20 of the most shocking celebrity deaths of 2024

Quincy Jones, who created legendary music of his own and alongside music's biggest names, including Michael Jackson, died "peacefully" in his home in November 2024. "... although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him," his publicist said in a statement. He was 91.

OG Maco, born Benedict Chiajulam Ihesiba Jr., died in December 2024. "His life was a testament to resilience, creativity, and boundless love," Maco's family members said in a statement online. The rapper was best known for his 2014 single, "U Guessed It," which peaked at No. 90 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Hudson Joseph Meek, best known for his role in the 2017 production Baby Driver, died in December 2024 after sustaining blunt force injuries when he fell out of a moving vehicle. “Our hearts are broken to share that Hudson Meek went home to be with Jesus tonight,” a statement on his social media pages read. The actor was 16.

Liam Payne died in October 2024 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The former One Direction member was 31 and is survived by his seven-year-old son, Bear. Days after Payne's unfortunate passing, his former bandmates, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik, released a statement, saying they were "devastated" by the news. "The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever," they said.

Cissy Houston, a two-time Grammy Award-winning singer and the mother of the late Whitney Houston, died in October 2024. “Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We [lost] the matriarch of our family,” Pat Houston said in a statement. Cissy had a decorated and lengthy music career, releasing several solo albums since the '70s and performing with entertainment's biggest names, including Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin.

This legendary actor, who is best known for his role in Good Times, died in late 2024. Since the news broke, his children, KC and Shannon, have been involved in a public feud after the latter accused her brother of "elder abuse." In late December 2024, Shannon hired legal representation to help "investigate her father’s death."

James Earl Jones, who the world knows and loves as Mufasa from The Lion King and Darth Vader from Star Wars, died in September 2024 at the age of 93. The actor is survived by his only son, Flynn Earl Jones. 

Dame Maggie Smith, an actor whose career spanned several decades and starred in iconic productions like Harry Potter and Downtown Abbey, died in September 2024. Her sons confirmed the actor passed away "peacefully" surrounded by family and friends. She was 89.

Tito Jackson, an original member of The Jackson 5, died in September 2024 after suffering a heart attack. The musician was 70. Before his death, he released two solo albums, "Tito Time" and "Under Your Spell." During his time with The Jackson 5, he, of course, was featured on popular songs "ABC" and "I Want You Back."

Richard Simmons, one of the world's most beloved fitness coaches, died in the summer of 2024. His publicist confirmed the news, saying the world has "lost an angel." He was 79.

Baseball legend Willie Mays passed away in the summer of 2024. He was 93. "It is with great sadness that we announce that San Francisco Giants Legend and Hall of Famer Willie Mays passed away peacefully this afternoon," the team's statement read. During his time on the diamond, Mays made history as the first Black team captain in the major leagues.

OJ Simpson, one of the most controversial celebrities and athletes due to his highly publicized murder trial in the '90s, died in April at the age of 76.

Country singer Toby Keith passed away "peacefully" in February 2024 after being diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2021. “He fought his fight with grace and courage," a statement read. He was 62. Fans will mostly remember the legend for his hits “Red Solo Cup” and “Should Have Been a Cowboy."

Teri Garr, an Oscar-nominated actor known for her role in Tootsie, died in October 2024. The star's publicist revealed she passed "surrounded by family and friends." She was 79.

Racing legend and actor Chad McQueen died in September 2024 on his ranch in California. The Karate Kid performer is survived by his wife and two children. He was 63. "His remarkable journey as a loving father to us, along with his unwavering commitment to our mother, truly exemplified a life filled with love and dedication," his family said in a statement.

Roberto Cavalli, an iconic fashion designer who worked with legendary celebrities, including Beyoncé, Aaliyah, and Naomi Campbell, passed away in April 2024.

Carl Weathers, known for his roles in Rocky and The Mandalorian, died in 2024. "Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life," his family said in a statement. The former NFL linebacker was 76.

Shannon Doherty, who readers will know from Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed, died in July 2024. The beloved actor was 53. 

Olivia Hussey, who rose to fame as a teenager in the 1968 film Romeo & Juliet, died in December 2024. According to a statement, the actress died "peacefully at her home surrounded by her loved ones." She was 73.

Greg Gumbel, an NFL and sports broadcasting legend, died in December 2024. Per a report from People, the father and husband "passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer." He was 78.