2023 has seen some of the most poignant losses in the world of entertainment and Disney, and we at Disney Fanatic took a moment to honor them.
Any fan can accept with due sadness when some of their favorites pass away. However, 2023 has seen some of the most tragic celebrity deaths in various mediums of entertainment, and this writer took the opportunity to pay tribute to some of the sharpest losses this year.
Cindy Williams
Related: Cindy Williams From ‘Laverne & Shirley’ Has Died
At the end of January, we reported on the sad passing of beloved sitcom actor Cindy Williams, who played Shirley Feeney in the ABC sitcom Laverne & Shirley. The actress died in Los Angeles after a brief illness, as shared by her children, Zak and Emily Hudson.
Her children shared in a statement:
“The passing of our kind, hilarious mother, Cindy Williams, has brought us insurmountable sadness that could never truly be expressed…Knowing and loving her has been our joy and privilege. She was one of a kind, beautiful, generous, and possessed a brilliant sense of humor and a glittering spirit that everyone loved.”
Best known for her work in the Happy Days spinoff Laverne & Shirley, featuring the protagonists Shirley Feeney and libertine Laverne DeFazio, Cindy Williams won audiences’ hearts in the show. It debuted at number 1 in the ratings on January 26, 1976. Williams earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy Series in 1978 for her role as well.
The actress also starred in George Lucas’s American Graffiti (1973) and Francis Ford Coppola’s 1974 The Conversation.
Jansen Panettiere from ‘Even Stevens’
Related: More Details Revealed About ‘Even Stevens’ Actor’s Death
Popular actress Hayden Panettiere’s brother, Jansen Panettiere, passed away in February of this year. The young actor was 28 years old. At the time of the announcement of his death, New York police suspected no foul play.
Panettiere was born to parents Skip Panettiere and Lesley Vogel in 1994 in Palisades, New York. A few days after his passing was announced, the Panettiere family shared that the cause of death was determined to be “cardiomegaly (enlarged heart).” The medical examiner explained that this condition, “coupled with aortic valve complications,” proved fatal to the young actor and resulted in Jansen’s sudden passing.
Panettiere had a long acting career, debuting with his sister as a child actor. His titles include the 2004 Disney Channel movie Tiger Cruise, which he starred in with Hayden Panettiere, the 2012 Josh Hutcherson film The Forger, and he has also voiced a young zebra in the Warner Bros. 2005 family film Racing Stripes.
Burny Mattinson
A lesser-known but incredibly influential name in the world of Disney is Disney Legend, Burny Mattinson. As devoted Disney Fanatics would know, Mattinson was Disney’s longest-serving Cast Member. He died at 87.
Mattinson had an incredible career with the Walt Disney Company that spanned over 70 years. As shared by Disney themselves, the former Cast Member, legendary Disney animator, and storyteller passed away on Monday, February 27, at Canyon Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Canoga Park, California, following a short illness.
Mattinson’s love for all things Disney began when his mother took him to watch the animated Pinocchio. According to the Walt Disney Company, Mattinson shared, “Ever since I saw that film, this was my dream—to work in this business.” He worked every day, practicing and perfecting his drawing so that he could one day join the Walt Disney Company.
It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of beloved Disney Legend, Director, and Story Artist Burny Mattinson. You made our world a happier place and inspired generations of artists with your heart, humor, and storytelling. Thank you for your legacy, Burny. pic.twitter.com/FLTjxcfw5X
— Disney Animation (@DisneyAnimation) February 27, 2023
Related: Disney’s Longest-Serving Cast Member and Disney Legend Has Died
Mattinson’s career started in the mailroom, and then six months later, he was promoted to an in-betweener for the movie Lady and the Tramp, and as they say, the rest is history.
Burny Mattinson’s solo directing credits include Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983), and he co-directed the 1986 feature The Great Mouse Detective, based on the book “Basil of Baker Street,” which draws on the classic tradition of Sherlock Holmes.
Mattinson was well respected by his colleagues. Jennifer Lee, chief creative officer at Walt Disney Animation Studios, shared in his memory:
“Burny’s artistry, generosity, and love of Disney Animation and the generations of storytellers that have come through our doors for seven decades, has made us better—better artists, better technologists, and better collaborators. All of us who have had the honor to know him and learn from him will ensure his legacy carries on.”
Sergio Calderón from ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’
Renowned actor from Pirates of the Caribbean, Sergio Calderón, also tragically passed away earlier this year. Calderón died at the age of 77 in a Los Angeles hospital in the company of his loved ones.
Calderón has had an illustrious career of over 40 movies on the silver screen. Calderón played the part of a crucial pirate lord in the final installment of one of Disney’s most successful trilogies, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007).
As we reported previously, Captain Eduardo Villanueva, the Pirate Lord of the Adriatic Sea—Calderón’s character—” shared his piece of eight with his fellow Pirate Lords in a conclave within the secret Shipwreck Cove—a pivotal meeting in the film in which the pirates decided to wage war on the East India Trading company and any other authorities who threatened their way of life.”
What do you think about my Halloween custom and make up idea? #PiratesoftheCaribbean #HappyHalloween pic.twitter.com/KGo1f9wyMz
— Sergio Calderon (@mrsergecalderon) October 29, 2017
Related: Renowned ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Actor Passes Away Tragically
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End saw Calderón working with big names like Kiera Knightley, Johnny Depp, and Keith Richards.
The actor, born in Mexico in 1945, studied at the Instituto Andrés Soler of the Asociación Nacional de Actores. He has worked with the likes of John Houston and Albert Finney. He is also well-known for his role in another well-known franchise, Men in Black, where he played José opposite Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith.
Music Legend Tony Bennett
The incomparable singer and music legend Tony Bennett passed away at the age of 96. One of the most prominent American singers of all time, Bennett—Anthony Dominick Benedetto—is a household name. His devotion to classic American songs is legendary, and his renditions of some of the most iconic songs, including “I Left My Heart In San Francisco,”—won him not just one Grammy award but two for best male solo performance and record of the year.
Legends like Frank Sinatra and Lady Gaga were well-known to be fans of his—think of Lady Gaga’s duet with Mr. Bennett in the song The Lady is a Tramp (from Duets II: The Great Performances) that made waves.
The New York Times reported while celebrating his life, “Bennett devoted himself to preserving the classic American popular song, as written by Cole Porter, the Gershwins, Duke Ellington, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and others.” He followed the path of legends before him, like Louis Armstrong, Judy Garland, Billie Holiday, and Frank Sinatra, and carried their legacy forward.
Related: Music Legend Tony Bennett Has Died
AP News reported that the music legend died on Friday, July 21, 2023. His death was also confirmed by his publicist Sylvia Weiner, and no exact cause was reported. Mr. Bennett had been suffering from Alzheimer’s since 2016 and passed away just two weeks short of his birthday.
Mr. Bennett had also stated previously that his lifelong ambition was to create “a hit catalog rather than hit records.” He released 70 albums throughout his life, and he won 19 Grammys, 17 of which he earned after the age of 60.
Tony Bennett also highly contributed to the world of Disney. He is so widely popular and beloved that he’s been recalled in different movies, including The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause and Turning Red. He also made a guest appearance on Muppets Tonight and also appeared as himself in Muppets Most Wanted during the song “We’re Doing a Sequel.”
Mr. Bennett’s work and legacy puts him up there with the greats like Aretha Franklin, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, and more.
Steve Harwell from the band Smash Mouth
Steve Harwell, the former lead singer of the American rock band Smash Mouth, passed away earlier this year. The singer passed away on September 4, 2023. The band’s longtime manager, Robert Hayes, shared in a statement, “Steve Harwell passed away this morning, September 4, 2023, at his home in Boise, Idaho. He was surrounded by family and friends and passed peacefully and comfortably.”
Harwell was known to be ill. He was in the final stages of liver failure and was in hospice care. Smash Mouth frontman Harwell was born in Santa Clara, California. In 1994, he got together with guitarist Greg Camp and bassist Paul De Lisle, who had both played in a local punk band and formed Smash Mouth. They released their first album, Fush Yu Mang, in 1997, and as they say, the rest is history.
The band did see many years of success. However, eventually, Harwell left the band in 2021, citing mental and physical health as the reason.
The band Smash Mouth had a string of hits in the ’90s and 2000s, with “All-Star,” “Walkin’ on the Sun,” and “I’m a Believer.” The songs “All-Star” and “I’m a Believer” were also used in Disney’s rival DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek.
“All Star” in particular, became so popular it was the background and inspiration for many memes and music video compilations, and one fan even made a video of Disney characters singing “All Star.”
You can check out that video below:
Related: Beloved ‘Shrek’ Singer Has Died
“Steve Harwell was a true American Original. A larger-than-life than life character who shot up into the sky like a Roman candle. Steve should be remembered for his unwavering focus and impassioned determination to reach the heights of pop stardom,” Robert Hayes’ the band’s longtime manager, wrote in a statement. “And the fact that he achieved this near-impossible goal with very limited musical experience makes his accomplishments all the more remarkable.”
Hayes said, “Steve lived a 100% full-throttle life. Burning brightly across the universe before burning out”.
Charlie Newlig from ‘The Bachelorette’
Related: ‘The Bachelorette’ Star Passes Away Tragically
Fans of reality television would be familiar with the passing of The Bachelorette star Charlie Newlig in a tragic accident earlier this year as well.
The reality television star passed away after his car crashed off a 70-meter Dover Heights cliff in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. According to the Daily Mail, paramedics attempted to revive Newling at around 11 p.m. but could not do so. While his death was deemed not suspicious, the coroner is still preparing a report.
Charlie Newlig appeared in the fourth season of The Bachelorette Australia, which featured Ali Oetjen searching for her perfect match. Charlie Newlig was dubbed “Mr. Perfect” during the show and was a favorite to win, but he ended up being eliminated in episode ten.
Unfortunately, while Newlig was a favorite on the show, he began turning against him for various reasons. For one, some fans called out Newlig’s controlling behavior as well as his refusal to introduce Oejten to his family until they were exclusively dating. It was also later revealed that Newlig had a son from a previous relationship, which he didn’t reveal while on the show.
Suzanne Somers from ‘Totally Minnie’
Hollywood actress Suzanne Somers passed away at the age of 76 in October of this year. Somers was just one day shy of her 77th birthday.
Her publicist shared the news in a statement:
“Suzanne Somers passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of October 15th. She survived an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years. Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan, her son Bruce, and her immediate family. Her family was gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday on October 16th. Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life, and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly.”
Somers was born Suzanne Marie Mahoney on October 16, 1946, in San Bruno, California. Somers began acting professionally at the young age of 20. She’s had many uncredited roles in films like Magnum Force, Bullit, and American Graffiti. Devoted fans would know, for example, that in American Graffiti, she played the Blonde in the T-Bird, who silently mouthed “I love you” to Richard Dreyfuss.
Related: ‘Totally Minnie,’ ‘Three’s Company’ Star, Suzanne Somers, Dead at 76
Somers got her big break in 1977 when she was cast as Chrissy Snow in the new ABC show Three’s Company.
The comedy was about Chrissy and her roommate Janet, who find themselves in need of a third roommate. This happens to be Jack Tripper, a culinary school student. All would be well, except there’s one issue: their landlord doesn’t allow men and women to live together in the same apartment.
Janet, Jack, and Chrissy decide to work the situation by pretending that Jack is gay. The landlord’s wife quickly figures out that he is not, but trusts him eventually. Three’s Company ran for eight seasons, ending in 1984.
Unfortunately, in 2000, Somers was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer. She underwent a lumpectomy and received radiation to help treat her cancer. Over the next two decades, the cancer routinely returned, and while Somers bravely fought the disease, she finally succumbed to it in 2023.
Matthew Perry from ‘Friends’
One of the most recent deaths from this year, and one of the most tragic, was beloved Friends star Matthew Perry. The actor’s death took everyone by surprise; he was 54 years old.
TMZ reported that Perry was found in his Los Angeles area home when police were called to it with reports of a cardiac issue. On arriving, they found Perry unconscious in a jacuzzi tub. Initial reports indicate that Perry died of an apparent drowning.
Matthew Perry got his big break on the television show Friends. He played Chandler Bing on the show and starred alongside Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, and David Schwimmer. After his immense success on Friends in 2011, Perry co-created, co-wrote, executive produced, and starred in the ABC sitcom Mr. Sunshine. The show ran from February 2011 until April 2011.
Related: ‘Mr. Sunshine’, ‘Friends’ Star, Matthew Perry, Dead at 54
After his passing, there were many theories and concerns in the fandom about the cause of his passing. One viral video alleged Matthew Perry was investigating an “elite Hollywood pedophile ring” in the lead-up to his death. Perry had been very open about his struggles with drugs and alcohol during his career, and many had also been concerned about a possible relapse prior to his passing.
More 2023 Celebrity Deaths
While these were some of the biggest names we wanted to take the time out to honor, there are also some other celebrity deaths that bear mentioning.
Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of singer and actor Elvis Presley, also died in January of this year. Lisa Marie died of a small bowel obstruction, according to the medical examiner. She was 54 years old. Lisa Marie was found unresponsive in her bedroom by her housekeeper. It was reported that her ex-husband, Danny Keough, who she has been living with, performed CPR until paramedics arrived.
Earth, Wind, and Fire drummer Fred White also passed away in January of this year at the age of 67. The iconic musician was inducted with other core members into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. No cause of death was provided.
His brother, Verdine White, announced his passing on social media:
“Dearest Family Friends and Fans….. Our family is saddened today with the loss of an amazing and talented family member, our beloved brother Frederick Eugene ‘Freddie’ White,” wrote Verdine. “He joins our brothers Maurice, Monte and Ronald in heaven and is now drumming with the angels! Child protégé, member of the EWF ORIGINAL 9, with gold records at the young age of 16 years old! He was brother number 4 in the family lineup. But more than that at home and beyond he was the wonderful bro that was always entertaining and delightfully mischievous!”
His brother concluded in his Instagram post, “…we could always count on him to make a seemingly bad situation more light-hearted! He will live in our hearts forever. Rest in power, beloved Freddie!! We thank you all for your love, blessings, and support at this time. Soar high, baby bro, we love you to the shining [stars] and back!”
The world of music faced more losses with the passing of American singer-songwriter-guitarist David Crosby, founding member of two popular and enormously influential ’60s rock units, the Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash, at 81 years old.
His former CSNY partner, David Nash, shared the news on social media:
“It is with a deep and profound sadness that I learned that my friend David Crosby has passed,” Nash wrote. “I know people tend to focus on how volatile our relationship has been at times, but what has always mattered to David and me more than anything was the pure joy of the music we created together, the sound we discovered with one another, and the deep friendship we shared over all these many long years.”
Little Miss Sunshine star Alan Arkin also passed away earlier this year, in June. His sons Adam, Matthew, and Anthony confirmed their father’s death through a statement at the time. They wrote, “Our father was a uniquely talented force of nature, both as an artist and a man. A loving husband, father, grand and great grandfather, he was adored and will be deeply missed.”
Arkin was born to Russian-German Jewish immigrant parents in Brooklyn on March 26, 1934, and began his acting journey at a young age when he enrolled in classes. Alan Arkin was also a member of Chicago’s storied Second City improvisational troupe. He made his first appearance on the big screen with his former band, The Tarriers, in 1957’s Calypso Heat Wave.
Arkin personally crafted the backstory for his character in Little Miss Sunshine. “I love completely disreputable characters who spout philosophy. He’s completely out there, wide open and nuts,” he commented on the subject. The esteemed actor won an award for best supporting actor at the Oscars.
English guitarist Jeff Beck passed away in the United Kingdom in January of this year. The two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee died at the age of 78. During his career as a guitarist, Beck popularized the use of audio feedback and distortion and later influenced the sound of heavy metal.
He won eight Grammy Awards over the course of his career, the first being Best Rock Instrumental Performance for “Escape” from the album Flash at the 1986 Grammys.
Beck’s family announced that the legendary musician died after contracting bacterial meningitis. “On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing,” a statement shared. “After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday. His family asks for privacy while they process this tremendous loss.”
General Hospital star Tyler Christopher passed away in 2023 as well. The actor suffered a “cardiac event” which led to his untimely death at the age of 50. His former co-star Maurice Benard wrote on Instagram that Mr. Christopher “relished bringing joy to his loyal fans through his acting.” Bernard shared, “Tyler was a truly talented individual who lit up the screen in every scene he performed.”
Tyler played the role of Greek prince Nikolas Cassadine in three separate stints, 1996 to 1999, 2003 to 2011, and 2013 to 2016, on longtime soap General Hospital. After General Hospital, he starred in Days Of Our Lives from 2017 to 2019 and in the ABC Family series The Lying Game from 2011 to 2013. Christopher also made guest appearances in many TV series, including Charmed and The Twilight Zone.
American actor and comedian Paul Reubens, widely known for creating and portraying the character Pee-wee Herman, passed away in July of 2023 at the age of 70. The late actor died from acute hypoxic respiratory failure, according to his death certificate, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. The outlet also explained that Reubens had been battling two types of cancer for several years prior to his death.
“Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer, and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy, and belief in the importance of kindness,” a statement on social media read at the time of his death. “Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.”
Along with Pee-wee Herman, Reubens was also known for his work in Batman Returns, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dunston Checks In, Mystery Men, Blow, Life During Wartime and more.
John Barry Humphries AC CBE, the Australian comedian, actor, author, and satirist best known for creating the television character Dame Edna Everage, passed in April 2023. He passed following complications from a hip surgery at St Vincent’s Hospital in Darlinghurst, Sydney.
Raquel Welch from One Million Years B.C., Fantastic Voyage, and Legally Blonde (among others) passed away in February of this year. Welch reportedly died of a cardiac arrest and was also suffering from Alzheimer’s. Welch was 82 years old.
Welch rose to fame when he roles cast her as an international sex symbol. Her career was an effort to transcend that label, however, and she successfully became one of the most renowned actresses of her time.
In 1974, Welch won a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture Actress in a Musical Comedy for The Three Musketeers. She was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award for her performance in the TV drama Right to Die (1987). In 1994, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7021 (Hollywood Boulevard).
Sir Michael Gambon, best known for his role in Harry Potter as Albus Dumbledore, also passed away earlier this year. Gambon passed away at the age of 82 this year. Gambon took over the role of Albus Dumbledore after his predecessor, Richard Harris, passed away in 2002.
Harris played Professor Dumbledore in JK Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Gambon stepped in beginning in 2004 with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. He then returned for The Goblet of Fire, The Order of the Phoenix, The Half-Blood Prince, and The Deathly Hallows Part 1 and Part 2.
Sir Michael Gambon played Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter / Credit: Warner Bros.
His family announced the news, taking to social media:
“We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon. Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia.”
After his passing was announced man, previous costars also took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their condolences and express their sadness at his death. The official Harry Potter account also shared a message:
We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Michael Gambon. He brought immeasurable joy to Harry Potter fans from all over the world with his humour, kindness and grace. We will forever hold his memory in our hearts.
We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Michael Gambon. He brought immeasurable joy to Harry Potter fans from all over the world with his humour, kindness and grace. We will forever hold his memory in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/1CoTF3zeTo
— Harry Potter (@harrypotter) September 28, 2023
Each of these celebrities joins the ranks of incredibly well-known and well-celebrated late actors and singers like Heath Ledger, Amy Winehouse, Robin Williams, Tina Turner, Steve Irwin, and more. They go down in history as some of the most influential entertainers of all time, whether in reality television, daytime television, music, or films.
They have become inextricable parts of our lives and impacted people from all over the world, different races, cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds, spreading joy, laughter, and happiness to many. Here’s to celebrating some of the greatest minds in entertainment we’ve ever seen!
