Betty Marion White Ludden, better known as Betty White, passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 31, 2021, at the age of 99. Almost everybody had at least heard about White because she was more than just a celebrity, she was an icon.
White’s career began in 1949 in radio because the movie studios told her she was “not photogenic.” After a few appearances on random radio shows, she was offered her own called The Betty White Show. Her outgoing personality soon landed her a spot-on TV, and history was made.
She played Sue Ann Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and Rose Nylund on The Golden Girls. Ironically, even though both characters were perfect for White with their always cheerful, and perky attitude, they were actually polar opposite. Sue Ann Nivens may have seemed like a cheerful housewife; however, she was actually a back-biting, man hungry character. Rose Nylund was everybody’s friend, almost parallel to the actress’ character.
She passed 18 days before her birthday that would have made her a centenarian. It seems as if the entire planet is mourning White’s passing, some echoing everybody’s true feelings, citing they believed White was immortal. Her agent and long-time friend Jeff Witjas told PEOPLE he believed she would live forever.
“Even though Betty was about to be 100, I thought she would live forever,” Witjas told PEOPLE in a statement on Friday. “I will miss her terribly and so will the animal world that she loved so much. I don’t think Betty ever feared passing because she always wanted to be with her most beloved husband Allen Ludden. She believed she would be with him again.”
White’s death comes at the end of another tumultuous year. This year was a tragic continuation of 2020 with COVID and the new variants still coursing through the country. The United States also experienced tragic events like the January 6 attack on the capitol, the freak Winter Storm Uri (that had over 200 fatalities), tornadoes across that country and other tragedies.
Here are more of the celebrities we lost in 2021.
AnnaRose King, the daughter of King World Production’s Roger King, passed away on January 3 at the age of 35 after a three-year long battle with lung cancer. She died at Manhattan’s Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital. Her family issued a statement following her death.
“AnnaRose had a playful spirit and profound love and caring for others. Her friendships spanned continents and were close and enduring,” the statement read. “AnnaRose worked hard, lived fully, loved to travel around the world, and generously hosted friends and family at her beloved home in Sherman, CT.”
Eric Jerome Dickey, a New York Times bestselling author, was 59 when he died of cancer on January 3. Before becoming a writer, Dickey earned a Computer System Technology degree at the University of Memphis and worked as a software developer in the aerospace industry.
Even though he moved to Los Angeles in 1983 to pursue an engineering career, he said he was drawn to writing and comedy. He initially wrote scripts for his comedy act, then poetry and short stories. He released his debut novel Sister, Sister in 1996. He has multiple novels that have found their way on the New York Times Bestselling list.
Gordon “Butch” Stewart died on January 4 at 79 years old from a “recent medical diagnosis” that he wished to keep private. He was the founder of Sandals Resorts International. The nativeborn Jamaican launched his first resort, Sandals Montego Bay, in 1981. Currently, the luxury chain boasts 15 resorts, six of them in Jamaica.
Always the eternal entrepreneur, Stewart started out his career selling and installing air conditioners. He created the Sandals Foundation, an organization that supports local construction of schools and access to health care, in 2009.
Broadway star and Hollywood actress, Marion Ramsey passed away on January 7 at the age of 73. Her agency released a press release to speak on her kindness and personality.
“Marion carried with her a kindness and permeating light that instantly filled a room upon her arrival,” the press release read. “The dimming of her light is already felt by those who knew her well.”
Ramsey was best known for her portrayal of the mousey-voiced and shy Officer Laverne Hooks in the Police Academy film franchise. Not only was she an actress, but she was also a long-time advocate for HIV and AIDS awareness.
Tommy Lasorda, the beloved former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher and manager, died of a sudden cardiopulmonary arrest at his home on January 7.
Lasorda began his baseball career with the Concord Weavers in 1945. Missing out on two baseball seasons due to being on Army active duty, he signed with the Schenectady Blue Jays in 1948. He is mostly well-known for being the manager of the Dodgers throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s and a special advisor to the chairman for 14 years – a staggering 71 seasons.
Deezer D, an actor best known for his role on ER as Nurse Malik McGrath died on Jaunary 7. He was 55 years old. His brother, Emmery Thompson, took to Instagram to send give his thoughts.
“My Big Brother! God is with you. I will miss you. #deezerd,” Emmery posted, then followed the post with photos of his beloved brother.
Even though the cause of death has yet to be determined, his family suspects he had a heart attack.
Dave Creek, lead character designer on Bob’s Burgers, passed away on January 7 following complications from a skydiving accident at the age of 42. He was a graduate of the California Institute of the Arts and was an animation contributor for countless other shows. These shows are Central Park, Brickleberry, and Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown.
Ed Bruce, country icon, died on January 8 of natural causes. He was 81. Bruce had multiple hit songs that spanned over his decadeslong career, some being “Mammas don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys,” and “You’re the best break this old heart ever had.”
He also co-starred alongside James Garner in the hit TV series Bret Maverick, which appearances in Walker, Texas Ranger and The Chisholms.
Actor John Reilly died on January 10 at the age of The Chisholms.
Actor John Reilly died on January 10 at the age of 84. He is best known for his roles in General Hospital and Beverly Hills, 90210. His daughter, Caitlin Reilly announced his passing on Instagram.
“John Henry Matthew Reilly AKA Jack. The brightest light in the world has gone out,” She posted with a throwback photo of her father. “Imagine the best person in the world. Now imagine that person being your dad. I’m so grateful he was mine. I’m so grateful I got to love him. I’m so grateful I made it in time to hold him and say goodbye.”
The Chicago native began his acting career in the 60s with roles on Death Valley Days, Apple’s Way and Gunsmoke. He also played Roy Ralston for six episodes in Dallas.
Pat Loud, “the matriarch of one of television’s first-ever reality shows — the 1973 PBS docuseries An American Family,” passed away at the age of 94 on January 10. Loud was born in Eugene, OR., and studied world history and English literature at Stanford University.
Sheldon Adelson, a multibillionaire Las Vegas Sands casino, and resort owner, died on January 11. He was 87 years old. He died from complications related to treatment for non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
New York Dolls guitarist Sylvain Sylvain died at the age of 69 on January 13. His wife Mizrahi posted on social media to let his fans know about his passing.
“As most of you know, Sylvain battled cancer for the past two and 1/2 years,” Mizrahi posted. “Though he fought it valiantly, yesterday he passed away from this disease. While we grieve his loss, we know that he is finally at peace and out of pain.”
Peter Mark Richman, actor, died on January 14 at the age of 93 of natural causes. Even though he has over 100 acting credits to his name, he was known for playing Reverend Snow on Three’s Company. Actress Suzanne Somers told PEOPLE magazine of her love for Richman.
“Comedy ismusical. Peter Mark Richman and I understood the music from the very first time we appeared together on Three’s Company,” Somers told PEOPLE. “He knew his ‘stuff.’ We lost a good one. RestInPeace Peter Mark Richman.”
Joanne Rogers, widow of TV icon Fred Rogers and classical pianist, died at 92 years old on January 14. Fred Rogers Productions, the nonprofit organization, released a press release.
“Fred Rogers Productions is deeply saddened by the passing of Joanne Rogers,” the press release stated. “The loving partner of Fred Rogers for more than 50 years, she continued their shared commitment to supporting children and families after his death as chair of the board of Fred Rogers Productions.” Joanne and Fred Rogers were married for 50 years before his death in 2003 from stomach cancer at 74.
Harry Bryant, son of supermodel Stephanie Seymour and magazine publisher Peter Brant died of an accidental overdose on January 17 at the age of 24. Reports show he struggled with addiction for years. He was a model who appeared in Italian Vogue and Balmain campaigns.
Song Yoo-Jung, a 26-yearold South Korean actress died on January 23 at the age of 26. The cause of death is unknown.
Larry King, beloved journalist, and radio host, died on January 23 at the age of 87. Even though a cause of death was not given, he passed weeks after being hospitalized with COVID-19.
“For 63 years and across the platforms of radio, television and digital media, Larry’s many thousands of interviews, awards, and global acclaim stand as a testament to his unique and lasting talent as a broadcaster. Additionally, while it was his name appearing in the shows’ titles, Larry always viewed his interview subjects as the true stars of his programs, and himself as merely an unbiased conduit between the guest and audience,” Ora Media said in a statement “Whether he was interviewing a U.S. president, foreign leader, celebrity, scandal-ridden personage, or an everyman, Larry liked to ask short, direct, and uncomplicated questions. He believed considered questions usually provided the best answers and he was not wrong in that belief.”
Sonny Fox, the beloved host of 1960s children’s show Wonderama from COVID-19 complications on January 24 at 95 years old. Fox became famous after replacing Bill Britten and Doris Faye as the hose of Wonderama in 1959. He also had hosting gigs on The $64,000 Challenge, The Price is Right and To Tell the Truth.
Corky Lee, 73, died on January 27 from COVID-19 complications. He was a photojournalist who was known as the “unofficial Asian American Photographer Laureate.” He is best known for recreating the photo commemorating the completion of the transcontinental railroad. Lee noticed there were no Chinese workers in the original, so he recreated the photo in 2014 with descendants of the Chinese railroad workers in it.
Cloris Leachman, awardwinning stage and screen actress, died on January 27 of natural causes. She was 94. Leachman had a sevendecade career and won an Oscar, Golden Glove and had over 20 Emmy nominations with nine wins. That adds up to more trophies than any other television performer in history. She is best known for her iconic role as Phyllis Lindstrom on The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
Cicely Tyson, the Tony Award and Emmy-winning actress died at 96 on January 28. Cicely is famous for her roles portraying resilient, uplifting Black women. Her seven-decade career had Emmy nods for Roots and King.
SOPHIE, a 34-year-old pop producer passed away on January 30 after a fall. She earned a Grammy nomination for best dance/electronic album for her 2018 debut album, Oil of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides.
Dustin Diamond, best known for playing Samuel “Screech” Powers on Saved by the Bell, died on February 1 after a battle with cancer at 44 years old. Powers passed away a mere three weeks after he was diagnosed with carcinoma.
Captain Sir Thomas Moore, a British World War II veteran, died on February 2 at the age of 100. He raised millions of dollars for healthcare workers at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ironically, he was hospitalized on January 31 with pneumonia one week after testing positive for COVID.
Christopher Plummer, best known for his Oscarwinning role as Baron von Trapp in The Sound of Music, died at the age of 91 on February 5.
Mary Wilson, a founding member of The Supremes died on February 8 at 76 years old. Days before her death, Wilson announced the upcoming release of her new solo material.
Prince Markie Dee, from The Fat Boys, died on February 25. Legally known as Mark Anthony Morales, the rapper died at the age of 52.
Louis Nix III, a former defensive end for the New York Giants and the University of Notre Dame died on February 27. He was 29 years old, and no cause of death has been confirmed.
Fred Segal, iconic Los Angeles fashion designer, died on February 25 at 87 years old due to complications from a stroke. Segal began his extravagant career in 1961 when he opened his first store in West Hollywood. His clients were reported as being the Beatles, Diana Ross, Elvis Presley, and Farrah Fawcett.
Yaphet Kotto, a career Hollywood villain, died on March 15 at the age of 81. He is best known for playing the villain in Live and Let Die and Alien.
Musician Dan Sartain died on March 20 at the age of 39. He played in The White Stripes and other musical groups.
Richard Gilliland, actor, and spouse of Jean Smart, died on March 18 at the age of 71. He was best known for playing JD Shackleford on the sitcom Designing Women.
George Segal, an actor who played Jack Gallo on the sitcom Just Shoot Me, died on March 23 of complications from a bypass surgery at the age of 87.
Jessica Walter, an actress who starred in multiple shows and earned Emmy nominations for her work in Trapper John, M.D., died on March 24 at 80 years old.
Beverly Cleary, children’s author, died at the age of 104 years old on March 25. She is best known for her Romona Quimby books.
Actor Lee Aaker, 77, died on April 1. He is best known for his role as Rusty on the 50s sitcom Rin Tin Tin.
Gloria Henry, Dennis the Menace actress died on April 3 at 98 years old.
Earl Simmons, the rapper DMX, died on April 9 a week after suffering a heart attack. He was 50 years old.
The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Phillip died on April 9 at the age of 99. He was the long-time husband of Queen Elizabeth, and the love of her life.
Tempest Storm, a legendary burlesque dancer, died on April 20 at 93 years old. Early in her career, she became the highest paid burlesque performer in history when she signed a 10-year contract for $100,000.
Joe Long, former bassist for Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons, died at 79 years old on April 21 due to COVID-19 complications.
Gregory Jacobs, best known for his rap name Shock G, died on April 22. The 57-year-old was the cofounder of the Digital Underground.
Beloved actress Olympia Dukakis died on May 1 at the age of 89. She was best known for her role as Rose Castorini in Moonstruck, and Clairee Belcher in Steel Magnolias.
Ernie Lively, actor and father to Blake Lively, died on June 3 at 74 years old. His career spanned five decades that began with The Waltons and included That 70s Show and more.
Johnny Solinger, musician best known for his stint with the group Skid Row, died on June 26 at 55 years old. His death came one month after it was reported he was suffering liver failure.
Filmmaker Richard Donner, 91, died on July 15. Some of his films were Get Smart, The Twilight Zone, Superman, Goonies, and other films.
Peter Scolari, actor, and friend of Tom Hanks, died on October 22 at the age of 66. He is best known for playing Henry Desmond/Hildegard Desmond on Bosom Buddies.
John Madden, legendary football coach and sports broadcaster, died on December 28 at the age of 85. Madden was the name behind the “Madden” video games and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 5, 2006.
To view the entire list of celebrities who passed in 2021, visit https://pagesix.com/list/ celebrity-deaths-2021/.