Hollywood Actors You Might Not Know Have Passed Away

The world of entertainment moves at a rapid pace and often leaves fans unaware when a beloved performer passes away. Many talented actors who graced our screens in iconic roles have died in recent years without the widespread coverage given to massive superstars. This list highlights the careers of these late performers and remembers the legacy they left behind in film and television. It serves as a tribute to the character actors and stars whose absences are deeply felt by the industry.

Adan Canto

This versatile actor gained significant recognition for his compelling roles in both television and film. He was best known for his portrayal of Arman Morales in the hit series ‘The Cleaning Lady’ and his work as Sunspot in ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’. His career was cut tragically short when he passed away in 2024 from appendiceal cancer. Fans remember him for the intensity and charisma he brought to every character he played.

Carl Weathers

Few actors have left as strong a mark on action cinema and television as this legendary performer. He famously portrayed Apollo Creed in the ‘Rocky’ franchise and later captivated a new generation as Greef Karga in ‘The Mandalorian’. His career spanned decades and included memorable turns in ‘Predator’ and ‘Happy Gilmore’. He passed away peacefully in his sleep in 2024.

Kenneth Mitchell

Science fiction fans embraced this actor for his multiple roles within the ‘Star Trek’ universe. He played several Klingon characters in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ and also appeared in ‘Captain Marvel’. He went public with his diagnosis of ALS in 2020 and became an inspirational figure for his resilience. He passed away from complications related to the disease in 2024.

Bernard Hill

This British actor commanded the screen with his portrayal of authority figures in some of the biggest films in history. He is best remembered as Captain Edward Smith in ‘Titanic’ and King Theoden in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. His powerful voice and regal presence made him a standout in every scene he inhabited. He died in 2024 shortly before he was scheduled to appear at a fan convention.

Chance Perdomo

Audiences were just getting to know the immense talent of this young actor before his untimely death. He starred as Ambrose Spellman in ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ and played a lead role in the superhero series ‘Gen V’. His charm and acting ability promised a long and successful career in Hollywood. He died in a motorcycle accident in 2024 at a very young age.

M. Emmet Walsh

This quintessential character actor appeared in over two hundred films and television shows during his prolific career. He is perhaps best known for his roles in ‘Blade Runner’ and the Coen Brothers’ debut film ‘Blood Simple’. Critics often praised his ability to play sleazy or villainous characters with remarkable believability. He passed away from cardiac arrest in 2024.

Louis Gossett Jr.

History will remember this powerhouse talent as the first Black man to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. He earned the Oscar for his drill instructor role in ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’ and also won an Emmy for ‘Roots’. His commanding screen presence defined a career that lasted for more than six decades. He passed away in 2024.

Dabney Coleman

Comedy and drama were both well within the range of this actor who often played egomaniacal or unlikeable characters to great effect. He famously starred in ‘9 to 5’ as the villainous boss and had memorable roles in ‘Tootsie’ and ‘WarGames’. His signature mustache and demeanor made him a recognizable face throughout the 1980s. He died in 2024 at the age of 92.

Donald Sutherland

This Canadian actor became a counterculture icon and a Hollywood legend with a career spanning over half a century. His filmography includes classics like ‘MAS*H’, ‘Klute’, and ‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers’. Younger audiences know him best as the villainous President Snow in ‘The Hunger Games’ franchise. He passed away in 2024 after a long illness.

Martin Mull

Comedy fans cherished this actor for his dry wit and deadpan delivery in numerous sitcoms. He played memorable characters in ‘Roseanne’, ‘Arrested Development’, and the movie ‘Clue’. His career began as a musician and comedian before he transitioned into becoming a reliable character actor. He passed away in 2024 after a battle with a long illness.

Andre Braugher

Television audiences revered this actor for his distinct voice and incredible range in dramatic and comedic roles. He won an Emmy for his intense portrayal of Detective Frank Pembleton in ‘Homicide: Life on the Street’. He later gained a massive following as the stoic Captain Raymond Holt in the comedy ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. He died in 2023 after a brief illness.

Tom Wilkinson

This British actor was a master of his craft and earned two Academy Award nominations during his illustrious career. He delivered unforgettable performances in ‘The Full Monty’, ‘Michael Clayton’, and ‘In the Bedroom’. His ability to play both gentle father figures and ruthless antagonists showcased his versatility. He passed away suddenly at his home in 2023.

Ryan O’Neal

This actor was one of the biggest movie stars of the 1970s and a heartthrob to millions. He starred in the romance classic ‘Love Story’ and the Stanley Kubrick masterpiece ‘Barry Lyndon’. His career saw him working with some of the most acclaimed directors in Hollywood history. He died in 2023 from congestive heart failure.

Matthew Perry

The world mourned the loss of this actor who brought laughter to millions as Chandler Bing. His comedic timing and sarcastic delivery on ‘Friends’ made him one of the most recognizable television stars of all time. He also starred in films like ‘The Whole Nine Yards’ and wrote a candid memoir about his struggles. He passed away in 2023.

Richard Roundtree

Cinema changed forever when this actor stepped into the role of the smooth and tough private detective John Shaft. He starred in the original ‘Shaft’ film and became a definitive icon of the Blaxploitation genre in the 1970s. His cool demeanor and screen presence influenced generations of actors who followed him. He died of pancreatic cancer in 2023.

Michael Gambon

Millions of fans know this actor as the second performer to play Albus Dumbledore in the ‘Harry Potter’ film series. He took over the role in the third film and brought a unique gravity and whimsy to the wizard. His stage career was equally legendary and earned him immense respect in the British theatre community. He passed away in the hospital in 2023.

David McCallum

Television viewers loved this actor for his long-running role as the medical examiner Ducky on ‘NCIS’. He first found fame in the 1960s as the spy Illya Kuryakin in ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’. His career successfully bridged the gap between being a teen idol and a beloved character actor. He died of natural causes in 2023.

Paul Reubens

This performer created one of the most distinctive and enduring characters in pop culture history. He was the man behind the grey suit and red bowtie of Pee-wee Herman. His work in ‘Pee-wee’s Big Adventure’ and his Saturday morning children’s show cemented his legacy in comedy. He passed away in 2023 after a private battle with cancer.

Angus Cloud

The sudden death of this young actor shocked fans of the hit HBO series ‘Euphoria’. He played Fezco with a naturalism that made him an instant fan favorite despite having no prior acting experience. His unique voice and presence suggested a promising future in the industry. He died from an accidental overdose in 2023.

Julian Sands

This British actor was known for his intense roles in films like ‘A Room with a View’ and ‘Warlock’. He had a prolific career that often saw him playing villains or mysterious figures in genre cinema. He went missing while hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains in early 2023. His remains were discovered months later in the wilderness.

Treat Williams

This actor had a warm presence that made him a favorite in both film and television for decades. He starred in the movie version of the musical ‘Hair’ and led the cast of the drama series ‘Everwood’. His career was experiencing a resurgence with roles in shows like ‘Blue Bloods’. He died in 2023 following a motorcycle accident.

Ray Stevenson

Action movie fans appreciated the physical presence and acting chops of this Irish actor. He played the Punisher in ‘Punisher: War Zone’ and had a major role in the historical drama series ‘Rome’. He also appeared as Volstagg in the ‘Thor’ movies and Baylan Skoll in ‘Ahsoka’. He passed away in 2023 while filming in Italy.

Lance Reddick

This actor possessed a distinct voice and commanding posture that made him perfect for authority roles. He is best known as Cedric Daniels in ‘The Wire’ and Charon the concierge in the ‘John Wick’ franchise. He also voiced numerous characters in popular video games like ‘Destiny’. He died suddenly from heart disease in 2023.

Tom Sizemore

During the 1990s this actor was a staple of gritty war movies and crime dramas. He delivered memorable performances in ‘Saving Private Ryan’, ‘Heat’, and ‘Black Hawk Down’. His intense acting style made him a go-to choice for playing soldiers and tough guys. He passed away in 2023 after suffering a brain aneurysm.

Richard Belzer

Comedy and crime drama merged perfectly in the career of this unique performer. He started as a stand-up comedian but became famous for playing Detective John Munch on ‘Law & Order: SVU’. His character appeared on more television shows than almost any other fictional detective in history. He died in 2023 at his home in France.

Robbie Coltrane

This Scottish actor brought warmth and humor to one of the most beloved characters in literature and film. He played the half-giant Rubeus Hagrid in all eight ‘Harry Potter’ movies. He was also an acclaimed dramatic actor known for the British crime series ‘Cracker’. He passed away in 2022 after years of ill health.

Leslie Jordan

Social media audiences fell in love with this diminutive actor during the pandemic for his hilarious Instagram videos. He was an Emmy winner for his recurring role as Beverly Leslie on ‘Will & Grace’. His southern charm and wit made him a beloved figure in Hollywood and beyond. He died in 2022 after a car accident caused by a medical emergency.

Jason David Frank

Children of the 1990s grew up watching this martial artist and actor as the Green Ranger. He starred in ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’ and remained the face of the franchise for decades. He was a dedicated martial artist who frequently engaged with his fanbase at conventions. He passed away by suicide in 2022.

Ray Liotta

One film role cemented this actor as a legend of the gangster genre forever. He narrated and starred as Henry Hill in Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece ‘Goodfellas’. His intensity and laugh became his trademarks in a career filled with compelling tough-guy roles. He died in his sleep in 2022 while filming in the Dominican Republic.

James Caan

This actor was a titan of the New Hollywood era and starred in some of the gritty classics of the 1970s. He is most famous for his explosive portrayal of Sonny Corleone in ‘The Godfather’. later generations loved him for his role as Walter Hobbs in the Christmas classic ‘Elf’. He passed away in 2022 from heart problems.

Paul Sorvino

Another actor often associated with mob roles brought a quiet dignity and menace to his performances. He is best remembered as Paulie Cicero in ‘Goodfellas’ and for his work on ‘Law & Order’. He was also a talented opera singer and the father of actress Mira Sorvino. He died in 2022.

William Hurt

This acclaimed actor won the Academy Award for Best Actor for ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’. He appeared in a wide range of films including ‘Broadcast News’ and ‘A History of Violence’. Marvel fans knew him as General Thaddeus Ross in the MCU films. He passed away in 2022 from complications of prostate cancer.

Bob Saget

America knew this comedian as the wholesome father figure Danny Tanner on ‘Full House’. In the comedy world he was known for his incredibly raunchy stand-up routines. He was also the original host of ‘America’s Funniest Home Videos’. He died suddenly in 2022 from head trauma after an accidental fall in a hotel room.

Gaspard Ulliel

This French actor was gaining international recognition before his tragic death. He played a young Hannibal Lecter in ‘Hannibal Rising’ and appeared in the Marvel series ‘Moon Knight’. He was a celebrated talent in French cinema and won a César Award. He died in 2022 after a skiing accident in the Alps.

Michael Kenneth Williams

Television critics often cite this actor’s performance as Omar Little in ‘The Wire’ as one of the greatest of all time. He brought deep humanity to complex characters in shows like ‘Boardwalk Empire’ and ‘Lovecraft Country’. His facial scar and intense eyes made him instantly recognizable. He died of an accidental overdose in 2021.

Willie Garson

Fans of ‘Sex and the City’ adored this actor for his role as Stanford Blatch. He was also a main cast member on the show ‘White Collar’ where he played Mozzie. He was known in the industry as a prolific character actor with over seventy film credits. He passed away in 2021 from pancreatic cancer.

Dustin Diamond

This actor was a central part of 1990s pop culture as the character Screech. He played the nerdy sidekick in ‘Saved by the Bell’ and its various spinoffs for many years. His post-sitcom life was often controversial but he remained a well-known figure. He died in 2021 shortly after a lung cancer diagnosis.

Chadwick Boseman

The world was stunned when this actor passed away at the height of his fame. He brought dignity to biopic roles like Jackie Robinson and James Brown before becoming the Black Panther. He filmed several action-heavy movies while secretly battling stage IV colon cancer. He died in 2020.

Nelsan Ellis

This actor stole every scene he was in as the flamboyant and sharp-tongued Lafayette Reynolds in ‘True Blood’. His character was so popular that the show kept him alive despite his death in the books. He also appeared in the James Brown biopic ‘Get On Up’. He died in 2017 from heart failure caused by alcohol withdrawal.

Bill Paxton

This beloved actor was the only performer to be killed by a Terminator, a Xenomorph, and a Predator. He starred in blockbusters like ‘Twister’, ‘Apollo 13’, and ‘Titanic’. His Everyman charm made him a favorite among directors like James Cameron. He died in 2017 due to complications from heart surgery.

Anton Yelchin

Audiences watched this talented young actor grow up on screen in films like ‘Hearts in Atlantis’ and ‘Alpha Dog’. He reached a massive global audience as Chekov in the rebooted ‘Star Trek’ films. His career was tragically cut short by a freak accident involving his own vehicle. He died in 2016 at the age of 27.

Michael Clarke Duncan

His imposing physical stature masked a gentle demeanor that he used to great effect in ‘The Green Mile’. That role earned him an Academy Award nomination and worldwide fame. He appeared in numerous action and comedy films including ‘Daredevil’ and ‘Talladega Nights’. He passed away in 2012 following a heart attack.

James Avery

This classically trained actor provided the emotional anchor for ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’. As Uncle Phil he played one of the most beloved father figures in television history. He was also the voice of Shredder in the original ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ cartoon. He died in 2013 from complications following open-heart surgery.

Bernie Mac

This comedian was one of the Original Kings of Comedy and a star of television and film. He led his own hit sitcom ‘The Bernie Mac Show’ and appeared in the ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ trilogy. His bold and fearless comedic style won him millions of fans. He died in 2008 from complications of pneumonia.

Tell us which of these actors you miss the most in the comments.