As the curtain closes on 2024, let’s take a moment to remember some of the influential people we lost this year.

Several notable talents in music, television, film and pop culture died in 2024. Just days into January, Glynis Johns, the actor who stars as Mrs. Banks in “Mary Poppins,” passed on at 100 years old.

We also lost Richard Simmons, the zany fitness instructor and TV personality. And more recently, the sudden death of Liam Payne at 31 shook One Direction fans globally.

There were many others before, after and in between.

Here are several figures in music, television, film, comedy and pop culture who died in 2024.

Glynis Johns

Oct. 5, 1923 — Jan. 4, 2024

British actress Glynis Johns, returning to England after attending the film festival in Uruguay, stopped off in Hollywood to see her friends, March 31, 1951. She is watching scenes being made at Fox for the film "Mr. Belvedere Blows His Whistle." With her is the producer, Andre Hakim, left, and director Henry Koster, who directed her in last film made in England, "Ho Highway."

Actor Glynis Johns, who was best known for her role as Mrs. Banks in “Mary Poppins,” died at 100 on Jan. 4, per Variety.

“Glynis powered her way through life with intelligence, wit, and a love for performance, affecting millions of lives,” Johns’ manager, Mitch Clem said in a statement shared with Variety.

“She entered my life early in my career and set a very high bar on how to navigate this industry with grace, class, and truth. Your own truth. Her light shined very brightly for 100 years. She had a wit that could stop you in your tracks powered by a heart that loved deeply and purely. Today is a somber day for Hollywood. Not only do we mourn the passing of our dear Glynis, but we mourn the end of the golden age of Hollywood.”

Bill Hayes

June 5, 1925 — Jan. 12, 2024

Bill Hayes, left, and Susan Seaforth Hayes accept the lifetime achievement award at the 45th annual Daytime Emmy Awards at the Pasadena Civic Center on Sunday, April 29, 2018, in Pasadena, Calif. | Richard Shotwell

“Days of Our Lives” actor Bill Hayes died on Jan. 12 at his home in North Hollywood from natural causes, per The Chicago Sun-Times. He was 98.

For 53-years, Hayes starred as Doug Williams on the NBC soap opera “Days of Our Lives.” Hayes’ other claim to fame is for his song, “The Ballad of Davy Crockett,” which had a brief stint on the top if the Billboard charts in 1955, per The New York Times.

“To all of you who honored my Billy with a word of remembrance, a sense of personal loss, or even a tear — I thank you,” Hayes’ wife, Susan, wrote on Instagram following his death. “You touched my heart by seeing in him the goodness and joy I experienced every moment of our wonderful marriage.”

Carl Weathers

Jan. 14, 1948 — Feb. 2, 2024

Carl Weathers attends the LA premiere of "The Mandalorian," at the El Capitan Theatre, Nov. 13, 2019, in Los Angeles. | Richard Shotwell

Carl Weathers, who played the role of Apollo Creed in the first four “Rocky” movies, died on Feb. 2. He was 76.

The actor died from of “atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease,” according to a death certificate, per People. His death was confirmed as “natural” and the document noted Weathers suffered from heart disease for years prior to his death.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” his family said in a statement, per Deadline. “He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. … Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner and friend.”

Toby Keith

July 8, 1961 — Feb. 5, 2024

Toby Keith performs at an ACM event. Keith passed peacefully on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024 surrounded by his family, according to a statement posted on the country singer's website.

Following an 18-month battle with stomach cancer, country musician Toby Keith died Feb. 5 at 62.

The “Should Have Been a Cowboy” singer passed away surrounded by family, according to a statement posted to his social media. The statement continued, “He fought with grace and courage.”

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Richard Lewis

June 29, 1947 — Feb. 27, 2024

Comedian Richard Lewis attends an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles on Dec. 25, 2012. | Alex Gallardo

Richard Lewis, stand-up comedian and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” star, died from a heart attack at his home on Feb. 27, per Variety. He was 76.

“Richard and I were born three days apart in the same hospital and for most of my life he’s been like a brother to me,” Lewis’ co-star, Larry David said in a statement, per Variety. “He had that rare combination of being the funniest person and also the sweetest. But today he made me sob and for that I’ll never forgive him.”

O.J. Simpson

July 9, 1947 — April 10, 2024

O.J. Simpson sits at his arraignment in Superior Court in Los Angeles on July 22, 1994. | Lois Bernstein

The man at the center of the “Trial of the Century,” O.J. Simpson, died at 76 on April 10, as previously reported by The Deseret News.

According to a social media statement from Simpson’s family, the former USC football player “succumbed to his battle with cancer.”

“He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren,” the statement said. “During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.”

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Bernard Hill

Dec. 17, 1944 — May 5, 2024

Bernard Hill arrives on the red carpet at a Leicester Square cinema for the Royal Performance of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012. | Joel Ryan

Actor Bernard Hill died at 79 on August 18, per The BBC.

Hill is best known for his roles as Captain Edward Smith in the Oscar-winning film “Titanic” and King Théoden in two “Lord of the Rings” films.

The English actor was remembered by his “Lord of the Rings” co-stars at Comic Con in Liverpool, shortly after his death.

“We love him. He was intrepid, he was funny, he was gruff, he was irascible, he was beautiful,” Sean Astin, who plays Samwise Gamgee in the films, said, per The BBC.

Billy Boyd, who plays Pippin Tock in the films said, “I don’t think anyone spoke Tolkien’s words as great as Bernard did. He would break my heart. He will be solely missed,” per The BBC.

Morgan Spurlock

Nov. 7, 1970 — May 23, 2024

Director Morgan Spurlock poses for a portrait during the 36th Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday, Sept. 11 in Toronto, Canada. | Carlo Allegri

“Super Size Me” documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock died from cancer complications on May 23 at 53 years old.

“Morgan gave so much through his art, ideas and generosity,” his brother, Craig Spurlock, said in a statement, per Variety. “The world has lost a true creative genius and a special man.”

In 2004, Spurlock captivated audiences with his Oscar-nominated documentary “Super Size Me.” For 30 consecutive days, Spurlock ate breakfast, lunch and dinner exclusively from the McDonald’s menu. Over the course of the experiment, Spurlock claimed he gained 25 pounds, as well as experiencing depression and liver dysfunction.

The film grossed over $20 million at the box office, according to Box Office Mojo, and sparked conversations surrounding fast food and nutrition.

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Donald Sutherland

July 17, 1935 — June 20, 2024

Actor Donald Sutherland appears at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Oct. 13, 2017. | Chris Pizzello

Donald Sutherland, the actor known for his roles in “M*A*S*H,” “Hunger Games” and “Pride and Prejudice,” died on June 20 following a lengthy illness, per Variety. He was 88.

In a statement made after Sutherland’s death, his son, Kiefer Sutherland, called his late father “one of the most important actors in the history of film.”

He continued,Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that. A life well lived.”

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Shelley Duvall

July 7, 1949 — July 11, 2024

In this May 23, 1977, file photo, actress Shelley Duvall is seen in Cannes, France. Duvall, whose wide-eyed, winsome presence was a mainstay in the films of Robert Altman and who co-starred in Stanley Kubrick's “The Shining,” has died. She was 75. | Jean Jacques Levy

Shelley Duvall, the willowy, doe-eyed actor best known for her role in “The Shining,” died in her sleep on July 11 at age 75.

Her death, which occurred at her home in Blanco, Texas, was a result of complications from diabetes, Dan Gilroy, Duvall’s life partner since 1989, told The Hollywood Reporter.

“My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley,” Gilroy said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter following Duvall’s death.

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Bob Newhart

Sept. 5, 1929 — July 18, 2024

Comedian Bob Newhart pretends to speak on an antique telephone at his home in the Bel Air Estates community of Los Angeles, June 25, 2003. | JEROME T NAKAGAWA

American comedian Bob Newhart died on July 18 after a series of brief illnesses, per Variety. He was 93.

Remembered for his deadpan, stammering comedic delivery, Newhart was at the center of two hit television series: “The Bob Newhart Show” and “Newhart.” During his later acting years, he made recurring appearances on the sitcom, “The Big Bang Theory.”

“The Big Bang Theory” creator Chuck Lorre remembered the comedian in a statement.

“For years I begged Bob to appear on one of my shows. He always said no. But then he fell in love with ‘The Big Bang Theory’ and said yes – with two provisions. One: his character had to have an arc that spanned several episodes. And two: he wanted to win an Emmy. We delivered on both,” Lorre said, per Variety.

“I got to work with a comedy legend. A master of the craft, and a kind and gentle man. I even got to call him a friend. How lucky am I?”

Richard Simmons

July 12, 1948 — July 13, 2024

Richard Simmons speaks to the audience before the start of a summer salad fashion show at Grand Central Terminal in New York on June 2, 2006.

Richard Simmons, the zany fitness guru and TV personality, died on July 13. He was 76.

Simmons was found dead in his Los Angeles home by his housekeeper, as previously reported by The Deseret News. The Los Angeles police department that responded at the scene confirmed Simmons died from natural causes.

“I don’t want people to be sad about my brother,” Lenny Simmons, Richard Simmons’ brother, told People. “I want them to remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to people’s lives. He truly cared about people. He called, wrote and emailed thousands of people throughout his career to offer help.”

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Shannen Doherty

April 12, 1971 — July 13, 2024

Shannen Doherty participates in a panel for the television show "Shannen Says" on WE TV during the AMC Networks portion of the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour in Pasadena, Calif, on Jan. 14, 2012. Doherty, the "Beverly Hills, 90210" star, has died, Saturday, July 13, 2024. She was 53.

Following a nearly 10-year battle with breast cancer, Shannen Doherty, the actor known for starring in “Charmed” and “Beverly Hills, 90210,” died on July 13, as reported by The Deseret News. She was 53.

Leslie Sloane, Doherty’s publicist, told Today, “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease.”

“The devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie,” Sloane added.

Doherty was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2015. Then in April 2017, she announced that the cancer had gone into remission. In 2019, Doherty revealed her cancer had returned and in 2020 she announced her diagnosis of metastatic stage 4 cancer, per People.

In 2023, Doherty shared in an Instagram video that the cancer had spread to her brain and she was undergoing an operation to remove a brain tumor.

“I am clearly trying to be brave but I am petrified,” she said in the post. “The fear was overwhelming to me. Scared of all possible bad outcomes, worried about leaving my mom and how that would impact her. Worried that I would come out of surgery not me anymore.”

“This is what cancer can look like.”

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Phil Donahue

Dec. 21, 1935 — Aug. 18, 2024

Phil Donahue attends the 2019 American Icon Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on May 19, 2019, in Beverly Hills, Calif. | Richard Shotwell

TV personality Phil Donahue, known as the creator and host of “The Phil Donahue Show,’ died “peacefully” on Aug. 18 following a lengthy illness, his family said, per NBC News. He was 88.

“Groundbreaking TV talk show journalist Phil Donahue died Sunday night at home surrounded by his wife of 44 years Marlo Thomas, his sister, his children, grandchildren and his beloved golden retriever Charlie,” his family said in a statement, per NBC.

Donahue hosted his daytime talk show for 29 seasons. He won nine Daytime Emmy Awards for the series, per NBC.

Shortly before his death, Donahue was honored by President Joe Biden with a Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award granted in the United States, per CBS News.

James Earl Jones

Jan. 17, 1931 — Sept. 9, 2024

James Earl Jones arrives at the Tony Awards on June 12, 2016, in New York. | Charles Sykes

James Earl Jones, the actor known for voicing Darth Vader in “Star Wars” and his role in “Field of Dreams,” died on Sept. 9 at 93, as previously reported by The Deseret News.

The actor’s death was confirmed by his representative Barry McPherson, “He passed this morning surrounded by his loved ones,” McPherson told USA Today. “He was a great man.”

Jones’ film and television credits well exceed 100, though his most famous roles are in “Star Wars,” “Field of Dreams,” “The Lion King,” “Coming to America,” “The Sandlot,” “The Hunt for Red October” and “The Great White Hope.”

He is part of an elect group of stars to earn an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony). Jones also claimed a a Golden Globe, SAG award, was a 2002 Kennedy Center Honoree and earned a Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement award in 2009, per Variety.

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Kris Kristofferson

June 22, 1936 — Sept. 28, 2024

Kris Kristofferson performs in concert at The American Music Theatre, April 12, 2019, in Lancaster, Pa. | Owen Sweeney

American country singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson died at 88 at his home in Hawaii on Sept. 28, per The Associated Press.

The “Why Me” singer was also known for starring in the 1976 “A Star Is Born,” opposite Barbara Streisand and his role on Marvel’s “Blade” in 1998.

“Kris Kristofferson believed to his core that creativity is God-given, and that those who ignore or deflect such a holy gift are doomed to failure and unhappiness. He preached that a life of the mind gives voice to the soul, and then he created a body of work that gave voice not only to his soul but to ours,” Kyle Young, the CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, said in a statement to Variety.

Maggie Smith

Dec. 28, 1934 — Sept. 27, 2024.

British actress Dame Maggie Smith poses in London on Dec. 16, 2015. Smith, who won an Oscar for “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” in 1969 and won new fans in the 21st century as the dowager Countess of Grantham in “Downton Abbey,” has died at 89. | Kirsty Wigglesworth

Oscar-winning actor Maggie Smith died on September 27. She was 89.

“It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith,” a statement from the Smith family said, per The BBC.

The statement continued, “An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”

Smith was best known to contemporary audiences for her roles as Professor McGonagall in “Harry Potter” and Violet Crawley in “Downtown Abbey.” But Smith earned two Oscars for different roles, she took home her first in 1969 for her performance in “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” and her second in in 1979 for “California Suite.”

In 1990, Smith was named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her services in performing arts, per PBS.

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Ethel Kennedy

April 11, 1928 — Oct. 10, 2024

Ethel Kennedy arrives at a ceremony on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011, marking the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's inaugural speech.

Ethel Kennedy, the widow of former Senator Robert F. Kennedy, died on Oct. 10 at 93 years old.

Kennedy’s death was announced by her grandson Joseph P. Kennedy III via social media. He said his grandmother died from “complications related to a stroke” she suffered a week earlier.

“Along with a lifetime’s work in social justice and human rights, our mother leaves behind nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom love her dearly,” the statement said.

“She was a devout Catholic and a daily communicant, and we are comforted in knowing she is reunited with the love of her life, our father, Robert F. Kennedy.”

Liam Payne

Aug. 29, 1993 — Oct. 16, 2024

Singer Liam Payne poses for photographers upon arrival at the Global Gift Gala in London, March 7, 2019. | Joel C Ryan

Liam Payne, a former member of the band One Direction, died on Oct. 16 in Argentina “after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Palermo,” an initial police statement said, per the Buenos Aires Times.

In wake of the singer’s death, his former One Direction bandmates, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson released a statement.

“We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing,” the former band members wrote. “The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.”

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Phil Lesh

March 15, 2024 — Oct. 25, 2024

Phil Lesh, of The Grateful Dead, performs during a reunion concert in East Troy, Wis. on Aug. 3, 2002. | MORRY GASH

Founding member and bass player of The Grateful Dead, Phil Lesh, died on October 25 at age 84.

“He was surrounded by his family and full of love,” at the time of his death, a statement on his Instagram said, adding, “Phil brought immense joy to everyone around him and leaves behind a legacy of music and love.”

Lesh played bass with The Grateful Dead for the entirety of the band’s 30-year career. In 1994, Lesh and his Grateful Dead bandmates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, per Variety.

Terri Garr

Dec. 11, 1944 — Oct. 29, 2024

In this Nov. 15, 1977, file photo, Buck Henry and Teri Garr appear at the opening of the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" in New York. | Ira Schwarz

Terri Garr, the actor who starred in “Young Frankenstein” and Oscar-nominated “Tootsie,” died on Oct. 29 due to complications from multiple sclerosis, per Today. She was 79.

Garr announced her diagnosis with MS in 2002 in hopes she could spread awareness of the disease, reported CNN. She remained an advocate for those suffering from MS throughout her life.

“I think some people want you to be upset. Not only am I not upset, but I’m okay. I don’t see any profit in being down, I don’t see that it gets you anywhere,” Garr reflected in an interview about staying positive. “Maybe it has to do with my show-business background. You’re always being told that you’re not right for something, not tall enough, not pretty enough, whatever. I would say, ‘But I’m smart, I’m talented, I’m this, I’m that!!’ I’ve always been able to do that, and I do it now with MS.”

Quincy Jones

March 14, 1933 — Nov. 3, 2024

This Sept. 7, 2018 photo shows music producer Quincy Jones posing for a portrait at the Shangri-La Hotel during the Toronto Film Festival in Toronto. | Chris Pizzello
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Music titan Quincy Jones died on Nov. 3 from pancreatic cancer, per CNN. He was 91.

Following his death, Jones’ daughter, Rashida Jones shared a tribute to her father.

“He was a giant. An icon. A culture shifter. A genius,” the “Parks and Rec” star wrote on social media. “All accurate descriptions of my father but his music (and ALL of his work) was a channel for his love. He WAS love. He made everyone he ever met feel loved and seen. That’s his legacy.”

“I was fortunate enough to experience this love in close proximity. I’ll miss his hugs and kisses and unconditional devotion and advice.”

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