 1993 shows US pianist and singer-songwriter Fats Domino performing on the piano during a concert at the Auditorium Stravinski during the 27th Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland.
Los Angeles Times. TNSJerry Lewis, the manic, rubber-faced showman who jumped and hollered to fame in a lucrative partnership with Dean Martin, settled down to become a self-conscious screen auteur and found an even greater following as the tireless, teary host of the annual muscular dystrophy telethons, died at 91. Jerry Lewis and his wife SanDee Pitnick at the opening festivities of the Cannes Film Festival on May 9, 1983.
Jonathan Ferrey, Getty ImagesActor and comedian Jim Nabors, known for his role as Gomer Pyle in The Andy Griffith Show, died November 30, 2017 at his home in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was 87. Jim Nabors waves to the crowd during the Indianapolis 500 parade on May 24, 2014 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Karl Gehring, The Denver Post
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Pat DiNizio, lead singer and songwriter of the New Jersey rock band The Smithereens died at age 62. The band announced on Facebook that DiNizio died Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017.
Pat DiNizio, the frontman of the Smithereens, jammed at the Denver Lodo Music Festival in 2001.
ExpandBy Glen Barber | The Denver Post
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Getting your player ready...
Here are just a few of the famous people that passed away in 2017.
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