Celebrity Deaths of 2024: Harry Connick, Sr. and More Stars We Lost So Far This Year

Hinton Battle

The German-American actor and singer died at the age of 67 following a “lengthy illness,” per CBS News.

“He fought this battle to live and be creative impacting audiences and young people across the globe,” his friend, fellow veteran actress Debbie Allen, wrote via Instagram on January 30. “Let us always hold him high in our hearts and in our mind’s eye and forever speak his name.”

Chita Rivera

Chita, who originated the role of Anita in the Broadway production of West Side Story, died at the age of 91 following a “brief illness,” her daughter Lisa Mordente confirmed in a statement.

“It is with immense personal sorrow that I announce the death of the beloved Broadway icon Chita Rivera,” Chita’s longtime rep, Merle Frimark, shared in a statement on January 30. Merle asked that donations be made in Chita’s honor to Broadway Cares and Equity Fights AIDS.

Harry Connick, Sr.

Harry Connick, Sr., the father of singer Harry Connick, Jr., died on January 25, at his home and surrounded by his family. Connick, Sr. served as the district attorney for the city of New Orleans from 1973 to 2003 before he retired.

A statement provided to the AP included sympathies from New Orleans’ current district attorney Jason Williams.

“Mr. Connick remains the longest-tenured district attorney, serving from 1973-2003. Such a longstanding public servant gives an enormous amount of themselves to their community — as do their families. Our thoughts are with the Connick family during this difficult time,” Williams said.

Connick, Sr. was 97.

Gary Graham

Gary Graham, known for his iconic roles on Star Trek: Enterprise and Alien Nation, died at the age of 73 on January 22, his ex-wife confirmed on social media.

“It is with deep profound sadness to say that Gary Graham, my ex husband, amazing actor and father of our beautiful only child together, Haylee Graham, has passed away today,” Susan Lavelle announced on Facebook. “We are completely devastated especially our daughter Haley. His wife, Becky was by his side.”

David Gail

David Gail, best known for his role as Stuart Carson on Beverly Hills, 90210, died at the age of 58. His cause of death is not known.

“There’s barely been even a day in my life when you were not with me by my side always my wingman always my best friend ready to face anything and anyone w me,” the actor’s sister, Katie Colmenares, wrote in a January 20 Instagram post. “I will hold you so tight every day in my heart you gorgeous loving amazing fierce human being missing you every second of every day forever there will never be another,” Katie concluded under a photo of the two hugging.

Shawn Barber

Shawn Barber, a world champion pole vaulter who competed for Canada during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, died on January 17 due to medical complications. He was only 29 years old.

“He was a guy that had zero enemies. Everybody liked him,” Dennis Mitchell, Shawn’s former coach, said. “He was everybody’s buddy all around the world. You would travel with him around the world and he would have friends everywhere.”

Mile de Jesus

Fans were shocked to learn about the death of weight loss influencer Mila De Jesus at the age of 35. Mila shared her weight loss journey on social media after she underwent bariatric surgery.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mila de Jesus this Friday [January 12],” the Instagram post, which had been translated, read. “In this moment of pain, respect family and friends and we will express our respect to Mila who will miss her a lot.”

She is survived by her daughter Anna Clare and her husband George Kowszik.

Lynne Marta

Lynne Marta, who was best known for her roles in Footloose and Starsky and Hutch, died in her home on January 11, after a battle with cancer. She was 78.

Alec Musser

Alec Musser died by suicide at the age of 50 on January 13. He first appeared on All My Children after winning a SOAPnet reality TV contest called I Wanna Be a Soap Star. Alec acted in the popular daytime soap from 2005-2007 before moving on to films. He had a small role in Adam Sandler’s Grown Ups, but his time in the film was enough to leave a mark on his costars.

“I loved this guy,” ​Adam, 57, wrote on Instagram, along with a photo of Alec in the movie. “Cannot believe he is gone. Such a wonderful, funny, good man. Thinking of Alec Musser and his family and sending all my love. A true great sweetheart of a person.”

Adan Canto

Adan Canto, who had prominent roles in TV series like The Cleaning Lady and Designated Survivor, died on January 8, after a battle with appendiceal cancer. He was 42.

“A wonderful actor and dear friend, we were honored to have him as part of the Warner Bros. Television and Fox Entertainment families since his U.S. debut in The Following more than a decade ago,” Fox and WBTV said in a statement to Deadline of the Mexican-American actor. “Most recently, he lit up the screen in The Cleaning Lady with a powerful performance that showcased his artistry, range, depth and vulnerability.”

Christian Oliver

On January 4, actor Christian Oliver died along with his two young daughters when the small plane he was traveling on experienced unexplained mechanical issues.

A few days before his death, the Speedracer star took a moment on social media to wish his followers the best for 2024.

“Greetings from somewhere in paradise! To community and love …2024 here we come!” he captioned the January 1 photo of a sunset on what appeared to be a Caribbean island with the silhouettes of three young girls and two adults.