2016 has been a very sad year. On an almost daily basis, the news briefs and social media trends have announced the death of another beloved celebrity. Unfortunately, it has been a year when far too many celebrities have passed away, and Florence Henderson, the Brady Bunch mom, was added to that sad list on Thanksgiving Day. Now, let’s take a look at all those celebrities who have died this year.
On Thanksgiving Day, one of the most well-known and beloved TV moms in history passed away. CNN reported that Florence Henderson , aka Carol Brady, died at the age of 82 due to heart failure.
Florence Henderson, who played one of television’s most famous moms, has died from heart failure at the age of 82 https://t.co/cs4sf3Z23V pic.twitter.com/FIXypRKU98
— CNN (@CNN) November 25, 2016
Fans around the globe have lost a great number of celebrities in 2016, and honestly, it has been quite difficult to keep up with all of the tragic deaths. Looking back at 2016, the world has lost so many well-known celebrities, and social media has been filled with comments of frustration and despair. Twitter and Facebook have been trending with pleas of “Stop 2016” or “We get it, 2016!” or just “I’ve had enough of 2016 and can’t take anymore.”
Let’s take a look at some of the notable names who have died throughout 2016 and the deaths that have made this year a bit too depressing.
Late in the month of August, the New York Times reported that Gene Wilder had died at the age of 83 due to complications of Alzheimer’s disease. A true comic genius, Gene was known for so many great roles, but most notably Willy Wonka. He lived his life to the fullest by always making people laugh with true humor. Now, Gene has moved on to join his great love, Gilda Radner, on the next stage of his journey.
“I’m an actor, not a clown,” Wilder often said. His brilliance was apparent in movies like Blazing Saddles , and when he paired with Richard Pryor, fans often laughed so hard they had tears of joy streaming down their face.
Other notable actors and actresses to pass away in 2016:
- Robert Vaughn
- Alan Rickman
- Alexis Arquette
- Kenny Baker
- Anton Yelchin
- Abe Vigoda
- Patty Duke
- Dori Roberts
- Garry Shandling
- Richard Libertini
- Alan Young
In April, music lost a true icon when Prince was found dead at the age of 57 in his sprawling home known as Paisley Park. Billboard had reported that he had been hospitalized for exhaustion the week before when his plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Illinois.
Other notable musicians to pass away in 2016:
- Leonard Cohen
- Pete Burns
- David Bowie
- PM Dawn
- Glenn Frey
- Merle Haggard
- Maurice White
- Nick Menza
- John Berry
- Frank Sinatra, Jr.
- Dale “Buffin” Griffin
- Leon Russell
Back in September, ESPN reported the tragic death of 24-year-old Miami Marlins’ pitching ace Jose Fernandez. He was killed in a boating accident that rocked all of sports and left many wondering how such a kind and talented young man could be lost so soon.
Other notable sports deaths in 2016:
- Dennis Green – football
- Fulton Walker – football
- Dennis Byrd – football
- John Saunders – sportscasting
- Sean Rooks – basketball
- Gordie Howe – hockey
- Joe Garagiola – baseball
- Nate Thurmond – basketball
- Balls Mahoney – wrestling
- Buddy Ryan – football
- Pat Summitt – basketball
- Muhammad Ali – boxing
- Kimbo Slice – fighting
- Will Smith – football
- Dave Mirra – BMX
- Arnold Palmer – golf
- Chyna – wrestling
The world certainly will not forget about the 2016 deaths of Mother Mary Angelica, Nancy Reagan, and Pat Conroy. The loss of French conductor Pierre Boulez struck at the hearts of so many around the globe. Celebrity deaths in 2016 have been plentiful and filled the hearts of so many fans with complete sadness.
Unfortunately, this list is much longer as there are many more to think about and remember.
The loss of Florence Henderson is one that is being felt around the world as it is hard to mention the Brady Bunch and not have someone know what you’re talking about. The list of celebrities that have died in 2016 just seems to have grown at an alarming rate and some huge names have landed on it. The celebrity deaths of Prince, Alan Rickman, David Bowie, Alexis Arquette, Gene Wilder, Leonard Cohen and many others have made the next one that much harder to take. Luckily, 2016 will soon be over.
[Featured Image by Gabriel Olsen/Getty Images]