Celebrity Deaths of 2026: Nedra Talley, David Wilcock and More Stars We Lost This Year

Hollywood mourned the deaths of some of its most legendary stars in 2026.

The year started off with Broadway performer and influencer Bret Hanna-Shuford’s death at age 46. At the end of the month, comedy acting icon Catherine O’Hara died at age 71.

Dallas star Annabel Schofield, former NASCAR driver Chase Pistone, actor Chuck Norris, Supernatural star Carrie Anne Fleming, NHL reporter Jessi Pierce, bluegrass singer Ronnie Bowman, actress Valerie Perrine Married at First Sight UK relationship expert Mel Schilling, actor James Tolkan and Alex Duong all died in March.

In April, hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa died at age 68 of complications from cancer, Downton Abbey alum Nathalie Baye died after a battle with dementia, Days of Our Lives actor Patrick Muldoon died following a heart attack and singer Alan Osmond died at age 76. General Hospital star Rif Hutton also died in April at the age of 73, while Traffic guitarist and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason died at age 79. Later that month, UFO YouTuber and Ancient Aliens star David Wilcock and Storage Wars star Darrel Sheets both died by apparent suicide at ages 53 and 67, respectively. In late April, The Ronettes singer Nedra Talley died at age 80.

Scroll down to remember all the stars who died in 2026:

Nedra Talley, one third of the 1960s pop music group The Ronettes, died on April 26 at age 80.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Nedra Talley Ross’ passing. She was a light to those who knew and loved her,” read a post on The Ronettes’ Facebook page. “As a founding member of The Ronettes, along with her beloved cousins Ronnie and Estelle, Nedra’s voice, style and spirit helped define a sound that would change music. Her contribution to the group’s story and their defining influence will live forever.”

“Rest peacefully, dear Nedra. Thanks for the magic,” the post concluded.

A Boulder County sheriff's department spokesperson confirmed on April 22 that UFO YouTuber and Ancient Aliens star David Wilcock died at age 53 in an apparent suicide after a standoff with officers near Nederland, Colorado, two days earlier.

The Boulder County Sheriff's Office said in a press release that its officers were dispatched to check on someone who was “experiencing a mental health crisis” on April 20. Wilcock died “within minutes of deputies’ arrival” and was “pronounced deceased at the scene,” per the sheriff’s office.

Wilcock was a panelist and consulting producer on History Channel’s docuseries Ancient Aliens, where he debated theories about Ufology. He was also a prominent member of the disclosure community — which claims the U.S. government is withholding evidence about the existence of UFOs — and wrote two New York Times bestsellers, Awakening in the Dream and The Ascension Mysteries.

Police in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, confirmed to Us Weekly on April 22 that Storage Wars star Darrell Sheets died at age 67 in an apparent suicide. Officers from the Lake Havasu City Police Department responded to reports of a “deceased individual” earlier in the day and ultimately “pronounced [Sheets] deceased on scene.”

Sheets was an original cast member on A&E’s reality series Storage Wars, where he was known affectionately as “The Gambler” for his high-risk bidding strategy at auctions.

An A&E spokesperson told Us: “We are saddened by the passing of a beloved member of our Storage Wars family, Darrell ‘The Gambler’ Sheets. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Dave Mason, the legendary guitarist of psychedelic rock band Traffic, died on April 19. A cause of death was not revealed.

“It is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dave Mason,” read a post on Mason’s official Instagram account. “On Sunday, April 19, after cooking an amazing dinner with his beloved wife Winifred, he sat down to take a nap with sweet Star (the maltese) at his feet. He passed away peacefully, in his favorite chair, surrounded by the beautiful Carson Valley that he loved so much. A storybook ending. On his own terms. Which is how he lived his life right up until the end.”

“He leaves a lasting imprint on the soundtrack of our lives and the hearts he has lifted. His legacy will be cherished forever,” the post added

Alan Osmond, the eldest member of music group The Osmonds, died on April 20, his family said in a statement. Donny and Marie Osmond’s older brother was surrounded by his loved ones, including his wife, Suzanne, and their eight children.

Days of Our Lives and Starship Troopers actor Patrick Muldoon died on April 19 following a heart attack, Deadline reported. He was 57.

Rif Hutton died on April 18 following a 13-month battle with glioblastoma, his wife, Bridget Hoffman, told The Hollywood Reporter days later. The actor, best known for his work on General Hospital, Doogie Howser, M.D. and JAG, was 73.

Nathalie Baye's family confirmed to the Agence France-Presse on April 18 that the Downton Abbey alum died in her home in Paris at age 77 after a battle with Lewy body dementia. 

Hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa died in Pennsylvania on April 9 due to complications from cancer, TMZ reported. He was 68.

“On behalf of the entire Hip Hop community, I am heartbroken to share that we have lost my brother, my legend – Afrika Bambaataa,” Babaataa’s manager, Naf, said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “He was more than a man. He was a movement. A father to a culture. A light that guided millions across the world through Peace, Unity, Love, and Having Fun. Hip Hop will never be the same without him — but everything Hip Hop is today, it is because of him. His spirit lives in every beat, every cypher, every corner of this globe he touched. We did not just lose a legend. We lost our foundation. We lost our brother.”

Former Game of Thrones star Michael Patrick died at age 35 on April 8, 2026, following a three-year battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Per the Mayo Clinic, MND impacts nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, and gradually causes weakness in the muscles controlling speech, swallowing and limb movement.

Patrick’s wife, Naomi Sheehan, confirmed that Patrick — who she affectionately called “Mick” — died following a 10-day stay at a hospice center in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

“Words can’t describe how broken-hearted we are,” Sheehan wrote via Instagram. “It’s been said more than once that Mick was an inspiration to everyone who was privileged enough to come into contact with him, not just in the past few years during his illness but in every day of his life. He lived a life as full as any human can live. Joy, abundance of spirit, infectious laughter. A titan of a ginger haired man.”

She added, “We are so grateful for every person who supported us through the last few years.”

Young and the Restless and Sistas alum Dee Freeman died on April 2 at age 66 after battling stage IV lung cancer, which doctors told her was "incurable."

"On behalf of her family, it is with deepest sadness that we share this update with you. Dee passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026, after a brave and fearless fight with cancer,” the actress’ family wrote in an Instagram statement the next day. “Thank you to everyone who supported Dee during her battle.”

The statement continued, “It blew her away to know how many people cared about her and were pulling for her. We know Dee is up there in heaven being the force of nature she always was.  Now she's doing it with her angel wings on. Rest in peace, Dee.”

Comedian and Blue Bloods actor Alex Duong died on March 27 after going into septic shock amid a battle with a rare form of cancer, TMZ reported. He was 42.

Multiple outlets reported that veteran actor James Tolkan died at age 94 on March 28. No cause of death was immediately announced.

Tolkan was best known for playing Marty McFly’s vice principal, Mr. Strickland, in the first two Back to the Future movies and later played Strickland’s ancestor in Back to the Future Part III. Throughout his five-decade career, Tolkan also delivered memorable supporting performances in Top Gun, WarGames, Masters of the Universe and Dick Tracy.

His Back to the Future costars Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd were among the many to pay tribute to Tolkan following his death.

“RIP the great James Tolkan. You were definitely no slacker,” Fox wrote in reference to Mr. Strickland’s iconic insult. “[Grateful] to know you, act with you, and direct you in Tales from the Crypt. I'll miss you pal.”

Lloyd also quoted Back to the Future in his memorial, writing, “James, where you’re going…you don’t need roads. Miss you friend.”

Tolkan is survived by his wife, Parmelee, and three nieces.

Married at First Sight UK relationship expert Mel Schilling died at age 54 on March 24, after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

“Melanie Jane Brisbane-Schilling passed away peacefully today, surrounded by love,” Schilling’s husband, Gareth, wrote in an Instagram post.

“In her final moments, when I thought cancer had taken away her ability to speak, she ushered me closer and whispered a message for [daughter] Maddie and me that will sustain me for the rest of my life,” Gareth continued. “It took all of her remaining strength, and that gesture summed up our wee Melsie perfectly. Even then, her only thought was for Maddie and me.

Valerie Perrine’s longtime friend Stacey Souther announced her death on March 23. The late actress was 82. “It is with deep sadness that I share the heartbreaking news that Valerie has passed away,” Souther wrote in a Facebook statement, explaining that the Superman star “faced Parkinson’s disease with incredible courage and compassion, never once complaining.”

The statement continued, “She was a true inspiration who lived life to the fullest — and what a magnificent life it was. The world feels less beautiful without her in it.”

NHL reporter Jessi Pierce and her three kids died in a Minnesota house fire on March 22.

“The entire National Hockey League family sends our prayers and deepest condolences to the Pierce family on the passing of Jessi Pierce and her three young children,” the NHL shared in a statement. “Jessi loved our game and was a valued member of the NHL.com team for a decade. We will miss her terribly.”

Bluegrass singer Ronnie Bowman died at 64 on March 22, one day after he was involved in a motorcycle accident.

“It’s hard to fully capture the depth of this loss. Ronnie wasn’t just a remarkable musician and songwriter, he was a remarkable person,” the International Bluegrass Music Association shared in a statement. “He lifted those around him and left them better than he found them. Ronnie was a treasured part of our community, and his absence is deeply felt.”

The Supernatural star, who played Karen Singer on the CW fantasy-drama series, died at the age of 51 following a battle with cancer.

A rep for the actress confirmed Fleming’s death, which occurred on February 26, via a statement to Us Weekly on March 22. “Carrie passed away a few weeks ago at the age of 51 due to cancer. She died peacefully with her loved ones by her side. She is survived by her daughter,” the statement read. “It was a great privilege to have known Carrie. She was a beautiful soul, inspiring, and above all, kind. She will be greatly missed.” 

Pro wrestler Dennis “Loverboy” Condrey’s death at age 74 from undisclosed causes was announced by All Elite Wrestling star Dax Harwood on Friday, March 20. Harwood set up a GoFundMe for Condrey’s family, which raised more than $20,000 in 24 hours.

Condrey was one-half of the legendary tag team known as the Midnight Express, along with his partner, the late “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton, and their manager James E. Cornette. The Midnight Express held the National Wrestling Alliance World Tag Team Championships and the Mid-South Tag Team Championships during their 1980s heyday. He was inducted into the National Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame in 2008 and was later voted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2019, along with the Midnight Express.

“I loved that man [Condrey] and I’ll do everything I possibly can over the next few years I have left in the business, to keep his and the Midnight Express’ spirit alive,” Harwood wrote following his death. “They paved this road so all other tag teams could walk easier. God Bless a true Pioneer of Professional Wrestling.”

All Elite Wrestling also paid tribute, tweeting, “AEW and the wrestling world are mourning the passing of Loverboy Dennis Condrey, one half of the legendary Midnight Express. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends and fans during this difficult time.”

Nicholas Brendon’s family confirmed on March 20 that the Buffy the Vampire Slayer actor died in his sleep due to “natural causes” at age 54. 

“Most people know Nicky for his work as an actor and for the characters he brought to life over the years. In recent years, Nicky has found his passion in painting and art,” Brendon’s family said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “Nicky loved to share his enthusiastic talent with his family, friends and fans. He was passionate, sensitive, and endlessly driven to create. Those who truly knew him understood that his art was one of the purest reflections of who he was.”

Chuck Norris’ family confirmed that the actor died at age 86 on March 19 following a hospitalization.

“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning,” the family shared in an Instagram statement on March 20. “While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace. To the world, he was a martial artist, actor and a symbol of strength. To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother and the heart of our family.”

A man, who was later identified as Jordan Wright, was found face down in a drainage canal by a worker close to Bang Tao, Phuket, around 12:30 p.m. local time on March 14. No cause of death has been released for the British reality TV star.

The Showtime at the Apollo cohost died on March 16 after suffering a massive heart attack in Los Angeles, her rep confirmed to TMZ. Shepard was 74.

Actor Matt Clark, known for his role as Chester the bartender in Back to the Future Part III, died at age 89 on March 15 at his home in Austin, Texas, following complications from back surgery, his family confirmed to TMZ.

"He died the way he lived, on his terms,” the family told the outlet.

British actor John Alford, who reverted to his birthname, John Shannon, after his acting career in BBC kids soap Grange Hill and ITV fireman drama London’s Burning, died in prison after he was found guilty of sexually assaulting two teenage girls. He was 54.

“John Shannon died in prison on 13 March 2026,” a prison service spokesperson told the BBC on March 15. “As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate.”

Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell died on March 13 at the age of 64.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Philip Anthony Campbell, who passed away peacefully last night following a long and courageous battle in intensive care after a complex major operation,” a Facebook post read, confirming the musician’s death. “Phil was a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a proud and loving grandfather, known affectionately as ‘Bampi.’ He was deeply loved by all who knew him and will be missed immensely.

New York’s WABC announced on March 12 that legendary news anchor Ernie Anastos died at age 82. Anastos’ family confirmed his death, but no further details have been revealed.

"He was a news legend in New York and throughout the tri-state. He was also a news legend here at Channel 7 Eyewitness News. Tonight, we remember him," WABC anchor Bill Ritter said in a statement. "He was something unique and no matter your politics.

The Ghostbusters and Charles in Charge actress died at the age of 65 following a six-month cancer battle, as confirmed by Us Weekly on March 8.

Runyon shared two children with husband Todd Corman — son, Wyatt, and daughter, Bayley — and was honored by Bayley via an Instagram post that day. “All of the best parts of me came from you,” Runyon’s daughter wrote at the time. “I would give anything for one more day together.”

Runyon was seen in a brief-yet-memorable scene alongside Bill Murray in 1984’s Ghostbusters and also appeared as Gwendolyn Pierce in season 1 of Charles in Charge that same year.