Many iconic musicians and celebrities died in 2016. While not every celebrity is mentioned, it is important to know that our hearts go out to all who have died in the past year.
David Bowie (69)
(Image credit PurpleHaze Blog)
Many felt that Bowie’s death in January set the tone for how terrible 2016 would turn out to be. The rock musician, innovator, and actor saw the world through a different lens and made original ideas through his music constantly. His style through songs such as “Space Oddity,” “Starman,” and “Moonage Daydream,” made a huge impact on popular music for over five decades. After the release of his 25th album, Bowie died from a battle with cancer.
Muhammad Ali (74)
(Photo Credit NationsVoice)
Professional boxer, Olympic gold medalist, and civil rights advocate, Muhammad Ali proved to be one of the greats who showed perseverance both inside and outside the ring. He also faced the challenge of living with Parkinson’s disease for over 30 years. Ali died due to respiratory issues.
Prince (57)
(Photo credit Trondheim Kino)
Prince was a beyond-talented musician known for his amazing music, purple attire, multi-instrument skill, and a wide vocal range. He is one of the best-selling artists of all time, and his music explains why. He died in April of 2016 from an accidental overdose of an opioid called Fentanyl.
Alan Thicke (69)
(Image credit ClearTalk)
Alan Thicke’s variety of talents included acting, songwriting, and hosting a talk-show. Thicke left an impact on the world through his portrayal of the sensitive Dr. Jason Seaver in the 90’s TV sitcom “Growing Pains” and composed several TV theme songs. He suffered a heart attack while playing hockey with his youngest son in December.
Christina Grimmie (22)
(Photo credit Trend-Chaser)
Grimmie was a renowned YouTube star known for her amazing singing and piano-playing ability, as well as her kind heart. In 2014, she snagged third place in her performance on The Voice, and has received widespread recognition since then. The musician was tragically shot after one of her concerts in Orlando.
Gene Wilder (83)
(Image credit EveningStandard)
Gene was an actor who was widely known for portraying characters in movies such as “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” “Young Frankenstein,” “Blazing Saddles,” and “The Producers.” He was the embodiment of comedy at its finest, and died after having difficulties with Alzheimer’s disease.
Alan Rickman (69)
(Photo credit Marie-Lan Nguyen used under Wiki Commons Fair Usage)
Alan Rickman’s performances in movies such as Harry Potter and Die Hard are enough to show this actor’s amazing capabilities. While he is known for his acting on the big screen, his work in the theatre also shed light on his captivating acting abilities. This renowned actor died after losing his fight with cancer.
George Michael (53)
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From his time being in the band Wham! to his solo career, George Michael had an amazing repertoire of music that was not only enjoyable, but memorable as well. Songs such as “Careless Whisper,” “Everything She Wants,” and “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” are just a few iconic songs that are still popular to this day. He died on Christmas Day due to congestive heart failure.
Debbie Reynolds (84)
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Debbie was an actress whose legacy in classic films will forever be recognized as masterpieces. Known for her role in the classic 1952 film “Singin’ in the Rain,” she demonstrated her comedic acting talents that went above and beyond her musical talents. For the younger viewers, she portrayed Aggie Cromwell, the grandmother from the Halloweentown films. Reynolds died after having a stroke, just one day after the death of her daughter, Carrie Fisher.
Carrie Fisher (60)
(Photo credit BurnBook)
Fisher was a legendary actress who is widely known for her role of Princess/General Leia in the Star Wars series. Many people don’t know that she also contributed to numerous screenplays by being a Hollywood script doctor. In her personal life, she battled having a bipolar disorder as well as overcoming drug and alcohol abuse, and became an advocate for mental health. She was a symbol of hope in this dark world. She suffered a heart attack on a flight in December.